1 32 70 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/90c252aa404d1798734d893dc595c3bf.pdf 21c4b4b1fc4289b782a2d050ec58c0bc PDF Text Text APRIL 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Excels During Tanker Exercise Operation Underscores Reliability of U.S. Crews & Ships Two Seafarers-crewed vessels – the Maersk Peary and the USNS Laramie – recently conducted an underway replenishment exercise near Crete. The mission’s success highlighted the U.S. Merchant Marine’s dependability. Crew members on the Maersk Peary are pictured immediately below, while the photo at right shows both ships (Peary at left, Laramie at right). Page 20. Crew Assists in Rescue The SIU-crewed Padre Island (Great Lakes Dredge and Dock) recently helped save a family of six whose boat was sinking off the Florida coast. In the photo below, one of the family members transfers from the Coast Guard cutter Sea Dragon to a sheriff’s office vessel, prior to heading back ashore. (Photo courtesy of Nassau County Sheriff’s Office) Page 4. Seafarers Support Community SIU members and officials recently assisted with widespread community outreach in Houston following a devastating winter storm. In photo above, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (at podium) praises the volunteer efforts of local area unions. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey is fourth from left. Page 4. WWII Mariner Recalls SS Henry Bacon Saga Former Seafarer Dick Burbine, 95, is the last living survivor of the SS Henry Bacon’s final crew. He still celebrates being rescued from the 1945 sinking on the Murmansk Run. Pages 10-11. Unions Back Relief Bill Page 3 PRO Act Passes House Page 5 �President’s Report Time for Growth Earlier this year, the SIU teamed up with several other maritime unions to share our blueprint for American maritime growth with the new administration. In modern times, there have been long stretches where it felt as if the best-case scenario for our industry was simply hanging on. That is absolutely not the case today, and we’ve got to capitalize on this very real opportunity to boost our manpower pool, build new ships, and grow our fleet. Many of you know that President Biden and Vice President Harris are longtime backers of the U.S. Merchant Marine. This was evident during last year’s campaign and again when the administration issued its Buy American executive order in late January. That document specifically stated strong support for the Jones Act, a critical maritime law that helps maintain hundreds of thousands of American jobs. Michael Sacco That’s not the only good news we’ve reported in recent months. The establishment of a Tanker Security Fleet bodes well for not just our industry but our country, as does the application of the Jones Act to offshore domestic wind farms. Pro-maritime, bipartisan legislation recently was reintroduced in both chambers of Congress that would lead to more domestic shipbuilding and increased exports moving on U.S.-flag ships. But our industry cannot afford to collectively exhale. We’ve got to navigate forward and seize these opportunities while they exist. That is why the SIU and other shipboard unions wrote to President Biden, “We believe that with your leadership and support, and with the support of Members of Congress, we now have the opportunity to develop an effective national maritime policy that increases the number of vessels operating under the U.S.-flag, the amount of cargo carried aboard U.S.flag ships, and the number of jobs for American merchant mariners.” A potentially key step toward helping ensure that American ships have enough cargo is sensibly modifying our country’s cargo preference laws. That is why we’re pushing for a percentage increase for non-Defense, government-generated cargoes reserved for American-flag ships from the current 50 percent to 100 percent. This is consistent with the intent of the executive order and there is no doubt it would help solidify the U.S.-flag fleet. Other important steps that would help include establishing tax incentives for transporting cargoes on U.S.-flag ships, negotiating cargo-sharing agreements with our country’s trading partners, and fully funding both the new tanker program and the longstanding Maritime Security Program (on which it was patterned). I’m excited about the prospects that lie ahead for the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I look forward to continuing our work in Washington and elsewhere to boost our industry. More on Vaccines It took a lot longer than I wanted, but I’m finally scheduled for my COVID-19 vaccines this month. Availability has been the biggest challenge with the vaccines all across the country, but it looks like ample supply is just around the corner. As the president noted, the month of May appears to be the turning point, and by Independence Day we may finally be back to (mostly) normal. The other big challenge with the vaccine rollout has been educating the public. On that note, I strongly encourage every Seafarer to get the facts, as always. Read our coverage in the LOG and on our website, visit the CDC website, and stay on top of the latest developments. And note that the SIU continues pushing for mariners to be prioritized for vaccine access. Personally, I am completely comfortable taking the vaccine because I believe they’re safe and effective. But I understand that many people are hesitant, and those feelings themselves aren’t subject to debate. Again, though, I urge you to gather as much information, from as many reliable sources, as is reasonably possible. I’m confident that the more you learn about the vaccines, the more you’ll share my belief that they’re not only safe, but also essential for protecting you, your families and your shipmates. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 4 April 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) U.S. Sen. Robert Casey (D-Pennsylvania) Pro-Maritime Bill Back Pro-maritime legislation strongly backed by the SIU has been reintroduced in both the House and Senate. On March 11, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) and U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and Robert Casey (D-Pennsylvania) reintroduced the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act. This bipartisan and bicameral legislation would recapitalize America’s strategic domestic shipbuilding and maritime industries by requiring that increasing percentages of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil exports be transported on American-built vessels with U.S. crews sailing under the American flag. According to Garamendi’s office, without passage of this bill “all U.S. exports of LNG and crude oil will continue to be on foreign vessels.” House original cosponsors include Reps. Rob Wittman (RVirginia), Julia Brownley (DCalifornia), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), Alan Lowenthal (D-California), Chris Pappas (DNew Hampshire) and Elaine Luria (D-Virginia). The Energizing American Shipbuilding Act would require that 15 percent of total seaborne LNG exports by 2043 and 10 percent of total seaborne crude oil exports by 2035 be transported exclusively on vessels built in the United States. If enacted, the bill will support Garamendi’s “Make it in America” agenda and spur the construction of dozens of ships, support thousands of new, good-paying jobs in American shipyards, and provide a boost to the domestic vessel component manufacturing and maritime industries, the congressman stated. According to an estimate from the Shipbuilders Council of America, the Garamendi bill would result in the construction of more than 40 ships: approximately 28 LNG carriers by 2043 and 12 oil tankers by 2035. “U.S. exports of America’s LNG and crude oil resources present a unique opportunity to create new middle-class jobs by strengthening our nation’s crucial domestic shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and maritime industries – which are key to national security and our ability to project American military power abroad,” said Garamendi. “American shipyards and mariners are ready for the job, and our bill ensures American workers are no longer expected to compete against heavily subsidized foreign shipyards in Korea, China, and elsewhere. Our domestic maritime industry is critically important to the U.S. economy and our national security, and I will work tirelessly until this bill becomes law.” “Strengthening our domestic maritime industry is essential to our national defense,” said Wicker. “Ensuring the U.S. can move our growing energy exports on American-flagged, American-crewed vessels protects the critical role these vessels play in our national defense and bolsters hundreds of thousands of American shipbuilding and maritime jobs. As foreign nations continue to invest heavily in their own shipbuilding capacity, the United States cannot allow our own capabilities to dwindle.” “America’s merchant fleet has dwindled 60 percent since 1991,” Casey stated. “Requiring LNG and oil to be exported on U.S.-built and crewed vessels will help strengthen our nation’s shipyards and maritime industry and keep America competitive in international markets. The bipartisan Energizing American Shipbuilding Act would also create good-paying jobs for our ports in Pennsylvania, and throughout the country, while increasing ship manufacturing to ensure that we can provide sealift capacity for our military.” Garamendi served as the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation from 2013 to 2018, and has sponsored this legislation since 2016 as part of his Make it in America agenda. So-Called ‘Right to Work’ Law Soundly Rejected in Montana The continuing drive by antiunion, anti-worker legislators and businesses to impose so-called “right to work” (for less) laws around the United States took hits in Montana and West Virginia on consecutive days in early March. The arguably bigger triumph for workers and their allies came in Montana. For its 50,000-member labor movement, battling “right to work” (RTW) was a fight for economic life, according to state labor officials. In the Montana House, where Republicans hold a 67-33 majority, union foes wanted to pass a RTW bill, banning any requirement that workers pay dues to the unions that represent them. Twenty-seven states, mostly in the south and mid-west, have such laws, intended to weaken unions by starving them of resources. West Virginia, also GOP-dominated, is one of the 27. The laws let workers protected by union contracts and union services get away without paying for them. And, West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) admitted RTW hasn’t succeeded there in delivering what its corporate backers predicted: jobs and new people. “So-called ‘right-to-work’ is wrong for Montana and will lead to lower wages, weaker local economies and dangerous working conditions,” Montana AFL-CIO President Al Ekblad tweeted the day before the vote. As the vote neared, hundreds of union members packed the state capitol’s hallways in Helena for two days straight, and filled the gallery when the vote was scheduled. On March 2, the bill, HB251, by first-year Rep. Caleb Hinkle (RBelgrade), went down by a vote of 38-62, with 29 Republicans joining all 33 Democrats in voting “no.” “If you argue against the political speech of union workers on HB251 it is a safe assumption you are arguing for the special-interest PACs from out of state promoting union-busting work on behalf of monied interests,” Rep. Jessica Karjala (D-Billings) told colleagues. “Politics is like football in that it’s a contact activity. Hard work and SOLIDARITY paid off. Congratulations to the everyday wage earners of Montana,” union supporter John Kretzschmar tweeted. In its mines and mills, Montana has a storied union past. Today, 12% of Montana workers are union-represented, more than the national average. Montana supporters of RTW say they plan to bring it up again in the 2023 legislative session. Meanwhile, in the Mountaineer State, Justice, a billionaire who is West Virginia’s wealthiest person, didn’t call for repealing RTW. But in a zoomed town hall on March 3, he “ate crow” about it – and the rest of the corporate agenda he and the GOP legislative majority pushed through starting in 2010. The video, posted on YouTube, shows a chagrined Justice, in coat and tie, seated at his desk in front of the state and national flags, enumerating the various policies, and saying they didn’t work. “Really and truly, let’s just be brutally honest,” he said. “We passed the right-to-work law in West Virginia. And we ran to the windows looking to see all the people that were going to come – and they didn’t come. We got rid of prevailing wage. We changed our corporate taxes and we’ve done a lot of different things. And we’ve run to the windows and they haven’t come.” One thing Justice didn’t say: West Virginia lost residents since 2010. It will likely lose one of its three U.S. House seats after census figures come out. West Virginia is 10.7% unionized, equal to the national union share. April 2021 �AFL-CIO Applauds American Rescue Plan Relief Package Includes Many Labor-Backed Components The AFL-CIO and its affiliates (including the SIU) are pointing out the many facets of the American Rescue Plan, signed March 11 by President Biden on his fiftieth day in office, that will benefit union members, their families and their communities. The $1.9 trillion federal legislation is designed to help the nation recover by providing financial relief in various forms due to the year-long coronavirus pandemic. “For months, we have demanded that our federal government provide a road map out of the pandemic and the economic crisis,” stated AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “The American Rescue Plan is that road map. “It expands health care for unemployed workers, provides meaningful investment in frontline public services, ensures pension relief for millions of retirees, and it funds the vaccine so that we can end the pandemic. The bill will rescue our economy,” Trumka added. “This measure will allow millions of Americans to breathe a little easier,” SIU President Michael Sacco said. “These have been very tough times. But this bill will help so many people who might have been wondering if they could keep their job, provide shelter and food for their family, or retire in dignity.” “This nation has suffered too much for much too long,” noted President Biden. “And everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation, and put us in a better position to prevail.” The most recognized item in the plan is the immediate $1,400 stimulus check for people who earned less than $75,000 or for married couples who made less than President Biden addresses the nation as he prepares to sign the latest relief package. $150,000 combined last year. It extends pandemic-related unemployment assistance through September 6. But the American Rescue Plan contains so much more to help workers and their families, according to the AFL-CIO. It provides money for the production of vaccines, medical supplies and personal protective equipment. It allows dollars for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, vaccine distribution, and acquisition of vaccines and supplies. It funds workplace safety through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for meat processors, health care facilities and correctional institutions. It offers funding for state, county, local and tribal governments to continue needed operations such as police, fire and rescue services among others. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees declared, “These funds will keep public employees on the front lines, providing services needed to crush the virus and rebuild our economy.” The plan included provisions from the SIU-backed Butch Lewis Emergency Pension Plan Relief Act to support struggling multiemployer pension programs through 2051 with no cuts to accrued benefits. International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers President Lonnie Stephenson pointed out, “Including the Butch Lewis Act language will change lives. I am proud that President Biden made this one of his first priorities.” Dollars will be available to reopen public schools and provide materials needed to do so safely. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said, “This plan is quite literally a lifeline for the economy that desperately needs one. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have lost more than a half a million jobs in public education and more than 100,000 jobs in health care. This is what government looks like when it takes swift action to care for all of us.” The measure offers 100 percent COBRA subsidies for up to six months for health care premiums to those who have lost their jobs or had their hours reduced. It provides relief for the airline industries and manufacturers to help with payroll and benefits. Local transportation agencies, as well as Amtrak, will get aid for operating expenses. Additionally, it creates an emergency federal employee leave fund to allow civilian employees and postal workers up to 15 weeks of emergency paid leave while caring for someone with COVID-19 or watching over children during virtual classes. This also includes workers at the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. The plan extends the Payroll Protection Program to help businesses keep workers employed and adds a new program aimed at restaurants. It funds a rapid retraining program for military veterans who lost their jobs because of the pandemic, and provides assistance for housing to prevent evictions and foreclosures. Gen. Van Ovost Nominated to Lead TRANSCOM Lt. Gen. Richardson Designated for Southern Command During a White House ceremony coinciding with International Women’s Day on March 8, President Biden announced two key nominations: Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost as commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), and Army Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson to lead the Southern Command. TRANSCOM oversees the U.S. Military Sealift Command, among other subordinate commands. Van Ovost, the nation’s only female four-star general, has been in charge of the Air Mobility Command since August 2020. Richardson would receive her fourth star upon confirmation by the Senate. Biden described the nominees as “two outstanding and eminently qualified warriors and patriots…. When confirmed, they will become the second and third women in the history of the United States Armed Forces to lead combatant commands. Each of these women have led careers demonstrating incomparable skill, integrity, and duty to country. And at every step, they’ve also helped push open the doors of opportunity to women in our military – blazing the trail a little wider, a little brighter for all the proud women following in their path and looking to their example.” Vice President Kamala Harris stated, “Gen. Van Ovost and Lt. General Richardson have been tested under the most difficult circumstances, and they are proven leaders. The president and I have full confidence in them to address the complex threats we face, to help lead our troops, and to keep our nation safe.” The U.S. military has 11 commands, all led by four-star generals. Van Ovost has commanded an air refueling squadron, flying training wing and the Presidential Airlift Wing. She also served as Pictured at the White House as part of the nomination ceremony are (from left) Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, President Joe Biden, Lt. Gen. Laura Richardson and Vice President Kamala Harris. (White House photo) April 2021 the Director of Staff for Headquarters Air Force, Vice Director of the Joint Staff, the Director of Mobility Forces for U.S. Central Command and as the Vice Commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988. She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and a command pilot with more than 4,200 hours in more than 30 aircraft. Richardson’s background includes commanding the 5th Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment and deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following battalion command, she was assigned to the Army G-3/5/7 in the Pentagon, where she served as Deputy Director, then Director, for the Army’s Transformation Office. After her Pentagon tour, she attended the Industrial College of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C., and then served as the 100th Garrison Commander of Fort Myer and Fort McNair, and first Joint Base Commander of Myer-Henderson Hall. She later served as the Army’s Liaison Officer to the United States Senate. Multiple news outlets reported that both nominations had been agreed upon within the Pentagon in 2020, but they were intentionally delayed because of concerns that the Trump administration wouldn’t approve due to gender. “They were chosen because they were the best officers for the jobs, and I didn’t want their promotions derailed because someone in the Trump White House saw that I recommended them or thought DOD was playing politics,” then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper told the New York Times. “This was not the case. They were the bestqualified. We were doing the right thing.” Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left), Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (center) and Harris County (Precinct 2) Commissioner Rodney Ellis serve up meals during the event. Pictured from left are Recertified Bosun Raymond Nowak, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Houston Director of Community Relations Janice Weaver, Chief Cook Craig Sorrell, SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, AB Eleuterio Lino (and his son behind him), and GUDE Wuelner Arzu. Houston-Area Seafarers, Other Labor Volunteers Serve Community SIU members in the Houston area recently pitched in and, along with fellow union members and community organizations, helped distribute relief aid to 3,000 local families in need. In response to the severe winter storms that devastated the Houston area, the volunteer effort provided food, water, meal kits, pillows and cups through a drivethru distribution that took place on February 28. The entire event was organized in under 24 hours. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey led a group of SIU volunteers that included Port Agent Joe Zavala, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Recertified Bosun Raymond Nowak, MDR Ernest Latimore, Chief Cook Craig Sorrell, AB Eleuterio Lino (and his son), and GUDE Wuelner Arzu. Corgey, who is also one of the Port Commissioners for the Port of Houston, said, “As most of us know, the City of Houston was founded on maritime commerce, and that continues to this day. And maritime commerce is what gets us out of all these pandemics and natural disasters. And I can tell you, the first link in the supply chain is the port.... We have kept that supply chain moving; in fact, we’ve ramped it up. We’re moving more cargo down there than we ever have, and we’re going to continue to do that. Everybody working together to help out is truly an inspiration to me, and I’m so excited by what I’m seeing today: faith, labor and government working together.” Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner thanked the various labor organizations as well as the National Association of Christian Churches (NACC) for their efforts and the volunteer manpower of their members. “We are still dealing with people’s lives being significantly disrupted because of the winter storm,” Turner said. “So even though the power is on, the water pressure has normalized, the reality is that there are thousands of homes including apartments that have been affected because of busted pipes, and they still do not have water. “How we respond says a lot about our city, and we are responding in a very positive way because we’re coming together as a group,” said Turner. Two days prior, SIU officials in Houston were involved in another volunteer effort, delivering water to local residents in need. SIU Assistant Vice President Mike Russo joined Sykes and Zavala in making SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes help deliver bottled water to Houston residents. those deliveries, which were organized by the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation. Zavala said, “This is just a small ex- ample of what the labor movement can do when we come together and perform works of compassion for our communities” Dredge Crew Helps Rescue Family of 6 A Coast Guard rescue boat pulls next to the mostly submerged vessel. Local fishermen are in the background. 4 Seafarers LOG During a recent crew change in King’s Bay off the Florida coast, eagle-eyed mariners spotted a distressed family of boaters and sprang into action. The survey vessel Wolf River, returning from a crew change on the Great Lakes Dredge and Dockoperated Padre Island, diverted course when the crew saw a group of people whose vessel was taking on water in the bay. Immediately, all hands – including SIU Chief Engineer Oscar Palacios – worked to rescue the family of six (two adults and four children). Using two life rings and a rescue net, the mariners brought everyone on board the survey boat safely. Thankfully, the children were all wearing their personal flotation devices properly, aiding in their rescue. Palacios said, “We knew what to do. We knew what steps to take. The kids were screaming for help, so even more training came into play by telling them to calm down: ‘We got you. You’ll be safe’.” According to Palacios, the mother was completely exhausted, and ready to give up once the children were on board. The crew encouraged her to keep trying, and successfully got her on deck. “We saved six lives, and we owe it to training,” he said. The Coast Guard cutter Sea Dragon – which had been contacted by the Padre Island – arrived a few minutes later, and the family was transferred from the Wolf River to the Coast Guard vessel, which transported them to Nassau County personnel. “In the Florida/Southeast Georgia area, we remind boaters that during this time of year, the possibility of hypothermia still exists,” said Kristian Sova, Coast Guard Cutter Sea Dragon commanding officer. “If you can, remain with your boat and try to remain together as a group. This greatly increases the likelihood of first responders finding you if you’re ever in the need of assistance; this was a very fortunate outcome, special thanks to those involved in this rescue.” April 2021 �House Passes H.R. 2474 - The PRO Act After years of impediments for unions, legislation that would reform labor laws and provide workers with more power to organize is making headway in Congress. The U.S. House of Representatives on March 9 passed H.R.2474 - Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019. Also known as the PRO Act, the legislation is considered by many to be the most wide-ranging, pro-worker rewrite of labor law since the original National Labor Relations Act of 1935. It previously was approved by the House in 2020, but the then Republican-controlled Senate failed to take it up. The House passed it again early last month with a vote of 225-206, largely along party lines. Five Republicans voted for the bill, while one Democrat opposed it. The PRO Act includes a slew of provisions that proponents say will make it easier for workers to form unions, conduct strikes as a last resort, and bargain for better wages and working conditions. Should it eventually become law, the PRO Act would: n Expand various labor protections related to employees’ rights to organize and collectively bargain in the workplace. n Address the procedures for union representation elections. n Modify the protections against unfair labor practices that result in serious economic harm such as the discharge of an employee. n Further prohibit employers from taking adverse actions against an employee, including employees with management responsibilities, in response to that employee participating in protected activities related to the enforcement of the prohibitions against unfair labor practices (i.e., whistleblower protections). In addition to the foregoing, the bill specifies procedures for adjudicating complaints, including filing requirements, criteria for making determinations of violations, types of available relief, evidentiary guidelines, and judicial review of NLRB determinations. The measure generally establishes penalties and permits injunctive relief against entities that fail to comply with NLRB orders and creates a private right of action for employees to bring claims against employers interfering with employees’ rights to organize or join a labor organization. Additionally, the bill modifies the reporting requirements for employers engaged in arrangements with third parties to persuade employees not to organize. Specifically, the bill narrows the scope of the exemption for arrangements that are considered legal advice or representation. President Joe Biden, a close ally of labor, prior to the start of PRO Act debate on the House Floor, issued a March 9 statement that encouraged passage of the legislation, which in his view would dramatically enhance the power of workers to organize and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits and working conditions. The president’s statement, in part, read as follows: “As America works to recover from the devastating challenges of deadly pandemic, an economic crisis, and reckoning on race that reveals deep disparities, we need to summon a new wave of worker power to create an economy that works for everyone. We owe it not only to those who have put in a lifetime of work, but to the next generation of workers who have only known an America of rising inequality and shrinking opportunity. All of us deserve to enjoy America’s promise in full — and our nation’s leaders have a responsibility to deliver it. “That starts with rebuilding unions. The middle class built this country, and unions built the middle class. Unions give workers a stronger voice to increase wages, improve the quality of jobs and protect job security, protect against racial and all other forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, and protect workers’ health, safety, and benefits in the workplace. Unions lift up workers, both union and non-union. They are critical to strengthening our economic competitiveness. “But, after generations of sweat and sacrifice, fighting hard to earn the wages and benefits that built and sustained the American middle class, unions are under siege. Nearly 60 million Americans would join a union if they get a chance, but too many employers and states prevent them from doing so through anti-union attacks. They know that without unions, they can run the table on workers – union and nonunion alike. “We should all remember that the National Labor Relations Act didn’t just say that we shouldn’t hamstring unions or merely tolerate them. It said that we should encourage unions. The PRO Act would take critical steps to help restore this intent. “I urge Congress to send the PRO Act to my desk so we can seize the opportunity to build a future that reflects working people’s courage and ambition, and offers not only good jobs with a real choice to join a union — but the dignity, equity, shared prosperity and common purpose the hardworking people who built this country and make it run deserve.” The March 9 statement was the president’s second such strong pro-union declaration in as many weeks. The first was a testimonial that said a union victory in the recognition vote at the 5,805-worker Am- azon warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama, would be vital not just to the workers but to the country. “We need to summon a new wave of worker power to create an economy that works for everyone,” President Biden said. “We owe it not only to those who have put in a lifetime of work, but to the next generation of workers who have only known an America of rising inequality and shrinking opportunity. All of us deserve to enjoy America’s promise in full—and our nation’s leaders have a responsibility to deliver it. That starts with rebuilding unions…. Unions lift up workers, both union and non-union. They are critical,” the president concluded. The PRO Act now heads to the U.S. Senate, where winning approval arguably will be impossible, unless Democrats in that chamber do away with or evade the filibuster, which would allow a minority of senators to hamstring it by requiring 60 votes for passage. “We’re not going to let a minority in the Senate stop the PRO Act”, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka vowed in a video press conference with lawmakers and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights just before House debate on the PRO Act began. “If people (lawmakers) know corporations are too strong and workers are not strong enough” economically, “and they make corporations stronger” anyway, by defeating the PRO Act, “they do so at their peril,” Trumka warned. “And in an era of extreme polarization, nearly two-thirds of Americans—65%— approve of labor unions, so it’s not surprising workers would form unions if they were given the chance. That’s 60 million people knocking on our doors. The PRO Act would let them in.” Biden Administration Rescinds Anti-Worker Executive Orders America’s working families are off to a promising start during the first few months of the new administration. On Jan. 22, President Joe Biden revoked some of the previous administration’s anti-labor executive orders, thereby helping to restore some of the collective bargaining power and worker protections that had been stripped from federal employees. Biden’s executive order included revoking the Schedule F employment category, restoring collective bargaining power for federal employees, and pushing for a minimum wage of $15 an hour for federal workers. All of the revoked executive orders were the subject of several lawsuits and labor practice challenges. As stated by the SIU-affiliated National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE): “The Biden executive order goes further to direct agencies to bargain over permissible, non-mandatory subjects of bargaining when contracts are up for negotiation so that workers have a greater voice in their working conditions. President Biden also revoked a hiring and employment authority known as Schedule F, a Trump administration creation to allow political appointees to burrow into career government jobs and coerce or fire career federal employees for political or other unethical reasons.” “Thank you, President Biden, for signing these executive orders today that will protect and empower federal workers,” stated NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “This is one of the most meaningful actions in the history of the federal workforce. President Trump tried his best to turn the federal government into a patronage system. He wanted the government ac- April 2021 countable to him alone at the expense of being accountable to the American people. We were on a dangerous path, but now we are on the right one with President Biden’s actions today.” On Feb. 17, Biden also revoked Executive Order 13801, further emphasizing the White House’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights. The apprenticeship program created by that executive order, the White House stated, has “fewer quality standards” than registered apprenticeship programs that are overseen by the Labor Department. (The apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is registered with the Labor Department.) Biden’s new executive action will direct the agency to issue a rulemaking to dismantle the previous program and reinstate a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships to provide guidance. Biden has also introduced executive orders to strengthen federal protections for gender and racial equity. In addition, he directed the government to take steps to protect worker health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. As stated in the text of Executive Order 13999, “The Federal Government must take swift action to reduce the risk that workers may contract COVID-19 in the workplace. That will require issuing science-based guidance to help keep workers safe from COVID-19 exposure, including with respect to mask-wearing; partnering with State and local governments to better protect public employees; enforcing worker health and safety requirements; and pushing for additional resources to help employers protect employees.” Coast Guard Commandant Credits Mariners During his annual “State of the Coast Guard” address on March 11, the agency’s commandant, Adm. Karl Schultz (pictured during the speech in San Diego), praised the U.S. Merchant Marine. “I have to give a shout-out to our credentialed U.S. Merchant Mariners who form the backbone of the Marine Transportation System,” he said. “Last year, the Coast Guard made sure these marine operators were categorized as essential workers. Annually, they are responsible for $5.4 Trillion dollars of economic activity that Americans depend on. Throughout this global pandemic, these professionals kept products moving to ensure stores were stocked with medicine and critical supplies.” (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis Magee) Seafarers LOG 5 �CDC Posts Guidance for Vaccinated Individuals The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on March 8 issued its first public health guidance targeted at resuming normal activities for people who have been fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine (both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna shots or one shot of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine). Based on the latest science, the new guidance includes recommendations for how and when a fully vaccinated individual can visit with other people who are fully vaccinated and with others who are not inoculated. This guidance represents a first step toward communities returning to normal everyday activities. When more people are vaccinated, rates of COVID-19 in the community change, and additional scientific evidence becomes available, the CDC will update these recommendations. Although vaccinations are accelerating, the CDC estimates that just 9.2% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. “We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH. “There are some activities that fully vaccinated people can begin to resume now in their own homes. Everyone – even those who are vaccinated – should continue with all mitigation strategies when in public settings. As the science evolves and more people get vaccinated, we will continue to provide more guidance to help fully vaccinated people safely resume more activities.” What Has Changed Under the recommendations, fully vaccinated individuals: n May gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask. n May gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Fully vaccinated people who have been around someone who has COVID19 do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless they have symptoms. However, those who live in a group setting (such as a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if they don’t have symptoms. While the new guidance is a positive step, the CDC says the vast majority of people need to be fully vaccinated before COVID-19 precautions can be lifted broadly. Until then, it is important that everyone continues to adhere to public Seafarers Could Be Reclassified for COVID-19 Inoculations Committee on Maritime Transportation System: Prioritize Mariners for Vaccines The United States Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS) is calling for U.S. mariners to be reclassified to Phase 1(b) when it comes to prioritizing them for COVID-19 vaccination. The committee is a federal interagency coordinating group chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. In early March, they published a “white paper” advocating for mariners. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that transportation workers be included in Phase 1(c) of the vaccine rollout. However, the CMTS concluded, “Due to the constant risk of exposure and transmittal of COVID-19, U.S. merchant mariners should be considered for transfer from Phase 1(c) - Other Essential Workers to Phase 1(b) - Frontline Essential workers.” The paper noted, “U.S. merchant mariners play a critical role in our Nation’s international and domestic supply chain to support the distribution of vitally im- portant personal protective equipment, ventilators, and other urgent medical supplies, as well as maintaining U.S. national security sealift requirements. The nature of their work makes them extremely vulnerable for COVID-19 infection due to living and operating in close quarters, far from medical services, and within constantly changing geographic locations. They transport commerce along our coastlines, Great Lakes, inland waters and internationally, and interact with a myriad of port workers and government inspectors. Vaccinating merchant mariners needs due consideration to transfer their vaccination classification from Phase 1(c) - other essential workers to Phase 1(b) - frontline essential workers. “Mariners work on board vessels 24/7 without knowing the full magnitude of the risk to which they are being exposed,” the committee continued. “Their confined place of work is also their residence where they interact with others, whether at sea or ashore. There are no testing options for COVID-19 on board, and one infected crew member may easily infect the rest, especially due to the prevalence of asymptomatic spread. For mariners on international waters, there are no treatment options on board other than telemedicine, leaving the infected mariners without professional care for days or even weeks at a stretch. Upon making the next port, many mariners have been denied debarkation or medical assistance because of concerns for virus infection. Additionally, U.S. mariners embark or disembark from vessels anywhere in the world, requiring travel to and from their homes, exposing them and others further. “All frontline critical infrastructure essential workers are important. Due to their constant risk of exposure and transmittal of COVID-19, U.S. merchant mariners should also be considered for the Phase 1(b) - frontline essential workers status.” health mitigation measures to protect the large number of people who remain unvaccinated. What Has Not Changed CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people continue to take the following COVID-19 precautions when in public, when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple other households, and when around unvaccinated people who are at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19: n Wear a well-fitted mask. n Stay at least 6 feet from people you do not live with. n Avoid medium- and large-sized in-person gatherings. n Get tested if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. n Follow guidance issued by individual employers. n Follow CDC and health department travel requirements and recommendations. Notice to Seafarers Concerning Timing Of Vaccines, TB Tests The CDC recently issued guidance indicating that COVID-19 vaccines should not be delayed because of testing for TB infection. Testing for TB infection can be done before or at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccination. If it is not done at the same time, the TB test should be delayed for at least four weeks. If you are scheduling your annual exam, CHS will ask if you have had the COVID-19 vaccination. If you’ve had the vaccination, they will not schedule the TB test until the four-week timeframe has passed. The lack of this test will not affect the medical determination for your annual exam. You may need to subsequently take the TB test when you schedule your Interval exam. If you have received the COVID vaccine, please email a copy of your shot record to the medical department at shbpmedical@seafarers.org to be kept with your other shot information in your medical record. CMTS Voices Support of Vaccine Safety, Importance for Mariners The U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (CMTS) COVID-19 Working Group recently hosted a webinar, during which committee members reinforced the point that mariners are essential workers and the belief that they should receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The webinar, open to members of the maritime community, focused on One of the slides shown during the webinar 6 Seafarers LOG the safety and efficacy of the available vaccine variants. While the committee members advised that the singledose vaccines, made by Johnson and Johnson, would be a better fit for the mariner lifestyle, they also reiterated that mariners should attempt to receive any FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine available in their area. In addition to the importance of get- ting a vaccine, the committee members encouraged everyone to participate in v-safe, a new CDC smartphone-based monitoring program for COVID-19 vaccine safety. The app is used by the CDC to, among other information, collect data on users’ post-vaccination symptoms and remind recipients of a two-dose vaccine when to schedule their second appointment. At the conclusion of the webinar, committee members encouraged all mariners to anonymously complete the “Mariner Mental Health Needs During COVID-19” online survey, which can be found at: https://redcap.link/mariners. The survey takes an estimated 10 minutes to complete, and the information gathered will help the CMTS better serve mariners during this public health crisis. According to the committee’s website: “The CMTS serves as a Federal interagency coordinating committee for the purpose of assessing the adequacy of the marine transportation system, promoting the integration of the marine transportation system with other modes of transportation and other uses of the marine environment, and coordinating, improving the coordination of, and making recommendations with regard to Federal policies that impact the marine transportation system.” The CMTS was chartered in 2005, and is led by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. The CMTS COVID19 Working Group is led by officials from the Maritime Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard. Participating agencies include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Federal Maritime Commission, Maritime Administration, Military Sealift Command (MSC), National GeospatialIntelligence Agency (NGA), National Maritime Intelligence-Integration Office (NMIO), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), U.S. Department of State (DOS), U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary (OST), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Navy, Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) and U.S. Transportation Command (USTC). April 2021 �ABOARD SLNC SEVERN – Many thanks to Bosun Mario Loria for these photos of a friendly cornhole tournament aboard the Argent Marine vessel, featuring SIU and AMO members. Among the Seafarers pictured are the bosun, plus AB Benjamin Carroll, GVA Johanns Rivera-Rivera and AB Richard Palacios. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU LEGACIES (AND BOOKS) IN PUERTO RICO – Both AB Victor Manuel Rios (left in photo at left) and OMU Jose Borrero (right in other photo) are second-generation SIU members who recently received their respective full B-books. They are pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hiring hall in San Juan. FULL BOOK IN HAWAII – AB Carey Floyd displays his newly acquired full B-book at the hall in Honolulu. ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – Recertified Bosun Gerry Gianan has nothing but good things to say about the galley gang aboard the Matson ship, describing it as “the best” and “a real feeder.” Pictured from left aboard the vessel are Recertified Steward Ben Opaon and Chief Cook Mario Firme. A-BOOK IN JERSEY – STOS John Davis (right in photo at left) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. WORTH EVERY CALORIE – 2nd Cook/Baker Ramon Hilerio (photo at right) shows off his pizzabaking prowess aboard the Howard Lorenzen (Crowley) in Japan. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – Inland Seafarer Steve Mathis (center in photo at left) receives his full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman J.B. Niday, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent Joe Zavala. April 2021 Seafarers LOG 7 �Money Management for SIU Families Financial benefits Manage your f inances with Union Plus Whether you’re applying for a loan, looking for a lawyer to help with estate planning or just want to simplify things with a debit card, we’re here for you and your plan to have a bright financial future. 4/21 Learn more at: unionplus.org/money SIU-MM-3-16-2021 8 Seafarers LOG April 2021 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Chief Cook Earns GED “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 15 - March. 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15. Total Registered Chief Cook Tristan Kenneth Cordero (third from left) recently earned his General Education Diploma at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland. The Ormond, Florida native received his diploma during the January membership meeting at the PHC. Presenting Cordero with his diploma is Acting PHC Vice President Tom Orzechowski (right). Also on hand to congratulate Cordero on his achievement were SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (left) and Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey (second from left). April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: April 5, May 3 Algonac................................................Friday: April 9, May 7 Baltimore........................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Guam............................................Thursday: April 22, May 20 Honolulu.....................................Friday: April 16, May 14 Houston........................................Monday: April 12, May 10 Jacksonville......................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Joliet................................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Mobile.....................................Wednesday: April 14, May 12 New Orleans..........................................Tuesday: April 13, May 11 Jersey City................................................Tuesday: April 6, May 4 Norfolk....................................................Friday: April 9, May 7 Oakland...............................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Philadelphia........................................Wednesday: April 7, May 5 Port Everglades................................Thursday: April 15, May 13 San Juan..................................................Thursday: April 8, May 6 St. Louis....................................................Friday: April 16, May 14 Tacoma...................................................Friday: April 23, May 21 Wilmington.................................................Monday: April 19, May 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Another New Ship SPAD Works For You. Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD April 2021 Total Shipped Port All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 8 3 4 11 7 12 4 33 33 29 3 6 15 9 6 2 6 17 2 20 230 6 2 1 13 0 7 1 25 26 12 3 3 16 2 1 3 0 8 1 12 142 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 2 6 2 3 6 11 18 8 2 3 10 5 3 1 4 8 1 9 106 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS All Groups A B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C 2 0 0 6 0 5 1 6 9 4 0 6 4 0 1 1 2 3 0 4 54 Deck Department 16 5 0 2 4 2 11 7 0 0 8 5 6 1 21 13 12 16 16 11 3 2 8 7 13 12 9 1 2 2 0 3 6 1 16 7 1 1 14 13 166 111 2 1 0 2 0 1 0 4 3 2 1 2 3 1 1 0 2 0 1 3 29 1 0 3 4 0 6 3 16 10 14 0 3 8 2 2 1 4 11 0 7 95 55 4 4 32 6 16 11 73 58 51 1 10 36 18 6 2 10 43 5 40 481 16 4 1 16 0 5 4 33 42 11 6 3 21 8 2 4 4 13 3 12 208 4 0 0 5 0 3 1 5 17 4 1 8 11 0 1 1 1 8 1 5 76 2 0 2 5 2 2 4 8 14 4 0 3 13 4 1 4 3 4 0 8 83 1 0 0 1 1 2 1 3 8 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 28 Engine Department 4 1 2 0 0 4 6 3 0 0 4 2 4 3 10 7 14 6 9 5 3 0 4 0 12 12 3 1 1 1 1 3 2 2 10 4 1 0 12 6 102 60 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 4 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 15 0 0 3 0 0 5 0 6 2 6 0 1 8 1 1 1 2 2 1 4 43 11 0 2 11 2 4 16 22 27 13 1 6 25 11 3 2 4 16 1 22 199 3 1 1 14 2 2 6 9 24 7 3 7 19 6 0 4 5 9 1 10 133 2 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 7 3 1 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 26 3 0 1 5 0 3 3 14 11 8 1 1 10 14 1 2 2 8 3 19 109 2 1 0 4 3 1 1 5 11 2 0 8 6 5 0 7 2 4 0 6 68 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 8 Steward Department 5 1 0 0 1 0 7 3 1 1 2 0 1 0 9 3 11 5 4 3 2 0 0 3 14 6 9 2 2 0 2 3 4 2 4 1 1 0 14 4 93 37 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 2 3 2 0 0 5 5 0 0 2 2 0 2 28 13 0 0 13 0 10 9 29 20 21 2 3 19 22 2 4 4 18 3 35 227 2 2 0 9 2 3 5 5 21 3 0 10 18 13 0 6 6 4 1 12 122 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 18 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 8 0 3 22 9 3 0 3 0 1 2 12 17 9 3 0 9 9 1 4 0 7 0 9 98 7 0 1 1 3 0 3 12 46 5 1 1 16 8 2 6 4 11 0 11 138 Entry Department 1 4 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 8 0 7 2 4 0 1 1 0 0 7 1 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 9 0 0 1 9 10 64 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 4 22 1 0 0 8 2 0 8 2 2 0 3 57 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 1 3 0 3 19 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 6 6 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 10 0 6 38 28 3 1 7 0 1 5 14 36 24 2 1 25 13 1 4 3 16 0 27 211 20 4 1 5 3 0 4 23 91 14 2 3 48 9 2 6 3 18 1 16 273 GRAND TOTAL: 467 391 228 105 185 945 674 393 371 272 Seafarers LOG 9 �The British destroyer Zambesi rescued Burbine and other survivors. SIU-crewed Henry Bacon ‘I’m Not Going to Give Up’ SS Henry Bacon Survivor: Mariners Deserve Accolades A side from the obviously not-so-small detail about his miraculous survival for two-plus hours in freezing ocean water, the story of former Seafarer Dick Burbine, 95, isn’t radically different from those of his fellow World War II merchant mariners. At age 16, eager to help with the war effort, he walked into a Marine Corps recruiting office in Boston in 1942 and tried to enlist, despite the concerned objections expressed by his mother. Burbine commemorates the rescue each year, most recently in February 2021, when this photo was taken. 10 Seafarers LOG But colorblindness prevented Burbine from joining the armed forces. “They told me to go across the street to the U.S. Maritime Commission,” he recently recalled. “That’s how it came about.” Other mariners from that era have half-jokingly said the standard for entry into the U.S. Merchant Marine during the war consisted of the ability to fog a mirror. While it may not have been quite that lax, history has borne out that innumerable mariners followed a course similar to Burbine’s. They tried to sign up for military service but were rejected for medical reasons. They could have stayed home. They didn’t. Burbine, the last surviving member of the illfated, SIU-crewed Henry Bacon, shares another trait with World War II mariners in that he knows they didn’t get the credit they deserved for decades following the battle. And, like his seafaring brethren, he still finds it bothersome – not because any of them craved attention, but because of basic fairness. “I’m insignificant,” said Burbine, who lives in California, near the Nevada border, and still leads an active life. “My objective with this story is, the merchant marine has never been given the recognition that they should have. They were the best. They all went back on their own. They believed in the cause, and to me, that is the finest thing in the world a person can do.” Many returned to sea after surviving a sinking. Burbine is one of them. Dangerous Waters The hardiness of the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II simply isn’t debatable. Depending on who does the math, they suffered a casualty rate that either exceeded any of the armed forces or was second to that of the Marine Corps. They often sailed with minimal protection, if any. They indeed were an all-volunteer service. More than 8,000 of them died at sea; another 11,000 were wounded. But the surest way to make one of the surviving mariners cringe is to say the words, “Murmansk Run.” Infamous for its foreboding conditions, the Murmansk Run partly consisted of a dangerous Arctic Ocean passage from Iceland or Scotland to northern Russia. U.S. vessels joined those convoys beginning in 1942, sending a total of approximately 350 ships during a three-year stretch. Nearly 100 of those vessels were sunk by Germans, and thousands of Americans aboard them lost their lives. The Liberty Ship Henry Bacon, operated by South Atlantic Steamship Company, safely arrived in Murmansk in February 1945, delivering war materials and other supplies. Wiper Dick Burbine, having just turned 18, was one of 40 crew members. The ship also carried 26 members of the Navy Armed Guard. The Bacon took on more personnel in Murmansk. The British Navy had rescued more than 500 Norwegian civilians from occupied Norway and moved them to Russia. Nineteen of the refugees, most of them women and children, were assigned to the SIU-crewed ship, for transport to England. They’d make regrettable history, as the Bacon became the last Allied vessel sunk by German aircraft. Upon leaving Murmansk on Feb. 17, the Bacon was part of a convoy that included 35 ships and naval escorts. But a combination of severe weather and mechanical problems caused the Bacon to stray, and because of radio-silence protocols, they couldn’t alert the other vessels. On Feb. 23, more than a dozen German aircraft (torpedo bombers) found the Bacon some 60 miles from the convoy, mainly because of damage to the steering engine. Gunners aboard the merchant vessel shot down at least five of the airplanes and damaged four others, but eventually the Bacon succumbed to a torpedo striking the #5 Hold. Following orders, Burbine was readying what apparently was the ship’s only viable lifeboat when a second torpedo hit. “The other davits were frozen solid,” he recalled. “The lashing lines were frozen. The chief engineer told me to get in and cut the lashings. When we got hit, the lifeboat went over the side with me in it. When I came to, I was under it, in the water. That’s the one we eventually used for the Norwegians. I was the first one in the water and the last one to be picked up.” Survivors In 2021, Burbine’s rugged appearance, sharp memory and volunteer work in forestry (often including use of gas-powered chainsaws) undoubtedly seem improbable for someone his age. Then again, perhaps longevity was a given after what he and some of his shipmates somehow survived as the Bacon went under. The temperature was around 40 below zero, with high winds. Shortly after the Bacon sank, Burbine rounded up two other mariners and an armed guard member and assisted them with life rings. They never left the water until a couple of hours later, when three British destroyers arrived just before nightfall. Although many of those who made it off of the ship died in the water from hypothermia, Burbine and his immediate comrades pulled through, as did all 19 refugees and others who boarded a second lifeboat. The attack claimed the lives of 16 mariners and 12 armed-guard personnel. “The only thing I said was, I’m not going to give up,” he said. “God helped me and that was it. My whole intention was I’m not going to give up.” Burbine remembers “people hollering, looking for help. I remember swimming in a life ring. The winds were blowing, and we were down low in the water. At one point an ice cone blew over us, and I’m certain that helped.” Eventually, he and many others were pulled to the deck of the British Zambesi, then taken to the crew mess to thaw. What followed, despite the dire circumstances, might qualify for a comedic movie scene, or at least a quirky one. “They had no medication,” Burbine stated. “The ship’s doctor said, ‘I don’t have any medicine, but I’ve got all the rum you can consume.’ It worked. I never lost any extremities or anything, and to this day, I still drink rum once a week or so.” Another twist awaited, though. Some of the April 2021 survivors were taken to a castle in Northern Ireland and were “interviewed by every service they had,” Burbine said. “They thought we were German plants, because no one had previously survived that long in those waters. They interviewed us for eight hours.” Once cleared, they were transferred to Glasgow, Scotland, for two weeks, then were sent back to the United States aboard the USS Wakefield. “We returned to Norfolk (Virginia) and were told we were free to go,” Burbine said. “That was it. No ‘thank you,’ no nothing.” He continued recuperating for a couple of weeks, then shipped out again, aboard an Ore Steamship vessel. More Adventures Burbine’s maritime career began with a voyage aboard the National Maritime Union ship Sea Marlin, which sailed to numerous Pacific islands. Upon returning to the U.S., though, he joined the SIU in Norfolk. “The SIU was the best union I ever belonged to,” he said. “I have nothing but good feelings and thoughts for them. They were good people and they treated you fair and square.” He thought highly enough of the SIU that he rejoined it after finally being accepted in the Marine Corps in 1950. He served three tours in Korea during the war, mostly as part of VMO-6, a helicopter observation and rescue squadron. “That was 32 months of solid combat,” Burbine remembered. “We did over 7,000 Class ‘A’ evacuations.” But after nine years in the military, he returned to the SIU and resumed sailing until 1965 (always as part of the engine department). He eventually transitioned to a career in law enforcement, then, after retiring, began volunteering with a forest service in 1988. Regarding his maritime experience, Burbine said, “I still feel I’d do it all over again. I’ve been all over the world, and I was fortunate because I enjoyed what I was doing. I would even do the Murmansk Run again, under the same conditions.” He said he considers his entire career a highlight, but mentioned a chance meeting with thenSIU President Paul Hall in New York as a moment that stands out. “It wasn’t exactly like royalty, but he was an executive-type individual,” Burbine said. “But he was also down to earth. He was a seaman at heart.” ‘Nothing But Pride’ Burbine always commemorates the anniversary of the Henry Bacon rescue. For decades, he kept in touch with other survivors. The last of them passed away in 2020. Burbine endures, as does his frustration that history sometimes overlooked the wartime service of civilian mariners. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the GI Bill in 1944, he said, “I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to members of the merchant marine who have risked their lives time and time again during war for the welfare of their country.” No such action took place. World War II mari- April 2021 ners eventually received veterans’ status in 1988 (it took another 10 years before the cutoff date for such recognition was extended to match the one used for the armed services). By then, however, the distinction proved more ceremonial than practical. Other wins have been secured, though. The U.S. Merchant Marine is included in the World War II Memorial in the nation’s capital. Last year, the president signed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. Physical memorials exist across the country. Books have been published that focus on their contributions. High-ranking military and government officials in recent years have made extra efforts around National Maritime Day (May 22) to salute the service of mariners from that era. For his part, Burbine simply wants the public to know the truth about him and his shipmates. “There was not one merchant mariner in the whole system that didn’t volunteer for it,” he stated. “General (Dwight) Eisenhower said, ‘When final victory is ours, there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the U.S. Merchant Marine.’ I firmly agree with him. The U.S. Merchant Marine is still one of the finest organizations that served our country during the war. They were outstanding people for the simple reason that they wanted to be there. I always admired that about each and every one of them, and I have nothing but pride for the U.S. Merchant Marine.” SIU member Dick Burbine is pictured in 1945. German aircraft warm up in Norway in 1945. These types of planes attacked the SS Henry Bacon. Seafarers LOG 11 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you enter this industry and why have you stuck with it? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nate Simmons Chief Cook I got into it because of my family – a lot of them sail. This is a good opportunity to provide for my family. I also like travelling the world, and the pay. Armon Bailey Chief Cook I got into it because the change of environment helped me become a better me. It put me on the right path, and that’s why I stayed with it. I joined in early 2016 and it changed my life. Noah Schluder Steward/Cook I got in through the GAP program. I was working in restaurants, but that was a dead end – no money or benefits. I’ve stuck with it because I like it. There’s good money through the union, and I work one month on and one month off on a dredge. Agnes Gamboa Chief Cook This is one of the best good-paying jobs out there. I joined in 2012 and I’m still here; I can’t complain. I can support my family and I’m so blessed to have this job. Adam Bechtold Chief Cook There are so many reasons. I love cooking, and this seemed like a really cool way to integrate that into a profession. I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay and love being on the water. The money is also nice. Esmeralda Cueto Chief Cook A lot of my family members are seamen, including my husband and my brother. They’re both SIU members. It’s a good job. You get to travel for free, and the pay is good. I love this job and I love to cook. Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Lordiem Garcia Second Cook This industry gave me the opportunity to put my daughters through college. I also enjoy the travel, getting to see other countries and learning their cultures. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG Pic From The Past Seafaring often runs in families, and that was the case for the late Louis Gracia Sr. (left) and his son Louis Gracia Jr. (right). They’re pictured in 1981 at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland (with the training vessel Zimmerman in the background). Louis Sr., a steward department member, sailed with the union from 1953 until his passing in 1990. Louis Jr. primarily sailed in the engine department, most recently in 2016. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org April 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MOTT ARNOLD Brother Mott Arnold, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1970 and first sailed aboard the Columbia Eagle. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Arnold last shipped aboard the Horizon Kodiak. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. DANILO FLORENDO Brother Danilo Florendo, 67, joined the SIU in 2000, initially sailing on the Overseas Washington. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Florendo last shipped on the Maersk Seletar. He resides in Eatonville, Washington. JAMES KUCK Brother James Kuck, 64, signed on with the Seafarers in 2011 when he sailed on the USNS Henson. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Kuck most recently shipped aboard the Pride of America. He lives in Surprise, Arizona. SANTIAGO LUDAN Brother Santiago Ludan, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ludan’s final vessel was the Green Cove. He settled in New Castle, Washington. KAID MOHAMED Brother Kaid Mohamed, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed aboard the Anders. A steward department member, he last shipped on the Keystone in 2002. Brother Mohamed lives in Oakland. FILIBERTO MOREIRA Brother Filiberto Moreira, 70, started shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1993, first sailing aboard the Independence. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Moreira’s final vessel was the Maersk Kensington. He resides in the Bronx, New York. RERE PAITI Sister Rere Paiti, 68, joined the April 2021 union in 2002 and first sailed on the Grand Canyon State. She upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions and was a steward department member. Sister Paiti’s final vessel was the Sunshine State. She is a resident of Henderson, Nevada. MACK REVIS Brother Mack Revis, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he shipped aboard the Delta Panama. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and was a member of the engine department. Brother Revis last shipped on the Liberty Eagle. He calls Beaumont, Texas, home. OMER SHARIF Brother Omer Sharif, 67, signed on with the union in 1975, initially sailing on the Mt Vernon. He sailed in the engine department and most recently aboard the North Star. Brother Sharif lives in University Place, Washington. WILLIAM THOMAS Brother William Thomas, 66, began his career with the Seafarers in 1978 when he sailed on the Panama. He sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Thomas upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last shipped on the USNS John U.D. Page and makes his home in Exmore, Virginia. JERRY VAN ETTEN when he worked on the Overseas Ulla. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Victor’s final vessel was the Dodge Island. He resides in Ellsworth, Maine. PHILIP WILSON Brother Philip Wilson, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990, initially sailing on the Cape Catoche. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1993. Brother Wilson last shipped on the Global Link. He is a resident of The Villages, Florida. GREAT LAKES ROBERT MASON Brother Robert Mason, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2000. He was a deck department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2006. Brother Mason’s first and last vessel was the John Boland. He makes his home in Onaway, Michigan. INLAND WILLIE ALLEN Brother Willie Allen, 63, began sailing with the SIU in 1990, initially working with Delta Queen Steamboat. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Allen’s final vessel was the Achievement. He makes his home in Tylertown, Mississippi. SCOTT GROSJEAN Brother Scott Grosjean, 64, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977. He was first employed with Quality Quarries and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Grosjean upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Steuart Transportation and lives in Ashland, Wisconsin. FREDDY HAMILTON Brother Freddy Hamilton, 57, started shipping with the union in 1991. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and was a deck department member. Brother Hamilton first sailed aboard the USNS Regulus. He most recently shipped on the Pacific Reliance and makes his home in Tampa, Florida. JEFFREY KING Brother Jeffrey King, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he shipped on the Pisces. He primarily sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center shortly after joining the union. Brother King was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He lives in Odessa, Florida. STANLEY KNOPP Brother Stanley Knopp, 69, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and first shipped on the Transeastern. Brother Knopp upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Moran Towing and resides in Baltimore. FRANK MCCLEESE Brother Frank McCleese, 61, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1987. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother McCleese worked for G&H Towing for his entire career. He lives in Ingleside, Texas. PAUL MCCREADY Brother Paul McCready, 59, donned the SIU colors in 1996, initially working with Gulf Marine. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother McCready concluded his career with Penn Maritime. He calls Tangier, Virginia, home. NELSON MORGAN Brother Nelson Morgan, 64, began his career with the Seafarers in 2002. He sailed in the deck department and was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. Brother Morgan resides in Ona, Florida. Taking the Oath in New Orleans Brother Jerry Van Etten, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1974. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a deck department member. Brother Van Etten’s first vessel was the Chas C West; his last, the Developer. He lives in Maricopa, Arizona. PETER VICTOR Brother Peter Victor, 65, started sailing with the union in 1979 Several Seafarers received their respective full books during the March membership meeting in New Orleans. SIU Safety Director James Brown (left) administers the union oath to (from left, standing and facing camera) AB Norman Comeaux, AB Jehan Daza, Capt. Billy Barletto and Capt. Mike Nance. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ALI ALI Pensioner Ali Ali, 90, died December 3. He signed on with the union in 1970 and was a steward department member. Brother Ali first shipped on the Fair Isle. He last sailed on the Patriot before going on pension in 1995. Brother Ali was a resident of San Francisco. ALFONSO BOMBITA Pensioner Alfonso Bombita, 71, passed away January 21. He began his career with the SIU in 1983. Brother Bombita’s first vessel was the Santa Maria. He sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Gem State. Brother Bombita became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in American Canyon, California. DION CHEESEBOROUGH Brother Dion Cheeseborough, 26, died December 31. He started shipping with the SIU in 2017 when he sailed on the Walter J. McCarthy. An engine department member, Brother Cheeseborough most recently shipped on the Integrity. He lived in Jacksonville, Florida, his birthplace. LARRY DOCKWILLER Pensioner Larry Dockwiller, 65, died December 12. Signing on with the union in 1977, he first sailed on the Aquarius. Brother Dockwiller was a steward department member and last worked aboard the ITB Mobile. He went on pension in 2020 and resided in Ruidoso, New Mexico. WILLIS EVERITT Brother Willis Everitt, 94, passed away November 5. He joined the SIU in 1953 and first sailed aboard the President Harrison. Brother Everitt was a steward department member and also worked on shore gangs. He primarily was employed by American Ship Management, and lived in Los Angeles. WALTER FITZGERALD Pensioner Walter Fitzgerald, 78, died February 7. He donned the SIU colors in 1966, and his first ships 14 Seafarers LOG included ones operated by Hudson Waterways and Sea-Land, respectively. Brother Fitzgerald sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Carolina. He went on pension in 2007 and was a resident of Richland, Georgia. SPERO MOCHE Pensioner Spero Moche, 74, died December 4. He began his career with the SIU in 1970 and initially sailed on the De Soto. Brother Moche primarily sailed in the engine department and concluded his career on the Inspiration. He became a pensioner in 2005 and resided in Floyd, Virginia. KASSEM SALEH Pensioner Kassem Saleh, 77, died November 24. He started sailing with the SIU in 1967 when he shipped on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Saleh worked in all three departments. He last sailed on the President Polk and retired in 2005. Brother Saleh called Dearborn, Michigan, home. PHARON SIMMONS Brother Pharon Simmons, 35, died December 9. He signed on with the union in 2013 and was a deck department member. Brother Simmons first shipped on the USNS Watkins and most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Globe. He resided in Jacksonville, Florida, his birthplace. ALBERT WAMBACH Pensioner Albert Wambach, 72, passed away January 12. He began his career with the SIU in 1971, first sailing aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother Wambach sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the USNS Watson. He became a pensioner in 2013 and resided in Valatie, New York. IRA WHITE Pensioner Ira White, 81, died December 27. Signing on with the union in 1965, he first sailed on the Manhattan. Brother White was an engine department member and last worked for Michigan Tankers. He went on pension in 2004 and settled in Panama City, Florida. SHAWN WILLIAMS Pensioner Shawn Williams, 53, passed away February 12. He began shipping with the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on the Producer. Brother Williams was a deck department member. His final vessel was the Liberty Passion and he retired in 2020. Brother Williams lived in Lake City, South Carolina. THOMAS WOERNER Brother Thomas Woerner, 66, died February 8. He donned the SIU colors in 1973, initially sailing aboard the Los Angeles. Brother Woerner sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Overseas Martinez. He was a resident of Fredericksburg, Virginia. DEAN YANNUZZI Pensioner Dean Yannuzzi, 71, passed away February 18. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1969, initially shipping on the Transerie. A deck department member, Brother Yannuzzi last sailed aboard the Resolve. He began collecting his pension in 2008 and settled in San Antonio, Texas. NIKOLAOS ZERVOS Pensioner Nikolaos Zervos, 91, died January 21. He began his career with the SIU in 1967 and initially sailed aboard the Saphire Etta. Brother Zervos was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Galveston Bay. He became a pensioner in 1994 and resided in Athens, Greece. GREAT LAKES JACK BENNETT Pensioner Jack Bennett, 88, died January 30. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1960. Brother Bennett was employed by American Steamship for the duration of his career. He last shipped on the Buffalo and retired in 1994. Brother Bennett was a resident of Gainesville, Georgia. RAY BLAHNIK RUSSELL WILSON Pensioner Ray Blahnik, 80, passed away February 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1962 and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Blahnik first worked for Michigan Interstate Railway. He last sailed on the Adam E. Cornelius and retired in 2005. He called Benzonia, Michigan, home. Pensioner Russell Wilson, 91, died January 31. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1962. Brother Wilson was first employed by Moran Towing of Virginia. He last worked for Atlantic Towing and became a pensioner in 1989. Brother Wilson made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ROSS WAISANEN Pensioner Ross Waisanen, 66, died January 6. He began his career with the SIU in 1996 and initially sailed aboard the Steel T. Crapo. Brother Waisanen was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the John Boland. He became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in Minneapolis. INLAND LEW LAHAYE Pensioner Lew Lahaye, 79, died February 6. Signing on with the SIU in 1963, he was first employed by Hvide Marine. Brother Lahaye was an engine department member and last worked for Seabulk Tankers. He retired in 2005 and resided in Nederland, Texas. LUMAN MOODY Pensioner Luman Moody, 79, passed away February 5. A deck department member, he began sailing with the union in 1994. Brother Moody was employed by American Marine Corporation for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2007 and lived in Green Cove Springs, Florida. NMU ISMAEL AYALA Pensioner Ismael Ayala, 81, passed away February 11. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Ayala’s final vessel was the St Louis Express. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a resident of Miami Gardens, Florida. JAMES GARRITY Pensioner James Garrity, 85, died February 1. He joined the union during the SIU/ NMU merger in 2001. Brother Garrity sailed in the deck department. He last sailed on the Liberator before going on pension in 2003. Brother Garrity lived in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Al-Jalham, Mohamed 87 Bergwerk, Israel 94 Bodden, Roy 89 Brown, Lawrence 98 Brownlee, Roosevelt 93 Christian, Alvey 97 Clark, William 78 Davis, Seymour 93 Gaskin, Bruce 94 Haylock, Casper 95 Hills, James 81 Jones, Nathaniel 72 Karavolos, Michael 90 Kust, Terry 77 Ludeke, Charles 85 Mack, Gilbert 99 Mladenoff, Carlos 84 Ortiz, Cruz 86 Rivera, Ernesto 87 Roman, Efrain 90 Sheffield, Early 94 DOD 10/02/2020 01/28/2021 01/27/2021 01/21/2021 01/30/2021 02/05/2021 01/26/2021 02/03/2021 01/22/2021 12/22/2020 01/15/2021 02/07/2021 08/30/2020 01/09/2021 12/24/2020 03/23/2020 11/24/2020 02/03/2021 12/29/2020 01/05/2021 01/24/2021 BRUCE MURPHY Pensioner Bruce Murphy, 73, passed away February 5. He joined the Seafarers in 2001 when he worked for Penn Maritime. A member of the deck department, Brother Murphy last sailed on the Vision. He retired in 2016 and lived in Port Charlotte, Florida. April 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 12 – Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones, Educational Director Charlie Wescott, Deck Delegate Aresha Rivers, Steward Delegate Christopher Green. Chairman discussed clarification on back pay for restriction to ship. Educational director discussed opportunities for upgrading and reminded everyone to keep documents current. Crew discussed Jones Act centennial. They waiting for an update on status of Wi-Fi connection. GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), December 8 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello. Chairman reported smooth trip with good food. Secretary discussed upgrading opportunities at SIU-affiliated school in Maryland and also reminded everyone to remain aware of document status. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed vacation and optical benefits. Still waiting for Wi-Fi and new TV in crew lounge. They talked about importance of following protocols for shipping out. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime), December 14 – Chairman Slavi Zahariev, Secretary Dominique McLean, Engine Delegate Christian Cruz. Chairman reminded crew about various rules and shipboard courtesies. Secretary asked that fellow crew members return all galley supplies. Educational director discussed various extensions for documents and certificates. Deck and engine delegates reported concerns about conduct of particular shipmate. Crew wants mariners to be prioritized for vaccinations. AMERICAN PRIDE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), De- 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. Kudos from Shipping Executive Hapag-Lloyd AG CEO Rolf Habben Jansen (right) visits mariners on the SIU-crewed Philadelphia Express (Marine Personnel and Provisioning) in the Port of Hamburg on Feb. 21, 2021. He thanked them for their hard work, especially during the pandemic. cember 27 – Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones, Educational Director Charlie Wescott, Steward Delegate Christopher Green. Chairman thanked crew for great attitude during recent trip to Brazil. Also thanked entire steward department for job well done, especially in light of pandemic. Secretary reminded everyone to leave state rooms clean ahead of large crew change. Educational director talked about keeping documents current. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No other beefs or disputed OT reported. Installation of new water dispenser scheduled for next port. MARJORIE C (Pasha), January 29 – Chairman Dan Davenport, Secretary Jatniel Aguilera, Educational Director Jared Cabasug, Deck Delegate Billy Cooley, Engine Delegate Oscar Cesena. Chairman reminded everyone of importance of pandemic-related safety protocols and also encouraged fellow mariners to get vaccinated. Secretary reminded crew to use sanitation dispensers before entering mess hall and lounges. Educational director noted Piney Point slowly reopening for classes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Wi-Fi installation slated for later this year. Crew was reminded to submit DVD movie requests to captain. Next port: San Diego. USNS PATHFINDER (Ocean Shipholdings), January 31 – Chairman Kelly Doyle, Secretary Loretta Stewart, Educational Director Gary Williams, Deck Delegate Mark Bolitho, Engine Delegate Ron Sease, Steward Delegate Jevon Lowery. Chairman discussed upcoming port arrival and restrictions to vessel. Educational director noted Piney Point school reopening for upgrading classes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed safety precautions that are in place at Paul Hall Center. New clothes dryer will be installed at next port. They discussed COVID-19 vaccines and compensation for restriction to ship. OCEAN GRAND (Crowley), February 7 – Chairman Lech Jankowski, Secretary Insook Smith, Educational Director Jacob Laroche. Chairman discussed document extensions. Secretary reminded everyone to continue practicing proper sanitation. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reported smooth sailing. NORTH STAR (TOTE), February 16 – Chairman Mark Billiot, Educational Director Ahmed Sharif, Steward Delegate Sal Ahmed. Chairman discussed vessel restriction. He advised Seafarers to utilize the online member portal. Educational director discussed need to keep documents current while also being aware of various extensions announced by the Coast Guard. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read latest communication from Tacoma hall regarding restriction to ship in Canadian shipyard. Still waiting for new ice machine for crew mess. Crew suggested changing requirements for filing for vacation check, and also discussed policies for reliefs. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the April 5 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2020 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and April 2021 the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Government Vessels May 24 June 7 June 14 May 28 June 11 June 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 10 July 5 May 14 July 9 Tank Ship Familiarization LG April 12 June 28 April 16 July 2 Gap Closing Courses MSC Supply Configuration Management April 12 May 7 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture) April 5 April 16 Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point) April 19 April 23 Able Seafarer-Deck July 26 August 13 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT May 31 June 25 Junior Engineer May 31 July 23 Machinist May 3 May 21 Pumpman May 24 May 28 Welding April 19 May 7 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook May 10 June 14 June 11 July 16 Advanced Galley Operations May 31 June 25 Chief Steward May 3 May 28 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 28 July 2 Medical Care Provider July 5 July 9 Basic Training April 5 May 24 April 9 May 28 June 4 June 25 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation June 7 June 4 June 25 June 11 Government Vessels April 30 May 14 Basic Training Revalidation April 26 May 10 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4/21 April 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival Class #866 – Graduated February 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Alan Butkow, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera, Alexander Jackson, John Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Pura Veronica Moreno Soriano, Chukwuka H. Nkwor, Noah Pittman, Felix Antonio Roman, Gustavo J. Romero Estrella, Douglas Hiram Soto Ocasio, Juan Luis Tapia Pimentel and Garrett Williams. Government Vessels – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Taha Qasem Abobakr Al Amri, Mohammed Elazzouzi, Tiburcio Valeriano Garcia, Jose Antonio Gonzalez Del Valle, Patrick Cruz Lara, Walter Lent, Michael Alex Papaioannou, Husam Ali Mohamed Yahya and Benneth Lorenz Collado Yap. Important Notice To All Students April 2021 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Welding – Graduated February 12 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Christian Cruz, Olivier Luc Especa, Arvin Tarroza Heras, Tyrone Leonard and Marcelino Jose Santos Bermeo. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. UA to AS (Deck) – Graduated February 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Daniel Bost, Campbell Busbey, Solomon Foster Jr., Lucas Hayes, Abraham Quiner, Lydia Robinson, Patrick Wheat and James Zaro. Class Instructor Tom Truitt is at the far right. Tankship Familiarization – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Christopher Francis Altieri, Michael Geronimo Bautista, Todd Gallagher, Kenneth Greenidge, Richard Grubbs, Cresente Razo Gumanas, Marissa Gatbunton Lopez, Dylan Sapp, Michael John Estavillo Valdez and Artis Williams. 18 Seafarers LOG April 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated February 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Khaleel Saeed Saleh Heidra, William Johnson, Pavel Kremen, Steven Laubach and Carl Royster. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated February 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Tristan Cordero, Apalogie Cruz-Labrador, Jack Gourgue, Destany Howard, Preeyapha Kaisaard, Hussain Ali Nagi Ali, Marcelino Pabito, Algernon Joaquim Ramseur, Noah Susumu Santiago-Stephens, Charles Sassone and J’corei Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) April 2021 Seafarers LOG 19 �APRIL 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 4 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU-Crewed Tanker Excels During UNREP Exercise Two Seafarers-crewed ships – the Maersk Peary on the left, and the USNS Laramie at right – participate in the exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Thomas Epps) T he reliability of U.S.-flag tankers and American mariners was on display earlier this year as the SIU-crewed Maersk Peary successfully performed an underway replenishment (UNREP) exercise with the USNS Laramie off the east coast of Crete. The Laramie’s crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. C. Fox said the Feb. 23 mission “went well and all parties did a good job. The crew of the Maersk Peary had trained the prior few days and were up to the task. The USNS Laramie was also ready and they did a good job and were very good to work with.” Underway replenishment is a key component of U.S. sealift and defense capabilities. Such operations save American-flag vessels time by not having to enter ports and refuel. The recent exercise underscored the unique capabilities of the U.S.-flag fleet, along with the cadre of civilian mariners who have tanker-specific training. As one observer put it, “The exercise reflects that our military has guaranteed access to the vessels and, more importantly, to the mariners who have never failed to answer the call and sail into harm’s way, wherever and whenever needed.” SIU members aboard the Peary during the exercise included Bosun Ron Paradise, ABs Ben Wilson, Marvin Williams, Adam Laliberte, Lloyd La Beach and Marie Acosta, Pumpman Kenneth Cabrera, QE4 Rene Hallasgo, Wiper Charles Fischer, Steward/Baker Juan Vallejo, Chief Cook Osmar Ramos and GSTU Hussein Quraish. The Laramie’s fueling station (photo at immediate left) is prepped for operations. In photo at immediate right, crew members on the Maersk Peary work on a tag line and pelican hook. CIVMARS (photo below) aboard the USNS Laramie observe part of the mission. (CIVMAR photo by Thomas Epps) Equipment is transferred between the vessels. (U.S. Navy photo by Thomas Epps) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: PRO-MARITIME BILL BACK SO-CALLED 'RIGHT TO WORK' LAW SOUNDLY REJECTED IN MONTANA AFL-CIO APPLAUDS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN GEN. VAN OVOST NOMINATED TO LEAD TRANSCOM HOUSTON-AREA SEAFARERS, OTHER LABOR VOLUNTEERS SERVE COMMUNITY DREDGE CREW HELPS RESCUE FAMILY OF 6 HOUSE PASSES H.R. 2474 - THE PRO ACT BIDEN ADMINISTRATION RESCINDS ANTI-WORKER EXECUTIVE ORDERS CDC POSTS GUIDANCE FOR VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS COMMITTEE ON MARITIME TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM: PRIORITIZE MARINERS FOR VACCINES 'I'M NOT GOING TO GIVE UP' SIU-CREWED TANKER EXCELS DURING UNREP EXERCISE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 83, No. 4 2021 Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/e431c79636c171398397c0937c086e5e.pdf 612d687e9714514e52a62fca7a02165b PDF Text Text APRIL 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Crowley Adds Tanker Stena Polaris SIU members are sailing aboard the newly reflagged Stena Polaris (above), an outright addition to the Crowley fleet. The company was awarded a Defense Department contract for time charter of an “ice class” tanker that is expected to last for nearly five years. The Stena Polaris reflagged last month in Jacksonville, Florida. Built in 2010, the ship is 600 feet long. Administration Underscores Support for Unions President Biden on March 5 hosted a labor roundtable in Wilmington, Delaware, during which he listened to union officials and reiterated his strong backing of the labor movement. He also reaffirmed his support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Biden is pictured in front, second from left. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler is kneeling at far left. SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez is in the second row (sixth from right), behind the president’s left shoulder. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, who also addressed the group, is standing at far left. Page 3. AFL-CIO Slams Proposed Open Register Page 2 Unions Ready to Mobilize Page 3 �President’s Report Ready to Deliver Russia’s invasion of Ukraine remains the dominant story worldwide, and it definitely affects not just the maritime industry from a business standpoint but also, more importantly, the people who work in it. Through our affiliation with the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the SIU is doing whatever we can to ensure the wellbeing of Ukrainian civilian mariners – and Russian civilian mariners, too. We also stand ready to mobilize if needed, as America’s fourth arm of defense. Understandably, we’re cautious in what is reported at certain times. Suffice it to say, we’ve always delivered and we always will. If the global pandemic caused many of us to view our lives at least a little differently and more appreciatively, the Russian invasion has done so in a most appalling way. The SIU joins with the AFL-CIO in condemning the violent invasion. We stand in solidarity with the workers and their families who are impacted by the devastation, and Michael Sacco offer our condolences for lives that have been lost. We also join the global labor movement and our other allies in calling for an immediate end to Vladimir Putin’s military aggression, and we support extensive economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union, particularly those focused on Putin and his protectors. Ukrainian unions have struggled for decades to guarantee the internationally recognized right to organize and bargain collectively. Unions have courageously fought corruption that is widespread in the Ukrainian economy. All these brave efforts by Ukraine’s unions are now threatened by the Russian military invasion, which is destroying the basic democratic rights of freedom of association, assembly and speech that are necessary for all effective trade union action. The Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine flagrantly violates international law and undermines the right of Ukraine and of all nations to selfdetermination free from the threat of violence. The consequences of the attack on Ukraine are vast – tens of thousands of lives may be lost, while millions of people already have been displaced. Countries will need to house, feed and support the many refugees fleeing the violence. Putin’s war jeopardizes international peace and global economic recovery. Workers and their families are still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic, and can ill afford the higher oil and food prices and further disruption to the supply chains this war is causing. The SIU will do everything within our power to support our brothers and sisters in Ukraine. Wins for Maritime As reported elsewhere in this edition, the newly passed government spending bill contained several important victories for the U.S. maritime industry. These wins don’t happen without a sustained effort to elect and educate pro-maritime legislators and pro-maritime administrations. That is why the SIU remains politically active and why we ask our rank-and-file members to support SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. Funding for the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Program, and Cable Security Fleet is a collective dose of great news not just for the SIU but for the entire country. These programs are important to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. I applaud the efforts and votes of everyone who supports them. Jones Act Whenever I believe that Jones Act critics have hit a new low, they slither even lower. That’s been the case recently when a few absolutely nonsensical articles were posted with the claims that America’s freight cabotage law somehow is driving up gasoline prices. Those preposterous pundits also suggest that waiving the Jones Act would be in order. Let’s get a couple of things crystal clear. There is plenty of U.S.-flag vessel capacity to handle any voyages transporting oil within the United States. And – here’s the real news – a waiver of the Jones Act for gasoline would only benefit oil traders. The Jones Act has protected our nation for more than a century and it remains one of the soundest policies on the books. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 4 April 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Industry Secures Full Funding For Tankers, MSP, Cable Ships The maritime industry fared well in the recently approved federal spending bill. Congress in early March passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. The $1.5 trillion omnibus package includes full funding for the new U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP), the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), and for two U.S.flag cable ships. Originally approved near the end of the year 2020, the TSP calls for an initial fleet of 10 U.S.flag tankers. The program, strongly backed by U.S. military leaders, will decrease reliance on foreignflag ships and foreign crews. The MSP, enacted in 1996 and extended several times since then, provides stipends for a fleet of 60 civilian-crewed, militarily useful vessels available to the Defense Department as needed. The spending bill, which was signed into law March 15 by President Biden, moved along at what one pundit called “the congressional version of warp speed.” It passed in the House less than 24 hours after introduction and then cleared the Senate a day later, on March 11. However, passage also followed months of delay and three continuing resolutions that allowed the government to operate. A shutdown would have occurred March 11 at midnight without either another continuing resolution or passage of the bill. The bill reportedly contains $730 billion in non-Defense spending and $782 billion in Defense spending. It further includes a separate $13.6 billion in aid for Ukraine. It provides government funding through September 2022. AFL-CIO Opposes Open Register Executive Council Adopts Statement Denouncing Plan The AFL-CIO Executive Council on March 15 unanimously adopted a statement opposing a proposed open register in the U.S. Virgin Islands. SIU President Michael Sacco, the council’s longest-serving member, provided background on the situation to other board members (see related story, this page). In part, the statement reads, “American merchant mariners are the gold standard for the world in terms of safety and training. From iron ore for steel mills along the Great Lakes to food aid to hungry citizens in Africa, from materiel for American armed forces stationed around the world to vital household goods at domestic ports, they deliver. “For generations, foreign interests and their allies have tried to find ways to circumvent the nation’s labor and tax laws to take good jobs away from hardworking Americans,” the statement continues. “The latest effort, announced last month, calls for the creation of a so-called open registry for the U.S. Virgin Islands. As outlined, this initiative would take cargo from U.S.-flag vessels, crewed by American citizens, and place it on vessels that do not use American crews, do not pay American taxes and do not meet American safety and labor standards. This attempt to create a flag of convenience using the U.S. Virgin Islands is wrong and harmful to American workers.” The statement concludes, “The AFL-CIO joins with the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO; the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO; and the Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO in calling upon the Biden Administration, the Congress, the Department of Defense and the Maritime Administration to reject any effort that U.S. Virgin Islands-flag vessels be treated as if they are the same as U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed for any purpose or for any program. At the same time, we reiterate our commitment to work with AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) and SIU President Michael Sacco the Biden Administration and the Congress to achieve a more robust, commercially viable U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed fleet that will continue to protect America’s economic, military and homeland security.” Previously, a joint statement from shipboard maritime unions including the SIU pointed out, “The proposed U.S. Virgin Islands flag of convenience open registry will not benefit the United States nor America’s maritime industry, any more than any other second or open registry benefits a national flag country. In fact, the establishment and growth of second registries by other industrialized nations has done little more than decimate their national flag fleets to the point that they are no longer able to provide the requisite military security and logistical support to their flag nations.” SIU President Pens Open Letter To Governor of U.S. Virgin Islands Editor’s note: This letter was posted on the SIU website on Feb. 21, 2022, and it has been circulated on Capitol Hill. It was written in response to the governor’s public support for a proposed second register. Visit the SIU website and/ or check last month’s LOG for additional coverage of the proposed second register. Dear Governor Bryan: On behalf of the Seafarers International Union (SIU), which has maintained a strong presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands for more than a halfcentury, we are perplexed by your recently announced partnership with a for-profit maritime school that charges $22,000 per year for tuition. The SIU – which represents thousands of USVI residents via our affiliated United Industrial Workers – has an associated school in Maryland offering U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses for entry-level mariners and for experienced seafarers. The school – the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education – is highly regarded throughout the industry and it does not charge tuition. We provide viable career paths, and we also have immediate job openings for credentialed mariners. Our union has contracts with the vast majority of American-flag deep-sea vessel operators, plus collective bargaining agreements with several major inland tugboat companies. Those contracts, typically including excellent pay and benefits, mean ample job opportunities for Seafarers. Additionally, graduates of our apprentice program (which is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor) are guaranteed a first job aboard a U.S.flag vessel. This would seem to offer a far more attractive opportunity for USVI residents than the one you publicly committed to. Our training facilities and curriculums are second to none; our school doesn’t charge tuition; and we’ve got plenty of jobs for our members. We welcome the chance to work with you to explore training and career opportunities for our fellow citizens from the USVI. Sincerely, Michael Sacco President, Seafarers International Union April 2022 �Maritime Labor Backs President Biden On Ukraine, Sanctions Against Russia The presidents of six American maritime unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco, sent a letter to President Biden underscoring their support for his handling of the war in Ukraine and reaffirming the availability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Dated March 9, the letter conveys the unions’ “strong support for the actions you are taking to combat the horrific and unjustified attack by Russia against Ukraine. This unprovoked attack not only threatens the right of freedom-loving people in Ukraine to continue to live in a democracy but poses the most serious threat to our friends and allies in Europe since World War II.” The union presidents pointed out that U.S. mariners always answer the nation’s call, and will do so again if needed. “As they did during World War II and in every conflict and international emergency before and since, the men and women of the United States-flag merchant marine stand ready to do what we can to support the strongest possible economic responses necessary to bring this conflict to a quick and successful conclusion,” the letter noted. “To this end, we strongly endorse your decision to end all oil and natural gas imports from Russia as well as the imposition of additional rigorous trade sanctions against Russia as deemed appropriate. “We understand and appreciate that these actions will likely have a negative economic impact on many of our fellow citizens and many of our members who are still struggling to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the labor leaders continued. “However, the men and women of the United States-flag merchant marine also understand that such a sacrifice is once again necessary in order for our country to provide the leadership the rest of the free world has come to expect and rely upon.” They concluded, “As our nation’s fourth arm of defense, the United States-flag merchant marine and its cadre of American merchant mariners have a unique role and proud tradition of service to our country in time of war or other emergency. We again stand ready to work with you and your Administration to provide the support and service our country needs.” Signing the letter were Sacco; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific President Dave Con- AMP Sets Record Straight On Jones Act, Energy Prices A major maritime coalition recently sent a letter to President Biden to address misconceptions about the Jones Act. Specifically, the letter addressed the transportation of crude oil and other energy cargoes in the United States in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was sent by the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated. “We appreciate your support and the overwhelming, bipartisan support in Congress for the Jones Act,” the letter began. “Ukraine is a lesson that America must provide for its self-defense and economy, and that the 650,000 U.S. men and women of American Maritime will continue to move what our nation needs, including energy.” The coalition further pointed out the following: n There is more than adequate American vessel capacity to address any requirements to transport oil within the United States. n A waiver of the Jones Act for gasoline would only benefit oil traders. U.S. consumers would not benefit. n The recent dramatic increase in gas prices has overwhelmingly been driven by the increase in crude oil prices, which have risen by nearly 57% in just over two months. n Congress has expressed its concern about ensuring that American vessels are used to move oil from the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) before considering the possibility of Jones Act waivers. n Jones Act waivers outsource U.S. jobs and undermine American security. AMP followed the last point by stating, “Now is certainly not the time to issue waivers that replace American companies and mariners with vessel operators and mariners from other nations. The domestic maritime industry has kept our nation supplied during the pandemic and the resulting supply chain crisis with consistent, reliable service. It would be both ironic and insulting to take jobs away from these Americans now, at a time of rising inflation and global uncertainty. It is particularly egregious that some have called for Jones Act waivers as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a situation that underscores the importance of ensuring our nation’s ability to protect our economic and homeland security at home and to support our national security interests around the world. The Jones Act ensures that we have a domestic shipbuilding base as well as a pool of mariners to draw upon during cases of national emergency.” The entire letter is available on the SIU website. April 2022 nolly; American Maritime Officers President Paul Doell; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots President Don Marcus; Marine Firemen’s Union President Anthony Poplawski; and Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Adam Vokac. Meanwhile, the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have designated areas in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov as “Warlike Operations Areas,” triggering an increased security level and other entitlements for foreign mariners in the war zone. The designation was agreed at an emergency in early March. Discussions focused on repatriation, payment of wages, safe transit and respect of individual seafarers’ rights, particularly for mariners from the region. The JNG and ITF negotiate and ensure application of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) agreement, which is the only international collective bargaining agreement covering terms and conditions for seafarers in international trade on more than 9,000 ships. “The escalation in hostilities and conflict in Ukraine has put enormous pressure on seafarers of all nations and an industry already laboring under the demands and challenges of the pandemic,” the organizations said in a joint statement. “The parties agreed that the welfare of seafarers and the protection of their rights in this unprecedented situation was paramount to the spirit and intent of the IBF agreement.” They added, “The facilitation of support from governments worldwide for potential refugee arrangements for Ukrainian seafarers and their families was also considered. The social partners agreed to increase pressure on governments to waive visas for Ukrainian seafarers to ease their repatriation.” The JNG consists of the International Maritime Employers’ Council (IMEC), the International Mariners Management Association of Japan (IMMAJ), the Korean Shipowners Association (KSA), and Taiwan-based company Evergreen. The ITF, to which the SIU is affiliated, has member organizations around the world who collectively represent more than 20 million transport workers. President Biden (second from left) pauses for a snapshot with maritime union officials. Pictured from left are MM&P President Don Marcus, President Biden, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez and MEBA Sec.-Treas. Roland Rexha. Biden Reaffirms Jones Act Support President Biden, meeting with the AFL-CIO leadership and principal officers of international unions on March 5, said once again he will not waiver in his longtime support for the Jones Act, the nation’s freight cabotage law. The president was responding to a statement from SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez during the gathering in Wilmington, Delaware. Tellez, who attended with MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and MM&P President Don Marcus, thanked the president for standing with American mariners throughout his career as a senator and vice president. He alerted Biden to new attacks being directed at the Jones Act in the wake of rising petroleum prices because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The maritime contingent noted recent news columns preposter- ously trying to claim the Jones Act as anti-American. Tellez also informed the president about the February announcement proposing an open registry in the U.S. Virgin Islands that would take away cargo from U.S.-flag ships and jobs from American mariners. Biden told Tellez, Rexha, Marcus and the other labor leaders he will continue to fight for American mariners and workers. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh also met with the union officials, numbering 39 in all and including AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. Biden thanked the labor officials for their support and outlined steps the administration has taken to help union members in the first year of the administration. Walsh spoke of the need to work collaboratively to empower American workers and underscored the president’s support for strong unions as key to the middle class. The group further discussed the unprecedented economic growth experienced in the U.S. and the addition of 678,000 jobs in February, along with a 3.8% drop in the unemployment rate. A total of 7.4 million jobs have been added since the start of the administration. Additionally, attendees touched on the administration’s wide range of accomplishments thus far when it comes to creating union jobs and protecting Davis-Bacon provisions, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the American Rescue Plan. The group echoed its thanks to the president, the secretary and administration officials for the historic investment the administration has made in American workers. Seafarers LOG 3 �CDC Updates Guidelines for Masks The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Feb. 25 significantly loosened its mask recommendations as part of updated guidance for coping with COVID-19. Under the new guidelines, more than 70 percent of the U.S. population resides in areas with “low” or “medium” COVID-19 community levels, meaning masks are not recommended for the general public. In areas with a “high” level, which at press time included about 30 percent of the U.S. population, masks would still be recommended in public indoor settings. Under the “medium” level, people at higher risk are encouraged to talk to their doctor about wearing a mask. A map which outlines current COVID- 19 Community levels nationwide is available on the CDC website (https://www.cdc. gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/ covid-by-county.html0). Following the CDC’s lead, the SIU on March 9 amended its COVID-19 policies to remove mask-wearing requirements at headquarters, the hiring halls and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. The change applies to all employees and visitors who are fully vaccinated and have received booster shots (if they are eligible to get a booster shot). Visitors who have vaccine exemptions or who, even though eligible to receive a booster shot, have chosen not to receive a booster, must present a recent negative test result and wear a mask State of the Union when entering all of the former locations. Masking in schools has been an area of heated debate around the country. Under the new CDC guidelines, universal masking in schools is now only recommended in areas with a “high” level. “Our new framework was rigorously evaluated, both with current data and retrospectively during the Alpha, Delta and Omicron waves, and these new metrics have demonstrative predictive capacity for weeks into the future,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Wilensky said during a media briefing on the new recommendations. “This new framework will provide the best way for us to judge what level of preventive measures may be needed in our communities,” she added. “If or when new Sponsors: Submarine Repair Bases Will Create Thousands of Union Jobs Editor’s note: The following article, lightly edited for local style, was written by Mark Gruenberg of the Press Associates Union News Service. The SIU and the Maritime Trades Department have endorsed the project; representatives from both organizations took part in the conference, hosted by the National Press Club. SIU President Michael Sacco addresses Seafarers and guests at the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. He covered numerous topics, including the union’s efforts to encourage faster document processing by the National Maritime Center; manpower obligations; maritime jobs in the wind-energy sector; the loosening of some pandemic restrictions; ongoing professionalism of SIU members; and more. Seafarers May Sign Up For Free Credit Monitoring, ID Protection Past May 31 As previously reported, Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) earlier this year informed the SIU and the Seafarers Plans that the company “was the target of a cyber intrusion” that may have involved current and former SIU members’ personal information. CHS in February mailed a letter to all potentially affected Seafarers. Recipients are asked to note that, although the letter specifies May 31 as the cutoff for enrolling in free credit monitoring and identity protection, individuals are able to elect those services even if they miss the deadline. People may still call the number listed in the letter after May 31, or contact CHS directly to elect credit monitoring and identity protection, at no charge. If members have any difficulty with this process, contact the SIU membership assistance office at (800) 252-4674, Option 2. As noted in the letter, there is no evidence that anyone’s personal information has been used inappropriately. More information is available on the SIU website, in the March edition of the Seafarers LOG and in the letter from CHS. 4 Seafarers LOG variants emerge or the virus surges, we have more ways to control the virus and protect ourselves and our communities than ever before.” In a related development, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on March 9 extended the mandate for mask use on public transportation and in transportation hubs through April 18. The mandate had been set to expire on March 18. According to TSA officials, the extension is based on a recommendation from the CDC. In a March 10 statement, the agency said the CDC will work on a “revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor.” Sponsors of a plan to build submarine repair bases in Northeastern Ohio, at Lordstown and Lorain, predict that when they’re up and fully running, they’ll create 4,000-5,000 full-time union jobs. And their prediction, at a panel discussion in Washington, D.C., announcing the proposed Bartlett Maritime Plan, doesn’t count up to 2,000 union construction jobs needed to build the bases, nor the spinoff of an estimated 41,000 ancillary jobs once those big shops are up and running. All the construction jobs, “including subcontracting jobs, will be 100% union labor,” pledged Edward Bartlett, a retired merchant marine captain and CEO of Bartlett Maritime Construction. His firm put together the plan. Groundbreaking on the planned American Naval Shipyard complex, split between the two cities, is expected in six months, after planning, plus hiring the first 30 apprentice trainees. Construction would take three to four years, in order to satisfy environmental rules. The two bases will be built with union-made steel and cement, Bartlett added. Bartlett’s firm decided on Northeastern Ohio due to its excellent transportation connections – expressways, railroads, Cleveland’s international airport, and especially Lake Erie – and surplus of available highly skilled metal trades workers, he explained. “The UAW trained them well,” before General Motors closed its Lordstown auto assembly plant in 2019, he elaborated. Ever since word of this project leaked “my email inbox has been full” with skilled workers asking when and where to apply. Speakers also emphasized that the new submarine repair bases are needed for national security. Repairs are far behind on the current 47-boat fleet, including some submarines more than 30 years old. Moreover, the Navy wants to expand the fleet by 50%, to 70 submarines. China and Russia notice how long and how many U.S. subs are laid up, one speaker added. “We have been the world’s dominant maritime power for years,” explained AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department President James Hart. “But America’s manufacturing base is diminishing,” and its current shipyards are 80% devoted to Navy construction and 20% to Jones Act ships needed for domestic trade. “We’ll need to build another shipyard to take care of this problem” of repairing and rehabbing submarines,” Hard said. “We can’t sit on our hands. China is building two shipyards right now. We can have all the ships in the world, but it matters how many you have that can go to sea.” Building the yards and staffing them with skilled craftspeople “gives those workers a hand up, not a hand out. We’re looking to put them to work,” added Lance Heasley, president of the Akron-based International Chemical Workers Union Council, a sector of the United Food and Commercial Workers. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez reinforced backing from the union and the MTD (where he also serves as an official). “Our attack subs and aircraft carriers are the most potent force projection weapons we have,” added retired Navy Rear Adm. Robert Frick. The two yards “will provide the most rapid effective solution” to repair problems, once they’re built, he explained. Repair drydocks aren’t cheap, said Bechtel Business Development Manager Rich Capitan, who spoke from the audience and, after the press conference, provided the construction and 41,000 ancillary job estimates. He added planned rehabilitation of one big sub drydock at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, alone will take five years and cost $20 million. The Pearl Harbor project illustrates another point: a construction worker shortage. Hawaiian building trades workers are working on Pearl Harbor, building a light rail system in Honolulu, and either rehabbing old city hotels there or building new ones, all at once. The state’s unions and contractors are discussing transferring union workers from the mainland U.S. One part of the submarine complex will be a Lordstown depot, employing 1,000 unionists. It’ll use part of the site of the old GM plant. Workers will maintain submarines’ weapons and equipment. The other will be the actual American Naval Shipyard in Lorain, employing at least 3,000 unionists. “It’ll be completely enclosed, all in a single building, to take weather issues out” of the equation, a consideration given winters along the southern shore of Lake Erie, said Bartlett. The American Naval Shipyard project will not cost the federal government any money, since financing will come from a public-private partnership. Ohio will provide funds from industrial development bonds and Goldman-Sachs will raise the cash for the Bartlett Maritime Corp., which put the deal together. At the end of a 30-year lease, the feds get the two yards. The American Naval Shipyard project will cost “multi-billions” of dollars, said panelist Bill Daley of Goldman-Sachs. It’ll be built by a public-private partnership with the state of Ohio using money from industrial development bonds while his firm raises the private funds. But the project still needs to show political backing. Sponsors rolled out a joint supportive letter from U.S. Sens. Rob Portman (D-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and three other Ohio lawmakers, all Democrats. One, Tim Ryan, a longtime union backer, as is Brown, seeks the Senate seat Portman is retiring from this year. The firm’s information packet includes a unanimous endorsement from the Lorain City Council. Lordstown Mayor Arno Hill, who also spoke, said that after GM left, “Everybody had the perfect project for us” to replace it, “but nobody had any money. This one does.” April 2022 �Forum Speakers Underscore Their Compelling Support for Jones Act America’s freight cabotage law – a vital source of U.S. maritime jobs – enjoys ongoing, strong support from the administration and from all components of the industry. That conclusion was a main takeaway following the 2022 Capital Link Jones Act and U.S.-Flag Shipping Forum, an online conference that took place Feb. 24-25. Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley gave the keynote speech on the forum’s first day. Panelists throughout the event included representatives from domestic shipyards, law firms, and Seafarers-contracted companies including Crowley Maritime; Matson; TOTE; Pasha; Overseas Shipholding Group; Seabulk; Great Lakes Dredge & Dock; American President Lines; Liberty Maritime; and Maersk Line, Limited. Lessley assured attendees that the administration’s support of American maritime is unwavering. “The Biden-Harris Administration is working on every front to support a strong U.S. Merchant Marine,” she said. “The administration is crystal clear that the U.S.-flagged fleet, including of course our Jones Act fleet, plays an essential role in both our national and our economic security. That is why, shortly after taking office, President Biden issued an executive order laying out his Made in America agenda. The order reaffirms what we have always known: The Jones Act is truly a ‘make it in America’ policy on our waterways.” She continued, “As you know, the Jones Act guarantees that cargoes moved between U.S. ports travel on vessels that are built, owned, and crewed by Americans. Because of the Jones Act, today, more than 40,000 vessels of all types, all built in the United States, ply our nation’s waterways, reliably delivering domestic passengers and goods to the places they need to be using the most fuel-efficient mode of transportation available.” The Jones Act, which has helped safeguard the nation for more than a century, “also ensures that we have strong domestic shipbuilding capability,” Lessley pointed out. “Our Jones Act fleet in turn supports more than 150 active shipyards that, according to a 2021 MARAD study, support nearly 400,000 jobs and generate $28.1 billion of annual labor income as well as more than $42 billion in GDP. taken to improve maritime workplace safety; and a formal Mariner Workforce Development Plan, which “will bolster safety, and support for both credentialed and prospective U.S. mariners based on several key goals, including supporting existing mariner workforce development programs, mariner education, and training institutions, and improving mariner workforce diversity and workplace safety,” Lessley stated. “This will be intended to nurture and grow a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, which is integral to the contiguous, non-contiguous, and international trade.” “The Biden-Harris Administration is working on every front to support a strong U.S. Merchant Marine.” – Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley “The Jones Act also supports a domestic merchant fleet of 96 ocean-going vessels crewed by thousands of highly skilled, unionized merchant mariners qualified to operate sealift assets for national defense needs,” she added. “The Jones Act is truly a cornerstone of our U.S. maritime industry and the Biden-Harris Administration is working hard to strengthen this industry by building on this essential foundation. And with new opportunity on the horizon, such as the emergence of offshore wind as a renewable energy source, the Jones Act remains poised to remain the cornerstone of our nation’s maritime industry into the foreseeable future.” She also discussed the America’s Marine Highways Program; investment in ports across the country; steps being Newly elected American Maritime Partnership (AMP) President Ku’uhaku Park also addressed the forum. (The SIU is an AMP affiliate.) “I’m happy to report that overall support for the Jones Act in Congress and the administration has never been higher than it is today,” he said. “An overwhelming majority of the Members of Congress in both parties and in both chambers support the Jones Act. In addition to the Congress, this administration is extremely supportive of the Jones Act. President Biden strongly supported the Jones Act during the campaign and then reiterated his strong support publicly almost immediately upon taking office.” He underscored the Jones Act’s importance: “The Jones Act is the fundamen- tal law of our business, underpinning an industry that supports nearly 650,000 family-wage jobs and provides more than $150 billion in economic value every year. Labor income for the exceptional mariners and other workers in this industry totals about $40 billion annually. There are about 40,000 vessels in the U.S. domestic fleet – one of the largest domestic fleets in the world.” Park said the rationale for backing the law remains quite sound. “Historically, the Jones Act has enjoyed support for three reasons: national security, homeland security and economic security,” he said. “Senior military officials and senior homeland officials have consistently talked about the importance of the Jones Act to the security of our nation…. It is not lost on our elected leaders that repealing the Jones Act would be outsourcing our nation’s jobs and security.” He said an additional reason “for the strong support today is the supply chain crisis, which has reminded us all in vivid ways that reliable transportation is not an academic point. The recent supply chain crisis has really underscored the importance of a reliable domestic maritime industry, particularly in the U.S. non-contiguous trades. Today, as you all know, America faces one of its worst supply chain disruptions ever for containerized cargoes…. It is a dismal picture with one bright spot: the performance of the U.S. domestic maritime industry…. Additionally, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, international carriers canceled more than 500 trans-Pacific sailings. In contrast, Jones Act carriers have provided uninterrupted service and maintained a lifeline to many states and communities.” Louisiana Senator Introduces Bipartisan American Offshore Worker Fairness Legislation U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-Louisiana) recently introduced the American Offshore Worker Fairness Act. This bill, cosponsored in the House by Reps. Garret Graves (R-Louisiana) and John Garamendi (D-California), provides a level playing field between U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels working in offshore energy activities in U.S. waters, according to its proponents. “U.S. and Louisiana mariners and maritime companies lose when foreign vessels, which do not pay U.S. taxes, business taxes or payroll taxes, take advantage of loopholes to hire foreign workers for half the cost,” said Cassidy. “This bill … gives the American worker a fair shot.” The proposed changes also improve the oversight of foreign-flag vessels and the mariners who work on them. “Our bipartisan bill closes an egregious Jones Act loophole so that foreign-flagged vessels are held to the same high standards as U.S.-flagged vessels developing our nation’s offshore energy resources, including for offshore wind projects,” said Garamendi. “As the former Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I know that American workers and U.S.-flagged vessels are ready, willing, and able to do this work.” April 2022 Graves stated, “Louisiana has a great opportunity with this bipartisan legislation to bring more jobs to the Gulf region and make sure there are good job opportunities in Louisiana. Other countries are taking advantage of using foreign vessels and workers operating in U.S. waters. This is not a level playing field, not putting America first, and we need to close this loophole. This bill takes us a step closer to bringing parity to the market. I look forward to working with my colleagues in ensuring an American workforce produces America’s energy and promotes our way of life in south Louisiana.” “The Shipbuilders Council of America and the 400,000 men and women in our domestic shipbuilding workforce strongly support the American Offshore Worker Fairness Act,” said Matthew Paxton, president of the council. “This commonsense, bipartisan legislation closes a loophole that has long been exploited by foreign competitors to undercut America’s maritime workforce. We applaud the efforts of Senator Cassidy, Representative Graves, and Representative Garamendi in showing leadership by standing up for the men and women of America’s maritime industry.” “On a level playing field, U.S. vessels and U.S. merchant mariners can compete with any anyone on the planet. However, we cannot compete with mariners making Sen. Bill Cassidy (R) Louisiana Rep. Garret Graves (R) Louisiana far less than what any U.S. citizen would or should accept,” said Offshore Marine Service Association President Aaron Smith. “The American Offshore Worker Fairness Act closes this loophole and ensures that when foreign vessels operate in U.S. waters, they play by our rules and pay U.S.-level wages. As such, we wholeheartedly endorse this legislation and applaud Dr. Cassidy for all he is doing to help Louisiana mariners.” As stated in the “Frequently Asked Questions” that was issued by Cassidy’s office alongside the bill, “U.S. mariners are already serving on U.S.-owned/U.S.flagged and U.S.-owned/foreign-flagged, and even in some very rare cases foreignowned/foreign-flagged subsea construction vessels. This class of vessels perform very technical and demanding work within the offshore industry so know U.S. mariners can do this work. Further, the U.S. merchant marine is highly skilled and qualified, and the U.S. has some of Rep. John Garamendi (D) California the best maritime training schools in the world, thus, there is no reason to think that additional U.S. mariners cannot be trained to conduct this work.” The American Offshore Worker Fairness Act would: n Require the U.S. Coast Guard to inspect these vessels annually to ensure compliance with this law and that the crew members on these vessels secure TWIC cards from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. n Require mariners on foreign-flagged vessels be either U.S. citizens or citizens of the nation where the vessel is flagged. n Limit the number of visas that could be issued to crew of each foreign vessel to 2.5 times the number of crewmembers on that vessel. This would allow for regular crew shift changes. n Require foreign vessels prove their ownership on an annual basis. The full text of the bill is available online. Seafarers LOG 5 �Deadline Extended Recruiting in the Beaver State Some Pensioners Remain Eligible to Resume Sailing SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp (front, second from left) is pictured with students at the Tongue Point (Oregon) Job Corps Center, visiting with aspiring mariners in mid-March. In recent years, some of the graduates have joined the SIU and shipped out. “These young mariners have represented our port well, and we continue to recruit from this program,” Asp said. A recent trustee action lengthens the opportunity for some SIU pensioners to resume sailing. Seafarers Pension Plan (SPP) Trustees, in an effort to recruit qualified mariners, announced in 2021 that pensioners who had retired within the last five years could to return to work with an SIU-contracted employer without having their pension benefits suspended. This development required relaxing some formal regulations of the SPP through the end of last year. Now, those regulations won’t be enforced at least through June 30, 2022 – which means eligible pensioners may resume (or continue) sailing. According to a memo from an SPP subcommittee, “This waiver of the suspension rules only applies to those pensioners who have retired within the last five years. Deep-sea seamen can return to covered employment for an unlimited period of time during this period. Inland boatman can return to covered employment for a period of 90 days per calendar year. All pensioners returning to covered employment must sail above entry level and comply with all the requisites of the Shipping Rules, if applicable, or any contractual provisions contained in a collective bargaining agreement.” Pensioners returning to work under these provisions will maintain the seniority level they enjoyed at the time of their retirement. In the initial communication from last year (which still holds true), the trustees noted, “This trustee action allows eligible pensioners to continue collecting their full monthly pension benefits, earn the wage rates specified in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and, if you are receiving a wage related pension benefit, you could also earn additional $15 increments for every 120 days of covered employment for which you work. In addition, if you resume employment and work for 90 days, you will become eligible for active seafarer benefits from the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan and your claims would be processed in accordance with those rules.” Interested pensioners are asked to contact their local port agent for more information. Spotlight on Mariner Health Preventing, Treating High Cholesterol Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. High cholesterol can be a result of diet, lifestyle (including smoking), and/or genetics. Without testing, it is difficult to determine if a person has high cholesterol, because there are no symptoms. However, having elevated cholesterol levels may increase an individual’s risk of heart attack, stroke and other complications. Cholesterol is a fatty molecule needed by cells in order to function. It is produced by the liver but also may be acquired from the foods a person eats. The term “high cholesterol” refers to the amount of cholesterol circulating through the blood at any given time. High cholesterol usually is diagnosed by a blood test. A doctor will order a lipid panel to measure low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and cholesterol levels. If results are high, the doctor will decide whether to recommend medications. Lifestyle changes also may be in order. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), LDL, sometimes called “bad” cholesterol, makes up most of your body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke. HDL, or “good” cholesterol, absorbs cholesterol 6 Seafarers LOG and carries it back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that routine cholesterol screenings for adults after age 20 be conducted yearly or more often if results continue to be high. High cholesterol can cause fatty deposits or plaque to build up inside of the arteries, especially in the brain, kidneys and heart. When this happens, blood flow is diminished or it may stop completely, leading to any number of complications. Maintaining a healthful diet rich in fiber, vegetables, limited red meat and processed foods can help keep cholesterol levels in check. So can exercising, drinking more water and fewer sodas and alcohol. Medications can be helpful for those with high cholesterol. They include statins; cholesterol absorption inhibitors; bempedoic acid (Nexletol); bile-acid-binding resins; and others. Statins, perhaps the most commonly known medication for high cholesterol, block a substance the liver needs to make cholesterol. This causes the liver to remove cholesterol from a person’s blood. According to the Mayo Clinic, choices include atorvastatin (Lipitor), fluvastatin (Lescol), lovastatin (Altoprev), pitavastatin (Livalo), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and simvastatin (Zocor). Healthy Recipe Chicken Bruschetta Servings: 24 Ingredients 6 1/2 pounds chicken breast without skin 2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning 6 teaspoons kosher salt 12 cups roma tomato, diced 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaf, thinly sliced 3 cups sweet onion, diced 12 teaspoons garlic, minced 18 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, salad dressing Preparation Preheat grill to 350 F. Combine tomatoes, onion, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar dressing. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes. Can be refrigerated while chicken is cooking. Season the chicken with salt and Mrs. Dash, and grill or pan-fry until well done (internal temp of 165 F). Cut chicken into slices and top with bruschetta mixture in 2” hotel pan. Serve hot. Nutritional Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 227 Calories; 12g Fat (46.3% calories from fat): 24g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 57mg Cholesterol; 543mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat: 1 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship April 2022 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Training with the Troops “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 14 - March15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15. Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups Port The Seafarers-crewed USNS Dahl (pictured above) teamed up with members of the U.S. Air Force 33rd Recue Squadron in Kadena, Japan, to conduct deck landing qualifications aboard the Patriot-operated vessel in the Philippine Sea in early February as part of Exercise Cope North 22. The operation is a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise that includes Australian, Japanese and U.S. forces, according to the U.S. Navy. The Dahl is part of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3; it strategically “places containerized and palletized cargo throughout the Indo-Pacific Region for all U.S. Armed Services, including the Air Force,” the Navy reports. (Photo by Second Mate Garrett Flottman) Update on SIU Text Alerts Beginning April 28, 2022, individuals who have signed up for SIU text alerts will receive messages from a new number: (412) 899-8989. (The prior number is 97779.) No action is required to maintain an existing subscription. The change is due to new industry regulations that essentially are mandating a move to a “10-digit long code” (abbreviated as 10DLC) for organizations that send text messages. In accordance with legal requirements, subscribers will receive a “goodbye” message from 97779 (which will read, “The SIU is changing numbers. You’ll hear from 4128998989 after this. No action required by you to remain subscribed.”). Then, they’ll get a “hello” message from the new number, which will read: “SIU: Welcome to our new number. Thanks for being part of our mobile news network.” All of our opt-in keywords will remain unchanged. To sign up for alerts, text the word “join” to 97779 before April 28, or text “join” to (412) 899-8989 after April 28. April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................................Monday: April 4, May 2 Algonac..............................................Friday: April 8, May 6 Baltimore.....................................Thursday: April 7, May 5 Guam..........................................Thursday: April 21, May 19 A B All Groups C A Jacksonville........................................Thursday: April 7, May 5 Joliet............................................Thursday: April 14, May12 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: April 13, May 11 New Orleans......................................Tuesday: April 12, May 10 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: April 5, May 3 Norfolk...............................................Friday: April 8, May 6 Oakland...........................................Thursday: April 14, May 12 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: April 6, May 4 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: April 14, May 12 San Juan...........................................Thursday: April 7, May 5 St. Louis................................................Friday: April 15, May 13 Tacoma...............................................Friday: April 22, May 20 Wilmington.......................................Monday: April 18, May 16 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m C Reliefs All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 19 4 1 18 5 9 3 33 32 29 2 6 17 16 1 1 2 20 4 28 250 6 3 3 5 1 6 1 15 18 4 2 4 9 2 4 1 4 3 0 12 103 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 5 2 4 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 22 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 3 10 1 3 5 4 20 8 1 2 10 4 0 3 4 12 0 15 110 1 1 0 3 2 2 4 4 13 3 1 0 10 1 2 3 2 2 1 2 57 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 0 4 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 18 Engine Department 3 2 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 5 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 2 2 0 6 9 0 13 13 2 4 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 7 11 4 3 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 3 3 0 5 2 1 2 0 0 14 2 0 74 56 10 1 0 2 1 0 2 2 3 9 2 0 0 6 1 0 0 2 2 1 6 40 6 0 3 12 0 5 12 19 28 12 3 6 10 9 2 1 8 17 4 21 178 1 1 0 5 1 2 5 10 19 8 1 2 11 7 3 4 2 5 2 11 100 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 5 1 1 0 5 2 0 0 0 1 0 2 23 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 1 10 1 2 5 15 23 5 1 0 14 11 0 2 2 7 0 20 121 5 1 0 4 1 0 1 9 13 0 0 5 15 6 1 2 6 3 0 5 77 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 5 1 0 0 1 2 1 5 0 1 0 0 19 Steward Department 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 2 1 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 8 3 0 15 10 4 6 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 11 6 0 7 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 2 4 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 15 7 0 85 43 10 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 10 0 0 1 6 3 0 3 1 3 0 9 43 4 0 2 17 1 3 6 20 28 16 3 6 20 22 0 4 3 14 1 26 196 6 1 0 7 1 0 2 11 22 5 0 6 15 9 1 2 5 4 1 10 108 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 1 4 0 1 0 1 16 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 15 10 0 2 2 0 1 2 11 22 9 1 0 12 2 1 3 0 10 0 9 97 5 0 1 1 0 1 1 13 50 16 0 0 30 7 3 9 1 8 0 3 149 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 Entry Department 10 2 1 0 2 1 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 9 5 13 26 4 7 0 0 0 0 7 17 2 2 0 3 2 5 0 1 7 5 0 0 7 5 68 83 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 11 1 0 0 2 0 0 3 1 4 0 1 27 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 2 23 13 5 0 3 0 4 6 8 38 18 2 0 16 8 1 2 0 15 0 13 152 6 1 0 2 0 1 3 18 91 25 2 2 29 7 0 11 0 14 0 10 222 334 208 337 194 823 535 314 GRAND TOTAL: 496 April 2022 B Trip Deck Department 14 4 0 0 1 1 2 2 0 20 5 0 0 0 0 5 5 0 1 0 0 29 13 4 25 17 1 15 7 5 2 0 0 5 0 1 9 12 3 9 3 1 2 4 0 1 1 0 6 1 0 11 4 0 5 0 1 13 10 2 174 89 19 Honolulu...........................................Friday: April 15, May 13 Houston.........................................Monday: April 11, May 9 Registered on Beach 256 122 4 2 1 9 0 2 0 9 19 9 0 1 5 2 2 2 0 7 0 10 84 32 5 4 36 6 20 7 52 59 55 1 9 31 26 1 1 8 26 1 46 426 7 5 3 15 1 8 4 26 34 15 3 8 13 4 3 1 3 5 2 15 175 2 0 0 8 0 1 0 11 10 3 0 1 7 1 1 1 0 5 0 2 53 Seafarers LOG 7 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are some things you like about this school? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Kristyn White Chief Cook You’re learning as you go. What you do here is what you’re going to do on the ship. This is my first time here; everybody is so respectful, and they give positive feedback. It’s going really well. Ahmed Hussain GVA Everything is good at the school. There’s a lot of support here; anything we need, we get it. This is my second time here. My experience here has been very good. Wordell Prescott QMED The instructors are awesome, including the welding instructor, Chris Raley. I feel like I’m a better welder since I’ve taken his class. This is my third time here. All of the practical training we get is very useful for shipboard life. Mery Koch Chief Cook I like the knowledge of the chief cooks here and the teacher, Paul (Gelrud). He’s amazing. The passion he puts into the class is great. We’re encouraged to do our best and keep learning. Daniel Leon QMED The courses are very informative and they really help us out. Welding is a good example; I used to weld, but I wasn’t that good. After taking the class, I improved. I’ve been here four times. Charlene Briggs Chief Cook I like the sense of community – the feeling that the school belongs to all of us. It’s a great place to upgrade. There are good chefs and good instructors here. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 The Sea-Land Defender joined the SIU-crewed fleet in 1980, when this snapshot was taken. Constructed in Japan, the dieselpowered vessel was 745 feet long and had a service speed of 22 knots. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 8 Seafarers LOG April 2022 �PRESIDENT TOUTS INFRASTRUCTURE BILL – SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak represented the union Feb. 17 during a visit by President Biden to Lorain, Ohio. Biden highlighted the numerous expected benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed last year. The group photo at left includes (from left) Brdak, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) and Leonard DiCosimo, President, Cleveland Federation of Musicians Local 4. Brdak is in the foreground of the selfie, while the president is at the podium. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALASKANS – The SIU has a long history of providing maritime career opportunities for citizens from the Last Frontier, and that tradition is alive and well. Pictured at the Anchorage hall (photo at left) are future mariner Faith Wood, who recently began the apprentice program in Piney Point, Maryland, and (photo at right) Clayton Laulainen. At press time, Laulainen was awaiting his start date for the apprentice program. A-BOOK IN JACKSONVILLE – Chief Cook Olive Stewart-Paul (center) picks up her A-book. She’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolmen Eddie Pittman (left) and Adam Bucalo. April 2022 WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Recertified Bosun Marc Marcus (right), pictured with SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul at the hiring hall, receives his first pension check. Marcus started sailing with the SIU in 1971. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – AB Virgilio Fucanan (center) visits the hiring hall to pick up his first pension check. His wife, Fermilia, is at left, while SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick is at right. Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU TALKING MARITIME WITH REP. CRIST – The hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, hosted a labor “meet and greet” Feb. 16 for U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Florida), who’s running for governor of Florida. Also in attendance was Dr. Tracye Polson, who’s running for an at-large seat on the Jacksonville City Council. In photo above, Crist (left) poses with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. The congressman also is in the remaining photos – greeting Chief Storekeeper Lisa Curtis (far right) and AB Timothy Brock (immediate right). HONORED BY PORT COUNCIL – SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (second from left) has been active with the San Francisco Bay Area and Vicinity Port Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department) since 1990. At a meeting March 9 in San Francisco, the council saluted him with a plaque and best wishes as he transfers to New Orleans. Pictured from left are SUP President Dave Connolly (who also serves as port council president), Celona, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski (port council VP), and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook John Bennett (second from right) is pictured at the hiring hall while receiving his first pension check. He started sailing with the SIU in 1978. Standing with him are (from left) Administrative Assistant Dylan Rivera, Patrolman Kathy Chester and Port Agent J.B. Niday. B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – OS Matthew Conley (left) receives his full B-book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak is at right. 10 Seafarers LOG SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS – The USNS John Lenthall (left) sails next to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush during an underway replenishment March 4 in the Atlantic Ocean. The Lenthall’s crew includes CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bryan Valek) April 2022 �WITH SEAFARERS IN SAN JUAN – SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo submitted these photos, taken at the hiring hall. ABW Alexis Figueroa is pictured in photo at left, displaying his first SIU discharge following completion of a 120-day tour aboard the USNS Invincible (Crowley). (He previously sailed with the Military Sealift Command.) In photo at center, QEE/3rd Asst. Engineer Jose Encarnacion (left) stops by the hall with his wife and their daughter following the Seafarer’s full tour aboard the USNS Montford Point (Ocean Shipholdings). Chief Steward Kevin Valentin is at left in photo directly above, with Crespo. Valentin is holding the shipping card for his first steward relief job, aboard the USNS Soderman (Patriot). The photo at right includes ABW Angel Pagan (right) and Crespo. Pagan, a four-year member who’d just finished a long tour aboard the SLNC Goodwill (Chesapeake Crewing), noted, “The SIU has been a life-changing experience for me, my wife and my two daughters.” At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ATB COURAGE – Pictured aboard the Crowley vessel are (from left) Second Mate Ernesto Rios Pratt and AB/Tankerman Sean Leeson. ABOARD OVERSEAS CHINOOK – SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala (right in photo at left) submitted these snapshots from the OSG vessel. He’s pictured with AB/Tankerman Carlos Avila. The other photo at right includes Avila and SA Mujahed Mosa. GETTING OUT THE VOTE – Seafarers team up with other trade unionists in Houston to “block walk” for pro-labor candidates ahead of recent elections. April 2022 Seafarers LOG 11 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA LOUIE ACERIDANO Brother Louie Aceridano, 71, started his career with the union in 2006 when he shipped on the Green Ridge. A steward department member, he most recently sailed on the Resolve. Brother Aceridano makes his home in Burien, Washington. BENJAMIN ADVINCULA Brother Benjamin Advincula, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Advincula most recently sailed on the Buffalo. He makes his home in Port Jefferson Station, New York. FAUSTO ARANDA Brother Fausto Aranda, 66, joined the SIU in 1994, when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Aranda’s final vessel was the Bay State. He is a resident of Richmond, Texas. JAMES ATWELL Brother James Atwell, 52, began sailing with the union in 1994. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Humacao. Brother Atwell upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and most recently sailed on the Cape Rise. He lives in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. CHRISTOPHER BEATON Brother Christopher Beaton, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1979, first sailing aboard the Tam Guilden. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several 12 Seafarers LOG occasions. Brother Beaton last sailed on the USNS Gordon. He resides in Palm Bay, Florida. REX BOLIN Brother Rex Bolin, 61, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1977 when he shipped on the Charleston. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Bolin’s final vessel was the Cape Diamond. He resides in Port Charlotte, Florida. CURTIS BURKS Brother Curtis Burks, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1986, initially sailing on the USNS Chauvenet. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2016. Brother Burks most recently shipped on the USNS Seay and lives in Houston. FLORENTINO CABALLERO Brother Florentino Caballero, 72, began sailing with the union in 1998 when he worked aboard the USNS Yano. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Caballero last sailed on the Agate. He lives in the Bronx, New York. THOMAS CASEY Brother Thomas Casey, 68, joined the SIU in 1974 when he sailed with Inland Tugs. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Casey concluded his career on the Northerly Island and makes his home in St. Louis. DENIS COSSIO Brother Denis Cossio, 71, signed on with the union in 1996. He first sailed aboard the Liberty Spirit and worked in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Cossio upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Saratoga and is a resident of Port Washington, New York. LAWRENCE CROFT Brother Lawrence Croft, 60, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1981, initially shipping with G&H Towing. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Croft last shipped aboard the USNS Pollux. He lives in Dickinson, Texas. WILLIAM GROW Brother William Grow, 61, donned the SIU colors in 1998. He first sailed aboard the USNS Prevail, and worked in the steward department. Brother Grow upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Manulani and is a resident of Fallbrook, California. JEROME JORDAN Brother Jerome Jordan, 63, began his career with the SIU in 1981. A steward department member, he initially sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Jordan upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the American Liberty and resides in Jacksonville, Florida. MIKE KIFLE Brother Mike Kifle, 66, started sailing with the union in 1989, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Kifle concluded his career aboard the USNS Fisher and settled in Houston. KENNETH KOONTZ Brother Kenneth Koontz, 61, joined the union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the McDonnell. He was a member of the engine department and last shipped aboard the Sumner in 2003. Brother Koontz lives in Lemoore, California. FRANK MARTIN Brother Frank Martin, 68, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1987. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the steward department. Brother Martin’s first vessel was the Kauai; his last, the John U.D. Page. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Tennessee. JAMES MCCORMICK Brother James McCormick, 69, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1975, initially sailing aboard the SeaLand Market. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother McCormick’s final vessel was the Oregon. He resides in Kirtland, Ohio. AHMED MIHAKEL Brother Ahmed Mihakel, 64, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He initially shipped on the Point Julie and was a deck department member. Brother Mihakel upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the American Endurance and resides in Costa Mesa, California. DAVID MOE Brother David Moe, 68, started his career with the Seafarers in 2003 and first sailed aboard the Green Mountain State. A deck department member, Brother Moe last shipped on the Observation Island. He makes his home in Toledo, Oregon. MELVIN NELSON Brother Melvin Nelson, 63, signed on with the union in 1995. He initially sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company and worked in the engine department. Brother Nelson upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Honor and is a resident of Cypress, Texas. DANA PARADISE Brother Dana Paradise, 62, joined the SIU in 1979 and first sailed on the El Paso Cove Point. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the steward department. Brother Paradise most recently sailed on the Overseas Santorini and makes his home in Fall River, Massachusetts. JOHN PARKHURST Brother John Parkhurst, 69, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1988. He first shipped on the Rover and sailed in the engine department. Brother Parkhurst upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Resolve and calls Garland, Texas, home. MICHAEL RUETER Brother Michael Rueter, 56, began sailing with the SIU in 1991. He sailed in the engine department and first shipped on the Sealift Arctic. Brother Rueter upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the SBX and lives in Athens, Texas. HERNAN SANGA Brother Hernan Sanga, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2001, first sailing aboard the Mokihana. He was a steward department member and last shipped on the Meteor. Brother Sanga resides in Carson, California. SAIDU SESAY Brother Saidu Sesay, 68, joined the union in 2001. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Sesay’s first vessel was the Gem State; his last, the Maersk Kinloss. He makes his home in Houston. NATIVIDAD SUAZO Brother Natividad Suazo, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2003 when he worked on the Continued on next page April 2022 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Continued from Page 12 Sulphur Enterprise. A deck department member, Brother Suazo concluded his career on the Magnolia State. He lives in New Orleans. JACK WALKER Brother Jack Walker, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing with OLS Transport. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Walker last shipped aboard the Liberator and resides in San Clemente, California. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Gilliland. Brother X lives in Fairfield, Alabama. GREAT LAKES JAMES FISHER Brother James Fisher, 71, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1974. He initially sailed on the Southdown Challenger and was a deck department member. Brother Fisher last shipped aboard the St. Clair and resides in Harbor Springs, Michigan. RICHARD METCALF WALLACE WILLIAM Brother Wallace William, 57, signed on with the union in 1995. He first sailed aboard the USNS Able and worked in the deck department. Brother William upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Green Bay and is a resident of Tampa, Florida. Brother Richard Metcalf, 65, joined the union in 1979 and first sailed on the Monticello. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Metcalf last sailed on the American Republic. He settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan. JOHN WAGNER BEVERLY WILLIAMS Sister Beverly Williams, 70, embarked on her career with the SIU in 2000, initially sailing aboard the USNS Assertive. She upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and primarily shipped in the deck department. Sister Williams last sailed on the Evergreen State. She calls Crystal River, Florida, home. Brother John Wagner, 67, started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 when he shipped on the Paul Thayer. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year of membership. Brother Wagner’s final vessel was the William Roesch. He makes his home in Girard, Pennsylvania. ELIJAH X Brother Elijah X, 65, signed on with the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Sealift Pacific. April 2022 Hall Center. Brother Konjoian worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Port Charlotte, Florida. SIDNEI BARBOZA ERNEST LEE Brother Sidnei Barboza, 62, signed on with the union in 2002, initially sailing aboard the USNS Brittin. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Barboza last sailed aboard the Vision and settled in Miami. Brother Ernest Lee, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991 when he sailed on the American Cormorant. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2014. Brother Lee’s final vessel was the Legend. He makes his home in Gretna, Louisiana. ROBERT CHAPMAN Brother Robert Chapman, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2007. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Chapman was employed by Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He lives in Currituck, North Carolina. INLAND MICHAEL ALLEN Brother Michael Allen, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1995. An engine department member, he was employed by Westbank Riverboat Services for most of his career. Brother Allen is a resident of Meraux, Louisiana. Brother Fulgencio Anaviatate Santiago, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977 when he shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point Brother Mario Luis, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996 when he sailed with American Marine Corporation. He sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for duration of his career. Brother Luis lives in Kailua, Hawaii. DARRYL NELSON Brother Ronald Dortch, 70, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1973. He was a deck department member and worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother Dortch resides in East Brewton, Alabama. Brother Darryl Nelson, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He first shipped on the Beaver State and worked in the deck department. Brother Nelson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked on the Dodge Island and resides in Mobile, Alabama. FRANK GILL Brother Frank Gill, 67, signed on with the union in 1979. He first sailed aboard the Santa Maria and was a member of the deck department. Brother Gill upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2003. He was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Long Beach, California. Brother William Kelch, 66, joined the SIU in 1977. He was first employed by G&H Towing and sailed in the deck department. Brother Kelch upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation and resides in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. STEVEN KONJOIAN FULGENCIO ANAVIATATE SANTIAGO MARIO LUIS RONALD DORTCH WILLIAM KELCH KEVIN WIMBLEY Brother Kevin Wimbley, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2006 when he sailed on the Black Eagle. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Wimbley most recently shipped on the Liberty and makes his home in Rexford, Montana. school in 1989. Brother Anaviatate Santiago was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Puerto Rico. Brother Steven Konjoian, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2003. A deck department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul MARSHALL NOVACK Brother Marshall Novack, 67, signed on with the union in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and initially worked aboard the Erna Elizabeth. Brother Novack upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Laguna Hills, California. Center. He concluded his career with G&H Towing and resides in Corpus Christi, Texas. JOHN SARES Brother John Sares, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1991, initially sailing on the Cape Charles. An engine department member, he last sailed aboard the Mississippi Queen. Brother Sares is a resident of Skokie, Illinois. MICHAEL TRAUGHBER Brother Michael Traughber, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1979 when he shipped on the Overseas Washington. He was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Southbay Barge. Brother Traughber makes his home in San Pedro, California. JOHN WOZUNK Brother John Wozunk, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed with American Towing and Transportation. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1979. Brother Wozunk concluded his career working for Crowley. He lives in Blackwood, New Jersey. PAUL WYLEMSKI Brother Paul Wylemski, 63, signed on with the union in 1995. He initially sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Wylemski upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. He last worked for Penn Maritime and makes his home in Newington, Georgia. JACK PEGRAM Brother Jack Pegram, 59, joined the SIU in 1987. He was a deck department member and first shipped aboard the Manhattan Island. Brother Pegram upgraded often at the Paul Hall Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MILES BLACK Pensioner Miles Black, 77, died January 3. He signed on with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Manhattan. Brother Black was an engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked for Cargotec Services and went on pension in 2006. Brother Black lived in Mount Lake Terrace, Washington. JOSEPH BOURGEOIS Pensioner Joseph Bourgeois, 97, passed away January 19. He joined the union in 1942 and first sailed aboard the Henry Baldwin. A deck department member, Brother Bourgeois last shipped on the Pioneer and retired in 1985. He made his home in Citrus Springs, Florida. GREGORY BROYLES Brother Gregory Broyles, 58, died December 2. Born in Los Angeles, he started sailing with the SIU in 1989. Brother Broyles was a steward department member and first shipped on the Independence. He most recently sailed aboard the Mahi Mahi and resided in Norman, Oklahoma. DAVID CLAYPOOL Brother David Claypool, 60, passed away December 13. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1994, initially sailing aboard the USNS Bellatrix. Brother Claypool sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Advantage in 2006 and called Kingman, Arizona, home. CARLOS EBANKS Pensioner Carlos Ebanks, 82, died December 22. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2001. Brother Ebanks was a deck department member and worked on the Keystone Texas for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2010 and settled in Marrero, Louisiana. SYLVESTER FURTADO Pensioner Sylvester Furtado, 101, 14 Seafarers LOG passed away January 15. He donned the SIU colors as a charter member in 1939. Brother Furtado was a member of the deck department and first shipped aboard the Robin Doncaster. He last sailed aboard the Del Viento before retiring in 1982. Brother Furtado resided in Williamsport, Maryland. HENRY HAYES Pensioner Henry Hayes, 78, died January 4. A steward department member, he started sailing with the union in 1990. Brother Hayes’s first vessel was the USNS Pollux; his last, the USNS Loyal. He went on pension in 2008 and made his home in Mobile, Alabama. ADEL IRANI Brother Adel Irani, 56, has passed away. Born in India, he embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1999. Brother Irani initially sailed aboard the Global Sentinel. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and most recently sailed on the Maersk Kinloss. Brother Irani was a resident of Torrance, California. RALPH KIRBY Pensioner Ralph Kirby, 72, died January 16. He joined the SIU in 1989 when he sailed on the John Paul Bobo. Brother Kirby shipped in the deck department and concluded his career on the Freedom. He became a pensioner in 2014 and lived in Port Charlotte, Florida. ERIC MANLEY Pensioner Eric Manley, 58, passed away February 1. He first sailed with the SIU in 1987, initially working on the Gemini. A steward department member, Brother Manley last shipped on the Cape Intrepid. He retired in 2018 and was a resident of Shelton, Washington. KENNETH SMITH Pensioner Kenneth Smith, 77, passed away January 4. He joined the SIU in 1986, initially sailing aboard the USNS Assurance. Brother Smith was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Heezen. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Honolulu. WILLIAM SMITH Pensioner William Smith, 84, died January 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1978. A steward department member, Brother Smith first shipped aboard the Manukai. After concluding his career aboard the Reliance, he went on pension in 2002. Brother Smith was a Honolulu resident. SANTOS THOMAS Pensioner Santos Thomas, 72, passed away October 1. He signed on with the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Chilbar. Brother Thomas sailed in the steward department and most recently shipped aboard the USNS Watkins. He retired in 2016 and settled in the Bronx, New York. EDDY USMANY Pensioner Eddy Usmany, 81, died January 7. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1986. Brother Usmany initially shipped aboard the USNS Bowditch and worked in the steward department. He became a pensioner in 2009 after sailing on his final vessel, the Yorktown Express. Brother Usmany made his home in Palm Coast, Florida. EMERSON WALKER Pensioner Emerson Walker, 92, passed away February 5. He began his career with the SIU in 1965 when he sailed on the Iberville. Brother Walker shipped in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed by Sealand and retired in 1994. Brother Walker lived in La Habra, California. GREAT LAKES EDWARD KRAUSE Pensioner Edward Krause, 96, died January 9. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1946. Brother Krause was a deck department member. He worked for Erie Navigation for the duration of his career and retired in 1988. Brother Krause called Sandusky, Ohio, home. NICKOLAS VERBANAC Pensioner Nickolas Verbanac, 94, passed away December 30. He joined the SIU in 1961 and first sailed aboard the J.A. Kling. Brother Verbanac was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the J.A.W. Iglehart and retired in 1997. Brother Verbanac made his home in Toledo, Ohio. INLAND BRUCE BEAM Pensioner Bruce Beam, 70, died January 13. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2004. Sailing in the engine department, Brother Beam worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2019 and resided in La Marque, Texas. IVEY BROWN Pensioner Ivey Brown, 81, passed away January 3. He began sailing with the union in 1958, initially working aboard the Del Monte. A deck department member, Brother Brown was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He became a pensioner in 2003 and settled in Youngstown, Florida. MARY HOPKINS Pensioner Mary Hopkins, 78, died January 8. She embarked on her career with the SIU in 1998 when she worked with Orgulf Transport. Sister Hopkins was a steward department member and continued working for the same company for the duration of her career. She retired in 2008 and made her home in Odessa, Missouri. WILLIAM JUSTI Pensioner William Justi, 92, passed away January 30. A steward department member, he joined the union in 1975, initially working for Tug Management Corp. Brother Justi’s final vessel was the Abby G. He became a pensioner in 2010 and lived in Spring Hill, Florida. TIMOTHY MACRURY Pensioner Timothy MacRury, 66, died January 13. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1976 when he sailed with H&M Lake Transport. Brother Ma- cRury sailed in both the deck and steward departments. He last worked for OLS Transport and began collecting his pension in 2020. Brother MacRury resided in Port Huron, Michigan. KENNETH MCLAMB Pensioner Kenneth McLamb, 69, passed away January 22. He donned the SIU colors in 1980 and initially sailed on the Overseas Joyce. Brother McLamb was a member of the deck department and most recently sailed aboard the Legacy in 2016. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Waynesville, North Carolina. DOUGLAS PARKER Pensioner Douglas Parker, 66, died November 29. He embarked on his career with the union in 1974. Brother Parker sailed in the deck department and was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation for most of his career. He most recently sailed in 1986, went on pension in 2018 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. DEWEY ROUTH Pensioner Dewey Routh, 95, passed away January 28. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1976, initially working for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Routh was a deck department member. He last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. JOHN THOMAS Pensioner John Thomas, 89, died December 31. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1970 when he worked with Steuart Transportation. Brother Thomas was an engine department member. He was last employed by STC Peggy S Corporation and went on pension in 1995. Brother Thomas made his home in Tangier, Virginia. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Alvarez, Ramon Bonilla, Pedro Broussard, Nelson Camarda, Frank Johnson, Solister Laboriel, Jorge Olan, Gilberto Powery, Wordsworth Rosario, Jorge Scott, Samuel 77 88 93 91 94 76 85 93 79 70 DOD 01/24/2022 01/07/2022 01/26/2022 01/14/2022 12/28/2021 12/30/2021 02/02/2022 01/12/2022 01/22/2022 11/29/2021 April 2022 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings LONE STAR STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 21 – Chairman Lionel Rivas, Secretary Martin Buck, Educational Director Teon Shelton. Chairman noted this was first union meeting since re-crewing vessel. He encouraged everyone to keep documents updated and stressed shipboard safety and mutual respect. He thanked SIU and Seafarers Plans officials “for keeping our jobs safe and our benefits intact.” Secretary welcomed everyone aboard. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested shipboard Wi-Fi and asked that this subject be included in next contract negotiations. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. OVERSEAS MYKONOS (Overseas Ship Management), January 1 – Chairman John O’Shaughnessy, Secretary Juan Vallejo Hernandez, Educational Director Patrick Montgomery, Steward Delegate Mohammad Abou Abdou. Members reviewed old business including discussions of increasing pension and vacation benefits, and Wi-Fi and computer access aboard ship. Chairman gave thanks to the steward department for doing a great job during the holidays. He reminded everyone to keep documents up to date and reiterated the importance of safety. On behalf of crew, secretary praised SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez for The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. his great work at the White House. He instructed members to separate garbage and to keep rooms clean. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to check the SIU website for upgrading courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members revisited suggestions to increase pension pay and asked for a higher food budget. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), January 16 – Secretary Charles Sassone, Educational Director Randy Slue, Deck Delegate Troy Glatter. Crew waiting on arrival of new bosun to elect a chairman. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center, which will increase individual earning potential. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested pay increases, penalty pay for ship restriction, Wi-Fi access and a better satellite phone. Crew asked for new mattresses and better pillows. Next port: Cape Canaveral, Florida. INDEPENDENCE (TOTE Services), February 2 – Chairman Edward Wright, Secretary Gerald Hyman, Educational Director Marcos Arriola, Deck Delegate James Armer, Steward Delegate Anthony Parks. Chairman thanked crew for staying diligent in their duties and keeping positive attitudes despite delays during trip. He informed members of upcoming shipyard period that will With Seafarers on Horizon Pacific Gathering for a union meeting aboard the Sunrise Operations vessel in Oakland, California, are (from left) Recertified Steward Ronald Davis, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Electrician Aaron Ellis and Bosun Josesimo Balerite. extend the normal length of the trip. Educational director reminded crew to stay up to date with required immunizations, physicals and Coast Guard documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Secretary announced a higher food budget, citing the rising prices of food during COVID-19 pandemic. Ship placed under MSC charter midway through voyage. Crew restricted to ship in Asian ports. Members would like to see current agreement replaced with SIU Standard Freightship Agreement. Members requested monthly payment increases for pensioners. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), February 5 – Chairman Josesimo Balerite, Secretary Todd Curry, Deck Delegate Paul Dilbeck, Engine Delegate Anthony Henry, Steward Delegate Kenneth Huddleston. Chairman talked about safety aboard the vessel and advised crew to leave clean rooms for oncoming members. He emphasized importance of wearing masks and using gloves at the serving line. Secretary recommended crew go to Piney Point to upgrade. He also recommended donating to SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed COVID testing and were reminded to show up to ship on time for reliefs. Steward department was thanked for nice dinners that were put out for Christmas and New Year’s. Union representative was requested on ship for payoff. Wi-Fi needs to be fixed for better connection. Members expressed their appreciation for direct deposit. Next port: Oakland, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt April 2022 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Welding April 25 May 13 June 6 June 24 July 11 July 29 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook April 25 May 27 May 30 July 1 July 11 August 12 August 15 September 16 ServSafe Management April 18 April 22 May 23 May 27 July 4 July 8 Able Seafarer-Deck May 23 June 10 August 29 September 16 October 17 November 4 Advanced Galley Operations June 20 July 15 August 15 September 9 October 10 November 4 Lifeboat/Water Survival April 11 April 22 May 9 May 20 June 6 June 17 August 1 August 12 August 29 September 9 Chief Steward May 9 June 3 July 18 August 12 September 12 October 7 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 August 22 August 26 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting RFPNW April 25 May 13 June 27 July 15 July 25 August 12 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW April 25 May 20 July 25 August 19 FOWT June 13 July 8 August 29 September 23 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG Safety/Open Upgrading Courses September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider April 11 April 15 Basic Training June 6 June 10 August 8 August 12 Basic Training Revalidation April 22 April 22 May 6 May 6 June 3 June 3 June 10 June 10 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 September 2 December 12 December 16 Government Vessels April 11 April 15 April 25 April 29 May 9 May 13 June 13 June 17 June 27 July 1 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 2 May 6 June 27 July 1 October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 13 May 23 May 27 August 15 August 19S COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4/22 April 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #878 – Graduated January 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcantony Arcila, Tyler Bean, Corey Bellezza, Alexander Bennett, Deyni Steven Camacho Fernandez, Dashiel Depaulis, Nathan Dixon, Mark Ina Jr., Jordan Jeffries, Matthew Kaufmann, Joseph Lucas, Dahlia Grace Puaokuupuuwai Milsap, Kyara Isabel Nunez, Riley Russ, Kamron Stripling, Jeremy Stultz, Steven Ware and Kenneth Wilson. Apprentice Water Survival Class #879 – Graduated February 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Mukhtar Ali, Jarrett Conkey, Alondra Delgado, Matthew Epstein, Parker Hampton, Kyle Jolivette, Derrel Oliver, De’andre Peden, Markalle Redd, Darryl Shack Jr., and Mark Stookey. Important Notice To all Students April 2022 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated February 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bates, Brandon Coleman, Martin Cox, Johncarlo Garibaldi, Nathaniel Howard, Cordera Looney, Noah Pittman, Richard Russ Jr., and Emilie Whitlow. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-crewed vessels. Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated February 25 (above, from left): Venise Spears and Ronald Burris. Advanced Reefer Container Maintenance – Graduated February 18 (above, from left): M’barek Nouhairi and Gajatri Normatova. Mike Faye, their instructor, is at the far right. Government Vessels – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Rizaldy Manalopilar Ano Jr., Daniel Avery, Julian De Los Santos, Lydia Dye, Herb Gulliford, Lionel Hall, Leroy Harris, Terry Herndon, Noah Hughes, Heather Lassiter, Tiara MacKlin, Ethan Martell, Dindo Prellagera Reforsado, Edsel Auguis Renegado, Tameka Scott, Adam Felix Soto and Tyrone Wilson. 18 Seafarers LOG April 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer (Plant Maintenance) – Graduated February 18 (left, in alphabetical order): Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, Luzern Hawkins, John Jaremchuk III, Jorge Yakeny Laboriel Lalin, Zion Lyons, Kelly Percy, Brandon Thornton, Neil Laconsay Tupas, Harry Whitney IV and Fernandez Lacpta Wilcox Jr. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated February 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Felipe Clotter, Emmanuel De Gracia Matias, Melissa McCartney and Lareesa Warren. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated February 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Roslyn Anderson, Orin Galvez Godfrey Jr., Rahman Phillip and Brian Alberto Rojas Perez. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated February 11 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Erik Bain, Jessica Davis, Julian De Los Santos, Eliezer Estremera, Deon Greenidge, Hussein Abdul Hussein, Christopher Kluth, Tracey Manuel, Latara Rengifo and Anthony Roman. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. April 2022 Seafarers LOG 19 �APRIL 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 17-19 Attendees converse in person (at the Paul Hall Center) and via online connection. SIU Safety Directors Meet for Yearly Training On March 8, SIU safety directors from across the country met virtually for a series of training sessions and presentations designed to provide the team members with up-to-date information. The SIU safety directors who attended the virtual meeting included Amber Akana, Ben Anderson, James Brown, Gordon Godel, Anthony Houston, Gerret Jarman, Joseph Koncul, Andre MacCray, Kevin Marchand, Osvaldo Ramos and Kevin Sykes. Additional meeting participants included SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Paul Hall Center Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Paul Hall Center Assistant Vice President Bart Rogers, Paul Hall Center Vocational Director Wayne Johnson Jr., Culinary Instruction Coordinator John Het- manski and SIU Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey. MacCray said, “Regardless of whether it is in person or via video conferencing, the safety meeting is always productive. This last one shared some useful information regarding recruiting, shipboard safety, the future direction of the union and much more. Johnson Jr. remarked, “It’s always good for the different departments at the school to communicate with the safety directors during these meetings. It gives us all an opportunity to educate ourselves on each other’s processes, discuss industry updates and/or changes, and review our strengths, shortcomings and potential solutions.” Topics covered during the meeting included COVID-19, shipboard safety trends, sanitation, and the latest details from the Recruiting and Contract offices. Oregon Congressman Introduces Safer Seas Act In House of Representatives Introduced in the House of Representatives at the end of February, the Safer Seas Act aims to combat sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) in the maritime industry. It was introduced by Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) along with 17 co-sponsors, and the bill has since been referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. According to the subcommittee, the bill: n Clarifies the Coast Guard’s ability to deny, suspend, or revoke a merchant mariner credential to individuals who have been convicted of sexual harassment or sexual assault; n Strengthens transparency surrounding companies’ sexual assault policies and procedures; n Protects victims and witnesses who report SASH incidents from discrimination; 20 Seafarers LOG Taking part in the meeting from Piney Point, Maryland, are (from left) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Paul Hall Center Asst. VP Bart Rogers, Paul Hall Center Vocational Director Wayne Johnson Jr., Paul Hall Center VP Tom Orzechowski and SIU President Michael Sacco. n Directs the Coast Guard to initiate rulemaking to determine safe levels of alcohol consumption by crew members aboard vessels; n Outlines surveillance requirements, which may be used as evidence in criminal or marine safety investigations; n Creates a master key control system to limit the personnel who have access to private spaces; n Requires reporting to the Coast Guard by any seafarer, master, or vessel owner with knowledge of sexual harassment or sexual assault; n Extends the right to civil action for those pursuing sexual assault and sexual harassment cases; n Provides the Secretary of Transportation the ability to waive requirements for U.S. Merchant Marine Academy students who provide reasonable safety concerns when obtaining a merchant mariner license required for graduation; and n Adds definitions for sexual assault and harassment. “We are taking a critical step toward eliminating sexual violence in the maritime industry,” DeFazio said. “With this legislation, we can help fight assault and harassment in maritime transportation through penalties for perpetrators, new requirements for vessel owners, expanded legal recourse for victims, and a myriad of policies to prevent sexual assault and harassment in the first place. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this legislation signed into law and protect hard-working seafarers.” “As chairman of the Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’ve heard heartbreaking stories from survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse from within our maritime industry – and I know that keeping our seas safe is a mission that will not be complete without eradicating these threats to our seafarers,” said Carbajal. “The Safer Seas Act will focus not just on preventing future sexual violence, but also on supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.” The bill is supported by maritime unions, including the SIU, AMO, MEBA and the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. “We applaud the efforts of the Committee to work with maritime labor and the industry to create meaningful reforms that will ensure safe and equitable workplaces for mariners now and in the future,” said Greg Regan president of Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO. April 2022 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource APRIL 2022 Description An account of the resource INDUSTRY SECURES FULL FUNDING FOR TANKERS, MSP, CABLE SHIPS AFL-CIO OPPOSES OPEN REGISTER SIU PRESIDENT PENS OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR OF U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS MARITIME LABOR BACKS PRESIDENT BIDEN ON UKRAINE, SANCTIONS AGAINST RUSSIA AMP SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ON JONES ACT, ENERGY PRICES BIDEN REAFFIRMS JONES ACT SUPPORT CDC UPDATES GUIDELINES FOR MASKS SPONSORS: SUBMARINE REPAIR BASES WILL CREATE THOUSANDS OF UNION JOBS SEAFARERS MAY SIGN UP FOR FREE CREDIT MONITORING ID PROTECTION PAST MAY 31 FORUM SPEAKERS UNDERSCORE THEIR COMPELLING SUPPORT FOR JONES ACT LOUISIANA SENATOR INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN AMERICAN OFFSHORE WORKER FAIRNESS LEGISLATION SOME PENSIONERS REMAIN ELIGIBLE TO RESUME SAILING SIU SAFETY DIRECTORS MEET FOR YEARLY TRAINING Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 84, NO. 4 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/4875b68c6fbd8fddbb925898498149f6.pdf 67fe61c03eb3579bb5412bf4a9d2c565 PDF Text Text APRIL 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O ‘Steady As She Goes’ Heindel Pledges Unyielding Support of Rank and File SIU President David Heindel (right), appointed to the office in mid-February, is a career Seafarer. In his introductory column, he offers some personal background and spells out his vision for the union which includes building upon the SIU’s sound policies so the union thrives and grows. The photo at right was taken Feb. 17 in Florida, during a meeting of the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board. Page 2. SIU Crew Rescues 8 Migrants Seafarers aboard the ATB Legacy (Crowley) recently saved eight Cuban migrants who’d been stranded at sea for nearly a month. The photos at right show the migrants’ raft under a searchlight provided by a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft, and a closer view of the makeshift watercraft as it neared the ATB after dawn. Page 4. PRO Act Reintroduced Page 3 Remembering Chet Wheeler Page 8 �President’s Report A Winning Team Although I am new to the office of president, the SIU – along with my family – has been the focal point of my entire adult life, as many of you know. I started sailing as a teenager, eventually came ashore to work for the union, and am grateful to have enjoyed the membership’s support which allowed me to remain part of this great organization for nearly 50 years. Following in the footsteps of Mike Sacco is no easy task. However many accolades Mike receives for his 35 years at the helm as our president and his lifetime of service, he deserves all of those and more. He’s truly one of a kind and he did a fantastic job. Longtime Seafarers know what Mike has meant not just to us but to the broader U.S.flag industry. In particular for those of you who are new to the SIU, be sure to take the time to read the tributes about Mike in this David Heindel issue of the LOG and in last month’s edition. They’re worth your time and they’ll help give you some appreciation for his work. It’s no overstatement to say that Mike stabilized the industry. He came in at a difficult time and began turning things around right away, even though it wasn’t easy. Those of us who worked for Mike know that he was tough but fair. He demanded results, but he was reasonable. Mike’s charisma and energy are readily apparent to anyone who’s met him. He always made himself available to talk with Seafarers. Something else that has always stood out to me is his foresight. His vision and determination were the foundations of so many key developments for the SIU, from being the industry’s spokesperson for the Maritime Security Program to updating our hiring halls to merging with the NMU to constantly modernizing Piney Point and so much more. While Mike and I have different styles, his policies will continue in my administration. Mike designed a winning model and put together a winning team. I’m not about to fix something that isn’t broken. At the same time, I of course will bring my own vision and my own approach to the office. And don’t think for a minute that I’m too proud to call Mike if I need advice. He is the ultimate lifeline, and I’m grateful to know he’s available. Throughout my entire time with the SIU, I’ve always believed that the first priority of every official should be supporting the rank-andfile members. You have my pledge that I will continue doing so to the best of my ability – and we will get the job done. We will stay on our toes and we’ll win the battles so that Seafarers can continue working on American-flag vessels. Many of you know about our current challenges. Manpower is at the top of that list, and of course that’s not just for our union or our industry but for so many different occupations around the world. We are formally recruiting all over the country, but word of mouth is still effective. Please keep an eye out for the next generation of prospective members. Bring them to the halls and show them what we’re all about. Something else we’ve been working on is new job opportunities in the wind-energy sector. This may sound like a far-off development but it’s actually here now. I think this sector will be vital for us moving forward, and that’s why we’ve been involved and we’ll remain involved. Brothers and sisters, I am grateful for the opportunity to lead our union, but I also know that it’ll continue to be a team effort. We are, as always, stronger together, and at the same time I will work day and night to keep the SIU strong. Mendonca Delivery Highlights U.S.-Flag Sealift Capabilities A recent mission involving the SIU-crewed USNS Mendonca demonstrated the solid reliability and vital capability of U.S.-flag sealift operations. The Mendonca – a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR) operated by Ocean Duchess for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) – delivered more than 1,200 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including M1 Abrams main battle tanks, Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and a range of wheeled vehicles belonging to the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division deployed to Europe, at the port in Vlissingen, Netherlands. The delivery was part of an ongoing mission known as Atlantic Resolve. AB Jeremy Smoot told the LOG, “It was a long trip, essentially a 60day trip. We went from the U.S. to Europe, then across to the Middle East, back to Europe and then headed back home to the U.S. We were able to visit ports not normally visited by commercial U.S.-flag ships, such as Riga, Latvia and Vlissingen, Netherlands. We were met with some adversities, including the Wi-Fi being controlled and only a few members having access at all times. Despite the communication issues, all of the crew members were proud to do our part in supporting our military, as well as allied military missions.” SIU members sailing aboard the Mendonca during the operation included: Recertified Bosun Christopher Janics; Bosun Hector Cumba Concepcion; ABs Ibrahim Abubaker, Antonio Donald, Shawana Mills and Smoot; QE4s Vincent Freeman, Tommy McGahe and Randy Pearson; QEE Nakesha Miller; GUDEs Ashanty Castillo, Joseph Hendricks and Jamil Wright; Oilers Emmanuel Adeoti, Tracy Mitchell and Emmanuel Nuez; Wipers Richard Gould and Donnell Marsh; OSs Ronnie Brickhouse, Leroy Chatman and Tito Mallory; Chief Cook U.S. soldiers in the Netherlands scan military vehicles that were part of a cargo of more than 1,250 items safely transported by the SIUcrewed Mendonca. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Yeadon) Korey Jackson; Steward/Baker Eileen Mendiola; Storekeeper Lally Manalo; SAs Makesa Jones and Lavon White; and ACU John Reid. “We appreciate the Netherlands’ strong dedication to enhancing military mobility,” said 21st Theater Sustainment Command Commanding General Maj. Gen. James Smith. “A strong NATO ally with excellent port facilities and infrastructure, today’s operation once again demonstrates our ability, with host nation support, to rapidly deploy equipment and personnel into and across the European continent.” According to MSC, “Soldiers from 21st TSC’s 260th Movement Control Team, in coordination with the 598th Transportation Brigade (Surface Deployment and Distribution Command), hosted nation support and commercial organizations, discharged the vehicles and equipment, efficiently executing its reception, staging and onward movement (RSOM). Additionally, according to 260th MCT Commander Capt. Karl Bliven, Vlissingen’s facilities and the Netherlands’ infrastructure make it possible to rapidly offload an entire brigade’s worth of equipment and quickly stage it for transport through- out the European theater. “Once the vehicle gets offloaded from the ship, we as an MCT use what is called a DRAM (Distribution Retrograde Adaptive Planning and Execution Management) tablet to scan the military shipping labels on these vehicles,” said Bliven. “This will ensure that we know all the information relating to the vehicle and that it gets on the correct truck, barge or train to get to the final location. It’s important that we do this smoothly and safely to allow for the equipment to arrive ready, in terms of maintenance, and in the most efficient way possible.” Dutch Sea Port of Debarkation Commander, Lt. Col. Peter van Dorst, said experience working with the U.S. Army at Vlissingen is paying dividends, as this is the fourth time the port has supported an Atlantic Resolve rotation. “As a representative of the 13th Light Brigade from the Netherlands, we enjoy working together,” said van Dorst. “Cooperation with [598th] SDDC, 21st TSC and members of the 2nd Armored Combat Brigade is going very well. The Dutch military are already showing their experience in an operation like this, and it is going better each time.” Union Leaders Meet with Lula O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 4 April 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The AFL-CIO on Feb. 10 hosted President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil (left) for a discussion with officials from the federation and its affiliates, including the SIU. He’s pictured with then-SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel (who has since been appointed as the union’s president). Following the meeting, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “Lula has spent his entire life fighting for the working class as both a union and political leader…. The significance of today’s meeting is heightened as a momentous step forward in the longstanding bond between our two movements. Four years ago, while Lula was wrongfully imprisoned, the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka traveled to the country’s federal police building to demand justice and organize for Lula’s release. We stood by him then and we will continue to stand alongside Lula, his Workers’ Party and the Brazilian labor movement in their fight to defend democracy and build a better world for working people.” April 2023 �PRO Act Introduced in Congress Again Legislation Aims to Boost Workers’ Rights A bipartisan group of legislators on Feb. 28 introduced a comprehensive proposal to protect workers’ right to come together and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. The bill, dubbed the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act of 2023 (H.R. 20), was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia), ranking member on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Scott was joined by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, (R-Pennsylvania). The Senate companion bill was proposed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), who serves as chair, Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. “Congress has an urgent responsibility to ensure that workers can join a union and negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer workplaces,” said Scott. “Passing the PRO Act is the most critical step we can take this Congress to achieve that goal,” he continued. “I urge my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in advancing the most significant update for workers’ labor organizing rights in more than eight decades.” “At a time of massive income and wealth inequality, when too many workers are falling further and further behind, we need to make it easier for workers to exercise their constitutional right to form a union and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions,” said Sanders. “We need to hold CEOs accountable for flagrantly violating labor laws, illegally firing pro-union workers, and closing down pro-union shops,” the Vermont senator continued. “If we are going to reverse the 40-year decline of the middle class, reduce the widening gap between the billionaire class and everyone else, and take on the unprecedented level of corporate greed in America, we have got to rebuild the trade union movement. That is what the PRO Act is all about and I am proud to be introducing this bill in the Senate.” “The PRO Act is how we level the playing field,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said in a statement. “It is how U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania) Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) we stop the intimidation, the lies. This is how we let workers, not wealthy corporations, decide for themselves if they want the power of a union.” Named after the late labor leader and longtime friend of the SIU, the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act, would protect the basic right to join union. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the bill, if passed into law, would: Create a roadmap to a first contract Terms of the new bill state that employers and workers have a set process to follow to negotiate a first union contract, and if they can’t reach an agreement, they go to binding arbitration. workplaces. Yet, overall union membership has waned in recent decades. The decline is due in part to the decades-long, systematic attack on foundational labor laws that has created a hostile environment for workers seeking to organize. An EPI analysis found that employers were charged with violating federal law in 41.5% of union election campaigns, by firing, threatening, or otherwise retaliating against workers who dared to come together in their workplaces to bargain collectively. The penalties for violating current labor law are not sufficient to deter employers from infringing on workers’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The PRO Act is needed to restore the basic rights of workers to organize their workplaces and bargain collectively for better pay, benefits, and working conditions, advocates say. The PRO Act passed the House in both 2020 and 2021 but never reached the floor for a vote in the Senate. In that chamber, the legislative filibuster requires at least 60 votes to pass most bills. Last year, Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and Senate Republicans refused to back the bill. Give workers more control Under the PRO Act, workers and the National Labor Relations Board, not employers, control the timing of union elections and employers can’t force employees to attend anti-union meetings. Impose real penalties when employers break the law According to the proposed legislation, employers and corporate executives would be penalized for illegally retaliating against workers trying to organize, and workers would get monetary damages or other remedies if they are illegally fired or harmed; fired workers must also be reinstated while their cases are pending. Strengthen the right of workers to strike Under the PRO Act, employers are prohibited from permanently replacing workers when they strike, and workers are no longer banned from engaging in so-called “secondary” activity, such as boycotts, seeking leverage in negotiations. Crack down on worker misclassification Details of the new bill specify that workers can’t be wrongly deprived of their organizing and bargaining rights by being misclassified as supervisors or independent contractors. The move to pass the PRO Act comes on the heels of a year that was characterized by an unprecedented spike in strike activity by organized labor and historic public support for unions. A recent Gallup poll showed that more than 70% of Americans approve of labor unions and many workers want to have them in their ITF Reinforces Support For Ukrainian Mariners The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers’ Trust has awarded another humanitarian grant to Mortrans, part of the Marine Transport Workers’ Union of Ukraine (MTWTU), “for financial support for seafarers and their families in need during the ongoing conflict.” The ITF Seafarers’ Trust made the announcement in late February. “When Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, the Trust was swift to send an emergency grant for essential medical support for seafarers and their families caught up in the conflict,” the organization noted in a news release. “We followed up with a transportation project to enable families to make the hard decision to escape from danger and have some breathing space to decide on their future plans. The collaboration with MTWTU and V-ships allowed around 500 family members to travel to Romania and stay for a week in hotel accommodation with meals and advice provided. The Canada Steamship Line also contributed funds to this initiative.” The release added, “Today the conflict continues creating untold misery for the Ukrainian people as a whole and specific challenges for seafarers inside the April 2023 country, unable to pursue their maritime careers and earn an income for their families.” SIU President David Heindel, who also serves as chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, said, “It is vital to recognize the sustained economic and psychological damage caused by the acts of aggression against civilians and the country’s infrastructure. We must do all possible to support the fortitude and morale of the Ukrainian people. The Trust is on standby to support MTWTU in its tireless work to protect the livelihoods and wellbeing of the seafarers and their families.” MTWTU Chairman Oleg Grygoriuk said, “We are proud to be part of an international family that trusts in us to deliver for our members and for all Ukrainian maritime workers. We are convinced that we will succeed in the end and emerge in a stronger position than ever before. We could not imagine that we would be at war in the 21st century but the world has seen the resilience of the Ukrainian people and we are counting on our friends to go the distance with us.” The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is a UK charity established in 1981. SIUNA Announces New Appointments The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) Executive Board on March 7 unanimously approved several new appointments. During an online meeting, the board named David Heindel as the SIUNA’s new president; Tom Orzechowski as secretary-treasurer; and Todd Brdak, Mike Given and Jeff Richards as vice presidents. Brdak fills Orzechowski’s old position, while Given replaces the recently retired Jim Given. Richards succeeds the recently deceased Joe Gremelsbacker. There are four-and-a-half years left on their respective terms. The SIUNA’s autonomous affiliates include the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Wa- ters; the American Maritime Officers; the Marine Firemen’s Union; the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union; the Seafarers International Union of Canada; the United Industrial Workers; the Sugar Workers Union; the Industrial, Professional, Technical Workers International Union; and others. In addition to the aforementioned officers, the SIUNA board includes the following vice presidents: Paul Doell, Nicole Walsh, Anthony Poplawski, Dave Connolly, Nicholas Celona, Dean Corgey, Nick Marrone, Joseph Soresi, Augie Tellez, George Tricker, Pat Vandegrift, Marcus Woodring, Monte Burgett, Karen HortonGennette and Laura Lopez. Seafarers LOG 3 �A few crew members are pictured with most of the men they helped rescue. AB Thomas Tramutola is at front left, Chief Mate James Steltzlen at far right, and AB Jarred Moylan in the back, fourth from left among those standing. ATB Legacy Crew Rescues 8 Migrants in Gulf Of Mexico Rescues at sea are nothing new for longtime SIU member AB Donnie Collins, but that doesn’t mean he takes them lightly. That point was reinforced March 1 when Collins and his fellow Seafarers aboard the Crowley-operated ATB Legacy saved eight Cuban migrants who’d been stranded at sea aboard a makeshift raft for nearly a month. The rescue took place in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 145 miles south of Southwest Pass, one of the channels at the mouth of the Mississippi River. “They said they had left Cuba on Feb. 2, supposedly to go to Mexico,” recalled Collins, a 33-year SIU member who’d previously assisted in three other rescues. “They figured it would take them five days. When we found them, they thought they had been at sea for 18 days. We told them, no, it’s March 1.” Taking part in the rescue were Capt. Gus Cramer, Chief Mate James Steltzlen, Second Mate Brett Stepanski, Third Mate Devon Haffner, AB/Tankermen Collins, Thomas Tramutola, Jarred Moylan and Dominique Calvy, Chief Engineer Cle Popperwill, First Assistant Engineer William Ziadeh, Second Assistant Engineer Andrew Burns, Third Assistant Engineer Joseph Krajnik, and Cook America Cacho. “The crew did an excellent job,” Cramer said. Collins and Stepanski were on watch at approximately 1:30 a.m. when they spotted a flashing light. “I went outside and could hear someone screaming,” said Collins. “I yelled to them that we’d be coming back.” The Legacy approached the raft while contacting the U.S. Coast Guard; the agency then dispatched an aircraft. Cramer later determined The SIU-crewed ATB Legacy nears a makeshift raft carrying eight migrants. 4 Seafarers LOG Tom Donahue speaks at a Maritime Trades Department gathering in 1995. Labor Movement Mourns Passing of Tom Donahue Some of the rescued individuals rest and eat aboard the ATB. that the most prudent means of bringing the migrants aboard was to deploy a pilot ladder on the vessel’s barge. “The seas were getting bigger, and [the migrants] weren’t going to make it to the next night, the way we saw it,” Collins recalled. “You could tell they were grateful when they came aboard. They said they’d originally had an engine on the raft, but lost it.” “When we got really close to them, we were going to hand them supplies and food, but it was obvious to me that the raft was in pretty bad shape,” Cramer said. “We weren’t going to leave them out there; we were going to get them on board.” Cramer noted that the original estimated time of arrival for the Coast Guard cutter that had been dispatched was upwards of 14 hours. The eight males told the Legacy crew that they had survived largely by grabbing food scraps from the water (available perhaps because of the large number of cruise ships in those waters). With Cacho and Ziadeh serving as interpreters, they mentioned that numerous vessels had passed them. “They were in pretty bad shape,” Collins added. “We weren’t sure if they’d have the strength to climb up the ladder. Once they were aboard, we fed them, gave them liquids, and mustered up some old coveralls and rubber boots. They didn’t have shoes.” As a safety matter, the Legacy personnel also searched the migrants for contraband (and found none). “You always have to double-check people,” Collins said. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with, so you have to be safe.” Roughly 10 hours after the migrants boarded the Legacy, they were transferred to a Coast Guard vessel. The transfer only took about 45 minutes, Cramer said. Reflecting on the experience, Collins stated, “We all felt great about helping. A lot of us were probably emotional about it, because people don’t understand that others are desperate to leave that country and its totalitarian system…. If the one migrant didn’t have an LED flashlight, he’d have never been seen.” AFL-CIO President Emeritus Thomas R. Donahue, one of the most influential leaders of the postwar labor movement, died Feb. 18 in a Washington, D.C., hospital at the age of 94. Donahue served as secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO under Lane Kirkland, who led the national labor federation for 16 years. He was AFL-CIO president from August to October 1995. “Tom Donahue was a good man and a strong fighter for all working people,” stated SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco. “Tom was someone you could count on. You always knew where he stood and that was on the side of workers.” The Bronx, New York-born Donahue began his labor career as a part-time organizer with the Retail Clerks International Union in New York City. He joined the Building Service Employees International Union in 1960. From 1967 to 1969, he was Assistant U.S Labor Secretary. In 1973, then AFL-CIO President George Meany tapped Donahue to be his executive assistant. When Meany retired in 1979, Donahue said, “My hopes for the labor movement are growth, dynamism, militancy.” One of his most often quoted remarks was “The only effective answer to organized greed is organized labor.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond released the following joint statement on Donahue’s passing: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of former AFL-CIO president Tom Donahue and extend our condolences to his family, friends and loved ones. “Tom was an innovator, intellectual and a visionary labor leader who was ahead of his time. Long before the future of work and the impact of technology on workers became a robust policy debate, Donahue was creating a blueprint for unions that encouraged experimentation with new approaches and technology to expand worker organizing and increase the labor movement’s influence. “That blueprint served as a guide that still influences union innovation today. He was a brilliant strategist who had the keen insight to foreshadow challenges and opportunities workers would face well into the future, and our movement is much better for it today. “In a career that spanned six decades starting as a part-time organizer with the Retail Clerks International Union in New York City and rising to secretary-treasurer and president of the AFL-CIO, Donahue put every ounce of his being into the labor movement he loved from the moment he joined it. A tireless champion of organizing, he helped create the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute which opened doors for a new generation of organizers. Throughout his distinguished career as an organizer and labor leader, Donahue always pushed the labor movement to embrace innovation and change to keep propelling workers forward. “Donahue’s influence extended well beyond our nation’s borders. He served as chairman of an advisory group on labor and diplomacy with Secretaries of State Madeline Albright and Colin Powell, powerfully advancing the cause of democracy and ensuring the link between anti-democratic movements and worker oppression was clear to leaders here and abroad. He helped lead the labor movement’s support for the independent Polish trade union Solidarnosc in the 1980s and was a vocal critic of oppression in any form, leading a call for unions to boycott apartheid-era South Africa. “Throughout his legendary career, he never forgot his roots in the Bronx. His father was a union deckhand with the Staten Island Ferry, giving him an early education in the movement that would shape his life. He believed deeply in the collective power workers wield when we have a union on the job. Everyone in the labor movement who knew Donahue respected both his absolute commitment to working people and his formidable intellect. All of us in the labor movement today in a new age of organizing and technological change stand on his shoulders. “Our thoughts are with his wife Rachelle, daughter and grandchildren during this difficult time.” Donahue leaves behind his wife of nearly 44 years, Rachelle Horowitz; his daughter, Nancy Donahue (Tom Fogarty), and six grandchildren: Matt Fogarty, Kerry Fogarty (Kevin Carrig), Kate Fogarty, Erin Donahue, Megan Donahue, and Mary Clare Donahue, and their mother, Emily Donahue. He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Reilly Donahue III, in 2018. Donahue’s funeral mass was held March 2 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia. He was interred March 4 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, New York. April 2023 �President Joe Biden Nominates Julie Su To Become Next U.S. Secretary of Labor President Biden in early March nominated another pro-union individual to head up the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Following the news that Labor Secretary Marty Walsh (a lifelong trade unionist) is leaving his post for the top job at the National Hockey League Players Association, Biden nominated Deputy Secretary Julie Su to succeed him. During a press conference announcing the nomination, Biden stated, “Julie knows in her bones [that] the people who get up SIU Assistant VP Mike Russo (center) is pictured earlier this year with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh (right) and Deputy Secretary Julie Su during a gathering at a Houston-area union hall. every morning and go to work and bust their necks just to make an honest living deserve someone to fight on their side to give them an even shot…. Julie has spent her life fighting for that vision, her entire professional career. He added that at the DOL, Su has “led the effort to ensure jobs of high-growth industries like semiconductor manufacturing, broadband, healthcare, and so much more – making sure they’re good-paying jobs, high-quality jobs, and union jobs. Union jobs.” Biden stressed that using union labor ultimately saves employers money by having well-qualified workers and less turnover. He also pointed out that Su, like Walsh, comes from a union family. At the same news conference, Su stated, “I believe in the transformative power of America, and I know the transformative power of a good job. I know because it was the kind of job that my mom got that had predictable hours, paid sick leave, health benefits, a secure income, and a pension when she retired. A union job that gave my parents a path to the middle class and gave our family the kind of breathing room that the president talks about.” She continued, “We have never had a president who has made workers, worker wellbeing, and worker power so central to his vision of a strong nation and a strong economy. Mr. President, when you said you wanted to be the most pro-worker, pro-union president in history and restore decency and build the middle class, I said, ‘Sign me up for that.’ I want to help do that, and it has been my honor to be the Deputy Secretary. Those shared values are what I will work to make real every day.” At press time, the Senate had not set a date for Su’s confirmation hearing. Senate Labor Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) noted, “I’m confident Julie Su will be an excellent Sec- State Department Provides Passport Update for Mariners The following communication has been issued by the U.S. Department of State. It also is available on the SIU website. Updated Notice to Mariners With International Voyages To ensure timely service for mariners, Passport Services provides the following streamlined passport renewal provisions. These provisions are subject to change. Qualifications n Be a credentialed merchant mariner; n Be eligible to apply on a DS-82 application for passport renewal. (Check eligibility at https://travel.state.gov/ content/travel/en/passports/have-passport/renew.html); and n Have a current passport that is expired or expiring in 7 months or less. Application and Mailing Instructions 1. Applicants must submit the following: n DS-82 application completed, signed, and dated. Please use the online form filler tool to fill out and print your form: https://pptform.state.gov. This tool produces a barcode to help us process your application faster; n Passport photograph taken within the past six months; n Current passport; n Copy of Merchant Mariner Credential (MCC), front and back. n A check or money order in the amount of $209.53 April 2023 President Biden (left) introduces Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su at a White House news conference. (Photo courtesy White House) retary of Labor. I look forward to working with her to protect workers’ rights and build the trade union movement in this country.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “From her beginnings protecting immigrants and other vulnerable workers, to fiercely combatting wage theft and abuse of low-wage workers in California, to her leadership [at DOL], Su distinguished herself as a principled fighter for the basic rights of every worker, no matter where we’re from or what kind of work we do. At this pivotal moment in history, that’s precisely the leadership America’s working people need in their next Secretary of Labor.” Walsh issued the following statement before Su’s nomination became official: “I am grateful to President Biden for announcing his intent to nominate my dear friend and colleague, Deputy Secretary made payable to U.S. Department of State if applying for a passport book only. If applying for both the passport book and card, the total fee is $239.53. This amount includes the passport fee, expedite fee, and 1-2 day delivery fee (for information regarding passport fees, please visit travel.state.gov). n Letter from supervisor on company letterhead or your U.S. mariner’s union. 2. The supervisor letter should include the following details: n Applicant’s full name; n Printed name and title of applicant’s supervisor or mariners’ union representative; n Supervisor’s or union representative’s signature; and n Date the letter was issued. 3. Applications must be sent by traceable overnight delivery service to: El Paso Passport Agency (PPT/EP) 44132 Mercure Circle, PO Box 1073 Sterling, Virginia 20166 – 1073 Attention: Mariner Program Service Expectations Completed passports will be mailed using a 1-2 day delivery service. Please be sure the application includes a physical U.S. mailing address and not a P.O. Box. Every effort will be made to process the passport application in about one week of receipt. For instance, applications received on Monday may be completed and sent out by Friday of the same week. Requesting a Second Passport Mariners may wish to apply for a second limited validity passport (4 years). Second passports provide greater flexibility, particularly if mariners need to apply for visas when traveling domestically and overseas. For more information, please see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/ en/passports/have-passport/second-passport-book.html Julie Su, to succeed me as U.S. Secretary of Labor. Julie has been a true partner in leading the Department of Labor, and her drive and vision have been central to everything we have achieved over the past two years. “As Deputy Secretary, Julie’s achievements – prioritizing rights and protections for the most vulnerable workers; driving our equity work; attracting diverse, world-class talent into public service; modernizing workforce development and unemployment insurance systems; and deepening our engagement with state and local governments – have been broad and deep. “She is a lifelong champion of America’s workers, and I have the utmost confidence in her ability to sustain the work of the department and advance the President’s vision of an economy that puts workers first and leaves no one behind.” Following are the two options for applying for a second passport. Option 1: Requesting a Second Passport when Renewing a Passport To apply for a second passport, applicants must also include: n A second DS-82 application (with photograph) completed, signed, and dated; n Signed statement describing the need for a second passport. (This is required in addition to the company letter authorizing use of these special procedures); and n Include payment for both applications in a single check totaling $419.06 ($209.53 per application). Option 2: Requesting a Second Passport without Submitting a Current Valid Passport If mariners need to use their current (10-year) passport while applying for their second passport, they can apply at a passport acceptance facility using a DS-11 form. They can expect to receive the second passport within the expedited timeframe posted at travel.state. gov. To apply at a passport acceptance facility, applicants need: n Completed (not signed) DS-11 application; n Passport photograph; n Photocopy of their 10-year passport data page; n Signed statement of need for a second passport as outlined on our website; n Payment of $209.53 to the U.S. Department of State, which includes $60 for expedite service and the additional $19.53 for 1-2-day return delivery; and n Additional payment of $35 to the passport acceptance facility to execute the application. To locate the nearest passport acceptance facility, see https://iafdb.travel.state.gov. Please note that many passport acceptance facilities require customers to schedule an appointment ahead of their visit. Seafarers LOG 5 �ABOARD USNS BUTTON – Seafarers aboard the Crowley-operated vessel gathered for this shipboard photo in Guam, and they also extended thanks and congratulations to recently retired SIU President Michael Sacco “for all he’s done with the SIU. We wish him all the best. We would also like to congratulate new SIU President David Heindel.” Pictured are (front, from left) SA Abdulhamed Musa, SA Lashay Creekmore, Bosun Franz Eder and SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon. In the back are (from left) AB Noel Gemo, Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont, AB Nicholas Selle, AB Rhiannon Buttrum, AB Douglas Vaughn, OS Kaylah Hill, AB Montavis Harold and OS Charles Catunao. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD TANKER LOUISIANA – Pictured above in the galley of the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are (photo at left, from left) Chief Steward Matthew Conyac and Chief Cook Yolanda Martinez. The photo at right includes Bosun Pablo Borja (left) and SIU Tacoma Safety Director Duane Akers. AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Chief Cook Eliezer Estremera (right) receives his B-seniority book at the hiring hall. He is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. AT THE HONOLULU HALL – AB Ronaldo Ramos (left in photo at left, with SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso) receives his A-seniority book while GUDE Theodore Cash (left in photo above, with SIU Safety Director Amber Akana) picks up his full B-book. 6 Seafarers LOG PROMOTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS – SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) is pictured with AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Fred Redmond at a Department of Labor (DOL) event in the nation’s capital. Titled “Making Equity Real: Black Workers and Good Jobs,” the event took place Feb. 21. According to the DOL, “Black labor leaders and workers engaged in discussion with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Deputy Secretary Julie Su about the importance of centering equity and job quality in the implementation of historic federal investments in infrastructure, clean energy, manufacturing, and technology. Panelists also discussed the potential of these investments to expand economic opportunity and equity, and the historic role of unions and worker organizing in strengthening and expanding a Black middle class.” ON THE JOB AT WATCO – Crane Operator Saleh Mothana explains the operation to a guest. April 2023 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime Seafarers recently picked up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall. Steward/Baker Leslie Davis (right in photo at left) sailed with the SIU for 40 years, while Bret Mattei (right in photo above) sailed with Crescent Towing for 42 years, almost exclusively as a captain. Both members are pictured with SIU Safety Director James Brown. TAKING THE OATH IN OAKLAND – AB Jody Owens (left) receives his full book at the hiring hall in Oakland, California. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – SA Eric Trinemeyer (left) receives his full book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. WITH MEMBERS IN WILMINGTON – QMED Steven Benavides (right in photo at immediate left) picks up his A-seniority book at the hiring hall, while AB Noel Engo (left in photo above) receives his full B-book. Both members are pictured with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Many thanks to Chief Mate Cullen Bozza for this snapshot of SIU and AMO members aboard the ship. The Seafarers (below, from left) are Recertified Boson Gregorio Cudal, ABs Tomas Robinson, Fernando Haber and Andres Martinez, Chief Steward Marcelino Pabito, Pumpman Walden Galacgac, QMEDs Josh Bonita and Arvin Heras, AB Vener Pelayo, Chief Cook Cody Younghans and GVA Abdulrahman Omar. Behind the name board (also from left) are Second Assistant Engineer Tim Cook, Third Assistant Engineer Mahlon Glidden, First Assistant Engineer Graham Monohan, Chief Engineer Chris Gill, Captain Wayne Archer, Bozza, Second Mate Aaron Lamb and Third Mate John Dufrene. April 2023 Seafarers LOG 7 �Norfolk Hall Taking Shape Progress continues with the months-long refurbishment of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, as reflected by these photos from early March. The hall tentatively is scheduled to reopen this summer (the union has been operating in temporary quarters in nearby Chesapeake, Virginia, while construction is happening). Chet Wheeler Retired Government Services Official ‘Chet’ Wheeler Dies at 77 The union is mourning the loss of retired SIU Assistant Vice President Chester “Chet” Wheeler, who passed away March 10 in California at age 77. He had had been battling cancer. Wheeler retired in 2019, following 22 years of service as an official. Previously, he sailed with the union for 32 years, beginning in the mid-1960s, mostly as a civil service mariner with MSC. SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona stated, “Chet was absolutely tireless in his work on behalf of the membership. He set a high standard and consistently did a great job handling issues in an often-complex sector of the industry. He will be missed.” SIU Assistant Vice President Government Services Joe Vincenzo said Wheeler “was a friend who made a real difference in the lives of CIVMARS. Whether in the everyday routine of handling premium pay disputes or sorting through pending disciplinary matters to make life a little easier for our mariners, his impact can hardly be overstated. It was a privilege to observe him up close and personal and to accompany him servicing ships up at the Navy base in Bremerton, Washington, and to work with him on issues of consequence both abroad and right here at home.” Wheeler came ashore to work for the union in 1997, first as a representative and soon thereafter as an assistant vice president. Prior to the SIU’s merger with the National Maritime Union in 2001, he handled all West Coast representational efforts for MSC and the Suisun Bay reserve fleet. In fact, since 1997, Wheeler was involved in every MSC and Suisun Bay contract negotiation and “instruction and policy” negotiation until he retired. Colleagues described him as instrumental in ensuring the safety and health of mariners by negotiating afloat and ashore habitability agreements, watch hours, standards for shipboard water potability and air quality, and shipyard working conditions. He was a guiding force in the three-year negotiation of Civilian Mariner Personnel Instruction (CMPI) 610, a key document covering hours of work and overtime pay. Wheeler also played leading roles in representing mariners aboard joint high-speed vessels, and in securing significant compensatory time for travel for many CIVMARS. Retired SIU Counsel Deborah Kleinberg, who was a close friend and worked with Wheeler day-to-day for 22 years, noted, “Chet was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Chet’s life was filled with purpose and the desire to be of service. He was a natural teacher and shared his vast knowledge freely. In his personal life, and over the course of his career, he helped many thousands of people. His legacy will be how he aided people through their most difficult times, his incredible generosity, integrity, and most of all, loyalty to his family, friends, and the mariners he represented throughout his lifetime and the SIU.” Upon his retirement, Wheeler offered the following advice for those entering the industry: “Get as much out of it as you can. It’s an adventure; make this your adventure. The other thing is, learn everything you can. We have a great school (the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education). Look out for your fellow shipmates. It’s a wonderful occupation and I’m really glad I did it.” Donations in Wheeler’s memory may be made to: Hospice Services of Lake County, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, California 95453, Phone (707) 263-6222. 8 Seafarers LOG April 2023 �Maritime Community Reacts to Sacco Retirement Accolades Attest Accomplishments of SIU President Emeritus You were there all 50 years I sailed. Brother, it’s been a great ride. Enjoy your retirement. - Retired Bosun John Wells It was a pleasure meeting you. Your guidance to help seamen in our future gave us confidence and was much appreciated. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the Brotherhood of the Sea. You are appreciated and never will be forgotten. - Cleavern Brown, former FOWT Allow me to be on board the ship to send President Sacco my wishes for a happy retirement. Smooth sailing, sir. - Antoinette Saucier, former Cook and Baker I first met Mr. Sacco at a union meeting in Houston in 1982. Mike and his brother Joey chaired a meeting. The union was knee-deep in a strike with Dixie Carriers. Mike had a way of speaking to the membership and has had that gift my whole career. Even in the early 80s when shipping was tight, Mike pushed members to fill jobs. And how important it was to keep the SIU on top of all the contracts under our umbrella. As a longstanding member (42 years) I’ve always made it a point to make union meetings at Piney Point to hear Mike’s and Augie’s reports. I have a permanent job but still make meetings when I’m off. Even at the last meeting I saw Mike, he was pushing the membership to fill the jobs. And like every meeting, Mike let the membership know the importance of the Jones Act. Mr. Sacco has been the driving force behind the SIU. I personally thank Mike for all the years of looking out for us. - Recertified Bosun James K. Walker I have been a member of the SIU for 44 years. I have seen the best and worst of economic times. Mike led us through the roughest times when others faltered. Mike was steadfast with keeping the last piece of the puzzle intact, the Jones Act. I wish Mike well going into retirement. - John Bilich, Master, M/V Rocketship From my early days as a trainee until the day Mike retired, he was a constant inspiration and motivational force in my development as a Seafarer and eventual official of our great organization. Everyone needs to be uplifted and encouraged to become successful, and Mike’s steady hand brought that not only to me but hundreds, if not thousands of young Seafarers. Thank you for the years and best wishes for a long and healthy retirement! - SIU President David Heindel As a young man entering a phase in my life where I was looking for a new career or simply a career, I entered the trainee program in Piney Point. Back then it was known as the trainee program and it had not yet graduated to the term or structure we use today, known as the apprentice program. Upon arrival there were the normal formalities of haircuts and uniforms, etc. But the charge really hit me when I attended my first SIU union meeting. It was then, listening to Mike, that I knew I had found my home and calling. After going to sea, I had come ashore to work as a patrolman and organizer. Over the years, Mike had always given me great latitude to make decisions and learn. He is a great communicator with a vision to constantly grow our organization through hard work and influence. After many years of working for him and many years of “talks” and conversations we have had over a cup of coffee (and maybe a beer or two), he had become my mentor and friend. Accountability and responsibility were always part of his daily lesson. His passion and energetic outlook on the day’s task at hand will continue through those of us he has trained and mentored. Mike’s contribution to labor, maritime labor and the SIU are unsurpassed. In short, his career has been iconic. -Tom Orzechowski, SIU Secretary-Treasurer I’ve known Mike Sacco 46 years. He was my union teacher in 1977 when I was in Piney Point as a trainee, and again when I came ashore in 1983 and worked as a young patrolman in New Orleans – working with his brother Joey, who was the vice president of the Gulf region. Mike inspired me and gave me insight and knowledge of the maritime industry as a whole. He was a mentor, and his leadership was from the heart. One of his favorite sayings – and I use it all the time – is, “Money, marbles and chalk!” Godspeed, Mike. - SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona Mike Sacco is the only president that has been at the helm since I came to work for the Seafarers 30-plus years ago. From the beginning, he always inspired me to work hard on behalf of the mariners. His passion for the industry and the men and women that work in it has always been something I have admired. When he spoke at membership meetings or conventions, I was always willing to be part of the mission, whatever it might be! You couldn’t help but be moved into action. Mike has taught me so many lessons over the years, whether it was to “keep my eye on the bouncing ball” or letting him or others know when I needed help. Every time I saw Mike, the first question was, “How’s it going, kid”? And I felt like he genuinely wanted to know. It might sound corny but he was a great leader with vision for the future and he provided me an appreciation for an industry that I didn’t know about when I first came aboard. - Maggie Bowen, Seafarers Plans Administrator I have known Mike and have worked closely with him for the last 48 years. My introduction to Mike was at Piney Point when I was a trainee in 1975 and he was vice president of the school. What impressed me most about Mike at that time was his aptitude for public speaking. It was amazing to watch him engage the audience and hold their attention while he spoke, and I realized then that this was a special talent. Mike gave me my first opportunity to come work ashore for the school as a union ed teacher in 1979. My confidence in teaching that class came from the skills I learned from Mike. Over the years, I was fortunate to witness many of Mike’s public speaking engagements in which he was able to captivate the audience, engage them at their level, and produce the results he was aiming for. One of the most memorable moments (and there have been many) was back in 1990 when I was a lobbyist for the SIU. Mike had only been president for two years, and the congressional budget process had done away with the operating differential subsidy program. This was a real threat to the U.S.-flag fleet in the international trades. Through Mike’s dynamic leadership and relationship skills, he spearheaded an effort with the American-flag shipping companies, the Maritime Administration and the newly created U.S. Transportation Command to create a new program to maintain the U.S.-flag presence in the international trades, and to provide the Department of Defense with sealift assets that they desperately needed. After many meetings with DOD officials, our congressional representatives, and our shipping company CEOs and never giving up on our objectives, we all were successful in the birth of our current Maritime Security Program, which has stood the test of time. Being with Mike during this time and watching him (along with others) orchestrate this objective was one of the proudest memories I have of Mike’s leadership abilities. I wish him all the best of health and fair, following seas in his retirement years. - Nick Marrone, SIU VP West Coast My first day with the LOG coincided with the June 1991 membership meeting in Piney Point. When Mike spoke at the end, I had no idea what he was talking about – but I knew I was ready to run through the proverbial brick wall for him. I spent a lot of time with Mike behind the scenes, and always came away impressed. He was totally dedicated to the membership, and as I observed his tireless commitment year after year, I couldn’t bear the thought of ever letting him down. It was a blessing to work for him, and if there were a hall of fame for bosses, Mike would be a first-ballot inductee. - Jordan Biscardo, SIU Communications Director June 1979 was the first time I heard Mike Sacco speak. It was at my first membership meeting; I was an 18-year-old trainee in Piney Point. His passion had a way of making me believe not only in the greatness of the SIU, but the potential within myself. Throughout the next 44 years, I spent a lot of time around Mike, first as a member, then ultimately serving as part of his executive board. His lifetime devotion to the SIU and dedication to the men and women has paved the way for so many of us to live a prosperous life, filled with dignity and purpose. Thanks to your example we all show up with passion and devotion every day to make our members’ lives better, but no one will ever measure up to you, sir. Thank you. - George Tricker, SIU VP Contracts I have been with the SIU for more than 36 years, almost all of it with Mike Sacco at the helm. Over the years, I have heard three sayings that sum up April 2023 SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco Mike. “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!” He never forgot what the union is all about, and he made sure none of us ever did – making sure our members are working, with good, safe jobs, and their families are taken care of. I remember how proud he was in 1990 when new general agreements were ratified with the first raises for members in years. Under his leadership, the union was able to expand its benefits to members and gradually extend benefits to families. The difference between what members had in 1988 to today is amazing. “Money, Marbles and Chalk!” Mike made sure that members and friends knew where the SIU stood. When he gave this declaration, our friends and allies knew the Seafarers would be solid. From white caps marching on a picket line to financial help to members and families hurt by a natural disaster to solidarity for a worthy cause, Mike made sure the SIU cared for its members and all workers. “Brawn to Brains.” Like the previous saying, this one has years of history behind it. Mike came to the union at a time when muscle settled many beefs. Under his leadership, he realized the times had changed. To survive, the SIU needed brainpower, and he was not afraid to have people around him who would give him the information needed to win at the negotiation table. Sure, there were plenty of headaches with this approach, but aspirin is a lot cheaper than setting broken arms and legs. Personally, I was lucky enough to travel with him over the years when he would visit crews aboard ships. His whole attitude would lighten up as he climbed the gangways to visit with the members. He loves being around the members, whether on a vessel or at Piney Point. Mike, smooth seas and following winds to you, Sophie, and your entire family. - Daniel Duncan, Retired MTD Exec. Secretary-Treasurer, former SIU Communications Director I worked with Mike Sacco for over 40 years. I have always been inspired by his dedication to the union and its membership. I also appreciated his leadership approach, which was always collaborative in nature. In addition, he never shot the messenger when I had to indicate that we could not do something legally that people were proposing and I certainly appreciated that. He believed in me and my ability to be general counsel at a time when very few unions were elevating women into that role - Leslie Tarantola, SIU General Counsel We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Michael for his great leadership of the SIU and his work at the forefront of protection for seafarers all over the world. His advocacy and determination to defend the Jones Act and constant support in helping us establish cabotage in Australia and around the world has never waned. - Paddy Crumlin, President, ITF Seafarers LOG 9 �Q&A With SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco Editor’s note: Following his retirement, SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco on Feb. 14 did an interview with the LOG in Florida. Excerpts from the discussion follow. Additional coverage of his career is available in the March edition of the LOG. Sacco served as SIU president from 19882023. Q: Why did you decide to retire? A: I’m 86 years old and I believe it’s time for me to retire. I’m leaving the union in good hands, that’s the main thing. The people who have been elected are going to do a great job in growing this union and maintaining its policies. Q: How did you get involved with the SIU back in the late 1950s? (Sacco served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-58.) A: I really didn’t know what I wanted to do when I was younger. Paul Hall (who was the union’s president) was the one who actually recruited me. I was one of these kids in Brooklyn that used to hang around the hall. One day, I ran into him. He said, ‘Why don’t you go inside and talk to some of the boys? See if you can get your documents, and you can go to work on a ship.’ I talked to one of the patrolmen, and they gave me a letter. I went down to the Coast Guard and got my papers. Before you know it, I was washing dishes and pots and pans on a ship running from New York to Puerto Rico. I really didn’t have any intention of staying, until I got my first pay. Once I got that first paycheck, I said, ‘Hey, this is not a bad deal. Let me think about it.’ As time went on, Paul took a special liking to me. He put me on an organizing campaign…. Finally, after I don’t know how many campaigns, he calls me in the office and says, ‘Why don’t you come to work for us?’ But even then, I really didn’t know how long I was going to stay. Q: You served as the vice president of the Lundeberg School in Piney Point during its formative years. What do you remember about those days, and why do you think the school is still important for the SIU’s future? A: In order for us to meet our contractual obligations, and with the way the industry changes, we have to have a training facility to meet the needs of the (vessel-operating) companies. Piney Point is the future of the SIU. As new technology comes into the industry and the job requirements change, we have to have the courses ready and available to teach our people to meet those needs. What Piney Point really did for me is, it opened my eyes to what the industry is all about. When you work in a port and that’s all you see, that’s all you understand…. That’s when I realized that if we didn’t help keep the industry strong and profitable, in time, we’d all be out of a job. I grew up in Piney Point. Q: Paul Hall recruited you, but what other officials influenced you? A: E.B. MacAuley. He was my main man. He was our headquarters representative in Brooklyn. I used to go on payoffs with him. He used to tell me, write down all the questions you couldn’t answer. After we get done with the payoff, you and I will sit down and review them. Same thing with the beefs – write it all down. He made sure I read the constitution and knew it from A to Z. He used to say, after six months, the questions all repeat, and he was right. Suddenly it comes easy, and you know the answers. of? Q: You have no shortage of accomplishments as president. What’s one you’re especially proud we were so transparent with everybody. Q: You said you weren’t sure how long you’d stick with the SIU, and that you sailed but also did other jobs after serving in the Air Force. Ultimately, what made you stay during those initial years? A: The money (from sailing) was good, but it wasn’t only the money, it was the people. No one ever asked where you came from or who you were. As long as you did your job, nobody bothered you, and that was good enough for me. A: When I was invited to the White House to meet the Queen of England (Elizabeth II, in 2007). That was a highlight of my whole life. My wife (Sophie) and I get there, and we’re waiting in line to get in. (Congresswoman) Nancy Pelosi sees me, and I know what she’s thinking: ‘What the heck are you doing here?’ I was the only labor guy. You could see it on her face. (Senator) Trent Lott yells, ‘Your mother is going to be proud of you.’ But there have been so many experiences. It’s hard for me to believe I did all those things. Q: What is something you enjoyed about being president? A: How people looked to me for leadership. I provided hope for a lot of people at that time (when first taking office). There was a lot of insecurity (years ago). Paul Hall would fire you in a minute, ship you out. Even E.B. MacAuley had to go to sea for six months because we couldn’t make payroll. We needed security and stability. I felt it all the time – my job was in jeopardy every day when I was a patrolman. Q: What are your plans for retirement? A: I really don’t know. After a couple of months, I’m thinking of going to my church and seeing how I can help and volunteer – on a very limited basis. I don’t want to put myself in a position where it’s going to be a work day, but I’d like to help as much as I can. Whatever I could do to help. But at first, I want at least two or three months to calm down. I’m going to miss everybody. I don’t know anything but this work. Q: Looking back on when the NMU merged into the SIU in 2001, what comes to mind? A: The NMU merger was a turning point. It eliminated the competition on bids for government contracts. Before the merger, the NMU would bid, we would bid lower, then they would come back and bid lower. It was crazy. But every promise that I made to the NMU, I kept. The fact that it worked out so well is an example of timing being on our side – maybe it’s fate, maybe it’s luck. Maybe because we always try to do the right thing, and Prior to signing on with the Seafarers, Michael Sacco (left) served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-58. Michael Sacco (above) calls the most recent Maritime Trades Department Executive Board meeting to order, earlier this year. Among those pictured in this lifeboat class photo from 1965 (below) are Michael Sacco (second from right in the second row) and his brother, Joey (far left, second row). In 2007, SIU President Michael Sacco (left in photo above) and his wife, Sophie (far right), were among the guests invited to the White House to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (third from right) and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (second from left). President George W. Bush is second from right, while First Lady Laura Bush is third from left. In photo below, AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland (standing) addresses Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland, as newly appointed SIU President Michael Sacco (left) listens. Elaine L. Chao (center), who served as a cabinet secretary in two different administrations, always stood up for the U.S. Merchant Marine. She is pictured with SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and his wife, Sophie, at the SIUNA convention in Piney Point, Maryland, in 2017. 10 Seafarers LOG April 2023 April 2023 Seafarers LOG 11 �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by members at the Jacksonville hall. And for anyone wondering, the Slues are father (Randy) and son (Donald). Question: What is your favorite port and why? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Duane Washington Chief Cook Tampa, especially Ybor City. We would be in port for a day and a half. You could run around the city and walk to Ybor City. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Dominic Jones Wiper Germany and Belgium because of the love they show. They are respectful – once you show respect, they give it back. 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 James Blitch Recertified Bosun Puerto Rico because I was able to surf and dive on my off time. And I would be home within a week to see my family. Donald Slue Wiper Germany. There are multiple things to do there and a lot of fun activities. You get to go out with your shipmates. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 Anthony Newbill Bosun Australia. It’s nice, fun and enjoyable. I had a great time. JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Randy Slue Electrician Cape Canaveral. It’s close to home and surrounded by water. Everywhere you travel, you see water, and – now and then – you see a launch. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG Jose Norales Chief Steward I have a couple – the ports of Jacksonville, Tampa, Port Everglades and Long Beach because they are all easy to go ashore and get personal items. Pic From The Past The SIU-crewed Vantage Horizon is shown in 1974, following a shipyard period in Newport News, Virginia. The vessel had recently become the first U.S. ship to load wheat in Australia since World War II. It also had carried grain from the Gulf of Mexico to Germany, India and Iran, among other ports. According to the July 1974 edition of the Seafarers LOG, “The fully air-conditioned ship is one of the 50 American ships which carry grain to the Soviet Union as part of the trade agreement between the U.S. and Russia signed in 1972.” If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org April 2023 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 15 - March 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 15, 2023. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C The Lilac is pictured in 1969. (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard) Lilac Preservation Project Execs Solicit Memorabilia For Historical Exhibition Editor’s note: The following communication was submitted by the Lilac Preservation Project. This is for SIU members who trained at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship between 1972 and 1984. The ex-Coast Guard Cutter Lilac is celebrating her 90th year in 2023 with an exhibit about the ship’s history. After her decommissioning in 1972, she was donated to the Lundeberg school and used as a dormitory. Little was changed on this steamship during her tenure there since training in her reciprocating steam propulsion system was no longer necessary. She was sold by the school on Oct. 24, 1984 to Atlantic Towing. We are seeking photos, reminiscences and other memorabilia from SIU members who were familiar with the Lilac during her days at Piney Point. We have very little information about this period in her history and hope that you can help fill the blank. If you have material to share, please contact Museum Director Mary Habstritt at mary@lilacpreservationproject.org. The Lilac is the last surviving steam-powered lighthouse tender in America and the oldest Coast Guard black hull afloat. Her significance has been recognized by her enrollment in the National Register of Historic Places. The Lilac served as a lighthouse and buoy tender from 1933 to 1972 and is now owned and operated by the non-profit Lilac Preservation Project. The ship is currently being restored for maritime education and community activities and is berthed from May to October at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 in New York City, where she is open to the public for tours and other events. To learn more and view our schedule of events for 2023, see www.lilacpreservationproject.org April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point............................................Monday: April 3, May 8 Algonac..................................................Friday: April 7, May 12 Baltimore............................................Thursday: April 6, May 11 Guam.............................................Thursday: April 20, May 25 Honolulu..............................................Friday: April 14, May 19 Houston...............................................Monday: April 10, May 15 Jacksonville......................................Thursday: April 6, May 11 Joliet...............................................Thursday: April 13, May 18 Mobile..........................................Wednesday: April 12, May 17 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: April 11, May 16 Jersey City.........................................Tuesday: April 4, May 9 Norfolk..................................................Friday: April 7, May 12 Oakland...........................................Thursday: April 13, May 18 Philadelphia.................................Wednesday: April 5, May 10 Port Everglades..............................Thursday: April 13, May 18 San Juan.........................................Thursday: April 6, May 11 St. Louis............................................Friday: April 14, May 19 Tacoma.............................................Friday: April 21, May 26 Wilmington........................................Monday: April 17, May 22 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m April 2023 Seafarers LOG 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OCEAN GRAND (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 18 – Chairman Lech Jankowski, Secretary George Egbert, Educational Director Christopher Eason. Educational director reminded crew to take Coast Guard physical before taking any classes at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew change to take place in Tampa. Members requested better Wi-Fi and free calls. Crew suggested overtime pay rates for apprentices. 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. upgrading opportunities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increases to vacation and pension benefits. Steward department was thanked for doing an excellent job during the holidays. LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty Maritime), November 20 – Chairman Victor Eligio, Secretary Gregory Melvin, Deck Delegate Dwayne Harris. Chairman advised members to keep upgrading. Payoff date scheduled for November 27. Crew is working on finishing engine repais. Secretary reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses, new shower curtains, new refrigerators, new TV for crew lounge, new lamps and new power supply for state rooms. Members discussed possibly modifying requirements for pension qualification. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited) January 29 – Chairman Linnell Coleman, Secretary Norma West, Educational Director Charles Packer, Deck Delegate Muafa Musad, Engine Delegate Lateef Sanusi, Steward Delegate Carl Royster. Chairman urged crew to check their documents and to take advantage of the upgrading courses held at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Not all crew quarters have heat. New linen and various PPE items needed on ship. Members requested a change in rider gang pay and vacation time. Crew asked for increases in pension payout and increases in vacation days. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for providing good food. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), January 22 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Derek Chestnut, Steward Delegate Steven Laubach. Chairman reminded crew to keep rooms clean. Members were instructed to place dirty linen in bags on B and C deck when departing ship. Educational director reviewed credential expiration dates and LIBERTY PRIDE (Liberty Maritime), February 12 – Chairman Victor Eligio, Deck Delegate Dwayne Harris, Engine Delegate Travis Houston, Steward Delegate Delphine Simmons. Chairman recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, the union-affiliated school located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several items to be ordered including mattresses, washing machines, new pillows, shower curtains and towels. Four refrigerators also to be ordered. Crew reviewed and discussed retirement benefits. Aboard Kaimana Hila MISSOURI EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), February 12 – Chairman Nathaniel Sherrill, Secretary Vincent Chavez, Educational Director Jimmie Williams, Deck Delegate Michael Brisco, Engine Delegate Yves Nsuami. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members are unhappy about paydays being moved from the end of the month to the seventh of the following month. Crew needs better Wi-Fi for a stronger signal. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), February 24 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary James Cameron, Educational Director George Mardones, Deck Delegate David Brady, Engine Delegate Julio Zapata, Steward Delegate Maurice Henry. Crew reviewed subjects under “old business,” including orders for new pillows, new comforters and a new refrigerator in crew mess hall. Chairman reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for oncoming members and to know when documents expire. He encouraged crew to go out and vote for people that are going to support unions. Secretary also advised members to stay on top of documents and to keep ship clean. Educational Pictured aboard the Matson vessel are Recertified Steward Alan Hollinger (right) and SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon. director urged members to advance their careers by upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, which offers upgrading courses for mariners in all three shipboard departments. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed importance of fulfilling contractual obligations. They encouraged fellow members to donate to the Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and to the Maritime Defense League. Crew requests DVD players in rooms with USB drives, along with fitted sheets for bigger beds. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), January 17 – Chairman John O’Shaughnessy, Secretary Memo Elfeky, Educational Director Jan Morawski. Crew reported smooth trip. They discussed upgrading opportunities available at SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- 14 Seafarers LOG ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 April 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA home in Summerfield, Florida. FERNANDO ABUAN LESLIE DAVIS Brother Fernando Abuan, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2007 when he sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Abuan last shipped on the John Paul Bobo and lives in Woodland, California. Brother Leslie Davis, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1983 and first shipped on the Boston. He was a steward department member and most recently sailed on the American Liberty. Brother Davis upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He is a New Orleans resident. MOHAMED ALSINAI Brother Mohamed Alsinai, 65, embarked on his career with the union in 1990, first sailing on the Independence. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Alsinai concluded his career aboard the Horizon Kodiak. He makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. MARIO BATIZ Brother Mario Batiz, 60, started sailing with the SIU in 1988 when he shipped aboard the Economy. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Batiz last sailed on the Pennsylvania. He is a Houston resident. HENRYNILO BECODO Brother Henrynilo Becodo, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2002, initially sailing on the Global Link. Working primarily in the deck department, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Becodo most recently shipped on the Maersk Atlanta. He calls Severn, Maryland, home. EVAN BRADLEY Brother Evan Bradley, 68, joined the union in 1975. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Bradley’s first vessel was the Erna Elizabeth; his last, the Alliance Fairfax. He makes his April 2023 CHRISTOPHER FENNELL Brother Christopher Fennell, 65, joined the union in 1976. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Boston. Brother Fennell upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Long Lines and resides in Pilot, Virginia. MICHAEL HINTON Brother Michael Hinton, 66, became an SIU member in 1975 when he sailed on the Venture. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Hinton was last employed by Moran Towing of Texas. He is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. JOSEPH JONES Brother Joseph Jones, 58, signed on with the union in 1988. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Jones’ first vessel was the Bonny; his last, the Pacific Reliance. He makes his home in Fort Worth, Texas. MOHAMMAD KHAN Brother Mohammad Khan, 66, joined the SIU in 1998. He sailed primarily in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Khan first shipped on the Global Mariner. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Atlanta and makes his home in North Brunswick Township, New Jersey. TOMAS MARTINEZ Brother Tomas Martinez, 67, signed on with the union in 1989, sailing first aboard the Independence. He worked in all three departments and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Martinez last shipped on the Sam Houston and is a Houston resident. CLEOTILDE MARTINEZ MEJIA Brother Cleotilde Martinez Mejia, 67, joined the SIU in 2001. He initially worked aboard the Chemical Pioneer and sailed in the steward department. Brother Martinez Mejia upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the President Truman and lives in the Bronx, New York. STEVEN MCKITTRICK Brother Steven McKittrick, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1978. He first sailed aboard the Maryland and was a member of the deck department. Brother McKittrick upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the Endurance. He settled in Signal Hill, California. GEORGE PINEDA Brother George Pineda, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1991 and was a deck department member. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Pineda worked on the Independence for the duration of his career. He lives in Honolulu. JOSE ROJAS Brother Jose Rojas, 65, joined the union in 1994 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2005. Brother Rojas’ final vessel was the Liberty Grace. He resides in Reading, Pennsylvania. LEVI ROLLINS Brother Levi Rollins, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped on the Cape Nome. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rollins last shipped on the Patriot and settled in Pembroke Pines, Florida. RICHARD SANDERSON Brother Richard Sanderson, 66, became an SIU member in 1974. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the steward department. Brother Sanderson’s first vessel was the Keva Ideal. He most recently sailed on the North Star and is a Seattle resident. MILTON SIVELLS Brother Milton Sivells, 66, joined the SIU in 1989. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Sivells first shipped on the USNS Indomitable. He most recently sailed on the Resolve and makes his home in Suffolk, Virginia. MARSHALL TURNER Brother Marshall Turner, 55, signed on with the union in 1993, sailing first aboard the USNS Denebola. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Turner most recently shipped on the Perla Del Caribe and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. the SIU colors in 1976. An engine department member, he was first employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Compton upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1997. He concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. HOWARD HAWREY Brother Howard Hawrey, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1982 when he shipped on the Manhattan Island. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hawrey most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Island. He lives in Deland, Florida. CHARLES MILLS Brother Charles Mills, 65, became a member of the union in 1995, initially sailing with OSG Ship Management. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mills most recently shipped aboard the Innovation and settled in Baltimore. GIL PRUITT Brother Gil Pruitt, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1979 when he worked with Steuart Transportation. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Pruitt concluded his career with Express Marine. He lives in Onancock, Virginia. CHARLES WILLIAMS GREAT LAKES EDWARD DERRY Brother Edward Derry, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1987. He initially sailed on the Steel T. Crapo and was a steward department member. Brother Derry last shipped on the Alpena. He resides in Watertown, New York. ABDO MASHRAH Brother Abdo Mashrah, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He first shipped aboard the Paul Thayer and worked in the deck department. Brother Mashrah upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed aboard the Presque Isle and makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. INLAND DENNIS COMPTON Brother Dennis Compton, 63, donned Brother Charles Williams, 56, started his career with the SIU in 1990, initially working with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Williams was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and lives in Jasper, Florida. STEPHEN WILLIAMS Brother Stephen Williams, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Williams worked with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He resides in Orange, Texas. Seafarers LOG 15 �Departures Final Departures DEEP SEA ABRAHAM ABAS Pensioner Abraham Abas, 90, passed away February 20. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1969, when he sailed aboard the Transcolumbia. An engine department member, Brother Abas last shipped on the Manhattan. He retired in 1994 and settled in Lacey, Washington. DEEP SEA Wilkes and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Pacific and retired in 2009. Brother Inskeep resided in Reno, Nevada. Final Departures MARION KAMINSKI Wilkes and96, was Pensioner Marion Kaminski, a member of the passed away February 28. He donned deck department. the SIU colors in 1951 when he He last sailed Pensioner21. Abraham Abas,sailing 90, passed February He started with shipped with Blid- aboard the Horiaway February 20. He signed on the union in 1952, berg Rothchild. zon Pacific and with the working Seafarers International initially retired in 2009. Working in the Union in 1969, when he sailed for Alcoa Steamsteward depart- Brother Inskeep aboard the Transcolumbia. An enship Company. ment, he concludedresided in Reno, gine department member, Brother Brother Allen was his career aboard Nevada. shipped on the Manhattan. aAbas decklast departthe Seattle in 1982. He retired in 1994 and settled in ment member. He became aKAMINSKI penMARION Lacey, Washington. He concluded his sioner the followPensioner Marion 96, career aboard the ing year and settledKaminski, in Baltimore. passed away February 28. He donned Stonewall JackJAMES ALLEN the SIU colors son before going Pensioner Allen, 91, died SHAN MOON in 1951 when he on pensionJames in 1994. Brother Allen February 21.DEEP He sailing with Pensioner shipped with Blidwas a resident ofstarted Baton Shan Moon, 92,and diedwas JanuSEARouge, Wilkes the union in 1952, berg Rothchild. aary Louisiana. 25. He of became member the initially working Working in the a member of the deck department. ABRAHAM ABAS for Alcoa Steamsteward depart- He union 1989 and lastinsailed EPIFANIO HIPOLITO ship Company. Pensioner Abraham Abas, 90, passed ment, he concludedaboard workedthe in the enHoriBrother Allen was Pensioner Epifanio Hipolito, away February 20. He signed94, on his career aboard zon ginePacific department. and a deck passed away December 11. He with thedepartSeafarers International the Seattle in 1982. retired BrotherinMoon 2009. ment member. joined the SIU in 1978hewhen Union in 1969, when sailedhe He became a pen- Brother worked aboard Inskeepthe He concluded his sailed on Overseas Washington. aboard thethe Transcolumbia. An ensioner the follow- resided Independence for in Reno, career aboard themember, Brother Hipolito was a member of gine department Brother ing year and settledNevada. in Baltimore. the duration of his Stonewall Jack- on and the deck last shipped Abas lastdepartment shipped the Manhattan. career. He began sonthe before going on Enterprise 1993. He in beHe retired in 1994inand settled collecting his SHAN MOON MARION KAMINSKI on pension in 1994. Brother Allen came a Washington. pensioner the following year Lacey, pension in 2001 and lived in Sandy, was made a resident of Baton Rouge, Shan Moon, 92, died and his home in Daly City, Pensioner Marion Kaminski, 96, JanuUtah. Louisiana. ary 28. 25. He Hedonned became California. passed away February JAMES ALLEN a member of the the SIU colors MAHER OMAR Pensioner James Allen, 91, died in 1951 when he union in 1989 and EPIFANIO HIPOLITO LONNIE GAMBLE February 21. He started sailing with shipped worked the enPensioner Maher 76,inpassed with Blid-Omar, Epifanio Hipolito, Pensioner Lonnie 78,94, died the union in 1952,Gamble, gine awayRothchild. November 21. Hedepartment. joined the berg passed away December 11. He February 8. Signinitially working Brother Moon SeafarersinInternational Union in Working the joined the SteamSIU in 1978 when ing on withhe the for Alcoa worked aboard the 2001. Brother first shipped on steward depart-Omar sailedCompany. on the Overseas unionWashington. in 1967, ship the Cape Alexan- Independence for ment, he concluded was a member he first sailed of Brother Hipolito Allen was dercareer and sailed in the duration of his his aboard deckdepartdepartment andBloomlast shipped the with athe deck bothSeattle the deck and career. He began in 1982. on themember. Enterprise in 1993. He befield Steamship. ment engine departHe became a pen- collecting his came a pensioner following year Brother Gamble He concluded his the pensionthe infollow2001 ments. His final and lived in Sandy, sioner and made his home in Daly City, dea steward career aboard the was Utah. vessel ing yearwas andthe settled in Baltimore. California.Jack- partment member Stonewall Mercury. Brother son before going and last shipped Omar became a MAHER OMAR SHAN MOON onBrother the Delta Maron pension GAMBLE in 1994. Allen pensioner in 2014 LONNIE Maher Omar,92, 76,died passed iner.aHe became pensioner in 2006 Pensioner was resident ofaBaton Rouge, Moon, Januand made Shan his Pensioner Gamble, 78, died away November 21. the and settledLonnie in Mobile, Alabama. Louisiana. aryHe 25.joined He became home in Jersey February 8. SignSeafarers Unionofinthe City, NewInternational Jersey. a member ing on with the 2001. Brother Omar first on union inshipped 1989 and JAMES INSKEEP EPIFANIO HIPOLITO union in 1967, the Cape Alexan- worked in the enheHipolito, first sailed RICARDO James Inskeep, 77,94, died Pensioner Epifanio der and sailedQUINONES in gine department. with Octoberaway 5. HeDecember began hisBloomcareer passed 11. He both the deck and Brother Pensioner Ricardo Quinones, 73, Moon field Steamship. with thetheSeafarers in 1991. Brother joined SIU in 1978 when he engine depart-21. Sailing died January aboard workedfirst aboard the Brother Inskeep onWashington. theGamble USNS sailed onfirst the shipped Overseas ments. His final Independence for wasa amember stewardof deBrother Hipolito was vessel was the the duration of his partment the deck department and lastmember shipped Mercury. Brother career. He began and last shipped on the Enterprise in 1993. He beOmar became a collecting his Final Departures Correction on the Delta Marcame a pensioner the following year pensioner 2014 pension in in 2001 and lived in Sandy, iner.made He became a pensioner in 2006 Utah. and his home in Daly City, and made his The February included thehome obituary of the late SIU penand settled in Mobile,LOG Alabama. California. in Jersey sioner Herbert Scypes – but it ranCity, withNew a photo of his son by the Jersey. JAMES ALLEN ABRAHAM ABAS Pensioner James Allen, 91, died MAHER OMAR same name, who also sailed with the SIU. The write-up with the JAMES INSKEEP LONNIE GAMBLE Pensioner Maher Omar, 76, passed correct James photoInskeep, follows. We apologize for the error and sincerely RICARDO QUINONES Pensioner Lonnie Gamble,77, 78,died died away November 21. Heabout joinedit. the appreciate younger Scypes being a very good sport October 5. He the began his career February 8. Sign- PensionerInternational Ricardo Quinones, Seafarers Union 73, in with the Seafarers ing in 1991. Brother on with the SCYPES died January Sailing aboard 2001. Brother21. Omar firstfirst shipped on HERBERT Inskeep first shipped on the USNS union in 1967, the Cape AlexanPensioner Herbert Scypes, 91, died December 18. he first sailed der and sailed in donned the SIU colors in 1956 and sailed in the withHe Bloomboth the deck and department. Brother Scypes first worked fieldsteward Steamship. engine departFinal Departures Correction with Waterman Steamship Corporation. He last Brother Gamble ments. His final on the Harriette before going on wassailed a steward de-Overseas vessel was the pension in 1996.the Brother Scypes Mobile, The February LOG included obituary of resided the lateinSIU penpartment member Mercury. Brother Alabama. sioner Herbertand Scypes – but it ranOmar with became a photoaof his son by the last shipped on the Marsame name, who alsoDelta sailed with the SIU. The write-up with the pensioner in 2014 iner. He became pensionerWe in 2006 correct photoa follows. apologize for the and made hiserror and sincerely andappreciate settled in Mobile, Alabama. the younger Scypes being a very good sport about it. home in Jersey City, New Jersey. 16 Seafarers LOG JAMES INSKEEP HERBERT SCYPES Pensioner HerbertRICARDO Scypes, 91, died December 18. QUINONES Pensioner James Inskeep, 77, died Hecareer donned the SIU colors in 1956 and sailed in the October 5. He began his Pensioner Quinones, steward department. BrotherRicardo Scypes first worked73, with the Seafarers in 1991. Brother died January 21. Sailing with Steamship Corporation. Hefirst last aboard Inskeep first shipped on theWaterman USNS sailed on the Overseas Harriette before going on 79203_SEAFARERS_LOG_APRIL_2023.indd 16 pension in 1996. Brother Scypes resided in Mobile, Alabama. Final Departures Correction 16 The February LOG included the obituary of the late SIU pensioner Herbert Scypes Seafarers LOG – but it ran with a photo of his son by the same name, who also sailed with the SIU. The write-up with the correct photo follows. We apologize for the error and sincerely appreciate the younger Scypes being a very good sport about it. the Warrior, he donned the SIU colors in 1971. Brother Quinones worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the Horizon Navigator in 2009 before going on pension the following year. Brother Quinones resided in Puerto Rico. the Warrior, he donned the SIU STUART SCHROEDER colors in 1971. Brother Quinones Pensioner Stuart Schroeder, 73, worked in theFebruary 7. He signed passed away deck department. on with the Seafarers in 1980. A He last shipped steward department member, he first on the Horizon shipped on the Oceanic IndepenNavigator in 2009 dence. Brother Schroeder last sailed before going on on the Independence in 1990. He bepension the fol- in 2014 and settled came a pensioner lowing year. Brother Quinones rein Honolulu. sided in Puerto Rico. LEONARD STEINHARDT STUARTLeonard SCHROEDER Pensioner Steinhardt, 79, Pensioner Stuart Schroeder, 73,on his died January 23. He embarked passed awaythe February 7. He signed career with SIU in 1964, initially the Warrior, he on with the SIU Seafarers in 1980. A an sailing aboard donned stewardindepartment member, he first Isco Inc. vessel. colors 1971. shipped Quinones on the Oceanic IndepenBrother SteinBrother dence. Brother last sailed hardt worked worked in the Schroeder on thedepartment. Independence He bein in the1990. engine deck came 2014 and settled and He lasta pensioner shipped indepartment in Honolulu. also worked on on the Horizon Navigator in 2009 shore gangs. He concluded his before going on LEONARD STEINHARDT pension the fol- career working Pensioner Leonard Steinhardt, 79, with World Crane lowing year. Brother Quinones redied January 23.Rico. He in embarked on his Services and retired 2000. Brother sided in Puerto career withmade the SIU 1964, Steinhardt his in home in initially Omaha, sailing aboard an Nebraska. STUART SCHROEDER Isco Inc. vessel. Brother SteinPensioner Stuart Schroeder, 73, CLYDE THOMPSON hardt7.worked passed away February He signed in the engine Pensioner Thompson, 70, on with theClyde Seafarers in 1980. A department and passed away February 22. He he joined steward department member, first also worked on the uniononinthe Oceanic shipped Indepenshore gangs. He 2001 and first Schroeder dence. Brother last sailed shipped aboard concluded on the Independence in 1990. his He bethe Navigator. came a pensioner incareer 2014working and settled Brother Thomp- with World Crane in Honolulu. Services and retired in 2000. Brother son worked Steinhardt made his home in Omaha, in the steward LEONARD STEINHARDT Nebraska. He department. Pensioner Leonard last sailed aboard Steinhardt, 79, died January 23. He embarked on his the Freeport CLYDE THOMPSON career the SIU in 1964, initially before with becoming Pensioner 70, an sailing aboard a pensionerClyde in Thompson, passedBrother away February He joined Isco22. Inc. vessel. 2014. Thompson was a New the union in Brother SteinOrleans resident. 2001 and first hardt worked shipped aboard in the engine JERRY VAN ETTEN the Navigator. department and Brother ThompPensioner Jerry Vanalso Etten, 66, died worked on son worked December shore gangs.13. He in the steward A deck departconcluded his department. He career ment member, working last sailed aboard with he signed Worldon Crane the Freeport the SIU in Services and retiredwith in 2000. Brother before becoming Steinhardt made his1974. homeBrother in Omaha, a pensioner in Van Etten first Nebraska. 2014. Brother Thompson was New worked onathe Orleans resident. Chas C. West. CLYDE THOMPSON He last shipped Pensioner Clyde Thompson, aboard the70, DeJERRY VAN ETTEN passed away February 22. He veloper in joined 2002. Pensioner Jerry Van Etten, died the unionVan in Brother Etten went on 66, pension December 2001 andand first in 2021 made his home in 13. Las A deck departshipped Vegas. aboard ment member, the Navigator. Brother Thomp- he signed on LEROY WOODSwith the SIU in son worked 1974.77, Brother Pensioner Leroy Woods, passed in the steward Van Etten afirst away JanuaryHe17. He became department. worked on the member the Seafarers Internalast sailedofaboard Chas C. West. tional Union in 2001. Brother Woods the Freeport before becoming He last shipped aboard the Dea pensioner in veloper in a2002. 2014. Brother Thompson was New Brother Van Etten went on pension Orleans resident. in 2021 and made his home in Las Vegas. JERRY VAN ETTEN Pensioner Jerry Van Etten, 66, died LEROY WOODSDecember 13. Pensioner Leroy Woods, 77,departpassed A deck away January 17. He became a ment member, member of the Seafarers Internahe signed on tional Union in 2001. Brother Woods with the SIU in 1974. Brother Van Etten first worked on the Chas C. West. He last shipped aboard the De- first sailed with Marine Personnel and Provisioning. He was a deck department member and last shipped on the Alliance Norfolk. Brother Woods went on pension in 2015 and lived in Jacksonville, Florida. Union. Brother Severs was a deck department member and sailed with OLS Transport for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2020 and lived in Hawesville, Kentucky. first sailedGREAT with LAKES Marine Personnel and Provisioning. DANIEL NATTO He was a deck dePensioner Daniel partment memberNatto, 74, died January 13. He joined and last shipped on the Seafarers in 1988 and first worked with the Alliance NorDunbar and Sullivan. folk. Brother Woods Brother Natto sailedon in pension the deck department. He went became a pensioner in 2015 and lived in 2011 after concluding his in Jacksonville,career with Great Lakes Towing. Brother Natto made Florida. his home in Cleveland. GREAT LAKES Union. Brother NMU Severs was a deck department memOLMEDO ber and sailedALVAREZ with OLS Olmedo Trans- Alvarez, 92, Pensioner port foraway his entire passed November 30. Brother career. He became Alvarez first sailed aboard the Amoco a pensioner in Illinois and worked in the engine 2020 and lived department. He in concluded his career Hawesville, Ken- Keystone. Brother aboard the Chelsea tucky. retired in 1995 and made his Alvarez home in Coral Springs, Florida. PAUL SHA DANIELPaul NATTO Pensioner Sha, 90, passed away Pensioner Daniel Natto, 74, colors died March 6. He donned the SIU first sailed January 13.with He joined in 1966, initially sailingthe withSeafarGreat Marine Personnel ers in 1988 and first Lakes Associates. He worked shipped with in the and Provisioning. Dunbar and Sullivan. Brother deck department and last sailed Natto aboard He was athe deck de-department. He sailed deck the St. in Clair. He retired in 1997 and partment member becameina Carson pensioner inNevada. 2011 after resided City, and last shipped on with Great concluding his career the Alliance NorLakes Towing. Brother Natto made folk. Brother Woods his home in Cleveland. INLAND went on pension in 2015 and lived PAUL SHA RUBY HOWARD in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner Paul 90, passed away RubySha, Howard, 79, passed MarchFebruary 6. He donned the SIU colors away 5. She began sailing GREAT LAKES in 1966, sailing withAGreat with the initially Seafarers in 1994. steward Lakes Associates. He Sister shipped in the department member, Howard DANIEL NATTO deckemployed department andOrgulf last sailed aboard was with Transport the St. Clair. He of retired in74, 1997 and Pensioner Daniel Natto, died for the duration her career. She resided Carson City, Nevada. January He joined theand Seafarwent onin13. pension in 2014 called ers in 1988Kentucky, and first worked Ledbetter, home. with Dunbar and Sullivan. Brother Natto INLAND sailed in thePRIMEAUX deck department. He LAODIS became a pensioner in 2011 after Pensioner Laodis concluding his career with Great RUBY HOWARD Primeaux, Lakes Towing. Brother Natto 93, made Pensioner Ruby Howard, 79, passed died February 7. his home in Cleveland. away February 5. She sailing He began embarked on with the Seafarers in A with steward his1994. career PAUL SHA department member, theSister unionHoward in 1967 was employed Orgulf Transport Pensioner Paul with Sha,and 90, passed away shipped in the for the 6. duration of her She March He donned thecareer. SIU colors deck department. went on initially pension sailing inBrother 2014with and called in 1966, Great PrimeLedbetter, Kentucky, home. Lakes Associates. He in with the auxshipped worked deck department and last sailed aboard Dixie Carriers for the Clair. He retired in 1997 and his St. entire career. He retired in 1994 LAODIS PRIMEAUX resided in Carson City, Nevada. and resided in Kaplan, Louisiana. Pensioner Laodis Primeaux, 93, WESLEY ROSSdied February 7. INLAND He embarked on Pensioner Wesley Ross, 64, passed his career with away January RUBY HOWARD the union in 1967 13. He joined and shipped in the the SIU in Ruby 1988,Howard, Pensioner 79, passed deck department. initially sailing 5. She away February began sailing Brother PrimeMariner Tow-in with the Seafarers 1994. A steward worked with ing. Brothermember, Ross aux department Sister Howard Carriers for worked in the withDixie was employed Orgulf Transport his the entire career.ofHe 1994 deck department for duration herretired career.inShe resided in Kaplan, and concluded hisin 2014Louisiana. went on pension and called career withKentucky, Penn Ledbetter, home. Maritime in 1999. WESLEY ROSS He began collectLAODIS PRIMEAUX Pensioner Wesley Ross,and 64, made passedhis ing his pension in 2020 away January Pensioner Laodis home in Bayboro, North Carolina. 13. He joined Primeaux, 93, the SIU in 1988, died February 7. DALE SEVERSHe embarked on initially sailing with Mariner TowPensioner Dale Severs, 64, died his career withJaning. Brother Rosshethe uary 2. In 1993, became unionainmem1967 worked in Seafarers the ber of the International and shipped in the deck department deck department. and concluded his Brother Primecareer with Penn aux worked with Maritime in 1999. Dixie Carriers for He collect-He retired in 1994 his began entire career. ing pension in 2020 Louisiana. and made his and his resided in Kaplan, home in Bayboro, North Carolina. WESLEY ROSS DALE SEVERS Pensioner Wesley Ross, 64, passed Pensioner Dale Severs, 64, died Janaway January uaryHe 2. joined In 1993, he became a mem13. ber SIU of the International the in Seafarers 1988, initially sailing with Mariner Towing. Brother Ross worked in the deck department and concluded his career with Penn JOSE BRITONMU Pensioner Jose Brito, 90, died OcOLMEDO ALVAREZ tober 30. A stewPensioner Olmedo ard Alvarez, 92, Union. Brother department passed 30. Brother Severs away was aNovember deckmember, he first Alvarez firstmemsailedshipped aboard the department on Amoco the Illinois workedTexaco in the engine ber andand sailed Maryland. department. He concluded career with OLS TransBrother his Brito’s aboard Keystone. port forthe hisChelsea entire final vesselBrother was Alvarez retired in 1995 and made his career. He became the Valley Forge. home in Coral Florida.a a pensioner in Springs, He became 2020 and lived in pensioner in 1997 Hawesville, Ken- and lived in PawJOSE BRITO tucky. Rhode Island. tucket, Pensioner Jose Brito, 90, died October 30. A stewJACK COLSONard department NMU member,95, he first Pensioner Jack Colson, shipped on the passed away OLMEDO ALVAREZ Texaco Maryland. December 26. Brother Colson Pensioner Olmedo Brother Alvarez,Brito’s 92, was was born in November Los final vessel passed away 30. Brother Valley Angeles.first Hesailedthe Alvarez aboard theForge. Amoco a workedand in worked the He Illinois in became the engine pensioner 1997 deck department department. He concluded hisincareer lived inBrother Pawand initially aboard the Chelseaand Keystone. tucket, Rhode sailed aboard Alvarez retiredIsland. in 1995 and made his the Flying Scud. home in Coral Springs, Florida. Brother Colson JACK COLSON concluded his JOSE BRITO Pensioner Jackthe Colson, 95, career aboard Key Tanker passed going away Pensioner Joseon Brito, 90, died Ocbefore pension in 1968. December 30.Hills, A stewHe resided 26. in Killtober Devil BrotherCarolina. Colson ard department North was born in Los member, he first Angeles. He shipped on the SIDNEY worked inDAVIS the Texaco Maryland. deck department Pensioner Sidney Davis, died Brother82, Brito’s and initially December 26. Brother finalDavis vesselsailed was sailed in both aboard the deck and theengine ValleydepartForge. the Flying Scud. He his ments. He concluded careera became Brotherthe Colson aboard Cape Knox and went on pensioner in 1997 concluded his Brother pension in 2002. Davis was and lived in PawaboardIsland. the Key Tanker acareer New Orleans resident. tucket, Rhode before going on pension in 1968. He resided in Kill Devil Hills, JACK COLSON PEDRO DEL CASAL North Carolina. Pensioner 95, 99, Pensioner Jack PedroColson, Del Casal, passed away passed away SIDNEY DAVIS December 26. January 28. PensionerColson Sidney Davis, 82,Ecuadied Brother Born in December 26.Los Brother sailed was born in dor,Davis he first in both theHe deck and engine on departAngeles. shipped the ments. He his career worked inconcluded the Great Fall Vicaboarddepartment the Cape Knox went on deck tory.and Brother pension in 2002. Brother Davis was and initially Del Casal sailed a New Orleans sailed aboard resident. in the deck dethe Flying Scud. partment. His Brother Colson final vessel was PEDRO DEL concluded his CASAL the Blue Ridge and he retired in career aboard the Key Tanker Pensioner Pedro Casal, 99, 1985. Brother DelDel Casal called before going on pension in 1968. passed Peotone, Illinois, home. away He resided in KillJanuary Devil Hills, 28. North Carolina. Born in Ecuador, he first SIDNEY DAVISshipped on the Great Fall VicPensioner Sidney Davis, 82, died tory. Brother December 26. Brother Davis Del Casal sailed sailed in both the deck and departin engine the deck dements. He concluded his career partment. His aboard the Cape Knox wentwas on finaland vessel 3/20/23 pension 2002. and Brother Davis was the BlueinRidge he retired in a1985. New Brother Orleans resident. Del Casal called Peotone, Illinois, home. April 2023 PEDRO DEL CASAL April 2023 Pensioner Pedro Del Casal, 99, passed away January 28. Born in Ecuador, he first 9:00 PM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck April 10 June 5 July 17 August 28 October 23 April 28 June 23 August 4 September 15 November 10 April 10 May 8 June 5 July 3 July 31 April 21 May 19 June 16 July 14 August 11 May 15 June 26 August 14 Fast Rescue Boat Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 31 October 23 August 11 November 3 Machinist September 25 October 20 Pumpman September 18 September 22 Welding May 8 June 5 May 26 June 23 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook May 1 June 5 July 10 June 2 July 7 August 11 ServSafe Management June 2 July 14 September 1 April 24 May 29 July 3 August 7 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 Advanced Galley Operations July 17 August 28 July 21 September 1 May 22 July 31 October 16 June 16 August 25 November 10 Chief Steward Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 April 17 June 26 September 11 November 13 May 12 July 21 October 6 December 8 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 Lifeboat/Water Survival RFPNW Engine Department Upgrading Courses Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Medical Care Provider June 12 June 16 Basic Training April 17 April 21 Basic Training Revalidation April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19 Government Vessels April 10 April 24 May 8 April 14 April 28 May 12 RFPEW May 15 August 14 June 9 September 8 FOWT June 12 October 2 July 7 October 27 Junior Engineer Program June 5 August 21 July 28 October 13 Marine Electrician April 24 September 18 May 26 October 20 Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18 Marine Refer Tech August 7 September 15 Tank Ship Familiarization DL May 22 May 26 Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 15 May 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. April 2023 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4/23 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #891 – Graduated January 27 (above, in alphabetical order): John Stephano Moris Adarayan, Taher Albaneh, Jacob Burns, Trinity Carter, Jacob Devers, Tevon Edwards, Jesus Fernandez, Chase Greenawalt, Antonio Johnson, Jayline Johnson, Sierjohn Caba Jove, Owen Lehman, Jabar Mohamad, Darriona Noisette, Valerie O’Reilly, Robert O’Neal, Andrew Pecheux, Josh Neilsen Templonuevo Rivera, Nakari Smith-Barnard, Jermal Torney and Eric Willey. Junior Engineer – Graduated January 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Reco Bennefield, Shawn James Diaz Benosa, Kevin Brown, Jarvis Carter, Zachary Ali Cartwright, Ricardo Antonio Escorcia, Dennison Forsman, Joshua Glancy, Malcolm Haynes Jr., Eric Jackson, Anson Johny, Daryl Thomas Jr., and Paul Valiente. 18 Seafarers LOG April 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to Able Seaman-Deck – A pair of apprentices recently completed their requirements in this course. Graduating January 27 (above, from left) were Cordera Deandre Looney and Brandon Coleman. Important Notice to All Students Basic Training (First Aid, CPR & AED) – Graduated January 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Rasheed Groden, Donald Harwerth, Reyna Lee Mendez, Jorge Morales, Perrin Proctor, William Rackley, Jocelyn Ramos, Zachary Rosenthal and Joseph Alvarez Samonte. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Government Vessels – Graduated January 20 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Nassr Hassan Ahmed, Angel Manuel Berrios Jr., Marsheta Brooks, Gionet Dennis, Steven Ellis Jr., Timothy Fogg, Tammy Gammage, Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, Donna Hickman, Sheena Borinaga Jumamil, Michael Knight, Sedell Mitchell-Reynolds, Jesus Alberto Morales Izquierdo, Joseph Alvarez Samonte, Dequan Vanandez Smith Jr., Jayson Velez-Cruz and Kenneth Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook (Module 5A) – Graduated January 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Xavier Burgos, Richard Dolan, Tkeyah Elliot and Xander Balian Farris. (Note: Not all are pictured.) April 2023 Certified Chief Cook (Module 5B) – Graduated January 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Khiry Jamal Bivins, Raymond Gregory Forse, Kenneth Paul Von Kaenel, Ali Mohamed Mossed Yahia and Cody Younghans. Seafarers LOG 19 �APRIL 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 4 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 18-19 The Ronald H. Brown, above, is NOAA’s largest vessel, at 274 feet long. (Photo courtesy NOAA). Deck gang members aboard the vessel, photo at right, from left are: Michael Lastinger, Gregory Jackson, Michael Burke, Harrison Bruce, Jared Van Borgen, John Hampton and Jeff Greely. Members Team Up Aboard NOAA Ship W hen Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson earlier this year took a temporary job aboard a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) vessel, he didn’t know what to expect. It turned out that working side-by-side with members of the SIU Government Services Division aboard the Ronald H. Brown agreed with him. “It was a pleasant experience,” Jackson stated. “It reinforced that we are all just merchant seamen and never too old to learn new things.” The Brown is NOAA’s largest vessel. Its mis- sions include collecting and assessing scientific data above and below the ocean surface, “allowing us to simultaneously measure the atmosphere and the ocean and increase our understanding of global climatic changes and other issues,” the agency noted. Some of the crew members are represented by the SIU. “The food was great,” Jackson added. “Just working alongside the NOAA crew was enjoyable. No matter where we come from or who we work for, we’re all seamen and all here for a reason.” AB John Hampton – like Jackson a member of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters – was part of the same voyage and came away with a similar outlook. “The NOAA crew were some of the most generous, fun-loving people I’ve ever sailed with,” he said. “We took the ship from Rhode Island to Brazil and it was a really good experience. We had guys from all walks of life when it comes to sailing. We all shared our experiences and our knowledge with one another. I enjoyed my time and learned a lot.” Executive Officer Aaron Maggied, Commanding Officer Marc Moser Anna McAuliffe, NOAA Scientist Chief Engineer Alan Currie, Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson 20 Seafarers LOG OMU Mark Watson Chief Cook Deandre Speight, Chief Steward Emir Porter, Second Cook Ashley Pape April 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource APRIL 2023 Description An account of the resource MENDONCA DELIVERY HIGHLIGHTS U.S.-FLAG SEALIFT CAPABILITIES PRO ACT INTRODUCED IN CONGRESS AGAIN ITF REINFORCES SUPPORT FOR UKRAINIAN MARINERS SIUNA ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS ATB LEGACY CREW RESCUES 8 MIGRANTS IN GULF OF MEXICO LABOR MOVEMENT MOURNS PASSING OF TOM DONAHUE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN NOMINATES JULIE SU TO BECOME NEXT U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR RETIRED GOVERNMENT SERVICES OFFICIAL 'CHET' WHEELER DIES AT 77 MARITIME COMMUNITY REACTS TO SACCO RETIREMENT Q&A WITH SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS MICHAEL SACCO LILAC PRESERVATION PROJECT EXECS SOLICIT MEMORABILIA FOR HISTORICAL EXHIBITION MEMBERS TEAM UP ABOARD NOAA SHIP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 85, NO. 4 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/ddf8486e3216ef318f5b5ac5df09971e.pdf d730039780af8d0a5dfbb53b9d888e34 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG APRIL 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 4 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Members Help Complete Operation Deep Freeze 2024 SIU crews have a decades-long history of ably supporting the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and they upheld the tradition for Operation Deep Freeze 2024. Two SIU-crewed ships – the Ocean Gladiator (Waterman) and the Acadia Trader (U.S. Marine Management) – took part in the most recent iteration. Mariners aboard the Acadia Trader (formerly named the Maersk Peary) included (front row) Bosun Nasser Kassim, AB Hussen Mohamed, Pumpman Walden Galacgac, SA Josue Hernandez-Cordero, Military Sealift Command Rep. Ray Lilly, (second row) AB Jerry Aquino, QMED Joshua Bonita, Chief Steward Shadonna Jones, Capt. Everett Hatton, Chief Engineer Garrett Long, AB Dale Armstrong III, Second Engineer Mary Shea, (third row), AB Nicholas Carey, Third Mate Richard Leach, Chief Mate Robert Grove, Third Mate Joseph Nicodemus, Second Engineer Seth Ulm, Second Mate Ryan Wood, Third Engineer Benjamin Basset, AB Berard Fedele and Wiper James Boatner. Page 7. Unions Launch Petition Aimed At Bolstering U.S. Shipbuilding Benefits Conferences Conclude Groups Want Investigation of Unfair Chinese Trade Practices Labor organizations including the SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department (MTD) are collaborating with other allies to help boost investment in domestic shipbuilding, in part by proposed fees on Chinese maritime interests. SIU President David Heindel (right) – in his role as MTD president – attended a March 12 press conference in the Senate where the filing of a petition with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was announced. The appeal calls on the USTR to initiate an investigation of Chinese commercial shipbuilding. Pictured at the conference are (from left) Machinists President Brian Bryant, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania), U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), Steelworkers President David McCall and Heindel. Page 5. Representatives from the Seafarers Plans and from the SIU recently wrapped up a monthslong series of benefits conferences that began last summer. The final-for-now gathering (efforts are being made to reschedule the twice-postponed conference in Wilmington, California) took place March 8 at the hiring hall in Algonac, Michigan, where SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (left) and Recertified Bosun Saleh Ahmed are pictured. Page 24 (back page). PAUL HALL CENTER HONORED• PAGE 2 // SEN. WICKER BACKS JONES ACT • PAGE 9 �President’s Report Time is Now for Revitalization I ’m sure we could come up with some exceptions, but for the most part, any given industry is more likely to end up in the news during times of crisis rather than when going through routine operations. Not to pick on our brothers and sisters in the airline industry, but when an in-flight incident recently occurred that involved a door detaching, it made national if not global headlines. A routine flight wouldn’t have been news at all. So it is with maritime and the Red Sea shipping crisis. Our industry once again is in the spotlight for undesirable reasons that are no fault of ours. This condition hit home in the worst possible way early last month, when a fatal attack by Houthi David Heindel rebels killed three mariners and injured others aboard a foreign-flag ship (one that is covered by an International Transport Workers’ Federation contract). It was an appalling act of terrorism. One of our own SIU-crewed ships also reportedly was targeted in late February in the Gulf of Aden, but the ballistic missile – also launched by Iranian-backed Houthis – landed in the water and did no damage. The latest data available at press time indicated that more than half of the ships that normally sail through that area have re-routed. Efforts are underway to temporarily redirect as many as possible, up to 100 percent. If you missed this point being made in our prior coverage or elsewhere, please be clear that the attacks on mariners and vessels basically have nothing to do with Israel and Gaza. This is pure terrorism and it wouldn’t end even if the Gaza crisis were resolved overnight. The rebels are using it as a convenient excuse for mindless violence. Meanwhile, government leaders and the general public are again either learning about or getting reacquainted with the absolutely indispensable role that shipping plays in the world economy. In that regard, it is reminiscent of the pandemic-era supply-chain crisis. Here in the U.S., this attention coincides with a potentially seismic effort by organized labor (including the SIU through our affiliation with the Maritime Trades Department). The United Steelworkers union is leading a formal petition to hold China accountable for unfair practices in its shipbuilding industry, and a big part of this effort involves massively investing in U.S. shipyards and shipyard workers. The petition (reported in detail elsewhere in this edition and on our website) also specifically calls for strengthening U.S. Merchant Marine staples including the Jones Act, cargo preference laws, the Maritime Security Program, and the Tanker Security Program. That petition has been in the works for a long time, but there’s some potentially great value in its surfacing while people are realizing that our nation simply cannot afford to be anything less than a true maritime power. And make no mistake, we are woefully behind China on that scorecard, mostly because they’ve spent well over $130 billion since 2010 in order to impede competition while becoming the world’s dominant shipbuilder, owner and operator. Despite all of these challenges, I am genuinely confident in the future of the U.S. maritime industry, including our domestic shipbuilding, and I most definitely am confident about what’s ahead for the SIU. We have strong support from the administration, from military leaders and from both sides of the aisle in Congress. Though it took longer than any of us would have liked, be assured that there is crystal-clear recognition at the highest levels regarding our manpower situation and our shipbuilding capacity. That type of acknowledgement is a mandatory precursor to real change. Specifically for the SIU and our affiliated school in Piney Point, I think there’s never been a better time to enter the trade or upgrade your skills. Mariners are in demand. You can make a very good living in the industry, and you can advance as far as you want. We will keep forging ahead to make sure your jobs are secure and your future is bright. SIU-Affiliated Paul Hall Center Earns ‘Center of Excellence’ Designation The SIU-affiliated school in southern Maryland interchangeably goes by more than one name, but the facility recently added a new designation carrying some well-earned cachet: Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE). Announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) in mid-February, the CoE label is valid for five years. It applies to the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), which includes the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. With full respect to the formal namesakes (two late presidents of the SIU), the school probably more often is referred to by its location: Piney Point. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, in a letter to PHC Acting Vice President Pat Vandegrift, noted, “The CoE program was established by Congress under Title 46 of the U.S. Code, and I am honored to designate your esteemed institution for this important recognition of behalf of (DOT) Secretary (Pete) Buttigieg.” Phillips continued, “The CoE designation recognizes the tremendous value that your Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 4 institution provides to our nation by developing and preparing students for demanding careers in our vitally important maritime industry. Your graduates have made outstanding contributions to the industry over the years, which is an excellent testimonial to the superior academic and professional education and training they receive while attending” the PHC. Buttigieg stated, “Our country depends on a highly-skilled mariner workforce to strengthen both our economy and our national security. The 32 Centers of Excellence we’re designating today will promote training opportunities outside of traditional four-year degree programs and will bring more Americans into these great maritime careers.” According to MARAD, the “designated COEs consist of 50 maritime training locations across 17 states and Guam. The designation recognizes and promotes support to post-secondary maritime training programs that prepare students for careers in the maritime industry.” The agency further reported that it had published a solicitation for applications in the Federal Register on July 20, 2023, for eligible and qualified training entities, under the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. The approved entities include thirty-eight postsecondary educational institutions; one postsecondary vocational institution; four non-profit structured experiential training programs; four registered apprenticeship sponsors; three maritime training centers; and four organizations containing a combination of the above-mentioned entities. The PHC offers 120 courses, the vast majority of which are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Founded in 1967, the school provides instruction for both unlicensed and licensed mariners. The school also has a highly regarded apprentice program that is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. April 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Apprentices and upgraders train at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, which recently earned a prestigious designation from the U.S. Maritime Administration. APRIL 2024 �SIU-Crewed Ships Assist With Gaza Aid The United States Department of Defense (DoD) on March 20 announced that three SIU-crewed vessels are slated to play key roles in a mission that ultimately aims to facilitate delivery of humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza following the construction of a temporary pier off the coast. The construction is expected to take around 60 days to complete. According to the DoD, the Seafarers-crewed vessels that will be involved in the operation are the Crowley-operated prepositioning ships 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo and 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, and the Ocean Duchess-operated surge-sealift vessel USNS Roy P. Benavidez. In an online article, the Pentagon reported that the “forces and equipment used to construct the roll-on, roll-off discharge facility and provide sustained operational support will be transported into theater aboard three ships (the aforementioned SIU-crewed vessels)…. Once in theater, the sailors will begin construction of the floating dock from modular sections…. Approximately 260 sailors are slated to deploy as part of the operation. Their skillsets range from ship handling and deck operations to construction and communications.” The news release continued, “Sailors from Naval Beach Group 1 have been tasked with constructing a large floating dock known as a roll-on, roll-off discharge facility as part of the Joint Logistics Overthe-Shore, or JLOTS, mission being led by the Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia. Naval Beach Group 1 is based at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, California. The roll-on, roll-off discharge facility, which measures 72 feet wide by 270 feet long, will remain approximately three miles off Gaza’s shore and enable cargo ships to offload aid shipments at sea prior to being transported to shore. “Once offloaded, cargo will be transported to shore along an approximately 1,800-foot causeway comprising modular sections linked together, known as a Trident Pier, that will be constructed by the Army unit,” the article added. “The Navy will operate causeway ferries to transport the cargo from the discharge facility to the Army’s floating pier. The two units undertaking the mission have trained extensively in delivering the capability in a variety of environments around the globe.” For example, Army and Navy personnel last year teamed up to install and help utilize the discharge facility and causeway off Australia’s coast in support of a large-scale multinational exercise. The Pentagon further reported that, once operational, the temporary pier near Gaza should be able to handle upwards of two million humanitarian aid meals each day. Four Army vessels deployed to the region last month, following a directive by President Biden to carry out the emergency mission. They are the Monterrey, Matamoros, SP4 James A. Loux and Wilson Wharf. American military officials emphasized that there will be “no U.S. boots on the ground in Gaza as part of the operation,” and they added that our nation is running a steady succession of humanitarian assistance airdrops into Gaza while the pier construction begins. The USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, pictured during a mission in Australia, is one of three SIU-crewed vessels being deployed for humanitarian outreach in Gaza. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Scott Reel) This file photo of the USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez was taken in Norway. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bethanie C. Sahms) The SIU-crewed USNS Benavidez set sail for Gaza in late March. (Photo By Hendrick Dickson) Key Group Tackles Sealift Items Leaders from the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), and the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) convened with industry partners Feb. 22 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for the most recent meeting of the Sealift Executive Working Group, commonly referred to as the EWG. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (front row, eighth from right) is the labor representative on the committee, which is overseen by USTRANSCOM. He and the rest of the group “examined ways to enhance the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise’s global transportation capabilities, operational effectiveness, speed, and resilience of maritime logistics,” according to the U.S. Department of Defense. (DoD photo by Iain Page) APRIL 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Coast Guard Changes Mariner Credential Format What to Check Personal Information: 1 2 3 4 1. Mariner reference number, credential type code and country of origin Your new MMC is designed in a one-page, front & back format. It may be displayed flat or folded. Folding your MMC is optional. The new MMC replaces the passport-style book & associated endorsement labels. The MMC document number is found in the white box below the barcode. 2. Name, address, and place of birth 5 2 3. Height, weight, and date of birth 4. Date of issuance and date of expiration 6 Optional TWIC / Med Cert Pocket Holder 5. Citizenship 6. Sex, hair color, and eye color 7. Signature line—Your document is not valid without a signature 1 Be sure that your name is shown correctly everywhere it appears in the document. 7 Endorsement and Limitation Information: 1. National Header 2. National Capacity 3. National Limitations 4. STCW Header 1 2 1 3 Fold so that red “cover” is to the outside. 4 2 5. STCW Capacity 6. STCW Limitations 5 6 7. Signature of Authorizing Official 7 Once folded, it has the look and feel of a passport and can be easily stored for your convenience. Fold so that photo is to the inside. Pictured above is part of a flyer from the National Maritime Center explaining some of the particulars of the new MMC format. The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) recently began issuing merchant mariner credentials (MMCs) in a new format. When the agency announced the change in February, they reported, “This new mariner credential will replace the legacy passport-style red book and associated endorsement labels. The complexity and degraded reliability of the custom printers used to print the MMC books necessitated a change to the credential printing process. The new mariner credential is formatted on 8.5” x 11” waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper. It contains numerous security features including micro-printing, foiling, and intricate patterns. The new credential is printed on readily available commercial desktop laser jet printers and will vastly improve print services and availability.” The announcement continued, “The new MMC document will be issued for all approved applications, to include credential endorsements, beginning March 1, 2024. You will no longer receive separate endorsement labels (i.e., stickers), but rather a new MMC document with the endorsements incorporated. The new credential will be issued on a day-forward basis, and all legacy credentials will remain valid until the indicated expiration date.” Additional information – including instructions on how to validate a new MMC, plus the two-page introductory flyer circulated by the agency – is available both on the NMC website and on the SIU website. The flyer also was sent to all Seafarers hiring halls. Questions may be directed to the NMC Customer Service Center via email at IASKNMC@uscg.mil or by phone at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Seafarers, CIVMARS Team Up for Unrep Seafarers and members of the SIU Government Services Division recently demonstrated teamwork and proficiency during an underway replenishment involving the tanker Badlands Trader (operated by U.S. Marine Management) and the Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ ammunition ship USNS Matthew Perry. The Perry, whose crew includes SIU CIVMARS, received approximately 335,000 gallons of aviation fuel which was intended for later transfer to U.S. Naval Combat Logistics Force (CLF) ships operating in the Indo-pacific region. CLF ships support U.S. combatant vessels and allies through underway replenishment-at-sea operations. Recertified Bosun Gregorio Cudal, who sailed aboard the Badlands Trader during this procedure, recounted his experience guiding the crew through the replenishment at sea that occurred back in December. “Essentially, what we had to do was tie up the equipment and securely transport it from our ship to the other ship,” he said. “As a bosun, I was tasked with coordinating the replenishment, signaling the other members of the crew at the console station with two other ABs.” The Badlands Trader is one of the few commercial oil tankers that have been designed to pump fuel to CLFs while at sea, according to the Military Sealift Command (MSC). This costeffective measure allows CLFs to stay closer to the fleet rather than returning to shore to resupply at a depot, the agency noted. Cudal said that although he is a longtime SIU member who began sailing with the union in 1987, this was his first time doing a replenishment-at- 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 sea. To prepare, Cudal and his shipmates did a series of dry runs at the port in Norfolk, Virginia, and practiced again twice with the MSC ship at a pier. The first of these practice sessions happened in Honolulu and then the next one took place in waters near South Korea. Cudal found the logistics of the replenishment challenging because of some key differences between merchant and naval ships. “The boat speeds differ,” he pointed out. “Luckily, we were able to still complete the replenishment safely. “During a procedure like this, you really need to pay attention to every detail,” he added. “For example, during one of the test runs, we noticed there was a loose connection valve, but we caught it before it became a problem.” APRIL 2024 �MTD Joins Major Effort To Boost U.S. Shipbuilding The SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department (MTD) is teaming up with other labor organizations to help level the playing field with China when it comes to shipbuilding. SIU President David Heindel – in his role as MTD president – attended a March 12 press conference in the Senate where the filing of a petition with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was announced. The appeal calls on the USTR to initiate an investigation of Chinese commercial shipbuilding. U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and Bob Casey (D-Pennsylvania) spoke at the news conference and strongly declared their support for the petition. In remarks prepared for the event, Heindel said, “On behalf of the Maritime Trades Department as well as my home union, the Seafarers, we are proud supporters of this overdue effort to promote American shipbuilding…. I have 100 percent confidence in our brothers and sisters who work at United States shipyards. They are second to none when it comes to skill and dedication and craftsmanship, and I know they’ll rise to the occasion if we simply give them the chance by creating a level playing field.” The United Steelworkers union (USW), an MTD affiliate, is leading the labor groups involved in this campaign. Among those also on board are the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers; and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. They jointly filed what is known as a Section 301 petition. The comprehensive document (more than 4,000 pages), among many other steps, calls for stricter enforcement of the Jones Act and cargo preference laws, and also requests greater funding for both the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program. The USW announced the petition and noted, “The People’s Republic of China (PRC), over the past two decades, enacted a comprehensive strategy to dominate global transportation and logistics networks, including employing an array of nonmarket policies. Meanwhile, U.S. shipbuilding capacity continues to diminish.” “The United States once had nearly 30 major shipyards; now we’re down to just a handful,” said USW International President David McCall. “That correlates with more than 70,000 lost shipbuilding jobs, not to mention all the secondary jobs the industry supports.” The union reported that a single commercial ship can require approximately 13,000 tons of structural steel, 60,000 gallons of paint, 130 miles of electrical cable, and many other products tens of thousands of union workers proudly produce. Pictured at the news conference are (from left) U.S. Senators Bob Casey and Tammy Baldwin, and Steelworkers President David McCall. “The PRC is using commercial shipbuilding to dominate the full spectrum of global trade, choking out all competitors,” McCall said. “If we do not act quickly, we will soon be dependent on China not only for the products their vessels bring into our ports but also for the ships themselves.” McCall noted that in addition to the grave economic consequences of the PRC’s policies, the growing imbalance in shipbuilding also threatens U.S. national security. “China has surpassed the United States and now operates the world’s largest navy,” said McCall. “Rebuilding our U.S. Merchant Marine is not only essential to increasing our nation’s sealift capability, it will help shore up the critical supply chains our military and commercial shipbuilding industries share, making us safer and more resilient.” “When we make things in America, we build strong supply chains, create good-paying jobs, and can keep our country safe,” Baldwin said at the news conference. “Over the last two decades, China has tried to rig the system with unfair trade practices in the shipbuilding industry – hurting American workers, American shipbuilders, and our national security. Today, we’re standing with American workers and calling on the Biden Administration to quickly investigate China’s anti-competitive practices and help level the playing field.” “On a level playing field, American workers can out-compete anyone,” Casey stated. “That’s why Senator Baldwin and I are leading the effort in Congress to push the Biden Administration to investigate and impose tariffs on the Chinese Communist Party’s shipbuilding industry. To protect the American steel industry, our workers, and our jobs, we’ve got to crack down and hold China accountable.” The senators sent a letter to the administration backing the petition. Sobering Statistics • In 1975, the United States was a leader in global shipbuilding, employing more than 180,000 workers and securing more than 70 commercial ships orders annually. Since then, the U.S. has lost more than 70,000 shipyard jobs. The number of major commercial U.S. shipyards has fallen from 28 to seven. • The U.S. now ranks 19th in shipbuilding, accounting for a mere 0.15% of global commercial ship construction. • While the U.S. shuttered programs aimed to foster and promote U.S. commercial shipbuilding, the Communist Chinese Party (CCP) identified shipbuilding as a ‘strategic industry,’ engaging in anticompetitive strategies to build giant state-owned champions to dominate the sector and to create a network of ports and logistical support across the globe that put U.S. economic and national security interests in peril. • CCP support for shipbuilding provided more than $130 billion in funding just between 2010 and 2018; between 2018 and the present, China’s shipbuilding orders have grown to 50% of world production. As of 2022, Chinese shipyards had orders for more than 1,500 ships. • The U.S. now produces 10 oceanic commercial vessels per year, while China produces more than 1,000. China has more than 5,500 flagged commercial merchant vessels in oceangoing service; the U.S. has fewer than 80. APRIL 2024 Additionally, one day before the news conference, the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) issued a statement supporting the undertaking. SCA President Matthew Paxton wrote in part, “The SCA applauds this effort to place a spotlight on what has been a thoroughly stateorchestrated industrial campaign by China to drive out global competition in shipbuilding and ship repair with the goal of controlling international shipping and the crippling of manufacturing businesses around the world, particularly in the U.S. This race to bottom for cheap-built and repaired ships and below market rate shipping has led to a global dependence on China for these products and in certain instances the flow of international commerce. China’s recent aggression in the IndoPacific Region, including unlawful maritime activities, unprovoked confrontations with the U.S. and its allies, and threats to international shipping lanes, raise serious security concerns as they rapidly grow both its military and commercial fleets. The time is now for the U.S. to put in place appropriate measures to lessen the impacts of China’s undue influence over this manufacturing sector and promote trade policies and incentives to grow the overall domestic shipyard industrial base.” USTR Katherine Tai had 45 days (from the filing date) to determine whether she will pursue an investigation of Chinese shipbuilding. In an online statement, she said, “We have seen the PRC create dependencies and vulnerabilities in multiple sectors, like steel, aluminum, solar, batteries, and critical minerals, harming American workers and businesses and creating real risks for our supply chains. USTR and the Biden-Harris Administration are fighting every day to put working families first, rebuild American manufacturing, and strengthen our supply chains. I look forward to reviewing this petition in detail.” Highlights of Section 301 Petition • The documents requests consideration of (among other items) implementation of a new port fee imposed on ships built in China. The fee would be based on tonnage and age of the Chinese vessel docking in U.S. ports. Funds collected from the imposition of the fee will be used to invest in a U.S. Commercial Shipbuilding Revitalization Fund. • Creation of a U.S. Commercial Shipbuilding Revitalization Fund to: (1) support existing U.S. government programs such as Construction Differential Subsidies, the Federal Ship Financing Program, and small shipyard grants; (2) expand the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program’s enrolled vessels with a premium on enrolling U.S.-built vessels; and (3) promote revitalization of shipbuilding supply chains and invest in training and workforce development. • Strengthen the Jones Act, closing loopholes to support efforts to maximize the use of American mariners and American-built ships, while supporting the shipbuilding industry base. • Fully enforce cargo preferences to ensure U.S. shipments of civilian and agricultural cargo are carried on U.S.-flagged vessels, while adopting a new preference for U.S.built ships. • Increase stipends and/or preferences for U.S.-built ships enrolled in the Maritime Security and Tanker Security Programs. • Require that exports of liquid natural gas, fuel oils, and fuel from the U.S. (for foreign trade) occur on U.S.-built tankers. • End the expansion of the use of the CCP’s LOGINK-promoted system, and seek its removal from existing ports and terminals. • Mitigate and eliminate the use of Chinese-produced and -affiliated crane and physical port infrastructure equipment. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �Pride of America Crew Ratifies Enhanced Wage Package Union members voting in favor of the new wage package. After several months of bargaining in various locations, including aboard the Seafarers-crewed Pride of America, a new three-year agreement on wages for SIU members working aboard that Norwegian Cruise Lines-operated vessel was reached in mid-December 2023, and overwhelmingly ratified aboard the ship later that month. The new wage schedule went into effect on Jan. 1, which was months earlier than the schedule provided in the contract. The increases for the first year of the agreement – which averaged 18% varied by position, and were based on a labor market analysis. Increases for the second and third years of the contract will be three percent across the board, for all positions. In addition to the wage increases, the pact includes one additional day of vacation benefit paid for every 30 days worked, as provided by the Seafarers Vacation Plan, in each year of the agreement, culminating with a 15/30 vacation benefit by 2027. SIU Vice President Bryan Powell said, “This wage package represents a robust recalibration of the pay schedule for the deck and engine crew – generally aligning it with the structure of commercial U.S.flagged vessels. It rewards those who have worked hard over the years on the Pride of America as well as attracting and retaining qualified crew for the long term.” SIU Honolulu Port Agent Hazel Galbiso said, “Members from each bargaining unit expressed their extreme satisfaction and appreciation with the wage reopener and its significant increases.” Ship’s Chairman and Bosun Maximo Aguiran remarked, “We appreciate the union and the officials’ efforts. They have made a significant change to the Pride of America's wages. Thanks to Bryan and the Honolulu office, (Safety Director) Amber (Akana) and Hazel, for ensuring everyone on board is happy. The wage increase is another prize for Seafarers on board the cruise ship with added benefits!” Remembering Anna Marie Espersen Editor’s note: Anna Marie’s colleagues at the SIU Pacific District benefits office submitted the following. With sorrow and sympathy for all who knew her, we regretfully report the passing of longtime SIU-PD Supplemental Benefit Fund processor, Anna Anna Marie Espersen Marie Espersen. After serving more than 35 years in the Plans Office, Anna died peacefully on Feb. 17, surrounded by her family. She was 71. Anna was truly one of a kind and the void she leaves behind is heartbreaking. She made a difference in so many lives. Though she took interest in all those around her, she especially showed deep and genuine care for the lives of each sailor who entered her office to share their stories and receive one of her big hugs. Anna’s legacy of love, laughter and kindness will forever be warmly remembered. Anna may never have realized the full extent to which she affected people’s lives. She would have been so happy to know that the good cheer she brought to so many was appreciated. May Anna rest in the comfort of all those who genuinely cared for her. 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Seafarer James Bavousett (left), Port Agent Hazel Galbiso Seafarers Support Historic Army Mission The SIU-crewed Ocean Grand (left in photo above) played an important role in the first-ever U.S. Army operation at the Port of Setubal, Portugal, late last year. The undertaking was a collaborative effort among U.S. and Portuguese military and port entities. Operated by Patriot Shipping, the Ocean Grand picked up approximately 500 pieces of equipment for delivery to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. According to the U.S. Defense Department, the overall mission was a year-long project and a “proof of concept” that enhances capabilities across the European Theater. It connected the farthest point in eastern Estonia to the farthest west port in Portugal. (U.S. Army photo by Andrew Jo) APRIL 2024 �SIU Crews Help Complete ‘Deep Freeze’ The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star (left) moors at the ice pier at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, in mid-January. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Graves) SIU members played key roles in another successful iteration of Operation Deep Freeze (ODF), the annual resupply mission to McMurdo Station, Antarctica. The Seafarers-crewed Ocean Gladiator (operated by Waterman) and Acadia Trader (U.S. Marine Management) earlier this year wrapped up their respective roles in ODF 2024. As reported by the U.S. Transportation Command, ODF is a joint mission involving civilians and military personnel in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. “Mission support consists of active duty, Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard as well as Department of Defense civilians and attached non-DOD civilians,” the agency noted. “ODF operates from two primary locations situated at Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica. An MSC-chartered cargo ship and tanker have made the challenging voyage to Antarctica every year since the station and its resupply mission were established in 1955.” SIU members have been part of the operation throughout its history. For ODF 2024, the Ocean Gladiator started taking on cargo in Port Hueneme, California, in December, and eventually moored at the McMurdo ice-pier in late January. Shortly after arriving, the crew and members of Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE began the offload of 407 pieces of cargo, consisting of containers filled with mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials, office supplies and electronics equipment, and mobile office units (supplies needed to sustain the next year of operations at McMurdo). Subsequently, the ship was loaded with ice core samples that were stored on the ship in sub-zero freezer containers. The ice core samples then were delivered to the United States for scientific study. In addition, retrograde cargo was loaded onto the ship for transportation off the continent. These include trash and recyclable materials for disposal and equipment no longer required on the station. Following the Ocean Gladiator’s departure, the Acadia Trader arrived Feb. 1, carrying a cargo of more than seven million gallons of a special blend of diesel fuel mixed specifically for Antarctica called AN8; 1.5 million gallons of aviation fuel; and 155 thousand gallons of gasoline. Collectively, that accounts for 100 percent of the fuel needed for two years at the remote outpost. For AB Dale Armstrong, part of the Acadia Trader crew, this was his first ODF experience. “We loaded cargo in Seattle and Cherry Point, Washington, and then went down to American Samoa for stores,” he said. “It took three weeks to get to Antarctica. The last week started to get a little rough, weather-wise, but other than that, it was nice.” Armstrong said crew members went ashore and visited the “Discovery Hut,” a historic building that was constructed in the early 1900s. “We also saw a lot of wildlife,” he said. “We saw a lot of penguins, seals, killer whales and birds.” Armstrong added that after a few initial days of good weather, wind-chill temperatures dropped to around 80-below-zero (Fahrenheit) near the end of the stay. “We made it through,” said AB Nicholas Carey, a longtime Seafarer who also was making his ODF debut. “The machinery was trying to keep up with the cold, harsh weather, but everybody was on it, from my standpoint. I also got ashore on the base, and that was pretty nice. I’d go again.” To reach the Antarctic hub, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star first had to clear a 38-mile channel of ice, creating a path so that the SIU-crewed ships could reach McMurdo station. ODF was established as part of the U.S.’s commitment to the Antarctic Treaty, which states that the continent shall be used for peaceful purposes and that encourages the continuation of scientific investigation, the observations of which shall be freely exchanged and available. Cargo is loaded aboard the Seafarers-crewed Ocean Gladiator in Port Hueneme, California, before the The Acadia Trader sails toward Mt. Erebus, the world’s southernmost active volcano, in Antarctica vessel heads to Antarctica. (MSC photo by Sarah Cannon) during Operation Deep Freeze. The SIU-crewed Acadia Trader is visible at far right at McMurdo Station during Operation Deep Freeze 2024. APRIL 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �Article Stirs Good Maritime Memories in Retiree Retired Seafarer Joseph F. Mellon recently was enjoying a feature story in the Seafarers LOG when he spotted a reference that evoked an old, fond memory. The article (about another former member) mentioned a 1954 letter from then-SIU President Paul Hall addressed to the newly born son of a Seafarer. The correspondence encouraged him to visit a hiring hall if he ever decided to consider a maritime career – upon reaching the appropriate age, of course. “I think I received one of those letters,” Mellon, 95, told his son, Joseph Mellon Jr. Surely enough, the younger Mellon found the original January 1961 communication, locked in a safe deposit box. In a subsequent interview with the LOG, Mellon Sr. said he enjoyed his years as a merchant mariner – from 1949 until the early 1960s. After he’d begun sailing, he hitchhiked to the West Coast in Spring 1950, in hopes of having an easier time finding work. “I later had gone back east and then was driving to Florida,” he recalled. “I picked up a hitchhiker who was going to Norfolk, and he told me about the SIU. I went to the hall and got a ship the next day. I was SIU from there on, and I enjoyed it.” His first SIU ship set a good tone. After previously sailing aboard tankers, Mellon caught a dry cargo ship that went to Spain – and stayed in port for a week, which was much longer than the typical stop for a tanker at that time. Mellon sailed in the engine department, and knew it was a good fit. But he also pondered a potential circumstance that could lead to a career change. “I thought that if I ever got married, she either would have to love me enough to put up with the sailing schedule, or I would have to love her enough to quit,” he said. The latter outcome prevailed, a few years after he exchanged vows with his bride in 1959. “I did keep my SIU membership for a while, though,” Mellon added. “I wasn’t sure if I’d go back to sailing. I loved it. I would actually still go down to the Delaware River and watch the ships go by.” He at least maintained a maritime connection (and joined another union once coming ashore). Mellon worked as a stationary engineer until he retired in 1991. Asked about his memories of sailing, Mellon replied, “I remember going on different types of ships – mostly Liberty ships. I sailed on three or four of those and loved them. I also remember the camaraderie, and the feeling that we had to do a good job so we wouldn’t screw it up for the next guy. I remember the union meetings, too. Some of those guys were characters.” Mellon, who sailed aboard a total of 22 ships, said his favorite port was Copenhagen, Denmark. “They had good bars,” he quipped. But he appreciated enough about the city that he and his wife, Jacquie, later went there as part of a cruise. At various times, Mellon shipped out of the SIU hiring halls in Norfolk, Baltimore, New Orleans and New York – but he mainly sailed from Philadelphia. (He and his wife live in suburban Philadelphia, roughly a half-hour’s drive from the city.) Further reflecting on his time with the SIU, Mellon said he was fortunate to enjoy smooth sailing the entire time. “We were sailing out of Houston once and there was a hurricane (nearby),” he said. “We closed the skylights – there had been green water coming into the engine room – but it wasn’t really a close call. We were prepared for it. We were loaded, low to the water, so that also helped. I really didn’t have any close calls throughout my career.” As for the younger Mellon, he eventually brought that letter to the Philadelphia hall – approximately 20 years after it had arrived. He definitely wasn’t made to feel unwelcome, but shipping was very tight at that time. With no immediate prospect of catching a ship, he returned to his job as a carpenter. “The idea of sailing is still appealing,” Mellon Jr. said. “What would my chances be?” Joseph Mellon (right) and his wife, Jacquie, reside in suburban Philadelphia. SIU President Paul Hall sent this note to Mellon’s newborn son in 1961. Former Seafarer Mellon’s residence includes reminders of his time at sea, including this painting of a ship (Sea Star) in 1955. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 This 1950s photo from aboard the Steel Apprentice includes Mellon (left) and a local resident in Holland, wearing costumes to good-naturedly make light of their bartering. APRIL 2024 �‘Father Sinclair’ Honored by NAMMA Longtime SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre on Feb. 15 received a big honor in Houston. Oubre, the Stella Maris chaplain in the Diocese of Beaumont – along with Sharon Emerson, executive director of the Corpus Christi Seafarers’ Center – received the Distinguished Service Award by the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA). The presentations took place during a celebration at the Houston International Seafarers’ Center, commemorating the 50th year of a port chaplain training course. Nearly 100 individuals, including SIU personnel, gathered for the ceremony. Attendees also included representatives from the Port of Houston, the NAMMA board, staff from other mariner centers, and current students in the port chaplain course (many of whom also visited the Seafarers hiring hall nearby). NAMMA officials Chaplain Michelle DePooter, Dana Blume and Dr. Jason Zuidema presented the awards. In a related news release, the organization noted, “NAMMA’s Distinguished Service Award, previously known as the Lifetime Membership Award, honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service to seafarers’ welfare over many years, both within local seafarers’ ministries and in other local, regional, national, or international capacities. Nominees are typically NAMMA members, part of a NAMMA affiliated agency, or significant partners with NAMMA’s members in their programs. “Fr. Sinclair has been a longstanding member of NAMMA, having served as president of the Association for a term,” the release continued. “He is a priest in the Diocese of Beaumont, Texas, and has served the people of the sea in various capacities. He graduated from the Houston training program in 1990 and has been deeply involved in the Apostleship of the Sea – USA and the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center. His dedication extends beyond blue water mariners to inland mariners and fishers, supporting the Port Arthur Area Shrimpers Association for over a generation. In addition to providing pastoral and humanitarian care, he maintains his credentials as a licensed mariner by sailing annually, bringing a unique perspective to his role as Gulf Branch Secretary of The Nautical Institute and as a frequent speaker in industry and government panels. Fr. Sinclair will also be a speaker at the U.S. Maritime Administration Mariner Work-Life Balance Symposium in April 2024.” In his acceptance remarks, Oubre – affectionately known as Father Sinclair – emphasized the significance of the maritime industry and the rewarding nature of a career in it. He stressed the importance of focusing on its numerous positive aspects, highlighting its high-paying jobs and great benefits. He expressed his happiness in serving the people of the sea for many decades. Emerson, a longtime NAMMA board member, reflected on her maritime outreach and how she has cherished serving mariners. “She continues to collaborate with the entire port community to bring joy into the lives of seafarers,” NAMMA noted. NAMMA’s Distinguished Service Award APRIL 2024 Celebrating the recognition with Fr. Sinclair (second from left) in Houston are (from left) SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan, SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Aung, and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. SIU Houston Patrolman J.B. Niday (gesturing, center-right portion of photo) speaks with port chaplains from around the world. They were in Houston for job training; Niday gave an informal presentation about the SIU and the International Transport Workers’ Federation. Sen. Wicker Stands Up for Jones Act U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) once again is helping set the record straight regarding a maritime law that is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. In a letter to the Wall Street Journal in early March, Wicker – responding to a recent op-ed that criticized the Jones Act – spelled out a brief but compelling case for America’s freight cabotage law. “For hundreds of years, Congress has entrusted domestic maritime commerce to American companies, ships and mariners for a simple reason: It works,” said Sen. Wicker, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “The law helps stabilize the nation’s maritime industry. It facilitates some 650,000 jobs across our vast system of shipyards, ports and waterways and adds $150 billion annually to our economy. Ending the policy would hit the wallets of skilled American workers.” He continued, “Opponents of the law value our economy and security, but their proposals risk both. We should dispense with the idea that repealing the Jones Act would save Americans money. Even if we allowed foreign vessels into our domestic sea trade, they would still sail under our wage, immigration and trade fees. These costs would get passed on to consumers.” A longtime backer of the American maritime industry, Sen. Wicker added, “Critics rightly recognize our diminished shipbuilding capacity, but that isn’t the fault of the Jones Act. Nor would repealing it reignite freedom’s forge. It would weaken our maritime workforce when we need it most. Naval strategists have noted that American sea power creates a self-reinforcing system: Growth in commercial shipbuilding facilitates growth in the battle fleet, and vice versa. “This is not a time to stress-test this historical truth,” he concluded. “China put 30 warships to sea last year, and it boasts the world’s most merchant vessels. Meanwhile, the U.S. naval fleet shrank, and we now rank 70th in commercial shipping inventory. Repealing the Jones Act would narrow the already shrinking margin of American naval superiority.” U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) is a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by upgraders in Piney Point, Maryland. Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: Why did you choose this career, and how is it going? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 Joshua Burnett Chief Cook Francis Solmirano Chief Cook I have experience in this field – I was a cook in the Navy. I did that for 10 years. I brought those skills from there, and it’s going pretty well so far. I have a family I have to take care of, and I can use my experience here. I got into it first of all because the money is good, and this career also gives me a lot of opportunities to travel. I love it. The union is teaching me a lot of techniques on cooking that I can apply on the ships and on land, too. Rahsaan Alexander QMED Arvin Heras QMED It’s a good trade. You learn a good amount of skills that you can take with you and contribute to the ship as a QMED – electrician, refrigeration, welding. It’s just really good blue-collar stuff, honest work. Number one, because I needed a job. Also my dad has a friend who’s a union member, which helped lead me here. I also wanted to see the world, see different countries and meet different kinds of people. James Fells Electrician Sam Fanjoy Electrician I got into it because my family introduced me to this line of work, and I love it, so I stay with it. It pays the bills and keeps extra money in my pocket. I’ll continue doing it until I can’t. I like being on the water and I like the travel, so it checks a lot of boxes for me. I’d say it’s going pretty good. I definitely like the time off every year, and I like getting to go to new places when I’m on board. JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 In summer 1973, the SIU-crewed Cities Service Norfolk is pictured in Linden, New Jersey, after returning from a voyage to Russia. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 APRIL 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SUPPORT FROM SENATOR – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) joins U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) during a recent tour of the Houston waterfront. An ardent backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Cantwell has served in the Senate since 2001 and is the first woman to chair the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. A-BOOKS IN ALGONAC – Two Seafarers recently received their A-seniority books at the hiring hall: AB Abdulla Suwaileh (left in photo above, left) and GUDE Salah Al Osfur (left in other photo). Safety Director Jason Brown is at right in both snapshots. ABOARD GOLDEN STATE– – Many thanks to vessel master Capt. Erv Curtis for these snapshots from the Intrepid ship at the Grand Bahama Shipyard. In the large group photo are (foreground, toward the left) AB Kervin Guevara, (middle row, from left) AB Matthew Brady, Pumpman Mike Gyurme, Recertified Bosun Timothy Jackson, QMED Mohammed Gir, Chief Cook Mark Brooks, (kneeling) GVA Bobby Café, Chief Steward Prasert Mastrototaro, SA Dora Carranza, AB Shantez Harper, (back row, from left) AB James Zaro and AB Christopher Green. Remaining photo includes Bosun Jackson (left) and Capt. Curtis – who’ve sailed together for 25 years, always with professionalism and positivity. A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN ‒ Chief Steward Jacob Parrilla (left) achieves a milestone by acquiring his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. CHECKING IN FROM CHARM CITY ‒ Seafarers turn out for the February membership meeting in Baltimore. Among those pictured are Port Agent John Hoskins (fifth from right) and Safety Director Jose Argueta (second from left). SOLIDARITY IN VIRGINIA – SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey supports CWA members from ABOARD ALLIANCE FAIRFAX ‒ The vessel visited Port Arthur on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14). Fr. Sinclair Oubre, Catholic Port Chaplain for the Diocese of Beaumont (and member of the Seafarers International Union) boarded the ship with Stella Maris co-worker Doreen Badeaux and conducted a brief Ash Wednesday service for some of the crew as they kicked off the season of Lent. Pictured from left aboard the Maersk-operated ship are Capt. Brian Mercurio, QMED Ghadir Sarkis, Fr. Sinclair, Chief Mate Ernest Caponegro and Cadet Rey Alino from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. APRIL 2024 the Tidewater Media Guild during a 24-hour job action in Norfolk. According to local TV coverage, Guild members “joined more than 200 other Tribune Publishing journalists at seven newsrooms across the country in demanding fair wages and a protection of their current 401K match, which Alden Global Capital plans to eliminate. They said Alden, which bought Tribune Publishing in 2021, has refused to provide any across-the-board pay increases despite a lack of raises for most since 2018, and Alden has also failed to address long-standing wage inequities across race and gender lines.” SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER LOG 2023• 11 11 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU CONSTANTLY RECRUITING – The union in recent years has substantially ramped up its recruiting efforts online and at inperson events across the country. Above, SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (center) welcomes two of the first attendees to a recent career fair at a Baltimore-area high school. GOOD USE OF TIME ASHORE – Deck department members from the SLNC Star (Chesapeake Crewing) engage in team building during a recent Diego Garcia regatta. Pictured from front to back are Chief Mate Bronson Kau, AB Adam Bahr, Bosun Jeromy Furnas, and Capt. Jean Marien. ABOARD ISLA BELLA – AB Gary Boyd (left) and Recertified Bosun Junior Augustin are pictured aboard the TOTE ship, with Crowley’s SIU-crewed Taino in the background. WITH BAY-HOUSTON CREWS ‒ As previously reported, SIU boatmen at Bay-Houston Towing (formerly Seabulk) recently ratified a new contract featuring substantial wage increases and other gains. These three photos were taken during the voting period. Among those pictured with rank-and-file members are SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Port Agent Joe Zavala, and Patrolman J.B. Niday. SUPPORT FOR CONGRESSWOMAN – CELEBRATING MARITIME IN HAWAII ‒ The SIU and the Maritime Trades Department recently helped celebrate the groundbreaking for a new container terminal in Honolulu. Among those pictured at the ceremony are U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (third from left) and SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (fourth from left). Seafarers in Houston recently volunteered for a campaign event backing longtime maritime supporter U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) for Congress. Gathering at the hiring hall are (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes, SA Oger Bermudez, SA Jessica Neil, GUDE Dorlan Suazo, and AB Jose Bermudez. OATH TAKEN IN LONE STAR STATE – QMED Eshrak Dewan (right in photo above, right) and GUDE Darwin Santos Nunez (second from left in other photo) recently received their full books at the Houston hall. Nunez is pictured with (from left) Patrolman Kirk Pegan, Safety Director Kevin Sykes and Patrolmen J.B. Niday and Kelly Krick, who’s also at left with Dewan. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • COMMONWEALTH CONNECTION – AB Kurtz Sausman (left) receives his full book at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls is at right. APRIL 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – From left, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, Chief Steward Aurelio Esperanza, ACU Nasser Alarqban, and Chief Cook Clifton Medley III meet aboard the union-built Matson ship, which is named in memory of the late U.S. senator and honorary SIU book holder. PROMOTING MARITIME – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (left) recently attended a labor roundtable led by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida) and Stephen K. Benjamin, an assistant to President Biden (right). Hopkins described the career opportunities available in the maritime industry. CONGRESSMAN RECALLS SEAFARING DAD – U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Alabama) (center) needed no explanation about the SIU when he recently chatted with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White (right) and SIU Media Coordinator/Recruiting Lauren Liles (left) at a Propeller Club luncheon in Mobile. The Congressman’s late father (Jerry Lee Carl) sailed with the SIU for decades, until the mid-1980s. Congressman Carl said he fondly remembers visiting his dad aboard ship and also attending SIU Thanksgiving parties. As the guest speaker, he underscored the importance of the American maritime industry. AT JERSEY CITY HALL – Recertified Bosun Domingo Leon (center in photo above, left) picks up his first pension check, capping an SIU career that began in 1970. He’s pictured with (from left) UIW Representative Jordan Esopa, Port Agent Ray Henderson, Patrolwoman Terry Montgomery, and Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos. In the other photo, QEE Austin Blake (left) receives his full book from Henderson. PROUD LEGACY – Seafaring often runs in families, and ABOARD MAERSK MONTANA – Pictured from left are Recertified Bosun Jerry Costello, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, and ABM Patrick Slade. There definitely is familiarity within this group: Costello and Krick sailed together, while Slade and Krick were classmates in Piney Point. Photo was taken Feb. 23 in La Porte, Texas. ABOARD ARC INDEPENDENCE – SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (left) chats with Paul Hall Center Apprentice Michael Sutton during a recent servicing visit aboard the TOTE vessel. that’s the case for Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett Sr. (left) and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Lionel Packnett Jr. (right), pictured recently in Piney Point. The younger Packnett is a member of Apprentice Class 904. The moreseasoned member of the family has sailed with the SIU since 1989. BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Several Seafarers were sworn in at the March membership meeting. Storekeeper Jose Martinez, who’s at far right in the larger group photo, received his A-book, while all of the other members pictured received their respective B-books. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left in both photos. From left in the smaller group shot are Chief Cook Raymond Murphy and SA Devin Jasmin. In the other photo, also from left: QMED Daryl Thomas, SA Samone Alston, AB Jermaine Gillis, and Storekeeper Martinez. 13 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023• 13 13 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN CRESCENT CITY – Longtime member Robert Albe (right) picks WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Steward/Baker Patrick Durnin (center) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He started his SIU career in 1979 aboard Delta Lines ships, and later worked on shore gangs before returning to deep-sea sailing. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (left) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. WELCOME ASHORE IN HONOLULU – Chief Steward Peter Schuetz (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. He started sailing with the SIU in 1989. SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso is at right. up his first pension check at the New Orleans hall. He and SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (left) both started as deckhands in the early 1990s at E.N. Bisso & Son. Albe retires as the senior captain of the Crowley ATB fleet. ABOARD RRF SHIPS ‒ This Seafaring Selfie features mariners from the Ocean Duchess-operated USNS Algol and USNS Capella on the West Coast. From left: Third Mate/Hawsepiper Gavino Octaviano, Electrician Alex Canada, Bosun Anthony Pace, AB Rolando Dinong, GUDE Ruel Decrepito, Recertified Steward Dante Cruz, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. UNPLANNED REUNION – Bosun Jerome Luckett (left) and Second Mate Paul Kalmeta hadn’t seen in each in more than 20 years, but they caught up earlier this year at a membership meeting in Wilmington, California. The two were classmates in Piney Point in 1999. “It’s good to see that some of us are still sailing,” said Luckett. CATCH OF THE DAY – Pictured aboard the Torm Thunder (Eco-Tankers Crew Management) are AB Andrew Graham, Bosun Miles Delgado and AB Feliciano Gimutao Jr. ABOARD TAINO ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid vessel are AB Garrett Williams, Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas, Chief Cook Juan Vallejo, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, Electrician Carlos Parrilla and SA Jacob Parrilla. MILESTONES IN WILMINGTON ‒ Two Seafarers recently received their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall. ABM Diego Loreto is at left in photo below, while AB Ibrahim Fisek is at left in the photo above. Both members are pictured with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. TALKING MARITIME WITH GOVERNOR – SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (left) meets with Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey in late February in the nation’s capital. Among other topics, they discussed potential career opportunities in the maritime industry for Massachusetts residents. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 APRIL 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from February 16 - March 16, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 18, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 17 3 5 17 3 4 8 29 22 21 5 1 11 7 2 1 5 12 1 21 8 2 3 8 1 5 1 14 23 6 3 4 12 4 3 2 3 5 2 6 1 0 2 2 1 3 0 2 5 2 1 2 7 2 0 0 0 4 0 3 5 2 6 13 1 5 6 18 14 7 3 4 14 3 1 0 4 7 1 16 4 1 2 8 1 3 2 11 33 3 2 0 12 0 3 2 3 1 1 6 2 2 1 0 1 2 0 4 5 4 1 3 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 3 6 0 1 4 18 15 4 0 2 10 1 2 1 4 2 0 7 41 3 5 23 3 11 10 47 36 38 3 6 19 11 3 2 10 28 1 32 15 1 3 10 0 7 4 23 24 14 1 7 12 6 3 0 6 10 1 11 2 1 1 4 1 7 0 5 6 3 1 1 10 2 0 0 3 6 0 3 TOTAL 195 115 37 130 98 32 83 332 158 56 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 4 1 0 6 1 4 4 10 15 5 3 0 9 4 0 2 2 6 2 6 84 2 1 1 4 0 1 0 6 11 9 0 2 7 2 0 0 1 4 0 4 55 3 0 0 2 0 1 1 5 4 1 2 0 3 3 0 0 1 2 0 0 28 1 0 1 4 0 1 0 2 8 3 0 1 4 1 0 1 0 4 1 2 34 7 1 0 11 2 5 11 15 23 10 4 3 16 10 0 0 4 12 3 13 150 3 1 1 6 0 2 4 11 19 7 1 1 9 3 0 0 1 8 0 7 84 3 0 0 1 0 1 3 5 6 0 1 0 8 2 0 0 0 3 1 1 35 0 0 1 5 0 2 1 2 8 2 0 0 7 2 0 1 5 2 0 7 45 11 0 1 12 4 3 9 16 21 17 1 4 24 16 1 5 5 12 1 40 203 0 3 0 5 1 6 3 5 23 5 0 3 15 1 1 5 7 8 0 8 99 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 3 7 1 0 0 3 3 0 1 2 2 0 3 30 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 2 0 1 8 1 0 2 4 13 7 0 1 7 2 0 2 3 4 1 5 63 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 10 11 6 0 1 6 1 1 0 0 3 0 1 45 1 0 0 3 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 17 Steward Department April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Monday: April 8, May 6 Friday: April 12, May 10 Thursday: April 11, May 9 Thursday: April 25, May 23 Friday: April 19, May 17 Monday: April 15, May 13 Thursday: April 11, May 9 Thursday: April 18, May 16 Mobile New Orleans Wednesday: April 17, May 15 Tuesday: April 16, May 14 Jersey City Tuesday: April 9, May 7 Norfolk Friday: April 12, May 10 Oakland Philadelphia Port Everglades San Juan Thursday: April 18, May 16 Wednesday: April 10, May 8 Thursday: April 18, May 16 Thursday: April 11, May 9 St. Louis Friday: April 19, May 17 Tacoma Friday: April 26, May 24 Wilmington Monday: April 22, May 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. APRIL 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 9 0 1 8 0 4 5 9 10 9 0 2 15 10 1 4 3 8 2 17 117 0 1 0 4 0 3 1 7 12 2 1 0 12 2 0 6 4 8 0 7 70 1 0 0 4 0 0 2 0 4 1 1 0 4 2 0 4 3 0 0 3 29 4 0 0 6 0 5 4 14 7 5 0 1 9 8 1 1 3 5 2 11 86 0 0 1 2 1 2 1 4 10 0 1 2 12 3 0 2 6 2 0 5 54 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 17 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 7 0 0 5 0 3 1 6 23 10 1 0 7 10 1 5 1 9 0 7 13 3 1 3 1 4 4 11 68 15 2 3 31 8 4 13 1 6 0 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 4 0 0 1 9 13 8 1 0 11 6 0 2 2 3 0 6 3 1 1 3 0 1 4 4 37 4 2 0 22 3 1 7 0 5 0 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 4 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 3 10 2 0 6 0 6 5 19 49 13 0 0 11 11 2 4 0 14 0 20 28 2 2 12 2 5 3 38 106 27 1 7 41 16 2 7 2 9 1 15 TOTAL 9 96 196 5 71 104 14 21 172 326 GRAND TOTAL 405 336 290 284 268 170 176 706 513 447 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA CRISTA ALI Sister Crista Ali, 62, started her career with the union in 1989. She first shipped on the USNS Desteiguer and sailed in the steward department. Sister Ali upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. She most recently sailed on the Brittin and makes her home in Reno, Nevada. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. VICTOR COOPER CHARLES KENT Brother Victor Cooper, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the Global Mariner. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Cooper most recently shipped aboard the Oregon and settled in North Miami, Florida. Brother Charles Kent, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1978. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Kent’s first vessel was the Philadelphia; his last, the Seakay Spirit. He calls Marrero, Louisiana, home. DOMINGO LEON SEFERINO ARZU DANILO FULLANTE Brother Seferino Arzu, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Arzu’s final vessel was the Yosemite Trader. He lives in the Bronx, New York. Brother Danilo Fullante, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2004 when he sailed on the American Tern. He shipped primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Fullante concluded his career aboard the USNS Pililaau. He lives in North Charleston, South Carolina. WILLIAM BARRETT Brother William Barrett, 64, joined the union in 1987, initially sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Barrett most recently shipped on the Liberty Promise and makes his home in Keystone Heights, Florida. KENNETH HAGAN Brother Kenneth Hagan, 66, signed on with the union in 1980. He first sailed aboard the El Paso Southern and worked in the steward department. Brother Hagan upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point School. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Kinloss and is a resident of St. Augustine, Florida. JAMES BATTISTA Brother James Battista, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 2000 and first worked on the USNS Red Cloud. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Battista last shipped on the Liberty Pride. He resides in Bluffton, South Carolina. FLETCHER HANKS Brother Fletcher Hanks, 70, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1972, initially sailing with Pudget Sound. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Hanks’ final vessel was the Green Valley. He resides in Laurel, Delaware. Brother Domingo Leon, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Achilles. Brother Leon upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Pittsburgh and lives in Kissimmee, Florida. KEITH MAYER Brother Keith Mayer, 71, joined the union in 1988 and first sailed with Bay Tankers Inc. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Mayer last shipped on the Flickertail State. He resides in Norfolk, Virginia. GEORGE MCCLENDON Brother George McClendon, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1998 when he sailed aboard the USNS Regulus. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in the deck department. Brother McClendon most recently shipped on the Texas Enterprise. He resides in Douglas, Nebraska. MOSES MICKENS FERNANDO CLEMENTE Brother Fernando Clemente, 68, became a member of the union in 1996 and sailed in the steward department. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001. Brother Clemente’s first and (years later) last vessel was the Independence. He lives in Wailuku, Hawaii. ROMEO CODILLERO Brother Romeo Codillero, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2002. He first sailed aboard the Paul Buck and worked in the deck department. Brother Codillero upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Brownsville and is a resident of Pensacola, Florida. YOUSRY IBRAHIM Brother Yousry Ibrahim, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2003. He first sailed aboard the USNS Denebola and worked in the deck department. Brother Ibrahim most recently sailed on the Maersk Kensington and lives in Dearborn, Michigan. Brother Moses Mickens, 63, became an SIU member in 1988. He was an engine department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mickens’ first vessel was the USNS Dutton; his last, the Seakay Valor. He makes his home in West Helena, Arkansas. CHARLES JAMES AMIN MOHAMED Brother Charles James, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997 and first worked aboard the Cleveland. He upgraded often at the Piney Point school and shipped in the deck department. Brother James most recently sailed on the USNS Antares and makes his home in Dundalk, Maryland. Brother Amin Mohamed, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped on the USNS Wilkes. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mohamed’s final vessel was the Horizon Pacific. He resides in Bakersfield, California. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1616 • SEAFARERS LOG APRIL 2024 �Welcome Ashore! We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. JAN MORAWSKI GREG TOJONG BRYAN BRIGNAC Brother Jan Morawski, 65, started sailing with the union in 1998, initially shipping on the Diamond State. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Morawski concluded his career aboard the Maersk Pittsburgh and lives in Gdansk, Poland. Brother Greg Tojong, 61, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2000. He initially sailed on the Patriot and worked primarily in the deck department. Brother Tojong upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the Gem State and lives in Oakland, California. Brother Bryan Brignac, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994. He sailed in the deck department and was employed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Brignac lives in Abita Springs, Louisiana. RANG NGUYEN ROMUALDAS VIDEIKA Brother Rang Nguyen, 61, joined the union in 1989 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother Nguyen’s final vessel was the Pacific Collector. He lives in SeaTac, Washington. Brother Romualdas Videika, 74, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Overseas Chicago. He was an engine department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Videika concluded his career aboard the Alaskan Navigator. He resides in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Brother Douglas Crawford, 66, signed on with the union in 1981, initially working with Moran Towing of Texas. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Crawford was most recently employed with OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Westerly, Rhode Island. RAYMOND NOWAK WILBERT WOOD Brother Raymond Nowak, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1981 when he sailed on the Overseas Alice. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Nowak’s final vessel was the Alaskan Explorer. He resides in Suquamish, Washington. Brother Wilbert Wood, 65, signed on with the union in 2001 and sailed in the deck department. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and first shipped on the Gemini. Brother Wood’s final vessel was the American Liberty. He resides in Port St. Lucie, Florida. KWAME OWUSU Brother Kwame Owusu, 70, started sailing with the union in 2006, initially working with Patriot Contract Services. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Owusu last shipped on the Maersk Chesapeake and makes his home in the Bronx, New York. STEPHEN YURSHA Brother Stephen Yursha, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1982. He first sailed aboard the Aries and worked in the deck department. Brother Yursha upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Hawaii and is a resident of Fletcher, North Carolina. GREAT LAKES STEPHEN ROBERTS NORMAN NELSON Brother Stephen Roberts, 67, joined the SIU in 1988 and first shipped on the Independence. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Roberts most recently shipped on the Keystone State and is a Houston resident. Brother Norman Nelson, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1974. He initially sailed with Bob-Lo Island and was a deck department member. Brother Nelson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. He last shipped with Vanenkevort Tug and Barge and resides in Manistee, Michigan. INLAND KIMBERLY STRATE Sister Kimberly Strate, 69, became a member of the union in 2002. A steward department member, she first sailed aboard the Guayama. Sister Strate upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Her final vessel was the Taino. Sister Strate calls Atlantic Beach, Florida, home. APRIL 2024 ROBERT ALBE Brother Robert Albe, 62, joined the SIU in 1997, first sailing with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Albe was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed aboard the Vision and resides in Bulverde, Texas. DOUGLAS CRAWFORD KENNETH MOORE Brother Kenneth Moore, 65, became a member of the union in 1982. He first sailed with Hvide Marine and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Moore’s final vessel was the Zeus. He calls Willis, Texas, home. PETE NICOLAIDIS Brother Pete Nicolaidis, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1990. He sailed in the engine department and worked for G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Nicolaidis settled in Santa Fe, Texas. SHERMAN SAKATANI Brother Sherman Sakatani, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1990, initially sailing aboard the USNS Pollux. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Sakatani was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in National City, California. JEFFREY SINCLAIR Brother Jeffrey Sinclair, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2007 when he shipped on the Terrapin Island. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2021. Brother Sinclair last worked on the Padre Island. He resides in Omaha, Arkansas. DAVID SPADONI Brother David Spadoni, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1996. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Spadoni worked with OSG Ship Management for his entire career. He is a resident of Brooksville, Florida. MARK ST. GERMAIN Brother Mark St. Germain, 62, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1982 when he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage. A deck department member, he was employed with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother St. Germain settled in Picayune, Mississippi. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 17 • OCTOBER LOG • 17 �Final Departures In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. INLAND DEEP SEA NMU CHARLES BETZ JOHN FULLER LAWRENCE ALDACO Pensioner Charles Betz, 83, passed away December 22. He became a member of the SIU in 1988 when he sailed aboard the USNS Lynch. Brother Betz was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams and retired in 2005. Brother Betz made his home in Melbourne, Florida. Pensioner John Fuller, 68, passed away January 26. He started sailing with the SIU in 1980. Brother Fuller was first employed by G&H Towing. He primarily worked in the deck department and last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Fuller retired in 2014 and lived in La Porte, Texas. Pensioner Lawrence Aldaco, 88, passed away January 23. Brother Aldaco began sailing in 1965, initially aboard the USNS Mission Santa Ynez. He worked in the engine department. Brother Aldaco last shipped on the Tonsing and became a pensioner in 1999. He lived in McMinnville, Oregon. JOHN KAHRIGER ALFRED DAVIS Pensioner John Kahriger, 80, died December 27. He joined the SIU in 1962 when he worked with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Kahriger sailed in the deck department. He last shipped with Taylor Marine Towing and went on pension in 2005. Brother Kahriger made his home in Laurel Springs, New Jersey. Pensioner Alfred Davis, 92, died December 31. Brother Davis was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Cape Avino. He began collecting his pension in 1997 and lived in Portsmouth, Virginia. GREYSON BRANTLEY Brother Greyson Brantley, 54, died January 18. He joined the union in 1988 and initially sailed aboard the Aries. Brother Brantley sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Brittin. He was a resident of Bartlesville, Oklahoma. RAYMOND COOLEY Pensioner Raymond Cooley, 83, passed away January 19. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. A deck department member, Brother Cooley first sailed aboard the Anders. He last sailed on the Stephen W. Pless before going on pension in 2006. Brother Cooley lived in Groves, Texas. STANLEY GURNEY Pensioner Stanley Gurney, 61, passed away January 20. He joined the SIU in 1979 and first shipped on the Philadelphia. Brother Gurney sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the Matson Tacoma and went on pension in 2019. Brother Gurney made his home in Montesano, Washington. CAREY HEINZ Pensioner Carey Heinz, 72, died September 30. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1987 when he sailed on the Hess. Brother Heinz sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Explorer in 2004 and began collecting his pension in 2016. Brother Heinz resided in Silver City, New Mexico. KENNETH PARK Brother Kenneth Park, 80, passed away January 6. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1977 and first sailed aboard the Columbia. Brother Park sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Cape Rise and lived in Norfolk, Virginia. GILBERTO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Gilberto Rodriguez, 70, died December 30. He joined the union in 1972, initially sailing aboard the Del Sol. Brother Rodriguez sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He concluded his career with American Service Technology Inc. and started collecting his pension in 2008. Brother Rodriguez resided in Texas City, Texas. FRANKLYN LORD Pensioner Franklyn Lord, 90, passed away December 25. A deck department member, he signed on with the union in 1973. Brother Lord sailed first for McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He concluded his career working for Interstate Oil Transportation Company. Brother Lord became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in Glassboro, New Jersey. RICHARD MCEVOY Pensioner Richard McEvoy, 84, died February 1. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 and worked in the engine department. Brother McEvoy was initially employed with Pudget Sound. He went on pension in 2005, after finishing his union career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother McEvoy called Rector, Arkansas, home. ROBERT MURRAY Pensioner Robert Murray, 88, passed away January 16. He joined the union in 1961 when he worked with Meyle Towing Company. Brother Murray shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last worked for Moran Towing of Philadelphia and retired in 1994. Brother Murray resided in Dagsboro, Delaware. FRANK ST JAMES Brother Frank St James, 51, died October 3. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997. Brother St James first shipped on the Frances Hammer and worked in the deck department. He was most recently employed by G&H Towing. Brother St James called Kirbyville, Texas, home. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 NICOLAS ITURRALDE Pensioner Nicolas Iturralde, 94, passed away December 14. He worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Ruth Lykes. Brother Iturralde went on pension in 1991 and settled in El Paso, Texas. KENNARD JACKLEY Pensioner Kennard Jackley, 83, died November 29. An engine department member, he began sailing in 1966. Brother Jackley’s first ship was the Point Barrow; his last, the Genevieve Lykes. He retired in 1995 and lived in Slidell, Louisiana. LEROY MAYNARD Pensioner Leroy Maynard, 85, passed away January 17. He began sailing in 1975, initially aboard the Admiral W.M. Callaghan. Brother Maynard sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Diamond and retired in 2003. Brother Maynard was a Fort Lauderdale, Florida, resident. PABLO SOLIS Pensioner Pablo Solis, 86, died December 22. Brother Solis sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Maersk Maine and went on pension in 2001. Brother Solis made his home in Deltona, Florida. GUS WEBSTER Pensioner Gus Webster, 83, passed away January 7. Brother Webster’s final vessel was the Antiguan Pass. He became a pensioner in 2006 and resided in Los Angeles. EDWARD WITT Pensioner Edward Witt, 95, died December 21. Brother Witt was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Fredericksburg and retired in 1993. Brother Witt lived in New Port Richey, Florida. APRIL 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. LOUISIANA (Seabulk Crew Management), December 15 – Chairman Albert Mensah, Secretary Christopher Amigable, Deck Delegate Redentor Borja, Engine Delegate Donell Criswell, Steward Delegate Yolanda Martinez. Chairman reiterated the importance of upholding professional commitments and thanked members for their hard work and personal contributions. Secretary thanked everyone for helping to keep ship clean and reminded members to leave clean linens for oncoming reliefs. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and to keep papers current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed manpower situation. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning) January 28 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Ammar Sailan, Educational Director Larry Locke. Remainder of new mattresses have been received and Starlink Wi-Fi has been installed. Chairman discussed the Fairwater merger (involving Crowley and Seacor) and its one-year postponement. He reminded crew to clean out their rooms for reliefs and also talked about the increase in optical benefit coverage. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck department requested better gloves for cold weather. Crew thanked steward department for providing excellent meals throughout the holidays. Members would like physicals to be required annually. Next port: Long Beach, California. EVERGREEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), January 30 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary Virnabeth Cano, Educational Director Daryl Morris, Engine Delegate Corey Leonard. Members still waiting for new TVs in crew quarters. Chairman reminded members to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and to keep all documents updated. Secretary asked for all crew who are signing off to place dirty linen in laundry bags that are provided outside of staterooms. Members were instructed to have bosun inspect stateroom the day before sign-off. Educational director encouraged crew to register for all upgrading needs at the Paul Hall Center well in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GLOBAL SENTINEL (SubCom), February 10 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Jayson Velez-Cruz, Educational Director Mohamad Kammoun. Chairman reviewed various ship procedures and union business. He explained how the ship committee works and advised members to take care of their medical certificates along with their physicals at the appropriate times. Secretary thanked all departments for keeping house clean and organized. Educational director urged crew to continue upgrading at the Piney Point school and to keep all documents up to date. Crew suggested boosting morale by getting new furniture and new entertainment consoles in crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like to see a boost in EMCOM allowance because only their ship has experienced EMCOM status while in mission. Crew would like vacation time to match the standard contract. Members thanked captain and steward department for lobster night as well as Bosun Lee for panini press grill. Ship has new, refrigerated salad bar, new espresso machine, new bikes and new gym equipment. DANIEL K. INOUYE (Matson), February 23 – Chairman Aurelio Esperanza, Secretary Clifton Medley, Educational Director Nasser Alarqban. Chairman mentioned items he plans to discuss with port agent in Guam. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Dishwasher has been repaired. Members discussed crew complement. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning) February 26 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Markese Haynes, Educational Director Chukwudi Alfred, Deck Delegate Angel Nunez, Engine Delegate Muaadh Mohsen, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Members asked for company to provide offboarding members flights to their homes and for increases in allowances for safety shoes. Crew brainstormed ways to improve wait times for reliefs and suggested posting jobs at ports a minimum of 10 days prior to due date. Secretary is doing everything possible to order what members want. Educational director advised members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center and to make sure documents are kept up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like contract to match Standard Tanker Agreement. Members requested more flexibility with the tours than the current rotation so that they can ask for reliefs at 75, 90 or 120 days. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Crew noted the importance of donating to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, as it plays such a vital role in helping the SIU promote a vibrant U.S. Merchant Marine. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return APRIL 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �Everyday savings just for you Looking for new ways to save? Union Plus makes everyday life more affordable with wireless savings, car rental discounts, discounts at restaurants and on movie tickets and live events, and much more. Wireless Savings Rental Car Savings Restaurant Discounts Movie Tickets & Live Events Exclusive discounts for union families See more at unionplus.org SIU-ET-12-19-24 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES May 6 July 8 May 24 July 26 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 Adv. Shiphandling August 26 September 6 Adv. Meteorology September 16 September 20 Search and Rescue Mgmt Level September 23 September 25 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Adv. Refer Containers May 6 August 26 May 17 September 6 Machinist April 29 May 10 Welding April 22 June 3 Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck Pumpman Latest Course Dates Basic Training Revalidation April 22 April 26 May 6 May 10 May 31 June 10 June 14 April 22 April 26 May 6 May 10 May 31 June 10 June 14 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 3 June 7 Government Vessels April 22 May 13 June 10 June 24 April 26 May 17 June 14 June 28 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL (PIC) April 15 April 19 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL April 22 April 26 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG April 29 May 3 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 April 26 June 21 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook April 29 June 10 July 15 August 19 September 23 November 4 May 31 July 12 August 16 September 20 October 25 December 6 ServSafe Management April 22 June 3 July 8 August 12 April 26 June 7 July 12 August 16 Advanced Galley Ops June 3 June 28 Chief Steward April 22 July 15 May 17 August 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. APRIL 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #904 – Graduated Jan. 26 (not all are pictured): Tasheania Allen, Mathew Bolanos, Ronzell Collins, Victor Davila Cruz, Eugene Draghi, De'asia Dunn, Nathaniel Gancarz, Armani Green, Christopher Holmes, Corey Lopez, Faith Lopez, Andrew Marquez, Darea McCarthy, Lionel Packnett Jr., Caleb Rawls, Edisson Sturridge Sabio, Alfred Washington, Marniya Willis and Vincent Winter II. BASIC TRAINING UPGRADE (PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES) – Graduated February 9 (not all are pictured): Russell Lempke, Gary SMALL ARMS – Graduated February 29 (not all are pictured): Alexander Bennett, Tomas Merel, Robert White III and Keenan Williams. Nelon, David Parker, Torri Streeks and Khaled Yahia. FOWT – Graduated March 1 (not all are pictured): Micko Cercado, Tomas Faller, Shavel Freeman, Kristopher Guthrie, Raheem Harris-Stewart, Micheal King, Craig Lash II, Joseph McClam, Evan Murff and Timothy Resultan. GMDSS – Graduated February 16: Joseph Bowen, Aurora Foster, Jeffery Griffin, Caliph Johnson II, Josean Villarrubia, Derek Willis, Seamus Woods and Damon Zschoche. JUNIOR ENGINEER (BASIC REFRIGERATION) – Graduated February 16: Loren Arriola. Alexander Boothby, Mark Dennison, Jesse Kleinfelter, Julian Rubbo and Ryan Sotomayor. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. 22 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 22 • SEAFARERS APRIL 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated Feb. 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullah Ali, Alexander Bennett, Ashanty Castillo, Albert Dulig, Victor Frazier, Montavis Harold and Rolando Hernandez Jr. WATCHSTANDING – Graduated February 8 (right to left): Cameron Meyers and Anthony Sardina. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated February 9: Alexander Bennett (left) and Rolando Hernandez Jr. WELDING – Graduated February 9: Joshua Daniel, James Grant and Neil Tupas. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated March 1 (not all are pictured): Munassar Ahmed, Jerome Aninion, Arthur Annas, Roche Bonita, Marcus Carrasquillo, William Cassel III, Hyeyoung Forrer, Kajuan Gamble, Rashawna Griffin, Frank Hedge, Anthony Jackson, Hyun Kim, Brian Lunsford, Caprese Osorio, Jose Outeira, Aquil Revell, Deroyce Roquemore, Betty Sirait, Arthur Sison, Timothy Williams, Shaun Wood, Devon Woods and Lawrence Wright. APRIL 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG23 • 23 �APRIL 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 4 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Productive Benefits Conferences Conclude Representatives from the Seafarers Plans and from the union recently wrapped up a baker’s dozen of benefits conferences that began last summer. The final two events in the series took place Feb. 20 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and March 8 in Algonac, Michigan. The coast-to-coast meetings offered information about various benefits for staff and for rank-and-file Seafarers, pensioners and dependents. “I think it went really well,” said Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, who led the gatherings at the hiring halls. “It was a little hectic with some of the trips when we had conferences back-to-back, but the best parts for me are always the feedback from the membership and the turnout. Overall, the experience was really encouraging, and the members and pensioners and other attendees always had great questions.” In addition to the two most recent conferences, others took place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Piney Point, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Houston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Jersey City, New Jersey. (Editor’s note: On two occasions, severe weather forced the postponement of a conference that had been scheduled and rescheduled to take place in Wilmington, California. Efforts are under way to schedule a new date for that conference.) While the subject matter was wide-ranging within the scope of the various Plans, the overall aim was straightforward, Bowen said. She and the other Plans representatives and union officials were on hand to help ensure that people understand, and get the most from, their respective benefits. (Headquarters officials including SIU President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, SecretaryTreasurer Tom Orzechowski and Vice President Contracts George Tricker attended some or all of the conferences, which typically lasted anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Vice presidents also attended in their respective regions.) The meetings usually began with an overview of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP), including eligibility requirements, coverage levels, prescription considerations and more. Members received tips on how to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and how to take advantage of the newest benefits. A similar approach was taken when reviewing (respectively) the Seafarers Pension Plan (SPP), Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP), SIU 401K, and Seafarers Vacation Plan (SVP). Attendees also received reminders about potentially useful phone numbers and email addresses for the membership assistance office, the claims department, the medical department, the pension office, and Bowen’s office. A number of handouts from Cigna and the Seafarers Plans were available. “Health and pension (benefits) are usually first on everybody’s mind,” Bowen said. “Trying to explain it can be kind of complicated, so I’m always encouraged by how well the members and retirees already understand it. “They get the big picture of it,” she added. “But regardless of which benefit is being discussed, the emphasis throughout has always been, if you don’t know the answer, call us. And if you can’t find the answer, there are so many resources on the website. Take a look and if you can’t figure it out, let us know.” SIU President David Heindel (standing) welcomes attendees to the conference in Algonac. Also pictured from left at the table are SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak, VP Bryan Powell, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (standing at right) reviews some of the improvements to the various benefits available to members, pensioners and their dependents. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (standing at left) answers a question during the gathering in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Attendees in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, listen to an update about their respective benefits. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU-AFFILIATED PAUL HALL CENTER EARNS CENTER OF EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION SIU-CREWED SHIPS ASSIST WITH GAZA AID COAST GUARD CHANGES MARINER CREDENTIAL FORMAT MTD JOINS MAJOR EFFORT TO BOOST U.S. SHIPBUILDING SEAFARERS SUPPORT HISTORIC ARMY MISSION SIU CREWS HELP COMPLETE OPERATION DEEP FREEZE FATHER SINCLAIR HONORED BY NAMMA SENATOR WICKER STANDS UP FOR JONES ACT PRODUCTIVE BENEFITS CONFERENCES CONCLUDE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 4 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/50aeacf4258ba848fa6c5816322e07a1.pdf fe0f3b46f35e9d52677e6b25738d56b9 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG APRIL 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 4 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO All Hands Safe! Stena Immaculate Mariners Overcome Massive Fire Caused by Foreign-Flag Ship Members of the SIU and the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO) bravely fought a shipboard fire and successfully abandoned ship following an allision caused by a flag-of-convenience vessel near Hull, England. They escaped with no injuries; many cited their safety training as crucial. SIU and AMO personnel are pictured several days after the accident, at a nearby hotel provided by vessel operator Crowley. Pages 2, 3, 7. SIU Welcomes New Tonnage Seafarers are sailing aboard two ships that are new to the union fleet: the Crowley LNG carrier American Energy (below) and the Schuyler Line general cargo ship SL Midway (inset). Details about the American Energy are on page 4, while SL Midway coverage appears on page 6. JONES ACT SUPPORT EVIDENT • PAGE 5 // SIU IN OPERATION DEEP FREEZE • PAGE 20 �President’s Report Safety Training Saves the Day Having had a little more than a week to process the incredible saga of the SIU-crewed Stena Immaculate, a couple of things in particular stand out. One is that the safety training completed by our members and by the officers really helped make the difference between life and death. As I’m sure you either already read or will see at some point, Seafarers very passionately spoke up about their training and how it helped save them. This is true both of their fire fighting and safety classes at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, and with their regular shipboard drills. David Heindel Obviously, no one ever wants emergencies to happen, but they’re a fact of life. That is why the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education heavily emphasize preparedness for everyone going to sea, whether they’re an apprentice, an old salt, or anywhere in between. Without question, the training all came together when the Stena Immaculate crew needed it. The mariners gelled, or we could have had a vastly different outcome. Another prominent takeaway is that, no matter the extent that muscle memory kicked in as they fought the fire, the mariners still had to maintain composure and get the job done. They deserve plenty of credit for having each other’s backs and for coming through under extremely challenging circumstances. As we’ve noted in separate communications, notwithstanding our union’s collective relief about the Stena Immaculate mariners’ safety, we acknowledge and mourn the presumed loss of a crew member from the ship that struck ours. The investigation probably will take a long time; regardless of what the facts bear out, a mariner’s life has been lost, and that’s always tragic. I’m sure we’ll do some follow-up reporting and commentary, but for now, I again salute our mariners along with the officers, Crowley executives, and everyone else who pitched in when they were badly needed. Everyone stepped up, and each individual effort made a difference – as did the work of the Paul Hall Center instructors who made sure our people received the right knowledge and preparation. New Tonnage, Legislation Under different circumstances, our lead coverage this month would have been about multiple ships entering the SIU fleet. The American Energy and the SL Midway are still important stories, though. They reflect your union’s ongoing efforts to promote and protect your job security, and to sustain and grow the U.S.-flag fleet. They signal new job opportunities for rank-and-file Seafarers. Similarly, the recent introduction of bipartisan legislation that would boost cargo preference laws is a potentially outstanding development, and one that didn’t happen randomly. Our industry fights for maritime pillars such as cargo preference and the Jones Act practically every day on Capitol Hill (and wherever else we need to be heard). It’s that kind of persistence and persuasiveness that also helped secure a recent wave of support for the Jones Act (see page 5), prominently including the commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command, Gen. Randall Reed. When leaders like Gen. Reed (and all of his TRANSCOM predecessors) are in your corner, you know you’re on the right side. Our industry also anticipates a pro-maritime executive order that President Trump mentioned in his formal address to Congress in March. Drafts of the order focus not only on shipbuilding but also on other components, including shipboard manpower. It borrows from the most prominent current maritime bill of all, the SHIPS For America Act, which is expected to be reintroduced soon. These are all reasons for encouragement, and they provide motivation to stay the course as we work to help secure a brighter future for the SIU and for the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. I’m confident about these opportunities, and we’ll continue working smartly to reach our goals. SIU Backs American Cargo For American Ships Act The union is supporting new legislation that promises to boost U.S. shipboard manpower and cargo for American-flag ships. On March 11, U.S. House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-California) and Chair Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) introduced the bipartisan “American Cargo for American Ships Act” to strengthen U.S. cargo preference laws and promote American economic growth. In a joint news release, the legislators noted, “In 2022, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) testified before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and highlighted the decline of U.S.-flagged ships. Per MARAD, there were 106 ships in the foreign trade flying the U.S. flag in 2012. Four years later, there were just 77 vessels. Today, from that low point, we have grown back to 87 foreign trading ships under the U.S. flag.” “American cargo transported by American ships bolsters our economy, creates more jobs, and protects our supply chains,” said Carbajal. “I’m proud to introduce the American Cargo for American Ships Act that will ensure that our maritime workforce remains strong and competitive, safeguards our national security by reducing dependence on foreign vessels, and Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 4 April 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG reinforces America’s position as a global leader in trade and commerce.” “Ensuring that American cargo is transported on American ships with American crew is a matter of economic strength and domestic investment,” Ezell said. “This bill prioritizes U.S. vessels and American jobs, reinforcing our maritime industry and reducing dependence on foreign shipping. I’m proud to introduce this legislation to support our domestic fleet, protect our supply chains, and keep America strong on the seas.” In the same news release, SIU President David Heindel stated, “The SIU is proud to support the American Cargo for American Ships Act. Now, more than ever, the United States needs a strong and vibrant merchant marine. There are many things we should be doing to make that a reality, but one of the easiest and most obvious is to make sure cargo purchased by the United States government with American taxpayer dollars moves on American ships with American crews. We applaud Chairman Ezell and Ranking Member Carbajal for their leadership and look forward to working with them to get this bill signed into law.” The American Cargo for American Ships Act would increase cargo preference for all U.S. Department of Transportation cargoes to 100 percent. The Cargo Preference Act of 1954 requires that 50 percent of civilian agencies cargo and agricultural cargo be carried on U.S.-flag vessels – it is the maritime industry’s “Buy America” law. MARAD is the lead federal agency that manages cargo preference activities and compliance. The full text of the American Cargo for American Ships Act is linked on the SIU website. The following organizations are among those that support the American Cargo for American Ships Act: American Maritime Congress; American Maritime Officers; American Maritime Officers Service; American Roll-on Roll-off Carrier; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development; Sailors Union of the Pacific, Seafarers International Union; Transportation Institute; U.S. Ocean; Waterman Logistics; Hapag Lloyd USA; American President Lines LLC. U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-California) MARAD, in describing the program, notes on its website, “Just as many other seafaring nations have learned, history has taught us that cargo preference, the reservation of certain cargoes to U.S.-flag ships, is necessary for our national defense and a key driver of domestic and foreign commerce. This requires a U.S.flag commercial merchant marine that can be called upon in times of war or national emergencies. Therefore, Congress has determined that the United States have a merchant marine sufficient to carry the waterborne domestic commerce and a substantial part of the waterborne export and import foreign commerce of the United States; capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency; owned and operated as vessels of the United States by citizens of the United States; composed of the best-equipped, safest, and most suitable types of vessels constructed in the United States and manned with a trained and efficient citizen personnel; and supplemented by efficient facilities for building and repairing vessels. “It is the United States’ policy to encourage and aid the development of a merchant marine satisfying the above objectives. By requiring that U.S.-flag carriers ship U.S. Government impelled cargo, we ensure that this economic activity and defense capability benefits the United States.” APRIL 2025 �Stena Immaculate Mariners Rise to the Occasion “It could have been so much worse.” Among those who experienced it and the people who supported them immediately afterward, that’s perhaps the most commonly expressed sentiment following the harrowing fire aboard the Seafarers-crewed Stena Immaculate. By now, the details are known to many around the world. On March 10, the Madeira-flag containership Solong hit the Crowley-operated Stena Immaculate even though the U.S.-flag tanker had been anchored off Britain’s east coast for at least 15 hours. The 461-foot-long Solong apparently didn’t slow from its approximate speed of 16 knots, nor did it change course. After bravely fighting the resultant fire (the Stena Immaculate, 600 feet in length, was carrying military jet fuel) for around 30 minutes, all 23 mariners from the Crowley vessel successfully launched and boarded their lifeboat, and made it ashore essentially unharmed. Those personnel included SIU members, two apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and officers from the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO), plus one from the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. One mariner from the German-managed Solong (Mark Angelo Pernia, a Filipino) is presumed dead. That ship’s master, Russian national Vladimir Motin, is in custody and has been charged with gross negligence manslaughter. According to news reports, the Solong (which carried a total of 14 mariners) stayed on a direct route for impact with the Stena Immaculate for more than 40 minutes. And it reportedly didn’t stop upon contact, instead spinning the other ship, which caused fuel to encircle the water around the Stena Immaculate. However, again according to media reports, it appears only a single tank aboard the U.S.-flag ship was ruptured. The Solong also caught fire. Despite multiple reported explosions on the Stena Immaculate, initial concerns of an environmental disaster quickly waned. Local entities fought the fire, there were no other apparent leaks from either ship, and the remaining jet fuel mostly burned off. SIU Assistant Vice President Michael Russo deployed from the union’s headquarters building in Maryland and left to join the Stena Immaculate crew the same day the accident occurred. (He traveled with AMO President Willie Barrere). After spending several days with them at a company-furnished hotel in the small port town Grimsby, Russo recalled, “There were four or five Crowley reps there, plus a counselor, and lots of local authorities. Everyone, including from all of Seafarers and SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (second from left, in front) met multiple times per day at a hotel in Grimsby, England, in the aftermath of the accident. the organizations who were there, said it could have been so much worse. It’s pretty remarkable. But they (the mariners) used their training and jumped into action. Everybody pitched in.” SIU President David Heindel said, “On behalf of the entire union, it’s impossible to overstate our relief that all of the Stena Immaculate mariners are unharmed. It’s equally difficult to fully convey my profound appreciation and respect for how they responded in a life-or-death circumstance. When the stakes couldn’t have been higher, they came through with utmost professionalism. We are all proud and grateful.” Heindel also thanked Crowley for its quick, thorough response and excellent treatment of the mariners. In a web post a few days after the accident, the SIU noted, “While we are proud members of the U.S. Merchant Marine – also known as America’s fourth arm of defense – we also are part of the global maritime community, and we mourn the presumed loss of the crew member from the Solong. We also wholeheartedly thank everyone who mobilized to assist the respective crews and who fought the fires on both ships, prominently including personnel from the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency. A number of local pilots and other mariners also assisted the Stena Immaculate crew after they had successfully launched their lifeboat; we deeply appreciate their support.” Piney Point Training ‘Saved My Life’ Mariners Credit Preparation for Successful Outcome Settling in for a telephone interview while still in the United Kingdom, Jeffery Griffin didn’t wait for the first question. “The training I received at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting (and Safety) School saved my life,” said Griffin, a graduate of Paul Hall Center (PHC) Apprentice Class 657. “Basic, advanced, all of it. I was truly, truly relying on it. Quote me all you want on that one – it’s a true statement, and I will stand behind it 100 percent.” Griffin maintains his SIU membership but was debuting as a third mate aboard the Stena Immaculate during the recent accident caused by another vessel. He finished the PHC’s AB to Mate program last year – one of many offerings at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. (The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is part of the PHC and is located on a nearby, satellite campus). APRIL 2025 Of the 11 Seafarers and two PHC apprentices who were aboard the Stena Immaculate, all but three of them have undergone safety training in Piney Point, whether as trainees or upgraders or both. The value of such training, combined with regular shipboard safety drills, was a frequent topic in the days following the accident, as the mariners congregated at a local hotel in Grimsby. “The training paid off,” said Bosun Ion Sterie. “You go to Piney Point and there are also lots of drills on the ship. Every drill you do, you improve. You become faster or, if you did something wrong the drill before, you try to do it better.” Sterie added that attention to detail is vital. “If someone isn’t trained, going in to fight the fire, you can die if, for example, you don’t put your mask on correctly or otherwise don’t know what to do.” Seafarers on the Stena Immaculate during the incident included Bosun Ion Sterie, ABs Carlomagno Surigao, Reginald Macon, David Graham, and Hamdanni Nurdin, QMEDs George Mardones, Jeffrey Nicholson, and Florian Turcios, Steward/Baker Michael Page, Chief Cook Francis Solmirano, SA Ardeccia Hill, Apprentice/STOS Benjamin Brown, and Apprentice/Wiper Kenyatta Mabine. ‘What the [Heck] is he Doing?!’ Jeffery Griffin is still an SIU member, but his first voyage aboard a tanker (the Stena Immaculate, part of the U.S. Tanker Security Program) coincided with his first trip sailing as a third mate. The experience quickly went from mostly predictable to shocking. With the vessel anchored near Hull, England, Griffin (who first sailed with the SIU in 2005) happened to glance at his watch, and saw 0947. He briefly weighed whether to continue a procedure known as sniffing the tanks (checking 02 levels), or head off for the upcoming coffee break. He decided to keep working for a bit. The ship has 16 cargo tanks, eight on each side. Griffin was standing on the number seven starboard tank when he heard a shipmate yell, “What the [heck] is this guy doing?!” Continued on Page 7 STOS/PHC Apprentice Benjamin Brown said there is no doubt his Piney Point training paid off. “Oh, yeah,” he said. “When I was going through Piney Point, I thought, man, I’m never going to remember any of this. But I was surprised at how much I remembered. I also have to say, the captain was really fantastic. He made us do the actual drills on the ship; it wasn’t just a check-the-block type of training. Between those drills and Piney Point, it created muscle memory, and I feel like that was critical.” He added, “For anyone entering the industry, you may think it can’t happen, but it can. Yes, it was scary, but I did the job and I know I’m prepared. We really got tested and I know I can do it again. This is a career for me.” Further reflecting on his preparation, Griffin said, “The training we received (in Piney Point) was instrumental, and the constant training out on the ocean is what keeps you going.” He pointed out that the crew corrected some previous potential missteps through repetition. “Definitely take it seriously,” he concluded. “This training can and will save your life.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �LNG Vessel Signals New SIU Jobs SIU members are sailing aboard a new addition to the American-flag fleet: the Crowley-owned American Energy, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier. Among other ceremonial activities acknowledging the historical importance of the vessel, SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre in early March blessed the ship in Sabine Pass, Texas, and presented vessel master Capt. Lane Frisbie with a commemorative bible. “It felt like we were blessing a whole new industry and our future,” said SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, one of several SIU officials who visited the ship. “The expectation is that there eventually will be about 12 LNG export facilities along the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast.” In a Crowley news release announcing the ship’s entry into the Jones Act trade, SIU President David Heindel stated, “The SIU is tremendously excited about providing crew members for the American Energy. Our members have a long, proud history of working aboard LNG vessels, and our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, regularly conducts U.S. Coast Guard-approved curriculums that help prepare mariners for this kind of work. We congratulate Crowley, and we look forward to helping safely operate the newly reflagged ship.” Crowley reported that the vessel is “the first domestic LNG carrier to transport U.S.-sourced natural gas to Puerto Rico. The milestone will provide Puerto Rico with increased access to the reliable supply of U.S.-produced LNG, helping address the island’s ongoing power demands. Crowley and Naturgy have entered into a multi-year agreement that provides for the regular delivery of the U.S. mainland-sourced LNG to Naturgy’s operating facility in Penuelas, Puerto Rico.” The American Energy, which has capacity of 34.4 million gallons, will operate in accordance with the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996, the company further reported. “The vessel has a CAP 1 rating, certifying its top rating for safety and vessel condition, and its compliance with all regulatory requirements.” “The entry into service of American Energy marks a significant step for fuel supply reliability in Puerto Rico for our energy grid, which will greatly benefit our people,” said Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer GonzálezColón. “This partnership is an initiative to act using existing regulations to increase access to a U.S.-based LNG source that expands our options for the stabilization of our energy grid, as we work towards providing our residents and businesses a more consistently reliable power generation source.” The 900-foot-long LNG carrier “builds on Crowley’s 70-plus years commitment to Puerto Rico,” the company added. Crowley “also operates the full-service marine Isla Grande cargo terminal in San Juan for its container and roll-on/roll-off vessels, including two LNG-fueled ships, and logistics services. Crowley annually delivers more than 94 million gallons of LNG through its LNG Loading Terminal in Penuelas as well as provides ocean delivery and land transportation using ISO tank containers.” At capacity, each delivery of LNG aboard the American Energy provides enough energy to power 80,000 homes for a year. LNG is also a lower-carbon fuel, emitting less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to diesel and other traditional energy sources. “We are proud and privileged to expand U.S. LNG availability in Puerto Rico in partnership with Naturgy,” said Tom Crowley, chairman and CEO of Crowley Corporation. “LNG is an ample, reliable energy source available in the U.S. that provides a more resilient and lower-emission option as part of our nation’s energy portfolio for quickly serving the growing power needs of Puerto Rico while supporting American jobs, American energy production and U.S. national security.” “This contract strengthens our presence in the global LNG market, particularly in the United States, and allows Puerto Rico to obtain a stable and competitive energy supply route,” said Jon Ganuza, general manager of supply and wholesale markets, Naturgy. Members of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers – Second Mate Nicholas DeFuria (left) and Chief Mate Boren Chambers – raise the U.S. flag on the American Energy. (Photo courtesy Crowley) “AMO is proud to be a part of this historic partnership that benefits the people of Puerto Rico,” said American Maritime Officers National President Willie Barrere. “U.S. Merchant Mariners, many of whom were born in Puerto Rico, sailing on Jones Act vessels, have been reliably delivering goods to the Commonwealth for decades. Now we will deliver LNG fuel to power the residents and further strengthen the bond between Puerto Rico and our U.S. seafarers.” From left, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, vessel master Capt. Lane Frisbie, and Fr. Sinclair Oubre gather for a blessing of the ship. Pictured in the crew mess are (from left) SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, Electrician Edwin Velez, Bosun Raul Colon Matos, AB Wilson Ruiz, SA Nadia Forester, Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont, Chief Cook Carlos Colon De Jesus, ABM Victor Velez Perez, ABM Victor Cortes Maldonado, and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. The American Energy is sailing in the Jones Act trade. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG Seafarers and union officials gather on the bridge. Among those pictured are VP Dean Corgey (standing fifth from left) and Port Agent Joe Zavala (kneeling in front). SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 APRIL 2025 �Wave of Support Voiced for Jones Act America’s freight cabotage law – a crucial part of national, economic and homeland security for more than a century – recently received strong backing from several prominent sources. During a March 5 hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Randall Reed, USAF, commander of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), expressed his clear support of the law. U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) asked the general to briefly explain why the Jones Act is important to TRANSCOM and to national security. He replied, “The Jones Act allows us to actually have shipping resources…. Because of that Act, we have a way to make sure that we can build ships here in the United States; that we can sail those ships to maintain commerce; that we can produce the crews that sail those ships, so that we have a core of [mariners]…. At the same time, if the nation needs folks to go to sea, we can call on that force to sail. We will be more secure in that way.” One day later, leaders from a key House committee and subcommittee voiced bipartisan support for the Jones Act. In a joint statement, legislators noted, “The bipartisan leadership of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee raised significant concerns about European Union efforts to undermine the Jones Act, a law important to the U.S. commercial shipbuilding industry, the stability of the U.S. supply chain, and America’s national and economic security.” Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Missouri), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Washington), Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-California) expressed their alarm in a letter to E.U. Ambassador to the United States Jovita Neliupšienė. “The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (Committee) has serious concerns regarding the recent Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filing on behalf of the European Union (E.U.), which describes E.U. efforts to lobby United States lawmakers and policy officials in an effort to secure modifications to the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 55102), an important American Gen. Randall Reed, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command, recently voiced strong support for the Jones Act. (DoD photo by Iain Page) national and economic security law,” they collectively stated. In a joint news release, the congressmen pointed out “that the FARA filing was required by the E.U.’s financing of a U.S. firm to create ‘one or two funny but informative’ TikTok-like videos to criticize the Jones Act. The filing described the videos as part of a larger E.U. lobbying and public relations campaign to challenge the Jones Act. However, it appears that the E.U. lobbying document was removed from the FARA filing shortly after its existence was publicly disclosed.” The letter states, “The activities described in the attached lobbying campaign document go far beyond trade negotiations. Rather it appears, that the E.U. is seeking to influence United States policy on the Jones Act not through diplomatic means, but instead through an advocacy campaign, including collaboration with previously undisclosed United States organizations and social media influencers.” As further noted in the news release, “The Jones Act underpins the U.S. commercial shipbuilding industry and requires any vessel participating in coastwise trade to be United States-owned, United States-crewed, and United States-built. Jones Act-driven business supports domestic shipbuilding capacity and prevents the nation from losing an important strategic capability.” One week earlier, a statement by the Navy League of the United States emphasized the numerous benefits of America’s freight cabotage law. As part of a much longer statement covering various components of the U.S. maritime industry, the Navy League asserted, “Without the Jones Act, the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection would face the new burden of ensuring foreign mariners are properly vetted, including work permits, at hundreds of inland waterway locations to preclude homeland security incidents. The Jones Act keeps American shipping companies, shipyards, mariners, and thousands of people working.” The organization also recommended “maintaining and defending the Jones Act. Weakening the law would negatively impact national and economic security by diminishing the seafaring and shipbuilding industrial bases.” Finally, in early March, Capt. Richard A. Balzano, USN Ret., who previously served as Deputy U.S. Maritime Administrator during President Trump’s first term, wrote an editorial that comprehensively detailed the Jones Act’s many benefits. Although Balzano was addressing recent discussions about the law specific to New Hampshire, he included some broader points. “The Jones Act is a series of laws that ensure that America controls its own critical supply lines,” he wrote. “The Act ensures our most important commodities – like heating oil and other fuels, critical petrochemicals, agricultural products, construction materials, and other cargos – are safely transported within America by Americans on safe American-built equipment. In the face of the Chinese Communist Party’s escalating global maritime ambitions and shipbuilding dominance, the Jones Act is our nation’s last line of defense. It is critical to growing our maritime sector, maintaining our reserve of U.S. mariners to support our deployed forces defending our nation, securing our borders, and protecting us from undue dependence on foreign governments.” Balzano continued, “Foreign adversaries and companies want unrestricted access and control of the U.S. market, and their lobbyists push false narratives that a Jones Act repeal would save money when it simply will put more profits and control in hands of foreign companies and countries, some of whom are our adversaries. It is worth pointing out that these are the very same companies and countries that flag their ships in countries that have tax, labor, and safety cost advantages and use labor from depressed countries so that they can pay fractions of what is fair to their crews.” He concluded, “If we want to compete with China and secure our borders, then we must keep the Jones Act.” 2022, Chavez-DeRemer was elected to the to be an effective voice for workers in a sea of Chavez-DeRemer Sworn In U.S.InHouse of Representatives by Oregon’s Fifth Project 2025 appointees attempting to dismanDistrict, making history as the tle critical worker protections and priorities,” As 30th Secretary of Labor Congressional first Republican woman and one of the first Shuler added. Former U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer on March 11 was sworn in as the thirtieth U.S. Secretary of Labor after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a bipartisan vote of 67-32. “I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity to continue serving my country, and I’ll work tirelessly to help President Trump put the American worker first,” said Chavez-DeRemer, the daughter of a union member. “This administration has a clear mandate to renew the American Dream for hardworking men and women across the country. As a small businesswoman and the daughter of a Teamster, I will act on my experience and work with business and labor to support good-paying jobs, grow our economy, and ensure every American can enjoy a comfortable retirement.” When Trump announced her nomination last November, he said he looks forward to “working with her to create tremendous opportunity for American workers, to expand training and apprenticeships, to grow wages and improve working conditions, to bring back our manufacturing jobs.” APRIL 2025 Latinas elected to Congress from the state. She served on the House committees on Agriculture; Education and the Workforce; and Transportation and Infrastructure. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “The AFL-CIO is encouraged by Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation as Labor Secretary, given her history of supporting the freedom of workers to organize, join unions and other fundamental values of the” Protect The Right To Organize (PRO) Act. “However, we remain clear-eyed that she’s joining an administration that’s been openly hostile to working people on many fronts in its first two months.” Shuler noted that in Chavez-DeRemer’s confirmation hearing, the former lawmaker backtracked on supporting some PRO Act provisions. Chavez-DeRemer herself had said she endorsed it only to gain “a seat at” the congressional bargaining table if it ever passed. “Taking over the DOL in this administration is no easy task. Whether she is successful or not will depend on whether she uses her influence American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten stated, “We will work with anyone who wants to embrace an opportunity agenda that helps workers and families get ahead. That is in the DNA of the labor movement and of public education. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has a big job. She must help her party decide if the Department will fulfill its mission of promoting the interests of working people – including respecting collective bargaining and organizing – or whether it becomes captive to the interests of the oligarch class.” Amalgamated Transit Union President John Costa, Laborers President Brent Booker and North America’s Building Trades President Sean McGarvey also welcomed Chavez-DeRemer. “We hope she has that same commitment to ensuring workers have the ability to stand together” for “fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice in their workplace. We trust she will defend workers' rights to organize and bargain collectively,” said Costa. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �SL Midway Reflags Under Stars and Stripes The SIU recently welcomed new shipboard job opportunities as Schuyler Line Navigation Company successfully reflagged the cargo vessel M/V SL Midway into the United States registry Coast Guard inspections of the SL Midway were completed in Houston in February, supported by SIU members Recertified Bosun Laurentis Colbert, AB Rigoberto Mejia Martinez, AB Ernest Ross, STOS Torin Holly, Oiler Norman Hook, Oiler Ronny Amaya, Oiler James Bitzonis, Chief Steward Tristan Cordero, and ACU Ines Castillo Flores. The ship is expected to sail in international trade, likely delivering military cargo on charters with the Department of Defense, according to the company. The 450-foot-long vessel boasts a load capacity of 9,700 tons. Through an agreement with Argent Marine, the SIU will represent the unlicensed crew on the seven-yearold general cargo vessel. The union also represents members on five other Schuyler Navigation vessels: SLNC Goodwill, SLNC Pax, SLNC Severn, SLNC Star, and SLNC York. SIU President David Heindel stated, “This is a fantastic addition to the U.S. Merchant Marine, and our union is proud to be part of it. As always, I’m confident that SIU members will maintain the highest levels of professionalism, reliability and dedication aboard the SL Midway.” Schuyler Line CEO and Argent President Dion Nicely said, “We are pleased to bring the SL Midway to the U.S.-flagged fleet. She is the most modern and fuel-efficient multi-purpose vessel in the U.S.-flag fleet today, and we look forward to supporting the Defense Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and other partners through our worldwide logistics network. We value our longstanding partnership with SIU and look forward to continuing to grow the SLNC fleet in the near future.” Pictured clockwise, from left, aboard the SL Midway are Oiler Ronny Amaya, Chief Steward Tristan Cordero, AB Rigoberto Mejia, Recertified Bosun Laurentis Colbert, ACU Ines Castillo Flores, and AB Ernest Ross. Retired Port Agent Elliott Passes Away The union is mourning the death of retired SIU Port Agent Thornton “Tony” Elliott Jr., who passed away Feb. 23. He was 82. After his sailing days, Elliott worked for the National Maritime Union (NMU) as a branch agent in Savannah, Georgia, before that organization merged into the SIU in 2001. At different times and in various ports, he subsequently worked as a safety director, patrolman, and then (from 2007 until he retired in late 2009) port agent in Mobile, Alabama. SIU President David Heindel described Elliott as “a dedicated and respected Seafarer whose contributions will not be forgotten. Tony’s commitment, strength, and unwavering support for his fellow Seafarers set a standard that will continue to inspire us all. His legacy will live on in the work he has done and the lives he has touched.” SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White, who succeeded Elliott, stated, “The membership really viewed him as a helpful guy, someone who was always there when they needed him. They always spoke really highly of him. Although Tony and I didn’t work closely together, I know for sure that he was very dedicated. He will be missed.” SIU Vice President Government Services Joe Vincenzo recalled, “Tony always used to say, ‘Keep stepping forward!’ I had the privilege of working alongside him six days a week for the better part of one year in Jacksonville, Florida, way back in 2005. In that time, Tony proved to be a friend. He was old school in the best way. Tony was a gentleman – a professional with street cred and an honorable man. Keep on stepping, Tony.” Bosun Cleveland West said Elliott “was a great guy who always looked out for the members. He was always available to sit down and have a conversation. Tony was a great port agent, everybody loved him. He had the membership’s best interests at heart.” Port Agent Tony Elliott (second from right) meets with Crescent Towing boatmen in Mobile, Alabama, in 2009. 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 The newly reflagged vessel carries an SIU crew. Others who knew Elliott saluted him on social media. Reacting to his online obituary, current and former mariners described Elliott as “a stand-up guy,” “a great shipmate,” “a true gentleman and a great union official,” and “very helpful when it came to handling business. You could always count on him.” A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Elliott served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. He remained active in his community in Mobile, including at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and stayed in touch with the union (he attended the Mobile benefits conference in 2023). Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Brenda D. Elliott; five children: Latisha Lynn Elliott, Thornton (Romonda) Elliott III, Earline Jones, Dennis (Sherelle) Elliott, and Eric Jones; four grandchildren: Issiah (Summer) Elliott, Orlando Jones, Miles Jones, and A’Curia Chaney Elliott; two great grandchildren: Josephine Marie Elliott and Junior Chaney Elliott; two siblings; and a host of many more nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Tony Elliott (center) worked as a safety director when this photo was taken in Jacksonville, Florida, in 2005. Then-Patrolman Joe Vincenzo is at left, while thenPort Agent Bryan Powell is at right. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 APRIL 2025 �All Hands Safe on the Stena Immaculate Continued from Page 3 “I poked my head up and was able to see a vessel coming straight at us,” Griffin said. “Straight at me and my tank. All I could see was something big and blue heading toward us. I immediately knew, it’s not going to miss us. It was going fast. I was front and center when it allided between the seven port and six port cargo tanks. There was a great big loud crunching noise. That was followed by a whole lot of fire.” For Bosun Sterie, those initial moments weren’t nearly as self-explanatory. “We heard that boom (from the impact) and it was shocking,” he said. “We didn’t know what happened for sure – maybe something with the engine. We felt a vibration and shock, and when I went to the window, I saw the bow of the other ship, and the smoke and the fire. I was surprised at how fast it happened. But I saw black smoke and started yelling, “We’ve been hit! Fire on board! Fire on board!” Brown had a similarly delayed reaction. He was leaving the bridge, having retrieved a log book, when the impact occurred. “We were kind of confused at first,” he said. “It wasn’t a huge jolt. I remember looking through the fog and seeing a container (from the other vessel). All the alarms started going off. I could faintly see the white outline of the house of the other ship. And then that first fireball happened. The flames just shot out, and I thought, this is really serious.” As the fire fighting teams donned the proper gear and began trying to extinguish the blaze, it became known that two officers were trapped on the bow. But, the crew’s “quick reactions laying down foam and fighting the raging flames enabled two officers working forward to return back through thick smoke to the house to join the rest of the crew and continue their fire and emergency duties together prior to abandoning ship,” the AMO reported. Sterie recalled, “As the fire started to increase, we were thinking, this is a bigger problem than we first realized. We can’t fight it. Then the chief mate got word we were changing from fighting the fire to abandoning ship.” Griffin had teamed up with three Seafarers. “I won’t say we were close to putting out the fire, but we were doing well,” he said. “We had good pressure. I was about to do a muster when we heard the words, forget the muster, abandon ship. “We moved in the most organized but urgent way,” he continued. “Nobody was slamming into each other. We did a quick muster at the lifeboat. The Stena Immaculate is pictured March 12 in the Humber Estuary, off the east coast of Yorkshire, England. (Photo by Danny Lawson) The Madeira-flag containership Solong (Photo by Danny Lawson) I had grabbed my phone and nothing else. We got the lifeboat manned; a lot of people were very scared to get in that lifeboat (because of the flames and nearby smoke). The second mate did the fastest head count I’ve ever seen, but he did count everyone.” Sterie noted, “When we were ready to launch the boat, the wind or maybe the position of the ship changed. All the smoke came toward to the house; we could feel it on our faces. There was so much smoke we couldn’t see the ship that hit us. It was scary because the fire was so close.” Once the crew had boarded the lifeboat (positioned on the stern, and utilizing a gravitational launch), the bosun jumped in. He then informed one of the officers that the water they were about to enter was on fire. The lifeboat successfully moved away from the accident scene, approximately a dozen miles from shore, and the crew’s relief was obvious. However, between the fumes and the trauma and the five-foot waves (Griffin noted, “When you’re in a lifeboat, they feel significantly larger”), the crew welcomed the nearly immediate opportunity to board other boats. Fortunately, the mariners worked with a local service vessel, pilots and fast rescue boats to safely split up and head to shore aboard multiple boats. (The Stena Immaculate mariners took turns jumping into small inflatable boats, then boarding the larger pilot boats.) They made it ashore within an hour or so. Next Steps Despite the trauma, Stena Immaculate mariners bounced back and shared some laughs as they processed what had happened. Shown in this Seafaring Selfie are (clockwise, from bottom right) SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo, SA Ardeccia Hill, AB Reginald Macon, and vessel master Capt. Thomas Leaf. APRIL 2025 Both Sterie and Griffin expressed profuse appreciation for the prompt and comprehensive support they received from the unions and the company. They also candidly described the sometimes-difficult experience of enduring numerous meetings that inevitably followed such a devastating accident. “It’s been bananas,” Griffin said. “At least 15 or 20 people met us at the hotel, representing the different government agencies, and company interests. But the response from the SIU was fantastic. Within hours, we had someone here (at the hotel) making sure the crew were okay. We were able to get clothing, have a shower and start feeling normal again.” Russo mentioned another potentially stressful component of the aftermath. Although media members stayed in a different hotel, they were “camped out daily” near the mariners, and were polite but persistent in trying to secure interviews. Russo met with the SIU members multiple times each day, and provided a wide range of support. Eventually, they all headed home March 15. “Our number one goal was to make sure everybody was okay and to get them all home as soon as possible,” he said. “By the end of the week, most of them were in pretty good spirits. Crowley really did a good job, and everyone had great things to say about the captain. “They’re going to be family for life,” Russo concluded. “They depended on each other and truly embodied the brotherhood and sisterhood of the sea. Everybody said it was all about their training.” Sterie said he’d already been contemplating retirement, but the accident itself won’t affect his decision. A Seafarer since 2001, he commended the performance of the crew in responding to the fire: “The boys did good.” Brown thanked not only the unions and Crowley but also many of the local citizens who responded with kindness, both during the lifeboat evacuation and once they were ashore. “They were all phenomenal,” he said. “I was surprised at how quickly they were able to get us what we needed once we were ashore.” Brown also commended his shipmates for a “fantastic” response to the emergency. “Everybody did exactly what they were trained to do,” he said. “The captain (Thomas Leaf) and second mate (Peter Skerys) in particular processed all the information so quickly, and formulated a gameplan. They were making life-and-death decisions, but I remember thinking, we’re going to be okay with these guys. They have a plan, and it appears to be a good one.” Griffin, who said the allision “was gentler than I thought it would be,” added that his “natural instinct is to shrug it off and go to the next job. I’m a little shaken but I’m ready to go back to work. The fire – it happened. The abandoned ship – it happened. We trained for it, we prepared for it, and everybody survived, so we obviously are doing something the right.” SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU MILESTONES IN ALGONAC ‒ Receiving their respective A-seniority books at the hiring all are AB Issa Ali (left in photo above, left, with Safety Director Jason Brown) and AB Chandler Williams (right in other photo, with SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak). ABOARD EL COQUI ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid vessel are SA Pedro Maysonet, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, Capt. Nick St. Jean, and Steward/ Baker Julian De Los Santos. PROMOTING SIU CAREERS ‒ On the recruiting trail in Guam are (from left) STOS Charles Catunao and SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon. They’re pictured Feb. 21 at an annual career/job fair at Southern High School. SAN JUAN CELEBRATION ‒ Chief Cook Alondra Delgado Polanco (center) happily receives her full book. She’s pictured at the hiring hall with Safety Director Ricky Rivera (left) and her mother, Josefina Polanco, who has been very supportive of Alondra’s seagoing career. WITH SEAFARERS IN HOUSTON ‒ In the larger group photo, AB June Kirk Margaja (second from left) receives his full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with (from left) Patrolmen J.B. Niday, Kirk Pegan and Kelly Krick. In the remaining photo, QMED Roman Hutson (left) obtains his his B book from SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala. KEY GATHERING IN COMMONWEALTH ‒ SIU officials on March 5 took part in a labor-management forum at U.S. Military Sealift Command headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia. Attendees at the quarterly meeting included (far side of table, from left) SIU VP Joe Vincenzo and Asst. VP Sam Spain, along with MSC Deputy Director Frank Cunningham, MEBA Branch Agent Craig Moran, and MM&P Representative Randi Ciszewski. They covered wide-ranging topics, including the reduction-in-force directive, the federal hiring freeze, and terminations of probationary CIVMARS. ABOARD CAPE INTREPID ‒ Seafarers stepped up for a recent, 13-day turbo activation of the Ocean Duchess vessel. Here are some snapshots from the operation: From left: GVA Talama Moega, BREC LBJ Tanoa, AB Nigel Williams; Chief Cook Simone Smith, Chief Steward Latara Rengifo; GUDE Israel Serrano, AB Raul Molina, AB Nick Randall; GUDE Kassem Saleh; SAs Calvin Johnson and Wilfredo Martinez 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG• OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU THEN AND NOW ‒ Here we have a pic from the past (year 2001) and a current photo combined. Up top, from left are AB Kirk Pegan and OS Richard Molina Blackman aboard the Great Lakes vessel M/V Gemini, operated by Cleveland Tankers. The bottom (current) photo was taken at the Houston hall, with Pegan (right) as a patrolman and Blackman a recertified bosun. READY TO SHIP OUT ‒ Chatting at the Port Arthur Seafarers Center are (from left) Paul Hall Center Phase 3 Apprentice Jamison Parris and Fr. Sinclair Oubre, a longtime SIU member. Parris was en route to the Liberty Power. ABOARD TAINO ‒ Pictured aboard the Intrepid ship are (from left) Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas, Electrician Carolos Parrilla, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, Chief Cook Luis Perez, Oiler Lionel Felix, Recertified Bosun Donley Johnson and SA Kajuan Gamble. ABOARD CAPE SAN JUAN ‒ Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (left) and ABM Daniel Hanback perform preventive maintenance aboard the Crowley ship. ABOARD ISLA BELLA ‒ SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and Safety Director Ricky Rivera recently took part in a tour that included stops at TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico facilities and aboard the SIUcrewed TOTE ship. Puerto Rico Ports Authority Executive Director Norberto Negron reaffirmed his strong support of the industry and the Jones Act. Pictured from left in the posed photo (aboard the ship) are Rivera, TOTE Director of Operations Enrique Figueroa, Crespo, Capt. Raymond Thompson, Negron, TOTE VP Peter Santiago, and Alberto Cabrera and Jim Wagstaff from JAXPORT. ABOARD JANET MARIE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Sunrise Operations ship are Chief Cook Benny Feria, Steward/Baker Johnson Ashun, and SA Sharif Mohamed. APRIL 2025 ABOARD MAERSK CHICAGO ‒ Pictured from left are Chief Cook Richard Torres, SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos, Chief Steward Pauline Crespo, and SA Melvin Ellis. The vessel was in New Jersey – it’s last U.S. stop before heading overseas. ABOARD MAHIMAHI ‒ Pictured from left on the Matson vessel are ACU Hayel Omer, Chief Cook Salah Omar, and Steward/Baker James Abilad. SEAFARERS LOGSEAFARERS 2023 • OCTOBER LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ The two photos above were captured during the February (left) and March (right) membership meetings, respectively. Taking the oath are (first photo, from left, starting second from left) OMU Johnathan Brown (receiving his A-seniority book) and – all picking up their respective B books – Oiler Victor Atrashkevich, SA Catherine Lirio, SA Joseph Crisante, Chief Cook Kenya Scott, and OMU Brianna Ashley. Pictured from left in the remaining photo (facing camera) are STOS Tyree Mosley (receiving his B-seniority book), ABG Aldo Thomas (A book), AB Keegan Brown (B), ABM Jeffery Graham (B), GUDE Emilo Blue (B), and AB Sean Jones (B). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at far left in the photo at left. SERVICING OCEAN SUN ‒ These photos are from an early February visit to the Crowley tug. Pictured from left in the outdoor photo are Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Chief Engineer Richard Lewis, Chief Mate Clyde McNatt, and SIU Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick. In the other pic, also from left: SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala, Lewis, AB Sedric Cage, AB Rommel Martinez, and Sykes. LONE STAR STATE MILESTONE ‒ With the Houston skyline in the background, Chief Steward Pauline Crespo (left) receives her A-seniority book from SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE ‒ Embracing some photo opps aboard the TOTE ship are (from left, starting in the galley) Chief Cook Jesus Mendez Mercado and Steward/Baker Jacob Parrilla, and (on deck) Bosun Charles Ortiz Quinones with ABM Angel Pagan Sanchez. NO LETUP IN RECRUITING ‒ Promoting WELCOME ABOARD ‒ AB/Tankerman Shane Cawley (left) receives his full book. He’s pictured aboard the Fairwater ATB Liberty with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG ABOARD ATB NANCY PETERKIN ‒ This snapshot is from a Feb. 25 servicing of the Penn Maritime/Kirby vessel in Pasadena, Texas. Pictured from left are SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, 3M Kory McNalty, (front) 3AE Robert Thomas, SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, Tankerman John Polk, and CM Alex Efrin. the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education during a career fair are (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes and Patrolman Kelly Krick. They’re pictured Feb. 6 at a Workforce Solutions Youth Career Expo at Doggett Ford Park in Beaumont, Texas. Thousands of students from area high schools attended. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERAPRIL 2023 2025 10 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ALLIED BROOKLYN ‒ This heavy-lift vessel is a new addition to the SIU fleet, and is pictured in Tacoma, Washington. From left in the group photo are QMED Norman Pandy, Steward/ Baker Robbie Tolbert, Bosun Andrew Graham, Oiler Kenneth Cox, and ACU Angelica Gamez. The vessel is operated by Federated Crewing. WEST COAST GATHERING ‒ Four recertified bosuns meet at the Oakland, California, hall for the March membership meeting. Pictured from left are Ritche Acuman, Antjuan Webb, Robert Natividad, and Gheorghe Savenu. SIU FAMILY VISIT ‒ Stopping by the San Juan, Puerto Rico, hall are QMED Marcelino Santos Bermeo (left), with his wife, Karla Orlando, and future Seafarer Paulo Santos Orlando. CHARM CITY SNAPSHOT ‒ AB Yankuba Turay (right) obtains his full B book at the Baltimore hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent John Hoskins. ABOARD NORTH STAR ‒ Safety Director Danielle Woodward snapped these photos of the TOTE vessel in Tacoma, Washington. Bosun Tony Kirven (left) displays his favorite monthly periodical, while the remaining photo includes (from left) SA Kristara Colson and Chief Cook Brandon Hamilton. ABOARD GREEN OCEAN ‒ AB Joseph Balerite is pictured aboard the Waterman ship in Vancouver, Washington. APRIL 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •11 11 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was answered by members at the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: What are some things you like about your career? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 Ion Irimia Recertified Bosun Michael Penkwitz ABM I like everything. I thank the union for everything they’ve done for me, and I’m going to sail a few more years. They’ve given me an opportunity to make some money. If you do your job, there are no problems. I was in Class 423 in 1987. I’ve got 38 years in. The opportunity of being a fullbook union member and getting paid. I’ve come a long way and I’m very thankful for the SIU. My whole family are Seafarers. This was our foot in the door, and the Seafarers have been nothing but good to me all the way around. Eden Dulin AB Ahmed Haridy GUDE I like being able to travel and get paid for it. I like the time off, too. I just finished the apprenticeship program and I really appreciated that as well. I’ve made two voyages so far. It’s my life. I was born close to the water and I love to work at sea. There’s just something about it I really like. I like sailing to the old Mediterranean ports the most. Adele Messina Chief Cook Thaisha Morris Chief Cook One of the things I really enjoy is taking care of people on the ships. It makes me happy. I’ve been sailing for 18 years. I’ll keep on sailing as long as I can. I like to experience meeting new people, both on the ship as well as going ashore. I like to cook and I like to travel, so, why not get paid for both? That’s a reason I took this job. Also, I’m able to expand my ability to cook. This career allows me to learn new ways of doing things and expand my horizon. JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 This 1985 photo includes (from left) Bosun Roland “Snake” Williams, Tom Crowley Sr., and Pumpman Charlie Duer. It was taken at the Crowley terminal in Pennsauken, New Jersey. Tom Crowley owned and operated Crowley Maritime Corp. until his passing in 1994. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2025 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA STEPHEN AVALLONE Brother Stephen Avallone, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1989 when he shipped on the Independence. Brother Avallone worked in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently sailed aboard the Horizon Reliance and calls Beebe, Arkansas, home. JONAS BOCAYA Brother Jonas Bocaya, 66, joined the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Bocaya concluded his career on the Horizon Enterprise. He resides in Honolulu. EMMANUEL BUYSER Brother Emmanuel Buyser, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1997. He first sailed aboard the Overseas New York and worked in the deck department. Brother Buyser upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Horizon Spirit and makes his home in Glendora, California. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. Brother Scott Palen, 57, began his union career in 1991, initially shipping aboard the Cape Edmont. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Palen last sailed on the Cornhusker State and settled in Norfolk, Virginia. VICTOR QUIOTO Brother Dario Dizon, 67, embarked on his SIU career in 2005 when he shipped on the USNS Capella. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Dizon’s final vessel was the USNS Mary Sears. He makes his home in Magnolia, Texas. ROSLYN JOHNSON Sister Roslyn Johnson, 65, became a member of the union in 1996 when she sailed aboard the USNS Altair. A steward department member, Sister Johnson upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She concluded her career aboard the Gopher State and lives in Winchester, Virginia. Brother Jimmy Broussard, 62, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1985 when he was employed with Moran Towing of Texas. He shipped primarily in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Broussard concluded his career aboard the Courage. He lives in Bridge City, Texas. WARD DAVIS ANGEL RIVERA RILEY JOHNSON Brother Angel Rivera, 68, signed on with the Seafarers in 2003 when he shipped on the USNS Potomac. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Rivera most recently sailed aboard the USNS Altair. He resides in River Ridge, Louisiana. Brother Willie Sam, 65, joined the union in 2001. He initially sailed aboard the USNS Capella and was a member of the engine department. Brother Sam upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed aboard the Gordon and makes his home in Beaumont, Texas. Brother Ward Davis, 66, joined the SIU in 1996. Sailing as a deck department member, he initially worked with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Davis upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Davis calls St. Petersburg, Florida, home. Brother Riley Johnson, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1997. Sailing as a deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Johnson was employed with Express Marine for his entire career. He makes his home in Belhaven, North Carolina. GERALD KARL Brother Gerald Karl, 74, became a member of the Seafarers Union in 2001, initially sailing with OLS Transport. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Karl was most recently employed with Great Lakes Towing. He makes his home in Park Forest, Illinois. BRYAN PATTERSON DAVID SIMMONS Brother David Simmons, 67, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1977 when he sailed aboard the Columbia. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Simmons last sailed on the Buyer and lives in Saraland, Alabama. JOHN MENDEZ MELVIN STEGALL Brother John Mendez, 58, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989, initially working on the USNS Kane. A deck department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Mendez most recently sailed aboard the Benavidez. He resides in Corpus Christi, Texas. Brother Melvin Stegall, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1999 when he shipped on the Jack Lummus. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Stegall concluded his career aboard the Ocean Trader. He resides in the Philippines. APRIL 2025 JIMMY BROUSSARD Brother Victor Quioto, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1992 when he shipped on the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and worked in the engine department. Brother Quioto last sailed on the Overseas Cascade. He lives in Katy, Texas. WILLIE SAM DARIO DIZON INLAND SCOTT PALEN Brother Bryan Patterson, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1993. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Patterson was employed by Crowley for most of his career. He calls Fernandina Beach, Florida, home. JAMES SHIPLEY Brother James Shipley, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1996 when he worked with Hvide Marine. Brother Shipley sailed in the deck department and was last employed with Seabulk. He resides in Port Neches, Texas. ROGER STEWART Brother Roger Stewart, 69, joined the union in 2000. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Stewart worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He resides in Rockford, Tennessee. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ENOCH BOWENS Brother Enoch Bowens, 56, passed away November 21. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2019, initially sailing aboard the Cape Washington. Brother Bowens worked in the engine department. He most recently sailed on the State of Maine and lived in Philadelphia. RONALD DEWITT Pensioner Ronald Dewitt, 79, died January 6. He joined the union in 1968 and first shipped on the Afoundria. Brother Dewitt worked in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Fairbanks and became a pensioner in 2006. Brother Dewitt made his home in Seattle. PETER GLENNON Pensioner Peter Glennon, 68, passed away January 15. He joined the SIU in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Overseas Ulla. Brother Glennon worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Voyager. He went on pension in 2021 and made his home in Mechanicsville, Maryland. JAMES MACKLIN Brother James Macklin, 66, died November 28. Brother Macklin signed on with the union in 1978 when he shipped on the Mohawk. He worked in the steward department and last shipped aboard the USNS Petersburg. Brother Macklin lived in the Northern Mariana Islands. SEAN RYAN Brother Sean Ryan, 65, has passed away. He began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1987. Brother Ryan’s first vessel was the USNS Vindicator. A deck department member, he most recently shipped on the Liberty Passion in 2020. Brother Ryan was a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. LEON SATTERTHWAITE Pensioner Leon Satterthwaite, 79, died January 4. He donned the SIU colors in 2001. A deck department member, Brother Satterthwaite first shipped on the Yorktown Express. He last sailed aboard the Cape Vincent and became a pensioner in 2014. Brother Satterthwaite made his home in Marksville, Louisiana. ALPHONSE THOMAS Pensioner Alphonse Thomas, 80, passed away December 4. He became a member of the SIU in 1964. Brother Thomas was initially employed with Trans Western Association. He worked in the engine department and last shipped aboard the Atlantic Forest. Brother Thomas went on pension in 2002 and resided in Metairie, Louisiana. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. JAY THOMAS JAMES WHITE Pensioner Jay Thomas, 71, died January 4. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1969 and first sailed aboard an Intercontinental Carriers ship. Brother Thomas primarily sailed in the deck department. He last sailed on the El Morro and began collecting his pension in 2008. Brother Thomas lived in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner James White, 82, passed away December 16. He joined the union in 1968 when he worked with Mariner Towing. Brother White was a deck department member. He was last employed with Interstate Oil and became a pensioner in 2004. Brother White lived in Tyner, North Carolina. THOMAS VAIN ALLEN WILLIAMS Pensioner Thomas Vain, 83, passed away January 18. He joined the SIU in 1963 and first sailed with Marvin Steamship Corporation. Brother Vain worked in the deck department and last sailed on the USNS Antares. He retired in 2006 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner Allen Williams, 92, died January 6. He began sailing with the SIU in 1962. Brother Williams worked for Moran Towing of Virginia for the majority of his career. He started collecting his pension in 1994 and resided in Hilliard, Florida. LUKE VANDEGRIFT Brother Luke Vandegrift, 24, died September 28. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2020. A steward department member, Brother Vandegrift first shipped on the Midnight Sun. He most recently worked aboard the USNS Pomeroy and resided in Nanjemoy, Maryland. GREAT LAKES RONALD VANDERCOOK Brother Ronald Vandercook, 69, passed away December 28. He joined the Seafarers in 1980 and first sailed aboard the Newark. Brother Vandercook sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Indiana Harbor and made his home in Conneaut, Ohio. INLAND JOSEPH EVERETT Pensioner Joseph Everett, 76, died December 8. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973, initially working with Allied Transportation. Brother Everett was a deck department member and was last employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He became a pensioner in 2010 and settled in South Mills, North Carolina. MARC GORFINE Pensioner Marc Gorfine, 83, passed away January 22. He embarked on his career with the union in 1987 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Gorfine worked with the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2004 and resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ROBERT MORGAN Pensioner Robert Morgan, 75, died January 7. He joined the SIU in 1994. Brother Morgan sailed in the deck department and was employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia for his entire career. He began collecting his pension in 2021 and made his home in Port Haywood, Virginia. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 NMU WARREN JACKSON Pensioner Warren Jackson, 90, passed away January 6. Brother Jackson last shipped on the Gulf Supreme and began collecting his pension in 2000. He was a New Orleans resident. FEDERICO JOHNSON Pensioner Federico Johnson, 97, died December 2. He began sailing in 1953, initially aboard the St. Mary. Brother Johnson was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the American Legend and began collecting his pension in 1974. Brother Johnson made his home in Ocala, Florida. RICHARD LEROUX Pensioner Richard Leroux, 79, passed away December 19. He started sailing in 1971 and worked in the engine department. Brother Leroux was last employed with Woods Hole Vessels. He retired in 2000 and settled in Hyannis, Massachusetts. STAVROS MANOUSARIDIS Pensioner Stavros Manousaridis, 86, died December 31. Brother Manousaridis began sailing in 1979, initially aboard the Marine Electric. He worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Chilbar in 2003. Brother Manousaridis became a pensioner the following year and resided in Portland, Oregon. WAYNE REIS Pensioner Wayne Reis, 77, died January 17. Brother Reis sailed in the steward department and last shipped on the Marine Duval. He went on pension in 2012 and settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts. VINCENT WESLEY Pensioner Vincent Wesley, 102, passed away January 24. Brother Wesley shipped in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the American Trader and began collecting his pension in 1987. Brother Wesley was a New York City resident. APRIL 2025 �Notice CBD, Medical Marijuana Still Banned By DOT Despite changes to certain state regulations, the use of marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) products is still disallowed by the Department of Transportation (DOT), and will cause a positive result when taking any mandatory drug test. As stated by the DOT: “We have had inquiries about whether the Department of Transportationregulated safety-sensitive employees can use CBD products. Safety-sensitive employees who are subject to drug testing specified under 49 CFR part 40 (Part 40) include: pilots, school bus drivers, truck drivers, train engineers, transit vehicle operators, aircraft maintenance personnel, fire-armed transit security personnel, ship captains, and pipeline emergency response personnel, among others. “The Department of Transportation’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation, Part 40, does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason. Furthermore, CBD use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a laboratory-confirmed marijuana positive result. Therefore, Medical Review Officers will verify a drug test confirmed at the appropriate cutoffs as positive, even if an employee claims they only used a CBD product.” The DOT has stated: “It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to the Department of Transportation’s drug testing regulations to use marijuana. Since the use of CBD products could lead to a positive drug test result, Department of Transportation-regulated safetysensitive employees should exercise caution when considering whether to use CBD products.” Additionally, even if a mariner lives in a state which has passed recreational use laws, the DOT has expressed the following: “Medical Review Officers (MROs) will not verify a drug test as negative based upon learning that the employee used ‘recreational marijuana’ when states have passed ‘recreational marijuana’ initiatives. We also firmly reiterate that an MRO will not verify a drug test negative based upon information that a physician recommended that the employee use ‘medical marijuana’ when states have passed ‘medical marijuana’ initiatives.” April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Monday: April 7, May 5 Thursday: April 17, May 15 Baltimore Thursday: April 10, May 8 Guam Thursday: April 24, May 22 Honolulu Friday: April 18, May 16 Houston Monday: April 14 , May 12 Jacksonville Thursday: April 10, May 8 Joliet Thursday: April 17, May 15 Mobile Wednesday: April 16 , May 14 New Orleans Tuesday: April 15, May 13 Jersey City Tuesday: April 8, May 6 Norfolk Friday: April 11, May 9 Oakland Thursday: April 17, May 15 Philadelphia Wednesday: April 9, May 7 Port Everglades Thursday: April 17, May 15 San Juan Thursday: April 10, May 8 St. Louis Friday: April 18, May 16 Tacoma Friday: April 25, May 23 Wilmington Monday: April 21 , May 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Feb. 17 - March 17, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 18, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 23 Anchorage 3 Baltimore 6 Fort Lauderdale 16 Guam 3 Harvey 9 Honolulu 5 Houston 25 Jacksonville 30 Jersey City 15 Joliet 6 Mobile 8 Norfolk 20 Oakland 11 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 6 St. Louis 3 Tacoma 21 Wilmington 25 8 2 2 3 1 10 1 15 18 7 1 5 17 3 2 8 1 1 5 6 3 0 0 9 2 1 0 13 10 4 1 4 6 2 0 0 0 1 0 4 5 1 4 18 1 7 1 25 26 11 2 4 10 7 1 2 1 1 12 18 2 4 2 7 3 3 1 8 20 2 1 4 9 1 2 4 1 1 3 2 0 0 1 7 0 1 0 4 7 2 1 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 3 1 11 0 2 1 13 20 3 1 3 6 2 1 2 0 0 7 8 45 5 4 22 4 10 7 49 46 31 4 12 23 13 3 1 10 1 32 50 10 0 2 4 1 11 3 29 24 16 0 7 26 3 1 4 2 3 9 12 4 0 1 9 2 4 0 15 8 3 2 9 10 3 0 0 0 1 1 5 TOTAL 241 116 60 157 80 29 85 372 167 77 Algonac 6 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 8 Guam 0 Harvey 3 Honolulu 5 Houston 2 Jacksonville 12 Jersey City 5 Joliet 1 Mobile 1 Norfolk 9 Oakland 2 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 1 Puerto Rico 3 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 15 TOTAL 86 1 1 3 4 1 2 0 7 8 6 0 1 7 5 1 0 1 1 3 2 54 1 2 1 0 0 2 0 3 5 1 0 1 6 2 2 1 1 0 1 6 35 2 0 0 3 0 1 1 4 9 3 1 0 5 2 0 1 2 0 2 2 38 9 1 3 10 3 3 7 7 26 10 3 3 13 5 2 2 4 1 11 25 148 3 2 2 6 1 2 2 13 18 8 2 3 12 3 1 2 1 1 6 7 95 2 1 0 0 1 3 2 2 6 0 0 1 7 1 0 0 1 0 1 8 36 Algonac 5 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 7 Guam 2 Harvey 4 Honolulu 7 Houston 10 Jacksonville 21 Jersey City 11 Joliet 1 Mobile 1 Norfolk 14 Oakland 10 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 5 Wilmington 15 TOTAL 120 0 1 2 2 1 3 0 7 16 2 2 0 14 3 1 1 5 1 3 8 72 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 16 2 0 1 8 1 0 4 7 11 4 0 1 10 6 2 1 5 0 3 13 79 0 1 2 2 0 0 2 5 9 2 3 1 6 0 2 1 1 0 1 7 45 6 0 2 6 3 5 12 16 32 17 2 3 24 17 3 5 3 2 12 37 207 2 0 0 5 2 3 2 8 23 4 2 1 18 2 0 0 9 1 6 9 97 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 9 1 0 0 3 1 1 0 2 0 1 6 30 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 1 Guam 0 Harvey 1 Honolulu 1 Houston 2 Jacksonville 1 Jersey City 2 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 3 Wilmington 0 6 3 4 8 0 2 1 12 24 12 3 1 10 5 1 1 0 0 10 4 11 2 1 5 0 4 6 19 54 15 2 4 26 10 2 6 1 0 9 9 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 4 1 2 1 4 2 0 5 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 2 17 1 4 7 1 2 2 19 50 21 3 0 15 12 0 3 0 0 11 10 29 2 1 5 2 5 9 26 104 31 1 3 47 13 1 4 1 0 10 22 TOTAL 12 107 186 10 88 90 26 16 178 316 GRAND TOTAL 349 297 317 280 150 194 743 537 459 Engine Department 4 1 1 6 0 2 6 5 10 5 1 2 7 1 3 1 4 0 4 8 71 2 0 1 5 0 3 0 3 13 4 1 2 10 4 0 0 1 0 1 5 55 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 3 1 1 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 18 Steward Department 0 2 2 3 0 2 1 6 12 1 2 1 7 4 1 1 3 0 3 6 57 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 13 Entry Department 15 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2025 459 4 3 2 8 0 1 0 16 17 6 1 1 11 7 2 2 0 0 4 3 1 0 1 9 1 1 3 7 20 6 2 0 17 4 1 1 0 0 5 11 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. LIBERTY (TOTE Services), November 17 – Chairman Kenney Gaston, Secretary Marguerite Diggs. Chairman praised crew for working well together. He encouraged members to be familiar with company policies and reminded them to use job-appropriate tools. Educational director advised crew to keep documents up-to-date and to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department needs protective gear to avoid oven burns. Crew discussed forklift training and talked about changing holiday pay to overtime rate versus a day’s pay. Members asked for missing-man wages, a higher vacation accrual rate, a day off every 30 days, and to increase safety pay. Steward department was thanked for providing excellent meals. MAJ RICHARD WINTERS (Sealift, Inc.), November 24 – Chairman James McAtee, Secretary Francisco David-Guity Arzu, Deck Delegate Fidel Devilleres, Engine Delegate Riel Vizcarra. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested matched 401k contributions, a uniform allowance for returning crew members, reimbursement for travel both to and from ship, wage increases, retention bonuses, tour of duty for vacation and for better internet connectivity aboard ship. Crew discussed medical assistance on board. ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), December 1 – Chairman James Bishop, Secretary Rocky Dupraw, Deck Delegate Darrell Crim, Steward Delegate Gregory Brown. Chairman thanked everyone for a smooth and accident-free trip. He went over the upcoming schedule and explained the importance and convenience of using the member portal. Secretary reminded everyone to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew and directed them to the SA for new linens. Educational director urged members to upgrade as often as possible and to report any lights that need to be replaced before turnover. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Patrolman to possibly visit ship in Texas to have members vote in union election, per steward delegate. Crew asked for more vacation days and for retirement age to be lowered. Members requested more Wi-Fi routers. LIBERTY (TOTE Services), December 16 – Chairman Kenney Gaston, Secretary Marguerite Diggs, Steward Delegate Dequan Smith. SIU headquarters personnel have acknowledged previous comments regarding overtime and penalty pay, per chairman. Secretary promised to keep crew aware of any changes to company policy. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep credentials current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested weekend over- time pay, a day off every 30 days and penalty pay for trash and stores. Chairman reported a very good trip overall. Next port: Galveston, Texas. MAJ RICHARD WINTERS (Sealift, Inc), December 22 – Chairman Juliette Mandal, Deck Delegate Wade Henry, Engine Delegate Kamaria LaPread, Steward Delegate LaToya Sanford-Leggs. Crew suggested various changes to retirement benefits including lowering sea service requirements to qualify, a 6% match on 401k contributions and lifelong health insurance coverage upon retirement. Crew requested 20 for 30 vacation, a $1,000 retention bonus to members returning to ship, a boot allowance and for penalty pay to deck department crew who perform additional job tasks while on also on watch. Members would like prescription coverage to fill a higher supply of medication at once to allow them to return to sea more quickly. Crew asked for unlimited internet access and for gas expense reimbursement for onboarding members who have to drive to the airport. Next port: Grande-Anse, Canada. LIBERTY (TOTE Services), December 24 – Chairman Kenney Gaston, Secretary Marguerite Diggs. Chairman promised to keep members updated on any changes to company policies. Educational director advised crew to pay attention to document expiration dates and to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members motioned to increase va- cation days, add weekend overtime and to add penalty pay for handling hazardous materials. Crew reported a very productive voyage without any injuries. SEABULK PRIDE (Eco-Tankers Crew Management, LLC), December 30 – Chairman Ryan Legario, Secretary Anthony Rutland, Educational Director Andre Mitchell, Deck Delegate James Luttrell, Engine Delegate Cristian Salazar, Steward Delegate Christian Daguio. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for going above and beyond to accommodate crew. Members were extra grateful for holiday meals and gave a special thanks to Anthony Rutland, who led the steward department. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. He reminded everyone to check online for available class dates and to register for classes early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew praised SIU-elected officials for diligently fighting to protect the Jones Act and other maritime job security programs. New refrigerator ordered. Members discussed Eco Tankers contract and standard tanker agreement and motioned to raise vacation pay based on group rating. Crew asked for preferential seating on airline flights and the ability to fly from airports closest to home. Members would like childcare benefits, online access to SIU jobs, and increases to medical and pension benefits. Next port: Long Beach, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 APRIL 2025 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 30 Sept. 29 July 11 Oct. 10 Able Seafarer - Deck May 5 June 9 Sept. 1 Oct. 13 Dec. 1 May 23 June 27 Sept. 19 Oct. 31 Dec. 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training June 23 Sept. 22 June 27 Sept. 26 Basic Training Revalidation May 5 May 9 June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 May 5 May 9 June 30 July 25 Aug. 15 Nov. 3 Nov. 7 Government Vessels May 5 June 2 May 9 June 6 Combined Basic/Adv, Fire Fighting May 12 May 16 Junior Engineer Program May 5 June 27 Machinist May 26 June 13 Medical Care Provider May 19 May 23 Pumpman May 19 May 23 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 Welding June 2 July 14 Aug. 25 Oct. 6 June 20 Aug. 1 Sept. 12 Oct. 24 Tank Ship Fam. - DL Aug. 11 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Aug. 15 Oct. 3 Oct. 24 Tank Ship Fam./LG Aug. 4 Sept. 22 Oct. 27 Aug. 8 Sept. 26 Oct. 31 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations April 28 May 26 May 23 June 20 Certified Chief Cook April 28 July 7 Sept. 15 July 4 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 ServSafe Management June 30 Sept. 8 Nov. 17 July 4 Sept. 12 Nov. 21 Advanced Galley Operations May 26 July 21 Aug. 18 Sept. 15 Nov. 10 June 20 Aug. 15 Sept. 12 Oct. 10 Dec. 5 Chief Steward April 28 June 23 Oct. 13 Dec. 8 May 23 July 18 Nov. 7 Jan. 2, 2026 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. APRIL 2025 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #917 – Among those pictured: Rahiem Brown, Raheem Clay, Terrell Coleman, Dwayne French, Jose Hernandez Cuevas, Reed Hoffman, Dereon Ivory, Nicholas Livingston, Anthony Marchanti, Nathan Martinez, Michael Murray, Michael Noyd, Tyrone Ousley Jr., Shania Panton, De'mon Quarles, Timothy Raddetz, Cagy Senn, Adarius Simpson, Isaiah Smith, Escrovan Tisdale-Anderson, Josiah Tunkey, Evan Valigura, Ronnie Ward Jr. and Dorian White. FOWT – Graduated Feb. 21: Wilson Bernardez, Justin Brown, Trinity Carter, David Chatoff, Marc Dadich, Jacob Devers, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Jonathan Graham, Nayor Griffin-Taylor, Alexis Martinez, Harry McKever II, Matthew Quinones, Tavon Spence, Cedric Wallace Jr. and Emma Wang. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated Feb. 7 (not all are pictured): Fuad Ali, Averey Branch, Sincere Davenport, Dominick Davis, Ralpheal Evans, Travis Flippin, Devan Gadson, Daniel Gonzalez Jr., Kemar Grant, Harry Hurley, Reon James, Tomeria Kendrick, Eric Nieves Jr., Lamillian Phillips, James Regan Jr., Demetrius Soto, Ishay Thomas, Trey Traughber, Noah Welch and Timothy Wheeler. ABLE SEAMAN - DECK – Graduated Feb. 7 (not all are pictured): Taher Albaneh, Andrew ADVANCED GALLEY OPS – Graduated Feb. 28: Maximo Bencosme, Carlos Gomez Hernandez, Faith Gonse, Elvin Rijos-Perez and Johnny Smith. RFPEW (UPGRADERS) – Graduated Feb. 7: Carlos Arzu, James Boatner, Ashley Cole, Mario Dolmo Nunez, Cotisha Long-Green, Yeilyn Martinez, Altoria McKinney, Saupo Milikini, Jacolby Robinson and Cruz Valentin Garcia. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Brown, Rickay Channer, Eden Dulin, Christopher Flood, Nathan Goodhart, Scott Haselbauer, Jacob Isaacs, Delmus James, Madison Kruer, Clint Langford Jr., Victor Mak, Arkadiusz Mochocki-Klusik, Jabar Mohamad, Dominic Pena, Brian Ransom Jr., Jacob Rhoney and David Rojas. RFPEW (PHASE 1) – Graduated Feb. 7: Cedricka Banks, Michael Johnson, Tylan Meekins, Nathaniel Orff, Juan Ortiz Reyes and Talib Weatherspoon. APRIL 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated Feb. 28 (not all are pictured): Hussein Ahmad, Shakib Al-Nasafi, Scott Brainard, Scott Carter Jr., Eric Casas, George Creekmore, Jonte Crenshaw, Gabriel De Leon Holguin, Samuel Fagerness, Olivia Fisher-Macafe, Deondre Gardner, Joseph Gierbolini Aponte, Anthony Gierbolini, James Gray, Michael Harris Jr., Raphael Henson, Marcus Hugee, Ethan Love, Latisha Manns-Paige, Jan Mayoll, Gabriel Rivera, Roneisha Thomas and Jordan Williams. BASIC FIREFIGHTING (UPGRADERS) – Graduated Feb. 13, from left to right: Pattalossa-Patrice Kenner and Eric Casas. GALLEY OPS – Graduated Feb. 7, left to right: Jessica Neil Guzman, Jeremias Luenzo and Shavonne Nixon. GALLEY OPS – Graduated Feb. 7, from left to right: Suzanne Herrera, Anthony Monroe and Jamequia Cherry. RFPNW – Graduated Feb. 28: Terrell Coleman, Jose Hernandez Cuevas, Reed Hoffman, Anthony Marchanti, Nathan Martinez, Michael Murray, Tyrone Ousley Jr., De'mon Quarles, Timothy Raddetz, Cagy Senn, Isaiah Smith, Josiah Tunkey and Evan Valigura. WATER SURVIVAL – Graduated Feb. 21: Anneliza Brown, Kyra Buggs, Scott Carter Jr., Robert Davis Jr., Brian Downey, Blaise Fiola, Dale Henry Jr., Torence Henry, Arthur Kinsman, Nash Lariosa, Toriano Lawson Jr., Trevon McCauley, Jocelyn Merino, Wilson Montero Centeno, Cory Riley, Nirale Rolle and Michael Williams. APRIL 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �APRIL 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 4 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers Complete Operation Deep Freeze 2025 Two ships chartered by Military Sealift Command (MSC) - the MV Ocean Giant and the MV Ocean Gladiator, both crewed by SIU members and both operated by Waterman– recently helped to complete Operation Deep Freeze 2025. The crew of the Ocean Giant included: Bosun Richard Hamilton; ABs Warren Armstead and William Kovacs; QMED Nicholas Simoneaux; QE4s Jr Lee Eludo and Lorenza Session; Steward Olive Stewart-Paul; and ACU Juan Oliva. The crew of the Ocean Gladiator included: Bosun Timothy Daniel; ABs Alexis Figueroa, Nicholas Markowitz and Tyler Thompson; QMED Isaac Nugen; QE4 Robert Farley; STOS Reyes Gonzalez Jr.; Steward Nathan Williams; and ACU Lauren Buggs. According to MSC, “Operation Deep Freeze is a joint service, ongoing Defense Support to Civilian Authorities mission in support of the SANTA'SScience CASTLEFoundation ARTICLE AND (NSF). PHOTOS TO National NSF COMEis the lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. Mission support consists of active duty, Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard as well as Department of Defense civilians and attached non-DOD civilians. ODF operates from two primary locations situated at Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica. MSCchartered ships have made the challenging voyage to Antarctica every year since the station and its resupply mission were established in 1955.” The Ocean Giant arrived at McMurdo Station on Jan. 26, delivering a floating Marine Causeway System, along with 380 pieces of AB Alexis Figueroa poses for a photo while ashore during Operation Deep Freeze 2025. The photos at right and below (excluding the ship photo) were also submitted by Figueroa. cargo; the Ocean Gladiator arrived at McMurdo Station on Feb. 20, delivering 321 pieces of cargo. The two vessels were delivering supplies, consisting of containers filled with mechanical parts, vehicles, construction materials including cement pilings for a pier project, food, electronics equipment and comfort items. That cargo will help sustain the operations at McMurdo Station for another year. Following the offload, both vessels were loaded with containers of retrograde cargo for transportation off the continent. This includes trash and recyclable materials for disposal and equipment no longer required on the station, as well as the 65-ton floating Modular Causeway System, which was used in lieu of the ice-pier for cargo operations. U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s landing craft transits Winter Quarters Bay during the escort of the M/V Ocean Giant to NSF McMurdo Station during Operation Deep Freeze, Jan. 29, 2025. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Briana Carter) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2025 Description An account of the resource SIU BACK AMERICAN CARGO FOR AMERICAN SHIPS ACT STENA IMMACULATE MARINERS RISE TO THE OCCASION PINEY POINT TRAINING SAVED MY LIFE LNG VESSELS SIGNALS NEW SIU JOBS WAVE OF SUPPORT VOICED FOR JONES ACT CHAVEX-DEREMER SWORN IN AS 30TH SECRETARY OF LABOR SL MIDWAY REFLAGS UNDER STARS AND STRIPES RETIRED PORT AGENT ELLIOTT PASSES AWAY ALL HANDS SAFE ON THE STENA IMMACULATE SEAFARERS COMPLETE OPERATION DEEP FREEZE 2025 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO 4 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/a7c543085a8a48d4250a11287b9412ae.pdf d29e9ec2b77bfaed1331c0b3d0444e28 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG APRIL 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 4 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers Uphold Decades-Long Tradition Of Delivering in Operation Deep Freeze SIU members helped ensure the success of the most recent iteration of Operation Deep Freeze, the annual resupply mission to the scientific outpost at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Sailing aboard the tanker Stena Polaris (Intrepid) were Seafarers (below, from left) AB Tyler Brown, ABM Harriet Groenleer, Pumpman Rayshawn Buksha, QMED Diamond Jackson, Chief Cook Anthony Jackson, SA Tahj Ligon, Wiper Abdelhamid Deka, Chief Steward Xavier Burgos, QMED Adam Ferkula, and AB Dylan Wright. Page 20 (back page). Paul Hall Center Hosts USTRANSCOM Commander The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on March 9 hosted Gen. Randall Reed (USAF), commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), along with other personnel from the agency. Gen. Reed met with union and school officials as well as students. He is at left in each of these photos: addressing an AB class, checking out a simulator with SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, and leading the way to the Michael J. Sacco Media Center, with SIU President David Heindel in the foreground. USTRANSCOM supports 10 other U.S. combatant commands, including the U.S. Military Sealift Command. WHITE HOUSE RELEASES MARITIME PLAN • PAGE 3 // SIU AT WOW CONFERENCE • PAGE 4 �President’s Report We Will Answer the Call As of this writing in early March, Operation Epic Fury hasn’t resulted in any vessel activations. Nevertheless, the SIU has had both direct and indirect involvement, and stands ready for whatever will be needed. You may have read about the Seafarers-contracted tanker Stena Imperative being hit while in drydock overseas. We were a few days from re-crewing the ship when the attack took place, but there already were members of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO) on board. Thank heaven, there were no injuries, and the vessel damage didn’t seem extensive. David Heindel Mariners aboard another one of our ships in that region were near the location where a missile splashed down, but there were no injuries and no vessel damage. If you are currently in the Persian Gulf, know that all U.S. maritime unions remain united in support of U.S. mariners and are in close contact with your companies, MARAD, and the Department of Defense. Together, we are working to ensure your concerns are heard and to represent the interests of U.S. mariners. There is some debate about whether, in this age of connectivity, the old saying “loose lips sink ships” still applies. What I say with certainty is that the SIU will not intentionally publicize anything that puts our mariners, our military personnel, or any of our other fellow citizens at risk. No one knows how long Operation Epic Fury will last or whether our members will be called upon. Regardless of how it plays out, we will be judicious in our communications, just as we’ve been during previous military engagements. Similarly, I urge our members to avoid posting anything online that could make you or anyone else a target. With equal confidence, and as I mentioned last month in my formal report to the SIU membership, I know that if we are asked to mobilize, we will do what American mariners have always done. We will sail, and we will deliver the goods. We will support our troops professionally, safely, and proudly. That is not about politics. It’s who we are. If you happen to be new to our industry, I offer this quick history lesson: From the Revolutionary War to World War II, to operations in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, our U.S. merchant ships – crewed by American-citizen mariners – have carried the cargo, fuel, equipment, and supplies that make military operations possible. You could say it’s in the SIU’s DNA, as our union was chartered in late 1938, and our members sailed in World War II beginning just a few short years later. Wars are not sustained by weapons alone; they are sustained by logistics. And logistics move by sea. This moment underscores why commitments like the Maritime Security Program (MSP) are not optional, they are essential. The MSP provides a ready commercial sealift capacity the military depends upon in times of crisis. Sealift readiness is not something you build overnight. It requires stable cargo policy, sustained investment, and a strong pool of qualified U.S. mariners. Indirectly, the current military operation also reinforces why cargo preference laws and domestic cargo policy matter. Without cargo, there are no ships. Without ships, there are no jobs. And without U.S.-flag capacity in peacetime commerce, there is no assured sealift in wartime. There is bipartisan recognition of these facts, as well as unwavering support from our military leaders, which is why I remain optimistic about a resurgence of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Meanwhile, consistent with past practice, your union has appropriately secured extra compensation for Seafarers who sail into high-risk waters. All the details were sent to the hiring halls and to the ships early last month. Check with your port agent if you missed it and are interested in the specifics. Finally, while the Seafarers LOG retains an important role in our union community, it of course isn’t our only medium. Please keep an eye on our website and our social media pages for timely updates, and if you’re not already signed up for SIU text alerts (we’ve offered them for about 15 years), you can do so via our home page. The SIU stands ready to uphold our role as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. collective bargaining rights and driving experts Nearly Half a Million Workers Unionized in 2025 away out of their jobs. Annual BLS Report Shows Growth in Union Representation New data released Feb. 18 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows union representation grew by 463,000 in 2025, bringing the total number of workers represented by union contracts to 16.5 million. Thanks to years of sustained organizing, 11.2% of all wage and salary workers in the United States are now covered under union contracts, up from 2024 and the highest in 16 years. “Billionaire bosses and union-busting politicians have tried to throw the kitchen sink at working people and their unions – slashing our jobs and rigging the rules to scare us out of organizing – but they are failing,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Working people are experiencing relentless attacks on our freedoms and our livelihoods. These numbers confirm what we’ve seen in the labor movement: Workers … are hungry to take back their power. Workers know that the best check on a bad boss is a strong union contract. In 2026, workers will continue to organize in every corner of the country and build power to fight for the lives they deserve.” Shuler added, “Labor is one of the last institutions in this country that working people actually trust. Nearly 70% of Americans support unions and more than 50 million more workers are eager to join one, but broken labor law still has the deck stacked against Seafarers LOG Volume 88, Number 4 April 2026 Official Publication of the Seafarers International Union www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2026 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG them. Too many face vicious union-busting and retaliation for organizing and punishing lay-offs even as corporate bosses rake in profits.” “Unionization grew in 2025 despite the nation’s broken system of labor law and the most anti-union president in history,” said Heidi Shierholz, president of the labor-backed Economic Policy Institute and a former Labor Department chief economist. “And in response to the Trump administration’s aggressive attacks on federal employees and their unions, federal workers increasingly turned to collective representation. This increase is a testament to working people’s resolve and the fact that unions are recognized as critical instruments for building a fair economy.” According to the report, there was, as usual, a big earnings gap between union members and their nonunion colleagues. The median weekly earnings for all workers – the point where half the workforce is above and half below – was $1,204 last year, a $45 increase over 2024. But unionists had median weekly earnings of $1,484 and union men had median weekly earnings last year of $1,487, almost $200 more than non-union men. Union women had median weekly earnings of $1,297. The median for unrepresented workers was $1,174 overall, up $36 in a year. Non-union men had a median of $1,289, up $48 in a year, while non-union women had a median of $1,056. The BLS data also reflects the following: • Years of organizing in new industries, workplaces and in so-called “right to work (for less)” states in the South have pushed nationwide union density to 10%. • Nearly half of all union growth came from Southern states, with younger workers organizing at a rapid pace. • The number of public sector workers represented by a union grew by 236,000, up to 36.4% of that workforce. • Despite what has been described as the biggest act of union-busting in history, union density among federal workers grew to more than 31%, which is the largest single-year increase since 2011, as workers responded to DOGE-driven attacks aimed at stripping • Private-sector union representation grew to add 227,000 workers, with significant gains in health care, retail, education services and construction. “Politicians face a clear mandate to stand up to union-busting bosses, whether they are in the corner office or the oval office,” Shuler added. “We call on Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, and to reverse the single largest act of union-busting in American history by passing the Protect America’s Workforce Act in the Senate.” According to the Press Associates Union News Service, some of the state-level data should be taken with a proverbial grain of salt. “The state samples of unionists are much smaller than the national sample BLS uses for its top-line number,” the service reported. “But though the numbers should be taken with caution, the state pattern remained the same: Union members were concentrated in the Northeast, around the Great Lakes and in the Pacific Coast states, including Alaska and Hawaii. But … half the numerical gains last year occurred in states of the old Confederacy alone.” Hawaii (24.8%) was the most union-dense state last year, beating New York (21.3%), though New York is catching up in density and also added 128,000 union members last year, rising to 1.734 million. Washington state was notable for big hikes in union both density and numbers. Its density rose from 16% in 2024 to 18% last year. Union numbers increased there by 84,000. California was high in density (14.9%) and led the nation in numbers both years: 2.489 million unionists in 2025, 108,000 more than in 2024. New York was second in numbers last year, too, at 1.834 million. Illinois, which has the right to organize in its state constitution, added 24,000 union members, rising to 758,000, the BLS estimated. That kept it at 13.1% density. Alaska was third in density, the BLS estimated, at 18.1%. Also high on the 2025 list were Connecticut and Rhode Island (16.1% each), Massachusetts (14.5%), Minnesota (14.1%), Michigan (13%), New Jersey (14.7%), Oregon (15.1%), Nevada (13%), Ohio (11.6%) and Pennsylvania (10.9%). For the first time in decades, the two Carolinas did not vie for last in union density. South Dakota “beat” them both, falling to 2.3%. The two Carolinas finished below 3% each, though. APRIL 2026 �Union Applauds Food for Peace Announcement Editor’s note: The ship mentioned in the headline of the joint statement above is the Stena Imperative. No SIU members were aboard the vessel when it was damaged in a Bahrain shipyard. Please see SIU President David Heindel’s column in this edition of the LOG for more information on how the conflict with Iran may affect U.S.-flag shipping. We will post any newsworthy updates on the SIU website and in future editions of the LOG. White House Issues Maritime Action Plan The White House in February posted the “America’s Maritime Action Plan,” a strategic document mandated by last year’s executive order titled Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance. In a letter to President Trump, SIU President David Heindel thanked him for backing the industry and conveyed the union’s strong backing of the Maritime Action Plan. “Our support for the Maritime Action Plan is unwavering,” Heindel wrote. “We look forward to working with you and your administration to help achieve its goals…. There is no doubt it will take great effort to implement the many components of the Maritime Action Plan, but we are confident that, collectively, we are all up to the task.” In his report to the membership for the March meetings, Heindel said the plan “is comprehensive and contains many components we support, but none of it is likely to be enacted anytime soon. For better or worse, that’s how things work in Washington. I should also mention that there weren’t really any bombshells in the plan. It is largely consistent with the executive order and also with the SHIPS for America Act.” Broadly, the plan includes four main segments, each one addressing a different aspect of the industry. They are as follows: shipbuilding; workforce education and training; the maritime industrial base; and, national and economic security. Among other goals, the shipbuilding section includes a universal fee for foreign-built vessels entering U.S. ports. It APRIL 2026 recommends “stimulation of U.S.-flag fleet growth” and specifically mentions operating subsidies, guaranteed cargo, and a “vehicle for procuring Strategic Commercial Fleet” ships. The second section emphasizes the modernization of the credentialing process, including the removal of redundant processes and requirements. The plan further calls for incentives for maritime workforce recruitment and retention, including “new financial assistance programs” designed to encourage entering and staying in the industry. The incentives would be provided both for the entities who are handling the training, and to students in exchange for service obligations. Additionally, the plan calls for modified tax treatment of a merchant mariner’s foreign-earned income. It would permit the income a U.S. merchant mariner earns while employed on a U.S.-flag vessel operating on an international route to be excluded from gross income under the provisions that permit such an exclusion for U.S. citizens or residents living abroad. Existing maritime staples including the cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program receive strong backing in the plan, which also calls for establishing a “Maritime Trust Fund” and recapitalizing the Ready Reserve Force. The Maritime Action Plan says the administration is working on legislative proposals for all of these things. The entire document is linked on the SIU website. The SIU recently voiced its strong support when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a major purchase of U.S. food that will be transported on U.S.-flag vessels as part of the Title II PL 480 Food for Peace Program. This is the first large procurement of commodities since the Food for Peace function was transferred from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to USDA by the Trump administration. “PL 480 food aid cargoes are traditionally the largest source of non-defense preference cargo carried by U.S.-flag ships,” said SIU President David Heindel. “After more than a year of uncertainty following the closure of USAID, the ships in our fleet that depended on PL 480 cargo were in jeopardy of being lost. This new purchase should help ensure those ships remain in our fleet, and our mariners who crew them remain at work.” The USDA announced an agreement to purchase up to $432 million in mixed commodities to support our diplomatic efforts abroad, specifically combating food insecurity and in support of emergency food relief in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Kenya, and Rwanda. Under federal law, at least 50% of all foreign aid cargoes shipped by the government must be carried on U.S.-flag ships. The SIU has supported legislation and advocacy efforts to move the Food for Peace program to the USDA, which has handled other in-kind food aid programs for more than half a century. In late December, an interagency agreement gave PL 480 responsibility to the USDA, and the USDA responded quickly to turn that responsibility into action. Heindel added, “We look forward to working with the president, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Undersecretary for Trade & Foreign Affairs Luke Lindberg, and the rest of the USDA staff as they ensure that American foreign food aid shipments resume, and this vital tool of American diplomacy is put to work again. The men and women of the SIU stand ready to assist in delivering this aid, as we have for nearly 75 years.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �In the photo above (from left to right): SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, AMO Assistant Vice President for Government Relations Alaina Basciano Carouge, MEBA Government Affairs Manager Caitlyn Tierney, AMO East Coast Representative Marissa Cap, SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo, Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Great Lakes Maritime Academy Cadet Peyton Abney, AMO National President Willie Barerre, Pasha Hawaii's Matt Campbell, CMA CGM Senior Vice President of Government Relations Dick Balzano, Mass Maritime Superintendent Francis McDonald and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. ‘What True Heroes Can Look Like’ During a high-profile event spanning three days in February, a prominent American maritime spokesperson shared her genuine enthusiasm for the U.S. Merchant Marine – and she assured the aspiring mariners in attendance that they are entering a vital industry. Sara Fuentes, vice president for the well-regarded trade association Transportation Institute, delivered keynote remarks Feb. 10 in the nation’s capital, as part of a three-day Women on the Water Conference that began Feb 8. The event was hosted by the Consortium of State Maritime Academies with support from the U.S. Maritime Administration, the Great Lakes Maritime Academy and Northwestern Michigan College. It took place in suburban Baltimore and in Washington, D.C. Several SIU officials attended the conference, including Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, Port Agent Mario Torrey, and Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. Fuentes, a self-described “maritime evangelist,” explained the complexities of advocating for U.S.-flag shipping and U.S. mariners. In part because the industry is heavily regulated, it takes wide-ranging outreach – and coordination among the various sectors – to deliver effective, unified messages. “Everything is maritime policy,” she stated. “The merchant marine touches almost every policy area. Every year, there are new challenges and new opportunities…. I’ve never been bored.” She spotlighted several challenges from the past couple of years that the industry collectively tackled, including ones involving cargo preference, the U.S. Tanker Security Program, attacks on U.S.-flag ships in the Red Sea, personnel shortages, trade issues and more. “We have to track more than 25 different federal agencies and 12 different Congressional committees,” Fuentes noted. Pivoting to the enticing job opportunities in numerous maritime sectors, she said, “The wonderful thing about your chosen career path is that thanks to the breadth of this industry, you can follow your passions and find the right place for you…. There are so many facets to what we do, and you can do it at sea or ashore – maritime touches everything in our lives.” Fuentes then described the typically strong cooperation between labor, management, and government when it comes to promoting maritime – specifically, in this case, how representatives from every sector pulled together during the COVID pandemic. “This is generally true for our industry,” she added. “Before we talk to Congress, we build consensus together.” She wrapped up her remarks by sharing a few stories “where the sheer heroism of mariners made me feel humbled to be associated with this industry.” Those accounts involved the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II; the evacuation of Manhattan on September 11, 2001; and mariners working throughout the pandemic. “These efforts may have been unrecognized in their time, and it took effort and teamwork to bring these stories to light,” Fuentes said. “But these stories, and these people, are what keeps us going…. One thing that this industry has demonstrated time and time again is that mariners will be there to answer the call…. This is an industry for people who want to put their heads down and be respected for the work that they do. And in a world of billionaires looking for more money or influencers looking for more attention – mariners are a beacon of what true heroes can look like.” SIU officials Asst. VP Michael Russo (standing) and Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (directly to his left) offer practical advice to the next generation of mariners. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) meets with maritime stalwart Elaine Chao (former Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Labor) at the event. Keynote speaker Sara Fuentes, Transportation Institute Vice President SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 APRIL 2026 �SIU President Exposes FOC System SIU President David Heindel Editor’s note: SIU P res i de nt David Heindel also serves as Chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section. In the latter role, he recently wrote the following article, which was circulated online, including on the popular site Splash247. Recent reporting on false flags and the rise of shadow fleets has rightly raised alarms about maritime security, sanctions enforcement, environmental safety – and, too often as a secondary concern, seafarers’ rights. But much of the analysis still stops short of naming the enabling root cause. In reality, these developments are the predictable outcome of what the ITF named as the flag of convenience (FOC) system more than 75 years ago – a business model deliberately designed to obscure ownership, fragment jurisdiction, and weaken enforcement with direct and devastating consequences for seafarers, for maritime security, and for the rule of law at sea. Much of the current coverage describes the symptoms but avoids the diagnosis. False flags – the practice of flying fake flags disowned by the given registry – are not mere anomalies. They are, fundamentally, a natural outcome of the FOC system. Under the FOC model, shipowners can register vessels in states with no meaningful genuine link to ownership, management, or operation – in direct contravention of international law under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. In exchange for registration fees, those flag states offer minimal scrutiny and weak enforcement, effectively selling enforcement-free sovereignty. As Mark Dickinson, general secretary of UK maritime union, Nautilus, explained to the BBC, when it comes to spiraling seafarer abandonment, including on shadow fleet ships, FOC states have demonstrated “a complete derogation of responsibility towards their fleets and the crews who sail on them.” He then rightly outlined the demand, in line with international law, for there to always be “a genuine link between shipowners and the flags under which they sail.” The jurisdictional ambiguity that allows ships to shift identities, manipulate registries, or operate without effective oversight is not accidental. It is built into the business model. This is why false flags and shadow fleets have continued to proliferate despite increased sanctions, surveillance, and massively increased media and political attention. Industry profits from opacity. Flag states – in the case of the worst offenders, with flags often outsourced to unscrupulous overseas business interests – profit from regulatory leniency. Together, they create exactly the conditions in which fraudulent registries, identity switching, and impunity thrive. And the same governance failures driving false flags also produce severe human consequences. Last month, the International Transport Workers’ Federation released new data showing that 2025 was the worst year on record for seafarer abandonment. More than 6,200 seafarers were abandoned across 410 ships, a 32% increase on the previous year and the sixth consecutive year of rising cases. When ownership is hidden and flag state responsibility is diluted, seafarers are left exposed to a perfect storm of profit-driven abuse. Abandonment, unpaid wages, unsafe vessels, denial of shore leave, and the absence of legal protection are not incidental outcomes. They are direct consequences of a system designed to enable the evasion of responsibility. The same dynamics were laid bare during the global crew change crisis, when hundreds of thousands of seafarers were trapped on board for months beyond their contracts. Once again, fragmented jurisdiction and weak flag-state responsibility allowed governments and shipowners to deflect accountability, leaving workers stranded…. The risks extend well beyond labor. The FOC system undermines maritime security, environmental protection, and the rule of law itself – risks that policymakers can no longer afford to treat as peripheral or theoretical. If governments are serious about tackling false flags and shadow fleets, they must move beyond reactive enforcement and confront the structure that enables abuse – and government investigations into FOCs, as currently underway in the U.S., are a necessary and welcome first step. Ultimately, this means enforcing the long-ignored principle of a genuine link between a vessel’s flag and its beneficial owners, operators, and managers. It means mandatory beneficial ownership transparency as a condition of registration and operation. It means holding flag states accountable when they repeatedly fail to meet their legal responsibilities. False flags, shadow fleets, and abandonment are not separate problems. They are interconnected outcomes of a failing system abandoned by decades of government inaction. History provides a clear warning: When countries retreat from national flags and cabotage, enforcement fractures as opacity becomes the norm. And the shadows become used to hide all manner of illegality and criminality, not least abuses of seafarers’ rights…. We must rebuild and defend national-flag shipping and cabotage laws to bring all maritime trade back into the open, where there is no hiding place for shadow fleets, and no means to side-step accountability, national security, safety, and fair competition. Until we do this, these crises will continue to repeat, under different names, in different contexts, but for the same reasons. Article Underscores How Jones Act Benefits Puerto Rico A recent online op-ed by a popular political commentator and columnist helped set the record straight regarding the Jones Act’s impact on Puerto Rico. In late February, Julio Rivera posted an article noting in part the speculation (within maritime circles) that the Super Bowl halftime show might include a reference to America’s freight cabotage law. “It never happened,” Rivera pointed out. “What remained instead in the aftermath were the issues that actually shape daily life on the island: fragile infrastructure, an aging power grid, and the long-running struggles of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. Those topics may not trend as easily on social media, but they sit much closer to Puerto Rico’s economic reality than any shipping statute.” Rivera stated that the Jones Act can be “an easy villain” for its critics, but that their ire is misdirected. “Puerto Rico’s economic challenges are not the result of a single law,” he wrote. “They are the result of structural weaknesses layered over time, and pretending otherwise might be politically useful but it is economically shallow.” He further asserted that the time-tested law “supports a domestic maritime industry that both Puerto Rico and the mainland United States can rely on for national security, disaster response, and supply chain stability. For an island that depends on ships for essentials like food and fuel, having a dependable domestic shipping network is not some abstract benefit. It is practical insurance. When hurricanes hit or global logistics snarl, reliability matters more than theory. “Serious economic analysis backs up the idea that the Jones Act is not the price driver some claim,” he continued. “A comprehensive study … found that the law’s impact on Puerto Rico’s consumer prices is modest compared to bigger forces like energy costs, infrastructure inefficiencies, and public-sector debt burdens. Repeal advocates often imply that removing the law would dramatically lower prices. That is a comforting narrative, but it glosses over how global shipping markets actually work. Foreign vessels do not operate at a discount out of goodwill, and international freight rates are volatile by nature.” Rivera said that the territory’s biggest challenges center on “infrastructure and governance.” The territory’s shaky electrical grid, for instance, can be “a deal breaker” for various investments there. APRIL 2026 “None of this is an attack on Puerto Rico,” Rivera clarified. “It is a recognition that the island competes globally for capital. Many places advertise stable infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and institutional transparency. Puerto Rico has enormous strengths, from its workforce to its strategic location, but unlocking its full potential requires focusing on these fundamentals. “Blaming the Jones Act for problems rooted in infrastructure and governance risks letting the real issues off the hook,” he added. “It is easier to point outward than to do the slower, harder work of reform. But reform is what attracts durable investment and longterm job creation.” Rivera further pointed out that some critics who insist the Jones Act is at the heart of Puerto Rico’s difficulties “oversimplify a complex system. Maritime analyst Sal Mercogliano and others who study shipping closely have repeatedly explained that vessel supply, fuel prices, port efficiency, insurance, and global trade dynamics all shape costs. Those realities do not disappear if one law changes. “As an American of Puerto Rican descent, I want the island to succeed economically, not just culturally,” Rivera said. “That means being honest about what holds it back and clear-eyed about what actually helps. The Jones Act is not a cure-all, but it provides structure and reliability within the broader U.S. economic and security framework.” He concluded, “Puerto Rico’s prosperity will ultimately be built on reliable infrastructure, clean governance, and investor confidence. Fixing the grid, modernizing systems, and strengthening institutional trust will do more to raise living standards than chasing a shipping-law scapegoat. Cheap shots at the Jones Act can trend for a day. Stable power and trustworthy institutions generate growth for decades…. The island’s people are resilient, creative, and entrepreneurial. With dependable infrastructure and accountable governance, they can create a stable foundation and real economic growth for generations to come.” SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU PROMOTING MARITIME ‒ SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan (right) meets with Alex Mealer, who’s running for Congress (Texas’ 9th District). Photo was taken in Dayton, Texas. Pegan used the occasion to emphasize the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine. SINCERE THANKS ‒ SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (left) and American Maritime Officers President Willie Barrere (right) express gratitude to U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) for his unwavering support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Event took place Feb. 10 in the nation’s capital. MILESTONE IN JERSEY ‒ AB BOOKS RECEIVED IN ALGONAC ‒ AB Mohamed Alahmadi (left in photo above, left) receives his A-seniority book, while GUDE Sameh Suwaileh (left in remaining photo) obtains his B book. Both Seafarers are pictured at the hiring hall with Safety Director Jason Brown. Arnold Baluyot (left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Jersey City hall with SIU Asst. VP Ray Henderson. ABOARD CAPE STARR ‒ This Seafaring Selfie includes (from left) Recertified Bosuns Ritche Acuman and Antjuan Webb Sr. In the background are the Cape San Juan and Cape Sable. All three vessels are operated by TOTE. SUPPORTING WORKERS’ RIGHTS ‒ SIU VP Sam Spain and Port Agent Mario Torrey took part in the Virginia AFL-CIO 39th Legislative Conference Feb. 1-2 in Richmond. Pictured from left in the three-person photo are Spain, Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, and Torrey. The other photo includes Spain and Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi. ABOARD GREEN DELTA ‒ ABM Rolando Dinong is pictured aboard the Waterman vessel in the Pacific Northwest. ABOARD DANIEL INOUYE ‒ Providing service with a smile aboard the Matson vessel in Honolulu are (from left) ACU Romeo Molina, Chief Steward Ronald Williams, and Chief Cook Monell Liburd. CAPE INTREPID COMPLETES SERVICE ‒ The Ocean Duchess-operated ship recently was turned over to the National Defense Reserve Fleet. These photos were taken from mid- to late January; they include snapshots from an MLK Day cookout. The five-person photo includes two inspectors from the Beaumont Reserve Fleet, along with (from left) Oiler Carmus Peet, Chief Engineer Thomas Gay, and (second from right) Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa. Removing the ship’s bell in the three-person pic are (from left) Electrician Phillip Greenwell, Oiler Carmus Peet, and Third Mate Edward Max Stovall. Chief Steward Delbra Singleton-Leslie is in the individual photo, and the remaining photo was taken at a farewell dinner. From left are Chief Mate Nasir Bousseloub, Electrician Phillip Greenwell, Chief Engineer Chris Davis, and Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa. 6 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 APRIL 2026 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Taking the oath (larger group photo) at the hiring hall are Seafarers Erris Jackson, Charles Williams, Ismael Andriamasy, and Eric Butler. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. Williams received his A-seniority book, while the others obtained their respective B books. In the remaining pic, SA Valencia Byrd (left) receives her B book. She’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman. ABOARD EVERGREEN STATE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid vessel are Pumpman Gilbert Johnson, Recertified Bosun John Cedeno, SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan, and AB Carlos Avila. ABOARD USNS JOHN GLENN ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Ocean Ships vessel on the West Coast are QEE Rahsaan Alexander, AB Joshua Lux, Steward/Baker Linda McPhetridge, QMED Wilbert Hinton, OS Jon Oliver, Bosun Teena Werner, Safety Director John Sunga, and Storekeeper Felix Rosado. AS SEEN IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND ‒ Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa shared these photos from his recent stay in Piney Point. The group photo includes classmates from a Tanker Assist DL course (from left): Christopher Moore, Ricky Desir, Kia Major, Jarrell Dorsey, LBJ Tanoa, and Joaquim Ganeto. In the other photo, the bosun catches up with retired SIU/Paul Hall Center official Bart Rogers at St. George Catholic Church in Valley Lee. BRAINSTORMING IN FLORIDA ‒ Pictured at a Keystone Crews Conference in the sunshine state are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins, Chief Mate Connor Shea, Keystone VP of Operations Dave Carroll, and Second Mate Jimmy Hargrove. ABOARD LIBERTY PRIDE ‒ Pictured from left in the three-person snapshot aboard the Liberty Maritime ship in the Pacific Northwest are ABB Andre Nero, Recertified Bosun Manolo Delos Santos, and ABM Ping San Pedro. In the remaining non-ship photo are (from left) Chief Cook Kevin Robinson and Steward/Baker Jessica Davis. APRIL 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD LOUISIANA ‒ Gathered on the Fairwater tanker in Long Beach, California, are (from left) SA Hussein Moosa, Chief Cook Yolanda Martinez, Steward/Baker Michael Todman, Recertified Bosun Albert Mensah, and SIU Patrolman Gordon Godel. APPRECIATION IN D.C. ‒ During a gathering earlier this year in the nation’s capital, SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (left) thanks U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) for his support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. WELCOME GUESTS ‒ SIU and International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) personnel in late February welcomed a group from the North American Maritime Ministry Association to the Houston hiring hall. Port Agent J.B. Niday (front, third from right) and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung (front, second from right) met with them and conducted a Q&A. Dr. Jason Zuidema, executive director of the ministry group, is standing second from right. WITH SEAFARERS IN VIRGINIA ‒ Storekeeper Ruel Torres (left in photo above, right, with SIU Port Agent Josh Rawls) receives his A-seniority book, while GVA Rashona McGilberry (left in other photo, with SIU Patrolwoman Kianta Lee) obtains her full book. Both snapshots were taken at the hall in Norfolk. WELCOME ASHORE (x2) IN PHILLY ‒ Picking up their respective first pension checks at the hiring hall are Chief Steward Kenneth Kelly (left in photo above, left, with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice) and Thommie Hampton (right in remaining photo, with Safety Director Andre MacCray). Kelly sailed with the union for 35 years. Hampton worked in various capacities with the SIU for nearly 40 years, including lots of time on shore gangs. TALKING MARITIME IN TEXAS ‒ SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala (left) and Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) chat with U.S. Deputy Maritime Administrator Sang Yi at a recent industry event in Houston. WELCOME ASHORE IN NORFOLK ‒ Bosun Robert White (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Josh Rawls, picks up his first pension check. White sailed with the SIU for nearly 30 years. WITH SEAFARERS IN PUERTO RICO ‒ OMU Walter Figueroa (wearing yellow shirt) and OS Yanot Sanchez Cumba (left in remaining photo) receive their respective full books. Both Seafarers are pictured at the hiring hall in San Juan with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. FULL BOOK IN PINEY ‒ Chief Steward Yunlay Bridges (right) receives his book in Piney Point, Maryland. At left is SIU Port Agent Kelly Krick. 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ABOARD SBX ‒ SIU VP Hazel Galbiso (sixth from right) and Safety Director Amber Akana (far left) meet with SIU crew members aboard the TOTE vessel in Honolulu. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 APRIL 2026 �SOAK UP THE SAVINGS UP TO 50% OFF HOTELS Unwind, relax, save! Whether you’re happiest on a beach or exploring a city, we’ve got you covered with up to 50% off* hotel stays worldwide. Learn more at unionplus.org *Savings of up to 50% off based on actual non-cancellable bookings from inventory provided by Priceline. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9 �In Their Own Words: Seafarers Rising Through the Ranks Randy Diaz Editor’s note: This article is the second in an occasional series featuring former SIU members who have risen through the ranks (or, in informal maritime industry terms, have gone up through the hawsepipe). Randy Diaz graduated from the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program in 1998; he currently sails as the captain of the USNS Bowditch (Ocean Ships, Inc.). He turns 52 this month, and had just disembarked when the interview took place. How and why did you enter the maritime industry? I had heard of the merchant marine through a movie, “With Honors,” around 1996. Joe Pesci’s character advises against sailing in the engine room. Later, I was working in a meat department, and the butchers knew about the U.S. Merchant Marine. They connected me to the SIU. I’m from Queens, New York; I went to the Brooklyn hall and met Robert Selzer, and later on dealt with Jack Sheehan (Selzer and Sheehan were longtime union officials). It sounded interesting and I thought, let me try it out. I’m glad I did. At that time, I was looking for a change. Before that, I had been playing music in New York. What do you remember about the early part of your career? From the start, I already knew I eventually wanted a license. I also knew I didn’t want to go into the steward department. The kitchen is okay but it wasn’t for me. When I got on a ship, it solidified that deck was the right choice. I went up to the bridge at night (aboard the Sea Lion), and the mood reminded me of a New York nightclub. I also knew I didn’t want to go through a four-year maritime academy. Ironically, I didn’t even know there was one in New York until I went to Piney Point (where the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center is located). I sailed for eight-and-a-half years with the SIU, got my A-seniority book. What was it like when you got your first license? The SIU helped me get into the AMO school in Toledo, Ohio – Jack Sheehan had the knowledge about the process. (The American Maritime Officers are affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America.) I got my license in August 2007 and got my first job (as an officer) in November of that year. The last tanker I sailed as an AB was my first ship as a third mate, the M/V Charleston. I was very fortunate going through the hawsepipe. I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything, and I wasn’t going to get an education like that at an academy. How difficult was it to earn a license? First, I tried to learn on the job, pay attention to what was happening around me. All the testing and the paperwork is just going to get you in the door – it doesn’t mean you’re going to be a great mate. I established a routine and was studying every module, every single day. At the school in Toledo, the people who took it seriously wound up doing well. What’s something you wish more people knew about the maritime industry? Half the time, when you talk about our industry, right away people are thinking about the Navy. But they don’t consider, how do we get imported cars? How do we get these sacks of rice from other countries, or food products that aren’t produced in the U.S.? People think it all comes by plane, maybe. So, it’d be great if more people knew about us, period, although I do think there’s some increased knowledge thanks to the internet. Aboard the USNS Bowditch in 2017 On that topic, how important is shipboard internet connectivity, and how reliable is it, generally? get off of here.’ I couldn’t really stay in Thailand if it wasn’t for this job. My wife understands this as well. It’s good that you asked about that. The reliability depends on where you work…. It’s very important to have access to the internet to at least do banking and things of that nature, and to stay in touch with loved ones. Speaking of family, it seems as if one of the most commonly voiced concerns for people thinking about a maritime career is the time away from home. How have you made it work? Have you experienced any unexpected benefits from this career? I’m fortunate and I really appreciate the blessings I’ve had. Back around the year 2000, I got my AB ticket and got my first AB job on the Petersburg, in Guam. On that particular tour, my last month, we were going to Japan to offload, and ultimately stopped at a Singapore shipyard. They let us go, and that’s when I discovered Thailand. There was something about this place; I wanted to go again. I went back that same year and got on the LNG Leo after that as an AB. A fellow AB gave me a book about the history of Thailand, and that’s when I realized why it intrigued me: It was never colonized. But Thailand (his current residence) is an example of why I’ve stuck with this job. It gave me so many freedoms. People may think if you’re on a ship it’s like prison, but I feel free when I’m working. You can really analyze things, and you also do a lot of growing up on a ship. I never looked at it like, ‘I can’t wait to With his lifeboat classmates in 1998 (front, second from right) 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 My wife knows we couldn’t live how we’re living if it wasn’t for this career. But the effects of being physically separated depends on the person you’re in the relationship with. It really does. How much are you invested in that relationship? For me, I’m fortunate I’m able to talk with my wife every day, and she’s happy with that. What’s something you would change about the industry? More than anything, the regulations have gotten out of control. You’re restricted on man-hours after STCW (implementation of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping). Granted, it takes just one accident to change things (adding or modifying regulations), but I remember stories from bosuns and ABs who were working six and seven hours of overtime a day. You Capt. Randy Diaz APRIL 2026 �In Their Own Words: Seafarers Rising Through the Ranks kept on working and made more money. This and a few other industry restrictions that have been introduced, have taken away that opportunity. What’s one of the biggest differences between sailing as an officer versus sailing in an unlicensed position? I say this all the time. The good thing is, when you’re sailing unlicensed, when you’re done with your watch or what have you, nobody’s going to bother you. When you’re an officer, you’re one of one. You might have to get woken up at a certain time because you have to change the voyage plan, for example. What is something noteworthy about serving as a captain? You start to see the management abilities of people around you, how you expect people to be treated. My thing is always, do the right thing. Consider what the other person is thinking. That’s how I apply my management. This is what I learned: You can’t expect the ship to adapt to you. You have to adapt to the ship. You can do whatever is in your power, but we don’t have a magic wand to change the internet or the food, for example. You have to recognize what you do and do not control, and that includes when you’re in stressful situations. Only worry about things I can control. Have you had any particularly memorable voyages? I haven’t been in any type of rescue, which is a good thing. I always say, boring is good. But I remember I took a relief job as an AB and I remember starting in New Jersey. We went to Florida, then Texas. Went through the Panama Canal, then San Francisco, up to Anacortes and Cherry Point. Then back to Texas and Florida. Throw the Mississippi River in there, too. That was the first time I actually did the East Coast, Gulf Coast and West Coast all in one trip. It took 99 days, on the Overseas Philadelphia, around 2004. Another one comes to mind. I think I was a music snob – I played music before I went into the merchant marine. Anyway, I was standing watch with a second mate; I was an AB. He had two CDs from these country singers, and I said, ‘You’re listening to country?!’ Just giving him some [teasing]. He said if everybody liked the same music, this would be a boring world. I said, ‘You’re right, and I apologize.’ How shallow my With fellow mariners in a shipyard in 2021 APRIL 2026 Diaz is at far left in this 1999 snapshot (government vessels class). thought process was. Since then, that’s how I’ve lived: Everybody has a right to like what they want. I never want to criticize anyone’s interests again. What are your overall thoughts about the SIU? I’m appreciative of them, obviously. The SIU gave me all the help I could have asked for. You always heard (the late SIU President) Mike Sacco say upgrade, upgrade, upgrade! That was the slogan, so, I upgraded. I took it seriously. I know Mike isn’t with us any longer, but I do want to thank him for his guidance and encouragement. What advice would you give to someone who’s considering entering the industry, or to someone who only recently started sailing? Are you ready to take a plunge into something different? Maybe they know somebody in the industry but it’s not the same until you experience it. Are you okay being away from home? Is home where you make it? This job gives you so much flexibility with where you want to make your home. Knowing what this job can give you might be the motivation you need to stay. You’re going to realize that things don’t really change when you go back home after three or four months. I say embrace it. And if you try and it doesn’t On the bridge in 2023 work out, there’s no harm in saying it might not be for me. That doesn’t mean you were defeated. Find out if you can hack this, because the job can give you a lot of options. I knew I wasn’t going to be happy, for example, going from high school to college and getting into a shoreside career. Besides, how else am I going to experience the world and other cultures? In a regular shoreside job, you maybe have a week or two for vacation every year. In maritime, you’re off for long stretches. Finally, what are some advantages of sailing as a union member? You don’t feel tied down. If you’re on a ship and it’s not working out for you, you have freedom to choose. You also have representation. If you’re not happy with something, you can talk to the union. If you work for a company without a union, they literally can say take it or leave it. With a union, you can always go to a different vessel and stay employed. Also, the union benefits are really good. I know the SIU benefits were good when I was a member, and they’ve improved since then. I am very grateful for the SIU. If it wasn’t for the SIU, I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in now. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t been there. With shipmates and military personnel during a 2025 reception on the Bowditch SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 This month’s question was answered by an assortment of personnel at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. At the time they were interviewed (early January), two individuals were in the apprentice program, one was working as an instructor, and the others already were active SIU members. Question: What do you like most about being an SIU member (or apprentice or instructor)? Kimberly Wilson Apprentice Lawrence Wright Chief Steward I love the teamwork. Working in the kitchen is so exciting. The people in the department as well as the staff have been really helpful. I look forward to being out on the ocean and caring for the people on my ship. I like everything, especially the vacations, and my home port in Jacksonville. I enjoy meeting SIU members from all around. Justin Landreneau Apprentice Joe Marino QMED I love working here in the galley. I’ve been here about three months now and I’m a UA training to be an SA and, hopefully in the near future, a chief cook. I’ve been sailing for 13 years and the SIU gave me the ability to be a rockstar and helped me become “Hot Rod Joe.” I restore classic cars, collect cars, vintage cars and motorcycles. I also make metal art sculptures with welding. Michael Papaioannou Electrician Pat Schoenberger Deck Instructor I’ve spent 25 years in the SIU and am close to retiring, but I truly enjoy being a sailor. I enjoy having four months on and four months off, and I also like encouraging the young people I sail with to pursue further education so they can improve their skills and achieve higher rankings. I enjoy most things about this job, but I most enjoy being able to train my students and give them the skillset to earn a great living. I was trained in a facility and given the skillset, and I had a lot of respect for the instructors that spent time and effort with me when I was going for my education. Being able to do the same for folks that are interested in the maritime world is pretty awesome. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 • SEAFARERS LOG The original caption from the July 1974 LOG: “Discussing cable loading operations are, from left: John Whiting, cable AB; Mr. Siman, who is an AT&T cable operator director, and Bosun Herb Libby.” Photo was taken aboard the Long Lines, which had a crew complement of 90. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBERAPRIL 2023 2026 12 �Notice Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Important Reminders About Prescription Drug Coverage for Pensioners If you are eligible for medical benefits from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan when you retire, you will also be eligible for prescription coverage. If you are 65 or older, the Plan provides this coverage through a Medicare Part D prescription drug program administered by Retiree RxCare. However, the Plan does not provide prescription drug benefits to a pensioner’s spouse or dependents. You do not have to pay a premium for your prescription coverage if you are over 65. The Plan’s prescription coverage is comparable to the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage and is considered Creditable Coverage. If you enroll in another Medicare Part D prescription drug program, you will lose your prescription coverage from SHBP, and you will not be permitted to re-enroll in the future. Due to Medicare rules, you will also lose your prescription coverage if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers prescription coverage. If you decide to purchase a separate plan to supplement the Plan’s vision, dental or hearing coverage, make sure it is an ancillary plan that only provides those benefits, and not a Medicare Advantage Plan. For more information, contact: SHBP Claims Department 45353 St. Georges Avenue Piney Point, MD 20674 Phone: (800) 252-4674 (Option 3) Fax: (301) 994-0116 Email: claimsdept@seafarers.org “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from February 10, 2026 - March 11, 2026. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of March 12, 2026. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 23 Anchorage 6 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 21 Guam 4 Harvey 7 Honolulu 2 Houston 26 Jacksonville 22 Jersey City 18 Joliet 3 Mobile 12 Norfolk 21 Oakland 6 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 1 Puerto Rico 8 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 21 Wilmington 30 11 0 2 13 2 3 2 17 34 6 2 9 11 4 0 1 8 0 3 12 0 0 0 4 1 4 1 11 11 0 3 3 6 0 2 0 3 0 0 3 9 2 1 14 1 6 2 29 25 10 1 8 19 2 2 0 6 2 17 17 3 1 3 13 0 1 0 7 25 8 0 4 15 3 0 1 8 0 4 6 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 2 6 1 1 2 10 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 1 2 13 0 3 0 13 14 9 1 4 19 0 1 0 7 1 6 7 48 4 2 28 4 12 4 44 38 30 4 11 35 15 5 2 5 1 32 48 14 1 2 19 4 10 5 32 46 9 5 7 20 4 2 2 6 0 8 21 1 2 1 10 1 4 2 21 14 3 3 8 4 1 2 0 1 0 3 5 TOTAL 236 140 52 173 102 30 104 372 217 86 Algonac 1 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 10 Guam 0 Harvey 5 Honolulu 6 Houston 2 Jacksonville 25 Jersey City 9 Joliet 1 Mobile 3 Norfolk 15 Oakland 5 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 9 TOTAL 110 2 0 3 6 0 2 2 5 21 4 0 2 12 2 1 3 1 0 1 2 69 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 4 2 0 0 5 3 1 1 0 0 0 3 25 2 0 1 6 0 0 0 4 8 4 0 1 10 1 1 1 0 0 1 2 42 9 3 3 10 1 2 8 9 35 13 4 8 16 5 6 4 5 0 12 20 173 4 0 1 13 0 4 3 16 24 7 1 2 13 3 0 2 2 0 3 9 107 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 6 6 2 0 0 3 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 28 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 1 Harvey 2 Honolulu 3 Houston 12 Jacksonville 12 Jersey City 4 Joliet 1 Mobile 3 Norfolk 12 Oakland 12 Philadelphia 4 Piney Point 6 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 7 Wilmington 15 TOTAL 108 0 1 2 4 2 2 1 7 15 6 1 3 11 3 2 2 6 2 2 3 75 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 2 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 0 0 3 17 1 0 1 4 0 3 3 9 13 2 1 1 9 7 2 0 4 1 4 15 80 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 4 11 1 1 1 3 4 3 2 4 1 3 9 53 8 0 1 10 1 3 11 26 27 13 1 5 20 20 3 7 5 1 9 38 209 0 5 2 5 3 6 0 15 29 4 0 1 12 2 0 2 8 1 4 4 103 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 5 2 0 0 6 2 1 1 1 0 0 5 29 Algonac 2 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 0 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 0 Jacksonville 2 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 1 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 1 Wilmington 0 3 1 4 5 1 2 1 14 22 12 1 0 12 3 1 1 1 0 3 11 12 1 1 11 1 5 6 8 28 11 0 4 26 4 4 2 0 0 1 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 2 13 22 7 1 0 10 4 0 1 1 0 0 8 2 0 0 5 0 1 2 3 17 6 0 0 12 5 3 1 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 7 2 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 10 1 6 10 1 4 0 24 40 20 0 0 16 9 1 0 0 0 10 15 22 1 1 16 1 13 7 16 58 22 3 3 55 8 4 1 0 0 6 29 TOTAL 6 98 146 4 75 73 23 14 167 266 GRAND TOTAL 382 240 346 299 131 222 768 594 409 Engine Department 3 0 1 8 1 4 5 9 12 7 1 1 12 2 1 0 3 1 10 8 89 2 0 4 4 0 0 1 1 18 3 1 0 12 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 53 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 4 2 1 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 19 Steward Department April & May Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: April 6, May 4 Thursday: April 16, May 14 Thursday: April 9, May 7 Thursday: April 23, May 21 Honolulu Friday: April 17, May 15 Houston Monday: April 13, May 11 Jacksonville Thursday: April 9, May 7 Joliet Thursday: April 16, May 14 Mobile Wednesday: April 15, May 13 New Orleans Tuesday: April 14, May 12 Jersey City Tuesday: April 7, May 5 Norfolk Friday: April 10, May 8 Oakland Thursday: April 16, May 14 Philadelphia Wednesday: April 8, May 6 Port Everglades Thursday: April 16, May 14 San Juan Thursday: April 9, May 7 St. Louis Friday: April 17, May 15 Tacoma Wilmington Friday: April 24, May 22 Monday: April 20, May 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. APRIL 2026 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 3 19 3 1 2 11 4 3 4 6 1 3 5 69 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 9 Entry Department 460 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. LIBERTY PEACE (Liberty Maritime Corp.), November 23 – Chairman Mohamed Alahmadi, Secretary Pauline Crespo Guillen, Steward Delegate Annie Walker. Educational director reminded crew to check the Seafarers LOG for upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center. Course dates also are posted on the SIU website. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in both wages and dental coverage. Dinner plates and electrical transformers ordered. Cookies and table dressings refilled. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. WASHINGTON (Fairwater Crew Management, LLC), December 20 – Chairman Jerome Luckett, Secretary Erik Ivey, Educational Director Alex Canada, Deck Delegate Carlo Gentile, Engine Delegate Brandon Fore, Steward Delegate Mario Botelho. Chairman thanked steward department for a good Thanksgiving Day dinner. He reminded everyone to keep noise down for off-watch crew members and to clean rooms well for oncoming crew. Educational director encouraged members to keep up with credentials and to renew documents six months in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship needs new mattresses. Members requested 18 for 30 vacation, increases in shoe reimbursement and extra meal pay to steward department for extra crew members. Crew discussed importance of rank-and-file involvement in contract negotiations. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. EVERGLADES TRADER (U.S. Marine Management, LLC), December 24 – Chairman Leroy Sierra, Secretary Ammar Sailan, Educational Director Jonathan Bernardez Bernardez, Deck Delegate Ramona Tapley, Engine Delegate Samuel Fagerness, Steward Delegate Ana Mohler. Blankets and fans needed for rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed questions about pay in lieu of day off. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), January 18 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Derek Chestnut, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman. Chairman thanked crew for a job well done and reported a safe trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like 25 for 30 vacation. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), January 18 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Nicholas Fortunato, Steward Delegate Brittany Ruffin. Chairman reported a good voyage overall and thanked all departments. He reminded members to leave clean rooms before sign-off and also to separate burnables, plastics and food waste for trash management. No beefs or disputed OT to report. Members conducted a memorial dedicated to the El Faro crew. Next port: Long Beach, California. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company, LLC), January 25 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director William Kilbuck, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Aljohn Fernandez, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. Chairman advised crew to check out the National Maritime Center website’s new MMC function and to renew medical certificates early. Secretary asked members to keep food out of crew’s mess sink and to not store personal baggage in crew’s linen locker. He also reminded everyone to remove personal belongings from staterooms when going on vacation. Educational director directed crew to union website for course dates offered at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members suggested a ship slop chest to provide access to basic toiletries, hats, shirts, etc. Crew requested 25 for 30 vacation, unlimited Wi-Fi, wage increases for SAs and QMEDs and increases in dental and eye care benefits. Next port: Long Beach, California. OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas Ship Management), January 25 – Chairman Paul Brown, Secretary Antajuan Beasley, Educational Director Christopher Edwards, Deck Delegate Andres Martinez, Engine Delegate Christopher Franklin, Steward Delegate Nelson Bernardez. Chairman reminded crew of online payment option for union dues and upcoming dues increase in January 2027. He mentioned new process of email-issued medical certificates and noted online options for MMC and passport renewal. Educational director emphasized the importance of maintaining credentials and upgrading at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New blankets, towels and sheets needed. Members requested unlimited Wi-Fi, 20 for 30 vacation and refrigerators in each cabin. Crew would like shorter rotary rotation for tankers, better penalty pay, higher contractual raises, domestic travel reimbursement and Christmas bonuses. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), March 1 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Jonte Crenshaw, Educational Director Dennis Malaran, Deck Delegate Autum Pough, Steward Delegate Deirick Coltrane. Chairman praised crew for job well done, while secretary encouraged shipmates to keep up the good work. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to come to him if they have problems with their rooms. Deck delegate urged members to clean up after themselves and to stay respectful. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Long Beach, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 14 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 SEAFARERS • SEAFARERS LOG PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 APRIL 2026 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA JOSEPH AYEO Brother Joseph Ayeo, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 2001 and first worked on the Delaware Bay. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ayeo most recently shipped on the Alliance St. Louis and lives in Yonkers, New York. GERY BYRD Brother Gery Byrd, 66, joined the union in 1994, initially sailing aboard the USNS Regulus. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Byrd concluded his career aboard the Overseas Long Beach. He resides in Kenner, Louisiana. CASEY CODDINGTON Brother Casey Coddington, 65, became a member of the union in 1995. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed aboard the Lawrence Gianella. Brother Coddington upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 2001. He concluded his career aboard the American Endurance and makes his home in Reno, Nevada. CLIFFORD CRONAN Brother Clifford Cronan, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2006. He first sailed aboard the USNS Impeccable and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother Cronan upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last shipped on the Louisiana and lives in Coconut Grove, Florida. RIZALITO FRIGILLANA Brother Rizalito Frigillana, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2008 and first sailed aboard the Manoa. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Frigillana upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2023. He most recently sailed aboard the North Star and settled in Tacoma, Washington. STEPHEN GATELY Brother Stephen Gately, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2000 when he sailed on the Jeb Stuart. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gately concluded his career aboard the Colorado Express. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. LESLIE JACOBS Brother Leslie Jacobs, 66, signed on with the union in 1992. He initially sailed aboard the Diamond State and worked in the deck department. Brother Jacobs upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped on the Overseas Houston and is a resident of North Richland Hills, Texas. APRIL 2026 We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. NELLIE JONES ROBERT HEATH Sister Nellie Jones, 60, started sailing with the SIU in 1995 when she shipped with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Sister Jones’ final vessel was the USNS Altair. She makes her home in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. Brother Robert Heath, 65, became a member of the union in 1979. He worked in both the deck and steward departments. Brother Heath initially sailed aboard the C.L. Austin. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Heath resides in Clay, Michigan. JOSE LOPEZ RODRIGUEZ Brother Jose Lopez Rodriguez, 63, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1997. A deck department member, he first sailed with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Lopez Rodriguez upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Alaska and resides in Ponce, Puerto Rico. DENNIS REDDING Brother Dennis Redding, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 and first worked aboard the USNS Pollux. He shipped in the steward department and concluded his career on the Zera L. Tanner. Brother Redding makes his home in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. INLAND NELSON BREAUX Brother Nelson Breaux, 67, signed on with the union in 1979. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Breaux was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He resides in Dickinson, Texas. JOSEPH CARSON Brother Joseph Carson, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1978. He was a deck department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Carson worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. He calls Mandeville, Louisiana, home. REYNALDO RICARTE Brother Reynaldo Ricarte, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996. He was a steward department member and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Ricarte upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Delaware Express and lives in Cibolo, Texas. EMMANUEL FIAKPUI EDWARD STANFIELD Brother Edward Stanfield, 65, joined the union in 1998 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Stanfield last shipped on the Pride of America and settled in Kapaa, Hawaii. JAMES TIMS Brother James Tims, 76, became an SIU member in 1968. He was an engine department member and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Tims’ first vessel was the Trans Huron; his last, the Robert E. Lee. He makes his home in Purvis, Mississippi. Brother Emmanuel Fiakpui, 76, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 2007, initially working aboard the Terrapin Island. Brother Fiakpui was a deck department member. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the Dodge Island. He makes his home in Houston. KENNETH KUEHNE Brother Kenneth Kuehne, 58, joined the SIU in 1996. A deck department member, he was first employed with Westbank Riverboat Services. Brother Kuehne upgraded at the Paul Hall Cener on several occasions. He last shipped aboard the Integrity and settled in Marrero, Louisiana. NMU SILVANO GERONILLA GREAT LAKES CORNELIUS GLEASON Brother Cornelius Gleason, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1988 when he shipped on the American Republic. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sam Laud. Brother Gleason resides in Grant Township, Michigan. SCOTT HANSON Brother Scott Hanson, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1979. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Merle McCurdy. Brother Hanson last shipped on the Walter J. McCarthy and lives in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Brother Silvano Geronilla, 69, signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Kenai. Brother Geronilla lives in Panorama City, California. JOSEPH KEEFE Brother Joseph Keefe, 70, joined the union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Keefe makes his home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. ROBIN WELCH Brother Robin Welch, 70, signed on with the union in 2001, during the NMU/SIU merger. A deck department member, Brother Welch last sailed aboard the Delaware Trader. He resides in Liberty, Missouri. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ATANACIO BERNARDEZ Pensioner Atanacio Bernardez, 78, died August 6. He joined the union in 2000 and initially sailed aboard the Liberty. Brother Bernardez worked in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Maersk Ohio, and went on pension in 2015. Brother Bernardez called Dorchester, Massachusetts, home. ROGER CLEGG Pensioner Roger Clegg, 74, passed away September 26. He became a member of the SIU in 2005 when he shipped on the Pride of Aloha. Brother Clegg sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the Pride of America, and became a pensioner in 2018. Brother Clegg made his home in the Philippines. JEROME DAVIS Pensioner Jerome Davis, 77, died November 2. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Davis was a steward department member and last sailed on the Washington Express. He lived in Newark, New Jersey. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. JOSE MOLINA CHARLES JOHNSON Pensioner Jose Molina, 85, died December 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1967, first sailing aboard the Topa Topa. Brother Molina sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He last worked with World Crane Services before becoming a pensioner in 2000. Brother Molina lived in Tampa, Florida. Pensioner Charles Johnson, 82, died December 25. He joined the union in 1990 when he shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Johnson sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Ascension. He went on pension in 2010 and resided in Hudson, Florida. CLARENCE MOSLEY Pensioner Arvis Lolley, 94, passed away December 26. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1971. Brother Lolley was a deck department member and sailed with Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. He retired in 1992 and lived in Semmes, Alabama. Pensioner Clarence Mosley, 71, passed away January 3. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Delta Columbia. Brother Mosley was an engine department member. He last shipped on the USNS Able in 1997. He became a pensioner in 2020 and resided in Norfolk, Virginia. GREAT LAKES JOSEPH NOVAK Pensioner Joseph Novak, 93, died November 26. He joined the union in 1960 and first worked with American Steamship. Brother Novak was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the St. Clair and settled in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. INLAND JAMES GAINES Pensioner James Gaines, 68, passed away November 29. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Cove Leader. Brother Gaines worked in the engine department, and concluded his career aboard the American Condor in 1992. He went on pension in 2022 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. JOE HARRIS Pensioner Joe Harris, 87, died December 23. He joined the SIU in 1964 and first sailed with Interocean American Shipping. Brother Harris sailed in the engine department and last shipped on the Guayama. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. JAMES ANDERSON Pensioner James Anderson, 76, passed away November 23. He signed on with the SIU in 1969 when he worked with Inland Tugs. Brother Anderson was a deck department member. He concluded his career with Seabulk before becoming a pensioner in 2014. Brother Anderson lived in St. Louis. JOSEPH ARNAUD Pensioner Joseph Arnaud, 86, died December 18. He embarked on his career with the union in 1964. A deck department member, Brother Arnaud was first employed with Higman Barge Lines. He last worked for Dixie Carriers, and began collecting his pension in 2003. Brother Arnaud resided in Arnaudville, Louisiana. ROBERT MASCHMEIER JACK GONZALEZ Pensioner Robert Maschmeier, 69, passed away December 27. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1982, initially working on the Leo. Brother Maschmeier was a steward department member and concluded his career aboard the Yosemite Trader. He began collecting his pension in 2021 and resided in Louisiana, Missouri. Pensioner Jack Gonzalez, 81, passed away January 3. He joined the SIU in 1986. A deck department member, Brother Gonzalez was employed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2007 and made his home in Robstown, Texas. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ARVIS LOLLEY NMU JAMES ADAM Pensioner James Adam, 71, died December 14. Brother Adam worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Lykes Navigator, and went on pension in 2019. Brother Adam was a resident of Picayune, Mississippi. ROBERT BRADLEY Pensioner Robert Bradley, 82, passed away December 23. Brother Bradley last sailed aboard the Lash Italia. He became a pensioner in 2011 and was a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia. CARLTON CYRUS Pensioner Carlton Cyrus, 90, died December 19. Brother Cyrus worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the St. Louis Express before retiring in 2004. Brother Cyrus lived in Buffalo, New York. CLEVE HENDERSON Pensioner Cleve Henderson, 71, passed away August 17. Brother Henderson worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Cape Avinof. He became a pensioner in 2009 and settled in Portsmouth, Virginia. MAXINE JULIEN Pensioner Maxine Julien, 93, died December 19. Sister Julien sailed in the steward department. She concluded her career aboard the Cape Texas and began collecting her pension in 1998. Sister Julien lived in Houston. OLLIE OWENS Pensioner Ollie Owens, 97, died December 25. He started sailing in 1945, initially aboard the Ethan Allen. Brother Owens worked in the steward department. He retired in 1968 and settled in Baltimore. APRIL 2026 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck June 8 June 26 RFPNW May 4 June 29 August 3 May 22 July 17 August 21 May 11 June 8 May 22 June 19 Water Survival Latest Course Dates STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook June 22 August 31 November 9 August 28 November 6 January 15, 2027 Galley Operations May 4 May 29 Chief Steward May 25 June 19 Adv. Galley Operations April 27 May 22 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Boiler Technician (FOWT) May 4 May 29 Junior Engineer May 18 July 10 Marine Electrician August 3 September 4 Marine Refrigeration Tech. June 22 July 31 Adv. Refrig. Cont. Maint. (ARCM) June 1 June 12 Welding June 1 June 19 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation May 4 May 8 June 15 May 4 May 8 June 15 Government Vessels April 20 May 18 April 24 May 22 Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. June 1 August 17 November 2 June 2 August 18 November 3 Notice Upgrading Class Registration Now Available Online Recently, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has unveiled a new option for mariners looking to continue improving and upgrading their skills: The class registration form is now online. Simply fill out the form with your information, check which classes you are interested in, and hit Submit. This will make the course registration process faster, more modern and easier than ever for members to use. Please visit www.seafarers.org/upgrading-application, or scan the QR code at right. Operation Deep Freeze a Yearly Tradition Continued from Page 20 Point. “Immediately adjacent to the dock is a hut on what's called Hut Point, which was used by the Scott expedition and the Shackleton expedition to store supplies,” she explained. “Those supplies remain untouched in the hut from over 100 years ago, including just dead seals that they were burning for heat, or the box of biscuits that Ernest Shackleton left, and they're just on the ground. It's just there. There's no barrier between you and history. The director of the recreation department opened the hut specifically for us and gave us a tour, and that was amazing. I was very, very excited, AB Tyler Brown steers through the pack ice with Ice Captain Leroid Jones Jr. and 3M Tristin because it was an untouched slice of history, and it's still there in its exact condition.” Woolf. The base reminded Groenleer of college. “You go there and there's dorms, you've got the gym, you've got a little coffee shop, you've got a couple of bars, you have the cafeteria. It was like, cold, grad school,” she said. The 900 or so people living and working at the base at McMurdo Station treated the ODF participants with the utmost hospitality. “Some people work for the Air Force, and some work for the National Science Foundation, and some were maintenance workers, or PhD students,” Groenleer said. “Everyone lives in a big dorm, and they have what looks like a college cafeteria, and the people in charge of supplying that concession do a great job.” In return for their kindness, the Stena Polaris crew gave several tours of the ship to those who were interested. “I'm just really grateful to the people that worked at McMurdo for having us and An orca (also known as a killer whale) pokes its head out from the ice. treating us so well and that the operation was a success,” Groenleer concluded. 17 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #930 – Recently graduated: Nicholas Amore, Joseph Breece II, Roland Evans II, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Oscar Garibaldi, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan, Delvonta Haynes, William Land, De'aizja Martin, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata, Astrid Ortiz, Shawn Richard, Paul Schad and Jacquita Theriot. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION - PHASE 1 (LG) – Graduated February 13: James Artis, Elijah Busch, Daniel Cho, Kelvin Huffman, Kaitlyn Lipka, Alec Neace, Joseph Romanowski, Cameron Slayton, Dylan Storie, Maciej Szmytkowski, Dena Turner and Cole Waddell. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated February 13: Jatarvis Fryer Jr., Cotisha Long-Green, Christian Perez Gonzalez and Renita Walker. GALLEY OPS – Graduated February 13 (not all are pictured): Victoria Butler, Shemekia Donald, Robert Edwards, Ryan Hatch, Jasmine Pascal, Jalen Shuman and Shakisha West. WELDING – Graduated February 27: Jason Bullen, Joshua Higdon, Fernando Macato, Tariq Mamudu and Samuel Penn. Instructor Chris Raley is at far right. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated February 13: Randy Amezquita Montalvo, Morgan Boekhout, Kevin Castillo, Syniaya Lane, Christopher Lazo, Alma Lewis, Ryan McKinnon, Abraham Quintus, Julius Rogers, Hadi Selim, Dakota Snow, Joseph Vermeulen, Tevin White, Ciarra Wiggins and Kimberly Wilson. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 APRIL 2026 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW – Graduated March 6 (not all are pictured): Gustavo Anavitate, Hyjalun Burch, Kendell Dorsey, Brandon Givens, Kenneth Gonzalez, Kelton Greene, Christopher Jack, Kainoa MacKenzie, David Ray and Ricardo Vasquez. ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated February 27: Adam Bechtold, William Fortner, Marcel Jubert, Sandra Norato, Wilson Palacios Arriola and Gina Settle. ADV. REFER CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Graduated recently: Alvin Alcasid, Alberto Magsucang, Daryl Thomas Jr. and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Mike Fay is at the far right, and Instructor Andrew Phelps is at the far left. SERVE SAFE MANAGEMENT – Graduated February 20: Randy Amezquita Montalvo, Syniaya Lane, Alma Lewis and Kimberly Wilson. WATER SURVIVAL (UPGRADERS) – Graduated February 27: Tanesha Terrell (above) and Nolan Walker. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated February 20 (not all are pictured): Alharath Ahmed, Jose Argueta, Christopher Branch, Rio Cuellar, Ricky Desir, Jarrell Dorsey, Joaquim Ganeto, Marlon Green, Mark Griffin, Gabriel Guardiola Berrios Jr., Clarence Johnson III, Tousif Khan, Kia Major, Abdulalah Mohamed, Christopher Moore, Anthony Overholt, Nicholas Parker, Delia Peters, Ariana Ross, Jason Springer, Anpeng Sun, LBJ Tanoa, Jeremy Thigpen and Michael Zabielski.. APRIL 2026 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �APRIL 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 4 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Delivers in Operation Deep Freeze SIU members earlier this year upheld their decades-long tradition of supporting a crucial resupply mission named Operation Deep Freeze (ODF). Seafarers sailing aboard the Stena Polaris (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) journeyed to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and wrapped up on-site operations Jan. 20. They helped transport and deliver fuel to the scientific outpost. Before the Christmas holiday, the Stena Polaris loaded up fuel cargo in Greece to deliver to McMurdo Station. This was the vessel’s first time participating in ODF, and with the assistance of Navy Cargo Battalion ONE, the Stena Polaris supplied five million gallons of AN8 diesel fuel (a blend made specifically for the Antarctic region), more than 400,000 gallons of aviation fuel, and 126,000 gallons of gasoline. According to MSC Pacific’s McMurdo Station representative, Lt. Emily Spath, all parties involved work together to facilitate the delivery process in advance. “The National Science Foundation contracts fuel specialists who operate the terminal at McMurdo Station, the U.S. Coast Guard provides ice escort services for the vessel, and MSC (the Military Sealift Command) coordinates closely with the ship’s crew and personnel ashore to ensure a safe and successful operation,” she said. SIU members aboard the Stena Polaris for this journey included Bosun James Gregory, ABs Harriet Groenleer, Eden Dulin and Dylan Wright, STOS Tyler Brown, QEP Rayshawn Buksha, Wiper Abdelhamid Dika, EUs Adam Ferkula and Diamond Jackson, Steward/Baker Xavier Burgos, Chief Cook Anthony Jackson, and SA Tahj Ligon. The first ODF took place in 1955. American-flag ships have supported the mission every year. Groenleer, who was participating in ODF for the first time, assisted with basic tanker duties on the Stena Polaris, including lookout, steering, maintenance, and cargo ops. Groenleer’s recollection of the voyage timeline is as follows: “We left Piraeus, Greece, around Thanksgiving, and then we went to Rota, Spain, for a couple of days. We left Rota and went to Cape Town, South Africa, and we were there just before Christmas. Then from Cape Town, we went to McMurdo Station, and we arrived at the Winter Quarters Bay on, I believe, Jan. 19.” Traveling between ports took around a month, and then the shipboard personnel spent a week or so in Antarctica. The Stena Polaris docks at McMurdo Station. U.S.-flag ships like this one have steadfastly supported Operation Deep Freeze for more than 70 years. that's why we had the ice pilot and the ice captain. Seafarers face several challenges when jourSomebody was always on watch that had polar neying to the south pole, where the mean annual certification.” temperature is -18°C (0°F), but can reach as low as They also used a special radar on the ship to nav-50°C (-58°F) during the winter months. The environigate around icebergs, which could sometimes take ment is one of the coldest on earth but also can be several days. Icebergs often are surrounded by fog, dry and windy, which complicates the fuel transfer process. To meet the conditions of the environment, which can lead to further delays. Seafarers took special precautions to maintain mariners must plan ahead and make additional the environmental cleanliness of the region. “We coordination and operation considerations to couldn't throw food waste over the side of the ship ensure safe and successful delivery. below 60 degrees latitude, out of concern for bird By design, ODF takes place during the austral diseases,” Groenleer recalled. “Even aside from the summer, when temperatures can reach as high oil, we were careful. At a certain point you couldn't as 8°C (46°F). Because of this, Groenleer said, the even run the incinerator, because of the air polluweather conditions were not so bad. “I'm going to tion and impacts on the ice.” be honest with you. I have done two winters on the The Stena Polaris crew also kept an extremely Great Lakes, and they were way worse,” she stated. thorough watch on the ship’s hoses, flanges, and Antarctica has six months of day and six months of night which are referred to as the austral summer connections to preserve the sensitivity of the Antarctic ecosystem because many species are found and winter, respectively. Also, regions located below there that exist nowhere else in the world. the equator experience seasons at opposite times Moreover, they were issued polar survival gear in from locations in the northern hemisphere, like the case of an abandon-ship situation, and they particUnited States for example. “It's going to be night on March 20 (the date of the ipated in additional drills that were specific to the environment. spring equinox), so we [completed the mission] in But, after the hard work was done, ODF partici24-hour daylight,” Groenleer noted. “It wasn’t really pants enjoyed the singular experience of being on that windy most of the time, and the temperatures the Antarctic continent. One of the highlights for were in the 20s and 30s. So, it was cold, but it wasn't Groenleer was receiving an opportunity to visit Hut horrible.” She continued, “We had to carry additional Continued on Page 17 crew members to keep a better lookout for ice, so SIU and AMO members aboard the tanker Stena Polaris (Intrepid) recently took part in Operation Deep Freeze, which supplies fuel to the southernmost port in the world at McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Standing from left are 3AE Marcus Adam, 3AE Cordell Johnson, 2M Bobby Sirois, 2AE Connor Daly, CM Joey Mainella, AB Tyler Brown, SA Tahj Ligon, Pumpman Rayshawn Buksha, ABM Harriet Groenleer, QMED Adam Ferkula, AB Dylan Wright, Wiper Ahamid Deka, QMED Diamond Jackson, 2M Kirsten Snyder, 3M Tristin Woolf, 3M George Bellenger, CE Alan Hamond, Cadet Erin Stillenger, Ice Captain Leroid Jones Jr., and Contractor Adam Meller. Kneeling in front (from left) are Captain Carl Schoenbucher, Chief Cook Anthony Jackson, Cadet Katie Howe, and Chief Steward Xavier Burgos. Two of what appear to be crabeater seals found in the Antarctic (Photos by Ice Pilot Rob Lee) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource APRIL 2026 Description An account of the resource PAUL HALL CENTER HOSTS USTRANSCOM COMMANDER NEARLY HALF A MILLION WORKERS UNIONIZED IN 2025 UNION APPLAUDS FOOD FOR PEACE ANNOUNCEMENT WHITE HOUSE ISSUES MARITIME ACTION PLAN WHAT TRUE HEROES CAN LOOK LIKE SIU PRESIDENT EXPOSES FOC SYSTEM ARTICLE UNDERSCORES HOW JONES ACT BENEFITS PUERTO RICO IN THEIR OWN WORDS SEAFARERS RISING THROUGH THE RANKS IMPORTANT REMINDERS ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE FOR PENSIONERS SIU DELIVERS IN OPERATION DEEP FREEZE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2026 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 88, NO. 4 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/1d1b7d1e4012557441e5ca695f3ec624.pdf a4191f38b1d2b5d3902f684b4629a7ac PDF Text Text AUGUST 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Matson Christens Con-Ro Matsonia Seafarers-contracted Matson christened a new combination container/roll-on, roll-off ship July 2 at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego. The Jones Act vessel will mean new steward department jobs for the SIU upon its delivery later this year. Page 4. Seafarers Persevere as COVID-19 Hits Home The novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 surged in numerous states in late June and July, and American-flag shipping wasn’t immune. Despite industry-wide precautions, some SIU members were stricken with the virus, and some of the hiring halls that had reopened June 15 subsequently were closed again, temporarily and for precautionary reasons. Nevertheless, the vast majority of the SIU fleet remains in operation, and the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, was scheduled to reopen Aug. 1. Face coverings are part of the routine these days, as demonstrated by (photo above, from left) Chief Cook Perry Asuncion, Chief Steward Steve Bowmer and ACU Roberto Firme aboard APL’s President Truman on the West Coast, and by (photo at immediate left, from left) Recertified Steward Sam Harris and Chief Steward Kenneth Greenidge, pictured at the Oakland hall, where they volunteered to help with safety screening. Page 3. Senator Backs Jones Act Page 2 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 1 SIU Election Updates Page 6 Course Dates Page 16 7/20/20 3:18 PM �President’s Report Time to Redouble Safety Efforts Back in February, if someone had used the expression “COVID fatigue,” we’d have looked at them as if they were crazy. Unfortunately, everyone reading this column knows what it means, and I think it’s no exaggeration to say we’ve all experienced it at least from time to time. Brothers and sisters, over the years, I have usually written about various aspects of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the labor movement. Vocational training, grassroots political action, new opportunities for growth in our industry, workers’ rights – these are the important everyday subjects we tackle. This month, the topic is of utmost seriousness and magnitude. It is nothing short of a life-anddeath matter. I urge every Seafarer to summon the energy to overcome COVID fatigue and double down on your efforts to keep yourselves, your families and your shipmates safe. Many of you know that Michael Sacco the American-flag fleet, including several SIUcrewed ships, recently experienced a number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Even though the numbers are relatively small, they aren’t insignificant – and it goes without saying that even one case is too many. In some ways, I think our country collectively let down our guard around Memorial Day weekend. People were tired of the entire experience, and as various states eased into different phases of reopening, it may have been inevitable that we’d have as many individual interpretations of the definition of safety as there are individuals. Look, if I feel this way, I’ll bet you might, too: It’s fair to say that some of the guidelines have been inconsistent. We’ve all seen the resulting spikes in various states across the country. It hasn’t been rampant, but that same relaxation of caution seems to have happened on some of the ships. I have no interest in pointing fingers and I believe that the vast majority of our members are in fact being very careful, both at sea and ashore. But with this pandemic, it only takes one careless individual – even somebody visiting from ashore – to infect an entire crew. That’s why it’s so vital to find a second wind and understand that all of the safety protocols not only are lifesavers, they are going to be part of the “new normal” for the foreseeable future. This is also the time for our ships’ chairmen and shipboard committees to step up as leaders and embrace those responsibilities. Not to be overlooked in this discussion is mariners’ role as part of America’s essential workforce. Such a designation isn’t lightly made by federal and state governments. And if there were any doubt about how crucial Seafarers’ work really is, recall the recent messages of thanks posted by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, U.S. Transportation Command’s commanding officer Gen. Steve Lyons, and U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby. All of them went out of their way to express respect and gratitude for our crews. They know you are making sacrifices during this emergency to get the job done. They know it’s not easy. And they also know they can count on you to uphold the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. We were bound to take some hits from the pandemic. It’s a global crisis with no modern-era comparison. But we owe it to ourselves, to our families, and to our shipmates to remain vigilant and do everything possible to remain safe, regardless of location. Whenever this finally ends – and it will end – I certainly won’t miss all the conference calls and masks and barriers and hand sanitizer. But in the meantime, I’m treating the precautions like my life depends on it. Please do the same, and we’ll all be around for better days. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 8 U.S. Senator Backs Jones Act As the United States maritime community celebrated the centennial of the nation’s freight cabotage law, numerous legislators issued supportive statements. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (DMichigan) was among those elected officials who praised the Jones Act in early June. He posted a news release that read in part, “June 5, 2020 marks the 100th Anniversary of the enactment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Commonly referred to as the Jones Act, the Act has served over the last century as the foundation of the Great Lakes and domestic shipping industry. This vital maritime law ensures that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are American-built, Americanowned, and American-flagged, which in turn strengthens and supports U.S. homeland security while driving economic benefits to local communities. Each and every day, 365 days a year, the Jones Act functions to protect our nation’s 95,000 miles of coastline and inland waterways, limiting inland access to foreign vessels and crews while mariners serve as the eyes and ears to strengthen border and homeland security.” The senator continued, “America’s dependence on the Great Lakes and the seas is integral to our economic health and our sovereignty. Nowhere is this more evident than in my own state of Michigan. According to The American Maritime Partnership, Michigan’s Great Lakes A longtime maritime stalwart recently received well-earned recognition from a prominent United States shipbuilding group. The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, on June 30 honored Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator Mark H. Buzby with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award during this year’s virtual advocacy meeting. The award is given annually to national leaders who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry. “Rear Admiral Buzby has dedicated his life to military The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 2 U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Michigan) the Jones Act is responsible for 650,000 American jobs creating more than $40 billion annually in income. Workers whose jobs are related to the law can be found in all 50 states.Cabotage law is not unique to the United States. The London-based Seafarers’ Rights International released a study in 2018 listing more than 90 countries that have some type of cabotage law on their books. Editor’s note: See the July issue of the Seafarers LOG and the SIU website (www.seafarers. org) for additional coverage of the Jones Act’s centennial, including statements from other members of Congress. SCA Honors Maritime Administrator August 2020 Reversed to White Reversed to White domestic maritime industry contributes $2.8 billion annually to our state economy, including 12,140 jobs and $703.6 million in worker income. With 37 deepdraft ports, Michigan has more than the seven other Great Lakes States combined. “Over the last 100 years, the men and women of the U.S. maritime workforce have also unfailingly answered the call to duty, providing vital services to support the nation in times of crisis,” Peters added. “Their service was never clearer than during the activation of civilian merchant mariners amidst the Second World War. These men and women moved critical supplies to overseas troops and allies, while enduring the highest rate of casualties of any service. More recently our domestic maritime workforce has responded swiftly to a range of crises facing the nation, including facilitating the largest boatlift in world history following 9/11, and the current and ongoing delivery of essential medical supplies and goods to communities in need during the COVID19 pandemic.” The senator concluded, “On this week’s centennial anniversary of the Jones Act, I thank the men and women of the U.S. maritime industry for their service, and I vow to continue to work here in the Senate to uphold the integrity of the Act’s protections for our Michigan and Great Lakes workforce.” A 2019 study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the Transportation Institute showed RAdm. Mark Buzby (USN, Ret) U.S. Maritime Administrator and public service to protect the United States’ national and domestic security, and on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and women of our industry, we are bestowing on him the Shipbuilders Council of America’s highest honor – the 2020 SCA Maritime Leadership Award,” said Matthew Paxton, president of SCA. “Administrator Buzby personifies this award, which recognizes exemplary support for the crucial contributions shipbuilders, maintainers, and suppliers make to our nation, and we thank him for his decades of maritime leadership.” “I want to thank SCA for this honor,” Buzby stated. “I know we share a passionate commitment to a strong and growing U.S. maritime industry, and particularly the necessity to foster and strengthen U.S. shipbuilding, which is an indispensable component of our defense industrial base. I appreciate this recognition and SCA’s leadership on behalf of the roughly 400,000 Americans whose jobs depend on this vital industry.” Rear Admiral Buzby (USN, Ret) has served as MARAD’s top official since August 2017. Before this appointment, Buzby was president of the National Defense Transportation Association, a position he held since retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2013 with more than 34 years of dedicated service to the United States. Buzby served as commanding officer of the U.S. Military Sealift Command. SCA members constitute the shipyard industrial base that builds, repairs, maintains and modernizes U.S. Navy ships and craft, U.S. Coast Guard vessels of all sizes, as well as vessels for other U.S. government agencies. In addition, SCA members build, repair and service America’s fleet of commercial vessels. The council represents 40 companies that own and operate more than 80 shipyards, with facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, the inland waterways system, Alaska and Hawaii. The SCA also represents 87 partner members that provide goods and services to the shipyard industry. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. August 2020 7/21/20 2:25 PM �COVID-19 PANDEMIC Industry Continues Grappling with Challenges SIU Members Rise to the Occasion, Fulfilling Roles as ‘Essential Workers’ Editor’s note: SIU members are encouraged to regularly check the union’s website for the latest union-specific news about the pandemic. There is a prominent COVID-19 section on the home page. Members also may sign up for text alerts by texting the word “join” (without the quotation marks) to 97779. The American maritime industry seemingly mirrored the nation at large from midJune to mid-July when it came to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. The coronavirus surged in numerous states, and it hit home for the union, too. As of July 14, there had been more than 3.4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. and more than 138,000 deaths. Worldwide, those figures were more than 13.1 million cases and at least 571,000 deaths. The vast majority of the SIU-crewed fleet is still operating, as Seafarers live up to their federally designated role as essential workers. But, SIU members from several ships and tugs recently contracted COVID-19, as did at least a couple of crew members from ATBs. New cases were reported aboard the USNS Grumman, whose crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. At least two SIU employees and one employee of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) were diagnosed with the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The uptick in cases caused three hiring halls to close for precautionary reasons within a couple of weeks after they’d reopened June 15. At press time, the halls in Jersey City, New Jersey and Wilmington, California, had again reopened; the hall in Houston was expected to reopen soon. Perhaps the most prominent recent instance of shipboard COVID-19 in the U.S.flag fleet occurred in late June, aboard the Maersk Idaho. Eleven mariners, including five SIU members, tested positive. One crew member was hospitalized but recovered (see sidebar). Thankfully, the other mariners who tested positive experienced few or no symptoms. Within the industry, Maersk was hailed for its quick, comprehensive plan to safely vacate the crew, move them to a quarantine facility, professionally clean the vessel, and then bring on a new crew. They worked with the Coast Guard, medical professionals and other authorities to ensure diligence, efficiency and safety. The SIU also worked closely with the crew and company to provide support and to secure additional testing for crews on other American-flag Maersk ships. Weeks later, all concerned received an unwelcome reminder that even the best plans, no matter how well-executed, cannot ensure total safety from the virus. At least a couple of Continued on Page 5 Bosun Shares Experience Combatting Coronavirus Bosun Romualdo Medina doesn’t know exactly how he contracted COVID19, but he’s certain that any inconveniences are worthwhile sacrifices in order to avoid it. “I hope every SIU member will take care of themselves and their families,” said Medina, who was stricken by the coronavirus in June aboard the Maersk Idaho. “Wear a mask, and stay home if you can when you’re not working. I don’t know when we’re going to get out of this. It looks like a long haul.” A Seafarer since 1994, Medina knows from firsthand experience that sometimes even the most cautious individuals end up with COVID-19. He wasn’t reckless at any point during the Idaho’s voyage from the U.S. to Europe and back, and he’d been mindful of safety before joining the ship. But, on the return from Bremerhaven, Germany, roughly four days out from New Jersey, his health began to deteriorate. “I started feeling bad and tried something like a Tylenol or aspirin, but there was no relief. I couldn’t breathe normally. At first, I thought it was just sinuses, but then I felt a little bit of fever. Then things began to get complicated.” Very little time elapsed between the onset of Medina’s symptoms and his reporting them to the chief mate. From there, he remained quarantined but learned that others aboard the ship also weren’t feeling well. Eventually, 11 mariners (including five SIU members) were diagnosed as COVID-19 positive. Medina also experienced an unusual – and painful – side effect: hiccups that persisted on and off for days. But that wasn’t his only complication. When the ship arrived in Newark, New Jersey, on June 19, he arranged for a clinic visit. However, the facility was closed for the weekend by the time Me- August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 3 dina arrived around 9 p.m. “By that time, I was in pain, so I took a taxi to the nearest hospital,” he recalled. “I knew if I went back to the ship, it wasn’t going to be a happy ending.” Although it took several hours for him to be seen at the hospital (New Jersey and New York were still epicenters of the pandemic at that time), it could be argued that he arrived just in time. “By that point, I could hardly breathe,” the bosun said. “I was spitting blood. Finally, I got some medicine, and got tested for COVID. They took so many X-rays and did so much bloodwork – all that stuff.” He was hospitalized for more than a week, then relocated to a quarantine hotel for two more weeks. He returned to his home in Houston July 14, feeling fine and with multiple “negative” test results confirmed. “One good thing was I was never put on any kind of oxygen,” he recalled. “The doctor said I have good lungs; I don’t smoke. But I am diabetic, and that’s why I was really worried about complications. Thank God it didn’t get to that point.” Medina said he appreciated that personnel from the Houston hiring hall stayed in touch with him throughout his experience, and he added that the difficulties didn’t change his outlook on sailing. “This career has been something very economically consistent for me and my family” he noted. “I used to suffer a lot of layoffs and inconsistent employment in my prior field, which was architectural design. I decided to join the union and get my AB ticket and all my endorsements. This has helped me raise my family: three beautiful children.” He added this advice to fellow members: “If you start feeling weird when you’re on the ship, go see the captain and get a test.” Face coverings often are utilized to help curb the spread of COVID-19. While unloading a dummy during boat drills July 7 in Benicia, California, GVA Julian Lacuesta (left) and Bosun Roberto Flauta do their part aboard the TOTE-operated USNS Petersburg. Six Maritime Union Presidents Draft, Sign Message Addressing COVID-19 Aboard At-Sea Vessels Editor’s note: The following message, dated July 10, 2020, is signed by the presidents of six maritime unions, including SIU President Michael Sacco. For a PDF copy, visit the SIU website. It has become increasingly apparent the COVID-19 crisis is not going away anytime soon. Our members aboard ships in distant waters as well as aboard vessels of all types in inland waters remain in grave danger and the global supply chain is at risk. Despite continuous appeals for meaningful assistance from both maritime labor and U.S.flag vessel operators, the federal government has not mandated enforceable standards of shipboard health and safe operations. Further, our advocacy for a consistent, reliable, and rapid testing regimen for mariners remains without definitive support. As the supply chain and military security of the country are becoming increasingly at risk, we have demanded a more active role of government in support of mariners. Each shipowner/operator has established its own diverging policies and protocol, and they vary greatly from employer to employer, even from ship to ship depending on shipboard culture. In the absence of uniform and government-enforced protocol during vessel in-port time with such critical evolutions as cargo operations, vendor/contractor access and shipyard repairs remain essentially unregulated and haphazard. This is an unacceptable situation that is beyond the control of ship’s personnel. However, as always, the burden on maintaining safety at sea remains in large part with the licensed and unlicensed personnel aboard ship. While every member of a crew recognizes his or her duty to their shipmates, employers and government must share ship safety responsibility through consistent policies and regulations. Health and safety aboard ship is a joint endeavor and should not be placed on the shoulders of mariners alone. To do our part, we the undersigned urge our Members to take every precaution against the Coronavirus as recommended by company protocol and by such CDC guidelines that are applicable. Masks, social distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing must all become routine and strictly maintained, whether aboard ship, in transit to or from a ship, in a hiring hall or at home in preparation for shipping out. As your representatives, we are working together and using every advantage to both protect your health and safeguard your rights. With infection rates spiking again we must protect our lives and our livelihoods with renewed vigilance and discipline. Employers may intervene with reasonable or ineffective workplace policy; either way we will let them know that our contract rights remain in place. We understand the stress and anxiety of working in persistent and intensified danger and so we support common sense safety practices ashore and at sea. Your dedication, professionalism and perseverance is recognized, and your efforts are best honored by ensuring your own safety and that of others you encounter onboard ship, in your travels, at home or otherwise. Please continue to notify your Union if you have concerns regarding potential or actual COVID-19 exposure or the safety of your vessel. Wishing all health, safety, and fraternity, Michael Sacco, President Augie Tellez, Executive Vice President Seafarers International Union bpotter@seafarers.org atellez@seafarers.org Marshall Ainley President Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association mainley@mebaunion.org Paul Doell President American Maritime Officers pdoell@amo-union.org Anthony Poplawski President/Secretary-Treasurer Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association mfow_president@yahoo.com Dave Connolly President Sailor’s Union of the Pacific dave@sailors.org Don Marcus President International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots dmarcus@bridgedeck.org Seafarers LOG 3 7/21/20 2:25 PM �The Matsonia’s (vessel at right in photo at immediate left) addition to the union fleet means new jobs for SIU members sailing in the steward department. In photo above, Peggy Forest, wife of Matson President Ron Forest, does the honors for the christening. Matson Christens Matsonia in San Diego New Jones Act Con-Ro Vessel Joins SIU Fleet New steward-department jobs for SIU members are on the horizon following the recent christening of an historic vessel. SIU-contracted Matson, Inc., christened the second of two Kanaloa Class vessels, the Matsonia, in a ceremony at General Dynamics NASSCO – a union shipyard – in San Diego on July 2. The Jones Act vessel, the largest combination container/roll-on, roll-off (Con-Ro) ship ever built in the United States along with its sister ship the Lurline, is the second of two new builds for Matson by NASSCO. “The SIU looks forward to providing our typically outstanding steward department personnel when the ship is delivered later this year,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “We applaud the company for its commitment to American-flag shipping and U.S. crews, and we appreciate the terrific work by union shipyard workers who handled the construction.” The Matsonia is slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2020. “Matson is already benefiting from the speed, capacity and improved environmental profile of the three new ships we’ve put into service since 2018,” said Matt Cox, Matson’s chairman and chief executive officer, after the shipyard ceremony. “Matsonia will be our fourth new ship, completing a threeyear fleet renewal program that positions us well to serve the needs of our communities in Hawaii for many years to come.” During the ceremony, Peggy Forest, wife of Matson President Ron Forest, officially christened the vessel by breaking a ceremonial bottle of champagne against the ship’s hull.  “As a proud U.S. company and Jones Act carrier, our investment in this new ship is about much more than maintaining a high level of service to Hawaii. It also helps drive substantial economic benefits and opportunities in communities around the Pacific, where this vessel will operate,” Cox added. “The construction of Matsonia represents over a year’s work for about 2,000 professionals here at NASSCO: engineers, tradesmen and lots of support people and countless others who produced the materials used to build this ship that are sourced here in the U.S. Over its expected lifespan, this ship will generate approximately 4.5 million man-hours of work opportunity for the U.S. mariners who will operate it and decades of steady work for all of the dockworkers and terminal personnel that move the cargo on and off our ships.” He concluded, “These are all living-wage jobs, supporting the families of these American workers and the taxes they pay. Multiply that by all the ships NASSCO and other U.S. shipyards are building, and you get a sense of the value of the maritime industry to our country and its economy. In California alone, there are more than 51,000 jobs tied to the American maritime industry, providing over 3.6 billion dollars in labor income with a total economic impact in the state of more than twelve billion dollars.” Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO, said, “The Matsonia is a reflection of the highest standards of shipbuilding and we are proud to celebrate her launching. This extraordinary vessel is a testament to the hard work, unity and strength of our thousands of dedicated shipbuilders who made this possible.” Matsonia is an iconic name in Matson’s long history, dating to the construction of Matson’s first ship of that name in 1912. Three more ships were given the name in subsequent years; this vessel will be the fifth. Named in honor of the ocean deity revered in native Hawaiian culture, Matson’s two Kanaloa Class vessels constructed at NASSCO are built on a 3,500 TEU vessel platform. At 870 feet long, 114 feet wide (beam), with a deep draft of 38 feet and weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons, the Matsonia will join the Seafarers-crewed Lurline (delivered in late 2019) as Matson’s largest ships. They are among Matson’s fastest vessels, with a top speed of 23 knots. Both new Kanaloa Class vessels have an enclosed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. They also feature state-of-the-art green technology, including a fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double-hull fuel tanks, fresh water ballast systems and the first Tier 3 dual-fuel engines to be deployed in containerships regularly serving West Coast ports, according to Matson. The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, supports the domestic maritime industry that employs approximately 650,0000 Americans across all 50 states, creates $41 billion in labor income for American workers and adds more than $154.8 billion in annual economic output each year. Nationally, there are more than 40,000 American vessels – built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies – that operate in U.S. waters daily. With Seafarers Aboard Tanker Washington The photo above was taken July 4 as the vessel was headed to Valdez, Alaska. Pictured from left to right are: Recertified Bosun Modesto Rabena Jr., Chief Steward Sajid Foster, Chief Cook Melissa McCartney, QEP Diole Bonifacio, AB Pablo Borja, AB Adam Riley, Steward Assistant Kevin Arroyo and AB Michael Elmore Jr. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Rabena for the photo. 4 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 4 August 2020 7/21/20 2:25 PM �U.S. Congressman Rob Wittman Underscores Need for Strong U.S. Sealift, Revitalized RRF Longtime friend of maritime U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) recently penned an op-ed emphasizing the importance of strong sealift – which should include revitalizing and maintaining the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Wittman, who is the ranking member on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee in the House, wrote, “Today, our entire military, a force with over 1.3 million active service members and tens of thousands of vehicles and aircraft, relies on an aging fleet of 61 logistics ships to transport and sustain the force. By comparison, during World War II, the United States built over 2,700 Liberty ships to transport troops and supplies and had a service squadron of 365 logistics ships just to service the Pacific theater.” He continued, “Compounding the problem of inadequate numbers, many ships in our logistics fleet are already past due for replacement. The average age of the ships in the Ready Reserve Force, which constitute the majority of our nation’s surge sealift capability, is 45 years. That is more than double the age at which most commercial cargo ships are retired and the fleet is showing its age. In September of 2019, the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) conducted an exercise to test the readiness of the organic surge fleet, attempting to get just under half of the fleet underway. The of- ficial TRANSCOM after action report noted a cumulative success rate of only 40 percent and this exercise did not even test the loading and unloading of cargo.” He also gave a brief history lesson to underline the importance of a robust, militarily-useful surge fleet: “Since our founding, America has been a maritime nation. Trade across the vast ocean expanses to Europe and Asia has defined our economic development and driven our national security strategies. Over 200 years ago, the original six frigates of the United States Navy were constructed to protect American commerce from attacks by pirates in the Mediterranean. Since then, a powerful Navy, capable of protecting global commerce and projecting power around the globe, has become the cornerstone of our national defense. This strategy has also meant fighting the vast majority of the nation’s armed conflict far from our shores, protecting the homeland from the terrible destruction that was a defining characteristic of war in the 20th century. “The reasoning that led George Washington to approve those first six frigates remains true today – American commerce and diplomacy must be supported by a military capable of global power projection to maintain international order, deter conflict, and, if necessary, defeat hostile powers,” Wittman continued. “To be a credible deterrent, American forces must Mariners Show True Colors, Meet Varied Challenges Posed by COVID Continued from Page 3 the replacement crew members tested positive, so the vessel went into a quarantined state at a Florida anchorage. Despite the challenges, there were positive developments as well. They included a return to work for many Seafarers employed by NY Waterway, which operates passenger ferries between New York and New Jersey. The company’s waterborne operations essentially shut down when those states were at their combined nadir. Recertified Bosun James Blitch, pictured at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida, encourages fellow members to be cautious. “People think this is a joke. People are dying out here! It’s important we are all wearing our masks!” he said. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 5 Additionally, and following months of intensive preparation, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education was scheduled to reopen Aug. 1. The school (located in Piney Point, Maryland) initially scheduled several upgrading courses and plans to resume training apprentices in September. Moreover, most of the hiring halls stayed open without interruption, as members and staff easily adjusted to new safety protocols. Those steps include the by-nowstandard face coverings, social distancing, temperature checks, hand sanitizing, and use of protective barriers. Progress was made with overseas crew changes for American-flag ships as the SIU continued working with other unions, vessel operators, the Maritime Administration and the State Department to facilitate those reliefs. Operators also have chartered two private planes for reliefs in Diego Garcia. The international maritime community hasn’t always been as fortunate. The International Maritime Organization and International Transport Workers’ Federation are leading the fight on behalf of foreign crews who in many cases have worked for months beyond their scheduled reliefs, mostly due to travel restrictions. It also has been a busy legislative stretch for U.S. maritime. At press time, floor action was expected on the National Defense Authorization Act, which funds most key commercial maritime government programs. Additionally, Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-New York) and Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) last month introduced a new bill to provide financial relief for maritime stakeholders who’ve been impacted by the pandemic. The House is scheduled to adjourn for recess on July 31, while the Senate will depart on Aug. 7. Both chambers are slated to return Sept. 8 before adjourning in early October for the run-up to the November 3 presidential election. be engaged around the globe and be able to sustain those efforts, during peace or war, far from our shores. While the Department of Defense is investing heavily in technology to compete in a new era of great power competition, it has given short shrift to its ability to transport and sustain forces. Our continued lack of investment in logistics will reduce the effectiveness of our maritime forces in combat but, more worrying, is the debilitating effect it will have on our land forces.” He then referenced a more modern example of the indispensable role of the RRF, writing, “Operation Iraqi Freedom provides some informative lessons on the importance of a capable logistics fleet. In preparation for the invasion of Iraq, the U.S. military moved over 2 million tons of cargo and equipment. This massive effort began in late 2001 and did not culminate until combat operations began in March of 2003. The long buildup masked the inadequacy of the U.S. military sealift capacity with an estimated 85 percent of all sustainment material transported by civilian vessels. A multi-year logistic buildup across uncontested seas is a luxury the U.S. simply won’t enjoy in the event of conflict in the Indo-Pacific. Our armed forces, particularly the Army, simply lack the logistic capability to effectively project power across the Pacific.” He concluded, “To help address these issues, Congress has given the Navy funding to purchase commercial cargo ships to help bridge the gap until the or- U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman R-Virginia ganic surge fleet can be rebuilt to meet the requirements outlined in the National Defense Strategy. Inexplicably, the Department of Defense has not purchased a single commercial vessel and still doesn’t have even a plan to reconstitute the logistics fleet. Our national security is founded on an ability to project power and maintain our forces around the globe. A capable logistics force is the foundation of power projection and we neglect it at our own peril.” Seafarers’ Jobs Secure as Rand Logistics Completes American Steamship Company Purchase SIU members employed by American Steamship Company (ASC) are working under the terms of a contract extension following the company’s recent acquisition by Rand Logistics, Inc. A union negotiating committee (which includes six rank-andfile members) has started bargaining with the new owner. “We are optimistic about the eventual outcome of negotiations, and are very confident about the job security of SIU members sailing with ASC,” stated SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. “Despite the ownership change, things are basically business as usual.” Rand finalized the purchase in midMay, acquiring ASC from GATX Corporation. Rand is part of American Industrial Partners, and provides dry bulk shipping services throughout the Great Lakes region. “The combination of Rand and ASC moves almost 50 million tons annually of dry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal and limestone on vessels ranging in size from 634 feet to over 1,000 feet,” Rand announced in a news release. “The combined company’s diverse fleet will offer customers unprecedented flexibility through its integrated transportation network and range of vessel options.” “This transaction is a game-changer for both Rand and our customers. Our combined 24-vessel fleet gives us the capability to meet almost every type of dry bulk transportation need on the Great Lakes,” said Peter Coxon, chief executive officer of Rand. “ASC brings a rich history, superior assets, a safe and efficient operation, and a great team which complement our operations and will benefit our customers in so many tangible ways, such as increased overall transportation capacity through fleet synergies and greater number of loading opportunities. Our vendors will also benefit from the consolidation of tens of millions of dollars of operating and capital spending each year.” “ASC is thrilled to be a part of the creation of a truly unique company with the scale and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of the Great Lakes region,” said David Foster, president of American Steamship Company.  “ASC brings new asset classes to the combined company along with the efficient, highly qualified crews and shoreside personnel that operate them, all making the combined company one of the premier marine transportation companies in North America.” Meanwhile, the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) in early July reported that shipments of iron ore on the Great Lakes totaled 4 million tons in June, a decrease of 29.9 percent from 2019. Shipments were 29.7 percent below the month’s five-year average. Year-to-date, the iron ore trade stood at 17.2 million tons, 14.9 percent below the previous year’s total of 20.2 million tons. Iron shipments were below their five-year average by 13.4 percent for the first half of the year. The Lakes sailing season began in late March, around the same time much of the country was implementing stay-at-home guidelines and other steps to slow the spread of COVID-19. Lakes vessels, many of them crewed by SIU members, carry (among other cargoes) iron ore for steel, stone and cement for construction, grain, coal, sand, and salt. Seafarers LOG 5 7/21/20 2:25 PM �Secretary-Treasurer Sends Important Message To Seafarers Concerning Upcoming SIU Election Editor’s note: This article was posted on the SIU website on June 24 and also was promoted via the union’s text-alert service and on social media. Some of the information previously was published in the Seafarers LOG. As you probably know, 2020 is an election year for the SIU. Due to the pandemic, the union has relaxed a requirement to run for office. Specifically, and, as you may have seen in prior communications, the union’s executive board has approved lenience for prospective candidates who are unable to pay their dues on time for the second and/or third quarters of this year because of the pandemic. On the latter point, our constitution specifies that candidates must have been in continuous good standing for at least three years (12 calendar quarters) immediately prior to the nomination period (which is July 15-August 15). Per executive board action, any candidate who was in good standing for at least 10 consecutive quarters as of the end of the first quarter of 2020 will not be precluded from nomination because of late dues payments in the second or third quarters this year. While not required to do so, we encourage members to use certified or registered mail to submit your nominations/credentials. If you use regular/traditional mail, please follow up with my office to verify that we have received your submission, as mail deliveries have been delayed at times during this pandemic. Additionally, there are sea-time requirements for nominees (100 days in the deep sea division during the period between January 1, 2020 and the date nominations begin [July 15, 2020] or 65 days in the inland or Great Lakes divisions). If someone wants to run for office but cannot meet those requirements due to circumstances related to COVID-19, you are encouraged to nominate yourself anyway. The credentials committee will review each case and may relax the requirements. Note that you must have been registered to ship during the relevant time period and be able to show that you were not able to accumulate sufficient sea time because crew changes were limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, during our election years, my July membership report normally features the details of our nominations, procedures, etc. Since our July 2020 meetings are cancelled due to the pandemic, I am including that information here. Nominations For Of ficers, Assistant Vice Presidents, and Port Agents In accordance with the provisions of Article XIII, Section 1, of our Constitution, letters of nominations must reach Headquarters between July 15 and August 15, 2020. Following are the constitutional provisions regarding nominations: Article XIII, Section 1 – Nominations Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President or Port Agent by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or SIU Absentee-Ballot Procedures Editor’s note: The union’s executive board is constantly reviewing the latest developments with the pandemic and how it affects shipping. Modifications already have been made in order to promote maximum participation in the SIU election. If any changes are made to the absentee-ballot procedures, they will be announced in print and online, and again will be aimed at facilitating utmost rank-and-file involvement. Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2020 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2020. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2020. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2020 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2021. sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the SecretaryTreasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position being sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: “I hereby certify that during the past thirteen (13) years I have not been convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from a conviction for robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit such crimes. In addition, I certify that I support the Constitution of the United States of America, its institutions and form of government.” Dated Signature of Member Book No. Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of the Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter’s request. Lastly, information about the balloting process, including absentee ballots, will be forthcoming. Fraternally submitted, David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Welcome Ashore in Tacoma Scholarships Slated for Award in Near Future The 2020 edition of the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan’s (SHPB) annual Scholarship Program has been postponed because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, but grants are scheduled to be awarded this summer. According to Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, the program’s deadline – which in years past was April 15 – in June was extended until July 15. She added that members of the program’s selection committee, due to concerns about COVID-19, postponed their meeting that’s usually held in May, opting instead to convene around 6 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 6 August 14. Despite the former delay, scholarships totaling $132,000 will still be awarded to eight individuals (three active Seafarers and five dependents) deemed most deserving by the committee. Once selected, these individuals will be awarded scholarships of $6,000 or $20,000 apiece to pursue two- and four-year degrees, respectively, at accredited community colleges, vocational schools, colleges or universities. Award recipients will be announced in a future edition of the Seafarers LOG. Recertified Steward Steve Dickson (left) picks up his first pension check outside the hiring hall. The longtime Seafarer is pictured with SIU Safety Director Ben Anderson. August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Absentee Voting Has Deep Roots in U.S. History While it might be making recent headlines, there’s very little about absentee voting that is new. According to the Constitutional Accountability Center, “One of the earliest known instances of absentee voting occurred during the American Revolution. In December 1775, a group of soldiers from the Continental Army sent a letter back to their town asking if their votes could be counted in a local election. And at the town meeting held to discuss the issue, the town agreed to count the votes, ‘as if the men were present themselves.’” During the War of 1812, Pennsylvania allowed soldiers to cast absentee ballots if they were stationed more than two miles from their home. After the end of the Civil War, the states gradually passed new laws to expand absentee voting to civilians. Between 1911 and 1924, 45 of the 48 states adopted some kind of absentee voting. By World War II, every state let soldiers vote absentee, and the military was responsible for about 3.2 million absentee ballots cast, nearly seven percent of the total electorate in the 1944 presidential election. For a more recent example, in the 2016 election, about 24 percent of all ballots were cast in the mail, according to the federal Election Assistance Commission. As of press time, 34 states (plus D.C.) offer “no-excuse” absentee ballots, and will mail residents an early ballot upon request: Alaska, Arizona, California, Col- orado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Requests for an absentee ballot may be made online by visiting absentee.vote.org, and filling out a short request form. Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon, Utah and Washington already send ballots to all eligible SIU Crew, Coast Guard Rescue 3 Sailors The Mahi Mahi, operated by SIU-contracted Matson and partially crewed by Seafarers, worked with the Coast Guard to rescue three stranded mariners from a doomed trimaran in the Pacific Ocean on July 8. The SIU crew aboard the Mahi Mahi included Recertified Chief Steward Gregory Broyles, Chief Cook Carmelo Bartolome Dela Cruz and ACU Kevin Robinson. The 50-foot trimaran Third Try, which was on a non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, had not reported in for a few days. On the morning of July 7, the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) issued a SAFETYNET broadcast notifying merchant vessels in the region of the situation, and the Mahi Mahi agreed to divert and travel along the Third Try’s suspected route. At 3 p.m. on July 7, watchstanders at the JRCC received an alert from an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to the Third Try. The SAFETYNET broadcast was updated with the new location, and the Coast Guard launched an HC-130 Hercules aircrew with a life raft aboard in response. They also notified the Mahi Mahi of the new location. The aircrew located the damaged vessel and determined that the sailors needed to be rescued. Early on July 8, the Mahi Mahi arrived on station, 825 miles northeast of Oahu, and rescued the three men from the trimaran. “One of our greatest challenges out here in the Pacific is distance,” said Lt. Diane French, a JRCC command duty officer. “First responders are often days away and we regularly rely on merchant vessel crews like the Mahi Mahi’s to assist with search and rescue cases. We are always grateful for their help.” Family Tradition SA Ahmed Korish (right) receives his B-book at the Algonac, Michigan, hiring hall. At left is his father, AB Omar Korish. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 7 voters, so residents do not need to request one. All states permit residents who will be outside their home county to vote absentee, as well as voters with an illness or disability. Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia also offer the option to elderly voters. TWICs May Be Used to Obtain ‘TSA PreCheck’ The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on July 8 announced a potential benefit of carrying a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). The agency indicated that all active TWIC holders as well as Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) holders who are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or lawful permanent residents are immediately eligible for TSA “PreCheck,” which can considerably shorten waiting times in airport lines. “This new benefit immediately allows nearly 3.5 million individuals to obtain TSA PreCheck at no additional cost beyond what they have already paid for their credentials,” said TSA Executive Assistant Administrator for Operations Support Stacey Fitzmaurice. As noted in a news release from the agency, TWIC and HME holders “have already paid for, and successfully completed, a security threat assessment comparable to the TSA PreCheck security threat assessment.” A TWIC is required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act for workers who need access to secure areas of the nation’s maritime facilities and vessels. The HME program is for individuals seeking to obtain, renew or transfer an HME on a stateissued commercial driver’s license (CDL), allowing them to transport hazardous materials in commerce. TWIC and HME holders can obtain TSA PreCheck expedited screening by entering the identification numbers printed on their TWIC card or state-issued CDL during the airline reservation process. Active TWIC holders enter their TWIC credential identification number (CIN) in the known traveler number (KTN) field of their airline reservation. The CIN is printed on the back of each TWIC in the lower left-hand corner. According to the release, “TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program offered by TSA that allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their food and 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carryon, in select TSA airport checkpoint screening lanes. More than 200 airports participate in TSA PreCheck nationwide and dozens of airlines participate in the popular program.” More information is linked in a July 8 news post on the SIU website and on the TSA website (www. tsa.gov). Seafarers LOG 7 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Stay Connected We are relying on our devices more than ever. Now is the time to save on the monthly service charge for eligible wireless plans, take advantage of additional savings on select accessories, and get up to $45 waived activation and upgrade fees. Discover more exclusive wireless savings for union members at unionplus.org/att FREE COLLEGE CREDIT CARDS FLOWERS & GIFTS MORTGAGE PROGRAM Learn more at unionplus.org 8/20 3 15% ON THE MONTHLY SERVICE CHARGE of QUALIFIED WIRELESS PLANS: Available only to current members of qualified AFL-CIO member unions, other authorized individuals associated with eligible unions and other sponsoring organizations with a qualifying agreement. Must provide acceptable proof of union membership such as a membership card from your local union, a pay stub showing dues deduction or the Union Plus Member Discount Card and subscribe to service under an individual account for which the member is personally liable. Offer contingent upon in-store verification of union member status. Discount subject to agreement between Union Privilege and AT&T and may be interrupted, changed or discontinued without notice. Discount applies only to recurring monthly service charge of qualified voice and data plans, not overages. Not available with unlimited voice or unlimited data plans. For Family Talk, applies only to primary line. For all Mobile Share plans, applies only to monthly plan charge of plans with 1GB or more, not to additional monthly device access charges. Additional restrictions apply. May take up to 2 bill cycles after eligibility confirmed and will not apply to prior charges. Applied after application of any available credit. May not be combined with other service discounts. Visit unionplus.org/att or contact AT&T at 866-499-8008 for details. SIU-ATT-6-29-2020 8 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 8 August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Historian Recalls SIU in WWII Continued from Page 20 though there was not the least hurry about delivery for their cargoes of war. Beauregard Takes the ‘Road’ Captain William Patterson and his SIU crew took the Waterman Company’s SS Beauregard out of New York for Halifax on May 1, 1942, joining an eight-knot convoy from there to Hull, England, where the cargo was taken out and the ship re-loaded with tanks and other equipment for which the Russians were said to be in desperate and urgent need. By September, the Beauregard was in Lock Ewe, Scotland. Then to Glasgow for some repairs. After that to Belfast, where the crew were surprised to meet 12 other ships of the original group with which they had left the States. To Russia now? Not at all, for the dispatch of ships in those days was not so simple as all that. It was now the middle of October, and during the next eight weeks the tired old Beauregard was sent, in turn, to Kirkwall, The Firth o’ Forth, and Edinburgh, where the outmoded tanks were taken off and replaced with newer models. Sailing for Russia at long last the ship arrived in Murmansk on Christmas Day, and then on for a month the crew sweated out 130 air raids, shooting down one Nazi bomber with a rocket gun. The Beauregard returned to the States just one month short of a year-long trip. Other SIU ships like the Schoharie, and the Gateway City, wasted weeks in cruising between Scotland and Iceland, or laying idle at Reykjavik. The Gateway City rode at her anchor chain for 107 days in Iceland while the crew, who were forbidden to go ashore lest they divulge matters of “military importance” to Axis spies, made skiffs out of dunnage and paddled around to other ships in the harbor, including the Russians. The “Russkies” liked checkers and chess, and the men from the Gateway City answered many challenges from the Russian crewmen (and women). Correction Editor’s note: The July issue of the LOG included a pension write-up with erroneous information. The corrected version follows: Brother Charles Kennedy, 66, joined the union in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Yukon. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Kennedy most recently sailed aboard the Overseas Key West and lives in Mobile, Alabama. August & September Membership Meetings Pandemic permitting, the union plans to resume conducting membership meetings beginning this month. Those attending are reminded to bring face coverings. Safety protocols are in place at the halls and will remain in effect during the meetings. Seafarers are urged to check the SIU website and/or check with their hiring halls to verify that the membership meetings listed here are still happening. Piney Point..............Monday: August 3, *Tuesday: September 8 Algonac.....................................Friday: August 7, September 11 Baltimore..............................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Guam..................................Thursday: August 20, September 24 Honolulu................................Friday: August 14, September 18 Houston......................................Monday: August 10, September 14 Jacksonville......................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Joliet.....................................Thursday: August 13, September 17 Mobile.............................Wednesday: August 12, September 16 New Orleans............................Tuesday: August 11, September 15 Jersey City...............................Tuesday: August 4, September 8 Norfolk..................................Thursday: August 6, September 10 Oakland.............................Thursday: August 13, September 17 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: August 5, September 9 Port Everglades..................Thursday: August 13, September 17 San Juan............................Thursday: August 6, September 10 St. Louis......................................Friday: August 14, September 18 Tacoma................................Friday: August 21, September 25 Wilmington.....................Monday: August 17, September 21 *Piney Point change due to Labor Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 9 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 17-July 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 15. Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach A All Groups B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Deck Department 18 5 0 22 6 0 8 46 13 4 2 2 0 2 3 0 2 3 2 0 2 1 0 2 2 0 1 3 3 0 20 5 4 15 6 0 10 29 11 9 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 9 2 1 9 2 9 6 4 1 10 19 4 10 6 2 0 4 2 0 4 10 8 0 33 14 8 24 13 5 19 59 25 8 33 17 5 16 16 1 18 53 37 12 27 8 3 12 10 1 16 51 14 5 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 4 0 9 2 2 4 1 2 2 11 2 1 24 13 7 13 12 3 21 40 19 8 12 3 2 11 4 1 6 19 5 2 1 0 2 2 2 1 3 2 1 3 1 2 6 0 1 0 0 4 3 8 7 3 1 7 3 0 4 13 3 0 19 5 3 15 3 2 9 44 7 7 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 2 23 9 3 21 8 3 15 56 17 6 252 94 66 178 96 27 149 476 182 88 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Engine Department 2 1 1 6 0 0 3 5 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 1 2 0 2 4 2 0 5 8 2 3 7 1 3 14 13 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 1 2 0 1 5 1 1 6 2 0 6 2 0 4 8 10 1 11 10 2 9 6 0 3 24 15 2 22 11 0 7 14 0 12 36 21 1 4 8 0 6 3 0 2 12 10 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 6 2 1 0 4 2 0 2 0 1 4 6 1 11 13 0 8 10 2 9 22 23 3 2 5 3 4 2 1 4 9 8 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 2 2 1 2 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 5 1 4 1 1 5 1 0 3 5 1 1 17 3 1 10 6 1 5 28 10 6 0 1 1 2 0 1 1 2 1 0 9 3 2 7 7 0 4 37 10 4 102 79 18 78 67 7 61 225 145 29 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Steward Department 3 2 1 5 1 0 2 11 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 6 0 8 1 0 2 13 7 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 5 1 0 4 1 0 2 6 2 0 8 2 1 5 0 0 3 12 3 1 8 5 1 7 1 1 1 23 12 1 21 9 4 15 3 2 8 36 13 6 5 2 0 6 0 0 4 14 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 5 1 0 5 0 0 1 4 5 0 16 8 1 4 6 1 11 28 19 3 13 4 0 13 2 0 2 27 7 1 3 0 0 2 0 0 2 4 0 0 5 1 0 5 3 0 1 6 4 1 2 2 0 2 3 0 2 4 2 0 7 2 2 7 1 0 6 18 1 3 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 17 6 2 14 6 2 9 28 14 3 131 54 12 104 29 6 57 242 99 22 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Entry Department 0 11 13 0 6 6 8 2 22 19 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 0 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 4 6 0 3 5 3 0 4 5 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 0 1 2 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 0 3 2 0 3 1 2 0 4 5 2 8 4 2 4 3 4 3 15 11 3 20 19 1 13 8 4 6 41 27 3 15 6 1 11 4 2 4 25 4 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 11 20 0 7 16 8 1 21 33 3 7 7 3 5 2 2 5 22 10 1 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 2 3 0 2 4 3 1 2 5 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 8 7 4 4 7 6 2 7 19 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 9 8 4 11 3 3 3 32 22 24 106 99 17 78 64 46 36 220 161 GRAND TOTAL: 509 333 195 377 270 104 313 979 646 300 Seafarers LOG 9 7/20/20 3:18 PM �ABOARD HORIZON PACIFIC – The Sunrise Operations vessel was one of the first SIU-crewed ships to be serviced after restrictions lifted in mid-June. Pictured in Oakland, California, are (above, center) Bosun Richard Grubbs, (above, left) Port Agent Nick Marrone II (left) and AB Ahmed Ahmed, and (photo immediately above, from left) Marrone II, Chief Cook Keith Hall, AB Mariano Gutierrez-Garcia, SA Neil Ball, QEE Jason Powell, Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, Grubbs, OMU Rodolfo Caldo and EU Larry Calixto. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Crew members from both the USNS Capella and USNS Algol are pictured aboard the latter vessel in San Francisco. From left, Chief Steward Dante Cruz, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman, Chief Steward Matthew Caroll, GUDE Mohsin Mohamed, GUDE Mousa Sailan, GUDE Edsel Felipe and QEE Lamar Pinckney. Both vessels are operated by Ocean Duchess. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz is pictured aboard the TOTE Services ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thanks to SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo for the photo. 10 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 10 A-BOOK IN ALGONAC – AB Abdulghafor Ahmed displays his newly acquired A-book July 1 at the hiring hall. ABOARD PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT – Standing (from left) aboard the APL vessel in Oakland, California, are ACU Walter Harris, Chief Cook George Farala and Recertified Steward Sergio Castellanos. SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is in foreground. August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GRAND CANYON STATE – Seafarers meet in Alameda, California, in mid-June as the union resumes vessel servicing. ROS crews from the Gem State and Keystone State joined fellow Seafarers and SIU representatives aboard the Grand Canyon State. All three ships are operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine. The photo above includes SIU Oakland Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, Chief Steward Charlito Aseberos, QEE Jessie Turner, Bosun Georghe Savencu, Bosun John Young, GUDE Yousif Malahi, QEE Sukhbir Bains, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, Chief Steward Abdullah Falah, GUDE Ali Naser, GUDE Douglas Maravelias, GVA Deja Nae Gardener-Johnson, GVA Rodolfo Ludovice, Bosun Michael Carvalho and GVA Ahmed Hussain. ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Vessel master Capt. T. Pham provided these snapshots in June, while the ship was on a Far East run, delivering fuel for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Pictured from left in photo at top left are AB Tomas Calderon Robinson, AB Osei Baffoe, AB Gregory Baker, AB Jessica Kanehl, AB Dean Crisostomo and Bosun Gregorio Cudal. Pictured from left in photo at immediate left are GVA Ibrahim Ghalib, Pumpman Walden Galacgac, QMED Theodore Gonzales and QMED John Morrison. The photo directly above includes (from left) Chief Steward Elizabeth Byrd and Chief Cook Dustin Haney. CELEBRATING DAY OF SEAFARER – The SIU-crewed Safmarine Mafadi (Maersk Line, Limited) receives local acknowledgement in Bremerhaven for the International Maritime Organization’s “Day of the Seafarer” (June 25). This year’s theme was, “Seafarers Are Key Workers.” The related campaign emphasized how mariners are on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing an essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by three members who ship from Baltimore (first three responses) and three who ship from Algonac, Michigan. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some steps you’re taking to remain safe during the pandemic, and why are they important? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joshua Gail AB Our biggest risk as ABs is the gangway watches. We have people coming aboard, dropping off supplies. We set up a station with hand sanitizer, and we provide masks for anyone coming aboard. Most of the time, we meet them off the ship; they don’t even come aboard. We’re also doing questionnaires and we all have our masks. If one of us gets [the virus], the whole ship is getting it. We’re touching the same things all day, so we have to be really mindful. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Devin Hoerr AB I was on the Global Sentinel when the pandemic started. It kind of snowballed while I was out there. It hasn’t been too bad in the area where I live in Pennsylvania, but I’m socially distancing myself in public and limiting the social events I go to. That’s important to stop the spread. I’m wearing a mask when I feel it’s needed – definitely in public, at grocery stores, gas stations. 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 Timothy Van Pelt QMED I just got a job on the SBX, which is an MSC contract. While I was on the ship, we had people doing crew changes, but they went into a 17-day quarantine where they were tested twice. We have plenty of hand sanitizer and temperature checks. Everybody coming aboard had to wear a mask for a week. We just need to follow the simple rules we were taught as kids about keeping our hands clean. In my opinion, it’s imperative that mariners not only take care of themselves during the pandemic and aboard ship, but also off the ship. At work, we live in a medically remote environment. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 Paul Gohs Recertified Bosun Increased hand washing and wearing a mask whenever being out in public. Definitely more sanitation at home and on the ship – wiping things down and keeping them clean. Temperature checks are good, too. In the hall, you’re going to want to follow all those practices. It’s important to reduce exposure and the possibility of infection. You have to protect your family and your fellow Seafarers. You may have [the coronavirus] and not know it, so I wish more people would wear masks. I’m starting to see [mask wearing] drop off here in Michigan. Saleh Ahmed Recertified Bosun I’m keeping distance from friends, staying close to family all the time. Try not to go to any restaurants or anyplace with large gatherings. Wash hands and sanitize all the time, wear the mask. It’s a new thing but we’re taking it step by step. I know a couple of guys who got sick after being at gatherings, and it’s a reminder to avoid things like that. That way nobody will get the virus. Chris Ceyzyk QMED Being on a ship can be one of the safest places in that it’s a quarantined environment. It’s a nice benefit to our job. I’m like everybody else, I wear a mask, social distancing, and try not to face people. In other words, I try to offset myself when I’m talking to someone. I can’t honestly say I always wear a mask, but I try. These steps are important to me because we live in a society that looks out for other people. You’re wearing that mask to look out for other people – older individuals, people with compromised immune systems. That’s important to me. Pic From The Past This undated file photo featuring three late titans was a big hit recently on the SIU’s Facebook page. From left are SIUNA VP Ed Pulver, Paul Hall Center Trainee Commandant Ken Conklin, and SIU Exec. VP Joseph Sacco. SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 12 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA CESAR DELA CRUZ Brother Cesar Dela Cruz, 70, signed on with the SIU in 1985. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Dela Cruz’s first vessel was the Sugar Island; his last, the SBX. He makes his home in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. STEPHEN DINNES Brother Stephen Dinnes, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1975 and first sailed on an Anchorage Tankship vessel. An engine department member, he frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Dinnes last sailed on the OMI Hudson. He resides in Mary Esther, Florida. REGINA FLORES Sister Regina Flores, 70, started her career with the union in 1997, initially sailing aboard the Independence. She upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001 and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. Sister Flores’ final vessel was the Honor. She makes her home in the Bronx, New York. PHILIP PARENT Brother Philip Parent, 70, signed on with the Seafarers in 1985. He was an engine department member and first sailed on the Dewayne Williams. Brother Parent upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez and resides in Incline Village, Nevada. JANET PRICE Sister Janet Price, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1980, initially sailing on the El Paso Southern. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Sister Price most recently sailed on the Diamond State. She makes her home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. SIMEON RIVAS Brother Simeon Rivas, 65, began his career with the union in 1991, first shipping aboard the Independence. He sailed in both the deck and en- August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 13 gine departments. Brother Rivas upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed on the Maersk Atlanta and lives in the Bronx, New York. FRANCIS ROMAN Brother Francis Roman, 58, started sailing with the SIU in 2001 when he shipped on the Kodiak. A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the Cape Douglas. Brother Roman settled in Palm Coast, Florida. WALTER SAINVIL Brother Walter Sainvil, 70, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1999 when he shipped on the Sgt. Matej Kocak. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sainvil most recently sailed aboard the Green Bay. He makes his home in Brandon, Florida. JOHN SILVA Brother John Silva, 65, signed on with the union in 2001 when he sailed aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Silva’s final vessel was the USNS Pathfinder. He resides in St. Petersburg, Florida. EARL THOMAS Brother Earl Thomas, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1998, initially shipping on the USNS Altair. A steward department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Thomas last sailed on the USNS Waters. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia. JAMES TRACEY Brother James Tracey, 60, started his career with the union in 1979, first sailing aboard the Banner. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Tracey most recently shipped on the Endurance and calls Waltham, Massachusetts, home. INLAND CHRISTI CALVERT Sister Christi Calvert, 62, signed on with the union in 1978. She worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for her entire career. Sister Calvert shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She makes her home in San Clemente, California. TIMOTHY COCHRAN Brother Timothy Cochran, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1995. He was first employed with Hvide Marine and sailed in the engine department. Brother Cochran’s final vessel was the Hermes. He resides in Groves, Texas. ALLEN COLE Brother Allen Cole, 62, signed on with the SIU in 2004 when he sailed aboard the Abby G. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Cole concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in Indiantown, Florida. FRANCIS COYLE Brother Francis Coyle, 62, joined the union in 1978. He first shipped with National Marine Service and was a member of the deck department. Brother Coyle upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He was last employed with Interstate Oil and calls Bellmawr, New Jersey, home. JAMES DALEY Brother James Daley, 66, joined the SIU in 1977. A deck department member, he worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Daley upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. EDWARD EHRHARDT Brother Edward Ehrhardt, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1987. He sailed in the engine department and worked for McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Ehrhardt remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He settled in Panama, Florida. LARRY EVANS Brother Larry Evans, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1976. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Evans was employed by G&H Towing for the majority of his career. He lives in Friendswood, Texas. WILLIAM FOLEY Brother William Foley, 64, joined the SIU in 1976, first sailing aboard Westchester Marine’s William. He primarily shipped in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Foley’s final vessel was the Pride. He settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. GENE HUDGINS Brother Gene Hudgins, 62, signed on with the SIU in 1977. He was a member of the deck department and first worked with Steuart Transportation. Brother Hudgins upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. He last worked with STC Little Curtis Company and makes his home in Mathews County, Virginia. duration of his career. Brother Miller lives in Fort Myers, Florida. DAVID STECKEL Brother David Steckel, 65, signed on with the union in 1977 when he worked for Interstate Oil. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Steckel was last employed by McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He resides in Wenonah, New Jersey. JOHN KING PAUL STINGLEN Brother John King, 65, became a member of the union in 1973, initially sailing with H&M Lake Transport. He sailed in the deck department and was last employed by OLS Transport. Brother King resides in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Brother Paul Stinglen, 66, began his career with the SIU in 1974, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Stinglen last sailed with Penn Maritime. He lives in Cape Coral, Florida. MICHAEL LEAGER Brother Michael Leager, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1973 when he worked for Interstate Oil. A deck department member, he continued to work for the same company for the majority of his career. Brother Leager makes his home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. DAVID LEGROW Brother David Legrow, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2007. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Legrow was employed with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He lives in Titusville, Florida. RICHARD LORD Brother Richard Lord, 62, began sailing with the union in 1977. A deck department member, he was first employed by G&H Towing. Brother Lord upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He was most recently employed by OSG Ship Management and settled in Turnersville, New Jersey. WILLIAM MILLER Brother William Miller, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1980. He was a deck department member and worked for Virginia Pilot Corporation for the ELVIS SUMARIA Brother Elvis Sumaria, 56, joined the Seafarers in 2002 when he shipped on the Sugar Island. He worked in the engine department and most recently sailed on the Dodge Island. Brother Sumaria is a Los Angeles resident. MARC TOMUSCHAT Brother Marc Tomuschat, 55, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994, initially sailing with McAllister Towing of Virginia. He shipped in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Tomuschat was most recently employed by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning. He lives in Scarborough, Maine. DONALD WILLIS Brother Donald Willis, 62, began sailing with the union in 1977. A deck department member, he first worked with Allied Transportation. Brother Willis upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed with OSG Ship Management and is a resident of Beaufort, North Carolina. Seafarers LOG 13 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA ALEX ALEXANDER Pensioner Alex Alexander, 91, died May 10. He signed on with the SIU in 1951 and first shipped with Delta Lines. Brother Alexander was a member of the steward department. He concluded his career on the Producer and became a pensioner in 1987. Brother Alexander resided in New Orleans. SANTIAGO ARROYO Pensioner Santiago Arroyo, 102, passed away June 3. He joined the SIU in 1973. A steward department member, Brother Arroyo first sailed aboard the Fairland. He last shipped on the San Pedro before retiring in 1987. Brother Arroyo was a resident of Puerto Rico. PATRICK BISHOP Pensioner Patrick Bishop, 65, died May 23. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1977; his first vessel was the John Tyler. Brother Bishop worked in the engine department. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Juby and became a pensioner in 2020. Brother Bishop made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. HEATH BRYAN Pensioner Heath Bryan, 75, passed away June 20. He began sailing with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Vivian Tankships. Brother Bryan was a steward department member. He last shipped aboard the Seabulk Challenge before going on pension in 2009. Brother Bryan was a resident of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. DAN BUCKLEY Pensioner Dan Buckley, 67, died May 29. He became a member of the union in 1971, initially sailing aboard the Western Hunter. Brother Buckley primarily sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Wave before becoming a pensioner in 2019. Brother Buckley lived in Metairie, Louisiana. the engine department. He last shipped on the Vail and became a pensioner in 2002. Brother Hopkins was a Baltimore resident. SHERWIN JONES Brother Sherwin Jones 37, passed away June 1. He started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2006 when he sailed aboard the USNS Impeccable. Brother Jones was a deck department member and most recently worked for Watco Transloading LLC. He was a resident of Brooklyn, New York. STANLEY LA GRANGE Pensioner Stanley La Grange, 68, died June 6. Signing on with the SIU in 1972, he was first employed by CSX Lines. Brother La Grange was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Green Island and went on pension in 2003. Brother La Grange lived in Houston. MICHAEL LINUS Pensioner Michael Linus, 76, passed away June 14. He started sailing with the union in 1974 and shipped in the steward department. Brother Linus’s first vessel was the President Kennedy; his last, the Tacoma. He retired in 2009 and made his home in Kalispell, Montana. WILFREDO MIRANDA Pensioner Wilfredo Miranda, 81, died April 26. A steward department member, he joined the SIU in 1969 when he shipped aboard the Steel Engine. Brother Miranda’s final vessel was the Expedition. He went on pension in 2003 and was a Puerto Rico resident. KENNETH PINCHIN Pensioner Kenneth Pinchin, 71, passed away June 12. He signed on with the union in 1998 when he shipped aboard the USNS Altair. An engine department member, Brother Pinchin last shipped on the Florida. He retired in 2014 and settled in Pompano Beach, Florida. FRANKLIN ROBERTSON Brother Franklin Robertson, 61, died April 7. Born in Seaboard, North Carolina, he embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978. Brother Robertson first shipped on the Philadelphia and worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Motivator and made his home in Norfolk, Virginia. JAMES SHORT Pensioner James Short, 78, passed away June 10. He was born in Wise, Virginia, and became a member of the SIU in 2001. Brother Short sailed in both the steward and engine departments. His first vessel was the Patriot; his last, the SBX. Brother Short retired in 2013 and called Kirby, Texas, home. GUY WILSON Brother Guy Wilson, 60, died February 29. A deck department member, he joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001. Brother Wilson’s first vessel was the Cape Orlando. He last shipped on the Horizon Pacific and was a resident of Modesto, California. INLAND GUISEPPE BOCCANFUSO Pensioner Guiseppe Boccanfuso, 96, passed away June 12. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Michigan Tankers. Brother Boccanfuso sailed in the steward department. He was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before going on pension in 1997. Brother Boccanfuso resided in Torrance, California. CHARLES BRANCH Pensioner Charles Branch, 80, died March 9. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1962. Brother Branch first worked for G&H Towing. He concluded his career with the same company before retiring in 2001. Brother Branch lived in Shelbyville, Texas. FREDDIE CANTRELL Pensioner Freddie Cantrell, 67, passed away June 15. He began sailing with the union in 1975 when he worked for Allied Transportation. A deck department member, Brother Cantrell was last employed with Penn Maritime. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Greeneville, Tennessee. RICHARD FOLEY Pensioner Richard Foley, 81, died May 25. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and started sailing with the SIU in 2001. Brother Foley first shipped aboard the Cape Jacob and sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career working for Crowley Towing and Transportation and went on pension in 2009. Brother Foley resided in Waco, Texas. FREDERICK SHIFERDEK Pensioner Frederick Shiferdek, 76, passed away June 17. He joined the SIU in 1966 and first sailed with United States Shipping Company. Brother Shiferdek was a deck department member. He last sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before retiring in 2005. Brother Shiferdek was a resident of Yulee, Florida. NMU MAURICE MARTIN Pensioner Maurice Martin, 80, died June 16. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Martin sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Blue Bayou. He called Port Arthur, Texas, home. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Alves, Joseph 88 Bush, Ward 94 Chimeno, Rodolfo 95 Ebanks, Leroy 89 Evora, Joaquim 88 Greenidge, Kenneth 99 James, Robert 77 Johnson, Richard 95 McFarlin, Roderick 77 Medina, Luis 92 Muhammad, Lateef 93 Newman, Trotti 91 Williams, Paul 91 DOD 06/15/2020 06/01/2020 05/15/2020 04/21/2020 02/21/2020 05/22/2020 04/14/2020 06/08/2020 04/29/2020 06/12/2020 06/11/2020 05/25/2020 06/19/2020 Aboard Cape Henry RODWELL FORBES Pensioner Rodwell Forbes, 82, passed away June 19. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001 when he sailed aboard the USNS Capable. Brother Forbes was an engine department member and last shipped on the Energy Enterprise. He retired in 2015 and resided in Metairie, Louisiana. DONALD HOPKINS Pensioner Donald Hopkins, 82, died June 11. He joined the union in 1959, initially working with Paco Tankers. Brother Hopkins sailed in 14 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 14 The FOS crew is pictured in early June, returning to San Francisco after a successful post-repair sea trial. Vessel is operated by Matson. August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), April 14 – Chairman James Joyce, Secretary Christina Mateer, Educational Director Vicente Dunbar Reve, Steward Delegate Quinsha Davis. Crew was commended for a safe voyage. Special thanks given to gangway gang. Soiled linen should be bagged and taken to laundry room as directed by secretary. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to keep documents in order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed text message inquiry regarding health aboard ship. More info to follow. President’s report from latest edition of Seafarers LOG posted in mess hall. Steward department was thanked for excellent Easter meal. Members voiced safety concerns and requested increase in pension. Captain working on Wi-Fi. Next port: Norfolk, Virginia. TAINO (Crowley), May 2 – Chairman Donley Johnson, Secretary Kimberly Strate, Educational Director Jesus Martinez Ortiz, Engine Delegate Angel Cintron. Brief meeting held to discuss restrictions to ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over text message communications from SIU headquarters. Members requested “All Ports” posting on website portals. Crew was praised for outstanding job sanitizing ship. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. AMERICAN PRIDE (Crowley), May 9 – Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Richard Jones, Engine Delegate Marcus Brown, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Members went over ship restrictions and are hopeful for compensation. All is well with crew. Educational director reiterated importance of keeping documents current, particularly dur- 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. ing current COVID-19 pandemic. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read communications and noted the 100th Anniversary of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Members asked for more clarity regarding ship restrictions. Crew requested increase in pension and vacation benefits. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), May 9 – Chairman Anecito Limboy, Secretary Ali Matari, Educational Director Shawn Pantschyschak, Deck Delegate Kirk Willis. Chairman reminded mariners to leave clean rooms and fresh linen for joining crew. He encouraged members to support the SIU and donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). Crew was thanked for garbage separation. Educational director advised members to stay updated about class schedules. Engine delegate reported beef with OT for QMED. Crew requested increase in vacation days as well as faster internet on board. Contract clarifications needed for the roles of electrician and QMED. Next port: Port Elizabeth, New Jersey. CALIFORNIA (Crowley), May 10 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Raymond Lackland, Educational Director Joshua Zelinsky, Deck Delegate Leonard Ajoste, Engine Delegate Alvin Cabahit. Crew received bigger TVs and cable boxes for rooms. Wi-Fi now available. Chairman discussed how to do paperwork and file for vacation during COVID-19 pandemic. Red Circle crew extended through June 30, 2022. Deck delegate reminded members to separate trash in proper containers. Crew read various communications and President’s Report Aboard USNS Brittin Pictured aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel earlier this year in the Middle East are (from left) AB Adolfo Figueroa, AB Clayton Walker and OS Antonio Hamilton. Thanks to Third Mate Matt Thomas (SIU hawsepiper) for the photo. from Seafarers LOG. Members are now able to communicate with family via email and Facetime with improved Wi-Fi. Next port: Long Beach, California. ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), May 10 – Chairman Emmanuel Gazzier, Secretary Robert Seim, Deck Delegate Mark Butler, Engine Delegate Hilario Martinez. Chairman advised members to keep union dues paid. Educational director reminded crew to keep credentials up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read and posted recent information about pandemic. MAGNOLIA STATE (Crowley), May 31 – Chairman Octavio Ruiz, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director David Garrett, Engine Delegate Luis Sepulveda, Steward Delegate Munasser Ahmed. Chairman advised crew to leave clean rooms for relief members. Deck department was thanked for working together to keep ship clean. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed Wi-Fi access aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Crew requested boost in vacation benefits. AMERICAN FREEDOM (Crowley), June 14 – Chairman Joshua Mensah, Secretary Francisco Madsen, Educational Director Felix Garcia, Deck Delegate Ryan Legario, Engine Delegate Daniel Daligcon, Steward Delegate Daniel Mergillano. New mattresses to be ordered. Educational director urged members to upgrade their skills at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school upon its reopening (classes resume in August). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increase in pension while decreasing sea time requirements. Next port: Long Beach, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 15 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training August 24 August 28 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer Deck August 24 September 11 AB to Mate Modules Module dates vary throughout the year. Once accepted, students will be advised of dates. Classes are only open to students in AB to Mate program and modules must be taken in order. Module 3 August 17 August 24 August 31 September 3 September 7 August 21 August 28 September 2 September 4 September 11 Safety Upgrading Courses Basic Training August 24 August 28 Basic Training Revalidation August 17 August 17 August 21 August 21 August 31 August 31 September 4 September 4 September 11 September 11 September 14 September 14 September 18 September 18 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 10 August 14 Government Vessels August 10 August 14 August 24 August 28 Module 4 September 15 September 18 September 21 October 09 October 12 October 16 Module 5 October 19 October 23 October 26 October 30 November 2 November 3 November 4 November 6 November 10 November 20 Module 6 November 23 December 18 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT October 19 November 13 Junior Engineer September 21 November 13 October 26 December 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations September 28 October 23 November 16 December 11 Certified Chief Cook September 7 October 9 October 12 November 13 November 16 December 18 Chief Steward August 3 September 11 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 16 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 8/20 August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #861 – Graduated March 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Aldana, William Borders, Howard Brand, Johnathan Bumgarner, Dennison Forsman, Carter Fuller, Talon-Angie Garces, Aniah Harold, Ramon Hilerio Rosa, Jafet Misla-Mendez, Ehukai W.B. Rawlins, Gabriel Rawls, Kenneth Von Kaenel, Tristan Webber, Anthony Williams, Sarah Wilson and Johnny Young. Apprentice Water Survival Class #862 – Graduated April 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Sarah Awad, Devin Brashear, Richard Diaz, Christopher Emanuel, Michael Garcia, Mynisha George, Caleb Jackson, James Lagroue, Scott Miller, Raymond Murphy, Tanner Page, Alexandra Resto, Luke Satsuma, Mitchell Seman, Yacoub Shack, Kelvin Ivan SotoMelendez, Anoalo Stanley, Michael Taylor and Matthew Vargas. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 17 Seafarers LOG 17 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated March 20: Darryl Brown (above, left) and Willie Smith Jr. Basic Motor Plant – Graduated March 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Mohamed Alghazali, Andrew Blacker and Basheer Ghazali. Government Vessels (Phase 1) – Graduated March 6 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Jessica Davis, Shamir Jameil Ford, Tyler Foster, Austin Jandreau, Taylor Rabb and Chadon Williams Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Government Vessels (Upgraders) – Graduated March 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Francia Helena Alvarez, Annie Bivens, Monserrate Blas Jr., Jackson Blaty, Virnabeth Tomo Cano, Susan Villar Emmons, Ardeccia Hill, Jewel Lamb, Petronio Paragas and Willie Smith Jr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 18 Seafarers LOG 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 18 August 2020 7/20/20 3:18 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Certified Chief Cook (Module 2) – Graduated April 3: Seth Duke Alejandro Alonzo (above, left) and Neyda Oviedo-Bermudez. Chief Cook 2.0 – Graduated March 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Angel Bernardez, Edward English and Shantay Chanell Joquin. Chief Steward 2.0 – Graduated March 6 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Stephen Avallone, Solomon Darku, Shari Hardman and Gregory Lynch. School Adopts, Releases COVID 19-Specific Rules for Students COVID Rules and Regulations 2.0 have been adopted by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. According to officials at the Piney, Point, Maryland-based campus, these new rules, which must be strictly adhered to by all concerned, override any prior rules and regulations until further notice. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the following rules and regulations must be adhered to for your safety, as well as all staff, visitors, guests and contractors safety: 1. Once you arrive on campus and check in, you WILL NOT be permitted to leave base. This includes during exercising (walking, running, riding bikes, etc.) Please pack and prepare for your time at the school, just as if you were going to a ship. If you choose to leave base without prior approval, you will be denied access when returning. Under certain circumstances, you may be allowed to leave base, with PRIOR approval from the Assistant Vice President, for approved clinic runs or similar. Additionally, there will be no store (Walmart/Target) or church runs. 2. When arriving, you must fill out and sign the health questionnaire which will be provided to you upon check-in at the front desk. You will also be shown a campus safety and sanitation video and will be asked to sign a statement indicating that you have seen the video. August 2020 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG_X.indd 19 3. When inside of any buildings and in common areas on campus, you must wear a protective face covering/mask which is secured behind both ears or head. You will not be required to wear face masks when in your hotel room/personal space or outside. Face coverings that are NOT acceptable include; n Bandanas n T-shirts n Any covering with inappropriate art, words, references. In the event you do not have a proper face covering/mask, they will be available for sale in the sea chest. 4. You will be required to adhere to campus wide social distancing guidelines. Maintain at least a 6-foot distance between yourself and other individuals. This includes while on break from class. 5. Students will be permitted to order needed supplies online, and have them delivered to the school address. 6. Be sure you have all needed medications with you, and have enough supply to last you through the extent of your stay on campus. 7. Mooney’s Pub/Port of Call Bar will remain closed due to COVID and renovation until further notice. 8. The Health Spa is open, with restrictions (no more than 10 people at a time). All guidelines must be followed when in the health spa including wearing a mask. 9. The pool will be open with social dis- tancing in place. 10. If at any time you develop symptoms or feel/become sick please report it to a staff member and report to the nurse immediately for further direction. 11. All students’ temperatures will be taken upon arrival to the school and daily in the morning in the classroom. In addition, students are subject to random temperature checks throughout the day. If it is found you have a temperature of 100.4 F or above you may be denied access to the facility and/or class. Please keep in mind you cannot miss more than 10% of any class or you must repeat the class and you will NOT be permitted in class with a fever. NOTE: When a remote temperature gun is being used, any temperature that measures over 99 degrees F will be considered a fever. This will require an additional test and other possible screening. Readings from temperature guns are typically around one degree lower than what would be indicated on a standard oral thermometer. 12. NO spouses, family members or guests will be permitted on campus, at any time. 13. All meal hours will be assigned and strictly adhered to by all students. You WILL NOT be permitted into the galley/cafeteria outside your assigned meal time. The following rules govern student- transportation to and on the Paul Hall Center campus: 1. All students traveling in a school vehicle must wear a protective mask during transport. 2. All students will be subject to temperature checks prior to entering a school vehicle for transport. If it is found that you have a temperature at or above the readings described above, you will be denied transport. Denial of transport is for the safety of all school staff, students and guests. 3. In the event you are denied transport in a school vehicle, you will be provided with an information sheet from the driver. The information sheet will list local testing sites, emergency rooms and hotels for your convenience. 4. If you travel using your personal vehicle, you will be subject to temperature screenings at the front gate. If it is found you have a temperature at or above the readings above, you will be denied access to the campus. 5. In the event you are denied access to the campus, security will provide you with an information sheet containing local testing sites, hotels and emergency rooms for your convenience. 6. In the event you are denied transport or access to campus, please contact the Travel department toll free at 877-7897829 Seafarers LOG 19 7/21/20 2:25 PM �VOLUME 82, NO. 8 AUGUST 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Recalling the Service of WWII Seafarers Editor’s note: This is the fourth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier installments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. This one picks up after a recap of numerous sinkings including that of Waterman’s Afoundria near Haiti, in May 1942. The ship was carrying bombs and beans when it was struck by a torpedo; all hands were saved. It is, unfortunately, impossible in this account even to mention all of the Union’s contracted ships that went down in these tropic waters, but not to be forgotten are some of the “oldtimers” including the Barbara, sunk with considerable loss of life among passengers and crews; the Alcoa Carrier, Alcoa Partner, Edith, Lebore, Alaskan and Antinous. To these ships and the men who sailed them across “U-boat Lake,” in most cases without guns or armed escort, it’s “hail and farewell. Yours was a job well done.” To Malta and Suez October of 1942 was one of the most critical periods of history. Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and his Afrika Korps were less than 60 miles from Alexandria, striking for Suez and domination of the Middle East. They had destroyed 200 tanks, two-thirds of all the 8th Army possessed and victory seemed to be almost theirs. Hard pressed were the desert-hardened fighters of the British Army and its Allies. It looked as though nothing could stop the German panzers from running through Egypt to the Suez Canal. And then the 8th Army stiffened, giving Rommel a stiff right to the chin at Alam El Halfa. Taking a deep breath, they swung hard and hit the Germans with a succession of hard body bows at El Alamein, after which the Afrika Korps turned back and, chased by the “desert rats,” headed pell-mell toward the west across the burning sands. Aid to Desert Rats That the 8th Army accomplished this victory in the face of defeat may well have been made possible by the historic voyage of the SS Seatrain Texas and her SIU crew. This train-carrying freighter had just returned to New York from England in the summer of 1942, when she was rushed to dock and started taking on a load of Sherman tanks which had been diverted from our own armed forces on an emergency order from President Roosevelt. She was ordered to rush the tanks to the British at Suez without so much as an hour’s delay, for two American ships carrying Shermans for the 8th Army had just recently been sunk – their precious cargoes entirely lost beneath the seas. With 180 tanks and 165 Army technicians aboard, the Seatrain Texas left New York as soon as loading was complete, with Capt. Albert Dalzell in command. Hazardous as the ocean lanes were at that period of the war, there was no time to wait for convoys. Proceeding at top speed, the Seatrain Texas zig-zagged through the dangerous Caribbean with guns manned every minute and double lookouts on watch continuously day and night. Then came the precarious dash across the long and lonely South Atlantic, where Nazi raiders were known to be operating. Stopping at Cape Town only long enough for fuel, the Texas coursed along the east coast of Africa to rendezvous with a British corvette, her only escort of the entire voyage, at “torpedo point” off Madagascar. From Ship to Battle Furrowing the warm seas as they speeded north, the two ships passed a convoy which had left the States three weeks before the Texas slipped her hawsers from the Jersey pier, and they arrived at Suez a full seven days ahead of 63272_AUGUST_2K20_LOG.indd 20 Smoke is visible from a merchant ship bombed in an Allied convoy to the Soviet Union in October 1942. The convoy, including SIUcrewed vessels, fought through a four-day attack by German torpedo planes and U-boats to deliver cargo to a Soviet Arctic port. the convoy. Unloading gear was already rigged as the Seatrain Texas came to anchor. Tank drivers of the 8th Army were there to meet her, and as soon as the broad, heavy Shermans hit the shore they were rumbling off toward the fighting fronts not many miles away. Said the Seatrain Lines of this exploit, “It was the men of the Seatrain Texas as well as Montgomery who turned the tide in North Africa.” They helped put Rommel to rout and, perhaps without exaggeration, played an important part in changing the course of history. No better accolade for the ship and her crew could have been given. Theirs had been an historic mission ably fulfilled. Action-packed voyages in the Mediterranean were not unusual for SIU-manned ships, from the time of the Malta convoys till after Italy had surrendered. The Liberty ship Daniel Huger of the Mississippi Shipping Company, for instance, was loaded with 6,000 tons of high octane gasoline in barrels when she was caught in an air raid in Bone, Algeria, in 1943 and hit by a bomb which wounded several gunners and started a fire in the ’tween decks. Battled Gasoline Although the ship threatened to blow up at any minute, with flames from exploding gasolines roaring 300 feet into the air, the crew stayed by their posts till the order came to abandon ship. Later a fire brigade arrived and crewmen volunteered to help the shoreside fire-fighters put out the flames and save ship and cargo. Several of the crew dared death to enter the hold adjacent to the fire and spray foamite over the red-hot bulkheads. When the Alcoa-operated William Wirt was attacked by Nazi bombers in the Mediterranean, the War Shipping Administration later said of its crew that “although it was the first experience in action for the majority of merchant seamen stationed with the guns, they served like seasoned veterans.” The same commendation could be made of many another SIU crew. After the SS Maiden Creek, a C-3 operated by Waterman, was torpedoed near the coast of North Africa in 1944, crewmen returned to the ship when it was seen she wouldn’t sink immediately, and volunteers went below to break out towing hawsers from the after-chain locker. As they were at work below, a second torpedo struck the vessel in the stern, with six sailors losing their lives and 12 others being injured as this SIU crew attempted to save their vessel and its valuable cargo of war supplies. SIU men played an important role in another thrill-packed theater of war, when the SS Robin Locksley of the Seas Shipping Company helped to rush food, gasoline and ammunition to beleaguered Malta, that brave bastion of the middle Mediterranean, which proudly bore the title of the “most bombed spot on earth.” German and Italian airmen had tried futilely to blast this 17-mile long island out of the war with innumerable raids, for Malta had three flying fields and British planes were using them to exact costly tolls from Axis convoys supplying Rommel in North Africa. But for several small and heavily protected Allied convoys that reinforced the island by running the “bomb blockade,” Malta might have fallen and the conquest of Africa been made immensely more costly in men and material. It was on November 17, 1942, that the Robin Locksley, the Bantam (Dutch) and the Denbighshire (Br.) left Port Said for Malta. Importance of the convoy is emphasized by the size of the escort they had: five cruisers and seven large destroyers! The first heavy attack was by seven Junkers 88s, which were driven off by intense ack-ack fire, but three torpedo planes came in soon after and hit the cruiser Arethusa. In this attack the Robin Locksley was given credit for downing one of the torpedo raiders. On the 19th, a flight of 27 Nazi troop-carrying planes bound for Africa made the mistake of passing over the convoy, and long range Beaufighters from Malta which were flying cover for the fleet at the time knocked down four of the transports with their human cargoes. Heavy seas and frequent overcast helped the convoy to reach Malta without loss on November 20, delivering a cargo that helped immeasurably to keep the island fortress in the war. The Robin Locksley and her companion ships skirted subs and bombs to arrive safely back in Port Said. The Russian Run As long as men from World War II still go to sea, there will be told stirring tales of the Russian run – the long, cold, hazardous voyage to Murmansk and the ports of the White Sea. Close to 350 American ships made the run to Russian with bombs, guns, tanks, ammunition, gasoline, beans, bandages, dried eggs, sugar, shoes, grain, and even gin for the big brass. Up to March of 1943, 32 American ships out of 143 setting out for the Barents Sea had been lost. Many of these, and not a few of those lost later, were manned by men of the SIU, for the number of ships crewed by Seafarers on the legendary run to Russia was almost legion. Greatest danger on this northern voyage came when the convoys approached North Cape, the Arctic tip of Scandinavia, which posed the last great hurdle before they reached their destination on the upper rim of the world. Some convoys delivered their cargoes without loss, but most of them saw action from planes, subs, and Nazi surface craft. Added to this were the natural hazards of bitter cold, storms, ice and fog. Nearly every ship setting out for Russia was given a load of explosives to carry: anywhere from several hundred to a thousand tons. It was “sudden death” that could – and more than once did –send ship and crew to kingdom-come in a sudden fearful roar. Seamen in convoy PQ-18, which included the Schoharie, Virginia Dare, William Moultrie, and other SIU ships, will never forget the end of the freighter Mary Luckenbach. Wiped Off the Sea During the heavy air attack, a torpedo bomber either crashed on her deck or dropped its torpedo like a bomb. No one can ever tell exactly what happened, for the vessel was completely obliterated. When the William Moultrie steamed over the spot (she was in column behind the Luckenbach) crewmen could not spot a single bit of wreckage from the unfortunate vessel – not even a board or shattered piece of life raft. The Skipper of the nearby freighter St. Olaf entered in his log that the Mary Luckenbach “flew into a million parts like a giant hand grenade.” Following the famous “Fourth of July” convoy – which was decimated by planes and subs when deserted by its escort – convoy PQ-18 was heavily protected, but still had to fight its way through to the White Sea. Of 40 merchant ships in this convoy,13 were sunk in bitter attacks that included as many as 40 torpedo bombers at one time, and which lasted even to the moment the fleet arrived in Archangel. Sailing the “road to Russia” was frequently quite exasperating to crews whose ships either sat at anchor for weary, uneventful weeks, or went wandering around over the ocean as Continued on Page 9 7/20/20 3:18 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: U.S. SENATOR BACKS JONES ACT SCA HONORS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR INDUSTRY CONTINUES GRAPPLING WITH CHALLENGES SIX MARITIME UNION PRESIDENTS DRAFT, SIGN MESSAGE ADDRESSING COVID-19 ABOARD AT-SEA VESSELS BOSUN SHARES EXPERIENCE COMBATTING CORONAVIRUS MATSON CHRISTENS MATSONIA IN SAN DIEGO U.S. CONGRESSMAN ROB WITTMAN UNDERSCORES NEED FOR STRONG U.S. SEALIFT, REVITALIZED RRF SEAFARERS' JOBS SECURE AS RAND LOGISTICS COMPLETES AMERICAN STEAMPSHIP COMPANY PURCHASE SECRETARY-TREASURER SENDS IMPORTAN MESSAGE TO SEAFARERS CONCERNING UPCOMING SIU ELECTION SIU ABSENTEE-BALLOT PROCEDURES ABSENTEE VOTING HAS DEEP ROOTS IN U.S. HISTORY SIU CREW, COAST GUARD RESCUE 3 SAILORS TWICS MAY BE USED TO OBTAIN 'TSA PRECHECK' Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 1, 2020 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 82, No. 8 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/1292740cd0a1be4e9f7e243c9b47e513.pdf 3ea1aba693f2d2a0e3396b9e5316779b PDF Text Text AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Crews Step Up During Exercise Seafarers from the USNS Bob Hope (photo at left) and USNS Yuma (above) earlier this year did their parts to help ensure the success of Defender-Europe 21, a large-scale exercise involving numerous countries. The Bob Hope (operated by U.S. Marine Management) is pictured in late March in Jacksonville, Florida, in preparation for the exercise (U.S. Army photo by Kimberly Spinner). The Yuma, crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division, is shown in early May in Albania, during the deployment (photo courtesy U.S. Military Sealift Command). Page 7. More Contracts Ratified This has been an exceptionally active year for the union’s contracts department, and that pattern continued with the recent ratifications of three more collective bargaining agreements. New pacts are in place at Matson, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, and Argent Marine. Without exception, the new contracts boost wages and maintain or improve benefits. Pictured above are Seafarers aboard the Matson ship Matsonia (from left): Steward/ Baker Raymond Lackland, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova and ACU J. Recaido. All voted in favor of the new Matson contract. Page 4. Great Grub on Maersk Michigan AB Fernando Haber appears pleased with the July 4 offerings aboard the Maersk Line, Limited, vessel. Additional photos of the crew and holiday spread are on Page 4 (and on the SIU Facebook page). Pandemic Coverage Page 3 SAB Action 484 Page 6 �President’s Report Excellent Opportunities Although the global COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, there’s a lot of discussion about what various workplaces will look like when it’s finally, fully behind us. Employers and employees alike have seen the benefits of telework – and, if they’re being honest, they’ve seen the drawbacks, too. I’m sure there won’t be a one-size-fits-all answer, simply because there are so many variables. Some jobs flat-out require hands-on, in-person work. Others could mostly be done without a traditional office, while many more are somewhere in between. Since I got vaccinated, I’ve taken advantage of several chances to informally chat with workers from outside the maritime industry. Those conversations help me get a real-world feel for how our shipboard jobs compare to Michael Sacco others that are out there. While we’re always striving for improvement, I believe – more strongly than ever – that we’ve got a lot to offer. With very few exceptions, our contracts steadily boost wages and help ensure safe working conditions. Our benefits are secondto-none. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, for instance, processed nearly 11,000 claims for members and dependents in June alone, and those claims were worth millions of dollars. The Seafarers Pension Plan is in fantastic shape, and eligible members can also take advantage of vacation benefits. Best of all in my view, Seafarers can upgrade at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland: the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The school is an open gateway for higher-paying jobs. We fought hard to make the school a reality, and I hope you share my pride in it. Upgrading takes sacrifice, but in the long run it pays off. And I don’t think you can find a similar opportunity in other industries, no matter where you go. Take advantage of the opportunities to increase your knowledge and make more money. Brothers and sisters, that’s a winning formula, and it’s a big part of what the SIU and the school offer. You Delivered The pandemic in some ways may feel like one big blur, but I want to point out that Seafarers delivered throughout this ordeal – and you continue getting the job done today. Going back to when this all started, we haven’t had a single ship lay up due to lack of manpower. On that note, I thank our rank-and-file membership, our port agents, patrolmen and staff, and our area vice presidents and assistant vice presidents. As always, it has taken a total team effort to get the job done. And as always, you’ve come through. Eye-Popping Numbers If you’ve read these columns for any length of time, you know I pick my spots when it comes to tossing out statistics. They can be a little too convenient at times, and context is very important. (You may have heard the very old saying that there are three kinds of lies: lies, darn lies, and statistics.) Nevertheless, this data hits like a sledgehammer, and I don’t think it’s open to misinterpretation. A closely estimated 99.5 percent of all COVID-19-related deaths in the United States occur among unvaccinated people, while 0.5 percent (half of one percent) of COVID deaths occur among vaccinated people. As you let that sink in, consider it part of my monthly plea to anyone who’s able to take the vaccine but hasn’t yet done so. I got vaccinated and I believe the vaccines are safe and effective. They’re essential to our continued ability to deliver. More importantly, they are proven life-savers. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 8 August 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Shipbuilders Honor U.S. Legislators Association Bestows ‘Maritime Leadership Awards’ to Industry Stalwarts Two legislators with long, steady histories of backing the United States maritime industry were honored recently in the nation’s capital. The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national association representing the U.S. shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair industry, on June 17 presented U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) and U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award. According to the association, “The award is given annually to national leaders who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support for the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry.” “The American maritime industry is fortunate to have had Sen. Shelby as a strong advocate in the U.S. Senate throughout his impressive career,” said SCA President Matthew Paxton. “With this award, we recognize Sen. Shelby and his significant contributions and unwavering support for the industry, maritime workers, and the defense sector as he completes his final term.” As the vice chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, Shelby has been instrumental in support for naval shipbuilding as a critical component of the U.S. defense industrial base. He has also been a strong advocate for the domestic maritime industry as a whole, by voicing his support for the positive impact of U.S. shipbuilding on jobs and the economy throughout the country. Shelby stated, “I am honored to receive this award on behalf of the Shipbuilders Council of America. The security of the nation must be our top priority, and the maritime industry is a critical part of our national defense. Our shipbuilders provide significant and essential support in the maintenance and modernization of our naval forces, our Coast Guard, and our commercial industry – creating thousands of good-paying jobs and driving economic growth in the process. I look forward to continuing to prioritize the work of our nation’s shipbuilding industry.” After presenting Garamen- U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) di’s award, Paxton said, “Rep. Garamendi has been a strong champion of the Jones Act and U.S. shipbuilding throughout his entire time in Congress. He understands the breadth of the domestic maritime industry and how the industry’s success is critical to our economic and national security, which can most recently be seen in his efforts to ensure the domestic maritime industry has a leading role in the development of offshore wind.” “I’m honored to receive the 2021 Maritime Leadership Award,” Garamendi said. “Supporting the U.S. maritime industry is critically important for our economy and national security. That’s why I’ve spent my tenure in Congress fighting to end Congressional neglect of our maritime industry by introducing my ‘Energizing American Shipbuilding Act,’ which would recapitalize America’s domestic shipbuilding and maritime industries by requiring increasing percentages of liquified natural gas (LNG) and crude oil exports to be transported on U.S.-built ships. As a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I will always fight to support our vital maritime industry.” Garamendi has been a strong proponent of the nation’s shipyard industrial base and American maritime industry as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and four of its subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transporta- U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) tion. In these roles, he advances his “Make it in America” agenda to create new middle-class jobs and rebuild infrastructure using American materials and workers. His role in developing legislation for the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) helped reaffirm Congressional support for the Jones Act and resulted in significant funds being put into the domestic maritime industry. Garamendi has also been a champion of the defense industry, as well as the country’s veterans and active duty members of the military, during his time serving as the Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, which oversees more than one-third of the Department of Defense’s authorization. Both legislators were given the awards during the SCA annual membership meeting. SCA members “constitute the shipyard industrial base that builds, repairs, maintains and modernizes U.S. Navy ships and craft, U.S. Coast Guard vessels of all sizes, as well as vessels for other U.S. government agencies. In addition, SCA members build, repair and service America’s fleet of commercial vessels,” the association noted. “The Council represents 40 companies that own and operate over 82 shipyards, with facilities on all three U.S. coasts, the Great Lakes, the inland waterways system, Alaska and Hawaii. SCA also represents 87 partner members that provide goods and services to the shipyard industry.” Union Wins Major Arbitration Award The SIU in late June won an arbitration decision that is expected to result in thousands of dollars’ worth of overtime being paid to eligible Seafarers employed by Crowley Maritime and its subsidiaries. New York-based arbitrator Jay Nadelbach on June 25 sided with the union in its efforts to secure compensation for mariners who were restricted to ship in domestic ports at any time from July 12, 2020 through August 25, 2020. It is unknown when payments will begin. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker stated, “I truly believe that this case was nothing more than an honest difference of opinion about interpreting contractual language. It has been obvious throughout the pandemic that the company has the members’ safety and best interests at heart. Nevertheless, I obviously agree with the arbitrator’s decision, and look forward to eligible members being compensated.” As noted both during the March 23 hearing (conducted online) and in the ruling, this grievance proved unique. It centered on a pandemic-induced circumstance that simply hadn’t been considered before last year – namely, that American mariners could be restricted to ship in U.S. ports. Representing the SIU during the hearing were Tricker and, from the union’s legal department, Leslie Tarantola, Stan Dubin and Zachary Chase. The union and the company are in the process of identifying all unlicensed mariners who were aboard the company’s vessels during that specific time, while the vessels were in domestic ports. The union will forward settlement checks to the respective ports where the mariners are registered, for distribution. August 2021 �Health care professionals board a foreign-flag ship near New Haven, Connecticut, earlier this summer to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to crew members who want them. (Photo courtesy Hill Health Center) AB Patricia Placek gets vaccinated while upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland Recent Cases Remind All: Pandemic Not Done CDC Continues Strong Advocacy for COVID-19 Vaccinations Worldwide progress against the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, but the union recently got some unwelcome reminders that it’s definitely not finished. Six Seafarers from the Maersk Montana, two from the Millville (Keystone) and three from the USNS Curtiss (Crow- ley) tested positive for the novel coronavirus while aboard the respective vessels (as did some officers from each ship). All of them bounced back, but three from the Maersk ship had been hospitalized in Bahrain, including two who spent time in the intensive care unit. Perhaps as if to underscore the im- Presidential Encouragement SIU President Michael Sacco addresses Seafarers, apprentices and other attendees July 6 at the membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. He encouraged people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and also stressed the importance of taking advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated school. August 2021 portance of vaccines, four of the five relief crew members sent for the Montana tested negative for COVID-19 before boarding. All had been vaccinated. The lone individual who wasn’t vaccinated, tested positive (and therefore didn’t sign onto the ship). Across the United States, more than 159.3 million people had been fully vaccinated around press time, and nearly 25 million others had received the first dose of a two-shot regimen against the virus. Within the SIU, most (though not all) personnel at union headquarters, the hiring halls and the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, had been fully vaccinated before Independence Day. As previously reported, recently updated rules at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education allow fully vaccinated individuals to leave the base, though numerous safeguards remain in place. The school also continues working with local health agencies to facilitate vaccinations for students and staff who want them. Two other pandemic-related topics dominated recent headlines: the delta variant, and the question about whether vaccine boosters are needed. On July 9, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a joint statement that rules out any current need for booster shots. The statement reads, “The United States is fortunate to have highly effective vaccines that are widely available for those aged 12 and up. People who are fully vaccinated are protected from severe disease and death, including from the variants currently circulating in the country such as Delta. People who are not vaccinated remain at risk. Virtually all COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths are among those who are unvaccinated. We encourage Americans who have not yet been vaccinated to get vaccinated as soon as possible to protect themselves and their community. “Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time,” the statement continued. “FDA, CDC, and NIH (National Institutes of Health) are engaged in a science-based, rigorous process to consider whether or when a booster might be necessary. This process takes into account laboratory data, clinical trial data, and cohort data – which can include data from specific pharmaceutical companies, but does not rely on those data exclusively. We continue to review any new data as it becomes available and will keep the public informed. We are prepared for booster doses if and when the science demonstrates that they are needed.” Also on July 9, the CDC updated its “Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools,” essentially advocating for a return to in-person instruction this fall. In part, the updated guidance reads, “Vaccination is currently the leading public health prevention strategy to end the COVID-19 pandemic. Promoting vaccination can help schools safely return to in-person learning as well as extracurricular activities and sports. Masks should be worn indoors by all individuals (age 2 and older) who are not fully vaccinated. Consistent and correct mask use by people who are not fully vaccinated is especially important indoors and in crowded settings, when physical distancing cannot be maintained.” Moreover, as of mid-July, delta variant of COVID-19 was present in all 50 states and already had become dominant in many parts of the country. It had grown in prevalence by a factor of five in less than one month. “Although we expected the delta variant to become the dominant strain in the United States, this rapid rise is troubling,” CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said during a White House news briefing in early July. Elsewhere, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) continues spearheading efforts to improve vaccine access for mariners around the world. That work has proven successful in the U.S., where at least 20,000 foreign crew members had been vaccinated in 72 American cities as of early July, according to SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section. Seafarers LOG 3 �Three New Contracts Undergo Ratification Seafarers could be forgiven for wondering if there’s a calendar somewhere that lists 2021 as the year of the contract. Three more SIU agreements recently were ratified, on top of a half-dozen that were finalized earlier in the year – and more are on the way. The most recent pacts cover members at Matson Navigation, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning (Crowley ATBs), and Argent Marine, respectively. Matson A new five-year agreement between Matson Navigation and the SIU has been reached. The new contract took effect July 1. Highlights include yearly increases in wages and wage-related items, plus increased pension contributions and a conditional cost-of-living adjustment. In addition, members will receive increases to meal allowances, and gain the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, which occurs on June 19 every year. Representing the SIU on the negotiat- ing committee were Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and Port Agent Nick Marrone II. Also involved in their own respective negotiations were two SIUNAaffiliated unions: the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, represented by President Dave Connolly, and the Marine Firemen’s Union, represented by President/Secretary Treasurer Anthony Poplawski. Intrepid/Crowley ATB SIU boatmen have ratified a new three-year agreement covering more than 250 Seafarers employed by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning aboard company-operated articulated tug and barge units. The contract includes wage gains plus boosts to maternity leave benefits, subsistence and the reimbursement for safety shoes. Modifications to work schedules have been incorporated along with the consolidation of work rules. The agreement maintains Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan medical coverage at the top level (Core Plus), along with pension benefits. The SIU negotiating team included Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, Captain Larry Soulier, Chief Mate Coronado Hickman, AB Chad Cunningham and Engineers Chris Surehoffer and Jimmy Broussard. Russo said, “It was a difficult negotiation, but the committee stood fast and we were able to hammer out a deal that was beneficial to all the members.” Argent Marine The SIU also recently secured a new three-year contract with Argent Marine. The contract, negotiated by SIU Vice Pres- ident of Contracts George Tricker and SIU Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins, includes wage increases all three years, and maintains pension contributions throughout. Hopkins described the bargaining as “tough but successful.” He added, “Any time we can negotiate gains for our members, it is a good thing, and shows the company wants to do right by their employees.” Earlier in the year, the union secured new contracts with Inland Lakes Management, American Steamship Company, Crescent Towing, Seabulk Towing, OSG (inland), and Penn Terminal, among others. Aboard Maersk Michigan The Independence Day spread aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel was a big hit, as reflected by these photos (submitted by vessel master Capt. T. Pham). Visit the SIU Facebook page for additional snapshots. QMED Joshua Bonita, QMED Fontanos Elllison, Capt. T. Pham Tolan is pictured near a Sea-Land ship many years ago (above) and, in the other snapshot, more recently. Industry Pioneer Tolan Dies at 88 David J. Tolan, a longtime Sea-Land executive who helped modernize the American maritime industry, died July 6 in Cary, North Carolina. He was 88. A former mariner, Tolan came ashore in 1957 to work for Alcoa Steamship Co., and became an industry stalwart for decades. His tenure included serving as senior vice president of labor relations at SIU-contracted Sea-Land from 1985 until he retired in 1999 (he subsequently opened a consulting business). Tolan’s other posts with Sea-Land included executive vice president of the Americas Division and vice president of human resources. Tolan also headed up organizations that negotiated key agreements with shipboard and shore-side labor unions, including the U.S. Maritime Alliance, the Carriers Container Council, and the American Maritime Association (which includes companies that are signatory to the SIU’s standard contracts). He is also considered one of the pioneers of containerization. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez worked with Tolan many times. “He was an honest guy,” Tellez said. “He didn’t play games and you always knew where he was coming from. I thought he was fair and he understood that a contract had to be a winwin.” Former Horizon Lines CEO Chuck Raymond told the Journal of Commerce (JOC), “Dave was able to achieve incredible results through his creativity, energy and strong and compassionate understanding of the workplace and the special role laborers played in shipping worldwide.” Tolan received the Admiral of the Ocean Seas award from the United Seamen’s Service in 2000. During the ceremony, he stated, “I’ve been involved with labor at every level for a long time and I have learned that the most important message we can give to the unions is 4 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Gerard Cox, GVA Gene Ajoste that real job security could only come from their ability and willingness to adapt to change.” One online remembrance of Tolan credited him with being “especially influential in building positive longshore labor relations on the East and Gulf Coasts after decades of strife.” A New York City native, Tolan sailed as a deck officer for six years. He graduated from the State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. Anthony Scioscia, who also worked as a senior labor relations official with Sea-Land, told the JOC that Tolan “was instrumental in aligning the union activities to the new container movement, including not just the longshore labor unions, but the seagoing unions as well. His efforts brought the labor movement and management into sync in terms of containerization and in doing so, he was very effective. The unions … might not have agreed with him, but they certainly respected him.” AB Carlos Zapata August 2021 �Trumka Underscores PRO Act’s Benefits The head of America’s largest labor federation recently said it’s time to enact pro-worker legislation that would reshape the country for the better. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, a longtime friend of the SIU, spoke June 29 during an online meeting organized by Jobs With Justice, a workers’ rights organization. He recalled his own experience as a coal miner, and then explained the urgency of passing the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which is the labor movement’s top legislative priority. The U.S. House of Representatives already passed the bill, and President Biden is an outspoken advocate of it. However, support in the Senate has been stuck at slightly less than a majority, and the threat of a filibuster also looms. Trumka said the AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated, believes that “the single best agent for change is the PRO Act. We must pass the PRO Act so that the 60 million workers who want to join a union right now can do so freely and fairly. We also recognize that the majority of working people are women and people of color. And when working people organize, the power of our unity eclipses the differences between us. That’s why passing the PRO Act is not just about rising wages, it’s about racial justice and gender justice, immigrant rights and LGBTQ rights. Collective action and collective power would lift more families and communities to a better life, in urban centers and Appalachia, in big tech and the American south. Like the New Deal and the civil rights movement, the PRO Act will have a multiplying effect, boosting efforts to fight climate change, win racial justice and fix our democracy.” But, he added, the labor movement can’t do it alone. “We need a broader coalition to win – one as big and broad as the hopes and aspirations of the American people,” Trumka stated. “You can’t change America if you don’t change our labor laws…. What we do in these next AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka (left), pictured in a file photo, gave an impassioned speech earlier this summer about the value of the PRO Act. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) utilized one of his recent LOG editorials to strongly back the pro-worker legislation. weeks and months and over the next year may well set the table for decades. And I am absolutely convinced that we have the public’s support, the president’s support and the resources and brainpower in each of our organizations to come together and shock the world.” Despite skepticism about the bill’s prospects, Trumka said he’s optimistic. “Let me say this as clearly as I can,” he de- Aboard Cape Intrepid Pictured aboard the Ocean Duchess vessel during a shipyard activation period (June 25-July 2) in Portland, Oregon, are (from left in each photo) (above) Chief Steward Ingra Maddox, Chief Cook Keesha Holloway and SA Abduljalil Ahmed; (below, left) GVA Ahmed Kassem and OS Malek Ahmed; and (below, right), (a Seafaring selfie) AB Antoinne Kelly, GVA Ahmed Kassem, OS Malek Ahmed and Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa. August 2021 clared. “We passed the PRO Act in the House. The president has urged Congress to send it to his desk. And for that we need 50 votes in the Senate. Fifty real votes. Fifty senators that are not playing procedural games or looking to run out the clock. That’s all we need. It’s written right there in the Constitution plain as day – the Senate runs by a simple majority. “This is not the time for excuses or equivo- cation,” he continued. “We need consistent, relentless forward motion…. Though on any given day we will have targets, this fight has to be a national fight in every state. Though we have a calendar, we must commit to fighting until we win. And we must be ready to lift up those who join us and hold those who stand in our way accountable, no matter which political party they come from.” He reminded attendees that the federation scheduled an action week for late July and encouraged broad participation. Earlier in his speech, Trumka said the collective strength available through unions is what sold him on membership. He saw the benefits of a union contract in his own home and in his community in Pennsylvania. “But in the years since, those rights have been hacked away,” he said. “Workers who try to improve their lives are far too often met with retaliation, intimidation, loss of employment, and the list goes on. And this silencing of working people has profoundly hurt our country and threatened our democracy.” The erosion of workers’ rights that has corresponded with drops in union membership harms America, Trumka said. Such deterioration has led to “wages held down for decades as profits skyrocket, and runaway inequality. Inequality of income, opportunity and most of all, power. Our democracy is hanging on by a thread as private equity billionaires fund legal attacks on voting rights and inspire actual terrorist attacks on our Capitol. “This must change,” he said. “America must build a future based on democracy – political democracy and democracy at work. We must make big, structural change that empowers all working people…. The stakes are as high as they could be: our economic future, our democracy. The PRO Act is the path to a brighter day, a stronger country and a future worthy of our children.” Week Highlights Need for Mariners, Ships In early May, the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) announced it was partnering with the Center for International Maritime Security (CIMSEC) to solicit articles on strategic sealift. These articles were posted online during what was dubbed “Strategic Sealift Week” in late June, and included insights from eight different subject matter experts. They examined different components of the American maritime industry, but concluded – without exception – that U.S. mariners and American-flag bottoms remain crucial to protecting national, economic and homeland security. Salvatore R. Mercogliano focused on the history of the merchant marine, and the importance of civilian crews operating militarily-useful ships. Mercogliano, a former merchant mariner and an adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, pointed out, “Following the Vietnam War, the fleet of troopships and government-owned freighters were largely eliminated, with movement of personnel shifting to aircraft and contracts awarded to American shipping companies to handle cargo. [The Military Sealift Command] also rediscovered an old mission when the oiler Taluga was transferred to their control and the Navy crew replaced by merchant mariners. Civilian crews on Navy supply ships date back to the age of sail, and in the modern Navy to 1899, when the fuel ship USS Alexander received a merchant marine crew. That mode of crewing ended at the start of the First World War. But with the Navy facing personnel issues and the priority to crew warships over auxiliaries, the Navy resurrected this concept. “Over the span of decades, civilian crewing of auxiliaries grew with MSC operating not only shuttle ships – those that provide fuel and supplies from shore facilities – but to station ships providing underway replenishment to strike groups,” he continued. “The first MSC station ship went online in 1991. By the time of the Iraq War in 2003, half of the oilers, store and ammunition station ships supporting strike groups were operated by MSC. In 2010, the last Navy auxiliary transitioned over to civilian merchant marine crews. This change, along with a realignment of missions in the mid-1990s that transferred container operations to U.S. Transportation Command, oriented MSC to more of a Navy fleet support vice cargo mission.” James Caponiti addressed the importance of civilian mariners. Caponiti, a 37-year veteran of the Maritime Administration, said, “The availability of a trained and qualified mariner pool sufficient to support the activation and operation of the U.S. Government’s surge sealift assets is a key element of U.S. strategy and planning. This organic lift includes the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Ready Reserve Force (RRF) which currently numbers 41 ships and the Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) 19 Large MediumSpeed Roll-on Roll-off ships (LMSRs). These vessels are maintained by commercial ship managers in prescribed levels of readiness and outported in reduced operating status (ROS) in commercial berths or in government facilities, available to be activated when crises arise. To promote readi- ness and to enable rapid transition to operational capability, ROS vessels are partially crewed while idle. Once activated and fully crewed, all of these assets, RRF and LMSR alike, fall under MSC’s operational control. The surge sealift capabilities comprised from these vessels enable deployment of combat forces in the early stages of a conflict. Of course, the vessels themselves are essentially useless without trained civilian crews to maintain and operate them. “The government relies on a partnership with U.S.-flag operators and maritime labor organizations to assure access to commercial sealift capability and civilian merchant mariners,” he continued. “The investment also works to ensure the continued viability of both a U.S.-flag fleet engaged in international trade and the pool of seafarers to crew those vessels. Without a viable U.S.-flag commercial fleet, and the American merchant mariners this fleet supports, the United States would be unable to deploy and effectively sustain its military forces on a global basis.” Dan Gouré, Ph.D., a vice president at the public-policy research think tank Lexington Institute, described the importance of recapitalization. “Over the past several decades, the number of hulls in the government-owned portion of the strategic sealift fleet (the RRF and MSC) has declined and those that remain are aging badly,” he explained. “In testimony, the then-MARAD Administrator (Mark) Buzby warned the House Armed Services Committee that the RRF and MSC surge sealift fleets, about half of the total strategic sealift capability available to the military, are aging severely and in need of recapitalization. To underscore the problem, MARAD and MSC conducted a ‘turbo activation’ exercise designed to test their ability to surge for a major contingency in September 2019. Of the 39 vessels that were called on to support the exercise, only 25 were ready for tasking and just 16 were able to operate at the expected level of performance. (Seafarers LOG editor’s note: None of the perceived shortfalls during the activation involved the crews, but instead the vessels themselves.) “This test simulated what is possibly the most serious vulnerability the U.S. military faces in preparing for a highend conflict,” he continued. “The lack of adequate strategic sealift could outright negate the billions of dollars the U.S. military is investing in next-generation platforms and weapons systems. The military will not be able to get these ‘wonder weapons’ to the fight or support them if they are deployed. According to the U.S. Army’s G-4 logistics directorate: ‘Without proactive recapitalization of the Organic Surge Sealift Fleet, the Army will face unacceptable risk in force projection capability beginning in 2024.’” He concluded, “It should seem obvious that the recapitalization of the strategic sealift force should be at the top of the Pentagon’s list of modernization objectives. If DoD truly desired to fully secure its strategic sealift capability, it would actively work to do so by recapitalizing the U.S. sealift fleet with ships designed and built in the United States.” Maj. John Bowser stressed the importance of the nation’s sealift capabilities, citing potential conflict with China. Seafarers LOG 5 �UMWA President Cecil Roberts (left) and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan rally with striking Mine Workers in Alabama USW Local 13-423 Secretary-Treasurer Karla Konning (left) and President Darrell Kyle (center) receive the MTD strike fund donation from Fr. Sinclair Oubre. MTD Stands in Solidarity with Union Strikers The Maritime Trades Department (MTD) recently expressed its support for 1,100 striking Mine Workers (UMWA) in Brookwood, Alabama, who have entered their third month on the picket lines against Warrior Met Coal. The SIU is an affiliate of the MTD, which is a constitutional department of the AFL-CIO. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as MTD president. MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan joined several picket sites, then participated in a solidarity rally on June 23 just west of Birmingham, Alabama. He told the Mine Workers (an MTD affiliate) that the department, its affiliates and its port councils would stand with them until they return to work. In addition to the words and action, the MTD presented UMWA President Cecil Roberts with a check for the strike fund. The miners have been on strike since April 1, seeking better pay and benefits. The UMWA negotiated a contract with Warrior Met five years ago that reduced wages and benefits in order to keep the mines operating when that company took over for bankrupt Walter Energy. The coal is used for steel production in Asia, Europe and South America. The union noted on its website, “While upper management was getting New SAB Allows For Extended Tours As announced during the July membership meetings, the Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) recently took action that extends the maximum tour of duty for A- and B-seniority Seafarers above entry ratings. This step was taken due to ongoing effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Full text of the new regulation follows. SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD Action Number 484 (Setting Specific Parameters for Action 481) WHEREAS, Article IX entitled Shipping Rules, Sections 7. and 9. grant the sole and exclusive authority to administer and/or amend the shipping rules to the Seafarers Appeals Board; and WHEREAS, by prior action the Seafarers Appeals Board has amended the Shipping Rules to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S.-flagged vessels, in particularly Action Number 481 which suspended Shipping Rules 2, 4 and 5 to be in sync with established Coronavirus Precautionary Protocols; and WHEREAS, pursuant to this grant of authority and in accordance with the current state of emergencies declared by the Federal Government and by the majority of U.S. States and taking into account world-wide conditions and emergencies resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic the Seafarers Appeals Board has decided, while adhering to the provisions of Action 481, to implement specific altered tours of duty within suspended Shipping Rules 2, 4 and 5. NOW THEREFORE, with the afore- 6 Seafarers LOG mentioned in mind the Seafarers Appeals Board hereby takes the following additional actions regarding specified “A” Seniority Permanent & Trip Reliefs and “B” Seniority.  Amend Article IX, Rule 2. Shipping Procedure, G. (17.), (a) to provide for the following specific extension of “B” Seniority maximum employment as specified below. (17.) (a) Except as specifically provided for herein or by SAB action, seamen with Class “B” seniority ratings, shipped pursuant to these Rules, may retain such jobs for three hundred and sixty (360) days and shall request a relief before their one hundred and eightieth (180th) day of employment. At the termination of such round trip or on the first opportunity following the three hundred and sixtieth (360th) day on the job, such seamen shall sign off their vessels and the vacant job shall be referred to the Union hiring hall. Such retention may be extended sixty (60) days when mutually agreed to between the Union and the Company. The remainder of this rule shall remain in full force and effect within the alterations of SAB Action 481  Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Preference and Priority, A., (13.) Trip Reliefs and Permeant Ratings to extend the maximum tour of duty for “A” Seniority Seamen. This Action shall not amend the seventy-five (75) day criteria for designation as “Permanent” nor the list of those that may be deemed as permanent. (a) The following specified ratings enumerated in this subsection (a), possessing Class “A” seniority, upon completing a tour of duty aboard a specified vessel of no less, or as close to, seventy-five (75) bonuses, UMWA miners took pay and benefit cuts.” Just a day before Duncan was in Alabama, about one dozen of the strikers marched in front of three hedge fund headquarters along Wall Street in New York City. Dressed in the union’s camouflage logo T-shirts, they were joined on those lines by Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Sara Nelson and Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Applebaum. (Applebaum was returning the solidarity shown by the Alabama UMWA members during the recent effort to organize an Amazon distribution center in nearby days and no more, or as close to, one hundred and eight (180) days, shall be designated as having permanent status for such vessel and shall request a relief of no less, or as close to, forty-five (45) days and no more, or as close to, sixty (60) days depending on the vessel’s schedule of operations, upon the vessel’s arrival at a port in the Continental United States or Puerto Rico or other mutually agreed to port. Subsequent tours aboard the vessel for permanent personnel shall be between seventy-five (75) and one hundred and eighty (180) days duration as agreed by the seaman and the Company at time of their sign-on for each tour. Transportation expenses for the seaman requesting a relief and the seaman providing a relief shall be borne by the Company. The remainder of this rule shall remain in full force and effect within the alterations of SAB Action 481  Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Preference and Priority, A., (13), (r), (2) & (4) Tanker Employment (2) [“A” Seniority] During the specific period of employment their tours of duty shall be scheduled at approximately a two-to-one employment ratio with time on of no less, or as close to seventy-five (75) days and no more, or as close to one hundred and eighty (180) days of employment between periods of time off of no less, or as close to forty-five (45) days and no more, or as close to sixty (60) days of time off. Work schedules may be modified subject to the vessel’s operational necessities, and as mutually agreed to between the Union and the Company. Transportation expenses for the seaman requesting a relief and the seaman providing a relief shall be borne by the Company. (4) Seamen possessing Class “B” employment seniority employed above the Entry Level aboard tanker class vessels in the domestic trades upon mutual consent may request a relief of forty-five (45) days upon completion of no less than ninety (90) days employment. Subsequent tours of duty shall be no less than Bessemer.) UMWA District 20 International Vice President Larry Spencer announced during the rally that talks would resume in July. Meanwhile, 650 United Steelworkers (USW) from Local 13-423 have been walking picket lines since May 1 when ExxonMobil locked them out of its Beaumont, Texas, refinery. The MTD also sent support to the local’s strike fund as the USW is an affiliate. Father Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member who is the Diocesan Director for the Apostleship of the Sea in Beaumont, presented the MTD donation to Local 13423’s officers. ninety (90) days and no more than one hundred and eight (180) days, based on vessel necessity. The remainder of this rule shall remain in full force and effect within the alterations of SAB Action 481  Amend Article IX, Rule 5 Preference and Priority, A., (13), (t), (2) & (4) Freightship Employment (2) [“A” Seniority] During the specific period of employment their tours of duty shall be scheduled at approximately a two-to-one employment ratio with time on of no less, or as close to seventy-five (75) days and no more, or as close to one hundred and eighty(180) days of employment between periods of time off of no less, or as close to forty-five (45) days and no more, or as close to sixty days (60) of time off. Work schedules may be modified subject to the vessel’s operational necessities, and as mutually agreed to between the Union and the Company. Transportation expenses for the seaman requesting a relief and the seaman providing a relief shall be borne by the Company. (4) Seamen possessing Class “B” employment seniority employed above the Entry Level may request a relief of fortyfive (45) days upon completion of no less than ninety (90) days of employment. Such relief will only be provided in a domestic port and subject to the vessel’s operational necessities. Transportation if any shall be borne by the seaman requesting and the seaman providing relief. Subsequent tours of duty shall be no less than ninety (90) days and no more than one hundred and eight (180) days, based on vessel necessity. The remainder of this rule shall remain in full force and effect within the alterations of SAB Action 481 This action will be reviewed every fourteen days and will be kept in place until such time that the parties have determined that the current emergency no longer exists. July 2021 �SIU Crews Help Ensure Success of Military Exercise A pair of SIU-crewed vessels, the USNS Bob Hope and USNS Yuma, played key roles in the recently completed Defender-Europe 21, an annual, large-scale U.S. Army Europe and Africa-led, multinational, joint exercise. Conducted from March through June, Defender-Europe 21 was designed to build strategic and operational readiness and interoperability between U.S. and NATO allies and partners by testing America’s ability to move troops, cargo and vehicles overseas. The exercise involved some 30,000 U.S. troops (members of the National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve included) along with allied and partner forces from 27 nations. The Bob Hope, a large, medium-speed, roll-on, roll-off ship (LMSR) operated by U.S. Marine Management, in early March sailed out of the Pacific northwest before loading in the Ports of Jacksonville, Florida, and Portsmouth, Virginia, on its way across the Atlantic to the Adriatic Sea in Durres, Albania. The vessel’s cargo comprised more than 700 pieces of Army light infantry brigade equipment including Humvees, trucks, and light artillery. The USNS Yuma, an expeditionary fast transport vessel crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, also participated in the exercise. Once the Bob Hope and its cargo arrived in Europe at its predetermined location, crew members aboard the vessel and personnel from several other deployed military units took part in a Joint Logistics Over the Shore Operations (JLOTS) exercise. Such exercises test and hone the Army’s and Navy’s capabilities to conduct ship-to-shore logistics and open a strategic port to support surge forces and equipment. JLOTS maneuvers allow U.S. strategic sealift ships to anchor near coastlines and download combat equipment and forces for transport to shore when existing ports are inadequate or damaged, or if access is denied. JLOTS watercraft can also be used to reposition units and materials within a theater. The Bob Hope prepares to discharge military equipment onto floating platforms during Defender-Europe 21. During this JLOTS exercise, the Bob Hope discharged more than 800 pieces of equipment using Navy floating causeway ferries and Army Logistics Support Vessels to deliver cargo to the shore. Equipment was also transported by the UNSN Yuma and a British roll-on/roll-off ship to Zadar, Croatia, demonstrating distributed logistics as part of the JLOTS exercise. The Navy also used the Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer System to stream fuel from a barge to a tank on shore, the Army’s Fuel System Supply Point. Personnel from the U.S Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) also participated in the JLOTS, and the role they played was vital. Essentially, USTRANSCOM was tasked with assessing the capability and interoperability of the Army and Navy in delivering this critical capability to a geographic combatant commander. “Our ability to integrate the Army and Navy for ship-to-shore logistics is essential, and JLOTS is one way we exercise and improve this capability,” said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, commander of USTRANSCOM, in a command new release on Defender-Europe 21. “We must be ready to respond to crisis on a moment’s notice and project the Joint Force anywhere across the globe.” With 85 percent of U.S. forces based in the United States, nearly 90 percent of military equipment is expected to deploy via sealift in a major conflict. JLOTS exercises test the Joint Force’s ability to move from the U.S. to various locations around the world and open a logistics hub to provide vital supplies, equipment, and forces to support military operations or humanitarian assistance during disaster relief missions. “The strategic significance of exercising a port opening alongside our allies and partners in southeastern Europe and surging forces and equipment onward underscores USTRANSCOM’s mission to provide a large-scale response anywhere in the world, in order to assure our allies, deter our adversaries, and ensure our national leaders always have options,” added Lyons. SIU members aboard the Bob Hope just before, during and just after the exercise period included: Bosun Bryan Hayden; ABs Joseph Eaton, Harsono Saratoga, Rommel Ines Martinez-Arriola and Damon Zschoche; Ordinary Seamen Xavier Brown, Elbert Irvine III and Tomesha Wood; QMED Ryan Palmer, QEE Terrell Cuffee, QE4s Gabriel Freeman and Jason Fuller, Wiper Abdulrehman Shayef, Chief Cook Joseph Huls, ACU Brandy Griffin, SAs Raenell Brewster, Kaberlyn Daniel, and Arkala Williams; SB Kenneth Epps and Storekeeper Joedy Lee. Heartfelt Gift from the Crew of the MV Capt. David I. Lyon While the MV Capt. David I. Lyon (Sealift) was in Palau earlier this summer, the crew chipped in and had a local “storyboard” made for Jeannie Lyon, mother of the vessel’s namesake. The wooden board is 18 by 27 inches and depicts the story of the breadfruit tree. Capt. David Lyon, a logistics officer from Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, was killed in action in Afghanistan Dec. 27, 2013. The ship was named in his memory in January 2015. August 2021 Seafarers LOG 7 �Artist’s rendering (above) of future USNS Robert F. Kennedy. In photo at right, longtime shipyard employee Francisco Medina (right) oversees the ceremonial cut of the first piece of steel for the new ship. (All images courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) Construction Starts on USNS Kennedy New jobs for CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division are on the horizon following the recent start of construction on the USNS Robert F. Kennedy in San Diego. The Kennedy is being built at General Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard, for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). It’s the fourth in a series of six John Lewis-class fleet oilers. The others are the USNS John Lewis, USNS Harvey Milk, USNS Earl Warren, USNS Lucy Stone and USNS Sojourner Truth. Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the 742-feet vessels have a full load displacement of 49,850 tons, with the capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots. Each ship will have accommodations for up to 125 individuals. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the shipyard hosted a hybrid online/in-person ceremony to kick off construction. Francisco Medina, a longtime NASSCO employee, initiated the first cut of steel that will be used to construct the vessel. “Today, we celebrate a time-honored tradition that marks the beginning of production for the ship and to celebrate the life and service of the ship’s namesake Robert F. Kennedy,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “This ship represents the thousands of men and women who have worked hard to make this ship class a success.” Kennedy was a Navy veteran, former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator from New York. “USNS Robert F. Kennedy will provide significant contributions to the fleet, serving as the primary fuel pipeline to refuel ships at sea. The building of the John Lewis-class ships marks an important milestone in enhancing our Navy’s fleet capabilities and providing critical support to our Sailors,” said John Lighthammer, a program manager for the Navy. According to the U.S. Congressional Research Service, “Although the role of fleet oilers might not be considered as glamorous as that of other Navy ships, fleet oilers are critical to the Navy’s ability to operate in forward-deployed areas around the world on a sustained basis. The U.S. Navy’s ability to perform UNREP operations in a safe and efficient manner on a routine basis is a skill that many other navies lack. An absence of fleet oilers would significantly complicate the Navy’s ability to operate at sea on a sustained basis in areas such as the Western Pacific or the Indian Ocean/Persian Gulf region.” The USNS John Lewis was launched earlier this year, while the USNS Harvey Milk and USNS Earl Warren are under construction. General Dynamics NASSCO President Dave Carver joins the ceremony virtually. Spotlight on Mariner Health Hypertension: Know the Risks Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. There are several important considerations about blood pressure that can help individuals avoid related problems. Remember that blood pressure is more than just a number that is written in one’s medical chart. Hypertension is one of the most pressing public health challenges around the world. It is clearly recognized as the biggest contributor to the burden of disease in society today. A person’s blood vessels are like a series of pipes in a home. These pipes/blood vessels deliver needed blood, nutrients, and oxygen to all the organs in the body. If the pressure in the vessels becomes too high, it can damage that vessel or what it connects to – such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Blood pressure must be controlled to maintain the health of the body and the organs in that body. High blood pressure is a big deal! Blood pressure tends to increase as people age. It rarely causes any symptoms until it is too late. Keeping a check on one’s blood pressure is key to maintaining his or her overall health. Hypertension affects about 121 million adults in the United States, per the American Heart Association. It is defined as a systolic blood pressure (top number) of 130 or higher or a diastolic pressure (bottom number) of 80 or higher that stays high over a period of time. It is recommended that people who 8 Seafarers LOG have a family history of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, or kidney disease pay very close attention to their blood pressure and follow up with their doctor for any treatments. People can reduce the risk of hypertension by maintaining a healthful body weight, exercising, not smoking, and avoiding stressors. Managing hypertension will protect a person’s brain and reduce the risk of stroke. It also decreases the likelihood of dementia and boosts cognitive function. Limiting one’s fat and sodium intake are very important in a person’s diet. Balancing sodium and potassium intake is crucial to help in the regulation of blood flow through the blood vessels and cells in the body. The DASH or Mediterranean diet offers a healthy balance of nutrients, potassiumrich foods, and low-fat dairy products. Little changes in one’s daily routines can make a big difference in a person’s life. Control body weight, and get some type of exercise daily. Walking will increase heart rate and cardiac output to help nourish the vessels and organs of the body. It also helps to relieve stress. Moreover, smokers have higher blood pressure, on average, than non-smokers. There are many new medications on the market today to help with the control of hypertension. Follow your doctor’s advice and keep appointments so that he or she can monitor you and adjust medications as needed. Stay active and be informed on your blood pressure so that you can be healthy! Healthy Recipe Baked Cod with Coconut Basil Sauce Servings: 25 Main Ingredients 7 1/2 pounds cod fillet 1/4 cup gallic pepper seasoning 1 tablespoon kosher salt 3 tablespoons olive oil Sauce Recipe 1/4 cup garlic, minced fine 3/4 cup onion, small chopped 3/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped 1 quart coconut milk 1/4 cup chili paste 2 tablespoons ginger root, peeled and grated 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1/4 cup green onion, sliced 1/2 cup basil, fresh, chopped To Make Sauce: Preheat sauce pan over medium heat. When several drops of water sprinkled in pan skitter and dissipate, add garlic, onions and peppers. Saute for 3-4 minutes until softened. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, ginger, chili paste, lime juice and salt. Add to pan and cover. Then reduce heat to low and cook sauce for 5-7 minutes. Reduce sauce slightly and thicken. Turn off heat. Add scallions and basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. To Cook The Cod: Cut the cod into 5oz. fillets. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the cod. Season with garlic pepper and kosher salt. Place the seasoned cod into 2” hotel pans. Bake in a 350° F oven for 15 minutes, uncovered. Internal temp. of 145° F. Pour off any excess liquid from the cooked fish. Sauce each fillet with the coconut basil sauce. Serve hot. Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 229 Calories; 12g Fat (46.1% calories from fat); 26g Protein; 5g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 59mg Cholesterol; 435mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 3 1/2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 2 Fat. (Recipe courtesy of Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) August 2021 �Notice from U.S. Coast Guard Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea REC New York Closes Doors for Relocation Regional Exam Center (REC) New York’s historical location in the Battery Park building is undergoing a major renovation that is expected to last a minimum of 12 months. During the renovation, REC New York is being relocated to an alternate office space in lower Manhattan. To affect this move, the REC examination room was closed on Monday, June 28, 2021, and is expected to reopen in the new location on Monday, July 26, 2021. During this closure, mariner applications may still be e-mailed to RECNY@uscg.mil. Mariners seeking to complete examinations during this period should consider testing at another REC. Additional REC locations and application submission information can be found on the National Maritime Center (NMC) website. The new location for REC New York is 201 Varick St., 9th Floor, Suite 904, New York, NY 10014. The NMC will issue additional information and update the NMC website confirming the reopening date, examination room hours, how to schedule an exam, and building access provisions for the new facility. The NMC Customer Service Center remains open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Mariners may reach our call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and IASKNMC@uscg.mil. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. August & September Membership Meetings Piney Point.............Monday: August 2, *Tuesday: September 7 “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 11-July 12. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 12. Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C A Registered on Beach All Groups B C Trip Reliefs 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 3 6 2 1 2 1 1 0 2 0 3 0 1 28 4 1 0 9 0 3 3 19 16 8 1 5 5 1 0 2 4 11 2 9 103 All Groups B C 33 1 5 40 7 19 13 72 66 57 3 13 36 26 9 2 14 39 8 46 509 11 3 0 17 0 4 3 28 35 12 0 4 21 5 2 0 5 14 2 11 177 3 1 0 5 0 5 0 10 8 5 1 0 8 5 1 0 0 7 1 6 66 A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 19 2 5 28 2 13 9 45 33 38 2 8 19 14 3 1 8 24 6 30 309 9 3 0 10 0 4 2 22 19 11 2 3 11 3 1 2 2 10 3 8 125 3 1 0 4 1 3 0 9 8 4 2 0 7 2 0 1 0 3 1 4 53 Deck Department 14 4 2 1 3 0 12 9 1 0 7 4 6 3 25 21 17 15 21 7 4 3 8 5 16 5 9 1 0 1 1 2 3 3 21 6 1 1 22 13 193 104 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 1 4 7 0 4 2 17 18 7 4 3 16 7 3 0 6 15 1 9 129 0 0 0 9 0 2 3 11 11 6 0 2 11 1 0 2 3 4 1 10 76 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 2 3 1 0 1 4 1 1 23 Engine Department 4 1 0 0 1 0 6 4 0 0 3 0 2 1 16 4 16 12 7 3 1 0 1 4 7 4 1 0 1 0 1 3 1 2 8 4 0 0 9 6 85 48 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 11 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 10 14 4 1 1 4 1 0 1 1 8 0 6 57 6 3 5 11 2 7 9 25 33 11 5 3 18 10 3 2 9 25 3 15 205 2 1 0 9 1 4 4 21 15 7 0 2 25 7 1 4 7 10 4 12 136 2 0 0 5 0 2 0 3 4 2 2 1 4 4 1 0 1 3 0 1 35 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 1 0 10 2 7 9 15 17 8 0 0 15 13 2 2 5 9 0 21 141 2 0 0 9 0 3 2 8 12 2 0 3 14 6 0 1 3 2 0 9 76 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Steward Department 2 2 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 2 0 8 1 13 7 16 9 5 3 2 0 2 1 9 6 5 3 4 0 2 1 3 3 10 1 1 0 10 8 98 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 0 0 4 0 0 1 6 17 1 0 2 3 2 2 1 0 3 0 10 54 8 1 2 19 3 9 12 29 39 15 1 4 26 20 1 5 6 13 2 28 243 4 0 1 9 1 3 5 9 15 4 1 3 20 8 0 2 6 3 0 10 104 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 10 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu1 Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 1 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 2 16 9 1 0 2 2 2 3 7 18 19 0 0 8 16 1 2 2 12 0 14 117 6 2 2 3 0 1 0 6 52 8 1 1 14 4 1 22 4 8 1 8 147 Entry Department 1 9 0 1 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 8 0 15 4 8 0 1 0 0 2 11 0 5 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 8 0 0 2 8 12 85 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 38 3 2 1 3 0 1 22 1 8 0 4 89 7 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 15 1 2 0 4 0 1 7 1 5 0 3 49 2 1 0 0 0 2 7 5 5 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 9 0 3 31 15 2 0 3 3 4 5 19 37 20 1 0 16 29 1 2 3 20 0 29 211 12 2 2 5 1 4 7 83 11 1 1 27 8 3 18 4 11 2 14 221 GRAND TOTAL: 595 394 230 135 263 988 628 332 Algonac.........................................Friday: August 6, September 10 Baltimore............................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Guam................................Thursday: August 19, September 23 Honolulu...............................Friday: August 13, September 17 Houston...................................Monday: August 9, September 13 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Joliet.......................................Thursday: August 12, September 16 Mobile...............................Wednesday: August 11, September 15 New Orleans.....................Tuesday: August 10, September 14 Jersey City..............................Tuesday: August 3, September 7 Norfolk...................................Friday: August 6, September 10 Oakland..........................Thursday: August 12, September 16 Philadelphia.......................Wednesday: August 4, September 8 Port Everglades......................Thursday: August 12, September 16 San Juan................................Thursday: August 5, September 9 St. Louis...............................Friday: August 13, September 17 Tacoma.............................Friday: August 20, September 24 Wilmington...............................Monday: August 16, September 20 * Piney Point change due to Labor Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD SPAD Works For You. August 2021 388 284 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU STEPPING UP FOR COMMUNITY – Seafarers in Oakland are participating in a months-long collection and drop-off for Covenant House California, a self-described “non-profit youth homeless shelter that provides sanctuary and support for homeless and trafficked youth, ages 18-24.” Some of the volunteers are pictured at the Oakland hiring hall in late June. The drive runs through August. ABOARD TUG PATRIARCH – Pictured aboard the Crowley boat in Jacksonville, Florida, are (seated, from left) Second Mate Jose LeBron, Chief Engineer Ruben Ortiz, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, (standing) AB Raymond Petterson, Barge Maintenance Peter Bondarenko, AB Ronald Boatwright, Barge Maintenance Owen “Rick” O’Keefe, Chief Mate Angel Ayala and Capt. Charles Williams. ABOARD FREEDOM – Steward department personnel have made extra efforts aboard the TOTE Services ship, including a Father’s Day menu featuring eggs Benedict (above, left), lamb chops, purple cabbage, dinner rolls, jambalaya, double-layer coconut cake and much more. Later in the month, Chief Steward Pauline Crespo (second from left) prepared homemade Shrimp Empanadas. Chief Cook Steve Laubach is pictured second from right, while the remaining photo shows SA Mahfoud Alesfoor. ABOARD GRAND CANYON STATE – Seafarers are pictured aboard the Pacific Gulf Marine vessel July 1 on the West Coast. The ship was decommissioned later in the week. Snapshot includes mariners from the Gem State, Keystone State and Grand Canyon State, as follows (from left): front row, SB Abdullah Falah, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, GVA Ahmed Hussain, GVA Ali Naser, (second row) SIU Safety Director Adrian Fraccarolli, GVA Greg Tojong, QEE Jessie Turner, (third row) Bosun Michael Carvalho, SB Charlito Aseberos, GUDE Emmanuel Nuez, (fourth row) Bosun John Young, SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II, Bosun Gheorghe Savencu and QEE Sukhbir Bains. BOOKWAVES PROJECT CONTINUES – At the San Juan hall in late June, SIU members took action, unloading another Crowley Maritime Corporation container packed with books as part of the ongoing BookWaves operation, a joint effort between the SIU, American Federation of Teachers and Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, among others. In the photo: SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo, Bosun Raul Colon, QMED Edwin Morales, Chief cook Jesus Pacheco, ABM Jorge Corrales, SA Eliezer Estremera, ABW Edwin Pagan Jr., SA Ricardo Ramos, SA Juan Santiago, AB Carlos Diaz and AB Edwin Pagan. SIU TRADITIONS – It’s no exaggeration to say the SIU runs in the family for these gents, pictured in Piney Point, Maryland. From left are Recertified Steward Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez and Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont. Tellez’s and Bonefont’s respective familial predecessors were charter members, while Bam Bam’s son also has joined the union. 10 Seafarers LOG AT SAN JUAN HALL – In photo above, Seafarer Emir Omar Quinones (right) – better known to some as Bam Bam Jr. – displays certificates of completion for certified chief cook along with his registration at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (left) helps with photo op. In the photo below, Seafarer William Munoz (right) proudly displays his full B-book. He is also pictured with Crespo. RECONNECTING WITH RETIREE – The SIU delivers in more ways than one. Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) brings a pension application to former Chief Cook Davie Guyton, who sailed with the union from the early 1990s until 2008. Guyton was at a VA Hospital but was hopeful of an imminent discharge. WITH OSG INLAND CREWS – AB/Tankerman Ed Putro (left) and STOS Daryl Ballance pose for a snapshot with their favorite publication in Philadelphia. OSG inland crews recently ratified a new three-year contract. August 2021 �WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Longtime member Robert Ott (left), who started sailing with the SIU in 1974, is pictured at the Philadelphia hall, receiving his first pension check from SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice. Ott most recently sailed as a QEE, and he also spent time as an instructor in Piney Point. ABOARD LURLINE – Pictured from left aboard the Matson ship in late June following a servicing on the West Coast are ACU Majed Alsunbahi, Chief Cook Richard Walker, Recertified Steward Donald Spangler and SIU Safety Director Adrian Fraccarolli. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINAL – Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman submitted these photos (below and top right) and the following note from the SubCom vessel: “We recently crossed the Equator laying cable and had a shellback ceremony for all the polywogs. There were a lot of them. Fun was had by all after a long mission.” He also commended the steward department for a tasty Independence Day spread. BACK ON RECRUITING TRAIL – More signs of life slowly getting back to normal: SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday (left) recently attended a recruiting event at a San Jacinto College facility in the Houston area. He’s pictured with G&H Inland Captain Chris Bartholmey (Piney Point Class #624). (If you know anyone who’s interested in the apprentice program and/or anyone who already sails and may be interested in joining the union, please direct them to https://mymaritimecareer.org/ SHIPYARD PERIOD – The SIU-crewed Pride of America earlier this year spent time in a shipyard in Portland, Oregon, for routine work. Crew members are pictured next to the NCL America vessel. At press time, it wasn’t known when the ship would resume offering cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. (Thanks to Engine Storekeeper Tanya Awong for the photo.) August 2021 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was answered by Seafarers who were enrolled in the chief cook class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Question: What are some things you like about your job? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Emir Quinones I like feeding people and seeing them happy. The steward department is really the heartbeat of the ship, and that’s what I like the most.. Arielle Collier I like the chance to meet new people and to learn different skills. It’s enjoyable to be around other people and still be independent. I also get to travel for free. Kristine Lacy I enjoy learning, and there’s a lot of learning to do. I also enjoy seeing other countries and meeting many different people. Jenell Jones I have a passion for cooking. Growing up, that was a way to stay out of trouble. Now, it’s also a way to get to travel the world. I recently had a daughter, and I want to give her a better life. This career will enable me to do so. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 Laura Davies I really like the money – if I’m ever having a bad day, I just think about all the money piling up at home. Also, it’s the scenery. I don’t think I will ever get enough pictures of all the incredible sunrises, sunsets and ever-changing cloud formations. Zarya Ward Gaining new life experiences and being able to satisfy other people on the ship – because without us, they don’t eat. JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Kenisha Neal I like the diversity and I like the travel experience. And of course, it’s also a very lucrative business. NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic From The Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 Then-Senator Joe Biden (center) and others endure 95-degree heat and lots of humidity on June 19, 2007, during a pro-worker rally in the nation’s capital. SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (a port agent at that time) is pictured at right, along with students from the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG August 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA KASIM AHMED Brother Kasim Ahmed, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Santa Mariana. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in all three departments. Brother Ahmed’s final vessel was the Indiana Harbor. He is a resident of Palos Hills, Illinois. ROGELIO AGUSTIN Brother Rogelio Agustin, 71, began sailing with the SIU in 2003. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Maersk Alaska. Brother Agustin upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Maersk Kensington and lives in Norwalk, Connecticut. GABRIEL ARHIN Brother Gabriel Arhin, 70, donned the SIU colors in 1996 when he shipped aboard the USNS Capella. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on numerous occasions. Brother Arhin most recently shipped on the Cape Texas. He makes his home in Alief, Texas. ALLAN CONATSER Brother Allan Conatser, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2001, initially sailing on the Lawrence Gianella. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Black Eagle. Brother Conatser lives in Pahrump, Nevada. RICARDO ELLIS Brother Ricardo Ellis, 65, joined the union in 1984 when he sailed with Orgulf Transport. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ellis most recently shipped aboard the Pennsylvania and settled in the Bronx, New York. August 2021 PATRICIA GERAS Sister Patricia Geras, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1994, initially shipping aboard the Independence. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Sister Geras last sailed on the National Glory and resides in Clifton, Colorado. ANTHONY HULSEY Brother Anthony Hulsey, 64, started his career with the Seafarers in 2001 and first shipped aboard the Tonsina. He sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the Overseas Martinez. Brother Hulsey lives in Springfield, Oregon. RAFAEL IRIZARRY Brother Rafael Irizarry, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2001. He initially sailed aboard the Maersk Vermont and was a steward department member. Brother Irizarry upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Safmarine Ngami and is a resident of the Bronx, New York. ment member and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1978. Brother Seratt’s first vessel was the Long Lines; his last, the Overseas Boston. He lives in Trout Creek, Montana. JOSE PAQUITO VALENTON Brother Jose Paquito Valenton, 66, began his career with the SIU in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha. He was a member of the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Global Sentinel. Brother Valenton resides in Elk Grove, California. STEVEN WASCH Brother Steven Wasch, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991. He first sailed on the USNS Wilkes and primarily sailed in the steward department. Brother Wasch upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career on the Overseas Los Angeles and lives in Redding, California. GREAT LAKES JAMES MAY Brother James May, 72, joined the SIU in 2010 when he sailed on the Pride of America. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hal Center on multiple occasions. Brother May last shipped on the Independence and makes his home in Pensacola, Florida. ROBERT OTT Brother Robert Ott, 65, signed on with the union in 1974, initially shipping on the Jacksonville. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center (in addition to teaching there). Brother Ott last shipped aboard the Cape Mohican. He calls Woodbury Heights, New Jersey, home. ROBERT SERATT Brother Robert Seratt, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1975. He was a deck depart- CLAYTON CHURCH Brother Clayton Church, 68, joined the Seafarers in 1978. He initially shipped on the John Boland and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Church’s final vessel was the St. Clair. He resides in Lenoir, North Carolina. ERIC JOHNSON Brother Eric Johnson, 76, signed on with the union in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Detroit Princess. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Johnson was most recently employed by Great Lakes Towing. He calls Sylvania, Ohio, home. WAYNE ROBITAILLE Brother Wayne Robitaille, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1998. He was employed with Upper Lakes Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Robitaille lives in Gladstone, Michigan. INLAND CRAIG AMACKER Brother Craig Amacker, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994. A deck department member, he was employed by Westbank Riverboat Services for the duration of his career. Brother Amacker makes his home in Madisonville, Louisiana. JOSEPH BLANKS Brother Joseph Blanks, 63, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1977 when he sailed aboard a Hudson Waterways boat. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Blanks was last employed by American Marine. He resides in Oceanside, California. MILBURN BUCKLER Brother Milburn Buckler, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1995. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. Brother Buckler worked for the Association of Maryland Pilots for his entire career. He resides in Lusby, Maryland. Initially working for National Marine Services, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Fowler was last employed by Port City Marine Services. He lives in Courtland, Mississippi. JOHN HITCHCOCK Brother John Hitchcock, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1990. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1997. Brother Hitchcock worked for Moran Towing of Maryland for the duration of his career. He calls Seward, Alaska, home. STEPHEN KIDD Brother Stephen Kidd 63, donned the SIU colors in 1978, first working for Interstate Oil. He sailed in the deck department and was last employed by OSG Ship Management. Brother Kidd makes his home in Bridgeton, New Jersey. WILLIAM KILLIAN Brother William Killian, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1975 when he worked with Steuart Transportation. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1978 and primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Killian last worked for Mariner Towing. He is a resident of Bristol, Rhode Island. DOMINIC LASENNA Brother Elijah Collins, 66, signed on with the union in 1998 and first sailed with Penn Maritime. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1999. Brother Collins was last employed by Harley Marine. He makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Dominic Lasenna, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1978, initially working for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Lasenna was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. NATHAN ELDRIDGE RICHARD PITRE Brother Nathan Eldridge, 57, joined the SIU in 1983. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Brother Eldridge most recently worked on the Liberty Island and resides in Moss Point, Mississippi. Brother Richard Pitre, 69, signed on with the Seafarers in 1970. He worked with Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother Pitre lives in Kissimmee, Florida. ELIJAH COLLINS WILLIAM FOWLER Brother William Fowler, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1975. ARNAZ STAMPLEY Brother Arnaz Stampley, 62, began his career with the union in 1986. He was a member of the deck department and was first employed by Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Stampley last worked with Martin Marietta. He is a New Orleans resident. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA THOMAS BONNER Pensioner Thomas Bonner, 88, died May 31. He became a member of the SIU in 1952, initially sailing aboard the Alcoa Pegasus. Brother Bonner was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Eugene A. Obregon before retiring in 1992. Brother Bonner made his home in Eight Mile, Alabama. FLAVIO CASTILLO Brother Flavio Castillo, 64, passed away December 26. Born in Honduras, he joined the Seafarers in 1990. Brother Castillo’s first vessel was the Independence and he sailed in all three departments. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Wisconsin and lived in Houston. DANIEL ECKERT Pensioner Daniel Eckert, 70, died April 9. He signed on with the union in 1978 and was a deck department member. Brother Eckert first shipped on the Overseas Aleutian. He last sailed on the Achiever and went on pension in 2015. Brother Eckert was a resident of Webster, Texas. JOHN GALLAGHER Pensioner John Gallagher, 97, passed away May 26. He began his career with the SIU in 1951. Brother Gallagher’s first vessel was the Walker D. Hines. He sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the USNS Regulus. Brother Gallagher became a pensioner in 1991 and resided in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. ORLANDO GONZALEZ Pensioner Orlando Gonzalez, 93, died May 22. He started shipping with the SIU in 1959 when he sailed on the Corsair. An engine department member, Brother Gonzalez concluded his career on the Discovery. He retired in 1992 and lived in New Orleans. KAYED HRBY Pensioner Kayed Hrby, 78, passed away December 15. He joined the SIU in 1967 when he sailed with 14 Seafarers LOG Isthmian Lines. Brother Hrby sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the Overseas Juneau and retired in 2007. Brother Hrby lived in the Bronx, New York. was an engine department member and last worked aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He went on pension in 2015 and resided in Lakewood, Washington. OREN PARKER JEROME KEBBELL Pensioner Jerome Kebbell, 77, died June 19. Sailing in the steward department, he began his career with the SIU in 1990 when he shipped on the USNS Stalwart. Brother Kebbell’s final vessel was the USNS Bold. He became a pensioner in 2008 and resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. JAMES KEITH Pensioner James Keith, 68, passed away June 14. He donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he sailed on the Overseas Ohio. Brother Keith primarily sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Bellatrix. He retired in 2018 and was a New Orleans resident. FORTAN MARTINEZ Pensioner Fortan Martinez, 67, died June 8. He joined the Seafarers in 1992, initially shipping on the Independence. Brother Martinez sailed in all three departments and most recently shipped on the Ocean Crescent. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Houston. JOSE MARTINEZ Brother Jose Martinez, 40, has passed away. He started his career with the SIU in 2007 when he sailed aboard the President Adams. Brother Martinez worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last shipped on the Maersk Hartford and resided in Honduras. LAWRENCE MILLER Pensioner Lawrence Miller, 73, died May 22. Signing on with the union in 2005, he first sailed on the Pride of America. Brother Miller Pensioner Oren Parker, 85, passed away June 4. He began shipping with the SIU in 1993 when he sailed aboard the USNS Regulus. Brother Parker was a steward department member. He retired in 2006 after concluding his career on the Liberty Glory. Brother Parker lived in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. ROGER PHILLIPS Pensioner Roger Phillips, 75, died May 16. He donned the SIU colors in 2000 and initially sailed aboard the Global Sentinel. Brother Phillips sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Ocean Atlas. He went on pension in 2011 and was a resident of Rosenburg, Texas. PHILEMON QUITORIANO Pensioner Philemon Quitoriano, 69, passed away June 15. He was a deck department member and joined the SIU in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Quitoriano’s final vessel was the Horizon Reliance. He became a pensioner in 2020 and made his home in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. and lived in Smithfield, Virginia. SANTOS VELASQUEZ RUIZ Brother Santos Velasquez Ruiz, 56, died February 25. He began his career with the SIU in 2020 and initially sailed on the Green Ridge. Brother Velasquez Ruiz was a member of the deck department and most recently sailed on the Patriot. He resided in Kenner, Louisiana. MARTIN ZEIDENBERG Pensioner Martin Zeidenberg, 71, passed away January 11. He signed on with the union in 2001 and first worked on the Patriot. Brother Zeidenberg sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Horizon Reliance. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and made his home in the Philippines. GREAT LAKES JAMES SORENSON Pensioner James Sorenson, 66, died June 5. He signed on with the union in 1973 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Sorenson shipped with Arnold Transit for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2013 and was a resident of St. Ignace, Michigan. Pensioner Jeffrey Lee, 66, died May 30. He began sailing with the union in 1977, initially working with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. A deck department member, Brother Lee continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2016 and lived in Cypress, California. RAYMOND MCMULLEN Pensioner Raymond McMullen, 94, passed away June 4. He joined the union in 1961 when he sailed with P.F. Martin. Brother McMullen was last employed by McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He retired in 1986 and settled in Woodbury, New Jersey. DONALD OAKLEY Pensioner Donald Oakley, 71, died May 5. He signed on with the SIU in 1972, initially working for Steuart Transportation. Brother Oakley sailed in the deck department. He was last employed by STC Little Curtis and retired in 2011. Brother Oakley was a resident of Bartow, Florida. NMU EDWARD BALAJEWSKI Pensioner Edward Balajewski, 94, passed away February 20. He signed on with the SIU in 1966 when he was employed by Meyle Towing. Brother Balajewski last worked with Taylor Marine Towing and retired in 1988. He resided in Philadelphia. STEVIE ELLIOTT Pensioner Leon Scott, 87, died May 19. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978 when he shipped on the Santa Mariana. Brother Scott was a member of the steward department. He last shipped on the President Roosevelt before retiring in 2002. Brother Scott lived in Cordova, Tennessee. Pensioner Stevie Elliott, 65, died April 25. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. Brother Elliot worked in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He retired in 2018 and called Wiergate, Texas, home. Brother David Sexton, 67, passed away June 1. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 2005, initially shipping aboard the Florida. Brother Sexton was an engine department member. He most recently shipped on the Cape Washington JEFFREY LEE INLAND LEON SCOTT DAVID SEXTON Transportation for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2015 and lived in Norris, Tennessee. JAMES GILSON Pensioner James Gilson, 70, passed away May 20. He signed on with the SIU in 1997. A deck department member, he worked for Crowley Towing and JOSEPH BROWN Pensioner Joseph Brown, 94, passed away April 26. He began sailing with the NMU in 1943, prior to the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Brown’s first vessel was the Francis Scott Key; his last, the American Lark. He retired in 1969 and settled in Philadelphia. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Bush, Fred 93 Carrasquillo, Angel 97 Carter, Emmett 91 Cole, Darrell 82 Donato, Miguel 86 Garcia, Jose 90 Jones, Vernon 95 Larkin, Thomas 87 Payton, Hirbry 103 Perez, George 87 Powell, Darryl 74 Tatum, Mitchell 84 Terry, Necho 92 Torres, Luis 92 DOD 04/03/2021 05/01/2021 05/28/2021 03/17/2021 04/19/2021 05/13/2021 06/13/2021 04/16/2021 05/07/2021 02/23/2021 06/04/2021 12/04/2020 05/19/2021 06/03/2021 August 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MONTFORD POINT (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), April 16 – Chairman Kenneth Steiner, Secretary Jean Favreaux, Educational Director Jose Encarnacion, Deck Delegate Jon Sunga, Engine Delegate Montree Nakwichet, Steward Delegate Joseph Arigo. Crew still waiting for email access and satellite TV parts. Members reviewed upcoming vessel schedule. Chairman reminded crew to stay on top of documents. Secretary praised everyone for a job well done and suggested a shoreside barbecue at next port of call. Educational director urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school and to sign up for classes early. Major portion of ship’s fund will go towards entertainment system. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew went over relief guidelines applying during the pandemic. Members discussed vaccine opportunities and inquired about pension benefits. GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 28 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello, Educational Director Juan Castillo, Steward Delegate Jeffrey Phillips. No Wi-Fi aboard ship. Laundry items have been ordered. Crew discussed latest President’s Column in Seafarers LOG. Secretary reiterated the importance of the Jones Act and encouraged members to contribute to SPAD (Seafar- 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. ers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Educational director recommended upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He advised members to check for courses early, as class space may be limited. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Repairs needed on A-deck flooring. Pantry and crew lounge also in need of repairs. Crew requested new mattresses, refrigerators in all rooms and Wi-Fi availability. Members want increases to vacation days and a day’s pay in leu of days off. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), May 16 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary Antoinette Amato, Educational Director Jason Powell. Members went over old business including reimbursement for safety shoes. Members are to take receipts to union for reimbursement if such is denied on board. Unlicensed laundry room access expanded to 24 hours. Chairman reminded members to keep current on union dues and to contribute to Maritime Defense League and Seafarers Political Activities Donation. Members are to ask for tour of duty slip before disembarking the vessel. Chairman advised crew to register for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Vaccines will be administered on board to those who want them while in Tacoma. Educational director reminded crew to check for upgrading courses well in advance as they may fill quickly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read and discussed President’s Report. Members requested electronic access to physical paperwork, satellite TV in crew lounge, 60-day minimum reliefs or 30-45 vacation checks and an increase to vacation days. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and clean house. Deck department praised for dedication to plankton tow, which contributes to ship’s fund. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. EMPIRE STATE ( Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 3 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Troy Smith, Educational Director Mohsen Mohamed. Crew members are awaiting Wi-Fi availability. Chairman read the latest LOG column from SIU President Michael Sacco. Everything going well as reported by secretary. Educational director recommended crew to upgrade and take any and all classes needed. No beefs or dispute OT reported. Members requested 90-day reliefs be made optional to those who are permanent. Crew was encouraged to donate to SPAD. Among current shipboard personnel, 85 percent are vaccinated. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), June 13 – Chairman Sergio Gonzalez Lopez, Secretary James McLeod, Educational Director Steven Miller. Chair- man thanked crew for a safe voyage and job well done. He encouraged everyone to continue working safely and to stay on top of documents. Votes of thanks given to all departments. Members were reminded to leave clean rooms and fresh linen for oncoming crew. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were advised to regularly read the Seafarers LOG and were reminded how to find it online. Crew requested increases in vacation time as well as pension and health benefits. Next payoff scheduled for Norfolk, Virginia. Restrictions to ship have been lifted and members can now go to shore. Special thanks to the steward department for good food and an overall job well done. Next port: Norfolk. OCEAN FREEDOM (Crowley), June 17 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jason Jambeter, Educational Director Daryl Hicks, Deck Delegate Robert O’Connell, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman. Ship received new linen and a new dryer. Chairman advised mariners to continue practicing social distancing and to wear masks when going ashore. He thanked the steward department for their hard work. Educational director reminded crew to keep documents current and to continue upgrading. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Doctor to come aboard ship June 21 to offer Johnson and Johnson vaccine to members who want it. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. OHIO (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), June 21 – Chairman Paul Narro, Secretary Louins Johnson, Educational Director Melvin Ratcliff, Deck Delegate Rafael Cortina Tuells, Engine Delegate Kevin Johnson. New microwave and XBOX game purchased. Ship computer is up and running. Chairman encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to renew documents prior to expiration. Crew should continue to practice social distancing. Special thanks given to the steward department. Secretary reminded everyone to make sure laundry machines are emptied after each use and thanked crew for keeping house clean. He discussed vaccines and thanked the bosun and his day worker for food waste buckets. Educational director urged crew to keep an eye on expiration dates and to make sure they request upgrading classes early since they are filling up fast. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman discussed the President’s Report in the Seafarers LOG and emphasized the importance of vaccinations. Crew requested new mattresses and Wi-Fi aboard ship. Members would like to purchase produce and milk every two weeks and asked for a new TV in crew lounge. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board August 2021 by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIV- ITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses September 27 November 1 October 29 December 3 Advanced Galley Operations September 27 November 15 October 22 December 10 Chief Steward August 23 October 18 September 17 November 12 Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses Safety/Open Upgrading Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic September 13 October 1 MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 6 September 10 Medical Care Provider September 13 September 17 Basic Training August 9 August 30 August 13 September 3 Basic Training Revalidation August 30 September 3 September 10 October 1 October 22 November 15 December 3 December 10 August 30 September 3 September 10 October 1 October 22 November 15 December 3 December 10 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck September 27 November 15 October 15 December 3 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW August 23 November 15 September 10 December 3 Fast Rescue Boat August 9 August 13 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29 Government Vessels August 9 August 16 August 30 September 20 October 4 October 25 November 1 November 15 December 13 August 13 August 20 September 3 September 24 October 8 October 29 November 5 November 19 December 17 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT September 20 October 25 October 15 November 19 Junior Engineer September 6 October 29 Tank Ship DL September 20 September 24 Marine Electrician September 6 October 8 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22 Machinist October 18 November 5 Tank Ship Familiarization LG Pumpman November 8 November 12 August 23 September 27 December 13 August 27 October 1 December 17 Welding August 30 October 25 September 17 November 12 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 RFPEW August 23 November 15 September 17 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook August 23 September 24 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 8/21 August 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #870 - Graduated June 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Ackerman III, Donovan Armstrong, Brandon Coleman, Quinn Duarte, Johncarlo Garibaldi, Carlos Ruben Gomez Hernandez, Jason Mananga Nsuami, Colin Sabitsky, Brandon Santiago Escobar, Jason White and Sean Wilson. Government Vessels – Graduated June 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Gregory Crowder, Patrick Dean, Porcia Johnson, Joseph Eligino Lacaden, Yoland Vina Legaspi, Mohamed Ali Noman, James Osborne, Angela Porter, Reymond Potofsky and Tyrane Savage. (Note: Not all are pictured.) FOWT – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Brianna Ashley, Nicholas Banks, Thomas Bateman, Toren Bolden, Darnel Bruno, Erl Jan Encina, D’mitri Hill, Dequan Jamez Markell Joe, Kenneth Kauffman, Tyler Maddox, Timothy McDonald, Zeke Alec Pasquarelli, Shannon Peterson and Oscar Jan Bonite Vencer. Tank Ship Familiarization – Graduated July 2, above, in alphabetical order: Adewale Isaac Adiat, John Billington, Jose Luis Borrero Rodriguez, Rudy Cesar, David Connelly, David Denizac, Andrew Gronotte, Robert Haggerty, Deidra Hunter, Julio Cesar Ibanez Kunz, Loretta James, Alfredo Catha Nieto, Carlos Alberto Parrilla and Zeke Alec Pasquarelli. August 2021 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated July 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Bradley Albert, Xavier Burgos, Arlando Espin, Christopher Ferguson, Garrett Hargis, Emerson Jones, Salvatore Macaluso, Joseph Marino, Andrea President, Kyunjre Randall, Darian Riddle, Christian Sucher, Kenneth Townsend Jr., and Joel Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Javier Abreu, Guy Butler Jr., Douglas Cash Jr., Elizabeth Remotigue Ibanez, Nala Johnson, Sean Jones, Norasith N. Phetphommasouk, Alicia Plunkett, Keith Steele, Tyler Willette, Nathan Williams, Paris Williams and Hans Guenther Winkler. Advanced Shiphandling – Graduated July 2 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Lindsey Austin, Myles Cameron, Robert Christiansen, Jonathan Hendrickson, Earnest Paulk III, Jared Waferd Smith, Chirel Thornton, Kevin Vogt and Emmanuel Wilson. Importance Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 18 Seafarers LOG August 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Combined Basic & Advanced Firefighting – Graduated July 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Jose Argueta, Mark Canada, Derek Chestnut, Randall Craig, John Daunoras, Scott Fuller, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Joseph Nicodemus, Javonne Simmons and Kevin Tyson. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated June 25 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Aurelio Dela Cruz Esperanza, Paisami Gay, Solymar Herrera Carreras, Rondell Richardson, Brittany Steward and Sheneisha Thompson Certified Chief Cook – Graduated June 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Brandon Bradley, Arielle Collier, Laura Davies, Brice Jackson, Jemell Jones, Kristine Lacey, Kenisha Neal, Emir Omar Quinones Torres, Zarya Ward and Hans Guenther Winkler. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Bradley Albert, Xavier Burgos, Arlando Espin, Andrea President, Kyunjre Randall and Joel Williams. August 2021 Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 25 (above, in alphabetical order): Julian Abreu, Douglas Cash Jr., Norasith N. Phetphommasouk, Tyler Willette, Nathan Williams and Paris Williams. Seafarers LOG 19 �AUGUST 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 8 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 17-19 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Unions Welcome Ever Given’s Release Officials Sound Alarm for Mariner Rights Worldwide Maritime unions on July 7 applauded the release of the MV Ever Given from detention in the Suez Canal by Egyptian authorities, but warned that more must be done to safeguard seafarers’ rights and welfare during the pandemic. Stephen Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) (to which the SIU is affiliated), said the release “will be an enormous relief for the crew on board and their families. But while we celebrate this outcome, our attention is still on the 200,000 seafarers trapped working on vessels unable to go home due to the worsening crew change crisis.” He continued, “Thankfully the crew of the Ever Given have been well-cared for and well-represented by their unions – the National Union of Seafarers of India, and the Maritime Union of India – who have worked closely with the shipowner and ship manager to support the crew during this trying time. From the moment that the Ever Given ran into trouble in the Suez Canal, the crew’s unions have been by their side. The crew have been furnished with supplies, support, and had their unions standing up for them nationally and internationally.” Cotton concluded, “By being unionized, the crew have been supplied with provisions, legal representation, crew change opportunities, and counselling support for them and their families. If this hadn’t been a case of a ship with a union agreement, we could have seen a very different outcome.” The Panamanian-flagged ship got stuck in the Suez Canal earlier this year and blocked it for nearly a week, generating worldwide headlines. National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) General Secretary-Treasurer Abdulgani Y. Serang emphasized that there were no charges or negative findings about the crew’s professionalism, but expressed disappointment that Egyptian authorities used the crew as leverage in financial negotiations with the ship’s insurer. “We are pleased that this ordeal is finally over for the crew,” he said. “Their professionalism has been confirmed by a lack of adverse findings. Like all seafarers, it is through their passion and commitment that they are able to rise to the challenge and make the sacrifices required to move the world. This has been a very stressful time for the crew and their families, who have had to suffer the uncertainty of whether their loved ones would become … human pawns in a wider game being played over compensation.” Serang added, “Society needs to reflect on how so much attention was placed on the commercial aspects of this incident – on the possible impacts on prices and supply of consumer goods – and so little attention paid The flag-of-convenience cargo ship Ever Given (photo above) in late March became wedged inside the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important shipping waterways. to the sacrifice, pain and uncertainty faced by the seafarers whose welfare ought to be at the center of the story.” During the ship’s time at anchorage, unions and employers secured access to crew change for those on board so they could be replaced on the vessel at conclusion of their contracts, as per normal practice in the industry. Eight of the original crew signed off during that time, and 17 of the original crew remain on board in line with their contracts. ITF Seafarers’ Section chair David Heindel (who is also secretary-treasurer of the SIU) said the Ever Given was an important reminder about the fragility of the international shipping system, which carries 90 percent of world trade, and the people at the heart of it: the mariners. “I think I speak for all seafarers when I say it is a relief that the Ever Given crew are being released and allowed to continue their lives, but it shouldn’t have taken this long,” said Heindel. “It’s fortunate that the crew have had the strong backing of their shipowner, ship manager and of course their unions and the global ITF family. Many seafarers aren’t that lucky. “Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement Union representatives and Ever Given crew members meet aboard the ship earlier this year. are one of the better companies in the industry and should be commended for their sustained advocacy for the crew,” he continued. “But so too should the crew. The tale of the Ever Given shows the value of workers standing together and being active in their unions.” Heindel and other ITF officials pointed out that while the Ever Given case made the news, there’s an ongoing problem with crew changes that often remains out of the spotlight. “Right now, more than 200,000 seafarers’ rights are being disregarded by many of the world’s governments as the crew change crisis drags on,” Heindel said. “Most governments still have not restored the pre-pandemic exemptions from travel and border restrictions, and increasingly fatigued seafarers are languishing at sea working beyond their contracts with little hope of relief. Seafarers are being stretched to the limit because of the government-made crew change crisis. We still urgently need exemptions for seafarers from border restrictions, and still urgently need a global roll-out of life-saving COVID vaccines.” He concluded, “Frankly speaking, if governments don’t take action to ease the Abdulgani Y. Serang NUSI General Sec.-Treas. mounting pressure on seafarers, the risk of events like the Ever Given happening, or worse, will become more and more likely. As the Ever Given shows, it doesn’t take a lot to stop global trade.” Stephen Cotton ITF General Secretary David Heindel ITF Seafarers’ Section Chair � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2021 Description An account of the resource SIU CREWS STEP UP DURING EXERCISE MORE CONTRACTS RATIFIED GREAT GRUB ON MAERSK MICHIGAN SHIPBUILDERS HONOR U.S. LEGISLATORS UNION WINS MAJOR ARBITRATION AWARD RECENT CASES REMIND ALL: PANDEMIC NOT DONE THREE NEW CONTRACTS UNDERGO RATIFICATION INDUSTRY PIONEER TOLAN DIES AT 88 TRUMKA UNDERSCORES PRO ACT'S BENEFITS WEEK HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR MARINERS, SHIPS MTD STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH UNION STRIKERS NEW SAB ALLOWS FOR EXTENDED TOURS SIU CREWS HELP ENSURE SUCCESS OF MILITARY EXERCISE CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON USNS KENNEDY REC NEW YORK CLOSES DOORS FOR RELOCATION UNIONS WELCOME EVER GIVEN'S RELEASE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 83, NO. 8 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2021 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/2a2da3b4f421a27a2ce7d3980c611af4.pdf 968fddf64f3f77362f4609940be0722e PDF Text Text AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Members Vote on Standard Contracts 5-Year Agreements Head Toward Ratification, Feature Many Gains Seafarers are well on their way to overwhelmingly ratifying the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. Voting continued as this edition of the LOG went to press, but by late July it was evident that the proposed five-year contracts had extensive support from rank-and-file members. Among other highlights, the contracts call for wage increases, maintain benefits, help ensure shipboard internet access, and preserve every SIU job. Some of the members who backed the new pacts are pictured at immediate right aboard the Horizon Pacific, below left aboard the USNS Brittin, below right aboard the Cape Inscription and at the bottom of page aboard the Matson Tacoma. Pages 2, 3, 4, 14, 24. NY Waterway Rescue Page 2 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 1 WWII Mariner Shares Memories Pages 12-13 7/26/22 9:57 AM �President’s Report Great Work All Around Congratulations are in order for several recent accomplishments by Seafarers, union officials and staff. Most recently, everyone stepped up during a no-notice turbo activation starting in mid-July. While the timing proved challenging, our rank-and-file members, manpower office and personnel in the hiring halls once again delivered. Your collective efforts – virtually around the clock – were outstanding and aren’t taken for granted. SIU members also were involved in three recent rescues, thereby upholding the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Those stories are reported in this edition and I encourage everyone to read them. These are more examples of jobs well done by Seafarers, and they also underscore the ongoing importance of safety training. Last but definitely not least, I believe our new standard contracts are a source of pride. I’ve been around long enough to know that it’s nearly imMichael Sacco possible to please everyone, but just think about what we achieved with these agreements. We did not lose a single job. We secured significant wage increases while either maintaining or bettering various benefits. We got a firm commitment from the operators to provide shipboard connectivity. And we did all of that at a time when our employers’ costs have increased because of the pandemic. Our benefit plans are in great shape. Our officials and staff are dedicated and they believe in what they’re doing. Our rank-and-file members are second-to-none, and so is our affiliated school. Put that all together and I think we’ve got a lot to look forward to. Jones Act Support Our coverage of the recently concluded AFL-CIO convention included a component that shouldn’t be overlooked. Specifically, the delegates approved a resolution in support of the Jones Act – a law that has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. I am aware that most Seafarers understand the Jones Act. We also have new people regularly entering our industry, so, for those who are unfamiliar, the Jones Act is a section of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act. It simply states that any cargo moved from one American port to another American port must be carried aboard a U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned and U.S.-flagged vessel. The Jones Act helps maintain approximately 650,000 American jobs found across every state and territory. It contributes more than $1 billion each year to our nation’s economy. (For any readers with a background in the building trades, it is the maritime equivalent of Davis-Bacon.) In addition, the Jones Act fleet helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable U.S. citizen mariners available to sail aboard U.S.-flag military support vessels in times of crisis. Even though this law has enjoyed consistent bipartisan backing, it regularly comes under attack from people and organizations who either don’t know any better or who have ulterior motives. That’s why having the AFLCIO stand with us in support of the Jones Act is so important. The federation’s backing means that, when needed, we can speak with 12.5 million voices who recognize that the Jones Act is a solid provider of dependable American jobs. Every United States president has backed it, and President Biden reinforced his longtime support his first week in office. High-ranking U.S. military officers also endorse the law, but we still must educate newcomers in Congress and elsewhere in government about its importance. I recently heard a speech from a member of the Federal Maritime Commission that included this (paraphrased) line: Weakening or eliminating the Jones Act would be like our country handing over Nebraska to a foreign country. Obviously, we’d never do such a thing – and the same inherent logic applies to upholding a law that is more important than ever to the United States. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 8 August 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 2 NY Waterway Crews Rescue Nine Boaters in Hudson River SIU members employed by NY Waterway have a long record of helping people in distress, and they continued the tradition July 12 when they rescued nine individuals whose boat capsized in the Hudson River. Capt. Jason Peters was following his daily route between Manhattan and Weehawken, New Jersey, on the ferry John Stevens when he spotted the overturned boat, changed course and answered the call for help around 3 p.m. “They were waving for help for us to come over,” Peters said. “They were frantic. They were obviously worried about the other people. We were trying to get on as many people as we could. We got eight people out of the water…. We started throwing life jackets, life rings, just to get them out of the water.” The SIU members involved included the crew of the John Stevens – Peters and Deckhands Steven Black and Hector Rabanes – as well as the crew of the Garden State – Capt. Anthony Ryan and Deckhands Abdul Aziz and Luis Vacca. The latter boat rescued one person. All of those Seafarers have completed safety training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. According to news reports, 12 people had been aboard a 27-foot boat that was chartered by a family and friends. Two of them died in the accident, while another was rescued by local authorities. New York City police and fire department personnel recovered the bodies (those of a seven-year-old boy and a 47-year-old woman). Ryan said of the experience, “Of course it’ll stick with me. Anything like this will always stick out in your mind: what happened, how it played out, anything that could have been done better. But I think we did what we were supposed to do and what we’ve been trained to do all the time.” Black recalled, “You’re holding and pulling and holding and pulling, and you really can’t see. We had three people on the Jason’s cradle – that’s 300 pounds.” “Some of the passengers came to help us, too, to keep our balance,” added Rabanes. NY Waterway issued the following statement on Twitter: “We are so proud of the NY Waterway captains and crews that leapt into action today to rescue boaters following the maritime accident in the Hudson. Their training and professionalism saved lives, as they have countless times before…. Our hearts go out to the boat goers lost in today’s tragic accident and those still recovering. We are so grateful for the swift response of the NYPD, FDNY and our Waterway crews during this difficult rescue.” NY Waterway said its crews rushed to help and coor- The SIU-crewed John Stevens helps rescue survivors. dinated with police and fire officials. Ferry service was restored after an initial interruption. “This is a tragic day for New Yorkers,” NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said. “Indeed, it may have well been worse, were it not for the incredible efforts by not only our extraordinary first responders, but also the swift response from the NY Waterway ferries, who rescued nine additional people from the water.” Rabanes also was part of a high-profile rescue on the same river in 2009: the “Miracle on the Hudson,” which occurred after a US Airways flight made an emergency landing on the river. SIU crews rescued nearly 150 people; Rabanes was on the first ferry (the Thomas Jefferson) responding to the scene. Mariners sailing aboard SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferries have performed more than 100 rescues since the company’s founding in 1986. The crews perhaps are best known for their indisputably heroic roles in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when they evacuated upwards of 160,000 people from Manhattan. Capt. Jason Peters (white shirt) and the deckhands of the two ferries (in alphabetical order): Abdul Aziz, Steven Black, Hector Rabanes and Luis Vacca. Capt. Anthony Ryan (right) answers questions about the rescue. (All photos courtesy NY Waterway) Union Crews Save Jet Skier in NY SIU members working aboard the tugboats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea were involved in a water rescue with a happy ending on June 25 – the International Day of the Seafarer. The two vessels, operated by Centerline Logistics (previously known as Harley Marine), noticed an increase in police activity near the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. After speaking with the officers aboard a nearby NYPD vessel, they learned that a jet ski had overturned, and the boater was missing. The tug crews began searching the waters in their immediate area, and spotted a man between the two vessels. According to Brian Moore, Centerline Logistics’ director of U.S. East Coast Operations, “The immediate and professional seamanship actions of the crew is what ultimately saved this man. The crews notified the NYPD via VHF radio, all the while keeping an eye on him. They threw down a life ring to grasp onto and rigged up a mooring line to create a loop around the victim. There was no more than 1-2 feet of space between the vessels for the victim to press up into the turbulent harbor. Within minutes of spotting him, they were hauling him in by hand, safely to the deck.” SIU members then checked the man’s vital signs, and found him to be responsive but exhausted. They hailed the NYPD vessel, who assisted the man and delivered him to emergency services ashore. “Without skipping a beat, the crew knew what they had to do and took immediate action to lend a hand and save a soul from New York Harbor,” said Moore. “I want to make sure everyone knows these names and when you see them, please tell them thank you!” Seafarers involved in the rescue included John Huggins, Corey Harris and Ryan Bradley. August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Standard Contracts Headed for Ratification Editor’s note: Additional photos of SIU members voting on the new contracts appear on pages 14 and 24. The new SIU Standard Freightship and Tanker Agreements are well on their way to ratification, following robust voting throughout July. The five-year contracts boost wages, maintain benefits and all SIU jobs, add a holiday, and help ensure shipboard internet access for every Seafarer, among other highlights. The agreements also increase pension benefits for many of the more experienced members. Seafarers have voted on the contracts during monthly membership meetings, special meetings at the hiring halls, and aboard ships. Voting continued as this edition of the LOG went to press, but, based on tallies from dozens of Seafarers-crewed vessels and from the aforementioned meetings at the halls, the contracts clearly were headed for ratification. Nearly all of the votes were in favor of the agreements, which take effect retroactively to July 1 of this year and run through June 2027. “I think it’s a great contract for us and our families, and it’s going to help us a lot,” said Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett. “I thank our union leaders for their efforts and support.” Chief Cook Luke Vandegrift stated, “I like the pension improvement, and of course the wage increases. More money is a good thing. I plan on doing this for a long time.” Bosun Joe Bowen said, “These are great contracts and I appreciate all the momentum we have going for us. The officials are really listening to the members and fighting for us.” During the July membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, SIU President Michael Sacco said, “This is one of the best contracts we’ve negotiated in a long time. Input from the membership was very important, and experienced leadership helped.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker negotiated on behalf of the union, beginning in December 2021 and wrapping up in late June. The sessions took place in Florida, New York and Maryland and online, culminating at the union’s headquarters building in Camp Springs. (For these negotiations, the vessel operators work together as members of the American Maritime Association, abbreviated as AMA.) In his monthly membership report, Tricker said that the union wholeheartedly endorses ratification. “As always, the union relied heavily on input from rank-and-file members when approaching negotiations,” he noted. “The final agreements clearly reflect that input, which primarily was received through direct correspondence and shipboard meeting minutes. “These bargaining sessions were more difficult than most,” he added. “They took place against a backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and a manpower shortage that has Bargaining committee members from the SIU and AMA, respectively, gather for a photo at union headquarters shortly after concluding negotiations. Seated from left are SIU VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. Standing from left are Dennis Houghton, Director of Marine Personnel, MLL; Ed Hanley, VP Labor Relations, MLL; Pete Strohla, TOTE VP and Senior Advisor; Capt. Bob Johnston, AMA Chair; Damon Mote, Chief Administrative Officer & Vice President, OSG; and Ira Douglas, VP Labor Relations, Crowley. Participating online (monitor in background) are Eunice Cadorette Young, Director of Ship Management, TOTE; and Ed Washburn, Senior VP of Fleet Operations, Pasha Hawaii. affected almost every industry in the nation. Nevertheless, negotiations resulted in agreements that meet our stated objectives of maintaining benefits, boosting wages, continuing job security, and committing to shipboard internet access for all SIU crew members.” He also included the following contract highlights, among others: n Wage increases for Group 1 ratings are five percent in the first year, followed by four percent, four percent, three percent and three percent (for a total of 19 percent). For Group 2, the yearly increases are eight percent, six percent, four percent, three percent and three percent (for a total of 24 percent). For Group 3, the yearly increases are a freeze in the first year, one percent, two percent, three percent and three percent (for a total of nine percent). Tricker mentioned that the differences in the first few years are “being done largely to narrow some of the separation in total wages that has occurred over the years between the various higher ratings. It’s also being done to encourage members to upgrade.” n Effective June 19, 2023, Juneteenth will be added to the list of contractual holidays. n Members will have the opportunity to qualify for pension benefits sooner and to increase their pension amount. Previously, a member needed 3,000 days of seatime in order to get credit for vacation days and earnings for pension eligibility. That threshold for enhanced benefits is being reduced by one-third, to 2,000 days. This is for wage-related benefits. n In order to remain competitive while protecting the future stability of the contract during extreme negative economic downturns, the parties have agreed to amend the COLA escalation from 6% to 10% effective July 1, 2023. Historically, SIU agreements have almost always outpaced the COLA. n In order to help meet the union’s manpower obligations, a seaman who receives job assignments pursuant to Rule 2.C.(5.) hereof and subsequently rejects or quits the same after 48 hours shall forfeit his shipping registration card for the next 60 days and shall only be able to secure a new shipping registration card after that time. The company for which the seaman receives a job assignment may waive this 60-day forfeiture and allow a seaman to accept a position with their company during this 60-day period. n In order to protect the seniority, benefits and pay of Seafarers who serve in the military, and consistent with the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA), the shipping rules are being thusly modified. In order to qualify as an eligible service member under the Shipping Rules, the seaman must meet all the eligibility requirements of USERRA. Generally, the cumulative length of military service cannot exceed five years. Seafarers must register for employment within 120 days following their separation from service. n All SIU crew members will have bandwidth access to the internet, and all crew will have the same personal internet access. Such access will allow mariners Continued on next page Seafarers are pictured aboard the Maersk Iowa (photo above) and the North Star (photo at immediate right) after voting on the contracts. SIU Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick is at far right in the Maersk Iowa photo. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 3 Seafarers LOG 3 7/26/22 9:54 AM �NASSCO Christens USS John L. Canley Fourth Ship Joins Expeditionary Sea Base Program Fleet More jobs were secured for CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division June 25 when San Diego-based General Dynamics NASSCO christened the USS John L. Canley. The vessel is the fourth ship for the U.S. Navy’s reclassified Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) program. It is named for Medal of Honor recipient, retired Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley, who served in the Marine Corps for 28 years. In 2018, Canley was awarded the nation’s highest honor 50 years after he rescued 20 fellow Marines under enemy fire in Vietnam during the Battle of Hue City in 1968. He passed away on May 11, 2022. “New tonnage entering the Americanflag fleet is always welcome news,” said SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona. “I’m confident in the union members who will sail aboard the vessel, and am equally confident in the union members who built it.” Attending the christening were a host of VIPs and guests including the Honorable Meredith Berger, assistant secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment; Lt. Gen. Michael Langley, commander, U.S. Marine Forces Command; Vice Adm. Ross Myers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/10th Fleet; Sgt. Maj. David Wilson, command Sergeant Major, 1st Marine Division; and Thomas Kiss, director, Ship Management, Military Sealift Command. Captain Austin Hanbury, the Canley’s civil service master; Jason Briggs, the Canley’s chief engineer; the ship’s crew; and sailors from the ships pre-commissioning unit also were in attendance as were five Medal of Honor recipients. “Today, we celebrate and honor a true hero, Sgt. Maj. Canley. This ship represents his courage, selflessness, and strength,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO, a union shipyard. “On behalf of the 35-hundred men and women of General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to present the USS John L. Canley for christening.” “What we christen today is not just a ship,” Carver continued. “It is the embodiment of American unity and purpose; a beacon of freedom that will carry John Canley’s legacy and the legacy of America to people all over the world.” The official christening moment occurred when the ship’s sponsor, Canley’s daughter Patricia Sargent, broke a bottle of champagne over the ship’s bow with the words, “For the United States of America, I christen you the USS John L. Canley. SIU Government Services Division members will be among the mariners sailing aboard the John L. Canley, pictured at its christening in San Diego. May God bless this ship and all who sail on her.” ESBs are an afloat forward staging basevariant of the mobile landing platform, de- Thomas Kiss, director, Ship Management, Military Sealift Command (above), addresses the crowd during the christening ceremony for the USS John L. Canley. In photo at right, ship sponsor Patricia Sargent christens the vessel. (Photos by Sarah Burford, Military Sealift Command Pacific) Standard Contracts Garner Almost Certain Approval by Members Continued from Page 3 to, at a minimum, perform the following actions: send and receive email and photos (within the company’s data/file size limitations); conduct banking transactions; pay bills online; download documents (within company’s data / file size limitations). Due to bandwidth constrictions, streaming may be limited. All crew scribed as highly flexible platforms used across a broad range of military operations, acting as a mobile sea base to provide critical access infrastructure in support of deployment of forces and supplies. They are operated by the Military Sealift Command with a civilian and military crew. The Canley will be delivered to the MSC fleet later this year, where it will undergo testing and qualifications in preparation for its support of a variety of maritime-based missions. including Special Operations Forces and Airborne Mine Counter Measures support operations, humanitarian and traditional military missions. Once in service, the John L. Canley will primarily support aviation mine countermeasure and special operations force missions. In addition to a 52,000 square-foot flight deck, the 784-foot ship has a hangar with two aviation operating spots capable of handling MH-53E Sea Dragon-equivalent helicopters. The ship will also have accommodations, work spaces, and ordnance storage for an embarked force, enhanced command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence to support embarked force mission planning and execution, and a reconfigurable mission deck area to store equipment including mine sleds and rigid inflatable boats. are required to follow all company internet polices. Tricker’s report also mentioned, “Due to different trade routes, types of ships and equipment, not all companies will meet the internet connectivity requirement in the same manner. In fact, some ships in the same company might meet the requirement differently.” However, the commitment to provide shipboard connectivity is solid, and affordability shall not be an impediment to such access. Seafarers are pictured at the Houston hall after giving the contracts the thumbs up. 4 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 4 August 2022 7/26/22 9:54 AM �New Congressional Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Being Unionized Evidence shows that unionized workers receive higher pay and enjoy better benefits and more flexibility in their work schedules compared to unrepresented workers. Those are among the findings of a new study by the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC) and the House Committee on Education and Labor. The report, released June 10, analyzes the economic benefits of unions for workers and families. “Actions by Congress and the Biden administration, like enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, have helped protect the right to organize and increased the number of union jobs,” the JEC said in a news release announcing the study. “A series of high-profile unionization drives – including at Amazon, Starbucks and Senate cafeteria workers – have put organized labor back in the national spotlight.” Among the report’s key findings: n Public approval of unions is at a 50year high. n There were 951 unionization elections conducted in 2021, 70% of which resulted in workers choosing union representation – a figure that does not include new unions that were voluntarily recognized by employers. n Unionized workers earn 10.2% more than their non-union peers, while also raising wages and benefits for all workers in their industry. Unionized workers also have better benefits and more say over their work schedule compared to workers who are not in a union. n Unionization increases wages by 17.3% for Black workers and 23.1% for Latino workers and helps narrow racial and gender eco- nomic disparities. n By setting a standard for working conditions, unions generate broader spillover benefits for all workers in industries with high rates of unionization – even if individual workers are not themselves in a union. JEC Chairman Don Beyer (D-Virginia) stated, “Unions are the foundation of America’s middle class. For too long, the wealthy have captured an increasing share of the economic pie. As this report makes clear, unions help address economic inequality and ensure workers actually see the benefits when the economy grows. “Even better, the positive effects of unions extend beyond just those workplaces that have formally organized,” he continued. “By boosting wages industrywide, narrowing the gender and racial wage gaps and improving job quality, unions generate benefits that are economy wide.” Beyer concluded, “Supporting the right to organize puts more money directly into workers’ pockets. That is why I continue to firmly support legislation to strengthen labor protections, including the PRO Act, which passed the House last year and would further strengthen the right of workers to join a union.” House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (DVirginia) said, “Today’s report offers the latest evidence that labor unions are workers’ best tool to access higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. In fact, the benefits of union membership extend even to nonunion members and the children of unionized workers. “The need to protect workers’ right to U.S. Rep. Don Beyer (D-Virginia) U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) organize is greater than ever,” he continued. “While wealthy individuals and the largest corporations continue to boost their profits, workers across the country have been forced to work in unsafe conditions for insufficient pay, because they lacked the ability to stand together and negotiate with their employer…. I am committed to addressing the decades of anti-worker attacks that have eroded workers’ collective bargaining rights. With the release of this report, I once again call on the Senate to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which would take historic steps to strengthen workers’ right to organize, rebuild our middle class, and improve the lives of workers and their families.” Meeting with Rep. DeFazio SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung (left) were part of a larger group that met with U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (center) (D-Oregon) in Houston in late June. The congressman, a longtime champion of the American maritime industry, is working on legislation addressing supply-chain issues. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 5 Biden Awards Posthumous Medal of Freedom to Trumka President Joe Biden presented the nation’s highest civilian honor to the late AFLCIO President Richard Trumka during a White House ceremony on July 7. Trumka’s family received the Medal of Freedom, one of 17 awarded during the event. Trumka served as the head of the national labor federation from 2009 until his unexpected death in August 2021. He had been the federation’s secretarytreasurer from 1995 until his election as the AFL-CIO president in 2009. A native of Pennsylvania, Trumka came from a family of Mine Workers. He was elected president of that union in 1982, at 33 the youngest person to lead it. He served on the Maritime Trades Department Executive Board and was a regular presence at the department’s meetings and conventions. “I can think of no greater tribute for our country to make than for President Biden to recognize Rich with the Medal of Freedom,” declared MTD/ SIU President Michael Sacco, who was Trumka’s friend for decades. “He believed in this country and he believed in and fought for all of America’s workers and their families. I only wish he was with us to receive this personally.” In announcing the presen- Rich Trumka tation, the White House said, “Richard Trumka (d. 2021) was president of the 12.5-millionmember AFL-CIO for more than a decade, president of the United Mine Workers, and secretary-treasurer of the AFLCIO. Throughout his career, he was an outspoken advocate for social and economic justice.” Trumka joins former AFLCIO Presidents Lane Kirkland and John Sweeney as a Medal of Freedom recipient. Seafarers LOG 5 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Additional Contracts Ratified While Others are Extended In addition to presenting details of the new standard freightship and tanker agreements as part of his July report to the membership, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker also provided updates on other pacts. Tentative agreements – which match the work rules and shipping rules of the standard contracts – have been reached as follows: n TOTE Services, Inc. – ARC car carriers. An 18-month agreement through December 31, 2023. Baseline increase of 20% to wages including overtime, for parity with SIU Standard Freightship Agreement. n Chesapeake Crewing – The union and company have agreed to the following changes to wages and benefits for M/V SLNC Corsica: inclusion of Juneteenth as a holiday; two additional vacation days, bringing the total to 14 for 30; a seven percent increase for wages and wage-related items, effective year one. Option years two and three, four precent TLC, respectively, and option years four and five, three percent TLC, respectively. Additionally, the following contracts have been extended due to continued negotiations: n Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning; American Petroleum Tankers; Liberty Maritime (bulk carriers and North Star Shipping’s Liberty Peace); Maersk Line, Limited (heavy lift vessels); Seabulk; Crowley Liner Services (heavy lift and CONRO vessel); Marine Personnel and Provisioning; Waterman Steamship (heavy lift and bulk carriers); Waterman Transport (pure car/pure truck carriers); and Transoceanic Cable. Moreover, SIU Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell recently reported that an agreement has been reached between the union and Key Lakes for a wage and benefit reopener covering the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025. (Key Lakes operates two vessels on the Great Lakes, primarily hauling stone and iron ore.) The agreement provides for wage increases of seven percent in 2022, four percent in 2023 and three percent in 2024. It also calls for for increases to the company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan; and maintains the current top-level Core Plus health benefits and the top-level Seafarers Pension Plan benefits, among other highlights. The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak, Patrolman Tyson Little and Patrolman Ryan Covert. Finally, a new agreement between the SIU and Port City Marine Services, Inc. recently was ratified. (Port City operates three ITBs on the Great Lakes, primarily transporting cement.) The contract took effect June 16, 2022 and lasts through June 30, 2028; it includes a wage and benefit re-opener June 16, 2025. The contract provides for wage increases of seven percent in 2022, four percent in 2023 and three percent in 2024. It calls for increases to the company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, maintains the current top-level Core Plus health benefits and the toplevel Seafarers Pension Plan benefits, among other highlights. The union’s negotiating committee consisted of Powell and Brdak. Temporary Relocation For Norfolk Operations Renovations on the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, were slated to start on August 1. During the numerous repairs and upgrades to the facility, which are expected to take roughly eight months, the Norfolk hall will be temporarily relocated to 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, Virginia, 23323 (right), which is located 14 miles from the current hall. The phone and fax numbers for the hall will remain unchanged. “Renovations to the hall will include repairs to interior and exterior spaces throughout, which includes new wall treatments, restrooms, ceilings, windows, doors and repairs to existing mechanicals,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, who is overseeing the project. For more information, contact the hall. Spotlight on Mariner Health Experts Say People Should Push Back Against Pollen Allergies Editor ’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s Medical Department. Pollen is one of the most common triggers for seasonal allergies. Many people experience them as “hay fever,” formally known as allergic rhinitis. According to the Mayo Clinic, hay fever “causes cold-like signs and symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen (a yellowish powder), dust mites, or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander).” For people with pollen allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies the pollen as dangerous. It begins producing chemicals, including histamines, to fight against the pollen. Those allergies can last year-round. During early spring, summer and fall, plants release tiny pollen grains into the air that find their way into people’s eyes, nasal passages and lungs. Most of the pollen that causes allergic reactions comes from trees, grasses, and weeds. These plants make small, 6 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 6 very light, and dry pollen grains that travel on the wind to fertilize other plants. (Flowering plants that spread their pollen by insects usually do not cause allergies.) A pollen count refers to how much pollen is in the air. A device is used to capture the amount of pollen in that sample to be counted and identified. Diagnosis of pollen allergies can be done by skin testing and certain blood tests, and there are many treatments for allergies. A doctor may tell his or her patient to use over the counter medications at first. If they do not work, a patient may be prescribed nasal corticosteroids sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants. Some may have to see an allergy doctor and take allergy shots in order to get relief. Air purifiers in the home will help to keep the pollen level down inside a house. Wearing a facemask outside while doing chores seemingly helps some individuals. Experts recommend seeing a doctor if an individual cannot find relief from allergic symptoms, or if allergy medications cause side effects. A doctor’s diagnosis also is recommended if a person has another condition that may worsen allergic symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections. Healthy Recipe Seafood Diavola Servings: 25 Ingredients 3 pounds shrimp, 16-20 ct. peeled and devined 1 pound crawfish tail, whole, peeled 3 pounds scallop 3 pounds mussel, whole 3/8 cup olive oil 1 1/2 quarts yellow onion, chopped 1/2 cup garlic, minced 2 quarts tomato, fire roasted chopped 1 1/4 cups tomato paste 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon black pepper, ground 3/8 cup basil, fresh chopped 1/4 cup oregano, dry 3 cups white wine 1/2 cup parsley, chopped Preparation Pat the shrimp and scallops dry and season with kosher salt and red pepper flakes. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add the shrimp/scallops and cook for 45 seconds to one minute over medium heat. Transfer the shrimp and its juices to a plate for now. In the same skillet, add little olive oil and the onions and garlic. Cook for five minutes over medium heat, tossing regularly, until the onions have softened and turned a light golden brown (manage your heat to make sure the garlic does not burn). Add the white wine and cook until reduced by half. Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, the oregano, and the fresh basil. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to medium low and allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened. Add the shrimp, scallops, crawfish meat, and mussels to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce. Cook for one more minute or until the seafood is fully cooked. Finish with the fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite crusty bread, pasta, or rice. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 262 Calories; 69 Fat (24.1% calories from fat); 31g Protein; 15g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 135mg Cholesterol; 670mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4 Lean Meat; 2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fat. Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship August 2022 7/26/22 10:07 AM �WITH BOATMEN ON WEST COAST – SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (right) wraps up a lunchtime meeting in Port Hueneme, California, with Seafarers from Brusco Tug & Barge. Pictured from left are Jason Diaz, Jorge Gonzalez and Nova Langi. SOLIDARITY IN SUNSHINE STATE – AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) and SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins are pictured at the Florida AFL-CIO convention in late June. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – Three Seafarers recently received their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall. They are: QMED Christian Bryant (left in photo directly above, with SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey); OMU Shewanna Stephenson (left in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman); and Chief Steward Jasmine Garrett (in front of podium in photo at left). KUDOS TO USNS EFFECTIVE CREW – Mariners aboard the Crowley-operated ship display a signed letter of appreciation from U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Richard E. Seif during a recent stop in Pearl Harbor. They were commended for supporting certain missions in the U.S. Seventh Fleet and U.S. Third Fleet areas of operation, respectively. Standing from left to right: 3M William Wood, Capt. Robert Swinburne, 3AE Zackary De St. Germain, Chief Cook Cameron Keating, QMED Michael Smith, QMED Joshua Irvine, QMED Robert Murphy, AB Stanislaw Rusiecki, AB Gregory Sharp, SA Mynisha George, AB Lucas Tiderman, AB Anthoine Nichols, 1AE Donald Harrell, 2AE Aaron Matuszny, 2M Mark Blom and CM Kyle Dupuis. Kneeling from left to right: Chief Steward Delia Peters, Bosun Edgar Elegino, MDR Emiliano Guevara and (near the far right) Chief Engineer Robert Guilmette. Many thanks to MDR Guevara for the photo and caption info. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 7/22/22 3:03 AM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU AROUND THE HOUSTON HALL – Two members recently picked up their respective full books in the Lone Star State while another secured his first pension check. The latter Seafarer is Recertified Steward Ronald Davis, who’s in the middle of the photo at left, with his wife (left) and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. AB Yassid Laboriel Lalin is at left in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel, while MDR Sheena Jumamil is at right in the photo at center, with SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala. GOOD FEEDER – Pictured from left aboard the El Coqui (Crowley) while the vessel was in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are Chief Steward Bryan Alvarez, SA Sonia Pabon and Chief Cook Carlos Colon. B-BOOK IN ALGONAC – STOS Hussei Mohsen (left) displays his newly acquired book at the hiring hall. SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert is at right. A-BOOK IN BALTIMORE – AB Jose Argueta (center) recently came ashore to work as an SIU patrolman and also received his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Baltimore hall with SIU Port Agents John Hoskins (left) and Ray Henderson. A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Rodelo Ayaton (left) displays his newly acquired A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman is at right. ABOARD USNS BUTTON – Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson submitted these photos of the Memorial Day cookout (and cornhole tournament) aboard the Crowley-operated vessel. “It was by far one of the best cookouts we have had aboard this ship,” Jackson noted. “Big shout-out to the steward department, and to the deck gang for helping out.” The galley gang consists of Chief Steward Rio Cuellar, Chief Cook Mary Jean Moelk, and SAs Alphonso Amos, Scarlett Amburgey and Martin Krins. ABOARD TAINO – Electrician Carlos Parrilla is pictured aboard the Crowley vessel, which normally sails in the Jones Act trade between San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Jacksonville, Florida. 8 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 8 ABOARD GREEN COVE – Bosun Jeff Amestoy works aboard the Waterman vessel in southern California. DIFFERENT KIND OF STRIKE – AB Brian Goudy had excellent timing (and a steady hand) when he grabbed this snapshot near the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge. Photo was taken aboard the Prentiss Brown (Port City Marine). August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �AT THE SAN JUAN HALL – Jocecil Lugo (photo at left) recently upgraded to chief cook. She’s displaying certificates of completion for the Paul Hall Center’s Certified Chief Cook program and for the school’s DOL-approved apprentice program. Lugo said that during her time in Piney Point, “I felt at home, like being with family.” Making her debut at the San Juan hall (photo second from left) is Emily Luna Vallejo Rivera, daughter of Chief Cook Juan Andres Vallejo and his wife, Angelica Rivera Vallejo. Juan is a second-generation Seafarer. In photo second from right, Seafarer Derick Morales (right) displays his first relief steward card. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is at left. The remaining photo at right includes longtime Seafarer Luis Perez (left) and Crespo (the two have been friends since childhood). Perez, shown with his first pension check, began sailing with the union in 1996. He spent most of his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation, most recently as an AB. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FROM ONE UNION RIDE TO ANOTHER – Bosun Kyle Silva rode his union-made Harley Davidson from Houston to San Francisco for a recent MARAD breakout. FAMILY TRADITION – Chief Cook Luke Vandegrift (left) receives his full book while upgrading at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. He’s pictured with his uncle, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (who sailed in the deck department). READY TO SHIP OUT – OS Shylah Whirley (left) appears enthused about securing her first job with the union. She’s pictured at the Jacksonville hall with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. ABOARD ISLA BELLA – Pictured aboard the TOTE ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are ABM David Bernstein (left) and Recertified Bosun John Cedeno during deck inspections while prepping for departure to Jacksonville, Florida. Tanker Crew Aids Refugees at Sea Editor’s note: The following write-up and accompanying photo were provided by vessel master Capt. Eric Anderson, a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers. While transiting the Straits of Florida on April 29, the mate on watch on the MT Pennsylvania noticed a small skiff with two white flags around 8 a.m. The Pennsylvania was leaving Port Everglades, Florida, en route to Sabine Pass, Texas. Under closer observation, he noticed that the white flags were being waved. Captain Eric Anderson was called immediately and rescue procedures commenced. According to Third Mate Anthony Franchetti, as the refugees approached the Pennsylvania, it became apparent that the homemade skiff (constructed of roofing tiles and bondo-like material) was heavily overloaded with passengers. The crew of the Pennsylvania motioned to the craft, using hand signals to make it clear that the ship was going to assist them as best they could. As the skiff grew closer, the Pennsylvania crew lowered a bucket with food and water along the port side. This allowed for the best possible lee for the situation. A line was passed so the skiff could remain alongside as the crew continued to pass more provisions. The first round of bottled water was quickly consumed and was not enough for all 29 on board the skiff. The crew quickly mixed up some Gatorade and passed down a water August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 9 cooler and cups to the skiff…. The Pennsylvania crew also provided food for the refugees, including fresh fruit. During this evolution, the bridge team communicated with United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Key West to arrange for USCG assets to travel to the scene. During the exchanges, one of the 29 refugees told the Spanish-speaking crew members of the Pennsylvania that they had been at sea for the past three days, were lost, and were completely out of water. Shortly after this remark, those aboard the skiff became separated on their next step. It appeared that those in the bow wanted to remain tethered to the Pennsylvania while those aft wished to cast off and press on to the United States. The Spanish-speaking crew of the Pennsylvania told the 29 that the Coast Guard was nearby. This caused a panic on the skiff as the refugees thought that this meant Cuban military, not the United States Coast Guard. This was quickly clarified and they were greatly relieved. Around 9:40 a.m., those aboard the skiff decided to cast off their line and press on. Their journey was short-lived as the USCG Cutter Paul Clark and small boat 45654 both crossed the Pennsylvania’s bow and came into contact with the skiff. With the situation now under control and the USCG on scene, the Pennsylvania resumed its voyage to Sabine Pass and the crew members went about their day as normal. The Pennsylvania is owned by Kinder SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the tanker. Morgan and operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning. Crew members aboard the Pennsylvania during its at sea rescue of an overloaded skiff of refugees included Captain Eric Anderson, Bosun Homar McField, QMED Michael Birke, AB Agustin Miranda, Second Mate Christopher Bell, Third Mate Emmanuel Zamora, Third Mate Anthony Franchetti, Second Assistant Engineer Michael Goins, AB Eddie Ebanks, AB Daniel Caballero, First A.E. Robert Norris, Recertified Steward Exxl Ronquillo, Third A.E. James Lavallee, Chief Engineer David Leddy, Cook/Baker Tamara Russ, Chief Mate Edward Mallon, AB Emilio Gonzalez, AB Mickey Keith, GVA Amer Mousa, Pumpman Tyrone Ellis and SA Francisco Calix. Seafarers LOG 9 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s questions were answered by Seafarers and apprentices in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: The apprentices (both members of Class 885) were asked, what have been some of the better parts of your training thus far, while the active Seafarers were asked, what are some things you like about your career? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Tahn Stuart Chief Cook I get to travel the world and see everything for free, and make money at the same time. I joined in 2018. Supattara Inthapanti Chief Cook This union is the best, and so are the instructors here at the school. They train me well so I can do a good job on the ship. I love learning new things every day. Sherron DeCoteau Chief Cook I like the opportunity to be able to help others. I’m a mother first and a very nurturing person. I’ve had careers, primarily working with men, as a police officer and also as a dispatcher with CSX for 15 years prior to sailing. I stay focused on safety but also looking out for somebody’s husband or dad or brother or mother or sister. Being a chief cook, I’ll be able to look out well for my brothers and sisters at sea. Danielle Vidal Apprentice I really like the unity in everything we do together. It shows me to appreciate the little things more – for example, we all watched fireworks together at the pier. I like working together as a team. Nadzeya Kuptsova Chief Cook I love cooking, and I appreciate the schedule. You can work for four months and then be on vacation for four months, and travel. The money is good. You can see your family often, unlike if you work (in an office) every day. Robert Stockbridge Apprentice Everything is new and exciting and informative. This is the beginning of the fourth week. Our vessel familiarization class has been the best part so far. We had a really good teacher who made sure we understood the material. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 10 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 10 Pics From The Past Pensioner Jesse Chiles submitted these photos from a 1990 trip aboard the William Button in Diego Garcia. Chiles, who sailed as a bosun, is at right in photo inset at right, with the third mate. The photo directly above shows crew members and Navy personnel ashore. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org August 2022 7/26/22 10:17 AM �Pension Relief Secured For Workers, Retirees Drawing frequent cheers from the capacity, pro-union crowd in Cleveland, President Biden on July 6 touted his administration’s – and the congressional majority’s – success in creating a new structure to rescue financially troubled multi-employer pension plans. The legislation is part of the American Rescue Act and crafted largely by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). It honors the late Teamsters Local 100 pension leader Butch Lewis. And with a lot of union input from an AFL-CIO working group, it sets up a new structure to let those plans get back on their financial feet without cutting pensions of current recipients. (Editor’s note: The Seafarers Pension Plan is fully funded and in excellent shape. The same cannot be said of many other plans outside the Seafarers.) “Two hundred multiemployer pension plans for two to three million workers and retirees were going insolvent,” Biden told the crowd. “What that means is to those two or three million workers: They faced painful cuts to the benefits they counted on and for the dignified security of retirement.” Multi-employer plans cover some 11 million workers – and tens of thousands of retirees – ranging from Seafarers to musicians to grocery store checkers to construction workers. Now the threat some of them would lose their pensions is removed, the president declared. Union leaders lauded the final rule governing the multi-employer plans, which culminates a long fight to save the pensions of retirees and beneficiaries while not penalizing present workers. “Pensions are more than just a vital part of the retirement plans of millions of Americans; they are a promise made to workers by their employers,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “And those pensions should not be ripped away after years or decades of hard work. We will keep fighting to protect that promise.” The troubled plans get 30-year federal loan guarantees, as long as those plans get their reorganization blueprints approved by the Treasury Department and without cutting present recipients’ pensions. In debate over Brown’s bill, Republicans called multi-employer pensions “rat holes” and the rescue structure a “bailout for union bosses.” Every single Republican opposed the new structure for the pension plans, Biden said. “People around the country wake up every day wondering whether they’ve saved enough to provide for themselves and their families before they stop working – work at a job that provides basic dignity, a good middle-class job you can raise a family on, a job that provides a dignified retirement and will give you peace of mind,” Biden told the Ironworkers in Cleveland, who cheered him repeatedly. “Think of all the people…. Many of you went to bed at night putting your head on the pillow and saying, ‘Am I going to be all right? Is my family going to be all right? Is my wife or my husband or my child, are they going to be OK?’ It’s a dignified retirement with your spouse in the home in your community you worked and lived for your whole life. But the reality is for so many people, the goalposts keep moving. Unfortunately, this happens to people who need it most: working people.” He added, “A lot of politicians like to talk about how they’re going to do something about it. Well, I’m here today to say we’ve done something about it” by fixing the problem. In an online press briefing in Washington, D.C., top officials of the Labor Department and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. said the new law already rescued 27 multi-employer plans, with three more applications pending. It’ll keep functioning through 2051. The PBGC steps in when a single-employer or multi-employer plan can’t make payments or when corporate bankruptcy wipes out pensions. Final rules for multi-employer plans take effect August 8. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 16 - July 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 16. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C August & September Membership Meetings Piney Point...............Monday: August 8, *Tuesday: September 6 Algonac...................................Friday: August 12, September 9 Baltimore............................Thursday: August 11, September 8 Guam...............................Thursday: August 25, September 22 Honolulu.............................Friday: August 19, September 16 Houston..............................Monday: August 15, September 12 Jacksonville.......................Thursday: August 11, September 8 Joliet..................................Thursday: August 18, September 15 Mobile.........................Wednesday: August 17, September 14 New Orleans........................Tuesday: August 16 , September 13 Jersey City............................Tuesday: August 9 , September 6 Norfolk...............................Friday: August 12, September 9 Oakland.........................Thursday: August 18, September 15 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: August 10, September 7 Port Everglades....................Thursday: August 18, September 15 San Juan....................... ...Thursday: August 11, September 8 St. Louis...............................Friday: August 19, September 16 Tacoma...............................Friday: August 26, September 23 Wilmington....................Monday: August 22, September 19 * Piney Point change in September due to Labor Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 11 Seafarers LOG 11 7/22/22 3:20 AM �‘The Union was Good to Me’ WWII Mariner Abrams Shares Remarkable Memories A t age 96, former Seafarer Lawrence Abrams maintains his sense of humor. Asked recently about his health, he replies, “It’s still here. Some of it.” Abrams sailed with the SIU during World War II before moving to a shoreside career in July 1946. But the U.S. Merchant Marine recently recaptured his attention when war-era mariners collectively received the Congressional Gold Medal (in May 2022). The televised recognition in the U.S. Capitol made national news and gave Abrams a chance to reminisce about his sailing days, which were anything but unremarkable. During the war, the Alabama native sailed to Normandy for D-Day, endured the infamous Murmansk run, helped take 50 Germans prisoner during one voyage, and survived his ship being damaged by a torpedo. Those weren’t his only close calls or noteworthy experiences. After visiting a family member in New York in 1946, he got lost in the subway system and missed his flight. The plane crashed near Richmond, Virginia, and all 27 people aboard perished. Many of them were merchant mariners on the way to southern ports. (Abrams’ family mistakenly had been notified that he died.) Two years earlier, a last-minute, pre-voyage switch from one vessel (the Liberty ship Paul Hamilton) to another kept Abrams from certain doom. The Hamilton was sunk by Germans; none of the nearly 600 people aboard survived. He also has told his family that one of his vessels was sunk by a torpedo. The ship was headed to England; many of the crew members were rescued by a Canadian vessel and returned to New York. Not all of his wartime encounters were quite as dramatic. For instance, he spent a night in jail in Chile in 1945, after making acquaintance with a lady who turned out to be local police chief’s girlfriend. Additionally, in 1943, he and a number of shipmates were allowed to play baseball with locals while docked in Havana, Cuba. The Cubans would leave their equipment at each position on the field, since the mariners didn’t have any such gear on the ship. Humble Beginnings Abrams, one of nine children, felt plenty of patriotism when he signed up for the merchant marine in 1943, at age 17. But he candidly recalls another reason for choosing that path in addition to backing the war effort. “My mother and father were real poor. They were sharecroppers,” he says. “I had been working in a shipyard in Mobile, but it didn’t pay well. So, I joined the union and got on a ship.” He knew about the SIU because of his brother Abner, who sailed with the union for decades, mostly as an electrician. (Abner passed away in 2008, at age 86.) Lawrence Abrams first shipped out in May 1943, as an ordinary seaman aboard the Liberty ship Theodore Foster, which sailed from Mobile to Scotland to New York. He quickly concluded that he’d stick with the industry – but not as a member of the deck department. “It didn’t take me long to find out it’s cold out there on that deck,” he remembers. “I was the lookout. I (later) switched to the engine department because if I was going to die, I wanted to die warm.” He’d suffer no such fate despite the risks endured by the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II – dangers that led to them being recognized as veterans in 1988, and to the Congressional Gold Medal presentation. Official estimates vary, but those mariners suffered a casualty rate that either exceeded any of the armed forces or was second to that of the Marine Corps. They often sailed with minimal or no protection. They were an all-volunteer service. More than 8,000 of them died at sea (including more than 1,200 SIU members); another 11,000 were wounded. Abrams nevertheless found it a decent fit. “The union was good to me,” he says. “My seniority wasn’t great, but I made it. I’d send money home to my mother…. I sailed to South America, France, Scotland and many other countries.” One of those other nations was Russia. In early 1945, the Abrams brothers sailed together on the Grace Abbott (yet another Liberty ship) for a fivemonth voyage that included a stop in Murmansk. Notorious for its threatening conditions, the Murmansk Run partly consisted of a dangerous Arctic Ocean passage from Iceland or Scotland to northern Russia. U.S. vessels joined those convoys beginning in 1942, sending a total of approximately 350 ships during a three-plus-year stretch. Nearly 100 of those vessels were sunk by Germans, and thousands of Americans aboard them lost their lives. Today, Lawrence Abrams mainly recalls two things about his trip to Murmansk: “That’s the coldest place I have ever been, and the people of Russia were very good to me. They had good people there at that time.” Perhaps it speaks to his overall adventures that another component of the voyage is nearly an afterthought: On the return trip, the ship was hit by a torpedo and sustained a hole in its bow. The damaged part of the vessel was quickly closed off to avoid water intake. Abrams suffered burns on his shoulder from being slammed against hot pipes in the engine room. His larger complaint, though, is that the vessel ran so low on stores, they only had beans on the menu until reaching Glasgow for repairs. (Dried beans remain a forbidden item on the Abrams menu today.) Then, as the ship headed back to the U.S., it encountered a U-boat that had surfaced due to a lack of fuel. The U.S.-flag vessel, aided by others, took con- 12 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 12-13 trol of the foreign crew while the submarine was towed to England. Half a year earlier, he sailed to Normandy in support of the D-Day invasion. Abrams and his fellow mariners took a bus to Panama City to join the Waterman vessel SS DeSoto, which initially sailed to Brooklyn to join a convoy. From there, they sailed to Cairo for a partial off-load, then headed to France. At Normandy, the crew waited at sea until the initial attack ended, then docked to unload cargo. Thinking it was safe, some of them then went ashore. “We were stupid,” says Abrams. “The Germans were still fighting our soldiers. A lady in a Red Cross jeep came by and picked us up in a hurry so we could get back to the ship. When our last crane unloaded, the captain said to get the ship out fast. I worked in the boiler room…. He said, ‘Full speed ahead!” and that’s what we did.” Answering a Different Call When Abrams signed off the SS Anson Jones in May 1946, he didn’t know that his maritime career almost had concluded. He took a job as a lineman with Southern Bell Telephone and Telegraph Company that summer and then met his future wife, Hestina Gibson. They would marry just three weeks after meeting, and remained together for 63 years, until her passing in 2009. Abrams was a telephone union member when a strike led him back to sea for one last trip, aboard the SS Oliver Wendell Holmes. “I made more money on that one voyage (which lasted a little less than two months) than I did for a whole year with the phone company,” he remembers. Nevertheless, when the strike ended, he returned ashore and stayed with the phone company for 43 years. He spent most of that time as a supervisor and had to frequently relocate, because his work focused on converting “central offices” to the newest technology. These days, Abrams remains an avid sports fan and enjoys spending time with family members. An Ardmore, Tennessee resident, he’s partial to the University of Alabama football team, but when it comes to sports, “I watch all of them.” As for the recent (many would say long-overdue) presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal, Abrams is matter-of-fact. “Quite a few of our ships were sunk during the war,” he says. “The recognition is well deserved.” Lawrence Abrams (right in photo at right) and his brother Abner (left) stand with a shipmate aboard the Grace Abbott in 1945. Abrams (front, right in photo immediately below) is pictured in November 2021 with daughters Anne Tidwell (directly behind him) and Peggy Sanders (left, rear) and his son, Randy. The photo at center shows Abrams in 1943, the year he joined the SIU. One of his dues receipts from 1943 is captured in the bottom photo at right. August 2022 August 2022 Seafarers LOG 13 7/26/22 11:09 AM �Seafarers Converge at Hiring Halls To Review, Vote on Standard Contracts Throughout July, Seafarers voted on the new standard freightship and tanker agreements. Much of the voting took place during regular membership meetings, while some happened at special meetings (as guided by the union constitution). As reported elsewhere in this issue, the new contracts span five years and feature numerous gains. One of those advancements is a contractual commitment to provide shipboard internet access to all crew members. This was one of the most consistently requested items from members when it came to contract suggestions. Another improvement: Members will have the opportunity to qualify for pension benefits sooner and to increase their pension amount. Previously, a member needed 3,000 days of seatime in order to get credit for vacation days and earnings for pension eligibility. That threshold for enhanced benefits is being reduced by one-third, to 2,000 days. This is for wage-related benefits. Negotiations took place both online and in person, for a period spanning more than six months. The photos on this page were taken at a handful of the hiring halls, either during or shortly after voting occurred. Additional photos will be published in an upcoming edition of the LOG. OAKLAND HALL NEW ORLEANS HALL MOBILE HALL SAN JUAN HALL JACKSONVILLE HALL 14 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 14 August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), March 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Pedro Castillo, Educational Director Alexander Capellan Almonte, Deck Delegate Damon Johnson. Members requested Wi-Fi access for entire crew. Chairman reminded members to check documents for renewal well in advance. He advised crew to work safely and to look out for one another. Secretary encouraged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members commended steward department for their work in the galley. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 1 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Grazyna Tomaszewska, Educational Director Alexander Capellan Almonte, Deck Delegate William Johnson, Steward Delegate Medardo Thomas. Chairman encouraged members to keep up the good work and to stay on top of documents. He also encouraged shipmates to upgrade at SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was commended for doing a good job. HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), May 1 – Chairman Aristeo Padua, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Paul Dilbeck, Engine Delegate Larry Calixto, Steward Delegate Su- 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. sano Cortez. Chairman led discussion about the ongoing importance of safety. Secretary reminded everyone to keep coffee station clean and to clean up after themselves. Educational director urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center to earn a pay raise. Steward and deck departments were thanked for keeping the house clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman reviewed some recent articles from Seafarers LOG, including pieces on full funding for the Maritime Security Program and the new cable security fleet. He also encouraged everyone to remain vigilant with their safety precautions, because COVID is still around. Members would like better Wi-Fi and a salad bar that keeps food cold. Crew requested two additional days of vacation pay. Next port: Oakland, California. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime Corp.), May 1 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Gerald Joseph, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Engine Delegate Michael Sabio. Chairman thanked steward department for doing a good job and also discussed current manning. Treadmill was bought with ship treasury and a barbecue pit will be purchased next trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers were encouraged to read the LOG, the union’s official publication, which is available online and in print. Crew requested new mattresses and linens. Mattress toppers were delivered to ship in Beaumont, Texas. Members would like to change sea time required for retirement. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), May 21 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Shari Hardman, Deck Delegate Damon Anderson, Engine Delegate Michael Sabio, Steward Delegate Dominque McLean. Chairman thanked everyone for a good voyage and for keeping the house clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New Wi-Fi antenna will be installed. Crew discussed history of organized labor. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. HORIZON SPIRIT (Sunrise Operations), June 19 – Chairman Rezk Mohamed, Secretary Carlos Sanchez Morales, Educational Director Sixin Ling, Deck Delegate Rene Rafer. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested Wi-Fi at sea. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), April 24 – Chairman Roy Madrio, Secretary Ronaldo Torres, Deck Delegate James Ruffin, Engine Delegate Domingos Ferreira. Crew requested televisions for each stateroom. They suggested increases to vacation benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), April 30 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Kevin Valentin Rivera, Educational Director Joel Bell. Chairman reported on upcoming arrival in Newark, New Jersey, and related payoff. Educational director recommended upgrading at SIU-affiliated school in Maryland and also reminded fellow members to keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew made requests and suggestions about vacation pay, food budget, medical benefits, and overtime pay. USNS POLLUX (TOTE), May 3, 2022 – Chairman Chris Nagle, Secretary Rogelio Jamora, Educational Director Glenn Snow, Deck Delegate Abad Martinez. Crew discussed various contract suggestions and reported recent experiences about finding COVID testing locations. They made recommendations pertaining to crew size and requested more shipboard visits from the union’s “upper leadership.” MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), May 15 – Chairman Bill Barrett, Educational Director Mark Campbell. Carpet cleaner arrived. Chairman reminded crew to head to the hiring halls for standard-contract voting. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade and be mindful of document expira- tion dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested increases in medical and vacation benefits. They thanked steward department for “outstanding food.” MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), May 23 – Chairman Mario Ordonez, Secretary Robert Seim, Educational Director Joel Boyd. Chairman discussed benefits of upgrading at union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Educational director talked about importance of COVID19 vaccinations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew made suggestions pertaining to vacation benefits and physical exams. Votes of thanks extended to engine and steward departments. ARC COMMITMENT (TOTE), June 26 – Chairman Richard Grubbs, Secretary Rosalie Long. Chairman noted vessel heading to East Coast with stops in Savannah, Brunswick, Baltimore and New York. He reported the “great pay increases that are now in effect” as of June 1. “This is a great win and compliment to SIU VP George Tricker and his negotiating team.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question was asked about holiday pay. Members discussed importance of Jones Act and how its elimination would be “devastating to the industry. The loss of American jobs would be catastrophic. We must support this vital law.” Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 15 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA NICHOLAS AGUILERA Brother Nicholas Aguilera, 65, started his career with the union in 1973. He first shipped on the Saugatuck and sailed in the engine department. Brother Aguilera upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Seabulk Arctic and makes his home in Flagler Beach, Florida. DUANE AKERS Brother Duane Akers, 59, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997, initially sailing aboard the Little Hales. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped as an MDR. Brother Akers’ final vessel was the SBX. He is a resident of Bonney Lake, Washington. SONNY AUSTRIA Brother Sonny Austria, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1992. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Austria upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center and last sailed on the Horizon Enterprise. He lives in Las Vegas. BERNARD BAKER Brother Bernard Baker, 71, signed on with the SIU in 1993, first sailing aboard the Independence. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Baker most recently sailed on the Ocean Grand. He resides in Salina, Kansas. ALAN BARTLEY Brother Alan Bartley, 62, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1981 when he shipped on the Seattle. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. 16 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 16 Brother Bartley most recently sailed on the Mohawk. He resides in Granbury, Texas. CORNELIO BARTOLOME Brother Cornelio Bartolome, 68, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2005, initially sailing on the Horizon Fairbanks. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Bartolome last shipped on the American Pride and calls San Diego home. FONDA BIAMONTE Sister Fonda Biamonte, 66, joined the SIU in 1998 when she sailed on the USNS Effective. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Biamonte most recently shipped on the Harry Martin and makes her home in Beasley, Texas. JAMES BLITCH Brother James Blitch, 65, signed on with the union in 1979. He first sailed aboard the Lionheart and worked in the deck department. Brother Blitch upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Sunshine State and is a resident of Atlantic Beach, Florida. JOSEPH CASALINO Brother Joseph Casalino, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1988, initially shipping on the Paul Buck. He sailed primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Casalino last shipped aboard the Ocean Freedom. He lives in San Rafael, California. TRACY CRUM Brother Tracy Crum, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward Dixie Carriers and was a deck department member. Brother Domingo last sailed on the Liberty Sea and lives in Prairieville, Louisiana. department. Brother Crum upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Manoa and is a resident of Honolulu. DANIEL DALIGCON Brother Daniel Daligcon, 65, joined the union in 1995 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Daligcon last shipped on the California. He lives in Brentwood, California. DANIEL DAVENPORT Brother Daniel Davenport, 70, began his career with the SIU in 2005. A deck department member, he initially sailed aboard the Jean Anne. Brother Davenport upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped aboard the Marjorie C and resides in Liverpool, New York. JOSE DAVID Brother Jose David, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002, first sailing aboard the USNS Watson. Brother David was a steward department member, and he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his career on the USNS Pathfinder and makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. RONALD DAVIS Brother Ronald Davis, 71, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Stonewall Jackson. He worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Davis most recently shipped on the Horizon Pacific. He resides in Katy, Texas. FRED DOMINGO Brother Fred Domingo, 68, began sailing with the SIU in 1976. He initially shipped with CYNTHIA ESPINDA Sister Cynthia Espinda, 65, started her career with the Seafarers in 2000 when she sailed aboard the Independence. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Sister Espinda’s final vessel was the SBX. She makes her home in Aiea, Hawaii. partment and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gianan’s final vessel was the Lightning. He resides in Long Beach, California. WILFREDO GUERRERO Brother Wilfredo Guerrero, 65, starting sailing with the Seafarers in 2005, initially working aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2007. Brother Guerrero last shipped on the Liberty Pride. He makes his home in Brandon, Florida. WALTER HARRIS Brother James Gaines, 65, joined the SIU in 1978 and first sailed on the Cove Leader. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Gaines last sailed on the American Condor and makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Walter Harris, 65, joined the union in 1999 when he worked on the Manoa. A steward department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Harris concluded his career on the Manukai. He lives in Moreno Valley, California. FREDERICK GATHERS JOZEF IGNACZAK Brother Frederick Gathers, 71, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. He first shipped on the Chesapeake Bay and sailed in the deck department. Brother Gathers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Douglas and calls Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, home. Brother Jozef Ignaczak, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2005. He initially sailed on the Liberty Glory and worked in the deck department. Brother Ignaczak last shipped aboard the Overseas Boston and resides in Lakewood, Washington. JAMES GAINES ALI GHALIB Brother Ali Ghalib, 70, began sailing with the SIU in 1990. He sailed primarily in the steward department and first shipped on the Navigator. Brother Ghalib last sailed on the Maunawili and lives in Dearborn, Michigan. GERRY GIANAN Brother Gerry Gianan, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1993, first sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He sailed in the deck de- OSCAR JOHNNY Brother Oscar Johnny, 72, signed on with the union in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Pride of Hawaii. An engine department member, he most recently shipped on the Garden State. Brother Johnny is a resident of Miramar, Florida. DAVID JOHNSON Brother David Johnson, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001. He was a steward department member and first sailed aboard the Patriot. Brother Continued on next page August 2022 7/26/22 10:45 AM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. Continued from Page 16 Johnson upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed on the Chemical Pioneer and calls Philadelphia home. LOVELL MCELROY Brother Lovell McElroy, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed on the Del Uruguay. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McElroy most recently shipped on the Seabulk Challenge. He makes his home in Bessemer, Alabama. LUCAS MEJIA Brother Lucas Mejia, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1991, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mejia’s final vessel was the Colorado Express. He lives in the Bronx, New York. CHARLES PARMAN Brother Charles Parman, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1975 when he worked aboard the Van Defender. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Parman last shipped on the Liberty Star and lives in New Orleans. AMIN SALEH Brother Amin Saleh, 68, joined the SIU in 1998 and first sailed on the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2008 and shipped in the steward department. Brother Saleh concluded his career aboard the John Boland and makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. THOMAS SMITH Brother Thomas Smith, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He first shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and sailed in the steward department. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 17 Brother Smith upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the American Endurance and calls Jacksonville, Florida, home. MALACHI TANNIS Brother Malachi Tannis, 70, started sailing with the union in 2001. He initially shipped on the Chemical Pioneer and sailed in the engine department. Brother Tannis upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Alliance St. Louis and calls Brooklyn, New York, home. CHARLES VAN DEVENTER Brother Charles Van Deventer, 69, joined the union in 1975, sailing first aboard the Richard J. Reiss. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Van Deventer’s final vessel was the Midnight Sun. He lives in White Salmon, Washington. SCOTT WENNESON Brother Scott Wenneson, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Hudson Waterways Corporation. Brother Wenneson upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked with McAllister Towing of Baltimore and lives in Parkville, Maryland. ANGELO WILCOX Brother Angelo Wilcox, 56, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A deck department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Wilcox last shipped on the Overseas Martinez. He resides in Durham, North Carolina. ROBERT WOBIL Brother Robert Wobil, 69, signed on with the union in 1994, first sailing aboard the USNS Bellatrix. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Wobil’s final vessel was the Overseas Marilyn. He lives in Gulfport, Mississippi. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL CUSHMAN Brother Michael Cushman, 61, started sailing with the union in 1980, initially shipping on the Adventurer. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Cushman concluded his career aboard the Prentiss Brown and calls Homosassa, Florida, home. ROBERT FITZHUGH Brother Robert Fitzhugh, 65, signed on with the union in 1980. He initially sailed aboard the H. Lee White and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Fitzhugh upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the Bradshaw McKee and is a resident of Benzonia, Michigan. INLAND JIMMY ARDOIN Brother Jimmy Ardoin, 64, donned the SIU colors in 2003. He was a deck department member and first worked for Seabulk Tankers. Brother Ardoin’s final vessel was the Zeus. He is a resident of Port Arthur, Texas. CHARLES BOLES Brother Charles Boles, 70, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1974 when he shipped with Bob-Lo Island. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Boles last shipped on the Cape Canaveral. He makes his home in Livingston, Texas. ROSS BURTON Brother Ross Burton, 66, signed on with the union in 1995. He sailed in the deck department and worked with Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. Brother Burton settled in Orange, Texas. GREGORY DIXON Brother Gregory Dixon, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993 when he sailed with Allied Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Dixon remained with the same company for his entire career. He lives in Supply, North Carolina. JAMES HAUGHEY Brother James Haughey, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1980. A deck department member, he first worked for Hvide Marine. Brother Haughey upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career with OSG Ship Management and makes his home in Laurel, Delaware. signed on with the union in 1970. He initially sailed on the Columbia Baron. Brother Lambertson was a deck department member. He was last employed with G&H Towing and makes his home in Greer, South Carolina. TODD MCDONOUGH Brother Todd McDonough, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1985 when he worked for Moran Towing of Texas. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother McDonough concluded his career with Penn Maritime and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. JOHN MEYERS Brother Curtis Hintze, 65, joined the SIU in 1976. He initially shipped with Calmar Steamship Corporation and worked in the deck department. Brother Hintze upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He was last employed with OSG Ship Management and resides in Olney, Maryland. Brother John Meyers, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1998 when he worked on the Padre Island. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Meyers last shipped on the Sugar Island. He makes his home in Big Sandy, Tennessee. RUSSELL KELLEY STEVEN SHEERAN Brother Russell Kelley, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1994 when he worked for G&H Towing. He sailed in the engine department and remained with the same company for his entire career. Brother Kelley is a resident of Galveston, Texas. Brother Steven Sheeran, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996. He worked for Crowley Liner Services on a shore gang for the duration of his career. Brother Sheeran is a Philadelphia resident. CURTIS HINTZE CLIFTON SKINNER Brother Clark King, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978, initially working with H&M Lake Transport. Brother King shipped in both the engine and deck departments. He last worked with OLS Transport and makes his home in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Brother Clifton Skinner, 62, began his career with the union in 1993. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Skinner worked for Allied Transportation for the duration of his career and settled in Belhaven, North Carolina. WARREN KOGUC JEROME THOMAS Brother Warren Koguc, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979. He first sailed with Delaware River Barge and worked in the deck department. Brother Koguc most recently worked for Penn Maritime. He resides in Navarre, Florida. Brother Jerome Thomas, 62, started sailing with the SIU in 1995. He was a steward department member and worked for Delta Queen Steamboat Company for his entire career. Brother Thomas lives in New Orleans. CLARK KING KAMIN LAMBERTSON Brother Kamin Lambertson, 70, Seafarers LOG 17 7/26/22 10:53 AM �Final Departures DEEP SEA EARL BOSTROM Pensioner Earl Bostrom, 74, passed away June 10. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1995 and first shipped on the USNS Algol. Brother Bostrom sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Achiever. He became a pensioner in 2012 and settled in Ocala, Florida. LEROY COPE Pensioner Leroy Cope, 92, died May 28. He donned the SIU colors in 1966 when he sailed aboard the Steel Artisan. Brother Cope was a deck department member and last shipped on the Explorer. He retired in 1994 and resided in San Francisco. ROMULO DALIT Pensioner Romulo Dalit, 73, passed away June 21. He became a member of the SIU in 2004. A deck department member, Brother Dalit first shipped on the Overseas New York. He last sailed aboard the Alaskan Frontier and went on pension in 2014. Brother Dalit called Federal Way, Washington, home. CHRISTOPHER DEVONISH Pensioner Christopher Devonish, 69, died May 21. He signed on with the SIU in 1970 and first sailed aboard the Wacosta. Brother Devonish was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Maersk Missouri before going on pension in 2016. Brother Devonish lived in Jacksonville, Florida. ANDREW DONALDSON Pensioner Andrew Donaldson, 75, passed away June 18. A deck department member, he started sailing with the union in 2001. Brother Donaldson’s first vessel was the Seabulk Challenge; his last, the Horizon Anchorage. He became a pensioner in 2018 and settled in Federal Way, Washington. MILTON FLYNN Pensioner Milton Flynn, 77, 18 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 18 died June 9. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2000. The deck department member’s first vessel was the USNS Dahl. Brother Flynn last shipped on the Calvin P. Titus before retiring in 2010. He resided in Delray Beach, Florida. JOHN HENRY Pensioner John Henry, 75, passed away May 31. He joined the SIU in 2001 and first shipped on the Tonsina. Brother Henry was a member of the engine department and last sailed aboard the Prince William Sound. He became a pensioner in 2011 and settled in Keizer, Oregon. JOHN LEITER Brother John Leiter, 64, has passed away. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially working with Sealand. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Leiter concluded his career with World Crane Services. He made his home in Toms River, New Jersey. ABRAHAM MURRAY Pensioner Abraham Murray, 80, passed away June 30. He started sailing with the union in 1991 when he worked on the Cape Mendocino. Brother Murray was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Horizon Reliance in 2008. He went on pension the same year and settled in Salmon, Idaho. GEORGE NASON Brother George Nason, 69, died March 28. Born in New York, he embarked on his career with the SIU in 1973. Brother Nason was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Baltimore. He last shipped on the Patriot State and called Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, home. HERMAN RHODES Pensioner Herman Rhodes, 81, passed away April 26. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1999 when he worked on the USNS Sisler. Brother Rhodes sailed in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Watson and retired in 2007. Brother Rhodes lived in Mobile, Alabama. GREAT LAKES FREDERICK GROSBEIER Pensioner Frederick Grosbeier, 79, died July 4. Signing on with the SIU in 1968, he first shipped on the McKee Sons. Brother Grosbeier was a deck department member and last sailed on a Maersk vessel. He went on pension in 2008 and resided in Hollow Rock, Tennessee. INLAND WILMER ADAMS Pensioner Wilmer Adams, 81, passed away June 12. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1962. Brother Adams first sailed on the Globe Carrier. He was last employed with Gulf Atlantic Transport and became a pensioner in 2003. Brother Adams made his home in Satsuma, Alabama. BENDERS GOLDEN Pensioner Benders Golden, 78, died May 21. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1970, initially working with Plymouth Towing. A member of the deck department, Brother Golden concluded his career with Interstate Oil. He went on pension in 2006 and was a resident of Grantsboro, North Carolina. BENJIMAN HALLMARK Pensioner Benjiman Hallmark, 82, passed away June 22. He became an SIU member in 1978. A deck department member, Brother Hallmark sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He retired in 2011 and called Sil- ver Creek, Washington, home. GARY JARVIS Pensioner Gary Jarvis, 78, died May 15. He joined the Seafarers in 1965 and first sailed on the Alcoa Master. Brother Jarvis was a member of the engine department. He concluded his career with G&H Towing and retired in 2005. Brother Jarvis resided in Henderson, Texas. JOHNNY JOHNSTON Pensioner Johnny Johnston, 75, passed away May 25. He began sailing with the SIU in 1988. Brother Johnston was employed by Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Mount Vernon, Alabama. LOWELL JONES Pensioner Lowell Jones, 76, died June 24. A deck department member, he started sailing with the SIU in 1965. Brother Jones was first employed with Coyle Lines Inc. He last worked for G&H Towing before retiring in 2007. Brother Jones was a resident of Milton, Florida. DOUGLAS KELLUP Pensioner Douglas Kellup, 66, passed away April 29. He signed on with the union in 1979, initially working with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Brother Kellup sailed in the engine department and concluded his career with American West Steamboat Company in 2006. He retired in 2017 and made his home in New Orleans. ANTHONY MYKLICH Pensioner Anthony Myklich, 65, died June 3. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1989. A deck depart- ment member, Brother Myklich worked for OSG Ship Management until 1999. He went on pension in 2018 and resided in Glassboro, New Jersey. WOODROW STOKLEY Pensioner Woodrow Stokley, 83, passed away June 21. He donned the SIU colors in 1972 and sailed in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Stokley worked for Allied Transportation until his retirement in 1995. He lived in Portsmouth, Virginia. NMU ANTONIO BEOF Pensioner Antonio Beof, 83, died April 17. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with the SIU. Brother Beof was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Patriot before becoming a pensioner in 2006. Brother Beof was a San Diego resident. THOMAS FORD Pensioner Thomas Ford, 78, passed away July 3. He joined the union in 2001 during the NMU/SIU merger and sailed in all three departments. Brother Ford’s first vessel was the Marine Chemist; his last, the Cape Hudson. He went on pension in 2005 and resided in Los Angeles. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Camillo, Leonard 92 Funchess, Joe 82 Garcia, Jose 90 Garcia, Raymundo 95 Jacobson, Maurice 89 Kozak, Joseph 93 Mendes, Albertina 92 Parsons, Locksley 85 Picou, Alonzo 94 Russell, Sonny 92 Tucker, William 101 Varona Toledo, Carmen 89 Vindel, Jose 86 Watkins, Jess 77 Wilson, Clyde 77 DOD 05/23/2022 06/12/2022 05/29/2022 06/01/2022 06/09/2022 05/24/2022 05/24/2022 05/23/2022 06/29/2022 05/25/2022 05/21/2022 05/22/2022 06/11/2022 05/05/2022 05/14/2022 August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Galley Operations August 15 September 9 October 10 November 4 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck August 29 September 16 October 17 November 4 November 28 December 16 Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival August 29 September 9 September 26 October 7 October 24 November 4 November 21 December 2 Fast Rescue Boat August 22 August 26 RFPNW September 26 October 14 November 14 December 2 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW September 26 October 21 November 14 December 9 FOWT August 29 September 23 October 24 November 18 Junior Engineer September 19 November 11 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Welding September 5 September 23 October 31 November 18 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook August 15 September 16 September 19 October 21 October 31 December 2 December 5 January 5 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 19 Steward Department Upgrading Courses ServSafe Management September 12 September 16 October 24 October 28 November 28 December 2 Chief Steward September 12 October 7 November 14 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training October 3 October 7 Basic Training Revalidation September 9 September 9 October 7 October 7 October 21 October 21 November 14 November 14 December 2 December 2 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 September 2 December 12 December 16 Government Vessels August 15 August 19 August 29 September 2 September 19 September 23 September 26 September 30 October 17 October 21 October 24 October 28 November 7 November 10 December 5 December 9 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 August 19 October 31 November 4 Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 8/22 Seafarers LOG 19 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes 883 Apprentice Water Survival Class #883 – Graduated June 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Hayes Bouchey, Gianni Ellis, Christian Felton, Shelly Ford, Nicholas Fortney, Nicholas Gianna, Nohea Kahoohalahala-Salgado, Cody Miranda, Carl Piercy, Karrington Plummer Jr., Ethan Sahagon, Preston Stine, Antjuan Webb Jr., Robert White and Chandler Williams. RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated May 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Jaime Rios. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Class instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. Important Notice To All Students 20 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 20 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. August 2022 7/29/22 1:05 PM �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated May 27 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Armon Bailey, Mark Billiot, Patrick Brill, Yamira Colon Del Moral, Joseph Dupre, Mohamed Sam Kassem, Nasser Saleh Kassim, Tousif Ahmed Khan, Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin, Nagi Ahmed Mihakel, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Jody Owens, Muammer Saleh Qusiem, Abdul Ali Qwfan, Christopher Rosado Mercado, Luis Alberto Sepulveda, Rafiq Yusuf Small, Isaiah Zed Thomas, Joseph Toth, Michael Wees, Khaled Mohamed Yahia and Michael Zabielski. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated May 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Saif Al Tamimi, Mohamed Saeed Alahmadi, Hermogenes Reyes Aquino Jr., Lashay Creekmore, Joseph Durst, Omar Allan Santos Espinosa, Japerobin Saturinas Geonzon, Brian Guiry, Christopher Hatzidakis, Albino Joseph Lotukoi, Anthony Lamonte McAfee Sr., Kenjuan McBride, Shaka Balaan Merrell, Juan Pastor Norales, Samuel Dain Pinnock, Anthony Simon, Marilou Dumlao Toledo, Richard Salazar Torres, Randy Estepa Wurr and Khaled Mohamed Yahia. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding – Upgrader Kelly Percy (above, left) completed his requirements for graduation in this course May 13. Helping him celebrate his accomplishment is his instructor, Chris Raley, right. August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 21 RFPEW (Phase III) – Phase III Apprentice Alexander Boothby (above left), graduated from this course May 20. Upon the completion of his training, Boothby plans to work in the engine department aboard vessels contracted by the SIU. Joining him to mark his achievement is his instructor, John Wiegman III, right. Seafarers LOG 21 7/26/22 10:58 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPEW – Graduated May 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Lance Gibson, Ernest Alfego Grant Jr., King Haber, Wilson Onixon Montero Centeno, Christopher Skinner and Michael Zabielski. Their instructor, John Wiegman III, is at the far right. Marine Refrigeration Tech – Graduated May 13 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander, Angel Ivan Colon Cintron, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, James Anthony Costales Fells, Kabir Garcia Santiago, Jeffrey Hamer, Arvin Tarroza Heras, Thedford Jones Jr., Tousif Ahmed Khan and Ethan Love. Their instructor, Christopher Morgan, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated July 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Taquisha Breathwaite, Brandon Camenzuli, John Chaney, Nikia Cooper, Donita Dowdell, Daniel Gilbert, Olivia Gross, Darryl McCray, Richard Owusu, Randy Slue, Paulette Thompson, Gary Torres and Kimberly Vargas. 22 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 22 August 2022 7/22/22 3:03 AM �Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated July 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Abdullsatar Hassen Ahmed, Brandy Baker, Khaleel Boatner, Melgar Dadivas Daguio, Jeramil Ogoc Dela Pena, Robert Greenwood, James Gregory, Jeffery Griffin, Darius Harley, Sterling Kirk, Yassid Jean Laboriel Lalin, Kenneth Ledeoux, Alex Adelmir Oliva, Adam Petrucci, Marcos Antonio Rivera-Baez, Anquette Lachelle Smith and Leanne Smith. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Francia Helena Alvarez, Crystal Cobbs, Christopher Dhanoolal, Jose Benjie Santos, Tinesha Travis and Victor Janell Valentin-Delgado. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated June 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Olivia Gross, Paulette Thompson and Kimberly Vargas. Chief Steward – Graduated June 3 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): George Nier Egbert, Katrina Jones, Rashaad Jalloud Mangram, Alan Jared Squier and Craig Wooten. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places August 2022 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022.indd 23 Seafarers LOG 23 7/22/22 3:03 AM �AUGUST 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 20-23 Seafarers Vote on Standard Contracts ‘Ayes Have It’ Pictured on this page are Seafarers on vessels and at hiring halls voting in favor of the new standard contracts (or shown shortly after doing so). Additional related content appears on pages 1, 2, 3, 4 and 14 and also will be published in an upcoming issue of the LOG. Pending final ratification, the new agreements take effect July 1 and last through June 2027. Voting was still underway at press time but the contracts were well on their way to overwhelming ratification. PINEY POINT BRENTON REEF ISLA BELLA NORFOLK HALL INDEPENDENCE MAUNAWILI USNS ALGOL 24 Seafarers LOG 73684_SEAFARERS_LOG_AUGUST_2022x.indd 24 MOKIHANA USNS JOHN GLENN August 2022 7/26/22 11:02 AM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2022 Description An account of the resource MEMBERS VOTE ON STANDARD CONTRACTS NY WATERWAY CREWS RESCUE NINE BOATERS IN HUDSON HARLEY MARINE CREWS RESCUE INDIVIDUAL NASSCO CHRISTENS USS JOHN L. CANLEY CONGRESSIONAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF BEING UNIONIZED BIDEN AWARDS POSTHUMOUS MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO TRUMKA ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS RATIFIED WHILE OTHERS ARE EXTENDED TEMPORARY RELOCATION FOR NORFOLK OPERATIONS TANKER CREW AIDS REFUGEES AT SEA WWII MARINER ABRAMS SHARES REMARKABLE MEMORIES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 84, No. 8 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/b5e65951113c4b5cc2b211987b419af2.pdf 891317938d1c8e51ec780fbae7825e3a PDF Text Text AUGUST 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Union Welcomes New Tonnage A summer influx of new U.S.-flag vessels means new jobs for Seafarers and underscores America’s shipbuilding capabilities. Pictured above is Pasha Hawaii’s new LNG-powered containership Janet Marie, a Jones Act vessel that was delivered in July. Bottom, from left, Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha IV arrives at the VIP room aboard the vessel (he and his wife, Elyse, travelled aboard the ship for a few days). SIU Chief Steward (and certified chef) Gilbert Allende is at right. In photo directly below, from left, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, TOTE President/CEO Tim Nolan and SIU President David Heindel are pictured at Philly Shipyard aboard the Empire State, the recently christened lead in a new class of National Security Multi-Mission Vessels. The union also recently welcomed a new NY Waterway ferry named after the company’s founder, Arthur E. Imperatore. Pages 4, 6. Members Ratify Contract With Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Seafarers have strongly approved a new three-year contract in the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock hopper dredge division featuring significant wage increases and other gains. Pictured (below) aboard the Galveston Island during the ratification process are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, First A/E Matt Schleicher, C/E Michael Carron, C/E Chris Shedd and SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook. Page 3. Heindel Elected to Exec. Council Seafarers ‘Paint Tacoma’ Page 20 Page 5 �President’s Report Efforts Underway to Curtail Chinese Logistics Tracking of U.S.-Flag Ships and Cargo Editor’s note: The following article was posted by the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated. On the Right Course Both within the SIU and in the larger U.S. maritime industry, we naturally spend most of our time focused on current and future tasks and challenges. At the same time, it’s important to step back every now and then and acknowledge the good work we’re doing and the very real progress we’ve made. For examples, look no further than this issue of the LOG. We’re reporting on new, American-made tonnage in different sectors of the industry. This includes a deep-sea containership (sailing in the Jones Act trade), a passenger ferry, and the lead in a new class of multi-purpose training vessels. Collectively, those vessels signal new jobs for SIU members, and they reinforce the excellent capabilities of our brothers and sisters in domestic shipbuilding. I also salute the good-hearted volunteerism of our SIU brothers and sisters in the Pacific Northwest, who once again stepped up for the annual “Paint Tacoma” project. While their efforts David Heindel aren’t new, they also aren’t taken for granted. And those labors of love speak volumes about the rank-and-file membership. Our members may sometimes have tough exteriors, but they are generous, community-minded people who are happy to help others. Speaking of assisting others – and switching subjects back to our everyday work – the SIU recently signed on in support of new legislation aimed at ensuring that U.S.-grown commodities remain the cornerstone of international food aid. The American Farmers Feed the World Act of 2023 offers numerous potential benefits, not the least of which is that it would boost the amount of cargo available to American-flag vessels (and their U.S. citizen crews). The bill has bipartisan support. Upon its introduction, one of our industry’s most steadfast supporters, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), said in part: “American agriculture feeds the world, and United States-flag vessels are ready to deliver critical food aid to those countries most in need. Congress always intended for these foreign relief programs to be a triple bottom line: A win for America’s farmers in years when they grow more than they can sell. A win for our nation’s shipbuilding and maritime industries, guaranteeing cargo during peacetime so we have the U.S.-flag vessels needed during wartime. And a win for projecting the generous spirit of Americans to help those starving around the world. Our bipartisan bill restores this careful balance to ensure that taxpayer dollars for foreign relief are spent on American-grown foods transported on U.S.-flag vessels, not foreign alternatives.” This is one more example of why the SIU remains politically active. Seafarers know that our industry is heavily regulated, especially at the federal level. Our advocacy is vital to maintaining laws and programs like the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and cargo preference. Our political efforts also help lead to gains such as the new Tanker Security Program and the Cable Security Fleet. Put another way: We’re politically active because SIU jobs depend on it. And our advocacy for U.S. crews, American-flag ships and domestic shipbuilding is buoyed by the consistently outstanding work of Seafarers. People know that we are proud to serve as part of America’s fourth arm of defense, and we’re always committed to delivering the goods. This was quite evident during the pandemic, when our members and many other mariners stayed on the job while others worked from home. Any concerns about the supply chain did not apply to American-flag ships and American mariners. We do indeed have a lot of work ahead of us, but I’m optimistic about our course. August Membership Meetings Seafarers always are encouraged to attend the monthly membership meetings, but it’s especially important this time around. We are going to request member approval to upgrade the currently non-constitutional and informational port offices in Norfolk, Virginia; Jacksonville, Florida; Wilmington, California; and Tacoma, Washington, to constitutional ports. This will benefit rank-and-file members. It’s vitally important that these major ports help make the decisions that affect the whole of the membership while they are at sea, as reflected in our constitution. It’s the right time for such a change. Imagine the following scenario: American military forces are placed on alert for possible immediate action in a destination without a nearby military base. The equipment they will need to sustain their involvement is scheduled to be delivered aboard U.S.-flag merchant ships being loaded at various ports in the United States. Massive Chinese-built cranes with electronic devices used for cargo tracking load the containers while electronic monitoring devices and software systems record which boxes stacked on which vessels carry the materiel and note the final destinations. En route, the civilian-crewed ships receive orders to alter their plans as the original locations for disembarking have been disabled. American military forces, meanwhile, are left without their valuable and much-needed gear. Think this is a movie plot awaiting an ending because of the writers’ strike? Think again. This is one of numerous situations involving international logistics under consideration by elected officials, government agencies and port operators. There are two linked threats. The first is a Chinese data management system increasingly being used around the world called LOGINK, “a logistics management platform that aggregates logistics data from various sources, including domestic and foreign overseas ports, foreign logistics networks, hundreds of thousands of users in the People’s Republic of China and other databases,” according to the Baker Institute of Rice University. (The Baker Institute is a 30-year-old nonpartisan think tank named for former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III.) The Baker Institute report adds, “LOGINK offers Beijing [China’s capital] a means to monitor and shape the international logistics market, increase foreign strategic dependency on China, and exploit the vulnerabilities of LOGINK users for economic and geostrategic purposes.” LOGINK (which stands for China’s state-supported National Public Platform for Transportation and Logistics) started late in this century’s first decade as a provincial truck and logistics tracking system. By 2010, it was used for tracking data in northeast Asia including ports in China, Japan and South Korea. According to the Baker Institute, LOGINK today has the ability to collect and funnel transportation and logistics information around the world. Using statistics from a Naval War College Review and included by the Baker Institute, China has a “presence in at least 95 overseas ports.” The second risk is due to China’s dominance in building and supplying cranes used to load and offload cargo. These cranes are in use at ports in the United States and around the world. The software used to run these cranes can be remotely accessed and, as Chinese companies must follow the orders of the Chinese Communist Party, could be used to disable these cranes, thus stopping any loading or offloading. That is not some hypothetical threat: hacking has occurred with remote control of the cranes as reported by Forbes in 2019 (several foreign ports) and by CNN in 2021 (Houston). In a report delivered to the AFL-CIO International Affairs Committee earlier this month, Commissioner Michael Wessel of the U.S.-China Economic & Security Review Commission stated China wants to be a “transportation superpower by 2049.” Wessel noted that the Chinese offer LOGINK “to be a one-stop-shop replacing many of the functions of third-party logistics providers,” but the companies/facilities “have to adopt Chinese standards.” Additionally, the Baker Institute pointed out that China “stated as early as 2017 that LOGINK offers opportunities for the government to shape markets in the internet era.” The Chinese Communist Party directed that LOGINK be offered free of charge to ports globally and that strategy is working. Besides the Asian theater, Wessel stated LOGINK is being used in the ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg. So, what does all this mean to the U.S. Merchant Marine? Currently, ports that utilize Chinese-built cranes operate in the U.S. ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle, Charleston, Baltimore, Boston and Norfolk. Quoting other sources, Wessel told the AFL-CIO committee that “some national-security and Pentagon officials have compared ship-to-shore cranes made by the China-based manufacturer to a Trojan horse. While comparably well-made and inexpensive, they contain sophisticated sensors that can register and track the provenance and destination of containers, prompting concerns that China could capture information about materiel being shipped out of the country to support U.S. military operations around the world.” In fact, The Wall Street Journal published a story on March 5 titled “Pentagon Sees Giant Cargo Cranes as Possible Chinese Spying Tools.” Recently, the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, Army veteran Rep. Mark Green (RTennessee), stated, “On behalf of the American people, this committee is demanding answers on the risks these cranes pose to U.S. cybersecurity and the resilience of our critical infrastructure, which is a core aspect of the homeland security mission.” In addition, U.S. Rep Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota) has included an amendment to the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act making its way through Congress that would prohibit U.S. ports from utilizing LOGINK. “If LOGINK gained access to U.S. carriers and ports, the [Chinese government] would be at an extreme competitive advantage, allowing them to underbid foreign competitors and further increase dependency on Chinese markets,” Johnson said, according to The Journal of Commerce. “For U.S. mariners, being tracked by a foreign country brings visions of the First and Second World Wars when German U-Boats indiscriminately sunk our vessels,” SIU President David Heindel recalled. “These logistics systems could allow for precise targets. Congress must act appropriately and swiftly to address this potential threat.” “These threats aren’t part of some science fiction plot. They are real,” Wessel declared. “America must respond.” For a Great Cause O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 8 August 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director, Nick Merrill; Assistant Editor, Aja Neal; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (right) and Maersk Line, Limited President and CEO Bill Woodhour (left) present a check to Boulder Crest Foundation Director of Philanthropy Janet Reid in Bluemont, Virginia. The proceeds came from this year’s Seafarers Waterfront Classic (see the June LOG and/or the SIU website for coverage). The Boulder Crest Foundation is a non-profit organization serving military veterans, first responders and their families. August 2023 �Members Ratify 3-Year Contract Gains Secured for Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Crews Seafarers employed in the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock (GLDD) hopper dredge division recently ratified a three-year contract that substantially increases wages, maintains benefits, and includes other gains. Voting took place aboard the vessels, and a large majority of rank-and-file members approved the new agreement, which covers nearly 140 Seafarers. Bargaining sessions were conducted in Houston earlier this year (one each in January and February). The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Mike Russo, AB Billy Born, Chief Engineer Jeff McCranie, Capt. Alex Penzi, and AB Clayton Stanley Byrd. Representing the company were executives Chris Roberts, George Strawn, James Walker, and Robert Worrell. The pact maintains top-of-the-line medical coverage, calls for yearly wage increases, and boosts pension benefits. It also maintains vacation benefits along with access to the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. “As a result of member input, the committee drafted a proposal reflecting the desires of a majority of rank-and-file members,” stated Tricker, who pointed out that ratification followed a pair of 60-day extensions of the previous contract. “I’m confident we addressed every issue, and that is reflected by a sizeable majority voting in favor of the new contract. I extend special thanks to Mike Russo for his work, and I also appreciate the time invested by all of our delegates.” Russo said, “Everybody stuck together, and that’s how we achieved a hard-fought agreement. This is a fair contract, and it’s worth noting that we had no givebacks. Credit to George for doing a great job leading our committee. Thanks also to (SIU Norfolk Port Agent) Mario Torrey and SIU Houston Patrolman) Kelly Krick for their work during the ratification.” Asked to identify what he considers highlights of the contract, McCranie replied, “Health care, retirement, and money in the pocket. Those were the three basic things that everybody wanted, so the majority of the crews should be happy with the final result.” McCranie, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, also said he appreciated the fleet receiving balanced representation of its various components (different dredges, ratings, and shipboard departments) during negotiations. “This contract shows that a union representing licensed and unlicensed mariners can work together for the improvement of all its members,” he said. Born stated, “All in all, I think it was fair for both parties. We had a really good group of guys on the committee, and we didn’t lose anything.” He said highlights include the pay increase, a more efficient path for progressing from oiler to QMED, and the pension increase that brings all of the crews on the same scale. Byrd said the negotiations “went really well. All the delegates had a lot of input, and George was really enthused about what we had to say. I felt like he took our input seriously, and the delegates did all we could do. I also appreciate all that Christ Roberts, George Strawn, Jimmy Walker, and Robert Worrell did.” GLDD, headquartered in Houston, is selfdescribed as “the largest provider of dredging services in the United States” and “has a long history of performing significant international projects. We own and operate the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprising approximately 200 specialized vessels. In 2021, Great Lakes formed our Offshore Wind sector – a strategic growth area for the company.” Its areas of operation include New York; Miami; Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia, and more. In the photos above and below, members aboard the Douglas B. Mackie approve the new agreement. The top photo also includes SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey (right) and SIU Norfolk Patrolman Joshua Rawls (left). SIU Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick (second from left) meets with members aboard the Liberty Island as part of the ratification process. Second Mate Max Smeby, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Capt. Alex Penzi and SIU New Orleans Port Agent Chris Westbrook meet aboard the Padre Island. Penzi and Russo served on the SIU negotiating committee. Among those pictured aboard the Liberty Island are SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala (fourth from left) and members Capt. James Hoffman, First Asst. Engineer Justin Violanti, AB Kyle Hart, SA Florentino Espiritu, Cook Noah Schluder, Oiler Salomon Prado, Chief Engineer Oscar Palacios, Second Engineer Matt Gillespie and Chief Mate Steven Bergmann. August 2023 Capt. Gabe Cuevas, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey and AB Nick Holt review the new contract aboard the Ellis Island. Seafarers LOG 3 �Union-Built Multi-Mission Vessel Christened The Empire State is the first of five in a class known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels. SIU officials recently helped celebrate the official welcoming of a union-built vessel in the Keystone State. SIU President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and Port Agent Joe Baselice represented the union June 26 at the Empire State’s christening ceremony, hosted by Philly Shipyard. The ship is the first of five in a class known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV). Seafarers-contracted TOTE is the vessel construction manager, as selected by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). TOTE also is the vessel operator for at least one year, and it is expected the SIU will provide shipboard manpower if the Empire State is activated. As previously noted by the agency, “MARAD provides ships from the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) as training vessels for the six state maritime academies. The agency is currently working to replace these older ships with new, purpose-built training vessels that will better meet the academies training needs while also providing the U.S. with ships that can support disaster response and other critical national needs. The NSMV is designed to provide a state-of-the-art training platform that ensures the U.S. continues to set the world standard in maritime training. The ship is outfitted with numerous training spaces to include eight classrooms, a full training bridge, lab spaces and an auditorium. The NSMV has space to train up to 600 cadets at sea, maximizing the capability of the ship and its mission to provide our cadets with a world-class education.” MARAD further reported, “In addition to being an educational platform, this vessel is a highly functional national asset. Designed to fulfill numerous roles, the NSMV can effectively support the federal response to national disasters such as Hurricanes Maria and Harvey. The vessel will have state-of-the-art hospital fa- cilities, a helicopter landing pad and the ability to berth up to 1,000 people in times of humanitarian need. Alongside its humanitarian capacities, the NSMV has a roll-on/roll-off ramp and container storage allowing it to provide aid to damaged ports…. Investment in the NSMV will foster the growth of the Nation’s maritime transportation workforce, men and women working in the shipbuilding and repair industry, while addressing a critical shortage of U.S. merchant mariners needed to crew commercial and government-owned sealift ships during a military crisis.” U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Connecticut) issued a statement following the christening. He described the ceremony as “a powerful statement about the impact of a strong domestic shipbuilding policy and the potential for our nation’s hardworking shipbuilders to rise to the challenges we face today. At a time when many are rightly focused on the need to restore domestic manufacturing and shipbuilding, the National MultiMission Vessel program is an example of where Congress, specifically the House Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, has successfully acted to do something to meet our nation’s shipbuilding demands. As a result, the Maritime Administration and the Philly Shipyard will deliver five U.S.-built ships that are largely on time and on budget. This is a dramatic change in pace as, just a few short years ago, prior to Congressional action, the Philly Shipyard had only a small number of employees and a nearly empty shipyard. Now, we have a proven contracting model and architecture to not only train mariners but boost our sealift program without relying on the vagaries of the foreign market.” Courtney added, “To capitalize on this success, I authored amendments in the Committee-passed annual defense bill to replicate the architecture at Philly Shipyard for our entire U.S. sealift program. I look forward to seeing these provisions passed in the House….” NY Waterway’s Newest Ferry Honors Company’s Founder The newest vessel in the SIU-crewed NY Waterway fleet salutes the company’s visionary founder. Union members and officials were on hand July 10 for the christening of the Arthur E. Imperatore at the Weehawken (New Jersey) Port Imperial Ferry Terminal. Representing the SIU were Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Port Agent Ray Henderson and numerous rankand-file members. “The SIU has an excellent history with NY Waterway and we were happy to be a part of this important event,” Soresi stated. “I know that our members will do a great job aboard this new ferry as well as aboard the others throughout the fleet.” “It was Arthur Imperatore’s bold vision that resulted in the transformation of the Weehawken waterfront and revitalized ferry passage across the Hudson. It is only fitting that this great new ship should bear his name,” said NY Waterway CEO Armand Pohan, who also acknowledged the decades-long service of SIU crews working board the company’s ferries along with that of the company’s staff. Attendees also included NJ TRANSIT CEO Kevin Corbett, Mayor Ravi Bhalla of Hobo- The newest addition to the SIU-crewed NY Waterway fleet was built by Yank Marine in Tuckahoe, New Jersey. ken, Mayor Michael McPartland of Edgewater, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro and Jacob Roth, a representative of U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey). Emma Thompson, Imperatore’s granddaughter, performed the traditional champagne bottle-breaking for the ferry christening. In a news release, the company described the new vessel as locally built and a “low-emission 2,000-horsepower, Tier 3-compliant ferryboat designed to carry 600 passengers. The ship has a service speed of 21 knots. The vessel is 109 feet long and 32 feet wide and draws just six feet of water depth, reducing the need for dredging near piers.” Imperatore died in November 2020 at age 95. He founded NY Waterway in 1986 in Weehawken, and built it into a mass transit system Emma Thompson, granddaughter of the late NY Waterway founder Arthur E. Imperatore, christens the new ferry bearing his name. 4 Seafarers LOG which has transported approximately 300 million people. Mariners sailing aboard SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferries have performed more than 100 rescues. The crews perhaps are best known for their roles in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when they evacuated upwards of 163,000 people from Manhattan. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (right) and NY Waterway CEO Armand Pohan chat at the ceremony. August 2023 �Heindel Elected to AFL-CIO Executive Council Federation Honors SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco SIU President David Heindel addresses fellow AFL-CIO Executive Council members immediately after his unanimous election. Reminder: Benefits Conferences Scheduled As previously reported, representatives from the SIU and the Seafarers Plans will conduct a series of benefits conferences at various hiring halls (the first was scheduled for late July). Seafarers, retirees and their families are strongly encouraged to attend at least one of the gatherings. Most of the conferences will take place the same days as the respective membership meetings for the given months. Designed to educate rank-and-file members as well as union employees, the conferences focus on various Seafarers Plans. Conference goals include making enrollees aware of benefits available to them under each plan. Special emphasis is placed on points that plan participants may not know about. Meeting times will be announced later, but tentative plans call for each staff conference to take place ahead of the membership meeting, followed by a separate conference for members, dependents and retirees immediately after the membership meeting. Please stay in touch with your hall and keep an eye on the SIU website and upcoming issues of the LOG for more details. Meanwhile, the schedule is as follows: Port Conference Date Oakland Thursday, August 17 Honolulu Friday, August 18 Wilmington Monday, August 21 Tacoma Friday, August 25 San Juan Thursday, September 7 Piney Point Monday, October 2 Jacksonville Thursday, October 5 Houston Monday, November 13 New Orleans Tuesday, November 14 Jersey City Thursday, November 30 August 2023 international president and six decades of membership with SIU, Sacco proved to be a staunch champion for generations of merchant mariners and America’s working families. A native of Brooklyn, Sacco served in the U.S. Air Force before joining the Seafarers in 1958 and then working aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels. In 1960, he came ashore to serve the SIU in a succession of union posts, including those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters representative. He served as vice president of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship from 1968 to 1979, and helped prepare the next generation of merchant mariners. From 1980 to 1988, Sacco directed the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters division as vice president, and in June 1988, the Seafarers International Union of North America Executive Board appointed him president, a post he would hold for nearly 35 years. In November 1991, Sacco was elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council, beginning his tenure as its longest-serving member. During his service as SIU president and president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, his leadership brought security and stability to the Seafarers, a successful merger with the National Maritime Union, and solidarity with the numerous maritime unions. Mike Sacco dedicated his life to the SIU and to furthering the values of trade unionism. He is an inspiration to us all and we wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement. Ft. Lauderdale Monday, February 19, 2024 Algonac Friday, March 8, 2024 AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond (right) reads a statement honoring the career of SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco. At left is AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. Cantwell Receives ‘Salute to Congress’ A longtime backer of the U.S. maritime industry recently received a major award. U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) on June 13 accepted the International Propeller Club’s 39th annual Salute to Congress award. SIU President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman represented the union at the reception and dinner, which took place just outside the nation’s capital in Arlington, Virginia. Cantwell has served in the Senate since 2001 and is the first woman to chair the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. With more than 200 labor, industry and government guests in attendance, International Propeller Club President Jim Patti said Cantwell “is in every sense a tireless advocate, a relentless fighter and an unapologetic supporter of a strong U.S.-flag maritime industry.” During her brief remarks, Cantwell recapped various maritime-related legislative wins that have been secured in the last year. The National Defense Authorization Act proved especially vital for the industry, she said. The senator, whose father served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, reiterated her support for the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program, and other initiatives and laws that back a strong U.S.-flag fleet along with U.S. mariners. “The challenges are, we need to continue to build that (maritime) workforce and diversify Seafarers International Union President David Heindel is the newest member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council. Heindel was seated at the beginning of the organization’s summer meeting July 18-19 at AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. He is one of 55 affiliate presidents and other officers that collectively serve as the governing body for the federation of labor unions. The SIU is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. In thanking the council for its unanimous vote, Heindel declared, “Anything the Seafarers can do domestically and internationally for each of the affiliates, we are here to help.” Prior to Heindel’s election, AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Fred Redmond read a statement thanking retired SIU President Michael Sacco for his tenure on the council (the full text appears below). AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler noted Sacco was the longest-serving member of the Executive Council when he retired. (He was elected in 1991.) She said she and Redmond were honored to have Sacco run their election to lead the AFL-CIO at last year’s convention in Philadelphia. The statement reads: On the Retirement of Michael Sacco The AFL-CIO Executive Council celebrates the service of our brother and friend, Michael Sacco, the longest-serving president in the history of the Seafarers International Union (SIU). During his more than three decades as Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) speaks during the Salute to Congress dinner. it so we have a strong maritime community,” Cantwell told the audience. “We need to make sure we have strong shipyards to build the next generation of vessels…. We need to make sure that we’re planning for the latest and greatest in global technologies.” She thanked shipboard and shore-side maritime unions “for the sacrifices they made to keep our economy going (during the pandemic). It was true patriotism. Thank you very much for that tireless determination.” She also stressed the need to increase commercial shipbuilding, then concluded, “You can’t have a U.S. economy without the Jones Act.” SIU Members, Contracted Companies Honored by CSA SIU members and Seafarers-contracted employers recently earned accolades from the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA). The CSA on June 20 hosted its annual safety awards luncheon in New Orleans. A number of SIU-contracted companies and SIU crews were among the honorees, including Crescent Towing (tugs Savannah, South Carolina, and Lisa Cooper), OSG (Overseas Long Beach), Crowley Maritime Corporation, Keystone, Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning, Ocean Shipholdings, Pasha Hawaii, Seabulk Tankers, E.N. Bisso & Son, Farrell Lines, Maersk Line, Matson, Patriot, and TOTE Services Inc. “Since 1958, the CSA has also sponsored the Safety Achievement Award program which recognizes outstanding feats of safety that contribute to saving a life, a ship or other property,” the organization noted in a news release. “This was the fifty-ninth anniversary of the program. The awards programs are open to both CSA member companies and non-member companies.” In opening remarks, CSA President Kathy Metcalf said, “CSA’s members are committed to safe operations, and CSA’s involvement in safety is longstanding with our ongoing commitment to represent the industry, domestically and internationally, on safety issues encompassing every facet of ship operations. It is only fitting that an industry so focused on safety, publicly recognizes the skills and dedication of the women and men who have enabled these many years of safe operations and who are responsible for actions in keeping with the high- est traditions of the sea – aid to those in peril.” Three vessels received CSA Citations of Merit. The Overseas Long Beach was recognized for the rescue of 12 Cuban migrants who were at sea for nearly two weeks with little food or fresh water. Crew members acted as translators and caretakers, providing medical aid, food, supplies and compassion for several days until the survivors disembarked off Key West, Florida. The tugs Savannah and South Carolina earned the other two citations. Acting together, their crews “prevented a maritime safety and environmental catastrophe on the Mississippi River when they responded to a breakaway by a berthed bulk carrier due to the strong currents, heading uncontrolled for a nearby petrochemical dock,” the CSA reported. “The crews of the Savannah and South Carolina, in darkness, expertly and calmly navigated the charging current, lack of communication with the bulk carrier and parted mooring lines to bring the bulk carrier under control and into a nearby anchorage.” Three CSA Letters of Commendation were awarded, including ones to Crescent Towing’s Lisa Cooper and Savannah. According to its mission statement, the CSA “represents U.S.-based companies that own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, container ships, and other merchant vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades and other entities that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels.” Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU Crews Up New LNG-Fueled Jones Act Vessel Janet Marie Seafarers are sailing aboard Pasha Hawaii’s newest vessel: the LNG-fueled containership Janet Marie, which was delivered July 11. “We’re operating smoothly,” said Bosun Gerardo Arroyo from aboard the Jones Act ship, while sailing toward the Panama Canal. “We’re doing well and doing our best. We’re definitely busy, and everybody seems happy with the ship. It’s great.” Steward/Baker Gilbert Allende stated, “The ship is beautiful. It runs on LNG and purrs like a cat. We have a shaft elevator to bring stuff down from the store room, which is pretty cool.” Allende, a U.S. Navy veteran and certified chef, added that the crew is working quite well together and is “very diverse.” The Janet Marie is the second of two new Ohana-Class, 774-foot ships built at AmFELS in Brownsville, Texas. The first, the MV George III, started service in August 2022. Both ships serve the Hawaii/mainland trade. In a news release announcing the Janet Marie’s delivery, Pasha Hawaii noted, “Operating on liquefied natural gas from day one, the new Jones Act vessel surpasses the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 2030 emission standards for ocean vessels, accompanying its sister ship, George III, in representing the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly vessels to serve Hawaii. Energy efficiencies are also achieved with a state-of-the-art engine, an optimized hull form, and an underwater propulsion system with a high-efficiency rudder and propeller. These Ohana-Class vessels are named in honor of George Pasha III and Janet Marie Pasha, the late parents of The Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha IV, marking three generations of service to Hawaii.” “We are very grateful to welcome our second ship as a testament to my parents and our incredible Pasha Hawaii team members who continue to raise the bar on excellence and dedication,” said George Pasha IV. “Once again, we are extremely proud of the perseverance and commitment of our partners at AmFELS, and the skilled men and women at the shipyard, including our own on-site team members, who have proven once more that ship building and ingenuity are alive and well in the United States.” “We are delighted that MV Janet Marie will be joining its sister vessel, MV George III, on the West Coast,” said Kelvin Fok, president of AmFELS. “We have developed a strong partnership with The Pasha Group through the construction of these two vessels and look forward to continuing this relationship for future ventures.” Pasha Hawaii is a wholly owned subsidiary of the family owned global logistics and transportation company, The Pasha Group, one The SIU-crewed Janet Marie is a new entrant to the Jones Act trade. of the nation’s leading Jones Act shipping and integrated logistics companies, “and is proud to support U.S. shipyards,” the company stated. Among the first SIU members to sail aboard the Janet Marie are Arroyo, Allende, ABs Harold Harper, Eric Bell and Fredrick Martinez, QMEDs Michael Valdez and Arturo Reyes, GUDE Joey Lata, Chief Cook Teresito Reyes, and SA Denis Cossio. George Pasha and his wife, Elyse, spend a few days sailing aboard the new ship shortly after its delivery. In a note to the crew, they wrote, “Your teamwork, professionalism, and welcoming nature made us feel proud to be a part of the team…. We are impressed by your work ethic and investment in the ship and the industry.” The Jones Act – America’s freight cabotage law – has successfully supported America’s national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It’s an indispensable foundation that helps maintain a pool of welltrained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners, as well as a viable shipbuilding capability along with the vessels themselves. The law mandates that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard ships that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. It helps maintain hundreds of thousands of U.S. jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Pictured from left are AB Eric Bell, Chief Steward Gilbert Allende, Bosun Gerardo Arroyo and Chief Cook Teresito Reyes, part of the ship’s first crew. AB Eric Bell (center) bids farewell to George Pasha (left) and Elyse Pasha, who rode the vessel for a few days. This Seafaring selfie includes (from left) QMED Arturo Reyes, Pasha Group President/CEO George Pasha IV, and his wife, Elyse Pasha. SIU steward department personnel quickly established the ship’s reputation as a good feeder (photos below and right). The vessel transits the Panama Canal in mid-July. 6 Seafarers LOG August 2023 �SHBP Offers Updates On Paperwork Changes Pertaining to Physicals The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s (SHBP) Medical Department is alerting members about a paperwork swap spurred by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). While the process for ordering and scheduling physical exams is unchanged (as are the annual and interval exam schedules), the paperwork will be different effective August 1. That’s because MSC has discontinued using the DD 2807/2808 form. It has been replaced with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) form 719K. As reported by Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen at the July membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland: - The USCG 719K exam paperwork pertaining to the annual physical may be submitted to the National Maritime Center (NMC) for renewal of Coast Guard documents. - The USCG physical exam will be available to order separately. - The MSC Supplemental Questionnaire will be added to the paperwork that is sent to the clinic, to meet the agency’s standards. This item must be completed every five years for members up to age 49, and every two years for members ages 50 and older. Additionally, to assist SIU members with meeting shipping requirements (including MSC standards), a review of recommended vaccines will be performed with each newmember exam, annual exam, and interval exam. Members will be offered any missing vaccines at their respective appointments. Members who require an MSC shipping clearance must receive all of the recommended vaccines. Members who do not require an MSC shipping clearance will be offered the same vaccines but may decline any or all, and still receive commercial shipping clearance. Moreover, members will continue having the option of ordering the “Vaccines Exam” separately. For SIU members who have had a positive PPD skin test and/or TB gold blood test, the chest X-ray will be replaced by the annual TB exposure screening questionnaire. Finally, SIU members will receive an EKG with their new-member exam and then annually after age 40 or as clinically indicated. Questions may be directed to shbpmedical@seafarers.org Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 16 - July 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 15, 2023. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C August & September Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Monday: August 7, *Tuesday: September 5 Friday: August 11, September 8 Baltimore Guam Thursday: August 10, September 7 Thursday: August 24, September 21 Honolulu Friday: August 18, September 15 Houston Monday: August 14, September 11 Jacksonville Thursday: August 10, September 7 Joliet Thursday: August 17, September 14 Mobile Wednesday: August 16, September 13 New Orleans Jersey City Tuesday: August 15, September 12 Tuesday: August 8, September 5 Norfolk Friday: August 11, September 8 Oakland Thursday: August 17, September 14 Philadelphia Wednesday: August 9, September 6 Port Everglades Thursday: August 17, September 14 San Juan Thursday: August 10, September 7 St. Louis Friday: August 18, September 15 Tacoma Friday: August 25, September 22 Wilmington Monday: August 21, September 18 *Piney Point change due to Labor Day Observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m August 2023 Seafarers LOG 7 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA MARK ADAMS Brother Mark Adams, 65, started his career with the union in 2000. He first shipped on the USNS Victorious and sailed in the deck department. Brother Adams upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed on the Ocean Trader and makes his home in Middleburg, Florida. MANUEL ALICAWAY Brother Manuel Alicaway, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2011, initially sailing aboard the Energy Enterprise. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Alicaway’s final vessel was the Cape Isabel. He is a resident of Henderson, Nevada. JOHN ALICEA Brother John Alicea, 68, began sailing with the SIU in 2000. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Alicea upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and last sailed on the Ocean Jazz. He lives in Port St. Lucie, Florida. JULIAN AVILA Brother Julian Avila, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2005, first sailing aboard the Steven L. Bennett. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Avila most recently sailed on the Maersk Chesapeake. He resides in Winter Springs, Florida. PABLO BORJA Brother Pablo Borja, 67, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1998 when he shipped on the Independence. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Borja’s final vessel was the Louisiana. He resides in Bremerton, Washington. GARY CARDILLO Brother Gary Cardillo, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers 8 Seafarers LOG in 1981, initially working on the Virgo. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Cardillo most recently shipped on the Horizon Enterprise. He calls Honolulu home. JAMES CARNELL Brother James Carnell, 65, joined the SIU in 1981 when he sailed on the Taurus. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Carnell last sailed on the Baltimore and makes his home in Saranac Lake, New York. DAVID CHISLING Brother David Chisling, 66, signed on with the union in 2001. He first sailed aboard the USNS Watkins and worked in the deck department. Brother Chisling upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Kansas and is a resident of Cicero, New York. DOUGLAS FELTON Brother Douglas Felton, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990, initially shipping on the USNS Wright. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Felton last shipped aboard the USNS Capella and lives in Baltimore. RONNIE HALL Brother Ronnie Hall, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980. He first sailed on the Cove Spirit and worked in the steward department. Brother Hall upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. His final vessel was the Cornhusker State. Brother Hall is a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. ALAN HOLLINGER Brother Alan Hollinger, 66, joined the union in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Santa Mariana. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hollinger most recently shipped on the Kaimana Hila. He lives in Seattle. CECIL HUSTED Brother Cecil Husted, 60, began his career with the SIU in 1987. A steward department member, he initially sailed aboard the USNS Hess. Brother Husted upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and last shipped aboard the President Wilson. He resides in Wilton, California. GEORGE KHAN Brother George Khan, 65, embarked on his career with the union in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Borinquen. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Khan concluded his career on the Horizon Enterprise and makes his home in Sparks, Nevada. ELMO MALACAS Brother Elmo Malacas, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1988 and initially sailed aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Malacas last shipped on the Green Dale. He resides in Vail, California. AGUSTIN MIRANDA Brother Agustin Miranda, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1998. He initially shipped on the McDonnell and was a deck department member. Brother Miranda upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the Pennsylvania and lives in Katy, Texas. CALVIN REID Brother Calvin Reid, 59, signed on with the union in 1991. He sailed in the deck department and first worked on the USNS Contender. Brother Reid upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently shipped on the Louisiana and settled in Nashville, North Carolina. JAMES ROSS Brother James Ross, 66, started his career with the Seafarers in 2011, working aboard the Pride of America. He sailed in the engine de- partment. Brother Ross upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed aboard the Pacific Tracker and makes his home in Ros- on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Young concluded his career on the Gem State. He lives in Rodeo, California. INLAND DAVID GRADER Brother Sergey Sitnikov, 65, joined the SIU in 2005 and first sailed on the Pride of America. He shipped in the deck department and last sailed on the Alaskan Explorer. Brother Sitnikov makes his home in Van Nuys, California. Brother David Grader, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2008 when he shipped on the Integrity. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Grader continued to work aboard the same ship for the majority of his career. He makes his home in Green Cove Springs, Florida. MANUEL UY HENRY SALLES Brother Manuel Uy, 65, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. A member of the deck department, he first shipped on the Liberator. Brother Uy upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Maersk Hartford and settled in Houston. Brother Henry Salles, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1982 when he sailed with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He worked in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Salles’ final vessel was the Horizon Pacific. He resides in Honolulu. eville, California. SERGEY SITNIKOV ROBERT VAN BRUNT Brother Robert Van Brunt, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1980. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped with Dixie Carriers. Brother Van Brunt last sailed on the Sam Houston. He lives in Slidell, Louisiana. PAUL WILLIAMS Brother Paul Williams, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1996, first sailing aboard the USNS Effective. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Williams’ final vessel was the Cape Domingo. He resides in Highland Park, Michigan. GERALD YOUNG Brother Gerald Young, 66, joined the union in 1996 and initially worked aboard the USNS Kane. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Young last shipped on the Little Hales. He makes his home in New Orleans. JOHN YOUNG Brother John Young, 56, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 when he worked on the American Heritage. A deck department member, he upgraded KEVIN TESCHNER Brother Kevin Teschner, 71, signed on with the Seafarers in 1990. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Teschner was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for his entire career. He makes his home in Englewood, New Jersey. BRIAN WILLIS Brother Brian Willis, 62, joined the SIU in 1991. He first shipped with McAllister Towing of Virginia and worked in the deck department. Brother Willis upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last sailed with Express Marine and lives in Beaufort, North Carolina. HARVEY WILSON Brother Harvey Wilson, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1998 when he worked on the USNS Algol. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Wilson concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. He is a resident of Pensacola, Florida. August 2023 �SUPPORTING MARITIME STALWART – Union officials participated in a Maryland Democrats gathering in Baltimore in late June. Pictured from left are SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins, SEATU/UIW Representative Shane Sterry, SIU Piney Point Safety Director Jose Argueta and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. The event, which honored U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland), also featured speeches from U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) and others. ABOARD AMERICAN CHAMPION – Pictured aboard the American Marine Corporation tugboat in Honolulu Harbor are (from left) AB Rodrick Miller, Engineer Paul Schmidt, Capt. Lance Laybourn, AB Akona Adolpho, Mate Justin Compton and company VP Michael MacDonald. PROMOTING MARITIME CAREERS – SIU Wilmington Safety Director Gordon Godel (left) and his wife, Kay, ably work a table at a Juneteenth picnic and job fair in southern California. FULL BOOK IN ALGONAC – OS Ebrahim Al Muntaser (left) receives his B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Safety Director Jason Brown. CELEBRATING U.S. INDEPENDENCE – Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education led this year’s July 4 parade through Dundalk, Maryland, along with SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins and U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-Maryland). The route covered approximately three miles. The congressman is pictured directly behind the banner, towards the middle (light shirt). At Sea and Ashore with the SIU READY TO SAIL – Paul Hall Center Apprentice Timothy Resultan (center) prepares to ship out as a wiper aboard the Green Ridge (Waterman). He’s pictured in Piney Point with SIU Safety Director Jose Argueta (right) and SIU Patrolman Martin Baker. BACKING PRO-WORKER CANDIDATE – SIU personnel and other guests are pictured at a campaign kickoff event for John Whitmire, the labor-endorsed candidate for Houston mayor. Pictured from left, starting second from left, are SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Aung, Port Agent Joe Zavala, Patrolman Kelly Krick, Asst. VP Mike Russo, and (far right) Recertified Bosun Charles Hill. ABOARD LIBERTY GRACE – Many thanks to Steward/Baker Pauline Crespo for these photos from a recent voyage to Egypt aboard the Liberty Maritime vessel. She’s pictured (above, center) holding pineapple turnover cupcakes, while Chief Cook Nick Valentin (above, right) shows off some pizza, and SA Luis Ojeda (remaining photo) displays macaroni salad. August 2023 TAKING THE OATH IN TACOMA – SA Calvin Johnson (right) obtains his B-book from SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. They’re pictured at the hiring hall in the Pacific Northwest. Seafarers LOG 9 �ABOARD ENDURANCE – Pictured aboard the TOTE ship are (from left) OMU Travis McIntyre, AB Paul Amato, Bosun Robert Hoppenworth and SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala. WELL-EARNED RETIREMENT – Recertified Bosun George Khan (right) picks up his first pension check at the hall in Oakland, California. At left is his longtime friend SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, who first met George in 1979 – when Marrone taught union education and Khan was in his class. Khan most recently sailed aboard the Horizon Enterprise, earlier this year. ABOARD USNS HARVEY MILK – Many thanks to AMO member Capt. Doug Voss for this snapshot from the new vessel’s sea trials. The unionbuilt ship (General Dynamics NASSCO) will be crewed by SIU CIVMARS for the Military Sealift Command, but the SIU and Seafarers-affiliated AMO provided manpower for the sea trials. “The SIU crew did an excellent job,” Voss noted.” Pictured from left are AB James Zaro, AB Edward Mills and Recertified Bosun Renato Govico. GARDEN STATE MEETING – SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson (third from left) and Safety Director Jerome Werkheiser (third from right) meet with Seafarers at Watco in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Pictured from left are Kyle Pillsworth, Tim Pillsworth, Henderson, Sami Taha, Werkheiser, Eric Valdez and Ulises Quinones. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU NEXT GENERATION – Spurred by encouragement from his grandfather – Recertified Steward Fernando Guity (right) – Taquarious Atkinson (left) is headed for the apprentice program in Piney Point. They are pictured at the Houston hall with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. CONGRATS IN LONE STAR STATE – STOS Venancio Bonifacio Suazo (third from left) displays his newly acquired full book at the hiring hall in Houston. He is pictured with (from left) Patrolman J.B. Niday, Asst. VP Mike Russo, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman Kirk Pegan and Patrolman Kelly Krick. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson and Safety Director Jerome Werkheiser recently manned a table at the Essex County (New Jersey) Job Fair. More than 1,500 people attended. Henderson is pictured second from left in the group photo, while Werkheiser is shown at the SIU/Paul Hall Center table. 10 Seafarers LOG NEXT STEP IN NORFOLK – GUDE Tyrone Wilson (left) receives his full book at the temporary hall in Virginia. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Joshua Rawls. August 2023 �CHECKING IN AT THE HONOLULU HALL – Two Seafarers recently received their respective B-books in the Aloha State. They are SA Jaclyn Kaluhiwa (left in photo above left, with SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso) and STOS Ransom Kauwe (left in remaining photo, with SIU Safety Director Amber Akana). At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOSUN STRENGTH – Recertified Bosun Tavell Love knows how to set up a photo. That’s him in front of the Isla Bella (TOTE), in a shipyard in the Bahamas. ABOARD POHANG PIONEER – Pictured aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel are (from left) ABs Lloyd La Beach and Nahun Bernardez, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon and Bosun Mohamed A. Mohamed. MARITIME TALK IN VIRGINIA – From left: SIU Patrolman Joshua Rawls, U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Virginia) and SIU ITF Inspector Barbara Shipley are pictured at a maritime industry event in Norfolk, Virginia, in late June. FULL BOOK IN PINEY POINT – SA Reshawn Solomon (left) obtains his full B-book at the union-affiliated school in southern Maryland. He’s pictured with SIU Safety Director Jose Argueta. AT THE HALL IN GUAM – Chief Cook Rolando Odon (left) receives his full book from SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon. BACK FROM UPGRADING – Seafarer Maximo Bencosme (center) recently completed the certified chief cook course at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He is displaying the course certificate at the San Juan hall, with his wife, Vivian (right), and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Receiving their respective full B-books at the hiring hall are SA Porfirio Avila Ruiz (left in photo above, right) and AB Steven McKelvey (left in other photo). Both Seafarers are pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. August 2023 WEST COAST RIDE – Bosun Paul Narro and his unionmade 2017 Harley Davidson are pictured outside the hall in Wilmington, California. According to a reliable source, the bike features a Rev Tech belt drive engine and custom construction IronHorse frame. Seafarers LOG 11 �WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII – ABs Gary Cardillo and Henry Salles recently became pensioners, after lengthy careers. Both are pictured at the Honolulu hall, with SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, picking up their first pension checks. Cardillo (above, left) started sailing with the union in 1981 and finished earlier this year, aboard the Horizon Enterprise. Salles (remaining photo) joined in 1982 and most recently sailed in 2015. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ISLA BELLA – OMU Richard (“Red”) Vega is pictured aboard the TOTE ship during a shipyard period. PROUD MOMENT – OS Mohamed Suwaileh displays his newly acquired full B-book at the hiring hall in Algonac, Michigan. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – The SIU steward department went all out for this year’s Independence Day celebration aboard the Patriot ship. Pictured from left are SA Gedrick Reyes, SA Emily Lepley, vessel master Capt. Karen Annette Reyes, Chief Cook Rashaad Mangram and Chief Steward Dennison Dizon. AT THE WILMINGTON HALL – SA Deshante Luchien (right) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel. (Bonus points to all concerned for including the Seafarers LOG in the background.) 12 Seafarers LOG WELCOME ASHORE – Bosun John Young (left), who sailed with the union for 33 years, receives his first pension check at the hall in Oakland, California, from SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday. ABOARD MAUNAWILI – Pictured from left aboard the Matson vessel are Chief Steward Marcus Rowe, Chief Cook Erni Lizada, ACU Nasser Hussain and SIU Oakland Port Agent Duane Akers. August 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited), April 9 – Chairman James Bishop, Secretary Rocky Dupraw, Educational Director Marvin Sacaza. Chairman thanked everyone for an accident-free, overall good trip. He reviewed the ship schedule and reminded everyone to clean rooms before turnover. Secretary thanked members for a smooth voyage. He advised crew to get new linens for oncoming members from SA and to leave dirty linen in laundry room. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew congratulated David Heindel for his new position as SIU president and thanked Michael Sacco for his many years of dedicated service. Ship to get Starlink installed in Jacksonville, Florida. Crew would like monthly pay vouchers and a paid day off every month. Steward department was thanked for great meals and hospitality. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), April 23 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Jack McElveen, Educational Director Austin Blake, Steward Delegate Noel Segovia. Crew thanked Michael Sacco for his many years serving as the union president and congratulated newly appointed SIU President David Heindel. Secretary reminded members to make sure their documents are updated. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Starlink system expected to be installed in the near future. Crew requested increased allowances for work boots, dental care and eyeglasses. Members discussed requirements for pension and also suggested adding supplemental insurance. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited), April 30 – Chairman Anecito Limboy, Secretary Fernando Lopes, Educational Director Wordell Prescott, Deck Delegate Arles Ballestero. Chairman gave thanks to steward department for a job well done. He encouraged members to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund. Payoff will be in Port Elizabeth. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to check documents for expiration dates. One beef reported for overtime in deck department. Members requested increases to pension payments and also discussed shipboard data limits. MATSON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), May 14 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Kevin Willis, Deck Delegate Michael Salatto, Steward Delegate Christopher Hopkins. Chairman advised crew to keep documents up to date. Extension for rotary and permanents are in effect until notice of any changes to The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. shipping rules. Chairman encouraged members to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). Educational director suggested upgrading at the Paul Hall Center as often as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed latest president’s report in Seafarers LOG. Members would like physical exams to be required annually, and better internet service on board. They asked for two job calls a day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Crew reported difficulty getting stand-by for days off and asked for overtime rates to return. Members want shipping papers to be internet accessible or deliverable by mail. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. reviewed ship funds and announced change in payoff date. Education director advised members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was instructed to write down any issues to give to the patrolman and were encouraged to ask about Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan at the hall. Crew requested increases in vacation and pension benefits and also asked for reimbursement for transportation to ship. Members were reminded to apply for renewal of all expiring documents six months or more ahead of time. Steward department thanked for a job well done. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk Line, Limited), May 21 – Chairman Richard Gathers, Secretary Timothy Dowd, Deck Delegate Ramsey Ingram, Steward Delegate Gladiz David. Chairman discussed TWIC expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested an increase in food budget and for water pressure to be fixed. Members asked for raises in pension, new vacation pay increases and better Wi-Fi. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), May 28 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Aljohn Fernandez, Steward Delegate Mark Brooks. Ship now has Wi-Fi. Each crew member has 400 MB of data to use per week. Chairman encouraged everyone to read his report and talked about the newly contracted Crowley tankers. He went over the new rule that requires members to return jobs within 48 hours. Crew was advised to renew documents early and to handle medical requirements as soon as possible. Chairman gave special thanks to Chief Cook Mark Brooks for MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), May 21 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Ronald Byrd, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Steward Delegate Stanford Drakes. Chairman tasty meals. Members expressed their gratitude to union administrators and trustees for adding mental health coverage to the dependents of eligible mariners. Secretary thanked crew for keeping lounge area clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed thoughts about timeliness of job postings. Relief is reportedly occurring at the last minute. Members would like an increase to vacation days per month as well as the ability to file for vacation after 30 days of work. Crew voiced concerns with steward assistant pay rate and would like to see it match the pay rates for entrylevel positions in the deck and engine departments. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), June 4 – Chairman Koksal Demir, Secretary Anthony Harrell, Educational Director Ethan Love, Deck Delegate Jasper Hayward, Engine Delegate Christopher Edwards, Steward Delegate Esper Jordan. New treadmill to be ordered. Chairman thanked the steward department for doing a great job as well as the entire crew for no accidents. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. AB needs transformer for room. Members requested game system for crew and 30 for 30 vacation. Steward department was praised for preparing excellent food. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return August 2023 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 13 �Seafarers International Union Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Inquiring Seafarer This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Why do you continue sailing as a merchant mariner? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Ashely Burke QMED/Electrician Michael McGlone Electrician I continue to sail because it’s a great career and it helps me provide for my family, and also to show other women that we are out here and we can do this. I’ve been a member of the SIU for over 30 years. I love the travel. I’ve had a great career. Also, the benefits are great. This is a good place to start a career and be prosperous. Christine Price Storekeeper Robert Natividad Recertified Bosun I have been sailing a little over 10 years. I started just to get out of the corporate world, and I’m still sailing because this place has always had my best interests at heart. I have brothers and nephews and cousins that have sailed for years now, and I love this union. I’ve been in the union 42 years and have had many family members be in the union. We love it. I enjoy traveling, making money, meeting new friends. It’s a wonderful life. Isaac Nugen QMED Yahya Mohamed Electrician ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 I’m still a merchant mariner because I’ve provided a life for my kids that I could have only hoped to have. I’ve seen the world and have made a decent dollar doing it. I’ve been sailing for 20 years and I will continue to sail because it’s a good way to support my family. I also like to travel and get to know different cultures. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pics From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 14 Seafarers LOG From the August 1986 LOG: “The crew of the SIU-contracted ITB Baltimore (Apex Marine) was awarded the Ship Safety Achievement Award by the American Institute of Merchant Shipping. They won the honor for their rescue last November of five people from a capsized sailboat and later that same day the Baltimore’s crew rescued five others from a life raft in stormy Atlantic seas.” If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org August 2023 �Final Departures DEEP SEA Pensioner Juan Carvajal, 82, died May 29. He started sailing with the union in 1967, initially working on the Cortland. Brother Carvajal sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Del Mar in 1978. He went on pension in 2006 and was a resident of Lynchburg, Virginia. Brother Kelly first shipped on the Independence, and worked in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Brittin and became a pensioner in 2016. Brother Kelly was a Seattle resident. JAIME CASTILLO PLURINSUS ORDANSA Pensioner Jaime Castillo, 78, passed away June 3. He joined the SIU in 1993 when he sailed on the Independence. Brother Castillo was a member of the steward department and last shipped on the Maersk Alabama. He became a pensioner in 2016 and made his home in San Diego. Pensioner Plurinsus Ordansa, 89, died June 12. He became a member of the union in 1966 and worked in the steward department. Brother Ordansa was first employed by Valentine Chemical Carriers. He last sailed aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen and began collecting his pension in 1998. Brother Ordansa lived in Severna Park, Maryland. JUAN CARVAJAL DONALD HAMRICK Pensioner Donald Hamrick, 67, died December 13. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1988. Brother Hamrick first shipped on the USNS Indomitable and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Charleston Express and retired in 2021. Brother Hamrick resided in Kensett, Arkansas. ANGEL HERNANDEZ Pensioner Angel Hernandez, 69, passed away June 20. An engine department member, he started sailing with the union in 1971. Brother Hernandez’s first vessel was the Charleston; his last, the Maersk Ohio. He went on pension in 2021 and made his home in Orlando, Florida. AHMED ISHAQ Pensioner Ahmed Ishaq, 84, died June 11. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1966, initially sailing on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Ishaq was a steward department member and last shipped on the Freedom in 1983. He began collecting his pension in 2009 and lived in Dearborn, Michigan. THOMAS KELLY Pensioner Thomas Kelly, 72, passed away May 30. He donned the SIU colors in 1989. August 2023 KIRT PUGH Pensioner Kirt Pugh, 73, passed away June 3. He signed on with the SIU in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Sealift Mediterranean. Brother Pugh was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the USNS Brittin. He became a pensioner in 2015 and was a resident of Canton, Illinois. ALI SALEH Pensioner Ali Saleh, 72, died May 7. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1975. Brother Saleh first shipped on the Mobile and sailed primarily in the deck department. He concluded his career on the Cape Intrepid in 2008. Brother Saleh became a pensioner the following year and made his home in Tacoma, Washington. WILLIAM SCULLY Pensioner William Scully, 81, passed away June 14. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first sailed with Keystone Shipping Services. Brother Scully sailed in the steward department and continued working for the same company until his retire- ment in 2011. He resided in Eerie, Pennsylvania, his birthplace. NATIVIDAD ZAPATA Pensioner Natividad Zapata, 70, died May 31. He joined the union in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Zapata was a member of the steward department. He last shipped on the Maersk Detroit and went on pension in 2018. Brother Zapata lived in Houston. GREAT LAKES JAMES FISHER Pensioner James Fisher, 81, passed away June 22. He started sailing with the union in 1979. Brother Fisher was employed by Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2003 and called Toledo, Ohio, home. INLAND THOMAS GOLDY Pensioner Thomas Goldy, 76, died June 25. He became a member of the SIU in 1996 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Goldy worked with Crowley for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2009 and settled in Conway, South Carolina. JOE JOHNSON Pensioner Joe Johnson, 73, passed away June 20. He joined the union in 1981. Brother Johnson primarily sailed in the engine department and worked with Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2012 and lived in Norfolk, Virginia. JOHN RUSSEFF Pensioner John Russeff, 94, died May 5. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1993 and worked in the engine department. Brother Russeff was employed with Brusco Tug and Barge for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2000 and called Longview, Washington, home. KENNETH WALL Pensioner Kenneth Wall, 75, passed away June 18. He embarked on his career with the union in 1966 when he shipped with Moran Towing of Virginia. Brother Wall sailed in the deck department. He was employed with G&H Towing for the majority of his career, before retiring in 2015. Brother Wall resided in Grand Cane, Louisiana. RICHARD WALSH Pensioner Richard Walsh, 70, died April 3. He joined the SIU in 1977, initially sailing with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Walsh worked in the deck department and concluded his career with G&H Towing in 1997. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and made his home in New Concord, Kentucky. NMU AHMED ALI Pensioner Ahmed Ali, 95, passed away April 16. He was last employed with Rouge Steel Company and went on pension in 1989. Brother Ali lived in Bakersfield, California. CARMELO APONTE Pensioner Carmelo Aponte, 95, died June 14. Born in Puerto Rico, he started his career in 1946. He initially sailed aboard the Orchard Knob and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Aponte’s final vessel was the James Lykes. He became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Houston. DAVID BAARSVIK Pensioner David Baarsvik, 73, passed away June 26. He was a deck department member and last sailed with Woods Hole Shipping. Brother Baarsvik began collecting his pension in 2008. He resided in Falmouth, Massachusetts. STELLA CALVARY Pensioner Stella Calvary, 74, died April 23. Sister Calvary was a steward department member. She most recently shipped aboard the Cape Decision. Sister Calvary retired in 2017 and made her home in North Charleston, South Carolina, her home state. JAMES LEE Pensioner James Lee, passed away May 29. He shipped in the steward department. Brother Lee last sailed aboard the Jean Lykes in 1996 before retiring the following year. He lived in Port Arthur, Texas. JEFFERSON LYDA Pensioner Jefferson Lyda, 95, died June 4. He was born in Chico, Texas. A deck department member, Brother Lyda last worked on the Star Massachusetts. He went on pension in 1991 and resided in Brookeland, Texas. LEONILA MANNING Pensioner Leonila Manning, 87, passed away April 21. Sister Manning was a steward department member. She last shipped aboard the Prince William Sound in 2000 before retiring the following year. Sister Manning called San Pablo, California, home. FREDERICK MCARDLE Pensioner Frederick McArdle, 76, died April 28. He was last employed with Woods Hole Shipping and became a pensioner in 2002. Brother McArdle lived in East Falmouth, Massachusetts, his home state. VICENTE SEGARRA Pensioner Vicente Segarra, 101, passed away April 28. Brother Segarra was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the American Argo. He went on pension in 1987 and lived in Puerto Rico, his birthplace. HECTOR VILLARREAL Pensioner Hector Villarreal, 86, died June 25. He became a pensioner in 1997 after concluding his career aboard the Kansas Trader. Brother Villarreal lived in Columbia. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. Name Brown, Andrew Casanova, Carlos Palmer, Stanley Smith, Lewis Suarez, Miguel Age Date of Death 91 90 94 87 98 04/22/2023 05/08/2023 04/20/2023 06/11/2023 04/05/2023 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion ServSafe Management August 14 September 18 October 23 November 27 August 18 September 22 October 27 December 1 Advanced Galley Operations October 16 November 10 Chief Steward September 11 November 13 October 6 December 8 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck August 28 October 23 September 15 November 10 Basic Training Lifeboat/Water Survival August 28 October 23 September 8 November 3 August 28 October 9 September 1 October 13 Government Vessels RFPNW August 14 October 9 November 13 September 1 October 27 December 1 Advanced Shiphandling September 25 October 6 August 14 August 28 September 11 September 25 October 16 October 23 November 6 August 18 September 1 September 15 September 29 October 20 October 27 November 10 Advanced Stability October 9 October 13 Tank Ship DL (PIC) August 14 August 18 Advanced Meteorology October 16 October 20 Tank Ship Familiarization DL September 18 September 22 Search & Rescue Management Level October 23 October 25 Tank Ship Familiarization LG September 25 September 29 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW August 14 November 13 September 8 December 15 FOWT October 2 October 27 Junior Engineer Program August 21 October 23 October 13 December 15 Marine Electrician September 18 October 20 Marine Refer Tech August 7 September 15 Advanced Refer Containers October 23 November 3 Pumpman September 18 September 22 Machinist September 25 October 13 Welding August 28 October 16 September 15 November 3 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook August 21 September 25 October 30 December 4 September 22 October 27 December 1 January 5 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 8/23 August 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #896 – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Brize Agbayani, David Chatoff, Robert Crain, Khadajah Dillard, Phillip Hartsfield, Laron James, Jared Johnson Jr., Sadie Johnson, Robiana Murphy, Nesta Pafford, Christian Smith, Dallas Smith and J’lon Williams. Government Vessels – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Munasser Abdulaziz Ahmed, Shawn James Diaz Benosa, Albert Bharrat, William Bingham, Braden Horne, Brice Ilao, Lally Cervantes Manalo, Milan Marshall-Hampton, Shannon Martin, Fredrick Martinez, Jack McElveen IV, Jamison McIntyre, Hector Regalado and Eric Young. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Advanced Galley Operations – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): David Johnson Jr., Arturo Montoya, Neyda Oviedo Bermudez, Michael Poblete and Ammar Sailan. (Note: Not all are pictured.) August 2023 Fireman/Oiler/Watertender – Graduated July 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Saif Al Tamimi, Keshun Corpus, Ricardo Gonzalez Jr., Dennis Smith Jr., Joseph Smith and Alexia Villaescusa. Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman Deck – Graduated June 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Marc-Antony Arcila, Dashiel Depaulis, Mark Dixon, Destini Dunlap, Matthew Epstein, Mark Ina Jr., Mikael Lassiter, Dion Martin, Kelvin Oliver Jr., Richard Russ Jr., Kyle Smith and Stephanie Vidrio. (Note: Not all are pictured.) RFPEW – Graduated June 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Marcel Gordon, Shannon Martin, Jose Palacios Arriola, Donald Slue and Joseph Smith. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Alec Burak, Christopher Edwards, Merville Lariosa Gallema, and Muafa Musad. Water Survival (Lifeboatman) – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Charles Catunao, Ryan Heimberger and Carlos Jones. 18 Seafarers LOG Medical Care Provider – Graduated June 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Anthony Brown Jr., Kirk Chambers, Will Jordan, Kyle Miller, Patrick Montgomery, Rahjahn Sorey and Michael John Estavillo Valdez. Government Vessels – Graduated June 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Charles Villamia Catunao, Jason Devine, Merville Lariosa Gallema, Ryan Heimberger, Algie Mayfield Jr., Michael Poblete and Ryan Ray Racoma. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook (Module 4 – Group A) – Graduated June 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Maximo Bencosme, William Moran IV, James St. Amand, Glen Ward and Brittany Williams. August 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated June 9 (above, in alphabetical order): John Joseph Alcos, Badr Bouziane, Alec Burak, Billy Burgos-Burgos, Jasmine Garrett, Bryan Nystrom, Christopher Pace, Eugenia Porter, Reshawn Solomon, Courtney Turner and Fredrick Wright. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4 – Group B) – Graduated June 30 (above, in alphabetical order) Julian Abreu, Roslyn Anderson, Michael Caquias Garcia, Jacarta Gibson and Joseph Hall. Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting – Graduated June 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Marco Baez Millan, Anthony Brown Jr., Jacob Casarez, Kirk Chambers, Will Jordan, Marquis Mainor, Jamison McIntyre, Kyle Miller, Rahjahn Sorey, Joseph Toth and Michael Wittenberg. Junior Engineering – Plant Maintenance II – Graduated June 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Majed Alsharif, Christian Fredrick, Mohammed Alam Gir, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Michael Papaioannou, Corey Reseburg, Alonzo Sanz, Tara Trillo, Jorge Valencia Bon, Oscar Jan Vencer III and Roberto Wadsworth. Instructor Christopher Morgan is also pictured (far right). Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated June 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Baquera, Alec Burak, Eduardo Centeno Rosario, Sanjay Gupta, Joey Frederick Lata, Fredrick Martinez, Jack McElveen IV, Paul Newman, Maksim Shpylyevyy and Da’von Wright. August 2023 Junior Engineering - Plant Maintenance – Graduated April 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Samuel Ray Ayers, Jonathan Bernardez Bernardez, Elyser Valdez Carpio, Roman Hutson, Kenneth Kauffman, Eli Lopez, Jacob Massie, Christopher McAfee, Julian Misla Mendez, Tresten Porter and Anthony Solovyov. Instructor Timothy Van Pelt is also pictured (front row, second from left). Welding & Metallurgy – Graduated June 23 (above, in alphabetical order) Marvin Fabrizius, Marlon Green and David Smart. Instructor Chris Raley is at far right. Seafarers LOG 19 �AUGUST 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 8 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 17-19 Seafarers Revitalize Local Home Annual Philanthropic Project Aids Tacoma Resident In late June, a team of SIU philanthropists picked up their paintbrushes to bring color to the lives of a Tacoma, Washington-area homeowner in need as a part of the annual Paint Tacoma Beautiful project. Summer 2023 marks the 39th season that the city of Tacoma, Washington, has upheld its tradition of renovating local homes as part of their efforts to aid lowincome, elderly, and disabled residents. Cumulatively, the Paint Tacoma Beautiful project (founded in 1985) and its volunteers have successfully painted and repaired upwards of 2,200 houses in Pierce County. After taking a COVID-related pause in both 2020 and 2021, the SIU is happy to have taken part in this charitable event once more, said SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp. “This year, the SIU had 12 volunteers covering three work parties for a total of 60 work hours, seeing us through to completion of our sixteenth year of providing a service to members of our community who for one reason or another are unable to do for themselves,” said Asp. The SIU team gathered at 10 a.m. and worked to repaint the home until about 3 p.m. Participating Seafarers included Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla, QMED William Cassel, QMED Eddie Arroyo, Bosun Francis Miller, AB Len Soriano, Chief Cook Rewell Encina, OMU EJ Encina, GUDE Reynaldo Agbulos, AB Raul Molina, MDR Duane Akers, administrative assistant Joni Bradley and Asp. Soriano returned for a second year to volunteer with Paint Tacoma Beautiful. He spent much of his time working on the upper portion of the home. “We surveyed the property and talked to the owner prior to starting. Then we set up our gear and prepped the surface and corners that needed to be cropped in. I started up top doing the trimming, then when I finished, I came down and helped out with the rest,” he explained. “[Len] was rooftop- and ladder-bound the whole day he painted. He was our rock star and really made the project come together,” said Asp of his hard-working colleague. With good vibes, great teamwork and some background music, Soriano and his fellow Seafarers covered about 70% of the property in just one day, taking great care not to over-exert themselves in the hot weather. Erl Jan Encina (also known as EJ) assisted with Paint Tacoma Beautiful for the first time this year. He was happy to lend a hand to community members who needed assistance, and hopes to participate next year, if he isn’t aboard a ship. His father, Rewell Encina, joined him. Of his experience volunteering with his father, EJ Encina said, “I had the pleasure of working with my dad during this event. Not only did he guide me in life for my own benefit, but he also opened my eyes to the idea of being helpful so I can be a benefit to others. This event is one of the best ways we can help our local communities. For our kind members that came out to help, I think they understand how there is more happiness and reward in giving than in receiving.” “It’s special to have family like this involved because you get to witness the future of this industry happening in real time,” Asp stated. The city of Tacoma provides grants and loans to the non-profit organization, ensuring that staff and volunteers can obtain project supplies to serve residents. Major sponsors like Sherwin Williams and Lowe’s, which are supporting this season’s projects, also donate some supplies for the project. All labor for the Paint Tacoma Beautiful project is completed by volunteers, ranging in age from youth to seniors, who receive a brief but thorough training before beginning their work. Each volunteer is instructed about the purpose and background of the program as well as how long it may take and the commitment that is required. Then, they’re trained on how to properly paint a house, which includes instruction on paint application, tools, techniques and safety regulations (for example, how to properly use ladders on levelled and unlevelled ground). The majority of volunteers prep the house for paint and then paint the house itself, according to the homeowner’s specifications and color choice. Both groups and individuals can participate in that part of the program. Volunteers can also help with transporting supplies to delivery sites, taking photos of the projects before and after the renovation is completed, or helping out with filing paperwork. Aaliyah Freeman, marketing specialist for Paint Tacoma Beautiful, was quoted in an interview with Cityline as saying, “Honestly, I’d say [this program] contributes so much to the feeling of community. It really does create that sense of togetherness and people working together for a greater sense of purpose.” What’s the driving factor behind Paint Tacoma Beautiful’s success? “The main thing is probably the true sincerity of wanting to give back and work with your community – really wanting to do the hard work and know that it’s going to be for a good purpose,” Freeman answered. Seafarers are looking forward to coming back next year to continue their tradition of service, too. “Whenever I have the chance or opportunity, I always take the time to participate when I’m off from work,” said Soriano. “Just being able to help those people was enough for me and I’m thankful for that. I’m proud of our hall and I plan to continue volunteering and sharing these blessings I have with others.” AB Len Soriano pays close attention to detail, repainting the trim on the inner corner of the roof. Bosun Francis Miller flashes a smile while refreshing 20 LOG theSeafarers paint on the windowsill. From left to right: Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp, EJ Encina, Rewell Encina, Raul Molina, Reynaldo Agbulos and Port Administrative Assistant Joni Bradley. From left to right: Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp, Francis Miller, Raul Ventanilla, Len Soriano and Rewell Encina. Members of SIU’s Paint Tacoma Beautiful Team gather for a group photo. From left, EJ Encina, Rewell Encina, Raul Molina, Reynaldo Agbulos and Joni Bradley. Oiler EJ Encina uses a ladder to paint the trim on the homeowner’s rooftop. CC Rewell Encina ensures that the house’s wooden siding is covered from top to bottom with a fresh coat of paint. May 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2023 Description An account of the resource MEMBERS RATIFY CONTRACT WITH GREAT LAKES DREDGE AND DOCK EFFORTS UNDERWAY TO CURTAIL CHINESE LOGISTICS TRACKING OF U.S.-FLAG SHIPS AND CARGO MEMBERS RATIFY 3-YEAR CONTRACT UNION-BUILT MULTI-MISSION VESSEL CHRISTENED NY WATERWAY'S NEWEST FERRY HONORS COMPANY'S FOUNDER HEINDEL ELECTED TO AFL-CIO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REMINDER: BENEFITS CONFERENCES SCHEDULED CANTWELL RECEIVES 'SALUTE TO CONGRESS' SIU MEMBERS, CONTRACTED COMPANIES HONORED BY CSA SIU CREWS UP NEW LNG-FUELED JONES ACT VESSEL JANET MARIE SHBP OFFERS UPDATES ON PAPERWORK CHANGES PERTAINING TO PHYSICALS SEAFARERS REVITALIZE LOCAL HOME Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 85, NO. 8 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/30ea6b4214cb0dc9fef85376ca3230ca.pdf 36452c74bd030bd31c444ebef00a34c0 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG AUGUST 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 8 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Team ‘Did a Beautiful Job’ Seafarers Step Up for Paint Tacoma Philanthropy Union members in the Pacific Northwest recently upheld their long tradition of supporting a community outreach program known as Paint Tacoma Beautiful. The annual project assists area homeowners with painting and minor repairs. Some of the SIU volunteers are pictured in the group selfie, starting in front, from left: Port Agent Warren Asp, Chief Steward Andrew Miller, Safety Director Danielle Woodward, and homeowner Clarita Ragsdale. Pictured in back (also from left) are Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed, AB Samuel Schwimmer, Recertified Steward Michael Gramer and AB Leonard Soriano. Gramer is also pictured above, right. Ragsdale stated, “The team that came to volunteer did a beautiful job. They were so kind and polite.” Back page. Crowley Makes History with ‘eWolf’ Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime recently christened the country’s first all-electric harbor tugboat: the eWolf (below). Pictured at the San Diego ceremony in the group photo (right) are (from left) SIU VP Joe Vincenzo, Crowley Maritime Chairman/CEO Tom Crowley, and SIU VP Nick Marrone. Page 3. (Tug photo courtesy Crowley Maritime) UPDATES FROM NMC • PAGE 5 // SIU ELECTION INFO • PAGE 6 �President’s Report We Must Stand Together R ight off the bat, I am asking everyone in our SIU family who’s reading this column to stick with it to the end. I already had planned to write about our nation’s upcoming presidential election, but, after the tragic shooting in western Pennsylvania and then President Biden’s decision to not seek re-election, there’s nowhere else to start anyway. At least a couple of weeks will have elapsed from the time I’m putting together this message and when we actually go to press and post the August LOG online, but these points won’t expire. It goes without saying that I mourn the loss of life and loathe the violence that took place at the David Heindel rally for the former President. There is nothing whatsoever that’s good about it, and I hope it will lead to all of us “lowering the temperature” in our political discussions, as is currently being talked about by politicians and reporters. That’d be some long overdue progress, but at far, far too great a cost. Even closer to home, I want Seafarers to know that when we say the SIU supports those who support maritime, regardless of political party, we mean it. And we’ve got almost 90 years of history backing up that claim, at every level of government. There are exceptions, but for the most part, we do not struggle to find common ground regarding the maritime industry no matter who’s in the White House. That’s not to say we don’t have to keep working to sustain and boost the industry, but maritime is largely a bipartisan issue. Take, for example, the bipartisan effort by Senators Kelly and Rubio, Representatives Waltz and Garamendi, which provides a comprehensive vision for planning guidance, strategic objectives, and actionable steps to revitalize the nation’s maritime sector. (The same cannot always be said about common ground on the trade union/workers’ rights side of the coin, but that’s a topic for another day.) On a personal note, I have family members who strongly support the prior White House occupant, while I (as a private citizen) have been equally committed to the current officeholder. We have had some animated discussions over the years, including some colorful language every now and then. But we focus on the issues, and we don’t let political differences ruin our relationships. That is my hope for our union and indeed our country. We are not enemies. We are Americans who largely share the same goals but sometimes have different ideas about how to pursue them. With equal candor, I will not try to tell you how you should vote, but want you to know that in my 50 years with the SIU, I have never seen a more pro-maritime, pro-union administration than that of President Biden and Vice President Harris. (As I think about that number, I really wish I could say I joined the SIU when I was 2.) This is not the time for me to catalogue all of the current administration’s accomplishments related to maritime and labor, but they are substantial. And that’s why I support them – not because there’s a “D” identifying their party, but because they have stood with us. As we look ahead, keep in mind that our country has some important similarities to crews working aboard a vessel. We have officers and unlicensed ratings of both sexes. We have city dwellers and country folks. We have Democrats, Republicans, independents and others. But what’s most important is we have a team on each and every vessel trained and dedicated to keeping the ship afloat, the cargo secured and the mariners safe. The Seafarers and the other men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine can provide a healthy and successful example of how all Americans can work together to keep our ship of state afloat and moving forward. In closing, I encourage you to be passionate about supporting your candidates of choice, up and down the ballot. Get the facts and then back the people you think will be best for your job, your industry, your country. But please – please – remember that this isn’t good versus evil or us versus them. We are all in this together, and when November 5 passes, we’ll all need to continue working together to chart the best course. Bipartisan Backing for Maritime Evident in U.S. House Roundtable A recent maritime roundtable hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives underscored both the urgency of boosting the industry and the solid bipartisan support that exists for the U.S. Merchant Marine and domestic shipbuilding. SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman represented the union at the July 9 event, which lasted roughly two hours. Other panelists included American Waterways Operators President and CEO Jennifer Carpenter; USA Maritime Chair Christian Johnsen; Shipbuilders Council of America President Matt Paxton; Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development President Jim Patti; and Rear Admiral (Ret.) James A. Watson IV, author of the book “Zero Point Four: How U.S. Leadership In Maritime Will Secure America’s Future” (the book was published earlier this year). Numerous congressional representatives from both major political parties spoke during the meeting, titled “Reinvigorating the U.S.-Flag Fleet and Shipbuilding Industry.” The roundtable was convened by the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Florida). In his opening remarks, Webster recalled the vital roles of U.S. shipbuilders and mariners during World War II. “However, the maritime industry both domestically and internationally has changed dramatically Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 8 August 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG since that time,” he said. “The closure and consolidation of shipyards across the country has left us only a handful of domestic facilities capable of producing large oceangoing vessels, while China has grown their shipbuilding capacity exponentially in the last two decades through deep government support…. As the number of United States-flagged vessels has declined, so too have the mariners needed to crew our ships. In 2017, the Maritime Administration estimated that we faced a shortfall of about 1,800 qualified licensed and unlicensed mariners to crew our sealift vessels for a prolonged period. Looking back at our history, it is vital that we find a way now to strengthen our maritime industry and ensure it can deliver the assets and trained mariners we need both in times of peace and war.” Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-California) and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member Rick Larsen (D-Washington) also voiced support for maritime. Larsen stated, “The U.S. maritime industry generates over $150 billion in annual economic output. It sustains more than 650,000 good-paying jobs. I am proud to support the industry and its contribution to national and economic security. Unfortunately, certain sectors of the industry have experienced a decline in recent years due to unfair and heavily subsidized foreign competition…. “American shipyards and mariners are incredibly capable, and they deserve a level playing field,” Larsen continued. “To provide this, we must ensure full funding for the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program, expand and ensure full compliance with cargo preference requirements and defeat baseless attacks on the Jones Act. Further, we have to consider new ways to support the American maritime industry. Ultimately, ships will not be built and operated unless there is cargo to carry.” Carbajal said, “We all know how valuable the maritime industry is to the economy and our national security. ” He then emphasized his support for the Jones Act before adding, “We all have a stake in maintaining and growing a vibrant, diverse, and globally competitive U.S. maritime industry.” Schoeneman urged those attending the discussion to make more forceful strides in constructing a comprehensive Merchant Marine Act of 2025. “We’re going to have to make a lot of decisions and talk about a lot of things in this room that we have steered away from for the last 20 years because they’ve been politically difficult to talk about,” he said. “That means taxes, that means appropriations, that means lots of money going to ships and shipyards and mariners. It means new ideas that we haven’t talked about in 50, 60 years…. We’ve got to talk about all of these issues because we are not going to fix what’s broken in our industry with half-measures.” U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) said he appreciated Schoeneman’s candor and eagerness to address the pressing maritime matters head-on, and expressed his support with moving forward with the group’s proposed solutions. Several participants voiced concerns about potential U.S. reliance on foreign-flagged vessels to support essential operations such as military deployments. They offered a wide range of suggestions for growing the American-flag fleet and the shipboard manpower pool. Paxton addressed the market volatility of the shipbuilding industry and suggested that continuing to enforce the Jones act, passing proposed budgets, and clarifying applicable laws will boost market surety. Carpenter, said, “I’m here advocating for the Jones Act as the foundation of our national maritime security strategy. But I also want to really be clear: The Jones Act is necessary but it is not sufficient to solve the problems we’re talking about here, because the Jones Act is about domestic transportation. The Jones Act is about making sure that we control our supply chain – and God help us if we lose the ability to move cargo between U.S. ports.” Johnsen encouraged the use of tax incentives for “shipping American, rather than instating mandates that force entities to do so.” Schoeneman agreed that there should be incentives, but added that cargo preference laws and potential mandates could also work to achieve these ends. Patti emphasized assuring younger people of the stability and importance of the maritime industry so they can envision becoming a part of it, and so they’re accurately able to view maritime as a viable career option. “They need to have some greater assurance that there’s not only going to be an industry, but there’s a future for them,” Patti said. The full hearing is linked on the subcommittee’s website and on the SIU website. AUGUST 2024 �Historic Ceremony Signals New SIU Jobs The new boat is designed to perform two ship assist jobs “with minimal to no charging required,” according to the company. (Photo Crowley Vice Chairwoman Christine Crowley (second from left) does the honors at the christening ceremony. (Photo courtesy courtesy Crowley) Crowley) Built by Master Boat Builders in Coden, Alabama, member of the California Air Resources Board (CARB); ith SIU members and officials in attendance, Seafarers-contracted Crowley on the 82-foot vessel delivers 70 tons of bollard pull – and Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava of San June 25 formally christened the eWolf – stronger than its conventional predecessor, Crowley Diego. Crowley Vice Chairwoman Christine Crowley the first all-electric ship assist harbor tugboat in reported. The tug, which has a 40-foot beam and can served as the sponsor to give the blessing and conduct sail at 12 knots, also “features a fully integrated elec- the christening on San Diego Bay. The boat entered the United States. The well-attended ceremony took place in San trical package for battery energy storage by ABB with commercial service the same week. “Crowley’s first-of-its-kind electric tugboat is a advanced technology for mariner safety. eWolf is supDiego. “The entire event was first class,” said SIU Vice ported by a new microgrid shoreside charging station game changer. It checks all the boxes by providing President West Coast Nick Marrone, who attended the that enables the tug to operate at full performance environmental, economic, and operational benefits gathering along with SIU Vice President Government daily on electricity,” the company said in a news for our communities and maritime industry,” said Urtasun, the port chairman. “This is truly a story of release. Services Joe Vincenzo. The boat “was sized and designed to complete teamwork and collaboration.” Marrone added, “There was a great presentation “CARB is proud to partner on this historic effort about the construction of this vessel and the efforts two ship assist jobs in the harbor with minimal to no that will reduce air and climate pollution. Impacted that were made to ensure compatibility. This is a first charging required,” the company added. Crowley Chairman and CEO Tom Crowley said at portside communities, like Barrio Logan and National for us and it’s the first tugboat I’ve ever seen without a smokestack on it. They do have extra diesel generators the ceremony, “The eWolf is a historic milestone in the City, breathe more diesel pollution than 90% of Calmaritime industry and Crowley’s legacy, and under- ifornia communities and children experience up to on board in case extra power is needed.” Vincenzo stated, “Of the many thanks and acknowl- scores our company’s commitment to serve as global five times more asthma hospitalizations,” said Takvoedgments given, none were more well deserved than sustainability leaders and innovators. The all-electric rian, CARB board member. “The eWolf will contribute the recognition given to the SIU members who were tugboat is the most technologically advanced vessel significantly to creating a healthy environment for all present and who worked tirelessly and closely with of its kind, and eWolf will help our customers and communities.” “SDAPCD is proud to have provided funding for project managers to bring this first-in-class workboat communities reach their decarbonization goals while in to service. Their dedication to leveling up to the delivering capabilities that strengthen our vital supply the eWolf project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transitioning from traditional diesel-powered vesrequirements of this cutting-edge, green technology chain.” He continued, “We congratulate the people whose sels to electric propulsion systems,” said La Mesa and their professionalism set a new standard and make us all proud. We wish them and their families tireless dedication brought the eWolf to fruition with Councilmember Shu. “The eWolf exemplifies how well and we applaud Crowley for the vision, tenac- our partners at the federal, state and local govern- collaboration between government and private partity and leadership that was necessary to make eWolf ment, setting a new standard not just in America, but ners can drive meaningful change, contributing significantly to a cleaner, healthier environment for not only a reality but also the shared success that it globally.” During the event, Crowley welcomed Gustav Hein, everyone.” already is.” Crowley chose the eWolf’s name in a nod to a tugSIU members from the eWolf who attended the Director of the Mid-Pacific Gateway Region for the ceremony included Captains Joey Gordon, Anthony U.S. Maritime Administration; Frank Urtasun, Port of boat in the company’s initial fleet, the Sea Wolf, which Fisher and Chris Collins, along with Engineers Peter San Diego Chairman; Jack Shu, San Diego County Air operated more than a century ago in California. V. DeMaria (father) and Peter P. DeMaria (son), and AB Pollution Control District Governing Board Chair and a City of La Mesa Councilmember; Diane Takvorian, Nico Pasquerella. W Seafarers Celebrate with Great Lakes Towing SIU members and officials joined in welcoming the christening of the new Great Lakes Towing tugboat Minnesota. The event, which also marked the formal observance of the company’s 125 years in business, took place July 11 in Cleveland. Pictured in the larger group photo, in front of the tug, are (from left) AB/Deckhand Chris Swenk, AB/Deckhand Kevin Bem, SIU VP Bryan Powell, AB/Deckhand Russ Lempke, SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak and UIW VP Monte Burgett. In the remaining photo, Powell and Brdak join Great Lakes Towing President Joe Starck (center). AUGUST 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �SIU President Offers ‘Heartfelt Gratitude and Admiration’ for Mariners Honoring Your Commitment on the Day of the Seafarer Editor’s note: SIU President David Heindel wrote the following message, which is posted on the SIU website. In addition to his duties with the SIU, Heindel also serves as Chair of the Seafarers’ Section at the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The SIU is an ITF affiliate. Dear Sisters and Brothers, June 25 has been designated as a day when the world recognizes the invaluable contributions you make to humanity. On this Day of the Seafarer, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for your unwavering dedication and hard work. Today, we celebrate you – our modern-day heroes who navigate the vast oceans, ensuring the smooth flow of global trade, commerce, and national and economic security. Your resilience, professionalism, and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Each voyage you undertake not only supports the U.S. and global economies but also bridges communities and cultures, bringing the world closer together. Despite the challenges and long periods away from loved ones, you carry out your duties with remarkable commitment and skill. We acknowledge the unique difficulties you face, from adverse weather conditions to the ongoing challenges posed by conflicts in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and elsewhere. Yet, through it all, you demonstrate exceptional strength and unity. Your spirit of camaraderie and perseverance inspires us all. Today, we want to remind you that your efforts are deeply appreciated and valued. You are the backbone of international trade, and without you, our world would not function as smoothly as it does. Thank you for your incredible contributions and for keeping the world moving forward. We are profoundly grateful for your service and dedication. Wishing you fair winds and following seas, David Heindel David Heindel New SIU Contracts Boost Wages, Include Other Gains for Members The union has recently finalized two new three-year agreements, which were then ratified by the membership. Each of the pacts includes wage increases and maintains or increases benefits. Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning As reported by SIU Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, members in the Houston area recently ratified a new three-year agreement with Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning Inc. The contract, which covers Intrepid’s fleet of ATB's, includes wage increases throughout the length of the agreement, while maintaining existing benefit levels, including the 2-for-1 pension contributions and the highest level of medical coverage, Core-Plus. Notably, the union added Juneteenth as a holiday in the contract, and also ensured extra pay during any training courses a member might take at the union’s affiliated maritime school in Piney Point, Maryland. Additionally, this new contract implemented a Seafarers Money Purchase Plan (SMPP) increase in the second and third year covered by the agreement, all without taking any cuts to the previous contract. The contract was negotiated by SIU Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, Russo, Port Agent Joe Zavala and Patrolman J.B. Niday. The delegates were Captain August "Gus" Cramer, Engineer Christopher Scherhaufer, Mate Lindsey Austin and Unlicensed Delegate Shane Cawley. Argent Marine The SIU recently secured a new three-year contract with Argent Marine, which went into effect on July 1. The agreement, negotiated by SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, includes wage increases all three years, and increases contributions made to the Seafarers Vacation Plan starting on July 1, 2025. The contract covers three vessels: the SLNC York, SLNC Severn, and the replacement for the SLNC Magothy. AB Tankerman Luis Martinez (left) and Chief Mate Timothy Swinehart pose for a photo with their favorite publication during the contract ratification. SIU Family Member Wins Union Plus Scholarship ATB Courage 4 • SEAFARERS LOG Union Plus recently awarded $200,000 in scholarships to 209 students representing 42 unions, including one winner from the Seafarers International Union. This year’s group of scholarship recipients includes university, college, and trade or technical school students from 33 states, the District of Columbia, and one Canadian province. The SIU winner is Rafael Valentin Firme of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Firme, whose father, ACU Roberto Firme, started sailing with the SIU in 1989, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship. “This year’s Union Plus Scholarship award winners are as inspirational as ever,” Union Plus President Mitch Stevens said. “We sincerely appreciate them sharing their incredible personal accomplishments and plans with us. We wish them all continued success, and we are proud to support their education.” Applications already are being accepted for the 2025 scholarship program. More information is available on the Union Plus website (unionplus.org). SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 AUGUST 2024 �Wilmington Patrolman Sunga Passes Away The SIU is mourning the unexpected passing of Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr., who died on July 4, at age 36. He passed away in his sleep, apparently from natural causes. Sunga, who was known by those close to him as “JayR,” resided in Baldwin Park, California, and was based at the hiring hall in Wilmington. He is survived by his 8-year-old son, Noah; his parents, Reyma and Jessy Sunga Sr. (an instructor at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland); and his siblings Mark and Tiffany. Sunga graduated from Sierra Vista High School. He later completed the apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 2008 and subsequently sailed on the USNS Impeccable. He worked on several vessels year after year, mainly sailing as an AB and occasionally a GUDE. He sailed out of Wilmington for his entire career, until he was hired as a patrolman for the port in 2019. “Having Jesse on our team was an honor. His dedication, kindness, and positive spirit toward our membership was truly inspiring to all of us. He made a significant impact not only on our organization but also on everyone he encountered,” SIU President David Heindel said of Sunga. “He was a hardworking, faithful employee. His presence and his work contributions were essential to our operations here at the port,” said SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. “He was a pleasant and wonderful person. The patience and kindness he demonstrated towards the membership and to his coworkers across the country was remarkable. We will always remember him and keep him in our thoughts. Everyone here at the port sends his family our sincerest condolences.” Jeff Turkus, retired Wilmington port agent (who oversaw and mentored Sunga as a patrolman), had only good things to say about his colleague. “All of the shippers and crew knew him because he sailed for a long time before he became a patrolman. He was a good person and a hard worker. Everyone liked him,” Turkus said. Gerret Jarman, current Wilmington port agent, worked with Sunga since he arrived on the West Coast a few years ago. Their first experience working together was in 2011, when both sailed aboard the same vessel. “He was a good shipmate,” Jarman recalled. “He always had a positive attitude, was reliable, and was a genuinely kind person. As a patrolman, he would always go above and beyond for members.” After news of his passing spread, many of the members he knew sent their condolences. The SIU’s main Facebook page in particular was flooded with hundreds of messages expressing sadness, support and respect. “The outpouring of love and support from members has been great to see,” Jarman said. Wilmington Safety Director Gordon Godel worked alongside Sunga for the past six years, including time spent servicing vessels and recruiting. Godel remembers him as “a good, family-oriented guy. He took a job as a patrolman because he wanted to be home with his family,” he said. Godel fondly recalled many conversations with Sunga about their families and especially their kids. A doting father, Sunga often would share his growing son’s milestone moments. As Jarman recalled, “If Jesse had something going on with his son, he’d share photos with the work group chat.” Sunga’s visitation and funeral service were scheduled to take place in late July, after this edition went to press, at Forest Lawn Covina Hills Memory Chapel in Covina, California. A memorial gathering also was planned for the Wilmington hall on the day of the monthly membership meeting. A GoFundMe fundraiser in Sunga’s honor has been organized to support his family, cover funeral expenses and provide financial support for his young son. Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. (right) and his son, Noah, take a selfie during a family day at Noah’s school earlier this year. Jesse Sunga Jr. Pictured at the Wilmington hall in 2022 are (from left) Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr., Recertified Bosun Amed Mihakel (receiving his first pension check), and Port Agent Gerret Jarman. NMC Issues Notices Regarding Credentials, Medical Certificates Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) recently issued the following two, separate notices. Both notifications are posted on the agency’s website and on the SIU website. Updated Merchant Mariner Credentials On March 1, 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard began issuing Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) in a new single-sheet format. This new mariner credential replaced the legacy passport-style red book and associated endorsement labels. Based on processing observations and customer feedback, the stock used for the new MMC is being upgraded to one that is significantly more tear resistant. All other appearance and security features remain the same. The new MMC remains formatted on 8.5” x 11” waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic stock and is far more durable than the previous paper licenses or passport-style books issued in years past. To learn more about the new MMC, visit the National Maritime Center (NMC) website. The updated MMC document will be issued for all approved applications, to include credential endorsements, beginning July 8, 2024. To validate a new MMC, use the Coast Guard’s credential verification tool at MMLD Credential Verification (uscg.mil). For a document search, select “MMC” as the document type and enter the document number. On the new MMC, the document number can be found on the red cover section beneath the corresponding barcode and will have the prefix “Z”. AUGUST 2024 If you have any questions, contact the NMC Customer Service Center by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg. mil or calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Merchant Mariner Medical Certificate Application Backlog The National Maritime Center (NMC) is currently experiencing a backlog of medical certificate applications. The NMC recommends you submit your application 90 days in advance of your current medical certificate’s expiration. NMC processing times are currently close to 30 days for COMPLETE applications but may be longer for incomplete applications. Processing times at the NMC have grown due to large e-mail volume. Sending multiple e-mails for individual pages of the application or sending the same information multiple times only causes delays in processing for other mariners and will significantly delay the processing of your information. For example, during the week of 10-14 June, 2024, approximately 25 percent of all e-mails processed were duplicate medical certificate applications (CG-719K). You can help us improve processing times by adhering to the following guidelines: - Review your application to ensure it is COMPLETE prior to submission. Please review our website to avoid common medical certificate application errors. - Check your medical certificate expiration date and apply 90 days before it expires. - E-mail medical certificate applications (CG-719K or K/E) directly to MEDAIP@uscg.mil. (Other submission options include sending to an REC, fax or U.S. mail, but these options are not processed as quickly as direct submission to MEDAIP@uscg.mil.) - Enter the e-mail subject line in the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_MARINER REFERENCE NUMBER. - Name your PDF file in the following format: LAST NAME_FIRST NAME_REFERENCE NUMBER. - Medical certificate applications (CG-719K) should be submitted as one PDF. - JPEG and other formats are not accepted. - Do not send drug test results with your medical certificate applications (CG-719K). Drug testing results should be sent with your MMC application to MMCApplications@uscg.mil. - If necessary, e-mail medical-related documentation other than medical certificate applications (i.e., additional information) to NMCMedicalClerks@uscg. mil. As a reminder, only COMPLETE medical applications are accepted for processing. Incomplete applications are returned to the mariner for correction and must be resubmitted, which delays the processing of your medical certificate application. Please note that it is the individual mariner’s responsibility to submit his or her USCG physical to MEDAIP@uscg.mil on their own behalf, with any required supporting documentation. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Report of the Constitutional Committee We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at a Special Meeting held in Piney Point on June 24, 2024, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied proposed Constitutional Amendments contained in Resolutions submitted by our Executive Board. With the exception of one minor proposed amendment, these Resolutions, containing the proposed amendments, prior to their submission to us, were adopted by a majority vote of the membership. The provisions of these Resolutions, including their “WHEREAS” clauses, are contained in this report so that all members have available to them their full text for review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendations. Whereas, the Executive Board of this Union met on January 31, 2024 for the purpose of discussing potential amendments to the constitution of this Union; and Whereas, after lengthy discussions, the Board members unanimously decided that since the constitution of this union has not been amended since 2013 and, that over the last ten years, there have been many changes in the industry, the labor movement, and this union which, in their opinion, warrant constitutional amendments, The Executive Board resolved to present the following potential amendments to the membership for their action. 1. To make our union’s constitution more inclusive, amend all places in the document where the current word used is linked to one gender such as “he” to “he or she”. 2. In a further effort to make the constitution more current and inclusive, replace the words “crimps and finks” with “manning agents” and add additional classifications to the existing list in the statement of principles against which discrimination will not be tolerated. The list would be amended to include: sexual orientation, national origin, disability and age. 3. Amend Article III, section 3 (e) to make it easier for members to stay in good standing if they are unable to timely pay dues while on an American flag vessel anywhere in the world and Amend Article III by adding a section 3 (f) to indicate that any member on check-off through an employer or the Seafarers Vacation Plan would automatically be in good standing. 4. Amend Article III, Section 1 to make it clear that probationary members enjoy certain rights of membership but not all the rights enjoyed by full book members. Your committee believes and is recommending that there is no need to amend this section of the constitution as the Union’s consistent practice has always been that probationary book members have the right to express themselves at membership meetings but do not have the right to vote at such meetings with the exception of contract ratifications. 5. Amend Article V, Section 1 (a). As there has not been an increase in dues since 2006, and to enable the union to continue servicing the membership at the level they have come to expect, raise the dues $25/ quarter effective the second quarter of 2025 and then raise it an additional $25/quarter on January 1, 2027. 6. Amend Article V, Section 2 for the same reasons as the proposed dues increase by raising the initiation fee paid by new members joining after January 1, 2025, by $500 and amend Article V section 2 to increase the service fee for the issuance of a full book by $15.00 7. Amend Article VI, Section 4 to make it easier for members to have their rights restored after retiring their books by paying one-quarter dues each year that the book is in retirement during the quarter when their book was retired. 8. Amend Article VIII. In a further effort to expand services for the Union’s membership and to help ensure that the union’s diversity and educational goals are met, add two new Vice President positions: a Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and a Vice President of Training and Education along with corresponding assistant Vice President positions and allow the new officers to serve as delegates to the union’s parent organization in accordance with the constitutional guidelines. 9. Amend Article X, Section 1 (j) to change the word “shall” to “may” in the constitutional section pertaining to the filling of union officer and representative positions by providing the president with sufficient time to properly fill a vacant office. 10. Amend Article X, Sections 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12 to make the titles of three existing Vice Presidents’ positions more in line with their actual work and the territory they serve by placing the Caribbean region under the Gulf Coast; remove the words “Southern Region and inland waters” from the territory of the Great Lakes Vice President and remove the words “fishing industries” from the responsibilities of the Government Services Vice President. 11. Amend Article X, Section 12. In keeping with current times, formally allow the executive board to hold meetings virtually to save costs when it is efficient to do so. 12. Amend Article XIII, Section 1 (g) to help individuals who wish to run for union office and are on a vessel during the period of nominations by allowing them to use an email address and to allow the credentials committee the right to reach out via email or expedited mail if it needs to reach a member with any questions. 13. Amend Article XIII, Section 2 (c) to clarify that any appeals to an action of the credentials committee need to be filed in time for such appeal to be acted upon by the membership at the regular membership meeting following the committee’s election and prior to the issuance of its report. 14. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). In a further effort to engage the membership in union elections and proceedings, expand the voting period by one month to provide more time for members to vote (October through December) which would also entail moving the nominating period and the election and service of the credentials committee back one month to July of the election year. 15. Amend Article XII, Section 1 (c) by including vessels in ROS status among the types of vessels for which sixty-five (65) days of seatime is required rather than one hundred (100) days of seatime between January 1 and the time of nomination during an election year. This was suggested due to the possibility of starting the voting period in October which would entail moving the nominating period back by one month. Your committee acknowledges that this particular proposed amendment was not presented to the membership during the June membership meetings; however, we are recommending that it be included with all the other proposed amendments to help ensure that members who work on ROS vessels who wish to run for union office will be able to do so, assuming they satisfy all other eligibility requirements. 16. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). In accordance with the wishes of the membership as expressed at membership meetings, make permanent the provision to allow ballots to be brought to vessels, subject to guidelines set by the executive board. 17. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (a). Considering the proposal to expand the voting period by a month and bringing ballots to vessels, remove Saturday voting at union halls. 18. Amend Article XIII, Section 3 (e) to make it easier for members to vote absentee if incapacitated by illness or injury. 19. Amend Article XIII, Section 4 (b) to increase the tallying committee from 20 to 28 members due to the addition of four new constitutional ports and raise the committee’s quorum from 10 to 14 members. 20. Again, due to the addition of four new constitutional ports, increase the number of elected port agents by 4: 1 for Norfolk, 1 for Jacksonville, 1 for Long Beach, and 1 for Tacoma. 21. Amend Article XXIII to add the four new constitutional ports to the regular membership meeting schedule and move the date when the Algonac meeting is held to the Thursday in the week following its current meeting date. 22. Amend Article XVII. In keeping with current times, codify the Union’s ability to use social media to communicate with its members. 23. Allow the constitution to be amended to take care of non-substantive housekeeping, grammatical and spelling errors throughout the document; such as changing the word “contract” to “collective bargaining agreement”, changing the words “under an incapacity” to “incapacitated”, changing “in behalf” to “on behalf”, etc. Be it resolved that, if approved by a majority vote of the membership, the foregoing proposed amendments, with the exception of number 4, be placed on the ballot along with the election of officers for use during the upcoming election. We further recommend, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report containing the proposed Resolutions and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, August 2024 issue, so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts and actions taken as of this time. In addition, we recommend that copies of such LOG issue, to the extent possible, be made available to the membership at all Union offices and Halls during the months of November and December 2024. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members, and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolutions will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. DATE: June 26, 2024 Fraternally submitted, Constitutional Committee 2024 SIU Election Absentee Voting Info Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting 6 • SEAFARERS LOG an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2024 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2024. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2024. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2024 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2025. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 AUGUST 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from June 14 - July 15, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of July 16, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 16 1 2 20 3 6 7 23 21 16 2 7 13 14 5 2 7 18 0 21 11 3 1 8 2 5 1 22 21 5 1 4 11 1 3 4 3 6 1 7 2 3 2 4 1 2 1 12 7 4 1 3 8 0 0 1 2 1 1 3 14 1 3 14 3 4 5 12 16 12 2 7 9 6 3 1 3 12 0 15 7 2 0 7 2 1 1 15 14 4 1 3 10 1 3 3 4 7 3 4 1 3 2 2 2 2 0 7 8 1 0 2 5 1 0 1 3 0 0 2 10 3 3 9 0 0 1 14 15 4 3 3 2 5 1 3 2 4 0 4 20 2 2 32 2 10 11 50 46 35 3 11 24 17 2 1 12 26 0 48 11 4 1 17 2 7 2 32 35 4 2 3 22 2 0 3 2 8 1 11 2 0 0 3 2 4 1 11 6 6 2 2 12 2 0 0 0 3 1 5 TOTAL 204 120 58 142 92 42 86 354 169 62 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 6 0 4 5 1 0 5 14 16 6 0 4 9 3 1 1 5 6 1 6 93 3 0 1 3 0 1 1 11 18 10 1 1 13 1 0 2 0 5 1 2 74 3 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 3 2 0 0 7 1 0 0 0 1 1 3 27 1 0 2 4 0 1 0 4 6 3 2 2 7 0 1 0 4 3 0 1 41 6 1 4 13 0 3 8 19 27 11 0 5 13 8 2 2 10 13 2 14 161 4 0 1 6 0 6 4 12 18 9 0 2 11 1 1 2 1 7 0 4 89 1 1 0 2 1 1 2 7 5 1 0 0 8 3 2 0 0 0 1 4 39 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 6 0 1 6 1 4 1 8 19 6 0 1 11 13 1 0 8 10 1 28 125 0 4 0 3 2 5 3 3 18 1 0 1 16 4 2 2 3 3 2 7 79 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 3 4 1 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 18 1 0 1 5 2 3 4 5 11 7 0 1 8 6 0 1 2 7 2 10 76 0 1 0 3 0 3 2 4 11 3 0 0 10 3 0 1 2 3 0 8 54 5 0 0 9 0 3 9 24 34 8 1 2 18 19 3 2 8 13 1 30 189 0 1 0 6 1 7 4 7 27 2 0 2 16 8 1 1 7 4 2 10 106 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 4 5 2 2 0 9 2 0 0 3 2 0 1 36 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 5 0 4 1 22 23 10 0 0 9 3 1 2 0 3 0 13 15 0 4 10 0 3 5 19 62 7 0 1 24 7 0 7 0 5 0 13 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 1 4 0 3 0 4 22 9 1 1 6 2 2 2 0 6 0 11 3 0 1 9 0 1 2 11 51 8 1 1 27 2 0 6 0 2 1 8 3 0 1 2 0 1 0 3 4 1 2 1 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 7 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 8 2 0 7 0 7 2 30 42 19 1 0 13 4 0 1 1 12 0 13 18 0 4 11 0 7 10 23 97 22 0 2 39 10 0 1 1 5 0 13 TOTAL 10 101 182 6 78 134 26 18 162 263 GRAND TOTAL 432 374 285 304 279 211 207 722 526 400 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 2 0 3 4 1 1 5 7 15 2 1 0 12 4 2 0 4 6 0 11 80 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 6 11 4 1 1 14 1 0 1 0 5 1 2 52 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 6 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 16 Steward Department August & September Membership Meetings Piney Point Monday: Aug. 5, Tuesday: Sept. 3 Algonac Baltimore Guam Friday: Aug. 9, Sept. 6 Thursday: Aug. 8, Sept. 5 Thursday: Aug. 22, Sept. 19 Honolulu Friday: Aug. 16, Sept. 13 Houston Monday: Aug. 12, Sept. 9 Jacksonville Joliet Thursday: Aug. 8, Sept. 5 Thursday: Aug. 15, Sept. 12 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: Aug. 14, Sept. 11 Tuesday: Aug. 13, Sept. 10 Tuesday: Aug. 6, Sept. 3 Norfolk Friday: Aug. 9, Sept. 6 Oakland Thursday: Aug. 15, Sept. 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: Aug. 7, Sept. 4 Port Everglades Thursday: Aug. 15, Sept. 12 San Juan Thursday: Aug. 8, Sept. 5 St. Louis Friday: Aug. 16, Sept. 13 Tacoma Friday: Aug. 23, Sept. 20 Wilmington Monday: Aug. 19, Sept. 16 Piney Point change due to holiday observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. AUGUST 2024 1 3 0 1 2 3 1 1 10 0 0 0 15 3 1 3 5 3 0 5 57 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 8 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 19 Entry Department SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 7 SEAFARERS LOG • 7 �Annual Funding Notice For MCS Supplementary Pension Plan Introduction This notice includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023 (“Plan Year”). Funded Percentage The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of the Plan Year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The December 31, 2023 fair value of assets disclosed below is reported on an unaudited basis since this notice is required to be distributed before the normal completion time of the audit which is currently in progress. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the plan on the valuation date was 666. Of this number, 285 were current employees, 248 were retired and receiving benefits, and 133 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. The funding policy of the Plan is to make contributions in accordance with the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement, but in no event less than the minimum amount annually as required by law. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to provide a source of retirement income for its participants and beneficiaries while attaining an annual investment return of 6%. To preserve capital, some of the assets are invested in a general account with Prudential Life Insurance Company that pays a guaranteed rate of interest each year. Approximately 30% of the remainder of the Plan’s assets is invested in equity securities with the balance invested in fixed income securities. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the Plan Year. If the plan is in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status for the plan year ending December 31, 2023, separate notification of the status has or will be provided. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N-1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202.693.8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact your plan administrator if you want information about your accrued benefits. Your plan administrator is identified below under “Where To Get More Information.” Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following type of investments as described in the chart above – common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trust investment accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, at 301-899-0675, or by writing to: Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or plan administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information About Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact the office of the Plan Administrator at: For information about the plan’s investment in any of the following types of investments common/collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, or 103-12 investment entities, contact Margaret Bowen, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275, (301) 899-0675. 8 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 8 • SEAFARERS LOG • Margaret Bowen 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 301-899-0675, For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001 and the plan sponsor’s employer identification number or “EIN” is 51-6097856. AUGUST 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ARC DEFENDER – Pictured from left aboard the TOTE ship in Baltimore are Safety Director Jose Argueta, OS Fausto Aranda, Bosun Jandro Ebulfredo Avila Noralez, and Steward/Baker Daniel Miller. ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Many thanks to Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman for this photo from the Ocean Duchess vessel (and for the IDs). Pictured up top, from left, are AB Johncarlo Garibaldi, AB Jeremy Smoot, SA Jaylin Griffin, SA Mohsen Abdullah, Oiler Jovita Carino, OS Salih Abdelrahim, 3M Ben Rush, AB Ibrahim Abubaker, OS Shamar Rhoden and QMED DW Jared Johnson. On the stairs, from top to bottom: AB Andre Nero, AB Edward Copeland. On the lower deck, from left: 3AE Edward Jones, CC Keyanna Williams, Chief Steward Kim Holliman, 2AE John Melcher, QMED Kevin Brown, Captain Raymond Davis, Chief Engineer Matt Kwiatkowski, 1AE Josh Davenport, 2AE Marcelino Cayabyab, 3AE Edward Thompson, Wiper Jameshia Roache, QMED DW Alex Canada, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, 3M Gavino Octaviano, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman and 2M Jessica Kanehl. Photo was taken recently in Beaumont, Texas. PACIFIC NORTHWEST SERVICING – The SIU-crewed USNS Curtiss (Crowley) is pictured in Vancouver, Washington, where Patrolman Dennison Forsman met with the crew. BACKING PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSMAN ‒ Seafarers turn out for a recent event supporting U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (D-Washington). Pictured from left are retired Recertified Steward Tommy Belvin, Steward/Baker Clark Williams, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl, Steward/Baker Todd Gallagher, and Recertified Steward Erwin Renon. SOLIDARITY IN FLORIDA – The SIU took part in the state AFL-CIO COPE Convention in Miami in June. Pictured at the meeting are (from left) SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Remond, and SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. REMEMBERING CHET WHEELER – The cremains of the late SIU Asst. VP Government Services Chester “Chet” Wheeler were scattered by his family during the SS Jeremiah O’Brien’s annual memorial cruise on the West Coast. Several of Chet’s family members attended, including his wife, Rebecca; his son (and former SIU member) Adam Hanson; granddaughters Alexandrea and Annalynn; and sister Deborah Novachick. SIU Patrolwoman Kathy Chester attended on behalf of the union. 9 SEAFARERS AUGUST 2024 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SHIPMATES ONCE AGAIN – This Seafaring Selfie proves that what goes around, comes around. Recertified Bosun James Blitch (right) was Bosun Kyle Silva’s (left) bosun on the Horizon Producer. Recently, Blitch came out of retirement to sail with Silva as his AB aboard the Maersk Kansas. ABOARD DANIEL K. INOUYE – These snapshots are from a recent, very well-received cookout aboard the Matson vessel. Steward department members included Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi (above, right), Chief Cook Andrea Sharpe (above, left), and ACU Nasser Alarqban. MILESTONE IN JERSEY CITY ‒ QMED Mohammed Gir (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos. WELCOME ASHORE IN SUNSHINE STATE – Recertified Bosun Michael Eaton (left) picks up ABOARD MAERSK ATLANTA – Pictured from left aboard the vessel in New Jersey are Recertified Steward Glenn Williams, Chief Cook Osmar Ramos, and SA Marlon Quevedo Aquino. his first pension check at the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hall, culminating an SIU career that began in 1984. Congratulating him is SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. COAST GUARD CONGRATS ‒ SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and ITF Inspector Barbara Shipley (right) congratulate Capt. Peggy Britton on becoming the commander of Coast Guard Sector Virginia. The change-ofcommand ceremony took place in Portsmouth, Virginia, near Norfolk. READY TO SHIP OUT – Bosun Raul Colon ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL – SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (behind table in photo above, right) and Patrolman James Bast (right in remaining photo) promote the union during a transportation career fair in Rahway, New Jersey. 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 (center) is pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left) and Safety Director Ricky Rivera. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 AUGUST 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WITH SIU CIVMARS ‒ Pictured at left are crew members aboard the USNS William McLean, while at right, OS Deondre Granby Epps is ready to move cargo on the USNS Arctic. Thanks to SIU Asst. VP Sam Spain for both photos. FAMILY MILESTONE ‒ Captain (and SIU hawsepiper) Christopher Kalinowski (left) and his son, AB Christian Kalinowski (center) are pictured at the Baltimore hall just before sailing together on the Maersk Denver. Congratulating them on the occasion is Safety Director Jose Argueta. CONGRATS IN PINEY ‒ Chief Cook Brittany Steward (right) receives her full book at the hiring hall in Piney Point, Maryland. Congratulating her is SIU Port Agent Chad Partridge. OUTREACH IN LONE STAR STATE ‒ “Sea Sunday” was observed at all the masses at St. Francis Catholic Church in Orange, Texas, on July 14. Attendees also had a chance to stop at a table featuring information about training opportunities at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center; Texas A&M; and the USMMA. In this snapshot, SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre welcomes future mariner Skyler Ezell. ABOARD TAINO – Safety Director Ricky Rivera recently conducted a safety meeting with members aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning ship in San Juan. Pictured after the meeting (and showing their respective books as an indication of eagerness to participate in the upcoming union election) are (from left) ABM Erick Toledo, ABM Victor Cortes, Bosun Joel Gonzalez, Rivera, Electrician Carlos Parrilla, Chief Cook Jonathan Perez, and Steward/Baker Jacob Parrilla. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – These snapshots are from the Independence Day feast on the Patriot-operated vessel. The smaller of the posed group photos includes (from left) Chief Cook Robert Greenwood, Recertified Steward Dennis Dizon, and SA Ebrahim Al Saqladis. AUGUST 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 11 LOG • 11 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. KEVIN GATLING DWANE LANDRY Brother Kevin Gatling, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1986 when he shipped on the Anders. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Gatling’s final vessel was the Green Lake. He makes his home in Seattle. Brother Dwane Landry, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1983 when he shipped on the Producer. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Landry’s final vessel was the Dewayne T Williams. He resides in Fairburn, Georgia. WINDEL GENTLE ROY RHODES Brother Windel Gentle, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Chilbar. Brother Gentle upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last shipped on the Maersk Seletar. He is a Boston resident. Brother Roy Rhodes, 62, started sailing with the union in 1987, initially shipping with Red Circle Transport. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Maersk Tennessee. Brother Rhodes lives in Houma, Louisiana. ERNEST CARLOS RENATO GOVICO Brother Ernest Carlos, 65, became a member of the union in 2002 when he sailed aboard the Cape Taylor. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Carlos’s last vessel was the Santorini. He lives in Englewood, New Jersey. Brother Renato Govico, 64, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1991 and first worked aboard the Independence. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and shipped in the deck department. Brother Govico most recently sailed on the Overseas Boston and makes his home in Waipahu, Hawaii. Brother Sean Richard, 64, joined the union in 1992 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother Richard’s final vessel was the Cape Kennedy. He makes his home in New Orleans. WILLIAM DUKES RAY JOHNS Brother William Dukes, 69, signed on with the SIU in 1999. He first sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix and worked in the deck department. Brother Dukes upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Presque Isle and is a resident of Wellston, Michigan. Brother Ray Johns, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Allegiance. Brother Johns upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Seabulk Challenge and lives in Wilmington, Delaware. MICHAEL EATON LOUIS JOHNSON Brother Michael Eaton, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1984 and first sailed aboard the Gemini. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Eaton most recently shipped aboard the Innovation and settled in Meritt Island, Florida. Brother Louis Johnson, 65, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Cape Horn. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Johnson last shipped on the Cape Kennedy. He resides in New Orleans. AMBROSE GABRIEL DANIEL KAYSER Brother Ambrose Gabriel, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1980 when he sailed on the Mariner. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gabriel concluded his career aboard the American Pride and lives in New Orleans. Brother Daniel Kayser, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Bayamon. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in the deck department. Brother Kayser concluded his career aboard the Gemini. He resides in Baguio City, Philippines. AHMED ABOLELA Brother Ahmed Abolela, 65, joined the union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Green Point. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Abolela most recently shipped on the Bay State and makes his home in Spring, Texas. GABRIEL BELLO Brother Gabriel Bello, 67, started sailing with the SIU in 1999 and first worked on the Independence. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bello last sailed on the Cape Henry. He resides in Waipahu, Hawaii. GENE GALLOSA Brother Gene Gallosa, 67, signed on with the union in 2012, initially sailing aboard the Pride of America. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point School on multiple occasions. Brother Gallosa most recently shipped on the Stephen W. Pless and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. MARIO LACAYO Brother Mario Lacayo, 65, became an SIU member in 1995. He was a steward department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lacayo’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the American Liberty. He makes his home in Houston. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAN RICHARD GERALD SHIRLEY Brother Gerald Shirley, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1981 when he sailed on the Newark. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Shirley’s final vessel was the Tacoma. He resides in Renton, Washington. CHARLES SIMMONS Brother Charles Simmons, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1986. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the USNS Assurance. Brother Simmons upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Liberty Star and settled in Drury, Missouri. JOHN SMILARI Brother John Smilari, 65, started sailing with the union in 1977, initially working aboard Marlin Steamship’s Mary. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Smilari last shipped on the Overseas Harriette and makes his home in Kalispell, Montana. PETER SOLIS Brother Peter Solis, 65, joined the SIU in 2007 and first shipped on the Cleveland. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Solis most recently shipped on the USNS Mary Sears. He resides in National City, California. AUGUST 2024 �PATRICIA SULLIVAN BRUCE CRAM JAMES RANEY Sister Patricia Sullivan, 66, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 2005. A steward department member, she first sailed aboard the Freedom. Sister Sullivan upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and concluded her career working with Keystone Ocean Services. She calls Longmont, Colorado, home. Brother Bruce Cram, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1976. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Cram worked with G&H Towing for most of his career. He makes his home in Friendswood, Texas. Brother James Raney, 56, became a member of the union in 2002. He first sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation and shipped in the deck department. Brother Raney upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed with G&H Towing and calls Cypress, Texas, home. CHARLES DONLEY LAWRENCE SARVER Brother Charles Donley, 57, joined the SIU in 1992, first sailing aboard the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Donley sailed as a chief engineer and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed aboard the Rocketship and resides in Panama City, Florida. Brother Lawrence Sarver, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 1988. He sailed in the deck department and worked with OLS Transport Inc for his entire career. Brother Sarver settled in Chillicothe, Illinois. JULIUS UDAN Brother Julius Udan, 59, became a member of the union in 1985. He initially sailed on the USNS Triumph and worked in the deck department. Brother Udan upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Enterprise and lives in Waipahu, Hawaii. LUIS VASQUEZ Brother Luis Vasquez, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the USNS Pathfinder. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Vasquez concluded his career aboard the National Glory. He resides in Salem, Massachusetts. RENE VAZQUEZ GOMEZ Brother Rene Vazquez Gomez, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979. He first sailed aboard the Long Lines and was an engine department member. Brother Vazquez Gomez upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and last shipped aboard the Harry Martin. Brother Vazquez Gomez lives in Palm Coast, Florida. INLAND JEAN TOUGAS JEFFERY HEBERT Brother Jeffery Hebert, 53, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and was initially employed with Hvide Marine. Brother Hebert concluded his career aboard a Seabulk Towing vessel. He lives in Jasper, Texas. DAVID HENSON Brother David Henson, 37, signed on with the union in 2005 when he worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage. He sailed in the deck department and continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Henson makes his home in Covington, Louisiana. MARK HOSEY Brother Mark Hosey, 72, signed on with the SIU in 2012. He sailed in the steward department, first aboard the Alpena. Brother Hosey continued to work on the same vessel for the duration of his career. He resides in Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin. Brother Jean Tougas, 63, started his career with the SIU in 2004, working with Ameristar Casino. He was an engine department member and continued his employment with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Tougas lives in Stuart, Florida. CHARLES TROUTWINE Brother Charles Troutwine, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988 when he shipped with Bay Tankers Inc. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Troutwine last worked on the Dodge Island. He resides in Slidell, Louisiana. KEENAN WIX Brother Keenan Wix, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1987. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Wix worked with G&H Towing for his entire career. He is a resident of Georgetown, Texas. Houston Hall Weathers Beryl PETER BONDARENKO Brother Peter Bondarenko, 67, signed on with the union in 2003. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. Brother Bondarenko shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. He resides in Palm Coast, Florida. DAVID CARRIERE Brother David Carriere, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1985, initially working with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Carriere was a deck department member. He continued his employment with the same company for his entire career. Brother Carriere is a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana. AUGUST 2024 The hiring hall in Houston mostly got through Hurricane Beryl unscathed, save for a couple of down trees, a bent fence and a few days without power. Pitching in to get the hall reopened on July 12 are (from left) GUDE Teodocio Ruiz, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman Kelly Krick, ITF Inspector Shwe Aung, Patrolman Kirk Pegan (don’t worry, the saw is off) and Port Agent Joe Zavala. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 13 • OCTOBER LOG • 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: How did you get into seafaring, and why have you stayed sailing? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Noah Hepburn Chief Cook Dennis Freeman Wiper My father currently sails with the SIU, so I followed in his footsteps. The SIU has provided a lot for me, such as the ability to travel, cook, and save plenty of money. It’s these things which I value that makes sailing a worthwhile sacrifice. My uncle told me about the union. He is a Longshoreman, and I hadn’t heard about this side of the industry. I really like what I’ve seen and done so far, and look forward to the future. Tyler Morin Wiper Andrew Tingle OS I found out about the SIU from a conversation in a bar. I was planning on going back into the military, and I met a merchant marine who told me I could serve my country in a way that’s a lot safer, and with much better benefits. He was right! I joined because of all the places you get to see during the travel. I stayed sailing with the SIU because I make good money and earn time off – real time off. The benefits and retirement plans are great, too. Walter Figueroa Wiper Kevin Brown QMED I found out about the SIU from a construction foreman in Puerto Rico, and it has since become a part of my life and my family’s life. I’ve stayed sailing because it’s helped me provide a good life for me and my family. I love travelling, and figured, why not get paid to see the world? I like working with my hands, and the flexible work hours and time with my family make it all worthwhile. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Electrician Marcus Johnson, who sailed with the SIU for 33 years, is pictured aboard Waterman’s Stonewall Jackson in 1980. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 AUGUST 2024 �Final Departures DEEP SEA SILVESTRE ABLAZA Pensioner Silvestre Ablaza, 92, passed away May 2. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1964 when he shipped on the Alcoa Voyager. Brother Ablaza was a deck department member. He became a pensioner in 1997 and made his home in Bossier City, Louisiana. MUSAID ABDULLA Pensioner Musaid Abdulla, 76, died March 18. Sailing first aboard the Steel Direct, he donned the SIU colors in 1969. Brother Abdulla worked in the steward department and last shipped on the Comet in 2013. He went on pension the following year and settled in Fresno, California. MIGUEL CASTRO Pensioner Miguel Castro, 82, passed away May 5. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1990 and sailed in all three departments. Brother Castro’s first vessel was the Stephen W. Pless. He last sailed on the Eugene A. Obregon and retired in 2015. Brother Castro lived in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana. CHARLES FINCHER Pensioner Charles Fincher, 87, died April 2. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Chicago. Brother Fincher worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Long Lines in 2003. He began collecting his pension in 2006 and resided in Hawaii. AL ISMAEL Pensioner Al Ismael, 83, passed away April 27. He joined the union in 1966 and first shipped aboard the Pecos. Brother Ismael worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Thompson Pass and became a pensioner in 1994. Brother Ismael lived in Detroit. NELSON POE Pensioner Nelson Poe, 75, died April 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991. Brother Poe first shipped on the Sealift Caribbean. He worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Wright. Brother Poe retired in 2013 and called Petersburg, West Virginia, home. MAHMOUD SELIM Pensioner Mahmoud Selim, 75, passed away February 18. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1989. Brother Selim first worked on the Falcon Princess. He last shipped aboard the Cyprine and went on pension in 2013. Brother Selim made his home in Mount Vernon, New York. AUGUST 2024 In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. INLAND GEORGE SHAW Pensioner George Shaw, 78, died October 12. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1989. Brother Shaw first sailed aboard the USNS Assertive. He was a deck department member and last shipped on the John Paul Bobo. Brother Shaw went on pension in 2010 and lived in Pensacola, Florida. FRED CAFFEE Pensioner Fred Caffee, 72, died March 31. He joined the SIU in 1980 when he worked with Mariner Towing. Brother Caffee was a member of the deck department. He continued to work for the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Caffee began collecting his pension in 2013. He resided in Greensburg, Indiana. BRAD STEPHENSON Brother Brad Stephenson, 67, passed away March 24. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing on the Independence. Brother Stephenson worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the Chemical Pioneer. He resided in Edgewater, Florida. DOUGLAS CRAWFORD NORBERTO VERA DENNIS MCDONALD Pensioner Douglas Crawford, 66, passed away May 4. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1981 when he worked with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Crawford was a deck department member. He most recently sailed with OSG Ship Management before retiring earlier this year. Brother Crawford lived in Westerly, Rhode Island. Pensioner Norberto Vera, 78, died April 30. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1988. Brother Vera first shipped on the Overseas Arctic and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the St. Louis Express, before retiring in 2018. Brother Vera was a Houston resident. Pensioner Dennis McDonald, 91, died May 1. He began sailing with the SIU in 1966. Brother McDonald worked in the engine department and was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He started collecting his pension in 1996 and called Village Mills, Texas, home. ELMER MILLER THARVON WALKER Pensioner Tharvon Walker, 83, passed away May 1. He joined the Seafarers in 1973 and first worked on the A&J Dr May. Brother Walker sailed in all three departments. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Altair and became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Walker made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GREAT LAKES THOMAS CHABOT Pensioner Thomas Chabot, 69, died May 11. He donned the SIU colors in 1973 and initially sailed aboard the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Chabot shipped in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Charles E. Wilson in 1997. He went on pension in 2020 and resided in Lachine, Michigan. ROBERT SAID Pensioner Robert Said, 77, passed away February 25. He signed on with the union in 1989 when he shipped aboard the Southdown Challenger. Brother Said worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Alpena and went on pension in 2011. Brother Said lived in Coldwater, Michigan. Pensioner Elmer Miller, 98, passed away April 22. He donned the union colors in 1961. Brother Miller shipped in the deck department and worked with Moran Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. He retired in 1987 and was a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. LYN SEARS Pensioner Lyn Sears, 85, died April 27. He joined the SIU in 1959 when he sailed on the Arizpa. Brother Sears sailed in the engine department. He was last employed with G&H Towing and became a pensioner in 1997. Brother Sears made his home in Victoria, Texas. NMU JOSEPH FRISINO Pensioner Joseph Frisino, 70, passed away January 25. Brother Frisino worked in the deck department and last sailed with Woods Hole Shipping. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Holyoke, Massachusetts. LAWRENCE PAUL Pensioner Lawrence Paul, 89, died April 26. Brother Paul shipped as a steward department member. He last sailed on the Sue Lykes and became a pensioner in 1996. Brother Paul was a New Orleans resident. Westbank Riverboat Services until 2010. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), January 28 – Chairman Ricardo Guevara, Secretary Graeme Dy, Educational Director Tyria Mills, Deck Delegate Jonathan Eitz. Chairman discussed rules pertaining to entry-level mariners and some regulations that apply to sea time for C-books. Secretary reported eventfree voyage. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed Wi-Fi connectivity. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), April 2 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Jack McElveen, Deck Delegate Yafet Antah, Engine Delegate William Aebi, Steward Delegate Joshua Lee. Chairman advised crew to take care of physicals for the NMC and the union. Members asked for contract to be reviewed. Secretary explained the benefits of having a second cook on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is calling for the contract to be revised overall, including medical and dental benefits. Members asked for an increase to food budget and for vacation pay to match working time. They discussed possible safety concerns related to going ashore to procure items in between stores. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), May 31 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez, Educational Director Alexander Capellan Almonte, Engine Delegate Anjwar Brooks, Steward Delegate Stacy Fuller. Chairman reminded crew to check their documents for expiration. Secretary and educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Crew requested TVs for apprentices. They extended a vote of thanks to galley gang. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company, LLC), June 10 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Dequan Rivera, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Anne Scott, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. All issues, clarifications and concerns have been resolved, per chairman. Crew expressed their condolences for the passing of Vice President Nicholas Celona and the passing of Recertified Bosun Carlos Loureiro. Chairman discussed the July 1 wage increase and advised crew to update their shipping documents. Secretary thanked everyone for good housekeeping. He gave crew a friendly reminder to follow the ship’s posted meal hours and to follow sanitary practices when going through the meal line and dining area. Educational director recommended members upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew motioned to increase steward department’s extra-meal compensation and to boost per-day compensation when an extra person is aboard. Some members said their rooms were too cold and reported issues with trying to adjust the temperature. Crew requested new pillows, more company-issued coveralls that include extra-small and petite-size options, penalty-pay for DEU for cleaning grease traps and 20 for 30 vacation. Members would like retirement age to be 62 and to decrease to 30 days of employment to qualify for vacation (rather than 80). They asked for steward assistant pay scale to be on par with entry-level positions in deck and engine departments. Crew gave special thanks to steward department for providing excellent, well-balanced meals and good service. Next port: Port Angeles, Washington. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC), June 16– Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director David Watkins, Deck Delegate David Weeks, Engine Delegate Bryan Wells, Steward Delegate Barbara McDonald. Chairman praised crew for doing a good job on staying safe. Secretary encouraged members to stay on top of documents. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested $300 allowance for safety shoe reimbursement, two-hour overtime minimum for call-outs, increased vacation benefits and a minimum of 60 days for relief. Members would like the ability to get jobs over the phone. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship Company), July 10 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Jessica Dunney, Educational Director Mohamad Kammoun. Chairman reviewed highlights from new contract and advised members to take care of medical certificate along with physical. Secretary reminded crew to check dryer lint traps as often as reasonably possible. Educational director encouraged members to keep upgrading their skills at the Piney Point school and to make sure all shipping documents up to date. Crew would like to see improvements to common areas such as the lounge by adding new furniture, new entertainment console, etc. to boost morale. Members thanked steward department for July 4th BBQ. Next port: Panama. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 AUGUST 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck September 23 November 4 October 11 November 22 Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 Basic Training Revalidation August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 November 18 December 2 December 6 August 12 August 16 September 23 September 27 October 28 November 18 December 2 December 6 Combined Basic/Adv. FF October 7 October 11 Medical Care Provider September 30 October 4 Government Vessels September 9 September 30 October 7 November 4 December 9 September 13 October 4 October 11 November 8 December 13 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL August 19 August 26 September 30 October 7 October 21 August 23 August 30 October 4 October 11 October 25 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG August 12 September 2 September 16 September 23 September 30 August 16 September 6 September 20 September 27 October 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Adv. Refer Containers August 26 September 6 Junior Engineer September 9 November 1 Machinist August 26 September 13 Pumpman September 16 September 20 RFPEW August 26 September 23 September 20 October 18 Welding August 19 September 23 October 28 September 6 October 11 November 15 FOWT September 23 October 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook August 19 September 23 November 4 September 20 October 25 December 6 ServSafe Management August 12 September 16 October 28 December 2 August 16 September 20 November 1 December 6 Advanced Galley Ops August 26 November 18 September 20 December 13 Chief Steward October 7 November 1 UPGRADING APPLICATION ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book # ________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. AUGUST 2024 COURSE LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #909 – Graduated May 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathan Angst, Kaleb Brock, Shawn Byers, Max Cronley, Torin Holly II, Nicholas Howard, Nathan Laverdure, Matthew Lee, Mayson Lyndes, Kevin McCann, Brandon Mitchell, Adam Nasser, Autum Pough, Malachi Riggs, Gabriel Rodriguez III, Robert Sims, Ezekiel Smart Jr., Taye Stapleton, Tevin Toliver, Braden White, Darryl Williams Jr., Raymond Winter and Junrong Xie. BASIC SAFETY (UPGRADERS) – Graduated June 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyle Bergeron, Jamal Michel and Katrial Williams. MARINE ELECTRICIAN – Graduated May 24: Alberto Alvarez-Gonzalez, Anson Johny, Anias Stanford and Daryl Thomas Jr. Instructors Jack Andrews (left) and Roy Graham (right) are also above. RFPEW (PHASE 3) – Graduated May 31 (above, not all are pictured): Darwin Alvarez- RFPNW (PHASE 1) – Graduated May 24: Eric Amy, Monica Burney, Armando Contreras, Lopez, Ricky Anderson, Isaiah Balicha, David Chatoff, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Joshua Higdon, Tyler Morin, Jyheir Thompson and Xavion Young-Key. Julian Cortes Aviles, William Folzenlogen, Armontre Manning, Steven Pham, Sandy Quezada and Alexander Sandoval. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated June 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Floyd Bellamy Jr., Aevon Branch, Thomas Cyrus Jr., Dominic Freeman, Alfred Hoggard Jr., Laura Hollar, Jackie Jones III, Shakaylah Miller, Antwon Norris, Navonte Pritchard, Jaden Radcliff, Munasser Sallan, Laterrah Slater, Alex Temetang Dongmo, Gregory Tooles, Sierra Wallace, Adrian Williams and Toinette Williams. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 AUGUST 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos ABLE SEAFARER DECK – Graduated May 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Coleman Brewer, Jacob Burns, Richard Calderon, Stephen Chatten, Tevon Edwards, Ayman Elahi Jr., Isaiah Godette, Chase Greenawalt, Darlenzo Hines Jr., Tajh Horton, Ransom Lani Butac Kauwe, Caleb Miller, Tyrell Mitchell, Alex Needham, Jovanny Otero Negron, Blake Seele, Jack Selberg and James Walker (Not all are pictured). Instructor Michael Coulbourne is at the front left. RFPNW (PHASE 3) – Graduated May 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Brandon Brent, Eden Dulin, Madison Kruer, Clint Langford Jr., Onyx Lyons, Juan Murray, Dominic Pena and Orlando Quirantes. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated May 31 (above, not all are pictured): Lawrence Akromah, Harlan Alonzo, Jamal Boyette, Dedrick Carpenter Jr., Laura Davies, Walter Figueroa, Dennis Freeman Jr., Diamond Jackson, Tony King Jr., A'lize Lassiter, Kenyatta Mabine, Alexis Martinez, Marcos Medina-Vargas, Mario Odom Jr., Denise Parker, Anthony Ramos Villafane, Frederick Rivers III, Simeon Roberts, Yacoub Shack, Anias Stanford, Andrew Tingle, Francisco Valle and Emma Wang. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated June 7 (above, not all are pictured): Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Ricky Anderson, Isaiah Balicha, Brandon Brent, Darryl Brown Jr., Kevin Brown, Larry Calixto, David Chatoff, Brandy Clemons, Eden Dulin, Wilbur Edwards, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Joshua Higdon, Madison Kruer, Clint Langford Jr., Onyx Lyons, Tyler Morin, Juan Murray, Dominic Pena, Alex Temetang Dongmo, Jyheir Thompson and Xavion Young-Key. Robert Jones III. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated June 7: Naila Kling (left) and Jackie TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated June 14 (above, not all are pictured): Darwin Alvarez-Lopez, Ricky Anderson, Isaiah Balicha, Brandon Brent, David Chatoff, Eden Dulin, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Joshua Higdon, Madison Kruer, Clint Langford Jr., Onyx Lyons, Tyler Morin, Juan Murray, Dominic Pena, Jyheir Thompson and Xavion Young-Key. AUGUST 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �AUGUST 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 8 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers ‘Paint Tacoma Beautiful’ F Members put the finishing touches on this year’s project. or the seventeenth year, volunteers from the SIU teamed up recently to lend their time and talents to “Paint Tacoma Beautiful,” an outreach mission dedicated to repainting and repairing the exteriors of homes belonging to low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners within the city’s limits. This year’s SIU group included AB Len Soriano, Chief Steward Andrew Miller, Recertified Steward Michael Gramer, QMED Brandon Tanton, AB Eugene Edwards, AB Sam Schwimmer, Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor, Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed, Port Agent Warren Asp, Patrolman Dennison Forsman and Safety Director Danielle Woodward (for a total of 11 volunteers). “I am continuously impressed with this membership. It is so easy to find members on the beach willing to spend their brief time at home to come and volunteer their efforts [with this organization],” said Asp. Since the organization’s inception in 1985, Paint Tacoma Beautiful volunteers throughout the area have helped to improve more than 2,200 homes in the greater Pierce County, Washington region. Alissa Humbert, volunteer specialist for Associated Ministries, the organization behind Paint Tacoma Beautiful, says that the purpose of the program is to help build community. “It brings volunteers and homeowners together. It’s all about city beautification. The most important part is that it helps people regain equity in their home. It keeps our city safe, and it brings people a lot of pride to be a part of this project,” she said. “This [program] creates affordable housing by keeping people in their houses. Homeowners insurance, keeping them in their home.... It’s an important job to do,” said Humbert. “As long as homeowners need our help we’ll be there.” This past June, the SIU volunteers for Paint Tacoma Beautiful helped to revitalize Clarita Ragsdale’s residence, revamping the exterior of her AB Eugene Edwards home with a vibrant shade of blue. Ragsdale was pleased with her renovation, sharing many compliments for the Seafarer volunteer squad. “Everything was good. The team that came to volunteer did a beautiful job. They were so kind and polite,” she said. “My neighbor likes the new color, too.” She was pleasantly surprised that one of the volunteers, who has a wife with Filipino heritage, used the proper Tagalog honorific, “Ate” (pronounced AH-teh) to refer to her, which made her feel more at ease with the crew. “Clarita was a nice lady, and she really appreciated our work. She made us a pot of tasty Filipino-style beans and corn bread and freshly baked banana bread,” said Gramer. Originally, Ragsdale’s house was white, but she decided on her new color after noticing a particularly radiant shade of blue painted on a nearby school building. After seeing an ad for the volunteer organization on TV, she decided to apply. Her experience mimics that of many interested homeowners in the area who receive services from the program. “People can apply for the program all year long, whether they would like to volunteer or be the person who will receive services,” said Jessie Thompson, community programs manager for Associated Ministries. “However, the paint season runs depending on the weather. Generally, it lasts from April to September or October but can be cut short or extend past those months if the weather allows.” The SIU’s team accomplished quite a bit throughout the course of the renovation. Including prep and cleanup, the SIU personnel completed approximately 106 work hours pressure washing, priming and painting the exterior of Ms. Ragsdale’s home. “It was a big job, but through teamwork we Chief Steward Andrew Miller (right), Recertified Steward Michael Gramer ABs Samuel Schwimmer (left) and Leonard Soriano finished painting in three days. I enjoyed it – got in some exercise too!” Gramer said. “We have a lot of novice volunteers, people who may not have ever painted before. It’s more about the heart behind it. If you have the time and you can commit to a project whether it’s one day or multiple days, we’ll take anyone. Volunteers run this program, basically, so if they want to help, we’ll take ’em,” said Humbert. According to a recap from Asp, “QMED Brandon Tanton did the lion’s share of pressure washing the home. Then the rest stepped in and knocked the job out in short order. Two members in particular, AB Samuel Schwimmer and AB Leonard Soriano, were the ‘go to’ guys that tackled the harder areas. This was Sam’s first year involved, while Len is a seasoned veteran and knows this project well. With that said though, the phrase ‘many hands make light work’ rings true. Everyone’s efforts were greatly appreciated, and the homeowner was truly happy with her home.” One other positive outcome of this experience happened by coincidence. Gramer struck up a conversation with Ms. Ragsdale’s son, who is looking to start a new career, about the kind of work he does with the SIU. “I had a chat with her son explaining who and what the Seafarers are,” Gramer said. “Perhaps he will share that with friends and neighbors.” Taking time out for this kind of philanthropic work was a pleasant experience for everyone involved. Gramer was proud to spend some of his time ashore helping to brighten up and refresh the home of someone that needed it: “I felt very accomplished when we finished working. It's nice to be able to do something for someone who can't or who needs help doing something.” “I could not have been more pleased with how this project went. There are no signs of slowing down and hopefully we’ll be at it again in 2025,” said Asp. Recertified Bosun Thomas MacGregor QMED Brandon Tanton � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2024 Description An account of the resource CROWLEY MAKES HISTORY WITH EWOLF BIPARTISAN BACKING FOR MARITIME EVIDENT IN US HOUSE ROUNDTABLE HISTORIC CEREMONY SIGNALS NEW SIU JOBS SEAFARERS CELEBRATE WITH GREAT LAKES TOWING SIU PRESIDENT OFFERS 'HEARTFELT GRATITUDE AND ADMIRATION' FOR MARINERS NEW SIU CONTRACTS BOOST WAGES INCLUDE OTHER GAINS FOR MEMBERS SIU FAMILY MEMBER WINS UNION PLUS SCHOLARSHIP WILMINGTON PATROLMAN SUNGA PASSES AWAY NMC ISSUES NOTICES REGARDING CREDENTIALS, MEDICAL CERTIFICATES REPORT OF THE CONSITUTIONAL COMMITTEE 2024 SIU ELECTION ABSENTEE VOTING INFO ANNUAL FUNDING NOTICE FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN HOUSTON HALL WEATHERS BERYL SEAFARERS 'PAINT TACOMA BEAUTFIUL' Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 86 , NO. 8 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/46c7801b77adc946f839cd7fd2b5ae16.pdf 4f2830119a423d9e3861b0615c95c6c1 PDF Text Text DECEMBER 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 12 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Season’s Greetings 2021 Meeting Dates Page 4 Beck Notice Page 5 Summary Annual Reports Page 6 �President’s Report More Jones Act Support It seems fitting to close out 2020 with a word about the Jones Act, which marked its centennial this past summer. As you’ll see elsewhere in this edition, America’s freight cabotage law is still making headlines – most recently in the form of support from members of Congress and from the Navy League of the United States. While I never take anything for granted, I’m confident that the Jones Act will continue enjoying strong bipartisan support in the new year (and beyond). This law has never been more important to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. It protects our shipbuilding capability, safeguards our coasts and waterways, and helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners who will be available to sail on military support ships in times of need. The Jones Act has endured because it is extremely sound policy. Nevertheless, we’re always on the lookout for attacks against it, and we also invest time and energy educating new legislators about the law’s significant value. We’ll continue on that path. Cargo Preference While it’s sometimes overlooked in maritime discussions, cargo preference is another crucial component of our industry’s foundation. Cargo preference is an economic boon for our country that doesn’t cost the taxpayers a dime. In brief, cargo preference programs require shippers to use U.S.flag vessels to move specified government-impelled, ocean-borne goods. The most often cited program is PL-480, otherwise known as Food for Peace. Enacted in 1954, Food for Peace ships Americangrown food, dry goods and other commodities aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag ships to countries with dire nutritional needs. Those packages, marked “USAID from the American people,” help nourish those at risk of starvation while spreading a message of goodwill to the most impoverished countries on Earth. That is not the only such law, though. The Cargo Preference Act of 1904 dictates that 100 percent of military cargo be shipped aboard U.S.-flag vessels; and Public Resolution 17 from 1934 states all cargo generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank must be carried aboard U.S.-flag ships unless granted a waiver by the U.S. Maritime Administration. As we turn the calendar to 2021, the SIU will continue to advocate for the expansion of the nation’s current cargo preference laws, and to ensure that American mariners keep working aboard U.S.flag ships around the world. Happy Holidays While we all are still dealing with the global pandemic, I’m hopeful that everyone throughout the SIU will be able to count our blessings during the winter holidays. One thing I’m very grateful for is the incredible professionalism of Seafarers in 2020. You have truly risen to the occasion and fulfilled your mission as essential workers. You have demonstrated flexibility, dedication and sacrifice in order to help keep commerce flowing and to support our armed forces. You certainly answered the call during the turbo activations this summer, and I’m proud of you. This dedication extends to our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, which reopened in early August. Everyone at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has met the moment and done what needs to be done in order to safely, successfully run classes for upgraders and apprentices. It’s not easy but it’s vital, and everyone at the school – staff and students alike – deserves credit for getting the job done. Keep the faith, brothers and sisters. Better days are ahead. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 12 December 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Gov’t Expert Calls for Stronger Sealift Lexington Institute Exec. Spells Out Path for Boosting U.S. Fleet The Lexington Institute generally wants government to butt out, but when it comes to U.S.-flag sealift capacity, the stakes are too high for inaction. That was one conclusion among several penned by Lexington Institute Chief Operating Officer Loren Thompson in a recent article for Forbes. Thompson examined a new Defense Department plan for remaking the U.S. Navy and stated that while much of the Battle Force 2045 strategy likely won’t come to fruition, “there are some elements within the plan that do not require heavy lifting to accomplish, because their cost is modest and bipartisan support already exists. Sealift – the capacity to move U.S. military supplies to foreign conflicts expeditiously – is one such element.” Thompson said he anticipates limits on future Defense spending because of a “fiscal hangover” from the COVID-19 pandemic. He also stated that Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s plan “is so imposing – nearly a dozen new ship classes, half of them unmanned – that it would be challenging to implement even in normal times.” Throwing more support behind civilian-crewed military support ships is very achievable, however, according to Thompson. “The nation’s sealift fleet, which would carry 90% of supplies in wartime, has been decaying for decades,” he wrote. “That partly reflects the low priority assigned to the mission, and partly reflects the decline of the U.S. commercial shipping industry. With fewer than 200 U.S.-flagged vessels engaged in international commerce, there just isn’t much slack in the system if U.S. forces need to be surged overseas in an emergency. “The Navy’s current assets consist of 15 prepositioned supply ships anchored overseas near potential trouble spots, plus an additional 15 ‘surge’ vessels maintained in a reduced state of readiness,” he continued. “These ships are operated by commercial companies under the supervision of the Military Sealift Command, and are designed so that military vehicles and supplies can be driven directly into cargo holds rather than needing to be lifted or broken down.” But that only offers approximately half of the capacity needed “to lift the Army and other services to a major war,” Thompson explained. “To secure the remainder, [the armed forces] must turn to the Transportation Department, specifically the Ready Reserve Fleet (RRF) maintained by the Maritime Administration, and to the private merchant marine.” Thompson then explained the mission and condition of the RRF (which contains 46 former commercial ships) as well as the 60 privately owned, civilian-crewed vessels in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. “There are all sorts of problems with mobilizing this diverse menagerie of vessels,” Thompson said. “The entire sealift fleet is aging and its availability will become increasingly problematic in future years. This challenge has been recognized for years, and explains why Secretary Esper explicitly cited the need to modernize sealift assets in his October 6 discussion of Battle Force 2045. “The problem with Esper’s broader vision is that it requires so much money for so many initiatives that sealift would have to fight every year for funding against missions that have stronger constituencies,” Thompson continued. “However, viewed in isolation it is not a particularly expensive activity. The Congressional Budget Office estimated in 2019 that it would only cost a little over $1 billion per year going forward to recapitalize and operate the sealift fleet. That represents 2-3 hours of federal spending at current rates. So, whatever the fate of Battle Force 2045, sealift is an eminently fixable challenge. The Navy’s three-pronged approach, disclosed in 2018, is to extend the service life of the most modern vessels in the Ready Reserve Fleet, buy second-hand foreign commercial ships for modification, and build a new class of auxiliary vessels in domestic shipyards.” The latter undertaking, named the Common Hull Auxiliary Multi-Mission Platform (CHAMP), “would provide both new sealift and various other support vessels the fleet requires, but the initiative was rebuffed by the White House Budget Office in preparing the 2021 budget submission due to high per-vessel costs,” Thompson said. “Congress has already begun funding the life-extensions of the Ready Reserve Fleet and purchase of used foreign ships. The Navy is not ready to give up on CHAMP, because it meets multiple service requirements and would produce sealift assets superior to what can be obtained by the other two parts of its strategy. The service probably will prevail in the end, because there is bipartisan support on Capitol Hill for building new sealift vessels to commercial specifications in the nation’s shipyards.” He concluded, “The unanswered question is whether the sealift mission can stay afloat now that Secretary Esper has called into question virtually every facet of the Navy’s long-term shipbuilding plan. The political landscape is in such disarray that congressional champions will have to protect sealift from becoming a bill-payer for bigger, more visible missions. Time will tell whether those champions come forward. However, there is a bottom line to the sealift story that military planners would do well to heed: If you can’t get to the fight on time, then you are probably going to lose the war.” Thompson was deputy director of the Securities Studies Program at Georgetown University. He has taught at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and holds doctoral and master’s degrees in government from Georgetown. The Lexington Institute is a non-profit entity whose mission statement in part says that the organization “believes in limiting the role of the federal government to those functions explicitly stated or implicitly defined by the Constitution. The Institute therefore actively opposes the unnecessary intrusion of the federal government into the commerce and culture of the nation, and strives to find nongovernmental, market-based solutions to publicpolicy challenges. We believe a dynamic private sector is the greatest engine for social progress and economic prosperity…. By promoting America’s ability to project power around the globe we not only defend the homeland of democracy, but also sustain the international stability in which other free-market democracies can thrive.” Seafarers Help Stranded Boaters Seafarers recently came to the aid of stranded boaters in the Pacific, approximately 150 miles off the California coast. Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair provided this photo from the MV Jean Anne (Pasha Hawaii) along with the following notes: “The boat was drifting at sea for days and was spotted by 3rd Mate Jim Marren. The captain notified the U.S. Coast Guard. Our ship made a Williamson turn and we maneuvered to allow the distressed boat to drift up alongside. ABs threw mooring line to the castaways in order to secure them. After roping down much-needed water and provisions, the Jean Anne waited until the Mexican coast guard came to take over responsibility. The people in the boat were Mexican citizens trying to gain access to the U.S. Their motor gave out, resulting in the boat drifting aimlessly in the Pacific. The SIU crew professionally performed duties in this humanitarian rescue.” The SIU crew included Bosun Thomas Johnson (who was instrumental in securing the smaller boat to the Jean Anne), AB Shaif Alomary, AB Samuel Lampshire, AB Mohamed Saleh, QE4 Yahya Mohamed, QEE Stephen Roberts, GVA Ahmed Ahmed, GVA Abdulla Saleh, Chief Steward Samuel Sinclair and Chief Cook Tammy Bingisser. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG December 2020 �Navy League Highlights Importance of Jones Act The Navy League of the United States has released a new report titled, “China’s Use of Maritime for Global Power Demands a Strong Commitment to American Maritime,” which outlines and reinforces the importance of the maritime industry and in particular the Jones Act. As stated in the introduction of the report, “America has been guided by the waterborne trades and the laws of maritime commerce since its founding. Shipbuilding and the generations of mariners in the shipping trades are pillars of our maritime and naval heritage. In that spirit, Americans have always gone to great lengths to protect the nation’s ports and sea lanes. Early on, American merchants abided by Navigation Acts fashioned by the English government to protect British Colonial interests. Today, American maritime law and the commercial maritime trades are informed by a set of laws, including the Jones Act.” The report detailed the current state of the U.S.-flag fleet, saying, “U.S. maritime stakeholders are well aware of the challenges America faces in shipbuilding and in global shipping. The U.S. has seen a sharp decline in its international maritime fleet, whereby less than 200 U.S.-flagged vessels are represented in an oceangoing cargo fleet of more than 41,000 ships. The U.S. trails 16 countries in shipbuilding by a disparate proportion. In 2019, China ranked highest with 1,291 oceangoing ships under construction, while Japan and South Korea were the next largest shipbuilders but with each having roughly half of that number of vessels in production. The U.S. was building only eight oceangoing vessels in 2019. “In a comprehensive 2020 study by the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, ‘Strengthening the U.S. Defense Maritime Industrial Base: A Plan to Improve Maritime Industry’s Contribution to National Security,’ the Jones Act is described as guarding ‘against the ability of China … to take over shipping to U.S. territories and to gain local influence during peacetime, only to threaten or deny shipping to CONUS [contiguous United States] during a crisis or conflict’,” the report continued. “China’s goals, beyond creating jobs and expanding its economy, are aimed at dominating the shipping industry and world trade. Through its state-owned enterprises, China has, in the past two decades, managed to dominate the world’s core maritime industries, namely shipbuilding, majority ownership of oceangoing commercial ships and ownership or part ownership of marine terminals at key ports on strategically important trade lanes. China The SIU-crewed Overseas Houston (OSG) sails in the Jones Act trade. can shape global trade to its liking in times of peace and, in times of conflict, leverage an overwhelming advantage in global maritime logistics built up primarily at the expense of U.S. importers.” The American Maritime Partnership, to which the SIU is affiliated, issued the following statement concerning the report: “This study by the Navy League raises important questions about China’s ambition to dominate the global maritime supply chain. It requires a thoughtful policy response from the United States, including a renewed commitment to a robust American maritime industry, which is critical to our national security.” Additionally, the Shipbuilders Council of America issued the following statement: “The U.S. Navy League’s latest report on China’s strategy to advance global maritime dominance confirms what American shipbuilders have witnessed for decades which is Beijing funneling hundreds of billions into its shipbuilding programs to manipulate world markets and strengthen the country’s power on land and sea. While China will not rest in this pursuit, it is even more critical that we continue to build and repair the U.S. commercial and military fleets to bolster the American economy and protect domestic and national security.” Ocean Gladiator Flags In The Navy League of the United States is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating citizens about the importance of sea power to U.S. national security and to supporting the men and women of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine and their families. CIVMARS At Work Both of these vessels (pictured Oct. 12 in the Atlantic Ocean) are crewed by CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division. The fast combat support ship USNS Supply (right) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the hospital ship USNS Comfort. The Comfort is on an 11-week medical support mission to Central and South America as part of U.S. Southern Command’s Enduring Promise initiative. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Devin Alexondra Lowe) Legislators Speak Up for U.S. Freight Cabotage Law SIU members are sailing aboard the recently reflagged Ocean Gladiator (operated by Waterman), a replacement ship for the Ocean Globe. Pictured this summer in Turkey, the Ocean Gladiator was built in 2010 and is 544 feet long. (Photo by Cengiz Tokgöz) December 2020 Three members of Congress are calling upon the respective chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to make sure the Jones Act provisions for “offshore oil and gas development on the Outer Continental Shelf also apply to offshore wind development.” Signed by U.S. Reps. Elaine Luria (DVirginia), John Garamendi (D-California) and Alan S. Lowenthal (D-California), the Oct. 27 letter was sent to U.S. Sens. James Inhofe (ROklahoma), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), the committee’s ranking member, as well as U.S. Reps. Adam Smith (D-Washington), chair of the House Armed Service Committee, and Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), that committee’s ranking member. “Congress clearly intended federal law to apply to the exploration, development, production, transportation and transmission of any form of energy resources under OCSLA [the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act],” the trio wrote. “We urge you to clarify that lease sales for energy development on the Outer Continental Shelf from non-minerals are indeed subject to U.S. jurisdiction, including federal laws affording labor and environmental protections. Indeed, these same federal laws including the Jones Act currently apply to offshore oil and gas development under OSCLA.” They concluded by noting, “The Jones Act ensures a level of maritime capability that is critical to our national security.” The Jones Act requires that cargo moving from one domestic port to another domestic port must be carried aboard a U.S.-crewed, U.S.built, U.S.-owned, U.S.-flagged vessel. The law is considered vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. It was enacted in 1920 with those goals in mind. Seafarers LOG 3 �Voting Continues in SIU’s 2020 Election Voting started last month and will continue through Dec. 31 in the election of officers of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. Balloting is taking place at 20 SIU halls across the country. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 20212024 term. Seafarers may obtain their ballots from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays (except legal holidays), and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (again except legal holidays) until Dec. 31. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions). Only two of the positions have more than one candidate running; those positions are highlighted on the ballot. At the union halls, a member in good standing (upon presenting his or her book) is given a ballot and two envelopes. After his or her selection is marked, the ballot is folded and placed inside an envelope marked “ballot.” That envelope then is sealed inside a postage-paid envelope bearing the mailing address of the bank depository where ballots are kept until submitted to the union tallying committee. The rank-and-file tallying committee, consisting of two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will be elected in December. They will convene in early January and will tabulate and announce the election results. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations and other related information appears on Pages 6-10 of the October 2020 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, extra steps are being taken to help ensure member participation in the election. These modifications have been extensively reported in the LOG, on the SIU website and at the monthly membership meetings. They include (for this election only) easing the absentee-ballot procedures, expanding the hours for ballot pickup, and having union representatives bring ballots to SIU-crewed ves- sels whenever reasonably possible. As part of the latter development, SIU representatives are undergoing COVID-19 testing every two weeks, and any representative visiting a ship must show proof of a recent negative test. The first two votes are cast in Jacksonville, Florida, (photo at top left) by Recertified Steward Breon Lucas and Bosun Gerald Alford. GUDE Michael Cruz (photo above) seals his ballot at the hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico while members line up to vote (photo at bottom left) in Oakland, California, on Nov. 2. SIU Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli is at right. For more photos of SIU members voting in the union election, see Page 8. Union Membership Meeting Dates for 2021 Port Traditional Date January February March April Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 4 8 8 5 Jersey City Tuesday after first Sunday 5 9 9 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday 6 10 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 7 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday San Juan May June July August September October November December 3 7 6 2 7 4 8 6 6 4 8 6 3 7 5 9 7 10 7 5 9 7 4 8 6 10 8 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12 9 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12 9 Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12 9 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 8 12 12 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 12 10 Norfolk Friday after first Sunday 8 12 12 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 12 10 Houston Monday after second Sunday 11 16 15 12 10 14 12 9 13 12 15 13 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 11 15 13 10 14 12 16 14 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 17 15 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 15 19 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 15 19 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 19 22 22 19 17 21 19 16 20 18 22 20 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 21 25 25 22 20 24 22 19 23 21 26 23 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 22 26 26 23 21 25 23 20 24 22 26 27 Dates appearing in bold indicate that meetings are being held on other than traditional meeting dates. The reasons for the changes at affected ports, respectively, are as follows: nPiney Point change in July created by Independence Day Observance Jacksonville & San Juan changes in November created by Veterans Day Observance nHouston change in October created by Columbus Day Observance nGuam change in November created by Thanksgiving Observance nBaltimore, nPiney Point change in September created by Labor Day Observance change in February created by President’s Day Observance nWilmington change in January created by Martin Luther King Day Observance nTacoma change in December created by Christmas Observance nHouston Meetings at each port start at 10:30 a.m. 4 Seafarers LOG December 2020 �SIU Pitches in With ‘BookWaves’ Outreach AFT Spearheads Philanthropic Project to Give Student Assistance A coalition including the SIU, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), SIU-contracted Crowley, Matson and TOTE (respectively), non-profit organizations and other groups has teamed up to eventually deliver more than 100,000 free books to students in Puerto Rico, Guam and Alaska. The AFT, the Transportation Institute (TI) (representing U.S.-flag vessel operators) and the organization First Book in particular spearheaded the launch of the outreach known as BookWaves. Together, all participants are uniting to assist students and families during the COVID-19 crisis. TI Chairman and President Jim Henry said, “Reading books to children helps stimulate their imagination and expands their ability to understand the world, and that’s why the Transportation Institute – with its maritime members Crowley and TOTE – are dedicated and proud to work with teachers to donate and ship thousands of books to young students to help make our future stronger.” AFT President Randi Weingarten said, “We’re doing our part to help students and their families – regardless of their geography or demography – have what they need to learn. Our hope is that BookWaves will provide books to help them navigate this difficult time and prioritize one of the most fundamental things we can all do together: read.” BookWaves is supported by SIU-contracted operators Crowley, Matson, and TOTE, as well as trucking company Convoy and other local air and ground transportation companies that have donated their expertise and services to ship tens of thousands of books across land and sea to remote communities in need of books. The AFT, TI and Pi Beta Phi Foundation provided financial support to secure books from First Book; while the AFT and the SIU helped with title selection and providing onthe-ground coordination of sorting and distribution. At press time, the first wave of 3,000 bilingual and Spanish STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) books have been distributed, at a socially distant outdoor event at the Manuel A. Perez Residencial in San Juan, with more distributions to follow in the late fall and winter across Alaska, Guam and Puerto Rico. “Hearing of the hard work the AFT and First Book have been doing over the years to bring millions of books to students in need inspired our organization to marshal With containers of books in the foreground, volunters team up in San Juan, Puerto Rico. the resources of the U.S.-flag maritime industry and our logistics partners to help Americans in far-flung communities that rely on our shipping services have better access to books and inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning,” said Rich Berkowitz, the Transportation Institute’s vice president of Pacific Coast Operations. Crowley donated the shipping of 3,000 STEM books in Spanish, bilingual and English titles and is committed to shipping another 30,000 books to Puerto Rico. The Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico is spearheading the effort to distribute books, as well as partnering with the SIU to create maritime collections in high schools to support career and technical education. “This is a great initiative, which truly will have a positive impact for the students. A book in the hands of a child or young person is an opportunity for the develop- Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a December 2020 ment of language, comprehension, reading and their upbringing as a human being,” said Elba L. Aponte Santos, president of the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico. “We are grateful for this collaboration to bring highquality books, which are so important for students and teachers of Puerto Rico.” “Working in partnership with the Transportation Institute, including Crowley and TOTE, as well as the teachers of our young students in Puerto Rico, we will create a pathway of knowledge that enables these students to learn, grow and seek out the career ladders that are offered in the maritime industry and other opportunities,” said SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. “Bringing more than 100,000 free books to students Continued on Page 7 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2019 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representa- tion amounts to 79.84 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $399.20 (three hundred ninety-nine dollars and twenty cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2021calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2020 and November 30, 2021 will have this calculation applied to their 2021 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2022, your objection must be received by December 1, 2021. A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2019. Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Seafarers LOG 5 �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No.13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has committed itself to pay all claims incurred under the terms of the Plan. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $239,118,635 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $184,235,622 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $54,883,013. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $145,766,909, including employer contributions of $124,764,974, employee contributions of $499,600, realized gains of $2,754,248 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $17,093,981 and other income of $654,106. Plan expenses were $90,883,896. These expenses included $13,990,253 in administrative expenses and $76,893,643 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report; n Financial information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; and n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $7.50 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust. Plan expenses were $11,709,598. These expenses included $1,156,654 in administrative expenses and $10,552,944 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 15,492 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $143,294,725 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $126,965,662 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $16,329,063. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $28,038,661, including employer contributions of $9,976,372, employee contributions of $139,493, gains of $1,484,830 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $16,429,643 and other income of $8,323. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report; n Financial information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and n Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $7.75 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $28,942,105 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $23,993,376 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $4,948,729. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $76,163,973, including employer contributions of $72,463,639, realized gains of $795,151 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $2,772,164 and other income of $133,019. Plan expenses were $71,215,244. These expenses included $6,325,984 in administrative expenses and $64,889,260 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report; n Financial information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; and n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $15.75 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full 6 Seafarers LOG Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@ dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Summary Annual Report For Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 261527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust. Plan expenses were $3,143,079. These expenses included $79,910 in administrative expenses, $2,900,613 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $162,556 in other expenses. A total of 14,613 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $46,556,626 as of December 31, 2019 compared to $35,788,111 as of January 1, 2019. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $10,768,515. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $13,911,594, including employee contributions of $5,938,148, other contributions of $414,023, and earnings from investments of $7,560,338 and other losses of $915. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report; Financial Information and information on payments to service providers; n Assets held for investment; n Schedule of delinquent participant contributions; n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret Bowen, Plan Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $11.75 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. December 2020 �Coalition Comes to Aid of Students Continued from Page 5 and families in need is never easy, but doing it during a worldwide pandemic is almost impossible,” said AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus. “We never could have gotten these books to kids without the generosity, tenacity and collaborative ‘can-do’ spirit of the U.S.-flagged shipping companies Crowley, Matson and TOTE as well as the Seafarers International Union members. Thank you so much for the essential work you do – day in, day out – to provide a stable and vital lifeline of resources to American communities and families.” In Guam, more than 40,000 books have been delivered from the East Coast by Convoy and then shipped across the Pacific Ocean by Matson Navigation. Volunteers from the Guam Federation of Teachers (GFT) and SIU will distribute the books to pre-K through 12th-grade public school students and families as soon as island lockdown restrictions are relaxed. “Our members are so excited to have so many and such great books to provide to our students,” said GFT President Tim Fedenko. “We are eager to start handing out books as soon as possible to support student achievement and to help build the sense of community that can be hard to create while doing remote learning.” “Crowley is proud and honored to support the education of children on the island through the donated transportation of 33,000 books as part of the BookWaves coalition initiative,” said Crowley Logistics Vice President, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, Salvador Menoyo. “As the longest-serving U.S. shipping line serving Puerto Rico, Crowley’s team is dedicated to serving our friends and neighbors on the island. Supporting Puerto Rico’s youths is a natural part of our unending commitment.” TOTE Puerto Rico General Manager and Vice President of Caribbean Services Eduardo Pagan said, “While COVID-19 has changed our world and deeply impacted the education system, today’s delivery of tens of thousands of books by First Book, AMPR, the Transportation Institute and many others demonstrates that our entire community – on and off the island – is dedicated to providing students in Puerto Rico the tools and resources they need to advance their education. This donation is the first of many to come and TOTE is proud to be a partner in this initiative that will help shape the future for Puerto Rico’s young people and create a positive and lasting impact in our communities.” As the coalition focuses on remote and rural communities in Alaska, nearly 40,000 books were slated for delivery in November with an emphasis on STEM and books with Indigenous characters, including “Molly of Denali,” based on the popular PBS animated show. BookWaves is working with Alaska Marine Lines, Alaska Communications, Northern Air Cargo, Ryanair, TOTE, AFT affiliates in Alaska, and Alaskan Indigenous organizations to deliver books to as many rural and remote communities as possible. According to Berkowitz, “The broader effort led to a special partnership between the Alaska fishing philanthropic organization AFIRM and Western Alaskan Community Development Quota Program villages to provide access to books for their local youth. Kids from Atka to Naknek to Diomede will have an opportunity to select their own high-quality books.” Along with the books, the AFT is providing bookplates for kids to write their names inside their books to give them a sense of ownership and pride. In Puerto Rico, materials are in Spanish and English; in Guam, bilingual English-Chamorro bookmarks include reading tips for parents on how to help their children become strong readers; and blank journals will be provided for students in Alaska, Guam and Puerto Rico so students have an opportunity to express themselves and write their own stories. “The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an existing crisis in education, especially for children in poverty. We cannot allow them to slide further behind while they are isolated without books and educational resources – essentially locked out of learning,” said Kyle Zimmer, president, CEO and co-founder of First Book. “We are so grateful that the BookWaves coalition understands the gravity of this problem and is working with us to help the kids in greatest need. This innovative collaboration is helping to engage some of our country’s most vulnerable children at a time when they need that support the most.” U.S. Department of Justice Announces Charges Against Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy Editor’s note: The following news release was issued by the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia on Oct. 26. 4 Individuals Charged in $200K Coast Guard Credentialing Scheme NORFOLK, Va. – Four individuals have been charged for their respective roles in a conspiracy to sell phony Coast Guard merchant mariner credentials in Norfolk. According to allegations in the unsealed indictment, Lamont Godfrey, 42, of Portsmouth, Eugene Johnson, 45, of Norfolk, Shunmanique Willis, 43, of Texas, and Alonzo Williams, 45, of Louisiana, acted in concert to create counterfeit certificates from the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy (MAMA) and sell them to merchant mariners for a profit. The MAMA is a private state-ofthe-art maritime training center, offering mariners over 100 U.S. Coast Guard approved deck and engineering courses needed for merchant mariners to hold various positions on merchant vessels. Godfrey worked for the MAMA as the school’s Chief Administrator. According to the indictment, Godfrey used this position to create fake MAMA course certificates for mariners who had never taken the MAMA courses, in exchange for thousands of dollars in payments. The mariners would receive the fake certificates along with instructions on how to load them in the Coast Guard systems and be credited with a fraudulent Coast Guard qualification. Johnson, Willis, and Williams worked with Godfrey as brokers to find additional mariners willing to buy the fake certificates. In exchange for their efforts, Johnson, Willis, and Williams all received a cut of the illicit proceeds from the scheme. In total, the conspiracy netted over $200,000 in profits from the production of these counterfeit MAMA certificates and involved over 150 mariners purchasing fraudulent qualifications. Godfrey, Johnson, Willis, and Williams are charged with conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of two years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. G. Zachary Terwilliger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Marty J. Martinez, Special Agent in Charge, Coast Guard Investigative Service, Chesapeake Region, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph L. Kosky is prosecuting the case. 2021 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the Seafarers’ 2021 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows: Seafarers Scholarships Dependents Scholarships Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers: Five scholarships designated for dependents: n One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or university n Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school n A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply. To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the Member Benefits tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Although the booklet says 2016, all information is still current for the 2021 SHBP Scholarships. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Street Address.................................................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, Zip Code......................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) ................................................................................................................................................................................. This application is for: ❏ Self ❏ Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 December 2020 12/20 Seafarers LOG 7 �Seafarers Cast Ballots As reported on page 4, SIU members continue voting in the union’s election for officers. These photos were taken in early November, at the start of the balloting period. GUDE Darrell Whitaker (left) is sworn in by Patrolman Eddie Pittman at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall prior to voting. Chief Cook Jonathan Perez casts his ballot in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Recertified Bosun James Blitch votes at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida. AB Ruziell Bautista (left) arrives at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida, to cast his ballot. He’s being Members line up to vote in Jacksonville, Florida. sworn in by Safety Director Joseph Koncul. From left, ABM Janaro Jackson, Recertified Steward Kimberly Strate and Recertified Bosun Donley Johnson prepare to vote aboard the Taino (Crowley) in Jacksonville, Florida. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at right. SIU representatives must show a negative, recent COVID-19 test result before boarding the ships for balloting. 8 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Jatniel Aguilera puts the finishing touches on his envelopes at the hall in Puerto Rico. Immediately prior to voting, GUDE Wayne Gomilion (left) is sworn in by Patrolman Eddie Pittman at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. December 2020 �Precautionary Measure Calls For Seafarers to Receive Flu Shots In accordance with Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) Action 480, and as a precautionary measure due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, mariners will be required to get an influenza immunization (commonly called the flu shot) before sailing or visiting the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. (This SAB, titled “Coronavirus Protocols,” took effect in March 2020.) Effective December 1, all members who plan to sail on a deep-sea vessel, as well as anyone planning to attend any upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center, will have to provide documentation that shows they have received a flu shot in the past 90 days. This decision was made jointly between the union and their contracted employers. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in that mariner being unable to sail and/or attend upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center until they receive the immunization. For more information, contact your local port agent. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying healthrelated items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. Correction In the November LOG, we listed the wrong department for new SIU pensioner Christopher Maye. Brother Maye, who joined the union in 1987, sailed in the deck department. December 2020 & January 2021 Membership Meetings Piney Point...............................Monday: December 7, January 4 Algonac..................................Friday: December 11, January 8 Baltimore...........................Thursday: December 10, January 7 Guam................................Thursday: December 24, January 21 Honolulu..............................Friday: December 18, January 15 Houston..............................Monday: December 14, January 11 Jacksonville....................Thursday: December 10, January 7 Joliet...................................Thursday: December 17, January 14 Mobile..........Wednesday: December 16, January 13 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: December 15, January 12 Jersey City............................Tuesday: December 8, January 5 Norfolk...............................*Friday: December 11, January 8 Oakland..........................Thursday: December 17, January 14 Philadelphia................Wednesday: December 9, January 6 Port Everglades...............Thursday: December 17, January 14 San Juan........................Thursday: December 10, January 7 St. Louis................................Friday: December 18, January 15 Tacoma................*Monday: December 28, Friday: January 22 Wilmington...........................Monday: December 21, January 19 Effective as of September 2, Norfolk changed meeting date from Thursday after first Sunday to Friday after first Sunday. Tacoma change due to Christmas Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD Works For You. SPAD December 2020 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Oct.10-Nov. 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Nov. 9. Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped C Trip Reliefs 2 1 1 1 0 2 0 4 3 0 0 4 4 1 1 3 0 2 1 1 32 Engine Department 3 2 0 0 2 2 4 4 0 0 3 1 6 3 9 6 13 12 6 6 1 1 1 1 7 12 6 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 6 0 2 7 3 74 63 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 14 16 1 2 6 4 1 2 9 23 8 2 0 14 11 3 0 1 4 0 18 125 10 2 2 1 3 1 4 7 27 5 5 2 15 4 1 7 3 13 2 8 122 361 208 C A All Groups B C 3 2 2 10 0 4 1 18 20 7 1 3 11 7 0 4 5 11 0 8 117 24 3 6 25 4 14 9 71 62 41 2 14 34 24 6 1 16 41 0 45 442 9 2 0 14 0 8 3 23 34 18 3 4 16 5 4 4 6 8 1 19 181 0 1 2 6 0 5 1 6 6 4 3 3 10 2 0 1 2 6 1 5 66 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 9 0 0 2 2 0 3 4 6 8 2 0 1 8 3 0 0 1 6 0 4 50 2 0 6 9 0 2 8 20 27 16 3 3 14 10 3 2 10 15 3 18 171 1 0 5 13 0 7 1 11 27 8 1 6 24 6 1 3 2 7 1 15 139 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 4 0 0 1 0 5 3 0 0 0 2 0 4 24 Steward Department 3 0 0 0 1 0 5 3 1 0 6 1 6 1 14 4 7 4 3 1 1 0 2 0 10 8 5 2 0 1 0 1 0 3 7 2 2 0 15 5 88 36 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2 0 1 4 0 3 4 4 6 2 1 1 10 5 0 0 0 4 0 7 54 8 0 3 15 1 8 10 22 32 9 1 3 19 19 2 5 4 16 4 37 218 2 0 3 10 0 1 2 9 14 1 0 4 20 8 0 3 7 0 1 18 103 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 2 0 0 4 2 0 0 1 3 0 1 19 Entry Department 0 4 0 3 0 3 0 6 0 1 0 4 2 1 2 4 2 14 1 8 0 0 1 0 0 6 1 6 0 2 1 1 0 0 5 3 0 1 2 7 17 74 6 0 0 3 1 1 4 4 37 5 2 0 10 1 0 5 1 5 0 5 90 6 1 2 4 0 1 0 0 12 7 1 0 5 2 1 4 0 3 1 4 54 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 8 3 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 4 0 3 31 17 1 2 8 4 2 3 13 39 19 2 0 26 19 2 0 2 13 1 34 207 10 6 2 4 1 1 4 15 35 8 5 5 29 5 1 5 3 21 2 9 171 138 275 862 630 280 A All Groups B Registered on Beach Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 16 1 3 8 2 8 5 34 23 23 1 10 17 15 5 2 11 18 0 30 232 7 0 0 2 0 7 2 12 21 13 4 3 5 5 0 1 7 4 1 8 102 2 0 3 1 0 5 0 6 4 3 0 4 6 1 1 3 1 5 2 4 52 Deck Department 9 9 3 2 2 3 13 8 0 0 7 5 4 0 31 17 20 19 20 7 1 3 4 3 15 4 9 1 3 0 4 0 4 3 14 7 0 1 22 10 185 102 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 5 3 0 3 7 11 7 11 2 1 5 6 2 1 6 7 2 5 84 1 0 4 7 0 3 0 8 11 4 1 0 10 5 1 1 1 5 1 11 74 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 20 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 2 13 1 5 7 10 18 5 2 2 11 9 0 2 1 6 2 16 114 2 0 1 4 0 2 2 2 8 1 0 2 12 4 1 2 4 1 0 12 60 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 5 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 5 0 3 23 GRAND TOTAL: 453 364 275 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU CELEBRATING 52-YEAR CAREER – Shipmates aboard the USNS Victorious (Crowley Maritime) recently surprised AB Richard “Blue” Hindson with tokens of appreciation as he transitions to retirement. Hindson, who sailed for 52 years, received (among other goodies) a United States flag that was flown during his final voyage, plus a group photo that will be framed and a plaque that reads, “Fair Wind and Following Seas, Much Love From The Crew of USNS Victorious T-AGOS 19.” Hindson is pictured at left in photo at left, with vessel master Capt. Horatiu Vintila, and is standing in the middle of the group photo at right. ABOARD USNS ALGOL – These snapshots from the recent activation of the Ocean Duchess-operated ship were provided by Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. Pictured in the photo above are: OS Matthew Sutterer, BREC Ritche Acuman, AB Jape Geonzon, OS Martin Jakob, AB Eric Williams, AB Richard Grubbs, AB Alexander Bermudez, OS Emmanuel Nuez, and AB Daniel Fields. BREC Ritche Acuman, AB Richard Grubbs, AB Daniel Fields 10 Seafarers LOG AB Alexander Bermudez, OS Emmanuel Nuez December 2020 �GRASSROOTS ACTION – Ready to help get out the vote for pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates in Honolulu are (from left) SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, Administrative Assistant Shureen Yatchmenoff and Safety Director Amber Akana. BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Pictured at the Oct. 8 membership meeting (all are B seniorities receiving full membership) are (from left) AB Ronald McCray, GUDE Terence Tripp, and SAs Stacy Davis, Melaethon Silas and Latara Rengifo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOK IN HOUSTON – AB Dennis Mariveles (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Patrolman Kelly Krick (wearing a Corpus Christi Hooks jersey, the Hooks being a minor-league affiliate of the Astros). B-BOOKS IN SAN JUAN – Receiving their books at the hiring all are (photo at left) QE4 Jose Alicea (left, with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo) and QMED James Sanchez (right in photo at right, also with Crespo). December 2020 A-BOOK IN LAUDERDALE – Chief Steward Prasert Mastrototaro displays her newly acquired A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. FULL BOOKS AT WATCO – Seafarers Scott Smith Jr. (photo at left) and Sean Wannamaker (right in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Edwin Ruiz Jr.) recently received their full B-books. Smith is pictured at the Watco Marine Transfer Station in Elizabeth, New Jersey, while Wannamaker and Ruiz are pictured at company facilities in Brooklyn, New York. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Any plans for 2021? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Wordell Prescott Oiler I plan to ship out, and sail for as many days as I can. I’ve been taking classes at the Paul Hall Center so that, when I get back out there, I’m making more money and I’m able to sail on more types of ships. Brian Smith QMED I think I’m going to go back to sailing on the Lakes, and work out there for a bit. Or maybe get on a Maersk or Crowley ship; I’ve always enjoyed sailing on those in the past. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa AB To get my license, keep upgrading and moving on up. They’ve really been taking care of us here at the school while I’ve been upgrading. Carleton Jenkins GUDE Get back out on the water and run it up. I also plan to start investing in real estate, and get a couple of properties to use as my first investments. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 Thedford Jones OMU Mostly going to ship out and get on some new and different vessels. I shipped out on some LNG ships earlier this year, and that was a good experience. I would ideally like to get back on one of those. JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Quandell Freeman Steward Assistant I’m just ready to get out there and sail again. I’m also saving up to buy a house next year. The pandemic hasn’t really affected me much, because I would have been upgrading here at Piney Point anyway. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 Pic From The Past Locomotives are loaded onto the SIU-crewed Robin Gray (Moore-McCormack Lines) April 15, 1960 at the pier on 22nd Street in Brooklyn, New York. SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG December 2020 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA JOHN BLUITT Brother John Bluitt, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1971 when he shipped aboard the Newark. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Little Hales. Brother Bluitt is a resident of New Port Richey, Florida. ROBERT CANDO Brother Robert Cando, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1990, first sailing aboard the Cape Ann. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Cando most recently shipped on the William R. Button. He makes his home in Newport News, Virginia. MARCO GUITY Brother Marco Guity, 62, signed on with the union in 1989 when he sailed aboard the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Guity’s final vessel was the Garden State. He is a Houston resident. JEFFREY KASS Brother Jeffrey Kass, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1974, initially shipping on the Ft. Hoskins. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Kass last shipped on the Philadelphia. He resides in Canada. HOLLY KEAR Sister Holly Kear, 65, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 1992. She upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001 and was a member of the steward department. Sister Kear sailed both first and last aboard the Independence. She makes her home in Norwalk, Connecticut. WILFRED LAMBEY Brother Wilfred Lambey, 65, began shipping with the union in 1993, initially sailing on the Independence. A steward department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Lambey last shipped aboard the Seabulk Challenge. He lives in Houston. December 2020 PAULO LEITE DANIEL TICER ALLAN WIRGAU Brother Paulo Leite, 63, joined the SIU in 2001 and first sailed on the Cape Jacob. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Leite most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Saratoga. He lives in Hazlet, New Jersey. Brother Daniel Ticer, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1980 when he sailed aboard the Point Judy. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Ticer last shipped on the Horizon Pacific. He calls Manteca, California, home. Brother Allan Wirgau, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1973, initially sailing aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. He shipped in the engine department, most recently aboard the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Wirgau settled in Alpena, Michigan. JAMES PATRICK Brother James Patrick, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1990 when he shipped aboard the Del Monte. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Eugene A. Obregon. Brother Patrick settled in Stuart, Florida. JAMES ZAVATSKY Brother James Zavatsky, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1997. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Zavatsky’ s first vessel was the USNS Stalwart; his last, the USNS Pathfinder. He lives in Mesquite, Nevada. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL LABAR MIKHAIL PINCHEVSKIY Brother Mikhail Pinchevskiy, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 2000. Shipping as a deck department member, his first vessel was the Global Mariner. Brother Pinchevskiy upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Resolve and makes his home in Hallandale Beach, Florida. CARY PRATTS Brother Cary Pratts, 64, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Point Judy. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Pratts last sailed on the Overseas Anacortes. He resides in Slidell, Louisiana. PABLO ROCHEZ Brother Pablo Rochez, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2001. His first vessel was the Maersk Maryland and he sailed in the deck department. Brother Rochez upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Denver and settled in the Bronx, New York. AHMED SUWAILEH Brother Ahmed Suwaileh, 65, joined the union in 1991 when he shipped on the Defender. He sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Puget Sound. Brother Suwaileh makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. Brother Michael Labar, 65, joined the SIU in 1989 when he shipped on the H. Lee White. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1991 and primarily sailed in the engine department. Brother Labar’s final vessel was the Indiana Harbor. He makes his home in Manistique, Michigan. CHARLES LARSON Brother Charles Larson, 65, began shipping with the union in 1998, first sailing on the Indiana Harbor. The deck department member’s final vessel was the Presque Isle. Brother Larson resides in El Mirage, Arizona. DOYLE LING Brother Doyle Ling, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977. He sailed as a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Ling’s first vessel was the St. Claire; his last, the Walter J. McCarthy. He settled in Avoca, Michigan. MARK ROBERTSON Brother Mark Robertson, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1973 when he shipped aboard the Lewis G. Harriman. He was a deck department member and last sailed on the Overseas Juneau. Brother Robertson makes his home in Alpena, Michigan. TIMOTHY ZIEMKE Brother Timothy Ziemke, 69, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1972. Sailing in both the deck and engine departments, he worked with Erie Navigation and sailed aboard the JR Emery for the majority of his career. Brother Ziemke lives in Sandusky, Ohio. INLAND DONALD ANDERSON Brother Donald Anderson, 70, started shipping with the union in 1970 when he was employed by Inland Tugs. He last worked for Eagle Marine Industries and makes his home in Groves, Texas. KENNETH ARNOLD Brother Kenneth Arnold, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1996, first working for Crowley. He sailed in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Arnold calls Runnemede, New Jersey, home. LAWRENCE HENSLEY Brother Lawrence Hensley, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978 when he worked for Southern Ohio Towing. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1979. Brother Hensley last worked for Interstate Oil. He is a resident of Seaford, Delaware. WILLIAM LENFESTEY Brother William Lenfestey, 67, started his career with the Seafarers in 2002, initially sailing on the Sound Reliance. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Lenfestey most recently sailed aboard the Legend. He lives in Spring Hill, Florida. KJELL LIADAL Brother Kjell Liadal, 65, joined the union in 1998. Sailing in the deck department, he was first employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Liadal upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last worked for Penn Maritime and resides in Orange Park, Florida. VINCENT LORMAND Brother Vincent Lormand, 64, signed on with the union in 2004. He was an engine department member and shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Lormand lives in Cecilia, Louisiana. WAYNE PETERS Brother Wayne Peters, 62, donned the SIU colors in 1980. A deck department member, he sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. Brother Peters upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He makes his home in Panama City, Florida. FELIX PRIETO QUINONES Brother Felix Prieto Quinones, 62, began shipping with the SIU in 1977 when he worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He was a member of the deck department and concluded his career with Puerto Rico Towing & Barge. Brother Prieto Quinones is a Puerto Rico resident. WILLIAM RACETTE Brother William Racette, 64, joined the SIU in 1977, initially working with Northeast Towing. He was an engine department member and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Racette most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Como, North Carolina. RANDY WATSON Brother Randy Watson, 60, signed on with the union in 1978 when he worked for Interstate Oil. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Watson last worked for OSG Ship Management. He lives in Greenville, North Carolina. LOUIS WATTIGNEY Brother Louis Wattigney, 63, became a member of the SIU in 1978. A deck department member, he worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Wattigney calls Belle Chasse, Louisiana, home. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA GREGORIO ALGARIN Pensioner Gregorio Algarin, 74, died September 15. He signed on with the union in 1976 and was a deck department member. Brother Algarin first shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He last sailed on the Expedition before going on pension in 2001. Brother Algarin was a Puerto Rico resident. September 22. He donned the SIU colors in 1969, initially sailing aboard the Reiss Brothers. Brother Mondeci sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Fredericksburg. He went on pension in 2013 and was a New York resident. GEORGE NICHOLSON Pensioner Jaber Ali, 81, passed away November 1. He began his career with the SIU in 1969 when he shipped on the Elizabeth. Brother Ali was a member of the steward department and last sailed on the Lurline. He became a pensioner in 2009 and made his home in San Francisco. Pensioner George Nicholson, 92, passed away March 5. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1966, initially shipping on the Steel Design. A steward department member, Brother Nicholson was last employed by Michigan Tankers. He began collecting his pension in 1993 and settled in Chicago. ROBERT COLEMAN MICHAEL NOBLE JABER ALI Brother Robert Coleman, 57, died September 25. He started shipping with the SIU in 1988 when he worked with G&H Towing. A deck department member, Brother Coleman most recently sailed aboard the Brenton Reef. He lived in Houston. STEVE FABRITSIS Pensioner Steve Fabritsis, 76, passed away October 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1972, initially sailing aboard the Bradford Island. Brother Fabritsis was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Philadelphia Express. He became a pensioner in 2009 and settled in Galena Park, Texas. EDWARD MARTIN Pensioner Edward Martin, 93, died November 5. Signing on with the union in 1963, he was first employed by Isco Inc. Brother Martin sailed in the steward department and last worked as a Sealand Port Steward. He went on pension in 1993 and resided in Freehold, New Jersey. JOSEPH MELE Pensioner Joseph Mele, 69, passed away October 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1969 when he sailed aboard the Longview Victory. Brother Mele was a deck department member and most recently shipped on the Horizon Hawaii. He retired in 2008 and lived in Puerto Rico. VICTOR MONDECI Pensioner Victor Mondeci, 78, died 14 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Michael Noble, 68, died September 11. He began his career with the SIU in 1971, initially sailing aboard the Rose City. Brother Noble was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Intrepid. He became a pensioner in 2008 and resided in San Francisco. KIRK PIPER Pensioner Kirk Piper, 66, passed away October 6. He signed on with the union in 1976 and first sailed aboard the Zapata Ranger. Brother Piper sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Westward Venture. He began collecting his pension in 2019 and made his home in Excelsior, Minnesota. ROBERTO QUELIZA Pensioner Roberto Queliza, 71, passed away September 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1991 and first sailed on the Independence. Brother Queliza was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Horizon Pacific and retired in 2015. Brother Queliza lived in Alameda, California. CHANCIE RANSOM Pensioner Chancie Ransom, 76, died October 20. He signed on with the union in 1997 and was a steward department member. Brother Ransom first sailed aboard the Perseverance. He continued to sail on the same vessel until retiring in 2010. Brother Ransom settled in Clayton, North Carolina. MARTIN RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Martin Rodriguez, 84, passed away October 26. He first sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 SIU/NMU Merger. Brother Rodriguez was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Alliance Richmond in 2014 and settled in Port Arthur, Texas. RICHARD THOMAS Pensioner Richard Thomas, 83, passed away October 16. He joined the union in 1977 and first shipped aboard the Sequehanna. A member of the deck department, Brother Thomas last sailed on the Rover. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Temple, Texas. FRANK THOMPSON Pensioner Frank Thompson, 76, died October 25. He became a member of the SIU in 1991 when he shipped on the Sealift Mediterranean. Brother Thompson was a deck department member. He last sailed on the Maersk Memphis and retired in 2015. Brother Thompson resided in Jacksonville, Florida. PETER TUSA Pensioner Peter Tusa, 72, passed away October 15. He signed on with the SIU in 1984. Brother Tusa was a deck department member and first shipped on the Independence. He concluded his career aboard the Jack Lummus and became a pensioner in 2013. Brother Tusa lived in Moriches, New York. MICHAEL VAUGHAN Brother Michael Vaughan, 63, died July 28. He donned the SIU colors in 2012 when he shipped on the President Jackson. Brother Vaughan primarily worked in the steward department and most recently sailed on the Maersk Idaho. He resided in Norfolk, Virginia. ANGEL VELEZ Pensioner Angel Velez, 82, passed away October 8. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1973, initially sailing on the Warrior. Brother Velez primarily sailed in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Crusader. He became a pensioner in 2002 and made his home in Puerto Rico. JERRY WEIDLE Brother Jerry Weidle, 81, died June 27. He joined the union in 1978 and sailed in the steward department. Brother Weidle’s first vessel was the Santa Mariana; his last the Santa Maria. He lived in Redwood City, California. INLAND CHARLES BARNES Brother Charles Barnes, 59, passed away September 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Barnes worked with G&H Towing for his entire career. He lived in Rockport, Texas. HARRY BRYAN Pensioner Harry Bryan, 82, died October 9. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1996. Brother Bryan was employed by Crowley for his entire career and retired in 2003. He was a resident of Edgewater, Florida. JAMES CAIN Pensioner James Cain, 93, passed away October 30. He signed on with the union in 1965 when he was employed by Meyle Towing. A deck department member, Brother Cain last shipped with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He began collecting his pension in 1991 and lived in Glenolden, Pennsylvania. CLYDE ELLISON Pensioner Clyde Ellison, 94, passed away October 13. He joined the union in 1974 when he worked for Mariner Towing. Brother Ellison sailed in the deck department and concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He went on pension in 1990 and settled in Patterson, North Carolina. BORNIE HOBBS Pensioner Bornie Hobbs, 79, died September 6. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1976. Brother Hobbs first worked for National Marine Service and was a member of the deck department. He last sailed with HVIDE Marine, and became a pensioner in 2002. Brother Hobbs resided in Foley, Alabama. DEAN MARCUS Pensioner Dean Marcus, 84, passed away September 17. He joined the Seafarers in 1976, first working for Moran Towing of Texas. A member of the deck department, Brother Marcus last worked for National Marine Service. He went on pension in 1998 and called Port Lavaca, Texas, home. was a resident of Pamplico, South Carolina. BERNARD MOOD Pensioner Bernard Mood, 72, passed away October 11. He donned the SIU colors in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Sugar Island. Brother Mood was a deck department member. He last worked for Great Lakes Dredge and Dock before retiring in 2009. Brother Mood lived in Meadville, Pennsylvania. EDWARD O’CONNELL Pensioner Edward O’Connell, 75, died October 26. He signed on with the union in 1991, and his first vessel was the Relentless. Brother O’Connell worked in the deck department and most recently shipped aboard the Integrity. He retired in 2018 and called Beaufort, South Carolina, home. STEPHEN STRUVE Pensioner Stephen Struve, 79, died October 17. He joined the union in 1994. Brother Struve primarily sailed in the steward department and worked for Orgulf Transport for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2003 and made his home in Florence, Kentucky. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Alfaro, Albert 94 Bourque, Beverly 77 Casson, Paul 63 Cunningham, A. 96 Dyer, Cleveland 102 English, Julius 92 Gibson, Joe 91 Green, James 75 Johnson, Lawrence 90 Kozak, Anthony 89 Massiah, Winston 91 Mgreos, Juan 86 O’Malley, Brian 71 Perry, Edward 79 Vanase, John 80 Woolford, Merrick 88 Yahya, Saleh 90 Zepeda, Rene 76 DOD 10/10/2020 11/02/2020 09/25/2020 10/22/2020 11/03/2020 10/10/2020 11/01/2020 10/31/2020 10/24/2020 10/06/2020 10/16/2020 09/07/2020 10/24/2020 11/04/2020 08/26/2020 10/19/2020 10/14/2020 07/22/2020 ANTHONY MCNEIL Brother Anthony McNeil, 52, died September 12. He signed on with the union in 1999 when he shipped aboard the Cape Lookout Shoals. Brother McNeil sailed in the engine department. He was most recently employed by Penn Maritime and December 2020 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings PRESQUE ISLE (Key Lakes II, Inc.), March 29 – Chairman Tony Sivola, Secretary Hazza Hussein, Educational Director Roderick Thomas. New gym equipment on ship. Chairman reviewed list of COVID-19 symptoms to be aware of and advised members to regularly monitor their health. He encouraged crew to report any illnesses early on and to practice social distancing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed Article IX and suspension of certain shipping rules. Self-restricting to ship may help to avoid virus exposure. New soda and rowing machines ordered for ship. AMERICAN SPIRIT (American Steamship), April 11 – Chairman Paul Gohs, Secretary Khaled Alasaadi, Educational Director Michael Kruse. Chairman discussed marine safety information bulletins and COVID-19 updates that may affect mariner documents and/or shipping rules. He informed members of SIU headquarters address change (only the street name changed). Educational director announced temporary closure of Piney Point school and went over STCW renewal requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested more reliable Wi-Fi service and discussed adding internet availability to future contracts. Members requested amendment for insurance coverage as some may be unable to put in required time due to coronavirus. Crew was reminded to wash hands often. BURNS HARBOR (American Steamship), April 26 – Chairman Foaad Saleh, Secretary Holly Norick, Educational Director Ben Skuban. Members were advised to upgrade once school reopens and to keep credentials current. Crew discussed Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarships and reviewed latest news on COVID-19. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were reminded to wash hands frequently and encouraged to vote. Crew requested new TVs in rooms and better Wi-Fi. WALTER J. MCCARTHY (Armstrong Steamship), April 26 – Chairman Waleed Mohsin, Secretary Theophil Igielski, Educational Director Abdulwali Suwaileh, Deck Delegate Jaber Jaber. Crew talked about upgrading courses at the Piney Point school and the global coronavirus pandemic. Chairman reminded members to stay away from union halls if they show symptoms of the virus and to contact union for any questions about the school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew working together and staying safe. PRESQUE ISLE (Key Lakes II, Inc.), May 3 – Chairman Tony Sivola, Secretary Hazza Hussein, Educational Director Roderick Thomas. Restrictions to ship due to COVID-19. Union modified shipping rules for the month of April, as a precaution. Educational director reminded members to cover their mouths when coughing and sneezing and to wash hands regularly with soap and hot water. Deck delegate thanked steward department for a job well done. Crew pledged to take extra steps to ensure safety while promoting maximum participation in upcoming elections. Members want captain to ease restrictions on going up the street. Crew was instructed to continue to wear masks and to report any occurring symptoms of illness immediately. AMERICAN MARINER (American Steamship), June 2 – Chairman Scott Krajniak, Secretary Daniel Kane, Educational Director Robert Crosby, Engine Delegate Michael Lau. Chairman encouraged crew to vote in both national and union elections. He reminded members to register within 72 hours at the union hall after completing their tour. Chairman complimented galley crew for doing an outstanding job. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Superior, Wisconsin. PRESQUE ISLE (Key Lakes II, Inc.), June 21 – Chairman Tony Sivola, Secretary Hazza Hussein. Chairman reminded crew of upcoming elections and encouraged everyone to vote. Educational director urged members to check all documents for expiration dates and to upgrade at Piney Point whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate gave special thanks to second cook for a job 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. well done. Crew was advised to wash hands often, wear masks and continue practicing safety precautions. INDIANA HARBOR (American Steamship), June 25 – Chairman Jeremy Shenett, Secretary Saleh Saleh, Educational Director Peter Morrison Jr., Deck Delegate Abdullah Algalham, Steward Delegate David Warner. Chairman reiterated the importance of wearing masks and washing hands during pandemic. Members discussed questions regarding new contract and possibility of manpower changes. Secretary reminded crew to make sure they allow plenty of time to renew credentials. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Deck delegate encouraged crew to stay safe and work together. Members were reminded to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. Next port: Duluth, Minnesota. BURNS HARBOR (American Steamship), August 16 – Chairman Paul Gohs, Secretary Bernard Lawes, Educational Director Mohamed Ahmed. Crew reviewed August Seafarers LOG and discussed merger of American Steamship Company and Rand Logistics, Inc. Members went over new SHLSS COVID-19 safety precautions and were reminded of upcoming union elections. Educational director recommended crew upgrade at Piney Point. He discussed BST renewal and explained how to renew as early as six months in advance, with no lost time on new MMC. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew voiced concerns over contract renewal with American Steamship. Chairman warned of ongoing rumors and urged members to wait for facts to be released once negotiations conclude. As members of a union, crew was reminded of hardships they must sometimes face to ensure the good of all, especially when negotiations are taking place during a pandemic. Members feel that all should have the ability to work both Lakes and Deep-Sea division if and when necessary. MOHAWK (JM Ship, LLC.), October 4 – Chairman Timothy Kauble, Secretary Alan Bartley, Educational Aboard Matson Anchorage – Recertified Bosun Shawn Strand submitted these photos from the vessel in its namesake port: Anchorage, Alaska. “We parted a mooring wire” on Oct. 25, the bosun reported. “The boys were called out. We had that wire spliced and back on the dock in an hour. They did an awesome job!” In the photos are Strand (immediate right) and (directly below, from left) ABs Abdul Ahmed and Rudy Monopolio. The damaged wire is shown at middle right while the finished product appears below it. . Director Andres Nunez-Rochez, Deck Delegate Ibrahim Fisek, Engine Delegate Gary Longmire Jr. Chairman asked crew to restow workout equipment after use due to rough seas. Rooms to be inspected for oncoming crew. Chairman informed crew of AB relief upon arrival at Long Beach, October 7. No reliefs yet for 2 QMEDs and Steward. Secretary thanked crew for keeping mess hall clean. Educational director told everyone to check their documents and to renew them early. He encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reviewed October LOG and numerous items from the union related to COVID-19. Members would like better flights when joining the ship. Crew asked for clarification of duties for anchor watch by ABs. Steward department was asked to do officer’s rooms, though it has never been done before and is not stated in the contract. Chairman spoke to captain after meeting about room sanitary inspections for departing crew. New mattresses needed in rooms. Members are not permitted to smoke in rooms and if caught, can be terminated by captain. Next port: Long Beach, California. Spotlight on Mariner Health Polio Poses Threats to Some Travelers Polio (Poliomyelitis) is a contagious viral illness that can cause nerve injury leading to paralysis, shortness of breath, and on rare occasions, death. The last case of polio that occurred naturally in the United States was in 1979. Despite a worldwide effort to wipe out the disease, the polio virus continues to affect children and adults in parts of Asia and Africa. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advises individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from the illness, especially if they are traveling to locations that are considered highrisk. Adults who are traveling to these areas, and who had the polio vaccine administered as a child, should get a booster shot of inactivated polio virus vaccine (IPV). This will boost their immunity for a lifetime. It’s important to remember that people must complete the entire series of the polio vaccinations in order to be completely immunized. Polio can be transmitted through direct contact with someone infected with the virus or through contaminated food and water. The polio virus December 2020 lives in the throats and the intestines of people who are infected. People carrying the virus can spread it for weeks in their stools/feces. A person who is exposed to the polio virus potentially could exhibit one or more of the following symptoms: paralysis, fever, sore throat, headache, vomiting, fatigue, back pain, neck pain, pain in the arms or legs, and muscle weakness. Contracting the most serious form of the disease is rare, but possible. In such instances, individuals could exhibit all or some of the foregoing symptoms and also develop loss of reflexes, floppy limbs, difficulty breathing, and intolerance to cold temperatures. Everyone is advised to see their doctor if they suspect any possibly link to a polio exposure. Treatments for polio are mostly supportive in nature and consist of bed rest, pain medications, antispasmodic drugs to relax muscles, portable ventilators to help with breathing, and physical therapy along with braces to help with walking. Everyone is advised to get their vaccinations and booster shots as instructed in order to build up their immunity. Seared Salmon With Strawberry Basil Relish Servings: 24 24 whole salmon fillet ¼ cup smart balance 1 teaspoon granulated garlic 1 tablespoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon black pepper, ground 5 cups fresh strawberries, chopped 1 teaspoon kosher salt ¼ cup fresh basil leaf, chopped ¼ cup honey ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ground Preparation Brush fillets with melted butter; sprinkle with granulated garlic salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add fillets, skin side up, in batches if necessary; cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork. In a bowl, toss strawberries with basil, honey salt, and pepper. Serve salmon with relish. Nutrition Information Per serving (excluding unknown items): 218 calories; 6g fat (25.4% calories from fat); 34g protein; 5g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 88mg cholesterol; 428mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 5 lean meat; 0 fruit; 0 fat; 0 other carbohydrates. Editor’s note: The foregoing recipe was provided by Chef Robert “RJ” Johnson of the of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Seafarers LOG 15 �Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to 97779. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to 97779. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: nEqual rights to participate in union activities nFreedom of speech and assembly nVoice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments nProtection of the right to sue nSafeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: nNominate candidates for office nRun for office nCast a secret ballot nProtest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: nFile an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. nRetain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: nConduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. nConduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. nMail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. nComply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. nNot use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). nPermit candidates to have election observers. nAllow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www. dol.gov Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 16 Seafarers LOG requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746. December 2020 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information 2021 Course Dates Coming Soon Numerous Paul Hall Center course dates for 2021 will be published in the next edition of the Seafarers LOG. Individuals also are encouraged to check the SIU website for the latest updates to the Paul Hall Center schedule. Class dates are prominently listed in the “Training and Careers” section. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 12/20 Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated October 16 (above, in alphabetical order): Jorge Alamo Pagan, Lexter A. Alfaro-Rivera, Rhiannon Buttrum, Peter Festa III, Joel Frederick, Stephen Fretwell, Steven Gray, Joseph Horton, Stephen Jarrell, Oscar Krowicki, John Sadia, Melvin Singletary, Raul Soto, Blake Stollenwerck, Desmond Unutoa and Herbert Weiss. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. December 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Terrestrial & Coastal Navigation – Graduated October 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Jerome Luckett, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Chenequa Moet Rodriguez, Jorge A. Salas Santos and Anthony Dwight Sanchez Villarrubia. Mark Buyes, their instructor, is at the far right. ECDIS – Graduated October 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Brian Guiry, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Chenequa Moet Rodriguez and Jorge A. Salas Santos. Class instructor Patrick Schoenberger is at the far left. Government Vessels – Graduated October 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Barquera, Gregory Davis, Gerald Flowers, Jasmin Franklin, Eric Greenawalt, Deon Greenidge, Curtis Jasa, Jevon Lowery, Sarah Superman, Brian Tait and Tinesha Travis. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 18 Seafarers LOG December 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated October 9 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Sergio Centeno, Joseph Clairmont Jr., Larry Clayton, Terry Evins, Deon Green, Fredrick Hall, Donald McBride Jr., and James Pierce. Certified Chief Cook (Module 6) – Graduated October 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Wilfredo Ramos Silva, Nathalie Bernice Reyes-Ortiz, James Scott, Annie Walker, Michael Wees and Johnathan Williams. Galley Ops – Graduated October 23 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Keshyra Brinkley, Briana Davis, Eric Amauris Rivas-Martinez, Reinaldo Rivera, Johanns Rivera-Rivera and Ammar Saleh Sailan. December 2020 Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 12 DECEMBER 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Members Valiantly Served in WWII Editor’s note: This is the eighth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. (We are tentatively planning to post a PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU website once all of the text has been published here.) This one picks up in Sicily as Bunker continues describing the infamous Convoy PQ-17 before shifting to D-Day. The first plane dropped two bombs into an open hold full of ammunition on the Liberty ship Timothy Pickering (SUP), which had arrived at the anchorage only a few hours before and was still crowded with troops. There was a blinding explosion. Tongues of flame roared out of the stricken ship a thousand feet into the air, followed by whirling clouds of smoke. It may have been red-hot hull plates from the exploding Liberty, or bombs dropped by the second Stuka, but a tanker nearby was set afire and exploded in a flaming holocaust soon after. In a few minutes both ships were nothing but twisted, shattered masses of steel, resting on the bottom with only their masts protruding above the surface. Of the 192 crewmen and British troops on the Timothy Pickering, only about a dozen survived. Two-Time Loser The attack had lasted only a minute at the most. Another Liberty that saw exciting action in Italian waters was the James W. Marshall (SUP). Arriving at Salerno just two days after the invasion, she was hit and set afire by a 250pound bomb that smashed through the bridge and wounded several men at the guns. The fire was quickly extinguished by quick action on the part of the crew, and she continued discharging her ammunition, guns, trucks and gasoline. Two days later she was hit again, this time by a heavy bomb that went through the top deck of the ship into the main deck before exploding among GIs who had taken refuge in the messroom. And thrilling tales aplenty can be told by the men who took supplies to 5th Army troops holding the beach at bloody Anzio. For months, the British and Americans had held a costly strip of beach and marshland 30 miles south of Rome, and all the while they were supplied by merchant ships for whom “destination Anzio” also meant “destination front line.” The SIU-manned Liberty ship Lawton B. Evans had 4,000 tons of gasoline and ammunition in her holds when she arrived at “Peter Beach,” Anzio, from Naples on January 22, 1944. No sooner had she dropped the hook than the Germans opened up on her with long-range artillery. Shells hit within 50 feet of the ship and shrapnel peppered the decks like BB shot. Captain Harry Ryan “up anchored” as soon as steam could be turned on the windlass, and they sought a safer spot. But the Germans got their range again and shells splashed too close for comfort. It was “up anchor” again … a game of hide and seek which went on for most of the day. During the next four days, gunners and crewmen ran to battle stations time after time, for one air attack was quickly followed by another, and between raids the Germans plopped big shells onto the anchorage. The grind of the anchor chain through the hawse pipes lent a mournful accompaniment to the drone of airplanes and the whistle of shells – they called them “Whistling Williams.” It was on the 29th of January that the Germans tried out the radio-controlled glider bomb on the ships at Anzio. The USS Philadelphia and two freighters were victims during the first attack of this kind. Three Bombers Down Through it all the Lawton B. Evans proved herself a fighting ship, fit to battle with the best of them. When Stukas and Junkers attacked the anchorage, her gunners knocked one of the Junkers down with 20-millimeter fire, then blew a divebomber to pieces with the three-inch fifty on the bow. Two days later they bagged another divebomber that got too near their guns. On the same day, the Lawton’s gunners blasted a glider bomb out of the sky before it could do any damage, and followed that up by obliterating still another divebomber. A carburetor from the plane landed on the Lawton’s deck and was kept as a souvenir. It was fortunate that the Lawton’s gunners did shoot well, for soon after the blowing up of the glider bomb, another of these strange missiles hit the Liberty ship Samuel Huntington, setting it afire and causing an explosion that rent the ship apart. Long will SIU crews remember the shuttle Old SIU Friends There was the old Kofresi of the Island trade (named after a Puerto Rican rum, she was); the West Nilus, Illinoian, Kentuckian, Alcoa Leader, Pennsylvanian and Robin Gray. Three SIU Liberties were among the breakwater ships, too: The Matt W. Ransom, Benjamin Contee, and James W. Marshall. All of them had seen thrilling action and were consigned to “operation scuttle” as unfit for further service. The Marshall (SUP) had been bombed and gutted by fire at Salerno. The Matt Ransom had been torpedoed and then brought into port by the heroic action of her crew. And the Benjamin Contee, while sailing in the role of a prison ship in the Mediterranean, was torpedoed by a bomber with large loss of life among Italian POWs. Heads-Up Action Quick action on the part of her Skipper and merchant crew calmed the panic among hundreds of rioting troops; kept the tragedy from Thousands of SIU and SUP members helped the Allies at Normandy before, during and after D-Day in 1944. run to “bloody Anzio.” They Made the Beachheads So well-known and so often told is the story of the Normandy invasion in 1944 that there is no point in describing that tremendous operation here. Thousands of SIU-SUP seamen took part in the initial beachhead operations and in the vital line of supply that followed, from D-Day till the German surrender. These men had a part in landing the 2,500,00 troops, the half-million trucks and tanks, the 17,000,000 tons of ammunition and supplies that were put ashore at the beachheads in Hitler’s “fortress Europe” during the first 109 days after D-Day. The flow of material was almost beyond comprehension! Seafarers Volunteered Many Seafarers were also among the 1,000 merchant seamen who volunteered to sail to the Normandy beaches the 32 American merchant ships that were scuttled to make the emergency breakwater – the “miracle harbor” along the Normandy coast. As they steamed their breakwater fleet from British ports on the eve of invasion, theirs was a most hazardous task, for everyone expected the coast of France to erupt in a hell of flame and shell as soon as the ships were sighted by the Germans. That this did not happen to the extent that it was anticipated did not detract one whit from the courage of the seamen who volunteered for this extremely dangerous operation. Among these sunken ships at the Normandy beachhead were a number of well-known-toold-timers-ships that had been sailed along the ocean sea lanes for many years by men of the SIU and the SUP. becoming a disaster of huge proportions. Seafarers have vivid memories of the shuttle run which operated after D-Day between the United Kingdom and Normandy and, later, to French and Belgian ports. Some 150 ships, mostly Liberties, were assigned this monotonous and far from placid service by the War Shipping Administration, plodding back and forth between England and the continent, trip after trip, and month after month. “Channel ferries” the crews called them. A few hit mines, like the SIU-manned Colin Kelly, and ended their careers for good in the English Channel and the channel ports. SIU ships braved the buzzbomb barrage with supplies for the port of Antwerp, where at times a buzzbomb fell on the city and its environs every ten minutes. ‘Swarm of Bees’ Seafarers will recall seeing those eerie, crewless missiles sailing through the sky over Belgium, trailing flame from their tails and droning like a huge swarm of bees while ackack tried to knock them down. When the droning stopped it was time to “hit the ditches,” for the buzzbomb was on its way to earth. The SIU-manned SS Bayou Chico was the second ship up the canal into the old city of Ghent in Belgium, and was cheered by the populace as she steamed along the waterway with her holds full of Army supplies. It was in the Pacific – land of the kamikaze – that SIU and SUP ships experienced some of the hardest and most costly fighting of the war at sea, as Japanese bases fell before the northward advance of American troops from Guadalcanal to Okinawa. Innumerable were the instances of heroism and high courage as Seafarers took their ships up the long, battle-scarred Pacific from island to island and beachhead to beachhead. In February of 1942, the SS Admiral Halstead (SUP) earned a citation unique among merchant ships, when six of her crew received the Distinguished Service Medal of the merchant marine for defending their ship with two machine guns against heavy assaults by Japanese bombers. The Admiral Halstead was the only ship of 12 in Port Darwin to escape being sunk, discharging her cargo of gasoline and ammunition for Australian troops, and escaping the Japanese to participate in more Pacific action. In August of 1943, the Japanese were flushed from New Georgia in the Solomon’s and Army troops re-took the Aleutians. Then came the four-day bloody battle at Tarawa, followed by invasions at Kwajalein in the Marshalls, at New Britain and Hollandia. By July of 1944, Saipan and Tinian had been won, followed shortly by another victory at Peleliu. Then came the biggest show yet, staged in this amphibious war, as a seaborne juggernaut of 600 ships bypassed hundreds of miles of enemy-held territory and landed on the eastern side of Leyte Island in the Philippines. SIU ships were up front here, as usual, fighting with guns and guts as the Japanese pounded the beachhead with everything they could muster. Kamikazes Make Appearance It was at Leyte that the Japanese launched the strangest weapon ever used in war – the “Kamikaze” or “divine wind,” the one-way bomber flown by suicide pilots willing to sacrifice themselves as human bombs in an attempt to win the war for Nippon. An early victim of the kamikaze was the SS Thomas Nelson, a Calmar Liberty hit off Dulag in Leyte Bay while still crowded with some 630 Army troops and loaded with gasoline and ammunition. Her gunners blasted a suicide plane which made a run at the ship but the Japanese hit his target, nonetheless, his two exploding bombs turning the freighter into an inferno of flame, with 213 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing. Gunners of the Liberty ship Matthew P. Deady (SUP) bagged two Japanese planes at Leyte, but the ship was bombed and set afire with considerable loss of life among soldiers and crew. In December of 1944, a convoy of ammunition-laden ships, including the Liberty John Burke, was attacked by kamikazes. One hit the Burke square on, blowing her up with the loss of every man aboard. Not a bit of wreckage was left to mark her place in the convoy. Another SUP-manned Liberty, the Lewis L. Dyche, was hit by a kamikaze in January 1945, at Mangarin Bay during the Mindoro invasion. She, too, was obliterated. There were no survivors. And so it went in almost countless dramatic actions that cannot possibly all be recorded here. It was in the invasion of Leyte that the Liberty ship Adoniram Judson won a special niche for herself in the annals of the war, by not only delivering vital landing mats and 3,000 barrels of high-octane aviation gasoline for the captured airfield at Tacloban, but by providing the principal air protection there for several days. Gallant Ships For this the “Ad” Judson was honored by the U.S. Maritime Commission in being named a Gallant Ship of the merchant marine, a distinction accorded only a few ships throughout the war. Another Gallant Ship was the SS Marcus Daly (SUP). This Liberty and her crew won a commendation from General Douglas MacArthur for shooting down at least three Japanese bombers, and for defending the docks at Leyte with her guns. Despite her fire-spitting Oerlikons, and the accurate shot from the flaming three-inch fifty on her bow, a kamikaze smashed onto the Marcus Daly on Christmas Day 1944, blasting huge holes in the deck and sides and ripping the steel plating of the ship like paper, while flames shot high in the air and jagged pieces of steel showered the area in a deadly hail. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2020 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES: GOV'T EXPERTS CALL FOR STRONGER SEALIFT NAVY LEAGUE HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF JONES ACT LEGISLATORS SPEAK UP FOR U.S. FREIGHT CABOTAGE LAW VOTING CONTINUES IN SIU'S ELECTION SIU PITCHES IN WITH 'BOOKWAVES' OUTREACH POLIO POSES THREATS TO SOME TRAVELERS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/1/2020 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 82, No. 12 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/99828e8958cd00b6a5a8fb10b6dc02a4.pdf 573a7ac36fede770e5703327b870eafc PDF Text Text DECEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 12 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Happy Holidays 2022 Meeting Dates Page 5 Beck Notice Page 5 Summary Annual Reports Page 10 �President’s Report Positive Initial Steps The American maritime industry is taking appropriate steps to help ensure that our workplaces are free from sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH). I’m sure many readers know that SASH has been a primary topic since September, but regardless of your individual level of awareness, I encourage you to read the related articles in this issue of the LOG. Keep an eye on our website for updates, too, in between publications. Although the recent allegations by former Kings Point students do not involve SIU members, we are not sitting back and brushing aside any part of our shared responsibility to protect all of our shipmates. We are working with other unions, government officials, schools and businesses to improve shipboard life for everyone. It’s an ongoing process and we take it seriously. I believe the initial, industry-wide Michael Sacco response has been useful, and that this collective effort truly will lead to improvements.If you’ve spent any time in the SIU, you’ve probably heard me say that we’re more like a family than a union. In that spirit, continue treating your fellow members like sisters and brothers. Look out for one another, maintain your professionalism, and if you think something is wrong, use the proper channels to make it known. The American maritime industry is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. We’ve got our share of problems, like any other industry, but I believe that the overwhelming majority of U.S. Merchant Mariners are good people who work hard to make a living. We’ll continue teaming up to protect our crews and to correct any shortcomings. Path to Success Our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, remains a huge key to our success. And, the latest improvements there are nothing short of incredible. The school’s new Media Center – utilized for various classes – is absolutely cutting-edge. Student reaction to the massive upgrades has been quite positive, and the instructors also are embracing the latest technology. Be sure to check out our coverage elsewhere in this edition. One reason the school is so important is that it enables the SIU to provide well-qualified mariners to our contracted vessel operators. But, to the individual members, Piney Point is critical because it signifies opportunity. Opportunity to upgrade. Opportunity to earn more money. Opportunity to make the most of this unique career. You can go as far as you want in this industry, from apprentice all the way to captain. You have a chance to write your own success story, make good money, take care of your family and take advantage of top-of-the-line benefits. The school is there for you, as is the SIU. Happy Holidays Although we’re all still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve at least been able to take some steps toward normalcy during the past year. It hasn’t been easy, and I appreciate the sacrifices and efforts of everyone throughout our organization, starting with the rank-and-file members and most definitely including our staff and our officials. As we head into the winter holidays, I wish everyone safety and happiness. If you’re at sea during the holidays, thank you for helping fulfill our commitments. If you’re home, enjoy time with your family and friends. No matter what, guard your health and we’ll continue making progress in the New Year. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 12 Gen. Van Ovost Takes Helm At Transportation Command U.S. Air Force Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost on Oct. 15 became the first woman to lead the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), officially taking the reigns during a change of command ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. The components of TRANSCOM include the Army’s Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, the Navy’s Military Sealift Command and the Air Force’s Air Mobility Command. During the ceremony, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said, “I’m not the world’s most experienced logistician, but I am one of the world’s most experienced consumers. So, I know that I’m looking right now at the people who make the American military move. On any given day, some 115 TRANSCOM railcars are moving DOD equipment, 33 ships are getting underway and 1,500 trucks are delivering cargo. And about every two minutes, a TRANSCOM plane is taking off or landing somewhere around the world – hauling supplies, refueling aircraft or moving patients.” Army Gen. Mark A. Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, commended the professionalism and capabilities inherent in the command. He said TRANSCOM is the key to American military successes going back to World War II, and noted the Red Ball Express (a convoy system) that kept Allied forces supplied over the beaches of Normandy in 1944 after the U.S. Merchant Marine delivered the cargo. That same spirit still permeates today’s U.S. Transportation Command, the chairman said. “I assure you, TRANSCOM will defend our nation through Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost Commander U.S. Transportation Command “When people ask me ‘How does TRANSCOM do it? What is the secret to success?’ I tell them the truth. We are blessed with incredible people from around the globe,” Lyons said. “To the men and women of TRANSCOM, it has been my greatest honor to serve as your 13th commander.” Van Ovost expressed her appreciation, and thanked Lyons for his leadership and service: “We are all grateful to have been under your command and to have taken part in your legacy,” she said. “It is an honor of a lifetime to be selected to lead the United States Transportation Command as we prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow, today. Together, we will deliver.” White House Nominates Rear Admiral Phillips for Maritime Administrator President Biden on Oct. 14 announced the nomination of Rear Adm. Ann Phillips (USN ret.) to be the next U.S. Maritime Administrator. According to the press release from the White House, “Ann Phillips is a leader in the field of coastal resilience and climate impact on national security at December 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Rear Adm. Ann Phillips Nominee for Maritime Administrator Post 2 Seafarers LOG rapid power projection and sustainment, while continuing to build a unity of effort through the strong bonds of our industry partners and our allies and partners,” Van Ovost said. “We will also remain committed to our most critical asset – our people.” Van Ovost is a career mobility airman who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1988 and has since commanded the 384th Air Refueling Squadron at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas; the 12th Flying Training Wing at Joint Base San AntonioRandolph, Texas; and the 89th Airlift Wing, or Presidential Airlift Wing, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. A pilot with more than 4,200 hours in 30-plus aircraft, Van Ovost led Air Mobility Command at Scott Air Force Base since August 2020, overseeing 100,000 military and civilian personnel and 1,100 aircraft spanning aerial refueling tankers, massive cargo transport planes and VIP jets. She’s also served as the Joint Staff’s vice director; the Air Force’s staff director; U.S. Central Command’s head of mobility forces; and vice commander of the U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center, a school focused on rapid-response and combat mobility operations. Austin said that Van Ovost is the perfect person to follow outgoing Commander Army Gen. Stephen Lyons and to continue the development of the command. “She’s a legend of a leader, and the American military is lucky to have her on the job,” the secretary said. “I know that she’ll continue to push the envelope and exceed all expectations, because that’s what she’s always done.” the regional, national and international level. In her current appointment as the first Special Assistant to the Governor of Virginia for Coastal Adaptation and Protection, she is building a collaborative, whole of government and community approach to address the impact of coastal flooding across the Commonwealth, including the development of Virginia’s first Coastal Resilience Master Plan. In particular, she coordinates across Federal, State, local and other partners to create equitable strategies to address rising waters and climate impact to federal, maritime, and other critical coastal infrastructure assets in Virginia.” Phillips served nearly 31 years on active duty prior to her current appointment. She received her commission through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps upon graduation from the University of North Carolina in 1983. She served aboard two vessels – the USS Cape Cod and the USS San Jose – during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She was the first commanding officer aboard the USS Mustin. As the executive assistant to the 6th Fleet Commander, Phillips was involved in the deploy- ment of goods in support of the Pakistani earthquake relief efforts. Prior to her retirement, she was commander of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, which included 14 vessels and 10 subordinate commands – all part of the Amphibious Expeditionary Forces along the U.S. East Coast. Phillips retired from the Navy in 2014. “The American Maritime Partnership congratulates Adm. Phillips on her nomination to lead the Maritime Administration, which plays a critical role in supporting our defense readiness, the domestic maritime fleet and hard-working American mariners throughout the world,” Mike Roberts, president, American Maritime Partnership, said in a statement. “We look forward to a swift Senate confirmation process, so we can begin working with Admiral Phillips to strengthen American maritime in support of our homeland and national security.” Phillips’ nomination will go before the U.S. Senate for approval. Lucinda Lessley is the acting administrator following RAdm. Mark Buzby (USN ret.), who served during the Trump administration. December 2021 �Maritime Industry Focuses Efforts On Helping Ensure Safe Workplaces The American maritime industry is ramping up efforts to promote workplace environments that are safe for everyone. Those joint endeavors involve the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Maritime Administration, U.S.-flag vessel operators, public and private maritime schools, maritime unions and others. As previously reported, in late September 2021, an anonymous member of the class of 2022 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at King’s Point, New York, submitted an account detailing her alleged sexual assault during her Sea Year. According to her writing, she was raped by the first engineer aboard her vessel (who was her supervisor as a member of the engine department). The anonymous victim’s report is posted online on the website of the organization Maritime Legal Aid and Advocacy. She describes sexual harassment as a common occurrence among the female students at King’s Point. A second alleged victim posted a similar account a few weeks after the initial one appeared online. Subsequent, ongoing investigations by the DOT and USMMA (and others) are aimed at pinpointing the scope and specifics of the problem and taking corrective action. In the interim, the USMMA “Sea Year” program has been suspended indefinitely. The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) have not been implicated in any of the accusations or investigations, but both the union and the school are actively working to shore up safety for everyone. Their joint efforts include conducting an anonymous, electronic sexual assault/sexual harassment (SASH) survey at the school; circulating a SASH flyer from the U.S. Coast Guard’s Investigative Service; developing a new SASH brochure; participating in industry-wide meetings (some of which have included DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg and DOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg); and reviewing the school’s SASH policy. The SIU also teamed up with other unions in issuing a letter to their respective members in late October. Signing the communication were SIU President Michael Sacco, American Maritime Officers President Paul Doell, MEBA President Adam Vokac, MM&P President Don Marcus, SUP President Dave Connolly, MFOW President Anthony Poplawski and ARA President Kelly Anderson. The letter reads: “As you know, our industry recently made unwanted headlines due to allegations of sexual assault and alcohol consumption aboard an American-flag vessel. We take the incident with utmost seriousness, but, regardless of how that particular case plays out, the undersigned unions – who represent the majority of deep-sea U.S. mariners – are taking this opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to helping ensure that all seafarers have a safe workplace free of fear, harassment, bullying and any kind of assault. We are in the process of thoroughly but quickly re-examining and, where warranted, updating policies and practices that will facilitate educa- The SIU has helped circulate this flyer from the Coast Guard in an effort to promote safety. tion, protection and mutual respect within the ranks of our memberships and throughout the industry. “Turning a blind eye is not acceptable. All seafarers must be committed to active opposition to any type of harassment, bullying or discriminatory behavior. It is our collective duty to protect and respect our shipmates. As maritime professionals and decent human beings, we must look out for one another. “When a mariner experiences or observes harassment, bullying or discriminatory behavior, the alarm must go off. Such conduct must immediately be stopped and/or reported. The hierarchy aboard ship, the power relationship inherent in that structure and the closed shipboard environment can become coercive. Mariners must not be compelled to endure an unsafe workplace for the sake of their paychecks, careers, or reputations. “Each of our organizations is committed to ensuring the safety and fair treatment of every member. Realizing we are dealing with a social problem that can be magnified aboard ship, every member must share the commitment to speak out and act when they observe shipboard bullying, harass- ITF: Maritime Must Be Safe for Women The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated, recently weighed in on the maritime industry’s increased efforts to ensure safe workplaces. In early November, the federation issued a statement that read in part: “A brave female cadet recently published the horrific experiences of sexual assault she endured on board a vessel while attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The incident and response she details brings shame on the shipping industry and underlines the urgent need for action to elimi- December 2021 nate violence in the workplace. “Eliminating violence in the workplace requires action from employers, employees, and governments, since it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety and security of seafarers, including women seafarers. “In her online post the cadet revealed the full horror of the incident that occurred on board a Maersk Line vessel while she was serving her year at sea in 2019. Going public prompted an independent inquiry from A.P. Møller–Maersk, and investigations by the Maritime Administration of the ment, discrimination, or assault. “We know that our members are professionals, and that the overwhelming majority of U.S. Merchant Mariners are decent folks who work hard to make a living in a unique industry. We are often in leadership positions aboard ship. Our personal example and insistence on the safety and respectful treatment of our shipmates is the essence of leadership. Whatever the rating, experience, or qualifications, a good shipmate protects their co-workers and does not tolerate any forms of abuse.” During the November SIU membership meeting in Piney Point, Sacco and SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez encouraged Seafarers to treat each other with respect and protect one another like family, whether aboard ship, at the hiring halls, at the PHC or elsewhere ashore. The Sea Year program in particular has gotten the attention of Congress. On Oct. 29, six members (all Democrats) wrote to Buttigieg calling for remediation. Signing the letter were Reps. Peter DeFazio, Adam Smith, Joe Courtney, Maria Cantwell, Jackie Speier, and Salud Carbajal. The letter in part said: “We are very con- U.S. federal Department of Transportation. “But we cannot leave it there. Policies need action.” Lena Dyring, women’s representative from the ITF Seafarers’ Section, stated, “Sadly, this is not an isolated incident, but a reality for many seafarers, both male and female, regardless of flag or company. We know that women’s experiences in the shipping industry, ashore and at sea often do not match the best intentions laid out in policies. Although many women seafarer trainees have great support during their education ashore, including as part of mentoring programs, it is an all-too-common experience that too many women seafarers suffer from harassment and bullying. Too many encounter discrimination in the workplace, and in the worst cases, assault.” Dyring said everyone in maritime has a responsibility to change the male-dominated culture and remove obstacles and barriers faced by women in the industry. Dyring also revealed that following a recent cerned with the recent allegations of sexual assault by a female cadet at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) during her Sea Year experience in 2019. This brave female cadet not only shared her story on the terrible circumstance she endured while at sea, but also detailed alarming statistics regarding the number of other female cadets within her class who have also been harassed and assaulted…. In 2016, the Department of Transportation stood down the Sea Year program to implement changes to better protect students. But those changes clearly did not work, and we are concerned that the cadets remain in danger.” They recommended suspending the Sea Year program for the current term and added, “Prior to the resumption of Sea Year, we request the USMMA develop a public written action plan that includes detailed steps that will be taken to ensure the safety of cadets at sea. While we understand the importance of a timely graduation for USMMA cadets, the safety of those same cadets should be your top concern. We stand ready to assist the Department in ensuring a complete educational experience and a timely graduation.” publication of an ITF statement condemning an assault on a female ITF inspector, she received a letter from a woman seafarer that contained a strong message to the industry “that is worth amplifying.” In the letter, the seafarer argues that “violence is NOT the only reason why the maritime industry cannot retain more women.” She suggests that it can be more difficult for women to advance their careers. Dyring said, “She is absolutely right that positive contribution of women at sea need to be celebrated and profiled. Together, we can make a career at sea safe. We can make it a secure place for everyone, including women, so that all seafarers can progress and achieve their full potential.” In 2020, women made up 1.28% of the overall global seafaring workforce. The ITF will soon be publishing its own support materials for women seafarers, and will be specifically including guidance on seafarers’ rights to safe, healthy and violence-free workplaces. Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Membership Meeting Dates for 2022 Port Traditional Date January February Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 3 7 Jersey City Tuesday after first Sunday 4 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday Baltimore March April May June July August September October November December 7 4 2 6 5 8 6 3 7 5 8 8 5 3 7 5 9 6 4 8 6 5 9 9 6 4 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 12 9 7 14 9 Norfolk Friday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 12 9 7 14 9 Houston Monday after second Sunday 10 14 14 11 9 13 11 15 12 11 14 12 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 11 15 15 12 10 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 11 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 19 16 14 18 16 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 19 16 14 18 16 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 18 22 21 18 16 21 18 22 19 17 21 19 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 20 24 24 21 19 23 21 25 22 20 25 22 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 21 25 25 22 20 24 22 26 23 21 25 23 * Dates in bold indicate that meetings are being held on other than traditional dates because of various holidays. These changes are as follows: Wilmington change in January created by Martin Luther King Day Observance Houston change in October created by Columbus Day Observance Wilmington change in February created by President’s Day Observance Algonac change in November created by Veteran’s Day Observance Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance Norfolk change in November created by Veteran’s Day Observance Piney Point change in July created by Independence Day Observance Guam change in November created by Thanksgiving Observance Piney Point change in September created by Labor Day Observance Meetings at all ports start at 10:30 a.m. 2022 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2022 Seafarers’ Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows: Seafarers Scholarships Dependents Scholarships Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers: Five scholarships designated for dependents:  One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or  A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply. university  Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the About tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2022 SHBP Scholarships. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Street Address.................................................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, Zip Code......................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) ................................................................................................................................................................................. This application is for (circle one): Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 4 Seafarers LOG 12/21 December 2021 �Piracy Incidents Plummet to Lowest Levels Since 1990s, but Violence Against Seafarers Continues The International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recently released their “Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships” report for the period Jan. 1-Sept. 30, 2021. According to the latest IMB statistics, reported incidents are down to their lowest level in decades, but violence against seafarers has continued, with 51 crew kidnapped, eight taken hostage, five threatened, three injured, two assaulted and one killed during the period. According to the report summary, “IMB’s latest global piracy report recorded 97 incidents of piracy and armed robbery for the first nine months of 2021 – the lowest level of reported incidents since 1994. In 2021, IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre reported 85 vessels boarded, nine attempted attacks, two vessels fired upon and one vessel hijacked.” The Gulf of Guinea region saw 28 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the first nine months of 2021, in comparison to 46 for the same period in 2020. Additionally, Nigeria only reported four incidents during the first nine months of 2021, compared to 17 in 2020 and 41 in 2018. “We welcome the decrease of piracy and armed robbery attacks in the Gulf of Guinea and the efforts taken by maritime authorities in the region,” said Michael Howlett, director, ICC International Maritime Bureau. “However, there needs to be sustained efforts to ensure the continued safety of seafarers as they transport essential goods throughout the re- gion. Coastal States must redouble their coordination and security measures to ensure that piracy and armed robbery incidents continue to decline.” There are still pockets of increased activity, as stated in the report: “The Singapore Straits reported 20 incidents of armed robbery – the highest number recorded since 1991. Reported incidents in the Singapore Straits are up from 15 in 2020 and just one incident in 2019. These attacks are low-level and opportunistic in nature, but IMB warns that the perpetrators pose a direct threat to seafarers and vessels underway. In four incidents, crew were either threatened, assaulted, or injured. “The Callao Anchorage in Peru is another area that has witnessed an increase of piracy activity with 15 reported incidents in 2021 – the highest number since 1991. As with the Singapore Straits, these incidents are lowlevel thefts with knives being reported in 60 percent of the incidents. Attackers in the region possess the capacity to carry out violent attacks with three crew taken hostage and a further one each assaulted or threatened during the first nine months of 2021,” the report continued. Launched in 1991, the IMB Piracy Reporting Center is a 24-hour manned facility that provides the maritime industry, governments and response agencies with timely and transparent data on armed robbery incidents received directly from the master or owner of vessels. Spotlight on Mariner Health Know Signs of Coronary Artery Disease Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common disease in the United States. It is also known as ischemic heart disease. Many individuals may experience the first sign that they have this condition by being diagnosed with chest pain (angina) or a heart attack. Symptoms may include heaviness in the chest, shortness of breath, a sudden onset of sweating, general weakness, and pain with activity. CAD is caused by the buildup of plaque in the interior walls of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This plaque is made from the deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the artery. Over time, plaque buildup will cause the inside of the arteries to narrow, which can partially or totally block the flow of blood. This is known as atherosclerosis. The risk factors for CAD are as follows: physical inactivity, being overweight, age, unhealthy eating habits, smoking tobacco products, and a family history of heart disease (genetics). Visiting your doctor and having routine testing like echocardiograms, stress tests, and lab work will help to detect problems early that can save your life. People can stay “heart healthy” by eating low- fat diets that include ample fruits and vegetables, drinking lots of water, limiting alcohol intake, exercising at least three times a week for 30 minutes, keeping doctor appointments, taking your medications as instructed, limiting stress, and not smoking. The Mayo Clinic advises: “If you think you’re having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If you don’t have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only as a last option. If you have risk factors for coronary artery disease – such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tobacco use, diabetes, obesity, a strong family history of heart disease – talk to your doctor. Your doctor may want to test you for coronary artery disease, especially if you have signs or symptoms of narrowed arteries.” Adds the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, “Symptoms of coronary heart disease may be different from person to person even if they have the same type of coronary heart disease. However, because many people have no symptoms, they do not know they have coronary heart disease until they have chest pain, a heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest.” Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a December 2021 Healthy Recipe German Paprika Roasted Hens (Servings: 25) Ingredients 10 pounds Cornish game hens, split in half 1 tablespoon kosher salt 2 teaspoons black pepper, ground ¼ cup smart balance 1⅓ tablespoon fresh garlic, minced fine 1 pint onion, finely chopped 1 quart roasted red pepper, finely chopped ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 1⅛ pints tomato sauce 1 teaspoon granulated garlic ½ cup paprika, sweet 1⅓ tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes 1⅓ tablespoons chicken base 2⅔ tablespoons cornstarch, mix with cold water ½ cup cold water ⅔ cup sour cream, light Preparation Wash & dry the chicken. Season with salt and pepper, brown each side of the hens; on a med.-high temp. flat top grill. Place in 2” hotel pans. Bake in a 325-degree oven for 30-40 minutes until internal temp of 165 degrees F is reached. To make sauce: In a steam jacketed kettle or stock pot, saute the onion and roasted peppers with the smart balance over med-high heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, parsley, chicken base, paprika, granulated garlic, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 3 minutes longer. Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry. Add the sour cream, blend well. Add the finished sauce to the pans of chicken evenly. Serve hot. Nutrition Information: Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 251 Calories; 16g Fat (57.6% calories from fat); 20g Protein; 6g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 112mg Cholesterol; 442mg Sodium. Exchanges: O Grain (Starch); 2½ Lean Meat; ½ Vegetable; 1½ Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. (Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agrements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2020 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representa- tion amounts to 79.73 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $398.65 (three hundred ninety-eight dollars and sixty-five cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2022 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2021 and November 30, 2022 will have this calculation applied to their 2022 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2023, your objection must be received by December 1, 2022. A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2020. Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Seafarers LOG 5 �U.S. Representative Luria Thanks U.S. Mariners, American-Flag Fleet During Remarks to Congress Congresswoman Solicits Support for Workers, Industry U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) praised the work of American mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet while calling upon Congress to continue its support for these workers and the industry. Luria, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy who served in the Navy for 20 years before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, made her statement on the House floor Oct. 25. “The United States needs a robust U.S.-flag maritime industry and a trained and qualified mariner workforce to support our surge sealift capabilities SAB Action Makes Official What’s Already Occurring A new action by the Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) means a formal return to business as usual when it comes to the Shipping Rules. Prior SAB actions temporarily amended the Shipping Rules in order to help meet manpower obligations during peak stretches of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those actions (numbers 480 and 481, respectively) are rescinded as of Nov. 15, 2021. “The new SAB (Action Number 486) makes official what has already been happening,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “The hiring halls long ago returned to normal business hours. Thanks to vaccinations and other safety measures, registration and other shippingrelated procedures which periodically and temporarily were done by phone or email are now back to being handled in-person, as prescribed by the Shipping Rules.” The full text of SAB Action 486 follows: WHEREAS, Article IX entitled Shipping Rules, Sections 7. and 9. grant the sole and exclusive authority to administer and/ or amend the shipping rules to the Seafarers Appeals Board. in responding to the crises and military operations around the world when called upon,” the congresswoman said. “Further, the U.S.-flag fleet routinely responds to disasters and emergencies, moves critical government and military cargo around the world, and carries American farm products in support of U.S. international development programs to help developing countries in need.” The member of both the House Armed Services and Homeland Security committees called for continuing support for the Maritime Security Program, which provides funds for militarily useful U.S.flag commercial vessels and crews available to the armed forces in the event of war or national emergencies. “The shipping industry is facing unprecedented challenges today, but one thing we know all too well is that a strong commercial maritime capability enhances our national security,” she added. She wrapped up her address by thanking “the U.S.-flag fleet and the U.S. Merchant Mariners who work every day to support our military and our nation.” U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) Retired Patrolman Sheehan Passes Away at 76 John James “Jack” Sheehan Jr. served the SIU membership for nearly half a century before retiring in 2011, building a well-earned sterling reputation along the way. Sheehan passed away Oct. 29 in New York, reportedly after stroke-related complications. He was 76 and a month shy of his birthday. The New York City native wore many hats with the SIU, most recently that of a patrolman and safety director based in Brooklyn, New York. He was hired in 1964 as a claims supervisor in his native city. In 1980, he transferred to the manpower office, also in the New York hall. Two years later, he served as a representative for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (then named the Seafarers Welfare Plan). He became a union representative in 1985. In 1991, Sheehan was called upon to serve as the SIU safety director in New York, a position he filled for nearly 17 years. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez worked with Sheehan for decades, and gave the eulogy at his funeral service in Staten Island, New York. Tellez described him as dedicated, likeable and full of integrity. “Jack was one of the good guys,” Tellez said. “I met him in 1978 and he was part of the manpower crew with Frank Pecquex, Bobby Selzer and Lou Delma. He was a dear friend and union brother. It was truly an honor and privilege to deliver the eulogy, and I hope Jack’s family eventually feels the heartfelt joy their fond memories of him will bring.” SIU Atlantic Coast Vice President Joseph Soresi said, “I have known Jack all Sheehan (center) celebrates the 2014 ceremonial opening of the Jersey City, New Jersey, hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and retired Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan. my working career and I’ve never met a more dedicated individual to this membership. He respected the rank-and-file members and he cared deeply about the SIU.” Retired SIU Vice President Government Services Kate Hunt said she “worked with Jack for many years in Brooklyn. Jack was a real gentleman and a real pro. One thing that always stood out to me is, the members really respected him and liked him. Nobody ever said a bad word about him. He treated everybody in a professional manner. He was just a great guy to work with.” When he retired and was asked to reflect on his career, Sheehan replied, “It was my pleasure to work at the SIU and with the membership. Through the years I met some really great people. I will miss all of them.” WHEREAS, by prior action the Seafarers Appeals Board has amended the Shipping Rules to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S.flagged vessels, in particularly Actions #480 and #481 in which Shipping Rules 2, 4 and 5 where suspended due to Coronavirus Pandemic restraints; and WHEREAS, with the implementation of vaccinations, precautionary measures and protocols in place, the need for Actions #480 and #481 no longer exists. NOW THEREFORE, with the aforementioned in mind, the Seafarers Appeals Board hereby rescinds the conditions of SAB #480 and #481, effective November 15, 2021. Sheehan (left) chats with OMU Rafael Duran aboard the Sea-Land Challenger in 1993 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. 6 Seafarers LOG December 2021 �AMP: Domestic Industry Delivers Maritime Groups Respond to Supply-Chain Questions Two SIU-affiliated groups recently told U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg that the American maritime industry is providing certainty to American customers and consumers, undeterred by supply chain disruptions and congestion impacting global shipping and major international U.S. ports, particularly on the West Coast. Both the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) and USA Maritime were responding to government requests for comments, issued in late September and mid-October, respectively. AMP underscored the continued reliability of America’s domestic maritime services despite the current supply chain crisis. “While the supply chain issues pertaining to our import-export trades persist, the men and women of America’s domestic maritime industry will continue to do our part to deliver for Americans,” said AMP President Mike Roberts. “The current supply chain problems highlight once again the importance of maintaining a highly resilient and dedicated American supply chain for serving customers in our domestic markets.” Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and foreign shipping supply chain crisis, American maritime has provided steady and reliable transportation service for Americans across the United States, in- cluding the non-contiguous areas of Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska. When the COVID-19 pandemic began, more than 500 trans-Pacific sailings were cancelled, or “blanked” by international carriers. On the other hand, few if any domestic voyages have been blanked by any Jones Act carrier during the same time period. The ability to continue this uninterrupted service during a crisis is due in part to the Jones Act, the fundamental law of the maritime industry. The USA Maritime comments were issued “to shed light on the critical need to protect, preserve, and grow our maritime workforce, specifically our mariners, for all Department of Defense cargo needs,” the coalition said in a statement issued by its chairman, C. James Patti. After reviewing a national security directive that spells out the ongoing need for strong sealift capability, Patti quoted several prominent U.S. military leaders past and present who have urgent called for maritime industry revitalization. He continued, “Without the capability provided by the U.S.-flag international fleet and its civilian American mariner workforce, the Department of Defense would be forced to either dedicate its resources to replicate, at significant cost to the American taxpayer, the commercial sealift readiness capability provided by our industry or to entrust the security of our nation and the safety and supply of American troops to foreign flag-of-convenience vessels crewed by foreign nationals who may not support U.S. defense operations. To do so would be to jeopardize the lives of American servicewomen and men who will no longer be guaranteed the supplies and equipment they need to do their job in support of our country.” He described a “dangerous decline in the American maritime manpower pool (that) must be reversed as we critically re-examine our national security supply chain. The Administration must focus on ways to stop the further loss of U.S.-flag vessels and the resultant outsourcing of American maritime jobs, and actively work to increase the number of vessels operating under the U.S. flag in order to create and support more maritime job opportunities for Americans. It is imperative to ensure that our country has the U.S.-flag commercial sealift capability and trained American mariners needed to support the Department of Defense throughout its supply chain. To this end, the Administration should invest in the U.S.-flag merchant marine as a critical component of our nation’s national security supply chain.” The USA Maritime statement then spells out the value of laws and programs Report Shows Strong Union Presence In America’s Renewable Energy Sector A new report “illustrates how America’s biofuel industry is growing union jobs and helping to rebuild the middle class,” according to backers in the renewable energy sector. In a joint statement from the Advanced Biofuels Business Council, Growth Energy, the National Biodiesel Board, and the Renewable Fuels Association, trade association leaders noted in early November that the report – titled “Union Jobs in Ethanol & Biodiesel Industries: An American Success Story” – “underscores the truth behind President Biden’s declaration that ‘doubling down on these liquid fuels of the future will not only make value-added agriculture a key part of the solution to climate change — reducing emissions in planes, ships, and other forms of transportation — but will also create quality jobs across rural America.’” The report was authored by veterans of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. General Services Administration, and KPMG International (the world’s third-largest accounting firm). They found that biofuel production supports more than 30,000 union jobs, primarily in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and utilities, construction, and professional and business services. These include jobs filled by members of the United Auto Workers, Steelworkers, Laborers’ International Union of North America, International Union of Operating Engineers, North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and many other labor organizations across 20 states. “Working people are front and center as we tackle climate change,” said Daniel Duncan, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department (MTD), AFL-CIO. “It is now clear that union members are not just on the production side of the American biofuel industry, but also build, operate, and maintain the infrastructure that keeps homegrown fuels like ethanol and biodiesel flowing. This sector is an important source of strength for union jobs, especially when it comes to growth in agricultural regions of the nation. We’re proud to be part of a supply chain that delivers for middle-class families.” December 2021 “Union labor has helped make America the world’s largest producer and exporter of biofuels,” said a spokesperson for the Seafarers International Union. “We should play to our strengths as we decarbonize energy production, and growing the U.S. biofuels industry means good-paying, green jobs for union members.” Indeed, the report concludes, “The U.S. biofuel industry supports union jobs in construction and manufacturing, but as importantly relies on sectors with high union densities to store and transport its products. A key takeaway is that continued support for the ethanol and biodiesel industries will have a positive causal effect on union jobs and is a pathway to an increase in union membership. Ethanol and biodiesel industries are also helping to mitigate against a downward trend in U.S. union density rates.” Another section in the report touches on why increased union membership is beneficial for the country. “The benefits of unions have long been studied and understood,” the report notes. “There is extensive literature linking union membership to higher wages and greater equality. Unions also increase the likelihood that workers will receive various forms of non-cash benefits, like health insurance and retirement plans, and reduce wage disparity. Unionized workers are significantly more satisfied with their jobs than their nonunionized counterparts in the post-Great Recession period. Unions also protect their members, and others working alongside their members, against dismissals and discipline without good cause, and ensure workers will have a voice in their workplaces, with a result that union members tend to have longer job tenures than non-union workers.” Those benefits provided by unions “help to define what it is to be a member of the middle class in our country,” the report adds. “For this reason, supporters of the American union movement, and those committed to restoring the American middle class, should welcome the growth of industries that employ a sizable number of unionized workers, particularly in industries that have declined over the last few decades.” including cargo preference and the Maritime Security Program. “In addition, to further halt and reverse the downward trend in the number of vessels operating under the U.S.-flag and the outsourcing of American maritime jobs we urge the Administration to consider strong, positive and innovative actions to develop and implement meaningful and effective programs and policies that will increase the number of commercially viable U.S.-flag vessels, increase the number of American maritime jobs, and increase the amount of America’s foreign trade carried aboard U.S.-flag ships,” Patti wrote. “To protect our nation’s supply chain, such initiatives should include the utilization of Federal tax law to incentivize shippers to utilize U.S.-flag vessels for a greater portion of commercial cargoes; tax and economic policies that encourage rather than discourage investment in the U.S.-flag shipping industry; the negotiation of bilateral shipping and cargo sharing agreements with our trading partners; and policies that include a greater reliance on U.S.-flag vessels as a means to achieve energy efficiency and a cleaner environment. In so doing, we can better guarantee that the United States will have the U.S.-flag ships and American mariners it needs to provide the assured logistics the Department of Defense requires.” Aboard the Great Republic SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (left in photo above) is pictured with Conveyorman Ali Musa and Recertified Bosun Amin Quraish aboard the Great Republic in mid-October in River Rouge, Michigan. In the photo below, deck-gang members tie up. Seafarers LOG 7 �GETTING OUT THE VOTE – Houston-area Seafarers turn out for a block walk in support of Elizabeth Santos, who is headed for a runoff election as a trustee of the Houston Independent School District. Pictured from left are GUDE Kevin Cruz, Recertified Bosun Lionel Rivas, GUDE Alpha Minko, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, another local volunteer, and GUDE Oscar Amaya-Sanchez. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FULL BOOK IN FORT LAUDERDALE – GVA Sam Pinnock (left) receives his full book at the hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – These snapshots are from an Oct. 15 servicing of the TOTE Services ship in Jacksonville, Florida. The group photo at left includes (from left) SA Jamika Thomas, Chief Cook Fernando Marques Ortiz, SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo and Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz. Wearing the medal in the other photo is ABG Luis Ramos Rosa, with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. Luis placed third in a “virtual 5k” that’s part of a military birthday series (more info here: https://tinyurl.com/24mcvr74). WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Two longtime members recently called it a career. In photo at left, Crescent Towing Capt. Kerry Wright (left, with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook) picks up his first pension check. He is a second-generation Seafarer who sailed both deep sea and inland, beginning in 1984. Crescent Towing senior Engineer David Findley is in the middle in the photo at right, also receiving his first pension check. He sailed with Crescent for 39 years and was a longtime delegate. Kevin McDermott (right) (wheelman/deckhand delegate) worked with Findley on the same crew for the last 25 years and was on hand to congratulate him (and maybe razz him a little, too). Westbrook is at left. 8 Seafarers LOG A-BOOK IN JOLIET – AB Ramir Maldepena displays his newly acquired A-book at the hall in early October. ABOARD CAPE HUDSON – SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) and Recertified Steward Joe Gallo are pictured aboard the Matson-operated vessel in San Francisco. December 2021 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS AND REMEMBRANCE IN JACKSONVILLE – In photo at immediate right, pictured from left (facing camera) are AB Rahsean Lillard, SA Lawanda Parker and Chief Storekeeper Donita Dowdell, receiving their full B-books at the September membership meeting. In the other photo, members are sworn in during the October meeting, which also included a tribute to the final crew of the El Faro. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing at right. Taking the oath are (from left) ABM Kenneth Hardy, AB Javaris Wright, GVA James Stanford, Chief Cook Cynora Hunter, Chief Cook Jumaane Allen and AB Tristan Johnson. Hardy, Hunter and Johnson received their respective Abooks. WITH SIU MEMBERS IN MARYLAND – SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (center in photo above) meets with Seafarers Sam McClelland (left) and Kevin Kuhne at the Maryland Pilots Transfer Station at Solomons Island. In photo below, FOWT Marco Baez Millan (left) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured in Piney Point, Maryland, with Torrey. B-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – STOS John Paul Yap (right) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Safety Director Gordon Godel. PROMOTING SIU, MARITIME – From left: Recertified Bosun Lionel Rivas, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and AB Anwar Martinez are pictured Oct. 20 at maritime career fair in La Porte, Texas. December 2021 WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Obaid Ali (left), who sailed with the union from 1979 until September of this year, picks up his first pension check at the hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right. DEDICATED AND CREATIVE READER – Recertified Bosun William Yurick shared these snapshots of his son, Jamie, “reading the LOG and then using it as a hat.” (Editor’s note: We take no offense to using the LOG for creative individual purposes – once readers have at least checked to see who retired and who crossed the bar, of course.) B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – OMU Robert Thomas (left) receives his full B-book. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. Seafarers LOG 9 �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $300,647,795 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $239,118,635 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $61,529,160. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $150,056,069. This income included employer contributions of $126,536,677, employee contributions of $504,000, realized gains of $374,878 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $21,212,545 and other income of $1,427,969. Plan expenses were $88,526,909. These expenses included $13,362,500 in administrative expenses and $75,164,409 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: An accountant’s report. Financial information and information on payments to service providers. Assets held for investment; and Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $12 for the full report or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $9,873,587. These expenses included $1,149,262 in administrative expenses and $8,724,325 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 15,700 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $158,781,538 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $143,294,725 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $15,486,813. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $25,360,400, including employer contributions of $9,953,970, employee contributions of $117,214, gains of $920,787 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $14,365,924 and other income of $2,505. The plan has a contract with The Prudential Insurance Company of America which allocates funds toward individual policies. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: An accountant’s report.  Financial information and information on payments to service providers. Assets held for investment. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.00 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $32,348,901 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $28,942,105 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $3,406,796. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $77,288,729. This income included employer contributions of $74,272,675, realized losses of ($56,144) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $2,825,099 and other income of $247,099. Plan expenses were $73,881,933. These expenses included $6,346,000 in administrative expenses and $67,535,933 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: An accountant’s report. Financial information and information on payments to service providers. Assets held for investment; and Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $12.75 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses 10 Seafarers LOG of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) Summary Annual Report For Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) PLAN, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $4,905,314. These expenses included $76,670 in administrative expenses, $4,760,850 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $67,794 in other expenses. A total of 15,502 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $54,083,520 as of December 31, 2020 compared to $46,556,626 as of January 1, 2020. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $7,526,894. This Increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $12,432,208, including employee contributions of $6,211,250, other contributions of $420,507, earnings from investments of $5,737,408 and other income of $63,043. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: An accountant’s report. Financial Information and information on payments to service providers. Assets held for investment. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $11 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. OMB Control Number 1210-0040 (expires 06/30/2022) December 2021 �Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to 97779. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to 97779. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: Equal rights to participate in union activities Freedom of speech and assembly Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments Protection of the right to sue Safeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: Nominate candidates for office Run for office Cast a secret ballot Protest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: File an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: Conduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. Conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). Permit candidates to have election observers. Allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www. dol.gov Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt December 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 11 �The brand new Media Center, which replaced the Library that previously occupied the same space. A replica of the American rial’s statue PHC Unveils State-of-the-Art Media Another campus improvement has come to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland, and it’s a big one: the state-of-the-art Media Center. Standing on the site of the old library building, the new multi-function facility contains multiple modern classrooms, high-tech meeting rooms and a brand-new computer lounge. Furthermore, the entire building is equipped with the fastest high-speed Internet available on campus, making it a draw for students looking to complete their classwork or catch up with friends and family. Acting PHC Vice President Tom Orzechowski stated, “With this renovation, the Media Center now becomes the focal point of the campus. It represents a huge investment from the union and trustees, and sets us up for the next 20 years in terms of space. The work was done as part of the overall vision for the school: to bring us into the 21st Century with unfettered Wi-Fi and countless technological advancements that serve to move the school in line with what’s happening in colleges and technical schools across the country.” The meeting spaces are equipped with a full suite of wireless microphones, allowing anyone in the room to be heard with the push of a button. The classrooms are outfitted with cutting-edge projection systems which allow instructors to use the projectors as electronic whiteboards without the use of an external computer, through the use of digital “markers.” PHC Assistant Director of Training Wayne Johnson Jr. said, “The technology in the Media Center takes our school to the next level. One example being in the classroom, our interactive Epson Projector’s allow for instructor-controlled digital whiteboards utilizing a built-in camera system, while simultaneously projecting a lesson, also interactive, to students. The whiteboard notes from each lesson can be shared digitally with everyone attending, as well as any notes or updates made by the instructor during the lesson. This creates a seamless experience from classroom time to study time for our students.” Johnson Jr. continued, “Students have options. If they prefer working on PCs, we have them. If they prefer working with Macs, we have those. A dedicated quiet room is on s quiet environment if they prefer. Stu out’ devices provided by the school in their hotel rooms, or around camp In addition, the building has a mu years past, because it utilizes energy a more efficient, modern HVAC syst “The Media Center has greatly en vided by the instructors,” said PHC Szepesi. “The improved technology delivery of instruction. This allows t dustry in education.” “It’s a very nice place to come an Abraham Allamot. “You’ve got all lounging areas, it’s well-lit and the I SIU Guests attend a meeting within one of the new meeting spaces 12 Seafarers LOG December 2021 �In photo above, students study hard within the new study area. Trainees (photo below) take advantage of the latest computer hardware and fastest Internet speeds on campus. chant Marine Veterans Memo- Center allow students to work in a also have the ability to ‘check prefer to work on homework aller carbon footprint than in ent LED lighting fixtures and d the quality of training proulum Coordinator Monica es an interactive and dynamic U to continue to lead the in- g out,” said Chief Cook computers out here, some t is a lot better. The computContinued on Page 14 ent Michael Sacco (left) addresses a class of Recertified Bosuns inside one of the new classrooms. December 2021 Seafarers LOG 13 �Posters and memorabilia from World War II adorn the walls and serve as the focal point of the main hall. Facility Boasts Modern Amenities, Still Honors Past Continued from Page 13 ers in the computer lab are fast, and the World War II memorial looks beautiful in the center of the room.” Chief Cook Richetta Jackson remarked, “I like everything about it. The way they changed it is very nice, the computer lab is very nice and well-lit, the computers are very good.… It’s quiet and peaceful, too.” While the facility is undoubtedly modern, careful attention has been paid to honoring the past. Countless artifacts from throughout the history of the union and the school line the walls and adorn the meeting rooms, preserving the rich maritime history. In addition, a touchscreen pedestal computer is centrally located within the Media Center, containing a wealth of information on the history of the industry and the SIU. Serving as a focal point of the Media Center is a collection of merchant mariner posters from World War II, as well as a miniature version of a sculpture created by Wilmington, California, sculptor Jasper D’Ambrosi. The original statue, which depicts two merchant mariners climbing a Jacob’s ladder after making a rescue at sea, is part of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial in San Pedro, California. “I’m very impressed with the new media center,” said Chief Cook Virnabeth Cano. “It’s very spacious, quiet, very conducive to study and I love the place. I was very impressed, it’s a big difference from what it was before.” “Everything in the media center is excellent and updated,” said Storekeeper Randy Corey. “The people over there are very nice, and it’s actually just a beautiful sight to see. It’s money well spent, and it’s being used to help us [the members] grow.” Trainees brush up on thier studies at the Paul Hall Center 14 Seafarers LOG Part of the WWII exhibit within the Media Center. Culinary students taking a break in the lounge area. December 2021 �Luedtke Pact Ratified A new, six-year agreement between the SIU and Luedtke Engineering Company recently was negotiated and unanimously ratified. The pact features annual wage increases for its first three years, followed by a wage and benefit reopener for the period April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2027. It also maintains benefits, boosts the board provision and creates a daily financial supplement for when employees are required to live aboard a tug. The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak, and Port Agent Chad Partridge. Brdak stated, “Both the company and the union worked hard throughout the negotiating process and reached an agreement that is both fair and equitable for the SIU membership as well as for Luedtke Engineering Company. The SIU looks forward to continuing the good working relationship with Luedtke and representing the SIU membership working for Luedtke.” Luedtke operates a fleet of tugs and dredges performing marine construction services on the Great Lakes. Watco Contract Approved SIU members employed by Watco Transloading, LLC (some of whom are pictured above and below) recently ratified a five-year contract featuring wage gains, additional holidays and other improvements. Voting took place Nov. 10; members approved the agreement, which also maintains health and pension benefits, by an overwhelming majority. SIU Patrolman James Bast (standing at far right in photo below) credited delegates Andres Rivera and Lawrence Rizzo for their outstanding work during negotiations. Watco Seafarers are based in Brooklyn, New York, and Elizabeth, New Jersey. December & January 2022 Membership Meetings Piney Point...........................Monday: December 6, January 3 Algonac...............................Friday: December 10, January 7 Baltimore......................Thursday: December 9, January 6 Guam..........................Thursday: December 23, January 20 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Oct. 13 - Nov. 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Nov. 14. Total Registered Port A Total Shipped B All Groups C A Registered on Beach B All Groups C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 20 1 2 19 4 5 9 38 30 28 4 8 19 4 4 2 6 19 2 19 253 5 2 3 7 0 8 2 19 31 5 3 2 15 2 3 2 4 9 3 10 135 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 7 7 0 1 4 7 3 0 1 0 3 0 2 40 Deck Department 6 3 1 0 2 0 1 2 2 18 3 4 4 1 0 10 4 0 7 1 0 30 10 5 23 25 5 19 8 3 3 2 1 6 1 2 18 9 5 12 2 0 2 0 0 3 1 1 3 3 0 16 7 1 2 3 0 26 11 1 209 98 31 3 0 2 11 0 4 2 20 26 16 2 1 12 4 0 2 0 10 3 8 126 27 5 2 34 6 11 12 71 54 51 3 17 30 21 6 1 8 37 1 32 429 11 2 6 18 0 12 6 36 48 13 4 6 23 4 3 5 6 15 3 13 234 2 1 0 5 0 2 0 10 9 4 2 2 8 3 1 0 0 3 0 5 57 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 1 4 9 1 4 3 7 19 15 1 2 17 3 1 2 4 11 0 12 118 1 0 3 5 0 3 3 11 17 7 0 4 11 4 0 1 3 6 0 6 85 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 2 2 2 22 Engine Department 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 8 4 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 3 5 1 7 9 2 15 14 1 13 5 2 1 0 0 2 1 1 8 11 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 6 5 0 4 2 3 0 0 1 13 4 2 95 66 19 4 0 1 5 0 0 3 5 9 7 1 1 6 1 0 2 6 3 0 8 62 2 1 4 10 1 4 9 13 23 18 2 4 20 7 4 1 7 23 1 17 171 0 1 2 10 0 3 3 15 27 9 0 8 18 8 1 2 6 11 0 12 136 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 6 2 0 0 0 5 1 2 24 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 0 1 13 2 3 6 15 18 6 1 2 12 5 4 4 2 5 1 11 115 0 3 0 8 2 1 2 8 12 8 0 3 17 6 0 8 7 4 1 7 97 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 4 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 15 Steward Department 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 5 6 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 0 12 6 2 10 11 2 10 4 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 9 10 1 6 7 0 1 0 0 2 3 2 1 4 0 6 2 0 2 1 0 8 3 0 79 65 9 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 9 7 2 0 2 4 4 0 2 3 4 0 8 49 7 0 0 17 2 6 9 23 31 12 1 5 22 17 3 4 3 10 0 25 197 2 1 0 10 2 0 2 8 15 5 0 7 16 10 0 8 6 4 0 18 114 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 4 2 0 0 1 2 0 1 18 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 12 5 3 0 6 2 1 3 10 23 9 0 1 15 7 1 0 0 10 1 12 109 3 1 2 6 1 2 5 15 55 17 0 1 25 1 0 15 3 6 1 4 163 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 6 Entry Depatment 3 3 2 0 0 2 2 3 1 1 1 0 2 0 10 9 14 29 9 6 0 1 0 0 10 17 6 2 1 1 0 18 0 1 6 2 1 1 8 3 76 99 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 3 9 0 1 0 5 1 0 4 1 2 0 1 34 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 4 1 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 9 0 4 31 14 1 1 8 1 2 2 15 33 25 0 1 28 20 0 1 0 16 1 20 189 11 1 1 5 2 2 10 17 84 20 1 1 29 3 1 6 8 13 0 9 224 426 240 389 271 828 673 323 Honolulu..............................Friday: December 17, January 14 Houston................................Monday:December 13, January 10 Jacksonville.....................Thursday: December 9, January 6 Joliet.................................Thursday: December 16, January 13 Mobile...........................Wednesday: December 15, January 12 New Orleans......................Tuesday: December 14, January 11 Jersey City............................Tuesday: December 7, January 4 Norfolk............................Friday: December 10, January 7 Oakland...........................Thursday: December 16, January 13 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: December 8, January 5 Port Everglades...............Thursday: December 16, January13 San Juan..............................Thursday: December 9, January 6 St. Louis.........................Friday: December 17, January14 Tacoma...............*Monday: December 27, Friday, January 21 Wilmington........................................December 20, January 18 * Tacoma change in December due to Christmas Observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m December 2021 GRAND TOTAL:498 305 158 Seafarers LOG 15 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA OBAID ALI Brother Obaid Ali, 72, started his career with the union in 1978 when he shipped on the Santa Mariana. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Ali most recently sailed on the Cape Island. He makes his home in Seattle. JOHN ANDERSON Brother John Anderson, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Overseas New York. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Anderson’s final vessel was the OMI Star. He is a resident of Crestview, Florida. RONALD AUBUCHON Brother Ronald Aubuchon, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1981. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Manhattan. Brother Aubuchon upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and last sailed on the Taurus. He lives in Elsberry, Missouri. RALPH BROADWAY Brother Ralph Broadway, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1973, first sailing aboard the Overseas Rose. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Broadway most recently sailed on the Atlantic Guardian. He resides in Baltimore. EUGENE BROWN Brother Eugene Brown, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he worked for G&H Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Brown’s last vessel was the Gemini. He resides in Jefferson, Louisiana. 16 Seafarers LOG MICHAEL CARVALHO Brother Michael Carvalho, 55, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2000, initially sailing with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Carvalho most recently shipped on the Grand Canyon State and calls Woodland, Washington, home. ROBERT COUVILLON Brother Robert Couvillon,72, joined the SIU in 1992 when he sailed on the Independence. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Couvillon most recently shipped on the Cape Intrepid and makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. JAMES DAVIDSON Brother James Davidson, 66, signed on with the union in 1974. He first sailed aboard the Transeastern and worked in the deck department. Brother Davidson upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the OMI Star and is a resident of Essington, Pennsylvania. LORENCIO DE LEON Brother Lorencio De Leon, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1977, initially shipping on the Long Lines. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother De Leon last shipped aboard the Midnight Sun. He lives in Tacoma, Washington. occasions. He most recently sailed on the Liberty Grace and is a resident of Waianae, Hawaii. MAGDY ELKEIK Brother Magdy Elkeik, 65, started sailing with the union in 2007, initially shipping on the Pride of Hawaii. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2009. Brother Elkeik concluded his career aboard the Maersk Sentosa and calls Brooklyn, New York, home. ALLAN OYAO Brother Allan Oyao, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1998. He initially shipped aboard the Overseas Boston and was a deck department member. Brother Oyao upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Overseas Texas City and resides in Anchorage, Alaska. ALBERT FRETTA Brother Albert Fretta, 65, joined the union in 1979 and first sailed with El Paso Southern Tanker Co. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Fretta last shipped on the Global Mariner. He lives in Deltona, Florida. Sister Elena Lee, 70, began her career with the SIU in 2005. A steward department member, she initially sailed aboard the Empire State. Sister Lee upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She most recently shipped aboard the Maersk Hartford and resides in Sunrise, Florida. LEOPOLDO MALOLOS Brother Leopoldo Malolos, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2005, sailing first aboard the Pride of Aloha. A deck department member, Brother Malolos concluded his career on the Pride of America. He makes his home in Honolulu. ALEJANDRO MEJIA Brother Alejandro Mejia, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2002, initially sailing aboard the Little Hales. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at on the USNS Hess and sailed in the deck department. Brother Peterson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1994. He concluded his career aboard the ITB Baltimore and calls Minden, Nevada, home. ABDULLA QUARAISH Brother Abdulla Quaraish, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1991. He sailed in all three departments and first shipped on the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Quaraish upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the President Jackson and lives in Lackawanna, New York. RICHARD PARKER Brother Richard Parker, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1982 and first sailed aboard the Santa Adela. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Parker’s final vessel was the Courier. He makes his home in Pensacola, Florida. ELENA LEE ERNEST DUMONT Brother Ernest Dumont, 68, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward department. Brother Dumont upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Mejia’s final vessel was the Independence. He resides in Miami. RONNIE RANKIN Brother Ronnie Rankin, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1995, first sailing aboard the Belofin Kestrel. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Rankin most recently sailed on the Overseas Los Angeles and resides in Oakland, California. RICHARD PAULSON Brother Richard Paulson, 65, signed on with the union in 1978. He initially sailed aboard the Del Oro and worked in the steward department. Brother Paulson upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the President Kennedy and is a resident of San Francisco. WALTER RITVALSKY Brother Walter Ritvalsky, 59, starting sailing with the Seafarers in 1991. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Ritvalsky’s first vessel was the Cape Farewell; his last, the Cape Rise. He makes his home in Portsmouth, Virginia. JAMES ROMEO PERCY PAYTON Brother Percy Payton, 69, joined the SIU in 1970 and first sailed on the Arizpa. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Payton last sailed on the USNS Effective and makes his home in Denver. Brother James Romeo, 67, joined the union in 1978 when he worked on the San Pedro. A deck department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Romeo concluded his career on the Maersk Yorktown. He lives in Canadensis, Pennsylvania. DARRELL PETERSON Brother Darrell Peterson, 65, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1986. He first shipped December 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. MARK SCARDINO Brother Mark Scardino, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1980, initially sailing on the Ultrasea. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Scardino last shipped aboard the Horizon Pacific and resides in Longview, Washington. on multiple occasions. Brother Yournett’s final vessel was the West Virginia. He lives in Orange Park, Florida. FRANCISCO ZUNIGA ARZU Brother Francisco Zuniga Arzu, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1997. He sailed in the steward department and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Zuniga Arzu upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the American Liberty and lives in Homestead, Florida. RALPH THOMAS Brother Ralph Thomas, 68, signed on with the union in 1978. He first sailed aboard the John Tyler and worked in the engine department. Brother Thomas upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently shipped on the Alliance Fairfax and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. MICHAEL WELLS Brother Michael Wells, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1982, initially sailing aboard the Aquarius. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school and shipped in the engine department. Brother Wells last sailed on the Alliance Fairfax. He calls Enon, Ohio, home. WALTER WISE Brother Walter Wise, 72, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1989 when he sailed with Orgulf Transport. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Wise most recently shipped on the USNS Bowditch and makes his home in Ava, Missouri. MILTON YOURNETT Brother Milton Yournett, 65, signed on with the union in 1978, initially shipping on the Monticello. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school December 2021 the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Butterworth concluded his career with Hvide Marine and lives in Bonifay, Florida. INLAND LOUIS AHRENS Brother Louis Ahrens, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1977. A deck department member, he was first employed by National Marine Service. Brother Ahrens upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. He concluded his career with Higman Barge Lines and is a resident of Centerville, Texas. EUGENE ARCAND Brother Eugene Arcand, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2005 when he shipped aboard the Advantage. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Arcand was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in Englewood, Florida. WALTER BECKETT Brother Walter Beckett, 67, signed on with the union in 2000. He sailed in the deck department and worked for the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. Brother Beckett settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ARTHUR BUTTERWORTH Brother Arthur Butterworth, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed with Lynnhaven Services. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at EARL DAIL Brother Earl Dail, 70, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2000. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Dail worked for Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He resides in Edenton, North Carolina. STEPHEN DIAZ Brother Stephen Diaz, 62, signed on with the union in 1976. He primarily sailed in the deck department and worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services for his entire career. Brother Diaz upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He makes his home in Orlando, Florida. CHRISTOPHER DINNES Brother Christopher Dinnes, 62, joined the SIU in 1978. He was first employed by Northern Towing and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Dinnes upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school within his first year of membership. He concluded his career on the Paul Buck and resides in Spicewood, Texas. RICHARD DOGGETT Brother Richard Doggett, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1986, initially working for C.G. Willis Inc. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Doggett was last employed by Allied Transportation. He is a resident of Portsmouth, Virginia. remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Fort makes his home in McClellanville, South Carolina. ous occasions. Brother Parrish was employed by Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He makes his home in Merritt Island, Florida. BRENDA HUNTER Sister Brenda Hunter, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 when she sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. She was a member of the steward department and concluded her career aboard the Mississippi Queen. Sister Hunter lives in Vinegar Bend, Alabama. MARK PHILLIPS Brother Mark Phillips, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1985 when he sailed with Hvide Marine. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Phillips’ final vessel was the Buccaneer. He lives in Port Arthur, Texas. ROBERT LAPOINTE GARY TAYLOR Brother Robert Lapointe, 64, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He first shipped on the Leo and worked in the deck department. Brother Lapointe upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last worked on Padre Island and resides in Canada. Brother Gary Taylor, 64, signed on with the union in 1975. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Taylor makes his home in Barataria, Louisiana. ROBERT MARSHBURN Brother Robert Marshburn, 63, signed on with the union in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and worked for C.G. Willis for his entire career. Brother Marshburn upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1979. He makes his home in Tyner, North Carolina. SAMUEL NAING Brother Samuel Naing, 69, joined the SIU in 2007. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Naing worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He resides in Katy, Texas. STEVEN NELSON Brother Steven Nelson, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1973, initially sailing with G&H Towing. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Nelson was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation and is a resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana. TONY VARNUM Brother Tony Varnum, 62, joined the SIU in 1979. A deck department member, he was employed by Cape Fear Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Varnum resides in Supply, North Carolina. BRITT VICKERY Brother Britt Vickery, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and continued working for the same company for his entire career. Brother Vickery is a resident of Lake City, Florida. KERRY WRIGHT Brother Kerry Wright, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1984. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Wright worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for most of his career. He calls Gretna, Louisiana, home. STEVEN PARRISH WARREN FORT Brother Warren Fort, 63, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978 when he worked for Marine Contracting and Towing. He was a member of the deck department and Brother Steven Parrish, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2002. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numer- Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA AHMED BAABBAD Pensioner Ahmed Baabbad, 71, died August 8. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he shipped on the Del Sol. Brother Baabbad sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Comet. He became a pensioner in 2015 and settled in Bakersfield, California. RANDOLPH BOLLING Pensioner Randolph Bolling, 66, passed away September 5. He joined the union in 1972 and was a deck department member. Brother Bolling first sailed aboard the Warrior. He last shipped on the Honor in 2016 and went on pension in 2020. Brother Bolling lived in Slidell, Louisiana. LEON BUTLER Pensioner Leon Butler, 94, died October 31. He donned the SIU colors in 1968 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Evelyn. A steward department member, Brother Butler last shipped on the Cape Hudson. He retired in 1992 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. RAYMOND ELSNER Brother Raymond Elsner, 41, passed away July 12. He signed on with the union in 2000, initially shipping aboard the Kenai. Brother Elsner worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Balboa in 2008. He resided in Tok, Alaska. MICHAEL HOOPER Pensioner Michael Hooper, 65, died August 7. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1989 when he sailed with G&H Towing. Brother Hooper shipped in the deck 18 Seafarers LOG department and concluded his career on the Reliance in 2003. He became a pensioner in 2021 and lived in Franklin, Texas. FRANCISCO MONSIBAIS Pensioner Francisco Monsibais, 86, passed away October 26. He joined the union in 1962 and first shipped on the Taddei Village. Brother Monsibais last sailed on the Commitment and went on pension in 2006. He called Galveston, Texas, home. CRAIG SMITH Pensioner Craig Smith, 66, died September 7. He became a member of the SIU in 1974, initially sailing aboard the Erna Elizabeth. Brother Smith was an engine department member. He last worked on Padre Island and retired in 2019. Brother Smith made his home in Carriere, Mississippi. JESSE TREVINO Brother Jesse Trevino, 33, passed away July 8. Born in The Woodlands, Texas, he began sailing with the union in 2016. Brother Trevino was a deck department member and first sailed on the USNS Able. He most recently shipped aboard the Honor and resided in Houston. EDWIN VIEIRA Pensioner Edwin Vieira, 94, died October 21. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1945 and first sailed with Alcoa Steamship. A steward department member, Brother Vieira last worked on the Julius Hammer in 1995. He retired the same year and settled in Kenner, Louisiana. OSHEMA WATSON Sister Oshema Watson, 39, passed away September 22. Born in Martin, North Carolina, she joined the SIU in 2008. Sister Watson first shipped on the Houston and was an engine department member. She most recently shipped aboard the Severn and called Williamston, North Carolina, home. GREAT LAKES LOUIS BUNKER Pensioner Louis Bunker, 87, died September 4. He became a member of the SIU in 1962 and was first employed by Arnold Transit. Brother Bunker was a deck department member and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1996 and lived in St. Ignace, Michigan. FRED HART Pensioner Fred Hart, 78, passed away October 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1998 and was a member of the engine department. Brother Hart first sailed aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart. He last shipped on the Alpena and retired in 2011. Brother Hart made his home in Alpena, Michigan. BOYD MESSER Pensioner Boyd Messer, 68, died September 3. He signed on with the union in 1974 and sailed primarily in the deck department. Brother Messer’s first vessel was the Adam E. Cornelius; his last, the American Mariner in 2015. He began collecting his pension in 2019 and resided in Gulliver, Michigan. DONALD SAUSMAN Pensioner Donald Sausman, 74, passed away October 16. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1965 when he shipped on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Sausman sailed in all three departments and concluded his career aboard the Presque Isle. He became a pensioner in 2006 and made his home in Eveleth, Minnesota. AHMED SHAIBI Pensioner Ahmed Shaibi, 86, died August 9. Signing on with the union in 1970, he first shipped on the H.N. Snyder. Brother Shaibi worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Southdown Challenger. He retired in 1999 and called Lafayette, Louisiana, home. the Seafarers in 1967 when he worked for Inland Tugs. A deck department member, Brother Pellegal was last employed by Southern Ohio Towing. He went on pension in 1999 and made his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi. CURTIS WOODS Pensioner Curtis Woods, 85, passed away September 27. He began sailing with the SIU in 1970 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Woods worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. He started collecting his pension in 1995 and called Lumberton, Mississippi, home. INLAND RUSSELL COGNEVICH Pensioner Russell Cognevich, 74, passed away October 18. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1974. An engine department member, Brother Cognevich sailed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2006 and lived in West Monroe, Louisiana. JOHN GREENWAY Pensioner John Greenway, 88, died September 28. He donned the SIU colors in 1976, initially sailing with Allied Transportation. Brother Greenway was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He became a pensioner in 1998 and settled in Watkinsville, Georgia. WILLIAM MATHEWS Pensioner William Mathews, 76, passed away October 13. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he signed on with the union in 1967. Brother Mathews first worked for Victory Carriers and sailed in both the steward and deck departments. He concluded his career with Penn Maritime before retiring in 2007. Brother Mathews resided in Aydlett, North Carolina. NMU IRVING MELTON Pensioner Irving Melton, 82, died October 15. He joined the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Melton was an engine department member and last sailed on the Chelsea. He retired in 2004 and was a New Orleans resident. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Agu, Hussain 86 Albuliwi, Mirshid 87 Alexander, Samuel 88 Araujo, Felipe 94 Cervantes, Ruperto 98 Chan, Peter 98 Echement, Robert 73 Feliciano, Noel 81 Foreman, Rudolph 88 Gazali, Hamood 78 Gibson, Vernon 88 Gordon, Robert 92 Hanson, George 93 Hayes, Paul 96 Llano, Efrain 78 Martinez, Ernesto 96 Meggs, Cleveland 95 Murphy, John 92 Olander, Jon 81 Padro, Jose 83 Parchment, William 95 Trachin, John 86 Wells, Willie 82 Yandacka, Joseph 85 DOD 07/04/2021 07/30/2021 08/01/2021 09/01/2021 09/21/2021 09/01/2021 07/21/2021 10/15/2021 09/18/2021 07/27/2020 09/13/2021 10/16/2021 10/23/2021 09/20/2021 08/30/2021 07/14/2021 09/10/2021 03/10/2021 10/20/2021 08/27/2021 09/09/2021 09/15/2021 09/05/2021 07/09/2021 JEROME PELLEGAL Pensioner Jerome Pellegal, 87, died September 6. He joined December 2021 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by the most recent class of recertified bosuns at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Richard Grubbs Recertified Bosun I joined straight out of the Navy, to continue the lifestyle of the sea. We have a strong union that has allowed me to reach my goals in life, and for that I especially want to thank (SIU President) Mike Sacco. This union will allow you to get to the goals you set. Tavell Love Recertified Bosun I joined the union because I had a cousin that worked as a secretary in Jacksonville. She thought it would be a good fit since I like money. I started in 2002. I fell in love with the travel, the respect and the type of work I was doing. I’ve stayed with the union because I like what I do and I’ve made a good living by being part of it. Lionel Rivas Recertified Bosun Life has blessed me for being part of this great organization. I have to say the SIU has been good to me and my family. If you know anyone who’d like to be part of it, I personally encourage them to do so. Joseph Gierbolini Recertified Bosun I started sailing in 1999, out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on the USNS Pathfinder. In the years since, starting in Sasebo, Japan, I have seen the world. I have been to Spain and the Philippines. I’ve seen ports in the Middle East and sailed the northern oceans. This union has given me ability to control my future. But it not only provided a career, it has given me the privilege to help other sailors to become better sailors and better men and women as they pursue their goals. Brian Guiry Recertified Bosun I joined the SIU in 1999, to travel and see the world. I’ve remained in the union because I found a home in the organization. I have built my entire adult life from the skills and opportunities I have learned and gained from the SIU. I am very grateful for the union and hope to continue as a member for a long time. Samuel Porchea Recertified Bosun I’ve been SIU in the for 24 years and I still love it. This is the right job for me, and it has made me not only the man I am today, but the person I always wanted to be. I really do love my job. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 December 2021 The SIU-contracted Overseas Arctic is pictured shortly before its launch in 1970. Built at Bethlehem Steel’s Sparrows Point yard, the tanker weighed 62,000 dwt and had a capacity of 524,000 barrels. It could sail at 15.5 knots and was 731 feet long, with a breadth of 105 feet. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Start Date Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers February 7 February 18 Machinist March 14 April 1 Pumpman April 4 April 8 Welding February 14 April 25 June 6 March 4 May 13 June 24 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook January 10 February 14 March 21 April 25 May 30 July 11 February 11 March 18 April 22 May 27 July 1 August 12 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck February 14 April 4 May 23 March 4 April 22 June 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival January 17 February 14 March 14 January 28 February 25 March 25 Advanced Galley Operations January 24 April 4 June 20 February 18 April 29 July 15 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 Chief Steward February 28 May 9 March 25 June 3 RFPNW January 24 February 28 April 25 February 11 March 18 May 13 Celestial Navigation August 22 September 16 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 Advanced Shiphandling Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting February 7 April 4 February 11 April 8 August 12 Medical Care Provider February 14 February 18 August 22 September 2 Basic Training Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 January 31 April 4 June 6 February 4 April 8 June 10 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Basic Training Revalidation January 14 February 7 February 25 January 14 February 7 February 25 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW April 25 May 20 FOWT January 24 June 13 February 18 July 8 Junior Engineer January 24 July 11 March 18 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech April 4 May 13 Advanced Refer Containers February 7 February 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7 March 11 Government Vessels January 17 January 24 February 21 January 21 January 28 February 25 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) March 14 March 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL April 4 May 2 June 27 April 8 May 6 July 1 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 23 May 13 May 27 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 12/21 December 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #874 – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Maximo Bencosme, Xavier Brown, Anthony Luis Gonzalez, Joseph Hall, Zane Jeremy Kama Koal Hauanio, Paul Jimenez, Damonta Johnson, Mikael Lassiter, Brianna Majors, Zion Xavier Oliphant, Darius Parker, Teryana Privott, Johnny Smith and Ryan Torok. Class instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. (Note: One individual pictured above discontinued this course several days before graduation.) UA to AS Deck – Graduated Oct. 15 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Jorge Alamo Pagan, John Noel San Buenaventura Alicaway, Rhiannon Buttrum, Joshua Cutchin, Stephen Fretwell, Joseph Anthony Gasparino IV, Joseph Lawrence Murphy III, Terrance Lamonte Paige, Luke Isamu John Satsuma, Mica Lucas Sexton and Melvin Singletary. Government Vessels – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Renee Michelle Clayton, Larry Lanzar Dizon, Mark Edmonds, Richard Flores, Robert Greenwood, William Hall, Isaka Koanda, Andrew Malidore, Jamaal Nelson, Christian Oding, Roy Frayna Robles, Kevin Tyson, Derek Willis, Maurice Woodhouse Jr., and Craig Wooten. (Note: Not all are pictured.) December 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated Oct. 29 (above, in alphabetical order): Scarlett Amburgey, Pauline Crespo Guillen, Maurice Flemings, Troy Glatter, Mackenzie Latta, Claude Alferez Letts, German Sebastian Nunez, Samuel Pentowski, Luisito Silot Pipo, Lloyd Walton Jr., and Artis Williams. Advanced Galley Operations – Virnabeth Tomo Cano, above, graduated from this course Oct. 22. Water Survival (Upgraders) – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): John Joseph Caraan Alcos, Jameeka Booker and James Jones. Marine Electrician – Graduated Oct. 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Dennis Blake II, Bobbie Gibbs, Arvin Tarroza Heras, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez, Orlando Vallangca Pajarillo Jr., Ryan Palmer and James Pascocello. Junior Engineer – Graduated Oct. 29 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Marco Antonio Baez Millan, Micah Champion, Robert Clark, Christopher Corpuz, Gregory Crowder, Elhassene Elkori, Samuel Fanjoy, Keilah Freeman, Hussain Mohamed Hafid, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana and Jessica Valentin. Class instructor Christopher Morgan ia at the far left. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated Oct. 22 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Emmanuel Olabode Adeoti, Rahsaan Alexander, Stephen Burkhalter, Clinton Lopez Cephas, Louis Ferrigno, James Hines, Robert Johnson, Anthony Pacely Jr., and Joseph Toth. 22 Seafarers LOG December 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes FOWT – Graduated Nov. 18 (above, in alphabetical order): Oswaldo Jose Barrera, Nicholas Rocco Chiappini, Michael Jamal Garcia, Darius Alexandre Jackson-Jordan, Julian Misla Mendez, Isaac Pili, Makanaonalani Sing, Daryl Thomas Jr., Tara Trillo, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop, Roberto Abel Wadsworth and Kelly White. Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) – Graduated Oct. 29 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Darvin Brown, August Cramer, Charles James, Charles Toliver and David Tucker. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated Oct. 22 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Leone Buggage, Jonte Crenshaw, Leighanne Deano, David Johnson Jr., Andrzej Marek Mikosz, Jarek Stephan Ramos Santos, Gil Serrano and Luke Vandegrift. Importance Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. December 2021 Seafarers LOG 23 �DECEMBER 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 12 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O WWII Mariner Shares Memories Missive Recalls ‘Liberty Ships and Japanese Repatriation’ Editor’s note: This article was written by Mark S. Gleeson, a World War II mariner and longtime vice chairman of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee, part of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. The committee helped spearhead a successful effort to extend the cutoff date for recognizing World War II merchant mariners as veterans so it matched the date used by the armed services. Even before the Japanese signed the surrender on September 2, 1945, there were decisions the Allied Command had to make. There was the decision about which troops would take command of specific parts of Japan, how to get occupation forces to Japan, and how to get the country up and moving again. Among the difficult issues to face: There were almost seven million Japanese soldiers and civilians scattered on all the islands, in China, Manchuria, Formosa, from Japan down to Australia, from China to almost the Hawaiian Islands. The troops had to be demilitarized, equipment disposed of, and everyone brought home. How to do this? The Japanese merchant fleet and a good part of their naval forces had been destroyed or were partially inoperable. In late 1945, the Allied Command, in conjunction with the War Shipping Administration, decided that they would allocate, on a temporary basis, 100 Liberty ships now in the Philippine area, and 100 landing ship tanks (LSTs) from the Marianas Island area. Sufficient hospital ships would also be made available to the Japanese government to aid in repatriation. It was planned that the Liberty ships would board 3,200 troops as opposed to a normal 2,500, and an LST would board 1,200 rather than a normal 700. The ships started to arrive in Japan in February 1946. I was a member of the crew of the SS William Dean Howells, riding at anchor in Manilla Harbor waiting for another assignment when we were notified in the middle of February that we would be one of 100 Liberty ships designated for the repatriation operation. We departed for Japan the last week of February, arriving at Yokohama, Japan, on March 1. The distance was about 1,600 miles and the weather was terrible. We hit a bad storm halfway there. We laid up in Yokohama harbor for four days and then were assigned a dock. A group of Army engineers and carpenters came aboard and constructed a line of open-seat wooden toilets hanging over the port side. There were about 25 seats hanging over open water. A railing was also attached to provide the individual something to hang on to when relieving himself. No additional toilet facilities were available for 3,500 men. We were to be ready to leave our ship on March 5, in two days. We were to leave everything as we found it, just take our bags. Two notations appear in the ship’s log: Yokohama, Japan, March 5, 1946, 3:00 PM Delivered vessel to the United States War Department on a bareboat basis and Master, Officers and Crew left the ship for repatriation. Harry T. Gower, Master This photo of the SS William Dean Howells is believed to be from the late 1940s, and was taken by Walter E. Frost. The author sailed aboard this vessel. Yokohama Japan, March 5, 1946, 4:00 PM The Master and Purser were billeted in Camp Battalion #2, Yokohama, Japan, and the remainder of the crew were billeted at the 4th Replacement Depot at Mitsubishi, Japan to await transportation to the United States. Harry T. Gower, Master The deboarding of the ship began in early afternoon, following a noon luncheon. As soon as our kitchen crew finished, a large group of Japanese cooks came aboard and immediately started food preparation. There was a large kettle in the galley and one cook started cutting big radishes and cabbage to make some sort of soup. Not a word was spoken as we passed down the gangplank to the awaiting Army trucks. No special buses. It was cold. Articles written about the lending of ships say it was necessary to have all the instruction information for operation of the vessel relabeled in Japanese. It seemed strange, but we were turning over an armed vessel. The eight 20mms were removed from the ship when it returned to Boston from Europe in late August 1945. The war was over. In the middle of October 1945 all armed merchant ships at sea were notified to throw all the ammunition overboard. I helped do this in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. The three- and five-inch guns had not been removed, so a Naval Armed Guard was part of our crew. He kept the guns oiled and in shape. The Armed Guard departed to a local naval base when we deboarded. It was a long ride to the assigned replacement depot. Our temporary quarters turned out to be a typical Army barrack: a large, open room full of cots. Each cot had a folded blanket, two sheets and a pillow. That was it. Although the ship’s log reads that the master and purser were in another camp area, none of the officers were included in our crew quarters. They had to be with the master and purser. Sometime after 6 p.m. it was dinner time. We were the only crew that evening. When we got to the mess area, we were issued the Army metal mess kit, tin cup and metal utensils. Our first meal was the famous ground beef on a shingle, mashed potatoes, fruit salad and black coffee. We were shown how to clean our mess kits by dipping them in successive big tubs of boiling water and were told to take them with us for the next meal. We stayed at the replacement depot for 16 days, eating two meals a day, standing in line with other crews who had their ships taken, and Army replacements. Occasionally there were altercations when some Army personnel would try to cut into the line to get served first. There was nothing to do. There was a bathroom next to our sleeping area, and once a week we were taken to a big shower area nearby and given a large towel for our weekly bath. Nothing fancy and we realized that the Japanese soldier had had nothing fancy. Perhaps the officers were doing better. We listened to the Armed Forces Radio all day playing the big band music and getting the latest occupation news. Arrangements were made in a few days to take buses into Yokohama for shopping and tours. The big day to start home appears in the ship’s log: Yokohama, Japan March 21, 1946, 8:00 PM The Master, Officers, and Crew embarked aboard the USS General M.B. Stewart (PA-140) for repatriation to the United States. Harry T Gower, Master Regardless of what time the ship’s log states, we departed for the transport after our noon meal, this time in buses. The big C-4 transport would hold 3,500 men, and included in this total were six crews from Liberty ships. It was a large ship, and the merchant crews were assigned to the bunk areas in the lower decks, in the stern area of the ship. Someone figured that this area was the roughest and noisiest. As the stern came up in rough water, the most noise and vibration from the shaft was in this area. I think we only had three high pipe bunks. Meals twice a day again, and limited opportunity to visit a PX on board. I cannot remember one meal that was served but we did use a metal tray and utensils for meals, no mess kits. Certain times were set for various areas to spend time on deck. The plumbing did not work all that well and when I went to check out the shower area there was an inch of water sloshing around in the showers. That ended the use of the showers, but the rest of the toilet facilities worked. The ship master and officers were provided better accommodations topside. Some years later when I joined the Mon Valley Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans and got to know some of my new friends, I found one shipmate who had been on the USS M.B. Stewart as part of the crew. Although the Stewart was an Army transport, the crew were merchant seamen. Fifteen days after we departed Yokohama, we arrived at Seattle. We settled in a local hotel for several days until it was time to sign off and go home. I took the Great Northern sleeper train from Seattle to Chicago, a three-day trip. I changed to a 10-hour Pittsburgh train, arriving in Pittsburgh about 8 p.m. The local train to my hometown did not leave till 10:30. I picked up my bags and went to a large USO trailer that was stationed just outside the entrance of Penn Station. When I got to the trailer, two large Navy Shore Patrol appeared and stood in front of the door to the trailer. One asked me where I was going. I replied I would like a cup of coffee and something to eat. I told him I had been en route home for over a month: seven days from Manilla to Japan, six days in Yokohama harbor, 16 days in a replacement camp, 15 days at sea to Seattle, three days in Seattle, and four days of train rides to Pittsburgh. One of the SPs put his club against my chest and told me I could not go in as I was not a veteran, I was merchant marine. We did not get served. I was too tired to argue; I picked up my sea bags and went back to wait for my train home. It turned out that the repatriation arrangement worked well for the Japanese. With 188 Japanese ships and 191 Liberty ships and LSTs sailing, it was possible at the end of July 1946 to return 55 of the 100 Liberty ships back to the United States. The first ships left Japan on August 16, 1946. All the returning Liberty ships had Japanese crews who were returned to Japan on transports. The ship’s card for the SS William Dean Howells says the ship was returned to San Francisco in July 1947. By the end of 1948, the repatriation of almost seven million Japanese men and women was complete. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2021 Description An account of the resource GEN. VAN OVOST TAKES HELM AT TRANSPORTATION COMMAND WHITE HOUSE NOMINATES REAR ADMIRAL PHILLIPS FOR MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR MARITIME INDUSTRY FOCUSES EFFORTS ON HELPING ENSURE SAFE WORKPLACES ITF: MARITIME MUST BE SAFE FOR WOMEN PIRACY INCIDENTS PLUMMET TO LOWEST LEVELS SINCE 1990'S BUT VIOLENCE AGAINST SEAFARERS CONTINUES U.S REPRESENTATIVE LURIA THANKS U.S. MARINERS, AMERICAN-FLAG FLEET DURING REMARKS TO CONGRESS RETIRED PATROLMAN SHEEHAN PASSES AWAY AT 76 SAB ACTION MAKES OFFICIAL WHAT'S ALREADY OCCURRING AMP: DOMESTIC INDUSTRY DELIVERS REPORTS SHOW STRONG UNION PRESENCE IN AMERICA'S RENEWABLE ENERGY SECTOR PHC UNVEILS STATE-OF-THE-ART MEDIA CENTER LUEDTKE PACT RATIFIED WATCO CONTRACT APPROVED WWII MARINER SHARES MEMORIES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 83, NO. 12 2021 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/f066e714a9dc9e0f70b4675532067636.pdf 7cc27895cf1efc24ea3596271114cc73 PDF Text Text DECEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 12 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Happy Holidays SIU Matson Orders 3 Ships Page 3 Beck Notice Page 5 �President’s Report Recognizing Industry’s Importance Recent remarks by the deputy commander of the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) underscored the high-level military support enjoyed by the U.S. Merchant Marine. U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Sullivan addressed attendees at this year’s Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) gathering in New York City on Oct. 28. As longtime Seafarers know, the AOTOS ceremony is an important event for our industry, in large part because it raises money to benefit mariners through the United Seamen’s Service, and also because it generates publicity for an often-overlooked industry. Sullivan thanked the maritime industry for its history, dedication and patriotism, emphasizing to the audience that this year’s honorees (including SIU members and executives from SIU-contracted companies) represent a vital component of our nation’s security and economy. He also cited the enormous “impact our maritime community has made over the past months in Michael Sacco supporting USTRANSCOM’s movement of materiel to the European continent. Even before Russia’s blatant aggression in Ukraine, with your assistance, USTRANSCOM began delivering supplies to reinforce our allies and partners,” he said. “The sheer volume of materiel moved by sealift has been incredible and has contributed immensely to this effort.” Importantly, Sullivan explained that although “as a nation we have enjoyed the luxury of being able to strategically move forces and sustain them worldwide with relative impunity” throughout his career, the investments by foreign nations into their respective maritime industries makes it “foolish to believe that we will continue to enjoy that luxury.” With that in mind, he stressed that mariners, U.S.-flag operators and American bottoms have a massive effect on USTRANSCOM’s ability to project and sustain combat power worldwide, and it will be a team effort to “navigate, communicate, and adjust to the dynamic requirements of the joint force we support…. I am extremely proud of the relationship between USTRANSCOM and our maritime industry.” The SIU is equally proud of that partnership, and we remain committed to always delivering the goods. New Ships Ordered One of the biggest stories in our industry is the recent order by Seafarerscontracted Matson for three new vessels, to be built at Philly Shipyard (a union facility). This is another example of American maritime’s viability, and it points to a future that will be as bright as we’re willing to make it. You’ve probably heard the expression that America has always been a maritime nation. That’s because our industry has always been important to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Maintaining a solid shipbuilding capability is an important part of that equation, as is keeping and building upon our shipboard manpower pool. On that last point, we continue to ramp up our recruiting efforts and encourage our members to invite people to check out what we’ve got to offer. We’ve got no shortage of work, and our contracts and benefits are sources of pride. Election Results As you know, the SIU supports those elected officials who support us – no matter the party. That is why we have worked well with whoever is in the White House and whoever runs Congress. That won’t change in 2023. We’ll work with President Biden, who has long stood by us. We’ll work with the new leadership of Congress to make sure the Jones Act, cargo preference, and the Maritime Security Program remain strong. Happy Holidays And just like that, another year has flown by. I extend heartfelt best wishes to our members, retirees and their families for a safe and happy holiday season. Extra thanks go to those who are spending the holidays at sea, which is part of the job but not always easy. Last but not least, I extend my gratitude to all of our women and men in uniform. Thank you for your ongoing service, please stay safe – and know that you always can rely on the SIU. U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) SIU President Michael Sacco, pictured earlier this year, is among those leading an effort to educate New Jersey legislators on facts about the Jones Act and the law’s critical importance to the United States. Senator, Maritime Unions Stand Up for Jones Act A prominent United States senator and a number of labor organizations (including the SIU) recently spoke out in support of America’s freight cabotage law. In early November, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (RMississippi), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas criticizing the “unnecessary and improper Jones Act waivers” issued by the agency for petroleum and liquid natural gas shipments to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Fiona. “These waivers were unlawful, unnecessary, and in direct contradiction to the government’s longstanding expressed interest in protecting American industry,” Wicker wrote. “Both waivers were issued for vessels that had already left port and were in route to Puerto Rico, sending a direct signal to foreign companies that our current political leadership is willing to suspend traditional norms and bipartisan support for the American maritime industry during times of crisis.” Wicker continued, “When reviewing future Jones Act waiver requests, I urge you to consider the implications of unnecessary waivers, abide by the law, and put the domestic maritime industry ahead of foreign competition.” He further noted, “The U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to our economic security and defense readiness. The issuance of these waivers sets a dangerous precedent and sharply erodes the strength of our domestic maritime industry. Both waivers were issued for vessels that had already left port and were in route to Puerto Rico, sending a direct signal to foreign companies that our current political leadership is willing to suspend traditional norms and bipartisan support for the American maritime industry during times of crisis. Based on your recent decisions, Jones Act waiver requests will inevitably increase in frequency….” Meanwhile, the SIU and allies are pushing back against an attack that originated in mid-October in the New Jersey legislature. State senate officials passed a non-binding resolution asking Congress to “permanently waive” the Jones Act between mainland U.S. ports and Puerto Rico, due to natural disaster-caused shortages on the island commonwealth. In response, the SIU, the Maritime Trades Department and several other labor organizations sent communications to Craig J. Coughlin, speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, pointing out that the Jones Act helps maintain hundreds of thousands of American jobs and contributes billions of dollars each year to the national economy. SIU President Michael Sacco was among the signatories. One of those letters also pointed out, “The domestic maritime industry (governed by the Jones Act) contributes $3.8 billion annually to the New Jersey economy and supports more than 15,000 domestic maritime industry jobs there. This means New Jersey is one of the nation’s leaders in Jones Act-supported jobs – and they’re all at risk, because of the aforementioned resolution. “Crisis arbitrage is nothing new, and that’s especially the case regarding the Jones Act and Puerto Rico,” the letter continued. “Enemies of American-flag shipping routinely try to weaken or eliminate the law in the immediate aftermath of natural disasters, despite there being no factual justification for doing so. The Jones Act does not adversely affect prices in the territory and it not only doesn’t impede relief efforts, it helps ensure reliable, dedicated service to the island. Numerous studies have verified that Puerto Rico greatly benefits from the Jones Act. “There is nothing to gain and much to lose by exempting Puerto Rico from this commonsense law,” the letter added. “The island already receives most of its cargo from foreign-flag ships – vessels whose rates for Puerto Rico skyrocketed during the pandemic while U.S.-flag costs to the territory remained steady. Meanwhile, there’s simply no evidence that the law has ever had negative effects on the island during any rebuilding effort.” The organizations further pointed out that more than 90 countries around the world maintain some form of cabotage law and then described the state senate resolution as “a deeply flawed, completely unnecessary attack on the United States.” Hurricane Relief Efforts Continue O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 12 December 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The union’s outreach for hurricane victims in Puerto Rico and Florida continues. The photo at left shows relief items being picked up outside the hiring hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, while the snapshot at right features Seafarers and other allies in the effort in Puerto Rico. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo is third from left in the image at right. December 2022 �Matson Adding 3 New Aloha-Class Vessels Union-Staffed Philly Shipyard to Build LNG-Fueled Containerships Seafarers-contracted Matson, Inc. recently announced that it has signed contracts with Philly Shipyard Inc. – which employs union labor - to build three new 3,600 TEU Aloha-Class containerships. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026, with subsequent deliveries in 2027. The new vessels will join the two Aloha-Class ships previously built for Matson by Philly Shipyard: the Daniel K. Inouye in 2018 and the Kaimana Hila in 2019. Like their sister ships, the new vessels will be equipped with dual fuel engines that are designed to operate on either conventional marine fuels or liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as other “green ship technology” features, such as a fuelefficient hull design and environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks and freshwater ballast systems. While the earlier ships required some modification to operate with LNG, the new ships will be designed to run on LNG from the start. The overall order is valued at around $1 billion, according to Matson and the shipyard. “We are excited by this announcement and look forward to the continued modernization of the SIU-crewed fleet,” said SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker. “The fact that the ships are being built by fellow union members makes the announcement even better.” Steinar Nerbovik, Philly Shipyard’s president and chief executive officer, stated, “We are both honored and filled with immense pride that Matson has once again chosen Philly Shipyard to build its vessels. We have a proven track record of building high quality containerships and are greatly looking forward to this renewed partnership. With a revitalized workforce nearing 1,400, our shipyard is ready for this important work.” The 854-foot Aloha-Class vessels are the largest containerships ever built in the U.S., and are designed to operate at speeds Existing vessels in the Aloha Class include the Daniel K. Inouye and the Kaimana Hila (above). (Photo courtesy of Matson) in excess of 23 knots. The three new Aloha-Class ships will replace three vessels currently deployed in Matson’s ChinaLong Beach Express (CLX) service, which will in turn replace three older vessels currently deployed in its Alaska service, redeploying bigger and faster vessels into that trade lane. “Our existing Aloha-Class ships are among the fastest, most efficient vessels in the Matson fleet,” said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer of Matson. “These new Jones Act compliant vessels will be built specifically for our China- Long Beach Express service, and like their sisterships, are expected to help Matson achieve its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal while also providing additional capacity and speed benefitting our Hawaii service as well as the CLX.” Philly Shipyard is a leading U.S. commercial shipyard constructing vessels for operation in the domestic Jones Act trade lanes. Prior to Matson’s first two AlohaClass ships, the shipyard delivered four newly built Jones Act containerships for Matson between 2003 and 2006. “Winning this order creates historic backlog for Philly Shipyard, as well as great visibility through 2027 for its shareholders and other stakeholders,” said Kristian Rokke, chairman of the board of Philly Shipyard ASA. “Long term, it also supports the yard’s vision to deliver quality vessels, while pivoting between commercial and government contracts.” “It is the ultimate compliment when a former customer returns for another project. We are proud of the six vessels previously delivered to Matson, and are again ready to execute and deliver this important project,” added Nerbovik. Union Members Propel Pro-Worker Candidates in Key Political Races Control of Congress May Take a While to Determine Once again, citizens across the United States recently were reminded that Election Day isn’t necessarily “results day.” They also proved that pollsters sometimes miss the mark. Control of the House and Senate remained up for grabs even after Nov. 8, with final results not expected for days or perhaps weeks. Most projections indicated that Republicans would gain a majority in the House, while Senate seemed too close to call. SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman on Nov. 9 stated, “Yet again, voters have demonstrated that no amount of polling or punditry can accurately forecast what happens after the votes are counted. Despite claims that this would be a wave year like 2006 or 2010, what we’ve seen is another very close election cycle with House and Senate control still not determined, and Senate control likely not determined until December. “Regardless of the outcome,” he continued, “the SIU works hard every election cycle to support maritime-friendly candidates and oppose those who don’t stand with the U.S. Merchant Marine. Whatever the outcome, we remain December 2022 Pictured in photo directly above at the Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO Convention (which took place in Baltimore in October) are (from left) Shane Sterry, representative with the SIUaffiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union; SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey; Wes Moore, who weeks later was elected as Maryland Governor; and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins. In the photo at center are Sterry, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) and Hoskins. Van Hollen won re-election last month. ready and willing to work with everyone in Congress to protect, promote and defend our industry.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler applauded the grassroots efforts of working families and said that those investments paid off. “While it may be days or weeks until every vote is counted and we know the full results of this election, it’s clear the tireless organizing efforts of working people to engage voters in one-on-one discussions about the issues that matter made a critical difference this year in many races,” Shuler said. “No matter the outcome after all the votes are counted, working people know the fight isn’t over; in fact, it’s just getting started. The foundation that unions built through our 365-day-a-year political organizing campaign will engage voters every day through 2024 and beyond to create an economy that works for all of us.” SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (left) and U.S. Rep.-Elect Rob Menendez (D-New Jersey) prepare for a block walk the weekend before Election Day, beginning at the hiring hall in Jersey City. She added, “This year’s AFL-CIO political organizing program was unlike any in history. The issue-based conversations that were the heart and soul of this effort will only intensify in the coming months as we head toward 2024. Soon, the midterm elections will be in the rearview mirror. But working people aren’t heading home. We’re staying in the fight to rebuild our economy, brick by brick, until America’s promise is fully realized.” Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Membership Meeting Dates for 2023 Port Traditional Date January February March April Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 3 6 6 3 8 5 3 7 5 2 6 4 Jersey City Tuesday after first Sunday 3 7 7 4 9 6 5 8 5 3 7 5 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday 4 8 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 4 8 6 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 12 9 7 11 8 6 13 8 Norfolk Friday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 12 9 7 11 8 6 13 8 Houston Monday after second Sunday 9 13 13 10 15 12 10 14 11 10 13 11 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 10 14 14 11 16 13 11 15 12 10 14 12 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 11 15 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 17 21 20 17 22 20 17 21 18 16 20 18 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 19 23 23 20 25 22 20 24 21 19 24 21 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 20 24 24 21 26 23 21 25 22 20 24 22 Editor’s note: Membership meeting at several ports will be held on other than traditional dates (indicated by bold type in chart above) in Calendar Year 2023. Affected ports and the reasons for these changes are as follows: n Piney Point change in January created by New Year’s Day Observance n Piney Point change in September created by Labor Day Observance n Jersey City change in July created by Independence Day Observance n n n n n n n May June July August September October November December Algonac change in November created by Veteran’s Day Observance Norfolk change November created by Veteran’s Day Observance Houston change in October created by Columbus Day Observance Wilmington change in January created by Martin Luther King Day Observance Wilmington change in February created by President’s Day Observance Wilmington change in June created by Juneteenth Observance Guam change in November created by Thanksgiving Observance Meetings at all ports start at 10:30 a.m. 2023 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2023 Seafarers’ Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows: Seafarers Scholarships Dependents Scholarships Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers: Five scholarships designated for dependents: One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or university n Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school n A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply. n To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the Benefits menu, open the “Core Plus and Core Benefits” section, scroll to “Applications and Forms,” and select Scholarship Application. Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2023 SHBP Scholarships. Please send me the 2023 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Street Address.................................................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, Zip Code......................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) ................................................................................................................................................................................. This application is for (circle one): Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 4 Seafarers LOG 12/22 December 2022 �National Glory Crew Rescues 7 Boaters Seafarers once again answered the call on Oct. 29, as those sailing aboard the National Glory aided in the rescue of seven adrift boaters off the coast of Cuba. Shortly before 6 p.m., a small craft was spotted off the starboard side of the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning-managed containership. The SIU-crewed vessel diverted course, and quickly determined that those aboard the small boat were in need of assistance, as their craft had lost propulsion and they were adrift. All seven passengers were brought aboard and received blankets and dry clothes, as the cargo ship proceeded to a designated rendezvous with the U.S. Coast Guard. The passengers were transferred to the Coast Guard just after midnight, and the National Glory resumed its previous route to Houston. Bosun Nagi Ahmed Mihakel said, “If we didn’t see them, seven lives would of be gone. The ocean doesn’t have mercy, and if a heavy wind hits, or a strong wave, it can wash away islands or cities. That tiny raft, which was custom built, wouldn’t last a second.” Mihakel continued, “They told us we were the only ones that went back to save them. A few ships passed them, and they weren’t sure if they even saw them, or if they thought they were okay.” The officers and crew of the National Glory included Capt. Thomas Lisante II, Chief Mate Kevin Wood, 2nd Mate Alexander Jenkins, 3rd Mate Peter Carnazza, Bosun Mihakel, ABs Moises Nolberto Arzu, Carlos Alberto Lasso and Marlon Enrique Suazo Fernandez, OSs Dexter Omar Arriola Arzu and Jose Enrique Soler Cifre, Chief Engineer Jacob Emery, 1st Asst. Engineer Devin Glossin, 2nd Asst. Engineer Justin Kretzmer, 3rd Asst. Engineer Sean Grace, QMED/Electrician Edward Williams, Oilers Ibrahim Mohamed Mansoor Ahmed and Thomas Bateman, Recertified Steward Lionel Packnett and Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo. In an email sent to the bosun after the rescue, the captain wrote, “Great job by you and the entire SIU crew spotting the raft, notifying the bridge, helping translate with the survivors and safely recovering all seven survivors. Together, the crew represented the best of what the U.S. Merchant Marine is all about. It is pleasure sailing with you and this crew of professional SIU mariners. The survivors will forever be grateful for the crew’s professionalism, seamanship and compassion shown.” Some of the SIU crew members are pictured with the seven individuals they helped rescue. Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While nonmembers do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a December 2022 The National Glory (slightly visible in far right section of photo) maneuvers next to the disabled boat. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such arrangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2021 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representa- tion amounts to 79.54 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $397.70 (three hundred ninety-seven dollars and seventy cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2023 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023 will have this calculation applied to their 2023 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2024, your objection must be received by December 1, 2023. A report which delineates chargeable and nonchargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2021. Please note that as the chargeable and nonchargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Seafarers LOG 5 �‘The Perfect Place for Me’ Longtime Piney Point Fixture Rogers Retires Though he initially balked at sailing and had envisioned a different career, Bart Rogers says he truly found a home with the SIU. “This ended up being the perfect place for me,” states Rogers, who retired Nov. 30 following more than 42 years with the union and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. “It’s been my privilege to be part of this. It really has.” Rogers, 65, served both organizations in numerous capacities, most recently as the assistant vice president at the Paul Hall Center (PHC). At various times, his titles (official or otherwise) included manpower coordinator, dispatcher, recruiting coordinator, admissions director, athletic director, and president of an old local union that’s affiliated with the SIU. “Bart has been an integral component at the school for decades, doing everything and anything that needed to be done,” notes PHC Vice President Tom Orzechowski. “Many of the things he’s done have been behind the scenes or without fanfare, and he’s always handled them in the best fashion, always been an asset to the school. He’ll be missed.” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez was among the first people in the union to meet Rogers. Rogers addresses an advisory board meeting at the Paul Hall Center in 2009 “I remember Bart the wide-eyed young man as I dispatched him to his first two ships from the Brooklyn hall,” Tellez recalls. “Since then, Bart has been such a positive force in every aspect of Piney Point life, whether as a mentor to the trainees/apprentices or as the union’s manpower director. He is someone you can always count on. Our current manpower system is due in large part to his contributions and has been the paramount reason for our success in meeting our obligations to the industry. I wish him and (wife) Cindy and the family only the best as he enjoys his retirement.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel describes Rogers as “a big brother to many apprentices and their predecessors, the trainees, for more than 40 years. Many of those individuals owe their careers to Bart’s efforts – his steady guidance and support. While his presence will be missed, it is reassuring that his legacy will be picked up by others stepping into his shoes.” If someone in the late 1970s had described to Rogers how his career would unfold, he wouldn’t have believed it. He had graduated from college but couldn’t immediately find a job in his chosen field (education and coaching). A family member knew about the SIU and recommended shipping out as a stopgap measure. Despite initial reluctance, Rogers went to the Brooklyn hiring hall and then secured his credentials. “I met a young fellow named Augie Tellez,” he remembers. “Augie (then a patrolman) put me on my first ship, a Puerto Rico Marine vessel. I sailed for a while and then was asked to start a physical education program in Piney Point. “I remember my first day at the school (Sept. 3, 1980) like it was yesterday,” Rogers continues. “I drove for what seemed like forever, and keep in mind you followed a printed map in those days. The next morning, I woke up to 350 trainees coming down the avenue with Ken Conklin” (trainee commandant and de facto founder of the program). A few years later, then-SIU President Frank Drozak asked Rogers for ideas on creating a system to track shipping and registration. “The current manpower operation was borne from that effort,” Rogers says. “We had something very small at the school in 1984 – KC (Conklin) was keeping track of the LNG ships. But we brainstormed and started with an original mainframe, and that’s how it began.” As his duties expanded, Rogers also achieved his original objective of coaching. He teamed up with other volunteers to, essentially, introduce lacrosse to the local area, both at public schools and via clinics. Fast-forward to 2022, and the sport has become a southern Maryland staple – while Rogers is in his twenty-fifth year coaching at Leonardtown High School, a regular contender for championships. “There are similarities between coaching and working at the school,” explains Rogers, whose sports passions also include supporting the NFL’s New York Giants. “In both cases, you feel like you’re making a difference in kids’ lives. That’s something I really enjoy. Plus, it keeps me feeling young and in shape.” Reflecting on his time with the SIU and the PHC, Rogers says it is collectively “the best thing I ever did. Everything I have in this world came from the SIU. I also learned more here than I did at any school anywhere. It’s one of the most unique places In addition to ably fulfilling his duties with the union, Rogers (pictured in 2018) is an accomplished lacrosse coach. I’ve been to, and I’ve been around.” He credits SIU President Michael Sacco, Tellez, Drozak, Conklin and others not only for guidance but also for instilling enthusiasm that “makes it become a passion to work here and not just a job. I want the people who mentored me to know I did my very best; it was always my goal to represent them properly and do things the way they’d want them done.” Looking ahead, Rogers plans to travel with his wife but will still live in the area. He’s confident that the PHC will continue advancing, and offers the following advice to those entering the maritime industry: “Stay motivated, be disciplined, have structure and know how to conform. Those are four keys to success in anything you do.” He says he’ll miss “seeing our successes, kids coming to the office to get their sea project, seeing them come back (for upgrading). The other day, a member came in to say hello and brought a picture of us standing on a softball field. I hadn’t seen him in 30 years. Those are things I’ll miss, but if the SIU needs me for anything, I’m available to help.” Piracy Incident Level Lowest in 3 Decades ICC International Maritime Bureau Releases Quarterly Report Personnel from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley participate in a counter-piracy exercise aboard a foreign-flag ship in San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Colby A. Mothershead) 6 Seafarers LOG The International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) latest piracy report revealed that recorded incidents of piracy are at their lowest level in three decades. According to the report, which tracked piracy incidents from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2022 and is released quarterly by the ICC’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB), there were a total of 90 attacks throughout the world. Of those attacks, 85 vessels were boarded, four attacks were thwarted, and a single vessel was hijacked. Twenty-seven crew members were taken hostage during the period. According to the IMB, “Of the 90 global piracy and armed robbery incidents, 13 have been reported in the Gulf of Guinea region – compared to 27 over the same period of 2021 – signaling a positive and significant decline in the number of reported incidents in the region off West Africa which emerged as the world’s biggest piracy hotspot in recent years.” IMB Director Michael Howlett said, “We commend the efforts of the coastal authorities of the Gulf of Guinea. While the decline is welcome, sustained and continued efforts of the coastal authorities and the presence of the international navies remain essential to safeguard seafarers and long-term regional and international shipping and trade. There is no room for complacency.” Additionally, reports out of Callao Anchorage in Peru have dropped from 15 in 2021 to eight in 2022, signaling a change for the better in that area. However, incidents in the Singapore Straits have increased, with 31 incidents reported during the period, compared to 21 last year. As detailed in the report, “Vessels underway, including several large vessels and tankers, were boarded in all 31 reports and in most cases, ship stores or properties were stolen. Crews also continue to be at risk with weapons reported in at least 16 incidents, including some involving very large bulk carriers and tankers.” According to the report, “The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre also believes there is a degree of underreporting as well as late reporting of incidents from these waters and encourages masters to report all incidents as early as possible so that local authorities are able to identify, investigate and apprehend the perpetrators.” Since 1991, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre has served as a single point of contact for mariners to report attempted acts of piracy, 24 hours a day. As stated by the ICC, “Their prompt forwarding of reports, and liaison with response agencies, broadcasts to shipping via GMDSS Safety Net Services, and email alerts to CSOs, all provided free of cost, help the response against piracy and armed robbery globally. As evidenced by the standing up of multiple regional cooperation, reporting, and response mechanisms, its reports have over time increased awareness, resulting in the allocation of adequate resources to make waters safer.” December 2022 �AOTOS Event Includes Accolades for Seafarers Mariners from four SIU-crewed vessels were among those recognized Oct. 28 in New York as the United Seamen’s Service conducted its 53rd annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards dinner. The primary awards were given to (from left in photo at immediate right) International Longshoremen’s Association President Harold Daggett, American RollOn Roll-Off Carrier Group President and CEO Eric Ebeling, and American President Lines President Edward Aldridge. Pictured from left in the photo at lower right are SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Port Agent Ray Henderson, Bosun Damon Zschoche and Patrolman Jose Argueta. Zschoche was honored along with other personnel from the Maersk Peary (for a rescue at sea). The other mariners receiving awards were from the Pacific Tracker (TOTE Services), Herodote (APL), and USNS Yuma (whose crew includes members of the SIU Government Services Division). The photo below left includes SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (right) and Daggett, while the remaining photo includes SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Sullivan, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to (412) 899-8989. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to (412) 8998989. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. December 2022 The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: nEqual rights to participate in union activities nFreedom of speech and assembly nVoice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments nProtection of the right to sue nSafeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: nNominate candidates for office nRun for office nCast a secret ballot nProtest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: nFile an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. nRetain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: nConduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. nConduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. nMail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. nComply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. nNot use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). nPermit candidates to have election observers. nAllow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www. dol.gov Seafarers LOG 7 �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $343,071,717 as of December 31, 2021 compared to $300,647,795 as of January 1, 2021. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $42,423,922. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $138,490,188. This income included employer contributions of $118,363,940, employee contributions of $471,300, realized gains of $2,614,340 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $16,039,966, and other income of 1,000,642. Plan expenses were $96,066,266. These expenses included $14,774,870 in administrative expenses and $81,291,396 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report. n Financial information and information on payments to service providers. n Assets held for investment; and n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $12.75 for the full report or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2021to December 31, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $15,014,584. These expenses included $1,226,343 in administrative expenses and $13,788,241 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 14,956 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $170,534,853 as of December 31, 2021 compared to $158,781,538 as of January 1, 2021. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $11,753,315. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $26,767,899, including employer contributions of $9,703,984, employee contributions of $107,600, gains of $532,318 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $ 16,417,567 and other income of $6,430. The plan has a contract with The Prudential Insurance Company of America which allocates funds toward individual policies. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report. n Assets held for investment. n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and n Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.75 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $34,979,646 as of December 31, 2021 compared to $32,348,901 as of January 1, 2021. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,630,745. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $72,864,841. This income included employer contributions of $70,542,545, realized gains of $506,395 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,636,445 and other income of $179,456. Plan expenses were $70,234,096. These expenses included $7,374,568 in administrative expenses and $62,859,528 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report. n Assets held for investment; and n Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $13 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or 8 Seafarers LOG Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Summary Annual Report For Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $5,745,160. These expenses included $165,389 in administrative expenses, $5,518,699 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $61,072 in deemed distributions. A total of 15,588 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $62,609,715 as of December 31, 2021 compared to $54,083,520 as of January 1, 2021. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $8,526,195. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $14,271,355, including employee contributions of $6,807,073, other contributions of $257,477, earnings from investments of $7,099,580 and other income of $107,225. both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: n An accountant’s report. n Financial information and information on payments to service providers. n Assets held for investment. n Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $13.50 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. December 2022 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD OVERSEAS LOS ANGELES – These snapshots were taken during an October servicing on the Overseas Ship Management vessel. From left in the group photo at left are AB Michael Adote, AB Noel Engo, GUDE Reynaldo Agbulos, SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson and GUDE Angel Palacios. The other photo includes Bosun Shown Rankin (left) and Nelson. ABOARD CAPE DOUGLAS – GUDE Christopher Skinner takes a meal break on the Keystone vessel in Jacksonville, Florida. WEST COAST OUTREACH – The SIU in early October took part in San Francisco Fleet Week. SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera (center) is pictured with U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, discussing maritime career opportunities. CELEBRATING U.S. SHIPBUILDING – SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips were among those attending the keel-laying ceremony for the Patriot State II at Philly Shipyard (a union facility) earlier this year. The ship will be a “national security multi-mission vessel” based at Mass Maritime. ABOARD USNS MAURY – From the Ocean Shipholdings vessel (photo at immediate right), Bosun Adiener “Chu” Alfaro reports the following, regarding a shipboard Bluenose Ceremony: “After crossing the Arctic Circle, the USNS Maury was graced by a visit from his majesty Boreas Rex, Ruler of the North Winds. The King of the Frozen Realms proceeded to deliver a proclamation to all those in attendance that magically transformed every neophyte into a Bluenose.” SIU members and AMO members are among those pictured. Kneeling are Chu Alfaro and Jediah Bishop. In the front row: Brandon Maeda, Brian Peralta, Chris Hunnings, Shardaysha Giles, Kato Geonzon (aka Boreas Rex), Mildrid Seck, Lexter Alfaro, Alex Craft and Zachary Cartwright. Back row: Roman Hutson, Alphonso Amos, Chris Irwin, Katrina Aleska, Marvin Fabrizius, Amos Porter, Joey Liwag, Hermano Sillon, Anthony Jackson, Joe Tegeder, Andres Perez and Steve Welcome. December 2022 Seafarers LOG 9 �CATCHING UP IN CAMP SPRINGS – Retired Recertified Steward Denis Burke (left) recently stopped by the union’s headquarters building, and chatted with (among others) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right). A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – AB Peter Mertz (center) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU AT THE HOUSTON HALL – QMED Edward Williams (above) displays his newly acquired A-book, while AB Thomas Arzu (left in photo at immediate right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel) shows off his full B-book. AT THE JERSEY CITY HALL – GUDE David Bronshtein (left) receives his full book from SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson WITH SEAFARERS IN NY – SIU member Stephen Krupp (third from right) receives his full book at Seafarers-contracted Watco. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta (second from left) and fellow members (from left) Orlando Reveron, Nabeel Alawi, Denis Laren and Sean Wanamaker. 10 Seafarers LOG December 2022 �ABOARD HUDSON EXPRESS – Pictured in the group photo directly above are (from left) Bosun James Gregory, SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Ashley Nelson, QEE Francois Doucet and AB Glenn Davis. The galley photo at right features (from left) Chief Cook Alexus Guillory and SA John Ferris, while the remaining photo at left includes AB Chandler Dixon (left) and SIU Jacksonville Safety Director Adam Bucalo. The vessel is operated by Marine Personnel and Provisioning. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN PINEY POINT – A number of Seafarers in recent months received their respective full B-books at the hiring hall in southern Maryland – and one member, AB Jeffery Griffin, got his A-book. A few of those Seafarers are pictured with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (at right in three of the photos). GUDE Saif Al Tamimi GUDE Jesse Kleinfelter December 2022 Steward/Baker Steven Laubach SA Joseph Burke QMED Marco Baez Millan FOWT Zeke Pasquarelli AB Jeffery Griffin Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Editor’s note: Two of the individuals interviewed for this feature – Nathaniel Russell and William Goss – are members of the SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union. All of the interviews took place in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What is one of the best gifts you’ve ever received, and what made it so? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Nathaniel Russell SEATU Member Winter socks, for use at the apartment I was living in. It was really awesome and made life more comfortable. We had hardwood floors. Reinaldo Rivera Chief Cook Wow. It’s been a long time, so I don’t know what to say. I don’t recall anything. Sorry about that, but it’s true. I’m not going to lie. William Goss SEATU Member A passion for travel and adventure. I consider the interest in travel a gift. I just love new experiences – experiencing other cultures, experiencing the world. Richetta Jackson Chief Steward Coming here (to the school) is a great experience, and so is traveling overseas. Seeing the whole world and providing for your family. Jamaal McKenzie Chief Cook Traveling. Opening my mind up to new ways of living – seeing what other people go through. Going places I would never go without this career. Ashley Fabor Chief Cook My greatest gift has been travel. I get to travel for free, meet new people and upgrade in my career. That’s a blessing and a great opportunity. I would also say home ownership has been a great gift. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 Seafarer Russell Cobb (second from right) and his family enjoy a Christmas celebration at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, in late December 1970. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG December 2022 �Notice Updated COVID Vaccination Policy for Entry into Paul Hall Center, Union Hiring Halls Editor’s note: The following news item was sent to the hiring halls and posted on the SIU website in late October. Effective immediately, the COVID vaccine will no longer be a requirement to enter a hiring hall or to attend classes at the Paul Hall Center. Apprentices are, however, still required to be vaccinated in order to be assigned to apprentice positions. If anyone else is not fully vaccinated (meaning the original vaccines and any available booster shots), either by choice or by an approved medical or religious exemption, you are required to be masked at all times while indoors Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C on the properties. In a memo to SIU vice presidents and the halls, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel wrote, “We still strongly recommend and encourage all members to be fully protected from the virus.” He noted that while the vaccines don’t provide complete immunity, they have “been consistently shown to lessen the effects of the illness and keep us out of the hospital or worse. With that in mind, we will continue to provide benefits for the COVID vaccine(s) and booster vaccine(s).” For more information, Seafarers are encouraged to contact their respective port agents. Make Arrangements Before Arriving for Piney Point Stay Seafarers are welcome to stay at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland, even if they’re not enrolled in a class there – if space is available and a reservation has been made. Members are encouraged to work with their respective port agents or email Jay Wiegman at jaywiegman@seafarers.org regarding reservations for themselves and any family members who want to stay with them at the school. The cost for room and board for members is $40 per night (plus tax), and $10 apiece for each guest. Again, this applies to individuals who are not enrolled in a course. Anyone showing up to the base unannounced will not be allowed on campus. In addition to verifying arrival and departure dates, members will be required to submit proof of vaccination (or exemption from the requirement) for COVID-19 both for themselves and any guests. December 2022 & January 2023 Membership Meetings Piney Point................Monday: December 5, *Tuesday: January 3 Algonac...................................Friday: December 9, January 6 Baltimore.................................Thursday:December 8, January 5 Guam................................Thursday: December 22, January 19 Honolulu................................Friday: December 16, January 13 Houston................................Monday: December 12, January 9 Jacksonville.......................Thursday: December 8, January 5 Joliet..............................Thursday: December 15, January 12 Mobile.........................Wednesday: December 14, January 11 New Orleans...................Tuesday: December 13, January 10 Jersey City............................Tuesday: December 6, January 3 Norfolk........................................Friday: December 9, January 6 Oakland...............................Thursday: December 15, January 12 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: December 7, January 4 Port Everglades....................Thursday: December 15, January 12 San Juan...............................Thursday: December 8, January 5 St. Louis....................................Friday: December 16, January 13 Tacoma..................................Friday: December 23, January 20 Wilmington..........Monday: December 19, *Tuesday: January 17 * Piney Point change due to New Year’s Day observance * Wilmington change due to Martin Luther King Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m December 2022 Seafarers LOG 13 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings EDWARD A CARTER, JR (Sealift Inc) April 25 – Chairman Reynaldo Tinay, Secretary Janelle Harper, Educational Director George Box. Chairman went over concerns regarding gym equipment. He announced his plans to write a formal letter to company requesting a new weight machine and new flooring in gym. Everything directed to company should be addressed in writing per Chairman. Educational director reported difficulties among members who are trying to get into Paul Hall Center classes within a timely manner. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship to dock May 2. Crew was advised of upcoming annual Coast Guard inspection. New educational director and several new delegates were announced for deck and engine departments. Members requested company-supplied coveralls, couch covers, repair to washers and dryers and updated material in Library. Next Port: Chinhae, Korea. LIBERTY (Tote Services), October 6 – Chairman David Denizac, Secretary Rondell Richardson, Deck Delegate Antonio Zorrilla. Chairman encouraged crew to read President’s column in the Seafarers LOG. Educational director advised members to inquire about scholarships and to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. He reminded crew to keep all documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman urged members to support SIU leadership and to keep up on issues concerning union jobs. Secretary suggested lowering sea time required to qualify for retirement. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Crew voiced concerns with onboard living conditions as well as the passageway cameras that they see as an inva- 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. sion of privacy. Members went over wages and asked for higher payrates on weekends and holidays. Bosun thanked the deck department for a job well done with no injuries. Crew requested mattresses, pillows, towels and electric fans in each room. Members emphasized the need for a slop chest. ARC DEFENDER (TOTE Services), October 11 – Chairman Timothy Fogg, Deck Delegate Eric Chapman, Engine Delegate Norman Pandy. Chairman thanked everyone for helping get vessel in good order. Educational director encouraged fellow mariners to upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, and to keep documents updated. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed upcoming overseas voyage and related contractual items. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), October 18 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Imran Khan, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Aljohn Fernandez, Steward Delegate Branden Williams. Four new TVs ordered. Members went over the president’s report and new pay scale. Bosun reminded crew to maintain the laundry room. Steward department was commended for good food and good housekeeping. They thanked Bosun for installing new flooring in steward bathroom. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested 20 for 30 vacation time and better Wi-Fi. Members motioned for steward assistant wages to be increased to match all other entry level positions. Next Port: Long Beach, California. Holiday savings just for you Do you want to save money? We thought so. Thousands of union families save money every day by taking advantage of exclusive benefits from Union Plus. Join them in accessing all kinds of discounts. Wireless Flowers & Gifts Restaurants Movie Tickets & Live Events Exclusive discounts for union families See more at unionplus.org 12/22 SIU-HOLSAV-JFY-11-14-2022 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 14 Seafarers LOG requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 December 2022 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA OHENEBA FRANCIS ACKON Brother Oheneba Francis Ackon, 65, started his career with the union in 2005. He first shipped on the Pride of America and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Ackon upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the Seabulk Challenge and makes his home in Fairfield, Ohio. OLIVER BALICO Brother Oliver Balico, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Balico’s final vessel was the Maersk Saratoga. He is a resident of Bergenfield, New Jersey. JEROME BUTLER Brother Jerome Butler, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1981 when he sailed on the Coastal California. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Butler’s final vessel was the Stonewall Jackson. He resides in Tickfaw, Louisiana. ELDIN EBANKS Brother Eldin Ebanks, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997, initially sailing on the Liberty Sun. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Ebanks last shipped on the Green Cove and calls Savannah, Georgia, home. ARMANDO EVANGELISTA Brother Armando Evangelista, 67, started sailing with the SIU in 1999 when he worked on the Beaver State. He primarily shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Evangelista’s final vessel was the Seabulk Challenge. He resides in Metairie, Louisiana. PAUL FLORES Brother Paul Flores, 65, joined the union in 2001. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Chilbar. Brother Flores upgraded at the Piney Point school in within the first year of his membership. December 2022 He last sailed on the Maersk Utah and lives in Fall River, Massachusetts. MICHAEL GELLIZEAU Brother Michael Gellizeau, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1999 when he sailed aboard the USNS Bowditch. He was an engine department member and last shipped on the USNS Waters. Brother Gellizeau is a resident of Shelbyville, Indiana. HAYDEN GIFFORD Brother Hayden Gifford, 65, joined the union in 1978. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Constitution. Brother Gifford upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Horizon Enterprise and resides in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. ABDUL HASAN Brother Abdul Hasan, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1985 and first sailed aboard the Sealand Mariner. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and was a steward department member. Brother Hasan most recently sailed on the Horizon Anchorage. He makes his home in Tukwila, Washington. GEORGE HENDERSON Brother George Henderson, 65, became an SIU member in 1990 when he sailed on the USNS Silas Bent. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the engine department. Brother Henderson’s final vessel was the Liberty Island. He is a resident of Mountain City, Tennessee. PAUL JOHNSON Brother Paul Johnson, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1975, initially sailing on the Aguadilla. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Johnson last shipped on the Buyer and calls Cheyenne, Wyoming, home. JUMA JUMA Brother Juma Juma, 68, joined the SIU in 1997 when he sailed with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Juma most recently shipped on the Garden State and makes his home in Philadelphia. GARY LOFTIN Brother Gary Loftin, 67, signed on with the union in 1980. He first sailed aboard the Monticello and worked in the steward department. Brother Loftin upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He last shipped on the Horizon Kodiak and is a resident of Lacey, Washington. RONALD LUKACS Brother Ronald Lukacs, 73, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1978, initially working aboard an Altair Steamship vessel. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Lukacs most recently shipped on the Cape Kennedy. He lives in Slidell, Louisiana. NIEVES NUNEZ Brother Nieves Nunez, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1991. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked primarily in the deck department. Brother Nunez upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Maersk Iowa and resides in the Bronx, New York. PHILIP PAQUETTE Brother Philip Paquette, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1990. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Paquette’s first vessel was the Sea Wolf; his last, the Maersk Kensington. He makes his home in Byron, Maine. ROBERT SURETTE Brother Robert Surette, 65, joined the union in 2011 and first sailed aboard the William R. Button. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Surette last shipped on the Sunshine State. He lives in Bristol, Tennessee. EUGENE TUGGLE Brother Eugene Tuggle, 72, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1999 when he shipped on the USNS Watson. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2018. Brother Tuggle’s final vessel was the Liberty Peace. He resides in Harvey, Louisiana. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL FORBES Brother Michael Forbes, 69, signed on with the SIU in 2012. He was employed by Port City Marine Services for the duration of his career, often working aboard the Prentiss Brown. Brother Forbes was a deck department member. He resides in Cuba City, Wisconsin. JEFFERY JOHNSON Brother Jeffery Johnson, 65, started sailing with the union in 1988, initially shipping on the USNS Assertive. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2008. Brother Johnson concluded his career aboard the Walter J. McCarthy and calls Trempealeau, Wisconsin, home. BRENDAN MURPHY Brother Brendan Murphy, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1976 when he worked with H&M Lake Transport. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Murphy’s final vessel was the Cleveland. He settled in Morgan City, Louisiana. STEVEN ROZNOWSKI Brother Steven Roznowski, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977, initially sailing on the E.M. Ford. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Roznowski last sailed on the American Mariner and settled in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND MATTHEW LESTER Brother Matthew Lester, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988. He was a member of the deck department and worked for Tampa Bay Pilots for the duration of his career. Brother Lester lives in Tampa, Florida. GORAN MILISIC Brother Goran Milisic, 66, signed on with the Seafarers in 2000 when he sailed with American Marine Corporation. An engine department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Milisic was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He makes his home in La Mesa, California. STANLEY RIEDER Brother Stanley Rieder, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1979. He was a deck department member and worked for Crescent Towing & Salvage for his entire career. Brother Rieder lives in Destrehan, Louisiana. RICHARD ROEL Brother Richard Roel, 63, started his career with the union in 1978 when he worked with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Roel last sailed on the Padre Island. He is a resident of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. ROBERTO VALENTIN VEGA Brother Roberto Valentin Vega, 62, joined the SIU in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Valentin Vega was employed by Crowley Puerto Rico Services for the duration of his career. He resides in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. ROBERT WARD Brother Robert Ward, 64, joined the union in 2003. He worked for Crowley for the duration of his career. Brother Ward makes his home in Berlin, New Jersey. NMU JOSE DE BRITO MORENO Brother Jose De Brito Moreno, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. An engine department member, he last sailed aboard the Mormac Sun. Brother De Brito Moreno resides in Seekonk, Massachusetts. Seafarers LOG 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA JAMES ADAIRE Pensioner James Adaire, 80, died September 28. Born in Clyde, Ohio, he embarked on his career with the SIU in 1963. Brother Adaire first sailed with Penn Export Company. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sam Houston in 1997. Brother Adaire began collecting his pension the following year and called Folsom, Louisiana, home. LUIS ALMODOVAR Pensioner Luis Almodovar, 70, passed away October 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1970. Brother Almodovar’s first vessel was the Guayama. He sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Almodovar was last employed by Cargotec Services and retired in 2012. He lived in Staten Island, New York. JORGE BERMEO Pensioner Jorge Bermeo, 77, died January 16. He began his career with the SIU in 1969 when he shipped on the Del Valle. Brother Bermeo was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Expedition before becoming a pensioner in 2001. Brother Bermeo resided in Linwood, New Jersey. WILLIAM DICKEY Pensioner William Dickey, 79, passed away October 25. He began sailing with the SIU in 1967. Brother Dickey was a deck department member and first shipped on the Western Comet. He last sailed on the Florida and retired in 2007. Brother Dickey made his home in Livingston, Texas. RICARDO ELLIS Pensioner Ricardo Ellis, 66, died November 1. He became a member of the SIU in 1984 when he sailed with Orgulf Transport. Brother Ellis worked in the steward department and most recently shipped 16 Seafarers LOG on the Pennsylvania. He became a pensioner in 2021 and settled in the Bronx, New York. REGINALD GREEN Pensioner Reginald Green, 65, passed away October 22. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1978, initially sailing with Southern Ohio Towing. Brother Green sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last shipped aboard the Ambassador in 1991. Brother Green began collecting his pension earlier in 2022 and lived in Tampa, Florida. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL BUDNIK Pensioner Michael Budnik, 71, passed away October 9. He joined the SIU in 1970 and was an engine department member. Brother Budnik’s first vessel was the Lewis G. Harriman. He last sailed aboard the American Republic in 1993. Brother Budnik went on pension in 2016 and settled in Pearland, Texas. JOSE VERA Pensioner Jose Vera, 98, died October 22. He donned the SIU colors in 1964 when he shipped with Great Lakes Associates. Brother Vera worked in the engine department and last sailed on the Steel Crapo. He began collecting his pension in 1989 and lived in Laredo, Texas. RUSSELL HAYNES Pensioner Russell Haynes, 70, died November 2. He started sailing with the union in 1969. A deck department member, Brother Haynes first shipped on the Jefferson Davis. He concluded his career aboard the Liberty Spirit before retiring in 2012. Brother Haynes resided in Shenandoah, Texas. CHARLES MOLL Pensioner Charles Moll, 81, passed away October 26. He joined the union in 1967 and first sailed aboard the Chilore. Brother Moll sailed in all three departments and also worked on shore gangs, but spent most of his time with the SIU sailing in the deck department. He most recently sailed on a Waterman ship, in 1992. Brother Moll lived in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. ARDEN SELLICK INLAND ALTON BERTRAND Pensioner Alton Bertrand, 87, passed away October 12. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1985 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Bertrand was employed by Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. He retired in 1996 and made his home in Lake Arthur, Louisiana. JAMES CONNOR Brother James Connor, 63, died September 23. Born in Philadelphia, he donned the union colors in 1996. A deck department member, Brother Connor worked with Crowley for his entire career. He called Cherry Hill, New Jersey, home. LEVY LAWRENCE Pensioner Arden Sellick, 83, has passed away. An engine department member, he joined the Seafarers in 1963 when he worked with Isco Inc. Brother Sellick’s final vessel was the Walter Rice. He began collecting his pension in 2003 and made his home in Portland, Oregon. Pensioner Levy Lawrence, 78, passed away October 14. He joined the SIU in 1979 and was a deck department member. Brother Lawrence was employed with Allied Transportation for the majority of his career. He retired in 2007 and made his home in Norfolk, Virginia. WILLIAM SMITH Pensioner Wilfred Popour, 88, died October 23. He started sailing with the union in 1977 when he worked with Gulf Atlantic Transportation. Brother Popour was a member of the deck department. He was last employed by Admiral Towing and Barge and went on pension in 1996. Brother Popour Brother William Smith, 68, has passed away. He signed on with the union in 2011 and first sailed aboard the Courage. Brother Smith shipped in the deck department, most recently aboard the Lawrence Gianella in 2017. He lived in Orono, Maine. WILFRED POPOUR called Orange Park, Florida, home. STUART STEPHENS Pensioner Stuart Stephens, 74, passed away September 25. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1997. Sailing in the deck department, Brother Stephens worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2013 and resided in Port Orange, Florida. JOSEPH VOLIVA Pensioner Joseph Voliva, 76, died October 22. A deck department member, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1963. Brother Voliva was first employed by R.K. Davis Transportation. He retired in 1997, after concluding his career with Penn Maritime. Brother Voliva made his home in Belhaven, North Carolina. NMU BIENVENIDO PAGAN Pensioner Bienvenido Pagan, 71, passed away January 24. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with the SIU. Brother Pagan was an engine department member and last sailed aboard the Lykes Explorer in 2004. He went on pension 2015 and settled in Houston. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Abrahams, Douglas 102 Bellas, John 93 Carter, Ashley 83 Cruz, Antonio 90 Gomes, Ricardo 73 James, Robert 97 Molis, Gloria 89 Nickerson, Lawrence 94 Wilson, Raymond 93 DOD 10/19/2022 10/24/2022 10/22/2022 10/31/2022 10/16/2022 11/04/2022 08/27/2022 10/18/2022 10/14/2022 Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan Update Recently, statements were mailed that provide lifetime income illustrations for participants in the SMPPP. This statement is in addition to the one that you will receive in April of each year. New federal regulations require us to send you an estimate of your SMPPP benefit if it is paid as a monthly annuity beginning at age 67. In that case, your current account balance is converted to monthly payments. The example in the notice assumes that payments began December 31, 2021 and that you were at least age 67 on that date. If you are younger or older when you retire, and elect a monthly benefit payment, that will affect the amount. Please note that this statement does not reflect any benefit that may be available from the Seafarers Pension Plan. The notice may be confusing, so if you have any questions, please contact the Membership Assistance Department (MAP) at 1-800-252-4674. Credentials Lost Due to Hurricanes Fiona and Ian In accordance with Federal regulations, duplicate Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMCs) may be issued free of charge to mariners whose credentials were lost or destroyed as a result of Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Ian in Florida. Affected mariners should follow the steps below to obtain an expedited replacement credential: Provide a statement of loss to the National Maritime Center (NMC) via fax at (304) 433-3412 or via e-mail at IASKNMC@uscg.mil. The statement should contain the following: n Mariner’s full name n Mariner’s date of birth n Mariner’s reference number (MRN) (if you don’t know the MRN, include the mariner’s Social Security number) n The mailing address that the replacement credential should be sent to n Current phone number and/or e-mail address that the NMC can use to contact the mariner with questions, if necessary n Description of the circumstances surrounding the loss/destruction of the credential. Unless otherwise requested, any duplicate MMCs issued per the request process above will include a corresponding Medical Certificate, if previously issued. We will make every effort to have duplicate credentials mailed out the next business day. Alternatively, mariners may submit form CG-719B, Application for Merchant Mariner Credential, to one of the Regional Exam Centers with the information above. If your credential is unserviceable due to damage or your lost credential is subsequently found, that credential should be mailed to the NMC. If you have questions or feedback regarding duplicate credentials, please contact the NMC via our Online Chat or Ticketing System, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling (888) IASKNMC (4275662). December 2022 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Able Seafarer-Deck January 9 February 27 April 10 June 5 January 27 March 17 April 28 June 23 Lifeboat/Water Survival February 13 March 13 April 10 May 8 February 24 March 24 April 21 May 19 RFPNW January 30 March 20 May 1 February 17 April 7 May 19 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW January 30 May 1 February 24 May 26 FOWT February 27 April 3 March 24 April 28 Junior Engineer Program January 9 March 27 March 3 May 19 Marine Electrician April 24 May 26 Marine Refer Tech March 13 April 21 Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21 Machinist March 13 March 31 Pumpman April 3 April 7 Welding January 23 March 20 February 10 April 7 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Steward Department Upgrading Courses January 16 February 17 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. December 2022 Start Date Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook February 20 March 27 May 1 June 5 July 10 March 24 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 ServSafe Management January 9 February 13 March 20 April 24 May 29 July 3 August 7 January 13 February 17 March 24 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 Advanced Galley Operations January 9 March 13 May 22 February 3 April 7 June 16 Chief Steward February 6 April 17 June 26 March 3 May 12 July 21 Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook Title of Course Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Basic Training January 23 April 17 January 27 April 21 Basic Training Revalidation January 9 January 13 January 23 January 27 February 13 February 24 March 20 March 24 April 7 April 17 April 21 May 1 January 9 January 13 January 23 January 27 February 13 February 24 March 20 March 24 April 7 April 17 April 21 May 1 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation January 30 May 15 February 3 May 19 Government Vessels January 16 February 6 February 13 March 13 January 20 February 10 February 17 March 17 Tank Ship Familiarization DL February 20 May 22 February 24 May 26 Tank Ship Familiarization LG February 27 May 15 March 3 May 19 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 12/22 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival (Upgrader) – Yahia Obadi Yahia (above) recently completed his requirements in this course. A GUDE who ships out of Tacoma, Yahia graduated Oct. 10. Important Notice Apprentice Water Survival Class #886 – Graduated Oct. 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Diaz Florez, Britorria Hogan, Craig Lash II, Matthew McManus, Pyron Meyers, Kaicee Proctor, Christopher Rolbiecki and Ubaydulwakeel Shambley. Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated Oct.14 (above, in alphabetical order): Marc-Antony David Arcila, Corey Bellezza, Jacob Burleson, Elijah Courtney, Dashiel Depaulis, Elijah Dejean Diallo, Nathan Dixon, Tyler Dreschel, Mark Ina Jr., Dion Martin, Julian Ramirez, Alexander Reay, Riley Russ, Kamron Jaquez Stripling, Stephanie Lee Marie Vidro, Steven Ware and Landon Williams. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments aboard SIU-crewed vessels. Instructor Dominic Hix is second fron left. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated Oct. 28 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Jessina A.K. Fernandez, Terren Fields, David Garrett, Jasen Lapointe, Alexander Ruiz-Fernandez, Dennis Salvatore Saggese, Mica Sexton, Jason Springer and Blake Stollenwerck. 18 Seafarers LOG December 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated Oct. 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed, Marciano Amancio Amandoron, Loren Arriola, Julien Kei Charlet, Marcil Ducre Jr., Marques Johnson, Paul Manning, Thomas Nelson Jr., Alexander Ruiz-Fernandez, Simone Solomon, Ruel Antigro Torres, Pomaikai Nathaniel Velasquez, Jonathan White and Philip Anthony Villaflor Zulueta. Chief Steward – Graduated Oct. 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Edgar Villanueva Castillo, Reynard Akeem Gibbs, Madina Lawless, Emmanuel De Gracia Matias, Salah Kayd Omar and Ekedra Turner. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4B) – Graduated Oct. 14 (above, in alphabetical order): Gregory Castor, Arlando Comboy Espin, Khaleel Saeed Saleh Heidra Sr., and Steven Johnson. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4A) – Graduated Oct. 14 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Cameron Keating, Steven Laubach, Luis Alberto Mejia Lambert, Nagi Ahmed Musa, Edgardo Padagdag and Andrea Sharpe. December 2022 Seafarers LOG 19 �DECEMBER 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 12 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 18-19 Captain Credits Mariners For ‘Outstanding’ Response Alliance Fairfax Crew Aids Migrants S IU members played key roles in a recent mobilization supporting Cuban migrants on an overloaded boat in the Straits of Florida. Mariners from the Alliance Fairfax (operated by Maersk Line, Limited) provided medical assistance, water and general support for the 18 people aboard the small craft, beginning around 7 a.m. on Oct. 18. The SIU-crewed ship launched its lifeboat and remained on the scene until U.S. Coast Guard personnel arrived. ABs Jairo Jacob Rochez and Benjamin Romero were part of the lifeboat crew. Vessel master Capt. Chuck Hendricks said the Alliance Fairfax was headed to Port Arthur, Texas, when a crew member spotted smoke on the horizon. The smoke soon died out, but mariners then identified the small boat. “We got a little closer and the people on the boat started waving at us,” Hendricks said. “I called the Coast Guard, and they asked us to stay on scene until they got there in an hour or so. We then launched a rescue boat.” One of the migrants had passed out. The bilingual ABs facilitated communications with the Cubans, while all of the lifeboat personnel teamed up in delivering water and making sure the distressed individual became stable. “This was the first time I’ve done anything like this, but there were no problems,” said Romero. “We had a plan, and everything went fine. For me, it was very nice to help people.” “Luckily, it was the perfect day for a rescue,” said Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw. “Bosun Boyce Wilson and Captain Hendricks and the rest of the sailors in the 20 Seafarers LOG deck department made it seamless. We were able to stop and help these people climb to safety (aboard the Coast Guard ship). I’m sure this was the last thing anyone could have expected waking up this morning, but we train for this. This is why we’re professionals: to do a job and make sure everyone gets home safely. That means everybody.” Hendricks said the crew’s response “was outstanding. They really shined and did a great job of carrying on the tradition of maritime unions helping people at sea who are in distress. Everybody just jumped in right away and helped out wherever they could. It was all very professional and safe, and made me proud to say I work with those guys.” SIU members aboard the Alliance Fairfax during the voyage included Wilson, Rochez, Romero, Dupraw, ABs Andrew Bennett and Durlas Ruiz, QEE Ricardo Ducay, OMUs Leonilo Arano and Randy Slue, Chief Cook Santiago Amaya and SA Joshua Moore. Built in South Korea in 2005, the Alliance Fairfax is a roll-on/roll-off ship that’s enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. The vessel is approximately 653 feet long and has a 104-foot beam. The lifeboat from the Alliance Fairfax (right) approaches the migrant boat. Later, a U.S. Coast Guard vessel (left in photo at top of page) stops to pick up the passengers. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2022 Description An account of the resource SENATOR, MARITIME UNIONS STAND UP FOR JONES ACT HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS CONTINUE MATSON ADDING 3 NEW ALOHA-CLASS VESSELS UNION MEMBERS PROPEL PRO-WORKER CANDIDATES IN KEY POLITICAL RACES NATIONAL GLORY RESCUES 7 BOATERS LONGTIME PINEY POINT FIXTURE ROGERS RETIRES PIRACY INCIDENT LEVEL LOWEST IN 3 DECADES AOTOS EVENT INCLUDES ACCOLADES FOR SEAFARERS ALLIANCE FAIRFAX CREW AIDS MIGRANTS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 84, NO. 12 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/07ca5c80754c2eff4613d6d26a411a49.pdf 5cc851dae0ff6ee08dd9ab9159aec951 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 12 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO BECK NOTICE • PAGE 5 // CLASS PHOTOS • PAGES 18-19 �President’s Report Elections Past and Present D epending on where you live, you may be exhaling now that you’re not being swamped with off-year election ads, or you may not have noticed much about the races and ballot initiatives in other states that largely were decided Nov. 7. But no matter what, I feel reluctantly confident in saying none of us will escape from the all-out advertising blitz and media saturation ahead of next year’s presidential and congressional elections. The SIU will not deviate from our David Heindel decades-long stance when it comes to deciding which candidates to back, at every level of government. Our first questions are always, where do you stand on the U.S. Merchant Marine? Where do you stand on the American maritime industry? Where do you stand on workers’ rights? That’s not a long list, but those always have been, and always will be our top priorities. One lesson from last month’s elections that shouldn’t be overlooked is the genuine power of voting, period. Turnout makes all the difference, as we’ve seen time after time, year after year. Keep that in mind ahead of Election Day 2024. Make sure you are registered to vote, and support the candidates who will support your job. Don’t sit on the docks. Last but not least, I’m trying to get a jumpstart on asking everyone who reads this column to practice civility throughout the election process. This isn’t exactly a revelation, but it doesn’t do our country any favors when we lose the capability or the willpower to engage in respectful dialogue about candidates and issues. There’s nothing wrong with spirited debate; there’s plenty wrong with closed-mindedness and outright malice. Here’s to taking the high road and giving our fellow Americans the benefit of the doubt. Stirring Ceremony What a tremendous honor it was for apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to be featured at this year’s official Veterans Day National Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. As reported elsewhere in this edition, the apprentices served as an honor guard and helped place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, to honor the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II. Making an alreadyemotional moment even more inspirational, several mariners from that era were in attendance. I absolutely understand the distinctions between Veterans Day and Memorial Day, but let us never forget that more than 1,200 SIU members made the ultimate sacrifice in World War II. My hat is off to all who’ve served, and I remain grateful to work as part of our great nation’s fourth arm of defense. Season’s Greetings On behalf of our entire executive board, I extend heartfelt holiday greetings to all SIU members, pensioners and their families. I particularly appreciate and respect the dedication of our sisters and brothers who are spending the holidays at sea. Your professionalism and commitment are never taken for granted. I wish everyone an enjoyable present, a fondly remembered past, and a prosperous new year ahead. Seafarers LOG Volume 85 Number 12 December 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Union, School Team Up With U.S.-Flag Group for National Apprenticeship Week The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) are joining with the Transportation Institute (TI) to help promote career opportunities in the U.S. Merchant Marine. At press time, the union, school and TI were partnering for a series of open houses at hiring halls across the country as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) National Apprenticeship Week, scheduled to take place Nov. 13-19. The DOL bills National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) as “a nationwide celebration where employers, industry associations, labor organizations, communitybased organizations, workforce partners, education providers, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are instrumental in re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, building a pipeline to good quality jobs, and supporting underserved communities.” The PHC’s apprentice program is registered with the DOL. In 2022, NAW consisted of nearly 1,400 events nationwide, plus dozens of proclamations and other publicity. President Biden issued a statement that read in part, “For many workers, especially those without college degrees, apprenticeships create a critical pathway to good-paying jobs. Registered apprentices earn while they learn. These programs, particularly through local unions, ensure that our Nation is producing the best-trained, best-prepared, and bestskilled workers for industries now and of the future – from health care and information technology to clean energy. Supporting Registered Apprenticeships is a key part of my economic vision to build an economy from the bottom up and the middle out: an economy that works for everyone.” The PHC’s Apprentice Program, based in Piney Point, Maryland, offers aspiring mariners a unique opportunity to receive tuition-free training, gain valuable on-the-job skills, and embark on a journey toward a rewarding career enriched with substantial benefits. It is one of the largest training programs for entry-level maritime personnel in the United States Apprentices (darker shirts) participate in hands-on training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. and is designed to prepare students with little to no experience to learn the necessary skills they will need to serve aboard U.S.-flagged vessels. “Keeping with this year’s theme for National Apprenticeship Week, the maritime industry is the ‘Superhighway to Good Jobs’ and we are proud to partner with the Seafarers International Union to showcase this industry’s potential,” said TI Chairman and President James L. Henry. “These jobs are vital to America’s continued economic and national security success and are a great career path – especially for young men and women. The American maritime industry is consistently expanding opportunities in our workforce that are inclusive of individuals who have been historically underserved and marginalized people, this partnership is a testament to that.” TI was established in 1967 as a non-profit organization dedicated to maritime research education and promotion. The Institute participates in all phases of the nation’s deep-sea, foreign and domestic shipping trades, and barge and tugboat operations on the Great Lakes and on the vast network of America’s inland waterways. Many member company vessels are contracted to the U.S. military services. All are of U.S. registry – crewed by American citizens operating under the world’s highest safety standards, and proudly flying the American flag. Union Voters Power Election Wins The off-year elections proved favorable for America’s working families. Among other gains, the Virginia legislature flipped to a pro-worker majority; Kentucky voters elected Democrat Andy Beshear as governor; and former state Rep. Sara Innamorato (D) won the election for Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) Executive. Innamorato “framed her campaign around those...‘left behind’ over the years,” Julian Routh reported in the Pittsburgh Union Progress, the strike paper the Pittsburgh News Guild runs while Pittsburgh Post-Gazette owners defy federal orders to bargain a new contract with their workers. Additionally, in a vote for a vacant U.S. House seat, heavily Democratic Rhode Island elected Democrat Gabriel Amo by almost a 2-to-1 ratio. Amo will be Rhode Island’s first-ever Black member of Congress. “Never bet against America’s workers,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said following the elections. “Tuesday night’s results showed the power working people have in electing pro-worker candidates, up and down the ballot, who will fight for us and stand up to wealthy corporate interests and extremists. In communities across the country, thousands of union volunteers engaged in deep discussions with fellow workers about the economic issues and freedoms that matter most, including reproductive rights. That’s the heart and soul of the labor movement’s political mobilization: one-on-one, face-to-face engagement on the issues that matter most to working people. As a result of those conversations, union member enthusiasm and engagement helped deliver key victories in critical races.” Shuler added, “While the final results are still being tabulated, it’s crystal clear that working people pushed pro-worker candidates over the finish line, even in historically deep red states. Union voters powered Gov. Andy Beshear’s victory last night in Kentucky, delivering another term for a leader who stood shoulder to shoulder with workers throughout his first four years in office. We congratulate Gov. Beshear on this tremendous win for workers and our families, and look forward to working closely with him to continue uplifting communities with good union jobs.” The federation reported, “Across the country, workers fueled scores of victories from the top of the ballot on down. In Virginia, union volunteers knocked on thousands upon thousands of doors to provide the foundation of voter support needed to create a proworker majority in the House of Delegates and keep the majority in the state Senate. And union members led the way to historic wins in races in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and many other states, with close to 400 of our union member candidates winning their races, including an astounding 82% who ran in New Jersey.” Pennsylvania State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D) (center) is pictured at the Philadelphia hall with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and Safety Director Andre MacCray. The hall served as a polling place Nov. 7. DECEMBER 2023 �SIU Crews Honored at NDTA Meeting S Pictured from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU President David Heindel, Bosun Paul Altenor and OSG President/CEO Sam Norton. Bosun Paul Altenor (left) receives his medal from Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips The Maritime Administration’s Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement IU members recently received accolades for their respective roles in three different rescues that took place earlier this year. Bosun Pau l A ltenor was one of three mariners who, on behalf of themselves and their shipmates, accepted the Maritime Administration’s Merchant Marine Medal for Outstanding Achievement in Orlando, Florida. The ceremony took place Nov. 1 as part of a joint meeting of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA). SIU President David Heindel and SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez attended the ceremony. The three rescues (extensively reported in prior editions of the LOG) involved the SIU-crewed Overseas Santorini, Overseas Nikiski, and Overseas Long Beach, all operated by OSG. “The ceremony was great,” Altenor said. “I really appreciated getting to talk to [SIU President David Heindel] and [OSG President and CEO Sam Norton]. They were both really appreciative of our efforts during the rescue.” Altenor was aboard the Santorini on May 30 when he and his fellow mariners rescued a family of four (including two children) whose sailboat was leaking in the middle of the Atlantic. Reflecting on the experience, the bosun recalled, “Every month, we do a man overboard drill. This was clearly not a man overboard, but I was prepared for it. This was my second rescue attempt, but my first one involving a sailboat, which made it a little different. When training doesn’t cover a specific type of rescue, it takes some common sense to keep everyone safe during a rescue. You really had to stay alert, because we could have easily gotten hurt as well.” Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips presented the awards and noted, “It is a universal connection to those at sea to come to the aid of those in distress.” In remarks prepared for the ceremony, Heindel stated, “On behalf of the entire union, I extend my congratulations to every member who took part in the rescues. You all did a fantastic job. You put others before yourselves; you rose to the occasion; and you handled the assignments with professionalism and compassion.” Earlier in the week, USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost presented the agency’s prestigious Pegasus Award to SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco. Heindel accepted it on Sacco’s behalf (see page 9). The joint meeting “focused on bringing together military and industry leaders from across the globe to discuss current trends and logistics challenges,” according to USTRANSCOM. Tellez actively participated throughout the weeklong gathering. During opening remarks for the joint meeting, Van Ovost cited teamwork between the military, commercial industry, and our nation’s allies and partners as critical: “By, with, and through our commercial teammates and allies and partners, we are underwriting the lethality of our combined forces.” The general also highlighted the need for fleet recapitalization, pointing out the aging state of the U.S. government’s surge sealift ships: “In ten years, more than 50% will reach their end of service life.” SIU, Others Blast Proposed Second Registry A broad coalition of American maritime and transportation unions, including the SIU, has registered its strong opposition to a proposal that would promote the operation of U.S.owned vessels with foreign crews. The proposal, part of a report issued by the Hudson Institute, would create a second United States ship registry to allow vessel owners to bypass the hiring of American maritime workers. As noted in a joint statement by the unions, “The overall report released by the Hudson Institute contains a number of recommendations that we oppose and which we believe will adversely affect the efficient implementation of existing U.S. maritime policies and the operation of U.S.flag vessels. In addition, the proposal fails to identify solutions that would increase or incentivize the carriage of cargoes by U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed vessels, a core tenet of ensuring an economically viable U.S. maritime industry. However, the establishment of a second U.S.-flag registry as proposed by the Hudson Institute is the most egregious proposal in the report and warrants our specific comment.” DECEMBER 2023 The statement continues, “The United States-flag deep sea fleet is the largest segment of the maritime industry providing the trained and qualified mariners needed to meet the requirements of the Department of Defense. It is these American mariners who crew the surge and sustainment vessels called into action by the Department of Defense in time of war or other international emergency and who have never, in the history of our nation, refused to respond whenever and wherever needed by our government. “At this time in our nation’s history it is imperative that our government act to ensure that our country has the trained and qualified mariners needed by the Department of Defense. It is irresponsible to divert U.S. taxpayer dollars to support and to otherwise encourage the operation of U.S.-flag vessels that do not provide the base of employment necessary to increase and support the U.S citizen mariner base. To do so is at best a wasteful use of U.S. taxpayer dollars and at worst, a dangerous disregard of America’s national security requirements.” In conclusion, they wrote, “We urge the Biden Administration and the Congress to put American maritime workers first, and to soundly reject this proposal to create a second United States-flag registry that will be little more than a flag of convenience that has at its core the outsourcing of American maritime jobs. We instead urge Congress and the Administration to work with us to strengthen and expand the United States-flag fleet in order to create jobs for America’s maritime workforce and to further enhance America’s economic, homeland and military security.” Signing the statement were SIU President David Heindel; Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific President David Connolly; American Maritime Officers President Paul Doell; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots President Don Marcus; Marine Firemen’s Union President Anthony Poplawski; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Adam Vokac; and Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan. SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Apprentices Instrumental to Veterans Day Ceremony WWII Mariners Honored with President, VP, First Lady in Attendance Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) PHC Apprentices Xavier Roberts, Caleb Estrada, Orlando Quirantes, and Emma DiGennaro. F our members of the most recent apprentice class at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) proudly represented the union and the school Nov. 11, bearing our nation’s flag and the U.S. Merchant Marine flag during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. The participating PHC apprentices from class 901 were Orlando Quirantes, Xavier Roberts, Emma DiGennaro, and Caleb Estrada. They were invited to help symbolize and stand for the four World War II U.S. Merchant Marine veterans (Pete Kurkimilis, Charles Mills, Howard Pfeifer and David Yoho) who also took part in the ceremony. The apprentices were led by PHC Apprentice Commandant John Romer. This marked the first time the U.S. Merchant Marine had been invited to participate at the solemn event. Along with the flag, their recognition included a U.S. Merchant Marine wreath that was presented. Recalling his experience bearing the U.S. Merchant Marine flag at the ceremony, Quirantes said, “It was awesome. It was a huge honor to participate in the ceremony. We weren’t expecting it to be as grand as it was. We saw the president, the vice president, and the head of the Treasury.…” “The honor guard from the SIU was absolutely fantastic!” said American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) President Dru DiMattia. “It was an absolute pleasure working with the entire team.” “It was a great day,” said AMMV Vice President Chris Edyvean, a former SIU member. Among the cadre of distinguished attendees were President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis R. McDonough. Each year on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the incumbent president has traditionally placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to memorialize fallen U.S. service members whose remains have not been located or were unable to be properly identified. Following the Veterans Day wreath-laying, the commander in chief gave a speech at the Memorial Amphitheater recognizing the American forces who always rise to the occasion each time our country requires their service, and honoring the memory of his son, Beau Biden, and his service to this country as a member of the Army National Guard. “Our veterans are the steel spine of this nation, and their families, like so many of you, are the courageous heart,” Biden said. Biden’s speech also highlighted the PACT Act, which was signed into law in August of 2022. The legislation aimed to expand healthcare access for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals and their families. Biden announced that any toxin-exposed veteran who served in any conflict outlined in the PACT Act would be able to enroll in VA health care starting in March 2024.After four decades of struggling for recognition, mariners who sailed during World War II received veterans’ status in 1988. Three years later and in another first, union mariners marched in the parade from Capitol Hill to the White House with members of the U.S. Armed Services at the conclusion of the Kuwaiti War. 2024 Meeting Dates Port Traditional Date JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Piney Point Jersey City Philadelphia Baltimore Jacksonville San Juan Algonac Norfolk Houston New Orleans Mobile Oakland Port Everglades Joliet St. Louis Honolulu Wilmington Guam Tacoma Monday after first Sunday Tuesday after first Sunday Wednesday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Friday after first Sunday Friday after first Sunday Monday after second Sunday Tuesday after second Sunday Wednesday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Monday after third Sunday Thursday after third Sunday Friday after third Sunday 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 12 16 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 12 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 20 22 23 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 11 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 18 21 22 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 13 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 20 23 24 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 9 12 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 19 22 23 3 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 16 19 20 7 8 9 10 10 10 11 11 15 15 16 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 12 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 18 21 22 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 16 19 20 Circled dates indicate changes due to holiday observances -- Meetings start at 10:30 a.m. SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2023 �Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such ar- DECEMBER 2023 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act rangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2022 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 80.55 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $402.75 (four hundred two dollars and seventy-five cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2024 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2023 and November 30, 2024 will have this calculation applied to their 2024 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2025, your objection must be received by December 1, 2024. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2022. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, Tom Orzechowski Secretary-Treasurer SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 5 5 �Former Seafarer Marks 50 Years as Seagoing Union Member Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the American Maritime Officer, monthly publication of the Seafarers-affiliated AMO. It is reprinted here with permission, and with strong encouragement from the main subject, who comes from an SIU family. “The SIU holds a very special place in my heart and life,” Fred Reyes said in a recent communication to the Seafarers LOG. The article has been lightly edited for space considerations. In May of 2023, American Maritime Officers member Frederick Reyes completed his most recent shipboard assignment. He accepted the job to join the S/S Wright in February in Norfolk, Virginia, as first engineer to work on board with a longtime friend: Chief Engineer Sterling Pearson. As he walked down the gangway in May, there was a long list of responsibilities awaiting him on the pier, including working with his wife, Nora, to choose their next course of action with the avocado, banana and coffee plantation the Reyes family has established in Colombia in recent years, and deciding whether they should keep all of their horses in the stable or maintain them in the pasture for a few weeks. Not what you might call standard kitchen-table quandaries, but these are among the interests Reyes has been able to pursue over the years during a long career as a licensed U.S. Merchant Marine officer – working hard, earning well, raising a family and having ample vacation time between shipping assignments. His rotation on the Wright was the latest installment in a voyage that began 50 years ago in the Bronx, New York. “Back then, whatever mom said, you did,” Reyes continued. “I went to Brooklyn, and they usually had the job calls where there used to be a master at arms who would stand in front of the union door entry. So, there was a gentleman named Jack Caffey, who eventually became one of the vice presidents. Jack was the master at arms in front of the union. “Now, this is 1973, you know. I was a classic long-hair college hippie. And Jack says, ‘What do you want?’ And I’m like, well, I’m here to see Paul Hall. He says, ‘Get out of here, you can’t see Paul Hall.’ And I say, Well, I got a letter here. He read the letter, looked at me, read the letter again, and says, ‘Okay, I'll be back in five minutes – stay right here.’ He goes inside the building, comes out, and these two men walk out with him. They read the letter, look at me and asked me for ID. I gave them my driver’s license. One of them looks to the other and says, ‘Man, the boss is going to be really happy with this one.’” Reyes paused in his recollection to point out his full name is Frederick Reyes-Morciglio, and his grandfather on his mother’s side, Francisco Morciglio, was a charter member of the Seafarers International Union in 1938, after having started sailing in 1918. His uncle on his mother’s side was also an SIU member who started sailing in the 1940s, and both of them sailed in the deck department. Reyes’ father also sailed as a member of the SIU in the deck department, starting perhaps in the late 1930s or early 1940s. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II and was later buried in a cemetery for veterans in Puerto Rico. His father had four brothers, and they also sailed with the SIU. “I think I have salt in my blood,” Reyes said. I turned around and there’s this white-haired gentleman, a little taller than I am, and he takes his stogie and hands it to someone, and this gentleman proceeds to grab me in a bear hug and starts bouncing me. And he says: ‘I’ve waited for 20 years for one of you guys to show up!’ “I was 20 years old and I was attending Bronx Community College,” Reyes said, noting he had previously attended NYC Food and Maritime Trade High School. “It was difficult to get work. So, I was pretty much a starving student like most students. And my mother says to me: ‘Well, here’s a letter that was given to you when you were born.’ I read the letter. She says: ‘Take this letter to the union (SIU) (which I had been going to in Brooklyn since I was a kid with my father, waiting for him to ship out) and you want to talk to only one person: (SIU President) Paul Hall.’” When he was born in 1953, the SIU issued Reyes a letter of introduction to the union, stating he could take the letter to any SIU hall in the United States and be recognized as a book member of the Seafarers International Union. He was later informed the SIU had issued approximately 20 such letters in total and had ceased doing so in 1954. From his encounter with Caffey in front of the hall in Brooklyn, Reyes was escorted upstairs to the dispatching department, led at the time by Port Agent George McCartney, who would later become a vice president with the union. First Engineer Fred Reyes (left) and Chief Engineer Sterling Pearson work aboard the Wright in Norfolk, Virginia, earlier this year. “George picks up the phone and says, quote, ‘One of the babies just arrived,’” Reyes said. “Then he says: ‘Somebody is going to be here in a few minutes to talk to you.’ “Are you Paul Hall?” Reyes asked. “He says: ‘No, I’m George McCartney.’ I looked at the guy to my right and I asked: Who are you? He says: ‘I’m Mike Sacco (who later became the union’s president).’ Then I asked the guy to my left: Who are you? He says: ‘I’m Joey Sacco (later the union’s executive vice president).’ “Joey grabbed me and says: ‘Man, you don’t know how happy the boss is going to be to see you.’ “Then I started hearing whispers. I’m standing, looking at the counter, and I feel a presence behind me and smell cigar smoke. I turned around and there’s this white-haired gentleman, a little taller than I am, and he takes his stogie and hands it to someone, and this gentleman proceeds to grab me in a bear hug and starts bouncing me. And he says: ‘I’ve waited for 20 years for one of you guys to show up!’ “He finally puts me down and I says to him, Are you Paul Hall? He says, ‘Yes, I am.’ “Good, because my mom told me to talk to you!” “He says: ‘What do you need, son?’ I told him I want to go on a ship. I want to go to work,” Reyes said. “He looks at Mike and Joey and says: ‘You see this kid? This is family. We’ll always take care of this man.’ “Here it is, 50 years later, and I’m still here,” Reyes said. Hall gave instructions to have Reyes sent to Piney Point, Maryland, for training before his first shipboard assignment. Continued on Page 9 Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $344,518,301 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $343,071,717 as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,446,584. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $86,536,416. This income included employer contributions of $123,945,964, employee contributions of $458,200, realized losses of $(7,754,600) from the sale of assets and other losses or earnings from investments of $(31,137,648), and other income of 1,024,500. Plan expenses were $85,089,832. These expenses included $15,092,717 in administrative expenses and $69,997,115 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report. 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers. 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $11 for the full report or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_@PUBLIC.DOL.GOV and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. DECEMBER 2023 �Garamendi Reintroduces Bill Requiring Offshore Energy Developers to Hire American Workers O ne of the most fervent supports of the U.S. maritime industry recently reintroduced a bill that would benefit American workers. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) in mid-October submitted a bill titled “Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act,” which would eliminate nearly a half-century of gaps that disadvantage American workers (known as “letter rulings”) by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Specifically, these loopholes allow federal regulators to circumvent the Jones Act – a time-tested federal maritime law that mandates the use of vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American when it comes to transporting cargo from one domestic port to another. The SIU is one of many maritime labor organizations supporting the bill. Garamendi is the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He served as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation from 2013 to 2018. “The U.S. government should do everything in its power to prevent foreign vessels from paying poverty wages to take jobs from Americans working in our maritime industry,” he said. “Sadly, federal regulators have largely enabled it instead. My Closing Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act would finally enforce the law as Congress intended when it created the Jones Act in 1920. Passing my legislation means maximizing job opportunities for American mariners, U.S.flagged vessels and domestic shipyard workers.” He added, “In January 2021, President Biden’s first executive order after assuming office directed federal agencies to maximize the use of American mariners, American-built ships, and U.S.-flagged vessels under the Jones Act. Less than 90 days later, Customs and Border Protection issued a letter ruling contradicting the president’s policy to allow foreign vessels to construct energy projects on the Outer Continental Shelf. My bill will force federal bureaucrats to implement the president’s policy by fully enforcing the Jones Act.” According to the congressman, the Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act (H.R.5991) would: - Close the “oceanographic research vessel” loophole, thereby preventing commercial vessels engag- ing in seismic-blasting and similar pre-construction activities for offshore energy development in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone at sea from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “vessel equipment,” “lifting operations,” and “installation vessel” loopholes, thereby preventing vessels with cranes and similar equipment from moving building materials into place to construct offshore energy development in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone at sea from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “paid out, not unladen” loophole, thereby preventing vessels transporting and installing undersea cable between the mainland United States and fixed points like offshore platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “decommissioning” loophole, thereby preventing vessels decommissioning offshore platforms on the Outer Continental Shelf from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “seabed sample” loophole, thereby preventing commercial vessels taking samples from the seafloor on the Outer Continental Shelf for offshore energy development from skirting the Jones Act. - Close the “pristine seabed” loophole, thereby preventing commercial vessels that artificially place rocks or other aggregates by vessel – known as “scour protection material” – on the seafloor of the Outer Continental Shelf for offshore energy development from skirting the Jones Act. - Allow Jones Act operators to appeal letter rulings by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that undermine the Jones Act. - Subject Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement of the Jones Act to the Congressional Review Act, which applies to nearly all other major national policy and regulatory decisions at federal agencies. - Require foreign-flagged vessels operating on the Outer Continental Shelf purporting to operate under a Jones Act exemption to publicly notify Customs and Border Protection, citing the specific purported exemption and its legal basis. - Authorize Customs and Border Protection to penalize foreign-flagged vessels operating on the Outer Continental Shelf under a purported Jones Act exemption for failing to notify the federal agency. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) - Require that offshore energy developers pay a prevailing wage determined by the U.S. Department of Labor under the Davis-Bacon Act. - Direct the U.S. Coast Guard to fully implement Garamendi’s 2020 amendment, which reaffirmed that federal laws like the Jones Act that already applied to offshore oil and gas also apply to offshore renewable energy production in the United States’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) at sea. In addition to the SIU, those supporting the Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act legislation include the Offshore Marine Service Association; American Waterways Operators; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; Maritime Trades Department; Metal Trades Department; American Radio Association; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; American Maritime Officers; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Firemen’s Union; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; International Longshore and Warehouse Union; and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers. Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: - Equal rights to participate in union activities - Freedom of speech and assembly - Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments - Protection of the right to sue - Safeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: - Nominate candidates for office - Run for office - Cast a secret ballot - Protest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected of- DECEMBER 2023 ficer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/ or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: - File an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. - Retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: - Conduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. - Conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. - Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. - Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. - Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). - Permit candidates to have election observers. - Allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •77 �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $32,110,526 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $34,979,646 as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced an decrease in its net assets of $(2,869,120). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $68,249,839. This income included employer contributions of $72,888,240, realized losses of $(1,117,849) from the sale of assets, other losses from investments of $(3,680,838) and other income of $160,286. Plan expenses were $71,118,959. These expenses included $7,484,445 in administrative expenses and $63,634,514 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report. 2. Assets held for investment; and 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $15.25 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2022to December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $15,048,433. These expenses included $1,260,680 in administrative expenses and $13,787,753 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 15,228 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $147,590,346 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $170,534,853 as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $(22,944,507). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $(7,896,074), including employer contributions of $10,081,055, employee contributions of $166,973, losses of $(4,031,861) from the sale of assets, loss from investments of $(14,123,476) and other income of $11,235. The plan has a contract with The Prudential Insurance Company of America which allocates funds toward individual policies. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report. 2. Assets held for investment. 3. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. 4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 301-899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.75 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(k) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). 1. An accountant’s report. 2. Financial Information and information on payments to service providers. 3. Assets held for investment. 4. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $5,169,054. These expenses included $166,524 in administrative expenses, $4,869,458 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $133,072 in deemed distributions. A total of 16,730 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $55,489,159 as of December 31, 2022 compared to $62,609,715 as of January 1, 2022. During the plan year the plan experienced an decrease in its net assets of $(7,120,556). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $(1,951,502), including employee contributions of $6,964,017, other contributions of $111,338, earnings from investments of $(9,155,591) and other income of $128,734. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_@PUBLIC.DOL.GOV and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $12.50 for the full report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 88 • SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2023 �A Career at Sea: Memories from a Longtime Mariner Continued from Page 6 “I says to George McCartney, Don’t you have a school here in Brooklyn or Manhattan or the Bronx? He said, ‘No, it’s in Maryland.’ “I don’t have money to get to Maryland. How am I going to get to Maryland?” Reyes said. “In all honesty, George goes into his pocket and pulls out a hundred-dollar-bill, and says: ‘I never want you to be without money again. We’re going put you to work and you’re always going to have money and you’re going to have a good future.’ “Mike says, ‘Look, Freddie, we’re going to be down in Piney Point in about two weeks and we’ll be down there when you get there, so you’re not going to be alone.’ “Are you sure?” Reyes asked. “Joey grabbed me and says: ‘We’re going to be friends forever.’” Reyes attended Piney Point for 12 weeks and left for his first shipboard assignment. “My very first ship was the Sealand McLean, which was a brand-new SL-7,” he remembered. His first job was in the steward department taking care of the forward house. “We set sail from Port Elizabeth and got to the Verrazano Bridge, and the movement of the ship – I got seasick the minute we passed by the Statue of Liberty,” Reyes said. “Back then, they used to make the run from New Jersey to Rotterdam in four days. I was sick the whole trip over and I was sick the whole trip back. I got off that ship 11 days later and said, I quit. I’m not going on another ship. “I had money in my pocket and I went home,” he said. “I hung out for a couple of days. My mom asked me how the trip was, my uncle asked me how the trip was, and I saw my grandfather. I said, Man, I’m not going out there. This was wintertime, so I had my first ship crossing the Atlantic – a super-fast ship that was moving all over the place. Yeah, I was sick. “My grandfather says, ‘You are going back out there, now!’ So I went back to the union hall and grabbed another ship, and that was the Elizabethport,” another Sealand Service, Inc. ship. “That’s how my career started,” Reyes said. “When we were crossing the Atlantic, I was getting sick all over the place,” he said. “I thought I wanted to be a bosun or captain. I wanted to be in the deck department. I’d go down to the engine room, and when I went down to the engine room, because it’s a low point of gravity down there, I’d be comfortable. That’s how my engineering career started – I’d go down to the engine room because I didn’t feel seasick down there.” Reyes took one more shot at a career in the deck department, signing on as an ordinary seaman on a Jones Act tanker running from New York to Texas. He found himself getting bored standing the bow watch the entire trip. The next job he took, he signed on as a wiper and never sailed outside the engine department again. A few years later, Reyes returned to Piney Point to complete the required seniority program training to earn his A-seniority book with the SIU. This entailed a week or two of classes at the school followed by a week or two in New York going to the morning production meetings with Paul Hall and Vice President Angus “Red” Campbell, he said. “Red knew my father and my grandfather, so I had a lot of camaraderie there. During one of the morning meetings – there were four of us – it was (current SIU Executive Vice President) Augie Tellez, (current Vice President West Coast) Nick Marrone and two others…. Reyes sailed with the SIU for several years. He would typically sail for five or six months at a time, come home for a few weeks, and after routine prodding from his grandfather, would turn around and go back to sea. By 1979, Reyes had earned a license. But his introduction to working as an engineering officer commenced well before he sat for the exams. A few years earlier, he was assigned to attend a new course at Piney Point to qualify to sail on LNG carriers. He ended up working as a pumpman aboard three such ships coming out of the shipyard. He continued sailing on LNG carriers as a QMED, and with guidance from the engineering officers sailing aboard the ships – represented at that time by District 1 MEBA – learned a great deal about the roles and responsibilities of a marine engineer. “By the time I got a license, I was still sailing on an LNG ship in the capacity of a QMED,” Reyes said. “I got off that ship, went home for a few weeks, then jumped on an AMO ship as a third engineer.” Reyes had gotten married in 1980 and was living in Daytona Beach with his wife and their one-year-old child when, in 1983, he was contacted by American Maritime Officers (at that time District 2 MEBA) regarding that first job as a third engineer aboard the Cove Trader. He continued sailing both licensed and unlicensed in alternating voyages, returning to the LNG fleet between AMO job assignments to earn as much money as he could. “For two or three years, I was sailing as a QMED and as an engineer. I don’t know if you can do that anymore,” Reyes said. Reyes paused for a moment to identify both the captain of the Cove Trader, the late John “Black Jack” Flanagan, and the chief engineer, Alfred “Rocky” Miliano, with whom he still maintains a close friendship. Reyes also remembered meeting STAR Center Director of Training Jerry Pannell, who was sailing as a junior deck officer on the Cove Trader at the time. “Sailing back then was different,” Reyes said. “There was a lot of camaraderie – in the crew and in the officer ranks. There wasn’t a lot of communication, so we were mariners on a ship in the middle of the ocean. “It’s a whole new generation of mariners now. There’s a different level of sophistication. The technology onboard the vessels – it’s strictly business now. There’s nothing wrong with it, but it is different. “It’s been a great life voyage for me, personally, being a mariner – being in the crew, and I’ve been an officer for quite a few decades,” Reyes said. “I really care for the crew. I make sure to look after them…. Former Seafarer Fred Reyes is pictured with his wife, Nora. Reyes also reflected upon a situation which stemmed from the sealift operation during the first Gulf War – after Iraq invaded Kuwait – and identified a reality faced by the U.S. maritime industry to this day. “I was on the Cornhusker State. I was second engineer. We get to Saudi Arabia … and I was standing on the dock and there was a bunch of young soldiers there. One of them asked if I was CIA, because I was dressed in civvies, and I was, like, no. He says, ‘Well, what are you doing here?’ “I came on the ship,” Reyes said. “I’m a merchant mariner. Then I pointed to the ship and said, How do you think the war machine got from the United States to here? And he says, ‘The Navy.’ And I said no, the Navy are warriors. We are the civilian mariners who support you, the combatant. You see those helicopters coming off that ship? How do you think they got here? “Now I had their full attention and I explained it to them,” Reyes said. “Most people, most Americans, really don’t understand what the Merchant Marine is and what we do. “For me, going to sea is part of the fabric of my existence,” he said. “Whether it be alongside a dock or crossing the oceans, that’s what I do. I was born to do that and I’m very proud of it. “I appreciate and I love the SIU for providing the vehicle for me to have this wonderful life as a mariner, and I appreciate the AMO as an organization for taking care of me and my family,” Reyes said. “We as mariners are a certain breed of human being who do what we do.” Reyes addressed a final point to the next generation of the U.S. Merchant Marine, both junior officers coming out of the academies and hawsepipers beginning their careers as unlicensed mariners. “Within this industry, you can start at the bottom and work your way up to the top. And it’s possible to do it, because I did it,” Reyes said. “I’m very thankful that going to sea has given me a great life. Because I’ve had a ball.” USTRANSCOM Honors Retired SIU President SIU President Michael Sacco on Oct. 31 received the Pegasus Award, “which honors individuals or groups as strong proponents of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) and its mission,” the agency reported. SIU President David Heindel (right) accepted the honor on Sacco’s behalf, during a joint meeting of USTRANSCOM and the National Defense Transportation Association in Orlando, Florida. USTRANSCOM Commanding Officer Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (left) presented the plaque. She stated that people with “innovative visions, passion to fulfill them, and fearless dedication to win are the ones who will help us achieve the impossible.” She said Sacco “is one of those people who has been critical to all of us in achieving the impossible. Mike is a true American Patriot.…Thank you for being a terrific team player to USTRANSCOM, the [Joint Deployment Distribution Enterprise], and our nation.” DECEMBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU TALKING MARITIME IN D.C. – SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (right) chats with former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi at a recent gathering in the nation’s capital. Suozzi is trying to regain his former Long Island seat now held by Rep. George Santos. SPREADING THE WORD IN LONE STAR STATE - SIU Patrolmen Kirk Pegan (left) and Kelly Krick stand prepared to discuss the SIU and its affiliated school during a late-October career fair in Willowbrook, Texas. ABOARD ENERGY HERCULES – Meeting aboard the Seabulk vessel are (standing, from left) SIU Asst. VPs Chris Westbrook and Mike Russo, Capt. Chris Kibodeaux, Mate Nick Stickell, and (front) Engineer Mike Matte. RECRUITING IN GARDEN STATE – SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos (right) and Safety Director Ali Alhamyari man a table at a wellattended career fair in Elizabeth, New Jersey. ABOARD EL COQUI – Pictured aboard the Intrepid vessel are (above left, from left, starting in front): Recertified Steward Bryan Alvarez, Chief Cook Tamara Russ, SIU AVP Amancio Crespo. Back row, also from left: ABM Jorge Soler, ABW John Paul Mauras, Recertified Bosun Abel Vazquez, ABW Juan Chevalier Jr., ABM Raul Colon. In the other photo, in back, from left: Vazquez, Soler, Colon. In front: Crespo, vessel master Capt. Nicholas St. Jean, QMED Kevin Johnson, Electrician Rodney Passapera, Oiler Lance Gibson, Alvarez. WELCOME ASHORE - Longtime Seafarer Timothy Pillsworth (right in both photos) has decided to retire. He joined the union in 1978 and mainly sailed as an electrician, though in recent years he worked as a crane operator. He’s pictured with his son Kyle (also an SIU member) (left) and with SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (second photo). 10 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 • SEAFARERS ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – Another tempting meal is served up by (from left) Chief Cook Fernando Marques, SA Luis Perez and Recertified Steward Tony Mendez aboard the TOTE vessel, inbound to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from Jacksonville, Florida. DECEMBER 2023 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WEST-COAST OUTREACH – SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman is ready to welcome industry newcomers during a recent career fair in Downey, California. NEW BOOK FOR ‘A-MAN’ IN CHARM CITY – Bosun Michael Kanga (right) picks up his replacement book at the Baltimore hall. At left is SIU Representative Jose Argueta. Kanga is an A-seniority member who filled his old book, hence the newly acquired one. NOTEWORTHY GATHERING - October 16 proved historic on the West Coast, as the Wilmington, California, hall hosted its first membership meeting as a constitutional port. Many of the attendees are pictured above. DISCUSSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS – In mid-October, Maj. Joe Rodriguez (right) from the Puerto Rico Army National Guard visited the hiring hall in San Juan to discuss potential maritime career opportunities for U.S. military veterans. He’s pictured with (from left) SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, who’s an Army veteran, and Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, a Navy veteran. GRASSROOTS SUPPORT – A number of Seafarers volunteered to support the campaign of John Whitmire, labor-backed candidate for Houston mayor. Whitmire received the most votes but is headed for a Dec. 9 runoff, something that had been widely predicted. Working the phones are (above, right, counterclockwise, starting at front right) OS Wageeh Saeed, OS Ibrahim Ahmed, Chief Cook Yohanes Pribadi, ABM Sirio Centino, SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan, SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala, SA Charles Hanohano, GUDE Darwin Santos Nunez, OS Ezzaddin Saeed, GUDE Irving Guerrero, and OS Richmond Almocera. Pictured from left in photo above, left are AB Daniel Hanback and Recertified Bosun Luis Garcia, while the remaining photo includes (from left) SA Fredy Ruiz and GUDE Ricky Guity. DECEMBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG•11 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 14, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14, 2023. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 20 1 3 18 4 6 9 28 25 28 4 2 17 8 3 0 5 17 2 21 7 0 3 10 0 3 2 15 21 9 0 0 13 5 0 1 5 6 1 6 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 3 4 1 0 0 4 1 0 1 3 2 0 3 11 0 3 12 3 3 4 17 21 17 2 5 14 8 1 1 4 17 0 19 5 0 2 10 0 3 0 8 11 8 1 1 8 3 1 0 0 5 1 5 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 1 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 0 1 6 0 2 3 12 13 12 2 0 5 3 2 1 4 8 0 6 29 3 2 30 3 16 15 42 39 37 3 11 27 17 7 1 9 24 4 45 6 3 3 12 0 6 5 35 33 9 2 5 19 3 1 5 10 8 0 9 3 0 0 1 1 3 1 6 7 2 0 2 7 2 0 0 3 5 1 7 TOTAL 221 107 26 162 72 16 85 364 174 51 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 2 1 1 5 0 1 4 11 13 8 2 1 10 7 4 2 4 4 0 10 90 1 1 1 3 0 2 2 6 13 4 2 1 7 1 0 2 1 1 0 7 55 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 0 1 9 3 1 0 0 2 0 5 32 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 7 3 0 0 4 0 0 2 1 4 1 6 36 4 2 2 10 1 2 8 17 24 13 5 2 24 5 3 4 7 9 2 19 163 1 2 0 4 0 3 2 11 17 3 2 4 9 4 0 0 1 3 1 8 75 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 3 2 1 0 1 9 3 1 0 0 4 0 5 34 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 8 10 3 0 1 5 3 1 0 2 5 0 6 50 7 0 1 10 1 3 6 18 28 14 3 2 19 17 3 4 2 11 1 35 185 2 0 1 4 1 3 2 12 23 6 0 1 17 5 1 7 10 4 0 12 111 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 5 1 0 0 8 2 1 2 2 0 0 2 29 5 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 5 2 1 0 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 3 13 1 2 10 1 4 4 33 52 20 1 0 13 7 1 6 1 9 1 19 15 1 0 15 2 10 8 39 136 27 1 2 51 11 0 14 4 7 1 14 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to (412) 899-8989. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to (412) 899-8989. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. December & January Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Monday: Dec. 4, Jan. 8 Friday: Dec. 8, Jan. 12 Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11 Thursday: Dec. 21 , Jan. 25 Friday: Dec. 15 , Jan. 19 Monday: Dec. 11 , Tuesday: Jan. 16 Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11 Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Port Everglades San Juan Wednesday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17 Tuesday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 Tuesday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 Friday: Dec. 8, Jan. 12 Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18 Wednesday: Dec. 6, Jan. 10 Thursday: Dec. 14, Jan. 18 Thursday: Dec. 7, Jan. 11 St. Louis Friday: Dec. 15, Jan. 19 Tacoma Friday: Dec. 22, Jan. 26 Wilmington Monday: Dec. 18, Jan. 22 Houston change due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m Engine Department 4 0 2 8 0 0 2 4 14 4 0 1 10 6 1 0 1 4 1 4 66 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 3 8 3 1 0 10 1 0 3 1 3 0 5 44 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 17 Steward Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 4 0 0 7 1 2 4 12 22 9 2 2 10 12 4 2 0 3 0 12 108 2 0 0 3 0 1 1 6 13 2 0 1 10 2 3 5 6 3 1 9 68 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 1 4 2 1 0 0 17 1 0 0 4 1 3 6 10 10 6 0 2 6 7 2 4 1 4 0 12 79 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 2 1 4 1 2 4 17 19 10 1 0 15 2 1 5 0 4 1 14 13 1 2 8 1 5 7 17 67 11 1 1 18 7 0 18 2 4 1 9 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 8 2 0 1 8 0 2 1 4 3 1 5 41 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 5 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 18 Entry Department 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 11 12 8 1 0 8 4 0 8 0 4 0 3 8 1 2 3 0 0 2 8 22 5 2 0 10 7 0 7 0 2 1 2 TOTAL 9 112 193 4 62 82 24 18 198 358 GRAND TOTAL 428 342 268 311 219 133 195 730 558 472 12 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), August 26 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Abraham Mills. Chairman extended thanks to all, especially the steward department. Steward delegate thanked crew for helping to keep the ship clean and thanked the deck department for their cooperation when providing help to the galley gang. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to check all documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded members to attend SIU meetings for updated information. Crew gave thanks to union president for his good work securing a new contract. Members requested cost of living increases to occur every two years and an increase in vacation and pension pay. Crew reported nice weather and a safe voyage. GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations, LLC), August 29 – Chairman Antjuan Webb, Secretary Marcelo Param, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Engine Delegate Benjamin Thuringer. Chairman advised members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. Deck delegate encouraged crew to be familiar with work being done in each department and with overall vessel operations. Crew suggested modification in vacation benefits and expressed concern about reduced OT. Members discussed union health benefits and asked for coldweather jackets for freezer. GREEN BAY (Waterman Transport, Inc.), September 7 – Chairman Nicholas Turano, Secretary Kevin Bozis, Deck Delegate George Fababier. Members discussed port schedules, relief statuses and proper sanitation procedures. Educational director encouraged crew to stay on top of their physicals and to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Ship fund to be used to purchase snacks in Japan. Deck delegate reiterated the importance of safe working habits and the use of personal protective equipment. Steward delegate asked for crew’s patience while awaiting fresh stores. Members requested modification in vacation benefits. Next port: Vancouver, Washington. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), September 10 – Chairman Adel Ahmed, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Steward Delegate Nasr Almusab. New treadmill received August 28. Refrigerator still needed in crew mess. Chairman informed crew of newly constitutionalized ports including Norfolk, Jacksonville, Wilmington and Tacoma. Secretary reminded members to pick up after themselves in both the crew mess and laundry room. Educational director advised crew to check for upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Relief crew members only get two sets of overalls, crew is asking for a minimum of three, as well as better-quality rain gear. Members asked to increase Wi-Fi allowance to 1 gigabyte per day and to also increase vacation days to 20 for 30. Crew would like to qualify for vacation after 30 days of employment and for the steward assistant pay scale to be equal to entry level positions in other departments. Members requested a new espresso machine. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management, LLC), September 10 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Nathan Brailsford, Educational Director Melvin Ratcliff, Deck Delegate Luis Garcia, Engine Delegate Shaun Castain, Steward Delegate Munassar Ali. Chairman complimented crew. Members asked for an updated contract. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew proposed contract revision to include penalty time for pumpman while performing certain tasks. Members requested 15 for 30 vacation days and commended steward department for putting out good food. the union’s ongoing recruiting efforts and asked members to be proactive in bringing in and training new members. Chairman gave thanks to steward department. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school. He asked them to give guidance to newcomers and to help each other when needed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed pension benefits and asked for 20 for 30 vacation days. Members expressed their dissatisfaction with entry-level pay increase as well as their frustrations working with Acuity. According to crew, it can take up to seven weeks for Acuity to clear them for work. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), September 10 – Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Oscar Gomez, Educational Director Derek Chestnut, Deck Delegate George Lammers, Engine Delegate Joseph Jacobs, Steward Delegate Oscar Ramos. Payoff scheduled September 12, per chairman. Educational director encouraged members to check course dates offered at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattress covers and gave a special thanks to the steward department for a job well done. TACOMA (Matson Navigation), September 17 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Lovie Perez, Educational Director Andrew Gronotte. Chairman discussed various points regarding physical exams. Any ideas for changes, concerns, or disagreements pertaining to medical may be sent to Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen. TWIC cards now may renewed online. Crew discussed requirements for upgrading in Piney Point. They noted that entry ratings will not be able to obtain A-seniority books without upgrading. Secretary advised crew to use the SIU portal to access sea time, union documents, direct deposit for vacation pay and scheduling physicals. Educational director urged members to upgrade often at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew made suggestions regarding permanent and rotary jobs, reliefs, and job calls. They requested free, unlimited Wi-Fi access. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), September 17 – Chairman Donny Castillo, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Marco Baez Milan, Deck Delegate Domingo Cazon, Engine Delegate Jean Paul Lozada, Steward Delegate Juan Poblete. Chairman encouraged crew to read the Seafarers LOG and reminded them that it is also available online. He mentioned Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return DECEMBER 2023 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •13 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class. That class included 11 Seafarers; the remaining five responses will be published in the next edition. Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Stephen Gately Recertified Bosun HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 I’m a third-generation sailor, and my two brothers had joined the union from the oil fields. I’ve stayed because this is better than riding crew boats. We have stability, good money, and you’re able to get your time in. The pension plan is another reason I’ve stuck with it. 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 Ali Alhamyari Recertified Bosun 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 I’m second generation; my father was NMU. I joined because I was tired of deadend jobs, and I was looking for a career rather than just a job. This has kept me off the streets and out of trouble. I joined in 2008, Class 716. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Ricky Rivera Recertified Bosun JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 I joined the SIU mainly for work and travel. I mean, where else do you get to travel the world and get paid? I remained with the union because it has been a blessing for me and my family. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Godofredo Milabo Recertified Bosun To experience what my father did on ships and to see the world. I have stayed with the SIU because it’s a good way to make a living while seeing the world at the same time. Jabr Ali Recertified Bosun The best thing that has ever happened to me was joining the SIU. It has helped me and my family, especially when it comes to finances. Charles Ford Recertified Bosun I joined the SIU for the chance to make a great living, and have months off at a time. The job is fun and I enjoy sailing on the West Coast, as I can see family and friends when we get to port. I have remained in the union because I enjoy the work that I do. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Infamous for having once booed Santa Claus, Philadelphia sports fans undoubtedly would’ve given a standing ovation to this particular Seafaring Santa (seated in the back), pictured with guests at the hiring hall during a holiday celebration. This LOG office file photo is undated, but the staff hopes it engenders the holiday spirit for our readers. 14 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2023 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA ANTONIO ARIZALA Brother Antonio Arizala, 65, started his career with the union in 2004. He first shipped on the Cape Lobos and sailed in the deck department. Brother Arizala upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the Global Sentinel and makes his home in Brooklyn, Maryland. MUHIDDIN AWALE Brother Muhiddin Awale, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996 when he sailed aboard the USNS Antares. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Awale shipped in the deck department and last worked on the Cape Island. He is a resident of Tukwila, Washington. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. MARK FLEMING JUSTINO MARTINEZ DAVID PAPPAS Brother Mark Fleming, 68, became a member of the union in 1979. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed aboard the Mount Explorer. Brother Fleming upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the Cape Kennedy and lives in New Orleans. Brother Justino Martinez, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2000 and first sailed aboard the Bernard F. Fisher. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and sailed in the steward department. Brother Martinez’s final vessel was the Maersk Durban. He makes his home in New York City. Brother David Pappas, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1977 when he sailed aboard the USNS Potomac. Brother Pappas upgraded often at the Piney Point school. A steward department member, he last shipped on the USNS Capella. Brother Pappas settled in Davenport, Florida. LAWRENCE HOLBERT KELLY MAYO WILFREDO PEREZ Brother Lawrence Holbert, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1988, initially sailing on the OMI Dynachem. Brother Holbert was a member of the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Holbert last shipped on the Perseverance and lives in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Brother Kelly Mayo, 63, started his career with the union in 1970, initially sailing with Michigan Tankers Inc. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Mayo most recently shipped on the Overseas Nikiski. He lives in Inverness, Florida. Brother Wilfredo Perez, 65, signed on with the union in 2003. He was a steward department member and first sailed aboard the Energy Enterprise. Brother Perez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last shipped on the Maersk Durban. He makes his home in Dorchester, Massachusetts. GERALD HYMAN KENNETH MOORE CAMILO VILLAFANIA Brother Gerald Hyman, 61, donned the SIU colors in 1982 when he sailed aboard the Cove Leader. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hyman most recently sailed on the Independence. He is a resident of Newport News, Virginia. Brother Kenneth Moore, 66, became an SIU member in 1980 when he shipped on the John Tyler. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Moore’s final vessel was the Liberty Sun. He resides in Harvey, Louisiana. Brother Camilo Villafania, 66, became a member of the SIU in 1997 and sailed in both the deck and steward departments. He first shipped aboard the Independence and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Villafania’s final vessel was the USNS Bowditch. He resides in Honolulu. PAUL LONGLEY OMAR MUHAMMAD Brother Paul Longley, 66, joined the union in 2001. A deck department member, he initially shipped on the Kenai. Brother Longley upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the Santorini and resides in Austin, Texas. Brother Omar Muhammad, 70, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing on the USNS Bold. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Muhammad last shipped on the Jack Lummus and makes his home in Detroit. LARRY MARTIN CHARLES MULL MICHAEL WILSON Brother Larry Martin, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977. He first sailed aboard the Ogden Challenger and worked in the deck department. Brother Martin upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last worked aboard the Cape Knox and is a New Orleans resident. Brother Charles Mull, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989 and initially worked on the Independence. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the American Phoenix. Brother Mull upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He calls Vero Beach, Florida, home. Brother Michael Wilson, 62, signed on with the union in 1981. He was a deck department member and first sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Wilson upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He was most recently employed with Seabulk Towing and settled in Groves, Texas. LEO BACALL Brother Leo Bacall, 65, joined the union in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Bacall’s final vessel was the Horizon Tiger. He calls Hayward, California, home. ROMEO BENDICO Brother Romeo Bendico, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2001 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bendico most recently sailed aboard the Gem State. He resides in Tukwila, Washington. BRAD BRUNETTE Brother Brad Brunette, 63, joined the union in 1978, initially sailing on the Overseas Natalie. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Brunette last shipped on the Green Cove and makes his home in Miami Beach, Florida. GODFREY EGODOTAYE Brother Godfrey Egodotaye, 69, started sailing with the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, he first worked on the Meteor. Brother Egodotaye upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His final vessel was the Overseas Houston. Brother Egodotaye is a Houston resident. DECEMBER 2023 INLAND MARK SHEFFLER Brother Mark Sheffler, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1979. A deck department member, he was employed with the Association of Maryland Pilots for the duration of his career. Brother Sheffler lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MANUEL BEATA Pensioner Manuel Beata, 93, passed away September 6. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1966 and first sailed with Gulf Canal Lines. He sailed in the engine department. Brother Beata last shipped on the Pride. He retired in 1994 and settled in Maywood, New Jersey. WILLIAM CSAPO Pensioner William Csapo, 69, died June 24. He became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Commerce. Brother Csapo was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Cape Trinity in 1995. Brother Csapo became a pensioner in 2019 and made his home in Vancouver, Washington. ROY GREEN Pensioner Roy Green, 59, passed away September 29. He joined the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Green sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Bay State. He started collecting his pension earlier this year and was a Houston resident. WILFRED JEFFERS Pensioner Wilfred Jeffers, 82, passed away October 8. He became a member of the SIU in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Maersk Maine. Brother Jeffers worked in the deck department. He retired in 2013 after sailing aboard his final vessel, the Maersk Iowa. Brother Jeffers resided in Covington, Georgia. BRUCE KORTE Pensioner Bruce Korte, 70, died October 7. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Vindicator. Brother Korte was an engine department member and last sailed on the Texas in 2016. He went on pension the following year and settled in Orange, Texas. ROBERT LINDSAY Pensioner Robert Lindsay, 69, passed away October 29. He joined the SIU in 1990 and first shipped on the Cape Nome. Brother Lindsay was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Cape Ray. He went on pension in March of this year and made his home in Norfolk, Virginia. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. INLAND LAUREANO PEREZ Pensioner Laureano Perez, 90, died October 16. Born in Spain, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1955. Brother Perez was initially employed with Ore Navigation Corporation. An engine department member, he last shipped on the Long Lines. Brother Perez retired in 1988 and resided in Baltimore. JOSE SEPULVEDA Pensioner Jose Sepulveda, 74, passed away September 5. He donned the SIU colors in 1994 when he shipped on the USNS Algol. Brother Sepulveda sailed in all three departments. He concluded his career aboard the Liberty Star and became a pensioner in 2016. Brother Sepulveda lived in Houston. NICANOR SERENO Pensioner Nicanor Sereno, 82, died August 31. He became a member of the union in 2000, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Sereno was a steward department member. He last shipped on the Pacific Collector before retiring in 2013. Brother Sereno was a resident of Morton, Illinois. JOHN SHIVERS Pensioner John Shivers, 73, passed away September 19. He signed on with the SIU in 1997. Brother Shivers first shipped on the USNS Pollux. A deck department member, he last sailed on the Green Bay. Brother Shivers went on pension in 2017 and called Sun Valley, Nevada, home. GREAT LAKES ROBERT CHARTERS Pensioner Robert Charters, 85, died September 13. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1963, initially sailing with American Steamship Company. Brother Charters was a deck department member and last sailed on the Sam Laud. He became a pensioner in 2000 and settled in Frankfort, Michigan. 16 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS FREDDY HAMILTON Pensioner Freddy Hamilton, 85, died October 6. He started sailing with the SIU in 1983. Brother Hamilton initially worked with Dixie Carriers and primarily sailed in the steward department. He last shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation and became a pensioner in 2004. Brother Hamilton lived in Floral City, Florida. JACK LEE Pensioner Jack Lee, 91, passed away October 11. He joined the SIU in 1965. Brother Lee sailed in the deck department. He retired in 1997 after concluding his career with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother Lee made his home in Frisco City, Alabama. ALBERT SCHMITT Pensioner Albert Schmitt, 75, died October 18. A deck department member, he signed on with the union in 1967. Brother Schmitt sailed with Crescent Towing and Salvage for most of his career. He became a pensioner in 2007 and lived in New Orleans. FORD SOLOMON Pensioner Ford Solomon, 95, passed away September 19. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 and worked in the deck department. Brother Solomon was employed with Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. He went on pension in 1990 and called Monroeville, Alabama, home. ALVERTIA WEST Pensioner Alvertia West, 71, died October 5. He joined the union in 1971 when he worked with Dravo Basic Materials. Brother West was a deck department member and last sailed with Martin Marietta in 1995. Brother West began collecting his pension in 2014 and resided in Fairhope, Alabama. NMU ABRAHAM COLON Pensioner Abraham Colon, 97, passed away September 26. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Colon began sailing in 1947. He sailed in the engine department, initially on the Ben F. Dixon. Brother Colon’s final ship was the Edgar Queeny. He became a pensioner in 1987 and settled in Deltona, Florida. JOHN GUIBORD Pensioner John Guibord, 69, died August 23. Brother Guibord was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Export Patriot in 1996. Brother Guibord began collecting his pension in 2019 and lived in St. James, Florida. DUDLEY JOHNSON Pensioner Dudley Johnson, 96, passed away September 2. Brother Johnson began sailing in 1965, initially aboard the Export Bay. He worked in the engine department and last shipped on the Jean Lykes. Brother Johnson went on pension in 1991 and settled in Winter Springs, Florida. VERNON MCLAUGHLIN Pensioner Vernon McLaughlin, 93, died August 18. Brother McLaughlin was a deck department member. He last shipped aboard the Cape Archway and retired in 1999. Brother McLaughlin lived in Sunrise, Florida. TERRY MCQUILLEN Pensioner Terry McQuillen, 81, passed away October 2. He was born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Brother McQuillen was a deck department member, sailing most recently aboard the Cape Henry in 2004. Brother McQuillen became a pensioner in 2014 and made his home in Fort Pierce, Florida. ANGEL MENA Pensioner Angel Mena, 101, passed away July 24. Born in Puerto Rico, he began sailing in 1945. Brother Mena first sailed on the Cape Flattery and worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Pasadena and began collecting his pension in 1973. Brother Mena resided in Orlando, Florida. HAROLD WASHINGTON Pensioner Harold Washington, 71, passed away September 7. Brother Washington sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Elizabeth Lykes before becoming a pensioner in 1990. Brother Washington resided in Mobile, Alabama, his home state. DECEMBER 2023 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 19 March 18 March 1 March 29 Able Seafarer - Deck January 22 March 11 February 9 March 29 AB to Mate January 22 July 12 Combined Basic/Advanced FF January 22 January 26 Medical Care Provider January 29 February 2 Basic Training Revalidation January 19 January 29 February 2 February 12 February 16 January 19 January 29 February 2 February 12 February 16 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation February 5 February 9 Government Vessels January 8 January 29 February 26 January 12 February 2 March 1 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL January 8 January 12 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG January 15 January 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT February 5 March 1 Junior Engineer January 8 March 1 Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Marine Refer Tech March 11 April 19 Machinist April 29 May 10 Pumpman April 22 April 26 Welding January 22 March 4 February 9 March 22 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook January 8 February 12 March 18 February 9 March 15 April 19 ServSafe Management February 5 March 11 February 9 March 15 Advanced Galley Ops January 8 March 18 February 2 April 12 Chief Steward February 12 March 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member COURSE ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. DECEMBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG17 • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos 900 APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #900 – Graduated October 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Ninesha Anderson, Jamal Boyette, Justin Brown, Alex Buchko, Nirel Escalante, Kenny Galeno, Theodore Hampton IV, DeCarlo Harris Jr., Joshua Higdon, Michael Migliore, Juan Murray, Ryan Nelson, Kevin O'Lone, Pablo Ovalle, John Smith, Jyheir Thompson, Trent Valentine and Tyler Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) BASIC SAFETY: PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – Graduated October 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Masha Blas, Treavon Hampton, Levi Moore and Klaus Wigand Leguizamon. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Qiana Holmes, Kyle Jolivette, Jawonn Nicholson, Kyunjre Randall, Aquil Revell, Angelo Santos, Natasha Staton, and Paulette Thompson. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Noli Aguirre, Sameer FOWT – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Jordan Allen, Tomas Faller, Dominic Jones, Joseph McClam and Abdulrehman Shayef. 18 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS Ahmed, Rahsaan Alexander, Yunlay Bridges, Leighanne Deano, Jon Erichsen, Mowaffak Ghaleb, Jason Hanlon, Cody Higgs, Ruby Jones, Eileen Mendiola, David Mohamed, Rodante Niebres, Tyler Peyton, Tresten Porter, Willie Sam, Wilton Williams Jr. and Ali Mossed Yahia. (Note: Not all are pictured.) DECEMBER 2023 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW - PHASE 3 – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Travis Akins Jr., Richard Calderon, Rickay Channer, Jamari Chavis, Juan Cruz, Diego Diaz Florez, Jackson Freitas, Austin Gonzalez, Delmus James, Jayline Johnson, Alex Needham, Valerie O'Reilly, Andrew Pecheux, Brian Ransom Jr., Abdul-Qadir Shahid, Hector Torres-Rodriguez and Christian Westcott. MACHINIST – Graduated October 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Abad, Jonathan Bernardez WATER SURVIVAL (LIFEBOATMAN) – Graduated October 6: Habash Ahmed. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated October 6: Vannessa Curd (not pictured), Nadzeya Kuptsova (right) and Andrew Miller (left). BASIC SAFETY: PERSONAL SAFETY AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES – Graduated October 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Yunlay Bridges, Jon Erichsen, Jason Hanlon, Brian Nixon, and Arthur Peoples. DECEMBER 2023 Bernardez, Michael Clark, Marlon Green, Wilbert Hinton, Jared Johnson, Robert Lee Pendarvis, Marcelino Santos Bermeo, Bryan Wells, and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Patrick Coppola is also pictured. (Note: Not all are pictured.) JUNIOR ENGINEER - BASIC REFRIGERATION & HVAC – Graduated October 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Eshrak Dewan, Jade Ezera, Marvin Fabrizius, Danielle Gore, Tyson Richardson, Liam Richey and Ahbram Ventura-Bishop. (Note: Not all are pictured.) GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Yunlay Bridges, Vannessa Curd, Jessica Dunney, Treavon Hampton, Devin Hoerr, Randy Madrid, Michael Maldonado, Ja'tarvis McDaniel, Levi Moore, Vicente Ordonez, Cory Riley, Edward Shamburger, Brya Sparks, Matthew Vargas, Klaus Wigand Leguizamon and John Wilson. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG19 • 19 �DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO NY Waterway Launches New Service One day before Halloween, SIU members employed by NY Waterway helped start a new service that could be described as a treat for local commuters in South Amboy, New Jersey. The passenger service – which was decades in the making – provides direct routes between South Amboy and two stops in Manhattan (Brookfield Place, Midtown). It is augmented by free local shuttles. SIU members sail as captains and deckhands aboard NY Waterway ferries. “This is a great day for all involved,” said South Amboy Mayor Fred A. Henry. “This is something that we have waited quite some time for.” “We’re thrilled to bring this ferry connection to the South Amboy community and to the thousands of commuters who live in surrounding Middlesex County and seek fast, comfortableand reliable service,” said NY Waterway President and CEO Armand Pohan. “Free parking, easy South Amboy rail connections and free shuttles locally and in New York City make the ferry a highly attractive commuting option and we expect the South Amboy terminal to be a catalyst for economic development in that area.” “This is a historic day for South Amboy and the surrounding communities,” said Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “This project is very personal for me. For most of my life I’ve heard from local business and civic leaders about what a regular ferry service could mean for my hometown, economically and culturally. I’m proud of the work we’ve done to coordinate local, state, and federal resources and I’m thrilled that a company of NY Waterway’s stature will be managing this operation. Generations of residents will benefit from this as our region thrives and grows.” A permanent ferry terminal is being built in South Amboy and is slated for completion in approximately 18 months, according to news reports. In the interim, boats are using a floating dock facility similar to ones that NY Waterway maintains at Pier 14 in Hoboken, New Jersey, and in the Paulus Hook section of Jersey City. U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-New Jersey) successfully advocated for a grant from the Federal Transit Administration that helped fund the new service. He was among the dignitaries who attended the ceremonial launch. “I’m proud to join state and local leaders in South Amboy today to witness the launch of the ferry,” Pallone said. “This moment is the culmination of years of hard work from everyone joining us today. The South Amboy ferry will give residents a new way to commute between Central Jersey and New York City and reduce traffic congestion. The ferry will also bolster economic opportunities in the city and surrounding area.” The ferry is expected to service more than 1,000 daily riders during each weekday and 250 daily riders on weekend days. This roughly equates to an annual weekday ridership of 260,000 and annual weekend ridership of 26,000, with a total annual ridership of 286,000 that will greatly lower daily commuter traffic congestion between Central New Jersey and Manhattan, Pallone’s office reported. Capt. Mike Khann SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson, NY Waterway President/CEO Armand Pohan, NY Waterway VP of Operations Alan Warren U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson San Juan Celebration SIU President David Heindel (at podium in photo below and at right in remaining photo) was a featured speaker Nov. 4 at the 20th anniversary celebration of Seafarers House San Juan. With backing from both the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Seafarers Trust and the Norwegian Seafarers Union, Seafarers House San Juan commenced operation after a few years of planning and preparation. Heindel thanked the facility and its personnel “for your tireless efforts…. I truly believe there isn’t a greater mission than that of Seafarers House San Juan. Helping seafarers feel at home, giving them whatever assistance they need, allowing them to make the most of their time ashore – these are all extremely important pursuits. We are our own community, and we have to look out for each other. That’s exactly what you do.” Pictured with him in the photo at right are SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (left) and Safety Director Ricky Rivera. Deckhands Jonathan Gage and Ignazio Minutillo � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2023 Description An account of the resource UNION, SCHOOL TEAM UP WITH U.S. -FLAG GROUP FOR NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK UNION VOTERS POWER ELECTION WINS SIU CREWS HONORED AT NDTA MEETING SIU, OTHERS BLAST PROPOSED SECOND REGISTRY APPRENTICES INSTRUMENTAL TO VETERANS DAY CEREMONY FORMER SEAFARER MARKS 50 YEARS AS SEAGOING UNION MEMBER GARAMENDI REINTRODUCES BILL REQUIRING OFFSHORE ENERGYY DEVELOPERS TO HIRE AMERICAN WORKERS UNION MEMBER RIGHTS, OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT USTRANSCOM HONORS RETIRED SIU PRESIDENT NY WATERWAY LAUNCHES NEW SERVICE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOLUME 85, NO. 12 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/63c200f8c3d20a517e69028ea171854f.pdf 9161743bbabadeaa20268460bfa4beda PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 12 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO BECK NOTICE • PAGE 5 // SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS • PAGE 8 �President’s Report Sailing Ahead as One Crew For several months leading up to Election Day, both in this space and elsewhere, I periodically suggested that our society as a whole would do well to remember that we are ultimately on the same side, even if we differ about certain governmental policies and preferred political candidates. With November 5 behind us, the SIU already has been working to promote and protect your jobs as well as the overall American maritime industry and the labor movement. Those efforts never end, regardless of who’s in office, and they take place at every level of government. Although the union-endorsed candidate did not win the presidential election, I remain confident in the sound reasoning behind our choice, starting with many years of having demonstrated unwavering support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. As reported elsewhere in this edition, a number of SIU-backed candidates did win in the House and Senate, respectively, and those outcomes should help us advance our goals. If you have paid attention to politics for any length of time, particularly when it comes to the White House, you know that every presidential election is billed as “the most important one of our lifetimes.” There’s rarely a shortage of fervent support for the main candidates. The stress is real. Nevertheless, this one felt different, and not in a good way. I respectfully ask all of us, myself included, to take a deep breath and give people the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume the worst about someone just because they don’t share your opinion or didn’t vote the same way. Whether or not you even decide to talk about politics is up to you, though I’ve found it more and more difficult to completely avoid the subject in this age of 24/7 connectivity. Judging someone because of how they voted is a different story, and that’s something each one of us can in fact control. Most importantly, I believe we need to move forward and focus on the work that lies ahead. Just like our crews pull together to keep the ship moving on the right course, our brothers and sisters throughout the SIU must work as a team to help preserve the U.S. Merchant Marine along with the laws and regulations that protect freedom of association, workplace safety, overtime pay, and so much more. I for one am glad the elections are over, and as we adjust to the incoming administration, I’ll remain focused on protecting the jobs and job security of all Seafarers. On the maritime side, that work will involve solidifying ongoing support of the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference laws, the Tanker Security Program, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, domestic shipbuilding, plus other laws and statutes that help keep Old Glory flying on the oceans, coastlines, Great Lakes and inland waterways. Enacting the Ships for America bill would be a fantastic start. When it comes to workers’ rights and freedom of association, I don’t think it’s alarmist to say we’re anticipating choppier seas. It’s no secret that public-sector unions will be in the crosshairs, and I’ll also be pleasantly surprised if we don’t have to fight against a proposed national “right to work” law. There will be other challenges, too. As mentioned, we’re not waiting around. We’re engaged in the nation’s capital, both with fellow maritime stakeholders and with our brothers and sisters from organized labor. We’ll continue working on your behalf and we’ll keep you informed, as always. Congratulations to all of the winning candidates. On behalf of the SIU membership, we look forward to working with you. Holiday Wishes We are wrapping up this edition before Thanksgiving, and I flat cannot believe that the winter holidays are already upon us once again. If you cannot relate to the feeling that the years are flying by, then I say, enjoy your youth! Meanwhile, I wish everyone in our SIU family a safe, happy, healthy holiday season. For those of you who are working during the holidays, thank you for your dedication. I know from firsthand experience that being away from home at those times can be difficult, and I don’t take your commitment for granted. SIU Helps Welcome New Dredge With SIU members and union representatives in attendance, Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) on Oct. 25 conducted a naming ceremony for its newest trailing suction hopper dredge, the Galveston Island. Approximately 70 people attended the event, which took place in warm, sunny weather in Galveston, Texas. According to the company, “With a capacity of 6,500 cubic yards and a dredging depth of up to 100 feet, Galveston Island is equipped to handle complex operations while reducing its environmental impact. This state-of-the-art dredge can operate on biofuel, making it a cleaner option for dredging work in the Great Lakes and other coastal projects. It also meets EPA Tier 4 regulations, which minimizes its carbon footprint and protects marine life by reducing the risk of species entrapment.” GLDD added, “Conrad Shipyard has designed the Galveston Island dredger to meet today’s sustainability demands. The vessel is equipped with a high-power pumping system to facilitate dredging, and incorporates dynamic positioning and tracking technology, ensuring more precise and effective operations.” The Galveston Island is 348 feet long and nearly 70 feet wide. SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday attended the ceremony. Zavala read a congratulatory message from SIU President David Heindel that stated in part, “This new ship is the most modern and advanced hopper dredge in the U.S. fleet. The men and women of the Seafarers International Union are excited and proud to be your partners, and we’re equally enthusiastic about serving on board the vessels…. We also look forward to crewing the next hopper dredge, the Amelia Island, as well as GLDD’s new offshore wind vessel, the Acadia. This allows us to continue our long-standing, productive relationship as we promote growth in the domestic fleet. The new vessels also reinforce American innovation and capability.” Zavala said he considers dredging operations as “the backbone of the industry. Without it, other ships can’t do their job.” The Galveston Island is expected to replace one of the company’s older dredges, the Terrapin Island, while the Amelia Island is slated for delivery in 2025. Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 12 Clara Petterson, wife of GLDD CEO Lasse Petterson, (right) does the honors during the gathering in Galveston, Texas. Multiple SIU crews from the dredge assemble for the ceremony. December 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG The new dredge is a state-of-the-art addition to the SIU-crewed Great Lakes Dredge & Dock fleet. (Photo by Jacob Luikart, via Marine Traffic) DECEMBER 2024 �Voting Continues in SIU’s 2024 Election Voting started last month and will continue through Dec. 31 in the election of officers of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. Balloting is taking place at 20 SIU halls across the country. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 2025-2028 term. Seafarers may obtain their ballots from 9 a.m. to noon, Mondays through Saturdays (except legal holidays), until Dec. 31. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions). Only two of the positions have more than one candidate running; those positions are highlighted on the ballot. Also included on this year’s ballot are 23 proposed amendments to the SIU Constitution. At the hiring halls and, when possible, on some ships or other locations where members congregate that are relatively close to a hall, a member in good standing (upon presenting his or her book) is given a ballot and two envelopes. After his or her selection is marked, the ballot is folded and placed inside an envelope marked “ballot.” That envelope then is sealed inside a postage-paid envelope bearing the mailing address of the bank depository where ballots are kept until submitted to the union tallying committee. The rank-and-file tallying committee, consisting of two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will be elected in December. They will convene in early January and will tabulate and announce the election results. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations and other related information appears on Pages 9-14 of the October 2024 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. From left, Chief Storekeeper Stacy Davis, SA Keyanna Williams, and Chief Cook Rosemary Glover are ready to vote at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall on the first day of balloting. Aboard the Isla Bella (TOTE Services) in Jacksonville, Florida, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman (left) prepares for members to secure their respective ballots. Recertified Bosun Tavell Love is at right; AB Jan Jalloh is standing. AB Alton Glapion casts the first vote at the New Orleans hall. Securing the first ballot this year at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is Chief Steward Jacob Parrilla (right), a second-generation Seafarer. At left is Safety Director Ricky Rivera. First to vote in Tacoma, Washington, is SA Abdul Yahia (right). He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. For more photos of SIU members voting in the union election, see page 11 Recertified Bosun Noel Otero completes his ballot aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE Services) in Puerto Rico. Pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall on the first day of voting are (from left) ABG Rodante Niebres, ABG Paul Amato, Steward/Baker Jose Norales, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, OMU Denard Williams, and ABM Gary Boyd. DECEMBER 2024 Securing his ballot at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is Recertified Steward Ismael Garayua. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 3 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Election Day Proves Fruitful For SIU-Backed Candidates Congressional candidates who received backing from the SIU’s voluntary political action fund enjoyed lots of success on Election Day. Of the 50 House of Representatives members (from a total of 435, plus four delegates) receiving support from the Seafarers Political Activities Donation (SPAD) during the 2024 cycle, 47 of them won, with one race still too close to call at press time. In the Senate, SPAD supported 17 individuals (from a total of 33); 13 of them won, with one race still too close to call. The SIU-endorsed candidate for the presidency did not win, although no SPAD money was given in that race. Specifically commenting on the presidential election, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “Presidential administrations change, but the labor movement’s values do not. We stand for the freedom to organize and for the right to collectively bargain. We stand for solidarity – the kind that is built when working people stand together to take on the biggest, richest bosses and the most powerful extremist politicians. Most importantly, we know how to fight back when anyone comes after our freedoms. “This result is a blow for every worker who depends on our elected leaders to fight for our jobs, our unions and our contracts,” she continued. “We organized for months to produce a nearly 17-point advantage for Vice President Kamala Harris with union members. But it is clear that the economic struggle working-class people are facing is causing real pain and neither party has sufficiently addressed it.” Shuler concluded, “Organized labor is the path forward. In unions, people have power to build a stable foundation for themselves and their families. To say, ‘It’s Better in a Union,’ is not simply a slogan – it’s the way to level the playing field and create a path to economic security for every working person. The nearly 13 million union members of the AFL-CIO won’t be divided and we won’t back down. We will be there for each other and we will fight every step of the way for every worker in this country, no matter who sits in the Oval Office.” These pre-Election Day photos from the Pacific Northwest include SIU personnel with U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (front, right, in photo at left), U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (left in photo at top, with Safety Director Danielle Woodward), and (remaining photo) U.S. Rep. Adam Smith (center), with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp (left) and Patrolman Dennison Forsman. Strickland, Larsen and Smith, Washington State Democrats who are all strong supporters of the U.S. Merchant Marine, won re-election to Congress. 2025 Meeting Dates Port Traditional Date JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Piney Point Jersey City Philadelphia Baltimore Jacksonville San Juan Algonac Norfolk Houston New Orleans Mobile Oakland Port Everglades Joliet St. Louis Honolulu Wilmington Guam Tacoma 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 18 20 21 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 7 8 9 10 10 10 17 11 14 15 16 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 5 6 7 8 8 8 15 9 12 13 14 15 15 15 16 16 19 22 23 2 3 4 5 5 5 12 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 13 13 16 20 20 7 8 9 10 10 10 17 11 14 15 16 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 4 5 6 7 7 7 14 8 11 12 13 14 14 14 15 15 18 21 22 8 9 10 11 11 11 18 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 25 26 6 7 8 9 9 9 16 10 14 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 20 23 24 3 4 5 6 6 6 13 7 10 12 12 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 8 9 10 11 11 11 18 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 19 19 22 26 26 Monday after first Sunday Tuesday after first Sunday Wednesday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday Thursday after first Sunday *Thursday after second Sunday Friday after first Sunday Monday after second Sunday Tuesday after second Sunday Wednesday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Thursday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Friday after second Sunday Monday after third Sunday Thursday after third Sunday Friday after third Sunday 6 7 8 9 9 9 16 10 13 14 15 16 16 16 17 17 21 23 24 Circled dates indicate changes due to holiday observances -- Meetings start at 10:30 a.m. *A proposed amendment to the SIU Constitution would change the regular date of the Algonac, Michigan, membership meeting so that it occurs each month on the Thursday after the second Sunday. This chart reflects a schedule based on membership approval of that specific amendment. If the amendment isn’t approved (voting doesn’t end until Dec. 31, 2024), the LOG will furnish dates for the Algonac meetings accordingly. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 DECEMBER 2024 �Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such ar- DECEMBER 2024 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act rangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2023 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 80.05 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $400.25 (four hundred dollars and twenty-five cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2025 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2024 and November 30, 2025 will have this calculation applied to their 2025 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2026, your objection must be received by December 1, 2025. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2023. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, Tom Orzechowski Secretary-Treasurer SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Rep. Dingell Honored By Great Lakes Group The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force (GLMTF) on Oct. 28 recognized U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) with its Legislator of the Year Award “for her efforts advocating for the Great Lakes Navigation System and the American workers that ensure a resilient maritime supply chain which drives the nation’s economic base,” the group said in a news release. The SIU is a GLMTF affiliate. “The Great Lakes are not only an important natural resource but a way of life that supports communities across our region and country, creating more than 1.5 million jobs, supplying 90 percent of our nation’s fresh surface water, and generating $62 billion in wages every year,” Dingell stated. “They are critical to numerous industries, supply chains, and our economy, and support countless families’ livelihoods. As a co-chair of the Congressional Great Lakes Task Force, I’m honored to be recognized by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force and will continue to fight in Congress to protect these waters and all who depend on them.” Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers’ Association and vice president of the GLMTF, said, “It is an honor and privilege to present this award to Representative Dingell. She strengthened navigational infrastructure by supporting funding to finish the critical new large navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan and pressing for the acquisition of a desperately needed U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker for the Great Lakes.” The task force in its announcement added, “Representative Dingell understands the need to attract and retain a skilled workforce like those needed at the Soo Locks. As the only waterway connection between Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway, the Soo Locks are the linchpin of the Great Lakes Navigation System. In 2022, the Department of Defense reduced the wage rate for 77 skilled laborer positions at the Soo Locks Complex by 19 percent. Two-thirds of the workers occupying those positions are veterans. She has been a catalyst for a solution proposing that the Department of Defense approve the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers May 2022 request for a special salary rate (SSR) to restore the wage scale lost in 2022 for these 77 positions.” John Clemons, Great Lakes vice president of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers, said, “Representative Dingell is a true champion for the Great Lakes and the hard-working men and women which keep the pilot light of the North American economy lit. Representative Dingell has been a strong supporter of the Jones Act, which ensures the more than 147,000 U.S. jobs tied to the Great Lakes maritime industry remain in America.” The award ceremony took place on the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force, with nearly 80 members, is the largest coalition to speak for the Great Lakes Navigation System. Advocating for NMC: Rejection of Incomplete Applications Editor’s note: The following news item was issued by the National Maritime Center in late October. It is available on the agency’s website and on the SIU website. Rejection of Incomplete Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) Applications During Initial Screening The National Maritime Center (NMC) will begin rejecting incomplete merchant mariner credential (MMC) application submissions during initial screening beginning December 1, 2024. MMC application submissions that are incomplete due to missing the following required items will be rejected: • a complete CG-719B on the current version of the form • evidence the applicant holds or has applied for a TWIC card • evidence of payment of the required evaluation fee (use of pay.gov is the preferred method of fee payment) • evidence of satisfying applicable drug testing requirements. If an application package is found to be missing any of these items during initial screening, the applicant will be e-mailed a Notice of Rejected Incomplete Application indicating what is missing. If the original submission is rejected, the applicant will have to resubmit the entire application package and include the missing item(s). The documentation in the U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) domestic and international shipping, its members represent labor and management from U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, port authorities, cargo shippers, terminal operators, shipyards, and other Great Lakes interests. The Great Lakes commercial maritime industry generates more than $36 billion in economic activity each year. application submission will not be retained by the NMC or returned to the applicant. Guidance on how to complete an MMC application can be found on the NMC website. If submitting via regular mail or other courier service (FedEx, UPS, etc.), please retain a copy of your submission including all original documents. Should you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Sincerely, B. W. Clare Captain, U.S. Coast Guard Commanding Officer Important Notice: Updated Merchant Mariner Credential and MMC-related Documentation E-mail Submission Instructions Editor’s note: The U.S Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) issued the following notice on Aug. 12. The bulletin is available on the SIU website; printed copies have been posted at the hiring halls. Additionally, the notice appears in the September LOG. Please note that as of early November, both the union and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, have become aware of instances when medical certificate applications have been rejected because of one or more of the following: multiple attachments, as opposed to a single PDF document (can be multiple pages); PDF document names that do not adhere to the agency’s requirements; mistakes in subject lines; using an image file instead of a PDF. Detailed instructions about applying for a medical certificate are available at: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/medical_certificate/ Finally, be aware that when an individual applies for a merchant mariner credential and/or a medical certificate, he or she normally will receive an immediate confirmation of receipt from the agency, via email. Such confirmation only means the NMC received the message; it does not necessarily mean there are no problems with the application. The National Maritime Center (NMC) has established a centralized e-mail inbox for the submission of certain merchant mariner credential (MMC) applications to streamline the MMC application submission process and better manage the receipt and initial processing of incoming MMC applications. Regional exam centers (RECs) will continue to receive and process MMC applications for Local Limited, Restricted, and First Class Pilot MMCs. Please continue to e-mail, mail, or hand- deliver these applications to the local REC responsible for the routes requested. E-mail is the preferred method for submission of these applications. The e-mail and physical address for each of the RECs is available on the NMC’s Regional Exam Centers webpage. Please note that sending First Class Pilot/Local Limited applications directly to the NMC may result in delays in processing your application. The NMC is centralizing the submission of all other MMC applications. The preferred method of application submission is e-mail. If you are applying for anything other than a Local Limited, Restricted, or First Class Pilot credential, please e-mail your application to MMCApplications@uscg.mil. Processing times at the NMC vary based on e-mail volume. Sending information via e-mail to the incorrect e-mail address or sending the same information to several e-mail addresses not only causes delays in processing for other mariners but will significantly delay the processing of your information. MMC and medical certificate applications and information are processed separately and should not be sent to the same e-mail address. For more detailed guidelines on submitting medical certificate applications and information, visit the NMC’s Medical Certificate webpage. You can help us improve our processing times by sending MMC applications as indicated above AND by adhering to the guidelines below when sending any other information electronically: • Subject lines for MMC related e-mails should include: the mariner’s last name, mariner’s first name, and mariner’s reference number (if available). 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 • Attachments should be in PDF format, named in the following format: Mariner Last Name_Mariner First Name_ Mariner Reference Number (if available). For example: Smith_John_1234567. • Only submit documentation in PDF format attached to the e-mail. Other formats (including links to PDFs) will not be accepted and your application and/or documentation will not be returned. • Drug test results are part of your MMC application and should NOT be sent with your Medical application (CG 719K or K/E). • E-mail documentation/information in response to an awaiting information letter related to an MMC application to: MMC-Awaiting-Info@uscg.mil. • E-mail general questions and requests for status updates to: IASKNMC@uscg.mil. • Do not send the same documentation and/or information to more than one e-mail address. • Send all required documentation with your application. • Mariners who do not have an active MMC application in process at the NMC or an REC should hold all documentation until they submit their next MMC application. Documents received without an open MMC application are not processed and will not be returned. Be advised that the NMC West Virginia does not accept walk-ins or in-person delivery of applications. RECs do accept in-person delivery of applications with an appointment. Should you have any questions, please contact the NMC Customer Service Center by using the NMC online chat system, by e-mailing IASKNMC@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 DECEMBER 2024 �OSG Inland Crews Ratify Contract Seafarers have approved a new three-year contract with the inland division of Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). Members unanimously ratified the agreement in mid-August; the pact covers approximately 40 Seafarers employed by OSG. The SIU negotiating committee included Delegate AB/Tankerman Edmund Putro, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice. The contract includes substantial wage increases in each year of the agreement, which is retroactive to April 1, 2024. The pact also includes an additional holiday, plus increases to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and other benefits, all while maintaining existing health benefits and 2-for-1 pension contributions. Reflecting on the bargaining and the contract itself, Baselice said, "We are pleased with the outcome of negotiations. Through cooperation, a concerted effort and the flexibility of extending our discussions, we were able to remain focused on our intended outcome. With the support of all of the SIU members working aboard OSG vessels, we were able to achieve a beneficial agreement that best addressed their stated needs." The crew onboard the OSG ATB Horizon (from left to right): Kelly Marsh, Dan Doherty, Ed Putro (who also served on the negotiating committee) and Grant Fedukovich. Mariners, Jones Act Tankers Commended for Relief Efforts Editor’s note: The following news item is from the Apostleship of the Sea: The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America (AOS-USA) through its administrative board wishes to recognize and commend the heroic and dedicated service of our U.S. Merchant Mariners and our Jones Act tanker fleet in support of our nation’s hurricane relief and response efforts. Captain George McShea, President of AOS-USA commented, “Our U.S. seafarers and our U.S.-flag companies have always answered the call in times of national emergencies and the recent devastating storms impacting the southern US are no exception. Time and time again U.S. seafarers deliver the needed and vital aid and energy resources in both national emergencies and in war time.” AOS-USA supports and recognizes these valiant efforts and actions. AOS-USA calls on and encourages Americas youth to consider continuing this long and great American tradition of seagoing service to our country by pursuing a career in the maritime industry. The Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law, has protected U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are U.S.-crewed, built, flagged and owned. More than 90 nations across the globe maintain some form of cabotage law. In the U.S., the Jones Act helps maintain more than 653,000 American jobs while contributing billions of dollars each year to the economy. Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: - Equal rights to participate in union activities - Freedom of speech and assembly - Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments - Protection of the right to sue - Safeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: - Nominate candidates for office - Run for office - Cast a secret ballot - Protest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an DECEMBER 2024 elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: - File an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. - Retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: - Conduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. - Conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. - Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. - Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. - Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). - Permit candidates to have election observers. - Allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol. gov SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $409,808,426 as of December 31, 2023 compare to $344,518,301 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its assets of $65,290,125. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $166,797,007. This income included employer contributions of $128,145,151, employee contributions of $417,800, realized losses of ($2,461,714) from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $37,775,294 and other income of $2,920,476. Plan expenses were $101,506,882. These expenses included $15,567,478 in administrative expenses and $85,939,404 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $15,676,447. These expenses included $1,389,816 in administrative expenses and $14,286,631 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,376 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $154,590,307 as of December 31, 2023 compared to $147,590,346 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $6,999,961. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $22,676,408, including employer contributions of $10,813,248, employee contributions of $133,974, gains of $1,024,807 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $10,704,379. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $34,614,407 as of December 31, 2023 compare to $32,110,526 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its assets of $2,503,881. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $81,286,747. This income included employer contributions of $77,494,851, realized losses of ($160,772) from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $3,490,022 and other income of $462,646. Plan expenses were $78,782,866. These expenses included $8,166,436 in administrative expenses and $70,616,430 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $5,309,981. These expenses included $149,658 in administrative expenses, $5,049,974 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $110,349 in deemed distributions. A total of 16,178 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $67,191,180 as of December 31, 2023 compared to $55,489,159 as of January 1, 2023. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $11,702,021. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $17,012,002, including employee contributions of $7,291,179, other contributions of $215,142 and earnings from investments of $9,505,681. 8 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 • SEAFARERS LOG Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof for any or all of these employee benefit plans, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. 5. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 6. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 10312 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs for full reports will be (respectively) $12 for SHBP, $16.50 for SVP, $5.50 for 401(K), and $8.75 for SMPPP. The cost for any individual page or portion of a page (from any report) is 25 cents. You also have the right to receive from the Plan Administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. DECEMBER 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WEST COAST CONGRATS ‒ QEP Abasiama Essien-Ete (right) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Wilmington, California. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. MILESTONE IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ AB Donald Desir (center) recently received his A-seniority book. Congratulating him are longtime friends Bosun Damon Anderson (left) and Patrolman Brian Guiry. TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA ‒ Hurricane Milton bumped back the October membership meeting in Jacksonville by one week, so these photos were taken Oct. 17 at the hall. Being sworn in (and facing the podium) are (from left) GUDE Latoria Fairley (B seniority), GUDE Zion Taylor (B seniority), ABM Malcolm Campbell (A seniority), Storekeeper Sean Outlaw (A seniority), OS Denis Moskalenko (B seniority) and Chief Cook Nyasa Henry (B seniority). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at the podium. ABOARD APL ISLANDER ‒ Pictured from left aboard the APL Marine Services ship are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, Chief Cook Lawanda Sloan, ACU Amad Kassem, and Recertified Steward Emanuel Spain. AT THE SAN JUAN HALL ‒ AB Felix Rivera (left) recently received his B book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with close friend and fellow Seafarer AB Erick Toledo. WITH SEAFARERS IN CHARM CITY ‒ A couple of noteworthy moments recently occurred at the hiring hall in Baltimore. AB Joseph Toth (left in photo above, left) received his A-seniority book, while Seafarer Sandra Norato (left in remaining photo) shared that she has completed her certified chief cook training at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Safety Director Jose Argueta is at right in both photos. He and Norato have crossed paths in Jersey City, Piney Point and Baltimore, with Argueta offering professional guidance as needed along the way. TALKING MARITIME IN TACOMA ‒ Pictured at ABOARD MISSOURI EXPRESS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are QEE Jetaime Mays, AB Darnell Jordan, and ABM Abubakr Quraish. the October membership meeting are (from left) Port Agent Warren Asp, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, and Patrolman Dennison Forsman. GRASSROOTS ACTION ‒ Houston-area Seafarers helped get out the vote for pro-labor, pro-maritime candidates leading up to (and on) Election Day. In three photos above, SIU personnel team up with other volunteers from the Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation and the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, for block walking and phone banking. DECEMBER 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 9 SEAFARERS LOG • 9 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD PRESIDENT ADAMS – Displaying their favorite monthly periodical aboard the APL Marine Services ship are (from left) Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz, ACU Moosa Mohamed, and Steward/Baker Roberto Coronado. ABOARD USNS JACK LUMMUS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Crowley-operated vessel are Bosun Jonathan Haefner, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, and Chief Steward Masha Blas. AS SEEN IN THE COMMONWEALTH ‒ In the photo above, right, Bosun Eric Thor Young (right), who sailed with the SIU for 37 years, picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. SA Maria Legier is at right in the other photo, receiving her full book. Both members are pictured with SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls. ABOARD PATRIOT STATE – SIU members recently helped deliver the new training ship to Mass Maritime. SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson met with the crew Oct. 21 and thanked them for a job well done (he also submitted this photo of many of the Seafarers on board). TOTE Services operates the vessel when it is activated. RECRUITING NEVER STOPS – SIU personnel remain active across the country in promoting career opportunities with the union. In photo above, far left, Tacoma Safety Director Danielle Woodward (second from left) welcomes attendees at a recent career fair in the Pacific Northwest. In the snapshot above, far right, Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) and Fr. Sinclair Oubre (an active Seafarer) man a table at an event in Port Arthur, Texas. Chief Storekeeper Stacy Davis (above, second from right) is ready to discuss the SIU and the maritime industry during a recent career fair in Jacksonville, Florida, while Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick (left in remaining photo) speaks to a guest at a gathering in Pasadena, Texas. TOY DRIVE GOING STRONG – As previously noted, the SIU is teaming up with the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) in Puerto Rico for a toy drive benefiting local schoolchildren. Several rank-and-file contributors along with hiring hall personnel are pictured above, delivering and gathering donations. Look for an event recap in a future edition. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2024 10 DECEMBER �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD OCEAN GLORY ‒ Safety MILESTONE IN ILLINOIS ‒ QEE Kyle Williamson receives his A-seniority book at the Joliet hall. Director Danielle Woodward (left) is pictured with Paul Hall Center Apprentice Lamonica Daniels at the gangway of the Patriot Shipping vessel last month in Tacoma, Washington. ABOARD MAERSK KINLOSS ‒ Pictured during a payoff aboard the vessel in Newark, New Jersey, are (from left) GUDE Jose Palacios, SIU Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos, and Chief Cook Wilson Palacios. Jose and Wilson are brothers. Members Vote in SIU Election ABM Thyron Dy wraps up his voting aboard TOTE’s Perla Del Caribe. Recertified Steward Jesus Pacheco votes at the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. GUDE Raenell Brewster (left) casts his ballot aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE Services) in Puerto Rico. At right is Safety Director Ricky Rivera. Voting in Norfolk, Virginia, on the first day of balloting is Bosun James Gregory. Chief Cook Thomas Smith (right) and SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman are pictured at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. DECEMBER 2024 Chief Cook Samone Alston arrives at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall to vote in the union election. QEE Michael Papaioannou (right) and SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson are pictured at the Jacksonville, Florida, hall, where Papaioannou voted on Nov. 4. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 11 SEAFARERS LOG • 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 13, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 12 3 3 12 3 7 6 34 33 26 2 6 14 10 2 0 8 3 12 12 13 5 3 7 2 4 3 12 23 9 2 3 12 1 2 3 2 1 8 6 2 0 1 4 1 2 0 10 8 6 3 2 6 1 0 0 2 1 5 1 10 3 3 13 0 6 2 18 28 15 4 6 11 8 1 0 4 0 13 18 9 0 2 3 1 3 0 15 17 6 1 2 8 1 0 2 2 1 4 3 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 4 3 3 2 5 1 0 0 2 0 4 2 6 1 2 6 0 3 0 15 17 13 2 5 8 2 0 1 3 0 3 8 22 2 3 22 4 11 8 48 44 28 1 5 31 14 3 1 9 4 16 47 12 5 2 14 2 4 4 22 37 11 3 5 10 3 3 3 4 4 9 14 2 0 1 5 2 7 1 15 7 7 1 3 8 2 0 0 1 1 3 1 TOTAL 208 121 55 163 80 31 95 323 171 67 3 0 3 3 0 2 0 1 7 2 0 1 6 2 2 3 2 0 4 6 47 5 1 3 9 1 2 8 12 30 8 2 1 21 6 2 1 6 2 8 14 142 4 1 2 7 0 3 3 8 16 4 2 1 17 7 0 1 2 2 4 6 90 0 0 1 5 1 3 0 8 7 0 0 1 7 3 0 0 1 1 4 7 49 0 2 0 3 0 1 0 3 12 3 1 0 6 4 0 0 1 0 10 9 55 4 0 1 10 3 2 10 17 23 15 1 6 15 12 2 2 4 2 7 35 171 0 2 2 6 1 7 2 10 28 5 0 3 14 8 1 3 12 1 3 10 118 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 5 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 19 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 5 3 1 1 4 0 0 7 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 12 1 3 7 0 3 1 17 46 21 0 1 10 12 0 4 0 0 9 17 22 1 4 16 1 2 5 29 75 34 2 4 63 13 1 10 3 2 9 21 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Notice/Reminders About SIU Text Message Alerts The union occasionally sends text messages to Seafarers (and others) who have signed up for such alerts. Those texts contain information relevant to members’ careers, including important news about the SIU, its contracted companies and the industry as a whole. The messages may include alerts about open jobs, information about grassroots campaigns, and other time-sensitive bulletins. The SIU does not charge for this service, but there may be costs associated with receiving messages, depending on an individual’s phone-service plan that they have with their provider. People can unsubscribe from SIU text alerts at any time, simply by texting the word STOP to (412) 899-8989. To sign up for the alerts, text the word JOIN to (412) 899-8989. Terms and Conditions By signing up for this service, you acknowledge that you understand there may be costs associated with the receipt by you of such text messages depending on the cell phone service plan that you have with your provider. You are providing your cell phone number and your consent to use it for these purposes with the understanding that your cell phone number will not be distributed to anyone else without your express consent and that this service will not at any time be used for the purpose of distributing campaign materials for official elections for union office. December & January Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: Dec. 2, Jan. 6 Friday: Dec. 6, Jan. 16 Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 Thursday: Dec. 19, Jan. 23 Honolulu Friday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17 Houston Monday: Dec. 9, Jan. 13 Jacksonville Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 Joliet Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: Dec. 11, Jan. 15 Tuesday: Dec. 10, Jan. 14 Tuesday: Dec. 3, Jan. 7 Norfolk Friday: Dec. 6, Jan. 10 Oakland Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 Philadelphia Wednesday: Dec. 4, Jan. 8 Port Everglades Thursday: Dec. 12, Jan. 16 San Juan Thursday: Dec. 5, Jan. 9 St. Louis Friday: Dec. 13, Jan. 17 Tacoma Friday: Dec. 20, Jan. 24 Wilmington Monday: Dec. 16, Tuesday: Jan. 21 Wilmington change due to holiday observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Engine Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 5 6 1 1 4 11 12 5 0 2 16 4 1 1 3 1 7 10 95 2 1 0 2 0 3 1 4 11 2 0 1 10 6 1 3 1 0 2 4 54 1 0 2 2 0 1 0 4 5 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 1 2 3 26 4 1 2 7 1 0 2 4 6 7 1 2 17 4 1 1 3 2 6 11 82 1 0 3 2 0 2 1 1 10 1 1 1 7 0 1 3 0 0 2 4 40 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 12 Steward Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 0 9 2 2 7 10 15 12 0 3 9 10 2 2 5 3 6 20 122 0 2 3 4 0 5 1 11 14 8 0 0 9 5 2 3 5 2 4 4 82 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 18 5 0 0 6 1 3 2 5 14 5 1 0 10 8 1 1 6 3 9 9 89 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 7 1 3 4 0 1 0 15 32 12 1 1 6 7 1 4 1 0 7 11 11 0 4 11 0 3 2 12 39 16 0 2 37 9 1 10 2 2 6 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 3 2 3 0 2 0 5 20 3 0 0 9 3 0 4 4 1 5 7 71 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 5 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 19 Entry Department 2 0 0 3 0 0 2 14 17 10 1 2 2 4 1 1 1 0 5 6 2 1 3 3 1 5 2 3 25 5 0 0 14 5 0 10 0 0 1 10 TOTAL 13 114 175 7 71 90 30 14 164 317 GRAND TOTAL 371 274 341 262 152 227 650 543 452 12 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG 438 DECEMBER 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), August 13 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Jose Outeiral, Educational Director Oscar Garcia, Deck Delegate Christopher Smith, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Members discussed considerations for future contracts. Committee requested an MOU to be created between headquarters and company to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday and seek retroactive holiday pay differential for hours worked on Juneteenth 2024. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep an eye on credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New washing machines installed. Members requested cost-of-living pay increases. Chairman emphasized the importance of SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation) and how impactful donations are with helping protect the Jones Act. Vote of thanks given to the steward department for a job well done. OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Ship Management), August 28 – Chairman Anton Sulic, Secretary David Johnson, Educational Director Agusto Rosales, Deck Delegate Loukas Fragkias, Engine Delegate Angel Aranda Gamboa, Steward Delegate Simone Smith. Chairman reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew and to keep documents up to date. He encouraged everyone to vote in the November elections. Secretary asked crew to maintain cleanliness in the dining areas and return all plates to the galley. Educa- tional director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like new furniture for crew lounge, new pillows, new comforters and new movies. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. OVERSEAS SANTORINI (Overseas Ship Management), August 31 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Michael Carello, Educational Director Mathew Palmer. Linens, galley equipment and Wi-Fi are all taken care of. Bosun thanked everyone for their professional attitudes and made plans to post new Seafarers LOGs when they become available. Secretary reiterated the importance of renewing documents early as well as participating in monthly union meetings. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Cold water fountain installed on each deck. Members discussed definition of “break in service” and how it may affect pension. Crew requested increases in vacation days and asked about purchasing Britta water filters. Members expressed gratitude for internet connectivity but noted some room for improvement in its daily duration of service. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 3 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Delbra Singleton-Leslie, Educational Director Joshua Zelinsky, Deck Delegate Modival Cagaoan, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Rey Chang. New washing machine installed in crew laundry. Chairman discussed shipping rules and insisted members get an early start on renewing documents. He instructed crew to defrost refrigerators for shipyard layup and reminded everyone to clean their cabins. Educational director talked about ROS status and how it affects wages and vacation benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members went over port agent’s report, SIU election information and the upcoming proposed dues increase in 2025. Members were thanked for all of their hard work, especially the steward department for providing great meals. Members requested increases to shoe reimbursements and vacation pay. Next port: Singapore. OVERSEAS TAMPA (Overseas Ship Management), September 15 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Rudy Lopez, Educational Director Michael Robinson, Deck Delegate Christopher Dickens, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. New ice machine in crew mess. Chairman expressed gratitude for everyone’s hard work maintaining and improving the vessel. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to keep all documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses, new pillows, high-definition cable channels and a higher food budget. Members would like increases to medical and dental care coverage. OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas Ship Management), September 21 – Chairman Paul Brown, Secretary Melvin Cooper, Educational Director Christopher Edwards, Deck Delegate Kevin Chan, Engine Delegate Lytrese Morton, Steward Delegate Jordan Griffin. Chairman underscored the importance of renewing medical certifications early. Educational director reminded members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested refrigerators in each room, shorter rotary jobs, more vacation, better Wi-Fi and a videogame system. Next port: Lake Charles, Louisiana. GEORGE III (Sunrise Operations), September 23 – Chairman Kissinfor Taylor, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Thomas Flynn, Deck Delegate Jody Owens, Engine Delegate Henry Cacal, Steward Delegate Norma Baucan. Chairman encouraged members to vote in upcoming SIU election and provided information on acquiring absentee ballots. He advised everyone to keep current on union dues. Secretary reminded crew to wash full loads when doing laundry rather than washing one or two items. Sanitary inspection went well, per secretary’s report. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and warned against waiting too long to renew Coast Guard credentials. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like 25 for 30 vacation. Next port: Oakland, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- DECEMBER 2024 ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast This month’s question was answered by the most recent class of recertified bosuns. Question: What was one of your favorite or otherwise most memorable voyages, and what made it so? Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Adiener Alfaro Recertified Bosun Edward Tennyson Recertified Bosun I have to say it was a trip when we ended up going to Africa, on a grain ship. We went to maybe 15 different ports. For me, that country is unique. I went to Sierra Leone one time, and it’s so sad. You see little kids with no arms. Running to South America, Brazil. The weather, the people. It was a nice, beautiful voyage. Julio Alvarez Recertified Bosun BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 One that stands out is 2003, in the middle of Operation Enduring Freedom, I worked on the SS Cape Inscription. We were loaded with ammunition, although we didn’t know exactly what it was. We got to Kuwait and the energy was electric. We were doing our part – we saw our soldiers on the dock and it was very fulfilling to be part of something so big. We were bringing stuff that they needed. GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 John Walsh Recertified Bosun JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 One of my favorite voyages was on the Sealand Crusader. It was nice taking work to the West Coast, from Puerto Rico to Hong Kong. It was one of the last voyages with some of my crew, because some of them retired after that trip. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Mario Ordonez Recertified Bosun A trip to Singapore back in 2002. I was able to spend a lot of time in the city, which was beautiful, and the food was so good. There is also zero tolerance for drugs and crime, so it was safe and crime-free. Alfie Cicat Recertified Bosun Being based in Tacoma, I really like doing the Alaska run. I really like how it is closer to home and I don’t have to be far from my family. Kelvin Johnson Recertified Bosun My favorite voyage was probably Guam. It’s a U.S. territory, which made it feel like home. We worked hard but there was always something to look forward to after work. You could go to the beach, swim, scuba dive, and enjoy the nightlife. It was a nice work-life balance. Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Getting into the holiday spirit in 1981 aboard the Ogden Champion are Seafarers Richard Ward, John Fitzgerald, Peter Gonzalez, Ralph Maldonado, Herbert Boudreaux, James Baudoin, Silvio Marano and Charles Howell. 14 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS LOG • DECEMBER 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA ROBERT ALLEN Brother Robert Allen, 69, signed on with the union in 1974 when he sailed on a Hudson Waterways vessel. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Allen’s final vessel was the Duchess. He resides in Mobile, Alabama. GREG ALVAREZ Brother Greg Alvarez, 66, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1992 when he sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Alvarez most recently sailed on the Ocean Freedom and lives in Miami. MICHAEL BRISCO Brother Michael Brisco, 65, joined the SIU in 2001. He first shipped on the Chelsea and sailed in the deck department. Brother Brisco upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Missouri Express and makes his home in Newport News, Virginia. HERMAN CASTRO Brother Herman Castro, 67, joined the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Castro most recently sailed on the Maersk Denver. He lives in Ocala, Florida. ISRAEL CORONEL Brother Israel Coronel, 66, joined the union in 2012 when he sailed aboard the President Polk. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Coronel last shipped on the Maersk Chicago and makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ALBERT ELLIS Brother Albert Ellis, 68, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1990. He sailed in the deck department and first shipped on the Cape Flattery. Brother Ellis upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He concluded his career on the Chemical Explorer and resides in Biloxi, Mississippi. SCOTT GETMAN Brother Scott Getman, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1979, initially sailing on the El Paso Arzew. Brother Getman sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was last employed with Sealand. Brother Getman lives in Venice, Florida. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. CRAIG HOLDREDGE SAMUEL SINCLAIR Brother Craig Holdredge, 65, became a member of the union in 1978. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed with Orgulf Transport. Brother Holdredge upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed on the Sealand Express and settled in Santa Maria, California. Brother Samuel Sinclair, 71, embarked on his SIU career in 1989, first sailing aboard the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Sinclair was a member of the steward department. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career on the Jean Anne. Brother Sinclair lives in Eudora, Kansas. INLAND SHIRLEY JENKINS JOHN DEAN Sister Shirley Jenkins, 73, joined the union in 2007. She was a member of the steward department, and initially shipped on the Energy Enterprise. Sister Jenkins upgraded her skills often at the Piney Point school. She concluded her career aboard the USNS Impeccable and lives in Chesapeake, Virginia. Brother John Dean, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1989. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Dean was employed by OSG Ship Management for the majority of his career. He settled in Fairfield, Connecticut. JOHN DIMEGLIO Brother John Dimeglio, 62, joined the SIU in 1983. Sailing as a deck department member, he worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Dimeglio calls San Pedro, California, home. TONI JOHNSON Sister Toni Johnson, 70, became a member of the union in 1996 when she sailed on the Independence. Sister Johnson worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. She most recently shipped on the USNS Dahl and resides in Keaau, Hawaii. BEN JOHNSON Brother Ben Johnson, 57, started sailing with the union in 1992 when he shipped on the Gemini. A deck department member, Brother Johnson upgraded his skills on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Pride and resides in Deerfield Beach, Florida. ALEXANDER MIRAGLIA Brother Alexander Miraglia, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1987. He first sailed with Orgulf Transport and worked in the deck department. Brother Miraglia upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Anchorage and is a resident of St. Charles, Missouri. ROBERT NOLE Brother Robert Nole, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he was employed with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Nole lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. DONALD SINCLAIR ALDO SANTIAGO Brother Aldo Santiago, 65, started his career with the union in 1980 and initially sailed aboard the Portland. Brother Santiago shipped in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Santiago was last employed with World Crane Services and settled in in Hallandale Beach, Florida. CLIFFORD SIMRIL Brother Clifford Simril, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1998 when he shipped on the Little Hales. A steward department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Simril most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Grace. He resides in Fort Worth, Texas. 15 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 DECEMBER 2024 Brother Donald Sinclair, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1980. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Sinclair was employed with G&H Towing for most of his career. He makes his home in Palacios, Texas. WILLIAM ULCH Brother William Ulch, 63, joined the union in 1986. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Ulch worked with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He settled in Sandia, Texas. TROY WILLIAMS Brother Troy Williams, 62, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Cape Isabel. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and worked in the engine department. Brother Williams was most recently employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ALOA AGOSTINO Pensioner Aloa Agostino, 97, died September 13. She became a member of the SIU in 1964. A steward department member, Sister Agostino first sailed aboard the Santa Magdelena. She last shipped on the Mahimahi and retired in 1999. Sister Agostino made her home in Corona Del Mar, California. JORGE BONELLI In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. Pensioner John Picciolo, 68, died August 20. He became a member of the SIU in 1973. Brother Picciolo initially sailed with Waterman Steamship. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Antares in 1994. Brother Picciolo went on pension in 2021 and resided in North Miami Beach, Florida. EDWARD PORTER Brother Jorge Bonelli, 61, has passed away. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1986, initially sailing aboard the Overseas Ohio. Brother Bonelli sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the El Yunque and lived in Kensington, Maryland. Pensioner Edward Porter, 66, passed away September 29. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1979 and first sailed aboard the H Atlantic. Brother Porter sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Maersk Pittsburgh and retired in 2019. Brother Porter lived in Jacksonville, Florida. CARLOS CASTILLO PETER RICE Brother Carlos Castillo, 52, died September 24. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1994 when he sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Castillo worked in all three departments and most recently sailed aboard the Seabulk Challenge. He resided in Houston. Brother Peter Rice, 53, died September 3. He joined the union in 1992 and initially shipped on the American Merlin. Brother Rice sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Harry Martin. He was a resident of Callahan, Florida. MILTON ISRAEL Pensioner Milton Israel, 74, passed away September 20. He joined the SIU in 1968 and first shipped on the Monticello. Brother Israel sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Sealand Eagle and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Israel made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. ERNEST LACUNZA Pensioner Ernest Lacunza, 86, died September 11. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1968, initially working on the Long Beach. Brother Lacunza was an engine department member and concluded his career aboard the Lawrence Gianella. He began collecting his pension in 2000 and resided in Sun Valley, Nevada. MICHAEL SCINTO Brother Michael Scinto, 69, passed away September 9. He became a member of the SIU in 1974 and first sailed aboard the Producer. Brother Scinto worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard the Maersk Iowa. He made his home in New York. THOMAS TAYLOR Pensioner Thomas Taylor, 86, died September 10. An engine department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1965. Brother Taylor’s first vessel was the Globe Carrier; his last, the Sam Houston. He went on pension in 2004 and settled in Norfolk, Virginia. SAUNDRA LEONARD Pensioner Saundra Leonard, 82, passed away September 19. She donned the SIU colors in 1992. A steward department member, Sister Leonard first shipped on the Independence. She last sailed aboard the Integrity and became a pensioner in 2013. Sister Leonard lived in Reno, Nevada. CHARLES PARMAN Pensioner Charles Parman, 67, died September 26. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1975 when he sailed aboard the Van Defender. Brother Parman was a deck department member and last shipped on the Liberty Star in 1998. He began collecting his pension in 2022 and settled in New Orleans. NMU JOHN PICCIOLO INLAND FRANK MARTINE Pensioner Frank Martine, 62, passed away September 13. He joined the union in 2003 when he worked with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Martine shipped in the deck department. He was last employed with G&H Towing and retired in 2021. Brother Martine resided in Livingston, Texas. HENRY WHITE Pensioner Henry White, 87, died August 30. He joined the union in 1976 and first sailed with Marine Contracting and Towing. A deck department member, Brother White remained with the same company until his retirement in 1988. He lived in Townville, South Carolina. 16 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS LOG JOSE ADAMES Pensioner Jose Adames, 85, died August 18. A deck department member, Brother Adames last shipped on the Green Harbor. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived in Manati, Puerto Rico. HANNAH BLAZEWICK Pensioner Hannah Blazewick, 81, passed away September 25. Sister Blazewick worked in both the deck and engine departments and last shipped on the Stella Lykes. She went on pension in 1997 and settled in Luning, Nevada. WARD BOURSAW Pensioner Ward Boursaw, 89, passed away August 22. Brother Boursaw worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Green Lake before becoming a pensioner in 2000. Brother Boursaw called Concrete, Washington, home. ALEJANDRO CRUZ Pensioner Alejandro Cruz, 97, died September 26. Brother Cruz began sailing in 1956. He concluded his career aboard the American Michigan and retired in 1986. He lived in Naguabo, Puerto Rico. KEVIN GASAWAY Pensioner Kevin Gasaway, 68, passed away September 16. He worked in the steward department and last sailed aboard the Maersk Maryland. Brother Gasaway became a pensioner in 2007 and made his home in Houston. ARNOLD JOHNSON Pensioner Arnold Johnson, 76, died September 3. He started sailing in 1967, initially aboard the Dolly Turman. A deck department member, Brother Johnson last shipped on the Marine Duval before retiring in 2003. He was a New Orleans resident. EARL JONES Pensioner Earl Jones, 94, passed away September 21. Brother Jones last sailed aboard the Texas Trader. He went on pension in 1982 and settled in Beaumont, Texas. WALTER JONES Pensioner Walter Jones, 99, died September 20. He began sailing in 1944. A steward department member, he first shipped on the St. Maheal. Brother Jones’s final vessel was the African Planet. He became a pensioner in 1973 and lived in Baltimore. JAMES POLLETTE Pensioner James Pollette, 97, passed away September 26. Brother Pollette last sailed aboard the Gulf King. He began collecting his pension in 1986 and resided in Nacogdoches, Texas. WALTER ROSE Pensioner Walter Rose, 92, died September 16. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Stella Lykes. Brother Rose became a pensioner in 1995 and called Blue Springs, Mississippi, home. DECEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 10 April 14 February 21 April 25 Basic Training February 3 April 7 February 7 April 11 RFPNW January 13 January 31 Basic Training Revalidation Able Seafarer - Deck January 20 February 10 March 17 February 7 February 28 April 4 January 6 January 10 January 27 January 31 March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 January 6 January 10 January 27 January 31 March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation March 17 March 18 Government Vessels January 27 February 24 March 17 April 7 January 31 February 28 March 21 April 11 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES RFPEW January 13 February 7 FOWT January 27 March 17 April 21 February 21 April 11 May 16 Welding January 13 February 24 April 21 January 31 March 14 May 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations January 13 February 10 March 10 April 7 February 7 March 7 April 4 May 2 Certified Chief Cook February 17 April 28 July 7 April 25 July 4 September 12 ServSafe Management February 10 April 21 June 30 February 14 April 25 July 4 Advanced Galley Operations February 3 March 3 March 31 February 28 March 28 April 25 Chief Steward January 6 April 28 June 23 January 31 May 23 July 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. DECEMBER 2024 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 17 SEAFARERS LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #913 – Pictured above: Jasmine Brockington, Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda, Sherlyen Gedeon, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston Mejia-Johnson, Javion Riley-Medlock, Deandre Ryan, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton. RFPEW – Graduated September 20 (not all are pictured): Justine Headen, Christopher Holmes, Joshua Mair, Denise Parker, Lakisha Perry, Caleb Rawls, Kenneth Watts Berry, Conor Westbrook and Benjamin Wilkinson. RFPNW – Graduated September 27: Mathew Bolanos, Benjamin Brown, Tristan Chavers, Austin Gass, Richard Holland, Antoine Kozel, Corey Lopez, Lionel Packnett Jr., James Randall III, Raymond Richards, Sarah Silverleaf, Leondre Stevenson, Connor Stratton and Trent Valentine. RFPNW – Graduated September 13: Vensen Suguitan and Nature Torrey. WELDING – Graduated September 6: Francois Doucet III, Jylnn LeCounte, Alton Simpson, Ian Tarwater and Nashell Williams. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far left. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION DL – Graduated September 20: Jontae Allen, Zyon Anderson, Adam Atterberry Jr., Paul Conlon, Alexandria DeAtley, Gennaro Dimatteo, Nadia Forester, Kason Garibaldi, Jamari Gissentanner, Nainoa Goodwin, Jacob Hall, Hans Hansen Quinones, Samaria Harper, Baldemar Hernandez Jr., Ken Kan, Ashton Luuloa, Kenny Nguyen, Shania Panton, Andy Phouminh, Joshua Robinson, Malachi Scott, Nathan Tissaw, Daniel Valentine and Allan Willingham. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION LG – Graduated September 20 (above, not all are pictured): Omar Alshami, Marissa Armstead, Justin Bodnar, John Garrett, Nasir Harrell, Jamari Harris, Donna Hickman, Alan Hollinger, Quincy Howard, Kaden Ketcham, Hyun Kim, Demir Koksal, Darea McCarthy, Alyssa Ray, David Rexrode Jr., Maurice Roberts Jr., Jayden Smith, Nature Torrey, Wilfredo VelezMendez, Ronald Williams and Tyler Williams. 18 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos BASIC SAFETY – Graduated October 4: Phillip Adams, Tyler Allen, Corey Ambrose, Malakhi Basquez, Julius Douglas, Jeremy Fazio, Alex Greco, Kristopher Henny, Chifhon Hogan, Shatavia Ingram, Michael Johnson, Monica Marquez-Realivazquez, Robert McMahon, Tylan Meekins, Nathaniel Orff, Justice Rodriguez and Charles Vanderpool. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 18 (not all are pictured): John Adarayan, Mahmoud Fares, Samyra Gardner, Jerome Johnson Jr., Nikita Johnson, Maria Legier, Ramon Lino, Sandra Norato, Kevin Watson Jr. and James White Jr. RFPEW – Graduated October 18: Robert Bergstedt Jr., Daqwuan Cleveland, Eric Davidson, Andre Dixon Jr., Yetiani Fernandez, Adam Hassebrock, David Jackson and Chad Peters. October 4: Joseph Tier (left), Brandon Jordan (right) and Aaron Wood (not pictured). WELDING – Graduated October 11: Tre Scott (above, left) and Jessica Valentin (not pictured). Instructor Chris Raley is at right. VESSEL OPS – Graduated October 18: Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda, Aaron Green, Fahmy Hajj, Antonio Harrison Jr., Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston MejiaJohnson, Brian Sheeran, Michael Smith, Elijah Stepney, Terrence Thompson, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 4 (not all are pictured): Moath Alsharif, Debra Bright, Peter Burroughs, Jeffrey Corpstein, Sharoneca Currelley, Simona Evans, Luis Fernandez, Takiyah Francis, Timothy Franklin Jr., Noel Gemo, William Harris, Paul Hudgins, John Long, Tomas Merel, John Roberson II, Angela Robertson, Deja Taylor, Jasean Tomlin, Guillermo Villegas, Steven Whiting, Michael Williams, Al Yandoc and Mehdi Youssef. DECEMBER 2024 BASIC SAFETY - UPGRADERS – Graduated COMBINED BASIC/ADVANCED FIREFIGHTING – Graduated October 11: Zachary Cartwright, Jessica Clark, Brian Guiry, Crystal Higgs, Essam Hussein and Nicholas Simoneaux. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �DECEMBER 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Crews, Exec. VP Tellez Honored at AOTOS Event U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips discusses the industry’s future. The Hon. Elaine L. Chao, longtime backer of the U.S. Rev. Fr. Sinclair Oubre (at podium) gives the invocation. At left Merchant Marine, prepares to present the Honored is retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle. Seafarer Awards. T he SIU enjoyed some time in the spotlight Oct. 25 in New York City, as personnel from throughout the U.S. maritime industry gathered for the 55th Annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Awards, hosted by the United Seamen’s Service (USS). Receiving the AOTOS Awards were SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez; TOTE Group President and CEO Tim Nolan; and Fairwater CEO Daniel J. Thorogood. SIU crews from the G&H Towing boat George M and the USNS William R. Button (Crowley) received Honored Seafarer Awards for heroic actions on the job, as did SIU CIVMARS from the USNS Brunswick. A Special AOTOS Recognition Plaque was awarded to ILWU Local 142 and the Hawaii Longshore Division for their heroic response to the Maui wildfires. The well-attended dinner brought together nearly 800 of the who’s who in maritime, plus special guest Elaine L. Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Labor, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and longtime friend of the SIU. “This event underscores the strength and unity of our maritime community. We are proud to honor those who work tirelessly to advance our industry and protect our seafarers,” said USS President Edward Morgan. The cover of this year’s program features honorees Augie Tellez, Dan Thorogood, and Tim Nolan. The program began with a welcome and introduction from retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Kenneth R. Wykle and the presentation of the colors by the SUNY Color Guard. Following that, Reverend Fr. Sinclair Oubre (an active SIU member) led the invocation. Major Gen. Daniel H. Tulley, USAF, followed with remarks about the USTRANSCOM and commercial maritime industry partnership. Then, U.S. Maritime Administrator and retired Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, USN, took the stage to discuss opportunities for the maritime industry. She emphasized a focus on improving shipboard life, which would help attract and retain mariners over time and build a stronger more sustainable workforce. She went on to cite legislation in the works that would help strengthen the maritime industry. “The maritime industry … and maritime policy are indeed the focus of a tremendous amount of positive, bipartisan, and bicameral work and action on the bill in Congress,” said Phillips, referring to the Ships for America Act. “We thank the many Congress members and senators who are involved in this legislation and other activities and across a range of stakeholders. We know this assessment of the critical role and the understanding of that role that the maritime transportation system plays in the lives of all Americans. We now have an opportunity to carry this industry forward into the future to build our national security and to ensure our economic security. So collectively, let’s seize the day.” Chao, herself a 2019 AOTOS Award recipient, presented the Honored Seafarer Awards, which recognized the mariners’ acts of heroism and highlighted inspiring stories of bravery and courage. The honorees each received AOTOS Mariner Plaques for their achievements. Among the recipients were SIU boatmen Master Jordan Ward, Mate Stayton Sartor, Mate Trainee Tyler Walker, Chief Engineer Richard Zyvloski, and Wiper Hunter Legge. Tellez thanked his family and his mentors, while also challenging his industry peers and colleagues to work tirelessly to promote and grow the U.S. maritime industry. He described the SIU’s successful, ongoing recruiting efforts and noted the industry-wide manpower challenges that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Proceeds from the AOTOS event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine, seafarers of all nations, and U.S. government and military members overseas. SIU President David Heindel was this year’s dinner chairman. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU HELPS WELCOME NEW DREDGE VOTING CONTINUES IN SIU'S 2024 ELECTION ELECTION DAY PROVES FRUITFUL FOR SIU-BACKED CANDIDATES REP. DINGELL HONORED BY GREAT LAKES GROUP NMC: REJECTION OF INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS IMPORTANT NOTICE: UPDATED MERCHANT MARINER CREDENTIAL AND MMC-RELATED DOCUMENTATION E-MAIL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS OSG INLAND CREWS RATIFY CONTRACT MARINERS, JONES ACT TANKERS COMMENDED FOR RELIEF EFFORTS UNION MEMBER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE LABOR-MANAGEMENT REPORTING AND DISCLOSURE ACT SIU CREWS, EXEC. VP TELLEZ HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 12 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/c04ab5151f34755c87bd48a44c6bbe59.pdf 3848b1e582a416b05ec521e07531fc99 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG DECEMBER 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 12 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO BECK NOTICE • PAGE 5 // SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS • PAGE 8 �President’s Report Progress and Opportunities As another year draws to a close, it’s natural to reflect on what we’ve experienced and where we’re headed. The holiday season also brings opportunities to express gratitude, to celebrate our collective strength, and to renew our commitment to one another and to the principles that unite us as Seafarers. First and foremost, I thank every member of the SIU family, including those aboard ships, tugs and dredges, those who are attending classes at the Paul Hall Center, and every other team member at sea and ashore. As someone who grew up in this union, I definitely realize that your work never stops, not David Heindel even during the holidays. While most of the world slows down, and even pauses during this stretch, you keep global and domestic commerce moving, ensuring that fuel, food, and goods reach every corner of the world. Your dedication keeps our nation’s economy strong and our maritime industry secure. This season reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves. Seafaring is a proud profession, but it can be a lonely one. Again, to our brothers and sisters who will spend the holidays away from home, please know that you are not forgotten. Your union, your families, and your fellow members stand with you in spirit, proud of what you represent and the sacrifices you make. Even though we’re not quite at the end of 2025 as of this writing, it’s safe to say this has been a year of both progress and challenges. We’ve continued to SIU Members Save Sailors strengthen our contracts, improve safety and training, and advocate for policies that protect U.S. mariners and the U.S.-flag fleet. Our voice remains strong in Washington and around the world because we speak with unity and purpose. Whether fighting for the Jones Act, supporting the Maritime and Tanker Security Programs, or pushing for fair treatment of mariners globally, the SIU continues to make a difference. But progress doesn’t happen automatically, and you are a crucial part of our success. Your professionalism and reliability are the foundations of our strength. This is especially valuable when we’re communicating with members of Congress and the administration, and with personnel from the various federal agencies that regulate our industry. Your dependability, particularly as our nation’s fourth arm of defense, gives us credibility and makes people listen. As we look ahead to 2026, there’s plenty of work to be done. We must continue investing in our training programs at Piney Point, ensuring that the next generation of mariners has the skills and opportunities to thrive in an evolving industry. We must remain vigilant in defending our maritime laws and ensuring that American jobs stay on American tonnage. And we must keep advocating for better conditions for all working people, because our fight doesn’t end at the water’s edge. As you celebrate this season – whether you mark Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanzaa, or simply the turning of the year – take pride in what you’ve accomplished. You’ve earned it. And as we turn the page to a new year, let’s carry forward the same resolve that defines us: to protect our rights, to honor our profession, and to keep building a stronger future for all Seafarers. On behalf of the entire SIU leadership team, I wish you and your families peace, health, and happiness in the year ahead. Fair winds and following seas, brothers and sisters. On Oct. 10, the crew of SLNC Star saved a vessel of fishermen adrift at sea who had been without food, water or fuel for days. The SIU crew aboard the SLNC Star (operated by Chesapeake Crewing) at the time of the operation included Bosun Latif Haija, AB Gerald Durham, QE4 Norman Middleton Pandy, GVA Cri Sullivan, Steward/ Baker Lisa Thomas and Paul Hall Center Apprentice Alexander Holmes. The licensed officers, members of International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P), were Captain Dave McLean, Chief Mate Chris Nowak, Second Mate Abigail Solomos and Third Mate Connor Donnelly. The SLNC Star first picked up a distress call from the fishing vessel ROOSA KUSUM 02, and diverted course to provide aid. The SIU-crewed ship had departed from Singapore and was approximately two days’ time away from its destination of Diego Garcia. Once the adrift vessel was located, and after it was determined that the boat was not in danger of sinking and the crew were not injured, McLean decided to wait out the rough weather conditions before rendering aid. “Everybody handled it well,” said Haija, the bosun. “We found them at night and we wanted to help, but we also had to first make sure it wasn’t a trap. They had run out of fuel, and the current pushed them.” Once daylight broke and conditions slightly improved, the captain of the fishing boat was brought onboard the SLNC Star to determine what aid the stranded men required. According to McClain, they overcame the language barrier “thanks to Google Translate and Starlink.” During the conversation, it was revealed that the ship had been adrift for five days, and had run out of food and water three days later. However, it was determined that the fishing vessel only required fuel for their engines, so the crew provided 2,000 liters of fuel, as well as food and fresh water, before the SLNC Star returned to their previous course. “Everybody did a good job, the SIU guys and the officers,” Haija stated. “We were all on point. But the seas were still rough that morning.” Apprentice Holmes credited the training he received at the Paul Hall Center for helping him remain calm while providing the required aid, before adding, “Glad the crew and I were able to help.” The Roosa Kusum 2, right, alongside the SLNC Star. (Photo courtesy of Apprentice Alexander Holmes.) Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 12 December 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG The fishing vessel had been adrift for five days before the SLNC Star arrived. (Photo courtesy of Apprentice Alexander Holmes.) DECEMBER 2025 �SIU Submits Testimony for U.S. Senate Hearing Emphasizing Need for Strong Merchant Marine The SIU teamed up with several other maritime labor organizations in submitting joint testimony for an Oct. 28 hearing of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries titled: “Sea Change: Reviving Commercial Shipbuilding.” Participating as witnesses at the hearing were Matt Paxton, President, Shipbuilders Council of America; Jeff Vogel, Vice President of Legal for TOTE Services; Dr. Salvatore Mercogliano, Professor, Campbell University; and Tuuli Snow, Talent Acquisition & Engagement Manager, Snow & Company, Inc. The joint statement came from the SIU; American Maritime Officers; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Firemen’s Union; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Maritime Trades Department; Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; and Transportation Trades Department. Those organizations wrote in part: “The development, implementation and funding of programs and policies that promote, support and grow the U.S.-flag fleet, enhance its economic viability, and increase its ability to compete for and secure a larger share of America’s commercial commerce are extremely important to the jobs of the men and women our organizations represent. The jobs that American merchant mariners perform, and the ships that they crew, are a vital component of America’s economic and military security. They provide the commercial sealift readiness capability needed by the Department of Defense and, as history has demonstrated, are always ready, willing and able to put themselves in harm’s way to support American troops deployed throughout the world…. “At the outset, we wish to reiterate our strong support for the bipartisan and bicameral SHIPS for America Act. We thank the sponsors of this legislation for their leadership in introducing this legislation and we thank all those who have cosponsored this legislation for their commitment to revitalize America’s commercial maritime capability. We assure you that America’s seafaring labor organizations look forward to working with you and your colleagues to enact the provisions in the SHIPS for America Act relating to maritime manpower as well as the other far reaching and innovative proposals to achieve a stronger maritime industry.” (The full statement as well as those of the witnesses are available on the subcommittee’s website, which also includes an archived video of the entire hearing.) Also weighing in was USA Maritime (to which the SIU is affiliated), the coalition representing the U.S.-flag international sailing fleet. That organization stated, “This hearing could not come at a more significant time in America’s maritime history. After decades of allowing the foreign competition to overtake our maritime industry, especially the shipyard industrial base, the attention of the American people and our government seems to have finally been drawn back to its roots. “There is no more American industry than the maritime industry,” USA Maritime continued. “From the founding of the Republic, America has been a nation of the sea, surrounded by water and dependent on trade for our wealth and well-being. Despite that history, the last 200 years of maritime policy has struggled to find a consistent means of ensuring that America’s merchant marine remains afloat. As we look around the world today, the need for a robust U.S.-flag international fleet capable of carrying a significant portion of our waterborne commerce and to serve our national interests is paramount…. Time and history have proven that we cannot rely on foreign carriers to meet our needs. Whether it’s the supply chain issue we saw over the last few years, or when foreign carriers have balked at moving cargo into dangerous waters, we have ample evidence to confirm we cannot put our faith in the idea that foreign carriers with foreign crews and ships will always be there when we need sealift.” The coalition also pointed out that shipbuilding is vital – but it’s also only a first step in the process of maritime revitalization. “Once that ship is built, it needs a crew to sail it, and it needs cargo to move,” the statement noted. “Without a crew and without cargo, a ship is useless – an unmoving, unprofitable, mass of steel that serves no purpose…. We must work to ensure that once those ships are built, they will have something to do. USA Maritime remains a committed supporter of the bipartisan and bicameral SHIPS for America Act. We look forward to working with Congress as this legislation works its way through the legislative process, and we hope to work with the sponsors and co-sponsors to make it even better.” The coalition emphasized that current pro-maritime programs, while essential, “represent the bare minimum needed to keep our ships and mariners afloat and sailing. Without full funding for [the Maritime Security Program and, separately, the Tanker Security Program) we risk the ships and jobs that we currently have in the industry. Without a Food for Peace program that is actively moving cargo, ships that are currently within the U.S-flag fleet will either go into long-term layup, putting their crews out of work, or worse – those companies will be forced to leave the U.S. flag, and those ships will likely never return. We urge the administration to use the funding provided to the Food for Peace program to ensure sufficient cargo is available to keep our existing fleet sailing.” USA Maritime declared that the current Food for Peace issue “highlights the most critical need for our maritime industry: cargo. A ship without cargo is like a car without a motor – not moving. If you want to promote shipbuilding in the United States, you must focus like a laser on the question of commercial cargo and how to get it back on American ships. Do that, and most of the issues we face become surmountable. Demand for ships driven by an abundance of commercial cargo that wants to move on American ships will do as much, if not more, for revitalizing American shipbuilding as any government program could.” MARAD Nominee Backs Jones Act Stephen Carmel, the nominee for U.S. maritime administrator, reiterated his support for the Jones Act during an Oct. 22 hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Responding to separate questions at different points during the gathering, Carmel said the Jones Act (plus cargo preference laws and the Maritime Security Program) “are critical to sustaining the fleet we have now.” When asked if he backs the Jones Act, Carmel responded, “I do.” Carmel’s nomination is widely supported throughout our industry, including by the SIU, and his confirmation appears extremely likely. In his formal opening statement, he noted his experience as a merchant mariner and as an executive with Maersk Line, Limited, and U.S. Marine Management. DECEMBER 2025 Carmel stated, “We are a formidable naval power, but we are not yet a true maritime power. For more than 150 years, we have searched for a maritime policy that works, even as our industrial capacity has steadily declined – both in our ability to carry our own commerce and to build the ships that do it. We have outsourced those capabilities and, with that, much of our independence. “A strong maritime sector is not nostalgia; it’s strategy,” he continued. “It means resilient supply chains we control; credible logistics for our joint forces; good jobs across our coasts, rivers, and Great Lakes; and the freedom to move what America needs, when and where America needs it, under our own flag.” The full statement is linked on the SIU website. Stephen Carmel responds to a question during his Senate hearing. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �SIU Crews Honored at AOTOS Event Seafarers were among the honorees at this year’s Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) awards dinner, hosted by the United Seamen’s Service on Oct. 24 in New York. SIU crews from the Stena Immaculate and the El Coqui (both operated by Crowley) received United Seamen’s Service (USS) “Honored Seafarer Awards,” as did an officer from the CIVMAR-crewed USNS Amelia Earhart. Garnering the main AOTOS Awards were American Maritime Officers National President Willie Barrere; Maersk Line, Limited Chief Operating Officer Ed Hanley; and Vincent Marino, chief executive officer, The Marino Group. The SIU had a typically strong turnout supporting the prestigious gathering. Attendees included President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President George Tricker and other executive board members and officials. U.S. Rep. Thomas Suozzi (D-New York) gave remarks focusing on the American maritime industry’s vital role in national defense, while The Hon. Elaine L. Chao, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation, presented the Honored Seafarer Awards. The crew of the Stena Immaculate, which was represented by SIU hawsepiper Third Mate Jeff Griffin, received accolades for their actions after the vessel was struck by a foreign cargo ship in the North Sea in March. The tanker was at anchor when another ship plowed into it, rupturing a storage tank carrying jet fuel for the military and causing flames to engulf both vessels. The Stena Immaculate crew acted quickly to fight the inferno and save the rest of the thousands of gallons of fuel stored on board. All 23 crew members escaped the catastrophe unharmed and salvaged the ship and most of its cargo. The El Coqui crew received recognition for its actions in January in the Caribbean when the Jones Act vessel diverted from its route to save four American citizens whose sailboat had sunk near the Dominican Republic. “Seafarers are the heart of global trade and the lifeline of freedom and prosperity around the world,” said LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, U.S. Army (Ret.), who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. “Tonight, we are proud to recognize Captain Willie Barrere, Ed Hanley, Vince Marino and Ed Morgan, all of whom embody the strength, resolve, and spirit of service that define our maritime heritage.” Morgan served as president of the USS for more than 20 years. Tony Naccarato, his successor, applauded Morgan’s consistent leadership and commitment to supporting mariners across the globe. SIU President David Heindel (left) and USS President Tony Naccarato congratulate SIU hawsepiper Jeff Griffin, representing the crew of the Stena Immaculate. This year’s primary honorees are (from left) Vincent Marino, Ed Hanley, and Willie Barrere. SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (right) welcomes U.S. Rep. Tom SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (right), SIU hawsepiper Jeff Griffin Suozzi to the event. 2026 Meeting Dates Port Traditional Date JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 5 Jersey City Tuesday after first Sunday 6 Philadelphia Wednesday after first Sunday 7 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 8 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 8 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 8 Norfolk Friday after first Sunday 9 Houston Monday after second Sunday 12 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 13 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 14 Algonac Thursday after second Sunday 15 Oakland Thursday after second Sunday 15 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 15 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 15 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 16 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 16 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 20 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 22 Tacoma Friday after third Sunday 23 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 17 19 20 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 9 10 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 16 19 20 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 13 14 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 20 23 24 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 11 12 13 14 14 14 14 15 15 18 21 22 8 9 10 11 11 11 12 15 16 17 18 18 18 18 22 22 22 25 26 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 13 14 15 16 16 16 16 17 17 20 23 24 3 4 5 6 6 6 7 10 11 12 13 13 13 13 14 14 17 20 21 8 8 9 10 10 10 11 14 15 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 25 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 13 13 14 15 15 15 15 16 16 19 22 23 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 9 10 12 12 12 12 12 13 13 16 19 20 7 8 9 10 10 10 11 14 15 16 17 17 17 17 18 18 21 24 28 Circled dates indicate changes due to holiday observances -- Meetings start at 10:30 a.m. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 DECEMBER 2025 �Beck Notice The Seafarers International Union, AGLIW assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. 1. Benefits of union membership — While non-members do receive material benefits from a union presence in their workplace, there are significant benefits to retaining full membership in the union. Among the many benefits and opportunities available to a member of the Seafarers International Union, AGLIW are the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate in contract ratification and strike votes. Members also may play a role in the development and formulation of union policies. 2. Cost of union membership — In addition to working dues, to belong to the union as a full book member the cost is $500.00 (five hundred dollars) per year or $125.00 (one hundred twenty-five dollars) per quarter. Working dues amount to 5 percent of the gross amount an employee receives for vacation benefits and are paid when the member files a vacation application. 3. Agency fee payors — Employees who choose not to become union members may become agency fee payors. As a condition of employment, in states which permit such ar- DECEMBER 2025 Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act rangements, individuals are obligated to make payments to the union in the form of an agency fee. The fee these employees pay is to support the core representational services that the union provides. These services are those related to the collective bargaining process, contract administration and grievance adjustments. Examples of these activities include but are not limited to, the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the enforcement and administration of collective bargaining agreements and meetings with employers and employees. Union services also include representation of employees during disciplinary meetings, grievance and arbitration proceedings, National Labor Relations Board hearings and court litigation. Employees who pay agency fees are not required to pay for expenses not germane to the collective bargaining process. Examples of these expenses would be expenses required as a result of community service, legislative activities and political affairs. 4. Amount of agency fee — As noted above, dues objectors may pay a fee which represents the costs of expenses related to those supporting costs germane to the collective bargaining process. After review of all expenses during the 2024 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 81.39 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $488.34 (four hundred eighty eight dollars and thirty-four cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2026 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2025 and November 30, 2026 will have this calculation applied to their 2026 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2027, your objection must be received by December 1, 2026. A report which delineates chargeable and non-chargeable expenses is available to you free of charge. You may receive a copy of this report by writing to: Secretary-Treasurer, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2024. Please note that as the chargeable and non-chargeable expenses may change each year, the agency fee amount may also fluctuate each year. Individuals who are entitled to pay agency fees and wish to pay fees rather than dues, must elect this option each year by filing an objection in accordance with the procedure noted below. 5. Filing of objections — If you choose to object to paying dues, an objection must be filed annually. To receive the deduction beginning in January of each year, you must file by the beginning of December in the prior year. An employee may file an objection at any time during the year, however, the reduction will apply only prospectively and only until December 31 of that calendar year. Reductions in dues will not be applied retroactively. As noted above, each year the amount of the dues reduction may change based upon an auditor’s report from a previous year. The objection must be sent in writing to: Agency Fee Payor Objection Administration, Secretary-Treasurer’s Office, Seafarers International Union, AGLIW, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 6. Filing a challenge — Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer’s office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure — Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, Tom Orzechowski Secretary-Treasurer SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �SIU’s Military Ties Run Deep Officials Share Insights from Years in Uniform Editor’s note: Many SIU officials are military veterans, and their collective experience has given them skills that carried over into their current roles. The following are brief accounts of several union officials’ military service and how their time in uniform has translated to their current roles. This is the first in a planned series. Ray Henderson Ray Henderson, assistant vice president of the Atlantic region, served in the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) from 1989 to 1996. His ultimate role was that of a boatswain mate, and his primary duties consisted of performing search and rescue operations while stationed at a small boat station. His experiences at his first duty station out of bootcamp on the USCG cutter Dallas gave him the opportunity to spend a lot of time out at sea. “Everything I learned on that vessel I was able to bring over to my career as a merchant mariner,” said Henderson. Before joining up with SIU after completing the trainee program (Class 553) in Piney Point, Maryland, he wasn’t aware that USCG regulated the merchant marine and wasn’t cognizant of its role in the industry. “I didn’t know this industry existed,” he said. “It was my uncle who told me to head down to the union hall when I left the military to look into this career.” Henderson sailed for nearly 20 years and became a recertified bosun. He came ashore to work for the union a decade ago. His advice to current or former military members looking to get into civilian maritime careers? “If you want a career that you can use the skills you learned while in the military and have the same type of camaraderie with others on a vessel, then this is the career for you.” Of the connection between the armed forces and the merchant marine, he said, “A lot of military personnel do not know that the U.S. Merchant Marine exists, but those that do, realize how much we do for the military and how important our role is with helping them out. I truly believe without a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, the military would have a hard time getting their troops and gear to where it has to go.” Joe Vincenzo SIU Vice President West Coast Joe Vincenzo was an Army member, on active duty from 1983 through 1987, followed by three years in the reserves. He served as a non-communication electronic warfare specialist, and his main responsibilities were focused on data collection and analysis. In his own words, transitioning from the armed forces to the SIU was “really interesting. There are some obvious transferable skills: discipline and being a team player. You won’t even make it out of (maritime) basic safety training without those,” Vincenzo said. He recalled a routine occurrence during his time in military basic training, when the drill sergeant would ask questions about their fellow servicemen while they were standing in the food line, such as their spouse’s name. “If you didn’t know, you’d be down on the ground doing pushups,” said Vincenzo. It taught him the importance of being sociable and making the effort to get to know other people in his unit. Vincenzo’s military experience also reinforced the importance of following rules, working as a team member, leadership, and general knowledge, and for those reasons, he considers the military an excellent place to begin a career. “It’s a vetting process, and it 6 • SEAFARERS LOG helps you to get a better sense of who you are and what you’re capable of,” he said. Serving in the military was also a way for him to have novel experiences that would assist him down the line, especially with a career in tech. “The first time I ever touched a computer was in the Army,” he said. “It helped me not be afraid to try new things and to familiarize myself with them.” During his time in the military, Vincenzo learned how to put up antennas, recognize different transmissions, differentiate signals and monitor the airwaves. Vincenzo’s computer experience gave him the skillset necessary to help manage and operate the SIU’s unionwide database, which is used to keep Ray Henderson Joe Vincenzo (holding flag) listens as then-Sen. Bob Dole addresses his division, The Big Red One. and organize records and information about members and crews. Although he hadn’t much experience with the merchant marine before joining the SIU, he always admired the Navy. “My experience with the merchant marine was consistent with that,” he said. Vincenzo’s father was in the Coast Guard, and his sister was a nurse on the SIU-crewed passenger ships in Hawaii. In fact, he discovered this career path when he went to Hawaii with his sister, in search of his next opportunity. “I respected people who worked on ships, and I wasn’t sure how long I’d be out there when I started,” he recalled. After joining the SIU in January 1991, “35 years later, I’m still here,” he noted. The benefits of choosing a civilian maritime career after having enlisted in the Army quickly became evident to him. “It’s very rewarding. I bought my first house with the money I made,” he said. “Even to this day I can’t imagine having fallen into a better career.” Advice Vincenzo would share with current and former military members who might be considering a similar career path is as follows: “Have a long game in mind. Don’t get caught up in short-term returns. Look down the road and consider the life you can build for yourself. There are lots of opportunities and experiences in the merchant marine that you just can’t get elsewhere.” One such opportunity for Vincenzo was working as an oiler on the SS Jeremiah O'Brien in 1994 during the 50-year commemoration of D-Day. “It was one of the crown jewels of my experience. I was an oiler/honorary crew member of the ship,” he said. “I got to meet the president and entourage, and I got to be in a parade in Normandy.” To Vincenzo, the bond between the merchant marine and the armed forces cannot be overstated: “We were there with them from the Revolutionary War and we’re still there today. We’re there to provide for national security, defense, and commerce and to assist with the military’s projection of power. MSC ships or Navy ships, federal employees and civilian ships – we’re right there with them every step of the way.” John Hoskins Joe Zavala (right) and another Marine John Hoskins John Hoskins, port agent at the Baltimore hiring hall, began the apprentice program with SIU in 1983. He paralleled the training he received at the PHC with his military career, since he joined the Army reserves in 1985. Ten years later, he worked his way up the ranks, earning the title of warrant officer. After reaching the role of chief warrant officer 3 (CW3), he retired from the Army in 2005. Upon his transition to working for the SIU as a veteran, Hoskins found that many of his Army responsibilities directly applied to tasks in his new career. While he served, his job was marine engineer, and he sailed as chief engineer (his last duty assignment). When Hoskins was enrolled at the Paul Hall Center, students could take college-level courses and earn credits toward degrees (at no extra cost). He took advantage of that opportunity and earned a college degree in engineering. A particular point of pride for Hoskins was getting thenSIU President Mike Sacco to sign his associate’s degree in marine engineering technology, which was issued to him in July 1999. Hoskins advises people interested in following his path to be wary, though. “You know, I pushed myself to take all these specialty courses because I wanted to make more money. The associate's degree made me no more money in the SIU, but it did wonders for my Army career,” he said. All in all, Hoskins sailed with the union for nearly 25 years, and he has been an official for 17 years. He shared words of wisdom meant for any military personnel considering joining the SIU. “I like to tell people when they’re coming to us from any background that it’s not just a job, it’s a career,” said Hoskins. “There’s camaraderie like you have in the military. It also applies as a union official because we all have the same experience, and you can have that feeling of being part of a family again. People tend to fit in more easily because they’ve experienced that (in the military).” Hoskins views the U.S. Merchant Marine as necessary support for the people on the vanguard. “Lots of the ships that went to Kuwait went and accommodated Army personnel. The merchant marine brings them the stuff they need. It feels patriotic to be a part of that because you’re helping to support them,” he said. “No matter what you do, you’re there to support the people on the frontlines.” Joe Zavala Joe Zavala, the assistant vice president based out of the Houston hall, served in the United States Marine Corps from December 1998 to August 2003. He reached the rank of sergeant and was tasked with handling shipto-shore communications as a field wireman and wire chief. “My time in the Marine Corps taught me the technical skills necessary to survive and operate effectively at sea,” says Zavala. Managing communications systems under pressure as a wire chief translated well into maritime operations for him. Zavala also gained experience managing small office operations, and that knowledge was useful for the administrative and logistical roles he has worked within the SIU while ashore. During his active-duty years, Zavala already had a sincere appreciation of the U.S. Merchant Marine. “I saw them as a vital civilian force that kept us moving,” he said. “They were crucial to the Marine Corps’ ability to do its job, but most Marines didn’t know how merchant mariners lived or worked.” Zavala came to appreciate the professionalism, resilience, and structure of the maritime lifestyle after joining the SIU. “It’s far more demanding and disciplined than I had imagined,” he said. For military members and veterans interested in making the transition to a civilian maritime career, he suggests that they enroll at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point as soon as possible. “The earlier you make the transition, the easier it is to avoid accumulating financial and emotional responsibilities that can complicate civilian life,” he said. “The training and structure at the Paul Hall Center provide a strong foundation for success in the industry.” Understanding the strong bond between the armed forces and the merchant marine, often called the fourth arm of defense, is something Zavala would also like to emphasize to those in service. “The U.S. Merchant Marine plays a critical role in supporting military operations, especially in logistics. However, I feel that many in the armed forces don’t fully understand how we operate,” he said. “Beyond trucks, railways, and planes, there’s a perception that we somehow make things happen magically. In reality, it takes coordination, skill, and endurance to deliver what’s needed under tough conditions.” SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 DECEMBER 2025 �SIU Mourns Passing of Myron Mintz This portrait of Myron Mintz was provided by his family. The SIU is mourning the recent death of a longtime colleague whose work proved helpful to Seafarers. Myron “MJ” Mintz, 84, passed away Oct. 10, just a few weeks shy of his birthday. SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski noted, “For almost three decades, Myron Mintz served with distinction as co-counsel for the SIU Rivers Pension Trust. During his tenure as co-counsel to this Trust, Myron exemplified the founding principle of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA): that unions and employers shall work together to secure the retirement benefits of their workers. Through his expertise, knowledge of the law and dedication, Myron made a significant contribution to the health of this trust and thereby to the retirement benefits of the trust’s many Participants. Myron’s sage advice, quick wit, and collegiality will be sorely missed.” SIU President David Heindel stated, “Myron played an instrumental role in the early days of the SIU/NMU merger, particularly in bringing the benefit plans together under our framework. His counsel was invaluable in achieving a successful merger of the plans. My condolences to his family.” SIU Vice President Bryan Powell said, “I had the pleasure of knowing Myron only a few short years, but knew him as a staunch supporter of the SIU and our interests as well as a friend. He will be greatly missed.” A Philadelphia native, Mintz earned a bachelor’s degree from Temple University before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force. After his time in the military, he practiced as a certified public accountant while enrolled at Temple’s School of Law. He graduated with high honors and served as executive editor of the school’s law review. After earning his law degree, Mintz started his career in Washington, D.C., as an attorney-advisor to the Honorable Bruce M. Forrester at the United States Tax Court. He later entered private practice before returning to public service as associate general counsel for the Cost of Living Council in the executive office of the president under Donald H. Rumsfeld. When the council completed its work, Mintz joined Charles W. Colson, former special counsel to President Richard Nixon, in private practice. At Colson’s request, he helped establish the Prison Fellowship Ministry and served as a founding member of its board of directors. Following the election of President Ronald Reagan, Mintz was appointed to the ERISA Advisory Board to the U.S. Secretary of Labor. He later served on the board of the U.S. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and was appointed its chairman by President George H.W. Bush. In addition, he held gubernatorial appointments under Virginia Governors George Allen and James Gilmore. According to his online obituary, Mintz “was a longtime seasonal resident of Edgartown, Massachusetts, where he loved sailing, fishing, clamming, and simply ‘being on the Island.’ In the late 1980s, he and his close friend Stuart Lollis led the reorganization of the Chappaquiddick Beach Club, transitioning it from a private partnership to a member-owned organization. Mintz served both as a member and as a past president of the club. He was also affiliated with the Belle Haven Country Club, Old Dominion Boat Club, the Cosmos Club, the Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C., The Eagles, the American Legion, the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club, and the Portuguese American Club.” Survivors include his wife, Judith; his children, Robert A. Mintz (Beth) and Christine L. Blomstrom (John); and his grandchildren, Tripp, Katherine, Cameron, and Lloyd. He is also survived by his brother, Mark (Barbara); niece, Rhoda Hill; and nephew, Todd Mintz (Sarah). Union Member Rights, Officer Responsibilities Under The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights - Union members have: - Equal rights to participate in union activities - Freedom of speech and assembly - Voice in setting rates of dues, fees, and assessments - Protection of the right to sue - Safeguards against improper discipline Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to: - Nominate candidates for office - Run for office - Cast a secret ballot - Protest the conduct of an election Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an DECEMBER 2025 elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Certain Discipline: A union or any of its officials may not fine, expel, or otherwise discipline a member for exercising any LMRDA right. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must: - File an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. - Retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must: - Conduct elections for officers of national unions or intermediary districts at least every four years by secret ballot. - Conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year. - Mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election. - Comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material. - Not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used). - Permit candidates to have election observers. - Allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee, or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol. gov SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $477,316,361 as of December 31, 2024 compared to $409,808,426 as of January 1, 2024. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its assets of $67,507,935. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $168,739,575. This income included employer contributions of $136,581,075, employee contributions of $363,900, realized gains of $7,638,622 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $24,155,978. Plan expenses were $101,231,640. These expenses included $17,071,091 in administrative expenses and $84,160,549 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $15,111,599. These expenses included $1,518,374 in administrative expenses and $13,593,225 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,362 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $167,620,034 as of December 31, 2024 compared to $154,589,229 as of January 1, 2024. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $13,030,805. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $28,142,404, including employer contributions of $12,153,444, employee contributions of $115,604, gains of $2,046,171 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $13,827,185. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers Vacation Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $37,988,953 as of December 31, 2024 compared to $34,614,407 as of January 1, 2024. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its assets of $3,374,546. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $86,903,339. This income included employer contributions of $83,923,544, realized gains of $1,033,625 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,694,080 and other income of $252,090. Plan expenses were $83,528,793. These expenses included $8,796,749 in administrative expenses and $74,732,044 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Summary Annual Report for Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers International Union AGLIW 401(K) Plan, (Employer Identification No. 26-1527179, Plan No. 002) for the period January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $6,061,751. These expenses included $162,815 in administrative expenses, $5,696,137 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $202,799 in other expenses. A total of 2,469 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $80,357,147 as of December 31, 2024 compared to $67,191,180 as of January 1, 2024. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $13,165,967. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $19,227,718, including employee contributions of $8,432,309, rollover contributions of $838,087 and earnings from investments of $9,957,322. 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof for any or all of these employee benefit plans, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. 5. Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 6. Information regarding any common or collective trust, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 10312 investment entities in which the plan participates. Items one through six are included in the SMPPP report, while items one through four are included in the others. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: Margaret R. Bowen, Administrator 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be (respectively) $10.50 for SHBP, $16 for SVP, $5.25 for 401(K) and $8 for SMPPP. The cost for any individual page or portion of a page (from any report) is 25 cents. You also have the right to receive from the Plan Administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: Plan Office 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, Public Disclosure Room, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite N-1513, Washington, D.C. 20210. Paperwork Reduction Act Statement According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13) (PRA), no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless such collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The Department notes that a Federal agency cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it is approved by OMB under the PRA, and displays a currently valid OMB control number, and the public is not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3507. Also, notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no person shall be subject to penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if the collection of information does not display a currently valid OMB control number. See 44 U.S.C. 3512. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average less than one minute per notice (approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes per plan). Interested parties are encouraged to send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attention: Departmental Clearance Officer, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Room N-1301, Washington, DC 20210 or email DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov and reference the OMB Control Number 1210-0040. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 DECEMBER 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC ‒ Asst. Conveyorman Mohamed Mohamed (right in photo at right, with Recruiting Director Ryan Covert) and AB Saif Obad (left in photo at left, with Safety Director Jason Brown) receive their respective A-seniority books at the hiring hall, while GUDE Ahmed Al-Salahi (left in remaining photo, with Representative Rachel Tuttle) obtains his B book. STANDING UP FOR GOOD JOBS ‒ SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left) and TOTE ABOARD MATSON ANCHORAGE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the ship during lunchtime are SA Kevin Arroyo and Chief Cook Engracio Moratin. Photos were taken in Tacoma, Washington. VP Eduardo Pagan meet at the hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to coordinate upcoming activities involving the union, the company, and the territory’s labor federation. They’re pictured next to a model of the company’s ship Isla Bella. SUPPORTING AUSTRALIAN MARINERS ‒ SIU President David Heindel (second GRASSROOTS ACTION ‒ SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (third from right) teams up with other proworker allies in Annapolis, Maryland, for block walking ahead of Election Day. from right) and SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman (right) meet with officials from the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) and the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU) in Washington, D.C. earlier this year. The outof-town guests were conferring with Kevin Rudd (third from right), the Australian ambassador to the U.S. (and a former prime minister of Australia). Pictured from left are AMOU Executive Officer Jarrod Moran, MUA Asst. National Secretary Jamie Newlyn, MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin, Rudd, Heindel, and Schoeneman. The Australian unionists are trying to bolster their national maritime industry. ABOARD AMERICAN ENDURANCE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid vessel in Portland, TEXAS SOLIDARITY ‒ SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) congratulates Oregon, are QEP Rodriques Carson, OMU Jose Smith, and Oiler Rommel Crespo. DECEMBER 2025 Leonard Aguilar on his recent election as president of the Texas AFL-CIO. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 99 LOG • �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GOPHER STATE ‒ As seen during the recent activation of the Pacific-Gulf Marine vessel. Next to the pallet are ABs Jamison Boyd and Jonathan Jones. The other two-person photo includes OS Raekwon Smith-Cabarras and AB Andrew Tingle. In the remaining photo are (clockwise, from left) SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, Wiper Barry Howell (taking in stores), AB Shawn Boone, Bosun Bryan Howell, AB Fontaine Barber, and AB Julius Sykes. A JOB WELL DONE ‒ Chef/Instructor John Dobson recently called it a career after 28 years of service at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. As noted on the plaque: “Your dedication and hard work have been an inspiration to us all.” ABOARD GREEN WAVE ‒ SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman (left) meets with Seafarers aboard the Waterman vessel to discuss what was then a proposed new contract (since ratified) and conduct a vote. Pictured with Jarman are (from left) Bosun Diego Melchor Loreto, Steward/Baker Mohamed Nour, SA Tesfaye Melese, and Chief Cook Juan Boissett. TAKING THE OATH IN FLORIDA ‒ Pictured from left (facing the camera) during the October membership meeting in Jacksonville are SA Brya Sparks and ABs Darryl Brown, Jameel Robinson, and Lamar Doctor. Sparks received her B book, while the others all obtained their respective A-seniority books. MILESTONE IN WINDY CITY ‒ Deckhand John Immerfall receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured in front of the Great Lakes Towing tug Indiana in Chicago. ABOARD NORTH STAR ‒ QMED Johnny Matthews displays his favorite monthly publication aboard the TOTE ship in Tacoma, Washington. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA ‒ Chief Steward Julio Crodua (left), who started sailing with the SIU in 1989, picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. Congratulating him is Safety Director Dennison Forsman. ABOARD LIBERTY PEACE ‒ These snapshots are from a recent Saturday BBQ aboard the Liberty Maritime vessel. Many thanks to Steward/Baker Pauline Crespo for the photos. 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 DECEMBER 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD MAERSK COLUMBUS ‒ Pictured from left while the vessel is docked in Norfolk, Virginia, are AB Tyree Watkins, ABM Alfred Hogan, Recertified Bosun John O’Shaughnessy, and ABM Mohamed Mohsin. WELCOME ABOARD ‒ AB Astro Aguirre displays his newly obtained his B book at the Joliet, Illinois, hall. THANKING AN INDUSTRY CHAMPION ‒ SIU Asst. VP Ray Henderson (right) and longtime maritime industry stalwart Elaine L. Chao (former Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation) are pictured Oct. 9 in New York City at a U.S. Coast Guard Foundation dinner. Henderson thanked Sec. Chao for her many years of supporting the U.S. Merchant Marine. ON THE RECRUITING TRAIL ‒ In photo above, left, SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (left) spreads the word at a “Union Trades Career Fair” Oct. 8 in Sparrows Point, Maryland. SIU Piney Point Patrolman Josh Gail is at right in the other photo, taken later that month at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center in southern Maryland. ABOARD SUNSHINE STATE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid vessel in the Pacific Northwest are Steward/Baker Jose Norales and SA Mamon Alafifi. ABOARD TEXAS ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Fairwater tanker during lunchtime are Recertified Steward Ronald Davis, Chief Cook Khaled Yahia, SA Hamid Shahbain, and Bosun Tomas Calderon Robinson. Photos were taken in Anacortes, Washington. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD ‒ Pictured from left in the Seafaring Selfie on the Patriot ship are SIU Patrolman Anthony Jacobson, SA Ebrahim Al Saqladis, CSKS Anthony Simon, SA Leo Bierneza (foreground), Chief Cook Robert Greenwood, and Recertified Steward Dennison Dizon. The other union members (from, respectively, the MM&P, MFOW, and SUP) praised the galley gang for always going above and beyond. Photos were taken Oct. 27 in Corpus Christi, Texas. DECEMBER 2025 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from October 14 - November 13, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of November 14, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 19 Anchorage 5 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 23 Guam 1 Harvey 9 Honolulu 4 Houston 43 Jacksonville 41 Jersey City 21 Joliet 1 Mobile 5 Norfolk 14 Oakland 8 Philadelphia 2 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 4 Tacoma 10 Wilmington 37 10 4 5 8 0 1 1 21 34 9 6 1 14 0 1 3 3 0 7 6 2 0 3 10 1 10 1 13 14 10 0 1 7 3 0 2 1 0 2 4 10 3 4 12 1 6 2 22 25 16 2 5 8 6 0 2 5 5 16 22 6 3 3 10 0 3 1 9 26 9 2 2 13 0 1 2 2 0 5 4 0 0 2 2 0 3 0 4 7 3 0 2 5 2 1 0 1 0 2 3 5 3 3 12 1 4 2 15 17 11 0 2 11 5 0 1 4 1 8 9 25 5 4 26 6 12 10 60 52 34 2 7 31 9 5 1 6 1 22 48 6 2 4 6 1 2 2 27 45 13 8 6 20 0 2 2 2 1 6 12 4 0 1 11 1 11 2 25 20 10 0 6 10 4 0 1 1 1 4 5 TOTAL 255 134 84 172 101 37 114 366 167 117 Algonac 6 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 4 Fort Lauderdale 8 Guam 3 Harvey 1 Honolulu 5 Houston 8 Jacksonville 23 Jersey City 4 Joliet 1 Mobile 2 Norfolk 10 Oakland 5 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 9 Wilmington 7 TOTAL 99 2 1 5 5 0 2 4 6 18 3 0 1 12 4 1 0 2 2 2 9 79 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 8 1 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 22 2 0 2 5 0 0 4 8 13 6 0 2 4 0 0 1 1 0 2 5 55 9 0 6 14 3 1 8 12 28 7 3 2 21 7 2 2 4 3 10 11 153 3 3 5 6 0 2 4 10 22 5 1 3 18 5 1 0 3 1 4 11 107 0 0 3 6 0 0 1 7 8 3 0 2 4 2 0 0 0 0 2 3 41 Algonac 2 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 9 Guam 1 Harvey 3 Honolulu 2 Houston 11 Jacksonville 20 Jersey City 6 Joliet 0 Mobile 1 Norfolk 17 Oakland 8 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 2 St. Louis 2 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 19 TOTAL 113 1 1 2 3 0 3 2 9 16 11 0 1 13 2 0 4 2 2 0 7 79 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 3 1 0 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 18 2 0 0 3 0 1 1 10 9 4 0 3 11 5 1 3 2 1 8 18 82 1 1 3 2 0 1 0 4 8 2 0 0 11 3 1 0 3 1 4 14 59 4 0 1 13 1 5 5 17 36 9 2 6 28 15 3 2 4 2 9 29 191 1 1 0 5 1 3 3 13 23 7 0 2 20 6 1 4 5 2 1 12 110 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 1 8 2 0 1 0 0 1 3 25 Algonac 0 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 0 Guam 0 Harvey 0 Honolulu 0 Houston 1 Jacksonville 1 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 4 Wilmington 2 7 3 4 8 0 2 1 16 35 14 0 1 12 8 1 1 0 0 7 7 7 0 2 5 1 1 5 3 32 10 3 1 24 7 0 1 0 0 7 15 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 3 1 0 2 0 2 0 13 17 8 0 0 2 6 0 2 0 0 4 5 0 0 1 1 2 1 5 0 18 3 1 0 6 6 1 0 0 0 3 11 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 2 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 7 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 2 9 3 4 10 1 5 1 34 52 27 0 2 18 10 2 0 0 0 13 20 21 1 1 18 1 3 5 19 82 19 4 4 54 25 1 3 0 0 12 32 TOTAL 8 127 124 9 65 59 20 24 211 305 GRAND TOTAL 419 248 331 272 124 248 734 595 488 Engine Department 5 0 3 4 0 2 4 5 14 4 0 4 4 1 1 0 1 0 5 11 68 1 0 1 3 0 2 1 6 17 2 0 1 5 1 0 1 1 1 2 4 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 2 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 14 Steward Department December & January Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Monday: Dec. 8, Jan. 5 Thursday: Dec. 18, Jan. 15 Thursday: Dec. 11, Jan. 8 Friday: Dec. 26, Thursday: Jan. 22 Guam Honolulu Friday: Dec. 19, Jan. 16 Houston Monday: Dec. 15, Jan. 12 Jacksonville Thursday: Dec. 11, Jan. 8 Joliet Thursday: Dec. 18, Jan. 15 Mobile Wednesday: Dec. 17, Jan. 14 New Orleans Tuesday: Dec. 16, Jan. 13 Jersey City Tuesday: Dec. 9, Jan. 6 Norfolk Friday: Dec. 12, Jan. 9 Oakland Thursday: Dec. 18, Jan. 15 Philadelphia Wednesday: Dec. 10, Jan. 7 Port Everglades Thursday: Dec. 18, Jan. 15 San Juan Thursday: Dec. 11, Jan. 8 St. Louis Friday: Dec. 19, Jan. 16 Tacoma Friday: Dec. 26, Jan. 23 Wilmington Monday: Dec. 22, Tuesday: Jan. 20 Meeting date changes due to holidays Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 0 1 3 3 0 3 0 7 12 7 1 0 4 2 0 2 5 1 1 5 57 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 14 Entry Department 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 475 DECEMBER 2025 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. DELAWARE EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), June 8 – Chairman Linnell Coleman, Secretary Dylan Faile, Educational Director Ralph Garner, Deck Delegate Abdulkarim Muthala, Engine Delegate Sergio Ayala Diaz, Steward Delegate Karrington Plummer. Chairman thanked crew for a safe, productive and peaceful trip and gave a special thanks to steward department. Patrolman to service ship Friday, June 13. Chairman advised crew about busy upcoming port stay in Long Beach, California. Stay to include ship COI, stores and repairs performed by contractors. New Seafarers LOG is available online. New linen and refrigerators ordered for crew rooms. Large upcoming stores order expected, per steward delegate. SA Anas Mihakel was commended for doing a wonderful job. Educational director urged members to upgrade their skills at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, and to make sure their documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed questions about new contract and asked for new refrigerators, new TVs and TV mounts for crew rooms. Members would like increases to Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan contributions. Crew suggested calculating pension pay based on top five years out of last 10 sailed. Members expressed support for the Jones Act and for the SHIPS for America Act. The former is America’s freight cabotage law; the latter, pending legislation aimed at revitalizing multiple components of the U.S. maritime industry. OVERSEAS LONG BEACH (Overseas Ship Management), September 17 – Chairman Rahsean Lillard, Secretary Antajuan Beasley, Educational Director Christopher Edwards, Steward Delegate J’lon Williams. Educational director advised everyone to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Deck delegate reported rust on aft catwalk and made crew aware of location. Steward delegate encouraged crew to keep up the good work. Members would like 20 for 30 vacation and better Wi-Fi. Crew requested new pillows, sheets and towels. ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska Tanker Company, LLC), September 20 – Chairman Donny Castillo, Secretary Just Self, Educational Director Corey Hann, Deck Delegate Manuel Espinoza, Engine Delegate Eric Garcia, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. Members reviewed procedures for disposing of food and washing dishes. Chairman reminded crew to wear clean clothes in mess hall and crew lounge and to keep tools out of pockets while in those areas. Members were advised to see department delegates with contract questions. Captain W. Rouch and Chief Steward Just Self assisted company with updating steward department handbook. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade either at the Paul Hall Center or elsewhere that offers SIU-compatible courses and also reminded everyone to keep documents in order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like vacation days to increase to 20 for 30 and in-lieu-of day to return to every 30 days. Crew requested unlimited Wi-Fi, new mattresses, new recliners and new desk chairs in staterooms. Shower deck in need of repair. Kudos to the steward department for a job well done. Company recognized the Alaskan Legend for 18 years without a lost-time injury. Article can be found on Saltchuk website. Next port: Cherry Point, Washington. USNS BOWDITCH (Ocean Ships, Inc.), October 3 – Chairman Dean Trott, Secretary Paula Minton, Educational Director Jessica Valentin, Engine Delegate Sean Hernandez. Larger refrigerators needed in all shared state rooms. Next meeting to be conducted before ship’s VRA period, per chairman. Secretary en- couraged members to attend union meetings for updates and training. Educational director talked about delayed MMCs due to government shutdown. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed pay raise in bridge contract with Ocean Ships, Inc. and talked about the importance of the Jones Act for mariners. Members would like 10% raises, 17 for 30 vacation, additional pay for both room-sharing and HSL operations, and continuity pay for returning crew members. Crew requested Starlink Wi-Fi and common computer access for personal use and to keep in contact with family. MISSOURI EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), October 15 – Chairman Allan Coloyan, Secretary Moses Scott, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Deck Delegate Anthony Heck, Engine Delegate Tyler Allen, Steward Delegate Vanessa Warren. Chairman discussed ship schedule and reminded members of online payment option for dues. Educational director urged crew to keep documents up to date and advised members to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Dishwasher needs to be replaced. Visas/shore passes will be received upon arrival in foreign ports. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return DECEMBER 2025 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •13 13 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 This month’s question was answered by members and one pensioner at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. In the case of retiree James Hebert, the question was tweaked to past tense. Question: What are some things you like about your career? Brya Sparks SA James Hebert Retired Tugboat Captain I love the fact that I’m able to work around others. I’m able to do what I love, as far as cooking. Making sure everyone’s full and that the food is decent. I loved my job. I worked for a great company, too (Seabulk Towing). I enjoyed what I did: docking ships, doing offshore towing and things like that. Lorraine Champagne SA Dennis McLean AB I’m able to network with people, meet new people, travel. Trying new experiences. Life is all about taking a risk; that’s what this job has shown me, and I love it. You can change it up as often as you want. If you get bored with one area, you just pick up a new contract (job). There are a lot of diverse and good jobs, and you’re never in the same place. Jock Litzinger STOS William Watts SA The two biggest things for me are getting to travel for my job, and then also the time off that it gives. There aren’t many careers where you can work for four months and then take four months off. It allows me to do things that I really want to do, that I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise. Traveling. I enjoy going to different countries. I particularly enjoyed visiting Africa, because that’s a place I always wanted to see. 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 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Seafarer Michael Hankland puts the finishing touches on dessert aboard the Liberty ship Lewis Emery Jr. in 1954. 14 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2025 14 DECEMBER �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA JORGE CORRALES BARRANTES Brother Jorge Corrales Barrantes, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2012 when he sailed on the Texas Enterprise. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Corrales Barrantes most recently shipped on the Isla Bella and lives in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. MARCOS DOMINGUEZ Brother Marcos Dominguez, 71, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2016. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Maersk Chicago. Brother Dominguez last shipped on the Challenge. He is a New Orleans resident. MAGDY ELKEIK Brother Magdy Elkeik, 69, became a member of the union in 2007 and first worked aboard the Pride of Hawaii. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school and shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Elkeik most recently sailed on the Maersk Sentosa and makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. ALLAN OYAO LIBERATO VIRAY Brother Allan Oyao, 70, joined the union in 1998 when he sailed on the Overseas Boston. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Oyao’s final vessel was the Overseas Texas City. He resides in Anchorage, Alaska. Brother Liberato Viray, 61, signed on with the Seafarers in 1993 and initially sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Viray most recently shipped on the Legend and is a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. MARK PEARSON FRANCISCO ZUNIGA ARZU Mark Pearson, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1999. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the USNS Able. Brother Pearson upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Pathfinder and settled in Swannanoa, North Carolina. Brother Francisco Zuniga Arzu, 69, joined the union in 1997 and first worked aboard the Independence. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the steward department. Brother Zuniga Arzu most recently sailed on the American Liberty and settled in Homestead, Florida. MARK SCARDINO Brother Mark Scardino, 67, started sailing with the union in 1980, initially working aboard the Ultrasea. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Scardino last shipped on the Horizon Pacific and makes his home in Longview, Washington. RAUL GOMEZ BERMUDEZ VASILY SEMES Brother Raul Gomez Bermudez, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2005. He was a deck department member and first shipped on the Florida. Brother Gomez Bermudez upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Liberty Peace and lives in Houston. Brother Vasily Semes, 70, joined the SIU in 2001 and first shipped on the Chilbar. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Semes last shipped on the ARC Honor. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. NILES JACOBSEN Brother Niles Jacobsen, 69, joined the SIU in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Bonny. Brother Jacobsen was a member of the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Yorktown Express and resides in Ridgeville, South Carolina. TERRENCE KANE Brother Terrence Kane, 72, signed on with the SIU in 1992. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Kane’s first vessel was the Long Lines; his last, the Seakay Star. He makes his home in Pembroke Pines, Florida. ALI NASSER Brother Ali Nasser, 80, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991 when he sailed aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother Nasser’s final vessel was the Anders Maersk. He calls New Britain, Connecticut, home. DECEMBER 2025 ASRIL SYARBAINI Brother Asril Syarbaini, 71, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1992. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Global Sentinel. Brother Syarbaini upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Columbus and settled in Houston. MOHAMED SYLLA Brother Mohamed Sylla, 67, became a member of the SIU in 2000 when he sailed aboard the Patriot. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Sylla’s final vessel was the Cape Island. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. JOSE TAGLE Brother Jose Tagle, 74, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Green Dale. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Tagle concluded his career aboard the Black Eagle. He resides in Covina, California. INLAND KENTON HENRY Brother Kenton Henry, 72, donned the SIU colors in 1992 when he shipped with Dixie Carriers. He was a deck department member and was last employed with OLS Transport. Brother Henry is a resident of Bartow, Florida. BRENDA HUNTER Sister Brenda Hunter, 67, began sailing with the union in 2001. She worked in the steward department and was employed by Delta Queen Steamboat for the duration of her career. Sister Hunter lives in Vinegar Bend, Alabama. FRANCESCO ILLUZZI Brother Francesco Illuzzi, 79, joined the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Illuzzi worked with Port Imperial Ferry for his entire career. He makes his home in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. DARRELL KIDD Brother Darrell Kidd, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1979. Brother Kidd sailed in the deck department. He was first and last employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. Brother Kidd calls Chesapeake, Virginia, home. RICHARD STROHECKER Brother Richard Strohecker, 74, became a member of the SIU in 1973. A deck department member, he was employed with Allied Transportation for the majority of his career. Brother Strohecker settled in Chesapeake, Virginia. BRITT VICKERY Brother Britt Vickery, 67, signed on with the union in 1978. He sailed in the deck department and worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Vickery makes his home in Lake City, Florida. DWAIN WYNN Brother Dwain Wynn, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979 when he shipped on the Massachusetts. He was a deck department member and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Wynn last worked aboard the Sugar Island. He resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 15 SEAFARERS LOG • 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MAURICIO ARRIOLA Pensioner Mauricio Arriola, 69, died August 25. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1997, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Arriola worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Ocean Globe before going on pension in 2020. Brother Arriola was a resident of Staten Island, New York. ERNESTO EVANGELISTA Brother Ernesto Evangelista, 62, passed away September 1. Signing on with the SIU in 2018, he first shipped on the California. Brother Evangelista worked in the deck department. He most recently sailed aboard the Washington. Brother Evangelista was a Las Vegas resident. DALE GRAHAM In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. Pensioner Erasmo Ruiz, 75, passed away October 8. He signed on with the union in 2002, initially working aboard the Rover. Brother Ruiz sailed primarily in the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Liberty Promise and retired in 2015. Brother Ruiz resided in Waterbury, Connecticut. JACOB TEIKO Brother Jacob Teiko, 64, died September 1. He joined the SIU in 2000 and first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Teiko worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the Overseas Anacortes. He resided in Ontario, California. INLAND DAVID BENSON Brother Dale Graham, 66, died July 26. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Pride of Aloha. Brother Graham sailed in the engine department, most recently aboard the Alliance St. Louis. He lived in Honolulu. Pensioner David Benson, 67, passed away September 23. He signed on with the SIU in 1991. Sailing as a deck department member, Brother Benson worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2020 and lived in Metairie, Louisiana. CHARLES DAVID JAMES CLYDE BRADSHAW Pensioner Charles David James, 65, passed away September 25. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1997 and first sailed aboard the Cleveland. Brother James worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the USNS Antares before becoming a pensioner in 2024. Brother James resided in Dundalk, Maryland. Pensioner Clyde Bradshaw, 80, died September 2. He embarked on his career with the union in 1985. A deck department member, Brother Bradshaw was employed with Association of Maryland Pilots for his entire career. He began collecting his pension in 2007 and called Ewell, Maryland, home. RICHARD KUCHARSKI KENNETH KIRWIN Pensioner Richard Kucharski, 83, died September 10. He donned the SIU colors in 1985. A steward department member, Brother Kucharski first shipped on the USNS Contender. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Impeccable and became a pensioner in 2010. Brother Kucharski lived in Kingston, Washington. Pensioner Kenneth Kirwin, 86, passed away September 23. He joined the SIU in 1957 when he sailed aboard the Fort Hoskins. Brother Kirwin shipped in the deck department and was last employed with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He became a pensioner in 2004 and made his home in Hampstead, North Carolina. RODOLFO LOPEZ Pensioner Rodolfo Lopez, 96, passed away September 30. He became a member of the SIU in 1972. Brother Lopez initially sailed aboard the Steel Design. He worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Missouri. Brother Lopez retired in 1993 and settled in Kenner, Louisiana. CHARLES LOVERN Pensioner Charles Lovern, 95, died September 7. He joined the union in 1969. A deck department member, Brother Lovern sailed with Interstate Oil for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 1992 and resided in Etowah, North Carolina. RANDELL PORTER RAYMOND SNOW Pensioner Randell Porter, 52, died May 9. He joined the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the USNS Capella. Brother Porter sailed primarily in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sunshine State. He went on pension in 2024 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner Raymond Snow, 78, passed away September 14. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1987. Brother Snow was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the St. Louis. He last worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation and retired in 2009. Brother Snow lived in Sevierville, Tennessee. 16 • SEAFARERS LOG NMU ERASMO RUIZ VIRGIL CRAIGE Pensioner Virgil Craige, 80, died September 2. Brother Craige worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Keystone State before going on pension in 2007. Brother Craige was a resident of Castro Valley, California. ARTHUR EDWARDS Pensioner Arthur Edwards, 92, passed away August 10. Brother Edwards was an engine department member. He last sailed with Texaco Marine Services before going on pension in 1995. Brother Edwards was a resident of Beaumont, Texas. WILLIE JACQUET Pensioner Willie Jacquet, 96, died September 1. He began sailing in 1951, initially aboard the Trimbles Ford. Brother Jacquet worked in the engine department. He last shipped on the Oklahoma before retiring in 1971. Brother Jacquet lived in Port Arthur, Texas. KENNETH MELANSON Pensioner Kenneth Melanson, 84, passed away June 28. Brother Melanson worked in the engine department and last shipped on the BT Alaska. He became a pensioner in 1998 and settled in Big Pine, California. FRANK PONQUIETTE Pensioner Frank Ponquiette, 97, died September 13. Brother Ponquiette sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Stella Lykes and began collecting his pension in 1986. Brother Ponquiette lived in Mobile, Alabama. MAURICIO SILVA Pensioner Mauricio Silva, 96, passed away August 13. Brother Silva was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Argonaut and retired in 1998. Brother Silva made his home in San Juan, Puerto Rico. ROY WILLIAMS Pensioner Roy Williams, 89, died July 19. He started sailing in 1964, initially aboard the Constitution. Brother Williams worked in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Chilbar before becoming a pensioner in 1991. Brother Williams was a New York resident. DECEMBER 2025 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck Jan. 26 Feb. 23 April 6 June 8 Feb. 13 March 13 April 24 June 26 RFPNW Dec. 29 Feb. 16 March 9 May 4 Jan. 16 March 6 March 27 May 22 Dec. 29 Jan. 19 Feb. 16 March 16 Jan. 9 Jan. 30 Feb. 27 March 27 Water Survival STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook Feb. 2 April 13 April 10 June 19 Galley Operations Jan. 19 Feb. 16 March 9 April 4 May 4 Feb. 13 March 13 April 3 May 1 May 29 Chief Steward March 2 May 25 March 27 June 19 Adv. Galley Operations Jan. 5 Feb. 2 March 30 April 27 Jan. 30 Feb. 27 April 24 May 22 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Government Vessels Jan. 5 Feb. 23 April 20 May 18 Jan. 9 Feb. 27 April 24 May 22 May 8 Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. March 23 March 24 Feb. 23 June 22 April 3 July 31 Tanker Ship Fam. - DL Feb. 16 March 23 Feb. 20 March 27 Machinist Feb. 23 March 13 Tanker Ship Fam. - LG Feb. 23 March 30 Feb. 27 April 3 Pumpman March 16 March 20 Welding Jan. 12 Feb. 9 March 16 April 13 June 1 Jan. 30 Feb. 27 April 3 May 1 June 19 RFPEW Dec. 29 Jan. 19 Feb. 16 April 6 Jan. 9 Feb. 13 March 13 May 1 Boiler Technician (FOWT) Jan. 12 March 16 May 4 Feb. 6 April 10 May 29 Junior Engineer Jan. 5 March 9 May 18 Feb. 27 May 1 July 10 Marine Electrician April 6 Marine Refrigeration Tech. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 17 SEAFARERS DECEMBER 2025LOG • OCTOBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #926 – Recently graduated: Samuel Abrams, Jordan Alejo, Hyjalun Burch, Diamond Chism Sr., Erik Dankwardt, Victor Dixon, Scott Furtney, Corneshia Harris, Lincoln Jensen, John Karafanda, Luke Langston, Johnasha Manning, Kevin Martinez, Michael McLaughlin, Joelle Quenga, Gianfranco Rodriguez Torres, Jesse Sanchez, Wynton Smith, Michaela Townsend and Tiana White. WATER SURVIVAL – Graduated recently (not all are pictured): Brandon Bradley, Neil Donegan, Torrin Frazier, Marlon Gayle, Jamarius Harley, Ryan Heimberger, Charles Jones Jr., Michael Seymore, Jamzie Shepard III and Justin Shepler. ADV. GALLEY OPS – Graduated October 10 (not all are pictured): Gregory Brown, Steven Laubach, De'vine Lents, Jeremy Poertner and Stevon Taylor. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated October 10: Alberto Alvarez-Gonzalez, Jermaine Hayes (above), Andrew Navarro and Najhma Wong. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 RFPEW – Graduated September 26: Jayvon Clayborn, Dickson Ellington Jr., Patrick Hamilton, Keywan Law, Kainoa MacKenzie, Mitchell Mangold, Jhon-Paul Manzanares, Preston Mizer and Michael Sterling. JUNIOR ENGINEER (PLANT MAINTENANCE I)– Graduated October 10: Reny Arzu, David Chatoff, Jose Gari, Raheem Harris-Stewart, Rodney Holmes, Rony Lacayo, Jylnn LeCounte, Mario Martin, Joseph McClam Jr., Darriona Noisette, Charles Paige and Corey Porter. DECEMBER 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos FOWT (UA) – Above (not all are pictured): Rickie Abrams Jr., Robert Bergstedt Jr., Tito Butler Jr., Edward Carbaugh, Dedrick Carpenter Jr., Elijah Chambliss, Terrance Clark Jr., Paul Coen, Marc Dadich, Elon Dancy-Mosley, Elliot Dietrich, Aaron Green, Quincy Howard, Matthew Lehnen, Joshua Mair, Quinton Palmer, Denise Parker, Gabriel Rodriguez III, William Simpson, Kenneth Watts Barry, Conor Westbrook, Braden White and Benjamin Wilkinson. GALLEY OPS – Graduated October 17: Dora Carranza, Trent Harris, Jan Mayoll, Tonesha Odoms and Dahiangely Rivas. FOWT (UPGRADERS) – Above (not all are pictured): Wilbur Edwards Jr., Ja'von Harvey, Senetta Houston, Denzel Lalin, Bernard Latson Jr., Antoinette Rivera, Jacolby Robinson, Dion Sanchez Cubas and Tony Washington III. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 3 (not all are pictured): Talib Aekins Jr., Henry Bermudez, Gery Byrd, Christopher Dickens, Peggy Gregory, Jermaine Hayes, Temeka Johnson, Tony Pragosa, Benjamin Thuringer, Brittany Williams, Carlos Williams and Michele Woodley. GALLEY OPS – Graduated October 17 (not all are pictured): Samuel Abrams, Erik Dankwardt, RFPNW – Graduated October 10: Jordan Alejo, Diamond Chism Sr., Victor Dixon, Lincoln Jensen, John Karafanda, Kevin Martinez, Joelle Quenga, Gianfranco Rodriguez Torres, Jesse Sanchez, Wynton Smith and Michaela Townsend. WATER SURVIVAL – Graduated October 10: Tyren Baker, Ed Lopez, Bryan Madrid, Abdul- DECK OPERATIONS – Graduated October 17: Jordan Alejo, Diamond Chism Sr., Victor Dixon, Lincoln Jensen, John Karafanda, Kevin Martinez, Joelle Quenga, Gianfranco Rodriguez Torres, Jesse Sanchez, Wynton Smith and Michaela Townsend. Scott Furtney, Corneshia Harris, Johnasha Manning and Tiana White. Majed Muther, Ariana Ross, Jasean Tomlin and Christopher Weaver. DECEMBER 2025 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 19 19 �DECEMBER 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO New Dredge Formally Gets a Name SIU-Crewed Amelia Island Boosts Jones Act Fleet Guests arrive for the naming ceremony. S IU members and officials recently helped celebrate the formal naming of a Jones Act-compliant barge that signals new jobs for the union. The Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) hopper dredge Amelia Island had been operating for a couple of months but wasn’t formally christened until Oct. 23. A ceremony took place in Galveston, Texas. Speakers included SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Zavala, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), GLDD CEO Lasse Petterson, Port of Galveston Director/CEO Rodger Rees, Texas A&M Vice President Col. Mike Fossum. GLDD Senior Vice President Chris Gunsten served as master of ceremonies for the outdoor gathering, which was followed by a vessel tour. The SIU had a strong contingent on hand. In addition to Zavala, Port Agent J.B. Niday and more than 20 rank-and-file members were there. As reported in last month’s LOG, the Amelia Island is a sister ship to the Galveston Island. It was built at Conrad Shipyard in Morgan City, Louisiana. The vessel is approximately 346 feet in length, 69 feet in breadth, 23 feet in depth with 16,500 total horsepower installed. The dredge features two 800mm trailing suction pipes capable of dredging depths up to 100 feet. According to GLDD, “These vital capabilities of the Amelia Island position it at the forefront of modern dredges, allowing it to execute projects along all U.S. coasts, ports, channels, and coastal developments.” During the naming ceremony, Zavala stated, “First, congratulations to Great Lakes Dredge & Dock on this outstanding addition to your fleet. The SIU applauds and shares your commitment to the U.S. Merchant Marine, as symbolized by this state-of-the-art vessel. I also want to congratulate our SIU crew members, who have gotten the Amelia Island off to a strong start. Keep up the great work.” SIU members, GLDD office personnel and others assemble at the event site. He continued, “My union is proud to provide the mariners who are working aboard the Amelia Island. We are dedicated to producing the world’s best-trained seafarers, and that isn’t hyperbole. A major key to our success is our affiliated school in southern Maryland, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Many of the Amelia Island crew members have completed courses there.” After pointing out that the school offers more than 70 U.S. Coast Guard-approved classes, most of which feature hands-on training, Zavala said, “I believe the school and the Amelia Island have something very important in common. Namely, they are shining examples of effective cooperation between labor and management. The Paul Hall Center is jointly administered by American-flag vessel operators and the union. That’s because we need each other to succeed, and we know that a rising tide does indeed lift all boats. “Our great working relationship with Great Lakes Dredge & Deck also illustrates that sentiment,” he Celebrating the occasion are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), GLDD Senior VP David Johanson, SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, and Texas SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala (at podium) addresses the gathering. A&M VP Col. Mike Fossum. added. “We may sit on opposite sides of the bargaining table, but our shared goals are underscored by our solid contracts, respectful dialogue, and consistent efforts to grow and improve together. We look forward to continuing our cooperative work for many years to come.” Zavala concluded his remarks by touching on America’s freight cabotage law. “I would be remiss in not mentioning the importance of the Jones Act as it pertains to this ceremony,” he said. “Without the Jones Act, there would be no U.S. Merchant Marine. This law has protected America’s national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It is the ultimate ‘America first’ maritime law, and it is sound policy. To further reinforce that point, some of you may be aware of a new international study released earlier this month that found there are 105 nations across the globe with some form of maritime cabotage law, like our Jones Act. I think that says it all.” Pictured from left near the new vessel are SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, AB Cody Quinn, AB Brandon Williams, Third Asst. Engineer Troy Deal, Dragtender Brandon Bortolan, Dragtender Nikunj Christian, AB Jonmark Newman, SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala, and AB Clyde Sundberg. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource DECEMBER 2025 Description An account of the resource SIU MEMBERS SAVE LIVES SIU SUBMITS TESTIMONY FOR U.S. SENATE HEARING EMPHASIZING NEED FOR STRONG MERCHANT MARINE MARAD NOMINEE BACKS JONES ACT SIU CREWS HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT SIU’S MILITARY TIES RUN DEEP SIU MOURNS PASSING OF MYRON MINTZ NEW DREDGE FORMALLY GETS A NAME SIU-CREWED AMELIA ISLAND BOOSTS JONES ACT FLEET Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO. 12 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/ffc40fda3d82af8af580ed099978ba81.pdf ee0e6f1e89ca675cc2c90f4be750b0ed PDF Text Text FEBRUARY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Tanker Security Program Enacted Maritime Industry Bolstered by New Legislation Page 2 SLNC Severn Reflags U.S. SIU members are sailing aboard the newly reflagged bulk carrier SLNC Severn (photo above), an outright addition to the union-contracted fleet. Built in 2017, the vessel initially will provide regular service between the U.S. East Coast and the South Atlantic. The SLNC Severn is crewed by Argent Marine Operations for Schuyler Line Navigation Company. Some of the first crew members to sail aboard the ship are pictured in the group photo below. Pictured from left to right in the snapshot at the immediate left are Oilers Phillippe Leger, Keilah Freeman and Hycienth Asagwara and AB Richard Palacios. Page 4. Great Lakes Towing Unveils Pair of Tugs SIU-contracted Great Lakes Towing Company recently welcomed the new tugboats Pennsylvania and Wisconsin during a ceremony in Cleveland that was shown live online. In photo at immediate right, vessel sponsor Sally Stevens (foreground) christens the Wisconsin. The other photo includes both of the new boats. Page 4. (Photos by Paul C. LaMarre III) SIU Election Results Page 3 Tax Tips for 2021 Filing Season Pages 12-14, 23 �President’s Report Great Opportunities Ahead Even though the early parts of 2021 feel suspiciously like 2020 in some ways, I am extremely optimistic about what the new year holds for our industry. One reason for that outlook: The pro-maritime legislation enacted late last year gives us plenty of momentum and great opportunities for the future. One of the most significant components of the Defense bill establishes a Tanker Security Program, along the lines of the Maritime Security Program (which was voted into law in 1996). While these are not the best days for the tanker industry, the longer-term picture with this new plan is favorable and important. U.S. military leaders have said they want dozens of tankers available in times of crisis. The Tanker Security Program starts building the foundation. As reported elsewhere in this edition and at last month’s membership meetings, other legislative wins include solidifying the Jones Act’s application to wind farms, strictly enforcing cargo preference laws, Michael Sacco and bolstering the Maritime Security Program. The pro-maritime, pro-labor Biden administration and continued bipartisan support in Congress will also help ensure that we’re able to keep the U.S. Merchant Marine on everyone’s radar. And on that note, we had already begun meeting (virtually, in most cases) with new legislators and longtime supporters even before Inauguration Day, in order to either educate people about maritime or simply to solidify goals for the industry. We take nothing for granted and will continue working hard to help ensure your job security. But I’ve never felt better about the prospects for the U.S. Merchant Marine than I do now. Pandemic Continues As of this writing in mid-January, we as a nation are still working on implementing comprehensive strategies for administering vaccines for COVID-19. However, the SIU has teamed up with other maritime unions to push for prioritizing our respective rank-and-file members, in light of their proper classification as essential workers. Logistically, I think there are more questions than answers at this point, but the vaccines themselves have been deemed safe (by the time you read this, I hope to have had my first shot). However it plays out, I am asking all SIU members to have faith that your union will handle it the right way. We will continue doing what we’ve done since the start of the pandemic, and that is putting your safety of you, and that of your families and shipmates at the top of the list. Nothing is more important, and we’ll behave accordingly. Meanwhile, please keep your guard up and remain safe. There is finally daylight on the horizon, but there also have been spikes around the world, and that includes an uptick in positive cases among our membership. We’ve come too far to slack off. Follow the safety protocols, and keep the faith that we’ll get through it together. Many Thanks I would be remiss in not extending another heartfelt “thank you” to outgoing U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao and outgoing Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, two of our industry’s all-time greatest champions who also happened to be true friends of the SIU. They left the prior administration as our nation was gripped by rioting, impeachment and the understandable emotions associated with those developments. There’s not enough space to do justice to what Secretary Chao and Admiral Buzby have meant to the U.S. Merchant Marine, so I’ll simply thank them and wish them well in whatever comes next. Last but not least, I also thank our membership for giving me another term as your president. Our continuity of leadership has been vital to the SIU’s success, and I want you to know that we don’t have any passengers on our executive board or elsewhere in our ranks. Our union weathers every storm and emerges stronger because we pour everything we’ve got into the job. That will never change, and that’s why I again look forward to even more progress. New Defense Authorization Act Has Major Maritime Components While 2020 served up more than its share of challenges, the year ended with a flurry of good news for the American maritime industry. Late last year, Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act, which included a number of critical maritime provisions. The president vetoed the bill for reasons completely unrelated to the maritime components, but Congress overrode the veto. One highlight of the NDAA for the maritime industry is the creation of a 10-ship Tanker Security Fleet, modeled after the successful Maritime Security Program (MSP), to provide a stipend to shipowners who make their militarily useful tankers available in times of war or national emergency. This provision, like many others in the overall legislation, has been supported by the SIU for years. Also of great significance, the NDAA included a section that confirms the Jones Act applies to all offshore wind farms inside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States, including those on the Outer Continental Shelf. It also included provisions clarifying that Jones Act defense-related waivers may only be issued for legitimate national defense needs; non-defense waivers are time-limited; and foreign vessels that take advantage of any Jones Act waiver will be subject to significant public reporting requirements. The bill also requires the comptroller general of the United States to undertake a review of all federal agencies’ compliance with cargo preference laws, and highlight those agencies who are not following the law properly. “It is hard to overstate how big a win this was for maritime labor,” said SIU Legislative and Political Director Brian Schoeneman. “Not only did we see the creation of the new Tanker Security Fleet, we saw an increased authorization amount for MSP, clarification that the Jones Act applies to offshore wind farms and we are finally taking a big step towards getting some real enforcement of the cargo preference laws. It was one of the biggest wins for maritime we’ve seen in years.” The NDAA also included two maritime-related “Sense of the Congress” statements that put the government on record as to what official policy is. Those read: “It is the Sense of Congress that United States coastwise trade laws promote a strong domestic maritime industry, which supports the national security and economic vitality of the United States and the efficient operation of the United States transportation system; and a strong commercial maritime industry makes the United States more secure.” (Sec. 3522) “It is the Sense of Congress that the maritime industry of the United States contributes to the Nation’s economic prosperity and national security.” (Sec. 8403) Finally, the NDAA established a new Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief program designed to ensure that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and other agencies within the federal government have the authority to provide relief to parts of the industry that have been severely impacted by an emergency, such as our continuing efforts to combat COVID-19. These provisions represent a major win for the SIU, and will be important to helping protect and expand our U.S. Merchant Marine in the future. Congress Passes Major Funding Bill In addition to the NDAA, Congress also passed an omnibus appropriations bill that included significant funding for maritime priorities. The appropriations act provides full funding for the Maritime Security Program fleet – $314 million for fiscal year 2021. The full funding level allows for a stipend of approximately $5.23 million for each of the MSP’s 60 militarily useful U.S.-flagged ships, which are crewed by U.S. merchant mariners and operate in international commercial trades. In addition to the MSP funding, the bill provided $376 million for the National Defense Reserve Fleet, nearly $2 billion for cargo preference programs including the PL-480 Food for Peace Program, $390 million for the final National Security Multi-Mission Vessel “school ship,” and $10 million to fully fund the Cable Security Fleet program. NASSCO Launches USNS John Lewis New jobs are on the horizon for members of the SIU Government Services Division following the Jan. 12 launch of the future USNS John Lewis in San Diego. The launch took place at General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, a union shipyard. The Lewis is the first of six vessels in a new fleet oiler program designed to support the U.S. Navy. Vessel construction began in the fall of 2018 and utilized more than 18,575 tons of steel to complete. The 742-foot-long vessel is designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea. Each of the oilers in this class will have a capacity of 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots. “NASSCO is immensely honored to be a part of this historic day launching the future John Lewis,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “This ship reaffirms our nation’s stability and represents the same strength, values and honor that her namesake, the Honorable John Lewis, stood for. The shipbuilders of NASSCO are proud to ensure his legacy will live on in this majestic vessel.” Additionally, NASSCO started construction on the future USNS Earl Warren, the third vessel in the program, late last year. In 2016, General Dynamics NASSCO was awarded the contract by the U.S. Navy for the detailed design and construction of the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis-class (T-AO 205), previously known as the TAO(X). According to the shipyard, the christening of the future USNS John Lewis “will be celebrated later in 2021 with the ship’s sponsor following tradition of breaking a champagne bottle on the ship’s hull.” O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 2 February 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Union shipyard General Dynamics NASSCO launches the USNS John Lewis in San Diego. (Photo courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) February 2021 �Committee members tackle the initial workload in the main conference room at headquarters. Tallying Committee Announces Election Results Michael Sacco is Reelected President of Seafarers International Union A committee of rank-and-file members recently released its official report on the voting for national officers of the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. Voting took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020. The union’s tallying committee consisted of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the SIU’s 10 constitutional halls). The group certified the reelections of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU; Augie Tellez as the union’s executive vice president; David Heindel as secretary treasurer; and George Tricker as vice president of contracts and contract enforcement, among other results. The tallying committee’s report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings in March. According to the report, the two contested races for office were decided by large margins. The committee disclosed the election of the following officers, who will serve four-year terms: n Michael Sacco, president; n Augie Tellez, executive vice president; n David Heindel, secretary-treasurer; n George Tricker, contracts and contract enforcement vice president; n Joseph Soresi, Atlantic Coast vice president; n Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast vice president; n Nick Marrone, West Coast vice president; n Tom Orzechowski, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters vice president; n Kate Hunt, Government Services and fishing industries vice president; n Pat Vandegrift, contracts and contract enforcement assistant vice president; n Nick Celona, Atlantic Coast assistant vice president; n Kris Hopkins, Gulf Coast assistant vice president; n Bryan Powell, West Coast assistant vice president; n Mike Russo, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters assistant vice president; n Joe Vincenzo, Government Services and fishing industries assistant vice president; n Mark von Siegel, Piney Point port agent; n Ray Henderson, New York/New Jersey port agent; n Joe Baselice, Philadelphia port agent; n John Hoskins, Baltimore port agent; n Jimmy White, Mobile port agent; n Chris Westbrook, New Orleans port agent; Joe Zavala, Houston port agent; Nick Marrone II, Oakland port agent; Chad Partridge, St. Louis port agent; Todd Brdak, Detroit-Algonac port agent. The committee met with the union’s secretary-treasurer to receive instructions following the Piney Point, Maryland, membership meeting on Jan. 4 and concluded both their tallying and report by the evening of January 7. They met during that week at the union’s headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, and at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Serving as co-chairmen of the tallying committee were Jack McElveen and Timothy Pillsworth, both of whom credited their fellow Seafarers for being thorough and efficient. Joining them on the committee were Seafarers Ritche Acuman, Mark Butler, Patrick Coppola, James Crate, Fontanos Ellison, Anthony Jacobson, Trevor Manion, Mohamed Mosed, Foaad Saleh, Joe Bowen, Cleofe Castro, Gerard Costello, Riley Donahue, Rene Guity, Kelvin Johnson, Kyle Miller, Exxl n n n n Ronquillo and Tyrell Thabit. Unanimously approved by the committee, the report consists of more than 5,800 words. It reflects a strong rank-and-file turnout for balloting. The committee members concluded that they “wish to express [our] deep appreciation for the cooperation and assistance given to us by the union’s legal department and its technical and clerical staff. Finally, the members of the union tallying committee wish to congratulate the elected officers and jobholders. We extend our best wishes for the next four years. We hope that you will carry on the tradition of our union and advance the strength of the maritime industry.” In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, extra precautions were taken not only before and during the election itself, but also throughout the committee’s work. All committee members were required to test negative for the novel coronavirus, and they also had to isolate before travelling to Piney Point. Additionally, two alternates from each constitutional port also were chosen by fellow members during special meetings Dec. 28 (none ultimately were needed to fill in). Members of the union’s election tallying committee are pictured Jan. 7 at headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland. Joining them for the snapshot are SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (middle row, center) and SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift (middle row, far right). February 2021 Seafarers LOG 3 �SLNC Severn Reflags Under Stars & Stripes The new year brings new jobs for SIU members following the recent reflagging of the bulk carrier SLNC Severn, an outright addition to the union-contracted fleet. Built in 2017, the vessel initially will provide regular service between the U.S. East Coast and the South Atlantic. The ship is 623 feet long, is equipped with four cranes and has the ability to carry a combination of containerized, breakbulk and bulk cargo. It has a sailing speed of 14.5 knots and reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in early December in Florida. The SLNC Severn is crewed by Argent Marine Operations for Schuyler Line Navigation Company. The original SIU crew included Bosun Mario Loria, ABs Benjamin Carroll, Kenneth Zuniga, Willie Myrick and Richard Palacios, Oilers Hycienth Asagwara, Keilah Freeman and Phillippe Leger, Steward/Baker Tyrone Hall, ACU Mercedes Jasmin and GVA Johanns Rivera-Rivera. From aboard the vessel, Loria on Jan. 6 said, “It’s hard work reflagging a vessel, but everything is good. For the first few weeks, you work with whatever you’ve got. You have to order everything: tools, parts, miscellaneous. It’s a learning experience for a lot of us, and everyone is in good spirits.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker stated, “The company’s commitment to American-flag shipping, both in the Jones Act trade and internationally, is underscored by this reflagging, as is their faith in SIU crews. We welcome these new employment opportunities and, as always, I am 100 percent confident that SIU members will come through with their typically outstanding professionalism aboard the vessel.” Russell Paret, CEO of Schuyler Line Navigation Company, stated, “We are proud to add the SLNC Severn to our U.S.-flag fleet. The SLNC Severn’s crew, our shoreside team and all the regulatory agencies worked together seamlessly to efficiently reflag the vessel, even in the midst of a pandemic. We offer a warm welcome to our newest crew members and are grateful to all of our mariners around the world for their commitment during this uncertain time.” Schuyler Line’s other SIU-crewed vessels include the SLNC Corsica, SLNC Goodwill, SLNC Magothy and SLNC Pax. Formerly named the Frederike Oldendorff, the SLNC Severn was constructed in China. Crew members (photo at immediate left) celebrate the reflagging in early December in Florida. The SLNC Severn (remaining photos) is an outright addition to the SIU fleet. (Vessel photos courtesy of Schuyler Line Navigation Co.) Boat sponsor Louise Kandzer does the honors aboard the Pennsylvania. Christening the Wisconsin is the vessel’s sponsor, Sally Stevens. Great Lakes Towing Christens 2 Tugs Frigid weather didn’t chill the mood during a dual christening Dec. 16 in Cleveland. Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes Towing Company welcomed the new tugboats Pennsylvania and Wisconsin during a brief but spirited ceremony that was shown live online. Employees from Great Lakes Towing and from Great Lakes Shipyard (builder of both boats) attended. SIU members recently approved a new six-year contract with Great Lakes Towing that raises wages and maintains benefits. The company provides harbor assist and towing services to ships in more than 40 U.S. Great Lakes ports. During the christening, Great Lakes Towing Company President Joe Starck said, “Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it is remarkable that the [company] has 4 Seafarers LOG persevered with the successful completion of these two new tugs, despite the adversity the pandemic brought to bear, not only on us, but the industry, not to mention the country, and the entire world. The Towing Company, as always, showed its resilience and its resolve to muscle through these difficult conditions.” The tug Pennsylvania was christened by vessel sponsor Louise Kandzer, girlfriend of Gregg Thauvette, the company’s senior vice presidentoperations; and the tug Wisconsin was christened by vessel sponsor Sally Stevens, wife of Robert Zadkovich, vice president-business Development. The new boats are the fourth and fifth tugs, respectively, in a series of 10 64-foot Damen 1907 ICE design harbor tugs that Great Lakes Shipyard is building for Great Lakes Towing. In a news release, Great Lakes Towing noted, “The tugs are 64’x24’x11’, powered by two 1,000-hp MTU 8V4000 Tier III diesel engines, and generate over 30-tons of bollard pull. Their propulsion systems include the Canal Marine designed Logan FlexaDrive Hybrid power system, allowing the tugs to operate on electric power while at idle, underway at low speeds, or when under low loads, without the need to utilize the main engines, thereby reducing emissions and the cost of engine maintenance. The tugs’ compact size and high maneuverability make them ideal for the narrow waterways and low bridges that characterize harbor towing on the Great Lakes.” The sixth tug, not yet named, is slated for a summer 2021 completion. Great Lakes Towing Company President Joe Starck welcomes the attendees. (Photos by Paul C. LaMarre III) February 2021 �New Con-Ro Matsonia Poised to Join SIU Fleet SIU-contracted Matson, Inc., recently took delivery of the Matsonia, the second of two new Kanaloa Class combination container/roll-on, roll-off (con-ro) ships built for the company by General Dynamics NASSCO. According to Matson, the Matsonia and sister ship Lurline are the largest vessels of their kind ever built in the U.S. They join two other new Seafarers-crewed containerships, the Daniel K Inouye and the Kaimana Hila, themselves the largest of their kind in the U.S. commercial fleet, in completing the renewal of Matson’s Hawaii fleet. All four of these ships carry SIU crews. “Putting four new ships into service in a three-year span is a significant accomplishment that culminates eight years of planning, project management and coordination for teams across many departments at Matson,” said Matt Cox, chairman and chief executive officer. “Together with the modernization and expansion of our Honolulu terminal, these investments position Matson to provide efficient, reliable service to Hawaii for decades to come.” The Matsonia and Lurline are each 870 feet long, 114 feet wide, with a deep draft of 38 feet and weighing in at over 50,000 metric tons. The sister ships have an en- closed garage with room for approximately 500 vehicles, plus ample space for rolling stock and breakbulk cargo. In a news release announcing the recent delivery, the company noted, “Matsonia and Lurline are iconic vessel names in Matson’s long history. Matsonia dates to the construction of Matson’s first ship of that name in 1912. Three more ships were given the name in subsequent years; the new vessel is the fifth. Lurline dates to the construction of Captain William Matson’s first ship of that name in 1887. Four more ships were given the name in subsequent years; the newest vessel is the sixth.” Additionally, the Daniel K. Inouye was named in honor of the late Hawaii Senator, who was a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and a powerful advocate of the maritime industry. He held an honorary SIU book. Kaimana Hila is a Hawaiian transliteration for Diamond Head, one of Hawaii’s most iconic landmarks. Built by Philly Shipyard (which, like NASSCO, is a union facility), Matson’s new Aloha Class containerships Daniel K. Inouye and Kaimana Hila entered service in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Each 850-foot-long vessel has a 3,600 twentyfoot equivalent (TEU) capacity. Notice Concerning Recent Marine Safety Info. Bulletins The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center has circulated multiple Marine Safety Information Bulletins (MSIB) that are relevant to many SIU members. Updates from those bulletins follow. The original MSIBs are also linked on the SIU website. T WIC Extension As laid out in Maritime Safety Information Bulletin number 13-20, “For mariners already holding a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC), if their Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) expires, and their credential remains valid, then no action needs to be taken and the credential remains valid.” This means that, as long as your MMC is not suspended or revoked, the Coast Guard will not pursue any suspension and revocation actions based on expired TWICs during the COVID-19 pandemic. MMC/STCW Extension Mariners whose MMC expires between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are extended one year after the initial expiration date of the credential or until Oct. 31, 2021, whichever is earlier. According to the NMC, “Mariners must carry copy of the relevant Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB) along with their expired The Matsonia is pictured last summer during its launch in San Diego. Designed and built specifically for the Hawaii trade, all four of the new ships feature state-of-the-art green technology, including fuel-efficient hull design, environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks, MMC.” (It’s contained in a Dec. 28, 2020 news post on the SIU website, and that post includes a link to the PDF version.) Revalidation/Training Waivers Until Oct. 31, 2021, for mariners who have met the requirements for initial competency and whose MMC expires between March 01, 2020 and June 30, 2021, if you have 360 days of relevant sea time in the past five years, you do not need to take any revalidation courses. (Relevant sea time means: shipboard experience in fire, emergency, and/or abandon ship drills for demonstrating continued competence in Proficiency in Survival Craft, Proficiency in Survival Craft-Limited, Fast Rescue Boat, Basic Training and/or Advanced Firefighting. Service is determined as described in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circulars (NVICs) 4-14, 05-14, 08-14 and 09-14.) liquid natural gas (LNG) compatible engines, and freshwater ballast systems. The four new ships are also Matson’s fastest vessels, with the ability to operate at or above 23 knots. International endorsements affected include Basic Training (VI/1), Fast Rescue Boat (VI/2), Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting (VI/3) and Personal Survival Craft (PSC) (VI/2). If you qualify for this training waiver and your MMC falls within the above dates, you should renew your MMC immediately. You should be issued a renewed MMC with a five-year expiration date and will NOT be required to attend any revalidation training. All other renewal requirements must be met (i.e., if you hold a Tanker-DL or LG endorsement you must meet the sea time or training requirement to renew that endorsement). How to Renew To renew your credentials online, visit: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/nmc/merchant_ mariner_credential/ and follow the instructions listed for renewal. Port Council Brightens Holidays for Kids For members of the Greater South Florida Maritime Trades Council (part of the MTD), the COVID pandemic didn’t deter the holiday spirit of helping others. During the week before Christmas, Council Vice President/SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins along with rank-and-file SIU members delivered hundreds of new toys and games to Lifenet4Families of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Among those helping deliver the donations were AB James Wynegar (right) and AB Donald Hutchens (left). “We have been doing this for about 10 years,” Hopkins said. “We may not have collected as much as usual because of COVID, but the people at Lifenet were very appreciative.” February 2021 Seafarers LOG 5 �USDA Approves Vaccines for COVID-19 U.S. Citizens late last year received arguably their best news to date regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic when the federal government announced the release of two vaccines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2020 issued emergency use authorizations (EUA) for the distribution of a pair of vaccines for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). On Dec. 11, the agency issued its first EUA that allowed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S. for use by individuals 16 years of age and older. Seven days later, on Dec. 18, the FDA issued its second EUA. This one cleared the way for the distribution of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for use by individuals 18 years of age and older. According to the Centers for Disease Control, both vaccines have shown to be very effective at preventing COVID-19 infection. The Pfizer vaccine has shown to be 95% effective across all age, racial and ethnic groups. The Moderna vaccine has shown to be 94.1% effective across all racial and ethnic groups, but this number did appear to be a little lower among those 65 years of age or older. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Manufactured by Pfizer Inc., the PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a two-dose series, three weeks apart, into the muscle. The most commonly reported side effects, which typically lasted several days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to expect that there may be some side effects after either dose, but even more so after the second dose. Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine is manufactured by ModernaTX, Inc. It is administered as a two-dose series, one month apart, into the muscle. The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine may not protect everyone. The most commonly reported side effects, which typically lasted several days, were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes in the same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to expect that there may be some side effects after either dose, but even more so after the second dose While the rollout of the vaccines indeed is welcome news, it has actually created more questions than federal/state health officials appear able to answer. And while these questions vary widely, those most consistently posed center around actual vaccine injections, distribution of the life-saving cocktail, number of doses available, and length of time the vaccines protect people from the virus. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a U.S. federal group within the CDC made up of medical and public health experts, has recommended that in the first phase of vaccination in the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines should be given first to health care personnel (HCW) and adult resi- dents of long-term care facilities (LTC). The ACIP has also recommended that the next group to get a vaccine in the U.S. should include people age 75 and older and frontline essential workers, such as first responders, teachers and public transit and grocery store workers. The third priority group recommended to get the vaccine in the U.S. includes people ages 65 to 74, people ages 16 to 64 who are at high risk of severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions, and all other essential workers, such as those working in food service and construction. Examples of underlying medical conditions include type 2 diabetes and severe obesity. Based on the foregoing ACIP recommendations, health officials in each state have formulated their plans for who should be vaccinated and when. Earlier CDC recommendations gave the highest priority to health care workers and nursing home residents. But the slow pace of the rollout has frustrated many Americans at a time when the coronavirus death toll has continued to rise. According to a health system tracker con- 6 Seafarers LOG ACIP’s Phase 1 framework). n More than 20 states also provide further subprioritization rankings or criteria within HCW and/or LTC resident groupings. For example, Alabama segments HCWs into “very-high,” “high” and “medium” risk. Idaho provides specific rankings within each group. Texas groups Phase 1a into “first” and “seond” tier. The SIU is working with other unions, government agencies and health care providers to help ensure that U.S. mariners are given high priority for vaccination. Among many other efforts, the SIU signed on to a letter in early January that explained an “appeal for assistance in facilitating access to vaccines for the … U.S. citizen merchant mariners who are responsible for keeping the economic and military supply lines of the United States open on the high seas. The undersigned organizations are deeply concerned that the military and economic security of our nation may be at risk if the distribution of vaccines allows seafarers to fall between the cracks of federal and state efforts to distribute vaccines under the guidelines established by the ACIP.” Remembering Capt. Jeff The crew of the Liberty Eagle (Liberty Maritime) mourns the loss of their beloved Capt. Jeff Powell, who passed away on Nov. 24 at age 61. They recently conducted a shipboard remembrance for him and gathered for this photo. Among those taking part in the memorial were Bosun Kyle Silva, ABs Luis Ruiz, Freddy David, Adam Mohamed, Abobkr Alkhaili and Raul Gomez, DEUs Mohamed Alasfoor, Edsin Abueg and Derick Dy, Steward/Baker Rene Gil, Chief Cook Dewayne Thomas, SA Joseph Chrisante, CM Jarrett Podaski, 2M Cliff Passmore, 3M Page Mentuck, CE John Brooks, 1E Scott Cukierski, 2E Mike Welch and 3E Robert Allen. SHBP Offers Scholarships for 2021 The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2021 calendar year. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers while five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to obtain a scholarship program booklet. This package ducted by the Peterson Center on Healthcare and Kaiser Family Foundation, most states are following ACIP’s Phase 1a recommendation: n 45 states are following ACIP’s interim Phase 1a recommendation to prioritize HCWs and LTC residents. Some states will start vaccinating both of these groups together, while others will start with one of these groups first as they await more supply to start vaccinating the other. Still, even with these state criteria, decisions about how to allocate limited initial vaccines to HCWs and LTC residents will mostly be left to facilities. n Seven states depart from ACIP’s Phase 1a recommendation in some way. For example, the District of Columbia and Utah include HCWs in Phase 1a but LTC residents in Phase 1b. In addition to HCWs and LTC residents, Nevada, New Hampshire, and Wyoming also include law enforcement in Phase 1a (per ACIP’s proposed framework, they are in 1b). Massachusetts also includes people incarcerated in prisons and those living in homeless shelters in Phase 1a (neither is explicitly mentioned contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. Union members and their dependents now have three avenues through which they may obtain this booklet. Prospective applicants may request these booklets via mail by completing and mailing the form provided. Booklets may also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall. Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet online by visiting www.seafarers.org, navigating to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and selecting Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the full application, which must be re- ceived by April 15, 2021. A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2021. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name .......................................................................................................................................... Street Address ............................................................................................................................ City, State, Zip Code................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) .......................................................................................................... This application is for: Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 2/21 February 2021 �SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime is a longtime partner in the Santa’s Castle outreach. They donated three bicycles for the most recent effort. Pictured from left in the photo above are Crowley Labor Relations Manager Dan Lowry, SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, with various donated items. In photo at right, Recertified Bosun Tar Ahmed (right) and Command Sgt. Major Frank Graham of Joint Base Lewis McChord show their holiday spirit. Pandemic Doesn’t Stop SIU Philanthropy Seafarers Overcome Obstacles to Support Santa’s Castle SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo has unfailing confidence in Seafarers, but even he didn’t know what to expect late last year when it was time for the union’s annual participation in a charitable drive for U.S. military families in the Pacific Northwest. His faith proved well-founded, however, as rank-and-file members didn’t let the COVID-19 pandemic break their long streak of supporting Santa’s Castle. The project raises donations of toys and other gifts to U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base LewisMcChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. Seafarers stepped up with approximately $6,400 worth of gifts, and they got an assist from SIU headquarters personnel after a wrinkle that proved particularly distasteful. Someone broke into the hall and swiped a number of higher-end electronic items. “The break-in was a kick in the teeth, but then something interesting happened,” Vincenzo said. “Donations began to pour in as a direct response, not only from members but also from our executive board and staff at headquarters. We quickly made up the difference and I even received a bit of advice on how best to handle another possible future visitation from the thief. Let’s just say it was good advice from the old school!” (In the interim, security at the hall has been significantly enhanced.) Similarly, Retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella, a longtime contributor to the yearly endeavor, expressed displeasure about the stolen items but remained focused on the bigger picture. “The break-in was disgusting,” he said. “To have them steal charitable gifts…. They were bloody well scumbags just trying to make a fast buck. “But this is a great program,” he continued, “and I’m going to contribute to it as long as possible. I support it because it’s helping our servicemen and their kids. The SIU is a family-oriented organization, and we respect other families.” Retired Recertified Steward Shawn Fujiwara also is a longtime backer of Santa’s Castle. He said the response to the break-in “just shows that even though there’s evil in the world, there’s still good. My donation arrived the same day, and Joe said that kind of softened the blow…. I’ve always believed in Santa’s Castle.” Anita Vargo, vice president of purchasing at Santa’s Castle, said her organization exhausted every donation while supporting 1,245 families (including more than 2,600 children). “We worked with 255 volunteers who logged more than 4,000 volunteer hours,” she said. As for the SIU’s participation, Vargo said she “didn’t know for sure, due to the pandemic, but Joe, our angel, said they still wanted to support it, and they did. They were a godsend. We’re always so grateful to know we can depend on the Seafarers International Union.” Longtime Support In 2007 and 2008, Tacoma-area Seafarers teamed up to support Toys for Tots during the winter holidays. Then, in 2009, they shifted to Santa’s Castle, which is a private, non-profit organization. “The move had a lot to do with my own prior service and affinity for the military, along with the close ties between the SIU and the military,” recalled Vincenzo, who served in the U.S. Navy. “It has been a perfect fit, and since then we have donated a collective total of more than $100,000.” Despite that history, he said, “With all of the hardship and heartache of 2020, we didn’t know what to expect or even if we should put out the Santa’s Castle sign and kitty. We thought it may be something of a ‘Hail Mary,’ but donations came in even though the foot traffic in the hall was down.” One thing that fell victim to the pandemic was the associated luncheon normally hosted by the SIU for military personnel, Seafarers, Santa’s Castle employees and others. Typically, that gathering is tied in with loading the donations into trucks and vans. All concerned are hopeful, however, that the gathering will take place next time. Fujiwara, for one, is counting on it for several reasons, not the least of which involves a locally renowned elf costume that he described as “my second uniform. It’ll be ready next December, and I know the SIU will step up again, like always. From front to back, QEE Lon Maduro, QMED Leodiane Torrenueva and Chief Cook Nasser Ahmed carry donations to a nearby truck. Joni Bradley, SIU administrative assistant, is in the background. In photo above, QMED Ryan Palmer (left) and ACU Marcelino Pabito pitch in to brighten the holidays for military families. Teamwork is evident (photo at left) as members and military personnel haul toys for delivery. February 2021 Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU AROUND THE ALGONAC HALL – In photo at right, AB Frank Pivik (left) casts the last ballot received there, on New Year’s Eve. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak is at right. AB Doyle Ling (left in photo at center) picks up his first pension check. He’s also pictured with Brdak. AB Harriet Groenleer is in photo at left, receiving her full B-book and a ballot. FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – QMED J. Diola (left) obtains his book at the hiring hall. Presenting it is SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Aung. VOTING IN HOUSTON – GUDE Fausto Aranda (center) receives his B-seniority book and prepares to cast his vote in the union election at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes. AT WILMINGTON HALL – SA Anas Mihakel (photo at left) displays his newly acquired B-book, while QMED Sean Hernandez (left in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr.) receives his A-seniority book prior to voting in the SIU election. ABOARD HORIZON PACIFIC – Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb is pictured aboard the Sunrise Operations ship on the West Coast. 8 Seafarers LOG ABOARD USNS FISHER – This camera-shy group aboard the U.S. Marine Managementoperated vessel includes Bosun Algernon Reed, AB Shermal Morris, AB Fidel Dipasupil, AB Rommel Martinez, OS Shamek Daniels, OS Cedric Armstrong, OS Marcell Santos, Cargo Mate Ed Pollard, 2M Philip Scott and 3M Steve McCombs. Thanks to vessel master Capt. Jennifer Senner for the photo. ABOARD OVERSEAS TAMPA – Pictured on the Overseas Ship Management vessel in Houston are (from left) Recertified Steward Derrick Moore, Recertified Bosun Raymond Johnson and AB Darius McCastle. B-BOOK IN JOLIET – AB Adam Petrucci gets his full B-book at the hiring hall. February 2021 �ABOARD INDIANA HARBOR – At the risk of editorializing, Chief Cook Saleh Saleh very clearly has mastered holiday meals aboard ship. Here are some snapshots from Christmas dinner aboard the American Steamship vessel (many others are available on the SIU Facebook page). The group photo includes (from left) Bosun Jeremy Shenett, Saleh and QMED Ameen Yahya. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON – Chief Engineer Rusty LeFrage (photo at far right) recently called it a career after 41 years at G&H Towing. SA Marco Guity (photo at immediate right) did the same after 31 years with the union, while Chief Cook Wilfred Lambey (left in photo above, with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo) also retired, following 27 years with the SIU. ABOARD PACIFIC RELIANCE – In photo at left, Chief Cook Sharon Hoffman (left) and AB Freddy Hamilton are pictured on the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel in Houston. The photo at right includes Hamilton (right) and an old shipmate: SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala. FULL BOOK IN OAKLAND – AB Paul Clow (right) picks up his full B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli. UNION BOOKS IN NEW ORLEANS – Receiving their full books at the membership meeting Dec. 15 are (from left) GVA Benito Figueroa, AB Ronaldo Fajardo, AB Dean Diaz and OMU Brandon Hickman. SIU Safety Director James Brown is at right. February 2021 Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD SBX – Displaying their sealed, completed ballots for the SIU election aboard the TOTE Services vessel in Honolulu are (group photo, from left) Chief Steward Marcus Rowe, Bosun James Reynolds, OS Ayesh Ahmed and ACK Anthony Jackson. MDR Duane Akers is in the snapshot at left. A-BOOK IN PUERTO RICO – Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz receives her A-seniority book late last year. She’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. ABOARD CAPE MOHICAN – The galley gang put out a delicious meal (and desserts) for Christmas aboard the Ocean Duchess-operated ship on the West Coast. (Visit the SIU Facebook page for a dozen or so additional photos.) UNION BOOKS IN JERSEY – QMED Samuel Sanders (left in photo above) and AB Andrew Porpora (left in photo below) recently received their respective full B-books at the hiring hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right in both photos. BOATMEN CAST BALLOTS – Crew members from the Great Lakes Towing boat Nebraska complete their ballots for the union election last year in Detroit. From left are AB Scott Rosseel, AB Adil Hussein and Deckhand Jeffery Davis. 10 Seafarers LOG February 2021 �ABOARD OCEAN JAZZ – Pictured on the Crowley-operated vessel in Jacksonville, Florida, are (from left) QMED Alberto Semedo, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson and Bosun Yamira Colon. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Michael Ostrowski (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS MAURY – Pictured near the holiday buffet that was put out for their fellow mariners on Christmas are (from left) Chief Steward Rhonda Jenkins, GVA Fradarius Smith, GVA Keeno Rock and SA Alize Lassiter. The vessel, operated by Ocean Shipholdings, was in Charleston, South Carolina. APPRENTICE EARNS GED – Apprentice Luke Vandegrift (right) recently earned his General Educational Diploma (GED) at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) in Piney Point, Maryland. The 20-year-old Charles County, Maryland-native is a member of PHC Apprentice Class #863 and has been attending maritime training classes at the school for the past 15 weeks. Congratulating the future steward department member and presenting him with his GED transcripts is Peggy Densford, PHC Academic instructor. The Freedom Star, the school’s training vessel, is pictured in the background. MEETING WITH MARINES – SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (center) confers with members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment, in San Bruno, California. They discussed teamwork and the vital role of the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s fourth arm of defense. February 2021 SAFETY AWARD EARNED – STOS Fernando Martinez (left) recently received a safety award from vessel operator Crowley aboard the National Glory in Houston. Also pictured, starting second from left, are Bosun James Morris, STOS Enrique Ampil, Cap. Langford, Crowley Port Engineer Fritz Jean (who presented the award) and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday. “Fernando’s knowledge of the shipboard safety system and quick actions during a Coast Guard inspection impressed the crew, the Coast Guard and Crowley, as well as making the SIU proud,” Niday said. Seafarers LOG 11 �What’s New for the 2021 Tax Filing Season Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2020, along with provisions that remain in effect from prior years. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations The following is a list of tax legislation and considerations affecting the current and future tax years as noted. Provided in parenthesis are the abbreviations that will be used throughout this document in reference to the respective legislation. n The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Described as the largest major tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuals and businesses. n The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law on December 20, 2019 significantly modifying many requirements for employer-provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax-favored savings accounts. While some of the modifications went into effect retroactively or upon enactment (December 20, 2019), many of them carry future effective dates. n The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that was signed into law on March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of the COVID19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. n The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed on December 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions that were set to expire. n Considerations – Change in White House Administration: As with any transition in the White House Administration, it will be prudent to monitor tax legislation updates after the new administration takes office. As this transition has not yet taken place, any prospective tax legislation changes from the incoming administration’s proposals have been omitted from this document. All information provided below is currently in effect until otherwise altered by future legislation. Due Date of Return File Form 1040 by April 15, 2021. An automatic 6-month extension can be made by filing Form 4868 by April 15, 2021, along with all tax monies due. An extended Form 1040 is due October 15, 2021. Net Investment Income Tax: In 2020, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the individual’s net investment income for the year or the amount the individual’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount. The MAGI threshold amounts for the additional tax are as follows: n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) Investment income reduced by deductions properly allocable to that income is net investment income. Investment income includes income interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents and net gain from disposition of property, other than such income derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business. However, income from a trade or business that is a passive activity and from a trade or business of trading in financial instruments or commodities is included in investment income. Modified adjusted gross income for the purpose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is a person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign earned income exclusion or foreign housing exclusion added back in. Social Security Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and employer are each subject to a 6.2% tax on wages for Social Security. The maximum amount of wages subject to the Social Security are as follows: $137,700 (2020) $142,800 (2021) n Medicare Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and employer are each subject to a 1.45% tax on wages for Medicare. There is no limit on the amount of wages subject to the Medicare tax. In 2020, in addition to the standard Medicare tax, there will be an additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the following threshold amounts: n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) n Self-Employment Tax Rate and Deduction: The Social Security portion of the selfemployment tax is 12.4% in 2020. The Medicare portion of the SE tax is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the amounts above the applicable thresholds as noted above. The selfemployment tax deduction is equal to one-half of self-employment tax. n Kiddie Tax: The kiddie tax changes introduced by the TCJA were repealed by the SECURE Act. For tax years 2020-2021, the first $1,100 of the net unearned income of a child meeting certain requirements is not taxed, the next $1,100 is taxed at the child’s marginal tax rate and amounts over $2,200 are taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate. For purposes of the Kiddie Tax, a child is (1) under age 18 at the end of the tax year, (2) age 18 at the end of the tax year and does not provide more than half of his/ her own support with unearned income, or (3) is age 19-23 at the end of the tax year, a full-time student, and does not provide more than half of his/her own support with unearned income. Itemized Deductions If more advantageous than the standard deduction, an individual may elect to claim certain itemized deductions of personal expenses in determining taxable income. The most common itemized deductions are listed below. n Medical and Dental Expenses: Unreimbursed medical expenses may be claimed as an itemized deduction to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended this threshold, eliminating the initial increase to 10% of AGI. n State & Local Tax Deduction: For tax years 2018-2025, the itemized deduction for state and local taxes paid or accrued in the tax year is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of the aggregate of (1) state and local property taxes, (2) state and local income taxes, and (3) state and local general sales taxes deducted in lieu of state and local income taxes. n Mortgage Interest Deduction: The deduction for mortgage interest is limited to underlying indebtedness of up to $750,000 ($375,000 for MFS) for tax years 2018-2025. The deduction for interest on home equity indebtedness is eliminated. The lower limit doesn’t apply to any acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017, which is limited to $1 million ($500,000 for MFS). n Mortgage Insurance Premiums: The deduction for mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) was extended by the Tax Extenders Act through 2020. This allows a taxpayer whose income is below certain thresholds to deduct the cost of premiums on mortgage insurance purchased in connection with acquisition indebtedness on a taxpayer’s principal residence. The deduction is reduced by 10% for every $1,000 by which the taxpayer’s AGI exceeds $100,000. Starting in 2021 the deduction will not be available unless extended by Congress. n Charitable Contribution Deduction: The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations is 60% of an individual’s contribution base for tax years 2021-2025. Under the CARES Act, the 60% limitation has been increased to allow for contributions up to 100% of the taxpayer’s contribution base for tax year 2020 only. The contribution base is an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not including the charitable deduction or any net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks. The percentage limit depends on the aggregate contributions of the spouses if married filing jointly. Contributions exceeding the limitation are generally allowed to be carried forward and deducted for up to five years, subject to the later year’s ceiling. For taxpayers not itemizing, the CARES Act allows up to a $300 above-the-line deduction for charitable contributions made in 2020, as discussed in the next section. n Miscellaneous Deductions: Job-related expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to the 2%-of-adjusted-gross-income floor, are no longer deductible for tax years 2018-2025. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees. n Gambling Losses: All deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling losses, are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings. n Phaseout: Before 2018, an individual’s itemized deductions were reduced by 3% of adjusted gross income (AGI) when AGI exceeded certain threshold amounts. This phaseout of itemized deductions is temporarily eliminated by the TCJA, and therefore does not apply to tax years 2018-2025. n State Itemized Deductions: The TCJA modified or eliminated several popular itemized deductions. It is important to note that although the federal deductions have been adjusted, you may still qualify for deductions at the state level. Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Other Deductions n Exemptions: Under the TCJA, for tax years 2018-2025, the deduction for the personal exemption is reduced to zero. n Child and Dependent Tax Credits: Below are tax credits related to child and dependent care expenses. n Definition of a Qualifying Child: To be claimed as a qualifying child, the person must meet certain criteria: n Relationship: The person must be your child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew). n Residence: For more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do. n Age: the person must be under age 19 at the end of the year, or age 19-23 and be a fulltime student for at least five months out of the year, or any age if totally and permanently disabled. n Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. n Dependent 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. n Definition of a Qualifying Relative: To be a qualifying relative, the person must meet certain criteria: n Relationship: the person must be your parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, inlaw, or an individual who has the same place of abode as the taxpayer for the entire year. n Gross Income: The individual’s gross income for the year must be less than $4,200. n Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. n Not a Qualifying Child: The individual must not be the qualifying child of the taxpayer/ other taxpayer. n Child Tax Credit: The maximum child tax credit for tax year 2020 is $2,000 per child under the age of 17 and $500 for any other dependent. The child tax credit starts to be reduced when MAGI income reaches the following levels: n $400,000 (Married Filing Joint) n $200,000 (Married Filing Separately) n $200,000 (Single or Head of Household) In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above these thresholds. The child tax credit is generally a nonrefundable credit that is limited to regular tax liability plus alternative minimum tax liability. However, a portion of the credit is refundable for certain taxpayers (see Form 8812 and IRS Pub. 972). In certain circumstances, families may receive up to a $1,400 refund per child. Additional (Refundable) Child Tax Credit: This credit is for certain individuals who get less than the full amount of the child tax credit. The additional child tax credit may be refundable even if you owe no tax. Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual SSN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. The TCJA eliminated the exemption deduction for dependents for tax years 2018-2025. Therefore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction; however, it does make the noncustodial parent eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child. n Child and Dependent Care Credit: For 2020, there is a credit equal to the amount of qualified expenses multiplied by an applicable percentage determined by the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The maximum amount of qualified expenses to which the credit may be applied is $3,000 for cost to care for one child Continued on Page 14 Tax Rates & Thresholds 2020 Tax Brackets: Below are the tax brackets for tax year 2020, including the taxable income range for each bracket 10% 12% 22% 24% 32% 35% 37% Married Filing Joint $0 - $19,750 $19,751 - $80,250 $80,251 - $171,050 $171,051 – $326,600 $326,601 – $414,700 $414,701 - $622,050 $622,050+ Head of Household $0 - $14,100 $14,101 – $53,700 $53,701 - $85,500 $85,501 - $163,300 $163,301 - $207,350 $207,351 - $518,400 $518,400+ Single $0 - $9,875 $9,876 - $40,125 $40,126 - $85,525 $85,526 - $163,300 $163,301 - $207,350 $207,351 - $518,400 $518,400+ Married Filing Separately $0 - $9,875 $9,876 - $40,125 $40,126 - $85,525 $85,526 - $163,300 $163,301 - $207,350 $207,351 - $311,025 $311,025+ Estates & Trusts $0 - $2,600 N/A N/A $2,601 - $9,450 N/A $9,451 - $12,950 $12,950+ 2020 Net Capital Gains & Qualified Dividend Rates: Below are the 2020 net capital gains and qualified dividend rates per taxable income range for each type of filing status. 0% 15% 20% Married Filing Joint $0 - $80,000 $80,000 - $496,600 $496,000+ Head of Household $0 - $53,600 $53,600 – $469,050 $469,050+ Single $0 - $40,000 $40,000 - $441,450 $441,450+ Married Filing Separately $0 - $40,000 $40,000 - $248,300 $248,300+ Estates & Trusts $0 - $2,650 $2,650 - $13,150 $13,150+ Capital gains and losses are reported on Form 8949 and then totaled on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2020, your broker will report the cost basis on your Form 1099-B. Refer to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/form8949 for additional information and other new developments affecting this form and Schedule D. 12 Seafarers LOG February 2021 �Tax Tips for Members How to Prepare A Tax Return Step 1. Gather all records for the current tax return filing year. Income Records These include Forms W-2/W-2G, Forms 1099 (Interest, Dividends Brokerage Statements, Misc.) and Schedules K-1 (Investment in Partnerships/S-Corporations) Itemized deductions and tax credits n Medical and dental payment records n Real estate and personal property tax receipts n State and local tax payments n Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan n Charitable contributions n Records of payments for childcare so an individual could work n Educational expenses Step 2. Gather any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS website at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Cents may be rounded to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50-99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Step 4. Review the return for accuracy. 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. File Return. Filing Electronically (E-file) n Due to staffing issues, processing paper returns can take several weeks longer. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. n Information regarding available e-filing options can be found at www.irs gov/e-file-options Filing Paper Return n Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R to the front of the Form 1040. n Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. n If paying any balance due by check, do not staple or attach the payment or Form 1040-V (payment voucher) to the return. Instead, just put them loose in the envelope. Write your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and form number on your check or money order. n Private Delivery Services - Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as DHL Express, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service. Electronic Payment Options n Visit www.irs.gov/payments for full listing of electronic payment options. n Direct Pay – Payment can be directly withdrawn from a bank account through the IRS website or through the software/ website the taxpayer or paid preparer used to electronically file the tax return. n Debit/Credit Cards – The IRS website listed above provides links to pay by debit or credit card. All major cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted, fees apply. n Payments by Phone – The IRS website also lists toll-free numbers available to make payments by phone. Refunds n Taxpayers can request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out the refund section on Form 1040, which includes the taxpayer’s bank account number and the bank’s routing number. n For electronically filed returns, a refund will typically be received in about 2 weeks if deposited directly into a checking or savings account. n Paper checks will be mailed to the address listed on the tax return if direct deposit is not requested. Paper check refunds February 2021 may take several weeks to arrive by mail. n Where’s My Refund - If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the website at www.irs.gov/refunds. Filing an extension n Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 15, 2021, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. 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 2020, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who oversees the taxpayer’s property. Your Online Account: To access your online account, you must authenticate your identity. To securely log in to your federal tax account, go to IRS.gov/Account. View the amount you owe, review 24 months of payment history, access online payment options, and create or modify an online payment agreement. You can also access your tax records online. Which Income to Report In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: n Jones Act settlements for lost wages n Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy n Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid n Canceled debts n State income tax refunds n Rents n Repayments n Royalties n Unemployment benefits n Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts n Endowments n Original Issue Discount n Distributions from self-employed plans n Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services) n Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act n Lump-sum distributions n Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains) n Accumulation distributions from trusts n Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings) n Earned income from sources outside the United States n Director’s fees n Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate n Embezzled or other illegal income n Social Security benefits Which Income Need Not Be Reported The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: n Benefits from government welfare programs n Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs n Maintenance and Cure n Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness n Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans Administration n Child support n Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed n Dividends on veterans’ life insurance n Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death n Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home n Certain amounts received as a scholarship What Items Are Considered Deductions and Credits The following are common deductions and credits, which are discussed in more detail in above sections: n Standard Deduction n Itemized Deductions n Medical and Dental Expenses n State and Local Taxes n Home Mortgage Interest n Mortgage Insurance Premiums n Charitable Contributions n Gambling Losses n Qualified Business Income Deduction n Student Loan Interest n Education Credits & Deductions n Earned Income Credit (EIC) n Child & Dependent Care Credit n Energy Credits Which Records to Keep Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (such as canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. 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 Away At Tax Time Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin, Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris, France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan. or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercostal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer.” The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year—was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a Californiabased bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which nonresidents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. Where To Get Information General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information between 7am-7pm your local time. Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications online 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 email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. Seafarers LOG 13 �What’s New for the 2021 Tax Filing Season Continued from Page 12 under the age of 13 or up to $6,000 for two or more children, so that the parents can either go to work or be in the process of looking for work. There must be earned income in order to take the credit. The maximum credit is $1,050 for one qualifying individual and $2,100 for two or more qualifying individuals. n Adoption credit: The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,300 per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $214,520. The credit is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried forward for five years. In general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply. In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2020 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents. Earned Income Credit (EIC): The EIC is a refundable tax credit available to low-income individuals meeting certain requirements including income amount, income source, and filing status. n The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2020: n 3+ Qualifying Children: Credit up to $6,660 if you earn less than $50,954 ($56,844 if married filing joint) n 2 Qualifying Children: Credit up to $5,920 if you earn less than $47,440 ($53,330 if married filing joint) n 1 Qualifying Child: Credit up to $3,584 if you earn less than $41,756 ($47,646 if married filing joint) n No Qualifying Children: Credit up to $538 if you earn less than $15,820 ($21,710 if married filing joint) n IRS Refund Claim: The IRS has additional time to review refund claims based on the Earned Income Credit or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax Credit in order to reduce fraud and improper payments. No credit or refund for an overpayment shall be made to a taxpayer before February 15 following the close of the tax year, if the taxpayer claimed the Earned Income Credit or additional Child Tax Credit. n A SSN is not valid for EIC purposes unless it was issued on or before the due date of the return. For tax years beginning after 2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC under the rules for taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child for the EIC who is claimed as a qualifying child by another taxpayer. n Deduction for Qualified Business Income: An individual generally may deduct 20% of qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership income. The 20% deduction is not allowed in computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a deduction reducing taxable income. A limitation based on W-2 wages paid or capital investment is phased in for MFJ taxpayers with taxable income of $326,600 or more ($163,300 for other individuals). A disallowance of the deduction with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold amounts of taxable income. n Charitable Contributions (Above-theLine Deduction): Under the CARES Act, for tax year 2020 only, an individual who does not elect to itemize deductions may claim an abovethe-line deduction of up to $300 for qualified charitable contributions. n Economic Impact Payments (Stimulus Checks): Eligible individuals are entitled to a Recovery Rebate Credit up to $1,200 for their first tax year beginning in 2020. The IRS made advanced refunds of the credit via Economic Impact Payments (EIP) during 2020, with eligibility and credit amounts based on information from 2019 or 2018. EIPs are not income and they are not taxable. Although the advance credit is based on earlier tax years, the Recovery Rebate credit applies to the taxpayer’s first tax year beginning in 2020. The EIP reduces the amount of the taxpayer’s credit for 2020, but not below zero. Taxpayers do not have to repay any of the EIP if they would be entitled to a lesser credit based on their 2020 circumstances. Taxpayers whose 2020 tax information entitles them to a larger credit than their EIP may claim the additional credit on their 2020 tax returns. Taxpayers may check their EIP status by visiting the website https://www.irs. gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment and entering requested information to validate identity. n Education Credits & Deductions: 14 Seafarers LOG Below are tax credits and deductions related to educational expenses incurred during the tax year, including definitions of qualifying expenses. n The American Opportunity Tax Credit: For tax year 2020, the maximum credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to 40% of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years 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 phased out if your Modified AGI is between $80,000$90,000 ($160,000-$180,000). Taxpayers cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit for any tax year if the individual or a student did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Taxpayers must report the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made. n Lifetime Learning Credit: For tax year 2020, the maximum credit amount per tax return can be up to $2,000. The credit is calculated by taking 20% of the educational expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds $59,000 ($118,000 if married filing joint return) and is completely eliminated if your Modified AGI exceeds $69,000 ($138,000 if married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on the number of years for which the credit can be claimed for each student. n Tuition and Fees Deductions: The Tax Extenders Act of 2019 extended this deduction through 2020. The maximum deduction is $4,000 for a taxpayer with AGI of $65,000 or less ($130,000 if married filing joint), and $2,000 if AGI is between $65,000-$80,000 ($130,000-$160,000). The deduction is not allowed for Married Filing Separately filers or for any taxpayer who qualifies as a dependent (whether or not claimed) on another taxpayer’s tax return. The tuition and fees deduction may not be claimed if an education credit is claimed for the same student in the same year. The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 has eliminated this deduction to transition to an increased income limitation on the Lifetime Learning Credit. n Expanded Definition of Qualified Expenses for Qualified Tuition Programs: Qualified higher education expenses generally include tuition, fees, and related expenses such as books and supplies. The expenses must be for the student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar program, at an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution includes most colleges, universities, and certain vocational schools. n 529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses: The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For purposes of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher education expenses now include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000 for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per student. Under the SECURE Act, qualified higher education expenses now also include student loan repayments as well as the expenses of registered apprenticeships. n Form 1098-T Required to Claim Certain Education Incentives: Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from educational institutions to claim the American opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit or the above-the- line deduction for qualified tuition and fees. n Educator Expenses: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible grade K-12 school teachers of up to $250 per year ($500 if you and your spouse were both eligible educators) for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, computer and other equipment, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/she teaches. n Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account): Taxpayers can contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly with modified adjusted gross income between $190,000 and $220,000, and between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers. The con- Standard Deduction The standard deduction adjusts annually for inflation. The standard deduction for taxpayers who are at least 65 years old and/or blind at the close of the year can be increased with an additional deduction added for each taxpayer for each qualifying condition. See the current amounts below. Filing Status 2021 2020 Married filing Joint $25,100 $24,800 Head of Household $18,800 $18,650 Single/Married Filing Separately $12,550 $12, 400 Additional Standard Deductions Age 65+ and/or Blind (MFJ) Age 65+ and/or Blind (Single/HOH) tribution is not deductible. Retirement Accounts Below is information regarding current tax year contribution limits, required distributions, and various legislation updates to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans. n Traditional IRAs: For 2020, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is the lesser of $6,000 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50+ at year end, an additional catch-up contribution of up to $1,000 is allowed, increasing the 2020 limit for these taxpayers to the lesser of $7,000 or compensation. For the deduction, when a taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phaseout range in 2020 is $65,000-$75,000 ($104,000$124,000 for married filing joint). n Roth IRAs: The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $6,000 (increased to $7,000 for taxpayers age 50+ at year end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is gradually phased out for taxpayers with Modified AGI between $124,000-$139,000 ($196,000-$206,000 for married filing joint). Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on the timing and reasoning of the distribution. n IRA Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following legislation updates are in effect beginning tax year 2020. Additional provisions enacted by the CARES Act are also noted. The starting age for individuals to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) has been increased to 72 years old from 70½ years old, effective for taxpayers turning 72 years old January 1, 2020 or later. Under the CARES Act, the Required Minimum Distribution for tax year 2020 is not required. The 70½ age limit for contributions to an IRA has been eliminated. Non-spouse individuals who inherit an IRA after December 31, 2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years, subject to certain exceptions. Early Withdrawal 10% Penalty: The CARES Act waives the penalty on early withdrawals up to $100,000 from qualified retirement plans for COVID-19 related distributions. Any income from an early withdrawal is subject to tax over a 3-year period. Taxpayers may recontribute the withdrawn amounts to the plan without regard to annual contribution limits if made within 3 years. n Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs: For rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015, distributions to employer sponsored retirement plans and traditional IRAs may be rolled over from a SIMPLE IRA, if the SIMPLE IRA has been open for at least two years. n Special Charitable Contributions: An IRA owner age 70½ or older can directly transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to eligible charities. Known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), this option is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible to be treated as a qualified charitable distribution. To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the transfer. Not all charities are eligible. For example, donoradvised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients. Remember to check eligibility of the charity before requesting a QCD. All QCDs from an IRA to eligible charities are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special $1,350 $1,700 $1,300 $1,695 rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions. n 401(k) Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following provisions are in effect for the noted tax years. Long-term, part-time employees may now qualify to participate in elective deferral plans in plan years beginning after December 31, 2020. Early withdrawal penalty exemption of $5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019. Included in compensation for purposes of determining retirement plan contributions are taxable non-tuition fellowships/stipends and nontaxable “difficulty of care payments” earned by home healthcare workers in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019. Increased cap to encourage higher auto-enrollments in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019. n Health Care Coverage Credits: Below is health care coverage reporting information and current year requirements for related tax credits. n Health Care Coverage: Beginning with tax year 2019, you no longer need to either make a shared responsibility payment or file Form 8965 if you don’t have essential health care coverage for part or all of the tax year. Premium Tax Credit Individuals with low to moderate income who get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be eligible for this refundable credit. Individuals who are eligible for PTC need to meet the following requirements: n Purchased coverage in the Marketplace for someone in their tax family (taxpayer, spouse, if married filing jointly and dependents for which a personal exemption is claimed) for a month that person was not eligible for minimum essential coverage (other than coverage in the individual market). n Have household income at least 100%, but no more than 400% of the federal poverty line for taxpayer’s family size. An exception, a resident alien who is ineligible for Medicaid and has household income less than 100% of the federal poverty line can take the credit. n If married, individuals must file a joint return. Exceptions apply to victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and to individuals who are considered unmarried. n Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person. n Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC): The HCTC is a tax credit that pays a percentage of health insurance premiums for certain eligible taxpayers and their qualifying family members. The HCTC is a separate tax credit with different eligibility rules than the PTC and has been extended by the Tax Extender Act through 2021. n Affordable Care Act: Several very important provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that affect individuals and businesses first became effective in 2015. The Employer Shared Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to either offer minimum essential coverage that is “affordable” and that provides “minimum value” to their full-time employees and their dependents, or potentially make an employer shared responsibility payment to the IRS. Energy Credits The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended many energy-related provisions that were set to expire at the end of 2020. Below are common energy credits. n Nonbusiness Energy Property: A credit is allowed for 10% of the amounts paid/incurred by the taxpayer for qualified energy improve- Continued on Page 23 February 2021 �Historian Recalls Heroism Of Merchant Mariners During World War II Continued from Page 24 breath but quickly revived him. Flames already covered the water all around the blazing tanker but, by swimming underwater intermittently, and splashing away the flames from in front of his face when he came up for air, he was able to clear the ship without getting seriously burned. Roaring Inferno Finally finding a clear spot, he kept to windward and watched the flames roaring high above the masts of the Jacksonville in a terrifying spectacle that seemed too destructive to be real. After a while, he saw some of his shipmates floating in the sea, but they were too badly burned to be recognizable. One man was alive and Hodges tried to hold him up, but his strength was not equal to the task. Perhaps it was just as well, for the man was badly burned. There were many lifejackets floating around – the crew had no time to put them on before they jumped. Other ships in the convoy estimated that the Jacksonville was enveloped by flames no more than 15 seconds after the torpedo hit – a solid mass of fire from stern to counter. Hodges was picked up about 1 ½ hours later by an escorting destroyer, along with Navy gunner Marcellus Wags. Captain Edgar Winter and 48 merchant crewmen and all but one of the Navy gun crew perished in the blast. Boats Away The story of SIU ships in World War II includes many incidents of long voyages in small boats after seamen left their sinking ships. There was the 1,200-mile trip of the Star of Scotland’s men after their big schooner was shelled by a sub in the South Atlantic, and the long, cold voyage in the boats after the Liberty ship Jonathan Sturges was torpedoed in the North Atlantic, a voyage that ended in the capture of the survivors by a German submarine and their internment for the duration of the war. Some of these lifeboat voyages were strenuous ordeals in which only a few of the men were eventually rescued. In other cases, like that of one lifeboat from the SS Maiden Creek, the survivors were never found. More fortunate was the SIU crew of the SS James W. Denver, a brand-new Liberty which was bound for North Africa on April 11, 1943. Captain Everett Staley reckoned their position as 400 miles west of the Canary Islands, as the Denver hurried along at 11 ½ knots trying to rejoin the convoy, which it had lost sometime previously during a prolonged and heavy fog. All lookouts were scanning the horizon for wisps of smoke that might indicate the “missing” fleet. They never even saw the track of the torpedo that hit them. It smashed into number-two hold and all hands abandoned ship soon after. No casualties occurred, for the boats were well handled, and they stood some distance off from the big Liberty as she settled slowly beneath the waves. February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point..................................Monday: February 8, March 8 Algonac..................................Friday: February 12, March 12 Baltimore...........................Thursday: February 11 March 11 Guam................................Thursday: February 25 March 25 Honolulu..............................Friday: February 19 March19 Houston....................*Tuesday: February 16, Monday: March 15 Jacksonville...............................Thursday: February 11, March 11 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec.10-Jan.14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 14. Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped A All Groups B C 4 0 4 8 1 5 2 21 20 15 1 2 12 4 0 2 2 8 0 6 117 28 2 4 41 6 14 20 79 52 43 2 17 32 15 7 2 15 45 3 50 477 12 4 0 18 1 7 3 34 44 18 4 9 20 9 3 6 9 9 1 21 232 2 0 1 3 0 2 0 13 8 3 0 7 10 2 0 0 1 9 1 7 69 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 12 0 0 2 4 0 3 0 13 13 2 1 1 8 1 0 0 0 7 0 5 60 3 1 2 13 1 5 11 27 35 22 2 4 22 8 2 2 9 20 4 20 213 4 1 3 10 0 6 7 14 24 7 2 6 25 7 4 3 4 8 4 15 154 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 4 2 1 2 0 3 3 0 0 1 1 0 3 25 Steward Department 2 1 0 0 2 1 7 4 1 0 1 0 9 2 9 3 17 5 4 3 2 0 5 3 11 9 9 6 0 0 2 1 0 2 10 2 1 0 10 4 102 46 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 7 1 0 0 5 0 1 1 7 10 2 0 4 7 5 0 1 3 3 0 5 55 5 1 0 24 2 5 13 30 35 14 2 4 20 22 1 2 8 21 1 29 239 2 0 0 7 0 2 4 9 15 3 0 6 20 10 0 5 8 7 1 16 115 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 16 Entry Department 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 2 2 0 2 0 7 0 13 2 8 0 1 0 0 0 16 1 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 1 1 11 7 83 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 5 21 6 0 1 11 3 1 13 3 5 0 4 77 0 0 0 2 0 3 0 5 9 1 0 0 4 1 0 4 1 5 0 2 37 2 1 0 0 0 4 0 9 8 3 0 1 1 2 0 0 1 8 0 4 44 21 2 1 8 2 2 5 19 41 16 1 0 25 17 0 2 0 16 0 29 207 8 4 3 7 2 0 2 16 78 10 4 1 41 2 1 6 1 14 4 17 221 123 269 973 708 331 C A Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 16 1 5 31 3 10 14 48 33 29 0 9 21 12 6 2 7 28 2 25 302 3 2 2 12 0 2 2 24 25 15 6 6 14 5 2 4 5 8 2 13 152 Deck Department 1 14 6 1 0 0 1 3 3 2 16 5 0 3 1 3 6 5 0 4 0 12 28 20 11 22 21 2 25 8 0 2 3 5 5 2 9 11 12 2 14 5 0 2 3 1 2 1 1 3 4 7 13 7 1 0 0 3 18 5 62 191 111 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 1 3 7 0 2 7 15 25 11 1 3 16 8 2 2 5 16 2 13 141 1 1 2 5 1 4 4 9 14 4 2 5 24 3 2 1 1 8 4 2 97 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 1 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 17 Engine Department 1 1 1 0 4 3 4 5 0 1 3 2 7 1 11 8 11 12 4 4 1 0 0 1 5 15 6 3 0 0 1 0 6 0 10 8 1 0 6 7 82 71 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 2 15 1 3 7 19 21 11 4 4 18 8 1 1 5 13 0 17 153 1 0 0 6 0 2 3 7 9 4 0 4 8 9 0 2 3 6 1 9 74 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 12 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 7 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 6 0 3 25 10 1 1 2 2 2 3 9 22 14 0 0 22 4 0 2 0 11 1 15 121 6 2 3 5 1 1 0 10 51 5 2 2 30 1 0 17 2 11 4 6 159 GRAND TOTAL: 621 444 250 Joliet...................................Thursday: February 18, March18 Mobile............................Wednesday: February 17, March 17 New Orleans................................Tuesday: February 16, March 16 Jersey City...................................Tuesday: February 9, March 9 Norfolk......................................Friday: February 12, March 12 Oakland...................................Thursday: February 18, March 18 Philadelphia..........................Wednesday: February 10, March 10 Port Everglades...........................Thursday: February 18, March 18 San Juan.....................................Thursday: February 11, March 11 St. Louis.........................................Friday: February 19, March 19 Tacoma..........................................Friday: February 26, March 26 Wilmington.......................................Monday: February 22, March 22 *Houston change due to President’s Day Observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m February 2021 All Groups B Registered on Beach 382 311 C Trip Reliefs 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 3 6 5 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 27 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer This month’s question was answered by SIU members in Camp Springs, Maryland. George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Cleofe Castro Recertified Bosun I joined the union to travel, and it’s been very good for me. It has helped me take care of my kids and have assets. It helped me change to a better life. The best parts are the travel and performing the job to the best of your ability. James Crate Bosun I went through the gates in Piney Point in 1990. Prior to that, I was an underground miner, for gold, in Canada. In 1990, I was in Paris and had traveled all over Europe. I had a choice either to go back to mining or try something completely different…. My dad sailed SIU back in the 1950s. He got me the SIU’s information and the next thing you know, I was on a plane coming over here. The SIU has provided me the freedom and the financial stability to pursue my interests. Ritche Acuman Recertified Bosun I had already been a merchant mariner (overseas, since the early 1990s). I joined the union in 2002 and stuck with it because I can support my family. The SIU is great. I also enjoy interacting with people from different cultures. Jack McElveen Recertified Steward I joined the union to travel the world as well as benefit from the lucrative side – being able to provide for my family and myself. It has been very fulfilling to see the world as well as to embrace the SIU community and what it represents and stands for. Rene Guity Recertified Steward I worked many places before I got to the SIU, and there’s not another place like this place. I travel the world and I meet different people. I love what I do for a living and I don’t think I’ll do anything else. Exxl Ronquillo Recertified Steward It’s a good opportunity for me to support my family. I’ll always support them, especially for their education. The SIU is really good for me. That’s why I’m still here after almost 30 years and why I’ll retire here. Pic From The Past NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 During the 2008 SIU Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, then-San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris (center) is greeted by SIU officials Nick Marrone (left) and Nick Celona. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG February 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ABDULHAMEED AL OMARI Brother Abdulhameed Al Omari, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Stuyvesant. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2014. Brother Al Omari last shipped on the USNS Capella. He resides in Garden Grove, California. DOUGLAS BARNES Brother Douglas Barnes, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1976 when he sailed with National Marine Service. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Barnes last shipped aboard the Gem State. He makes his home in Curlew, Washington. JOHNY BOLTON Brother Johny Bolton, 65, joined the SIU in 1979, initially sailing on the Santa Mercedes. A member of the steward department, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Bolton most recently shipped on the Maersk Georgia. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. TYRONNE BURRELL Brother Tyronne Burrell, 68, began his career with the Seafarers in 1988 when he sailed on the Samuel L. Cobb. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1993. Brother Burrell last shipped on the Overseas Santorini. He makes his home in Terrytown, Louisiana. MARCOS CLOTTER Brother Marcos Clotter, 70, started shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1988, first sailing aboard the Performance. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2010. Brother Clotter’s final vessel was the Bay State. He calls Baytown, Texas, home. DOUGLAS CRAFT Brother Douglas Craft, 64, joined the SIU in 1979. He was a deck department member and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Craft’s first vessel was the Virgo; his last, the Burns Harbor. He is a resident of Palm Harbor, Florida. MARSHALL DAGUIO Brother Marshall Daguio, 66, signed on with the union in 2003, initially sailing on the Global February 2021 Link. The steward department member upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Daguio most recently shipped on the Horizon Tacoma. He lives in Federal Way, Washington. FRED DOMINGO Brother Fred Domingo, 67, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976 when he shipped with Dixie Carriers. He was a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Liberty Sea. Brother Domingo is a resident of Zachary, Louisiana. MANUEL ENRICO Brother Manuel Enrico, 69, donned the SIU colors in 2001, first sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Enrico most recently shipped on the Alaskan Navigator. He makes his home in Carson, California. DARRYL GOGGINS Brother Darryl Goggins, 60, signed on with the union in 1980 when he sailed aboard the Pisces. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Goggins’ final vessel was the Maersk Pittsburgh. He is a resident of St Johns, Florida. WILLIAM HENDERSON Brother William Henderson, 63, began his career with the SIU in 1990, initially shipping on the USNS Altair. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Henderson last shipped on the USNS Bob Hope. He resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. MICHAEL JACKSON Brother Michael Jackson, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1976. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001 and was a member of the deck department. Brother Jackson’s first vessel was the Afoundria; his last, the Overseas Cascade. He makes his home in Mobile, Alabama. WORCESTER JOHNSON Brother Worcester Johnson, 65, started shipping with the SIU in 1975, initially sailing aboard the USNS Potomac. An engine department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Johnson’s final vessel was the Overseas Washington. He lives in Harvey, Louisiana. CIRILO JUMAMIL Brother Cirilo Jumamil, 72, joined the union in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Green Point. He shipped in the deck department, most recently aboard the Maersk Pittsburgh. Brother Jumamil is a Houston resident. ROBERT LEAKE union in 1973. He primarily sailed in the deck department and first shipped on a Seatrain Lines vessel. Brother Viola upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Green Dale and calls Sayre, Oklahoma, home. ALBERT WASHINGTON Brother Robert Leake, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1978. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Leake’s first vessel was the Capricorn; his last, the Charles L. Brown. He is a resident of Carrollton, Virginia. Brother Albert Washington, 69, began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1992 when he sailed on the USNS Denebola. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Washington most recently sailed aboard the Independence. He lives in Prosper, Texas. CLARENCE MOSLEY MARIANO YLAYA Brother Clarence Mosley, 66, began shipping with the union in 1978, initially sailing on the Delta Columbia. An engine department member, he upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1979. Brother Mosley last shipped aboard the USNS Able. He lives in Norfolk, Virginia. MOSED MUSA SALEH Brother Mosed Musa Saleh, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994 when he shipped aboard the Independence. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Musa Saleh’s final vessel was the Presque Isle. He calls Melvindale, Michigan, home. STANLEY ORLANDO Brother Stanley Orlando, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973. He sailed in all three departments and first shipped on the William T. Steel. Brother Orlando upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the American Kestrel and resides in Joppa, Maryland. VIDELIO ROMAN Brother Videlio Roman, 69, signed on with the Seafarers in 2007. Sailing in the deck department, he first shipped on the Pride of Hawaii. Brother Roman upgraded his skills often at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Seletar and resides in Roselle Park, New Jersey. LARRY VIOLA Brother Larry Viola, 65, joined the Brother Mariano Ylaya, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2000, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and was a member of the engine department. Brother Ylaya’s final vessel was the USNS Seay. He is a Honolulu resident. INLAND KEITHLEY ANDREW Brother Keithley Andrew, 67, signed on with the Seafarers in 1999. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Andrew’s first vessel was the Flickertail State; his last, the Vision. He lives in Coconut Creek, Florida. MICHAEL BANNISTER Brother Michael Bannister, 64, started shipping with the union in 2007 when he was employed by Penn Maritime. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2008 and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Bannister makes his home in Mooresville, North Carolina. THOMAS BETZ Brother Thomas Betz, 63, donned the SIU colors in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Cove Navigator. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Betz was last employed by Mariner Towing and calls Selbyville, Delaware, home. CARROLL CUDWORTH Brother Carrol Cudworth, 71, became a member of the SIU in 1969, first working for Baltimore Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Cudworth last sailed with McAllister Towing of Baltimore. He lives in Bel Air, Maryland. JOSEPH ENDRES Brother Joseph Endres, 55, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1996, initially working with Crowley Liner Services. He was a shore gang member and currently resides in Baltimore. KEVIN FOSS Brother Kevin Foss, 64, began his career with the SIU in 1993 when he worked for Crowley Puerto Rico Services. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Foss last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He is a resident of Hamburg, New York. STEVEN HUTTMAN Brother Steven Huttman, 62, first shipped with the Seafarers International Union in 1997. He sailed in the deck department and worked for G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Huttman calls Katy, Texas, home. LEE ROGERS Brother Lee Rogers, 59, signed on with the union in 1980. He was first employed with ST Towing and worked in the deck department. Brother Rogers upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation and makes his home in Zephyrhills, Florida. WESLEY ROSS Brother Wesley Ross, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1988, initially sailing with Mariner Towing. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Ross was last employed by Penn Maritime. He lives in Bayboro, North Carolina. MARTIN TIMNEY Brother Martin Timney, 64, joined the SIU in 1989. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Timney worked for OSG Ship Management for the majority of his career. He resides in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania.. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA DAVID ABLE Pensioner David Able, 92, died December 11. He signed on with the union in 1966 and was an engine department member. Brother Able first shipped on the Long Lines. He last sailed on the Carolina before going on pension in 1996. Brother Able was a resident of Hudson, Florida. SANDRA BAKER Sister Sandra Baker, 59, passed away July 27. Born in Lorain, Ohio, she began her career with the SIU in 2003. Sister Baker’s first vessel was the Cape Edmont. She primarily sailed in the engine department and most recently shipped on the USNS Watson. Sister Baker resided in Yulee, Florida. EMIL BROOKS Pensioner Emil Brooks, 68, died December 7. He started shipping with the SIU in 2003 when he sailed on the Chelsea. A steward department member, Brother Brooks concluded his career on the Cape May. He retired in 2014 and lived in Dorchester, Massachusetts. EARL CHAPPEL Pensioner Earl Chappel, 78, passed away September 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968, initially sailing aboard the Chatham. Brother Chappel was a member of the engine department and last shipped on the American Eagle. He became a pensioner in 2005 and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. HENRY COLAR Pensioner Henry Colar, 79, died January 1. Signing on with the union in 1963, he first sailed on the Cathy. Brother Colar was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Carolina. He went on pension in 2006 and resided in Marrero, Louisiana. MATTHEW DUNLAVY Pensioner Matthew Dunlavy, 85, passed away December 2. He began shipping with the SIU in 1958 when he sailed aboard the Waldo. Brother Dunlavy was an engine department member. His final vessel was the Houston and he 18 Seafarers LOG retired in 2006. Brother Dunlavy lived in Baytown, Texas. ANDRZEJ FURMANOWSKI Pensioner Andrzej Furmanowski, 68, died December 15. He donned the SIU colors in 1999, initially sailing aboard the Sumner. Brother Furmanowski sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the North Star. He went on pension in 2019 and was a resident of Tacoma, Washington. OSCAR JOHNSON Pensioner Oscar Johnson, 79, passed away December 12. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1968, initially shipping on the Overseas Jason. A steward department member, Brother Johnson last sailed aboard the Mayaguez. He began collecting his pension in 1996 and settled in New Orleans. MARIANO MARCELINO Pensioner Mariano Marcelino, 97, died December 21. He began his career with the SIU in 1951 and initially sailed with Emerson Steamship. Brother Marcelino was a member of the steward department and concluded his career on the Sam Houston. He became a pensioner in 1986 and resided in Sugarland, Texas. ALFREDO PANICO Pensioner Alfredo Panico, 90, passed away December 22. He signed on with the union in 1963 and first worked for Interocean American Shipping. Brother Panico sailed in the steward department and concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He began collecting his pension in 1995 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. STEVEN SMITH Pensioner Steven Smith, 68, died December 30. He joined the Seafarers in 1998 and first sailed with Penn Maritime. Brother Smith was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Stephen W. Pless and retired in 2018. Brother Smith lived in Tampa, Florida. JAMES STILLER Pensioner James Stiller, 74, passed away December 31. He signed on with the union in 1978, initially sailing on the Point Susan. Brother Stiller worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Stonewall Jackson. He became a pensioner in 2013 and settled in Bogalusa, Louisiana. ERIC YOUNG Pensioner Eric Young, 66, died November 29. He started sailing with the SIU in 1970 when he worked for Michigan Tankers. Brother Young was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the New York and retired in 2020. Brother Young called Mobile, Alabama, home. GREAT LAKES ARNOLD HEATHERLY Pensioner Arnold Heatherly, 93, passed away January 9. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1963 when he worked for American Steamship Company. Brother Heatherly was a deck department member and last shipped aboard the Sam Laud. He went on pension in 1992 and settled in Lafollette, Tennessee. MOHAMED MADHIGI Pensioner Mohamed Madhigi, 84, died November 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1989 and was a member of the steward department. Brother Madhigi’s first vessel was the Paul H Townsend; his last, the Sam Laud. He became a pensioner in 2001 and lived in Dearborn, Michigan. CHARLES RICHARDSON Pensioner Charles Richardson, 66, passed away December 13. He signed on with the SIU in 1974, initially sailing on the Adam E. Cornelius. Brother Richardson was a deck department member. He most recently shipped on the American Spirit, and retired in 2018. Brother Richardson made his home in Naples, Florida. HAMID SHOHATEE Pensioner Hamid Shohatee, 83, died November 26. He donned the SIU colors in 1966 when he shipped on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Shohatee sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the William Roesch. He began collecting his pension in 2002 and lived in Detroit. JEROME ZAWADSKI Pensioner Jerome Zawadski, 91, passed away January 7. He joined the SIU in 1959. Brother Zawadski sailed in the deck department. His first vessel was the Redland; his last, the American Mariner. Brother Zawadski became a pensioner in 1991 and settled in Exeter, Pennsylvania. INLAND HARRY BRYAN Pensioner Harry Bryan, 82, died October 9. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1996. Brother Bryan was employed by Crowley for his entire career and retired in 2003. He was a resident of Edgewater, Florida. KIM GILL Pensioner Kim Gill, 75, passed away December 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1974 when he worked for H&M Lake Transport. A member of the deck department, Brother Gill last worked with OLS Transport. He retired in 2010 and called Wyandotte, Michigan, home. RICHARD LORD Pensioner Richard Lord, 62, died October 6. Signing on with the SIU in 1977, he was first employed by G&H Towing. Brother Lord was a deck department member and last worked for OSG Ship Management. He retired in 2020 and resided in Turnersville, New Jersey. ERNEST PARKS Pensioner Ernest Parks, 76, passed away December 28. He began sailing with the union in 1969, initially working with Southern Carriers. A deck department member, Brother Parks last shipped with Express Marine. He went on pen- sion in 2006 and lived in Tangier, Virginia. NORMAN PETERS Pensioner Norman Peters, 65, died December 4. He joined the union in 1973 and sailed in the engine department. Brother Peters was employed by Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He retired in 2017 and settled in Jarvisburg, North Carolina. NMU DAVID WRIGHT Pensioner David Wright, 77, passed away December 15. He joined the SIU during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother Wright was a deck department member. His first vessel was the Fredericksburg; his last, the Energy Enterprise. Brother Wright became a pensioner in 2005 and resided in Concord, New Hampshire. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Aguayo, Miguel 92 Andrews, Theodore 95 Cleveland, James 87 Dixon, Garnet 93 Gonzales, Roy 92 Hendricks, Lawrence 95 Jones, Sidney 95 Lewis, Robert 87 McChristian, Jennie 85 McConnell, Richard 94 Moore, James 92 Pagan, Alejandro 90 Rosello, Carlos 89 Steer, Jesse 78 Sweeney, Richard 96 Toledo, Ernest 87 Waiters, Douglas 93 Zirkle, Arnold 97 DOD 11/25/2020 12/29/2020 10/05/2020 12/20/2020 12/04/2020 11/24/2020 09/02/2020 01/05/2021 11/04/2020 11/20/2020 11/29/2020 12/14/2020 11/29/2020 09/24/2020 12/11/2020 12/14/2020 12/06/2020 12/08/2020 Missed an issue of the LOG? PDF copies of almost every edition are available on the SIU website. Look in the “News” section, then select “Complete Seafarers LOG Archive.” You can also go directly to the archive at seafarerslog.org February 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALLIANCE FAIRFAX (Maersk Line, Limited) August 2 – Chairman James Bishop, Secretary Rocky Dupraw, Educational Director Paul Pagano, Deck Delegate Mark Butler, Engine Delegate Ralph Thomas, Steward Delegate Isaac Newsome. Bosun discussed new monetary agreement for ship restriction and thanked crew for a safe voyage. Secretary went over crew change plan and instructed members to leave turnover notes for oncoming crew. Rooms must be sanitized before payoff. Educational director reminded members to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members request QMED/Electrician on billet to be changed to just Electrician. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals and BBQs. Crew would like more 1,000-watt transformers. Next port: Kingston, Jamaica. ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), September 28 – Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Gary Dahl, Engine Delegate Mikel Tittsworth, Steward Delegate Paul Diesner. Payoff at sea in Tacoma, Washington. Chairman reminded crew to sign up for union text alerts. Secretary urged members to stay current on all documents. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (located in Piney Point, Maryland) and to con- 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. tribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read over communications. Members request company to pay for cold-weather gear in ports in Alaska. Crew requests 20 for 30 for vacation pay and for OT pay to be a part of pension. Members would like physicals to be required once per year and two job calls a day. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Overseas Ship Management), October 25 – Ship to be in port October 26 and inspection to occur same day. Ship low on stores and waiting to get more in Tampa, Florida. Educational director encouraged members to renew documents and reminded them of possible delays due to COVID-19 pandemic. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested TVs, fans and Wi-Fi availability aboard ship. HONOR (TOTE) November 8 – Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Sulay Martinez. Chairman advised members to continue upgrading at the Piney Point school. He reminded them to practice social distancing and continue wearing masks in order to promote safety. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. No beefs or disputed OT reported. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company) November 22 – Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Winfred Opare, Engine Delegate Tristan Brand, Steward Delegate Jada Gay. Chairman reviewed crew change memo. Manpower office reported an increase in reliefs and reminded crew that reliefs must board ship before members depart. Educational director recommended members attend upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members are asking for increased pension benefits as contract negotiations are approaching. Company is not issuing COVID tests but performing temperature screens and asking members to fill out questionnaires before crew changes. Members noted tremendous improvements in steward department and are very appreciative for the quality of food. Crew also pleased with TV service improvements. WASHINGTON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel and Provisioning), November 26 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Delia Peters, Educational Director Samir Elbaguer, Deck Delegate Kenney Gaston, Engine Delegate Fidel Pascua, Steward Delegate Gregory McNiel. Chairman reiterated the importance of wearing masks, especially when going ashore. He advised crew to wait for reliefs, despite difficulty to find one during pandemic. Members were reminded to clean filter when doing laundry to avoid any fire hazards. Secretary thanked deck department for assisting steward department with painting their passageway. She thanked members for their upbeat attitudes and for being easy to please with food accommodations. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated school in southern Maryland to help ensure better pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members expressed appreciation for vacation day increase and seek more information about pension benefits. Crew thankful for healthy variety of foods, clean areas and DVD in gym. Next port: Houston. HORIZON PACIFIC (Sunrise Operations), November 28 – Chairman Richard Grubbs, Secretary Clifton Medley. Chairman thanked crew for being understanding during policy changes due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Replacement electrician to be picked up in Oakland. Secretary reminded crew of contractual steward department obligations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Oakland, California. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 29 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Lloyd Ingram, Educational Director Charles Walker, Deck Delegate Barry Briggs, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Steward Delegate Ian Schluder. Chairman informed crew that flu vaccines are needed with medical clearances. Company is emailing copies of pay vouchers to personal email. Some crew cabins in need of stripping and waxing this winter. Secretary and educational director advised members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done with Thanksgiving feast. Vacation days have been increased. New refrigerator is on its way. Crew requested moveable brackets for TV. Next port: Valdez, Alaska. SUNSHINE STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), November 30 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Kenneth McHellen, Educational Director Michael Williams, Deck Delegate Daniel Harris. Members are all doing well, and practicing social distancing. Chairman wished ongoing health and safety for SIU members as well as their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Steward department was thanked for providing good service. Members would like to see more vacation days added to the contract. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt February 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Information The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic March 22 April 9 MSC Supply Configuration Management April 12 May 7 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture) April 5 April 16 Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point) April 19 April 23 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT March 15 April 9 Junior Engineer March 29 May 21 Marine Electrician March 8 April 9 Machinist February 15 March 5 Pumpman March 8 March 12 Welding April 19 May 7 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations May 3 May 28 Certified Chief Cook March 1 April 5 April 2 May 7 Advanced Galley Operations March 8 April 2 Chief Steward May 3 May 28 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training March 8 March 12 Basic Training Revalidation April 16 April 16 Government Vessels February 15 March 8 March 22 February 19 March 12 March 26 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes  No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 206740075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2/21 February 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #864 – Graduated Dec. 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Paul Calcaterra, Manuel De Jesus Cienfuegos-Sanchez, Dylan Green, Jaquaz Jenkins, Mary Moelk, Munassar Fadel Nagi Saleh, Jonathan Slattery, Mindy Tyler and Sergio Warnick. BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated Dec. 11 (above, in alphabetical order): David Argo, Cody Carroll, Nicholas Chiappini, Charles Fischer Jr., Anson Johny, Julian Misla-Mendez, Julianne Perez-Borroto-Sanchez, Isaac Pili, Seth Schrader, Anthony Solovyov and Roberto Wadsworth. Each plans to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training. Class instructor John Wiegman III is at the far left. February 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated Dec. 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): John Alicaway, Jacob Garatti, David May, Mica Sexton and Dalvin Storey. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of union-contracted vessels. Government Vessels – Graduated Dec. 10 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Kobe Cisero, Braxton Clay, Christopher Dhanoolal, Kimoni Dickens Jr., Jordan Griffin, Mikel Hatcher, Jamel Hollomond, Mary Moelk, Mindy Tyler and Luke Vandegrift. Galley Operations – Graduated Dec. 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Cathleen Dell, Eliezer Estremera, Ashley Fabor, Ahmed Haridy, Rosetta Jackson, Kevin Santiago De Jesus and Melaethon Deshenda Silas. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 22 Seafarers LOG February 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Galley Operations (Phase III) – Graduated Dec. 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Juan Andres Vallejo and Matthew Waiwaiole. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the steward departments aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Chief Steward – Graduated Dec. 11 (above, in alphabetical order): Dorothea Fabrizius, Kim Smith and Richard Toth. What’s New for the 2021 Tax Filing Season Continued from Page 14 ments of principal residences (windows, doors, skylights, and roofs). Taxpayers can take $50$300 fixed dollar amount credits allowed for energy-efficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat pumps, water heaters, central air conditioners, and circulating fans, which are subject to a lifetime cap of $500. This credit has been extended through 2021. n Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: For property placed in service after December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2024, the credit is available only for eligible solar electric property and solar water heating property. The credit is equal to 30% of the cost of eligible property placed in service in 2018 or 2019; 26% of the cost of the property placed in service 2020-2022; and 22% of the cost of property placed in service in 2023. n Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: An individual taxpayer may claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing non-hydrogen alternative vehicle refueling property at the taxpayer’s principal residence. This credit has been extended to include property placed in service before January 1, 2022. n Energy Efficient Homes Credit: An eligible contractor may claim a tax credit of $1,000 or $2,000 for the construction or manufacture of a new energy efficient home that meets qualifying criteria. The credit is available on homes acquired before January 1, 2022. n Qualified Fuel Cell Motor Vehicles: Extended through 2021, a credit of between $4,000 and $40,000, depending on the weight of the vehicle, is available for the purchase of qualified fuel cell motor vehicles. Depending on fuel efficiency, other vehicles may qualify for an additional $1,000 to $4,000 credit. n 2-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit: Capped at $2,500, the 10% credit for highway-capable, two-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles has been extended for vehicles acquired prior to January 1, 2022. To qualify, battery capacity within the vehicle must be greater than or equal to 2.5 kilowatts/hour. Disaster-Related Tax Relief The Disaster Act, officially part of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act, provides relief for taxpayers affected by Federally declared disasters in 2020 through 60 days following the enactment of the Act. A disaster zone does not include any areas that have been so declared only by reason of COVID-19. n Use of Retirement Funds: To allow for the re-contribution of retirement plan withdrawals for home purchases canceled due to eligible disasters and provide flexibility for February 2021 loans from retirement plans for qualified disaster relief, there is now an exception to the 10% early retirement plan withdrawal penalty for qualified disaster relief distributions. n Employee Retention Credit: The Employee Retention Credit allows for a tax credit equal to 40% of wages (up to $6,000/ employee) paid by disaster-affected employers to employees from a core disaster area. This credit applies to wages paid regardless of where the services associated with those wages were performed. The credit should be taken as a current year business credit under Code Sec. 38(b). Other Disaster-Related Tax Relief n Per the Disaster Act Sec. 304, other disaster-related tax relief items include the following, applied after any related provisions under the CARES Act. n Temporary suspension of limitations on charitable contributions associated with qualified disaster relief. n For personal casualty losses, The Disaster Act eliminates the current requirements that personal uncompensated casualty losses must exceed 10% of AGI to qualify for deduction. Also, the taxpayer is not required to itemize deductions to qualify for this relief. n Taxpayers in designated disaster areas may use the immediately preceding year to determine the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. n Automatic Extension of Filing Deadline: The IRS gives affected taxpayers until the last day of the extension period to file tax returns and make tax payments, including estimated tax payments, that either have an original or extended due date falling in the declared disaster period. Other Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions Below are additional miscellaneous exemptions, credits, and deductions that may be beneficial to reducing taxable income. n Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence: Cancellation of indebtedness income is generally includible in taxable income. However, extended by the Tax Extenders Act of 2019, income from cancellation of debt on a qualified principal residence of up to $2 million may be excludable for 2020. For discharges of indebtedness during tax years 2021-2025, the Tax Extenders Act of 2020 reduces the maximum exclusion to $1 million. n Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit: The first-time homebuyer credit is not available for homes purchased in 2020. However, taxpayers who previously claimed the credit, which was available for homes purchased during 2008-2011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits. n Moving Expenses: For tax years 20182025, moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty (and their spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station. Moving expenses are claimed on Form 3903. n Transit Benefits: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include commuter highway vehicle benefits, transit passes, and qualified parking. For taxable years beginning in 2020, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $270. n Standard Mileage Rates: The standard mileage rate for 2020 is 57.5 cents per mile for business miles driven, 17 cents per mile for medical and moving expense, and 14 cents per mile for charitable services. For tax year 2021, the business mileage rate is decreased to 56 cents per mile, medical and moving expense rate is decreased to 16 cents per mile, and the charitable rate remains the same at 14 cents per mile. n The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption: In 2020, the AMT exemption amounts increased to $113,400 for married filing jointly, $56,700 for married filing separately, and $72,900 for single or head of household filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at $1,036,800 (MFJ) and $518,400 for other filers. Foreign Income n Foreign Financial Assets: If you had foreign financial assets in 2020, you may have to file Form 8938 with your return. In addition, a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by April 15, 2021 if the aggregate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 any time during the calendar year. An automatic extension to October 15, 2021 is allowed. n Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: For tax year 2020, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is $107,600. This exclusion amount is increased to $108,700 for tax year 2021. Consumer Alert The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for emails and phone calls they may receive which claim to come from the IRS or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund. These are scams whose purpose is to obtain personal and financial information (such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card numbers, or even PIN numbers) from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers to commit identity theft. The emails and calls usually state that the IRS needs the infor- mation to process a refund or deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The emails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS website 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 emails about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does not request detailed personal information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration toll-free at 1-800-3664484 or TTY/TDD 1-800-877-8339. If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, you can report the incident with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). Visit IRS. gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the National Taxpayer Advocate helpline at 1-877-777-4778. Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) Program: An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your SSN. The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS and helps verify your identity when you file your tax return. Starting in 2021, you may voluntarily opt into the IP PIN program as a proactive way to protect yourself from tax-related identity theft. Visit https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraudscams/get-an-identity-protection-pin for additional information and to access the online application. Seafarers LOG 23 �VOLUME 83, NO. 2 FEBRUARY 2021 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Mariners Fight Back During WWII Editor’s note: This is the tenth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. (We are planning to post a PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU website once all of the text has been published here. There are probably one or two installments remaining after this month.) This one picks up right after the Liberty ship Jean Nicolet was struck by two torpedoes in the Indian Ocean in July 1944. All hands abandoned ship. Savagery Starts After 15 minutes of shelling the sub decided it wasn’t getting anywhere towards sending this stout Liberty to the bottom, so it maneuvered among the lifeboats, ordering the men aboard the deck of the U-boat, one boatload at a time, all except a tiny doughnut raft with the armed guard lieutenant, several gunners and a soldier. The first boatload of 25 were forced to kneel on the deck and have their hands tied behind them. William Musser, a Messboy, was shot and thrown overboard for no reason at all. More of the survivors were then ordered onto the sub, and those who didn’t move fast enough were clubbed on the head with rifle butts. Others were beaten with lengths of pipe, or pricked and cut with bayonets. This cruelty was kept up for nearly three hours, while the Japanese systematically took off the shoes of their captives and beat them with bayonets across the ankles and feet. Finally, the Japanese lined up on the deck of the U-boat and the captives, their hands still tied behind them, were forced to run the gauntlet. Third Assistant Charles Pyle was the first to start through, hesitating from the dreaded ordeal just long enough to be hit over the head with the butt of a gun. Blows rained down on him till he was clubbed into unconsciousness and tumbled over the side into the sea. Miraculous Survival The water revived him and after a while he managed to free his hands enough that he could keep himself afloat. Perhaps an hour later – or it might have been more – Able Seaman Stuart Vanderhurst, who had jumped clear of the U-boat before the final torture, found Mr. Pyle and cut his bonds after painstaking labor with his lifebelt knife. Together, they clung to a piece of wreckage. Sometime later, they heard the drone of a plane, a big Catalina that had responded to the Nicolet’s SOS. But as soon as the plane approached, the U-boat hastily submerged, then the air was filled with shouts and cries of the tortured, beaten men who were left on her deck. Victims Drown Some of them floundered in the water for a while, then sank. Seven others were saved by a Navy gunner who had secreted a knife in his trousers and cut their bonds in time. The Catalina returned some hours later to drop life preservers and food, then directed the SS Huxac of the Indian Navy to the spot. The survivors were picked up at 11 a.m., July 4. Of the more than 100 men on the Nicolet when she was torpedoed, only 23 survived, of which 10 were Navy gunners and three were Army passengers. Such was the way of the Japanese! Tankermen Man-made volcanoes! Tankers crammed with oil and gasoline were certainly that, and the men who rode them did so knowing full well that a torpedo, a stick of bombs from a Stuka, or a collision in convoy might set off that cargo of “lightning” in a holocaust that would take not only the ship but many – perhaps all – of her crew as well. Despite the hazard, there was no scarcity of men in the SIU-SUP to ride the “volcano fleets” on their dangerous missions ’round the world. This country furnished nearly 80 percent of all the oil and gasoline that powered the bombers, the tanks and the jeeps of World War II. It was the tankermen – the merchant sailors of the oil ships and their armed guard comrades at the guns –who delivered this “lifeblood of the battle fray.” Covered the Globe To Salerno and Murmansk they went; across the Pacific to Freemantle with fuel for our submarines; and through the buzzbomb barrage to fill the tanks at Antwerp. On all the oceans of the world plied the vital petroleum carriers; from the English Channel to the Bering Sea; from the Gulf of Maine to the Straits of Magellan off “old cape stiff.” From December 7, 1941, till V-J Day, 1945, nearly 65,000,000 tons of oil and gasoline were carried to Allied and friendly nations, to the beachheads and the fighting fronts! A special tribute is due to those men who manned the tankers on the “Abadan run,” freighting oil from the huge refineries in the Persian Gulf to Australia and, later, to MacArthur’s forces in the South Pacific. The War Shipping Administration assigned between 60 to 70 of the T-2, war-built tankers to a shuttle service between Abadan A U.S.-flag cargo ship explodes after being hit by enemy aircraft in Sicily in 1943. and the Pacific, and for the men who manned them it was an arduous run indeed. Many of the ships stayed on the service for more than a year, with the crews remaining aboard for the duration of the vessels’ assignment. It took no more than 48 hours to load in Abadan and seldom did they get ashore at the other end of the line which, likely as not, was merely a Navy fueling station at some islet of atoll in the South Pacific. Fought Back As the war years went by and the ships became more adequately armed, the submarine attacking a tanker frequently got much more then he was looking for. Tankermen paid back, in some measure, for the fearful losses suffered by their comrades of 1942. The battle put up by the Yamhill of Los Angeles Tankers (SUP) is one such instance. During a voyage to the South Pacific in 1944, a lookout on the early morning watch was amazed to spy a torpedo streaking toward them on the port side. As soon as he yelled the alarm, the man at the wheel swung the helm hard over and the “tin fish” missed the stern by less than six feet. The alarm was still ringing as 80 merchant seamen and Navy gunners ran to battle stations. While the guns were being manned, a second torpedo sped at the Yamhill, only to miss when the vessel was again maneuvered out of the way by a deft turn of the helm. Three more torpedoes were fired by the unseen sub and they all missed. Determined that such a fat prize should not get away after this lavish waste of costly torpedoes, the submarine broke the surface close by on the starboard side, its crew pouring out of the conning tower to man the big gun on the forward deck. Hair-Line Misses Survivors of the SS Alcoa Guide sinking are pictured by a fellow mariner aboard a lifeboat in 1942. Even as the Yamhill turned sharply about to present her stern to the raider, two shells missed by a short distance, splashing into the sea. The tanker’s gunners then answered the fire, and saw their shells skip over the raider’s deck so close that the Japanese must have shivered from the breeze. Their next shot was just short of the target. They had bracketed her now and another shot would do it! But the Japanese didn’t give them time. Knowing the attacked was now the attacker, they deserted their gun and hurried below decks as fast as they could scramble. Before the Yamhill’s gun crew could get in another shot, water was foaming around the U-boat’s nose as it made a hurried plunge toward the bottom. Less than an hour later, however, the sub was up again several miles away and the Japanese fired some 60 shells, and a long-range gun duel developed in which the tankermen scored another near miss. For miles the two vessels kept company, the Japanese changing course every time that Captain Phillip Shinn turned the Yamhill on a different heading. The Japanese were determined to sink their oil-laden prey. Aid From The Skies Just when darkness was approaching, and the sub would have the necessary cover for a close-up torpedo attack, there was the drone of an approaching plane, responding to the Yamhill’s SOS. This time the Japanese submerged and stayed down for good and, with a PBY for escort, the Yamhill delivered her cargo of oil safely to Navy bases in the Far East. A dangerous assignment it was, riding the tankers that carried high octane aviation gasoline, for along with dynamite, this was the tenderest cargo on the seas. Torpedoes that hit such vessels could – and often did – destroy them with an amazing completeness. High octane gasoline caused the end of the SS Jacksonville, a Deconhil tanker. She was torpedoed when almost at the end of a trans-Atlantic voyage on August 30, 1944, blowing up with but two survivors out of the entire crew of merchant seamen and Navy gunners. Fireman Frank Hodges was sitting in the crew’s messroom at 4 p.m. on the fatal day, as the Jacksonville approached the coast of Ireland in convoy. He was just about to go down into the engineroom on watch when there was a terrific explosion that shook the vessel from bow to stern. Running out on the deck, Hodges saw that the Jacksonville had become almost completely enveloped in flames within a matter of seconds. He ran toward a lifeboat, but a wall of fire leaped up in front of him as though by magic, dazing him with it searing heat. Realizing that the boats would never be launched, he ran to the rail and jumped over the stern into cold water that sucked away his Continued on Page 15 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: NEW DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT HAS MAJOR MARITIME COMPONENTS NASSCO LAUNCHES USNS JOHN LEWIS TALLYING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES ELECTION RESULTS SLNC SEVERN REFLAGS UNDER STARS & STRIPES GREAT LAKES TOWING CHRISTENS 2 TUGS NEW CON-RO MATSONIA POISED TO JOIN SIU FLEET NOTICE CONCERNING RECENT MARINE SAFETY INFO. BULLETINS USDA APPROVES VACCINES FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC DOESN'T STOP SIU PHILANTHROPY MARINERS FIGHT BACK DURING WWII Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 83, No. 2 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/777f2801d9ea76d88c0d50d7e8d2832b.pdf 4d98004a6f4bf3f0185b43c07e40b100 PDF Text Text FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers Back Military Families Through Annual Holiday Project Members Again Step Up for ‘Santa’s Castle’ For the second year in a row, the pandemic didn’t deter Seafarers from taking part in Santa’s Castle, an annual holiday gift drive that benefits U.S. military families in the Pacific Northwest. The union’s participation in Santa’s Castle goes back more than a dozen years. Pictured at immediate left, retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella (left) donates bikes at the Tacoma hall, a collection point. SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, who spearheads the union’s outreach, is at right. The remaining photos show Seafarers (including Chief Cook Hernando Basilan, photo at right) loading toys into trucks and vans following a luncheon for Santa’s Castle representatives, fellow members, pensioners, SIU staff and other guests. Page 24. Maersk Peary Crew Members Save Life at Sea SIU members and AMO officers aboard the Maersk Peary saved an individual late last year as part of a multinational search and rescue operation in the Aegean Sea north of Crete. Bosun Damon Zschoche (left) and AB Roni Castillo are pictured aboard the Peary following the rescue. Page 4. Pandemic News Page 3 Tax Tips for 2022 Filing Season Pages 12-14, 20 �President’s Report Fight for Voting Rights Continues Despite a congressional setback in late January, the AFL-CIO and other proponents of voting-rights legislation will continue the fight. As you may know, our efforts are focused on two bills: the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would reinstate federal power to review some state voting laws in order to avoid discrimination, and the Freedom to Vote Act, a wider-ranging piece of legislation that aims to establish national guidelines for voting by mail, early voting and other segments of the electoral process. I believe that the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would protect the right of every American to cast our vote and have that vote counted. Collectively, the bills are an appropriate federal response to the attacks on voting rights happening in state legislatures all across the country. “Advancing voting rights is how we deMichael Sacco fend America against those who want to tear workers apart,” stated AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “Mobilizing on voting rights is also how we can take on the filibuster, which has been used for generations to block progress for workers.” The federation has noted dozens of states in recent years have modified their voting laws to make the process of casting a ballot more difficult or to replace nonpartisan election officials with those professing support for only one side. Unfortunately, any action on two bills has been stalled by the threat of a filibuster, which under current Senate rules calls for 60 senators to declare they are willing to allow either measure to simply be debated. There is nothing more fundamental in a democracy than the right to vote, and that’s why we’ll continue working with the federation and other allies to defeat voter suppression tactics and secure voting rights for working people nationwide. Put simply, voting is a fundamental right. I encourage Seafarers to be involved, to know the issues and to meet the candidates. This union doesn’t care what party they belong to. We just ask them to stand up for the workers and their families who elected them. Annual BLS Report Around press time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) issued its annual report on union membership. It showed a decline in 2021 to the same rate as in 2019, which was 10.3 percent, and an overall total membership of 14 million. In 2020, membership rates had increased, but that was mostly because union jobs proved more secure than nonunion ones during that stretch of the pandemic. One stat that jumped out at me from the report: On average, union members earn an additional $10,000 per year compared to unrepresented workers. They also typically enjoy better benefits. While it isn’t immediately reflected by the raw data, I don’t think there’s any question the past year saw remarkable union momentum – high-profile campaigns at flagship American employers, major moves in new industries, and widespread strikes as workers stood up for a fair deal and a better life. The substantial level of union activity in 2021 demonstrates that workers want and value unions. The fact that unionization nevertheless declined is a glaring testament to how easy it is for employers who oppose unions to exploit our weak and outdated labor laws to thwart workers’ attempts at organizing, and how broken U.S. labor law really is. It is urgent that Congress pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. In some ways, the 2021 union numbers are a wakeup call. The Biden administration and Congress must institute policies (such as the PRO Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act) that promote the right to union representation and collective bargaining as we rebuild our economy. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 2 February 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG This illustration from the U.S. Maritime Administration shows the general look of the multi-mission vessels Domestic Shipbuilding Gets Boost With Keel-Laying at Philly Shipyard Multi-Mission Vessel Achieves Construction Milestone A ceremony late last year signaled good news for U.S. shipbuilding. Philly Shipyard – a union facility – on Dec. 10 conducted a keel-laying event for the first of up to five state-of-the-art training vessels for the nation’s state maritime academies. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez attended the ceremony, along with a wide range of guests from the industry, government and the military. “These new vessels – known as National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMVs) – are designed to provide world-class training for America’s future mariners and to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in times of need,” the shipyard noted in a joint news release with TOTE Services, the vessel construction manager. “Today’s first NSMV keel laying is a critical milestone in an innovative effort that is producing stateof-the-art vessels in an American shipyard that will both train the next generation of American mariners and provide a new disaster response capability for the nation,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “We commend everyone who is working hard to keep this effort on schedule and on budget, and we look forward to the final delivery of the first ship.” The keel laying is a ceremonial recognition in which the first grand block of the vessel is loaded into the building dock. Keel laying traditions are said to bring good luck to the ship during construction and to the captain, crew and cadets that will sail on the vessel throughout her operating life. The first NSMV is scheduled to be delivered to SUNY Maritime College in 2023. Steinar Nerbovik, president and CEO of Philly Shipyard, stated, “Today represents a momentous achievement in U.S. maritime education and a significant investment in the local economy and job creation.” According to the release, “The NSMV is an important investment in America’s shipbuilding indus- try, which supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs. Each NSMV will be built using 7,000 metric tons of steel produced by U.S. mills and fabricated by skilled labor. The first of four main generator engines, manufactured by Wabtec Corp. in Grove City, Pennsylvania, recently arrived at the shipyard and will be lowered into the hull in the first quarter of 2022.” The NSMV will feature numerous instructional spaces, a full training bridge, and accommodations for up to 600 cadets to train at sea. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) selected TOTE Services to be the vessel construction manager for the NSMV program in May 2019 “to ensure the utilization of best practices in commercial ship construction,” the agency reported. “As an industry leader in vessel services, ship management and marine operations, TOTE Services will oversee development of these new vessels, which will provide a strong U.S. maritime fleet, crewed by the world’s best-trained merchant mariners.” In April 2020, TOTE Services awarded Philly Shipyard a contract to construct up to five NSMVs. These ships will be owned and operated by MARAD. “TOTE Services’ contract with MARAD demonstrates a new acquisition process to federal shipbuilding, where the government benefits from commercial best practices to design and construct vessels that are built by union labor in a U.S. shipyard with U.S.-made steel and U.S.- made engines,” said TOTE Services President Jeff Dixon. “Our aim is straight – we’re committed to the success of this program and to delivering these vessels for MARAD, so that our future cadets have the modern training platforms they deserve.” Congress has appropriated funding to replace aging training vessels at SUNY Maritime College, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, Maine Maritime Academy and Texas A&M Maritime Academy, respectively. TOTE Services retains an option for a fifth NSMV for the California State University Maritime Academy, if additional funding is appropriated by Congress. NLRB Sets Dates for Rerun Vote at Amazon It remains an uphill climb, but new dates have been set for a rerun vote for union representation at Amazon’s warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on Jan. 11 announced that ballots will be mailed Feb. 4 and counted March 28. Last year, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) lost in an election “skewed by massive company labor law-breaking,” as one pro-worker pundit noted. The campaign, vote and aftermath gained nationwide attention; President Biden vocally supported the organizing drive. RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum said the recent NLRB notice doesn’t go far enough to prevent illegal tactics by the company similar to the ones they used in 2021. According to the Press Associates union news service, “In the last election, the RWDSU lost after Amazon intimidated workers and convinced the U.S. Postal Service to put a big gray mail collection box under an Amazon-emblazoned tent in the company’s parking lot right outside the main entrance to the warehouse, which is the size of several football fields. After Amazon forced enlargement of the electorate, a common employer tactic, some 1,600 workers were eligible to vote.” The board’s notice said the mailbox “created the appearance of irregularity” in the voting. So did Amazon’s illegal polling of workers’ views during “mandatory” captive-audience meetings. Both “tainted the outcome” and made a fair election impossible, Appelbaum said. He added, “We are deeply concerned the decision fails to adequately prevent Amazon from continuing its objectionable behavior in a new election. We proposed to the NLRB a number of remedies that could have made the process fairer to workers” but they weren’t included in the rerun election notice. Press Associates also reported that, since the first vote, the NLRB ordered Amazon to post a notice at all of its warehouses and other facilities nationwide admitting it broke labor laws through various anti-union tactics (banning conversations in break rooms, for example) and promising not to do so again. Workers who were employed by Amazon during first vote, but no longer work there, are not eligible to vote this time. Because of the company’s high turnover, union organizers have had to essentially start from the beginning. The NLRB’s Birmingham regional office (which covers Bessemer) was scheduled to mail ballots to all workers on the warehouse payroll on Jan. 8, or to those who toiled there an average of at least four hours a week for the 13 weeks before that date. Appelbaum concluded, “Workers’ voices can and must be heard fairly, unencumbered by Amazon’s limitless power to control what must be a fair and free election, and we will continue to hold them accountable for their actions.” February 2022 �President Biden provides an update on the omicron variant. (Image courtesy of the White House) AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left), pictured at federation headquarters immediately after her election to the top post last year, has pushed for stronger workplace protections during the pandemic. AFL-CIO Executive VP Tefere Gebre is at right. COVID-19 Pandemic Heads into Third Year Omicron Variant, Court Ruling Among Latest Developments Given the sometimes-exhausting nature of persevering through the COVID-19 global pandemic, it occasionally may seem as if the novel coronavirus has been around forever. However, March 11 in fact will mark two years since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19, the disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. The Trump administration had pronounced a public health emergency a month earlier (Feb. 3, 2020). At press time (late January), there had been at least 850,000 deaths in the United States caused by COVID-19 since the pandemic’s onset. More than 66 million cases in all 50 states, U.S. territories and Washington, D.C. had been reported. Globally, there have been more than 331 million cases and more than 5.54 million deaths confirmed. More than 9.71 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide. Meanwhile, the omicron variant – first detected in the U.S. on Dec. 1, 2021 – has rapidly become the dominant strain of the coronavirus. Just one month after that first detection, it accounted for 95 percent of the nation’s COVID cases. The U.S. in early January recorded more than one million positive cases in a single day, as hospitalizations skyrocketed. Public health experts said that although omicron is extremely contagious, vaccines have helped prevent more-severe reactions among many who’ve been immunized. Like the rest of the nation, the SIU has felt omicron’s effects. At various times from late December to mid-January, the union periodically and temporarily closed several hiring halls for precautionary reasons (including Baltimore, Jersey City, Wilmington and Jacksonville, plus headquarters). In early January, headquarters temporarily reduced its in-person staffing while increasing off-site work. The union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, announced that, effective February 1, 2022, any upgraders or apprentices CDC Offers Latest Input on Vaccines Editor’s note: This information is taken from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/work.html COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against COVID19 Infections and Hospitalizations Vaccines reduce the risk of COVID19, including the risk of severe illness and February 2022 must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot if the student is eligible to receive one. Just before the New Year, the union and Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning announced a memorandum of understanding (effective Jan. 1) regarding COVID protocols for mariners sailing aboard vessels operating in the Jones Act trade (excluding MSC-chartered vessels). The memorandum, available on the SIU website and at the halls, modifies the vaccine requirement and stipulates corresponding shipboard safety measures. While the U.S. health care system became overwhelmed due to omicron, the Supreme Court on Jan. 13 temporarily blocked the Biden administration’s vaccine-or-test mandate for large employers. The court did permit a vaccine mandate to remain for medical facilities that take Medicare or Medicaid payments. Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented in the former ruling. They said the majority usurped the power of Congress, the president and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. “In the face of a still-raging pandemic, this Court tells the agency charged with protecting worker safety that it may not do so in all the workplaces needed,” they said in their dissent. “As disease and death continue to mount, this Court tells the agency that it cannot respond in the most effective way possible. Without legal basis, the Court usurps a decision that rightfully belongs to others. It undercuts the capacity of the responsible federal officials, acting well within the scope of their authority, to protect American workers from grave danger.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said the federation is “disappointed” by the court’s decision. “While infections and hospitalizations surge, we again urge the Biden administration to require employers to provide protections beyond vaccines,” she said. Shuler called for a “COVID-19 standard for health-care workers” along with “an emergency standard to ensure all at-risk death among people who are fully vaccinated. In addition to data from clinical trials, evidence from real-world vaccine effectiveness studies show that COVID-19 vaccines help protect against COVID-19 infections, with or without symptoms (asymptomatic infections). Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalizations has remained relatively high over time, although it tends to be slightly lower for older adults and for people with weakened immune systems. COVID-19 Vaccines Are Effective Against Most Variants Viruses are constantly changing and A Maui resident (left) gets tested for COVID-19 on the island. At-home tests now are available at no charge for anyone who requests them. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Theresa Gualdarama) workers are provided layers of protections against COVID-19 transmission at work like improved ventilation, distancing, masking and paid leave. We will not beat this pandemic until we stop the spread of the virus at work.” Also at press time, the Biden administration announced a program to mail up to 500 million at-home COVID-19 test kits to every household that requests them. These kits could be mailed to as many as 160 million addresses. Union members who work for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will be critical to the success of the program. Test kits can be ordered at COVIDTests.gov. “The APWU is excited and fully supports this plan,” said American Postal Workers Union (APWU) President Mark Dimond- new types of the virus, called variants, occur. New variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 are spreading in the United States and in other parts of the world. COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Delta variant and other variants with widespread circulation in the United States. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant. We don’t yet know how effective the vaccines will be against new variants that might arise. CDC will continue to monitor vaccine effectiveness to see if variants have any impact on how stein. “It is in the interests of the health and wellbeing of the general population as this dangerous pandemic continues. It underscores the invaluable role of the public Postal Service in the lives of the people. It shines a light on the importance of maintaining universal service to every address and person.” “The ongoing pandemic has proven beyond a shadow of doubt the critical importance of the services we provide six and seven days a week to keep people connected and essentials moving,” National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Fredric Rolando said. “This partnership is the perfect example in action. Letter carriers are proud to be the face of this important initiative as we continue serving all communities equitably.” well COVID-19 vaccines work in realworld conditions. Vaccine Breakthrough Infections COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing infection, serious illness, and death. Most people who get COVID-19 are unvaccinated. However, since vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infection, some people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19. This is called a breakthrough infection. Even when people who are fully vaccinated develop symptoms of COVID-19, they tend to be less severe than in people who are unvaccinated. Seafarers LOG 3 �In photo at left, SIU and AMO members team up to launch the Maersk Peary’s rescue boat. The Peary’s bridge wing life-ring buoy, orange smoke and light are released (photo above) while crew members encourage the survivor to grab the buoy. SIU Members Assist in Dramatic Rescue As part of a much larger rescue effort, Seafarers sailing aboard the Maersk Lineoperated Maersk Peary pulled a man from the Aegean Sea on Dec. 22. The SIU crew aboard the Peary, which was en route to deliver vital fuel and supplies to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, included: Bosun Damon Zschoch; ABs Marie Acosta, Roni Castillo, Joshua Gail, Edward Majesky and Derek Willis; QE3 Lateef Sanusi; QEP Rickey Yancey; GSTU Lakeeba Bazemore; Wiper Ali Laith; Recertified Steward Tony Spain; and Chief Cooks Osmar Ramos and Randy Hampton. The ship’s officers are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated AMO. The following is an abbreviated description of the rescue that was provided by vessel master Capt. Everett Hatton: “On the evening of December 22, at 2030 local time, while Maersk Peary was transiting the Aegean Sea north of Crete and on the way to Suez Canal, the Navigation Bridge Watch Officer, Third Mate Gemma Nguyen, received a call on VHF Channel 16 from Rescue Center Piraeus. “The call was to inform Maersk Peary to join in a search mission for a vessel that capsized the previous day, and of which we were now in the immediate vicinity. Our plotted route to Suez Canal took us to within 13.5 nautical miles of where the vessel was initially reported being capsized with possibly 60 people. “We contacted the Command Vessel and received instructions with coordinates making a box, and were told to proceed there while keeping a lookout for possible survivors in the water. At 2048, while our area was being plotted, I decided to head on a northerly heading into our box. As we approached our given area of patrol, we slowed the vessel, added extra lookouts and manned the searchlights scanning ahead of the bow while doing our grid search. “At 2157, after about an hour of slow steaming with searchlights headed north in our grid search, I noticed something in the water just off our starboard bow. I could tell that, based on our current heading (001 T) and speed (@ 5.0 knots), the white object would pass close down the starboard side. I kept the searchlight on the object while Third Mate and Bosun focused on it with binoculars. As we got closer, it was determined that a person could be seen with arms raised holding onto the white object (later identified as a boat fender).” Castillo told the Seafarers LOG, “I was already in bed around 2100 when I got a call from the bridge to report to the fast rescue boat on the starboard side of the ship. We had a man overboard. I was thinking it was a crew member, as I got dressed quickly and started heading out to the boat. As soon as I got there, I went to my assignment as the sea painter. Directed by the officer in charge, we launched the rescue boat and headed toward the man in the water. They got him in the boat and brought him back, hooked him into the rescue boat. He asked for some drinking water, and we also gave him a banana.” The crew recovered the man from the wreckage and brought him on board. As described by the captain, “He had no energy to assist in getting himself into the rescue boat. He was wearing only a t-shirt, shorts and socks. It looked like he must have jumped into the water from being asleep.” Crew members work with personnel from the Greek Coast Guard to ensure a safe transfer. 4 Seafarers LOG Mariners from the Peary prepare to transport the survivor to the vessel. Castillo recalled, “From the time I received the call from the bridge and got the boat in the water to the time we got the man back to the boat, it was less than 20 minutes.” The crew then transferred the man, who was shivering but conscious, to the Greek Coast Guard and resumed their grid search. The Maersk Peary was then relieved of their search and rescue duties four hours later, and returned to their original course. “After the Greek Coast Guard took the survivor, I never did hear about his condition,” said Hatton. “I can only speculate that he is doing fine as he was conscious and moving around a bit on his own when we passed him off.” The captain concluded, “I am very fortunate for SIU to step up and provide a top-notch crew on very short time as we rushed the vessel from load port Greece just prior to the holidays. This current crew proved to be well qualified and trained when the alarms rang to turn to for a search and rescue during the dark of the night. Without a hesitation, when called to assist, all were there and added helping hands. For the Maersk Peary crew, it was an outstanding effort for everyone to be involved in this recovery.” During that weekend, at least 30 migrants died in three separate incidents in the same area, with more than 160 rescued. The combined rescue efforts saw at least four Greek Coast Guard vessels, a Greek naval frigate, eight merchant ships, three private vessels, three military helicopters and a military transport plane all pitch in to save as many lives as possible. A Greek Coast Guard vessel arrives near the Peary. February 2022 �Protect Personal Info from Cyber Criminals Editor’s note: This article is provided by the union’s legal department. You’ve probably heard about serious data breaches that have occurred in recent years across the globe. These incidents have affected millions of people worldwide, crippled businesses and government agencies, and caused huge financial losses. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has warned that these attacks are on the rise, and that nearly everyone is at risk. One of the most common types of digital breaches is known as ransomware. When a ransomware attack occurs, the criminal encrypts all of the user’s data, and then will not allow access to the data unless the business or individual pays a ransom. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), more than $350 million was paid in the U.S. in ransom during 2020 alone. Related expenses (such as downtime and implementing new security measures) may have exceeded $20 billion. Many of the losses experienced by individuals are the result of emails or text messages that are designed to trick the reader into clicking on a link or into providing certain information. This type of email is called phishing. Some hackers are skilled at using various techniques to steal personal data, including information about bank ac- counts, credit cards, other assets and general information about a person’s identity such as birth date, address and Social Security number. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that people lost $57 million to phishing schemes last year. However, there are certain preventive steps that will help you to avoid becoming a victim of these scams. For instance, always examine emails carefully before clicking on any links, no matter how urgent the email seems to be. These are questions and considerations to keep in mind: Does the email claim to be from your bank or credit card company? Scroll over (but do not click on) the sender’s address carefully. Is it really from your bank or credit card company? Banks and credit card companies generally do not send emails about problems with an account; they will usually call. If you’re unsure, call your bank or credit card company using the number on your credit card (not the phone number in the email) instead of clicking on the link. Is it an email saying you won a prize, or you just have to provide certain information in order to claim a large sum of money? Why would this person contact you? If it sounds too good to be true, it’s probably false. Check the sender’s address. Is it an email or phone call that claims to be from the IRS saying that you owe back CHS Updates: Seafarers Encouraged To Schedule Appointments ASAP As previously reported, both the union and the Seafarers Plans are closely working with Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) to facilitate better service for SIU members. In that spirit, CHS – which is now part of a parent organization named Acuity – informed the SIU and the Seafarers Plans that they are experiencing periodic delays in various locations, due to a combination of staffing shortages, COVID protocols and (in the northeast) inclement weather. Seafarers are encouraged to schedule appointments as soon as possible. Immediate or very-near-future appointments may not be available in some locations, and turnaround times for test results likely will vary. Specifically, CHS/Acuity in early January had advised that the earliest appointments at any of their Seattle/Tacoma clinics were in February. (Some of the Concentra clinics in that region are taking walk-ins, but they’re not guaranteed.) The situations were similar in Hawaii and California. Also, the company is working with clinics in Guam and Manila to coordinate appointments while meeting their respective local government requirements for quarantining and testing. Feel free to contact CHS/Acuity and/ or the SHBP Medical Department with questions, and keep an eye on the SIU website for updates. One that Didn’t Get Away Six mariners aboard the Maersk Denver pulled in a 200-pound blue marlin (by hand). Pictured from left are Capt. Craig Rumrill, Recertified Bosun James Walker, Third Mate Matt Crowley, First Engineer John Harrison, Chief Engineer Tim Burchfield and Electrician Herman Castro. February 2022 taxes, and threatening you with legal action if you don’t respond? The IRS does not send such emails, and they do not make threatening phone calls.  Is it an email or phone call claiming that a relative is in trouble, and needs money urgently? Check with your relative to make sure they are ok, but these types of calls and emails are almost always scams. Is it an email that claims to be from an online retailer, contacting you about a problem with your order? Look at the sender’s address carefully. Is it really from Amazon, Costco, UPS or whoever it claims to be from? Is the company logo completely accurate? Are you actually expecting a package from that retailer? Is the order number correct? Does the language of the email sound like the person or company it is supposed to be? Are there grammatical mistakes or misspellings? Is the language awkward? These are often signs that the email is not genuine. Usually, scam emails and phone calls will try to make you feel urgency to act quickly. Common tactics by the scammer include threats of legal action, account closure, or forfeiture of prize. Realistically, there are very few situations so urgent that you cannot take the time to carefully review the email and verify who really sent it. If in doubt, look up the phone number for the company or person who supposedly sent the email, and confirm whether or not it is genuine. Do not click on any links or provide any information. It is also important to maintain strong passwords for all of your personal accounts so that cyber criminals cannot easily crack your password and access your account. A strong password should not contain personal information (like your birthdate or your spouse’s name) and should not be a single word that appears in the dictionary. Strong passwords should be longer and complex. One method to create a suitable password that you can easily remember is to make up a sentence, but substitute numbers and special characters (#, !, *, etc.) for some of the letters, or put them in between the words. There are various websites that you can use to test your password’s strength. These are just a few suggestions to avoid becoming the target of cyber criminals. The following is a link to an article from the Federal Trade Commission regarding other steps you can take to protect yourself from these scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/ how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams Internet criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people, so it is important that you pay close attention to emails, maintain strong passwords and change your passwords from time to time. ITF Announces New Steps To Protect World’s Mariners A hefty chunk of the world’s mariners soon will be able to safely join ships despite unpredictable changes to government border policies internationally. That’s according to a joint press release dated Dec. 16 from three international maritime organizations. The release states that shipowners, mariner unions and maritime employer groups are in the process of establishing their own approved international network of quarantine facilities. The move comes as the omicron variant spurs some governments to close their borders to seafarers needing to leave and join ships. Dubbed the Crew Enhanced Quarantine International Program (CrewEQUIP), the effort came into fruition via a partnership between the International Maritime Employers’ Council; the International Chamber of Shipping; and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). Collectively, these organizations represent more than 80 percent of the global merchant fleet and nearly one million international seafarers through almost 200 affiliated unions. CrewEQUIP will create a list of trusted hotels available for crew quarantines that are independently reviewed. The program is designed to overcome frequent changes in government border policies affecting international crew by having the highest standards and industry-best protocols in place. Such an arrangement should help ensure that crew members will continue to safely get to vessels even if governments increase their quarantine requirements. Spokespersons from the groups said the program is urgently needed to avoid the shipping industry’s return to the worst extremes of the crew change crisis, which saw 400,000 seafarers trapped working aboard vessels beyond their initial contracts in late 2020, with an equal number unable to join vessels and earn income. While a global, permanent system with digital vaccine and testing recognition is still urgently needed, the various officials said CrewEQUIP would be important to have in place in the interim to support greater levels of crew change. The groups also welcomed the December announcement of a new joint WHO-ILO-industry action group to advance digital “yellow cards” for mariners and other workers who need to cross borders for their jobs. Under the CrewEQUIP plan, shipping companies and their representatives such as crewing agents and vessel managers are able to sponsor pre-embarkation quarantine facilities for seafarers to be considered for recognition. Facilities must meet CrewEQUIP’s stringent standards for hygiene, testing integrity and data security. A facility must also pass inspections by Lloyd’s Register, the program’s recognized external auditor, to become and remain accepted CrewEQUIP providers. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also serves as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section, welcomed the CrewEQUIP partnership, noting: “A successful crew change needs everything to line up across the port states, transit countries, and the right facilities available in place in the home country of seafarers involved. Currently, even seemingly minor alterations to a government’s border, health or quarantine policies can bring a planned crew change to a halt – often leaving a seafarer with no option but to continue working onboard beyond their initial contracts…. “Thorough programs like CrewEQUIP, unions and industry are providing a robust system that reduces at least one of the factors that risk successful crew changes,” Heindel continued. “It’s an important initiative and we encourage all responsible shipowners and employers to get behind.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Honoring Bosun’s Wishes In accordance with his directive, the remains of Recertified Bosun Stig Sasse were committed to the sea from the Liberty Pride, while the vessel was sailing in the North Atlantic. Vessel master Capt. Bruce Bonnecarrere (right in group photo, also shown in other photo), who sailed with Sasse, conducted a brief shipboard ceremony and scattered the ashes. “He loved the sea and enjoyed getting to meet a lot of good shipmates and people all over the world,” the captain said. “He sailed for 44 years and used to ship out of the Houston hall.” An SIU pensioner, Sasse passed away Nov. 29, at age 64. He most recently sailed in early 2020. Saltchuk Co-Founder Stan Barer Passes Away at 82 U.S. maritime industry stalwart Stanley H. Barer, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Seattle on Dec. 13, 2021, following a decade-long battle with pancreatic cancer. Widely regarded as a brilliant attorney, dedicated philanthropist and successful entrepreneur, Barer co-founded Saltchuk Resources in 1982, a family of transportation and distribution companies that had acquired more than 30 entities across air cargo, marine services, energy distribution, domestic shipping, international shipping and logistics. (Saltchuk’s subsidiaries include companies that employ SIU members.) He served as chairman of Saltchuk until 1994 and was named chairman emeritus in 2001. “The industry lost a powerful voice in Stan,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was a true ally of the American mariner and spent his career working towards improving shipping and trade between the U.S. and our allies. He also was a tremendous advocate for the Jones Act, and he will be dearly missed.” Barer was born in 1939 in Walla Walla, Washington, to David and Dorothy Barer, who had immigrated to the United States from Ukraine and England, respectively, and made their living in the scrap metal business. The middle child and first of his family to graduate from college, Barer knew from an early age that education was the key to his future success. After graduating from Walla Walla High, Barer earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Washington. He was hired by U.S. Sen. Warren G. Magnuson, whom he worked for in Washington, D.C., as legal counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, which Magnuson chaired. Barer served as the U.S. Senate lawyer for enactment of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, helping write the landmark legislation. From 1965-1967, he served as the Assistant U.S. Attorney in Seattle before returning to D.C. to serve as Magnuson’s Chief of Staff. In 1972, Barer worked as legal counsel for the U.S. Delegation to the first United Nations Conference on the Environment at Stockholm, Sweden. In 1974, he returned to Seattle with the love of his life, Alta Barer, and joined the Garvey Schubert Barer law firm. He began what would become the focus of his long professional career: rebuilding U.S.-China trade relations, including the watershed 1979 legal opinion which reopened direct shipping and aviation between the U.S. and Stan Barer the People’s Republic of China for the first time since 1950. While a significant change to international law, it also embodied one of Barer’s core beliefs: The world is filled with shared values, and civility can lead to greater understanding. A staunch Democrat, Barer was an American first, advising presidents on matters of international trade regardless of party affiliation, from Johnson through Obama. Active in political fundraising, he and his wife hosted several such events in the Barer family home. They hosted Hillary Clinton as First Lady and then again as a candidate for the U.S. presidency and held several events for former U.S. Sen., Secretary of State and presidential candidate John Kerry and his wife Teresa Heinz Kerry. Throughout his career, Barer earned global recognition for his achievements, including the 2021 Gates Volunteer Service Award, presented to individuals whose philanthropy and service have taken the University of Washington to new heights. In 2011 and again in 2018, he was honored in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in furthering relations between China and the United States. In 1996, he was honored with the Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award, a prestigious transportation award in the U.S. Spotlight on Mariner Health Treatments for Lower Back Pain Editor’s note: This article is provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or miss work. It’s also not age-exclusive, as children may experience back pain. Symptoms may range from a dull, periodic ache to a nearly constant pain. It may come on suddenly from an accident or develop slowly over time as people age. Generally, there are two types of back pain. Acute, or short-term pain, may last for a few days to a few weeks. Most lower back pain is acute. It can resolve on its own with a blend of self-care, anti-inflammatory medications, heat, ice, or physical therapy. Chronic pain is defined as discomfort that continues for more than 12 weeks, even when the underlying cause has been treated. Approximately 20% of the population with back pain will be considered chronic. Surgery may be the final option for relief, but sometimes, even this does not work. The lower back includes the lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5). This region supports much of the weight of the upper body. The spaces between the vertebrae are called discs. They act as shock absorbers throughout the spinal column. Ligaments hold the vertebrae in place, and tendons attach the muscles to the spinal column. Nerves run 6 Seafarers LOG through the spinal column also. The causes of lower back pain can be mechanical in nature, such as a disruption in the way the spine is made. There are also congenital problems such as scoliosis (an abnormal curve in the spine), lordosis (an exaggerated arch in the lower back), and kyphosis (hunch-back). Pain can come from an injury, degenerative problems, nerve and spinal cord problems. Back pain is diagnosed by patient symptoms, X-ray, CT scans, and MRIs. Treatment is based at least in part on the severity of pain, and may include medication, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery. Keep in touch with your physician when pain occurs. Rest as needed and follow up as directed. The Mayo Clinic recommends contacting a doctor if back pain persists past a few weeks; is severe and doesn’t improve with rest; spreads down one or both legs, especially if the pain extends below the knee; causes weakness, numbness or tingling in one or both legs; or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss. The same organization notes, “In rare cases, back pain can signal a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care if your back pain causes new bowel or bladder problems; is accompanied by a fever; or follows a fall, blow to your back or other injury.” Healthy Recipe Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with Goat Cheese Servings: 24 Ingredients 9 pounds chicken breast, 6 oz each 2-1/4 cups goat cheese 24 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, thinly sliced 1/4 cup oregano, fresh, chopped 2 tablespoons Mrs. Dash seasoning 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic 1 pound prosciutto, sliced thin Preparation Preheat oven to 375 degrees F Line a 2” hotel pan with foil, and grease it with cooking spray Mix the goat cheese, Mrs. Dash seasoning, and granulated garlic Butterfly each chicken breast 3/4 of the way through. Open the chicken breast like a book. Spread 1-1/2 tablespoons of goat cheese mixture inside each breast. Lay the slices of sun-dried tomatoes on top. Finally, sprinkle a tiny bit of chopped oregano on each breast. Wrap each breast with two slices of prosciutto Place the breasts on the prepared backing sheet. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken has reached 165 degrees F. Nutrition Information Per serving (excluding unknown items): 329 calories; 18g fat (50.6% calories from fat); 37g protein; 2g carbohydrate; 1g dietary fiber; 112mg cholesterol; 676mg sodium. Exchanges: 0 grain (starch); 5-1/2 lean meat; 1/2 fat. (Provided by the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) February 2022 �ABOARD MAERSK ATLANTA – Crew members are pictured next to the vessel during a shipyard period in Bahrain. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Hanapiah Ismail for the photo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WITH SEAFARERS IN OAKLAND – Pictured in photo at center are Chief Engineer Yoali Salcedo (left) and SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday aboard the Starlight Marine tugboat Z Three. The Seafaring selfie at left was taken aboard Matson’s Matsonia. SIU Representative Kathy Chester is in the foreground. Pictured from left are ACU Ruben Siclot, Chief Cook Kirk Fisher and Recertified Steward James Harper. The remaining photo at right, taken at the hiring hall, features (from left) SIU VP Nick Celona, newly retired AB Neonito Sodusta (picking up his first pension check) and SIU VP Nick Marrone. “Thank you, SIU, for having me as a member since 1994,” Sodusta wrote. “I am truly grateful and proud to have been part of the operations.” ABOARD LIBERTY PASSION – Crew members and shipyard fire fighters gather for a safety drill in Manama, Bahrain. Thanks to Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew for the photo. February 2022 Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU FULL BOOKS IN ALASKA – Picking up their respective full B-books at the Anchorage hall are GVA Apollos Smalls (left in photo at left) and AB Dzmitry Sasnouski (left in other photo). SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II is at right in both snapshots. A-BOOK IN ALGONAC – AB Mubarek Ahmed (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak is at right. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – OMU Sotero Berame (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo is at left. AT THE HOUSON HALL – In photo at left, OMU Francois Bonilla (left) receives his full Bbook from SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. QMED Mike Kifle (left in photo at left below) picks up his first pension check (SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala is at right). Receiving his full B-book (right in photo at immediate right, with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo) is STOS Erry Draper. The remaining photo below at right was taken during a Christmas luncheon; the hall also hosted one for Thanksgiving. ABOARD HORIZON KODIAK – SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp submitted these photos after a servicing. In photo directly above are Chief Cook Obadi Kassem (left) and ABM Alfred Polk. SA Mana Al Osfur (photo in center) is pictured in the galley, while the remaining photo includes (from left) QMED Husain Ali Ali, AB Adel Shaibi and SIU Patrolman George Owen. 8 Seafarers LOG February 2022 �ABOARD LIBERTY PRIDE – Vessel master Capt. Bruce Bonnecarrere shared this photographic proof of Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve. ABOARD MV PATRIOT – SIU Port Agent John Hoskins (left) and Bosun Dixon Guity are pictured aboard the TOTE vessel in late December. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Thanks to vessel master Capt. C. Kavanagh for this shipboard holiday photo. “The crew is sporting knitted hats provided by the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Trenton, South Carolina,” Kavanagh noted. “The crew looks forward to these hats and the Christmas boxes provided by the various Seafarers Missions.” Standing, from left: SA Kaleb Politte, Recertified Bosun James Joyce, GVA Eric Chapman, AB Aretta Jones, CM Elliott Gabbert, 2AE Darnell Slayton and AB Carlos Palacios-Nunez. Kneeling, from left: Chief Steward Kim Smith, Chief Cook Richetta Jackson and Chief Engineer Joseph Reynolds. ABOARD USNS BRITTIN – Crew members enjoy a holiday meal aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel. Thanks to Chief Steward Erwin Renon for the photo. February 2022 ABOARD MOKIHANA – The Christmas and New Year ’s meals aboard the Matson ship were well-received. Pictured from left in the group photo above are Chief Cook Brandy Clemons, Capt. Angel Irlanda, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi and ACU Marilou Gumapas. (For additional photos, visit the SIU Facebook page.) ABOARD RJ PFEIFFER – Recertified Steward Ali Munsar (left), Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed (right) and ACU Taleb Alarqaban teamed up to provide a wideranging menu for the New Year’s holiday aboard the Matson ship. Numerous photos of the spread are posted on the SIU Facebook page. ABOARD MAERSK KINLOSS – Shortly before the holiday, steward-department Seafarers aboard the vessel wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Pictured from left in photo above are SA Ronald Pattiasina, Recertified Steward Caezar Mercado and Chief Cook John Nunez. Thanks to SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson for the photo. Seafarers LOG 9 �Arriving at the Crowley terminal in San Juan are El Coqui crew members ABM Julio Perez Jr., Bosun Kemer Rojas, ABW Jonamie Encarnacion and ABM Christian Reyes (all residents of Puerto Rico). Electrician Edwin Velez, Bosun Charles Ortiz and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo are pictured aboard the El Coqui. Chief Cook Steven Lopez and Chief Steward Jose Norales sail on the El Coqui. Puerto Rico-Based Seafarers Deliver ‘The Goods’ to Territory, Mainland in Jones Act Trade Throughout the twists and turns of the global COVID19 pandemic, one constant has been the reliability of SIUcrewed ships servicing Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland in the Jones Act trade. “I can say from firsthand experience that our members are justifiably proud of their work that helps bring vital cargoes to and from Puerto Rico,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo, who is based in San Juan. “They also know that the Jones Act is a crucial source of jobs for Puerto Rico residents.” Recent data confirms earlier findings from a comprehensive study about America’s freight cabotage law and the island. For instance, SIU-contracted Crowley in mid-January reported that they were “smashing (cargo) volume records in Puerto Rico,” thanks in part to the Seafarers-crewed vessels El Coquí and Taino, which sail between the territory and Jacksonville, Florida. As previously reported, a major study by Boston-based economists concluded the Jones Act has no impact on either AB Luis Venegas El Coqui Pictured Dec. 20 aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, are (from left) Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez, Steward/Baker Sharray Turner and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. Electrician Carlos Parrilla handles maintenance on a reefer container aboard the Taino. 10 Seafarers LOG retail prices or the cost of living in Puerto Rico. In addition, the report found that the state-of-the-art maritime technology, Puerto-Rico focused investments, and dedicated closed-loop service offered by Jones Act carriers provide a significant positive economic impact to the island, at freight rates lower or comparable to similar services to other Caribbean Islands. “There has been much debate about the impact of the Jones Act on Puerto Rico, particularly following Hurricane Maria,” said John Reeve, the principal in Reeve & Associates and the lead economist on the study. “The findings of our analysis show that reliable, efficient, and regular Jones Act services benefit consumers and businesses on the island, and no evidence suggests that exempting Puerto Rico from the Jones Act would reduce consumer prices in Puerto Rico. On the contrary, such an action may well increase prices.” A pillar of U.S. national, economic and homeland security for more than a century, the Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports be carried on vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American. Newly credentialed AB Jorge Alamo (right) poses for a photo with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo in the San Juan hall. The holiday spirit was evident aboard Crowley’s Taino when this snapshot was taken before Christmas. Pictured are ABG Julio Perez, SA Simone Smith, Recertified Steward Kim Strate, Bosun Kemer Rojas, ABM Victor Cortes, Chief Cook Yoaquin Gonzalez and Electrician Carlos Parrilla. Pictured from left aboard the Isla Bella (TOTE Services) are Electrician Hector Ginel, Recertified Bosun John Cedeno and AB Gary Boyd. Recertified Bosun John Cedeno, GUDE Ray Fernandez and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo reminisce aboard the Isla Bella. Many years ago, they worked together in the crane department at Navierias de Puerto Rico. Proudly displaying his first ABW registration (fresh out of Piney Point) is Seafarer Kelvin Soto (left), a second-generation SIU member. He’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. Soto recently shipped out aboard the National Glory (Crowley). February 2022 �TAKING UNION OATH – Pictured from left at the December meeting are SA Temiaka McLaurin, Chief Cook Eugene Williams, Chief Cook Sherron DeCoteau, Chief Cook Torrika Devine, ABM Derrick Alexander and OMU Blake Washington. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing at right. Devine and Alexander received their respective A-books, while the others picked up B-books. BOOKS GALORE – Several Seafarers were sworn in during the November membership meeting. They’re pictured with union representatives at the hall, following the meeting. In front (from left) are SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman, Steward/Baker Mamie Porter (who picked up her A-book) and Chief Cook Michael Ray (A-book). In back are AB Nakia Miller (B-book), QEP David Garrett (A-book) and GUDE Christopher Skinner (B-book). With Seafarers in Jacksonville (and SC) BACKING MDL – Steward/Baker Antajuan Beasley (right) is a longtime supporter of the Maritime Defense League. He’s pictured at the hall shortly after contributing to the cause. SIU Safety Director Joseph Koncul is at left. SPIRITS HIGH AT HALL – From left, Chief Cook Sherron DeCoteau, SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo and Chief Cook Torrika Devine seem enthused about the holiday luncheon. (Editor’s note: Please visit the SIU Facebook page for additional photos from the gathering.) ABOARD CAPE DECISION – Pictured from left aboard the Keystone-operated vessel in Charleston, South Carolina, are Steward/Baker Vanessa Curd, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, QEE Mario Dela Cruz, QMED Elaine Watts, GVA Marietta Kozerenko and Bosun Leslie Bracey. READY FOR LUNCHEON – From left, ACU Rosalie Long, CC Joseph Arigo, SA Florentino Espiritu and SA Michael Fincannon are among the volunteers and guests at the Dec. 9 holiday luncheon at the hall. HOLIDAY HELP – Chief Steward Manuel Daguio helps prepare food for a holiday luncheon at the hall following the December membership meeting. SOLIDARITY – SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left) welcomes Preston Drummer, regional VP for the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, to the luncheon. Drummer also serves as the rep for Teamsters Local 512 to the Northeast Florida Central Labor Council. APPRECIATIVE GUESTS – Seafarers and representatives from Crowley Maritime enjoy the holiday luncheon. Those pictured include Lawrence Akromah, Dana Antretter, Ed Hagan, Melissa Serridge, Elizabeth Banner, Josh Lewis and Jon Roberts. February 2022 Seafarers LOG 11 �What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season sion added back in. MAGI threshold amounts for the additional tax are as follows: $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) Investment income reduced by deductions Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations The following is a list of tax legislation and properly allocable to the items of income and net considerations affecting the current and future tax gain that make up the NII. years as noted. Provided in parenthesis are the abbreviations that will be used throughout this docu- Social Security Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and ment in reference to the respective legislation. employer are each subject to a 6.2% tax on wages The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The for Social Security. The maximum amount of Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on De- wages subject to the Social Security are as follows: $142,800 (2021) cember 22, 2017. Described as the largest major $147,000 (2022) tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuMedicare Tax: als and businesses. Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and  The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief employer are each subject to a 1.45% tax on wages Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations for Medicare, unchanged from 2020. There is no Act, 2021 was signed by President Trump on De- wage base limit for Medicare tax. In 2021, in adcember 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions dition to the standard Medicare tax, there will be an additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the that were set to expire.  The Setting Every Community Up following threshold amounts:  $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law Spouse) $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) by the President Trump on December 20, 2019 $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) significantly modifying many requirements for employer‐provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax‐favored Self-Employment Tax Rate and Deduction: The Social Security portion of the self-employsavings accounts. While some of the modifications went into effect retroactively or upon enactment ment tax is 12.4% in 2021. The Medicare portion (December 20, 2019), many of them carry future of the SE tax is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the amounts above the applicable effective dates.  The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Eco- thresholds as noted above. A taxpayer can take an nomic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES above the line deduction for a percentage of selfAct is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that employment tax paid during the year. The selfwas signed into law by the President Trump on employment tax deduction is limited to one-half March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of self-employment tax paid. of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing Kiddie Tax: The kiddie tax changes introduced by the TCJA of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.  American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: In were repealed by the SECURE Act. For taxable response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the years beginning in 2021, the first $1,100 of the ARPA was signed by President Biden on March net unearned income of a child meeting certain 11, 2021 to deliver taxpayers immediate and direct requirements is not taxed, the next $1,100 is taxed relief from related hardship. As discussed in fur- at the child’s marginal tax rate and amounts over ther detail below, the ARPA provided for additional $2,200 are taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate. Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), ad- A child is (1) under age 18 at the end of the tax vanced payments of the Child Tax Credit, housing year, (2) age 18 at the end of the tax year and does not provide more than half of his/her own support assistance, and other employment-related relief. Considerations – Build Back Better Act: with unearned income, or (3) is age 19-23 at the The Biden administration’s Build Back Better Act end of the tax year, a full-time student, and does was not enacted by the end of 2021. Significant not provide more than half of his/her own support proposed changes in tax law will continue to be with unearned income. monitored. All information provided below is currently in effect until otherwise altered by future Itemized Deductions If more advantageous than the standard delegislation. duction, an individual may elect to claim certain Due Date of Return File a 2021 Form 1040 and pay any tax due itemized deductions of personal expenses in deterby April 18, 2022. An automatic 6-month exten- mining taxable income. The most common itemsion of time to file the return can be made by filing ized deductions are listed below. Medical and Dental Expenses: UnreimForm 4868 and paying an estimate of tax owed to avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 bursed medical expenses may be claimed as an itemized deduction to the extent they exceed 7.5% by October 17, 2022.  Net Investment Income Tax (NII): In of adjusted gross income. The Tax Extenders Act 2021, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the indi- of 2020 extended this threshold, eliminating the vidual’s net investment income for the year or the initial increase to 10% of AGI.  State & Local Tax Deduction: For tax amount the individual’s modified adjusted gross years 2018-2025, the itemized deduction for taxes income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount. paid or accrued by an individual during the tax Net Investment Income can be further catego- year that are not directly connected with a trade or business, or with property held for the production rized into three: Category 1 (investment income) - income of income is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of the aggregate of (1) state and local property interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents  Category 2 (passive and trading income) taxes, (2) state and local personal property taxes, -gross income from a trade or business that is a (3) state, local, and foreign income taxes, as well passive activity with respect to the taxpayer, or is a as state and local general sales taxes deducted in trade or business of trading commodities or finan- lieu of state and local income taxes.  Mortgage Interest Deduction: The decial instruments Category 3 (gain on dispositions) - net gain duction for mortgage interest is limited to underfrom disposition of property. MAGI for the pur- lying indebtedness of up to $750,000 ($375,000 pose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is for MFS) for tax years 2018-2025. The deduca person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign tion for interest on home equity indebtedness is earned income exclusion or foreign housing exclu- eliminated. The lower limit doesn’t apply to any Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2021, along with provisions that remain in effect from prior years. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. Standard Deduction The standard deduction adjusts annually for inflation. The standard deduction for taxpayers who are at least 65 years old and/or blind at the close of the year can be increased with an additional deduction added for each taxpayer for each qualifying condition. For dependents, the standard deduction cannot exceed the greater of (1) $1,100, or (2) the sum of $350 and the individual’s earned income. See the current amounts below. Filing Status Married Filing Joint Head of Household Single/Married Filing Separately 2021 $25,100 $18,800 $12,500 Additional Standard Deductions Age 65+ and/or Blind (MFJ) Age 65+ and/or Blind (Single/HOH) $1,350 $1,700 acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017, which is limited to $1 Million ($500,000 for MFS). Mortgage Insurance Premiums: The deduction for mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) has now been extended by the Tax Extenders Act through 2021. This allows a taxpayer whose income is below certain thresholds to deduct the cost of premiums on mortgage insurance purchased in connection with acquisition indebtedness on a taxpayer’s principal residence. The deduction is reduced by 10% for every $1,000 by which the taxpayer’s AGI exceeds $100,000. Charitable Contribution Deduction: The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations is 60% of an individual’s contribution base for tax years 2021-2025. Under the CARES Act, the 60% limitation has been increased to allow for contributions up to 100% of the taxpayer’s contribution base for tax years 2020-2021. The contribution base is an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not including the charitable deduction or any net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks. The limit depends on the aggregate contributions of the spouses if married filing jointly. Excess contributions are generally allowed to be carried forward and deducted for up to five years, subject to the later year’s ceiling. For tax years beginning in 2021, an individual who does not itemize deductions may claim a charitable contribution deduction of up to $300 ($600 in the case of a joint return) for any cash contribution made during the tax year that would otherwise be allowed as an itemized deduction. The deduction is claimed in calculating taxable income in 2021, not as an above-the-line deduction in calculating AGI as allowed in 2020.  Miscellaneous Deductions: Job-related expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to the 2%-of-adjusted-gross-income floor, are no longer deductible for tax years 2018-2025. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees. Gambling Losses: All deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling losses, are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings.  Phaseout: Before 2018, an individual’s itemized deductions were reduced by 3% of adjusted gross income (AGI) when AGI exceeded certain threshold amounts. This phaseout of itemized deductions is temporarily eliminated by the TCJA, and therefore does not apply to tax years 2018-2025. The phaseout does not affect the itemized deductions for medical expenses, investment interest expenses, casualty or theft losses, or gambling losses.  State Itemized Deductions: The TCJA modified or eliminated several popular itemized deductions. It is important to note that although the federal deductions have been adjusted, you may still qualify for deductions at the state level such as real estate taxes paid and investment expenses. Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Other Deductions Exemptions: Under the TCJA, for tax years 20182025, the deduction for the personal exemption is reduced to zero. Furthermore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction, instead, releasing the dependency exemption does make the noncustodial parent eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child Child Tax Credit: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 modified CTC for tax year beginning 2021 in a few significant ways:  The credit is fully refundable for most taxpayers has a principal place of abode in the United States for at least one-half of the tax year; or is a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico for the tax year.  Maximum Child Tax Credit increased to: $3,600 for each qualifying child under age 5 $3,000 for each qualifying child under age 18, but at least age 5 $500 for any other dependent The credit that exceeds $2,000 per child begins to phase out when the taxpayer’s MAGI exceed the amounts listed in the Child Tax Credit chart immediately below.. This phase-out cannot reduce the credit below the $2,000. Any remaining credit amount is then subject to additional phaseout under the rules for non-2021 tax years (Phaseout #2). In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above these thresholds.  The credit may be paid in advance in monthly installments. The amount of advance is based on the IRS’s estimate based on 2020 or 2019 tax returns whichever is more recent, and any updated information taxpayer provided to the IRS in 2021. Payments were sent on the 15th of each month from July through December 2021 Unless extended by the Build Back Better pending legislation, these payments will not continue in 2022. Continued on Page 14 Child Tax Credit Filing Status MAGI Phase-out #1 Married Filing Joint $150,000 Head of Household $112,500 Single/Married Filing Separately $75,000 MAGI Phase-out #2 $400,000 $200,000 $200,000 Tax Rates & Thresholds 2021 Tax Brackets: Below are the tax brackets for tax year 2021, including the taxable income range for each bracket. 10% 12% 22% 24% 32% 35% 37% Married Filing Joint $0 - $19,900 $19,901 - $81,050 $81,051 - $172,750 $172,751 – $329,850 $329,851 – $418,850 $418,851 - $628,300 $628,301+ Head of Household $0 - $14,200 $14,201 – $54,200 $54,201 - $86,350 $86,351 - $164,900 $164,901 - $209,400 $209,401 - $523,600 $523,601+ Single $0 - $9,950 $9,951 - $40,525 $40,526 - $86,375 $86,376 - $164,925 $164,926 - $209.425 $209,426 - $523,600 $523,601+ Married Filing Separately $0 - $9,950 $9,951 - $40,525 $40,526 - $86,375 $86,376 - $164,925 $164,926 - $209,425 $209,426 - $314,150 $314,151+ Estates & Trusts $0 - $2,650 N/A N/A $2,651 - $9,550 N/A $9,551 - $13,050 $13,051+ 2021 Net Capital Gains & Qualified Dividend Rates: Below are the 2021 net capital gains and qualified dividend rates per taxable income range for each type of filing status. Married Filing Joint Head of Household Single Married Filing Separately Estates & Trusts 0% $0 - $80,800 $0 - $54,100 $0 - $40,400 $0 - $40,400 $0 - $2,700 15% $80,801 - $501,600 $54,101 – $473,750 $40,401 - $445,850 $40,401 - $250,800 $2,701 - $13,250 20% $501,601+ $473,751+ $445,851+ $250,801+ $13,251+ Capital gains and losses are reported on Form 8949 and then totaled on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2021, your broker would report the cost basis on your Form 1099-B. Refer to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/form8949 for additional information and other new developments affecting this form and Schedule D. 12 Seafarers LOG February 2022 �Tax Tips for Members How to Prepare A Tax Return Step 1. Gather all records for the current tax return filing year. Income Records Forms W-2/W-2G Forms 1099 (Interest, Dividends, Brokerage Statements, Misc.) and Schedules K-1 (Investment in Partnerships/S-Corporations) Itemized deductions and tax credits Medical and dental payment records Real estate and personal property tax receipts State and local tax payments Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan Charitable contributions Records of payments for childcare so an individual could work Educational expenses Step 2. Gather any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS website at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Cents may be rounded to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50-99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Step 4. Review the return for accuracy. 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. File Return. Filing Electronically (E-file) Due to staffing issues, processing paper returns can take several weeks longer. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. Information regarding available e-filing options can be found at www.irs.gov/efile-options Filing Paper Return Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If paying any balance due by check, do not staple or attach the payment or Form 1040-V (payment voucher) to the return. Instead, just put them loose in the envelope. Write your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and form number on your check or money order.  Private Delivery Services - Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as DHL Express, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service. Electronic Payment Options Visit www.irs.gov/payments for full listing of electronic payment options. Direct Pay – Payment can be directly withdrawn from a bank account through the IRS website or through the software/ website the taxpayer or paid preparer used to electronically file the tax return. Debit/Credit Cards – The IRS website listed above provides links to pay by debit or credit card. All major cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted, fees apply. Payments by Phone – The IRS website also lists toll-free numbers available to make payments by phone. Refunds Taxpayers can request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out the refund section on Form 1040, which includes the taxpayer’s bank account number and the bank’s routing number. For electronically filed returns, a refund will typically be received in about 2 February 2022 weeks if deposited directly into a checking or savings account. Paper checks will be mailed to the address listed on the tax return if direct deposit is not requested. Paper check refunds may take several weeks to arrive by mail. Where’s My Refund - If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the website at www.irs.gov/refunds. Filing an Extension   Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 15, 2021, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. 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 2020, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who oversees the taxpayer’s property. Your Online Account  To access your online account, you must authenticate your identity. To securely log in to your federal tax account, go to IRS. gov/Account. View the amount you owe, review 24 months of payment history, access online payment options, and create or modify an online payment agreement. You can also access your tax records online. Which Income to Report In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: Jones Act settlements for lost wages Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid Canceled debts State income tax refunds Rents Repayments Royalties Unemployment benefits  Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts Endowments Original Issue Discount Distributions from self-employed plans Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services)  Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act Lump-sum distributions  Gains from the sale or exchange (in- cluding barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains) Accumulation distributions from trusts Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery, and gambling winnings) Earned income from sources outside the United States Director’s fees Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate Embezzled or other illegal income Social Security benefits Which Income Need Not Be Reported The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return:  Benefits from government welfare programs  Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs Maintenance and Cure Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans Administration Child support Gifts, money, or other property inherited or willed Dividends on veterans’ life insurance Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home Certain amounts received as a scholarship What Items Are Considered Deductions and Credits The following are common deductions and credits, which are discussed in more detail in above sections: Standard Deduction Itemized Deductions Medical and Dental Expenses State and Local Taxes Home Mortgage Interest Mortgage Insurance Premiums Charitable Contributions Gambling Losses Qualified Business Income Deduction Student Loan Interest Education Credits & Deductions Earned Income Credit (EIC) Child & Dependent Care Credit Energy Credits Which Records to Keep Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (such as canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. Why Seafarers Must Pay State Income Tax Federal law prohibits employers from Away at Tax Time Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayerrelated services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in: Berlin, Germany; Caracas, Venezuela; London, England; Mexico City, Mexico; Nassau, Bahamas; Ottawa, Canada; Paris, France; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Rome, Italy; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan. 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, intercostal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer.” The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year— was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. Where to Get IRS Information General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information between 7am-7pm your local time. Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to download forms, instructions, and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status of your refund; send the IRS comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions, and publications. Seafarers LOG 13 �What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season Continued from Page 12  File 2021 Tax Return to compare advanced CTC with qualified CTC. As the nature of family and life situation are unpredictable, IRS might over or underpaid the advanced CTC. Letter 6419 from IRS will arrive January 2022 to provide the total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments that were disbursed to taxpayer during 2021.  Advanced < qualified: If the amount of your Child Tax Credit exceeds the total amount of your advance Child Tax Credit payments, you can claim the remaining amount of your Child Tax Credit on your 2021 tax return.  Advanced > qualified: If you received a total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments that exceeds the amount of Child Tax Credit that you can properly claim on your 2021 tax year, you may need to repay to the IRS some or all of that excess payment. Example of situations where could result in such positions: Your income increased in 2021. A qualifying child in 2020 does not meet qualifying child criteria in 2021 (see definition following) Your filing status changed for 2021 Your main home was outside of the United States for more than half of 2021.  Full Repayment Protection: taxpayers qualify for full repayment protection and won’t need to repay if 1) taxpayers’ main home was in US for more than half of 2021 and 2) AGI is less than below: $60,000 if you are married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower. $50,000 if you are filing as head of household. $40,000 if you are a single filer or are married and filing a separate return.  No Repayment Protection: This repayment protection amount is phased out when taxpayers exceed AGI listed below on their 2021 tax returns: $120,000 if you are married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower $100,000 if you are filing as head of household $80,000 if you are a single filer or are married and filing a separate return Definition of a Qualifying Child: Must meet all criteria: Relationship: The person must be your child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew). Residence: For more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do. Age: must not have attained the age of 18 by the end of the year, or age 19-23 and be a full-time student for at least five months out of the year, or any age if totally and permanently disabled. Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. Valid 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 1-800772-1213. It usually takes about two - six weeks to receive a SSN. Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual SSN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Definition of a Qualifying Relative: MUST meet all criteria: Relationship: the person must be your parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, in-law, or an individual who has the same place of abode as the taxpayer for the entire year. Gross Income: The individual’s gross income for the year must be less than the exemption amount (zero for tax years 2018-2025). Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. Cannot be claimed as Qualifying Child by someone else: The individual must not be the qualifying child of the taxpayer or of any other taxpayer for the tax year. Child and Dependent Tax Credits: The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expanded by making it fully refundable; increasing the amount of qualifying expenses, the credit percentage, and the AGI threshold for reducing the credit percentage; and effectively extending the credit to U.S. possessions. A qualifying individual definition is slightly different than qualifying child for CTC (Child Tax Credit)  a dependent of the taxpayer who is a qualifying child under the age of 13.  a dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself; or  the taxpayer’s spouse who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself. There must be earned income to take the credit. Amount of credit equal to the amount of tax- 14 Seafarers LOG payer’s employment-related expenses multiplied by an applicable percentage determined by the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income. The maximum amount of qualified expenses to which the credit may be applied is $8,000 for cost to care for one child under the age of 13 or up to $16,000 for two or more children, so that the parents can either go to work or be in the process of looking for work. The 50% credit percentage is reduced (but not below the phaseout percentage) by one percentage point for each $2,000 (or fraction thereof) by which adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $125,000. The maximum credit is $4,000 for one qualifying individual and $8,000 for two or more qualifying individuals. Adoption Credit: The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,440 per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $216,660. The credit is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried forward for five years. In general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees, and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply. In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2021 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents. Earned Income Credit (EIC): The EIC is a refundable tax credit available to low-income individuals meeting certain requirements including income amount, income source, and filing status. The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2021: 3+ Qualifying Children: Credit up to $6,728 if you earn less than $51,464 ($57,414 if married filing joint) 2 Qualifying Children: Credit up to $5,980 if you earn less than $47,915 ($53,865 if married filing joint) 1 Qualifying Child: Credit up to $3,618 if you earn less than $42,158 ($48,108 if married filing joint) No Qualifying Children: Credit up to $1,502 if you earn less than $21,430 ($27,380 if married filing joint) IRS Refund Claim: The IRS has additional time to review refund claims based on the EIC or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax Credit to reduce fraud and improper payments. No credit or refund for an overpayment shall be made to a taxpayer before February 15 following the close of the tax year if the taxpayer claimed the Earned Income Credit or additional Child Tax Credit. A SSN is not valid for EIC purposes unless it was issued on or before the due date of the return. For tax years beginning after 2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC under the rules for taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child for the EIC who is claimed as a qualifying child by another taxpayer. Deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI): An individual generally may deduct 20% of qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership income. The 20% deduction is not allowed in computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a deduction reducing taxable income. When taxable income exceeds a threshold amount (see chart at the top of the next two columns) the wages/capital limit may reduce the deductible amount of QBI from each business; A disallowance of the deduction with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold amounts of taxable income. For tax years beginning in 2021: Education Credits & Deductions: Following are tax credits and deductions related to educational expenses incurred during the tax year, including definitions of qualifying expenses. The American Opportunity Tax Credit: For tax year 2021, the maximum credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to 40% of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years 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 phased out if your Modified AGI is between $80,000-$90,000 ($160,000$180,000). Taxpayers cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit for any tax year if the individual or a student did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Taxpayers must report the Employer Identification Number (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made.  Lifetime Learning Credit: For tax year 2021, the maximum credit amount per tax return can be up to $2,000. The credit is calculated by taking 20% of the educational expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing Deductions for Qualified Business Income Filing Status Married Filing Joint Single/Head of Household Married Filing Separately Threshold Amount $329,800 $164,900 $164,925 joint return) and is fully eliminated if your Modified AGI exceeds $90,000 ($180,000 if married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on the number of years for which the credit can be claimed for each student. Expenses that are claimed for the American Opportunity Credit are not eligible for the lifetime learning credit. Tuition and Fees Deductions: The tuition and fees deduction does NOT apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2020. Expanded Definition of Qualified Expenses for Qualified Tuition Programs: Qualified higher education expenses generally include tuition, fees, and related expenses such as books and supplies. The expenses must be for the student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar program, at an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution includes most colleges, universities, and certain vocational schools. 529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses: The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For purposes of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher education expenses now include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000 for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per student. Under the SECURE Act, qualified higher education expenses now also include student loan repayments as well as the expenses of registered apprenticeships.  Form 1098-T Required to Claim Certain Education Incentives: Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from educational institutions to claim the American opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit or the above-the- line deduction for qualified tuition and fees.  Educator Expenses: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible grade K-12 schoolteachers of up to $250 per year ($500 if you and your spouse were both eligible educators) for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, computer and other equipment, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/ she teaches.  Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account): Taxpayers can contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly with modified adjusted gross income between $190,000 and $220,000, and between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers. The contribution is not deductible. Retirement Accounts Contribution Deductions: Below is information regarding current tax year contribution limits, required distributions, and various legislation updates to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans.  Traditional IRAs: For 2021, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is the lesser of $6,000 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50+ at year end, lesser of $7,000 or compensation. Deduction may be limited if taxpayer or spouse are covered by a retirement plan at work and income exceeds certain levels. When a taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range in 2021 is $66,000-$76,000 ($105,000-$125,000 for married filing joint).  Roth IRAs: The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $6,000 (increased to $7,000 for taxpayers age 50+ at year end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is gradually phased out for taxpayers with Modified AGI between $125,000-$140,000 ($198,000-$208,000 for married filing joint). Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on the timing and reasoning of the distribution.  SIMPLE 401(k) plan: The limit on employee elective deferrals is: $14,000 in 2022 ($13,500 in 2021 and 2020)  401(k) Contributions and Limitations on Elective Deferrals: Limit of employee elective salary deferral is $19,000 for 2021 and $ 20,500 for 2022. Overall limit on contribution to a participant’s plan including elective deferral and employer matching contributions is the lessor of Phase in Ceiling $429,800 $214,900 $214,925 employee compensation or $58,000 for 2021.  Excessive contribution: if a contribution is made to an IRA in excess of the allowable amount, that contribution is referred to as an excess contribution and is subject to a 6% excise tax. These excess contributions may be corrected without penalty, however, provided the correction occurs within a certain time frame.  Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs: For rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015, distributions to employer sponsored retirement plans or a traditional IRAs may be rolled over to a SIMPLE IRA after two years of participation in the plan. IRA Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following legislation updates are in effect beginning tax year 2020 and continue to be in effect. Additional provisions enacted by the CARES Act are also noted.  Age Limitation - The 70½ age limit for contributions to an IRA has been eliminated. Effective tax year beginning after December 31, 2019 individuals can continue to make contributions for as long as they earn compensation  Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) - The starting age for individuals to begin taking RMD from traditional IRA, SEP IRA and SIMPLE IRA must begin on or before April 1 of the year following the year in which an IRA owner turns age 72 (Prior 2020 was 70½ years old  Inherited IRA Rule - Non-spouse individuals who inherit an IRA after December 31, 2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years, subject to certain exceptions.  Early Withdrawal 10% Penalty - In 2020, the CARES Act waived the penalty on early withdrawals up to $100,000 from qualified retirement plans for COVID-19 related distributions. For 2021, the early withdrawal penalty of 10% is reinstated, with exceptions related to non-COVID disaster relief discussed in later sections. 401(k) Updates: Under the SECURE Act, the following provisions are in effect for the noted tax years Long-term, part-time employees may now qualify to participate in elective deferral plans in plan years beginning after December 31, 2020  Early withdrawal penalty exemption of $5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019  Included in compensation for purposes of determining retirement plan contributions are taxable non-tuition fellowships/stipends and nontaxable “difficulty of care payments” earned by home healthcare workers in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019  Increased cap to encourage higher autoenrollments in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019  Special Charitable Contributions: An IRA owner age 70½ or older can directly transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to eligible charities. Known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), this option is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible to be treated as a qualified charitable distribution. To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the transfer. Not all charities are eligible. For example, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients. Remember to check eligibility of the charity before requesting a QCD. All QCDs from an IRA to eligible charities are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions. Health Care Coverage Credits: Below is health care coverage reporting information and current year requirements for related tax credits. Health Care Coverage: Beginning in tax year 2019, you no longer need to either make a shared responsibility payment or file Form 8965 if you don’t have essential health care coverage for part or all of the tax year.  Premium Tax Credit: Individuals with low to moderate income who get health coverage Continued on Page 20 February 2022 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Retired Seafarer Turns 100 “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec. 16 - Jan. 17. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 17. Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups Port Vincent Wesley had a straightforward request for his 100th birthday: having his photo appear in the LOG. The retired steward-department mariner was born Feb. 13, 1922 and sailed out of Brooklyn, New York, throughout the 1950s and 1960s. “I would like to say hello to all the men who sailed with Farrell Lines, Moore-McCormack, and the Military Sea Transportation Service (forerunner to the Military Sealift Command),” Wesley wrote. Personal Writer and former tugboat deckhand Mark Hannon is assisting a retired mariner in writing his memoir. Hannon would like to hear from any SIU members who worked out of the New Orleans and/or Mobile, Alabama, halls during the 1960s. He’s reachable by phone at (443) 615-5228 and by email at mwhannon@verizon.net. Hannon’s website is https:// markhannonbooks.wordpress.com/. February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point...........................Monday: February 7, March 7 Algonac...............................Friday: February 11, March 11 Baltimore......................Thursday: February 10, March 10 Guam..........................Thursday: February 24, March 24 Honolulu..............................Friday: February 18, March 18 Houston...........................Monday: February 14, March 14 A B All Groups C A Mobile...........................Wednesday: February 16, March 16 New Orleans......................Tuesday: February 15, March 15 Jersey City............................Tuesday: February 8, March 8 Norfolk............................Friday: February 11, March 11 Oakland...........................Thursday: February 17, March 17 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: February 9, March 9 Port Everglades...............Thursday: February 17, March 17 San Juan..............................Thursday: February 10, March 10 St. Louis.........................Friday: February 18, March 18 Tacoma....................................Friday: February 25, March 25 Wilmington...............*Tuesday: February 22, Monday: March 21 * Wilmington change in February due to President’s Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m C Reliefs All Groups A B C 13 1 2 21 5 13 4 30 30 14 2 7 15 8 2 0 6 14 1 21 209 7 3 1 12 0 1 2 22 25 13 2 4 12 4 0 6 2 7 2 3 128 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 6 7 4 0 2 6 3 0 1 0 5 1 2 42 Deck Department 10 4 0 2 3 0 1 3 0 13 9 2 1 0 0 3 2 0 7 3 0 25 16 4 17 17 6 20 7 1 2 3 0 8 1 1 17 7 3 9 0 3 2 0 0 1 7 1 5 2 0 15 4 1 0 0 0 16 1 0 174 89 22 5 3 1 9 0 3 0 18 17 9 0 3 4 3 0 2 2 10 0 4 93 23 0 2 32 5 14 11 68 54 35 1 11 27 15 3 2 12 36 5 45 401 6 3 0 20 1 8 2 34 37 12 2 6 18 5 4 2 6 13 2 12 193 3 0 0 2 0 2 1 9 9 6 0 2 7 3 0 0 1 5 1 5 56 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 1 7 1 1 3 12 12 2 1 6 9 4 1 0 4 10 10 11 87 0 0 2 3 0 1 2 7 10 4 1 2 8 5 1 2 2 8 0 6 64 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 11 Engine Department 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 10 2 0 9 7 1 7 2 0 2 0 0 3 4 0 5 9 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 2 1 0 12 4 0 0 0 1 7 6 1 69 45 7 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 4 4 4 1 3 3 1 0 2 1 6 0 7 41 4 1 2 13 0 4 5 15 31 10 2 4 16 6 1 2 4 12 2 21 155 2 0 1 13 1 7 6 14 20 6 1 4 14 5 1 3 3 14 2 9 126 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 2 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 16 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 2 3 0 3 4 13 11 7 2 4 9 16 1 3 2 7 1 21 109 0 0 2 5 1 0 3 7 5 3 0 3 8 3 0 3 3 2 1 6 55 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 Steward Department 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 8 2 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 4 1 0 9 2 0 8 10 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 10 8 2 9 3 0 1 0 0 2 5 0 3 0 1 8 2 0 0 0 0 7 8 0 81 47 3 0 0 0 4 0 4 0 5 12 1 0 1 7 3 0 1 2 2 0 6 48 2 1 2 8 0 8 11 28 23 10 4 5 24 18 3 4 3 16 1 35 206 0 0 1 9 3 0 5 12 14 8 0 5 16 7 1 2 4 6 1 10 104 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 2 3 0 0 2 0 0 0 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 10 5 3 2 3 0 1 3 8 14 8 0 0 14 3 0 1 0 5 0 5 75 5 2 1 5 1 1 3 7 40 9 2 0 19 6 0 14 2 5 0 7 129 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 Entry Department 1 2 0 2 2 2 3 4 0 0 1 2 3 2 3 9 9 25 7 10 0 1 1 0 12 18 4 2 0 0 1 9 0 0 3 3 0 0 9 2 59 93 1 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 7 3 0 0 5 4 0 3 0 2 0 1 31 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 4 5 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 4 27 10 4 0 5 0 2 7 18 28 20 0 1 14 11 1 0 1 21 0 17 160 4 1 1 7 2 1 12 20 74 18 1 2 32 3 0 12 3 12 3 11 219 322 186 328 213 789 583 305 GRAND TOTAL: 415 February 2022 B Trip Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS Jacksonville....................Thursday: February 10 , March 10 Joliet...............................Thursday: February 17, March 17 Registered on Beach 240 125 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was posed to mariners attending classes at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What do you like most about being a merchant mariner? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Georgia Bussink Ordinary Seaman There are not many professions in which you have the world as your office. The SIU has provided me the opportunity to travel as part of my career; one that gives me the flexibility and ability to take substantial time off to travel and do what I love. Michael Casas Wiper I get to travel the world with my brothers and sisters. I get a say and a vote in this industry. The union supports me and provides me with different experiences here at school as well as every time you get on a different ship. 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 John Paul Mauras Ordinary Seaman The opportunity it gives me to travel around the world, to meet and work with new people who come from various backgrounds. Alexander Jackson Ordinary Seaman It gives me the freedom to explore the world while at work. It also provides me the opportunity to take time off to explore it at my own pace. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Henry Nkwor Wiper It affords me the opportunity to travel the world. It also provides me with a safe, constant job and allows me the flexibility to take time off when I want in order to spend time with my family. Kristopher Guthrie Wiper Being a merchant mariner gives me the opportunity to travel the world while also being able to provide for my family back home. Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG OS Robert Keith is pictured aboard the SS Steel Designer (Isco, Inc.) in South Vietnam in January 1972. The victory ship carried bombs and ammunition to various South Vietnamese ports during the war. Keith graduated from the trainee program in 1971, upgraded to AB and sailed with the SIU for several years. He remains a personal advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org February 2022 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA AZAD ARDESHIRDAVANI Brother Azad Ardeshirdavani, 70, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the Commitment. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions, shipped in both the deck and engine departments, and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Ardeshirdavani’s final vessel was the Maersk Columbus. He is a resident of Webster, Texas. ROBBIE BALLARD Brother Robbie Ballard, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1994. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ballard’s first and final vessel was the Independence. He lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. ROBERT DAVIS Brother Robert Davis, 68, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1988. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Davis’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Liberty Promise. He resides in Montgomery, Texas. TEODORO MARTINEZ Brother Teodoro Martinez, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2001 and initially sailed on the Green Cove. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Independence II. Brother Martinez makes his home in The Bronx, New York. ALI MOHAMED Brother Ali Mohamed, 66, signed on with the union in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in all three departments. Brother Mohamed upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Global Sentinel and is a resident of Coldwater, Michigan. February 2022 JEFFERY MUNDY MOHAMAD SHIBLY Brother Jeffery Mundy, 70, signed on with the union in 2015, initially shipping with OSG Ship Management. He sailed in both the deck and steward departments and most recently shipped aboard the Patriot. Brother Mundy lives in Venice, Florida. Brother Mohamad Shibly, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1985 when he sailed aboard the Maui. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Shibly concluded his career on the Cape Isabel and settled in Federal Way, Washington. WINFRED OPARE Brother Winfred Opare, 66, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Columbia and worked in the engine department. Brother Opare upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Alaskan Explorer and is a resident of Federal Way, Washington. SQUEEZER PIERCE Brother Squeezer Pierce, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978, initially shipping on the Bradford Island. A deck department member, Brother Pierce upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Virgo and lives in Greensburg, Kentucky. JOHN REID Brother John Reid, 59, began his career with the SIU in 1988. A steward department member, he initially sailed aboard the USNS Indomitable. Brother Reid upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Washington and makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Arturo Rodriguez, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1987. He first sailed aboard the USNS Algol and shipped in all three departments. Brother Rodriguez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Delaware Express and makes his home in Houston. JAMES BEATTY Brother James Beatty, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1990, first sailing aboard the Charles L. Brown. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Beatty was last employed by G&H Towing and resides in Ragley, Louisiana. ALMARIO SISON Brother Almario Sison, 66, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 2001. He initially sailed aboard the USNS Roy M. Wheat and was a deck department member. Brother Sison upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Reliance and calls Wilmington, California, home. WILLIAM STOKES Brother William Stokes, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1991 and first sailed aboard the USNS Wyman. He was a deck department member and most recently sailed aboard the John Paul Bobo. He makes his home in Wewahitchka, Florida. GREAT LAKES TED CAFFY Brother Ted Caffy, 60, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2002 when he shipped with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Caffy was employed by the same company for the duration of his career. He resides in Florala, Alabama. Brother Timothy Brenno, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977. He initially shipped aboard the Del Mar and was an engine department member. Brother Brenno upgraded at the Piney Point school multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Sam Laud and resides in Seymour, Tennessee. Brother Timothy McKenna, 60, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and first shipped aboard the Adam E. Cornelius. Brother McKenna upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He concluded his career working for Great Lakes Towing and settled in Cleveland. the Seafarers International Union in 1980 when he shipped on the Newark. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Layko upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last sailed on the Dodge Island. He lives in Vancouver, Washington. THOMAS LENNANE Brother Thomas Lennane, 71, signed on with the union in 1998. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2001. Brother Lennane worked for Port Imperial Ferry for his entire career. He makes his home in Tomkins Cove, New York. DONALD MACDONALD Brother Donald MacDonald, 65, joined the SIU in 1978 when he sailed on the American Heritage. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1996. Brother MacDonald last shipped with H&M Lake Transport and makes his home in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. DAVID FENTON Brother David Fenton, 66, signed on with the union in 2013. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Fenton worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He lives in Westport, Washington. TIMOTHY BRENNO TIMOTHY MCKENNA ARTURO RODRIGUEZ INLAND TIM GREEN Brother Tim Green, 66, started sailing with the Seafarers in 2007. A deck department member, he worked for Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Green resides in Leonia, New Jersey. ROBERT HOPKINS Brother Robert Hopkins, 62, joined the SIU in 1979. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school within his first year of membership and worked in the deck department. Brother Hopkins worked for Mariner Towing for most of his career. He resides in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. ROBERT LAYKO DOUGLAS MCGUIRE Brother Douglas McGuire 61, donned the SIU colors in 2007. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother McGuire worked for G&H Towing for the duration of his career and settled in Woodway, Texas. AARON MORTON Brother Aaron Morton, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1995 when he sailed with Westbank Riverboat Services. He was a member of the engine department and continued to work for the same company for most of his career. Brother Morton makes his home in Harvey, Louisiana. WILLIAM SISTARE Brother William Sistare, 62, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978. A deck department member, he sailed with Marine Contracting for his entire career. Brother Sistare lives in Summerville, South Carolina. Brother Robert Layko, 65, joined Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA CORNELL ANDREWS Brother Cornell Andrews, 69, died November 3. He was born in Louisiana and joined the SIU in 1969. Brother Andrews sailed in both the deck and steward departments and first shipped on the Transuper. He last sailed aboard the Gem State in 2019 and was a San Francisco resident. JOSEPH LOYAL Pensioner Joseph Loyal, 68, passed away December 4. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A deck department member, Brother Loyal first sailed aboard the USNS Kane. After concluding his career aboard the Horizon Hunter, he retired in 2011. Brother Loyal lived in Lubbock, Texas. JEFFREY PAGE THELLIS BARNES Brother Thellis Barnes, 66, passed away November 8. Born in Alabama, he joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001. Brother Barnes first shipped aboard the Virginian and was a deck department member. He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Montana and lived in Suffolk, Virginia. PETER BEAN Pensioner Peter Bean, 70, died September 11. He signed on with the SIU in 1970, initially sailing aboard a Seatrain Lines vessel. Brother Bean was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Overseas Martinez and went on pension in 2018. Brother Bean resided in the Philippines. SEVERIANO BONAFONT Pensioner Severiano Bonafont, 79, passed away November 12. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1970. A deck department member, his first vessel was the Ponce. Brother Bonafont last shipped on the El Yunque before retiring in 2006. He lived in Puerto Rico. DAVID GORDIUS Pensioner David Gordius, 74, died December 8. He joined the SIU in 1980, initially working on the St. Louis. Brother Gordius was a member of the engine department and last sailed aboard the Horizon Consumer. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Jeffrey Page, 67, died September 22. Born in Washington, D.C., he began sailing with the union in 1978. Brother Page was an engine department member and first sailed aboard Waterman’s A. Stephens. He last sailed on the USNS Capella and resided in Rockville, Maryland. CESAR RAMOS Pensioner Cesar Ramos, 72, passed away November 19. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Brooks Range. Brother Ramos was a deck department member. He last sailed on the Patriot and became a pensioner in 2014. Brother Ramos made his home in the Philippines. ROLANDO ROMANILLOS Pensioner Rolando Romanillos, 67, died November 12. He joined the union in 1993 and was an engine department member. Brother Romanillos first sailed aboard the Producer. He most recently shipped on the Ocean Freedom and went on pension in 2019. Brother Romanillos was a resident of Long Beach, California. STIG SASSE Pensioner Stig Sasse, 64, passed away November 29. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Cape John. A deck department member, Brother Sasse last shipped on the Alliance St. Louis. He retired last year and settled in Houston. He shipped in the deck department and most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Freedom. Brother Scheck went on pension in 2017 and resided in Dickinson, Texas. employed with Interstate Oil for most of his career. He went on pension in 2016 and made his home in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. RALPH GARDNER WILLIAM SCHROEDER Pensioner William Schroeder, 83, passed away November 16. He joined the SIU in 1964 when he sailed on the Eagle Voyager. Brother Schroeder shipped in the engine department and concluded his career on the El Faro. He became a pensioner in 1993 and lived in Germany. JAMES WRIGHT Pensioner James Wright, 81, died November 20. He began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in 1967, initially sailing on the Selma Victory. Brother Wright worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Anchorage and went on pension in 2002. Brother Wright resided in Puyallup, Washington. ELLIS YOUNG Pensioner Ellis Young, 77, passed away November 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1970 when he shipped on the Penn Sailor. Brother Young was a member of the engine department. He last shipped aboard the Newark Bay and began collecting his pension in 2001. Brother Young lived in Jacksonville, Florida. Pensioner Ralph Gardner, 83, passed away December 6. He began sailing with the SIU in 1967 when he worked aboard the Battle Creek. Brother Gardner was a deck department member and was last employed by Mariner Towing. He retired in 1981 and settled in Ocala, Florida. CHARLES GROGAN Pensioner Charles Grogan, 87, died November 19. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1961, initially sailing with Moran Towing of Virginia. Brother Grogan concluded his career aboard the Sam Houston and went on pension in 1996. He resided in Mechanicsville, Virginia. WADE POOR Brother Wade Poor, 43, passed away October 22. He donned the SIU colors in 2007, initially working on the Terrapin Island. Brother Poor was a member of the deck department and most recently worked on the Douglas B. Mackie. He was a resident of Palmyra, Missouri. GREAT LAKES JAMES WILKINS HARLEY THIES Pensioner Harley Thies, 82, passed away November 21. He signed on with the SIU in 1966 when he was employed by Michigan Interstate Railway. Brother Thies worked in the steward department and last shipped on the H. Lee White. He became a pensioner in 2002 and resided in Muskegon, Michigan. INLAND JIMMIE SCHECK ALBERT BURNS Pensioner Jimmie Scheck, 64, died December 2. He signed on with the union in 1977. Brother Scheck’s first vessel was the Zapata Courier. Pensioner Albert Burns, 67, died November 30. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1973. Brother Burns was Pensioner James Wilkins, 86, died December 3. He joined the union in 1961 and first worked for Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Wilkins sailed in the deck department and was last employed by Interstate Oil. He became a pensioner in 1997 and lived in Belhaven, North Carolina. NMU CUTHBERT FORBES Pensioner Cuthbert Forbes, 79, passed away December 6. He joined the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001. Brother Forbes sailed in both the deck and engine departments and last sailed on the Argonaut. He began collecting his pension in 2006 and made his home in Cambria Heights, New York. CHARLES MCFIELD Pensioner Charles McField, 86, died December 13. A steward department member, he signed on with the union during the SIU/ NMU merger in 2001. Brother McField last shipped aboard the St. Louis Express before retiring in 2004. He was a New Orleans resident. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Berrios, Julio 82 Cooper, Morris 94 Costoso, Benjamin 100 Duncan, Frederick 90 Evans, Henry 81 Farmer, Joseph 95 Herrenberg, August 85 Karadimas, Spyridon 97 Kitchen, Sandy 93 Ritter, James 80 Williams, Richard 78 Yamamoto, Takeo 95 DOD 04/05/2021 11/23/2021 12/23/2021 12/14/2021 12/06/2021 12/08/2021 11/08/2021 09/28/2021 12/08/2021 11/22/2021 11/16/2021 09/28/2021 Have You Missed An Issue of the Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website February 2022 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), October 24 – Chairman Domingo Leon, Educational Director Edwin Feliciano, Deck Delegate Randolph Jemmott, Engine Delegate Roger Nesbeth. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested vacation increase to 20 for 30. Carpet cleaner needed. Crew discussed concerns with lack of fresh food aboard ship. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), October 24 – Chairman Albert Konning, Secretary Abraham Mills, Educational Director Teodocio Ruiz, Deck Delegate Christopher Chikwere, Steward Delegate Reginald Jackson. Chairman thanked members for safe voyage and announced payoff in Galveston, Texas. He encouraged crew to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Steward department thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and to check documents for expiration dates. Steward department reported beef over unpaid overtime. Members thanked SIU President Michael Sacco for doing a great job. Crew requested cost of living increase every two years and for increased vacation benefits. JEAN ANNE (Pasha) November 14 – Chairman Thomas Johnson, Secretary Samuel Sinclair, Deck Delegate Mohamed Saleh, Engine Delegate Yahya Mohamed, Steward Delegate Tammy Bingisser. Crew asked for clarification on selection process for recertifications. Members asked for physicals to be required once annually. Vote of thanks given to steward department for awesome food. New BBQ grill and smoker have resulted in more diverse foods coming from galley, along with outside BBQs. More funds needed for crew activities and galley equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate reported good morale among steward department members. Crew would like higher-paying contracts and a minimum of three people per steward department. Members discussed costof-living increases. The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk Line, Limited), November 14 – Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Christopher King, Educational Director Guiomar Rancel, Engine Delegate Arthur Bailey, Steward Delegate Joseph Kudjoe. Chairman reminded members to clean their rooms for the next person. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the unionaffiliated Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed medical benefits, suggestions for next contract, and expressed frustrations with food budget. TACOMA (Horizon Lines), November 14 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Clark Williams, Educational Director Ronald Embody, Steward Delegate Hernando Basilan. Chairman reminded crew that employment start date was September 28, when they were flown to Korea. Members were reminded to keep up with documents and physicals as wait times can be longer than expected. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested better internet service aboard ship. Crew asked that companies no longer invoke ship restrictions as they are all vaccinated. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), November 21 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Johnny Sawyer. Chairman discussed upcoming shipyard period. He will contact union representative regarding living conditions and pay to cover any shortages. Chairman told members to expect delays in Savannah and Houston. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested more vacation days. Members asked for an increased food budget. Crew requested TVs and DVD players through ship funds. Also reported that elevator does not stop on C deck. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), November 28 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Johnnie McGill, Educational Director Robert Noble, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Jennifer Diola. Prior beefs are under review at headquarters. Stores will be received at next port. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed pay raises for pensioners. New galley griddle installed and new front-load washers have been ordered. Crew requested 15 for 30 vacation days. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. Even Better than a Library MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), November 28 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Caezar Mercado, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate John Worae, Steward Delegate John Nunez. Members were advised to check documents and to follow safety protocols at all times. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested more fans and fullsize refrigerators for each room. Crew asked for a Wi-Fi upgrade, additional vacation days and an increase to food budget. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), December 10 – Chairman Wilfredo Velez, Secretary Jeffery Toliver, Educational Director Carlos Mohler, Deck Delegate John Walsh, Steward Delegate Richard Oliva. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reviewed response to previous meeting report. Ship fund suggestions list is placed by the whiteboard on A deck. Crew discussed medical and retirement benefits and requested increases in pension and vacation. Next port: Elizabeth, New Jersey. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings), December 11 – Chairman Nathan Shuford, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Randy Slue, Deck Delegate Troy Glatter, Engine Delegate Joseph Marino. Chairman reminded crew to get medications early because CHS is taking a long time. He urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school rather Many thanks to Chief Engineer Randall Macy for this unique snapshot of OMU Ben Anderson, taken during Thanksgiving weekend in Chinhae, South Korea. Randall noted that Ben “found quite a place to relax and read the Seafarers LOG on the MV Edward A. Carter Jr” (Sealift, Inc.). than third-party schools. Educational director informed crew of technical issues for medical certificates. If applications were sent between September 21 and September 28, they need to be re-sent. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested an increase in pension and a decrease in sea-time requirements. Crew asked for higher wages and Wi-Fi access. CALIFORNIA (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), December 23 – Chairman Kenneth Abrahamson, Secretary Gerald Kirtsey, Educational Director Edgardo Barrios, Deck Delegate Russell Hayden, Engine Delegate Raymond Roldan, Stew- ard Delegate Keith Hall. Chairman reiterated importance of staying on top of documents. He informed crew of amendments to shipping rules to include longer rotations if desired. Negotiations for standard agreement will start next year. Educational director recommended crew attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. He advised them to attend early to utilize HLSS travel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked company to provide better WiFi. Steward department was thanked for holiday meals. Crew requested 18 for 30 vacation days, wage increases, and for physicals to be required annually. Next port: Long Beach, California. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt February 2022 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �What’s New for the 2022 Tax Filing Season Continued from Page 14 through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be eligible for this refundable credit if meeting the following requirements: Purchased coverage in the Marketplace for someone in their tax family (taxpayer, spouse, if married filing jointly and dependents for which a personal exemption is claimed) for a month that person was not eligible for minimum essential coverage (other than coverage in the individual market). Have household income at least 100%, but no more than 400% of the federal poverty line for taxpayer’s family size. An exception, a resident alien who is ineligible for Medicaid and has household income less than 100% of the federal poverty line can take the credit. If married, individuals must file a joint return. Exceptions apply to victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and to individuals who are considered unmarried. Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person.  Health Coverage Tax Credit (HCTC): The HCTC is a tax credit that pays a percentage of health insurance premiums for certain eligible taxpayers and their qualifying family members. The HCTC is a separate tax credit with different eligibility rules than the PTC and has been extended by the Tax Extender Act through 2021. Eligibility is restricted to individuals who are eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance allowances because of a qualifying job loss, or individuals between 55-64 years old whose defined-benefit pension plans were taken over.  Affordable Care Act: Several very important provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that affect individuals and businesses first became effective in 2015. The Employer Shared Responsibility provision of the Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to either offer minimum essential coverage that is “affordable” and that provides “minimum value” to their full-time employees and their dependents, or potentially make an employer shared responsibility payment to the IRS.  Energy Credits: The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended many energy-related provisions that were set to expire at the end of 2020. Below are common energy credits. Nonbusiness Energy Property: Through 2021, a credit is allowed for 10% of the amounts paid/incurred for qualified energy improvements of principal residences (windows, doors, skylights, and roofs). Taxpayers can take $50-$300 fixed dollar amount credits allowed for energyefficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat pumps, water heaters, central A/C, and circulating fans, subject to a lifetime cap of $500.  Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit: For property placed in service after December 31, 2016 and before January 1, 2024, the credit is available only for eligible solar electric property and solar water heating property. Beginning in 2021, qualified biomass fuel expenditures now qualify for the credit. The credit is equal to 30% of the cost of eligible property placed in service in 2018 or 2019; 26% of the cost of the property placed in service 2020-2022; and 22% of the cost of property placed in service in 2023. The only limitation that applies is a $500 limit with respect to each half kilowatt of capacity of qualified fuel cell property expenditures per year  Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit: An individual taxpayer may claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing nonhydrogen alternative vehicle refueling property at the taxpayer’s principal residence. The credit is limited to $30,000 for property that is subject to depreciation and $1,000 for any other property. This credit has been extended to include property placed in service before January 1, 2022. Energy Efficient Homes Credit: An eligible contractor may claim a tax credit of $1,000 or $2,000 for the construction or manufacture of a new energy efficient home that meets qualifying criteria. The credit is available on homes acquired before January 1, 2022. Qualified Fuel Cell Motor Vehicles: Extended through 2021, a credit of between $4,000 and $40,000, depending on the weight of the vehicle, is available for the purchase of qualified fuel cell motor vehicles. Depending on fuel efficiency, other vehicles may qualify for an additional $1,000 to $4,000 credit.  2-Wheeled Plug-In Electric Vehicle Credit: Capped at $2,500, the 10% credit for highway-capable, two-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles has been extended for vehicles acquired prior to January 1, 2022. To qualify, battery capacity within the vehicle must be greater than or equal to 2.5 kilowatts/hour. Act. A disaster zone does not include any areas that have been so declared only by reason of COVID-19.  Use of Retirement Funds: To allow for the re-contribution of retirement plan withdrawals for home purchases canceled due to eligible disasters and provide flexibility for loans from retirement plans for qualified disaster relief, there is now an exception to the 10% early retirement plan withdrawal penalty for qualified disaster relief distributions.  Other Disaster-Related Tax Relief: Per the Disaster Act Sec. 304, other disaster-related tax relief items include the following, applied after any related provisions under the CARES Act. Temporary suspension of limitations on charitable contributions associated with qualified disaster relief For personal casualty losses, The Disaster Act eliminates the current requirements that personal uncompensated casualty losses must exceed 10% of AGI to qualify for deduction. Also, the taxpayer is not required to itemize deductions to qualify for this relief Taxpayers in designated disaster areas may use the immediately preceding year to determine the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit  Automatic Extension of Filing Deadline: The IRS gives affected taxpayers until the last day of the extension period to file tax returns and make tax payments, including estimated tax payments, that either have an original or extended due date falling in the declared disaster period. Other Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions: Below are additional miscellaneous exemptions, credits, and deductions that may be beneficial to reducing taxable income.  Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence: Cancellation of indebtedness income is generally includible in taxable income. However, extended by the Tax Extenders Act of 2020, income from cancellation of debt on a qualified principal residence of up to $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately) may be excludable for tax years 2021-2025.  Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit: The first-time homebuyer credit is not available for new home purchases. However, taxpayers who previously claimed the credit, which was available for homes purchased during 20082011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits over a 15-year period.  Moving Expenses: For tax years 20182025, moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty (and their spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station. Moving expenses are claimed on Form 3903. Transit Benefits: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include commuter highway vehicle benefits, transit passes, and qualified parking. For taxable years beginning in 2020, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $270.  Standard Mileage Rates: The standard mileage rate for 2021 is 56 cents/mile for business miles driven, 16 cents/mile for medical/moving expense, and 14 cents/mile for charitable services. For tax year 2022, the business mileage rate is increased to 58.5 cents/mile, medical and moving expense rate is increased to 18 cents/mile, and the charitable rate remains the same at 14 cents/mile. The business standard mileage rate cannot be used to claim a deduction for unreimbursed employee travel expenses for tax years 2018-2025. Additionally, standard mileage rate deductions related to moving are currently available only to members of the Armed Forces. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption: In 2021, the AMT exemption amounts increased to $114,600 for married filing jointly, $57,300 for married filing separately, and $73,600 for single or head of household filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at $1,047,200 for married filing jointly and $523,600 for other filers. Foreign Income  Foreign Financial Assets: If you had foreign financial assets in 2021, you may have to file Form 8938 with your return. In addition, a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by April 15, 2022 if the aggregate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 in any time during the calendar year. An automatic extension to October 15, 2022 is allowed if you fail to meet the April 15th annual deadline. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad who have a foreign tax home and satisfy the bona fide residence test or the physical presence test may elect to exclude from gross income certain foreign earned income attributable to their residence in a foreign country during the tax year. For tax year 2021, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is $108,700. This exclusion amount is increased to $112,000 for tax year 2022. Foreign Tax Credit: Taxpayers may elect to claim foreign tax credit if opted out foreign income exclusion. The foreign tax credit, which may be claimed in lieu of a deduction, is a dollarfor-dollar credit against the U.S. tax liability. This limits the combined rate of tax on foreign-source income to the greater of the foreign tax rate or the U.S. tax rate. The credit may be taken for foreign taxes paid directly by U.S. persons. Consumer Alert The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for emails and phone calls they may receive which claim to come from the IRS or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund. These are almost certainly scams whose purpose is to obtain personal and financial information (such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card numbers, or even PIN numbers) from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers to commit identity theft. The emails and calls usually state that the IRS needs the information to process a refund or deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The emails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS website 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 emails about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does not request detailed personal information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to phishing@ irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration toll-free at 1-800-366-4484 or TTY/TDD 1-800-877-8339. If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, you can report the incident with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc. gov/complaint or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-4384338). Visit IRS.gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the National Taxpayer Advocate helpline at 1-877-777-4778. With Seafarers Aboard SLNC Magothy Clockwise beginning at top left, Jacksonville-based SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (right) is greeted by ACU Noel Veloso aboard the ship. AB Eddie Ebanks mans the gangway while Oiler Kianta Lee (facing camera) and fellow mariners tackle their next assignment.Oiler William Patterson pauses for a quick snapshot. Steward/Baker Jessica Williams is pictured aboard the Argent Marine vessel in Jacksonville, Florida. Disaster-Related Tax Relief: The Disaster Act, officially part of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Relief Act, provides relief for taxpayers affected by Federally declared disasters in 2021 through 60 days following the enactment of the 20 Seafarers LOG February 2022 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Start Date Date of Completion Engine Department Upgrading Courses Machinist March 14 April 1 Pumpman April 4 April 8 Welding February 14 April 25 June 6 March 4 May 13 June 24 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook March 21 April 25 May 30 April 22 May 27 July 1 Advanced Galley Operations April 4 June 20 April 29 July 15 Chief Steward February 28 May 9 March 25 June 3 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck February 14 April 4 May 23 March 4 April 22 June 10 February 14 March 14 April 11 May 9 June 6 February 25 March 25 April 22 May 20 June 17 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 RFPNW February 28 April 25 June 13 March 18 May 13 July 1 Celestial Navigation August 22 September 16 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7 March 11 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Government Vessels Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 February 21 March 14 April 11 February 25 March 18 April 15 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) March 14 March 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL April 4 May 2 April 8 May 6 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 23 May 13 May 27 Lifeboat/Water Survival Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting April 4 April 8 Medical Care Provider February 14 April 11 February 18 April 15 Basic Training April 4 June 6 April 8 June 10 Basic Training Revalidation February 25 March 21 February 25 March 21 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW April 25 May 20 FOWT June 13 July 8 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech April 4 May 13 Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. February 2022 Important Notice to PHC Students Effective Feb. 1, 2022, all upgraders or apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including a booster shot if the student is eligible to receive one. COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2/22 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #876 – Graduated December 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Keith Awkward, Charles Bishop, Micko Cercado, Keshun Corpus, Maria Escobar, Ricardo Gonzalez Jr., Danielle Gore, Noah Hepburn, Maurice Kent Jr., Walter Lewis, Dennis Smith Jr., Austin Smith and Mizukami Aulaumea Youn. Government Vessels – Graduated December 17 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Mahfoud Munassar Mohamed Al-Esfoor, Alvinmar Iremedio Aldana, Garry Brandon, Darryl Brice, Thomas Doering, Ouida Fields, Drushelia Finney, David Garrett, Jeffery Griffin, Patrick Hurley, Nikita Johnson, John Nichols, Emanuel Spain Jr., Patricia Sullivan, Christopher Thompson and Emile Wilson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization (DL) – Graduated December 17 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Majed Omar Alsharif, Saleh Abdo Alsinai, Richard Barnes, Eric Bell, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Davon Brown, Christian Bryant, Richard Cole, Sherron Davita Decoteau, Torrika Devine, Juan Luis Guanill, Ashley Hudson, James Jones, Jesus Miguel Mendez Mercado, Muammer Saleh Qusiem, Yahya Qasim Shamman, Charles Vandeventer, Juan Carlos Velasquez and David Weeks. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG February 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Firefighting (Upgraders) – Graduated November 12 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Jamal Field, Anna-Maria Halstead, Jeremy Harris, and Frederick Wilson. Celestial Navigation (Mates) – Graduated December 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness and Joseph Nicodemus. Chief Cook Assessment Program – Graduated November 26 (above, in alphabetical order): Jeremy Harris, Ali Mohamed Saeed and Frederick Wilson. Certified Chief Cook – Graduated December 31 (above, in alphabetical order): Devin Brashear, Ashley Codrington, Atrenique Tramani Deamus, Jamel Hollomond, Lamarai Jones, Felix P. Maldonado, Jeremy Poertner, Elvin Joel Rijos-Perez and Raul Cabrera Ventanilla. Important Notice To All Students February 2022 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 23 �FEBRUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 2 Tax Tips For 2022 Filing Season Pages 12-14, 20 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Pictured from left are Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe, VP of Purchasing Anita Vargo and SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, who leads the union’s annual effort supporting the holiday toy drive. Recertified Bosun Rufino Giray (left), pictured with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp at the Tacoma hall, says he’s happy to contribute to Santa’s Castle. Crowley Director of Labor Relations Daniel Lowry (left) and Marine Crewing Manager John Woodcock (center) drop off bikes at the hall. SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right. ‘Blown Away by SIU’s Generosity’ Annual Outreach Benefits U.S. Military Families The COVID-19 pandemic surely has induced innumerable “bah, humbug!” moments, but nothing has diminished the SIU’s enthusiastic backing of an annual philanthropic project benefiting U.S. military families at Christmastime. The yearly outreach known as Santa’s Castle has become a staple for Tacoma, Washington-area Seafarers, who’ve backed it for more than a dozen years. Santa’s Castle generates donations of toys and other gifts to U.S. military families (mainly E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis- McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. For 2021, the SIU stepped up with donations worth approximately $8,000. Most of the contributions came from rank-and-file members, but many others chipped in, including members of the union’s executive board, pensioners, and officials from SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime and TOTE Services, respectively. The union also hosted a luncheon on Dec. 23 for Santa’s Castle representatives, SIU members, retirees and family members, and other guests. (The luncheon typically coincides with loading donations into trucks and vans, but that gathering was skipped in 2020, for precautionary reasons.) “This was yet another good year for Tacoma Seafarers who turned out again to support the troops at JBLM with a considerable donation,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo. “It’s a way that we extend heartfelt thanks to the troops for their dedication and professionalism in service to our country.” While no service members attended the luncheon (an almost unprecedented rarity, likely caused by pandemic-related precautions at the base), Vincenzo, a U.S. Army veteran, added that Seafarers “turned out by the dozens to break bread together in a true spirit of giving, along with Santa’s Castle volunteers and other special guests from the Inland Boatmen’s Union and the Transportation Institute.” Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe stated, “We couldn’t complete our mission if the Seafarers didn’t adopt us and treat us so nicely each and every year. Their dedication to our program really gets us going and keeps us afloat. We’re always blown away by the SIU’s generosity.” (Santa’s Castle is a private, non-profit organization.) Handoe said that pandemic-related difficulties are ongoing when it comes to collecting and distributing donations, but Santa’s Castle 2021 nevertheless proved successful. “We were severely challenged in our 2020 season and in our 2021 season,” she explained. “In 2020, everything was shut down. We weren’t able to have people enter our building, so we did curbside pickup that year. We made it through on our leftovers and Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta (left) donates to the cause. At right is SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. a few new donations. We then started 2021 in a deficit and struggled throughout the year, but we made it. There’s always Christmas magic, again thanks to organizations like the Seafarers.” Anita Vargo, vice president of purchasing at Santa’s Castle, also appreciated steps towards normalcy for the program in 2021 compared to 2020, even if at times they were more like lurches. “In 2020, we were so slumped,” Vargo said. “Our shelves were empty. It had been a long time since we had to help more than 2,000 families, and that took our inventory from 100 percent to five. This past year wasn’t as bad, and with the Seafarers and others, they helped us so much to get our shelves restocked. By the grace of God, it all came together, like always.” Vargo said it appeared as if donations rebounded in part because “everyone made up for the year they couldn’t give. It’s amazing how the community came together and it was great to see the SIU for the luncheon. We missed having it last year.” She concluded, “I thank the SIU so much for always taking care of us. They’re like clockwork, Joe and the rest. They’re always amazing. We love it.” The feeling seems mutual. Recertified Bosun Rufino Giray has donated items for the past few years and is Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa (left) and retired AB Benjamin Picar help load donations into trucks and vans outside the hall. “happy to help out the kids while showing appreciation for their parents’ service,” he said. “It feels good to do something for kids at Christmas. Also, from working on a ship, I understand being apart from your family at times. This is a way to brighten their day.” Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta started sailing with the SIU in 1991. He said participation in projects like Santa’s Castle “is just part of us. Whenever I get a chance, I donate. I’m happy to help. It helps military families so they can enjoy Christmas.” Vincenzo emphasized that he doesn’t take the members’ participation for granted, even though they’ve supported Santa’s Castle and other local winter-holiday outreach dating to at least 2007. Along the way, Seafarers have generated more than $100,000 worth of gifts. “Getting there is never easy but for the generous individual contributions from members and other supporters,” he said. “We the staff are truly grateful and humbled by the level of participation and generosity that Seafarers show year after year without fail, pandemic or no. I like to think that this is our way of pushing back with all due precaution and reasserting ourselves after almost two very challenging years.” QMED Eduardo Arroyo � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2022 Description An account of the resource SEAFARERS BACK MILITARY FAMILIES THROUGH ANNUAL HOLIDAY PROJECT MAERSK PEARY CREW MEMBERS SAVE LIFE AT SEA DOMESTIC SHIPBUILDING GETS BOOST WITH KEEL-LAYING AT PHILLY SHIPYARD NLRB SETS DATES FOR RERUN VOTE AT AMAZON COVID-19 PANDEMIC HEADS INTO THIRD YEAR CDC OFFERS LATEST INPUT ON VACCINES SIU MEMBERS ASSIST IN DRAMATIC RESCUE PROTECT PERSONAL INFO FROM CYBER CRIMINALS CHS UPDATES: SEAFARERS ENCOURAGED TO SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS ASAP ITF ANNOUNCES NEW STEPS TO PROTECT WORLD'S MARINERS SALTCHUK CO-FOUNDER STAN BARER PASSES AWAY AT 82 PUERTO RICO-BASED SEAFARERS DELIVER 'THE GOODS' TO TERRITORY, MAINLAND IN JONES ACT TRADE 'BLOWN AWAY BY SIU'S GENEROSITY' ANNUAL OUTREACH BENEFITS U.S. MILITARY FAMILIES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 84, NO. 2 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/a3a0f2a4e824736655c8ed9f6139d884.pdf 2a659877de63b8e9736760154bc0e713 PDF Text Text FEBRUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Seafarers Step Up During Emergency Five SIU members employed by NY Waterway played vital roles in safely evacuating hundreds of passengers from a Staten Island Ferry that caught fire in late December. In background photo, passengers board the NY Waterway ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Page 2. (Photo courtesy Baris Barlas, Big City Tourism) SIU Helps Brighten Holidays For U.S. Military Families ‘Santa’s Castle’ Outreach a Rewarding Success The union’s annual participation in a winter holiday project benefiting service members and their families in the Pacific Northwest once again proved fruitful late last year. AB Samed Kassem (center in photo below) is one of many Seafarers who donated to Santa’s Castle, a charitable project that primarily supports military families E-4 and below. Kassem, who donated three bicycles in December, is pictured with SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (left) and SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp. Page 24. Members Applaud Updated Contract at G&H Towing The SIU recently finalized a contract extension with G&H Towing, a major employer of Seafarers in the inland division. The agreement features significant pay increases and has been widely commended by rank-and-file members. Pictured from left aboard the tug Haden II are Chief Engineer Leo Borror, Capt. Juan Gonzalez, Oiler Taj Scott, Mate Ignacio Barcenas and SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo. Page 3. Remembering John Gallagher Page 4 Tax Tips for 2023 Pages 11-14 �President’s Report Union Membership Grows This year’s government report on union membership showed an increase of 273,000 members across the nation in 2022 a relatively modest gain that nevertheless carries significance. It’s also worth noting that some of last year’s landmark organizing efforts aren’t showing up in the Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers yet because workers are still fighting for a first contract. Even when there’s a pro-worker administration in Washington, it’s usually difficult to win a traditional organizing campaign. That’s true even when there’s overwhelming support for unionization within a potential bargaining unit. I won’t repeat the details as to why that’s the case, but the short version is that our nation’s various labor laws are either badly outdated or rarely enforced, or both. Corporations spend hundreds of millions of dollars every year to stop workers from joining unions, often illegally. That’s why the AFL-CIO and its affiliates, including the SIU, continue pushing for enactment of the Protecting Michael Sacco the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which will hold union-busting companies and organizations accountable and give workers the negotiating power they deserve. Those bills will help ensure that anyone who wants to join a union on the job can do so. Meanwhile, a report released by the National Labor Relations Board late last year found that in fiscal year 2022, union election petitions increased by 53% from the previous year. And, as you may know, according to a recent Gallup poll, union approval is at its highest level in nearly 60 years, with 71% of Americans supporting labor unions. Studies show that 70% of hourly workers say they would join a union if given the opportunity. These are positive trends, and our movement must and will capitalize on them. The SIU will continue working with Congress and the administration and the rest of the labor movement to make it happen. Manpower and Recruiting As I’ve mentioned more than once recently, both the union and our affiliated school are heavily engaged in efforts to improve and expand our recruiting strategies. The U.S. maritime industry, like so many others, is dealing with a shortage of workers. Recent data from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce shows there are more than 10 million job openings across the country, but only around six million unemployed workers. This means that if everyone who wanted to work did in fact find a job, there would still be four million openings. Additional data shows that there are three million fewer Americans participating in today’s labor force compared to three years ago (before the pandemic). While there isn’t a once-size-fits-all answer, we are ramping up and refining our approaches for in-person and online recruiting. And I’m confident we’ll meet the challenge, sooner rather than later. Saluting Great Work We are in the midst of a noteworthy stretch for our union – one that includes multiple rescues, generous philanthropy, contract gains, and major improvements at one of our hiring halls. These developments don’t happen without terrific work by our rank-and-file members, dedicated leadership from our officials, and strong working relationships with our contracted operators. Collectively, they’re good examples of why I’m so proud of the SIU. Lastly for this month, I’d be remiss in not praising the respective work of two longtime colleagues: Jim Given, who recently retired as president of the SIU of Canada, and Jack Gallagher, head of the SARC, who passed away following a brief illness. Jim worked as hard and as passionately as anyone I’ve ever met. He earned immense respect not only in Canada but on the global maritime stage, where he regularly went to bat for the world’s mariners. He did a great job and will be missed. I wish him well in his retirement, and I also offer our unwavering support for, and confidence in, the new administration. The same is true of Jack and his work, as reflected by the tremendous outpouring of appreciation that followed his death. He made such a positive difference in so many lives, and he’ll always be part of our legacy. May he rest in peace. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 2 February 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG The former Overseas Texas City has a new name (Seakay Sky) but still carries an SIU crew. (Photo courtesy Philly Shipyard) Union Members Retain Jobs On Three Contracted Tankers SIU members are sailing aboard three vessels formerly operated by OSG and now operated by Keystone under bareboat charters. Those vessels, which are owned by American Shipping Company, are the Overseas Los Angeles, the Overseas Texas City, and the Overseas New York. They’re covered by the SIU standard tanker agreement and they also have new names, as follows: The Los Angeles is now the Seakay Star; the Texas City is the Seakay Sky; and the New York is the Seakay Valor. SIU Assistant Vice President Kris Hopkins led the union’s effort during the transition from OSG to Keystone, which wrapped up in December. He met with crew members several times in Tampa and stated the following: “It defi- nitely was a challenging transition but we got it done, and any time we maintain jobs for the membership, it’s good news. We actually picked up some GUDE jobs, so it’s a win-win.” SIU members may be aware that not only are those vessels union-crewed, they’re also unionbuilt. The tankers were constructed at Philly Shipyard, which is a union shop. NY Waterway Crew Rescues Hundreds From Burning Staten Island Ferry Vessel Thoroughly trained SIU members working aboard NY Waterway-operated ferries yet again answered the call, and helped rescue hundreds of passengers aboard a Staten Island Ferry (SIF) vessel which had caught fire during a recent holiday rush hour. On Dec. 22, the SIF ferry Sandy Ground experienced a fire in the mechanical room which left the vessel inoperable and at anchor off the St. George Terminal dock in New York Harbor. The NYPD and FDNY responded to the incident by requesting aide from other ferries in the harbor, and the SIU crew of NY Waterway’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt rushed to help the passengers in peril. Making multiple trips to ensure safety, the smaller ferry helped rescue 558 passengers throughout the course of about 90 minutes. In total, 868 passengers were evacuated off the Sandy Ground, with five reported injuries among the passengers. The crew of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt included Capt. Tom Beckedorff and Deckhands Elio Pineda, William Capko, Jonathan Lowman and Amer Abouzeid. Beckedorff said, “I was just responding to a NYPD harbor unit’s call for assistance. Credit for the transfer of passengers belongs with my crew members, the crews of the two tugs that enabled us to safely bow up to the SIF Sandy Ground – Capt. Chris Mitchel of the tug Mr. Jim was outstanding – and of course the captain and crew of the Sandy Ground, who not only were able to contain and extinguish the fire but also maintained an atmosphere of calmness amongst their passengers. It was a highly unusual situation for all involved, and it went very smoothly considering all the circumstances.” NY Waterway said on Twitter, “This evening, NY Waterway assisted with the evacuation of a Staten Island Ferry that experienced an engine room fire. NY Waterway’s Franklin Delano Roosevelt ferry evacuated 558 passengers, who are now being brought to St. George on Staten Island…. We’re grateful to the captain and crew of the FDR, and for all our partners in the harbor, who worked together to ensure all passengers on the disabled Staten Island Ferry got home safe tonight.” Meera Joshi, NYC Deputy Mayor for Operations, also expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the rescuers, saying, “Adding my gratitude to the crew and passengers, as well as NY Waterway for ensuring everyone is getting home safely to their families after this experience. We will learn what exactly transpired to ensure the continued safety of all SI Ferry riders.” The SIU crew of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt consists of Capt. Tom Beckedorff and Deckhands Elio Pineda, William Capko, Jonathan Lowman and Amer Abouzeid. (Photo courtesy NY Waterway) February 2023 �SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (second from right in photo at left, second from left in photo above) meets with G&H boatmen to discuss the contract extension. SIU, G&H Towing Agree to Significant Pay Increases Capt. Phil May said the pay increases are “going over exactly as you’d imagine. We went from some of the guys struggling to maybe being the highest-paid in the nation. This is a credit to the union and the company. All parties knuckled down and said, ‘We’re going to be the premier company in the industry.’” May, who has sailed with G&H for almost 16 years, added, “The union is changing lives, and I’m living proof of it.” With millions more job openings than job seekers nationwide, many employers are taking extra steps to recruit and retain workers. SIU-contracted G&H Towing is one such outfit. Near the end of last year, the union and the company finalized mid-contract pay increases that are unprecedented in size. “This came after months of good-faith negotiations,” stated SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. “Concern for the mariner was the top priority. Now, G&H is the industry leader in wages, benefits and work- ing conditions for the most modern, powerful state-of-the-art tugs in the country.” He added that the company is hiring. More information is available through the SIU’s Houston hall. The current contract between the SIU and G&H originally was set to expire in 2024, but (following ratification by rank-and-file members) has been extended through September 2026. It covers more than 300 SIU boatmen. Capt. Mark Kazin served as a delegate during the recent negotiations. He said the Capt. Mike Zepeda, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Chief Engineer Roy Wick SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (second from right) pauses for a photo with rank-and-file members during recent talks about the wage increases negotiated by the union. pay increases are “great. This is unprecedented and it seems like G&H is really trying to step up their game. Money helps take care of your family. This definitely convinces me to stay here.” Fellow delegate Chief Engineer Chris Wootton stated, “I would say that G&H Towing is leading the industry on making sure their mariners have better lives aboard and at home. These wage increases are life-changing for us and our families. Everyone I’ve talked to in the fleet is very happy and grateful.” Norfolk Hall Renovations Significantly Progressing The renovations taking place at the SIU hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, are moving along, with the months-long project recently entering a new phase. “The renovations have been extensive, and the members can expect a much-improved facility when we reopen,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift. “From below the floors to above the These photos from early January show some of the recent progress on the hall in Norfolk, Virginia. February 2023 ceilings, windows to walls, the crews have been hard at work modernizing and improving the building.” These modernizations undoubtedly will be welcomed, as the building first opened for business as a hall on Nov. 4, 1963. At the time, the Seafarers LOG reported, “Included in the fully air-conditioned structure is an expanded hiring hall … with ample space to handle all membership and business functions of the union.” Since then, the building has been spruced up from time to time, though nowhere near as extensively as now. The improvements include upgraded, more energy-efficient windows, as well as fully renovated restrooms, plumbing, concrete, and electrical wiring. When the project is completed, members and guests can expect to see a brand-new counter, as well as new furniture and other furnishings. Vandegrift said, “It’s a complete interior renovation, and it’s moving as expected towards reopening.” Of course, one thing that won’t change is the prime location. The hall is situated near the waterfront and close to main roads, which undoubtedly are factors in the other local development taking place near the hall. Until the hiring hall at 115 Third Street reopens, the temporary facility located at 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, Virginia, will remain fully operational and ready to serve members in the area. Seafarers LOG 3 �Revered SARC Director Gallagher Dies at 67 A mainstay of both the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, John “Jack” Gallagher Jr. passed away on Dec. 16, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. A proud Philadelphian, Gallagher was 67 years old. Gallagher joined the SIU in 1973, following in his father’s footsteps, and sailed on tugboats for most of his career on the water. In 2003, he became the director of the Seafarers Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center (SARC) in Valley Lee, Maryland, where he worked with his fellow SIU brothers and sister to help them regain their sobriety and/or drug-free status. During his tenure, Gallagher also taught courses for the SIU, Navy, and several colleges. Among his many accomplishments, he was especially proud of earning his Doctor of Education degree. Longtime SIU member Mike Fay, who occasionally teaches at the Paul Hall Center, said, “I have had the pleasure of having Jack as a dear friend and co-worker for over 40 years. We started our careers sailing together in the early 70s, on coastwise towing vessels out of the Port of Philadelphia. Jack was genuine; he never falsely presented himself to win your favor. We negotiated a few contracts together with Crowley and Jack always did his homework – he always had the numbers ready during the debates. “Jack was known to most as the Director of the ARC program, helping members with substance dependency issues,” Fay continued, “but I really admired how many young mariners he helped that simply made a dumb mistake drinking or smoking one night, and their career and livelihood was in jeopardy because of today’s regulations. Jack was an expert at navigating the process of restoring their documents, and was a true ‘Brother of the Sea.’” SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez said, “John was a selfless man who sacrificed to obtain the highest credentials in his field for the sole purpose of providing the best service to the membership. He inherently understood the plight the Seafarer was going through, and poured his heart and soul into helping them obtain a better life. His legacy is the countless sober Seafarers making a living today. He will be sorely missed.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel said, “I knew John for over 40 years and in that time, John has always had a penchant for assisting others in their time of need, even before coming on as the SARC’s certified counselor. He was a consistent advocate for our Seafarers with the Coast Guard and DOT, while also providing a calming welcome to anyone arriving at the Center. While professionally his presence is already missed, my sympathies go out to (widow) Maureen and their children for their loss.” Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen, who worked closely with Gallagher for years, said, “The first things that come to mind when I think about Jack are his smile, his professionalism and his concern for the mariners. He was genuinely kind, and a pleasure to work with. His loss will be felt by everyone who knew him.” Paul Hall Center Vice President Tom Orzechowski said, “Jack had a great passion for the work that he did. It wasn’t a job to him; it was a vocation. He truly believed in what he taught, and believed in the members and helping them in any way he could. He was a mainstay here on campus, and would do anything for a member in need. His compassion towards Seafarers was unrivaled, and he leaves behind big shoes to fill.” He is survived by his wife, Maureen, as well as his six children. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the SARC, to which Gallagher dedicated his life. Checks should be made out to SARC and can be mailed to Margaret Bowen, SARC, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camps Springs, MD 20746. In photo above, SARC Director Jack Gallagher is pictured at the Paul Hall Center in 2009, with his wife, Maureen. In the photo at left, he addresses the school’s advisory board in 2018. In photo below, Gallagher (left) chats with Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan at an employee appreciation event in Piney Point, Maryland, in the early 2000s. SIU-Crewed Sagamore Rescues 15 Near Florida Fifteen Cuban Nationals today are safe, thanks to the efforts of SIU crew members and officers aboard the Sealift Inc.-operated and union-contracted Sagamore. Watch standers aboard the vessel caught glimpses of the 15 individuals during the afternoon hours of Jan. 3, while transiting the western reaches of the Straits of Florida en route to Houston. The Cubans were hailing for assistance by frantically waving their arms. All were aboard a makeshift watercraft which was stranded and at the mercy of the straits’ currents. Sagamore vessel master Capt. Paul Bon- ney immediately notified officials at the U.S. Coast Guard Group in Key West, Florida, and briefed them on the situation. Bonney was advised that the agency would immediately dispatch the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Richard Ethridge to the location to assist in rescue and recovery operations. Bonney then maneuvered the Sagamore into position alongside the stranded craft, and the SIU crew sprang into rescue mode. “Members of the crew performed like a welloiled machine during the rescue operations,” said Bosun Brian Ebanks. “I was so proud of everyone involved because each person knew exactly what to do and when to do it. “Thanks to their collective quick and decisive efforts – both byproducts of their training – the rescue went off smoothly and without any negative incidents,” Ebanks concluded. “All involved deserve kudos for a job well done.” Ebanks added that once the stranded migrants had been extracted from their vessel, they were brought aboard the Sagamore and given water, food, blankets and clothing. Not long thereafter, the Richard Ethridge arrived on the scene and crew members transferred the migrants to the cutter. In addition to Ebanks, the following SIU members were aboard the Sagamore at the time of the rescue: ABs Sixto Avila Castro, Erwin Joiner and Matthew Martinson; OSs Richard Russ and Stephanie Vidrio; OMUs Mario Jojo Anden Dela Cruz and Kim Tye; Steward/Baker Herminio Gutierrez Vasquez Jr.; Chief Cook Brandy Griffin; SA Jess Rillera; and Apprentice Michael Wilt. The migrants’ raft is seen next to the Sagamore in both photos above – from a distance (left), and directly from the deck. 4 Seafarers LOG February 2023 �NDAA Contains Big Wins for Maritime The most recent National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), along with the related Consolidated Appropriations Act, contained several key victories for mariners and the maritime industry as a whole. Among other bipartisan achievements, these annual bills provide full funding for vital U.S.-flag maritime packages including the Maritime Security Program and the much newer Cable Security Fleet. Increased funding also is provided for U.S. food-aid programs, the primary source of such cargoes for American-flag ships. One of the particularly noteworthy developments is the doubling of the new U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP) from the initial 10 ships later this year to 20 in the year 2024. Not only will this mean more shipboard jobs, it also will strengthen U.S. national security by reducing potential reliance on foreign ships and crews. In addition, those bills also feature new safeguards for the Jones Act and cargo preference; funding for badly needed studies pertaining to U.S.-flag fleet growth; largely sensible improvements for promoting maritime workplace safety; rules to facilitate the entry of military veterans into civilian maritime jobs; and renewed examination of methods to reduce Coast Guard backlogs for merchant mariner credential processing. One of those Jones Act safeguards boosts enforcement through procedural mandates, including: explicitly giving the MARAD Administrator the sole authority to make non-availability determinations; limits waivers to specific vessels, as opposed to blanket waivers; and prohibiting the issuance of waivers for vessels already at sea with a cargo that would be covered by the Jones Act if it lands at a U.S. port. U.S.-flag proponents have stated that this should help preserve American jobs while making it harder for foreign-flag interests to attempt “crisis arbitrage” – taking advantage of situations such as natural disasters in order to increase profits. SIU Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman said, “It’s worth mentioning that these new legislative changes are borne out of hard work – in this case, a years’ worth of working with friends and allies of the maritime industry on Capitol Hill to make sure the importance of our issues was not lost on them. These achievements underscore the never-ending need for grassroots political action, and these results are a testament to the effectiveness of those efforts.” Moreover, the legislation includes this “Sense of Congress on Merchant Marine” that is straightforward and powerful: “It is the sense of Congress that the United States Merchant Marine is a critical part of the national infrastructure of the United States, and the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine are essential workers.” Domestic shipbuilding also got a boost in the NDAA, according to the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA). Matthew Paxton, the organization’s president, said the bill “represents a critical investment into our national defense and domestic security. The $4.7 billion increase authorized in the Navy’s shipbuilding account, as well as provisions that support our U.S. Coast Guard and fund opportunities for the expansion of the U.S. shipyard industrial base and workforce development, Kudos to Galley Gang demonstrates that Congress recognizes the industry’s capacity and readiness to support the Navy fleet.” He added, “The single most critical factor in the capacity of the shipbuilding and repair industrial base today is people. The most effective mechanism to ensure that the industrial base is stable and resilient is through a consistent demand signal and a recognition that the cost of doing business has changed. The U.S. new construction and repair SIU of Canada President Retires The SIU of Canada in mid-December announced the retirement of President Jim Given (pictured above), who’d held that post since 2012. Given joined the union in 1979, sailed for 13 years, then came ashore to work for the organization. He is succeeded by Mike Given. Additionally, the union announced the retirement of Executive VP Patrice Caron. His successor is Charles Etienne-Aubry. SIU CIVMARS Aboard USNS John Lewis Help with Rescue SIU CIVMARS from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis helped give an early holiday gift to a boater stranded at sea, when the ship answered a distress call off the coast of Southern California, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) reported. The Lewis received a distress call from a man whose sailboat had been damaged in a storm that tore the sails and caused the boat to take on water. Once the boater was located, the ship maneuvered next to the damaged sailboat. The man on the sailboat then climbed the Lewis’ pilot ladder. After boarding the ship, he was given a security check, a medical examination, a shower, a hot meal, clothes and a ride to San Diego. “Once we got this poor guy on board, we found out that he had been stranded for five days!” said Capt. Dan Glazier, Recertified Bosun Adel Ahmed submitted these photos along with his praise for the steward department’s outstanding work aboard the Alaskan Navigator (ATC). The galley gang treated fellow mariners to delicious holiday meals for Christmas and New Year’s Day and did “a fantastic job,” the bosun noted. Pictured from left in the posed photo are Chief Steward Roberto Coronado and Chief Cook Nasr Almusab. (Additional photos from the feasts are available on the SIU’s Facebook page.) February 2023 shipyards that provide 650,000 American jobs with direct economic impact in every Congressional district in the nation will meet a demand signal that is clear, consistent and predictable. Shipyards are not incentivized today to invest in facilities in an unpredictable environment with routine shifts in fleet size and mix. Moreover, once these skilled people are lost, as production lines are stopped and started, it is more and more difficult to replace them.” the John Lewis’ civil service master. “I’m glad we were in the area and were able to help. Everything has a purpose, and now this guy can make it home for the holidays rather than the alternative, stuck on the ocean.” The 746-foot Lewis is the first of the new John Lewis-class of fleet replenishment oilers, and one of MSC’s newest ships, having been christened in 2021 and accepted into MSC’s fleet in 2022. It has the ability to carry 162,000 barrels of diesel ship fuel, aviation fuel and dry stores cargo. The upgraded oiler is built with double hulls to protect against oil spills, and it features strengthened cargo and ballast tanks. The crew of the USNS John Lewis includes members of the SIU Government Services Division. Notice Officials Provide Update on SARC With the death of Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Director John Gallagher, the SIU-affiliated facility has been left without an immediate replacement for him. In an effort to ensure uninterrupted assistance, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Trustees took immediate action to provide for inpatient coverage. Therefore, effective Dec. 8, 2022, eligible SHBP participants who want to attend the SARC under the Plan’s Rules and Regulations shall be eligible to re- ceive inpatient rehabilitation services for substance use disorders at other facilities. These services will be covered at the same levels as other inpatient medical services. This action shall remain in effect until the SARC resumes full services. If a member is in need of a substance abuse professional (SAP) in the meantime, there are links on the Department of Transportation website (www.transportation.gov/) which can direct those members to available resources. Seafarers LOG 5 �MDR Yan Paing conducts COVID tests for shipboard guests. AB Robert O’Connell enjoys a well-earned break. SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (left) and MDR Yan Paing review paperwork in the crew mess. SIU-Crewed CS Decisive Plays Key Roles for USA During routine times, the SIU-crewed cable ship Decisive (operated by SubCom) helps keep the world connected to high-speed internet. The vessel’s mariners do so by installing and repairing undersea fiberoptic cables. Additionally, for the last year, both the Decisive and the SIU-crewed Dependable (also operated by SubCom) have shared new responsibilities as the first enrollees in the new U.S. Cable Security Fleet (CSF). Those tasks primarily consist of installing, repairing and maintaining U.S. Defense Department communications cable systems. Writing for the Naval Institute of the United States – in an article headlined “Repairing Submarine Cables Is a Wartime Necessity” – Navy Capt. Douglas R. Continued on next page OS Levi Gorokhovsky (left) OS Anthony Johnson OS Darius Parker helps ensure smooth operations as the vessel prepares for a shipyard period. 6 Seafarers LOG Chief Engineer (and SIU hawsepiper) Greg Thomas OMU Eric Mose OS Habash Ahmed Chief Electrician Igor Yakunkov Cable is loaded into a hold aboard the Decisive. February 2023 �OMU Xyla Jimenez OMU Kasim Ahmed Chief Steward Wesley Head High-Speed Internet Users Worldwide Reap Benefits of Cable Ship Continued from Page 6 Chief Cook Paul Erickson SA Calvin Johnson The Decisive preps for a voyage down the East Coast, from Baltimore to Charleston, South Carolina. February 2023 Burnett (Ret.) pointed out, “The information packets transmitted at the speed of light on garden hose–diameter international fiberoptic cables are as critical, if not more, to the nation’s economy and defense as U.S. trucks, railroads, and shipping…. Not providing for cable repair ships in wartime is like building firehouses in a town, but not providing for fire trucks and firefighters to extinguish the fires. It is an undeniable emergency when the glass fibers in fiber-optic submarine cables are broken, whatever the cause. Putting the internet and critical voice, data, and video communications back in order after hostile action requires U.S.-flagged cable ships crewed by U.S. mariners. The CSF accomplishes this vital national goal.” Editor’s note: The photos accompanying this article were taken in Baltimore in late December. Additional snapshots from that shipboard visit will be published in an upcoming edition of the LOG. The vessel sails under the Stars and Stripes and is part of the U.S. Cable Security Fleet. Seafarers LOG 7 �IN THE ALOHA STATE – AB Desmond Unutoa (right) picks up his full B-book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. BOOKS SECURED IN HOUSTON – Steward/Baker Cole Briggs (left in photo at left) receives his A-seniority book while AB Juan Solis (left in other photo) picks up his full B-book. Both members are pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD HORIZON SPIRIT – Pictured aboard the Sunrise Operations vessel in Hawaii are, from left, Relief Bosun Rezk Mohamed, ABM Richard Grubbs and ABM Zaid Said. Photo was taken a few days before Christmas. ABOARD USNS JOHN GLENN – Pictured aboard the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel Dec. 13 in Oakland, California, are (from left) Recertified Bosun Dana Naze, QEE Rahsaan Alexander, SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera, QE4 Isaiah Thomas and CC Ammar Sailan. ABOARD ATB LIBERTY – Looks as if spirits are high aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel. Pictured from left in the back row are ABU Paa Kwakye, 2AE Peter Hudak, ABT Travis Stringer, ABT Victor Martinez, 2M Manny Wilson and CS Ed Pinnace. In front are (also from left) CM Lindsey Austin and ABT Matthew Harris. 8 Seafarers LOG FULL BOOK IN NJ – SIU member (and Watco crane operator) Larry Rizzo (right) receives his full book in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU New Jersey Safety Director Jose Argueta. HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED – SIU member Vernell Cornell (second from left in photo at immediate left) took part in the Wreaths Across America event Dec. 17 at the Philadelphia National Cemetery. SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime regularly sponsors Wreaths Across America observances. An estimated 3,400 such ceremonies took place across the country Dec. 17. The snapshot above is from a related event in Puerto Rico, where SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo and SIU ABs Ruben Gonzalez and Victor Velez placed flowers on veterans’ graves. Crespo is second from right, along with Crowley officials and members of the late Roberto Clemente’s family. Clemente served as a Marine Reserve while playing Major League Baseball. February 2023 �COMMUNITY SUPPORT IN JERSEY CITY – Seafarers and guests kick off a Toys for Tots drive while also gathering for a holiday celebration at the hiring hall in early December. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU A-BOOK IN SAN JUAN – AB Jonamie Encarnacion (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the San Juan hall with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. KUDOS FOR SEAFARER – SA Ruby Jackson, pictured aboard the Keystone-operated RocketShip (formerly Delta Mariner), is ready to serve Christmas dinner plus a banana split pie “that was out of this world,” according to Recertified Bosun Greg Jackson (no relation). ABOARD MAERSK HARTFORD – The steward department offered an extensive menu for Christmas. Pictured from left are Chief Cook Chris Coston, SA Nilza Chavez and Recertified Steward Ali Matari. (Additional photos from the meal are available on the SIU’s Facebook page.) February 2023 ABOARD TANKER WASHINGTON – Pictured from left aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel are Chief Cook Abdul Qwfan, SA Rolando Roldan, vessel master Capt. Daniel Goodwin and Recertified Steward Fakruddin Malahi. The steward department went all-out with its Christmas menu and received accolades for it. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE – The galley gang put out a wellreceived New Year’s feast (photos above and at right) aboard the TOTE vessel. Pictured from left in the group photo below are Steward/Baker Ingrid Ortiz, Chief Cook Kevin Valentin and SA Edna Bakhos. (Additional photos from the meal are available on the SIU’s Facebook page.) HONORING WWII MARINER – Former SIU member Lawrence Abrams displays his replica of the Congressional Gold Medal for World War II mariners (along with the edition of the LOG that reported the formal ceremony in Washington, D.C.). Abrams, 97, was featured in the August 2022 issue of the LOG (the article also is available on the SIU website). Seafarers LOG 9 �AB James Schulte is sworn in for his Bbook. ABM Stanley Bailey (left) receives his B book from SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. With Seafarers in Jacksonville The photos on this page were taken late last year and earlier this year, both at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, and during a couple of nearby vessel servicings. Both of the ships – the Perla Del Caribe and the Liberty – are operated by TOTE Services. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (left), Oiler Brianna Ashley on board the Perla Del Caribe Pictured from left aboard the Liberty are Chief Cook Norma Baucan, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Steward/Baker Cynora Hunter and Steward/Baker Rondell Richardson. Aboard the Perla Del Caribe (from left), SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo meets with Recertified Bosun Noel Otero and ABM Thyron Dy as the Seafarers fill out Coast Guard applications related to their respective endorsements. ABM Jose Chumpitaz Perla Del Caribe 10 Seafarers LOG Pictured at the November membership meeting are (from left) QEE Robert Neff, GUDE Henry Brown and STOS Terry Jackson, along with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson (administering the oath). Neff received his A book while the other members got their respective B books. ABM Shantaz Harper Perla Del Caribe MDR Edwin Lashley (left) receives his full B-book. SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman is at right. Recertified Steward Antonio Mendez Cruz Perla Del Caribe Oiler William Means Perla Del Caribe Bosun Michael Pockat MV Liberty SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo (left) and SA Diana Perez confer near the Liberty. February 2023 �What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2022, along with provisions that remain in effect from prior years. Please check www.irs.gov before filing your return. Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations The following is a list of tax legislation and considerations affecting the current and future tax years as noted. Provided in parenthesis are the abbreviations that will be used throughout this document in reference to the respective legislation. nThe Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Described as the largest major tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuals and businesses. n The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed by President Trump on December 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions that were set to expire. n The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law by President Trump on December 20, 2019 significantly modifying many requirements for employer‐provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax‐favored savings accounts. While some of the modifications went into effect retroactively or upon enactment (December 20, 2019), many of them carry future effective dates. n The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that was signed into law by the President Trump on March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of the COVID19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. n American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: In response to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the ARPA was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to deliver taxpayers immediate and direct relief from related hardship. As discussed in further detail below, the ARPA provided for additional Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), advanced payments of the Child Tax Credit, housing assistance, and other employment-related relief. n Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022, providing numerous tax credits related to green energy, most of which go into effect until 2023. It has also extended some current credits, detailed below. n Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA): Signed into law December 29, 2022. The act expanded existing automatic enrollment programs, enhanced various retirement saving credits, modified RMD (required minimal distribution) that will help retirees with plan selection and decision making. Due Date of Returns File a 2022 Form 1040 and pay any tax due by April 18, 2023. An automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return can be made by filing Form 4868 and paying an estimate of tax owed to avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 by October 16, 2023. n Net Investment Income Tax (NII): In 2022, a tax equal to 3.8% of the lesser of the individual’s net investment income for the year or the amount the individual’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds the threshold amount. Net Investment Income can be further categorized into three: n Category 1 (investment income) income interest, dividends, annuities, royalties, and rents n Category 2 (passive and trading income) -gross income from a trade or business that is a passive activity with respect to the taxpayer, or is a trade or business of trading commodities or financial instruments n Category 3 (gain on dispositions) net gain from disposition of property MAGI for the purpose of calculating the additional Medicare tax is a person’s adjusted gross income with the foreign earned income exclusion or foreign housing exclusion added back in. MAGI threshold amounts for the additional tax are as follows: n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) Investment income reduced by deductions properly allocable to the items of income and net gain that make up the NII. Social Security Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and employer are each subject to a 6.2% tax on wages for Social Security. The maximum wages subject to the Social Security are as follows: n $147,000 (2022) n $160,200 (2023) Medicare Tax: Part of FICA tax on wages, an employee and employer are each subject to a 1.45% tax on wages for Medicare, unchanged from 2021. There is no wage base limit for Medicare tax. In 2022, in addition to the standard Medicare tax, there will be an additional 0.9% tax on wages that exceed the following threshold amounts: n $250,000 (Married Filing Joint/Surviving Spouse) n $200,000 (Single/Head of Household) n $125,000 (Married Filing Separately) Self-Employment Tax Rate: The Social Security portion of the selfemployment tax is 12.4% in 2022. The Medicare portion of the SE tax is 2.9% not including the 0.9% additional tax on the amounts above the applicable thresholds as noted above. A taxpayer can take an above the line deduction for a percentage (Maximum is 50%) of self-employment tax paid during the year. Kiddie Tax: The kiddie tax changes introduced by the TCJA were repealed by the SECURE Act. For taxable years beginning in 2022, the first $1,150 of the net unearned income of Standard Deduction The standard deduction adjusts annually for inflation. The standard deduction for taxpayers who are at least 65 years old and/or blind at the close of the year can be increased with an additional deduction added for each taxpayer for each qualifying condition. For dependents, the standard deduction cannot exceed the greater of (1) $1,150, or (2) the sum of $400 and the individual’s earned income. See the current amounts below. Filing Status Married Filing Jointly Head of Household Single/Married Filing Separately 2022 $25,900 $19,400 $12,950 Additional Standard Deductions Age 65+ and/or Blind (MFJ) Age 65+ and/or Blind (Single/HOH) $1,400 $1,750 a child meeting certain requirements is not taxed, the next $1,150 is taxed at the child’s marginal tax rate and amounts over $2,300 are taxed at the parent’s marginal tax rate. A child is defined as younger than 18 or 19-23 if fulltime student at the end of the tax year and does not provide more than half of his/ her own support with unearned income. Itemized Deductions If more advantageous than the standard deduction, an individual may elect to claim certain itemized deductions. The most common itemized deductions are listed below: n Medical and Dental Expenses: Unreimbursed medical expenses to the extent they exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. The Tax Extenders Act of 2020 extended this threshold. n State & Local Tax Deduction: For tax years 2018-2025, the itemized deduction for taxes paid or accrued by an individual during the tax year that are not directly connected with a trade or business, or with property held for the production of income is limited to $10,000 ($5,000 for MFS) of the aggregate of (1) state and local property taxes, (2) state and local personal property taxes, (3) state, local, and foreign income taxes, as well as state and local general sales taxes deducted in lieu of state and local income taxes. n Mortgage Interest Deduction: The deduction for mortgage interest is limited to underlying indebtedness of up to $750,000 ($375,000 for MFS) for tax years 20182025. The deduction for interest on home equity indebtedness is eliminated. The lower limit doesn’t apply to any acquisition indebtedness incurred on or before December 15, 2017, which is limited to $1 Million ($500,000 for MFS). n Mortgage Insurance Premiums: The itemized deduction for mortgage insurance premiums has expired. n Charitable Contribution Deduction: The limitation under IRC Sec. 170(b) for cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations is 60% of an individual’s contribution base for tax years 2021-2025. The CARES Act temporarily increased the limitation to 100% for tax years 2020-2021. The contribution base is an individual’s adjusted gross income (AGI), not including the charitable deduction or any net operating loss (NOL) carrybacks. The limit depends on the aggregate contributions of the spouses if married filing jointly. Excess contributions are generally carried forward and deducted for up to five years, subject to the later year’s ceiling. n Above-the line Charitable Deductions. During COVID, standard deduction taxpayers could take up to a $600 charitable donation tax deduction on their tax returns. This is no longer applicable to 2022. n Miscellaneous Deductions: Jobrelated expenses, as well as other miscellaneous itemized deductions that were previously subject to the 2%-of-adjustedgross-income floor, are no longer deductible for tax years 2018-2025. The eliminated deductions include expenses for tax preparation, union dues, and investment fees. n Gambling Losses: All deductions for expenses incurred in carrying out wagering transactions, and not just gambling losses, are deductible only to the extent of gambling winnings. n State Itemized Deductions: The TCJA modified or eliminated several popular itemized deductions. It is important to note that although the federal deductions have been adjusted, you may still qualify for deductions at the state level. Tax Exemptions, Credits, & Other Deductions n Exemptions: Under the TCJA, for tax years 2018-2025, the deduction for the personal exemption is reduced to zero. Furthermore, releasing the dependency exemption to the noncustodial parent does not entitle that parent to an exemption deduction, instead, releasing the dependency exemption does make the noncustodial parent (Continued on next page) Child Tax Credit Phase Out when the taxpayer’s MAGI exceed the following amounts. In the phase-out range, the child tax credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of income above these thresholds: Filing Status MAGI Phase-out Married Filing Jointly $400,000 All other Filing Status $200,000 Tax Rates & Thresholds 2022 Tax Brackets: Below are the tax brackets for tax year 2022, including the taxable income range for each bracket. Married Filing Jointly 10% $0 – $20,550 12% $20,551 – $83,550 22% $83,551 – $178,150 24% $178,151 – $340,100 32% $340,101 – $431,900 35% $431,901 - $647,850 37% $647,851+ Head of Household $0 – $14,650 $14,651 – $55,900 $55,901 – $89,050 $89,051 – $170,050 $170,051 – $215,950 $215,951 – $539,900 $539,901+ Single $0 – $10,275 $10,276 – $41,775 $41,776 – $89,075 $89,076 – $170,050 $170,051 – $215,950 $215,951 – $539,900 $539,901+ Married Filing Separately $0 – $10,275 $10,276 – $41,775 $41,776 – $89,075 $89,076 – $170,050 $170,051 – $215,950 $215,951 – $323,925 $323,926+ Estates & Trusts $0 – $2,750 N/A N/A $2,751 – $9,850 N/A $9,851 – $13,450 $13,451+ 2022 Net Capital Gains & Qualified Dividend Tax Rates: Below are the 2022 net capital gains and qualified dividend rates per taxable income range for each type of filing status. Married Filing Jointly 0% $0 – $83,350 15% $83,351 – $517,200 20% $517,201+ Head of Household $0 – $55,800 $55,801 – $488,500 $488,501+ Single $0 – $41,675 $41,676 – $459,750 $459,751+ Married Filing Separately $0 – $41,675 $41,676 – $258,600 $258,601+ Estates & Trusts $0 – $2,800 $2,801 – $13,700 $13,701+ Capital gains and losses are reported on Form 8949 and then totaled on Schedule D. If you sold a covered security in 2022, your broker will report the cost basis on your Form 1099-B. Refer to the IRS website at www.irs.gov/form8949 for additional information and other new developments affecting this form and Schedule D. February 2023 Seafarers LOG 11 �What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season (Continued from Page 11) eligible for the child tax credit with respect to the child. Child Tax Credit American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 modified CTC for tax year beginning 2021 in a few significant ways: n Partially Refundable. In 2021, if a taxpayer had a principal place of abode in the United States for at least one-half of the tax year; or is a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico for the tax year, the credit was fully refundable. In 2022, the tax credit will be refundable only up to $1,500, depending on your income. n No More Advance Payment. From July to December 2021, parents were able to receive half of the child tax credit they qualified for in advance of filing their returns. In 2022, the advance payment option is no longer available, and parents will receive their credit as usual when they file their returns for the 2022 tax year. Maximum Child Tax Credit has reverted to: n $2,000 for each qualifying child under the age of 17 n $500 for any other dependent Definition of a Qualifying Child: MUST meet all 5 criteria n Relationship: The person must be your child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew). n Residence: For more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do. n Age: must not have attained the age of 19 by the end of the year, or age 19-23 and be a full-time student for at least five months out of the year, or any age if totally and permanently disabled. n Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. n Valid 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 - six weeks to receive a SSN. Taxpayers cannot claim the Child Tax Credit for any tax year if the individual or a qualifying child did not have an individual SSN issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Child and Dependent Tax Credits: The Child and Dependent Care Credit is a federal tax benefit that helps families pay expenses for childcare needed to work or to look for work. The credit also is available to families that must pay for the care of an incapacitated spouse or an adult dependent. There must be earned income to take the credit. The credit is equal to 35 percent of up to $3,000 in employment-related expenses for a taxpayer with one qualifying individual, or up to $6,000 in employment-related expenses for a taxpayer with two or more qualifying individuals. Thus, the maximum credit is $1,050 or $2,100, respectively. The credit percentage is reduced by one percentage point for each $2,000 of AGI or fraction thereof over $15,000. Definition of a Qualifying Person: meet one criterion n Qualifying child under the age of 13 n Taxpayer’s spouse who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself. n Dependent of the taxpayer who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself and meets below tests: n Relationship: the person must be your parent, stepparent, grandparent, aunt/ uncle, in-law, or an individual who has the same place of abode as the taxpayer for the entire year n Gross Income: The individual’s gross income for the year must be less than $4,400 in 2022. n Support: the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year. n Cannot be claimed as Qualifying Child: The individual must not be the qualifying child of the taxpayer or of any other taxpayer for the tax year. Adoption credit: The maximum adoption credit has increased to $14,890 per child with adjusted gross income phase out starting at $223,410, and fully phasing out at $263,410 or more. The credit is nonrefundable. Any unused credit can be carried forward for five years. In general, the adoption credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption, including adoption fees, court costs, attorney’s fees and travel expenses. Income limits and other special rules apply. In addition to filling out Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, eligible taxpayers must include with their 2022 tax returns one or more adoption-related documents. IRS Refund Claim: The IRS has additional time to review refund claims based on the EIC or the refundable portion of the additional Child Tax Credit in order to reduce fraud and improper payments. No credit or refund for an overpayment shall be made to a taxpayer before February 15 following the close of the tax year, if the taxpayer claimed the Earned Income Credit or additional Child Tax Credit. A SSN is not valid for EIC purposes unless it was issued on or before the due date of the return. For tax years beginning after 2017, you may be able to qualify for the EIC under the rules for taxpayers without a qualifying child if you have a qualifying child for the EIC who is claimed as a qualifying child by another taxpayer. Deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI): An individual generally may deduct 20% of qualified business income from a partnership, S corporation or sole proprietorship, as well as 20% of aggregate qualified REIT dividends and qualified publicly traded partnership income. The 20% deduction is not allowed in computing AGI, but rather is allowed as a deduction reducing taxable income. When taxable income exceeds a threshold amount, the wages/capital limit may reduce the deductible amount of QBI from each business; A disallowance of the deduction with respect to specified service trades or businesses also is phased in above these threshold amounts of taxable income. Premium Tax Credit: Individuals with low to moderate income who get health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace may be eligible for this refundable credit if meeting the following requirements: n Purchased coverage in the Marketplace for someone in their tax family (taxpayer, spouse, if married filing jointly and dependents for which a personal exemption is claimed) for a month that person was not eligible for minimum essential coverage (other than coverage in the individual market). n You are within certain household income limits. For tax years 2021 and 2022, the American Rescue Plan of 2021 temporarily expanded eligibility for the premium tax credit by eliminating the rule that a taxpayer is not allowed a premium tax credit if his or her households income is above 400% of the Federal Poverty Line. for 2021, for Deduction for Qualified Business Income (QBI) For tax years beginning in 2022: Filing Status Married Filing Jointly All Other Filling Status Threshold amount $340,100 $170,050 individuals receiving unemployment compensation, advance premium tax credits will be provided as if the taxpayer’s income was no higher than 133 percent of the federal poverty line (FPL), regardless of their actual income. This provision is no longer effective for 2022 n An exception, a resident alien who is ineligible for Medicaid and has household income less than 100% of the federal poverty line can take the credit. n If married, individuals must file a joint return. Exceptions apply to victims of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment and to individuals who are considered unmarried. n Cannot be claimed as a dependent by another person. Education Credits, Deductions and Other Related Issues Taxpayers must receive a form 1098-T, Tuition Statement, from educational institutions to claim the American opportunity credit, the Lifetime Learning tax credit or the above-the- line deduction for qualified tuition and fees. The tuition and fees deduction does NOT apply to tax years beginning after December 31, 2020. Qualified higher education expenses generally include tuition, fees, and related expenses such as books and supplies. The expenses must be for the student pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar program, at an eligible educational institution. An eligible educational institution includes most colleges, universities, and certain vocational schools. The American Opportunity Tax Credit: For tax year 2022, the maximum credit amount can be up to $2,500 and up to 40% of that credit amount may be refundable. The credit applies to the first 4 years 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 phased out if your Modified AGI is between $80,000-$90,000 ($160,000-$180,000). Taxpayers cannot claim the American Opportunity Credit for any tax year if the individual or a student did not have a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) issued on or before the due date of the return for that tax year. Taxpayers must report the (EIN) of the educational institution to which payments were made. Lifetime Learning Credit: For tax year 2022, the maximum credit amount per tax return can be up to $2,000. The credit is calculated by taking 20% of the educational expenses on the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses. The credit is gradually reduced if your Modified AGI exceeds $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing joint return) and is completely eliminated if your Modified AGI exceeds $90,000 ($180,000 if married filing joint return). The credit cannot be claimed if your filing status is “married filing separately”. There is no limit on the number of years for which the credit can be claimed for each student. Expenses that are claimed for the American Opportunity Credit are not eligible for the lifetime learning credit. 529 Plan Qualified Education Expenses: The TCJA changed the definition of qualified higher education expense. For pur- Earned Income Credit (EIC) The EIC is a refundable tax credit available to low-income individuals meeting certain requirements including income amount, income source, and filing status. The maximum amount of income you can earn and credit available increased for 2022: Number of Qualifying Children Three or More Two One None Credit Amount Up to $6,935 Up to $6,164 Up to $3,733 Up to $560 Income Less Than: $53,057 ($59,187 if married filing jointly) $49,399 ($55,529 if married filing jointly) $43,492 ($49,622 if married filing jointly) $16,480 ($22,610 if married filing jointly) Phase in ceiling $440,100 $220,050 poses of the 529 plan rules, qualified higher education expenses now include expenses for tuition for attendance at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school. Cash distributions from all 529 plans are limited to $10,000 for elementary and secondary school tuition per tax year, per student. Under the SECURE Act, qualified higher education expenses now also include student loan repayments as well as the expenses of registered apprenticeships. Education IRAs (Coverdell Education Savings Account): Taxpayers can contribute a maximum of $2,000 cash each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The dollar limit is phased out for married individuals filing jointly with modified adjusted gross income between $190,000 and $220,000, and between $95,000 and $110,000 for single filers. The contribution is not deductible. Educator Deduction: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended the above-the-line deduction for eligible grade K-12 schoolteachers. In 2022, the annual limit increased to $300 per year ($600 if you and your spouse were both eligible educators) for expenses paid or incurred for books, certain supplies, computer and other equipment, and supplementary materials used in the classroom. For tax years beginning after 2015, eligible expenses also include expenses for professional development courses the educator takes related to the curriculum he/she teaches or to the student he/she teaches. Student Loan Forgiven: President Biden has announced an expanded student loan forgiveness program. In most circumstances, the forgiven student loans should not be taxable as cancellation of indebtedness income in 2022. Retirement Savings and Distributions Below is information regarding current tax year contribution limits, required distributions, and various legislation updates to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) and 401(k) plans. Retirement Savings Contribution Credit: Lower-income individuals (AGI below $68,000 for MFJ, $49,500 for HOH and $33,000 for all other filling status) may be eligible for the retirement savings contribution credit for contributions and deferrals to certain retirement plans. The taxpayer’s qualified contributions may be reduced by distributions from qualified retirement plans. The maximum credit is $1,000. The maximum credit for joint filers is $2,000. Qualified contributions include but not limited to contributions to traditional or Roth IRAs and elective contributions and deferrals to 401(k) plans, 403(b) annuities, section 457(b) plans, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEPs. n Small Incentives: Under CAA, employers can now offer small immediate incentives, such as gift cards in exchange for employees making elective deferrals. n Matching Student Loan Payments: The CAA provides that employers may make payments to qualified plans that match qualified student loans payments by employee. Traditional IRAs: For 2022, the contribution limit to a traditional IRA is the lesser of $6,000 or your compensation. For taxpayers age 50+ at year end, lesser of $7,000 or compensation. Deduction may be limited if taxpayer or spouse are covered by a retirement plan at work and income exceeds certain levels. When a taxpayer is covered by an employer’s retirement plan at any time during the year, the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) phase-out range in 2022 is $68,000-$78,000 ($109,000$129,000 for married filing joint). Roth IRAs: The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is the lesser of $6,000 (increased to $7,000 for taxpayers age 50+ at year end) or your compensation. Roth IRAs (Continued on next page) 12 Seafarers LOG February 2023 �What’s New for the 2023 Tax Filing Season (Continued from Page 12) are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is gradually phased out for taxpayers with Modified AGI between $129,000-$144,000 ($204,000-$214,000 for married filing joint). Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on the timing and reasoning of the distribution. Excess IRA Contributions: if a contribution is made to an IRA in excess of the allowable amount, that contribution is referred to as an excess contribution and is subject to a 6% excise tax. These excess contributions may be corrected without penalty, however, provided the correction occurs within a certain time frame. Rollovers to SIMPLE IRAs: For rollover contributions made after December 18, 2015, distributions to employer sponsored retirement plans or a traditional IRAs may be rolled over to a SIMPLE IRA after two years of participation in the plan. Special Charitable Contributions: An IRA owner age 70½ or older can directly transfer, tax-free, up to $100,000 per year to eligible charities. Known as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), this option is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible to be treated as a qualified charitable distribution. To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to an eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the transfer. Not all charities are eligible. For example, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients. Remember to check eligibility of the charity before requesting a QCD. All QCDs from an IRA to eligible charities are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special rule treats QCD amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions. IRA Updates for SECURE Act and CARES Act: n The starting age for individuals to begin taking Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) has been increased to 72 years old from 70½ years old, effective for taxpayers turning 72 years old January 1, 2020 or later. Starting in 2023, the age is increased to 73 for individuals who turn 72 after 2022 and age 73 before 2033. For individuals who turn 74 after 2032, RMDs must begin at age 75. n The 70½ age limit for contributions to an IRA has been eliminated. n Non-spouse individuals who inherit an IRA after December 31, 2019 must withdraw the balance within 10 years, subject to certain exceptions. n Early Withdrawal 10% Penalty: In 2020, the CARES Act waived the penalty on early withdrawals up to $100,000 from qualified retirement plans for COVID-19 related distributions. Starting in 2021, the early withdrawal penalty of 10% is reinstated, with exceptions related to non-COVID disaster relief. The SECURE 2.0 Act would make permanent the ability of a taxpayer to make an early withdrawal without incurring a 10-percent penalty as result of a federally declared disaster. After 2023, early withdrawal by a victim of domestic abuse, up to the lesser of $10,000 or 50 percent of the present value of the accounts. A penalty-free early withdrawal may also be made by an individual diagnosed with a terminal illness, within a period of 84 months after a physician certifies the diagnosis. After 2023, a penalty-free withdrawal of up to $1,000 is also allowed due to a personal financial emergency 401(k) Updates for SECURE Act and CARES Act: n Long-term, part-time employees may now qualify to participate in elective deferral plans in plan years beginning after December 31, 2020. SECURE ACT 2.0 reduced SECURE Act length-of-service requirements for part-time participants in sponsored plans from three years to two years (plan years beginning after 2024) February 2023 n Early withdrawal penalty exemption of $5,000 for qualified birth or adoption distributions in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 n Included in compensation for purposes of determining retirement plan contributions are taxable non-tuition fellowships/ stipends and nontaxable “difficulty of care payments” earned by home healthcare workers in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 n Increased cap to encourage higher auto-enrollments in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2019 Energy Credits The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has renewed many energy-related provisions that were set to expire at the end of 2021. Below are common energy credits. Pre-2023 Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit Through 2022, a credit is allowed for 10% of the amounts paid/incurred for qualified energy improvements of principal residences (windows, doors, skylights, and roofs). Taxpayers can take $50-$300 fixed dollar amount credits allowed for energy-efficient property including furnaces, boilers, biomass stoves, heat pumps, water heaters, central A/C, and circulating fans, subject to a lifetime cap of $500. Starting in 2023, this credit will be restricted as the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: For property placed in service after December 31, 2022, and before January 1, 2033, a credit can be claimed equal to 30% of costs paid or incurred for: n Energy efficient improvements include, but not limited to, insulations, windows and doors (subject to category limits) n Qualified residential energy property expenditures ex: electric or natural gas heat pump, water heater, biomass stove, central AC, etc. n Amounts paid or incurred for home energy audits which is an inspection and written report on significant and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements, including estimates of their energy and cost saving the taxpayer owns or uses as a principal residence in the US n $1,200 annual credit, effective for 2023 through 2032. Residential Clean Energy Credit: An individual may claim this credit for qualified residential clean energy efficient property placed in service before January 1, 2035. The credit applies to qualified solar electric property, qualified solar water heating property, qualified fuel cell property, qualified small wind energy property, geothermal heat pump property, and biomass fuel property, as well as expenditures made after December 31, 2022, for battery storage technology. The credit is equal to 30% of eligible property placed in service in 2022 through 2032, 26% percent for 2034, and 22% for 2034. The only limitation that applies is a $500 limit with respect to each half kilowatt of capacity of qualified fuel cell property expenditures per year Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit (FKA as Residential energy efficient property credit): An individual taxpayer may claim a 30% credit for the cost of installing non-hydrogen alternative vehicle refueling property at the taxpayer’s principal residence. The credit is limited to $30,000 for property that is subject to depreciation and $1,000 for any other property through the end of 2022. Starting in 2023, the credit will be limited to property located in rural or low-income census tracts. Energy Efficient Home Credit (Builders): The new energy-efficient home credit is available to eligible contractors for the construction or manufacture of new energy efficient homes that are acquired after 2021 and before 2033, as amended by the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Certified sin- gle member homes will qualify for a credit of up to $5,000. Clean Vehicle Credit (FKA Plug- In Electric Vehicle Credit): The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 established a maximum credit of $7,500 for a new clean vehicle under Code Sec. 30D, effective for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2022. Similarly, a business credit under Code Sec. 45W is available qualified commercial clean vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2022. A tax credit of up to $4,000 is also available for the purchase of certain used clean vehicles after December 31, 2022 under Code Sec. 25E. Qualifying vehicles must be manufactured by a qualified manufacturer regulated by Code Sec. 25E. Both manufacture and dealers are subject to reporting requirements. Consult tax professionals for details on the code section. Used Clean Vehicle Credit: A credit is also available for a qualified buyer who purchases a previously owned clean vehicle after 2022 and before 2033 and may be able to claim a nonrefundable tax credit for the year the vehicle is placed in service. The credit is equal to 30% of the vehicle’s purchase price, up to a maximum credit of $4,000. To be a qualified buyer, the taxpayer: must be 1) an individual 2) buy the vehicle for use and not for resale 3) not qualify as any other taxpayer’s dependent, 4) not have claimed the credit during the three years preceding the purchase. Other Exemptions, Credits, & Deductions: Exclusion of Cancellation of Indebtedness on Principal Residence: Cancellation of indebtedness income is generally includible in taxable income. However, extended by the Tax Extenders Act of 2020, income from cancellation of debt on a qualified principal residence of up to $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately) may be excludable for tax years 2021-2025. Repayment of First-Time Homebuyer Credit: The first-time homebuyer credit is not available for new home purchases. However, taxpayers who previously claimed the credit, which was available for homes purchased during 2008-2011, may have to repay (recapture) their credits over a 15-year period. Moving Expenses: For tax years 20182025, moving expenses are no longer deductible unless you are a member of the Armed Forces on active duty (and their spouse and dependents) who moved pursuant to a military order and incident to a permanent change of station. Moving expenses are claimed on Form 3903. Transit Benefits: The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 extended transit benefits. These include commuter highway vehicle benefits, transit passes, and qualified parking. For taxable years beginning in 2022, the monthly exclusion amount has increased to $280. Standard Mileage Rates: For 2022, there has been a mid-year adjustment to the standard mileage rate to address the increased inflation during the year. Therefore, business miles will have to be separated into two periods to apply the two rates as listed in the table at the bottom of this page. The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption: In 2022, the AMT exemption amounts increased to $118,100 for married filing jointly, $59,050 for married filing separately, and $75,900 for single or head of household filers. The AMT exemption begins to phase out at $1,079,800 for married filing jointly and $539,900 for other filers. Foreign Income Foreign Financial Assets: If you had foreign financial assets in 2022, you may have to file Form 8938 with your return. In addition, a separate FBAR document must be e-filed by April 18, 2023 if the aggre- gate value of the foreign accounts exceeds $10,000 in any time during the calendar year. An automatic extension to October 16, 2023 is allowed if you fail to meet the April 18th annual deadline. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: A qualifying individual who lives and works abroad may elect to exclude from gross income certain foreign earned income attributable to their residence in a foreign country during the tax year. For tax year 2022, the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount is $112,000. This exclusion amount is increased to $120,000 for tax year 2023. Foreign Tax Credit: Taxpayers may elect to claim foreign tax credit if opted out foreign income exclusion. The foreign tax credit, which may be claimed in lieu of a deduction, is a dollar-for-dollar credit against the U.S. tax liability. This limits the combined rate of tax on foreign-source income to the greater of the foreign tax rate or the U.S. tax rate. The credit may be taken for foreign taxes paid directly by U.S. persons. Consumer Alert The IRS warns taxpayers to be on the alert for emails and phone calls they may receive which claim to come from the IRS or other federal agencies and which mention their tax refund. These are almost certainly scams whose purpose is to obtain personal and financial information (such as name, Social Security number, bank account and credit card numbers, or even PIN numbers) from taxpayers which can be used by the scammers to commit identity theft. The emails and calls usually state that the IRS needs the information to process a refund or deposit it into the taxpayer’s bank account. The emails often contain links or attachments to what appears to be the IRS website 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 emails about their tax accounts. Also, the IRS does not request detailed personal information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration toll-free at 1-800366-4484 or TTY/TDD 1-800-877-8339. If you lost money to a scam that started with an email, you can report the incident with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc. gov/complaint or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877438-4338). Visit IRS.gov and enter “identity theft” in the search box to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, etc., contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 1-800908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the National Taxpayer Advocate helpline at 1-877-777-4778. Standard Mileage Rates: Category Business Medical Charitable Moving (Armed Forces only) 1/1/2022—6/30/2022 58.5 cents per mile 18 cents per mile 14 cents per mile 18 cents per mile 7/1/2022—12/31/2022 62.5 cents per mile 22 cents per mile 14 cents per mile 22 cents per mile Seafarers LOG 13 �Tax Tips for Members During 2023 Tax Filing Season How to Prepare A Tax Return Step 1. Gather all records for the current tax return filing year. Income Records n Forms W-2/W-2G n Forms 1099 (Interest, Dividends, Brokerage Statements, Unemployment Compensations, Misc.) n Schedules K-1 (Investment in Partnerships/SCorporations) n Other income documents and records of digital asset transactions (Crypto, NFTs) n Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, to reconcile advance payments or claims Premium Tax Credits for 2022 Marketplace coverage. Itemized deductions and tax credits n Medical and dental payment records n Real estate and personal property tax receipts n State and local tax payments n Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan n Charitable contributions n Records of payments for childcare so an individual could work n Educational expenses CP01A Notice with your new Identity Protection PIN: only applicable to taxpayer who opted-in to receive an IP PIN or Tried to e-file your tax return and it was ‘rejected because you did not include an IP PIN. Step 2. Gather any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS website at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Cents may be rounded to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50-99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Step 4. Review the return for accuracy. 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. File Return. Filing Electronically (E-file) n Due to staffing issues, processing paper returns can take several weeks longer. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically. n Information regarding available e-filing options can be found at www.irs.gov/efile-options Filing Paper Return n Attach Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R to the front of the Form 1040. n Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. n If paying any balance due by check, do not staple or attach the payment or Form 1040-V (payment voucher) to the return. Instead, just put them loose in the envelope. Write your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and form number on your check or money order. n Private Delivery Services - Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as DHL Express, Federal Express, and United Parcel Service. Electronic Payment Options n Visit www.irs.gov/payments for full listing of electronic payment options. n Direct Pay – Payment can be directly withdrawn from a bank account through the IRS website or through the software/website the taxpayer or paid preparer used to electronically file the tax return. n Debit/Credit Cards – The IRS website listed above provides links to pay by debit or credit card. All major cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc.) are accepted, fees apply. n Payments by Phone – The IRS website also lists toll-free numbers available to make payments by phone. 14 Seafarers LOG Refunds n Taxpayers can request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out the refund section on Form 1040, which includes the taxpayer’s bank account number and the bank’s routing number. n For electronically filed returns, a refund will typically be received in about 2 weeks if deposited directly into a checking or savings account. n Paper checks will be mailed to the address listed on the tax return if direct deposit is not requested. Paper check refunds may take several weeks to arrive by mail. n Where’s My Refund - If taxpayers have not received a refund check within 28 days from the original IRS mailing date, information can be accessed through the website at www. irs.gov/refunds. Filing an Extension Taxpayers can get an automatic 6-month extension if, no later than April 18, 2023, Form 4868 will be filed with the IRS. It is important to remember that a 6-month extension to file does not extend the time to pay the taxes. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due to the U.S. government. 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 2022, the taxpayer’s personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who oversees the taxpayer’s property. Your Online Account To access your online account, you must authenticate your identity. To securely log in to your federal tax account, go to IRS. gov/Account. View the amount you owe, review 24 months of payment history, access online payment options, and create or modify an online payment agreement. You can also access your tax records online. Which Income to Report In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported: n Jones Act settlements for lost wages n Amounts received in place of wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy n Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid n Canceled debts n State income tax refunds n Rents n Repayments n Royalties n Unemployment benefits n Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts n Endowments n Original Issue Discount n Distributions from self-employed plans n Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services) n Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act n Lump-sum distributions n Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains) n Accumulation distributions from trusts n Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings) n Earned income from sources outside the United States n Director’s fees n Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate n Embezzled or other illegal income n Social Security benefits Which Income Need Not Be Reported The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: n Benefits from government welfare programs n Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, and medical costs n Maintenance and Cure n Workers’ compensation benefits, insurance, damages, etc. for injury or sickness n Disability retirement payments (and other benefits) paid by the Veterans Administration n Child support n Gifts, money or other property inherited or willed n Dividends on veterans’ life insurance n Life insurance proceeds received because of a person’s death n Amounts received from insurance because of loss of the use of a home due to fire or other casualty to the extent the amounts were more than the cost of normal expenses while living in the home n Loan repaid to you What Items Are Considered Deductions and Credits The following are common deductions and credits, which are discussed in more detail in above sections: n Standard Deduction n Itemized Deductions n Qualified Business Income Deduction n Student Loan Interest n Education Credits & Deductions n Earned Income Credit (EIC) n Child & Dependent Care Credit n Energy Credits Which Records to Keep Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (such as canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. Away at Tax Time Should Seafarers find themselves overseas and seeking IRS forms or assistance, U.S. embassies and consulates are equipped to provide some taxpayer-related services. At a minimum, IRS forms are available at all U.S. embassies and consulates located in various countries (refer to IRS website for details). 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, intercostal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer.” The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman—despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year— was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential state. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. Where to Get IRS Information General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information between 7am-7pm your local time. Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status of your refund; send the IRS comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele- Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. February 2023 �Notice New Online Tool Available For Finding In-Network Providers, Determining Costs The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is pleased to announce a comprehensive new “cost and quality” tool that is available to all SHBP participants, via mycigna.com, as of Feb. 1, 2023. This tool should prove beneficial by allowing participants to find in-network providers in their respective areas, see ratings from other consumers, and view information about quality and cost of services. Participants can search by type of service, category of provider, or by nature of medical symptom(s). The tool contains information about hundreds of services, and will be expanded at some point. The tool generates information that is specific to Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Dec. 15, 2022 - Jan. 15, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Jan. 15, 2023. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C SHBP participants. Users can see actual costs for specific services (with variations depending on whether annual deductibles have been met). It will list the top five rated providers in the user’s geographic area (and includes options to expand the list). Users also may change the parameters for searching by various distances between a provider’s office and their respective residences. The SHBP encourages all participants to set up an account on mycigna.com. Once a user is logged in, click on “Find Care and Costs” to start using the cost and quality tool. Additional information will be available at the hiring halls and from Cigna. February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point.............................Monday: February 6, March 6 Algonac...................................Friday: February 10, March 10 Baltimore.................................Thursday: February 9, March 9 Guam................................Thursday: February 23, March 23 Honolulu.............................Friday: February 17, March 17 Houston................................Monday: February 13, March 13 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: February 9, March 9 Joliet.................................Thursday: February 16, March 16 Mobile............................Wednesday: February 15, March 15 New Orleans...........................Tuesday: February 14, March 14 Jersey City..................................Tuesday: February 7, March 7 Norfolk........................................Friday: February 10, March 10 Oakland................................Thursday: February 16, March 16 Philadelphia......................Wednesday: February 8, March 8 Port Everglades.....................Thursday: February 16, March 16 San Juan.................................Thursday: February 9, March 9 St. Louis...................................Friday: February 17, March 17 Tacoma....................................Friday: February 24, March 24 Wilmington.........*Tuesday: February 21, Monday: March 20 * Wilmington change due to President’s Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD SPAD Works For You. February 2023 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was posed to members attending classes at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What are your plans for enhancing your career during the upcoming year? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Clinton Omisong AB Well, I’m an AB now and I take bosun jobs from time to time. So, I plan to continue upgrading and become a bosun. I also plan to talk to as many people as I can back home and try to get them to join the SIU. Terrance Stevens OS I will continue taking classes to become an AB. Then I hope to continue working my way up from a C card to B card. That way, I won’t have to sit around at the union hall waiting to get a job. Long term, I just want to better position myself to go out and be great. Semere Debos QMED I plan to upgrade as much as possible by attending classes here at the school. This will enhance my career going forward and hopefully make it more lucrative. Christopher Perry AB I plan on applying for my AB unlimited so that I can advance my career forward. Hopefully, before too long, I will be able to start taking bosun’s jobs. Collin Sabitsky AB Well right now I’m taking courses to get my AB ticket. Later on, I plan to get enough sea tim to continue taking classes. My ultimate goal is to become a bosun or third mate. Donald Hatch Pumpman I will be working at sea aboard as many vessels as I can to start the year off. Later on, I hope that I will be able to come back to Piney Point to upgrade. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 ABs (and brothers) Jim and Frank Edmonds secure a tank cover on the T-5 tanker Shenandoah (operated by Hudson Waterways) in 1974 in New Jersey. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG February 2023 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA SALEH ALI Brother Saleh Ali, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Coastal California. He worked in all three departments and last shipped on the Integrity. Brother Ali lives in Lexington, South Carolina. ARMONDO ALVAREZ Brother Armondo Alvarez, 68, embarked on his career with the union in 1990, first sailing on the USNS Vindicator. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Alvarez concluded his career aboard the St. Louis Express. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. NEIL BALL Brother Neil Ball, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 1972 when he worked with Interocean American Shipping. He was a steward department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ball’s final vessel was the Keystone State. He is a Seattle resident. JEFFREY BEASLEY Brother Jeffrey Beasley, 60, joined the Seafarers in 1981, initially sailing on the Montpelier Victory. A steward department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Beasley most recently shipped on the Texas. He calls Pennsauken, New Jersey, home. ALEXIS BONILLA Brother Alexis Bonilla, 66, joined the union in 2005. He shipped in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Bonilla’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the SBX. He makes his home in Miami. February 2023 ELIDIO CANDARI TERRY MAGNO Brother Elidio Candari, 74, donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first shipped on a Keystone vessel. He was a deck department member and most recently sailed on the Presque Isle. Brother Candari is a Las Vegas resident. Brother Terry Magno, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980, initially working aboard the Oceanic Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Magno last sailed on the Patriot. He lives in Pearl City, Hawaii. GERMAN DOLMO Brother German Dolmo, 65, joined the union in 1999. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. Brother Dolmo upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped on the Maersk Denver and resides in the Bronx, New York. MARK HOFFMAN Brother Mark Hoffman, 62, became an SIU member in 1987 when he sailed on the USNS Contender. He upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the deck department. Brother Hoffman’s final vessel was the Ohio. He is a resident of Kent, Washington. BERNARD HUTCHING Brother Bernard Hutching, 65, joined the SIU in 1979. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded often at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hutching first shipped on the Puerto Rico. He most recently sailed on the John Boland and makes his home in Leonardtown, Maryland. ORIN KING Brother Orin King, 72, signed on with the union in 2016, sailing first aboard the Corsica. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother King most recently shipped on the Liberty Grace and is a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. GARY NAGEL Brother Gary Nagel, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1989. He first sailed aboard the Cove Trader and was a member of the deck department. Brother Nagel upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2001. He settled in Costa Mesa, California, after concluding his career on the Overseas Joyce. ALFONSO MARTINEZ Brother Alfonso Thomas Martinez, 66, signed on with the SIU in 2007. A steward department member, he initially worked on the President Truman. Brother Thomas Martinez most recently sailed on the Safmarine Ngami. He lives in the Bronx, New York. ROBERT VARNEY Brother Robert Varney, 67, joined the union in 1999 and first sailed aboard the USNS Yano. He worked in the steward department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Varney’s final vessel was the USNS Montford Point. He resides in Jacksboro, Tennessee. VICTORINO VIERNES Brother Victorino Viernes, 63, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2001 when he shipped on the USNS Able. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Viernes last shipped on the USNS Capella and settled in North Las Vegas, Nevada. MATILDE ZUNIGA Brother Matilde Zuniga, 65, became an SIU member in 1989. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and primarily worked in the deck department. Brother Zuniga’s first vessel was the Independence. He most recently sailed on the Overseas Cascade and is a Houston resident. INLAND DANIEL BRUTON Brother Daniel Bruton, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1995. He upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1997. Brother Bruton worked for OSG Ship Management for the duration of his career. He lives in Upper Chichester, Pennsylvania. MARK GASKILL Brother Mark Gaskill, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 1995 when he was employed with McAllister Towing of Virginia. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gaskill most recently sailed on the Courage. He makes his home in Sea Level, North Carolina. CALVIN HATFIELD Brother Calvin Hatfield, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1978. He was a deck department member and worked for Higman Barge Lines for his entire career. Brother Hatfield lives in Call, Texas. GUSTAVE LEDAY Brother Gustave Leday, 63, started his career with the union in 1988 when he worked with Hvide Marine. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Leday’s final vessel was the Samson. He resides in Port Arthur, Texas. TERRY MURLEY Brother Terry Murley, 65, joined the SIU in 1978. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Murley was employed by Crescent Towing & Salvage for the duration of his career. He resides in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. G&H Towing for his entire career. Brother Pizzitola makes his home in Hallettsville, Texas. ELMER PRESTIDGE Brother Elmer Prestidge, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1980 when he shipped on the Manhattan Island. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Prestidge most recently worked on the Dodge Island. He resides in Walton, New York. JOHN SCHUSTER Brother John Schuster, 62, became an SIU member in 1991 when he sailed with OSG Ship Management. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and worked in the deck department. Brother Schuster remained with the same company for most of his career. He lives in Cape May County, New Jersey. JEROME SMITH Brother Jerome Smith, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1991. He primarily sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Smith’s first vessel was the USNS Regulus; his last, the RocketShip. He resides in Mobile, Alabama. JAMES WEST Brother James West, 63, signed on with the Seafarers in 1977. Sailing in the deck department, he worked for Dravo Basic Materials for his entire career. Brother West calls Citronelle, Alabama, home. GLENN WILLIAMS Brother Glenn Williams, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2013, initially working for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Williams most recently shipped aboard the Pacific Reliance. He makes his home in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. MICHAEL PIZZITOLA Brother Michael Pizzitola, 72, signed on with the union in 1976. A deck department member, he worked for Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA LAWRENCE DUEITT Pensioner Lawrence Dueitt, 95, died December 22. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1955. A deck department member, he first shipped with Interocean American Shipping Corporation. Brother Dueitt last sailed on the Sacramento and became a pensioner in 1991. He resided in Mobile, Alabama. GARY FAVALORA Pensioner Gary Favalora, 74, passed away December 30. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1994, initially sailing aboard the Manhattan Island. Brother Favalora sailed in the steward department and concluded his career on the APL Pearl. He retired in 2013 and called Covington, Louisiana, home. DANIEL HERRERA Pensioner Daniel Herrera, 95, died December 29. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1965. Brother Herrera’s first vessel was the Steel Scientist. He sailed in the steward department and last shipped on the Mayaguez. Brother Herrera went on pension in 1992 and lived in Puerto Rico. DERRICK HURT Brother Derrick Hurt, 57, has passed away. Born in Maryland, he began his career with the SIU in 1994 when he shipped on the Constellation. Brother Hurt sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Potomac Express. He was a resident of Richmond, Virginia. GEORGE JORDANIDES Pensioner George Jordanides, 85, died January 1. He signed on with the union in 1979, initially sailing aboard the Point Judy. A deck department member, Brother Jordanides concluded his career on the Constellation 18 Seafarers LOG in 2004. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Kissimmee, Florida. EULA KOPPEL Sister Eula Koppel, 61, passed away June 3. She joined the union in 1982 when she shipped on the Dynachem. Sister Koppel was a steward department member and last sailed aboard the Jack Lummus in 1993. She resided in Taylorsville, Kentucky, her native state. MELVIN MORGAN Pensioner Melvin Morgan, 78, died December 16. He joined the SIU in 1961, initially sailing with Suwannee Steamship. Brother Morgan sailed in the steward department. He went on pension in 2008 after concluding his career on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Morgan lived in Othello, Washington. OLIVER ORTIZ Brother Oliver Ortiz, 98, passed away November 30. He signed on with the union in 1952 when he sailed aboard the Yaka. Brother Ortiz was a deck department member and last shipped on the Oakland in 1985. He made his home in Puerto Rico. OSMAN RAJI Pensioner Osman Raji, 75, died December 6. He became a member of the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Cove Engineer. Brother Raji worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the John U.D. Page. He became a pensioner in 2016 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Antonio Rodriguez, 85, passed away January 5. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1970. Brother Rodriguez was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. He was last employed with Sealand before his retirement in 1999. Brother Rodriguez lived in the Dominican Republic. HERBERT SCYPES Pensioner Herbert Scypes, 91, died December 18. He donned the SIU colors in 1956 and sailed in the steward department. Brother Scypes first worked with Waterman Steamship Corporation. He last sailed on the Overseas Harriette before going on pension in 1996. Brother Scypes resided in Mobile, Alabama. GREAT LAKES RICHARD BOCKERT Pensioner Richard Bockert, 86, passed away January 2. He joined the SIU in 1970, initially sailing aboard the Steel Age. A deck department member, Brother Bockert last sailed aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He became a pensioner in 2007 and settled in Fort Dodge, Iowa. ARTHUR DURFEE Pensioner Arthur Durfee, 85, died January 4. He signed on with the union in 1961 and first sailed with Zenith Dredge Company. Brother Durfee continued working for the same company for most of his career. He began collecting his pension in 1999 and made his home in Duluth, Minnesota. INLAND FLOYD PHILLIPS Pensioner Floyd Phillips, 76, passed away December 13. He began sailing with the SIU in 1990. Brother Phillips sailed in the engine department and was employed with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for the duration of his career. He retired in 2009 and resided in Avella, Pennsylvania. EDWARD WHITFIELD Pensioner Edward Whitfield, 81, died December 9. A deck department member, he donned the union colors in 1997. Brother Whitfield worked for Penn Maritime for his entire career. He went on pension in 2012 and settled in Hobucken, North Carolina. NMU ROBERTO ALTAMIRANO Pensioner Roberto Altamirano, 96, passed away January 10. Brother Altamirano sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Genevieve Lykes. He retired in 1992 and made his home in Auburn, Alabama. DAVID DAVIS Pensioner David Davis, 82, died November 28. A deck department member, Brother Davis last shipped on the Cape Henry in 1996. He became a pensioner the same year and lived in Wilson, North Carolina. ERNEST HOPPER Pensioner Ernest Hopper, 82, passed away December 16. Brother Hopper worked in the deck department. He went on pension in 1995 after sailing on his final vessel, the Stella Lykes. Brother Hopper called Metairie, Louisiana, home. FRANCIS MCCANN Pensioner Francis McCann, 76, died November 18. Brother McCann last sailed aboard the Green Wave in 2003 and was a deck department member. He began collecting his pension in 2012 and made his home in New Orleans. MURPHY MIDDLETON Pensioner Murphy Middleton, 93, passed away June 30. Brother Middleton sailed in the steward department, most recently aboard the Megallanes. He became a pensioner in 1993 and settled in North Charleston, South Carolina. NAHON MORALES Pensioner Nahon Morales, 87, died December 23. Brother Morales worked in the deck department. He retired in 1996 after concluding his career aboard the Mormac Sky. Brother Morales resided in Puerto Rico. CLAYTON PARRY Pensioner Clayton Parry, 96, passed away December 10. Brother Parry was born in Quincy, Massachusetts. He last sailed aboard the American Accord before going on pension in 1984. Brother Parry lived in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Aguilar, Armando Manning, Lee AGE DOD 86 12/01/2022 94 12/04/2022 Have You Missed An Issue of the Seafarers Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website February 2023 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), October 23 – Chairman Ion Irimia, Secretary Charles Brooks, Deck Delegate Kyle Silva, Engine Delegate Rafii Ibrahim Paramana. Chairman reported a safe trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed medical benefits and offered suggestions on how to possibly improve them. Members requested a centralized hard drive for movies aboard ship and for multiple physical exams per year to no longer be required. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), October 29 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Norma West, Educational Director David Watkins, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Secretary reported an enjoyable trip. Crew discussed ship funds with captain so they could order DVD players, various board games and other items. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested increase in vacation benefits. Crew reviewed company policies regarding alcohol consumption in port and sexual assault/harassment training. Members suggested creating a program that would expedite physicals. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 31 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary John Greubel, Educational Director Benjamin Mathews, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Jose Smith, Steward Delegate Jose Clotter. SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick boarded ship in Houston and reviewed details of new contract. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and to The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. keep documents current. Crew thanked chief cook for great meals and agreed to add American Phoenix to the “good feeder” list. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime) November 13 – Chairman Val Custis, Secretary Gerald Joseph, Deck Delegate Donald Appu, Engine Delegate Joneses Ente, Steward Delegate Nadine Nome-Ryf. Chairman urged members to renew shipping documents before they expire. He encouraged everyone to recruit people they know that might be interested in joining the SIU. More overtime needs to be added to the deck department, per deck delegate. Engine delegate reported that no overtime was given for trash handling/burning. Crew received new refrigerators and mattresses. Members suggested reducing sea time requirements needed to qualify for pension benefits. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), November 27 – Chairman Joseph White, Secretary Lionel Packnett, Educational Director Edward Williams, Deck Delegate Moises Arzu, Steward Delegate Esperanza Crespo-Guillen. Chairman thanked everyone for a smooth voyage and praised steward department for a job well done. He noted the positive impact that good food has on a member’s life at sea. Steward department thanked everyone for their help keeping mess halls clean. Educational director reminded crew to secure higher wages by upgrading at the Piney Point school. Deck delegate discussed plans pertaining to coffee and meal breaks for ABs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed frustrations due to having no internet aboard ship. Next port: Houston. Supporting Our Troops GREEN BAY (Waterman), December 7 – Chairman Nicholas Turano, Secretary Derrick Williams, Deck Delegate Tenereo Cacpal. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Televisions are wanted in each room, per ship’s treasurer. New mattresses have been ordered. Members were encouraged to continue doing their part by keeping rooms and other areas clean. Next port: Vancouver, Washington. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), December 17 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary William Storey, Educational Director Tijani Rashid. Chairman announced payoff at sea December 18 in Newark, New Jersey. Ship to receive more money for food and consumables at the first of the year, per secretary. Educational director discussed the importance of upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, as well as renewing credentials early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed new retirement plan, sea-time requirements and problems with not getting overtime due to cargo. Crew requested improved Wi-Fi. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. POHANG PIONEER (U.S. Marine Management), December 17 – Chairman Mohamed Mohamed, Secretary Rudy Lopez, Deck Delegate June Kirk Margaja, Engine Delegate Kevin Hunt, Steward Delegate Jack Boscia. New TV for crew mess and new dryer for crew laundry received. Crew thanked steward U.S. Marines in mid-January load an MV-22B Osprey onto the SIU-crewed dry cargo ship USNS Green Ridge (Waterman) in San Diego. According to the Defense Department, the materiel will be utilized for “a self-mobile crisis response force that conducts theater-security missions to protect U.S. personnel, property, and interests in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Europe/Africa area of responsibility.” (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel Childs) department for good food. Chairman reminded everyone to keep documents current and to upgrade at the Piney Point school when possible. He also encouraged members to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested movies and for the treadmill to be moved back to the gym. Crew wished everyone happy holidays. Next port: Sasebo, Japan. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Subcom), January 11 – Chairman Lee Hardman, Secretary Randy Sudario, Educational Director Nicolae Marinescu, Deck Delegate Eric Young, Engine Delegate Danilo Achacoso, Steward Delegate Jafet Misla-Mendez. Chairman extended “big thanks to (SIU VP Contracts) George Tricker and SIU for getting contract done with increase in pay, vacation, and a stipend for having a security clearance.” He discussed purchase of fitness equipment and encouraged crew to continue helping keep laundry and lounge areas clean. He also reported on air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Secretary mentioned plans to purchase two new refrigerators. Educational director reminded everyone to check documents before sailing, to make sure they’re up-to-date. Similarly, keep medical certificates current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was reminded that fresh linen is available every week. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt February 2023 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date February 27 April 10 June 5 March 17 April 28 June 23 February 13 March 13 April 10 May 8 February 24 March 24 April 21 May 19 RFPNW March 20 May 1 April 7 May 19 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 Lifeboat/Water Survival Start Date ServSafe Management February 13 March 20 April 24 May 29 July 3 August 7 February 17 March 24 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 Advanced Galley Operations March 13 May 22 April 7 June 16 Chief Steward April 17 June 26 May 12 July 21 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Basic Training April 17 April 21 Basic Training Revalidation February 13 February 24 March 20 March 24 April 7 April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 May 22 June 2 February 13 February 24 March 20 March 24 April 7 April 17 April 21 May 1 May 5 May 22 June 2 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation May 15 May 19 Government Vessels February 13 March 13 March 20 April 10 April 24 May 8 June 19 ` February 17 March 17 March 24 April 14 April 28 May 12 June 19 Tank Ship Familiarization DL February 20 May 22 February 24 May 26 Tank Ship Familiarization LG February 27 May 15 March 3 May 19 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW May 1 May 26 FOWT February 27 April 3 March 24 April 28 Junior Engineer Program March 27 June 5 May 19 July 28 Marine Electrician April 24 May 26 Marine Refer Tech March 13 April 21 Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21 Machinist March 13 March 31 Pumpman April 3 April 7 Welding March 20 May 8 April 7 May 26 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Important Notice To All Students Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook February 20 March 27 May 1 June 5 July 10 March 24 April 28 June 2 July 7 August 11 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck Title of Course Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2/23 February 2023 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #889 – Graduated December 2 (above, in alphabetical order): Rickay Channer, Curtis Gillard II, Isaiah Godette, Terrence Green Jr., Kamaria Lapread, Sherman McClain Jr., Thaisha Morris, Amar Ogletree, Malik Oxendine Jr., Nick Randall, James Shoats, Armani Wells and Ross Williams. Correction On Page 18 of the December 2022 Seafarers LOG, we erroneously identified the photo below as Paul Hall Center Apprentice Water Survival Class #886. In fact, this is Class #887. We apologize for any inconvenience our oversight may have caused anyone affected, especially the trainees. Apprentice Water Survival Class #887 – Graduated Oct. 7 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Diaz Florez, Britorria Hogan, Craig Lash II, Matthew McManus, Pyron Meyers, Kaicee Proctor, Christopher Rolbiecki and Ubaydulwakeel Shambley. February 2023 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Tank Ship Familiarization LG – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed, Nabil Saleh Ahmed, Saif Al Tamimi, Timothy Behnke, Willie Dawston Jr., Gerald Durham, Alfred Edmond, David Garrett, Deon Green, Alton Hickman Jr., Ransom Andrew Ki O’ka Puuku I. Kauwe, Steven Laubach, Saber Abdulhamid Naser, Kelly Percy, Fahmi Ali Taher Saeed, Mohsen Mohamed Said, Ahmed Omar Sharif, Andrea Sharpe, Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez and Mukhtar Mohamed Yahia. RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated November 25 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Mukhtar Nasser Ahmed Ali, Dale Armstrong III, Parker Hampton, Kaylah Hill, Jordan Jeffries, Joseph McCrea, Derrel Oliver, De’Andre Peden, Julian Ramirez, Felix Manuel Rivera Rodriguez and Domingo Ladringan Sadia IV. Class instructor Dominic Hix is at the far right. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Important Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. UA to AS-Deck – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Ramona Cabrera Appleby, Johncarlo Garibaldi, Seth James, Bryce Kennebeck, Jesse Schecher, Alec Stensaa, Bradley Tucker and Emilie Whitlow. 22 Seafarers LOG Welding – Graduated November 18 (above, in alphabetical order): William Aebi, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Jade Napualeilokelani Ezera, Kenneth Loria Zuniga, Tracy Mitchell Jr. and Joel Williams. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. February 2023 �Marine Electrician – Graduated December 2 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar, Hector Ismael Caballero, Rustin Calame, Michael Clark, Christian Cruz, Tony Hamaguchi, Daryl Hicks, Wordell Prescott and Sanjay Waidyarachchi. Roy Graham, their instructor, is at the far left. RFPEW – Graduated October 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Saif Al Tamimi, Jesse Kleinfelter and Morey Lewis. Class instructor John Wiegman III is at the far right. Government Vessels – Graduated November 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Basheer Abdo Hasan Ali, Karen Barron, Johnnie Owens Jr. and Kevin Royster. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated November 11 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): David Argo Jr., Samuel Fagerness, Michael Jamal Garcia, Troy Hubbard Jr., Thomas Koncul, Cristian Efrain Lalin, Tyler Maddox, Zeke Pasquarelli and Joesef Moses Shaibi. Christopher Morgan, their instructor, is in the back row at the far left. Basic Training (First Aid, CPR & AED) – Upgrader Adrian Bartholomew recently completed his requirements in this class. A member of the engine department, Bartholomew graduated October 28. February 2023 Advanced Galley Operations – Graduated November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Mark Brooks, Lady Joanna CanoOrozco, Todd Curry, Dylan Faile, Najeeb Ali Ginah, Janelle Harper and Shadonna Jones. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Seafarers LOG 23 �FEBRUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 2 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) welcomes retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella to the hall as he contributes to the cause. Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 SA Christopher Dizon helps carry gifts for transport. Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta is a longtime backer of the program. Truly a Team Effort SIU Continues Outreach for Military Families Holiday traditions vary, but for the past 16 years, one particular philanthropic outreach invariably has been on the SIU’s calendar in Tacoma, Washington. That mission is known as Santa’s Castle, which produces donations of toys and other presents for U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo said the union’s participation in 2022 proved as strong as ever, and resulted in more than $8,000 worth of donations. The union also hosted a luncheon Dec. 16 for Santa’s Castle volunteers, SIU members, retirees and their families and friends. Immediately afterward, the donations were loaded into trucks and vans for transportation to the nearby Santa’s Castle facility. “Seafarers reached deep in their pockets to make this year as special as previous years, bringing Christmas to hundreds of lower-ranking enlisted service members and families and to show their appreciation and thanks to our war fighters and peacekeepers,” Vincenzo said. “And it’s not just our rank-andfile members who participate. Seattle-based Crowley Maritime has consistently contributed to the toy drive over the years and this year was no different. Additionally, Tacoma Seafarers are always inspired to know that SIU executives’ own contributions help get us across the finish line. This truly is a team effort that we can all be proud of, running on 16 consecutive years with a total contribution well north of $100,000. The spirit of giving here remains as strong as ever.” Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe said the union’s efforts “always make a big difference. We’re very grateful for the Seafarers – the amazing luncheon, and seeing all those beauti- Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime once again supported the outreach. Pictured from left are SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp, Crowley Director of Marine Personnel John Woodcock and Crowley Director of Labor Relations Dan Lowry (the latter two individuals were dropping off donations). Retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl loads a donated bike onto a truck. ful toys. It goes a long way to supporting our military folks.” She added that the program had an especially strong year overall, so the abundant donations “let us support even further and wider than we usually do. It’s a beautiful thing to support even more service members.” AB Samed Kassem donated three bicycles for the most recent iteration of Santa’s Castle, and he has no plans to stop. “I just like to donate,” Kassem stated. “I’ve been doing this since we started. It’s good to make kids happy. I have kids and I like to see them happy, so I want other kids to also be happy. Whether I’m at home or on a ship, I always donate. It makes me feel good.” The luncheon proved popular and featured traditional holiday fare including baked ham, roasted turkey breast and numerous side dishes and desserts. Active and retired Seafarers played vital roles with the setup and serving, Vincenzo noted. He credited Chief Steward Nina McFall, Chief Steward Ingra Maddox, Recertified Steward Bob Haggerty, retired Chief Steward Vicky Haggerty, Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin and retired Recertified Steward Scott Opsahl. “We could not pull this off without their help,” Vincenzo said. “I extend a heartfelt vote of thanks to all who made this year’s toy drive and annual holiday luncheon possible.” AB Mark Manalansan (left) and a guest enjoy the luncheon. Pictured from left are retired Recertified Steward Tommy Belvin and a guest; retired Recertified Steward Lewis Johanson and his wife, Shelly; and Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin. 24 Seafarers LOG February 2023 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2023 Description An account of the resource NY WATERWAY CREW STEPS UP DURING EMERGENCY SAGAMORE RESCUES 15 MEMBERS APPLAUD UPDATED CONTRACT AT G&H TOWING SIU HELPS BRIGHTEN HOLIDAYS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES VIA SANTA'S CASTLE SARC DIRECTOR JOHN GALLAGHER DIES AT 67 NDAA CONTAINS BIG WINS FOR MARITIME SIU CIVMARS FROM USNS JOHN LEWIS HELP WITH RESCUE SIU OF CANADA PRESIDENT JIM GIVEN RETIRES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 85, No. 2 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/4c16558de7c5280c0672a1dd5a871714.pdf 3b5f74c82b6363dae4e97f8f2f9439f2 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 2 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Farewell to an Icon, Leader and Friend: Michael Sacco: Feb. 14, 1937 – Dec. 28, 2023 The union is mourning the passing of SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco – and we also are celebrating his life. The group photo was taken early last year in Florida, where Mike had announced his retirement. From left are SIU Executive Board members Nicholas Celona, David Heindel, Karen Horton-Genette, Nick Marrone, Tom Orzechowski, Bryan Powell, Mike Sacco, George Tricker, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi and Augie Tellez. Coverage begins on page 3. Seafarers Support Troops Via ‘Santa’s Castle’ The SIU’s long tradition of spreading holiday cheer in the Pacific Northwest continued in 2023, via an annual project (Santa’s Castle) that generates donations of toys and other presents for U.S. military families (primarily E-4 and below) from Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, and from other bases. Pictured above are Seafarers, SIU officials, and representatives from Santa’s Castle, gathering at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington, for a celebratory luncheon – and to put the finishing touches on the donations. Page 24. NDAA UPDATE • PAGE 7 // SHBP SCHOLARSHIP INFO• PAGE 20 �President’s Report In Peace and War T he safety of SIU crews is always our absolute top priority. With that in mind, the union is actively participating in high-level, recurring discussions involving our military leaders, vessel operators, fellow maritime unions and others – including the International Transport Workers’ Federation – who are diligently working to help ensure the wellbeing of mariners (and ships) transiting the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Gulf of Aden. The formal launch of Operation Prosperity Guardian in late December signaled a new level of commitment from the U.S. and our allies to protect commercial shipping in those areas. As David Heindel you undoubtedly know, Houthis have attacked multiple vessels there with drones and missiles, which led to the United States redesignating the Yemen-based rebels as a global terrorist group. It is, to say the least, a volatile and fluid situation. But we are staying in touch with our crews who sail in that region, and at press time we are finalizing agreements that compensate them for working in dangerous areas. Financial considerations are incidental, though, compared to our members’ safety, and on that point we are confident in the plans and actions of our military personnel, working cooperatively with the U.S. Merchant Marine. I appreciate our members’ dedication as well as that of our military and our allies. Stay tuned. Apply for Scholarships On a much lighter note, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has taken steps to make it easier to apply for their 2024 scholarships, available to members and dependents. As explained elsewhere in this edition, it’s now relatively easy to handle the vast majority of the process online, and there is also a dedicated email address to help answer questions and move things along. This is a great benefit and I encourage everyone to give it a look, whether for yourself or a family member or friend. Recruiting and Manpower Though hardly a month goes by without my mentioning the shipboard manpower situation, I want to assure Seafarers that the union isn’t letting up at all when it comes to recruiting and retention. We are working with the vessel operators – and we are making progress, resolving issues along the way. Some of the language in the most recent Defense bill will aid in this endeavor, as it’ll more efficiently (and consistent with international standards) help us train new ABs. It’ll also help Seafarers accumulate enough sea time to upgrade your ratings. As you know, the manpower challenges aren’t unique to our industry or our union. We take them seriously and although there’s not a quick fix, we’re getting there. Remembering an All-Time Great It’s no exaggeration to say I could write a book about SIU President Emeritus Mike Sacco, so there’s no way to fully do justice to his career in just a few sentences, paragraphs or pages. But, having worked with Mike for decades, I want Seafarers to know how much he cared about you and how much he loved this union. Mike was a fantastic negotiator, but he never compromised on the things that mattered most to our members. He believed in you, he was proud of you, and he truly did everything reasonably possible to look out for Seafarers, pensioners and your families. Mike was easy to work for in the sense that he was inspirational and he set such a tremendous example by working as hard or harder than the rest of us. Like pretty much any great boss, he could be challenging, too – but only because he demanded our best. Mike believed in second chances and he didn’t expect perfection, but he wasn’t someone who listened to excuses. If we made a mistake, he wanted it fixed and he always kept us looking forward, devoting every resource to the SIU’s health and the sustainability of our industry. I am grateful to have spent so much time with him, and I hope that you’ll read every word of his coverage in this edition of the LOG. We will all miss him, but his energy, vision and leadership will live on through all of us in his SIU family. New TOTE Contract Features ‘Unprecedented’ Wage Gains Seafarers have ratified a new 18-month agreement with TOTE Services that prominently features large wage increases on the eight ships the company operates for American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier (ARC). During the January membership meetings, SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker reported, “This new agreement features unprecedented increases in both wages and overtime. This agreement makes the ARC contract one of the highest-paying contracts in the fleet. Along with these increases, the new contract also contains increases to Seafarers Vacation Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan-related wages and continued health benefits at the Core Plus Level (the top one available to Seafarers).” The contract applies to the following ships: ARC Integrity, ARC Independence, ARC Resolve, ARC Commitment, ARC Defender, Patriot, Liberty, Endurance and ARC Honor. Tricker added, “In addition to the aforementioned contract, the union also secured a new TOTE car carrier fleet-wide manpower pool agreement. This agreement will provide preference and priority Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 2 February 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org amongst equal seniority to those members who have continuously sailed in the TOTE car carrier ARC fleet.” The new contract covers eight vessels, including the Honor (left) and Defender. On the Recruiting Trail The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG The union in mid-January took part in a well-attended career fair in Lafayette, Louisiana, sponsored by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC). Pictured from left are SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, LWC Development Advisor Luis Orlando, and SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. FEBRUARY 2024 �SIU Mourns Passing of Michael Sacco Seafarers International Union President Emeritus Michael Sacco died Dec. 28 in St. Louis, surrounded by family members. He was 86 years old and passed away from natural causes. Mike was the longest-serving president in SIU history, having led the organization from 1988 until his retirement in February 2023 (a period spanning nearly 35 years). Reaction to his death consisted of a massive outpouring of respect, appreciation, and affection. Among those offering condolences: President Biden; Elaine Chao, a cabinet secretary in two different U.S. presidential administrations (she attended the funeral mass); top officials from the AFL-CIO and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF); rank-and-file Seafarers and SIU pensioners; leaders of other U.S. unions; SIU Executive Board members; American maritime industry business executives; U.S. military and government officials; and many, many others. Giving one of the eulogies at Mike’s funeral mass (he was a devout Catholic), which took place Jan. 6 in St. Louis, SIU President David Heindel stated, “Mike was an inspiration to so many people, and not just people from his union. He had that same effect on military officers, government officials, corporate executives and many others. He was one-in-a-million, and he had a way of making you believe you could accomplish anything if you set your mind to it. Make no mistake, he will be remembered as one of the most significant, influential and accomplished maritime labor leaders in our nation’s history. I truly do not know if the U.S. Merchant Marine would still exist if it weren’t for Mike.” Mike served as president of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters (AGLIW) beginning in June 1988. He also worked as president of both the Seafarers International Union of North America (a federation of autonomous unions that includes the SIU AGLIW) and the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) throughout the same period. Moreover, in November 1991, at its 19th Biennial Constitutional Convention, Mike was elected a vice president of the AFL-CIO, the federation of 60 national and international unions representing more than 14 million workers in the United States. He eventually became the senior vice president of the AFL-CIO Executive Council as its longest-serving member. A protege of the late SIU President Paul Hall, Sacco from 1980 to 1988 directed the SIU AGLIW’s Great Lakes and Inland Waters division as vice president. Based in St. Louis, he served as secretary-treasurer of the Greater St. Louis Area and Vicinity Port Council (an MTD-chartered organization) and as an executive board member of the Missouri State AFL-CIO. Mike also was vice president of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship from 1968 to 1979. The school, located on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland, prepares men and women for a career aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels and provides upgrading opportunities to active members. He became associated with the SIU in 1958 and shipped aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels until he came ashore during the 1960s to serve the SIU in a Mike and the late AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka (right) were friends and colleagues for decades. This photo is from the 2017 AFL-CIO convention in St. Louis. Rich passed away in 2021. FEBRUARY 2024 our nation’s rank-and-file working people than our Mike. Mike Sacco was a trusted mentor and leader to his members, a dear friend of the AFL-CIO and an inspiration to the entire labor movement. While our hearts break today for this loss, the legacy of Mike’s service to the SIU and trade unionism will live on forever. - Joint statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond Mike, thank you for all the support. Thank you for your vision and your compassion. You have left a massive legacy and I’m proud to call you friend and advisor. Many unions spent hours working with Mike exploring the history of SIU, learning from his experience, determination, vision and courage to always be in a position of influence, whether it be lobbying the American government, in its very different shapes and sizes over his 35 years, or in ITF circles on how to use our collective leverage to benefit seafarers across the world. - ITF General Secretary Stephen Cotton Members at the hiring hall in Honolulu memorialize Mike. succession of union posts, including those of patrolman, port agent and headquarters representative. A native of Brooklyn, New York, Mike served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958. Although his accomplishments as an SIU official are too numerous to list, highlights included fostering the successful merger of the National Maritime Union into the SIU in 2001; helping secure the implementation of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), a staple of the industry; insisting that the Paul Hall Center constantly improved; unifying the industry during critical political battles; and individually encouraging every Seafarer, SIU official and staff member he ever met. Fittingly, Fr. Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member and Catholic priest, helped officiate Mike’s memorial service. He also gave a brief eulogy, as did Mike’s son John, the latter on behalf of the whole family. In addition to John, survivor’s include Mike’s wife, Sophie; daughters Valerie Moore, Angela Baker, and Anne Marie Fry; 16 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; and sisters Ida DiCanio and Marie Sacco. Following are some of the condolences and remembrances received by the union and by family members. Mike was a force for fairness and decency. While he was a kind and compassionate man, Mike never backed down from a fight when it came to protecting the rights of his fellow merchant mariners and workers everywhere. Our country is stronger and our economy is fairer because of his leadership and devotion. I know his legacy will endure through all the lives he touched. - President Joe Biden His big personality and even bigger heart were relentless in ensuring that working people had a seat at the table in every boardroom and that their voices were heard in every hall of power. Nobody fought harder for Mike Sacco’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication to seafarers’ rights. Mike was charismatic, tough, determined, and a great and inspirational leader with a sense of humor that always seemed to sum up the situation perfectly. He will be greatly missed. - ITF President Paddy Crumlin I first met Mike Sacco in the 1980s, just after he became our union president. I was young back then and prone to discouragement. Mike was very patient with me and used to repeat this mantra often – his pep talk. He’d say the SIU is a union of the unlicensed seafarers, most of whom came from the streets with little education or prospects of employment; the union teaches people job skills and gives them an opportunity to better their lives and make some decent money. In the end, I sailed on and had a wonderful career and retirement with no regrets. Rest easy, Mike. Mahalo Nui Loa (thank you so very much). - Brandon Maeda, SIU Pensioner It saddened my heart to hear this news in this holiday season. I will never forget his kindness, fair treatment and love that showed everyone we are a family. These qualities are the embodiment of a true mentor. His dedication toward work and his leadership will surely be missed. - Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman Mr. Michael Sacco, thank you for being there. You will be truly missed. I will always remember you keeping a smile on your face, and I know you are saying right now, “Don’t cry for me; smile for me.” Much love to you and my condolences go out to the family. - GUDE Thommie Hampton I was sorry to hear about Mike. He was a good man, and I will always remember him and his brother Joe from when I went through Piney Point in 1972. Mike put his heart into the Seafarers International Union. We will all miss you. - SA Thomas Curley Continues on Page 4 Elaine Chao (center), U.S. Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and then U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Trump, worked closely with Mike and the union for many years. She attended his memorial service. This photo, taken at the SIUNA convention in 2017 in Piney Point, Maryland, also includes Mike’s wife, Sophie. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and SIU President Michael Sacco in 2022 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Remembering Michael Sacco Continued from Page 3 Mike was a colleague, friend and mentor to me for many, many years. Mike’s life and deeds will never be forgotten. - Robert Scardelletti, President Emeritus, Transportation Communications Union Our industry and our nation lost a tremendous leader with the passing of Mike Sacco. There is no part of the American maritime industry untouched by his wisdom, leadership and tenacity over the past decades. In 1995, he played an integral role in the formation of the American Maritime Partnership, our coordinated industry coalition that to this day continues to effectively educate Congress and the Administration about the benefits of the American domestic maritime industry. That’s just one part of his enormous legacy. Mike Sacco was a giant like few others, and he will be sorely missed. - Jennifer Carpenter, President, American Maritime Partnership President Sacco will be remembered for his devotion to seafarers’ rights and service to the labor movement. He brought stability during times of great change in his union, including a merger. His lengthy tenure of service will continue to be an inspiration to advocates of workers’ rights. - Department of Professional Employees President Jennifer Dorning We lost a true friend of all mariners, a mentor to many and a great leader in the maritime industry. Seafarers will continue to receive the results of his steadfast leadership that generated the fiscal soundness and generous benefits of these Plans well into the future. His impact will not be forgotten. He has been a positive force in my life for the past 33 years. - Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen Mike Sacco learned from Paul Hall that the SIU is an important part of the labor movement. That’s why he walked – and expected Seafarers to walk – many picket lines across the country to show solidarity with Maritime Trades affiliates and others. He made sure Seafarers were known and respected within the AFL-CIO. - Daniel Duncan, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus, MTD I knew Mike for pretty much my whole life, starting with my first days as a trainee. We worked together for decades, so I observed him in lots of different circumstances – many of them challenging and stressful. He always maintained a laser-like focus on the goal at hand, and he came through time after time. My overriding feeling about Mike is one of gratitude. I am grateful to have spent so much time with him. I’m grateful to have learned so much from him, about leadership and foresight and dedication. His legacy and his example will continue to inspire us. - SIU President David Heindel Mike (third from left) was never out of place, but, other than when he was spending time with family, he arguably never felt more at home than when he visited with Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland, where this photo was taken in 2019. Also pictured along with the upgraders is then-SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left). I knew him since 1975, and he influenced my life right up to the present. He was a force of nature. People who are larger than life cast a big shadow that touches many people, and that is Mike’s legacy. Think of the thousands of Seafarers and their families who have a better life because of him. Mike always tried to emphasize the positive, and he cared about everybody’s family. I learned a lifetime’s worth of lessons from him. - SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez Countless hours with Mike over the years were filled with “windshield time.” That is simply the time you spend in a car with someone and talk. Those moments as well as a morning coffee or a drink at dinner were always filled with a lively conversation or story. What I grew to realize over the years is, those interactions were how Mike taught and mentored. His sense of history, knowledge of the industry and life lessons have become invaluable to me as I grow older and face the challenges he spoke of so often. I will certainly miss his insight and keen instincts. His thoughts on family life and strong conviction for the church will always remain at the forefront of any conversation I may have when someone asks, “What was he like?” He dedicated every day to improvement and had great attention to detail. I will always appreciate the room he gave me to grow as a person and as a union representative. I could go on for pages about the love and admiration that I and so many others have for him, but I think that goes without saying. So many words could be used to describe his career and life, but for me there is only one, and that word is ICONIC. - SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski In this snapshot from 2001, SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie show satisfaction regarding the merger of the unions. I was privileged to be in the room on many occasions when Mike held court. Whether the session was about funding for a maritime program or the best political strategy to achieve those goals, Mike was often the conductor, if not the architect, for the entire maritime industry. He would command any room with his presence alone and was at ease equally with the President of the United States or the most recent class of apprentices in Piney Point. The SIU has never been in better shape; Mike made sure of that. Today, the membership truly has security, the kind that that lets you sleep well at night. Knowing that you will always have a job, great medical benefits, and a pension are all products of Mike’s leadership. Mr. Sacco taught us well and we look forward to being the custodians of his legacy. - SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker Mike (second from right) meets with Seafarers in Piney Point, Maryland. Among those also pictured is Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (second from left). Members aboard the Cape Wrath (Crowley) conduct a moment of silence in Mike’s honor, in early January. 4 4 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FEBRUARY 2024 �Remembering Michael Sacco Mike conducts the AFL-CIO election in Philadelphia in 2022. Members at the January meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, pause to honor Mike’s memory. Mike is a brother, friend and lifelong companion to me in my SIU career. I met Mike back in 1975, when I was an 18-year-old trainee in Piney Point. I was amazed at the way his presence captivated the audience. He had an enormous, enthusiastic and passionate energy about him, a devotion to our union that I wanted to be part of. This was his passion, the betterment of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Over all these years, he has never wavered from that passion. Mike’s sincerity and integrity was his calling card. You felt comfortable when you met him, and when you talked with him, he made you feel connected. He is a lot of everything that is goodness all rolled up into one wonderful person. He will be missed and I will always remember the good times and memories that we shared together. I bid my brother farewell, on his final voyage. May the warmth of our Lord’s eternal love be your guiding light. - SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone Mike Sacco has been in my life for 47 years. He was my union ed teacher in piney point 1977, and I worked with him and his brother Joey (late SIU executive vice president) in the Gulf region. He was an inspiration and a driving force in my career, and a teacher in how to promote and protect the SIU and the entire United States Merchant Marine, along with the American labor movement. I will miss him a lot. - SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona I’ve been in the union since 1989 but have known Mike my entire life. I’ll remember how he commanded respect from everybody and yet how he could be at ease with anyone, whether it was the President of the United States or an ordinary seaman. Mike was a giant of a man in the labor movement. No one has ever been more dedicated to the SIU. - SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi During the 2023 MTD meeting in Florida, Mike (right) welcomes AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond to the stage. Mike Sacco is deeply loved and respected, and for many of us Mike was a leader, a mentor, a confidant, and trusted advisor. He treated us like family in many ways. Some of us really understand how completely he dedicated himself (and nearly every fiber of his being) to the betterment of the maritime industry, the membership, his leadership team and staff, and the labor movement writ large. Mike’s many contributions to the maritime industry and labor movement cannot be overstated. He had a big personality (to say it mildly); with a steady hand, good instincts, keen intuition, and prudent judgement which he wielded as a positive force for our industry, and in many people’s lives – personally and professionally. Mike, you will be sorely missed but your legacy will live on with us forever. - SIU Vice President of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell The flag outside the hall in Norfolk, Virginia, flies at half-staff in Mike’s honor. FEBRUARY 2024 Editor’s note: On behalf of the union as well as Mike’s family, we are deeply and sincerely appreciative of the many heartfelt condolences that have been received. We attempted to publish and post a reasonably representative sample; no slight is intended to any organization or individual whose comments don’t appear here. Mike was based in St. Louis for many years and rarely if ever missed a mass, whether he was home or travelling. His funeral mass took place Jan. 6 at the city’s St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church; this photo was taken an hour before the service. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 5 SEAFARERS LOG • 5 �U.S. and Allies Team Up to Protect Commercial Shipping in Red Sea Lt. Charmaine Solis (left) observes commercial vessels sailing alongside the USS Mason in late December while ship operates in support of Operation Prosperity Guardian in the Gulf of Aden (U.S. Navy photo by Chris Krucke) The Pentagon on Dec. 18 announced the formal launch of an international effort to protect civilian mariners and their vessels in the Red Sea. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III stated, “The recent escalation in reckless Houthi attacks originating from Yemen threatens the free flow of commerce, endangers innocent mariners, and violates international law. The Red Sea is a critical waterway that has been essential to freedom of navigation and a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade. Countries that seek to uphold the foundational principle of freedom of navigation must come together to tackle the challenge posed by this non-state actor launching ballistic missiles and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) at merchant vessels from many nations lawfully transiting international waters. “This is an international challenge that demands collective action,” he continued. “Therefore, today I am announcing the establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, an important new multinational security initiative under the umbrella of the Combined Maritime Forces and the leadership of its Task Force 153, which focuses on security in the Red Sea. Operation Prosperity A crew member aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason looks through binoculars on the bridge wing in early January while the ship sails in the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian. (U.S. Navy photo by Chris Krucke) Guardian is bringing together multiple countries to include the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain, to jointly address security challenges in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity.” A few weeks later, the U.S. redesignated Yemen’s Houthi rebels as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist group” following ongoing missile and drone attacks on international shipping. The U.S. and our allies also countered with multiple strikes against the Houthis. A U.S. government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said in a news report, “These attacks (by the Houthis) fit the textbook definition of terrorism. They have endangered U.S. personnel, civilian mariners and our partners, jeopardized global trade and threatened freedom of navigation.” In late January, the SIU and several other maritime labor organizations sent a letter to Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANCSOM) thanking the military for its ongoing support and urging continued diligence. In part, the letter (signed by SIU President David Heindel and others) read, “We fully support the recent strikes made against the Houthi rebels in Yemen via American and international forces over the last week. It is critical that the Houthi rebels understand the consequences of attacking U.S-flag shipping and that the United States will continue to protect its sovereignty when that sovereignty is threatened by illegal attacks. These attacks represent the most significant attacks on the United States Merchant Marine in more than half a century.” The labor groups also asked “for continued cooperation and information sharing, to ensure that our vessels and their crews have all the tools needed to ensure safe transits of the area. Especially critical are secure communication links between vessels transiting the Red Sea and the naval vessels deployed in the area to deter and defend against Houthi attacks. While we understand that procedures are being developed and so far, the joint efforts of our vessel operators, mariners and naval personnel have resulted in no casualties to U.S.-flag ships, we cannot rest on past success. Continued communication, especially at the tactical level, is crucial.” Biden’s Pro-Worker Final Rule Pushes Federal PLAs into Effect In an official White House statement, President health and safety protections,” Biden’s White House Biden declared that construction projects for the briefing release reads. PLAs are pre-hire collective bargaining federal government valued at or above $35 million will require Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). agreements which are unique to the construction This ruling is supported by the Biden-Harris industry. PLAs typically are negotiated between administration after a period of demonstrated construction unions and construction contractors success using PLAs to complete federal construction in order to establish the terms and conditions projects with a quality, trained workforce in a timely, of employment for construction projects, as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). cost-effective manner, the White House reported. This new mandate, called the Federal Acquisition Some commonplace conditions included in PLAs Regulation: Use of Project Labor Agreements for are provisions that bind all contractors and subcontractors Federal Construction Projects, w a s "PLAs are good for business and they're good for to the agreement; noannounced late last workers. Because of their proven track record of n o - s t r i k e , lockout clauses; and year and published success, the Biden/Harris administration strongly grievance/arbitration on Dec. 22. It officially took effect Jan. 22, supports PLAs, and is promoting their use on federal procedures. Many of these 2024. The edict enacts projects that are being built across the country as a g r e e me nt s also Executive Order 14063, we speak." which was initially -Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su include wage and benefit specifications published on Feb. 9, as well as guarantees 2022. Historically, this sets a new precent for federal construction projects, that highly skilled laborers will participate in the as they had never needed to meet this requirement projects, as they may designate that hiring is done through a union hiring hall. PLAs also often include to move forward. “For the first time in history, Project Labor health and safety provisions which help ensure that Agreements will be required on federal construction the workers chosen for the project undergo safety projects valued at or above $35 million. This means training, along with the implementation of other that projects funded by my Investing in America workplace safety procedures. According to the DOL, PLAs may also help agenda will move faster and without delays, giving taxpayers better bang for their buck. Workers improve diversity efforts on federal projects. will have the security and peace of mind that Clauses which outline goals for hiring local collectively bargained wages and benefits bring, community members on projects, incorporate better pathways to good-paying jobs, and stronger equity plans, detail strategic recruitment policies 6 6 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su for workers from underserved communities, and require participation of small businesses are often included in PLAs for this reason. Acting Secretary Julie Su, in the USDOL’s PLA 101 video, says, “PLAs are good for business and they're good for workers. Because of their proven track record of success, the Biden/Harris administration strongly supports PLAs, and is promoting their use on federal projects that are being built across the country as we speak.” FEBRUARY 2024 �U.S. Mint Honors Merchant Marine with WWII Memorial Silver Dollar The U.S. Mint is gearing up to the coin. release a silver dollar coin with a The commemorative coin’s merchant mariner prominently reverse was designed by Ben featured on the coin’s face as a tribute Sowards and Renata Gordon, and to their significant contributions to depicts a view from underneath our country’s triumph in World War the baldacchino at the World War II. The new coin design is set to debut II memorial. The baldacchino, or early this year as part of the “Greatest sculptural canopy, shown in the Generation Commemorative Coin center of the silver dollar coin is Program.” modeled after the Victory Pavilion This series of three coins, which in the World War II Memorial. Four includes new illustrations to be eagles each holding a laurel wreath pressed onto the silver dollar, the encircle the outer portion of the half dollar, and the five-dollar coin, coin, interspersed with text that was unveiled by the United States reads Victory, At Sea, On Land, and Mint and the Friends of the National Artist’s renderings of the commemorative silver dollar show the front (above, left) and back. (Images courtesy U.S. Mint) In the Air. The top of the coin also World War II Memorial last fall at the includes the standard attribution Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American National World War II Memorial in to the coin’s country of origin and E soldiers and civilians during World War II,” said Pluribis Unum, and the bottom has WWII Memorial Washington, D.C. According to the Mint, “The coins will serve as United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “We written atop the value amount of the coin. monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment hope this program will honor their unwavering Pricing for the three-coin set includes of the brave Americans who fought to defend the courage and selfless spirit.” surcharges and is as follows: $35 for each $5 gold Pictured on the front of the new memorial silver coin sold; $10 for each silver dollar sold; and $5 for nation and advance peace and freedom throughout the world. They also serve as a dedication to the dollar, designed by Beth Zaiken and Phebe Hemphill, each half dollar sold. In accordance with Public Law National WWII Memorial in D.C, which was built to six people representing different branches of 117-162, also referred to as the Greatest Generation honor the 16 million who served in the United States the military and the U.S. Merchant Marine work Commemorative Coin Act, these coins are mandated Armed Forces during World War II, as well as the together to support the world. They stand above to be minted by the Secretary of the Treasury 400,000 who died and those who supported the war text that reads “Liberty” and “In God We Trust,” and and are authorized to support maintenance and the year, which is present on all U.S.-minted coins. repairs of the World War Memorial, as well as for effort at home.” “The Greatest Generation commemorative coin The words “World War II Memorial” and “Defenders commemorative and educational usage. designs are emblematic of the National World War II of Freedom” are inscribed around the perimeter of Visit www.usmint.gov for more information. Defense Bill Contains Major Victories for Maritime The SIU helped spearhead inclusion of two potentially crucial pro-maritime components of the newly enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). One of those statutes will reduce – by 50 percent – the sea-time requirements for qualifying for an AB endorsement. This change took effect immediately upon President Biden signing the bill Dec. 22. Depending on the specific kind of AB endorsement, sea-time requirements have decreased to 18 months (from 36), 12 months (from 24), and six months (from 12). The latter standard is for Great Lakes ABs. For now, those reductions are scheduled to remain in place for three years, but the union and others will work to make them permanent. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman played key roles in securing the sea- time modifications, and they both also credited Coast Guard Rear Adm. Wayne R. Arguin Jr. for his vital support. The NDA A also strengthens U.S.-f lag requirements for cargo preference shipments. Through new reporting mandates and a change that gives the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) final determinative authority regarding Americanflag vessel availability, the bill aims to help ensure that U.S.-flag ships aren’t bypassed in favor of foreign bottoms. There are several other maritime components within the bill, including ones that authorize monies for the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program; require MARAD to publish briefings on its national maritime strategy; and form a new maritime workforce group that includes two slots for representatives from labor. President Biden signed the NDAA in December. (Official White House photo) Shenandoah Trader Joins TSP Fleet SIU members are sailing aboard the recently reflagged Shenandoah Trader, operated by U.S. Marine Management. Built in South Korea in 2015, the 600-foot-long ship is enrolled in the U.S. Tanker Security Program. The 325,000-barrel tanker reflagged in Curacao in mid-December. FEBRUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 7 7 �The The Union Plus Wireless Wireless Program WORKS WORKS FOR ME “The AT&T AT&T Union Union Plus “The Plus program program is is outstanding. It’s It’s another outstanding. another way way II can can take advantage advantage of take of the the benefits benefits of of being a a union union member.” being member.” See more at See more at unionplus.org unionplus.org SIU-WR-1-17-24 �Seafaring Life Agrees with Mother and Son For Seafarers Faith Gonse and her son, Christopher, sailing with the SIU has proven to be a resoundingly positive experience – one that holds even greater promise for the future. They shared a milestone late last year when they received their respective B-seniority books at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. It took two long trips and the accumulation of sea time in order for Faith to earn it. Chris completed three rotations to qualify. Faith waited until both she and her son were home for vacation in December so that they could get the books together, as a family. “It was nice to take a picture with my baby,” she said. At press time, Faith was putting her hard-earned knowledge to work, serving as a chief cook aboard an Ocean Shipholdings vessel. Chris was on the same ship, sailing as a GVA. They shared their experiences with a LOG staffer via speakerphone from their vessel in the middle of the ocean, somewhere near Japan. Faith joined the SIU in 2021, after having her fill of working a job in another industry that she felt was leading her nowhere. The SIU proved a good fit from the start: Her first trip went so well, she encouraged Chris (then a high school senior) to join upon graduation. He eventually took the advice after a slight detour of sorts, joining in 2022 with the hope of building a rewarding career with longevity. Initially, Chris enrolled in a community college. “I finished one year and decided it wasn’t for me,” he said. Faith recalled that the know-how and friendliness of SIU personnel at the Norfolk hall boosted her comfort with the career change. “Once I got in there, everyone was so warm, friendly, professional and very knowledgeable,” she said. “I just felt welcome and I knew that I was going to get a lot out of being there. And I did.” She added, “We’ve got the best patrolmen and union hall staff. I mean they just go above and beyond for everyone that I’ve seen in my short time with the union. Whenever I go in there, they get everything done that I need.” Although they only have been with the union for a few years, they have improved their quality of life and had many great experiences together as a result of their membership with the SIU, Chris and Faith both said. Consistent with viewing their work as a career rather than merely a job, they also have made it a Chief Cook Faith Gonse (left) and GVA Chris Gonse receiving their B seniority books in Norfolk FEBRUARY 2024 Chris Gonse and his mother, Faith Gonse, pose for a photo while on a vessel together. point to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Chris most recently went to the school in early 2023 for the government vessels class, while Faith upgraded to chief cook in December. Faith said of her class, “I had the best time! All the chefs were very knowledgeable and very willing to help. It was a great environment. I learned a lot while I was there. I can’t wait to go back and upgrade again.” Both members of this mother-son duo have aspirations for their futures with the union. Chris plans to upgrade to the highest level possible within the engine department. “I’ll be getting as much training and as much knowledge as I can on the ships and move up from there and go as far as I can,” he said. Faith plans to sail more trips as a chief cook, and then enroll for the next advanced galley ops class in Piney Point. Sailing together has been a great experience for Faith and Chris, they both said. When asked which voyage that they’ve been on is their favorite, they both mentioned a trip to Australia. “It was a very nice, very unexpected visit,” Faith said. “Every port we go to together is special, but this one was especially so. We got to cross the Equator, and we never thought we’d get to visit someplace like Australia. It’s not the usual port call so it was a surprise and a bonus for us.” “It’s a surreal moment. We got to see the Sydney Opera House in real life, from right there on the water,” Chris said. Having the ability to work alongside your family as you travel around the world is a rare experience that Chris and Faith are both thankful to have. “It’s a blessing to have home come with you when you’re going out to sea for long periods of time. It’s about as lucky as you can get,” he said. “With Chris upgrading and eventually going in his own direction on a different ship, it’s been really amazing having this time with him and watching him grow and watching both of us grow and travel the world together,” Faith said. “He’s my favorite person and I love him to pieces, and it’s just nice to be able to have him here and watch him grow and know that he’s going to have a good career with SIU.” She concluded, “We’re really grateful to have this opportunity and to be part of the union. It’s an amazing organization.” The view from a double decker tour bus outside of Sydney Opera House from the Gonse’s port call in Australia. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 9 LOG • 9 �Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2022 and ending July 31, 2023 (the “2022 Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the 2022 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2023 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2022 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2024. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2022 Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,009. Of this number, 748 were current employees, 837 were retired and receiving benefits, and 424 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2022 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: 10 •SEAFARERS 10 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2022 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2024. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 FEBRUARY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SOLIDARITY IN DC – SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez (second from left) recently met in the nation’s capital with officials CONGRESSIONAL BACKING – SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (right) and U.S. Rep. Troy Carer (D-Louisiana) discuss maritime issues at a mid-December gathering in New Orleans. ABOARD ARC COMMITMENT – Pictured aboard the TOTE ship in Baltimore are (from left) Paul Hall Center Apprentice Andrew Tingle and SIU Port Agent John Hoskins. from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, including VP Luis Corral, Advocacy Officer Archie Ranin III, National President Mike Democrito C. Mendoza, and National Exec. VP Gerard R. Sino (all pictured). ABOARD NATIONAL GLORY – Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo is pictured during lunch aboard the Intrepid ship while the vessel is docked at San Juan Bay during cargo ops. ABOARD CAROLINE MCKEE – AB Todd Wilson (left) and Safety Director Jason Brown are pictured aboard the Port City Marine Services vessel in Charlevoix, Michigan. ABOARD PACIFIC COLLECTOR ‒ Seafarers gather for a Christmas Eve photo that coincides with a union meeting on the TOTE ship. WITH G&H BOATMEN – Group photo (above) includes Capt. Mathew McDowell, SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, Mate Oscar De La Garza, Wiper Derek Sexton and DDA Cody Klekar on the Juno, while the photo at left features Safety Director Kevin Sykes (right) and the crew of the C.R. Haden. FEBRUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER LOG 2023• 11 11 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU INTERNATIONAL GATHERING – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) helps welcome Belgium Prime Minister Alexader De Croo to Houston. The prime minister traveled with various government and Port of Antwerp officials for (in part) meetings about international trade, apprenticeship training and more. WELCOME ASHORE IN SAN JUAN – Holding his first pension check at the hiring hall is Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega Mercado (right), who started sailing with the SIU in 1984. During his career, he sailed to more than 20 different countries. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (left) noted, “As a bosun and as a friend, Isaac is the best. I thank him for his tireless dedication and effort. The San Juan staff and membership loves him!” TAKING THE OATH IN SUNSHINE STATE ‒ Being sworn in at the December membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida, are (from left, facing camera) STOS Torence Henry (B book), Chief Cook Jack Gourgue (A book), AB William Bingham (B book) and STOS Kurran Robinson (B book). SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is standing at right. ENJOYING SOME TIME OFF ‒ After consuming what was described by a reliable source (Storekeeper Jason Devine, center) as “a delicious Thanksgiving dinner” aboard the USNS Pomeroy (Patriot), some of the mariners went scuba diving at Lau Lau Beach in Saipan. Pictured from left are 1AE Sharon Darby, Devine and 2AE Jordan Brown. LOOKING FOR AN AQUARIUM? – Recertified Bosun James Walker completes a nice haul during his off-time aboard the Maersk Denver. WELCOME ASHORE IN LONE STAR STATE – QMED Lee Collins (second from left) picks up his first pension check at the Houston hall. He’s pictured with (from left) Patrolman J.B. Niday, Asst. VP Mike Russo, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent Joe Zavala. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – GUDE Michael Sabio (left in photo above, right, with SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday) and AB Prince Agyapong (left in remaining photo, with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick) receive their respective B-books at the hiring hall. 12 SEAFARERS LOG OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS LOG • FEBRUARY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD CAPT. DAVID LYON – Pictured from left aboard the Sealift-operated vessel are Steward/Baker Rommel Reston, SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon Jr., and Bosun Jonmala Floresca. ABOARD LIBERTY EAGLE – Pictured aboard the Liberty Maritime vessel in Houston are (from left, standing) Recertified Bosun Albert Konning, Chief Cook Yohanes Pribadi, GUDE Frederick Dunmore, Paul Hall Center Apprentices Nirel Escalante and Kenny Galeno (both members of Class 900), Steward/Baker Neyda Oviedo Bermudez, SA Irving Guerrero, GUDE Fredy Ruiz and ABM Jose Castillo Lino. SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday is in front. FULL BOOKS IN JERSEY – SA Nilza Chavez (left in photo above, left) and Chief Cook Juan A. Vallejo (left in remaining photo) receive their B-books from SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. (If Juan’s name seems familiar, it may be because his father is Recertified Steward Juan J. Vallejo.) ABOARD MANULANI – The New Year’s Day menu aboard the Matson ship was well-received. Pictured are Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, ACU Abdulwali Mugalli, Chief Cook Khaled Alasaadi and vessel master Capt. Tim Kalke. ABOARD MONTFORD POINT – Pictured aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel are (from left) Chief Cook Ashley Hudson, AB Brice Ilao, Bosun Larry Dizon, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey, QMED Tresten Porter, QMED Marquez Fields, SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls, and ITF Inspector Bobbi Shipley. MEMORABLE MOMENT ‒ QEE Todd Lander (left) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with Administrative Assistant Caitlyn Wharton. 13 SEAFARERS FEBRUARY 2024 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 B-BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Andrea President (left in photo above, right, with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone) and GUDE Ruel Decrepito (center in remaining photo, with Marrone, right, and SIU Patrolwoman Kathy Chester) receive their respective full books at the hiring hall. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023• 13 13 SEAFARERS �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Recertified ABOARD MAERSK OHIO – Pictured from left in the group photo are Dayman Richard Sandiford, Dayman Urgel Peligro, Recertified Bosun James Joyce and Watchstander Michael Sherman. Chief Cook Atrenique Deamus is in the remaining photo. Bosun Felsher “Tony” Beasley (left) receives his first pension check at the Philadelphia hall (Port Agent Joe Baselice is at right). Beasley started sailing with the SIU in 1979, and one could say he is part of an SIU family – his father, brother, sons and nephews all sailed or are currently sailing with the union. WITH MEMBERS AT PENN TERMINALS ‒ Pictured at the Crowley facility in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, are (from left) Seafarers Vernell Cornell, Dave DiCrecchio, George Vazquez and Chris Wiley, SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, Seafarer John Harvey, Safety Director Andre MacCray and Seafarer Scott Musick. MILESTONE IN ILLINOIS – AB Rolando Calimlim receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Joliet. STOPPING BY THE HALL – QMEDPumpman Marcelino Santos Bermeo (left) – a second-generation Seafarer – proudly points to his machinist class photo, taken in Piney Point in November. He’s joined at the San Juan hall by his spouse, Karla. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD ‒ Christmas dinner was a hit aboard the Patriot ship. Pictured from left are Recertified Steward Dennison Dizon, OS Brandon Manipon and Chief Cook Julian Abreu. GIVING BACK IN THE COMMUNITY – The SIU has a long history of brightening the holidays for others, and that tradition was evident late last year in Jersey City (above, right) and Philadelphia (remaining photo), among other locations. Seafarers in New Jersey donated toys to the Hudson County Central Labor Council – the CLC in turn passed along the gifts to a local Boys & Girls Club. Pictured at the Jersey City hall are (from left) Danny Fiolek from the CLC, SIU VP Joseph Soresi, CLC President Barry Kushnir, and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. In Philly, members teamed up with other trade unionists to benefit residents of Hunts Haven family housing (in nearby Chester). The latter effort was organized in part by Seafarer Vernell Cornell (fourth from right). Among those also pictured with Cornell are SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (fourth from left) and Safety Director Andre MacCray (far right). 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 FEBRUARY 2024 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from December 15 - January 16, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of January 16, 2024. Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 10 2 6 20 1 8 5 27 22 11 2 7 14 7 1 2 7 13 1 22 Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department 4 0 2 10 0 4 4 15 24 9 1 3 9 1 0 3 2 2 1 1 0 3 0 2 1 1 0 3 7 4 1 1 4 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 8 3 3 11 1 9 5 21 13 10 1 7 9 4 4 1 5 14 3 14 4 1 1 2 0 4 3 12 23 4 1 1 10 1 0 5 2 5 1 3 1 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 4 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 4 4 2 8 0 0 2 16 11 8 1 1 10 2 2 3 3 8 1 7 17 1 4 31 2 10 12 47 48 29 3 12 22 13 3 1 12 22 0 48 4 3 2 21 0 5 4 33 41 16 1 5 15 1 0 0 2 6 1 6 0 3 1 3 1 2 1 4 8 6 1 1 5 0 0 0 4 5 0 3 TOTAL 188 95 31 146 83 20 93 337 166 48 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 1 0 3 4 0 2 2 7 15 2 2 2 9 4 0 1 0 9 1 2 66 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 3 1 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 3 0 1 23 2 1 2 1 0 0 0 7 6 4 1 0 6 3 1 0 0 2 0 6 42 1 0 4 10 1 1 10 19 26 13 2 6 21 5 1 2 6 17 1 14 160 0 0 2 7 0 3 4 15 20 2 2 3 11 5 1 1 2 8 0 8 94 1 0 0 2 0 0 2 3 6 2 0 2 9 2 0 0 1 1 0 5 36 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 13 0 2 0 10 3 2 1 1 1 0 4 42 6 0 0 14 1 3 8 31 42 14 0 2 20 14 2 3 8 11 2 23 204 1 1 0 7 1 1 5 8 14 6 0 4 14 8 1 2 8 7 0 9 97 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 5 3 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 25 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 6 2 0 1 4 2 0 5 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 5 2 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 14 4 0 12 0 2 7 28 53 24 0 0 19 9 0 4 2 15 0 13 18 1 4 18 1 4 7 30 121 28 1 2 43 16 1 9 3 11 0 14 Engine Department 1 0 5 7 2 0 7 9 21 4 1 4 14 2 0 1 6 11 1 6 102 1 1 3 3 1 0 1 6 18 5 1 1 8 1 1 1 4 2 0 5 63 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 3 8 5 0 1 5 2 0 0 0 3 2 6 45 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 5 1 2 0 0 3 0 1 17 Steward Department February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point Monday: Feb. 5, March 4 Algonac Friday: Feb. 9, March 8 Baltimore Thursday: Feb. 8 , March 7 Guam Thursday: Feb. 22, March 21 Honolulu Friday: Feb. 16, March 15 Houston Monday: Feb. 12 , March 11 Jacksonville Thursday: Feb. 8, March 7 Joliet Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14 Mobile Wednesday: Feb. 14, March 13 New Orleans Tuesday: Feb. 13, March 12 Jersey City Tuesday: Feb. 6, March 5 Norfolk Friday: Feb. 9, March 8 Oakland Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14 Philadelphia Wednesday: Feb. 7, March 6 Port Everglades Thursday: Feb. 15, March 14 San Juan Thursday: Feb. 8, March 7 St. Louis Friday: Feb. 16, March 15 Tacoma Friday: Feb. 23, March 22 Wilmington Tuesday: Feb. 20, Monday: March 18 Date change due to holiday observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. FEBRUARY 2024 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 2 0 1 6 1 2 2 15 17 6 0 1 13 13 1 2 3 4 1 15 105 0 0 0 4 1 2 3 6 13 4 0 5 15 5 0 1 6 1 1 9 76 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 19 1 0 1 4 0 1 5 8 20 4 2 3 10 8 4 1 1 3 1 11 88 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 4 11 0 1 1 15 3 0 1 6 1 1 3 51 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 7 3 1 4 1 0 4 15 37 10 1 0 13 9 0 6 0 8 0 5 9 1 4 9 2 2 1 13 63 21 0 1 23 13 0 10 3 4 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 TOTAL 14 124 190 5 57 106 27 23 206 332 GRAND TOTAL 409 361 263 302 236 157 204 724 563 441 Entry Department 4 0 1 2 1 0 1 8 13 7 1 0 3 5 0 2 1 3 0 5 3 1 2 4 1 0 6 4 31 12 0 1 14 6 0 13 0 3 0 5 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was answered in late 2023 at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: What would you like to do/accomplish in 2024? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Arsenio C. Omabao Jr. AB Maintenance HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 I want to continue my duties as a bosun in the SIU. Most importantly, I want to get my QMED certification. I want to keep moving forward. Carl Royster Chief Cook Pinero Peek OS I want to become a steward – a certified chief steward – and keep working. I want to make it up to becoming an officer. I want to climb the ladder. Elias Bonefont AB Keith Small Steward/Baker Keep smiling. I want to stay in a positive environment. My goal is to become debtfree. I also want to be better with my craft. David King SA Juditha Cuarez SA I want to become a chief cook and keep sailing. I would like to become a chief cook. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 Aaron Moore Oiler JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Pictured aboard the LNG Libra in 1979 are Paul Klippel, Evan Jones, Bob O’Rourke, John Hamot, Howard Webber, W. Murphy, Jeffrey Thompson and Richard Grant. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 1616 • SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA FLORITO ALEGADO Brother Florito Alegado, 65, joined the union in 2006. He was a deck department member and first worked on the Pride of Aloha. Brother Alegado upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Spirit and makes his home in Long Beach, California. ANGELITO BASA Brother Angelito Basa, 69, signed on with the Seafarers in 2006 when he sailed aboard the North Star. He upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Basa shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed on the Yosemite Trader before settling in Auburn, Washington. ALFRANCIS BAUZON Brother Alfrancis Bauzon, 61, donned the SIU colors in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Bauzon was a member of the steward department. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bauzon’s last vessel was the American Phoenix. He calls Spring, Texas, home. ERIC BERRY Brother Eric Berry, 67, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Green Point. A deck department member, Brother Berry upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He concluded his career aboard the El Faro in 2009 and resides in Spring Valley, California. JOHN BIMPONG Brother John Bimpong, 66, became an SIU member in 1991. He worked in the engine department and first shipped on the Sea Fox. Brother Bimpong upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Charleston and lives in Jacksonville, Florida. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. HARRY DOWLING JOHN MCBENTUM Brother Harry Dowling, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991, first sailing aboard the Sealift Indian Ocean. Brother Dowling worked in the deck department. He last shipped on the Maersk Alaska and resides in Lilly, Pennsylvania. Brother John McBentum, 68, began his career with the Seafarers in 2010 when he sailed aboard the R.J. Pfeiffer. Primarily an engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother McBentum most recently sailed aboard the Ocean Jazz. He calls Lake Elsinore, California, home. DAVID HALIM Brother David Halim, 65, became a member of the union in 2002 when he shipped on the USNS Bellatrix. He worked in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Halim’s final vessel was the Yosemite Trader. He is a Philadelphia resident. BRENT JOHNSON Brother Brent Johnson, 65, joined the SIU in 1987. He first shipped on the USNS Bartlett and sailed in the engine department. Brother Johnson upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. He last sailed on the Horizon Crusader and makes his home in Vidalia, Georgia. DANIEL JOHNSON Brother Daniel Johnson, 65, began sailing with the union in 1976, initially working aboard the Ponce. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Johnson’s final vessel was the Performance. He lives in Lake City, Florida. KEVIN KELLUM Brother Kevin Kellum, 56, signed on with the union in 1991 when he shipped on the USNS Capella. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Kellum most recently sailed on the Pacific Tracker and makes his home in Vancouver, Washington. SI-XIN LING Brother Si-Xin Ling, 66, joined the Seafarers in 2006, initially sailing on the Green Cove. Brother Ling was a member of the engine department. He last shipped on the Cape Kennedy and lives in Gretna, Louisiana. LEANDER COLLINS SPENCER LYLE Brother Leander Collins, 66, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the St. Louis Express. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Collins shipped in the engine department and most recently worked on the Cape Cortes. He is a Houston resident. Brother Spencer Lyle, 65, became a member of the union in 1976. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed with National Marine Service. Brother Lyle concluded his career on the Commitment and settled in Livingston, Texas. FEBRUARY 2024 ABUDULL RAHIEM Brother Abudull Rahiem, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Sea-Land Trader. Brother Rahiem upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. A steward department member, he last sailed on the Nedlloyd Holland. Brother Rahiem lives in Philadelphia. LEA RAMOS MEJIA Sister Lea Ramos Mejia, 65, donned the SIU colors in 2001. A steward department member, she initially shipped on the Chelsea. Sister Ramos Mejia upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She concluded her career aboard the Pelican State and resides in Houston. MELVIN SMALLS Brother Melvin Smalls, 67, joined the Seafarers in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Seabulk Trader. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Smalls most recently shipped on the Hudson Express. He makes his home in Ludowici, Georgia. STEVEN SUESS Brother Steven Suess, 65, started sailing with the union in 1991, initially working with Sea-Land. Brother Suess upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1995. He sailed in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Suess was last employed with Cargotec Services. He lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. NMU JAMES CARSON Brother James Carson, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career with Boston Fuel Company. Brother Carson calls Portsmouth, Rhode Island, home. SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 17 • OCTOBER LOG • 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ELRICK ARCHER Brother Elrick Archer, 63, passed away July 1. He became a member of the SIU in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Benno C. Schmidt. Brother Archer was a steward department member. He last shipped on the Rio Grande Express in 2020 and made his home in Miami. DONALD BARNEY Pensioner Donald Barney, 75, died November 3. He joined the union in 1979 and initially sailed aboard the Lewis G. Harriman. Brother Barney sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Sam Houston. He started collecting his pension in 2013 and was a resident of Chesapeake, Virginia. NELSON DORADO Pensioner Nelson Dorado, 94, passed away November 22. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1964. A deck department member, Brother Dorado first sailed aboard the Duval. He last sailed on the Stonewall Jackson before going on pension in 1995. Brother Dorado lived in Metairie, Louisiana. GERALD FREEMAN Brother Gerald Freeman, 65, died October 2. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1987 when he sailed aboard the USNS Chauvenet. Brother Freeman worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Ocean Freedom. He resided in Las Vegas. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. JOE MARTIN WILLIAM DUNNEY Pensioner Joe Martin, 78, died November 9. He became a member of the SIU in 1965. Brother Martin’s first ship was the Erna Elizabeth. He worked in the engine department and retired in 2010 after concluding his career aboard his final vessel, the Benavidez. Brother Martin resided in Mobile, Alabama. Brother William Dunney, 69, passed away July 11. He joined the SIU in 1997 when he worked with OSG Ship Management. Brother Dunney sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Commitment and made his home in Murrieta, California. JESSE GARDNER MICHAEL MOORE Brother Michael Moore, 65, passed away October 19. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Prince William Sound. Brother Moore sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Alaskan Explorer and lived in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. CARL TEBELL Pensioner Carl Tebell, 90, passed away November 26. He joined the union in 1979, initially sailing aboard the President Taft. Brother Tebell sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Columbia. He started collecting his pension in 1987 and was a San Francisco resident. JEFFREY WISE Brother Jeffrey Wise, 63, died August 7. He became a member of the SIU in 2000 and first sailed aboard the USNS Invincible. Brother Wise worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard the USNS Able. He resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. YEN HUEY Brother Yen Huey, 87, has passed away. He joined the SIU in 1979 and first shipped on the Maunawili. Brother Huey sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the President Truman and made his home in San Francisco. JACK JOHNSON Pensioner Jack Johnson, 84, died November 9. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 when he sailed on a Seatrain Lines vessel. Brother Johnson sailed in the engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. He began collecting his pension in 1992 and resided in Golden Valley, Arizona. HOWARD KNOX Pensioner Howard Knox, 88, passed away November 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1964. A deck department member, Brother Knox first shipped on a Victory Carriers vessel. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Lobos and became a pensioner in 1998. Brother Knox lived in Corona, New York. GREAT LAKES KENNETH DYKSTRA Pensioner Kenneth Dykstra, 93, passed away October 15. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1968. Brother Dykstra was a deck department member, and started and ended his career with Arnold Transit Company. He went on pension in 1995 and made his home in Boyne City, Michigan. INLAND ANTONIO COLON Pensioner Antonio Colon, 79, died November 17. He started sailing with the SIU in 1976. Brother Colon worked in the deck department and shipped with Crowley Puerto Rico Services for most of his career. He retired in 2001 and lived in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. 18 •SEAFARERS 18 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Pensioner Jesse Gardner, 92, died November 14. A deck department member, he signed on with the union in 1978. Brother Gardner sailed with Express Marine for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived in New Bern, North Carolina. PAUL MUTTA Brother Paul Mutta, 57, has passed away. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 2007 and worked in the engine department. Brother Mutta was employed with Allied Transportation for his entire career. He called Camden, North Carolina, home. SIDNEY POIRRIER Pensioner Sidney Poirrier, 67, died November 16. He joined the union in 1976 when he worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage. Brother Poirrier was a deck department member and remained with the same company until his retirement in 2011. Brother Poirrier resided in Covington, Louisiana. JOHN REBER Pensioner John Reber, 81, passed away November 11. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1992. Brother Reber worked in the engine department. He was employed with Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Reber became a pensioner in 2011 and called Wanchese, North Carolina, home. NMU CHEW WAH Pensioner Chew Wah, 102, passed away November 14. He began sailing in the early 1940s. An engine department member, Brother Wah worked with Moore-McCormick Lines for most of his career. He retired in 1986 and made his home in Brooklyn, New York. HERSCHEL WILLIAMS Pensioner Herschel Williams, 90, passed away September 19. Brother Williams sailed in the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Baltimore Trader before becoming a pensioner in 1996. Brother Williams resided in Jacksonville, Florida. FEBRUARY 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited) October 1 – Chairman Arsenio Obenza, Educational Director Cirico Geonanga, Engine Delegate Joshua Glancy, Steward Delegate Christopher Coston. Chairman thanked everyone for a safe trip. He reminded members to leave clean rooms for onboarding crew. Chairman suggested updating credentials six months in advance and to have all paperwork ready upon arrival at the hall. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade their skills at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship in need of new washing machine and dryer. Crew remained alert and accountable during trip. gate William Fortner. Payoff at sea scheduled for October 31. Chairman advised members to update union dues with patrolman to avoid falling behind and not qualifying for full benefits. He suggested obtaining updated forms for shipping and benefits. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paull Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed various ideas pertaining to benefits. Crew would like eligibility requirement for medical benefits to return to 125 per year and one day in last 6 months. Members asked for raises to all pensions, 20 for 30 vacation and increases in steward department pay. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. LIBERTY PROMISE (Liberty Maritime Corp.), October 11 – Chairman William Barrett. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new mattresses, TVs and DVD players in all rooms as well as a new refrigerator. Crew motioned to increase vacation to 30 for 30 for all A-books and asked for 100% dental coverage for members and their dependents. Next port: Port Hueneme, California. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), November 5 – Chairman Charles Hill, Educational Director Michael Blue. Crew voiced concerns with ship captain and his comments on their work performance. Members noted lack of compensation for overtime worked beyond four hours, per deck delegate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like refrigerators in their rooms. Members asked for 15 for 30 vacation and an updated contract with Phoenix Crew Management. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), October 27 – Chairman Rufino Giray, Secretary Kenneth Hagan, Deck Delegate Edgardo Martinez-Espada, Engine Delegate Anatoli Vetsinov, Steward Dele- MAERSK SENTOSA (Maersk Line, Limited), November 12 – Chairman Rolando Guity, Secretary Charles B ro ok s , E ducat i o n a l D i re c to r Wordell Prescott. Educational director reminded members to up- grade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested 30 for 30 vacation. GOODWILL (Chesapeake Crewing, LLC), December 10 – Chairman Ronnie Rodriguez, Educational Director Christopher Edwards. Members would like contracts to include penalty pay for various tasks. Crew requested refrigerators and TVs for all unlicensed living quarters, as well as additional entertainment resources. Members asked to be compensated for sailing four days without accessible hot water due to pipe leak on B-deck. Working TV has been acquired in crew lounge and a new washer for B-deck crew is to be installed. ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC), December 17 – Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Mark Campbell. Chairman encouraged members to continue working safely. Secretary advised crew to keep up to date on documents. Educational director reminded members to keep upgrading at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested microwaves in rooms. Members asked for raises in safety shoe allowances and a raise in vacation days. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. NATIONAL GLORY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), December 10 – Chairman Joseph White, Secretary Lionel Packnett, Edu- cational Director Linarys Castillo Ortiz, Deck Delegate Roger Utter, Steward Delegate Esperanza Crespo-Guillen. Members were pleased to have Starlink internet service and highly recommended it for all ships. Chairman praised entire crew for working well with one another and keeping common areas clean. A vote of thanks was given to steward department for a job well done. Secretary gave special thanks to deck department for handling sanitary work. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school to secure better pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for clarification on safety shoe reimbursement and tour rotation for B-books. Crew thanked electrician for keeping washers and dryers working. Next port: Houston. HORIZON SPIRIT (Sunrise Operations), December 24 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Marcelo Param, Educational Director David Watkins, Deck Delegate Emmanuel Buyser. Ship still without internet or cable service. Chairman encouraged members to recruit family and friends to become Seafarers. He asked for their continued patience when waiting for reliefs and to make sure rooms are clean upon departure. Chairman commended steward department for their hard work making sure members eat well every day. Secretary thanked crew for good housekeeping. OT was cut in the deck department, while other departments remain eligible. Members requested new furniture and chairs in crew mess. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return FEBRUARY 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �2024 Tax Tips for Seafarers Following are some of the changes that took effect in 2023, along with provisions that remain in effect from prior years. For a more complete look at what's changed in 2023, please visit www.irs.gov before filing your return. Tax Legislation Updates & Considerations The following is a list of tax legislation and considerations affecting the current and future tax years as noted. - The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA): The Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was enacted on December 22, 2017. Described as the largest major tax reform in over three decades, the TCJA contains a host of tax provisions that impact individuals and businesses. - The Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (Tax Extenders Act): The Relief Act, as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was signed by then President Trump on December 27, 2020, extending several tax provisions that were set to expire. - The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act): The SECURE Act was signed into law by then President Trump on December 20, 2019 significantly modifying many requirements for employer-provided retirement plans, individual retirement accounts (IRAs), and other tax-favored savings accounts. While some of the modifications went into effect retroactively or upon enactment (December 20, 2019), many of them carry future effective dates. - The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act): The CARES Act is a $2.2 trillion economic stimulus bill that was signed into law by then President Trump on March 27, 2020 in response to economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Provisions in the Act were enhanced and expanded by the recent signing of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021: In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ARPA was signed by President Biden on March 11, 2021 to deliver taxpayers immediate and direct relief from related hardship. The ARPA provided for additional Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), advanced payments of the Child Tax Credit, housing assistance, and other employment-related relief. - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: The Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August 2022, providing numerous tax credits related to green energy. - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA): This act was signed into law December 29, 2022. The act expanded existing automatic enrollment programs, enhanced various retirement saving credits, modified RMD (required minimal distribution) that will help retirees with plan selection and decision making. Due Date of Returns File a 2023 Form 1040 and pay any tax due by April 15, 2024. An automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return can be made by filing Form 4868 and paying an estimate of tax owed to avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 by October 15, 2024. Where to Get IRS Information comments or requests for help via email; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by email. Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency’s taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS’s automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a Social Security number with the letter. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. For more information, or to file online, scan this code General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information between 7am-7pm your local time. Online: Access the IRS website at www.irs.gov to download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator; check the status of your refund; send the IRS 2 20 20 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FEBRUARY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 18 March 29 ServSafe Management Able Seafarer - Deck March 11 May 6 July 8 March 29 May 24 July 26 March 11 April 22 June 3 March 15 April 26 June 7 Advanced Galley Ops Fast Rescue Boat August 19 August 23 March 18 June 3 April 12 June 28 Chief Steward Adv. Shiphandling August 26 September 6 April 22 July 15 May 17 August 8 Adv. Meteorology September 16 September 20 Search and Rescue Mgmt Level September 23 September 25 SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation March 4 March 8 March 18 March 22 April 5 April 22 April 26 March 4 March 8 March 18 March 22 April 5 April 22 April 26 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation June 3 June 7 Government Vessels March 4 March 25 April 22 May 13 June 10 June 24 March 8 March 29 April 26 May 17 June 14 June 28 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL (PIC) April 15 April 19 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL April 22 April 26 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG April 29 May 3 MSC Storekeeper Basic August 12 August 30 MSC Supply Configuration Mgmt September 2 September 13 MSC Ship Clip September 16 September 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT March 11 March 29 Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Marine Refer Tech March 11 April 19 Adv. Refer Containers May 6 August 26 May 17 September 6 Machinist April 29 May 10 Pumpman April 22 April 26 Welding March 4 April 8 June 3 March 22 April 26 June 21 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook March 18 April 29 June 10 April 19 May 31 July 12 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. FEBRUARY 2024 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 21 21 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos 902 APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #902 – Graduated December 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Bryden Beadle, Erika Bond, Esteban Geronimo Cisneros-Trevino, Tomas Clarkson, Jahari Amir Collier Watts, Wahid Dickey, Elliot Dietrich, Austin Driggers, Diamond Jackson, Suneih Land, Kenyatta Mabine, Marlon Pamplona, Denise Parker, Chelan Peterson, Malik Rainey, Maurice Roberts Jr., Gary Rushing Jr., Lashawn Scott, Syncere Swinson, Nature Torrey, Benjamin Wilkinson and Zamariya Wilson. Instructor Charles Noell III is at far right. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE #4) – Graduated December 29 (both photos directly above, in alphabetical order): Garry Bourgeois Jr., Zion Bradford, Bernardo Mozo Celi, Nikia Cooper, Gregory Davis, Clare Kaleleiki, Joshua Moore, Thaisha Morris, Arthur Sison and Khaled Mohamed Yahia. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated December 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Dylan Faile, Todd Gallagher, Shadonna Jones, Nicoll Quinones-Rodriguez and Ricky Enriquez Sencida. (Note: Not all are pictured) 22 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 22 • SEAFARERS FEBRUARY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos JUNIOR ENGINEER – Graduated December 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyree Carter, Akim Davis-Griffin, Lesther Jesus Gonzalez, Cody Higgs, Quinton Sashington, Randy Slue, Daniel Ursitti, Joel Williams and Sean Wilson. Instructor Christopher Morgan is at left. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION LG – Graduated December 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel Abad, Donald Appu, Etrenda Badger, Billy Joel Burgos-Burgos, Reynoldo Bush, Guy Butler Jr., Glenn Christianson, Anthony Creer, Vannessa Curd, George Fababier, Tracey Manuel, Brian Marcus, Pedro Sadrac Maysonet Gonzalez, Esstonia Moore, Tonesha Odoms, Adrian Schubert, Oscar Vencer III, Thomas Williams and Derek Willis. RFPNW – Graduated December 5: Jon Erichsen. FEBRUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG23 • 23 �FEBRUARY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 2 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO ‘Making Genuine Connections’ Editor’s note: Longtime readers may recall that the LOG publishes annual coverage of the union’s participation in Santa’s Castle, a philanthropic project based in the Pacific Northwest. We’re taking a slightly different approach this time, in the form of a firstperson account from SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Vincenzo, who spearheaded the union’s outreach from the start. During the most recent endeavor, the SIU generated nearly $8,000 worth of gifts for military families. Early in 2007, I sat down with then-Administrative Assistant Brenda Flesner, Patrolman Ryan Palmer and our man of many hats Jim Ott, God rest his soul. As the new port agent, I asked what we were going to do both to provide an opportunity for Tacoma members to shine in the community and to make genuine connections with local organizations and residents. The two ideas that pulled on our heartstrings the most were Toys For Tots, and Paint Tacoma Pierce Beautiful. (Paint Tacoma is a story for another edition.) We partnered with Toys For Tots for three years before reaching out to Santa’s Castle, with whom we have worked now for some 14 years and going strong, with a running total donation well north of $100,000. Toys For Tots is a worthy program that serves the general public. Santa’s Castle serves exclusively our war fighters and peace keepers, which dovetails with the SIU’s mission as the Fourth Arm of Defense. It was with this in mind that we shifted to Santa’s Castle. With the blessing of the SIU Executive Board and their charitable giving, Seafarers have never come up short in their generosity. (I remember one year when the union hall was burgled and toys were stolen. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and thenSecretary-Treasurer David Heindel both pitched in to make up the difference.) Santa’s Castle has proven to be “all hands” each and every year, including retired Seafarers. Year after year, the likes of Seafarers Dana Cella, Shawn Fujiwara, Terry White, Tommy Belvin and others continue to bring in toys, attend the annual holiday luncheon in connection with the toy drive and even help set up and man the serving line. At the start of it all, I got some of the best advice that a green port agent could have received. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone told me at the outset to show them who you are. He said that you cannot tell them; but rather, you must show them. I think of the motto, “Acta Non-Verba,” an appropriate mantra for this lot of Seafarers who would come together as a family from all walks of life, ethnicities and religious affiliations, especially at this time of year. Next year will be Santa Castle’s thirtieth year serving the men and women in uniform at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and beyond, and it will mark the SIU’s fifteenth year as their partners. As always, I know we will rise to the occasion. Guests at the Tacoma hall enjoy the holiday buffet that coincides with the most recent Santa’s Castle outreach. SA Orlando Makiling (left) and Chief Cook Raul Ventanilla volunteer for the project. SIU-contracted companies regularly team up with the union for Santa’s Castle, and that was the case again late last year. Pictured at the Tacoma hall are Crowley Marine Personnel Director John Woodcock (left) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. Oiler Zachary Parker (left) and SA Thomas Curley help load some of the donations for delivery to Santa’s Castle. Supporting the mission are (from left) Recertified Bosuns Modesto Rabena and LBJ Tanoa. This year’s SIU donations had a dollar value of nearly $8,000. Rounding up some of the goodies are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo, QMED Dennison Forsman, SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, Oiler Zachary Parker, and Santa’s Castle President Donna Handoe. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU PRESIDENT EMERITUS MICHAEL SACCO PASSES AWAY NEW TOTE CONTRACT FEATURES UNPRECEDENTED WAGE GAINS OPERATION PROSPERITY GUARDIAN CONTINUES BIDEN'S PRO-WORKER FINAL RULE PUSHES FEDERAL PLAS INTO EFFECT U.S. MINT HONORS WWII MARINERS WITH MEMORIAL SILVER DOLLAR SHENANDOAH TRADER JOINS TSP FLEET SEAFARERS SUPPORT TROOPS VIA SANTA'S CASTLE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02012024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 2 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/ea26d7fa83d4199b58e50b89f9bb1875.pdf 925d4434adc6d74d3ec6b5be68c80efd PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 2 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Major Maritime Legislation Introduced Bipartisan SHIPS for America Act Would Revitalize Industry The SIU applauded the recent introduction of the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act, comprehensive legislation that holds great promise for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for domestic shipbuilding. Spearheaded by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) (above) and introduced by him along with Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana) and U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-California) and Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), the bill immediately garnered widespread acclaim. Page 5. (Photo courtesy DOT) Santa’s Castle Once Again is a Hit The SIU continued its long tradition of supporting Santa’s Castle, a yearly philanthropic effort in the Pacific Northwest that benefits U.S. military personnel and their families. Retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella (center) donates two bicycles at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington, for eventual transport to the Santa’s Castle facility. He’s flanked by (left) SIU VP Joe Vincenzo and a friend. Altogether, Seafarers in late 2024 donated more than $7,000 worth of gifts. Page 20. Tallying Committee Completes Work The union’s rank-and-file tallying committee recently wrapped up its report on the SIU election. Committee members are pictured in the earlier stages of their week-long effort, at the union’s headquarters building in Camp Springs, Maryland. Pages 3-4. SHIPBOARD HOLIDAY PHOTOS • PAGE 6 // PAUL HALL CENTER CLASS PHOTOS • PAGES 18-19 �President’s Report Maintaining the Fight against FOCs The story may have been largely overlooked around the winter holidays, but the recent seizure of the Eagle S oil tanker in the Baltic Sea highlights a critical issue in the maritime industry: the flagsof-convenience (FOC) system. Allegedly involved in sabotaging undersea cables between Finland and Estonia, the Eagle S, flagged under the Cook Islands, exemplifies the systemic flaws of the FOC scheme, which allows vessels to operate with minimal oversight and opaque ownership. Specific details aside, this incident isn’t isolated. FOCs, also known as runaway flags, facilitate poor maintenance standards, regulatory evasion, and anonymity that rogue actors exploit for financial and/or geopolitical gain. In the case of the Eagle S, its David Heindel integration into Russia’s “dark fleet” raises concerns about hybrid warfare targeting critical infrastructure, underscoring the global security risks tied to FOC shipping. For more than 75 years, calls for reform have highlighted the dangers that flags of convenience pose to maritime safety, workers’ rights, and environmental security. Now, with incidents like this becoming increasingly linked to hybrid threats, it’s clear that the FOC system is no longer just an industry concern – it’s a global imperative. Governments and industry leaders must advocate for stronger regulations to enforce transparency, hold flag states accountable, and close loopholes that enable vessels like the Eagle S to operate with impunity. As many Seafarers know, an FOC ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the nation of ownership. The flag state bears legal responsibility for making sure that vessel owners adhere to certain minimum standards for safety and crew wellbeing. But many shipowners use runaway flags to dodge responsibility, bowing to the bottom line no matter the human or environmental cost. We in the SIU have helped fight against this system for a long time, primarily through our affiliation with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). As described by the ITF, “An FOC registry offers shipowners cheap registration fees, and low or no taxes. Once a ship is registered under an FOC, many shipowners then recruit the cheapest labor they can find, pay minimal wages and cut costs by lowering standards of living and working conditions for the crew.” There is more to the scheme than just saving money, however. Evading responsibility is often in the mix, so that when an issue arises – like the one involving the Eagle S – it’s difficult to hold anyone accountable. As reported by industry publication Lloyd’s List, “The beneficial owners of Eagle S … are hidden behind complex corporate structures. The registered owner of Eagle S is a single-ship structure that purports to have an office in the business center of a luxury hotel in Dubai.” Consistent with the ITF, the SIU shares the belief that there should be a genuine link between the vessel owner and the flag the ship flies, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. There is no genuine link in the case of 43 countries declared as FOC registries. It’s worth noting that there are decent shipowners and operators out there, both independent and those engaged through the International Bargaining Forum (IBF). Together, they have agreements covering crews on over 13,000 FOC ships. These contracts provide basic protections and guarantees for foreign mariners. IBF vessel agreements are renegotiated every two to four years, while others are encouraged to join through the efforts of the ITF Inspectorate network. Our important work in the maritime industry never ends. Collectively, FOCs present a significant challenge, but one worth tackling head-on. What does this mean to you, the American seafarer? It underscores the importance of solidarity and collective action. The agreements we fight for globally don’t just protect foreign mariners—they set benchmarks that impact the entire industry, including your working conditions and job security. A strong, united effort to hold FOCs accountable benefits everyone, ensuring fair treatment, safer workplaces, and a more level playing field for mariners worldwide. This struggle isn’t just about others; it’s about protecting the rights of all seafarers, including you. Sincere Thanks I appreciate the confidence you’ve shown in me and in the other SIU officials, through your strong turnout and supportive votes in the recently concluded SIU election. As someone who has spent my whole life in this organization, first going to the hall as a child with my dad, then as a rank-and-file member and later as an official, I couldn’t be more committed to your success. My predecessor Mike Sacco often said the SIU is more like a family than a union, and as I begin a full term at the helm, I have a greater appreciation for that sentiment. We may squabble like rival siblings from time to time, but ultimately, we are one crew, doing our very best to stay on the right course and lift each other up. I look forward to our team earning plenty of success in 2025 and the years that follow. NY Waterway Crews Approve Contract SIU members employed by NY Waterway recently ratified a new, seven-year agreement featuring significant wage increases and other gains. The pact covers approximately 100 Seafarers who work for the popular commuter ferry service operating between points in Manhattan and New Jersey. “A large majority of the members voted in favor of the new contract,” said SIU Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson, who led the union’s bargaining committee. “The negotiations took place from late October into November, and we signed the contract Dec. 5, following membership approval.” Henderson credited the four rank-and-file members of the SIU negotiating committee for “working tirelessly and doing a truly outstanding job throughout the entire process.” Serving on the committee were Senior Deckhand/Shop Steward George Schumpp, Capt. George Sullivan, Capt. Michael Muia, and Senior Deckhand Nestor Martinez. Schumpp, who retired at the end of 2024, had a unique perspective on the negotiations. He’s been part of at least five different bargaining committees during a career that spanned more than 37 years with the company, dating back to its fledgling days in the late 1980s. “All around, I think this is one of the best contracts we’ve ever secured,” he said. “Negotiations went very Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 2 February 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org Pictured from left are the rank-and-file members of the union’s negotiating committee: Senior Deckhand/Shop Steward George Schumpp, Capt. George Sullivan, Capt. Michael Muia, and Senior Deckhand Nestor Martinez. well. We got the biggest wage increases for deckhands longevity for the company. Negotiations were great; we that we’ve ever gotten. We also [lowered] the cap on have a very good relationship with their negotiating out-of-pocket medical expenses, and secured days of committee.” credit (toward pension benefits) that previously hadn’t According to the company, since 1986, NY Waterway been counted. ferries have carried more than 300 million passengers. “I’m glad I was part of this one on the way out,” Mariners sailing aboard SIU-contracted NY WaterSchumpp concluded. “When I think back to the early way ferries have performed more than 100 rescues. days in the eighties, we didn’t even know if the com- The crews perhaps are best known for their roles in pany would make it. They had four boats (more than the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 30 are in the fleet now). But we’ve all come a long way.” September 11, 2001, when they evacuated upwards of Muia stated, “We did very good with the contract. 163,000 people from Manhattan. We got better raises than we’ve ever seen in my 25 years that I’ve been there. This shows some expected The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2025 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Company CEO Armand Pohan (left) and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson review the finalized collective bargaining agreement. NY Waterway VP of Ferry Operations Alan Warren (left) and SIU Senior Deckhand/Shop Steward George Schumpp sign the new contract. FEBRUARY 2025 �The rank-and-file tallying committee, pictured at union headquarters Jan. 9, consisted of (seated, from left) Mubarek Ahmed, Drushelia Finney, Samuel Fanjoy, Tom Drummond, Anthony Jacobson, Patrick Slade, Lamont Faulks, (standing) Ronald Davis, John Hale, Richard Benoit, Jack McElveen, Kyle Jolivette, Jason Powell, Stephen Hoskins, Gerard Costello, Cleofe Bernardez Castro, Thalis Ealy, Chandler Williams, Ali Alhamyari, and Tyrell Thabit. Tallying Committee Announces Election Results David Heindel is Elected President of Seafarers International Union A committee of rank-and-file members recently released its official report on the voting for national officers of the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters. The report also covers voting on 23 constitutional amendments. Voting took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2024. The union’s tallying committee consisted of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the SIU’s 10 constitutional halls). The group certified the election of David Heindel as president of the SIU; Augie Tellez as the union’s executive vice president; Tom Orzechowski as secretary-treasurer; and George Tricker as vice president of contracts and contract enforcement, among other results. The committee also certified the rank-and-file approval of all 23 proposed amendments that were on the ballot. The tallying committee’s report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings in March. According to the report, the two contested races for office were decided by large margins. Similarly, most of the amendments passed by a sizeable number of votes. The committee disclosed the election of the following officers, who will serve four-year terms: - David Heindel, president; - Augie Tellez, executive vice president; - Tom Orzechowski, secretary-treasurer; - George Tricker, contracts and contract enforcement vice president; - Joseph Soresi, Atlantic Coast vice president; - Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast vice president; - Nick Marrone, West Coast vice president; - Bryan Powell, Great Lakes and inland waters vice president; - Joe Vincenzo, Government Services Division vice president; - Pat Vandegrift, contracts and contract enforcement assistant vice president; - Amancio Crespo, Atlantic Coast assistant vice president; - Kris Hopkins, Gulf Coast assistant vice president; - Chris Westbrook, West Coast assistant vice president; - Michael Russo, Great Lakes and inland waters assistant vice president; - Sam Spain, Government Services Division assistant vice president; - Mark von Siegel, Piney Point port agent; - Ray Henderson, Jersey City port agent; - Joe Baselice, Philadelphia port agent; - John Hoskins, Baltimore port agent; - Jimmy White, Mobile port agent; - George Owen, New Orleans port agent; - Joe Zavala, Houston port agent; - Hazel Galbiso, Oakland port agent; - Chad Partridge, St. Louis port agent; - Todd Brdak, Detroit-Algonac port agent. Despite a significant winter storm in the region, the committee met with the union’s secretary-treasurer to receive instructions on Jan. 5. Because of weather-related bank closures, ballots were picked up on Jan. 7 (instead of Jan. 6, as originally planned). The committee concluded both their tallying and their report by the evening of Jan. 10. They met during that week primarily at A winter storm caused a slight pause in the tallying committee’s work, but they made the best of it by utilizing a meeting room in Piney Point, Maryland, Jan. 7 before shifting to union headquarters the rest of the work week. FEBRUARY 2025 the union’s headquarters in Camp Springs, Maryland, and at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Serving on the committee were Seafarers Mubarek Ahmed, Drushelia Finney, Samuel Fanjoy, Tom Drummond, Anthony Jacobson, Patrick Slade, Lamont Faulks, Ronald Davis, John Hale, Richard Benoit, Jack McElveen, Kyle Jolivette, Jason Powell, Stephen Hoskins, Gerard Costello, Cleofe Bernardez Castro, Thalis Ealy, Chandler Williams, Ali Alhamyari, and Tyrell Thabit. Unanimously approved by the committee, the report reflects strong rank-and-file turnout for balloting. The committee members concluded that they “wish to express [our] deep appreciation for the cooperation and assistance given to us by the union’s legal department and its technical and clerical staff. Finally, the members of the union tallying committee wish to congratulate the elected officers and jobholders. We extend our best wishes for the next four years. We hope that you will carry on the tradition of our union and advance the strength of the maritime industry.” Many of the constitutional amendments were of the unremarkable/housekeeping variety – for example, replacing outdated terminology with modern-day vocabulary. Others were more substantive, including amendments that formalized the addition of four constitutional ports; increased dues for the first time in almost 20 years; expanded the voting period in future SIU elections; and added two vice president positions and two corresponding assistant vice president slots. Additional photos on Page 4. Casting their ballots aboard the ARC Independence (TOTE) are (from left) Chief Cook Evelyn Cruz, Steward/Baker Gerald Hyman, and Bosun Shatina Wright. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �Seafarers Cast Their Votes in Union Election Bosun Reynaldo Tinay (right) casts his vote in the union election, aboard the SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. (Sealift). SIU Norfolk Patrolman Josh Rawls is at left. SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman (second from right) brings ballots to the Marjorie C (Pasha) in early December. Pictured from left are GVA Abdulrehman Shayef, GVA Abdullah Al-Mohseni, QEE Alvin Alcasid, Bosun Fadel Mohamed, Chief Cook Travis Rogers, Recertified Steward Jatniel Aguilera Santiago, Jarman, and AB Omar Madrid. Completing their ballots for the union election are (from left) Recertified Bosun Richard Molina and ABM Kyle Parson, aboard the Maersk Kansas. Displaying their ballots for the quadrennial union election are (from left) Mate Chris Ward, Capt. Keith Gunning, Chief Engineer Phillip Koenning, and Oiler Jordan Allen. SIU Houston Patrolman J.B. Niday is at right, aboard the G&H Towing vessel Leighton K. Ballots Secured at Hiring Hall in San Juan Pictured directly below are Seafarers securing their respective ballots at the hiring hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico. QEP Edwin Morales, Safety Director Ricky Rivera Bosun Roberto Flores 4 • SEAFARERS LOG ABM Josean Martinez QMED Ronaldo Quinones Chief Steward William Otero ABW Bryan Rojas ABM Ricardo Valenzuela SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 FEBRUARY 2025 �U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) (Photo by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Sacramento District) U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Indiana) Maritime Revitalization Bill Introduced Comprehensive Federal Legislation has Bipartisan Backing A fter more than a year of widespread collaboration and fine-tuning, a new bill has been introduced that arguably would offer the most comprehensive remake of the U.S. maritime industry in at least half a century. On Dec. 19, U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) and Todd Young (R-Indiana), along with U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-California) and Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi), introduced the Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act. The SIU, along with dozens of other organizations, provided extensive input for the bill, and the union fully supports it. In a joint news release, the legislators described the SHIPS for America Act as “comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries. After decades of neglect, the United States has a weakened shipbuilding capacity, a declining commercial shipping fleet that is dwarfed by China, and a diminished ability to supply the U.S. military during wartime. This historic bipartisan proposal would restore American leadership across the oceans by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy, incentivizing domestic shipbuilding, enabling U.S.-flagged vessels to better compete in international commerce, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding the mariner and shipyard workforce.” SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman noted, “This bill represents a welcome opportunity for Congress to address many of the most pressing issues that impact the modern U.S. Merchant Marine. We have not had a comprehensive Merchant Marine Act in more than half a century. While it's clear that a bill of this size and scope is unlikely to pass without changes, we're committed to working with the sponsors and our allies in both the House and Senate to push this legislation forward and get as much of it enacted as possible. Now is the time for America to recommit itself to the goal of having a vibrant and robust maritime industry, and this bill is the first step in the long journey towards a new Merchant Marine Act for the 21st century." Mark Kelly, a U.S. Navy veteran and the first U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate to serve in Congress, stated, “We’ve always been a maritime nation, but the truth is we’ve lost ground to China, who now dominates international shipping and can build merchant and military ships much more quickly than we can. The SHIPS for America Act is the answer to this challenge. By supporting shipbuilding, shipping, and workforce development, it will strengthen supply chains, reduce our reliance on foreign vessels, put Americans to work in good-paying jobs, and support the Navy and Coast Guard’s shipbuilding needs. I’m excited to introduce this comprehensive, fully-paid-for legislation today alongside my Republican and Democratic colleagues and our partners representing all parts of the industry, and together we’re going to work to get this effort across the finish line.” Young said, “America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and seapower was a FEBRUARY 2025 significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth. Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion. Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China.” Garamendi, a longtime outspoken backer of American maritime, stated, “For far too long, the United States neglected our maritime industries and the critical role they play in our national and economic security. This ends with the SHIPS for America Act. I have spent over 10 years working to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry in order to strengthen our national economy, create good-paying American jobs, and support our national security during peacetime or war. This bill represents the most substantial and comprehensive approach to have America compete and lead globally, and I’m proud to lead it alongside Senator Kelly, Senator Young, and Representative Kelly. Today, less than 200 oceangoing ships fly the American flag; the SHIPS for America Act will empower our shipyards and [mariners] to uphold our country’s status as a leader in the maritime industry.” Trent Kelly added, “Strengthening America’s shipbuilding capacity and revitalizing our commercial maritime industry is critical to both our national security and economic resilience. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Senator Mark Kelly, Senator Todd Young, and Congressman John Garamendi to secure our nation’s maritime future.” As part of the bill’s announcement, SIU President David Heindel called it “an extraordinary piece of legislation that stands to revitalize, strengthen and sustain our nation’s maritime industry. The SHIPS for America Act addresses critical gaps in shipbuilding, maritime workforce development, and the modernization of our commercial fleet. It is a bold step toward ensuring that the United States maintains a robust and competitive maritime presence, which is essential for both economic and national security.” Highlights of Bill Among other components, the SHIPS for America Act would: - Coordinate U.S. maritime policy by establishing the position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House. This individual would lead an interagency Maritime Security Board tasked with making whole-of-government strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy. The bill also establishes a Maritime Security Trust Fund that would reinvest duties and fees paid by the maritime industry into maritime security programs and infrastructure supporting maritime commerce. - Establish a national goal of expanding the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years by creating the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program, which would facilitate the development U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) of a fleet of commercially operated, U.S.-flagged, American-crewed, and domestically built merchant vessels that can operate competitively in international commerce. - Enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-flag vessels in international commerce by establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards “to cut through the U.S. Coast Guard’s bureaucracy and red tape that limits the international competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, requiring that government-funded cargo move aboard U.S.-flag vessels, and requiring a portion of commercial goods imported from China to move aboard U.S.-flag vessels starting in 2029.” - Expand the U.S. shipyard industrial base, for both military and commercial oceangoing vessels, by establishing a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments, transforming the Title XI Federal Ship Financing Program into a revolving fund, and establishing a Shipbuilding Financial Incentives program to support innovative approaches to domestic ship building and ship repair. - Accelerate U.S. leadership in next-generation ship design, manufacturing processes, and ship energy systems by establishing the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation, which would create regional hubs across the country. - Make historic investments in maritime workforce by establishing a Maritime and Shipbuilding Recruiting Campaign, allowing mariners to retain their credentials through a newly established Merchant Marine Career Retention Program, investing in long-overdue infrastructure needs for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and supporting State Maritime Academies and Centers for Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The bill “also makes long-overdue changes to streamline and modernize the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Mariner Credentialing system.” Jennifer Carpenter, president of the SIU-affiliated American Maritime Partnership (AMP), said the coalition “applauds the sponsors of the SHIPS for America Act for their focus on the maritime needs of our nation, as AMP believes it is very important for there to be a robust national maritime strategy that promotes the economic, national and homeland security of the nation. We appreciate that the legislation builds on the strong foundation of the Jones Act to further strengthen and revitalize the U.S.-flag maritime industry.” Transportation Institute President and Chair James L. Henry said that his organization, representing American-flag vessel operators, “is proud to support the SHIPS for America Act. As America enters an era of increased global competition, it is the right time to make significant investments in our U.S.-flagged merchant marine. As we’ve learned throughout history, the U.S.-flag merchant marine can be depended upon by the United States military for assured access to sealift, and trusted by the American people for the secure and reliable movement of goods. This trailblazing legislation will make America an even stronger maritime nation for future generations.” Editor’s note: Text of the entire bill, additional quotes, and a full list of organizations endorsing the legislation are available on the SIU website. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Brightening the Holidays at Sea SIU steward departments went the extra nautical mile during the holiday season by providing special menus for their shipmates. In addition to the photos on this page, many more are available on the union’s social media accounts. ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR ‒ Pictured in the larger group photo on the ATC ship are (from left, starting in back) AB Kyle Silva, DEU Ahmed Ahmed, Recertified Bosun Adel Ahmed, SA Abdulrahman Omar, QMED James Grant, AB Michael Adote, AB Nathaniel Rivera, Recertified Steward Albert Sison, (sitting, also from left) AB Francisco Anacta, and Chief Cook Nasr Almusab. Sison (right) and Almusab are also pictured in photo above, left. ABOARD EL COQUI ‒ Recertified Steward Jesus Pacheco (left) and Chief Cook Steven Lopez finalize some of their Christmas meal offerings aboard the Crowley vessel. ABOARD MANUKAI ‒ Pictured from left in the group photo aboard the Matson ship are ACU Amado Paulito Angeles, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, Capt. Roland Hobson, and Chief Cook Juan C. Baquera. 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 FEBRUARY 2025 �Norfolk Celebration The snapshots on this page were taken Dec. 18 at the hiring hall in Virginia, where Seafarers got together for a pre-holiday meal. Identifications are from left to right. Donating their time and service to help ensure the event’s success are Steward/Baker Darryl Jackson, Recertified Steward Adele George and Recertified Steward Lamont Faulks. This photo includes further proof that seafaring often runs in families. From left are AB Aretta Jones, Wiper Trinity Carter, SA Shelonti Jones, Chief Cook Nikia Cooper, QEE Tyesha Boyd, Steward/Baker Elizabeth Ibanez, Chief Cook Deborah Artis, Admin. Asst. Shelia Burton, SA Zamariya Wilson, Wiper Selena Mason and AB Arielle White. Aretta is Shelonti’s mother and Trinity’s grandmother; Shelonti is Trinity’s mom. Steward/Baker Edward Harnish, Bosun Johnny Dozier Safety Director Anthony Houston, Port Agent Mario Torrey, Admin. Asst. Sheila Burton, Patrolman Josh Rawls, ITF Inspector Bobbi Shipley, Asst. VP Sam Spain. A reliable source tells the LOG that this table was reserved for individuals respectfully known as “old salts.” Crew members from USNS Montford Point (Ocean Shipholdings) Seafarers from Keystone’s Cape Rise, Cape Ray and Cape Race Mariners from Cape Sable (Intrepid) In line starting at far left are Bosun Darrol Bates, Recertified Bosun Larry Dizon and AB Noel Gemo. AB/DJ Maurice Woodhouse Jr. shows that his skillset extends well beyond the deck department. FEBRUARY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �Jacksonville Holiday Gathering These photos were taken Dec. 20 at the hiring hall, during a well-attended feast. Identifications are from left to right. Retired Recertified Steward Gregory Melvin leads the blessing of the food. ABM Edsel Renegado Bosun Damon Anderson, STOS Terence Tripp, QEE Fernandez Wilcox Guests line up for the meal. Retired Recertified Steward Larry Ewing Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Patrolman Adam Bucalo GUDE Braulio Ente, ABM Edsel Renegado, ABM Ruziell Bautista Chief Cook Sonia Pabon Barreto, Chief Cook Edna Bakhos Retired ABG Rubin Mitchell, Port Agent Ashley Nelson 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG• OCTOBER 2023 Patrolman Brian Guiry, retired Recertified Bosun Randell Porter, Bosun Damon Anderson FEBRUARY 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ARC DEFENDER ‒ Pictured BOOKS GALORE IN ALGONAC ‒ From left to right, AB Ahmed Saleh receives his A-seniority book, while OS Mofeed Shaibi and SA Tara Lee obtain their respective full B books. All are pictured at the hiring hall in Michigan. AT THE HONOLULU HALL ‒ OS Gerald Viray (left) receives his full B book at the hiring hall. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso. WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII ‒ Recertified Bosun Gregorio Cudal (left), pictured at the Honolulu hall with Admin. Asst. Caitlyn Wharton, sailed with the SIU for 37 years. aboard the TOTE ship in Baltimore are (from left) Safety Director Jose Argueta and Recertified Bosun Ion Irimia. FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN ‒ Chief Cook Carlos Colon De Jesus displays his newly obtained B-seniority book at the hall in Puerto Rico. BOOKS OBTAINED IN LONE STAR STATE ‒ Starting with photo at left, SA Alex Temetang Dongmo (left) obtains his full B book. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. In the center photo, STOS Fausto Aranda (center) receives his A-seniority book at the Houston hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (left) and Krick. In the remaining photo, AB Vidal Cacho Medina (left) receives his full B book from Safety Director Kevin Sykes. FEBRUARY 2025 SEAFARERS LOGSEAFARERS 2023 • OCTOBER LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ARC INTEGRITY ‒ Seafarers are pictured aboard the TOTE vessel in Baltimore. Safety Director Jose Argueta is at left. ABOARD ISLA BELLA ‒ Shown aboard the TOTE vessel are (from left, standing) Chief Cook Adalberto Colon, Steward/ Baker Thomas Smith, Electrician Jesus Manuel Ortiz, and (in front) Safety Director Ricky Rivera. ABOARD MAERSK KENSINGTON ‒ Pictured from left aboard the MLL ship are SIU Patrolman Kirk Pegan, Seafarers TAKING THE OATH IN WILMINGTON ‒ From right, Yeilyn Martinez, Francisco Bonilla, Tania Rameriz-Diego, Reny Arzu and Abraham Moreira, and SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday. The members are part of the Houston shore gang; they came aboard to cast their respective ballots in the SIU election. Chief Cook Cameron Azadi and AB Ethan Stacy receive their respective full B books at the hall. Administering the oath SIU VP Joe Vincenzo. ABOARD PERLA DEL CARIBE ‒ Here’s a pre-Christmas TALKING MARITIME WITH SENATOR ‒ During U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono’s pre-Election Day dinner in Hawaii, she met with several Seafarers and thanked them for their support. Pictured from left are Bosuns Fernando Haber and Gregorio Cudal, Senator Hirono (D), Bosun Edgar Elegino, and Pensioner Brandon Maeda. ABOARD MANULANI ‒ Pictured from left on the Matson vessel are ACU Abdulwali Mugalli, Chief Cook Khalid Mohamed, and Recertified Steward Joseph Laureta. FULL BOOKS IN MOBILE ‒ QEP Bobby Conner (above, right) and AB Benjamin Cone (left in other photo, with SIU Port Agent Jimmy White) receive their respective full books late last year at the hiring hall. snapshot from the TOTE ship. From left are ABM Julio Perez, Chief Cook Fernando Marques, Safety Director Ricky Rivera, SA Juan Santiago, Bosun Charles Ortiz, Steward/Baker Jacob Parrilla, and AB Carlos Diaz. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2025 10 FEBRUARY �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU SIU TRADITION ‒ Further proof that Seafaring runs in families: AB Stephen Hoskins (center) receives his full book at the Baltimore hall. Congratulating him are (from left) Safety Director Jose Argueta, Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (aka, Dad), VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, and Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY ‒ AB Roque Lambert (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. He sailed with the SIU for more than 30 years. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson. WITH MEMBERS IN VIRGINIA ‒ Pictured from left to right in each photo, starting at far left: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey congratulates AB Antonio Hamilton on obtaining his A-seniority book. ABs Jonte Granger and Larry Mann receive their respective full books at the hiring hall in Norfolk. AB Kristopher Green receives his A-seniority book; he’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Government Services Sam Spain. ABOARD PACIFIC COLLECTOR ‒ These photos from the TOTE vessel were taken Dec. 13. In the Seafaring Selfie at right (from left) are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon and Recertified Bosun Ken Steiner. The crew photo includes Bosun Ken along with QMED Davon Brown, AB Jack Corn, SA Hamid Shahbain, OS Abdul Muther, AB Rafael Concepcion, OMU Cody Higgs, SA Orlando Makiling, Steward/Baker Clark Williams, AB William McIntyre, and SA Anthony Hermoso. ABOARD USNS MARY SEARS ‒ These snapshots were taken Dec. 11 aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel. Pictured from left in photo above, center are Bosun Dante Dizon and SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon. In the other two-person photo (also from left) are brothers Torence Henry and Dale Henry, sailing together as OSs. Other Seafarers are included in the largest of the three photos. FEBRUARY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •11 11 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by upgraders in Piney Point, Maryland. Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Question: What are some of the reasons you joined the SIU? Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Maria Soler Chief Cook Anthony Hill AB The security that comes from having a good-paying job. Someone told me about the SIU down where I’m from in Puerto Rico, and when they got to the bottom line, I was sold! The ability to pick my own ships, pick the job that I want, and the freedom to work when you feel like it. I’ve got friends in the union, and they convinced me to join. Milton Sivells Steward Baker Shane Beall AB I wanted to see the world. I joined the union in 1988, after a friend of mine told me about it. I was a foreman at a truckyard, which naturally led me to the shipyard down in Norfolk, and the rest is history. I wanted to travel the world and get paid while doing it. Before I joined, I was in construction, and I helped renovate the campus in Piney Point. Heard about the opportunities in the union, and joined up. Christopher Weaver OS Tyler Maddox QMED See the world, sure, but it was time to make some career changes for me. I had a lot of friends who were in this industry already, and so far it’s going great! I was a former bridgetender, and I wanted to join a labor union and learn a trade. But I knew I didn’t want to join the Navy, and I didn’t want to be trapped behind a desk. The SIU was a natural fit. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Pictured in 1979 aboard the LNG Libra are AB Paul Klippel, Quartermaster Evan Jones, Recertified Bosun Bob O’Rourke, Quartermaster John Hamot, Quartermaster Howard Webber, W. Murphy, Jeffrey Thompson, and OS Richard Grant. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FEBRUARY 2025 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA REYNALDO AGBULOS Brother Reynaldo Agbulos, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 2006 when he shipped on the Richard G. Matthiesen. Brother Agbulos worked in all three departments and most recently shipped aboard the Liberty Passion. He calls Renton, Washington, home. ROLANDO BATIZ Brother Rolando Batiz, 73, joined the union in 1994, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Batiz concluded his career on the Maersk Atlanta and resides in New York. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. Brother Roque Lambert, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1993 when he shipped on the Independence. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Lambert’s final vessel was the Maersk Denver. He lives in the Bronx, New York. KENNETH MITCHELL Brother Kenneth Mitchell, 78, became an SIU member in 2001. A steward department member, he first sailed on the Kenai. Brother Mitchell upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently worked on the President Wilson and resides in Lemon Grove, California. MARIO DELA CRUZ DALE NESFIELD Brother Mario Dela Cruz, 74, signed on with the SIU in 2000. He first sailed aboard the Overseas New York and worked in the engine department. Brother Dela Cruz upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last shipped on the Green Ocean and makes his home in the Philippines. Brother Dale Nesfield, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2002 when he shipped on the Paul Buck. He worked in the engine department and last sailed on the Noble Star. Brother Nesfield lives in Cypress, Texas. FREDERICK GIBSON Brother Frederick Gibson, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990, initially working on the USNS Denebola. An engine department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Gibson was last employed with McAllister Towing and is a Baltimore resident. JOHN GRAYSON Brother John Grayson, 65, embarked on his SIU career in 1982 when he shipped on the Amco Voyager. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Grayson’s final vessel was the Overseas New York. He makes his home in Satsuma, Alabama. ANDY ILISCUPIDEZ Brother Andy Iliscupidez, 72, joined the union in 2001. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Iliscupidez first sailed on the Roy M. Wheat. He most recently shipped on the Alliance St. Louis and settled in Carson, California. BRADLEY RENOLLET Brother Bradley Renollet, 65, joined the union in 2012, initially sailing aboard the William R. Button. He worked in all three departments and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Renollet’s final vessel was the Brittin. He makes his home in Arkansas City, Kansas. JOSEPH SMITH Brother Joseph Smith, 69, became a member of the union in 1995. He first shipped on the Columbia and sailed in the deck department. Brother Smith’s final vessel was the Maersk Wyoming. He lives in Katy, Texas. MICHAEL STROUD Brother Michael Stroud, 73, signed on with the Seafarers in 2003 when he shipped on the Explorer. He sailed in the steward department. Brother Stroud most recently sailed aboard the Pacific Tracker. He resides in San Pedro, California. GREAT LAKES KOSAR IQBAL DAVID MORGAN Brother Kosar Iqbal, 71, joined the union in 2000, initially sailing aboard the USNS Seay. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Iqbal last sailed on the USNS Loyal. He makes his home in Iselin, New Jersey. Brother David Morgan, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Morgan’s first vessel was the William Roesch. He last sailed with VanEnkevort Tug & Barge and calls Hermansville, Michigan, home. FEBRUARY 2025 INLAND ROQUE LAMBERT ROMAN ARABSKI Brother Roman Arabski, 66, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1978, initially shipping aboard the Pittsburgh. He worked in the deck department and last sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland. Brother Arabski is a Baltimore resident. KEVIN CASS Brother Kevin Cass, 65, joined the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, he initially sailed with Keystone Shipping Services. Brother Cass upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He most recently sailed on the Rocketship and resides in Tyler, Texas. JASON MIXSON Brother Jason Mixson, 57, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1996 when he sailed on the USNS Kane. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Mixson concluded his career with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. He lives in Sanford, Florida. LARRY MULL Brother Larry Mull, 64, started sailing with the SIU in 2012, initially working with Sulphur Carriers. He was a deck department member and concluded his career working for Eco Tankers. Brother Mull settled in Wimauma, Florida. ROBERT YOUNG Brother Robert Young, 63, signed on with the union in 1983. He sailed in the engine department and was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Young makes his home in Friendswood, Texas. CORRECTION The January LOG contained a mistake in James Cameron’s write-up. The correct information follows. JAMES CAMERON Brother James Cameron, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990. He initially sailed on the Cape Ann and was a member of the steward department. Brother Cameron upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and spent most of his career working aboard Maersk ships. A recertified steward, he plans on spending his retirement in both Mobile, Alabama and Portsmouth, Virginia. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. EVELYN NORDBROK AURELIO GUIBAS Pensioner Evelyn Nordbrok, 84, passed away November 25. She donned the SIU colors in 1990. A steward department member, Sister Nordbrok first shipped on the USNS Hess. She last sailed aboard the Sumner and became a pensioner in 2011. Sister Nordbrok made her home in Chesapeake, Virginia. Pensioner Aurelio Guibas, 87, died May 9. He started sailing in 1966, initially aboard the Atlantic. Brother Guibas worked in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Fredericksburg. He retired in 2000 and settled in Long Beach, California. OTHELLO DANSLEY MACK REVIS SERGIO GIUSTI Brother Othello Dansley, 59, passed away August 31. He joined the union in 1991 and first shipped on the USNS Hess. Brother Dansley worked in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Sam Laud in 2003 and made his home in Mobile, Alabama. Pensioner Mack Revis, 69, died November 17. He became a member of the SIU in 1978. Brother Revis initially sailed aboard the Delta Panama. He worked in the engine department and last shipped aboard the Liberty Eagle. Brother Revis went on pension in 2021 and resided in Beaumont, Texas. Pensioner Sergio Giusti, 93, passed away September 28. Brother Giusti worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Cape Race and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Giusti was a Miami resident. FRANKLIN BANDOH Pensioner Franklin Bandoh, 80, died November 24. He began his career with the Seafarers in 2001, initially sailing aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. Brother Bandoh worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Calvin B. Titus before going on pension in 2012. Brother Bandoh lived in Snellville, Georgia. WILLIAM DAY Pensioner William Day, 80, died October 25. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1990 when he shipped on the Courier. Brother Day sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He retired in 2010 and resided in Baker, Florida. CARLTON GRIFFIN Pensioner Carlton Griffin, 65, passed away July 12. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Griffin sailed in the steward department and concluded his career on the Green Point in 2009. He became a pensioner earlier this year and lived in Tucson, Arizona. JAMES WEISMORE Pensioner James Weismore, 87, passed away June 15. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1990 and first sailed aboard the William Baugh. Brother Weismore sailed in the engine department. He last sailed on the Virgo and began collecting his pension in 2004. Brother Weismore lived in McMinnville, Tennessee. JAMES WYNEGAR Brother James Wynegar, 53, died October 18. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 2006. A deck department member, Brother Wynegar first shipped on the USNS Victorious. He most recently worked aboard the George III and resided in Boca Raton, Florida. NATHANIEL LAMB Pensioner Nathaniel Lamb, 66, died November 29. He joined the SIU in 1977 and first sailed with Waterman Steamship. Brother Lamb worked in the deck department and most recently sailed on the Green Ridge. He retired in 2019 and made his home in Jacksonville, Florida. CANOVA MITCHELL Pensioner Canova Mitchell, 94, passed away November 30. He signed on with the union in 1947 and initially sailed aboard the Alcoa Roamer. A steward department member, Brother Mitchell concluded his career aboard the Cape Taylor. He began collecting his pension in 1994 and resided in Mobile, Alabama. JOSEPH MOLL Pensioner Joseph Moll, 86, died November 20. Brother Moll signed on with the union in 1964 when he shipped on the Hudson. He worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Robert E. Lee. Brother Moll retired in 1999 and settled in Destin, Florida. INLAND EARNEST WYATT Pensioner Earnest Wyatt, 82, passed away November 27. He joined the union in 1960 and initially sailed with Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Wyatt sailed in the deck department and concluded his career with Allied Transportation. He became a pensioner in 2001 and made his home in Disputanta, Virginia. NMU ARTHUR CAMPBELL Pensioner Arthur Campbell, 87, died October 18. Brother Campbell sailed as a steward department member. He last shipped on the Tillie Lykes and began collecting his pension in 1996. Brother Campbell lived in Jackson, Mississippi. THOMAS FAZIO Pensioner Thomas Fazio, 91, passed away October 2. Brother Fazio last shipped with Lykes Brothers and began collecting his pension in 1984. He made his home in Metairie, Louisiana. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JAMES KENNEDY Pensioner James Kennedy, 88, died September 8. Brother Kennedy became a pensioner in 1998 after concluding his career with Cleveland Tankers. He made his home in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. WILLIE MAGEE Pensioner Willie Magee, 80, passed away November 26. Brother Magee sailed in both the deck and engine departments and last shipped on the American Pioneer. He went on pension in 1989 and settled in the Bronx, New York. SIMON MUNTEAN Pensioner Simon Muntean, 81, died October 7. Brother Muntean shipped in the engine department. He concluded his career aboard the Mormacstar and began collecting his pension in 2001. Brother Muntean was a resident of Burkeville, Texas. HECTOR PILGRIM Pensioner Hector Pilgrim, 72, passed away October 24. Brother Pilgrim sailed in the deck department. He last shipped on the Liberator and started collecting his pension in 2017. Brother Pilgrim made his home in Brooklyn, New York. JOHN ROBINSON Pensioner John Robinson, 82, died October 7. Brother Robinson worked in all three departments. He retired in 2007 after concluding his career aboard the Cape Trinity. Brother Robinson resided in Texas City, Texas. FELIX SALAS Pensioner Felix Salas, 89, passed away October 31. Brother Salas last sailed aboard the Columbia. He retired in 1990 and settled in Orange Grove, Texas. ROBERTO SALOMON Pensioner Roberto Salomon, 85, died July 6. Brother Salomon worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Mormacsky and went on pension in 2004. Brother Salomon lived in Plantation, Florida. FEBRUARY 2025 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from December 16, 2024 - January 15, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of January 15, 2025. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 13 0 5 24 3 3 3 35 38 13 1 3 14 11 2 2 5 2 13 19 6 1 3 5 0 2 0 17 25 9 1 2 16 2 3 2 6 2 3 8 1 1 2 7 1 2 0 6 11 1 2 1 3 3 1 2 0 1 2 2 9 1 4 5 1 6 5 19 21 8 1 2 15 4 2 2 7 1 7 12 5 2 2 5 0 2 1 8 12 5 1 4 8 1 3 2 3 0 4 9 0 0 1 5 1 2 0 3 7 1 1 1 3 2 0 1 0 1 1 1 6 1 4 8 0 3 1 13 13 1 2 2 8 1 2 1 2 0 2 6 19 1 3 35 5 10 11 54 47 31 4 7 25 16 1 2 8 3 21 50 8 3 3 10 2 4 2 26 37 11 2 4 24 2 1 0 8 3 3 11 2 0 2 8 2 2 0 15 15 7 1 1 10 2 1 0 0 1 4 2 TOTAL 209 113 49 132 77 31 76 353 164 75 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 5 0 3 8 3 4 7 7 21 7 1 7 12 2 2 1 7 2 8 9 116 0 1 1 9 0 2 4 9 8 5 1 2 16 2 0 0 2 1 3 12 78 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 6 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 1 1 3 3 27 1 0 2 4 0 0 2 6 10 2 1 2 9 1 1 1 0 0 2 3 47 5 1 4 11 2 4 11 18 30 6 1 5 16 4 2 2 10 1 14 16 163 0 2 0 10 0 2 3 13 15 7 2 4 21 7 0 0 4 0 5 9 104 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 5 6 0 0 1 8 2 0 0 1 2 3 5 37 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 3 0 1 11 3 1 5 11 25 6 1 4 15 14 2 2 3 1 9 12 129 0 2 2 1 2 0 1 8 17 4 0 1 10 2 1 2 4 1 1 8 67 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 4 2 0 1 3 1 0 1 1 0 1 2 19 5 0 0 9 3 1 1 8 12 4 0 2 11 9 0 0 5 0 3 12 85 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 4 8 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 0 1 4 30 4 0 1 13 2 1 10 19 35 16 1 8 19 17 3 3 3 1 11 42 209 0 1 1 6 6 2 3 12 22 5 0 1 15 4 1 0 7 1 5 7 99 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 3 2 0 1 4 3 0 1 1 0 2 1 22 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 6 3 2 5 1 1 3 12 39 7 1 0 12 7 1 1 0 0 2 6 13 1 3 9 2 5 5 16 62 21 0 2 28 8 2 3 0 0 2 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 7 3 0 0 2 1 1 7 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 3 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 4 7 3 5 10 1 2 2 34 54 15 2 1 18 13 2 2 0 0 7 13 23 1 2 14 1 8 7 25 91 28 0 3 52 7 0 3 2 2 10 19 TOTAL 8 109 195 2 57 109 29 23 191 298 GRAND TOTAL 462 367 290 301 245 171 182 748 558 432 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 2 0 3 4 1 3 2 6 22 7 1 3 9 2 2 0 3 1 6 5 82 1 0 2 5 0 1 3 5 8 2 0 0 9 2 0 1 2 2 1 3 47 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 3 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 2 0 1 1 20 Steward Department February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: Feb. 3, March 3 Thursday: Feb. 13, March 13 Thursday: Feb. 6, March 6 Thursday: Feb. 20, March 20 Honolulu Friday: Feb. 14, March 14 Houston Monday: Feb. 10, March 10 Jacksonville Thursday: Feb. 6, March 6 Joliet Thursday: Feb. 13, March 13 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Wednesday: Feb. 12, March 12 Tuesday: Feb. 11, March 11 Tuesday: Feb. 4, March 4 Norfolk Friday: Feb. 7, March 7 Oakland Thursday: Feb. 13, March 13 Philadelphia Wednesday: Feb. 5, March 5 Port Everglades Thursday: Feb. 13, March 13 San Juan Thursday: Feb. 6, March 6 St. Louis Friday: Feb. 14, March 14 Tacoma Wilmington Friday: Feb. 21, March 21 Tuesday: Feb. 18, Monday: March 17 Wilmington change due to holiday observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 0 1 2 2 1 2 1 5 16 4 1 1 10 3 1 3 7 0 0 4 64 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 11 Entry Department 15 SEAFARERS FEBRUARY 2025LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2 0 1 1 1 1 3 5 21 6 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 4 5 3 0 1 5 1 0 1 5 34 11 1 1 19 10 1 5 0 0 1 10 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), August 17 – Chairman Carlos Gibbons, Secretary Edward Harnish, Deck Delegate Jose Blanco Amaya, Engine Delegate Mashanda Carr, Steward Delegate Nikia Cooper. Chairman provided details on wage bonuses for high-risk transit. Secretary said food budget requires an increase for extra days in transit. Galley needs three new faucets and a garbage disposal. Educational director encouraged crew to sign up for upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center and to keep up with paperwork and physicals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members voiced their frustrations with internet quality and requested new mattresses, new linens, new comforters and a larger TV. MAERSK ATLANTA (Maersk Line, Limited), September 22 – Chairman Leoncio Gadingan, Secretary Oscar Gomez, Educational Director Derek Chestnut, Deck Delegate Juan Rochez, Engine Delegate Ion Boros. New engine department classes offered at the union-affiliated Piney Point school, per educational director. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested online access to contracts, increases in vacation benefits and for annual physicals. ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska Tanker Company), October 6 – Chairman Donny Castillo, Secretary Just Self, Deck Delegate Manuel Espinoza, Steward Delegate Jordan Harris. Shower decks will be worked on this winter and room inspections went well, per chairman’s report. Secretary asked everyone to keep bridge wing locker and chow line locker clean and organized. Educational director recommended members renew merchant mariner credentials at least eight months in advance and to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed penalty pay for engine department and motioned to lower age and sea-time required for retirement. Members would like 20 for 30 vacation, and more than two coveralls for DEUs and reliefs. Crew agreed with suggested pay increases for extra meals/extra riders and for entry-level pay rates to be equal among each department. Members recommended implementing an online option for ship minutes and requested new recliner chairs, desk chairs and mattresses in rooms. Next port: Long Beach, California. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), October 6 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Norma West, Educational Director Anson Johny. Members discussed the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike. Chairman warned crew about approaching weather conditions and reported a good trip overall. Secretary and educational director advised crew to plan ahead for credentials and to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew motioned for penalty rate amendment and would like raises in retirement benefits and lowered sea-time requirements for pension. LIBERTY PEACE (Liberty Maritime), October 18 – Chairman Rudy Puerto, Deck Delegate Moises Arzu, Engine Delegate Joshua Yancey, Steward Delegate Claribel Cabral. Crew discussed overtime issue for unlicensed engine department members as well as requests for room TVs and internet upgrades. Everything in good standing, per chairman’s report. Educational director urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. steward department is still due reimbursement for purchasing ship items. Chairman reported good conditions aboard vessel and advised everyone to keep dues paid and to attend monthly union meetings. Steward department commended for providing good meals and services, despite low stock on supplies. Educational director reminded crew to keep documents current and to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Engine department still not receiving four hours OT daily, per delegate report. Next port: Brunswick, Georgia. KEYSTONE STATE (Pacific Gulf Marine), November 7 – Chairman Ali Naser, Secretary Tamara Houston, Educational Director Milan Dzurek, Deck Delegate Justin Baehring, Engine Delegate Florencio Tindugan, Steward Delegate Danilo Valencia. Crew discussed issue with air conditioning in crew lounge. Secretary touched on SIU election. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to renew credentials on time. New LNG courses are being offered at the school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew under ship restriction. The discussed OT sheets. Also requested more of a variety of items stocked in slop chest. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), November 24 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary Antoinette Amato, Educational Director Jason Powell, Deck Delegate Adel Shaibi. Crew reviewed increases to safety shoe allowance, proposed union dues increase, sea-time limits for retirees in 2025 and renewing Coast Guard documents via email. Chairman encouraged members to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activities Donation), the union’s voluntary political action fund, and to contribute to the toy drive at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington. Payoff at sea scheduled for Nov. 26. Secretary reminded members to attend monthly union meetings at the newly designated constitutional port of Tacoma, Washington. Educational director recommended crew take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Piney Point school. LIBERTY PEACE (Liberty Maritime), November 17 – Chairman Rudy Puerto, Secretary Bebiana Eason, Deck Delegate Moises Arzu, Engine Delegate Joshua Yancey, Steward Delegate Claribel Cabral. Spare fans needed on board and Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 FEBRUARY 2025 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Date of Completion OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival April 14 June 30 April 25 July 11 Able Seafarer - Deck March 17 May 5 June 9 April 4 May 23 June 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT Latest Course Dates March 17 April 21 April 11 May 16 Junior Engineer Program May 5 June 27 Marine Electrician March 17 April 18 Machinist May 26 June 13 Pumpman May 19 May 23 Welding April 21 June 2 May 9 June 20 Basic Training Revalidation March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 May 5 May 9 June 30 March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 May 5 May 9 June 30 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation March 17 March 18 Government Vessels March 17 April 7 May 5 June 2 March 21 April 11 May 9 June 6 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations March 10 April 7 April 28 May 26 April 4 May 2 May 23 June 20 Certified Chief Cook April 28 July 4 ServSafe Management April 21 April 25 Advanced Galley Operations March 3 March 31 May 26 March 28 April 25 June 20 Chief Steward April 28 June 23 May 23 July 18 Seeking Additional Instructors The SIU-affiliated Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship is seeking to add to their team of qualified instructors in multiple areas of expertise. If you would be interested in applying to be an instructor, please review the following job titles and email monicaszepesi@seafarers.org with a copy of your credential. The school is seeking qualified candidates in the following areas: OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training April 7 June 23 - Chief Engineer - Deck Instructor - Engine Instructor April 11 June 27 UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. FEBRUARY 2025 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #915 – Above: Phillip Adams, Tyler Allen, Corey Ambrose, Cerryisha Banks, Malakhi Basquez, Julius Douglas, Jeremy Fazio, Alex Greco, Keely Grochowicz, Kristopher Henny, Jevon Hill, Chifhon Hogan, Michael Johnson, Glennie McGee, Robert McMahon, Tylan Meekins, Osiel Moreno, Aniyah Napier, Nathaniel Orff, Justice Rodriguez, Charles Vanderpool, Chuck Willberth and Jordayn Williams. ABLE SEAFARER (DECK) – Graduated November 22: Shane Beall, David Bessey, Emily Castellano-Marquez, Nirel Escalante, Eliza Fitzgerald, Kenny Galeno, Nathan Jackson, Jeffrey McGowin Jr., Joseph Tier and Juan Velasquez Jr. RFPEW – Graduated December 13: Zyon Anderson, Paul Conlon, Nainoa Goodwin, Jacob Hall, Hans Hansen Quinones, Baldemar Hernandez Jr., Ken Kan, Kenny Nguyen and Allan Willingham. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated November 29: Quad Cheatham, James Petite, Perrin Proctor, Matthew Vargas, J'lon Williams, Keyanna Williams and Rachael Zavala. RFPEW – Graduated December 13: Lee Javier Eludo Jr. WELDING – Graduated November 15: Alexander Baum, Richard Diaz Jr., Sierjohn Jove, Keith Martin Jr., Nesta Pafford, Dallas Smith and Stephen Swaby. Instructor Chris Raley is at far left. RFPNW – Graduated December 6: Kason Garibaldi, Jamari Gissentanner, Samaria Harper, Ashton Luuloa, Andy Phouminh, Joshua Robinson, Malachi Scott, Walter Stockwell and Daniel Valentine. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated December 13 (not all are pictured): Wilmer Alvarez, Carlos Arzu, Talus Brown, Mashonda Corley, James Darr, Johnny Dozier III, Paul Erickson Jr., Latif Haija, Edward Harnish, D'mitri Hill, William Lima, Willie Moreland, Jason Newsham, Anthony Pacely Jr., Corey Porter, Dean Trott, Kawan Weaver, Keyanna Williams, Fikera Winfield and Michael Zabielski. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FEBRUARY 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GALLEY FAMILIARIZATION– Graduated December 13 (not all are pictured): Malakhi Basquez, Julius Douglas and Nadia Forester. ADVANCED GALLEY OPS – Graduated December 13: Sarah Awad, Edna Bakhos, Aaron Helton-Cox, Steven Johnson, Paul Mena, Mary Moelk and Latara Rengifo. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated December 13: Ninesha Anderson, James Billups III, Jeffrey Frye and Kevin O'Lone. WATER SURVIVAL – Graduated December 6: Joseph Tier. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated November 15: Hunter Abshire, Mark Baillie, Cedricka Banks, Jamequia Cherry, Wilfredo Cosme Ayala, Jacob Dezzutti, Michael Gaffney, Preston Harris, Suzanne Herrera, Alexander Holmes, Joshua Kelly, Ariel Marrero, Anthony Monroe, Metwa Ojoch, Juan Ortiz Reyes, Shawna-Kay Skinner, Carl Trice, Talib Weatherspoon, Dorian White, Justin White, Sean Wilson and Anton Zakoverya. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated Decemebr 20: Hunter Abshire, Mark Baillie, Cedricka Banks, Jamequia Cherry, Wilfredo Cosme Ayala, Jacob Dezzutti, Michael Gaffney, Preston Harris, Suzanne Herrera, Alexander Holmes, Anthony Monroe, Metwa Ojoch, Juan Ortiz Reyes, Shawna-Kay Skinner, Carl Trice, Talib Weatherspoon, Justin White and Anton Zakoverya. FEBRUARY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �FEBRUARY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 2 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU and Santa’s Castle Spread Holiday Cheer For the 16th consecutive year, Seafarers in the Pacific Northwest continued their show of support for U.S. military families in need of some extra holiday joy. Participating members, officials, and staff – along with representatives from SIU-contracted companies – raised and contributed about $7,000 worth of new toys to the Santa’s Castle organization, including books, board games, bicycles, electronics (such as earbuds) and more. “This is especially remarkable as the port this year has had more of its membership at sea than on the beach,” said SIU Tacoma Port Agent Warren Asp. The SIU has long been a supporter of Santa’s Castle, a year-round program backed by volunteers in the area, dedicated to assisting activeduty military families by providing them with gifts for their children. This past December was no different as Tacoma-area Seafarers hosted a luncheon for the Santa’s Castle staff and readied supply gifts TO SANTA'S CASTLEthe ARTICLE ANDofPHOTOS that they collected for transport to the “castle” for the organization to distribute to the families. “This year was a stellar turnout for the luncheon,” Asp noted. “Retired Steward Vicki Haggerty, Recertified Steward Robert Haggerty, Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin, Steward Marylouise Maddox, Chief Cook Dan Axl Monteclaro, and SA Rene Caballero set up and ran the serving line flawlessly for our other members and guests.” Additionally, a record number of SIU retirees participated in the Santa’s Castle event. One such pensioner is Dana Cella, a recertified bosun who has supported Santa’s Castle for more than a decade. “This is a great opportunity to show gratitude to the members of the armed forces whose families are struggling during Christmastime,” said Cella. “The impact we make by doing this is relative to the fact that the merchant marine is the fourth arm of defense. We work in coordination with the armed forces and this outreach helps to strengthen the bond between us.” Attendees gather for a photo at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington. SIU VP Joe Vincenzo is in front, far right. Cella usually donates bikes to the organization. This year, he donated bikes and participated in COME the Christmas luncheon where SIU volunteers help to load up the toys that they have collected and transport them to the base, which has been transformed into Santa’s Castle for the service members. “It’s great to see so many of our ‘old timers’ coming out and socializing with the next generation of mariners,” Asp said. “We extend a vote of thanks to retirees Dana Cella, Terry White, Kevin Gatling, Tommy (T-Man) Belvin, Lewis Johansen and Dennis Skretta among others for joining in on the festivities year after year.” Additionally, some SIU Government Services Division members, including Bosun Mate Frederick Beck came to the luncheon to assist. “It is always good to see MSC union members drop in and break bread with our deep-sea family here in Tacoma,” said SIU Vice President Government Services Joe Vincenzo. He added, “We also want to give a shoutout to Crowley Maritime for their continued support of our efforts here in Tacoma by donating yet again two bicycles.” Santa’s Castle’s mission is to ease holiday stress by providing new toys, board games and books to active military families in Washington State. The organization recently expanded into doing events year-round, such as giving away backpacks during the summer in preparation for the children to return to school in the fall. Santa’s Castle serves children from birth to 17 years of age for active-duty service members in Washington from all branches: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and active National Guard and Reserves. This past holiday season the organization helped 1,913 families and distributed a total of $791,928 dollars’ worth of toys, books, games, bikes, and stocking stuffers. “We identify service members who have financial need via the service member’s chain of command, through a chaplain or through other community programs made to assist service members,” said Santa’s Castle Executive Director Donna Handoe. “The people who identify the members in need then go to our website and fill out a form to submit the nomination. Once we receive all of our nominations, we contact the selected service members and provide them an appointment to come to our castle during our toy distribution.” She added, “What we give to the parents all depends on how many donations come in…. A really important part of our program is that parents get to choose. We’re not just handing them something; the parents get to choose depending on what they think their kid would like.” Anita Vargo, vice president of purchasing for Santa’s Castle, has been participating in these philanthropic events for 13 years. To decide what will be on the shelves year after year, Vargo collaborates with inventory personnel to compile the spreadsheet for suggested donations, which are based on what children requested. She also is largely in charge of sourcing donations and purchasing items from the list, which are used to stock the aisles for families who come to shop for the holidays. Vargo has seen firsthand the boost in morale that Santa’s Castle provides for families. “It’s the real deal, and many of the families thought they wouldn’t have that big of a Christmas this year, and all of a sudden we’re there to come to their rescue,” she said. “For example, one lady in line wanted a coat for her kids, but they thought we didn’t have any. It turns out that we had two coats which were exactly right size for her kids, and she broke down and cried. It’s just such a sweet thing to see these families and get them what they want.” The Santa’s Castle staff was grateful to have help from the Tacoma-area Seafarers for yet another year. “Everyone that helped out from the SIU, they’re just amazing,” Vargo said. “If we need help with anything, they always do it. They donate so much that it helps set us up for the following year. Plus, we really enjoyed the luncheon – they’re great cooks and the food was really amazing.” “The SIU is a huge help with all of their donations,” said Handoe. “Not only do they donate some really good stuff, they also help us get it back to the castle…. They’re a great support.” From left to right in each photo, starting at far left: SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, SA Thomas Curley; Retiree Vicki Haggerty, SREC Robert Haggerty, Chief Cook Dan Axl Monteclaro; (in front) GUDE Reynaldo Mambulao, AB Samuel Schwimmer; Santa's Castle Executive Director Donna Handoe, Admin. Asst. Shelly Hinzman, VP of Purchasing Anita Vargo. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2025 Description An account of the resource NEW YORK WATERWAY CREWS APPROVE CONTRACT TALLYING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES ELECTION RESULTS SEAFARERS CAST THEIR VOTE IN UNION ELECTION BALLOT SECURED AT HIRING HALL IN SAN JUAN MARITIME REVITALIZATION BILL INTRODUCED NORFOLK CELEBRATION JACKSONVILLE HOLIDAY GATHERING SIU AND SANTA'S CASTLE SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO. 2 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/e6ab24d26307fd7c894780fb05ac17a6.pdf f18602eceb82b11e48bcb5cb1f05cf1b PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 2 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO Seafarers Step Up for Santa’s Castle Annual Outreach Benefits American Military Families SIU members upheld their tradition of robustly supporting Santa’s Caste, a yearly philanthropic effort that benefits U.S. military personnel and their families in the Pacific Northwest. Seafarers donated thousands of dollars’ worth of toys and other gifts for the project, which the union has supported for 17 straight years. In photo above, from left, SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp meets with Santa’s Castle VP of Purchasing Anita Vargo and Executive Director Donna Handoe at the donation site. In the inset photo, Oiler William Cassel helps load the gifts into nearby trucks. Page 20 (back page). New Bisso Contract Includes Major Gains 3-Year Pact Described as ‘Win-Win’ for Union and Company SIU boatmen employed by E.N. Bisso & Son have unanimously ratified a new contract featuring significant wage increases and other gains. SIU officials VP Dean Corgey and Asst. VP Chris Westbrook credited both the union and the company for difficultbut-earnest negotiations that resulted in a pact benefiting both parties. Pictured from left are members of both bargaining committees: SIU members Kevin Wells, Jacob Toler and George Cannady, Westbrook, Bisso President Matthew Holzhalb, Corgey, Bisso CFO Casey Willis, HR Director Ashley Sorrells, Director of Operations Michael Killelea, and Seafarer Todd Rabalais. Page 3. MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR CONFIRMED • PAGE 5 // SIU HOLIDAY PHOTOS • PAGES 9-11 �President’s Report SIU Accomplishments Accumulate There’s some question about the quote’s origin, but former Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren famously said (more than once) that when he’d read a newspaper, he began with the sports section. That’s because he wanted to read about accomplishments and uplifting stories. While we do not have a sports page in the LOG or on our website, I had a similar feeling when looking at this month’s edition. A handful of articles reflect the outstanding work of SIU members and the effectiveness of our union. In no particular order: The excellent new contracts we secured at (respectively) E.N. David Heindel Bisso & Son, and Inland Lakes Management, show the power of collective bargaining and the time-tested wisdom of the SIU’s approach to negotiations. Our officials, rank-and-file members, and company personnel once again demonstrated that even though we sometimes may clash at the bargaining table, we are ultimately invested in each other’s success. You don’t need a degree in economics to understand that long-term success comes from everyone pulling in the same direction. A strong, skilled, and respected workforce is essential, and employers must also remain successful in order to continue providing good, steady employment. When those pieces align, the entire industry moves forward, and I appreciate that most, if not all, of our contracted companies recognize the importance of investing in and maintaining a top-notch workforce. Both the SIU specifically and unions in general are essential to doing so. Union representation gives workers a voice on the job and the security of a written contract. Historically, union workers take a back seat to no one in terms of productivity, and there is less turnover at union shops. Year after year, government data shows that union members also usually earn higher wages and enjoy better benefits than their unrepresented counterparts. When you put all of that together, you have opportunities to secure solid contracts like the ones we’re publicizing this month. Credit also goes to our inland members who quickly came to the rescue of a recreational boater who’d fallen into the Sabine-Neches Waterway (without a life jacket). Their training, quick thinking, and sharp response led to a quick and safe outcome. This is in keeping with the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea, which spans not only oceans but America’s inland waterways, too. Another happening that shouldn’t be taken for granted is the union’s support of Santa’s Castle, a yearly philanthropic project that brightens the holidays for U.S. military personnel and their families. Year after year, SIU members, officials and staff in and around Tacoma – and, quite often, folks from SIU-contracted companies, too – team up for this most-worthwhile mission. They make us all proud. (Seafarers often are involved in similar outreach efforts in other parts of the nation, too, including in New Jersey, Florida, Puerto Rico and elsewhere, and we should also remember our annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic, which benefits military veterans and first responders.) Less common but also of note, an event late last year credited the service of union mariners from the SS Meredith Victory who helped saved more than 14,000 lives during a single mission back in 1950. The one-day conference marked the seventy-fifth anniversary of a wider evacuation of around 100,000 Korean refugees who otherwise may have perished at the hands of Chinese and North Korean military forces during the Korean War. The Meredith Victory, sometimes called the “ship of miracles” because of that particular voyage, symbolizes the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role as America’s fourth arm of defense. We have supported our troops and mobilized for humanitarian missions since our nation’s first days, and we will always answer the call. Again, I got a boost from reading these articles, and I hope they give you a lift, too. No organization is perfect, but we’ve got a lot to be proud of. We also have much to look forward to this year, including an eventual revamp of the engine-department training at our affiliated school in southern Maryland (details to come), ongoing grassroots action to promote and protect your jobs, upgrades at some hiring halls, and more. I’m excited about our opportunities and I’m confident we will meet every challenge, together. Maritime Unions Call for American-Flag Requirement on Venezuelan Oil Imports Seafarers LOG Volume 88 Number 2 February 2026 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2026 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Prominent U.S. maritime unions, including the SIU, recently called on the Trump administration and Congress to require that any crude oil imported from Venezuela must be transported exclusively on U.S.-flag vessels crewed by American mariners, asserting such policy is essential to U.S. economic and national security interests. “A cornerstone of an effective national maritime policy is gaining access to private, commercial cargoes that create steady demand for U.S.-flag vessels, American mariners, and the shipbuilding industrial base,” the unions wrote in a letter to senior administration officials. The SIU, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), American Maritime Officers (AMO), and the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots (MM&P), which represent the majority of U.S. Merchant Mariners sailing in the U.S.-flag fleet, said that aligning American foreign policy and energy needs with “Ship American” principles would strengthen the U.S. maritime workforce, reduce reliance on foreign-controlled shipping, and counter the growth of opaque “shadow fleet” tanker operations used to move sanctioned oil outside U.S. oversight. The letter was submitted in early January; it’s available on the SIU website. The unions warned that current restrictions on Venezuelan oil have shifted global trade toward foreign-controlled shipping networks, including tankers operating outside U.S. labor and safety standards. As a result, U.S. maritime workers and carriers are excluded from energy cargoes that could otherwise support American shipping capacity and enforcement objectives. Requiring U.S.-flag transportation for Venezuelan crude entering the United States, the unions said, would provide reliable commercial cargo for U.S. carriers, enhance sanctions compliance, and reduce reliance on foreign vessels tied to adversarial interests. The policy could also benefit U.S. refiners designed to process heavy crude by increasing supply options and helping stabilize domestic energy markets. Maritime labor leaders emphasized that American mariners are prepared to support lawful, transparent energy trade that advances U.S. strategic interests. SIU Secures New Agreement With Inland Lakes Management Additionally, effective Feb. 1 of this year, all bargaining unit employees are enrolled in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan at the Core-Plus level, the top one available. This marks a substantial improvement from past coverage. Other highlights include vacation benefits (which are new for this group), premium pay for work in confined spaces, and reimbursement for uniforms, required personal protective equipment, and other necessary gear, among other improvements. Heralding the contract as a win for the membership, Powell remarked, “This long-term agreement provides stability and predictability for the members sailing aboard these vessels. It is a landmark agreement delivering very substantial gains in wages, health coverage, paid time off, and overall working conditions.” After several months of bargaining, the SIU in mid-December finalized a new contract with Inland Lakes Management, covering the company’s licensed officers and other shipboard supervisory employees. SIU Great Lakes Vice President Bryan Powell said that the nine-year pact (effective through October 2034) features “a robust increase to wages and overtime rates in the first year, along with significant annual increases thereafter, tied to the Consumer Price Index to keep pace with inflation.” FEBRUARY 2026 �‘Historic’ Contract Unanimously Ratified by Bisso Crews Following a difficult but productive series of negotiations, SIU members late last year unanimously approved a new three-year contract at E.N. Bisso & Son featuring substantial wage increases and other gains. The union represents approximately 70 boatmen at Bisso, which is headquartered in New Orleans. They work as wheelmen, deckhands and engineers aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing ship docking and offshore towing services. Negotiating on behalf of the union were Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Assistant Vice President Chris Westbrook, Engineer Delegate Kevin Wells, Wheelman Delegate George Cannady, Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler, and alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais. Representing the company were President Matthew Holzhalb, Chief Financial Officer Casey Willis, Director of Operations Michael Killelea, Human Resources Director Ashley Sorrells, and Consultant Michael Vitt. Corgey stated, “I commend Chris and the rankand-file delegates for their solidarity, tenacity and leadership in making sure this got done. The company bargained in good faith; we had some tough issues to address, but we got through them. “We now have wage parity among all the companies from the Rio Grande to the Mississippi,” Corgey continued. “Our members at Bisso have job security, good wages and good benefits. I thank them for sticking with the union and I thank the company for bargaining in good faith.” Westbrook, who has been involved in every negotiation between the SIU and Bisso (he sailed with the company in the 1990s), called the new pact “historic. We fought for wage parity with the other SIU-contracted harbor tug companies, and this contract brings them up to where they should be.” He added, “We also secured improved retirement benefits, new hurricane-related protections for mariners, a higher maintenance-and-cure rate, and enhanced reimbursement for personal protective equipment while adding four hours of travel pay to each payroll period. We maintained Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan benefits at the Core-Plus level, which is the top one available. The agreement also affirms union access provisions and commits the parties to continue discussions regarding participation in training programs offered at (the union-affiliated school in) Piney Point, Maryland.” Westbrook concluded, “These were extremely difficult negotiations; we had to get a 30-day extension of the old contract at one point. Ultimately, through the leadership of the SIU and our area vice president being present, and with the amount of respect commanded by our delegates, that’s what led us to success. This is a win-win for the company and the union; the contract will help Bisso retain their qualified personnel and attract qualified personnel. This is an agreement we can all be proud of.” The contract is retroactive to Dec. 1, 2025, and runs through November 2028. Cannady said, “I feel good about the contract; I love it. Negotiations were tough, and we had to stand up a few times and put our big-boy shoes on, but we got what we wanted. It was a tough road, but as a union and a brotherhood, we all stuck together.” Cannady credited Corgey and Westbrook for their leadership, and added that the major wage increases are “amazing. This is a changing point in our industry.” Wells said the finished product “turned out really great in the end. The Bisso team was willing to work with us. Dean and Chris did an outstanding job. After speaking with some of the crew members, it was clear they were all on board. All in all, everybody was pretty pleased.” He added, “We didn’t have to give up anything. I think the (company) president knew it was time to step up, and that was a plus.” SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (fourth from left) and SIU boatmen show their support for the new contract. Pictured from left are Justin Williams, Wayne White, Todd Rabalais, Westbrook, Matt Palmer, Jacob Toler, George Cannady, James Fink, and Kevin Wells. SIU Members Rescue Boater Thanks to SIU boatmen from Bay Towing’s tug Rio Gulf, a local man in Texas had an opportunity to enjoy the winter holidays. Four Seafarers aboard the Rio Gulf teamed up to rescue a recreational fisherman who had fallen from his boat into the Sabine-Neches Waterway on Nov. 29, near Texas Island. The fisherman wasn’t far from shore – but he inarguably was at great risk due to the typically high traffic in the area. It took the SIU members – Capt. Donald Nutt, Mate Kaleb Bogan, Chief Engineer Bernard Youngblood, and Apprentice Mate Nicholas Gustafson – less than 10 minutes to safely bring him aboard their tug, after being contacted by a nearby vessel. Their efforts earned accolades from the union and the company. Bay Towing presented the Seafarers with letters of commendation as well as gift cards. “Our guys really rose to the occasion,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Joe Zavala. “Their professionalism certainly is not surprising, but it also is sincerely appreciated. They were prompt and efficient. Great job!” In a letter to the crew, Bay Towing President/Chief Executive Officer Philip Kuebler cited the members’ “exceptional performance during a recovery of a person in the water…. After visually locating the person in the water, your team expertly positioned the Rio Gulf down-river, accounting for the slight ebb current, and disengaged the engines to facilitate the rescue…. Within approximately eight minutes, the person was safely brought on board the Rio Gulf through the skilled use of a life buoy and the DACON Rescue Frame” (a type of safety net). Kuebler added, “Your quick, coordinated and professional actions ensured the rapid and safe recovery of the individual, preventing any harm or further complications. You are commended for your FEBRUARY 2026 outstanding performance of duty during the critical incident.” Nutt pointed out that the fisherman wasn’t wearing a lifejacket – and his boat’s engine was still running. “My mate was on watch when he received a call from the pilot up on the ship,” Nutt recalled. “I came up and took over (navigation), and the other guys all went out and used the rescue net. The guy we rescued was a little shaken up but in good shape overall. He was very thankful, but it went about as textbook as you could want.” Nutt said the incident could have been much worse for the fisherman because of the traffic on the waterway. He also stated that the crew did an admirable job, and their safety drills paid off. “We drill for this regularly and it absolutely made a difference,” Nutt said. “It’s not a complicated piece of equipment, but being able to deploy it and use it properly…. I praise my crew for the job they did. They were fantastic, and I couldn’t speak more highly of them. Credit to Bay Towing as well, for making sure we have top-of-the-line equipment.” A crew member from another tugboat took this photo of the rescue. The fisherman is visible to the right of the netting, in the water. Mate Kaleb Bogan (right) receives a letter of commendation from Bay Towing Operations Manager Joshua LeDoux aboard the tug on Dec. 23. SIU members (from left) Bernard Youngblood, Donald Nutt, and Nicholas Gustafson are congratulated by Bay Towing COO Steve Huttman (right) Dec. 23 aboard the Rio Gulf. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �Union-Crewed ‘Miracle Ship,’ Brother Marinus Honored During 75th Anniversary Conference To commemorate the seventyfifth anniversary of the historic and renowned Hungnam evacuation, the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America (AOS-USA), in collaboration with other maritime organizations, conducted a full-day event at a maritime conference center in Linthicum Heights, Maryland, on Dec. 15. Several speakers, including some who took part in the evacuation themselves, shared their expertise with conference attendees through a series of interviews and presentations. More than 100,000 refugees were saved during the evacuation, and the union-crewed Meredith Victory transported more than 14,000 of those individuals. The ship included crew members from the old National Maritime Union, which later merged into the SIU. Sponsors for the December event included the SIU, as well as Mr. Burley Smith (who participated in the actual evacuation), the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), Pasha, the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV), West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA), Maritime Expert Group, Inc., Bradley Digital, Liberty Ship John W. Brown Foundation, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), and longtime SIU member Fr. Sinclair Oubre. The conference began with a presentation of the colors and an opening prayer by Fr. Oubre. Dr. Joshua Smith, director of the American Merchant Marine Museum and professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, offered a presentation titled “Gallant Ship: Strategic History & Christian Memory at Hungnam, 1950”. Susan Kee, Korean-American writer and Korean War historian followed with an overview of that war, which included details about the evacuation at Hungnam. The evacuation took place from Dec. 15-24 of 1950. As skirmishes from the Korean War began encircling seaside cities, a host of refugees, both young and old, crowded the harbor in search of safety. The U.S.-flagged merchant ship SS Meredith Victory was one of 150 vessels that enabled the rescue of American and Republic of Korea troops and North Korean refugees. The Meredith Victory facilitated safe passage for more than 14,000 refugees in one single voyage without any casualties. In fact, quite the opposite: Five babies were born aboard the crowded ship during the journey, affectionately dubbed the “kimchi babies” by the Meredith Victory crew, as it was one of the few Korean terms they knew. To get all the passengers aboard, the crew spent 26 hours loading the 450-foot-long, 50-foot-wide vessel, which had five cargo holds, each with three decks. Sixteen Koreans stood shoulder to shoulder on wooden pallets which were lowered into the bottom holds of the ship. As each compartment filled with people, the crew placed the hatch boards 4 • SEAFARERS LOG and began filling the next level with more people who sought escape from Hungnam. Eventually, after all the holds were full, the remaining refugees occupied the main deck, enduring wintery ocean spray and freezing temperatures. After Kee’s presentation, Jonathan Corrado, Director of Policy for the Korea Society, shared his findings concerning how the Hungnam evacuation story can spur understanding with the North Korean people. After that, Dr. Smith held a Q&A session with Third Mate Burley Smith about his experiences aboard the Meredith Victory. Smith hails from Islip, New York, but spent most of his school years in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His father was an OS, and Smith followed in his footsteps by taking the written exam to become a merchant mariner and attending King’s Point, which had a U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet Basic School campus in San Mateo, California, at the time. Smith applied for work, hoping to be assigned to a ship travelling to Latin America, but instead he was sent to the Meredith Victory, which was docked down in Jamestown, Virginia. Aboard that ship, he sailed to a U.S. Army base on the West Coast, then sailed to Tokyo. The ship would end up being part of a convoy; but, because the armed forces needed the element of surprise, mariners didn’t know exactly where they were going next. As Smith and his crewmates were unloading fuel in Busan, Korea, they were told to sail to a harbor in Hungnam ASAP and help evacuate refugees. Smith recalls that naval ships swept for mines along the way. The Meredith Victory would be the next-to-last ship to leave Hungnam, and there was no time to transport the materials they initially were set to deliver. From midday Dec. 21 until around the same time on Dec. 22 the Meredith Victory crew loaded a steady stream of people aboard. They took up anchor on Dec. 23 at noon and sailed to Geoje Port in South Korea, where they released the refugees on Christmas Day in 1950. Smith had complete confidence in the crew of the SS Meredith Victory. The overcrowded ship maneuvered through a narrow channel of cleared mines, no more than 100 yards wide, and continued down the Korean coast Burley Smith (left), who sailed as third mate on the Meredith Victory during the evacuation, receives an award from Fr. Sinclair Oubre. and reached Geoje Island without casualty, incidents, or unrest. He recalled how he felt after reaching the port and seeing the refugees smile, holding their babies and boarding the landing crafts. “That sight is something I will never forget. After enduring months of fear and hardship, the moment they finally felt freedom was deeply moving. Though we couldn’t speak the same language, every crew member shared in the joy of bringing them to safety,” he said. After the Q&A and a rousing speech by World War II mariner Dave Yoho, attendees paused for lunch. When they reconvened, Fr. Oubre and Capt. Brian Hope, the founder of Project Liberty Ship, presented information about other U.S. merchant vessels that were present at the evacuation. Dr. Philip Lacovara, the author of the book “The Mariner and the Monk,” then gave an account of Capt. Leonard La Rue’s life (the subject of the book) in the context of the ships he sailed and the battles he survived. La Rue, also known as Brother Marinus, was an officer in the merchant marine who sailed on 25 ships during his 20 years at sea. When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, La Rue took command of the SS Meredith Victory and led her to Japan and then Korea to participate in the historic landing at Inchon. Two months later, La Rue and his crew made history with the evacuation. At the height of his sailing career, he left the merchant marine and became a benedictine monk. Currently, Brother Marinus is a candidate for sainthood, and the AOS-USA is helping to further his cause. Professor Joshua M. Smith notes the historic reliability of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Some of the conference attendees are pictured at the event in Maryland. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 FEBRUARY 2026 �NMC Notice: Temporary Reduction of Service at Regional Examination Center New Orleans Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center issued the following notification on Dec. 30, 2025. It’s available on the agency’s website and on the SIU website. Due to staffing shortages at Regional Examination Center (REC) New Orleans, the National Maritime Center (NMC) has implemented the following temporary measures: Mariner Examinations: REC New Orleans will continue to provide mariner testing via scheduled examination appointments only. Examination appointments are available Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. CT. Examination appointments are not available on Fridays or federal holidays. Counter Service: REC New Orleans has temporarily discontinued all counter service including by appointments and is unable to accommodate walk-in visits. Only applicants with scheduled examination appointments will be permitted to enter the REC at this time. Application Submission: Effective January 5, 2026, REC New Orleans will no longer accept applications in-person. The NMC anticipates transition to an online application submission portal in January (see December 2, 2025, announcement for further details). Until the portal is available, mariners should submit merchant mariner credential applications via e-mail directly to MMCApplications@uscg.mil and medical certificate applications via e-mail to MEDAIP@uscg. mil. Only applicants seeking first class pilot routes within the REC New Orleans area of responsibility should mail or e-mail their application to the REC. We anticipate that the temporary measures at REC New Orleans may last for several months while the NMC seeks to fill current vacancies. For more information regarding the current status of REC New Orleans or how and where to submit credential applications, visit the NMC website. If you have questions or require assistance, contact the NMC Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, by using Live Chat, by e-mailing iasknmc@uscg.mil, or by calling 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662). Navigating Relationships at Sea: Solutions for Merchant Mariners Editor’s note: This article was written by Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) Director Chris Leeman, LCMFT, LAC, SAP. He may be reached at 45705 Locust Grove Drive, Valley Lee, MD 20692; cleeman@ seafarers.org; and (301) 710-9070. Life at sea offers adventure and financial stability, but it often takes a toll on personal relationships. Long periods away from loved ones, unpredictable schedules, and limited communication can lead to feelings of isolation; strain trust; and cause emotional distance. However, with the right strategies, merchant mariners can maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships despite the challenges. 1. Prioritize Communication Inconsistent communication is one of the biggest hurdles. To address this, establish a communication plan before deployment. Agree on preferred methods – email, messaging apps, satellite calls – and set realistic expectations. Even brief, consistent updates can provide emotional reassurance. Technology such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and specialized maritime communication apps can help bridge the gap. 2. Build Trust and Transparency Trust is crucial when time apart is the norm. Be open about schedules, social activities, and feelings. Share daily experiences, even mundane ones, to maintain emotional intimacy. By encouraging your partner to do the same, you can foster mutual understanding and reduce the chances of miscommunication or suspicion. 3. Plan Quality Time on Shore Time together on shore should be intentional. Plan short getaways, enjoy shared hobbies, or simply relax without distractions. These moments create lasting memories and reinforce the bond. Discuss future plans, both professional and personal, to ensure alignment and shared goals. 4. Involve Your Partner in the Maritime Lifestyle Help your partner understand your work and its challenges. Share stories, photos, or even bring them aboard for visits when possible. When partners feel Notice Pre-Employment and Periodic Drug Tests are Reported to Coast Guard; Marijuana Still Banned by Department of Transportation Editor’s note: Seafarers are reminded that the U.S. Department of Transportation forbids the use of marijuana by employees subject to drug testing under DOT regulations. Even if marijuana use is legal in your home state, it is still illegal under federal law (federal law regulates the maritime industry). This has not changed, as explained in the following announcement issued by the DOT late last year. DOT OFFICE OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY AND COMPLIANCE NOTICE On December 18, 2025, the President of the United States issued an Executive Order directing the Department of Justice to complete the rescheduling process of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). We have had inquiries about what impact this Executive Order will have on the Department of Transportation’s longstanding regulation about the use of marijuana by safety-sensitive transportation employees – pilots, school bus drivers, truck drivers, train engineers, subway operators, aircraft maintenance personnel, transit fire-armed security personnel, ship captains, and pipeline emergency response personnel, among others. First – marijuana is still a Schedule I drug under the CSA until any rescheduling is complete. It remains unacceptable for any safety-sensitive employee subject to drug testing under the Department of Transportation’s drug testing regulations to use marijuana. Second – until the rescheduling process is complete, the Department of Transportation’s drug testing process and regulations will not change. Transportation employees in safety-sensitive positions will still be subject to testing for marijuana. Furthermore, the Department’s guidance on medical and recreational marijuana and CBD are still in effect. Laboratories, Medical Review Officers and Substance Abuse Professionals must continue to follow 49 CFR Part 40. There are no changes to your roles and responsibilities as they relate to marijuana. We will continue to monitor the rescheduling process and update the transportation industry as appropriate. We want to assure the traveling public that our transportation system is the safest it can possibly be. FEBRUARY 2026 included and informed, it reduces emotional distance and builds empathy. 5. Seek Support When Needed Sometimes, talking to a neutral third party like a counselor familiar with maritime life can be helpful. Many maritime unions and organizations offer mental health and relationship support services. Encouraging open dialogue about emotions and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness. Conclusion Being a merchant mariner doesn't mean sacrificing personal relationships. With intentional communication, trust, quality time, and support, mariners and their partners can thrive together. The key is treating the relationship like another voyage requiring navigation, patience, and teamwork. Also, workshops may be worth attending on communication and self-care in a relationship. Check out your home area for skills training for relationships, and self-educate. Your relationships are by far your most valuable investments in life. Senate Confirms Maritime Administrator The United States Senate on Dec. 18 confirmed the nomination of Stephen Carmel as U.S. Maritime Administrator. As previously reported, his nomination had been widely supported throughout the U.S. maritime industry, including by the SIU. A U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate, Carmel sailed as a vessel master and then worked as an executive with Maersk Line, Limited, and with U.S. Marine Management. During his Senate hearing Oct. 22, he voiced strong backing for the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, and cargo preference laws. Shortly after Carmel’s confirmation, SIU President David Heindel congratulated him and noted that the union looks forward to working with him in his new role. SIU personnel are pictured in early November 2025 with then-USMMI President Steve Carmel (second from left) in Norfolk, Virginia. From left are Patrolman Josh Rawls, Steve Carmel, Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, Asst. VP Michael Russo, and Port Agent Mario Torrey. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD APL ISLANDER ‒ From left, Chief Steward Reynaldo Agapay and Chief Cook Reshawn Solomon keep their shipmates well-fed. ABOARD USNS BOWDITCH ‒ These snapshots are from a recent servicing of the Ocean Ships vessel in Guam. In the group photo are Chief Cook Larry Bachelor, MDR Leonard Gordon, Bosun Dean Trott, AB Armando Contreras, STOS Charles Jones, and SA Dominique Johnson. The individual photos show Chief Cook Bachelor serving lunch, and SIU Port Agent Duane Akers meeting with the crew. BOOK SECURED IN JERSEY CITY ‒ GUDE Milton Buelto Fernandez (left) obtains his full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Asst. VP Ray Henderson. ABOARD COASTAL RELIANCE ‒ Longtime Seafarer Fr. Sinclair Oubre (third from left) visits Seafarers aboard the Fairwater vessel in Port Arthur, Texas, to brighten their holidays. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS ‒ Capt. Joseph Carson (left) picks up his first pension check at the hall following a 48-year career with Crescent Towing. Congratulating him is SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook. ABOARD GREEN DELTA ‒ These mariners, ELECTED TO SERVE ‒ SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo has been elected to the executive board of the Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO. These photos were taken after the elections, which occurred at the “Live! Casino & Hotel” (formerly Maryland LIVE!) on Dec. 18, 2025. From left in the group photo are SIU Representative Shane Sterry, Maryland State & DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards, SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo, and SIU Representative James Bast. 6 • SEAFARERS LOG pictured aboard the Waterman vessel, have nearly 90 years of combined sea time. From left are Recertified Bosun Joe French, Second Mate Robert Smith, and Recertified Bosun Gregory Jackson. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 FEBRUARY 2026 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD GLOBAL SENTINEL ‒ These photos were taken at different junctures in late 2025. In the snapshot above, left, Seafarers get into the Christmas spirit on the Subcom vessel in Baltimore, while Recertified Bosun Lee Hardman (individual pic) displays a tuna caught during off time around Thanksgiving, when the ship was at sea. The remaining photos include a working shot and (from left) SIU Representative James Bast, Manpower Director Mark von Siegel, and Asst. VP Michael Russo servicing the ship. ABOARD MANUKAI ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Matson ship in Long Beach, California, are SIU Patrolman Gordon Godel, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova, and Steward/ Baker Marcelo Param. ABOARD LIBERTY EAGLE ‒ Working aboard the Liberty Maritime ship are (left to right, front to back) AB Emilio Abreu, AB Hermilo Sawali, AB Vincent Williams, and Bosun Larry Mann. WELCOME ABOARD IN HOUSTON ‒ AB William Zambula (left) picks up his full B book at the Houston hall. He’s pictured with Piney Point Port Agent Kelly Krick, who briefly revisited the area. SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS ‒ The Seafarers-crewed Allied Pacific (Patriot) (left in photo above) maneuvers near the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) for an underway replenishment in the Pacific Ocean late last year. In the remaining photo, an MH-60S Seahawk, attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, lands on the Washington’s flight deck. (U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas Quezada) ABOARD OCEAN GRAND ‒ These photos from the Patriot ship in Guam include (in the galley) Chief Steward Rene Gil and (on deck) AB Jason Bentz and Bosun Angel Nunez. FEBRUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. BADLANDS TRADER (U.S. Marine Management), September 5 – Chairman Fernando Haber, Secretary Joseph Arigo, Educational Director Theodore Gonzales, Deck Delegate Roy Enriquez, Engine Delegate Arvin Heras, Steward Delegate Joseph Huls. Upcoming drydock period in Singapore and more crew to be added, per chairman. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members noted the upcoming tenth anniversary of the El Faro tragedy. Crew would like an increased budget and for medical certificate to be required annually. Members expressed interest in paying dues online. (Editor’s note: The online option had been in the works and subsequently became available.) BRENTON REEF (Eco Tankers Crew Management, LLC), September 14 – Chairman Phillip Nichols, Educational Director Eron Hall, Deck Delegate Enriqueto Estipona, Engine Delegate Jorge Lawrence. Crew discussed going ashore procedures for Eagle Point, New Jersey, and for Philadelphia. Seaman’s Church Institute assistance is the only way to get to and from front gate. Chairman thanked crew for previous stores event and discussed the upcoming shipyard period. Educational director urged members to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center. New TV and microwave purchased for crew mess. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew changes happening in near future. Next port: Eagle Point, New Jersey. TEXAS (Fairwater Crew Management, LLC), October 6 – Chairman Tomas Calderon Robinson, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Furman Watson. Entire crew doing well, per chairman. Educational director reiterated the importance of keeping paperwork current and upgrading at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for a job well done. BRENTON REEF (Eco Tankers Crew Management, LLC), October 19 – Chairman Phillip Nichols, Secretary Nathan Brailsford, Educational Director Eron Hall. Members reviewed boot allowance reimbursements. Chairman estimated upcoming shipyard period to last approximately 30-40 days and noted potential issues with submitting paperwork to NMC due to current government shutdown. Educational director reminded members to continue upgrading their skills at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read latest communications and discussed new online dues payment option. A round of applause was given to entire steward department for a job well done. Members would like pay procedure to follow standard tanker agreement to include penalty pay for trash, work boot allowances, and a day in lieu of pay. Next port: Houston. LIBERTY PASSION (Liberty Maritime Corp.), November 16 – Chairman Duane Frosburg, Educational Director Dereon Ivory. Members discussed requirements for retirement. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New pillows, new mattresses and new chairs needed in staterooms. New knives, new can openers and new oven mitts also needed per steward delegate. Members expressed dissatisfaction with Anderson-Kelly physicals. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. LIBERTY POWER (Liberty Maritime Corp.), November 30 – Chairman Anwar Martinez Norales, Secretary Robert Bostick, Deck Delegate Usman Ibrahim, Engine Delegate Gilberto Baltazar. Members reported difficulties getting OT approval after writing in for vessel restriction in Bahrain and in Morocco. Several people reported problems receiving OT pay for hours worked. Captain reportedly denied launch service for crew. Bosun requested transportation for departures at Beaumont, Texas. More refrigerators are needed as not all rooms have one. Fresh produce requested on multiple occasions by former bosun but never received. Multiple supplies need replenishment, including cups, paper towels, spoons, mops, etc. ARC COMMITMENT (TOTE Services, LLC), December 8 – Chairman David Brady Norales, Secretary Dustin Haney, Deck Delegate Ahmed Haridy, Engine Delegate Raymond Barnhart. Crew requested better internet service and new blankets. Thanksgiving holiday went well and ship is well stocked, per secretary’s report. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like payrates to equal those in standard freightship agreement, specifically weekend overtime rates and would like vacation to be modified to 26 for 30. Bosun suggested European watch schedule at sea. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), December 20 – Chairman Ben Skuban, Secretary Bernardo Celi, Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Engine Delegate Jarvis Carter, Steward Delegate Hans Winkler. Chairman announced next payoff at sea, talked about distribution of overtime and reiterated the importance of reading contracts. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade and stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new linens, new mattresses, new PPE, and an increase to food budget. Crew would like 30 for 30 vacation, increases to base wages, improved health care and better Wi-Fi. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 FEBRUARY 2026 �Seafarers Celebrate Winter Holidays The photos on these three pages feature SIU personnel partaking in food and fellowship leading up to, and during the recent holiday season. ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE ‒ The Christmas group photo from the Key Marine vessel includes (from left) Second Mate/SIU Hawsepiper Jimmy Hargrove, Recertified Bosun Billy Yurick, and AB/Cook Cris Arsenio. Hargrove noted that he and Arsenio were Paul Hall Center apprentices in 2012 and subsequently landed in the same upgrading courses a couple of times. Hargove also had sailed with Yurick in 2013. “Proud to call both of them shipmates and Cris a classmate and to still be connecting all these years later!” he said. ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR ‒ From left in the three-person photo, taken aboard the ATC vessel on Christmas, are Recertified Steward Albert Sison, DEU Saleh Saleh, and Chief Cook Nasr Almusab. In the four-person pic, those same three Seafarers are joined by SA Mario Hartford, while Chief Cook Nasr also is in the solo photo. FEBRUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 99 LOG • �At the Jacksonville Hall The yearly festivities in the Sunshine State attracted a typically strong turnout on Dec. 19. Pictured from left are GUDE Shakira Neither, SA Kierra Bradley, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Chief Cook Future Seafarer Kieran Guiry (son of Keyanna Williams, SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman, SA Etrenda Badger, Chief Cook Tracey Manuel, and Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry. Recertified Bosun Brian Guiry) Showing the SIU spirit are (from left) Steward/Baker Manuel Daguio, Chief Cook Carlos Diaz, GUDE Dennis Morallo, ABM Aristotle Bone, GUDE Braulio Ente, ABM Vicente Mansilungan, and ACU Rosalie Long. QEE Melody Mitchell, Recertified Bosun Junior Augustin Retired Recertified Steward Gregory Melvin (left) gives the invocation. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is directly to his left. Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw (right, holding plates) and his daughter survey the scene. 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 Guests enjoy the feast (two photos directly above). FEBRUARY 2026 �Holiday Season in Full Swing Photos on this page were taken at each hall's respective holiday festivities. AT THE MOBILE HALL ‒ Members, pensioners and their families and friends convene Dec. 11. Retiree Hubert Cain is pictured at the top right, saying thanks for a birthday cake (he turned 91 two days later). Pictured from right to left in photo at the top left are SIU Port Agent Jimmy White, Chief Cook Dorian White (Jimmy’s son), SIU Recruiting Media Coordinator Lauren Liles, and her son, Tristan Biggerstaff. Pensioner Brenda Littlefield is second from left in the remaining four-person posed photo. AT THE NORFOLK HALL ‒ From left are Steward/Baker Darryl Jackson, retired SIU VP Kermett Mangram, Steward/Baker Avis Hawkins, SIU VP Government Services Sam Spain, ACU Marvette Gallop, Chief Cook Faith Gonse, SA Juditha Cuarez, and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. AT THE JERSEY CITY HALL ‒ Attendees at the December holiday bash in the Garden State included (far left) SIU VP Joseph Soresi and (front, fifth from left) retired SIU VP Kate Hunt, among many others. FEBRUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 This month’s question was answered by SIU members at the Philadelphia hall. Question: What are some of your goals for 2026? David Mendez Reefer Mechanic Theophilus Essien AB “I’m part of an inland gang, so my goals are to be as productive as I can be, improve myself and learn all I can about the new Starcool modules. Personally, I’m looking to invest in some real estate.” “I’m looking to become a Recertified Bosun, I just put my application in, so that would be amazing. My uncle got me into the union, so I want to do it for him. Personally, I’m looking for a house to settle down in. I love the SIU!” Lawrence Girard AB Phuoc Nguyen Chief Steward “I’m aiming to study for and attain my AB unlimited rating next year. I’d like to try and get on a cargo ship or a RO/RO next year, since I’ve really only worked on tankers so far.” “I’d like to get into the Recertified Steward program in 2026, then get on a nice ship and stay for a while. Personally, I’d like to get healthy and stay that way all year.” Berard Fedele AB Unlimited Julius Thomas AB “I’m sort of at the end of my career, so I’m always looking to stay safe and put in another productive year. I’m getting close to retirement, so staying active and busy is always a plus. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with the union, it’s been a great experience.” “Want to work hard to support my son. I’ve had a good long career, I’m approaching 70, so I’m always looking to extend my career as safely as possible. Looking to stay happy, healthy and working.” 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 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 12 • SEAFARERS LOG This 1981 snapshot, taken aboard the Monticello Victory, includes (from left) SIU Port Agent Don Anderson and Seafarers Frank Smith, Luiz Perez, George Arpin, and Duke Hall. (Anderson, who passed away in 2025, later became an assistant vice president.) SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2026 12 FEBRUARY �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from December 15, 2025 - January 16, 2026. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of January 16, 2026. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 18 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 14 Guam 2 Harvey 14 Honolulu 5 Houston 36 Jacksonville 32 Jersey City 26 Joliet 1 Mobile 3 Norfolk 26 Oakland 13 Philadelphia 4 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 6 St. Louis 3 Tacoma 15 Wilmington 19 4 1 3 10 2 3 3 24 28 10 1 1 19 3 2 0 5 4 10 19 1 0 1 4 0 1 0 11 12 4 2 5 5 3 1 0 1 0 2 3 5 3 3 11 3 7 6 32 28 16 2 6 7 8 4 0 1 0 6 16 4 1 4 4 1 1 1 17 22 10 0 1 6 1 2 1 1 4 7 5 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 5 7 2 1 3 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 4 1 5 1 15 24 13 1 4 7 4 3 0 0 2 8 8 27 3 4 22 3 18 13 60 65 35 3 10 35 17 3 1 9 4 24 50 6 1 3 19 1 6 3 45 41 11 3 3 22 5 2 1 4 1 8 24 2 0 1 10 1 6 1 17 13 5 1 6 10 4 1 1 2 0 2 4 TOTAL 241 152 56 164 93 28 105 406 209 87 Algonac 5 Anchorage 1 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 9 Guam 1 Harvey 2 Honolulu 5 Houston 12 Jacksonville 18 Jersey City 9 Joliet 3 Mobile 4 Norfolk 15 Oakland 1 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 6 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 7 Wilmington 13 TOTAL 119 4 1 2 11 0 0 3 8 13 9 1 3 11 1 1 5 2 0 3 11 89 0 0 1 2 0 2 2 5 7 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 31 1 1 2 3 0 1 2 7 14 2 1 0 8 3 3 1 1 0 1 7 58 4 1 3 11 1 2 7 14 26 14 3 5 17 3 3 1 6 3 13 21 158 4 1 3 16 0 2 4 10 26 10 1 1 14 0 1 1 7 0 5 10 116 0 0 3 2 1 2 2 6 6 3 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 1 0 8 40 Algonac 4 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 5 Guam 0 Harvey 2 Honolulu 9 Houston 15 Jacksonville 18 Jersey City 13 Joliet 0 Mobile 1 Norfolk 18 Oakland 13 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 3 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 10 Wilmington 23 TOTAL 137 0 2 1 4 1 4 0 12 17 8 0 1 14 5 2 2 3 1 1 7 85 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 1 4 1 0 1 6 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 20 1 0 1 5 0 2 2 9 17 10 1 3 11 4 0 0 4 0 9 17 96 1 0 3 3 0 1 0 1 14 3 0 1 8 2 1 1 1 1 0 10 51 4 0 3 12 0 5 10 26 39 10 0 2 26 17 2 0 8 1 7 32 204 2 4 0 6 0 2 1 13 24 9 0 3 15 3 1 2 9 0 2 11 107 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 6 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 18 Algonac 0 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 0 Guam 0 Harvey 1 Honolulu 0 Houston 8 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 0 Wilmington 1 7 0 4 7 0 3 2 20 31 17 0 2 19 6 0 1 0 0 5 13 7 0 1 8 0 6 2 7 41 14 0 1 36 7 1 1 0 0 3 22 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 1 4 0 0 2 15 22 11 0 2 14 2 0 1 0 0 6 10 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 21 3 0 0 9 5 0 0 0 0 3 8 0 1 3 2 0 1 0 5 4 2 0 1 5 0 0 2 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 9 2 3 11 0 3 3 37 52 21 1 1 19 7 1 1 0 0 8 19 22 0 1 13 0 9 5 19 75 24 1 2 55 10 0 1 0 0 6 36 TOTAL 10 137 157 6 93 56 34 13 198 279 GRAND TOTAL 463 264 349 307 114 248 781 630 424 Engine Department 3 0 2 7 1 1 4 8 21 3 1 1 12 3 0 3 5 0 3 5 83 2 2 3 3 0 1 1 9 14 3 1 2 10 3 2 3 1 1 1 5 67 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 2 14 Steward Department February & March Membership Meetings Piney Point Monday: Feb. 2, March 2 Algonac Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12 Baltimore Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5 Guam Thursday: Feb. 19, March 19 Honolulu Friday: Feb. 13, March 13 Houston Monday: Feb. 9, March 9 Jacksonville Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5 Joliet Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12 Mobile Wednesday: Feb. 11, March 11 New Orleans Tuesday: Feb. 10, March 10 Jersey City Tuesday: Feb. 3, March 3 Norfolk Friday: Feb. 6, March 6 Oakland Thursday: Feb. 12. March 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: Feb. 4, March 4 Port Everglades Thursday: Feb. 12, March 12 San Juan Thursday: Feb. 5, March 5 St. Louis Friday: Feb. 13, March 13 Tacoma Wilmington Friday: Feb. 20, March 20 Tuesday: Feb. 17, Monday: March 16 Meeting date changes due to holidays Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. FEBRUARY 2026 0 0 1 2 1 2 1 5 12 5 0 1 10 4 1 0 1 1 1 6 54 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 1 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 16 Entry Department 507 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA SALEH ALSINAI Brother Saleh Alsinai, 66, joined the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Alsinai most recently shipped on the Midnight Sun and lives in Tacoma, Washington. BOBBY BELCHES Brother Bobby Belches, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1995 and first worked on the Independence. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Belches concluded his career aboard the George III. He resides in Pittsburg, California. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. STANLEY DARANDA DEMETRIO MARCHIONE Brother Stanley Daranda, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he shipped on the HMI Petrochem. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Daranda’s final vessel was the USNS Bellatrix. He makes his home in New Orleans. Brother Demetrio Marchione, 65, started sailing with the union in 1980, initially working aboard the Cove Engineer. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Marchione concluded his career aboard the Maersk Chicago. He lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. PAUL DIESNER GEORGE MCANERN Brother Paul Diesner, 63, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1990. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Libra. Brother Diesner upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Anchorage and is a Seattle resident. Brother George McAnern, 67, joined the union in 2001. He first shipped on the Cape Orlando and sailed in the engine department. Brother McAnern upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Sagamore. He resides in San Francisco. FRANK BERNER LAWRENCE FRENCH Brother Frank Berner, 65, became a member of the union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Manhattan. He sailed primarily in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Berner upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career working with Universal Maritime and makes his home in Humble, Texas. Brother Lawrence French, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990 and first worked aboard the USNS Denebola. He shipped in the engine department and concluded his career on the Cape Jacob. Brother French makes his home in Fort Myers, Florida. FERNANDO CASTILLO Brother Fernando Castillo, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2016. He first sailed aboard the Global Sentinel and worked in the steward department. Brother Castillo most recently shipped on the Maersk Hartford. He is a resident of Selma, North Carolina. THOMAS CATANIA Brother Thomas Catania, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979 and first sailed aboard the Gallaway. He sailed in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Catania upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed with Sealand and settled in Homosassa, Florida. CHARLOTTE CHASTAIN Sister Charlotte Chastain, 72, embarked on her career with the SIU in 2008 when she sailed on the Horizon Trader. She shipped in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Sister Chastain concluded her career aboard the USNS Watkins. She lives in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. JULITO CRODUA Brother Julito Crodua, 60, signed on with the union in 1988. He initially sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward department. Brother Crodua upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped on the Pacific Tracker and is a resident of Olympia, Washington. JOSE GARCIA Brother Jose Garcia, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1994. He was a deck department member and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Garcia upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions. He last sailed on the Overseas Cascade and lives in Houston. DONALD LAMB Brother Donald Lamb, 65, joined the union in 1998 and first sailed aboard the USNS Kane. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Liberty Spirit. Brother Lamb resides Pensacola, Florida. LARRY LEWIS Brother Larry Lewis, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1979 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Lewis concluded his career aboard the Robert E. Lee. He resides in New Orleans. MAXIMO LOTO Brother Maximo Loto, 65, became an SIU member in 1993. He was an engine department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Loto’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the USNS Bowditch. He makes his home in San Leandro, California. 14 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 SEAFARERS • SEAFARERS LOG CONSTANCE MULLINGS Sister Constance Mullings, 65, embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 2008. She first sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha and worked in the steward department. Sister Mullings upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She last sailed aboard the Brenton Reef and makes her home in Leighton, Alabama. JULIE ORTIZ Brother Julie Ortiz, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1990 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ortiz’s final vessel was the Horizon Reliance. He resides in Honolulu. GUSTAVO OSORIO Brother Gustavo Osorio, 71, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1990. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Osorio upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed aboard the George II and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. GLENN QUITORIO Brother Glenn Quitorio, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1999. He worked as an engine department member, initially aboard the Independence. Brother Quitorio upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped aboard the Horizon Pacific and settled in Spanaway, Washington. RENE RAFER Brother Rene Rafer, 65, started sailing with the union in 1989, initially working aboard the Independence. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Rafer last shipped on the George III and makes his home in Mililani, Hawaii. FEBRUARY 2026 �JUAN ROCHEZ DION TURY GEOFFREY GAVIGAN Brother Juan Rochez, 80, joined the SIU in 1991 and first shipped on the USNS Pollux. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Rochez last shipped on the Florida. He resides in Crosby, Texas. Brother Dion Tury, 65, joined the SIU in 1981 and first shipped on the Zapata Patriot. He worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Tury last shipped on the Perla Del Caribe and settled in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Brother Geoffrey Gavigan, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2007. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Gavigan worked with Allied Transportation for the duration of his career. He lives in Cape May, New Jersey. MIGUEL RUIZ Brother Miguel Ruiz, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990. He first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Ruiz upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the Potomac Express. He lives in the Bronx, New York. EUGENE SCANDURRA Brother Eugene Scandurra, 65, became a member of the union in 1990. He worked in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Scandurra’s first vessel was the Cape Ann; his last, the Sulphur Enterprise. He resides in Las Vegas. MARK SIMPSON Brother Mark Simpson, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2002 and first sailed aboard the USNS Dahl. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother Simpson concluded his career aboard the Maersk Detroit. He makes his home in The Villages, Florida. NEIL SULLIVAN Brother Neil Sullivan, 55, donned the SIU colors in 1992. He first sailed aboard the USNS Audacious and was a deck department member. Brother Sullivan upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on several occasions and last shipped aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. He lives in Panama City, Florida. EDNA TORRES Sister Edna Torres, 69, signed on with the union in 2001 and initially sailed aboard the Maersk Maine. She worked in the steward department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Sister Torres most recently shipped on the APL Eagle and is a resident of Brooklyn, New York. VIRGIL TUDORACHE Brother Virgil Tudorache, 76, started sailing with the SIU in 2001 when he shipped on the Seabulk Mariner. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Tudorache concluded his career aboard the Marjorie C. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. FEBRUARY 2026 GREAT LAKES MICHAEL HALLIBURTON Brother Wayne Moon, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1977. He worked in the deck department and was employed with Great Lakes Dredge & Dock for almost his entire career. Brother Moon resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Brother Michael Halliburton, 69, signed on with the union in 1979. He initially worked with G&H Towing and sailed in the deck department. Brother Halliburton upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. He was last employed by Sheridan Transportation and makes his home in La Porte, Texas. JAMES NIEHUS JAMES MORGAN Brother James Niehus, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Niehus worked with Luedtke Engineering for the duration of his career. He lives in Highland, Indiana. Brother James Morgan, 63, became a member of the union in 1987, initially shipping with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. Brother Morgan worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He was last employed by OLS Transport and settled in St. Petersburg, Florida. WAYNE MOON NICHOLAS VELKOFF ROLAND NOBLE Brother Nicholas Velkoff, 65, became a member of the union in 1987. He worked in the deck department, initially aboard the Richard J. Reiss. Brother Velkoff concluded his career aboard the American Mariner and resides in Traverse City, Michigan. Brother Roland Noble, 68, signed on with the union in 1976. He sailed in the deck department, first working with Allied Transportation. Brother Noble upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1979. He concluded his career with Zoella Shipholding and makes his home in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. CHARLES O’BRIEN INLAND RICHARD BARNETT Brother Richard Barnett, 63, signed on with the union in 1992. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Barnett was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. He resides in Hopatcong, New Jersey. KENNETH BLACK Brother Kenneth Black, 64, donned the SIU colors in 2018. He was a deck department member and first worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Black upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2022. He concluded his career with Crowley Puerto Rico Services and settled in Bella Vista, California. Brother Charles O’Brien, 69, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he worked for Higman Barge Lines. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother O’Brien last shipped with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia. He calls Naples, Florida, home. DANIEL PETRIE Brother Daniel Petrie, 62, joined the SIU in 1989. He was employed with Port Imperial Ferry for the duration of his career. Brother Petrie lives in Weehawken, New Jersey. DAVID PRICE Brother David Price, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1978, first working with Interstate Oil. Brother Price was a deck department member, and upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school in 1978. He last sailed with OSG Ship Management and resides in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. JOLLY COX RYAN RIGGINS Brother Jolly Cox, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1989, initially working aboard the USNS Indomitable. Brother Cox was a deck department member. He was last employed with Allied Transportation and makes his home in Kokomo, Mississippi. Brother Ryan Riggins, 62, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1983. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Riggins worked with Moran Towing of Texas for his entire career. He calls Lufkin, Texas, home. SCOTTIE DUNCAN Brother Scottie Duncan, 53, joined the SIU in 2009. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Duncan worked for Express Marine for his entire career. He resides in Leland, North Carolina. GAWAIN SCHOUEST Brother Gawain Schouest, 55, signed on with the SIU in 1991. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Schouest worked with Crescent Towing and Salvage for almost his entire career. He makes his home in Harvey, Louisiana. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA OHENEBA FRANCIS ACKON Pensioner Oheneba Francis Ackon, 67, died June 22. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Pride of America. Brother Ackon worked in both the deck and engine departments. He concluded his career aboard the Seabulk Challenge and went on pension in 2022. Brother Ackon called Fairfield, Ohio, home. RASHID ALI Pensioner Rashid Ali, 79, passed away November 11. He became a member of the SIU in 1977 when he shipped on the Cove Navigator. Brother Ali sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the USNS Fisher and became a pensioner in 2015. Brother Ali made his home in Floral Park, New York. JANET BAIRD Sister Janet Baird, 54, died November 13. She began her career with the Seafarers in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Cape Clear. Sister Baird was a deck department member and last sailed on the Global Sentinel. She lived in Summerfield, Florida. RODERICK BRIGHT Pensioner Roderick Bright, 67, passed away November 13. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Overseas Alaska. Brother Bright worked in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Padre Island. He went on pension in 2013 and resided in Chesapeake, Virginia. GERARD COSTELLO Brother Gerard Costello, 64, died November 3. He joined the SIU in 1998 and first shipped on the USNS Gilliand. Brother Costello sailed in the deck department and most recently shipped on the ARC Independence. He was a Baltimore resident. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. ALEJO FABIA LEWIS FARROW Pensioner Alejo Fabia, 78, died October 1. He donned the SIU colors in 1989. A steward department member, Brother Fabia first shipped on the Independence. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Enterprise and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Fabia lived in Hilo, Hawaii. Pensioner Lewis Farrow, 86, passed away October 21. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1972. An engine department member, Brother Farrow was employed with Cape Fear Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2002 and lived in Wilmington, North Carolina. BRENT JOHNSON WILLIAM HOLCOMB Pensioner Brent Johnson, 85, passed away September 28. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991 when he sailed aboard the USNS Titan. Brother Johnson was a deck department member. He most recently shipped on the Horizon Kodiak and became a pensioner in 2017. Brother Johnson resided in Bothell, Washington. Pensioner William Holcomb, 80, died October 22. He began his career with the SIU in 1967 when he shipped with Higman Barge Lines. Brother Holcomb worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed with Seabulk Tankers before retiring in 2010. Brother Holcomb resided in West Monroe, Louisiana. NMU ROBERT LERMA Pensioner Robert Lerma, 73, died September 25. He became a member of the SIU in 2005. Brother Lerma initially sailed aboard the Maersk Alaska. He worked in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Intrepid. Brother Lerma went on pension in 2017 and settled in East Glacier Park, Montana. MARK PATTERSON Pensioner Mark Patterson, 80, passed away October 23. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1969 when he sailed on the Raymond Reiss. Brother Patterson sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Portland. He became a pensioner in 2010 and made his home in Juneau, Alaska. ABDULLA SALEH Pensioner Abdulla Saleh, 86, has passed away. He joined the union in 1991 and initially sailed on the Franklin J. Phillips. Brother Saleh shipped in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Louis J. Hauge Jr. and retired in 2003. Brother Saleh was a resident of Staten Island, New York. INLAND DANNY DAVIS FREDERICK DUNMORE Pensioner Danny Davis, 75, passed away November 14. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1972, initially working on the Overseas Progress. Brother Davis was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Pride. He began collecting his pension in 2009 and resided in Ringgold, Georgia. Brother Frederick Dunmore, 47, died October 17. He donned the SIU colors in 2021, initially working aboard the Pride of America. Brother Dunmore was an engine department member. He most recently sailed on the Dodge Island and made his home in Houston. 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ARNALDO ARZU Pensioner Arnaldo Arzu, 93, passed away November 9. A deck department member, Brother Arzu last shipped on the Keystone Texas. He retired in 2008 and lived in Marrero, Louisiana. JEOFFREY DAVID Pensioner Jeoffrey David, 86, died September 26. Brother David shipped in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Horn and went on pension in 1999. Brother David resided in Ruther Glen, Virginia. PRESCO NEW Pensioner Presco New, 99, passed away November 8. Brother New begin sailing in 1954 and worked in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the Cape Ducato and retired in 1998. Brother New lived in Jacksonville, Florida. JAMES POPE Pensioner James Pope, 87, passed away November 8. Brother Pope last shipped aboard the Thompson Lykes. He went on pension in 2003 and settled in Grand Bay, Alabama. ANDREW POTASH Brother Andrew Potash, 66, died October 30. Brother Potash shipped in the engine department and last sailed aboard the Cape Edmont. He was a Denver resident. THEODORE SMITH Pensioner Theodore Smith, 78, passed away October 27. Brother Smith sailed in the steward department. He last shipped aboard the Wilson before becoming a pensioner in 2006. Brother Smith lived in Houston. FEBRUARY 2026 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck RFPNW Water Survival Feb. 23 April 6 June 8 March 13 April 24 June 26 Feb. 16 March 9 May 4 March 6 March 27 May 22 Feb. 16 March 16 Feb. 27 March 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations Feb. 16 March 9 April 4 May 4 March 13 April 3 May 1 May 29 Chief Steward March 2 May 25 March 27 June 19 Adv. Galley Operations March 30 April 27 April 24 May 22 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Government Vessels Feb. 23 April 20 May 18 Feb. 27 April 24 May 22 Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. March 23 March 24 RFPEW Feb. 16 April 6 March 13 May 1 Boiler Technician (FOWT) March 16 May 4 April 10 May 29 Junior Engineer March 9 May 18 May 1 July 10 Marine Electrician April 6 May 8 Tanker Ship Fam. - DL Marine Refrigeration Tech. Feb. 23 June 22 April 3 July 31 Feb. 16 March 23 Feb. 20 March 27 Tanker Ship Fam. - LG Feb. 23 March 30 Feb. 27 April 3 Machinist Feb. 23 March 13 Pumpman March 16 March 20 Welding March 16 April 13 June 1 April 3 May 1 June 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook April 13 June 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 17 SEAFARERS FEBRUARY 2026LOG • OCTOBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #928 – Recently graduated (not all are pictured): Monique Banks, Adriel Cotto, Wesley Cueto, Mark Estigoy, Alexis Fultz, Leroyal Hester III, Naija Hoy, Sean Lavelle, Tong Lu, Alexie Pankratov, Desmond Percy, Alex Sanchez, Dakota Snow, Austin Sumner and Mikhaela Wilcox. RFPNW – Graduated January 16 (among those pictured): Nicholas Amore, Joseph Breece II, Roland Evans II, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan, Kainoa MacKenzie, Monica Marquez-Realivazquez, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata and Paul Schad. JUNIOR ENGINEER (PLANT MAINTENANCE) – Graduated January 16 (not all are GOVERNMENT VESSELS (AND HELO FIREFIGHTING) – Graduated January 9 (not all are pictured): John Bayonne III, Jovita Carino, Nikita Featherston, Curtis Gilliard II, Admirial Haynes, Sierjohn Jove, Kamaria LaPread, Alexis Martinez, Chelan Peterson, Emmanuel Santos Capulong and Tavon Spence. pictured): Mohsen Almohseni, Victoria Butler, Shemekia Donald, Joaquim Ganeto, Tiburcio Garcia, Mynisha George, Juan Guity Garcia, Talicia Jones, Norman Lucas II, Joseph Marino, Ishmael McNeal, Haider Mohamed, Haidara Mosa, Christian Oding, Michael Papaioannou, Connor Reason, Tracey Ward, Brandon Webb, David Williams, Gary Doggett and Ronald Evans. VESSEL OPS – Graduated January 16 (among those pictured): Elias Carrier, Tariq Graham, James Griese, WATER SURVIVAL (UPGRADERS) – Graduated January 9 (from left to right): Sanita Hayes, Elijah Haynes, Darin Holmes, Christopher Johnston, Tyler Murray, Yoevelyn Rodriguez, Michal Spryszynski, Matthew Swift, Noel Vindua, Jordan Vonchampion, Michaelangelo Vonchampion, Christian Wailehua, Tereton Washington Jr., Joseph Wilde and Zkl Williams. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 FEBRUARY 2026 Henry Brown and Daniel Gilbert. �SAVE ON EVERYDAY THINGS Uni exc onlus sav ive ing s Ready, set, save! Save on essentials like your wireless phone bill and groceries, and enjoy outings for less. Head to the movies, your favorite restaurants, amusement parks and zoos, and more, at a discount. Learn more at unionplus.org �FEBRUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 2 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Continues Philanthropic Tradition with Santa’s Castle Seafarers stepped up for the most recent Santa’s Castle outreach, as evidenced by this collection of gifts initially staged at the hiring hall in Tacoma, Washington. O nce again, military families in the Tacoma, Washington region could breathe more easily this past holiday season knowing that SIU volunteers always come through to provide Christmas gifts and donations for service members in need. For 17 years now, Seafarers in the Pacific Northwest have remained unwavering in their support of Santa’s Castle, a year-long program run by local volunteers who collect monetary donations, toys, clothes and bikes to help active-duty military families provide gifts for their children. Although the SIU did not host their annual luncheon this past December due to renovations taking place at the hiring hall, the drive was still a great success. “Even with the renovations, it did not stop members from contributing in the form of toys or making cash donations,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Warren Asp. “I know I say this every year, but even through some years when we have challenges, like a pandemic, Tacoma members still show up and support our efforts. It really is amazing and I truly am thankful.” Retired Recertified Steward Dennis Skretta, who could not volunteer in person this time, is one of those who still makes it a point to donate every year. “I was in the (military) service myself, and I know that sometimes the pay isn’t always that great, so any help you get is greatly appreciated,” he said. The 2025 drive lasted more than three-and-a-half months, and more than 100 SIU members made contributions. According to Asp’s calculations, the SIU raised around $7,500 in toys. “When we dropped the toys off at the site, the volunteers who were there were amazed at how much one organization raised for the program. Santa’s Castle every year is so thankful for the SIU and our efforts,” he stated. There are no plans to slow down in 2026, either, Asp added. SIU Asst. VP Warren Asp Santa’s Castle serves children from birth to 17 years of age for all active-duty service members in Washington: Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and active National Guard and Reserves. According to the Santa’s Castle website, this past holiday season the organization helped 1,913 families, including 4,040 children, and gave a total of $791,928 dollars’ worth of toys, books, games, bikes and stocking stuffers to service members in the area. The organization was born in 1994 when military spouses Diane Gravatt and Janet Gibson noticed that young service members in their Army community were quietly struggling to afford Christmas gifts for their children. They took it upon themselves to fix the problem. Armed with a small room filled with previously loved, secondhand treasures, they began working diligently to rehabilitate the items and give them new life. They scrubbed and reassembled bikes, erased the pencil marks in books, and washed and styled dolls’ hair (and washed and ironed their clothes too!). Gravatt and Gibson donated the toys they restored to the other military families in need, thereby boosting holiday cheer and saving Christmas for many. News of their efforts spread to other volunteers who wanted to join in their mission, and the cause grew to become the Santa’s Castle we know today. Recertified Steward Amanda Suncin finds it particularly meaningful to continue this legacy of service and volunteer in support of people who might have trouble making ends meet during the holidays. “[Santa’s Castle] focuses on helping soldiers and their families, not so much higher ups or admin. I’m thankful to be a part of a union that consistently volunteers to help an organization that prioritizes the ‘little people’ and I consider it an honor and a privilege to help each year,” said Suncin. Oiler Quinton Palmer helps transport some of the donations. Safety Director Dennison Forsman AB Patrick Wheat does his part to help with the project. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource FEBRUARY 2026 Description An account of the resource MARITIME UNIONS CALL FOR AMERICAN-FLAG REQUIREMENT ON VENEZUELAN OIL IMPORTS SIU SECURES NEW AGREEMENT WITH INLAND LAKES MANAGEMENT ‘HISTORIC’ CONTRACT UNANIMOUSLY RATIFIED BY BISSO CREWS SIU MEMBERS RESCUE BOATERS UNION-CREWED ‘MIRACLE SHIP,’ BROTHER MARINUS HONORED DURING 75TH ANNIVERSARY CONFERENCE NMC NOTICE: TEMPORARY REDUCTION OF SERVICE AT REGIONAL EXAMINATION CENTER NEW ORLEANS NAVIGATING RELATIONSHIPS AT SEA: SOLUTIONS FOR MERCHANT MARINERS SENAT CONFIRMS MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR SIU CONTINUES PHILANTHROPIC TRADITION WITH SANTAS CASTLE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2026 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 88, NO. 2 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/34ef8e41cc78ac9ce71d898bb2607e78.pdf ed74f342cf14e871e21541656246f9c7 PDF Text Text JANUARY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 1 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Horizon Reliance To The Rescue SIU members recently helped rescue two downed airplane pilots in the Pacific. The survivors’ life raft is pictured in the inset at right, while the main photo shows the SIU-crewed vessel. Page 4. Voting Concludes in Union Election Seafarers cast their respective ballots in the SIU election beginning Nov. 1 and finishing on the last day of 2020. In photo at left, OS Arabi Muthala completes his ballot in Hawaii aboard the SBX (TOTE). The photo above includes (from left) GSTU Nala Johnson and Chief Cook Gregory McNiel, ready to vote aboard the Washington Express (Marine Personnel and Provisioning) in La Porte, Texas. Pages 11-14. Virtual AOTOS Page 2 SIU’s Year in Review The COVID-19 global pandemic affected virtually every part of life in 2020 – but there were many encouraging stories, too. Above, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman (right) checks the temperature of an oncoming individual on the USNS Algol (Ocean Duchess) in San Francisco. Page 5. General Election Recap Page 3 SHBP Scholarship Info Page 6 �President’s Report Seafarers Delivered in 2020 Although the COVID-19 global pandemic is far from finished as of this writing in mid-December, I extend one last 2020 “thank you” to all Seafarers and their families for a job well done in the face of unprecedented challenges. Your work has never been more important, and you consistently have risen to the occasion. Well done, SIU brothers and sisters. At the same time, we all have to continue following safety protocols, thereby protecting ourselves, our loved ones and our shipmates. There is daylight on the horizon in the form of vaccines, but we’re not there yet. Stay safe! We’ve all come too far to let down our guard. Besides the eventual end of the pandemic, we have other things to look forMichael Sacco ward to in our union and our industry. As reported elsewhere in this edition, American-flag shipping scored several enormous wins in the newest Defense bill, including a new Tanker Security Fleet and reinforced protections for the Jones Act and cargo preference laws. I am confident that these developments will mean new job opportunities for Seafarers during this decade, and I’m equally sure that they’ll boost U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Additionally, as noted during the December membership meetings and also in this edition, I’m happy to report that SIU-backed candidates fared quite well on Election Day. This, too, bodes well for our industry. The more people in Congress (and other levels of government) who understand our industry, the better. As always, we’ll reach out to newly elected representatives to introduce ourselves and to explain why America needs a strong merchant marine. On that note, some of you may know that President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris are longtime friends of the SIU and unwavering backers of the Jones Act. They know our industry and they’ll be allies when it comes to protecting workers’ rights, too. We have a lot of friends in the outgoing administration as well, and if that seems odd or unlikely in any way, remember that maritime is a historically bipartisan issue. We’ve always had friends from both major political parties, and we’ll always work with anyone and everyone who’s willing to stand up for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for America’s working families. Regardless of how you voted and for whom, I hope you share my encouragement at the record turnout across our great nation. This happened despite a pandemic that’s unprecedented in modern times. Pre- and post-election polls also showed widespread support for workers’ rights and for an economy that boosts the middle class. This is firmly in line with our union’s work since our founding in 1938. I’m not blind to the wide range of emotions that accompanied Election Day and the sometimes-agonizing moments that followed. Just remember that we all love our country and we’ll all be better off by finding common ground, working together and treating each other respectfully. As Seafarers do every day when they’ve signed aboard a vessel, let’s move forward together as one crew in 2021. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 1 January 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao accepts this year’s AOTOS award during a virtual ceremony. She credited SIU President Michael Sacco and the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, for playing key roles during the global pandemic. AOTOS Goes Virtual, Honors Entire Industry Sec. Chao Accepts Award on Behalf of American Maritime The United Seamen’s Service (USS) 51st annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award was presented virtually for the first time, in a Dec. 9 ceremony that highlighted the work of the entire American maritime community. The traditional silver statuette of Christopher Columbus – the first Admiral of the Ocean Sea – was accepted by The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, on behalf of the honorees, and the award will have a permanent home displayed at U.S. Maritime Administration headquarters in Washington, D.C. In accepting the award, Chao specifically praised SIU President Michael Sacco, who delivered the keynote address. “He is always championing the issues and concerns of his rank-and-file members,” she told the virtually assembled crowd, adding that she learned a lot about leadership from observing him. She went on to highlight the work done by the SIU to safely reopen the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. She referred to the U.S.-flag industry as a “partnership” who “work together and so well,” before saluting the industry for stepping up and delivering throughout the crisis. LTG Kenneth R. Wykle, USA, (Ret.), Chair- man, USS AOTOS Committee, served as the moderator of the program. The event also featured Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby; General Stephen R. Lyons, USA, commander, United States Transportation Command; RAdm. Michael A. Wettlaufer, USN, commander, Military Sealift Command; William Adams, president of the International Longshore and Warehouseman’s Union; Thomas B. Crowley Jr., chairman and CEO of Seafarers-contracted Crowley Maritime Corp; and William Woodhour, president of SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited. Wykle said in his opening remarks, “About 13 months ago, we gathered in New York City for the annual AOTOS dinner.... Unfortunately, the world changed early this year.” He then spoke about the unique nature of this year’s event, as well as the challenges that have faced the maritime industry in 2020. Sacco said, “I have the honor of discussing one of the few bright spots of 2020, and that is the outstanding performance of the U.S. Merchant Marine during this global pandemic. Actually, I salute the world’s entire seafarers population for the outstanding job and sacrifices Continued on Page 5 Labor Department Honors Crowley As Veteran-Friendly Employer U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia recently awarded SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets) Platinum Medallion for its exemplary success recruiting, employing and retaining U.S. military veterans. The HIRE Vets Medallion Program, created through a 2017 federal law, is the only federal government award recognizing companies for exceptional achievement in veteran employment. Crowley was among a number of other companies who received the award on Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11. By meeting the criteria required for a Platinum Medallion Award, the highest level of the program, Crowley “demonstrated both patriotism and recognition of the value veterans bring to the workplace,” according to the Labor Department. Veterans make up more than 9 percent of the overall company workforce, and 13 percent of Crowley’s administrative employees, and the retention rate for veterans exceeds 90 percent. In addition, the company supports an employee resource group led by members of its workforce dedicated to helping veterans and active-duty personnel achieve career success. “We see the contribution veterans make on a regular basis that help our customers and our com- Official logo for the DOL award pany achieve great results,” said Crowley’s Julius Richardson, talent acquisition business partner who is a Marine Corps veteran and co-chair of the Veterans Employee Resource Group. “We thank the federal government for the recognition, and the biggest thanks goes to our men and women who served our nation, and now make Crowley a great company and a great place to work.” Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG January 2021 �SIU-Backed Candidates Fare Well on Election Day The SIU’s political department has completed its review of the results of Election 2020. The findings show overwhelming success for candidates supported by the SIU. Unlike most federal political action committees, the Seafarers Political Activities Donation – SPAD, the union’s voluntary fund – is bipartisan, and the union contributes to incumbents, challengers and candidates running in open seat races. In the U.S. House of Representatives, SPAD participated in 153 races around the country. In those elections, the SIUbacked candidate won in 149 and lost in four. That’s a win percentage of 97.38. SPAD participated in 13 Senate races around the country. Of those races, the SIU-backed candidate won in every single race (for a win percentage of 100). The U.S. Electoral College was scheduled to vote Dec. 14 and was expected to certify Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president. In a letter to SIU President Michael Sacco earlier this year, former Vice Presi- dent Biden wrote in part, “As a lifelong advocate for working families and unions, I write to assure you of my strong and unwavering support for the Seafarers International Union, its members, and the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine fleet. Labor unions built the middle class and the middle class built this country. The basic building blocks of a good life – middle-class jobs at union wages, a 40-hour work week, health insurance, retirement benefits, a voice in the workplace – resulted from workers who organized unions and fought for worker protections. This is the history of the Seafarers International Union. And at a time when our country is facing unprecedented challenges, our economic future today depends on unions like yours – just as it did in the past. “Just as unions are essential to the middle class, the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine fleet and the men and women who operate U.S.-flag ships are crucial to America’s national security, our international trade relationships, and economic development,” Biden continued. “For this reason, I have been a consistent and strong advocate for the Jones Act and its mandate that only U.S.-flag vessels carry cargo in the coastwise trade. As President, I will continue my strong support for the Jones Act.” He added his ongoing support for cargo preference laws, the U.S. Maritime Security Program, and the U.S. Export-Import Bank, all of which help maintain jobs for U.S. mariners. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, during on online speech that took place Nov. 5, said the union vote made a big difference on Election Day. “Joe Biden’s path to the White House ran through America’s labor movement,” Trumka stated. “Initial toplines from our post-election survey show union members went 58 percent for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. While the general public supported Biden by three points, our members favored him by 21 points. Simply put, we got out the vote. In Wisconsin. In Michigan. In Pennsylvania. Joe Biden’s firewall was union made!” He added, “The labor movement is expanding the map. Look at Arizona. Look at Georgia.” Trumka concluded, “There will be work to do over these next few days, and no shortage of work over the next four years. While we don’t know the final composition of the Senate, we know our priorities. Our members made it clear. Some 95 percent say that protecting workers’ rights is the top priority for this next congress. And yes, that includes 93 percent of our members who went for Trump. The right to collective bargaining. Fair wages and workplace safety. A voice on the job. The belief that all work has dignity and everyone should retire with security. None of that is red or blue. It’s simply American. It’s what America’s labor movement has fought for in 2020 – not just in this election but in our workplaces, too…. None of this will be easy, but union members are not afraid of hard work. We do it every day and we see the job through.” New Defense Bill Constitutes A Huge Victory for Maritime Legislation Calls for New, 10-Vessel Tanker Security Fleet A year of unprecedented challenges nevertheless contained some potentially fantastic news for the United States maritime industry. On Dec. 3, the House and Senate Armed Services committees released the conference report agreement for the William M. “Mac” Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2021. At press time, both the House and Senate were expected to pass the legislation and send it to the president. Although President Trump had expressed concerns about the bill completely unrelated to maritime, its prospects appeared favorable. Highlighting the NDAA is a new, 10-vessel Tanker Security Fleet patterned after the well-proven Maritime Security Program (MSP). The new program would allow owners of eligible product tankers to apply for a $6 million per year stipend in exchange for making the vessels available to the U.S. Department of Defense in times of war or national emergency. The legislation also includes a temporary financial boost for MSP participants, in order to offset some costs related to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The aforementioned components were aggressively backed by the SIU, as is a section that strengthens cargo preference requirements for the movement of military cargoes. Another part of the bill calls for a new study regarding federal compliance with existing civilian and military cargo preference rules. American shipyards also stand to benefit from the NDAA, because the measure strengthens existing requirements that vessels under charter to the United States be repaired or modified in U.S. yards during the length of the charter. Moreover, the bill facilitates the purchase of existing, foreign-built vessels to recapitalize the government-owned reserve fleet. Other highlights include the establishment of a new Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief program aimed at offering monetary help to the industry during emergencies. According to the bill’s text, eligible participants include vessel owners and operators, shipyards, maritime training facilities and others. Finally, the bill includes new stipulations to reinforce the Jones Act, both when it comes to the law’s application to wind farms and when waivers may be requested. During the December SIU membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland, SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez updated Seafarers on the bill and underscored the vital roles played by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) in advancing pro-maritime components. January 2021 “This bill is a gigantic win for our industry, and the maritime sections collectively are an equally big victory for our country,” Tellez stated. SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman said, “The wins we’ve achieved for maritime in this bill highlight the SIU’s continuing, effective bipartisan approach. Working closely with members on both sides of the aisle, and in both the House and Senate, made this victory possible.” As previously reported, 34 members of Congress in mid-September sent a bipartisan letter backing the new Tanker Security Fleet to Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Adam Smith (D-Washington), and House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-Texas). The provision creating the new program would initially involve 10 privately owned, militarily useful U.S.-flag product tankers crewed by American merchant mariners. “We are deeply concerned about the decline in the number of militarily useful commercial vessels operating under the U.S. flag and, consequently, in the number of trained and qualified American merchant mariners available to crew the vessels needed by the Department of Defense to protect America’s interests and to support American troops deployed around the world,” the legislators wrote. “A tanker security program … would begin to rectify this situation, adding additional commercial vessels to the U.S.-flag fleet and creating new jobs for American mariners. This program … represents an important maritime policy initiative not only for the maritime workforce but for our nation’s commercial sealift readiness capability.” The writers pointed out that Lt. Gen. John Broadmeadow (USMC), while serving in 2019 as deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, told Congress “a 10-tanker program will be a welcome start to begin to address the gap in U.S.-flagged bulk fuel delivery.” The letter concluded, “Establishing a tanker security fleet would begin to reduce our military’s reliance on foreign-flag vessels by ensuring that a greater portion of the fuel needed by the Department of Defense is transported by American mariners on U.S.flag vessels. It would not promote or expand the production of petroleum products but would instead begin to end America’s almost total reliance on foreign flag-of-convenience vessels to meet the energy needs of the Department of Defense at sea and around the world.” The SIU-crewed Liberty Pride takes on military cargo in Italy last year. (Photo courtesy Elena Baladelli, 7th Army Training Command) SIU Members Transport 420 MRAPs for MSC SIU members aboard the MV Liberty Pride, chartered by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and operated by Liberty Maritime, arrived in the Port of Livorno, Italy, late last year to complete an on-load with the U.S. Army 839th Transportation Battalion, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) and its Italian detachment. The Liberty Pride was in port to on-load 420 MaxxPro Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, transferring them from the U.S. Army’s prepositioned stocks in Europe to the U.S. Central Command area of operations. “Our U.S. Navy partners at MSC provided the maximum amount of capability the U.S. can bring to bear regarding sealift for this operation,” said Lt. Col. Scott F. Wyatt, 839th Transportation Battalion Commander. “It’s been a team effort across the board.” Operations like these require extensive planning between several organizations, both public and private, between the United States and the host-nation, according to MSC. “Once again, on-site coordination was key in ensuring a timely onload,” said MSC Europe and Africa (MSCEURAF) Marine Transportation Specialist John Myhre. “SDDC’s con- tracted labor worked flawlessly with MSC’s chartered vessel. This wouldn’t happen without well-trained representation.” Camp Darby, about a five-hour drive from MSCEURAF and located near the Port of Livorno, is home to both the 839th and Army Field Support Battalion-Africa. Its primary mission is to support war reserve material storage, maintenance and the movement of equipment for operations across the globe. Camp Darby’s location is well-suited to this role, being close to an MSC office, a port, railroads, highways and airport, making it a prime location for U.S. forces in Italy. “At the end of the day, our responsibility is to get combat capability to where it needs to be at the right time,” said Wyatt. “We couldn’t do this without the partnership we have with SDDC and MSC.” SIU-crewed MSC ships play a crucial role in the movement of cargo for U.S. Army partners throughout Europe, from supporting operations such as these to exercises around the globe. For inter-theater lifts, which are longdistance movements of equipment from one fleet to another, MSC uses many SIU-crewed vessels “which significantly reduces operational costs,” according to the agency. Seafarers LOG 3 �Pictured from left are Captain Mark Tuck, Electrician Frederick N Williams, Rescued Pilot Nathaniel Johansson, Rescued Pilot Kelly Michaels, AB Kenneth Benton, Third Mate William Laprade, AB Alicia Plunkett, Steward Maili Wang, Second Engineer William Kyttle, Bosun Ruben Datu, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova, SA Daniel Mergillano, Third Engineer Antonio Macatiag, Chief Engineer Justin Raby, AB James Douglas, Second Mate Joseph Comerford II, AB Alan Lumansoc, Oiler Cresente Gumanas, GDE Alfredo Nieto, Oiler Yahya Shamman, Engine Utility Gabriel Waiwaiole, Third Engineer Elizabeth Jenkins and First Engineer Davie Rivera. Horizon Reliance Crew Rescues Two Seafarers came to the rescue after a small plane went down in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. On Nov. 7, SIU members working aboard the Horizon Reliance (Sunrise Operations) helped rescue the crew of the downed aircraft, adrift in a life raft roughly 1,000 nautical miles from Honolulu. “We were en route to Honolulu, from Los Angeles, when we got the call that a small airplane went down with two pilots on board and no passengers,” said AB Kenneth Benton. “The two were delivering an airplane to a customer in Australia; they had taken off from Los Angeles when they lost an engine and went down in the middle of Pacific. An Italian vessel [the tanker Ariel] tried to rescue but were not capable, and after 19 hours of unsuccessful attempts by the foreign vessel, they allowed our professional crew to step in. With precision, we got the job done with ease, and the two sur- vivors were of course so very grateful.” The SIU crew of the Horizon Reliance included: Bosun Ruben Datu, AB Alan Lumansoc, AB Benton, AB Blake Braye, AB Alicia Plunkett, Electrician Frederick Williams, Engine Utility Gabriel Waiwaiole, Oiler Yahya Shamman, Oiler Cresente Gumanas, Oiler Stanley Golden, GUDE Alfredo Nieto, SB Maili Wang, Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova and SA Daniel Mergillano. The rescue was described by the Horizon Reliance’s master, Mark Tuck: “The winds were northeasterly and sea heights were approximately 2-3 meters. At 0800, the crew rigged a pilot ladder, gangway, and gangway net hanging at water’s edge, and painters on the starboard side. Three additional crew were used on the bridge as lookouts and to take bearings to locate and maintain a visual on the life raft. The starboard side was chosen due to the vessel’s port gangway being more narrow and possibly more difficult to assist weakened or hypothermic survivors onto the vessel. Vessel’s original plan was to approach from a northwesterly position to place the vessel between the wind and the raft, creating a lee. By the time the Ariel handed off the rescue to the Horizon Reliance, the raft was bearing 180 and approximately one to two NM distance, we were not receiving a radar signal from the raft and it had to be located visually. “The Ariel remained close to the raft and advised the Reliance until we had a visual. I maneuvered the vessel using the wind and a “back and fill” maneuver to maintain position between the wind and life raft, close the range and maintain a bearing that would bring the vessel alongside the raft. As the vessel closed on the raft, we briefly acquired the raft on the radar at about 0.4 NM and determined that we were closing on the raft. The distance slowly closed and two attempts with line throwing apparatus were unsuc- cessful. The third line thrower was a ‘dude.’ The fourth and last apparatus placed a line near the raft. The pilot had to jump into the water to retrieve the line. There was a very good lee at this time, and the pilot leaving the raft was not in danger of not being able to board the raft after retrieving the line. The line was secured to the raft, and the vessel’s crew pulled the raft to a position under the pilot ladder/accommodation ladder rig. There was a 2-3-meter swell wrapping around the vessel and moving down the starboard side. The survivors were told to debark the raft on the crest of the swell and to grab the pilot ladder and not climb, but hold tightly. The crew would then operate the pneumatic winch and raise them to the main deck.” The two men pulled from the life raft, Pilot Nathaniel Johansson and Copilot Kelly Michaels, were determined to be unharmed, and were taken to Honolulu aboard the Horizon Reliance. Industry Pioneer Imperatore Dies at 95 NY Waterway founder and President Arthur E. Imperatore Sr., a visionary entrepreneur who invented the modern commuter ferry system, died Nov. 18 at age 95. SIU members crew NY Waterway’s 30plus boats, which operate between New York and New Jersey. “Arthur truly was unique, and he absolutely was a giant in the maritime industry,” said SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. “He held the SIU in high esteem and treated his employees with respect. Arthur will be missed.” Imperatore’s career spanned more than seven decades and included various ventures from mining to real estate, from sports teams to transportation. He founded NY Waterway in 1986 in Weehawken, New Jersey, and built it into a mass transit system which has transported almost 300 million people to date. NY Waterway ferries have become a vital component in the Metropolitan Area’s mass transit network and a life-saving backup system when other transit modes are disrupted. SIU ferry crews evacuated 150,000 people from Manhattan on 9/11 and have rescued hundreds of people from area waters, including 143 people from Flight 1547, the Miracle on the Hudson, the most successful marine rescue in aviation history. Despite skeptics who derided his vision as “Arthur’s Folly,” Imperatore drew from his nearly 40 years of experience in the industry to pioneer a ferry-bus network, leading to the company’s resounding success. With his stepson, Armand Pohan, Imperatore ran the company until his death. It was Imperatore’s dream to revitalize 4 Seafarers LOG his native New Jersey community, and NY Waterway did just that. Starting with the company’s Port Imperial terminus in Weehawken, Imperatore led the development of a thriving residential and commercial community. As his vessels transported passengers to and from New York City, his fleet of buses made the ferry service accessible to the surrounding towns. In this way, the ferry-bus network became the infrastructure that supported waterfront development from Edgewater to Jersey City (the New Jersey “Gold Coast”), boosting both local and state economies. To this day, the ferrybus network is the international model for effective, coordinated mass transportation systems. Born on July 8, 1925 to Italian fruit grocer Eugene Imperatore and his wife Teresa (née Sorrentino) in West New York, New Jersey, Imperatore was the ninth of ten children living in a two-bedroom apartment above his father’s grocery. He began earning a wage at age five, and by age eight had set a goal of earning 10 cents per week to help support his family. Starting as a delivery boy for his father’s grocery, Imperatore also worked as a Western Union messenger and shoeshine boy. His strong work ethic and entrepreneurial drive continued to propel him forward. Imperatore carried that work ethic and sense of duty into the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a navigator on B-24 Liberators and B-29 Superfortresses during WWII. After the war, in 1947, he and his brothers started A-P-A Transport Corp. with two surplus army trucks – and the business grew to become the fourth largest and most profitable interstate freight truck- ing company in the United States. At A-P-A he instituted stringent productivity and efficiency systems which are emulated today across numerous industries. The notion that a company’s greatest asset is a motivated and involved workforce is a common thread that runs throughout Imperatore’s successful enterprises. He was committed to connecting, communicating, and giving back to all of his employees, whom he looked upon as extended family. As an employer, he set the performance bar high to inspire employees to reach the potential he believed they all had – demanding excellence while also leading by example. Imperatore was widely regarded for his responsible corporate citizenship, family values, and love for country. His support and engagement in charitable causes included medical research, social services and education. Throughout his life, Imperatore was honored by business and civic organizations for his corporate and humanitarian contributions. Among his awards were three honorary doctoral degrees, the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, and the first U.S. Senate Productivity Award, presented to him by former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley. Never one to rest on his laurels, Imperatore contemplated the possibilities of what he might yet achieve during his 2017 induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, saying, “I talk to God every once in a while. I tell him ‘listen, God, I know you might have your eye on me – however, I still have a lot of work to do.’” He is survived by his wife, Dr. Mei-Ling Yee-Imperatore; his son, Arthur E. Imperatore, Jr.; his daughter, India Imperatore; his (Photo courtesy NY Waterway) Arthur Imperatore Sr. stepson and daughter-in-law Armand Pohan and Nancy O. Rieger; his step-children George (Elizabeth) Carr, Alexander (Renée) Carr, and Arielle Moylen; eight grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by parents and his nine brothers and sisters. A memorial service will be planned for a future date. January 2021 �SIU’s Year in Review: Identifying a given year’s top story – good or bad – sometimes may be difficult, but that’s certainly not the case when reviewing 2020. The COVID-19 global pandemic impacted virtually all aspects of life around the world. By mid-December, the novel coronavirus had claimed 1.55 million lives worldwide (more than 300,000 in the United States). Upwards of 68 million cases had been reported across the globe (15 million in the U.S.). For the U.S. Merchant Marine in general and the SIU in particular, the pandemic presented a challenge that is unprecedented in modern times. Nevertheless, the industry and the union rose to the occasion, delivering commercial and military cargoes around the world. The following is a brief recap of some of the year’s top stories for the SIU. Pandemic The list of adjustments made by Seafarers and the SIU isn’t short. At various times, hiring halls were closed to personnel other than staff, though business was still conducted by phone, fax and email. Some halls periodically closed for precautionary reasons. When they were open (which was the norm), strict safety precautions remained in place – including temperature checks, social distancing, use of sanitizer, placement of dividers, wearing masks, and more. Nevertheless, union representatives and members made it work, utilizing phones and emails and whatever other means of communication facilitated Seafarers shipping out safely and on time. By the fourth quarter of the year, it had become commonplace for mariners to undergo COVID-19 testing before sailing. Preboarding quarantines also became routine. Aboard the vessels themselves, precautions included wearing masks, temperature checks, extra sanitization of common areas, staggered meal times and more. SIU President Michael Sacco repeatedly praised members for stepping up to meet the challenge, both in online and printed messages. So did U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Transportation Command commanding officer Gen. Stephen Lyons, and U.S. Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby, each of whom credited crews for living up to their federal designation as essential workers. The can-do spirit of the SIU arguably was never more evident than during the summer, when the union helped crew up 19 vessels in a pair of turbo activations. These exercises are a critical test of the nation’s sealift readiness. The SIU filled more than 200 total jobs in those mobilizations. One of the biggest pandemic-related challenges faced by mariners around the world is very much ongoing as the calendar turns to 2021. Namely, crew changes have been postponed for periods as long as several months. Complications include local and national transportation restrictions. American-flag ship operators stepped up to tackle this component by chartering several crew-change flights to and from Diego Garcia, with no monetary assistance from the government. Travel also is a significant consideration for the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Maryland. The school implemented a gradual closure in the spring, during which students could choose between finishing their coursework or leaving the campus and rescheduling later. Then, following months of planning, the school reopened in early August, with myriad safety protocols in place. These included travel-related precautions, since students travel to Piney Point from all over the country (and because they likely sailed to numerous foreign countries). Tom Orzechowski, the school’s acting vice president, credited students and staff for making it all work. As of mid-December, only a single positive case of COVID-19 had been reported on campus, and the individual who contracted the virus promptly isolated and didn’t spread it. If the modified basic formulas for conducting routine business at the hiring halls and at the school gradually became part of the so-called “new normal,” there were distinctive considerations for running the SIU election. Union officers are elected once every four years, and the typical system for voting involves casting ballots either at the halls or via mail (absentee voting). Due to the pandemic, the union’s executive board implemented numerous, one-time modifications (with membership approval) in order to promote participation in the election. The most visible change was conducting shipboard voting; union reps visiting the vessels were required to show proof of a recent, negative COVID-19 test. Other changes included relaxing the requirements for requesting an absentee ballot and also making it easier to qualify to run for office. Election results will be announced in early 2021. New Ships, Rescues, Outreach For all the changes brought by 2020, some things felt timeless, including the addition of several new vessels into the SIU-crewed fleet. Those ships included the Matson con/ ro vessels Lurline and Matsonia, Schuyler Line’s bulker SLNC Severn (more details will be reported next month), and the expeditionary fast transport USNS Newport, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division. Similarly, SIU crews took part in several rescues, upholding the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. The ships and boats executing the rescues included the Mahi Mahi, the USNS Yukon, the Horizon Reliance and the Empire State (a NY Waterway ferry). Members showed their mettle on shore, too. Among other philanthropic endeavors, Seafarers participated in community outreach projects in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Florida, Maryland, Washington State, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan issued what is believed to be a SIU President Sacco Delivers Keynote Address During Annual AOTOS Awards Continued from Page 2 they have made to keep the supply chain moving.” Later in his speech, he said, “My role today is to salute our mariners, but I also want to say a brief word of thanks to our ship operators, our U.S. Longshoremen and our partners at the Maritime Administration, TRANSCOM, the Coast Guard and DOT. Your leadership and your cooperation made it possible for us all to continue getting the job done – safely and on time. Because of your work, readiness has SIU President Michael Sacco delivered the keynote address for this year’s AOTOS ceremony. January 2021 Pandemic Dominates 2020, But Bright Spots Still Exist been maintained.” He concluded, “Last but not least, I have a request for every seafarer, no matter where you sail. Please, please continue to take this pandemic seriously, just like you’ve done all along. We can see the lighthouse ahead of the safe harbor, but this isn’t the time to drop our guard. You really are essential workers, and your country depends on you. More importantly, I know that you are mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, spouses and close friends. You have every reason to remain vigilant and do everything possible to stay safe.” “Our union brothers and sisters have always answered the call, as they did in 2020,” said Crowley, representing Jones Act carriers. “Our nation’s mariners play a vital role for the economy and national defense.” Speaking for the U.S.-flag international fleet, Woodhour described how the company worked with its contracted unions to move crew members safely around the world. “Mariners know it is more than a job, delivering vital supplies,” Woodhour pointed out. Adams represented the nation’s dockworkers, and spoke about their importance during this crisis: “Our members are essential workers,” he declared. “We are heroes without capes. Dock workers kept the supply chain moving.” Buzby jokingly stated “not many jobs in this industry can be done remotely.” Then he saluted mariners and the industry saying, “We needed everyone to get the job done and they got it done!” Lyons thanked mariners and the industry for making sure “the mission never fails. Together, we will deliver.” Wettlaufer applauded mariners for overcoming the challenges before them during the epidemic. record $152,000 in scholarships to members and SIU dependents. Legislative Wins All indications were that the year would end with one of the biggest legislative victories that maritime industry had seen in many years. At press time, the annual Defense bill appeared headed for enactment – and it included several crucial components that will boost the U.S. Merchant Marine. Those elements included a new American-flag tanker program, reinforcement of the Jones Act and cargo preference laws, boosts for domestic shipbuilding and repair and more. In June, the industry observed the Jones Act’s centennial. Throughout the year, various studies underscored how the law remains vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Also, in the early days of spring, President Trump signed an SIU-backed bill providing the U.S. Merchant Marine of World War II with a Congressional Gold Medal. Finally, the SIU remained politically active at the local, state and national levels. SIU-backed candidates fared well on Election Day, signaling potential progress for the maritime industry and for America’s working families in the new year. Final Departures The SIU was saddened to say goodbye to far too many friends in 2020, including the following (any omissions are unintentional): Retired Port Agent Ed Kelly; retired MTD and SIU official Frank Pecquex; BCTGM President David Durkee; retired PHC instructor Bernabe Pelingon; GUDE Michael Vaughn, believed to be first active SIU member to perish from COVID-19; U.S. Rep. John Lewis; Jack Martorelli, president, St. Louis Port Council; Robert Chiesa, longtime crewing manager at Waterman; Arthur Imperatore, head of NY Waterway; and Larry Willis, president of the AFL Transportation Trades Department. Maersk Sends Holiday Gifts Showing Gratitude Towards Union Crews SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) knows that its crews made plenty of sacrifices in 2020, and the company recently said “thank you” in a big way. In mid-December, MLL sent $10,000 to each of its Americanflag vessels, to be used for crew welfare. Additionally, all mariners in good standing who sailed at least 120 days with MLL in 2020 will receive a holiday gift basket and note of appreciation sent to their home address. (The latter endeavor also supports local small businesses near the company’s home office in Norfolk, Virginia. MLL selected arrays of quality, non-perishable products from various companies in Virginia’s Tidewater area.) In a communication to the fleet, MLL President and CEO Bill Woodhour noted the “extraordinary efforts of all serving onboard ships in our fleet throughout the 2020 pandemic.” He conveyed the company’s “sincere appreciation and gratitude,” and encouraged the vessel masters to consult with officers and crew members regarding how to spend the cash donations. He encouraged them to “keep in mind the funds should try to benefit those onboard now and those who will be returning, as much as possible.” MLL Labor Relations Vice President Ed Hanley praised the crews “for keeping our vessels moving throughout the pandemic – facing unique and extremely challenging circumstances – often including extended periods away from family, quarantine, and/or restriction to ship. While the rest of the world largely adapted to social distancing and working from home, the U.S. Merchant Marine lived up to its reputation and reliably delivered the goods in 2020 including food, medicine, PPE and thousands of other supplies to people suffering around the world from the pandemic. These mariners were on the tip of the sword and helped make it happen – and we wanted to say thank you in an unexpected way.” SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker stated, “This is an exceptionally generous gesture by Maersk, and I applaud them for showing so much appreciation for the crews. There is no doubt that 2020 has been uniquely challenging, and there’s also no doubt that our members and their shipmates delivered. Maersk’s kindness is a great tone-setter as we head into the winter holidays.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Steward: Maritime Careers Worth Exploring Longtime, Enthusiastic Seafarer Featured in Job Corps Newsletter Recertified Steward Just B. Self isn’t the type to seek publicity, but when he recently saw an opportunity to help showcase the U.S. Merchant Marine, he readily agreed. Self launched his maritime career in 1991 after graduating from the Treasure Island (California) Job Corps program. He initially sailed with the National Maritime Union before that organization merged into the SIU in 2001. In early October 2020, Self was featured in the Treasure Island Job Corps newsletter (whose editors had been reminded about him). He encouraged others to consider following his wake into the maritime industry. “I always wanted to reach back and help with Job Corps, so I thought the article was good,” he said. “I’ve also always felt that Job Corps would be a good place for the union to get manpower.” Self, 52, said his sailing career has proven very worthwhile. He has spent the vast majority of his years working for Alaska Tanker Company, where he helped found the organization’s wellness program. He completed recertification at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in 2012 and plans to continue shipping for the foreseeable future. “This line of work has provided pretty much everything I need for my family,” he stated. “I like the stability and the flexibility. It allowed me to choose the best place for my family to live, too. I have no plans to leave, unless I hit the lotto or something. This is pretty much it. The work pays the bills.” Reflecting on his initial contacts both with the SIU and NMU, Self said he’s grateful for the assistance he received. “There were a lot of SIU chefs on Treasure Island back in 1991, and they were talking about wellness already,” he recalled. “They knew that wellness programs were coming, and all these years later, it’s real. They were very helpful to me. “Switching to the SIU was a good transition for me, and (retired SIU Assistant Vice President) Archie Ware was like an angel,” he continued. “We met when he worked in San Francisco, and coincidentally, we’d both end up moving to Jacksonville. He really made a difference in my career.” SHBP Offers Scholarships for 2021 The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2021 calendar year. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers while five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to obtain a scholarship program booklet. This package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. Union members and their dependents now have three avenues through which they may obtain this booklet. Prospective applicants may request these booklets via mail by completing and mailing the form provided. Booklets may also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall. Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet online by visiting www.seafarers.org, going to the Member Benefits tab, navigating to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and selecting Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the Self said he particularly values his career’s longevity. The lone drawback “was not being home for certain things. Other than that, while the job can be a handful, there’s no comparison to the jobs I had before I started sailing. Now, I make more money and work less than when I was on land.” As for advice he’d give to people considering maritime careers, Self said it’s important to weigh some of the potential sacrifices involved “if they have young children. But otherwise, I’d say take advantage of this opportunity. Stack your money, get yourself set up, and maintain a positive attitude. Channel your energy and be respectful.” He added that patience can pay off. For instance, Self first sailed as an OS even though he had a chief cook endorsement, because shipping was slow. “The patrolman told me I’d be all right. ‘Just don’t go out there acting like you know everything.’ He was right. I got to know the steward department from the outside and built a rapport with them. Sometimes you have to do things you don’t like in order to get where you want to go. Things worked out.” full application, which must be received by April 15, 2021. A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by ap- Recertified Steward Just B. Self says his career “provided pretty much everything I need for my family.” plicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2021. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Please send me the 2021 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name .......................................................................................................................................... Street Address ............................................................................................................................ City, State, Zip Code................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) .......................................................................................................... This application is for: Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1/21 Spotlight on Mariner Health Chronic Conditions Pose Assorted Challenges to Health Care System Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Although the COVID-19 Pandemic continues to dominate the headlines, a host of other chronic health issues are also presenting challenges to the effectiveness and adaptability of our overall health care system. In addition to COVID-19, the country also has an alarmingly high rate of non-communicable diseases (NCD) that put people at risk. Some examples are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity, cancer, lung diseases, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse. Cardiovascular disease alone causes nearly half of the annual NCD deaths in this country. And when additional chronic illnesses manifest themselves at the same time, the picture for health care gets much more serious. Associated costs are phenomenal. One in three adults worldwide has multiple chronic conditions. So, in addition to the dollars and cents ingredients, stress is added to this unsavory recipe that ultimately must be consumed by not only the person suffering from several conditions, but also by their family members. In such a scenario, everyone involved potentially could experience loss of work, pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. The personal challenge of living with chronic conditions can also give rise to other stressors including coping with the cost of 6 Seafarers LOG medications, frequent hospital visits, and abrupt declines in the quality of life for the individual. Activities which they once did suddenly cannot be done anymore. Things they use to be able to do, they cannot do anymore. To make matters worse, individuals suffering from chronic conditions could require help in executing day to day activities, requiring them to find and set aside funds to pay for in-home assistance. The former conditions are long-term. Rather than waiting until they develop irreversible health conditions caused by dangerous lifestyle choices (smoking, poor diets and lack of exercise), people should regularly seek guidance and assistance from health care providers. These professionals can provide valuable support – to adults as well as children – in fostering and maintaining healthy lifestyles and addressing issues before they become serious. Everyone is encouraged to see their family doctors and/ or other health care practitioners often. Do lab work when requested and always take medications as prescribed. A final tip would be to remain open to new ideas for different types of treatments. In the final analysis, managing one’s health effectively pays huge benefits. There are less trips to the doctor, fewer labs and tests to accomplish and far less medications to ingest. Collectively, these paybacks translate into reduced costs and a better quality of life. Cajun Chicken Servings: 25 Ingredients 10 pounds chicken breast without skin, trimmed of fat 1/2 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons thyme, dry crushed fine 1-1/4 teaspoons salt 1-1/2 tablespoons paprika, Spanish 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons granulated garlic 2 tablespoons oregano, dry crushed fine 1 teaspoon white pepper, ground 1 teaspoon cumin, ground 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, ground 2 tablespoons parsley, fresh chopped 1/4 cup red bell pepper, roasted and diced Preparation Place the chicken in a large container with plenty of room. Pour the olive oil all over the chicken. Mix all the remaining dry ingredi- ents together. Mix the dry seasoning into the chicken. Place the seasoned chicken in 2” hotel pans. Bake the chicken in a 350’F oven uncovered for about 15-20 min. until internal temp. of 165’F. Garnish pans with chopped parsley and roasted peppers. Yield: 5/8 ounce Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 205 Calories; 6g Fat (28.6% calories from fat); 34g Protein; 1g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber: 84mg Cholesterol; 202mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 4 112 Lean Meat: 0 Vegetable: 1 Fat. (Recipe courtesy of the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) January 2021 �SIU’s Heindel Tackles Crew-Change Crisis Presented with the sizable task of describing some of the more significant challenges facing the maritime industry, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel opened with what’s arguably the runaway leader in that category: crew-change crises across the globe. Besides his role with the SIU, Heindel also serves as the head of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) Seafarers’ Section. He figuratively wore that hat as a keynote speaker Nov. 28 during an online address that reached tens of thousands of people in real time. The twoday event was hosted by The Naval Connection, and featured more than 40 “global leaders” from all components of the maritime industry. The host organization offers wide-ranging services including mariner training, consulting, quality management and David Heindel SIU Secretary-Treasurer process audits, and more. Heindel also talked about how new technology will affect the industry; the realities of a career at sea; and how the ITF has worked collaboratively in the shipping industry. But he began by describing “the most pressing – and least forgivable – challenge faced by our industry. There are approximately 400,000 seafarers currently suffering because of the pandemic, whether it’s due to ship restrictions or pre-work quarantines or other related hardships. Employer organizations estimate that around half of those mariners – 200,000 people – have completed their tours but are unable to return home due to various port state, labor supply state and travel restrictions. “For those who are unaware, seafarer contracts are often as long as nine months on average,” he continued. “Imagine working that long, seven days a week, and rarely or never leaving the ship, but still being stuck when you’ve finished your contract. Those travel restrictions cut both ways, too. There are hundreds of thousands of other seafarers who are ready to go back to work but are unable. This means they can’t support their families.”He then provided several examples of mariners fulfilling their contracts but subsequently being unable to leave the ships for months. In some instances, mariners ended up spending 20 straight months on the vessels. “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Heindel asserted. “The ITF has numerous examples of other seafarers being held on board ships for more than a year because of the inability or unwillingness of shipowners, charterers or governments to make crew changes happen. The ITF has received more than 12,700 requests for help from seafarers since the pandemic began. Not all of those requests are about getting on or off the ship. The pandemic also has created problems with non-payment of wages, and lack of provisions on board. And by ‘lack of provisions’ I don’t mean that the crews want big-screen televisions. Some, cannot get basic food and water supplies. Some of these conditions are what we’d normally call slave labor.” Besides the basic humanitarian considerations, Heindel said there are other problems stemming from the prolonged tours. “Even in normal times, this industry is characterized by very long hours,” he explained. “We’re in a dangerous spot with these extended tours, because tired and exhausted crew members are much more likely to be involved in accidents, with potentially disastrous consequences not only for human life but also for the environment.” For remediation, he said mariners “need to be properly identified and respected as key, essential workers. Following ITF and employer lobbying, the United Nations has endorsed this approach, but in many countries it hasn’t been enough.” He said the industry also needs “consistency and cooperation with national administrations so commitments by transportation departments are upheld across other governmental agencies. We need foreign affairs agencies of labor supplying Labor Movement Mourns Passing of TTD President With his wife and daughter by his side, AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD) President Larry Willis on Nov. 29 succumbed to injuries sustained a week earlier in a tragic biking accident. He was 53. “The collective hearts of America’s labor movement, particularly transportation unions, are broken by the tragic death of our brother, TTD President Larry Willis,” said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. “Larry brought a love of workers and a deep understanding of transportation issues to his leadership of TTD. He paid an incredible attention to detail, always looking for opportunities to win more power and prosperity for the working people who move America. As a lawyer, congressional staff member, policy expert and worker advocate, Larry was respected across the aisle and throughout our movement. Larry’s passing is a reminder that we cannot take a single day for granted, and the AFL-CIO will honor his memory by fighting for the issues he championed and the people he loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with Larry’s wife and daughter, along with the entire TTD family, during this difficult time.” AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan stated, “Larry was truly dedicated to improving the lives of working people. He was a pugnacious fighter January 2021 in defense of the Jones Act.” TTD Secretary-Treasurer Greg Regan issued this statement of mourning and remembrance: “We mourn today the shocking loss of a brother and fierce advocate for working people. The transportation labor family and the entire workers’ rights community lost a leader, activist, mentor, and friend when Larry … passed away yesterday. “For more than 20 years, Larry dedicated his life to the labor movement, working tirelessly to enhance the rights and livelihoods of those who work on the front lines of our transportation system,” Regan continued. “In addition to serving as president, a position he was elected to in 2017, Larry also served as secretary-treasurer, chief of staff, general counsel, and legislative counsel and representative at TTD. His mastery of complex legal and regulatory issues set the foundation for TTD’s policy leadership, and raised the bar for demanding and enforcing worker protections throughout our nation’s transportation system. “During his tenure at TTD, Larry faced some of transportation labor’s most daunting challenges. He met those and other crises head on, showing an unwavering dedication to working people and their unions, and a deep-seated desire to help those suffering countries and port states to cooperate to assure passports can be renewed and/or extended for those trapped on board vessels and that visas can be issued or extended.” Heindel added, “We need leniency when it comes to international travel so that mariners can go to their jobs and then go home. We need flexibility from governments because society hasn’t faced a pandemic like this in a century. And we need follow-through from all concerned, for all the right reasons.” Some progress has been made, he noted: “Those of us in the industry have done practically everything possible, short of shutting the industry down, to facilitate the easing of the crew change crisis. Now, we need governments to recognize the importance of the industry, the significance of the human capital that keep their supplies and trade moving and keeping their store shelves filled…. If you retain nothing else from this presentation, please remember that hundreds of thousands of mariners around the world need our help – and the world, in turn, depends on their work.” Changing subjects, he then discussed the ILO Maritime Labor Convention (2006) and its positive impact on mariners; periodic criminalization of seafarers; and maritime piracy. Notwithstanding those and other challenges, Heindel said maritime careers still can be appealing. There is a shortage of seafarers around the world, though. “For one thing, those jobs aren’t going away anytime soon,” he said. “There isn’t a single country in the world that can support its economy internally without importing some goods or materials from other nations – items that can only be moved by sea in sufficient quantities. And yes, that includes China. Approximately 170 countries have an investment in seafarers as a workforce, and for island nations in particular, it’s imperative that they retain those individuals. “Personally, I think we can help make it a more attractive career by ensuring that the typical requirements are more realistic, and that all parties feel invested beyond finances,” he added. “Right now, a contract is likely to involve a seafarer from South Asia going on a tour of duty lasting nine months, and that will be their only commitment to the shipping company. We might question what kind of loyalty these seafarers can realistically have, but yet they’re delivering the essentials of life for the rest of humanity. The ITF believes a longer-term vision should involve working together as an industry to shape the future skills needed to crew ships and therefore provide young seafarers, including more women, with skills that can later be transferable to a shore-based job.” He concluded by discussing new technology in the maritime industry. “As with all transport sectors, there are moves towards more automation on ships,” he said. “Seafarers will never stand in the way of progress, but new technology must be used to relieve the burden on mariners and to help them be more effective rather than replacing them.” from circumstances beyond their control. In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Larry took on the insurmountable challenge of restoring our transportation industry and balancing the security needs of the country with the due process working people are entitled to, successfully securing protections in our laws that lie at the center of our homeland security regime. During the 2008 financial crisis, he played a pivotal role in shaping the largest economic stimulus package for transportation investments ever passed in the U.S. Even up until the week he left us, Larry continued to push for health care and economic assistance for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and acted as a steady reminder that recovery from this crisis is not possible without the essential functions performed by transportation workers.” Regan added, “Larry’s advocacy style was straightforward and effective: forge meaningful relationships with leaders at all levels of government and across the political spectrum, build power through unity and find ways to work together to lift up all transportation workers. This approach is perhaps best exemplified in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization bill. Under a Republican-controlled Congress and White House, Larry’s leadership led transportation labor to endorse one of the most pro-labor FAA reauthorization bills in U.S. history. “Millions of people have had their lives improved because of the work Larry did, yet most of those people will never know Larry’s name,” Regan concluded. “For Larry, that didn’t matter. He was not motivated by fame or fortune – his end goal was always about doing the most good for the greatest number TTD President Larry Willis of people. Though his time with us has been cut short, Larry’s legacy will live on in the legislation he helped shape, the policy makers he reached through thoughtful, sophisticated arguments, the colleagues and staff he influenced and mentored, and the working people he dedicated his life to.” Willis graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Political Science and earned a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School. He was an active member of the D.C. Bar. He is survived by his wife, Amy, and daughter, Samantha. The TTD includes 33 affiliate unions. Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU B-BOOKS IN OAKLAND – Being sworn in for their respective full B-books at the hall in Oakland, California, are (center in photo at left) Chief Cook Reynaldo Agapay and (center in photo at right) QEE Sukhbir Bains. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone is at left in both photos; SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona is at right. ABOARD INDIANA HARBOR – Chief Cook Saleh Saleh (above and right in photo at immediate right) shows off some of his Thanksgiving Day handiwork aboard the American Steamship vessel. Thanks to Bosun Jeremy Shenett for the photos. SEAFARING SELFIE – Thanks to Bosun Brett Tiedeman (left) for this photo from aboard the Philadelphia Express (Marine Personnel & Provisioning). He’s pictured with AB Christopher Barberan (right) and OS Gideon Korley as they get ready to stow the starboardside accommodation ladder and pilot ladder after leaving Hamburg, Germany. ABOARD APL GUAM – Pictured from left in the group photo are Recertified Steward Karl Meyer, SIU Guam Port Agent Fred Sanchez Jr., ACU Jose Ayon-Ayon and Chief Cook Virnabeth Cano. The other photos are from Thanksgiving. 8 Seafarers LOG January 2021 �ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Pictured in the larger group photo are ABDM Felix Garcia, Bosun Gregorio Cudal, AB Ethan Jones, ABDM Fernando Haber, AB Debbie Garcia and AB Ali Mohsin Ali. The other photo includes Chief Steward John Bennett, Chief Cook Hyeyoung Forrer and GVA Roche Bonita. Both snapshots were taken in Singapore Harbor and supplied by vessel master Capt. T. Pham. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS GALORE IN JACKSONVILLE – The Seafarers in these two photos are shown receiving their respective full B-books at the hiring hall. ACU Jack Gourgue (left) and OMU Blake Caviness are pictured in the photo above, while the image at right includes (from left) OMU Tyrique Batie, SA Ashley Fabor, AB John Paul, AB Travis Williams, AB Thyron Dy, SA Wilfredo Ramos-Silva and Chief Cook Brittany Harris. FULL BOOK IN MOBILE – AB Joshua Maughon (left) picks up his full B-book at the Mobile, Alabama, hall. He’s pictured with Port Agent Jimmy White. A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – Chief Cook Al Yandoc (right) receives his A-book at the Wilmington, California, hall. He’s pictured with Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. A-BOOK FOR AB – Terrance Jones (left) receives his A-seniority book at the hiring hall in Houston. He’s pictured with Patrolman Kelly Krick. January 2021 B-BOOK IN JERSEY – SA Angel Berrios (right) picks up his book at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. Congratulating him as Port Agent Ray Henderson. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY – Longtime SIU member George DiCanio (right) picks up his first pension check at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s pictured with SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. Seafarers LOG 9 �Great Lakes Towing Contract Approved The SIU-crewed Michigan is one of Great Lakes Towing’s newest tugs (christened in 2019). SIU members employed by Great Lakes Towing Company recently approved a new six-year contract that raises wages and maintains benefits. The agreement is retroactive to this past July and lasts through July 14, 2026. Negotiating on behalf of the SIU were Assistant Vice President Bryan Powell, Port Agent Todd Brdak and Safety Director Gerret Jarman. In a sign of the times, negotiations took place online. The contract, which covers 20 or so Seafarers, garnered unanimous approval. Members were surveyed leading up to negotiations. Contract highlights include annual wage increases; maintaining top-level benefits for both the Seafarers Pension Plan and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan; maintaining contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan; adding bereavement pay; and continuing training and upgrading opportunities for crew members at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Great Lakes Towing boasts the largest American-flag tugboat fleet on the Lakes, and provides harbor assist and towing services to ships in more than 40 U.S. Great Lakes ports. Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2019 and ending July 31, 2020 (the “2019 Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the 2019 Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Valuation Date Funded Percentage Value of Assets Value of Liabilities Funded Percentage 2019 Plan Year 2018 Plan Year August 1, 2019 August 1, 2018 Over 100% Over 100% $106,530,327 $105,673,021 $99,134,084 $97,021,217 2017 Plan Year August 1, 2017 Over 100% $104,556,811 $90,405,432 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2020 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2019 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2021. July 31, 2020 Fair Market Value of Assets $101,843,604 July 31, 2019 $104,172,254 July 31, 2018 $105,757,360 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2019 Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,150. Of this number, 847 were current employees, 962 were retired and receiving benefits, and 341 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan, and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2019 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 10 Seafarers LOG Percentage 3.4% 2. U.S. Government securities 3. Corporate debt instruments 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): 5. Real estate (other than employer real property): 6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 7. Other 0.0% 0.0% 21.8% 8.8% 62.1% 3.9% Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2018 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2019 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2021. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-7644993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. January 2021 �Voting in 2020 SIU Election Concludes Voting concluded at the end of last month (December), and results of the election of officials for the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters will be announced, in accordance with the SIU Constitution, upon completion of the tallying committee’s work. Special membership meetings took place last month at union halls listed in the SIU Constitution to elect delegates for a rankand-file tallying committee. That committee, including two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will tabulate results of the election, which started Nov. 1 in all SIU halls (and aboard many ships) and was scheduled to end Dec. 31. The February issue of the Seafarers LOG will carry the election results. The ballot included a list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions). Individuals elected in this round of balloting will serve a four-year term lasting from 2021 through 2024. Seafarers who were eligible to vote in the election were full book members in good standing, according to the union’s constitution. Members had the opportunity to pick up a ballot either in person at one of the 20 union halls around the country and overseas or via mail (absentee ballot). Additionally, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, voting took place on numerous SIU-crewed vessels, following executive board actions that were approved by the membership last year. Those actions included other steps aimed at promoting participation in the election while protecting everyone’s safety. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample SA Graeme Dy (right) is sworn in by Port of Jacksonville Safety Director Joseph Koncul prior to casting his ballot. Bosun John Telles is ready to drop his ballot in the box in Puerto Rico. ballot, a list of voting locations and other related information appears on pages 6-10 of the October 2020 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known addresses, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. Editor’s note: The photos below, as well as those appearing on Pages 12-14 show rank-and-file members casting their ballots in union halls around the country as well as aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Peter Bondarenko completes necessary forms before voting in Jacksonville. Bondarenko is employed by Crowley as a dock worker at the Tallyrand Terminal. Posing for a photo just prior to submitting their ballots in Puerto Rico (from left) are: Steward Jesus Pacheco, Steward Luis Santiago, OMU Richard “Red” Vega, Steward Fernando Marquez and Bosun Charles Ortiz. Aboard the Gem State in Oakland: (from left to right): Bosun John Young, QEE Douglas Maravelias, QEE Milan Dzurek, GVA Ahmed Hussain, GUDE Greg Tojong, GVA Rodolfo Ludivice, SB Charlito Aseberos, GVA Ali Naser, GUDE Sari Alkarnoon, SB Abdullah Falah. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 11 �Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and Bosun Brian Guiry Piney Point Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) and Chief Cook Walter Lent Among those pictured aboard the Ocean Grand: Patrolman John Niday, Bosun Jovan Williams, AB Washington Williams and AB Jushua Maughon Aboard the Cape Henry in Oakland: Chief Cook Gerardo Melano prepares to vote in the union election for his first time. Patrolman John Niday and Virginia Ann SB Rose Ward 12 Seafarers LOG Aboard the Yorktown Express: Patrolman John Niday and AB Phillip Nichols Aboard the Yorktown Express: Port Agent Joe Zavala, QMED Ricky Pettaway and AB Ronnie Quess Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: Bosun Ruben Datu Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: Chief Cook Nadzeya Kuptsova Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: QEE Frederick Williams Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: EU Gabriel Waiwaiole Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: OMU Stanley Golden January 2021 �Near the Horizon Pacific in Hawaii: Port Agent Hazel Galbiso and EU Larry Calixto Aboard the Horizon Reliance in Hawaii: SB Maili Wang Aboard the Jean Anne in Hawaii: Bosun Noel Camacho and SREC Ismael Garayua Aboard the Jean Anne in Hawaii: QEE Joseph Letang and AB Noel Lau Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots Aboard the Mahimahi in Hawaii: ACU Roberto Firme, Chief Cook Aurelio Esperanze, SREC Frank Mamones Aboard the Mahimahi in Hawaii: Chief Cook Aurelio Esperanza, SREC Frank Ramones, Port Agent Hazel Galbiso Aboard the R.J. Pfeiffer in Hawaii: ACU Mohamed Wasel, Chief Cook Ali Munsar, SREC Barry Alviso January 2021 Aboard the USNS Petersburg in Oakland: GVA Julian Lacausta, SB Jurally Aseberos, Bosun Roberto Flauta, Port Agent Nicholas Marrone II. Seafarers LOG 13 �Rank-and-File Members Cast Union Election Ballots Port of Baltimore: Patrolman Shane Sterry, Denebola Bosun Robert White, Port Agent John Hoskins Port of Baltimore: Patrolman Shane Sterry, Antares Bosun David James, Port Agent John Hoskins Aboard the Cape Mohican in Oakland: Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli, Bosun Anthony Pace, GVA Mohamed Omar. QE4 Bevan Cottone (left) receives his full B-book at the Algonac hall prior to voting. Pictured at right is Safety Director Gerret Jarman. Port of Algonac: AB Mukhtar Ali (left) picked up his A-Seniority Book and cast his ballot. Safety Director Gerret Jarman is at right. Aboard the USNS Algol: QEE Salah Saleh, GVA Martin Jakob, SB Dante Cruz Aboard the Maersk Columbus: QEE Jing Huang, SA Teo Flores Aboard the Daniel K. Inouye in Hawaii: ACU Ahmed Omer and SREC Edvaldo Viana Aboard the MV Houston in Hawaii (photo at left): QEP Michael Banks, Bosun Pablo Borja, Chief Steward Lemuel Robinson, QEP Noel Magbitang and GUDE Hermogenes Aquino Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you 14 Seafarers LOG January 2021 �Kamikaze Attacks Wreak Havoc on Seafarers During WWII Battles in Philippines Continued from Page 24 ing along toward the Persian Gulf about 850 miles southwest of India. Gunners were at general quarters and the ship had been blacked out for the night when a torpedo hit, exploding in a hold full of smokeless powder, turning the ship instantly into a solid sheet of flame from bow to stern. Crewmen Trapped Cadet Maurice W. Price later described how many of the crew were trapped in the quarters and the passageways, with the bodies of merchant seamen and gunners laying here and there across the fire-swept deckplates. He told how two Japanese subs cruised among the wreckage while the Liberty exploded, taking the oars, masts, sails and other gear from the lifeboats, throwing rations into the sea and leaving the survivors, so they thought, to perish slowly from thirst and starvation. But in their hurry to get away from the burning ship, which served as a huge beacon as she flamed and exploded in the darkness of the night, the two Japanese U-boats overlooked another lifeboat which had floated free from the hulk. The boat enabled survivors to arrive safely after a voyage of many days, on some islands south of the Indian coast, where they were later picked up and taken to Columbo. Bad as were these sinkings, they seemed mild in comparison with the fate of the SS Jean Nicolet, a Liberty operated by the Oliver Olson Co. The personnel of this ship suffered diabolical treatment at the hands of a Japanese submarine crew which would have seemed more appropriate to the darkest days of the middle ages. Saw Long Service A lazy swell was rolling across the Indian Ocean on the evening of July 2, 1944, as the Jean Nicolet steamed her way from the Persian Gulf toward the coast of Africa, with more than 100 crewmen and passengers aboard – the latter including Army personnel and civilians returning to the States after long service in the Persian Gulf. At exactly seven minutes after seven, two torpedoes hit the ship in number-three hold just forward of the bridge. It should have been enough to blast the freighter apart but these Liberties were staunch vessels and, while she reeled under impact, the engines kept going. In fact, the black gang stayed at their posts for five minutes after the blast, receiving no orders to abandon ship. When the engine was finally secured and the propeller stopped, all hands abandoned ship without a casualty, the boats and rafts laying some distance off from the deserted hulk. They could see flashes of gunfire from the unseen raider as it shelled the Jean Nicolet. January & February 2021 Membership Meetings Piney Point...............................Monday: January 4, February 8 Algonac..................................Friday: January 8, February 12 Baltimore...........................Thursday: January 7, February 11 Guam................................Thursday: January 21, February 25 Honolulu..............................Friday: January 15, February 19 Houston....................Monday: January 11, **Tuesday: February 16 Jacksonville....................Thursday: January 7, February 11 Joliet...................................Thursday: January 14, February 18 Mobile...........................Wednesday: January 13, February 17 New Orleans.........................Tuesday: January 12, February 16 Jersey City............................Tuesday: January 5, February 9 Norfolk...............................Friday: January 8, February 12 Oakland..........................Thursday: January 14, February 18 Philadelphia................Wednesday: January 6, February 10 Port Everglades...............Thursday: January 14, February 18 San Juan........................Thursday: January 7, February 11 St. Louis................................Friday: January 15, February 19 Tacoma................Friday: January 22, February 26 Wilmington..........*Tuesday: January 19, Monday: February 22 *Wilmington change due to Martin Luther King Day Observance.**Houston change due to President’s Day Observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m January 2021 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Nov.10-Dec. 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Dec. 9. Total Registered All Groups B Total Shipped A All Groups B C 8 2 0 10 0 9 1 18 23 12 0 1 11 9 2 1 6 9 1 10 133 31 1 4 28 7 15 11 74 54 47 4 16 25 19 4 2 16 38 1 49 446 13 2 1 13 1 11 2 35 45 12 3 5 23 11 4 3 6 11 0 24 225 1 0 2 6 0 4 1 6 4 8 1 2 7 1 0 0 1 5 1 5 57 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 11 2 0 2 6 0 2 2 9 17 6 0 4 4 4 1 0 2 6 0 4 71 2 1 6 11 1 6 12 23 28 19 3 1 14 10 1 1 10 16 3 18 186 4 0 5 12 0 5 4 15 25 7 1 6 22 7 3 5 3 9 0 21 154 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 4 0 0 1 0 4 3 0 0 0 3 0 3 23 Steward Department 2 0 0 0 5 4 4 5 0 0 4 1 2 1 9 2 14 10 7 1 0 0 0 0 12 5 9 3 4 1 4 0 3 2 4 1 0 0 21 6 104 42 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 8 1 5 1 4 13 4 0 0 6 3 3 1 6 3 0 8 69 8 1 1 19 3 5 15 26 34 11 1 6 16 25 0 3 4 23 5 33 239 2 0 1 7 0 0 3 7 15 3 0 6 24 9 0 6 9 3 0 14 109 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 3 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 16 Entry Department 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 3 2 0 0 1 3 6 0 11 2 7 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 12 12 60 5 3 2 3 1 1 1 4 20 4 3 0 9 0 0 13 0 9 0 4 82 2 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 6 0 1 0 4 2 0 1 0 1 0 5 29 1 1 0 1 0 4 0 7 3 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 5 0 4 35 19 1 1 11 4 4 4 17 41 16 2 1 24 24 2 0 2 17 0 29 219 6 3 1 4 1 1 3 17 51 15 5 3 35 6 2 3 4 10 2 14 186 129 302 906 707 282 C C Trip Reliefs 1 1 2 4 0 4 0 4 2 2 2 1 3 0 0 1 1 3 1 1 33 Engine Department 2 0 0 0 3 2 5 6 0 0 0 4 5 2 7 6 13 12 7 1 1 0 2 4 4 11 6 3 3 0 0 0 1 4 8 7 0 1 5 5 72 68 A All Groups B Registered on Beach Port A Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 24 0 1 18 5 11 10 46 31 23 6 6 11 15 5 1 6 21 1 24 265 8 2 3 15 1 7 1 30 34 5 0 3 17 9 4 2 4 9 2 6 162 Deck Department 2 13 5 1 2 1 2 2 2 5 10 9 0 1 0 3 8 3 0 6 3 6 31 14 3 29 15 5 14 9 1 3 0 3 4 1 2 13 9 1 13 3 0 5 1 0 0 2 0 4 4 3 16 4 3 1 2 1 14 5 41 189 92 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 1 2 7 1 3 7 17 22 10 1 3 9 8 1 0 4 12 1 10 121 4 0 3 7 0 2 6 13 18 3 0 5 19 7 2 3 5 11 0 11 119 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 17 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 2 8 2 1 7 15 19 12 0 4 13 18 4 3 3 12 1 20 149 0 0 2 3 0 0 3 5 12 3 0 3 13 5 1 4 4 4 0 7 69 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 5 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 3 5 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 20 8 0 2 6 0 3 3 13 25 5 0 1 12 11 0 0 0 10 0 10 109 5 1 1 4 1 3 1 11 33 10 4 0 21 3 1 12 2 7 0 8 128 GRAND TOTAL: 555 459 191 377 262 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters This month’s question was answered by students in the AB-to-Mate class at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What was one of your favorite voyages, and what made it so? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Chenequa Rodriguez AB My favorite voyage was in 2012. I was on the Bobo. The most memorable part is, that’s when I traveled the most – we visited Spain, Estonia, Greece. I got to experience different cultures overseas on that trip. We were in port for two weeks at a time, and were visiting different places. Carlo Gentile AB Going to Saint Petersburg, Russia, because I got to experience the culture more than any other place I’ve been to. We went to the Hermitage Museum, and also saw the Nutcracker ballet on Christmas. This was on the Ocean Crescent, back in 2015. We were carrying gantry cranes back to Norfolk. We were in Russia for three weeks, and I’d never heard of the Hermitage until I was there. (Editor’s note: It’s the world’s second-largest art museum. We had to look it up.) David Brusco AB Probably aboard the Green Lake, a RO/RO. Not only was the crew great, I ran into an old shipmate who I went to school with. We went from California to Hawaii to the Far East and just had a blast. The officers were amazing, too. We spent two weeks in Honolulu, two weeks in Busan, Korea. We had port time everywhere. Ahmed Mohamed Eissa AB One of my favorites was on the heavy-lift ship Ocean Charger, in 2013 or 2014. We left Norfolk and went around the world, visited a lot of places. We had a lot of good shipmates from the union. We also went through a hurricane in the Indian Ocean. When you see something like that, you think there’s no way you can keep floating, but we had a good crew and we worked to get through it. Diego Barbosa Bosun One of my favorites was on board the Ocean Glory. Heavy-lift cargo is always versatile – one day you could be loading helicopters, the next day you could be fixing up the ship to carry grain. The run itself was Japan and Korea. We brought back the last explosives and bombs that were left from the Korean War to the U.S. Then we went to Portland and all the way back out. We carried grain to Oman and had to retrofit the ship entirely. Jorge Santos AB I’ve been to so many places, but one voyage was two years ago, on the Green Cove. We went all around the world in 120 days. I got on in Texas and we did some coastwise, then started overseas from Newark. We left Newark in September and came back to Jacksonville in January. That’s a very fast ship. We had at least a couple of days in each port, especially in the Middle East and Far East. We experienced new cultures. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 Pic From The Past This photo first ran in the May 1, 1953 LOG. The original caption: Seafarer Anthony Skillman recuperates at his Brooklyn home under the watchful eye of his wife, Catherine, after rescuing a shipmate at sea. Skillman saved Conrad Nilsen, chief mate of the Beatrice, when Nilsen was knocked cold by a swell that threatened to sweep him overboard. Skillman injured his back and right side in the rescue. ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG January 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA SALVADOR BACLAYON Brother Salvador Baclayon, 61, signed on with the Seafarers in 1986. A member of the engine department, he first sailed on the Independence. Brother Baclayon upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently sailed on the USNS Petersburg and resides in Covina, California. ROBERT BESS Brother Robert Bess, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973, initially sailing on the Sea-Land McLean. He sailed in all three departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bess last shipped aboard the Gulf Banker. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. LUDIVICO CASTILLO Brother Ludivico Castillo, 65, began his career with the union in 1991 when he sailed on the Independence. He shipped in all three departments and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Castillo’s final vessel was the Maunawili. He lives in Waipahu, Hawaii. JAMES CORPREW Brother James Corprew, 68, signed on with the SIU in 2001. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Corprew’s first vessel was the USNS Indomitable; his last, the Cape Edmont. He calls Norfolk, Virginia, home. RAY DANIELS Brother Ray Daniels, 65, started sailing with the union in 1978 when he shipped on the Maine. A member of the engine department, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Daniels last sailed on the Franklin J. Phillips and settled in Suffolk, Virginia. GEORGE DICANIO Brother George DiCanio, 55, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990. He spent his entire tenure as part of the shore gang in Elizabeth, New January 2021 Jersey. Brother DiCanio upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. LARRY DOCKWILLER Brother Larry Dockwiller, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1977 when he shipped on the Aquarius. He was a steward department member and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Dockwiller’s final vessel was the Mobile. He makes his home in Ruidoso, New Mexico. JOHN LEWIS Brother John Lewis, 76, joined the SIU in 1972. Sailing in both the deck and steward departments, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Lewis’ first vessel was the Missouri; his last, the Endurance. He settled in New Orleans. GREGORY LYNCH Brother Gregory Lynch, 64, began his career with the SIU in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Santa Mariana. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Lynch most recently shipped on the Pelican State. He makes his home in Ocean Park, Washington. CONRADO MARTINEZ Brother Conrado Martinez, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1991. He first sailed on the Ultrasea, and shipped in the engine department. Brother Martinez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last worked aboard the Charleston Express. He lives in Palm Bay, Florida. CHRISTOPHER MAYE Brother Christopher Maye, 60, signed on with the Seafarers in 1988 when he sailed on the USNS Antares. Brother Maye was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1989. He most recently sailed on the USNS John Glenn and resides in Haworth, Oklahoma. MICHAEL OSTROWSKI Brother Michael Ostrowski, 67, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ostrowski’s first vessel was the Seabulk Pride; his most recent, the Horizon Anchorage. He makes his home in Seattle. and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Williams last shipped aboard the Liberty Passion and is a resident of Lake City, South Carolina. ERIC DOBSON ERROL PINKHAM Brother Errol Pinkham, 64, signed on with the Seafarers in 1980 when he sailed on the Santa Mercedes. Brother Pinkham was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Yorktown Express and resides in Colonie, New York. RAMEND PRASAD Brother Ramend Prasad, 73, began shipping with the SIU in 1990, initially sailing on the Independence. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Prasad last shipped aboard the Patriot. He settled in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. VICTOR SAPP Brother Victor Sapp, 60, joined the union in 1979. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the El Paso Sonatrach. Brother Sapp upgraded often at the Piney Point school. He most recently shipped aboard the Isla Bella and makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. GREAT LAKES JAMES STANLEY Brother James Stanley, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1973, first working aboard the Paul H. Townsend. He sailed in the deck department, most recently on the Charles E. Wilson. Brother Stanley calls Alpena, Michigan, home. THOMAS STROPICH Brother Thomas Stropich, 62, embarked on his career with the union in 1982. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Stropich worked for Upper Lakes Towing for the majority of his career. He settled in Tucson, Arizona. KENNETH SVEDEK Brother Kenneth Svedek, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977. He sailed in the deck department, initially aboard the Schoellkoff. Brother Svedek last worked on the Saturn. He lives in Pellston, Michigan. REGINALD WATKINS Brother Reginald Watkins, 63, joined the SIU in 1981. He shipped in the deck department, sailing first aboard the American Eagle. Brother Watkins upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last sailed on the Santorini and lives in Mobile, Alabama. JAMES WHITE Brother James White, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1974. He was a member of the engine department and first shipped on the St. Louis. Brother White concluded his career on the Patriot. He resides Chula Vista, California. SHAWN WILLIAMS Brother Shawn Williams, 53, signed on with the union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Producer. He was a deck department member Butler upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1980. He last worked with Moran Towing of Maryland and resides in Baltimore. INLAND DAVID BENSON Brother David Benson, 62, became a member of the SIU in 1991. He sailed in the deck department and was employed by Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Benson makes his home in New Orleans. JEFF BRUTON Brother Jeff Bruton, 67, started his career with the Seafarers in 1996. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Bruton worked for OSG Ship Management throughout his entire career. He lives in New Castle, Delaware. LAWRENCE BUTLER Brother Eric Dobson, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1994. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Dobson sailed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He makes his home in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. DANIEL HANBURY Brother Daniel Hanbury, 60, signed on with the union in 1979. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for his entire career. Brother Hanbury lives in Satsuma, Alabama. DAVID LING Brother David Ling, 63, began shipping with the SIU in 1978 when he worked for Quality Quarries. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Ling concluded his career aboard the Liberty Island. He is a resident of Fort Gratiot, Michigan. STEVEN PETROSKI Brother Steven Petroski, 63, became a member of the SIU in 1976. He sailed in the deck department and was first employed by Interstate Oil. Brother Petroski upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 1982. He concluded his career with American Marine Corporation and makes his home in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. VINCENT SCOTT Brother Vincent Scott, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1988. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Scott worked for OSG Ship Management for most of his career. He lives in Onancock, Virginia. Brother Lawrence Butler, 65, joined the union in 1972. Sailing in the deck department, he was initially employed by OSG Ship Management. Brother Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA KENNETH BIDDLE Pensioner Kenneth Biddle, 76, died November 7. He signed on with the union in 1968 and was an engine department member. Brother Biddle first shipped aboard the Del Norte. He last sailed on the El Morro before going on pension in 2014. Brother Biddle was a resident of Cookeville, Tennessee. WILLIAM BRATTON Pensioner William Bratton, 74, passed away November 3. He began his career with the SIU in 1987 when he shipped with Dixie Carriers. Brother Bratton was a member of the deck department and last sailed on the Jack Lummus. He became a pensioner in 2013 and made his home in Monroe, North Carolina. JACK CALLAWAY Pensioner Jack Callaway, 89, died November 17. He started shipping with the SIU in 1952 when he sailed on the Joyce Kilmer. A deck department member, Brother Callaway last sailed aboard the Del Mar. He lived in Boaz, Alabama. LAWRENCE CONTICELLO Pensioner Lawrence Conticello, 96, passed away December 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1947 and initially sailed aboard the Oremar. Brother Conticello was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Santa Lucia. He became a pensioner in 1983 and settled in Towson, Maryland. EDMOND FRANCOIS Pensioner Edmond Francois, 81, died November 29. Signing on with the union in 2001, he first shipped on the St. Louis Express. Brother Francois sailed in the deck department and last worked on the Charleston Express. He went on pension in 2016 and resided in Houston. SUHERMADHY GHANI Pensioner Suhermadhy Ghani, 73, passed away November 19. He began sailing with the SIU in 1981 when he shipped out aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Ghani was a steward department member and most recently 18 Seafarers LOG shipped on the APL China. He retired in 2015 and lived in San Francisco. DAVID MARTZ Pensioner David Martz, 64, died November 29. He donned the SIU colors in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Van Defender. Brother Martz sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the USNS Denebola. He went on pension in 2019 and was a resident of Laurel, Delaware. PATRICK MCCARTHY Pensioner Patrick McCarthy, 71, passed away October 7. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990, initially shipping on the USNS Indomitable. A deck department member, Brother McCarthy last sailed aboard the Taurus. He began collecting his pension in 2015 and settled in Blaine, Washington. BOGUSLAW MIKULA Pensioner Boguslaw Mikula, 66, died November 9. He began his career with the SIU in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Energy Enterprise. Brother Mikula was a member of the deck department and concluded his career on the Maersk Idaho. He became a pensioner in 2019 and resided in Phoenix. DOMINGO MIRELES Pensioner Domingo Mireles, 90, passed away October 28. He signed on with the union in 1990, first sailing aboard the USNS Algol. Brother Mireles sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career aboard the Cape Vincent. He began collecting his pension in 2001 and made his home in Beaumont, Texas. HASKELL MOORE Pensioner Haskell Moore, 91, passed away October 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1961 and first sailed with Isco Inc. Brother Moore was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Cape Avinof and retired in 1994. Brother Moore lived in Sequim, Washington. ALEJANDRO MURILLO Pensioner Alejandro Murillo, 88, died November 17. He signed on with the union in 1978 and was a steward department member. Brother Murillo first sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes. He last shipped on the Consumer and retired in 1998. Brother Murillo settled in Paramount, California. SIU in 1960 and was first employed by American Steamship. Sailing in the engine department, Brother Elder concluded his career aboard the St. Clair. He went on pension in 1991 and lived in Spartanburg, South Carolina. BILLY NUCKOLS Pensioner Billy Nuckols, 95, passed away October 9. He began sailing with the union in 1952 when he sailed with Sprogue Steamship. A deck department member, Brother Nuckols last sailed aboard the Capricorn. He became a pensioner in 1991 and made his home in Anstead, West Virginia. EDWARD KESTER Pensioner Edward Kester, 76, passed away May 2. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1964, initially working for American Steamship. A deck department member, Brother Kester last worked for Great Lakes Associates. He retired in 2009 and called Parma Heights, Ohio, home. JOSE RIVERA Pensioner Jose Rivera, 80, died November 19. He became a member of the SIU in 1965 when he worked with United States Shipping. Brother Rivera was a steward department member. He last sailed on the Sirius and retired in 2007. Brother Rivera resided in Houston. DAVID SWITZER Pensioner David Switzer, 76, passed away November 19. He signed on with the SIU in 1990. Brother Switzer was an engine department member and first shipped on the Sealift Mediterranean. He concluded his career aboard the Honor and became a pensioner in 2010. Brother Switzer lived in Excello, Missouri. MICHAEL TANNEHILL Brother Michael Tannehill, 60, passed away October 2. Born in Pasadena, Texas, he joined the union in 1989. Brother Tannehill first shipped aboard the Courier. A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the Commitment. He was a Houston resident. GREAT LAKES CLARENCE ELDER Pensioner Clarence Elder, 92, died October 25. He joined the GLENN WATTERS Pensioner Glenn Watters, 90, died November 15. He donned the SIU colors in 1969 when he sailed on the Reiss Brothers. Brother Watters was a member of the deck department and last shipped aboard the Paul H. Townsend. He began collecting his pension in 1996 and resided in Wichita, Kansas. INLAND GEORGE A. BODDEN Pensioner George A. Bodden, 82, passed away November 16. He joined the Seafarers in 1971 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Bodden worked with Red Circle Transport for his entire career. He retired in 2001 and lived in Tampa, Florida. passed away November 11. He joined the union in 1971 when he worked on the Vantage Endeavor. Brother Hunter sailed in the deck department and concluded his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He went on pension in 1999 and settled in Gulfport, Mississippi. JAMES KABAKOVICH Pensioner James Kabakovich, 93, died November 21. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1962. Brother Kabakovich was a deck department member and worked for McAllister Towing of Baltimore for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 1985 and was a Baltimore resident. RAYMOND MCKNIGHT Pensioner Raymond McKnight, 62, passed away November 1. Born in Philadelphia, he joined the Seafarers in 1978. Brother McKnight first worked with National Marine Service and sailed in the deck department. He last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation and went on pension in 2004. Brother McKnight called Thornhurst, Pennsylvania, home. PAUL STARVISH Brother Paul Starvish, 37, died August 24. He signed on with the union in 2007. Brother Starvish was a deck department member and was employed by Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. He was a resident of Fairhaven, Massachusetts. NMU MARVIN CATES Pensioner Marvin Cates, 83, died November 4. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1968. Brother Cates was first employed by Hvide Marine. He last worked for Allied Transportation and went on pension in 1999. Brother Cates was a resident of Hernando, Mississippi. VERNAL MARSHALL Pensioner Vernal Marshall, 88, died October 31. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/ SIU merger. Brother Marshall sailed in the engine department and last shipped aboard the Maersk Iowa. He retired in 2009 and settled in Brooklyn, New York. WALTER EVANS Pensioner Walter Evans, 75, passed away November 12. He signed on with the union in 1992. A deck department member, Brother Evans was employed by Higman Barge Lines for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 2007 and lived in Bryan, Texas. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. WILLIAM HUNTER Pensioner William Hunter, 89, NAME AGE Barrick, David Castro, Juan Lugo, Jose Martin, Edward Reed, Allen Reyes, Jose Robinson, George Sharif, Abdo Triplett, Norman 83 96 87 86 79 98 80 83 83 DOD 09/23/2020 09/12/2020 10/28/2020 11/12/2020 11/06/2020 11/20/2020 11/19/2020 09/20/2020 09/27/2020 January 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings OREGON (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning.), June 23 – Chairman Gerald Alford, Secretary Donald Williams, Educational Director Frank Harris. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for better Wi-Fi on ship. DEWAYNE T. WILLIAMS (Crowley), August 31 – Chairman Volodymyr Bendus, Secretary Elizabeth Ibanez, Educational Director Fredrick Wright, Deck Delegate Sean Wilson, Engine Delegate Michael Maldonado, Steward Delegate Philip Zulueta. Vessel now receiving Core Plus insurance. Exceptional performance by members by successfully completing ABS and COI inspections. Secretary reported dramatic improvement in onboard sanitation and housekeeping as a result of the joint effort among crew. Educational director announced the reopening of the Paul Hall Center and encouraged members to upgrade as often as possible. Deck delegate echoed secretary’s report and commended all crewmembers for doing an amazing job improving the ship. Members requested standard Wi-Fi availability aboard ship and motioned to raise vacation pay to 15 for 30. Next port: Diego Garcia. ISLA BELLA (TOTE), August 31 – Chairman Paulin Augustin, Secretary Melvin Cooper, 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. Educational Director Enrique Velez, Deck Delegate Michael Smith, Engine Delegate Kirk Chambers. Crew went over August LOG and protocols for COVID-19 safety. Chairman informed members that mariners can now use their TWIC cards to go through the pre-check line at all airports. Secretary advised crew to remain six feet apart while in the galley. Educational director reminded members of the August reopening of the Piney Point school and encouraged them to sign up for upgrading courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed the purchase of American Steamship Company by Rand Logistics. Seafarers’ jobs are secure. Members requested lift of ship restriction and would like more vacation days. Next port: Jacksonville, Florida. USNS MONTFORD POINT (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.), August 31 – Chairman William Johnson, Secretary Jean Favreaux, Educational Director Jose Encarnacion, Deck Delegate Allan Coloyan, Engine Delegate Richard Digman, Steward Delegate Christopher Kluth. Crew went over email system installation for unlicensed crew. Chairman discussed updates to COVID-19 testing for members returning to next port. He reviewed procedures and dates of certificates/ expiring dates for COVID extensions. Steward department prepared two pier-side BBQs while gangway was down. Port stay was enjoyed by all. Educational director stressed the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. Crew reviewed ship’s fund and discussed MMC renewals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate thanked everyone for helping with stores and BBQ. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC.), September 28 – Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Gary Dahl, Engine Delegate Mikel Tittsworth, Steward Delegate Paul Diesner. Payoff at sea scheduled to take place in Tacoma, Washington. Chairman encouraged members to sign up for text alerts from the union. Secretary reminded crew to stay on top of documents. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and advised them to donate to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed policies pertaining to restriction to ship. Crew requested company-provided cold-weather gear while in ports of Alaska and that overtime be counted towards pension benefits. Members asked that vacation days be counted 20 for 30 and physicals to only be required annually. MARJORIE C (Pasha), September 13 – Chairman Daniel Davenport, Secretary Jatniel Aguilera Santiago, Educational Director Jared Cabasug, Engine Delegate Oscar Cesena, Steward Delegate Reno Duque. Some old business items already addressed in shipyard. Wi-Fi in port now working. Chairman thanked members for their cooperation with large riding crew while construction continues at sea with exhaust scrubber unit. He also thanked everyone for following COVID-19 protocols on board, both at sea and in port. Secretary gave thanks to both GVAs who assisted with passageway cleaning and waxing after shipyard period. Educational director advised crew to follow updates for reopening classes at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship is coming around after China shipyard period. Much more to tidy up after riding crew leaves the end of October/November. Members would appreciate more work to be done to correct issue with house air conditioning. Next port: San Diego. GOLDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 13 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Michael Carello, Educational Director Juan Castillo, Engine Delegate David Garrett, Steward Delegate Michael McDermott. Safety mats still need to be ordered. Wi-Fi not available yet and flooring needs to be replaced. Ventilation system needs to be cleaned. Some items have been obtained by officers but not obtained by crew (mattresses/TVs). Chairman discussed pandemic-related issues, reiterated the importance of the Jones Act and also reviewed written resolutions. Secretary reminded crew of risks when using CBD oils, including the chances of triggering positive drug test results. Educational director stressed various considerations regarding both attending upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center and renewing documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New linens ordered. Vote of thanks given to steward department. ALASKAN NAVIGATOR (Alaska Tanker Company), October 17 – Chairman Gregory Hamilton, Secretary Albert Sison, Educational Director Leland Peterson, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Louie Smith, Steward Delegate Sajid Foster. Chairman encouraged crew to read OSG’s travel memo. Secretary thanked members for keeping mess area tidy and thanked steward assistant for maintaining it. Crew was reminded to follow meal hours and to return utensils and dishes to galley. Educational director urged members to keep up with documents. Most upgrading courses at the Piney Point school are still closed due to COVID-19 pandemic. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members motioned for same pay scale for all entry level positions across deck, steward and engine departments. Crew requested new blankets and Wi-Fi. Members requested launch service and union patrolman to board ship in Long Beach, California. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Long Beach. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt January 2021 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Classes The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training Revalidation February 5 April 16 February 5 April 16 Government Vessels February 8 February 15 March 8 March 22 February 12 February 19 March 12 March 26 Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic March 22 April 9 MSC Supply Configuration Management April 12 May 7 Date of Completion Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck (online lecture) January 18 April 5 January 29 April 16 Able Seafarer-Deck (at Piney Point) February 1 April 19 February 5 April 23 Engine Department Upgrading Courses FOWT March 15 April 9 Junior Engineer March 29 May 21 Marine Electrician March 8 April 9 Marine Refer Tech January 25 March 5 Machinist February 15 March 5 Pumpman March 8 March 12 Welding January 25 April 12 February 12 April 30 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Galley Operations February 8 May 3 March 5 May 28 Certified Chief Cook January 25 March 1 April 5 February 26 April 2 May 7 Advanced Galley Operations March 8 April 2 Chief Steward May 3 May 28 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Basic Training January 25 March 8 January 29 March 12 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes  No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 206740075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 1/21 January 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #863A - Graduated November 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Lucas Anderson, Ramona Cabrera Appleby, Erik Arnold, Christian Branch, Kobe Cisero, Christoher Dhanoolal, Joseph Golden II, Jamel Hollomond, Seth Schrader, Bradley Tucker, Tyler Vitulli and Kevin Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Apprentice Water Survival Class #863B – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Braxton Clay, Kimoni Dickens Jr., Joy Eady, Jordan Griffin, Mikel Hatcher, Kumasi Johnson, Neil Johnson, Martin Morales and Luke Vandegrift. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes UA to FOWT (Basic Motor Plant) – Graduated October 30 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Joshua Glancy, Albert Granville III, D’mitri Hill, Carleton Jenkins II, Damon Johnson, Frederick Jones Jr., Zion Lyons, David Palumbo, Corey Reseburg, Benjamin Scott, Nicholas Sweeney, Paul Valiente and Scott Waterman. WATCHKEEPING – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Brian Guiry, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa, Cheneque Rodriguez and Jorge A. Salas Santos. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated October 30 (above, in alphabetical order): Eduardo Arroyo, Charles Collins III, Francois Emmanuel Doucet III, Thedford Jones Jr., Joshua Kraynak, Daniel Jaim Leon-Burges and Ethan Love. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far left. UA to FOWT (Steam) – Graduated November 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Glancy, Albert Granville III, Carleton Jenkins II, Damon Johnson, Zion Lyons, David Palumbo, Corey Reseburg, Benjamin Scott, Nicholas Sweeney, Paul Valiente and Scott Waterman. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Junior Engineer (Plant Maintenance II) – Graduated November 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Adewale Adiat, Daveyon Kymyondro Burton, Tianna Evans, Merville Lariosa Gallema, Tony Hamaguchi, Jeffrey Hamer, Lawrence Numfor-Suh, Lorenza Session and Nadiyah Taylor. 22 Seafarers LOG UA to FOWT – Akim DavisGriffin (above) completed his requirements in this course and graduated November 13. Junior Engineer (Basic Electricity) – Graduated November 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Joshua Nino Bonita, Nicolas Brailsford, Ashley Burke, Carlos Louis Guzman, Daryl Hicks, Christopher Hinton and Wordell Prescott. William Dodd, their instructor, is at the far left. January 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated November 20 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Carl Anderson, Matthew Austin, Elizebeth Chavez, Terronce Debarros Freeman, Blake Fisher, Cody Fox, Michael Fregolle, Ali Ganjour, Colin Ihlefeld, Khalid Mohamed, Michael Page, Blake Randle, Sarah Ryan, Victor Sambula, Murray Stahler and Dewayne Thomas. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated November 13 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Jasmine Donahue, Quandell Freeman, Barton Hatch, Jolanta Czeslawa Jankowski, Jose Outeiral-Rodriguez, Jessica Williams and Al Siquete Yandoc. Chief Cook Assessment – Graduated November 6 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Carl Anderson, Elizebeth Chavez, Terronce Debarros Freeman, Ali Ganjour, Khalid Mohamed, Michael Page, Murray Stahler and Dewayne Thomas. Chief Cook Assessment – Graduated November 20 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Marcus Dalton, Edward Gassman, Rosalinda Lorenzo, James Mikell, Mitchell Morrell, Cesar Augusto Pena Amaro, Bertrand Pluviose and Costadeano Tsantilas. January 2021 Seafarers LOG 23 �VOLUME 83, NO. 1 JANUARY 2021 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Steadfast Seafarers Serve in War’s Final Stages Editor’s note: This is the ninth installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the War. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Earlier segments are available on the SIU website and in print beginning with the May 2020 edition of the LOG. (We are tentatively planning to post a PDF of the entire booklet on the SIU website once all of the text has been published here. There are probably two installments remaining after this month.) This one picks up right after hundreds of soldiers and mariners aboard the Liberty ship SS Marcus Daly died because of a kamikaze attack. Many a merchant ship was subjected to prolonged battle action during the fighting in the Philippines. The SS Alcoa Pioneer, for instance, experienced 103 alerts and 50 direct attacks during her 23-day sojourn in Leyte Gulf. At 7 a.m. in the morning of November 19, 1944, three Japanese suicide planes broke out of protective cloud cover and dived onto the Alcoa Pioneer, whose guns were instantly in action, joining those of nearby ships to hurl a gauntlet of fire that would have discouraged ordinary airmen. But these kamikaze pilots were eager to die for their fatherland, and enter that land of infinite bliss, promised to them in exchange for blowing an American ship to bits. Two of them swerved off to dive on the nearby freighters General Fleischer and Cape Romano but the third kept at the Alcoa Pioneer through a hail of fire, crashing onto the bridge deck in an explosion that destroyed all the navigating equipment, demolished the stack, ripped up the decks and started fires all over the ship. Blanket of Fire Even as the plane smashed into the ship, every man was at his post, the Navy armed guard at the 20 millimeters and the merchant seamen standing shoulder to shoulder with them as ammunition tenders and replacements. Captain Andrew Gavin and the other officers were on the bridge as the kamikaze hit, pinning First Mate Daniel Noonan and armed guard Lieutenant Howard Jersild under wreckage. Pieces of the burning plane and showering shrapnel from the guns started a fire in a gasoline-laden forward hold, but Bosun Clark Smith and AB John Peterson put out the flames, and turned the fire hose on the burning midships section till the flames there were also extinguished. All guns were kept manned, despite 20 casualties among armed guard and merchant crew. Navy gunners stayed at the forward 20 millimeters though they were badly burned and the gun tubs were punctured with shrapnel holes. Sharing the battle honors was Captain Gavin’s little dog “Skipper.” Although hit with shrapnel, Skipper stayed on the bridge beside his master, licking the captain’s face as he lay unconscious in the wreckage. The ship’s crew kept discharging cargo as though the vessel were safely at dock back in Frisco, working 18 hours at a stretch and turning to at the guns during the recurrent air raids. Home for More Cargo After discharging was finished, the merchant crew made temporary repairs to the midships house and the Alcoa Pioneer returned home under her own power, ready to fill up with another load for the fighting fronts! SIU ships were among the huge fleet that landed Marines and supplies on the volcanic, bloody isle of Iwo Jima. And they were in the midst of the fighting at Okinawa where, on Easter Day in 1945, began the last great invasion of the war, a battle that lasted for 82 days and ended only after 90,000 Japanese were killed in a maniacal defense of the “last stop before Japan.” In the 1,400-ship armada that launched this invasion was every type of craft built during World War II, a vast array of freighters, tankers, combat transports, invasion barges and warships. A measure of the fury with which Japanese airmen sought to throw back the Americans at Okinawa is the staggering total of planes shot down during the fighting there – no less than 4,000 of them! Kamikaze pilots made no differentiation between merchant ships or men o’war, the one being as good a key to eternal paradise as the other as far as these suicidal people were concerned. Many were the fighting freighters at Okinawa that battled nobly, but still were not spared from the onslaught of the “divine wind.” One of these was the SS Logan Victory, which arrived at Okinawa with a load of “hot stuff” for Buckner’s battling doughboys. Kamikaze’s Target Only a few slingloads of cargo had come out of her holds before there was an air raid alert, followed by the appearance of three kamikazes swooping over the nearby hills. Gunfire from the nearby Hobbs Victory blew one of the attackers to bits, sending its pilot riding the divine wind to the warriors’ Valhalla. The second suicide plane headed for an LST, while the third bore straight at the Logan Victory. Every gun that could bear was instantly pouring a hurricane of lead and steel, but it had no effect. Less than a minute later he crashed into the boat deck, exploding and searing the ship in sheets of flame. Fire soon roared out of the Logan Victory as though it were being fanned by a giant bellows in the hold. The midships house was a solid mass of flame as the crew abandoned ship. The Logan Victory blew up at 11 p.m. that night, followed by a veritable rain of steel fragments from the sky around her. She was in commission only two months to the very day that she ended her career before the kamikaze onslaught by the embattled shores of Okinawa. She was another SIU-SUP ship that, in taking supplies to the beachheads, fought at the very front lines of World War II. Before concluding this story of SIU ships in the war it would be greatly amiss to overlook the great job done by the many freighters, mostly Liberties, that carried supplies to the Russians by way of the Persian Gulf. Riding often well below their Plimsoll marks and carrying huge deck loads, they freighted everything from locomotives and bombers to flour, shoes and black powder. For the most part these ships sailed alone – without convoy on the long road to Iraq and Iran. To minimize losses from subs and raiders, some were dispatched across the South Atlantic to Vape Town, and some down the west coast of South America ’round Cape Horn; while still others crossed the South Pacific by way of the Tasman Sea, stopping in Australia briefly for bunkers before continuing through Japanese-held waters of the Indies. Some of the “Persian Gulf ships” were sunk. The SS La Salle, an old Waterman ship, disappeared sometime after passing through the Panama Canal bound for Cape Horn, probably the victim of a German raider. Not a word of her fate has ever been reported. Mighty Delivery Job Reaching the Persian Gulf, these freighters unloaded their cargoes at small ports, whose facilities were created by American engineers at American expense. Unloading was done mostly by Army longshoreman and, during the summer Victory ships are pictured on the U.S. West Coast during the war. Merchant vessels were indispensable to the Allied victory. According to a War Shipping Administration announcement from 1945, “American merchant shipyards have built four ships for every prewar ship we had. Our fleet of Liberty, Victory, C-type and other vessels reached an all-time high of more than 3,500 dry cargo vessels, and more than 900 high-speed tankers. months, in temperatures so hot the work could only be done at night. Not a few merchant seamen succumbed from the heat of the Gulf. On the voyage home, which was also undertaken without convoy for the most part, the ships faced additional peril from raiders and subs. A few, like the Jean Nicolet, were sent to the bottom by shells and torpedoes. These ships on the Persian Gulf run contributed vitally to one of the biggest transport jobs the world has ever seen. They sailed their hazardous route to supply the Russian front, carrying a stupendous amount of war cargoes, the full extent of which has never been told. Way of the Japanese Voyaging in the Indian Ocean and adjacent waters was especially hazardous during the war, for Japanese subs roamed these seas and, while a German raider would torpedo a ship without warning, the Japanese added a touch of unnecessary cruelty to the sinking of merchant vessels. They exercised their own queer brand of fun on torpedoed ships and crews – fun that was inhuman and bestial. SIU crewmen of the SS Bienville, an unarmed Waterman freighter outward bound from Calcutta for Columbo, experienced this uncalled-for cruelty when their ship was caught by a Japanese task force in the Bay of Bengal on April 6, 1942. Without even a rifle with which to defend themselves, the Bienville’s men could do nothing when two Japanese planes came over and planted a brace of bombs squarely on the foredeck, setting the ship afire. The planes were followed by a cruiser, three destroyers and an aircraft carrier. While the crew huddled helplessly behind whatever slim shelter they could find, the cruiser and a destroyer used the Bienville for target practice, throwing shell after shell into the gun-less ship until she finally sank beneath the placid waters of the Bay. Lifeboat Shelled One shell hit a lifeboat that was being lowered away, killing all the occupants, and, with the ship in flames fore and aft, one after another of the crew were killed or wounded by flying shrapnel. Salvo after salvo smashed into the freighter without mercy, slashing the deck plates, smashing the booms, cutting the hull to ribbons and sending rivets and bits of steel bulleting through the air in a deadly hail. Only half of the Bienville’s crew was still alive when the freighter went down, and they were sucked under the water by the suction of the cargo-laden hulk. While the Japanese sailors laughed at the crewmen struggling in the water, the task force steamed off on the quest for other prey. One lifeboat had floated free and the men climbed into it, while several of the survivors who were terribly wounded begged their mates to throw them over the side. Of the Bienville’s crew of 43, only 19 lived to tell the story of this one-sided battle after the lifeboat reached the shore of India some 20 miles away. About a year after this incident, the SS Henry Knox, a Matson Liberty, was push- Continued on Page 15 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2021 Description An account of the resource Headlines: AOTOS GOES VIRTUAL, HONORS ENTIRE INDUSTRY LABOR DEPARTMENT HONORS CROWLEY AS VETERAN-FRIENDLY EMPLOYER SIU-BACKED CANDIDATES FARE WELL ON ELECTION DAY NEW DEFENSE BILL CONSTITUTES A HUGE VICTORY FOR MARITIME SIU MEMBERS TRANSPORT 420 MRAPS FOR MSC HORIZON RELIANCE CREW RESCUES TWO INDUSTRY PIONEER IMPERATORE DIES AT 95 SIU'S YEAR IN REVIEW: PANDEMIC DOMINATES 2020 BUT BRIGHT SPOTS STILL EXIST MAERSK SENDS HOLIDAY GIFTS SHOWING GRATITUDE TOWARDS UNION CREWS STEWARD: MARITIME CAREERS WORTH EXPLORING CHRONIC CONDITIONS POSE ASSORTED CHALLENGED TO HEALTH CARE SYSTEM SIU'S HEINDEL TACKLES CREW-CHANGE CRISIS LABOR MOVEMENT MOURNS PASSING OF TTD PRESIDENT GREAT LAKES TOWING CONTRACT APPROVED VOTING IN 2020 SIU ELECTION CONCLUDES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-2002 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1/1/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 83, No. 1 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/f3dd83933ea188abc414deaf2e09906b.pdf a8bec59237341077396b603c5024e5a1 PDF Text Text JANUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 1 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O U.S. Mariners ‘Are True Patriots’ Gen. Van Ovost Praises Merchant Marine; SIU’s Heindel Receives AOTOS Award Addressing a maritime industry audience of more than 600, Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost (right in photo directly above, with SIU President Michael Sacco, left, and AMO President Paul Doell) on Dec. 3 offered unequivocal support for American mariners and the industry. The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command described U.S. Merchant Mariners as “true patriots” and said the nation must maintain a viable American-flag fleet. She made the remarks in New York during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea awards dinner, a prestigious event sponsored by the United Seamen’s Service. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (photo at left) was a main honoree. Page 3. Holiday Event Returns Following a pause in 2020 for safety reasons, the yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, returned to action Nov. 23. Always a popular and well-attended event, the 2021 iteration featured remarks by several U.S. congressional representatives. Pictured before the gathering are (front, from left) Seafarers James Abilad, Michael Todman, Ali Munsar and Abdulla Mused. Those standing include SIU VP Nicholas Celona (second from right), SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (far right), retired Recertified Steward George Pino (second from left) and members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard. Page 5. SIU’s Year in Review While the ongoing pandemic was an ever-present factor, the year 2021 for the SIU could have been nicknamed the year of the contract. No fewer than 15 new agreements were reached during that span, including ones at Crescent Towing in New Orleans and in Mobile, Alabama. In photo above, Mobile-area boatmen are pictured with SIU Port Agents Jimmy White (second from left) and Chris Westbrook (sixth from right). Page 20. CIVMARS to the Rescue Page 4 Thanksgiving at Sea Pages 10-11 �President’s Report America’s Shipyards The state of American shipbuilding is a noteworthy example of the effects of government policy. While we in the SIU remain justifiably proud of the outstanding work performed by union shipyard employees, the worldwide shipbuilding statistics are sobering. Only onethird of a percent of the world’s ships carry the “Made in the USA” label. By contrast, China produces around 40 percent, while Korea and Japan account for 25 percent each. The main reason for that disparity is straightforward: the U.S. eliminated its construction differential subsidy program in 1981 but didn’t attempt to secure any sort of reciprocity from other shipbuilding nations. Asian yards, buoyed by billions of dollars Michael Sacco in subsidies, took over the global market. It only took a little more than a decade for America to go from being the biggest commercial shipbuilder in the world to no longer producing any vessels for international trade. All of that said, things are hardly hopeless. We still have more than 100 shipyards in the U.S., most of them smaller facilities but all crewed by capable, well-trained employees, many of whom belong to unions, including ones affiliated with the Maritime Trades Department (where I also serve as president). In particular, union yards in Philadelphia and San Diego in recent years have constructed some of the world’s most modern, state-of-the-art tonnage, including tankers, containerships, and container/roll-on, roll-off vessels. But those ships are for the Jones Act trade, which largely has been recapitalized. In order to truly bounce back, our shipyards need a commitment from the federal government and a solid plan to rebuild the Navy. Legislation has been introduced in Congress to do both. Bringing back a modern version of the construction subsidy program also would help level the playing field for securing contracts to build commercial vessels for global trading. In the interim, America would benefit by taking better advantage of the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program. According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, Title XI “provides for a full faith and credit guarantee by the United States Government to promote the growth and modernization of the U.S. merchant marine and U.S. shipyards. The program … provides U.S. Government guaranteed debt issued by (1) U.S. or foreign shipowners for the purpose of financing or refinancing either U.S.-flag vessels or eligible export vessels constructed, reconstructed or reconditioned in U.S. shipyards and (2) U.S. shipyards for the purpose of financing advanced shipbuilding technology and modern shipbuilding technology of a privately owned, general shipyard facility located in the U.S.” Title XI is not a subsidy program and it has been under-utilized for too long. Studies have shown that for every dollar invested in the program, $20 worth of economic activity is generated. America’s shipbuilding capability, like other parts of the maritime industry, is vital to national, economic and homeland security. That’s why the SIU believes it is of utmost priority to promote, protect and grow United States shipyards from coast to coast. (More U.S.-flag ships also mean more SIU jobs.) To do otherwise is to risk eventual full dependence on foreign countries both for the nation’s commercial trade and, more importantly, supporting the troops. Those risks are obvious and unacceptable. We need to do something about it. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 1 January 2022 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 Seafarers LOG Administrator Reports More Progress with CHS The union and the Seafarers Plans are continuing to work with Comprehensive Health Services (CHS) to identify and implement improvements in services for SIU members. In mid-November, the union and Seafarers Plans hosted a meeting at SIU headquarters that included the CHS CEO and their program manager for the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan. Attendees thoroughly discussed ways to speed up the physical exam steps used by SIU members. Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, in her December report to the SIU membership, noted, “We met with them to reiterate the seriousness of the problems our participants have been facing during the exam process. They once again committed to providing the quality of service that you need and deserve. CHS indicated that they are in the process of upgrading their technology to make the communication and flow of information between them and the clinics a more seamless process. These major upgrades are due to take place during second quarter of 2022. They are also developing new surveys to identify areas that con- tinue to need improvement. We will monitor their progress in all areas to ensure that they deliver on their promises, and will keep you posted on the outcomes.” In a previous report, Bowen said CHS had eliminated most of its backlog of exams that were awaiting review through mid-September. That improvement “is a direct result of our demand that more resources were required to fulfill our agreement with CHS, including adding additional doctors,” she stated. Meanwhile, the administrator in the December report also mentioned that multiple mailings were sent to SHBP participants in November. They included a cover letter and notice outlining the positive changes to the SHBP due to the No Surprises Act. The changes include out-of-network emergency treatment being covered at the 90% in-network levels; out-of-network ancillary services at an in-network facility (such as an anesthesiologist, radiologist or surgeon) will be covered at 90% of the qualifying payment amount; and, out-of-network air ambulance service will be covered at 90% of the qualifying payment amount. NASSCO Christens USNS Milk New jobs are on the horizon for members of the SIU Government Services Division following the Nov. 6 christening and launch of the USNS Harvey Milk. The ceremony took place at union shipyard General Dynamics NASSCO in San Diego, where the vessel was built. According to NASSCO, the USNS Harvey Milk is the second ship for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet oiler program. The new vessel’s crew will include SIU CIVAMARS. Stuart Milk, nephew of the ship’s namesake and co-founder and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation, served as the principal speaker at the ceremony, which also featured remarks from NASSCO and U.S. Navy representatives. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (DCalifornia) and Paula Neira, Navy veteran and clinical program director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, were the ship’s sponsors. Prior to launching the 742-foot-long ship down the ways, Neira christened the vessel with the traditional champagne bottle break alongside the hull. “We are justifiably proud of every ship we build, but this one is special because of her namesake. Today, we are honoring Stuart’s lifetime of selfless service, his hope for equality, and a world without hate,” said David Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “On behalf of the 3,500 employees of General Dynamics NASSCO, I am proud to present the future USNS Harvey Milk for christening.” Former Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus declared the John Lewis-class of oilers be named after leaders who fought for civil and Above, guests listen to remarks during the christening ceremony for the USNS Harvey Milk. In photo at left below, Paula Neira does the honors, breaking a champagne bottle alongside the hull. (Photos courtesy General Dynamics NASSCO) human rights. The second of six ships honors Harvey Milk, an activist who dedicated his life promoting equality. “Leaders like Harvey Milk taught us that diversity of backgrounds and experiences help contribute to the strength and resolve of our nation,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro. “There is no doubt that the future Sailors aboard this ship will be inspired by Milk’s life and legacy.” “The christening of the USNS Harvey Milk marks another historic milestone in the history of our Navy and our country. Harvey Milk’s words and actions brought hope and inspiration to many for whom our nation’s lofty rhetoric of equality and inclusion were not yet reality,” said Neira. “Today, while we must continue to carry on his work, and much work still needs to be done, by christening and launching this ship we honor his legacy, celebrate the progress that has been made in advancing diversity and inclusion for so many, and we know that wherever the USNS Harvey Milk will sail, she will bring that message of hope and inspiration to present and future generations.” In 2016, General Dynamics NASSCO was awarded the contract by the U.S. Navy for the detailed design and construction of the next generation of fleet oilers, the John Lewis class. The contract calls for the design and construction of six 742-foot-long oilers with a full load displacement of 49,850 tons. Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the oilers have the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and up to a speed of 20 knots. These vessels will replace the current T-AO 187-class fleet replacement oilers. In addition to the christening of this ship, two vessels in the T-AO class fleet oiler program for the U.S. Navy – the future USNS Earl Warren (T-AO 207), and the future USNS Robert F. Kennedy (T-AO 208) – are currently under construction. The lead ship, the future USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), was launched earlier this year. January 2022 �Van Ovost Backs Jones Act, U.S. Mariners Gen.Van Ovost describes U.S. mariners as “true patriots.” The commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) recently voiced her strong backing of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the laws and programs that keep it afloat. Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost (USAF) addressed more than 600 attendees Dec. 3 in New York during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea event, sponsored by the United Seamen’s Service. The audience included maritime labor leaders (many from the SIU), industry executives, other military officers, international maritime officials and others (see story, this page). Gen. Van Ovost was the first speaker. She said, “The Department of Defense relies on you to deliver our decisive military force – a job you have done for decades. This industry is critical to advancing American interests. As a seafaring nation, our country has been, and is, and will continue to be reliant on the strength of the maritime industry and the many mariners who are known for their determination, their grit and selfless service. You are true patriots.” She pointed out that mariners “are the first to go and the last to return” during major conflicts, and added that their role isn’t limited to those periods. “You are America’s economic lifeline during peacetime,” she stated. “I’ve referred to you as TRANSCOM’s fourth component.” Gen. Van Ovost touched on current challenges facing both the armed services and the maritime industry. She emphasized the partnership between the public and private sectors, their shared goals, and the value of regular sealift exercises. She also underscored the importance of “minimizing our reliance on foreign entities” She referred to a relatively recent study that led to the creation of the new U.S. Tanker Security Program and added, “Programs such as the Tanker Security Program, the Maritime Security Program Pictured from left are honorees Tony Naccarato, Kathy Metcalf and David Heindel. and the Jones Act ensure that we have reliable access to industry capabilities to meet our needs.” The general then recalled a quote from retired Gen. Henry Hugh Shelton, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who said: “Our national security depends on a vital merchant marine foundation.” Gen. Van Ovost concluded, “I could not be more proud of the relationship between TRANSCOM and the maritime industry. We value the U.S. mariners operating U.S. vessels, and we recognize the important role our mariners play in the strength of our nation.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel was one of the main honorees at the awards dinner, and the union had a strong turnout that included SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, Tom Orzechowski, Joseph Soresi, Nick Marrone and Nicholas Celona and many other officials. Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer Commander, MSC SIU’s Heindel Honored with AOTOS Award Metcalf, Woodhour, Naccarato, Mariners Also Recognized On a night when much of the spotlight focused on him, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel mainly wanted to talk about others. Heindel on Dec. 3 received the Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award in New York, a prestigious honor presented each year by the United Seamen’s Service (USS). This year’s honorees also included Bill Woodhour, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited (MLL); Kathy Metcalf, president and CEO of the Chamber of Shipping of America; and longtime labor relations icon Tony Naccarato, who garnered what is dubbed a Special AOTOS Award. Three Seafarers-crewed vessels also were recognized with USS Mariners’ Plaques: the USNS Patuxent, American Pride, and Horizon Reliance. The plaques, bestowed for various acts of heroism at sea, were presented by Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, USN, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Prior to those presentations, Gen. Jacqueline D. Van Ovost, USAF, commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, addressed the audience of more than 600, including SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez and others (see story, this page). Heindel called his award “the honor of a lifetime,” and he thanked many people for supporting his work throughout the years, including his family, Sacco, other SIU officials, and colleagues from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), several of whom travelled to the awards dinner from overseas. (Heindel chairs the ITF Seafarers’ Section.) He emphasized that throughout his decades as a union official, following several years as a rank-andfile mariner, his aim remained constant. January 2022 “Whether we’re talking about the crew-change crisis that has consumed our many hours on Zoom or the latest issue with the supply chain, shipboard automation, alternative fuels, training requirements or almost any other maritime-related topic, my focus ultimately is on the wellbeing of the individual seafarer,” Heindel said. “That’s what motivates me, and on the rare occasions I look back, it’s what I’m most proud of.” Reflecting on his time with the union, Heindel recalled, “I joined the SIU in the early 1970s, and one reason I’ve always believed in the union is that we don’t stand still. We constantly strive to make improvements, and the results speak for themselves. Today, our members have free access to world-class vocational training at our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. They’re part of a top-of-the-line, fully funded pension plan that gives them security when they look ahead to retirement. They’re covered by excellent medical benefits, and they’re protected by great contracts – which means their families are protected, too. “Another way we’ve helped our rank-and-file members is by keeping up with the times regarding recordkeeping, getting them easy access to their individual shipping and registration information, and being able to communicate quickly using multiple outlets, regardless of whether they’re at sea or ashore,” he continued. “That’s been a main focus throughout my tenure as the SIU’s secretary-treasurer, and while – like so many other things – the work is always ongoing, and we’ve made extraordinary progress over the years.” He also credited the USS and ITF and cited examples of their recent accomplishments. Metcalf and Naccarato both applauded the industry for its collectively cooperative nature, while also sharing insights about their respective backgrounds. Woodhour, unable to attend because of a medical procedure, delivered his remarks via recorded video. He stressed the critical importance of the U.S. maritime industry and listed potential steps to expand it. MLL President/CEO Bill Woodhour delivers his remarks via video. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II (left) meets with Chef Kellie Puff, a professor and chair of the culinary department at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Part of the union’s outreach includes stops at the Alaska Youth Military Academy, whihc is where the photo at right was taken. Marrone is in the foreground, with students. Union Ramps Up Recruiting in ‘Last Frontier’ It’s nothing new for the SIU to help make Alaskans aware of maritime career opportunities, but the union in recent months has increased its outreach in the Last Frontier. SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II has spearheaded a broad outreach for prospective applicants to the apprentice program at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland; and for individuals already working as credentialed mariners. “We have gotten an enthusiastic reception everywhere we’ve gone” Marrone said. “People are very interested in the union and receiving their training at the school. They’re eager to work!” Such was the case Nov. 12 at the Alaska Military Youth Academy, where Marrone spoke separately with each platoon. Afterward, around two dozen students showed interest in the apprentice program, which is certified by the U.S. Department of Labor. Another recruiting stop a few days later proved it’s a small world. While manning a booth at the Anchorage Job Expo, Marrone met STOS Melvin Mitchell, an active Seafarer. (The SIU booth received very favorable reviews from attendees and from Alaska Works Partnership, the sponsoring entity.) Other stops for the port agent have included Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson (where he regularly meets with separat- ing military members); King Tech Career Center/Alaska Middle College School (AMCS); the State of Alaska Anchorage/ Muldoon/Mat-Su D.O.L. Job Center Network; West Anchorage High; and the Culinary Arts University of Alaska Anchorage. Meanwhile, upgrades are happening at the hiring hall in Anchorage, including adding phone lines, improving internet connectivity and modifying some of the interior layout to facilitate daily operations. Members Ratify 5-Year Contract With Virginia Pilot Association Wage Hikes, Improved Benefits Highlight Package SIU members at Virginia Pilot Association late last year secured a new five-year contract that increases wages and improves benefits. The agreement covers 24 Seafarers who work at the Virginia Beach, Virginia-based company. “We did really well. This is the best contract we’ve ever had,” said Oliver Meyer, a launch operator who served on the negotiating committee along with fellow member John Cameron, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Port Agent DeCarlo Harris. Meyer said he particularly appreciates the increased pension credits, along with the pay raises. He credited Soresi (“Joe was awesome”) and also noted this was the first contract negotiated with new management at the company. Like Meyer, Cameron hadn’t previously served on a bargaining com- mittee, but he said the experience went well. “I’d heard some horror stories and I know it’s never easy, but Joe was fantastic,” said Cameron, who also is a launch operator. “We chimed in and voiced our opinion while remaining professional. Overall, we’re really impressed and really thankful. It’s the best contract we’ve ever gotten.” Seafarers at Virginia Pilot Association typically work one week on (with each work day consisting of a 12-hour shift) followed by a week off. During a work week, they sleep ashore at a headquarters facility that Cameron said functions similarly to a firehouse. Soresi stated, “I’m glad the members are pleased with the contract, which I believe is a very fair agreement both for the union and for the company. This agreement means stability for everyone concerned.” Pictured from left are Seafarers Randy Grinnan and John Cameron, SIU Port Agent DeCarlo Harris and Seafarers Gage Harper, Tyler Elswick, Oliver Meyer, Joel Otroba and Will Henson. SIU CIVMARS Help Rescue 2 in Gulf of Oman Two Iranian fishermen signal for assistance Nov. 27 after their boat had been adrift for eight days in the Gulf of Oman. (U.S. Navy photo) 4 Seafarers LOG CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division helped rescue two fishermen who’d been stuck at sea for more than a week. On Nov. 27, the USNS Charles Drew was involved in a rescue in the Gulf of Oman. The dry cargo ship received word of a distress call at 10 a.m. local time from Combined Maritime Forces, an international maritime coalition headquartered in Bahrain. The Charles Drew proceeded to the site of a stranded fishing vessel, and provided food, water and medical care to the two occupants – who had been adrift at sea for eight days. The men from the disabled craft were then transported to an Omani coast guard vessel. “This is what we are trained and ready to do,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. “As professional mariners, we have a responsibility to help people in need at sea. We appreciate the government of Oman for its assistance and support in helping us return the mariners home.” January 2022 �Pictured from left in photo at immediate left are U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-California), SIU VP Nick Marrone, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), SIU VP Nicholas Celona and U.S. Rep. Jim Panetta (D-California). In photo above, U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) addresses the crowd. Oakland Thanksgiving Event Resumes Locally Renowned Gathering Features Congressional Remarks Some of the details were different, for precautionary reasons – but the enthusiastic fellowship and great food were familiar to those attending the annual pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California. The popular gathering skipped 2020 for safety reasons, but returned on Nov. 23, 2021 (in its usual slot, which is the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week). Guest speakers included U.S. Reps. Barbara Lee, John Garamendi, Jerry McNerney and Jim Panetta (all California Democrats). Other guests included military personnel; maritime union members, pensioners and officials; numerous building-trades union personnel; shipping company executives and staff; and others. SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona, long the driving force behind the decadesold yearly event, said the mood was upbeat for the 2021 feast. “We took many precautions, including serving the meals in individual containers instead of going with the usual buffet-style arrangement,” Celona said. “We made sure plenty of hand sanitizer was available and we asked that everyone bring their vaccination cards. We also spaced out the tables more than usual. People said they were glad to be back.” With 120 people in attendance, the congressional representatives gave brief remarks mainly focusing on the holiday season, the infrastructure bill, and the importance of creating and maintaining good jobs in the U.S. They also emphasized the country’s ongoing need for American mariners and U.S.flag ships. Yardena Wolf (left), chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California), and SIU VP Nick Marrone The hall hosted 120 people for the Thanksgiving gathering. January 2022 Retired Recertified Steward George Pino (center) displays the U.S. Merchant Marine flag. Lt. Col. Kevin. P. Arnett, commander of the San Francisco District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and retired Recertified Steward George Pino SIU VP Nicholas Celona (second from right) welcomes guests Guests enjoy the holiday event in Oakland, California. Seafarers LOG 5 �HONORING VETERANS IN HOUSTON – Seafarers and SIU officials are pictured with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (front, wearing mask) at a Veterans Day event. SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo is second from left. Among those also pictured are Bosun German Nunez (right), Recertified Steward Fausto Aranda (left), SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala (directly behind the congresswoman), SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and ITF Inspector Shwe Aung. BACKING PRO-WORKER REP. – The hiring hall in Philadelphia hosted an outdoor labor breakfast for Pennsylvania State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D). She’s in the center, with SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice (right) and SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR – SIU Safety Director Ben Anderson snapped this photo during a mid-November servicing of the Alaska Tanker Co. vessel. Pictured from left are QMED Leland Peterson, Steward/Baker Albert Sison, SA Ahmed Moosa, Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, GUDE Abdulrehman Shayef, AB Bonifacio Fortes and Recertified Bosun Greg Hamilton. FINAL FRONTIER – Bosun Kyle Silva (left) is pictured with astronaut Mike Foreman at San Jacinto Maritime in La Porte, Texas. The occasion was a “pool session” conducted by Bastion Technologies of Houston. “Bastion engineers equipment for NASA as well as the maritime industry,” explained Silva. WITH SEAFARERS IN JACKSONVILLE – Pictured from left near the hall are Chief Cook Larry Griffin, Recertified Steward Breon Lucas and Chief Steward Robert Seim. SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo submitted the photo and noted, “As someone who also sailed in the steward department, it would be a real honor to work with any of these men. It’s why I took the photo.” UPGRADE COMPLETE – Seafarer Luis Ricardo Venegas Nolasco (right) proudly displays his first ABW registration after recently upgrading at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. He’s pictured at the hall in San Juan, with SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. 6 Seafarers LOG WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Bosun Denyse Sineath (right) picks up her first pension check at the hall. She’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. Sineath sailed with the SIU beginning in 1997. GENEROSITY IN TACOMA – Retired Recertified Bosun Dana Cella (left) donates two bikes for the annual Santa’s Castle toy drive. He’s pictured at the hall with SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo. PHILANTHROPY IN PUERTO RICO – SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes (right) and Juan Sanchez of the AFT check inventory of books stored at the San Juan hall for eventual donation to area students. The donations are part of a long-running outreach called BookWaves. January 2022 �FULL BOOK IN HOUSTON – SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) congratulates AB Luis Mena after swearing him in for a full B-book at the hiring hall. ABOARD ATB MILLVILLE – Pictured aboard the Key Marine vessel in Florida are Chief Mate Ed Melvin, AE Duncan Markie, SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins and ABT John Daunoras. Thanks to Capt. Michael O’Connell for the photo. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD HUDSON EXPRESS – Pictured at the gangway in Jacksonville, Florida, (photo at left) are AB Anthony Ellison (right) and SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman. The group photo above includes (from left) Chief Cook David Johnson, Steward/Baker Antonio Holmes, GSTU Kanish Johnson, AB Falando Williams, Wiper Terence Trip, AB Andrew Graham, Bosun Zeki Karaahmet, AB Glenn Davis (seated), Pittman, Relief Bosun Damon Anderson and AB Jonathan Eitz. The Marine Personnel and Provisioning ship is one of the reflagged vessels that have replaced the older Express ships running to Europe and back. Thanks to SIU Patrolman Adam Bucalo for the photos. ABOARD CS DEPENDABLE – Now sailing under the Stars and Stripes, the SubCom ship will serve in the newly established U.S. Cable Security Fleet. These snapshots – courtesy of vessel master Capt. Yann Durieux – were taken in Guam. The photo at left includes Bosun’s Mate Mohamed Saleh, OMU Abdullah Alamri, OMU Nasser Ahmed, GVA Fayez Obad, AB Altoria McKinney, OMU Damian Langley, Apprentice Patrick Estavillo, AB/SJ Dominador Diaz, GVA/SA Julien Arevalo, GVA Kyree Carter, GVA Sarah Wilson, AB/SJ Alejandro Cusi, GVA Nirale Rolle, Chief Electrician Boyko Kovatchev, Apprentice Bjorn Anthony, AB/SJ Hunter Cox, GVA Kenard Turner, GVA Travis Smith, AB/SJ Joel Saul and Bosun Steven Whiting. The photo at right includes (from left) GVA/SA Philip Agcaoili, GVA/SA Julien Arevalo, Chief Steward Raul Napoles, 3rd Cook Ammar Sailan, SA Shamori White and Chief Cook Leone Buggage. ABOARD ARC INDEPENDENCE – These photos were taken during a weekend servicing in Jacksonville, Florida, in late October aboard the TOTE Services ship. Pictured from left in photo at left are Bosun Edward Wright, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson and Recertified Steward Gerald Hyman. The photo at right includes (from left) SIU Patrolman Eddie Pittman, Hyman, Chief Cook Jasmin Franklin, Oiler David Hain-Mendez, Wright and AB Rodney Edwards. January 2022 Seafarers LOG 7 �1/22 8 Seafarers LOG January 2022 �Organized Labor Applauds Passage Of Infrastructure Bill Leaders of the AFL-CIO and affiliate unions, including the SIU, hailed congressional passage of the five-year $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which President Joe Biden signed on Nov. 15. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez was an invited guest at the outdoor signing ceremony. “The Seafarers International Union enthusiastically applauds President Biden and Congress for enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act,” the SIU said in a prepared statement. “This legislation is a massive victory for our country, and a credit to President Biden, Vice President Harris and the legislators who supported it. “We are confident that, in addition to many other worthwhile outcomes, the bill will directly lead to new investment in America’s maritime industry,” the statement continued. “The legislation holds great promise for building new U.S.flag vessels and creating new job opportunities for the U.S. Merchant Marine. The SIU is honored to have been invited to the signing ceremony – a further reflection of the Administration’s respect for the labor movement. We look forward to supporting the resultant efforts to help revitalize American maritime.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said, “Victories like this are why we campaigned so hard for President Biden.” She called the legislation “a monumental political and legislative accomplishment. After decades of delay and decline, America’s workers stand ready to rebuild our country. This $1 trillion investment in roads, bridges, transit, rail, climate change mitigation, electric vehicles, clean drinking water, high-speed Internet, resilient transmission lines and more is centered around the creation of good union jobs.” The law includes a number of strong “Buy America” provisions, which U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) had strongly pushed for several years. “America’s infrastructure used to be the envy of the world,” said Brown. “But after years of neglect, we see it crumbling all around us – at our airports, on bridges and roads. We have lead in too many pipes, transit systems in need of upgrades, and too many communities still without broadband. Plenty of politicians have talked about fixing this infrastructure, but it’s all been empty talk – until now. Now, under President Biden, we are finally getting this done, with the bipartisan infrastructure bill.” A White House statement described the bill as “the largest investment in the resilience of physical and natural infrastructure in American history. Millions of Americans feel the effects of climate change each year when their roads wash out, airport power goes down, or schools get flooded. People of color are more likely to live in areas most vulnerable to flooding and other climate change-related weather events. The law makes our communities safer and our infrastructure more resilient to the impacts of climate change and cyber-attacks, with an investment of over $50 billion to protect against droughts, heat waves, wildfires, and floods – in addition to a major investment in the weatherization of American homes…. These investments will unlock the full potential of a clean energy economy that combats climate change, advances environmental justice, and creates goodpaying, union jobs.” January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point...........................Monday: January 3, February 7 Algonac...............................Friday: January 7, February 11 Baltimore......................Thursday: January 6, February 10 Guam..........................Thursday: January 20, February 24 Honolulu..............................Friday: January 14, February 18 Houston...........................Monday: January 10, February 14 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from Nov. 9 - December 9. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of Dec. 9. Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups Port A B All Groups C Mobile...........................Wednesday: January 12, February 16 New Orleans......................Tuesday: January 11, February 15 Jersey City............................Tuesday: January 4, February 8 Norfolk............................Friday: January 7, February 11 Oakland...........................Thursday: January 13, February 17 Philadelphia...................Wednesday: January 5, February 9 Port Everglades...............Thursday: January13, February 17 San Juan..............................Thursday: January 6, February 10 St. Louis.........................Friday: January14, February 18 Tacoma....................................Frida:January 21, February 25 Wilmington.........*Tuesday: January 18, *Tuesday: February 22 * Wilmington changes in January and February due to Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day observances, respectively. A B Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 15 0 5 18 0 6 9 53 30 28 3 10 24 10 5 1 8 30 4 22 281 6 2 6 11 1 5 4 16 26 2 3 1 10 4 4 5 4 5 2 11 128 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 8 3 2 1 5 1 3 0 2 1 5 0 5 42 Deck Department 13 3 1 0 1 0 4 5 1 15 4 2 3 1 0 9 8 2 8 3 0 34 11 6 16 18 2 23 5 0 2 1 1 5 1 3 15 7 1 9 3 1 4 2 0 1 3 0 4 7 0 17 4 4 2 2 0 16 6 2 200 95 26 6 0 6 12 0 9 7 22 14 16 2 1 9 5 4 3 4 14 1 6 141 25 2 3 28 8 7 13 75 57 45 4 17 27 19 5 2 8 47 2 36 430 8 2 3 19 1 10 5 29 50 7 3 6 18 3 4 6 4 15 1 13 207 3 1 0 2 0 1 1 10 8 5 0 0 7 4 1 1 1 1 0 5 51 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis 1 Wilmington TOTALS 6 0 2 8 0 3 4 9 18 11 1 0 10 6 1 2 2 15 2 9 108 2 0 5 8 2 3 3 6 17 2 1 2 14 4 0 2 1 7 0 8 89 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 13 Engine Department 3 0 0 0 0 0 5 4 0 6 5 0 0 1 0 3 2 1 3 2 0 8 4 2 11 11 2 16 3 0 0 1 0 2 1 1 6 6 1 2 7 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 0 9 3 1 0 0 0 7 4 3 88 55 12 3 0 2 8 0 4 1 8 4 11 1 2 5 4 1 0 1 5 1 6 66 6 1 1 10 1 3 11 12 27 16 3 3 16 9 2 1 2 21 2 19 165 2 1 1 14 1 5 5 13 30 9 0 5 22 5 0 3 3 10 1 11 142 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 8 0 0 0 0 2 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 5 0 1 9 0 5 9 16 16 9 2 1 15 9 2 0 5 16 2 19 141 1 1 1 4 1 0 1 3 10 4 0 2 12 8 1 5 2 4 0 12 72 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 9 Steward Department 3 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 7 2 1 1 1 0 3 1 0 1 1 0 11 2 0 8 8 1 6 4 1 1 0 0 0 2 1 8 7 1 6 6 0 1 0 0 1 5 1 3 0 1 1 2 1 2 0 0 13 4 0 77 47 8 0 1 0 7 0 3 1 5 10 4 0 1 6 7 0 2 2 4 0 5 58 8 0 0 16 1 5 14 28 32 10 1 6 22 19 3 3 4 20 0 31 223 1 0 1 11 2 0 2 7 17 4 0 5 18 10 1 6 4 6 0 19 114 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 5 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 15 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 15 13 2 0 0 0 2 4 7 15 7 0 1 11 8 1 1 1 13 0 16 102 8 0 4 4 0 2 7 19 38 11 2 1 15 2 1 10 1 7 1 4 137 Entry Department 0 6 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 4 6 3 7 27 1 7 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 8 12 1 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 3 6 4 0 1 1 1 11 3 11 60 75 5 0 0 1 0 1 2 2 9 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 0 3 34 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 3 3 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 8 0 4 26 15 2 1 6 0 3 6 16 34 19 0 2 23 17 1 1 1 18 1 19 185 9 1 3 7 1 2 14 23 82 21 0 2 31 4 2 11 6 12 2 11 244 391 201 376 299 844 648 328 Jacksonville.....................Thursday: January 6, February 10 Joliet.................................Thursday: January 13, February 17 Registered on Beah 0 18 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m GRAND TOTAL: 545 January 2022 257 121 Seafarers LOG 9 �Thanksgivin SIU Steward Departmen The tradition of SIU steward department members putting forth extra effort to make holidays special for their shipmates is practically as old as the union itself. Thanksgiving 2021 proved no exception, as galley gangs on SIU-crewed ships around the world went all-out with traditional menus, decorations and good cheer. Based on emails sent to the LOG and reactions observed online, the food itself and the work that went Fo “The Faulk of Th enoug Ab memb “I Ot SIU’s deavo Sim Stew ment W skill Ed imme ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Recertified Steward Dennis Dizon (far right, wearing white top in photo directly above) submitted these photos (at immediate left and above) from the Patriot ship. ABOARD MOKIHANA –Pictured from left in the photo at the immediate right aboard the Matson ship are ACU Marilou Gumapas, Chief Cook Salah Omar, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi and vessel master Capt. Dean Ventimiglia. The photo below shows some of the Thanksgiving fare that was served aboard the vessel. ABOARD MAERSK HAR Bernardez, Recertified St The two photos at the ime 10 Seafarers LOG January 2022 �g at Sea s Brighten Holiday t were greatly appreciated. mple, Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. Michele Laycock (an SIU hawsepiper) wrote, rd department did an excellent job preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Chief Steward Lamont the rest of the department stayed up late the night before and rose early on the morning iving to make sure everything was ready to go for our 1400 feast. The vessel was lucky be in port at the time in Souda Bay, Crete. Lovely weather and a lovely dinner.” the USNS Red Cloud (Patriot), Chief Steward Dennis Dizon praised his department Chief Cook Vanessa Brumsey, SA Emily Lepley and SA Salman Alhobabi. t so proud of my whole team,” he said. ppreciated their work, too. Reactions to Red Cloud Thanksgiving photos posted on the book page included requests for home delivery and kudos for an obviously spirited en- y, Steward/Baker Fakhruddin Malahi (aboard Matson’s Mokihana) and Recertified i Matari (Maersk Hartford) said they greatly appreciated the Thanksgiving compliived from shipmates aboard their respective vessels. his is only a representative sample, many online commenters said it speaks well of the nthusiasm demonstrated by SIU members sailing in the steward department. note: The photos on these two pages were submitted on Thanksgiving and in the days y afterward. Many more are available for viewing on the union’s Facebook page. ABOARD G&H BOAT – Crew members aboard the Mark K enjoy the feast. Pictured from left are Chief Engineer Peter Ntaamah, Oiler Daniel Reas, Mate Kent Hayward and DDA Ken Meaney. Thanks to Capt. John Cox for the photo. ABOARD MAERSK PEARY – Pictured in the galley (photo at left, from left) are SA Lakeeba Bazemore, Chief Steward Lamont Faulks and Chief Cook Osmar Ramos. Seated in the crew mess in the photo above are AB Doug Hemphill, QMED Mike Joel, Bosun Orvin Mejia and Wiper Laith Ali. RD – Pictured in the photo above are SA Mario Ali Matari and Chief Cook Christopher Coston. right also came from the vessel. January 2022 ABOARD EL COQUI – Chief Cook Steven Lopez and Chief Steward Bryan Alvarez are pictured during Thanksgiving dinner prep aboard the Crowley ship. Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered by students at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, in November 2021 Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What are some of your plans for the rest of this year and/or the New Year? David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Bernard Nieves Chief Cook To complete this class and to become a full-fledged chief cook, and after that, go on vacation in the Philippines. Abraham Allamoth Chief Steward Go out there, make some money and enjoy the shipping life. Buy a new house. Brandy Griffin Chief Cook Finish my chief cook class, go out and make a ton of money, and spend time with my family. They’re in Virginia, Philly and Michigan. Naila Kling Apprentice To be experiencing the stars and the moon and, instead of fireworks, the real world. Meeting people who are seasoned travelers and who want to explore the world. Sophia Lewis Chief Cook Travelling to all the places I have dreamed about but haven’t been able to get there until now, and learning all of the flavored dishes that each country offers. Cody Quinn Apprentice Hopefully, in the New Year, I’m looking forward to being on a ship. This has been a good experience at the school but I’m ready to get out there and get started. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Pic From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG Original caption from the January 1975 LOG: “Deck delegate AB Aden Ezell Jr. (center) tells AB Ed Spooner it doesn’t hurt a bit as Dr. Manuel Alvarez administers the first of seven shots needed for the trip.” Photo was taken aboard the Sam Houston in Brooklyn, New York, before the Waterman vessel began its first overseas voyage. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org January 2022 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA Performance and makes his home in Cleveland. KAREEM AHMED Brother Kareem Ahmed, 50, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1992, initially sailing aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and shipped in the deck department. Brother Ahmed’s final vessel was the Horizon Anchorage. He is a resident of University Place, Washington. JOHN RUIZ DEBRA GARDINER Sister Debra Gardiner, 65, signed on with the union in 1991. She first sailed aboard the Independence and worked in the steward department. Sister Gardiner upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. She last shipped on the USNS Regulus and is a resident of Monroe, North Carolina. MARTIN ALLRED Brother Martin Allred, 57, began sailing with the SIU in 1989. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Green Valley. Brother Allred upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Race and lives in Little River, South Carolina. ISABEL MIRANDA Brother Isabel Miranda, 65, signed on with the union in 1991, initially shipping on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Miranda last shipped aboard the Resolve. He lives in Missouri City, Texas. JOSEPH ARTIS Brother Joseph Artis, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1975, first sailing aboard the Baltimore. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Artis last shipped on the Mokihana and resides in Cathedral City, California. Williams and resides in Guam. Brother John Ruiz, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1971. An engine department member, he initially sailed aboard the Overseas Progress. Brother Ruiz upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1974. He concluded his career aboard the Star of Texas and makes his home in Houston. INLAND PETER BISHOP Brother Peter Bishop, 71, donned the SIU colors in 1971. A deck department member, he first shipped aboard the Ponce. Brother Bishop concluded his career working for Crowley Towing and Transportation. He is a resident of Venice, Florida. JAMES CHASE Brother Miguelito Salada, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1998 when he sailed aboard the USNS Pathfinder. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Salada concluded his career on the Maersk Montana and settled in Toms River, New Jersey. Brother James Chase, 66, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2007 when he shipped aboard the Terrapin Island. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2015. Brother Chase was employed by Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for the duration of his career. He resides in Carriere, Mississippi. DENYSE SINEATH AHMED MOZEB Sister Denyse Sineath, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1997, initially sailing aboard the USNS Silas Bent. She worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Sister Sineath’s final vessel was the Alliance Fairfax. She calls Hilliard, Florida, home. PAUL CALIMER TIMOTEO NUNEZ JOHN THOMPSON Brother Paul Calimer, 65, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1977. He worked in the steward department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Calimer’s first vessel was the St. Louis; his last, the Beaver State. He resides in Aberdeen, Washington. Brother Timoteo Nunez, 66, started sailing with the union in 2004, initially shipping on the Cape Douglas. A steward department member, Brother Nunez upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He concluded his career aboard the USNS Pomeroy and lives in Miami. Brother John Thompson, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Thomas Lynch. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Thompson’s final vessel was the Gemini. He makes his home in Canton, Maine. DONOVAN CHRISTIE JOSEPH QUITUGUA Brother Donovan Christie, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1983, initially sailing on the Aquarius. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Christie last shipped on the Brother Joseph Quitugua, 73, joined the union in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Patriot. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2006. Brother Quitugua last shipped on the Dewayne T. GREAT LAKES MARC TANTRE Brother Marc Tantre, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1989. He initially shipped aboard the Adam E. Cornelius and was a deck department mem- in 2005. Brother Freitas worked for Penn Maritime for his entire career. He makes his home in Oviedo, Florida. SERVILLANO LOZANDI MIGUELITO SALADA Brother Ahmed Mozeb, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1999. He first sailed aboard the USNS Henson and worked in the steward department. Brother Mozeb upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the President Adams and is a San Francisco resident. January 2022 ber. Brother Tantre upgraded at the Piney Point school multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the John Boland and resides in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Brother Servillano Lozandi, 65, joined the SIU in 2002 when he sailed on the McDonnell. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Lozandi most recently shipped on the Legacy and makes his home in Miami. DOMENIC MALLACE Brother Domenic Mallace, 63, donned the SIU colors in 2003, initially working for Crowley. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2008 and continued his employment with the same company for the duration of his career. Brother Mallace is resident of Collingdale, Pennsylvania. SCOTT CHEW MICHAEL MULHARAN Brother Scott Chew, 61, signed on with the union in 2000. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Chew worked for the Penn Maritime for his entire career. He settled in Bangor, Michigan. Brother Michael Mulharan, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed with CSX Lines. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Mulharan was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Chiefland, Florida. RICHARD CORNELIUS Brother Richard Cornelius, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1976 when he sailed with Mariner Towing. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Cornelius concluded his career with OSG Ship Management and lives in Delmar, Delaware. DAVID FINDLEY Brother David Findley, 61, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1982. An engine department member, he worked fo Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. Brother Findley resides in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. RONALD FREITAS Brother Ronald Freitas, 71, signed on with the union in 2004. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center OWEN O’KEEFE Brother Owen O’Keefe, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1983, initially sailing on the Aquarius. A deck department member, he most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother O’Keefe lives in Jacksonville, Florida. GARY SMITH Brother Gary Smith, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978. He first shipped on the Maryland and worked in the deck department. Brother Smith upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation and resides in Rogersville, Tennessee. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA WILLIAM BAKER Pensioner William Baker, 96, died October 8. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1943 and first shipped with Joshua Hendy Corporation. Brother Baker sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Ultrasea. He became a pensioner in 1995 and settled in Sugarland, Texas. barked on his career with the SIU in 1993, initially sailing aboard the Independence. Brother Guevara was a steward department member. He most recently sailed on the Sunshine State last year before becoming a pensioner. Brother Guevara called Jacksonville, Florida, home. BYRON COLEMAN Pensioner Byron Coleman, 66, passed away August 25. He signed on with the SIU in 1991, initially sailing aboard the USNS Titan. Brother Coleman was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Liberty Wave in 2003 and went on pension in 2019. Brother Coleman lived in Seattle. DAVID KOORY Pensioner David Koory, 71, died October 24. He joined the union in 1990 and was a deck department member. Brother Koory first sailed aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He last shipped on the Patriot and went on pension in 2015. Brother Koory was a resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan. DOMINICO DACUA CLIFFORD LACON LOUIS ESCARRA DAVON MCMILLAN Pensioner Louis Escarra, 96, passed away August 24. He joined the SIU in 1957, initially working for Penn Navigation. Brother Escarra was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the Voyager. He became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Hollywood, Florida. Brother Davon McMillan, 65, died September 4. Born in Monroeville, Alabama, he signed on with the union in 1978. Brother McMillan’s first vessel was the Great Land. He shipped in both the deck and engine departments and most recently sailed aboard the Resolve. Brother McMillan resided in Pensacola, Florida. Pensioner Clifford Lacon, 82, passed away November 7. He donned the SIU colors in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Anders Maersk. A deck department member, Brother Lacon last shipped on the Maersk Kentucky. He retired in 2010 and made his home in Mechanicsville, Virginia. ALBERT MOORE Pensioner Richard Gegenheimer, 70, died October 28. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1974. A steward department member, Brother Gegenheimer first sailed with States Steamship. After concluding his career aboard the Maui, he retired in 2011. Brother Gegenheimer made his home in Dunnellon, Florida. Pensioner Albert Moore, 80, passed away November 5. He joined the SIU in 1960 when he sailed on the Arizpa. Brother Moore shipped in the deck department and concluded his career on the Explorer. He became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in Mesa, Arizona. Pensioner Erasmo Guevara, 79, passed away October 31. He em- 14 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Richard Provost, 69, passed away October 12. He donned the SIU colors in 1971 when he shipped on the William Reiss. Brother Provost was a member of the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Anders Maersk and began collecting his pension in 2017. Brother Provost lived in Marengo, Wisconsin. Pensioner Francisco Sanchez, 89, died November 4. He joined the union in 2001 and initially sailed on the Cape Victory. Brother Sanchez shipped in the steward department and concluded his career on the USNS Fisher. He retired in 2006 and made his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. ALI SHAIBI RICHARD GEGENHEIMER HERMUS PATRICK Pensioner Hermus Patrick, 85, died May 15. He began shipping with the Seafarers International Union in away October 30. He signed on with the SIU in 1988 when he sailed aboard the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Filarski worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Presque Isle. He became a pensioner in 2001 and resided in Alpena, Michigan. RICHARD PROVOST FRANCISCO SANCHEZ Pensioner Dominico Dacua, 82, died November 3. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. A steward department member, his first vessel was the Independence. Brother Dacua last shipped on the R. J. Pfeiffer before retiring in 2005. He resided in Kapolei, Hawaii. ERASMO GUEVARA 1976, initially sailing on the TransIndiana. Brother Patrick worked in the engine department. He last sailed on the USNS Denebola and went on pension in 2001. Brother Patrick resided in Brooklyn, New York. Pensioner Ali Shaibi, 65, has passed away. He signed on with the SIU in 1978 and first shipped on the TransColorado. A deck department member, Brother Shaibi last sailed on the Philadelphia in 1996. He went on pension in 2019 and called the Bronx, New York, home. WILLIAM STEELE Pensioner William Steele, 80, died November 19. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1967. A deck department member, Brother Steele was first employed by Higman Barge Lines. He last shipped aboard the USNS Algol before retiring in 1998. Brother Steele was a resident of Buna, Texas. INLAND DONALD MORGAN Pensioner Donald Morgan, 91, passed away October 4. He donned the SIU colors in 1972, initially sailing with Moran Towing of Texas. Brother Morgan was a member of the deck department and was last employed by Allied Transportation. He became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Newport News, Virginia. WILLIAM FURMAN Pensioner William Furman, 80, died November 22. A member of the deck department, he joined the union in 1970. Brother Furman was employed with Allied Transportation until his retirement in 1998. He made his home in Portsmouth, Virginia. MICHAEL LEAGER Pensioner Michael Leager, 66, passed away November 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1973 and worked in the deck department. Employed by Interstate Oil for most of his career, Brother Leager last sailed in 1987. He became a pensioner in 2020 and settled in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. JASPER MAMOLITI Pensioner Jasper Mamoliti, 98, died November 6. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1962. Brother Mamoliti sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland for the duration of his career. He began collecting his pension in 1984 and resided in Lewes, Delaware. MELVIN POTTER Pensioner Melvin Potter, 74, died October 28. He embarked on his career with the union in 1965 when he worked for R.K. Davis Transportation. Brother Potter sailed in the deck department and was last employed by Express Marine. He retired in 2010 and lived in Bath, North Carolina. DANIEL WEBSTER Pensioner Daniel Webster, 82, passed away June 11. He joined the SIU in 1973 when he worked for Interstate Oil. Brother Webster last sailed with Mariner Towing. He began collecting his pension in 1993 and called Saugus, Massachusetts, home. NMU In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME Cloutier, Richard Del Rio, Jose Dias, Arthur Holloway, Jay Mitchell, Claude Mojica, Gloria Palmore, Walter Patiniotis, Roseto Scace, Rodman Sims, Harold Townsend, Albert AGE 80 98 72 93 89 90 93 90 92 94 92 DOD 10/07/2021 09/28/2021 09/24/2021 08/19/2021 10/01/2021 06/05/2021 11/08/2021 08/28/2021 09/10/2021 10/04/2021 11/10/2021 Missed an Issue of the Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website GREAT LAKES ALBIN FILARSKI Pensioner Albin Filarski, 85, passed January 2022 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), July 21 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Pedro Castillo, Educational Director William Mercer, Deck Delegate Michael Sinclair, Engine Delegate Brandon Purcell, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Chairman reminded everyone to sanitize quarters and wash hands regularly. Educational director advised crew to go to the Piney Point school and upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested Wi-Fi. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), July 29 – Chairman Charles Hill, Secretary Shari Hardman, Educational Director Robert Noble, Steward Delegate Juan Palacios Clother. Chairman discussed COVID-19 vaccines and encouraged crew to get vaccinated. Members discussed pay for sanitation and union meetings. Secretary reported transportation problems when going from ship to gate in Port Arthur, Texas. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested 20 vacation days for 30 days of employment. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida. GARDEN STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), August 21 – Chairman Carlos Arauz, Secretary Pedro Castillo, Educational Director Alexander Capellan, Deck Delegate Clinton Crowden, Steward Delegate Medardo Thomas. Chairman reiterated the importance of practicing good hygiene and keeping quarters clean. Educational director urged crew to check documents and upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. AMERICAN PHOENIX (Phoenix Crew Management), August 29 – Chairman Charles Hill, Educational Director Robert Noble, Deck Delegate Edward Gavagan, Engine Delegate Tresten Porter, Steward Delegate Shari Hardman. Ship restriction back in effect, per company orders. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members reported they are not getting eight hours in lieu of days off. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), September 3 – Chairman Roy Madrio, Secretary Marcelo Alicea, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Deck Delegate Jon Mark Newman, Engine Delegate Matthew Yowell, Steward Delegate Sherre Wilson. Chairman reiterated the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. He encouraged all departments to work safely and use proper PPE. Chairman advised members to take care of medical certificates as soon as possible to avoid processing delays. Secretary reminded crew to stay on top of documents. Educational director urged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Better Wi-Fi needed aboard ship as well as new converters/transformers in each room. Crew requested media entertainment options aboard ship and raises in vacation benefits. Members reviewed medical coverage and provided suggestions to improve relief practices. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. EMPIRE STATE (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning), September 14 – Chairman Abdulkarim Mohamed, Secretary Troy Smith, Educational Director Dhahabi Quraish, Engine Delegate Mark Canada, Steward Delegate Mohamed Noman. Crew requested Wi-Fi availability and computer access aboard ship. No complaints from crew, everything going great overall as reported by secretary. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were encouraged to contribute to the union’s voluntary political action fund (SPAD). Ninety percent of ship crew has received the COVID-19 vaccination. MAERSK KENSINGTON (Maersk Line, Limited), September 19 – Chairman Hussein Mohamed, Secretary Randall Campbell, Educational Director George Bieselin, Deck Delegate Milton Estrada, Engine Delegate Juan Rochez. Effective October 1, proof of COVID19 vaccine (or an exemption and/ or a recent negative test result) will be required to enter all hiring halls. Secretary encouraged crew to continue following safety protocols for COVID-19. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Crew requested better Wi-Fi and for vacation accrual to increase to day-per-day rate. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), September 26 – Chairman Darryl Smith, Secretary Antoinette Amato, Educational Director Mbarek Nouhairi, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Murray. Chairman encouraged members to contribute to SPAD and to renew documents as early as possible. Educational director reminded crew to advance their skills by upgrading at the Piney Point school. Members discussed disputed OT for ship restrictions. Incorrect mattresses received. Crew discussed plans for revisiting topic of ship restriction in contractual negotiations. Members offered suggestions concerning ServSafe courses. Crew asked for the minimum of relief positions be changed to 60 days or for sea time requirement for collecting vacation checks be lowered to 45 days. Members requested 20 vacation days for 30 working days and indicated operators are not transferring seatime documentation to headquarters in a timely manner. Members were instructed to turn off devices when not in use to avoid compromising accessibility for shipmates. Matson reportedly continues to deny reimbursement for work boots. Crew members would prefer to buy work boots of their choice rather than being restricted to Matson’s voucher program for Red Wing shoes. Steward department was thanked for good food and clean house. Deck department was thanked for a job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Washington. DECISIVE (SubCom), October 11 – Chairman Victor Nunez, Secretary Gregory Johnson, Educational Director Casey Frederick. Members discussed recent progress with CHS medical exams and also talked about COVID-19 vaccinations. The Decisive and Dependable are enrolling in the new U.S. Cable Security Fleet. Next project to start October 30 in Gulf of Mexico; will mobilize in next port of call. Congratulations given to UA Joseph Bates and UA Alex Boothby for a job well done during their second phase. Crew discussed several suggestions for next contract negotiation, including changing “Earned Day” to “Day off” with language that also reads “and in Port.” Members would like company-provided Wi-Fi, and a reinstatement of “Penalty Meal Hour” in the CBA. Crew suggested additional manning for OMU/Welder position with a higher pay rate. Contract should include specific, cablerelated work for deck department during cable operations. Crew mentioned contractual wage increases for personnel assigned to the Global Sentinel, due to federal clearance requirements and lack of communication during cable operations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Mobile, Alabama. INDEPENDENCE (Eco-Tankers Crew Management), October 24 – The Winner USNS Fisher vessel master (and SIU hawsepiper) Capt. Jennifer Senner submitted this photo of Chief Cook Stevon Taylor, who won the “fried-chicken faceoff” aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel. Chairman Dave Coleman, Secretary Charles Roldan, Educational Director Kelly Mayo, Deck Delegate Emil Norales, Engine Delegate Mario Moralita, Steward Delegate Jermin Matthews. Chairman announced payoff at sea and instructed members to give paperwork to captain when signing on. Seafarers LOGs can be seen in member portal. Educational Director reminded members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department trash cans to be replaced and secured for bad weather. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great work. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt January 2022 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Start Date Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 Machinist March 14 April 1 Pumpman April 4 April 8 Welding February 14 April 25 June 6 March 4 May 13 June 24 Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic May 2 May 20 MSC Ship Clip June 6 June 17 MSC Supply Configuration Management May 23 June 3 Date of Completion Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook February 14 March 21 April 25 May 30 July 11 March 18 April 22 May 27 July 1 August 12 Advanced Galley Operations January 24 April 4 June 20 February 18 April 29 July 15 Chief Steward February 28 May 9 March 25 June 3 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck February 14 April 4 May 23 March 4 April 22 June 10 Lifeboat/Water Survival February 14 March 14 April 11 February 25 March 25 April 22 Fast Rescue Boat June 20 June 24 RFPNW January 24 February 28 April 25 February 11 March 18 May 13 Celestial Navigation August 22 September 16 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting February 7 April 4 February 11 April 8 Medical Care Provider February 14 April 11 February 18 April 15 Basic Training January 31 April 4 June 6 February 4 April 8 June 10 Basic Training Revalidation February 7 February 25 March 21 February 7 February 25 March 21 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW April 25 May 20 FOWT January 24 June 13 February 18 July 8 Junior Engineer January 24 July 11 March 18 September 2 Marine Electrician May 16 June 17 Marine Refer Tech April 4 May 13 Advanced Refer Containers February 7 February 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member  If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 Seafarers LOG Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation March 7 March 11 Government Vessels January 17 January 24 February 14 January 21 January 28 February 18 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) March 14 March 18 Tank Ship Familiarization DL April 4 May 2 June 27 April 8 May 6 July 1 Tank Ship Familiarization LG May 9 May 23 May 13 May 27 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 1/22 January 2022 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #875 – Graduated Nov. 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Jordan Banks, Omar Caldwell, Elijah Dejean Diallo, Mark Dixon, Ervin Flynn, Levi Gorokhovsky, Jeffery Griffin, Eachen Hoffrichter, Naila Kling, Caleb Miller, Dane Paulson, Jack Pier, Cody Quinn, Julian Ramirez, Domingo Sadia, Brett Sardinas, Errol Wade-Cephas and Rose Wilson. Welding – Graduated Nov. 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Rahsaan Kwasi Alexander, David Argo Jr., Merville Lariosa Gallema, Seth Schrader and Anthony Solovyov. Class instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. UA to Able Seafarer (Deck) – Graduated Dec. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Diquan Adamson, Bryan Aleman Medina, Lamar Doctor, Jeffery Griffin, Roger Mathews, David May, Tanner Page, Kelvin Ivan Soto-Melendez and Johnny Young. Their instructor, Peter Luhn, is at the far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated Dec. 3 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Georgia Bussink, Matthew De Maria, John Farash, Alexander Jackson, Jaquaz Jenkins, Kumasi Johnson, John Paul Mauras Garcia, Jessie Yusalina Merced Jr., Michael Reardon, Orlando Rosa Aguirre, Luis Francisco Soto Collazo, Bradley Tucker and Garrett Williams. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of union-contracted vessels. January 2022 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPEW – Graduated Dec. 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Jorge Garcia, Ryan Sotomayor and Darrell Whitaker. Instructor Christopher Morgan is third from left. Watchkeeping – Graduated Nov. 12 (above, in alphabetical order): Yahya Abdulaziz Ahmed, Husein Mohsin Alrayyashi, Travis Golightly, Byron Graham, Michael Hodges, Matthew Jenness, Glen McCullough and Joseph Nathanael Nicodemus. Government Vessels – Graduated Nov. 5 (above, in alphabetical order): Darvin Brown, Kevin Brown, Sheree Brown, Nicholas Ehret, Jacarta Gibson, Lisa Hamilton, Jon Harvey, Joshua Heath, Gregory LaSeer, Sean Outlaw, Fahmi Saeed, Jessica Valentin and Angel Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Government Vessels – Graduated Dec. 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Qaid Mohammed Alnaawi, Joseph Altamura, Jonathan Augusto Bernardez, Maurice Antonio Brodie, Luis Oscar Cordero-Fuentes, Adolf Lopez Floresca, Jeremy Harris, Michael Ingram, Sterling Kirk, Terrance Paige, Amy Torres and Frederick Wilson. Government Vessels – Graduated Nov. 19 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Miguel Angel Abad, Leonard Anicola, Mark Brownell, Michael Clark, Torrika Devine, Jamal Field, Kenneth Greenidge, Anna-Maria Halstead, Supattara Inthapanti, Enchantress Johnson, Joshua Lux, James Rockett, Eileen Singer, Keith Williams, Jeffrey Woods and Abdulrazak Obadi Yahia. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated Nov. 26 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Leonardo Dumagan Bagnol, Brandy Griffin, Sophia Lewis, La’sonia Littles, Pedro Sadrac Maysonet Gonzalez, Mary Moelk, Bernard Martinez Nieves II, Eric Amauris Rivas-Martinez and Chadon Tshaye `Williams. Importance Notice To All Students Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. 18 Seafarers LOG January 2022 �Maritime Briefs DOT, MARAD Release Report on Academy The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Maritime Administration (MARAD) on Nov. 24 released a new report titled, “Organizational Assessment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA): A Path Forward” and an accompanying Implementation Plan prepared by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). “USMMA students are remarkable leaders committed to serving the nation and supporting positive change,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “They deserve a modern, safe, and inclusive learning environment where they have the training and resources that will prepare them to succeed in the U.S. merchant marine and in our armed forces. We acknowledge, and have been working to address, the many urgent issues raised by NAPA’s report and to put USMMA on a path to modernization.” NAPA’s assessment affirms that USMMA faces “longstanding systemic issues” across almost all areas of its operations, including educational programs; facilities maintenance and capital management; sexual assault and sexual harassment (SASH) prevention and response, including during the Sea Year; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and internal and external governance. The full report, including numerous recommendations for corrective and preventive actions, is available online. Lakes Task Force Honors Sen. Peters The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force has recognized the tremendous work done by Michigan U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D) for protecting and advancing the Great Lakes Navigation System. “Senator Peters has moved the needle on several extremely important projects in the Great Lakes,” the organization (to which the SIU is affiliated) said in a news release. “He continues to be instrumental in efficiently funding the construction of a new large navigational lock in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. Senator Peters understands the economic benefits of Great Lakes shipping and the need to make our ports competitive and reliable even during the winter season. To that end, he cosponsored the Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act, which would make icebreaking a higher priority for the U.S. Coast Guard and ensured $350 million was included in the pending House Reconciliation Bill for another heavy Great Lakes icebreaker. In addition, he has worked tirelessly with the Port of Monroe to resolve import and export issues associated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s interpretation of rules that hampered further port development with containerized cargo.” Council Thanks Rep. For Jones Act Support Solidarity with the Jones Act was the topic of a recent discussion between the leadership of the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council (PMC, part of the Maritime Trades Department) and a newly elected member of Congress from the Aloha State. During a November meeting, PMC President Randy Swindell and Secretary-Treasurer Hazel Galbiso (the SIU’s port agent in Honolulu) thanked U.S. Rep. Kai Kahele (D-Hawaii) for his support. Elected to the Congress in 2020, Kahele serves on both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. Kahele also is a 20-plus-year veteran of the Hawaii Air National Guard, holding the rank of lieutenant colonel. The congressman reminded the PMC officials of his staunch support for the nation’s freight cabotage law. (The Jones Act states that cargo moved between domestic ports must be carried aboard a U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed, U.S.built and U.S.-owned vessel.) He referred Swindell and Galbiso to his posted remarks on the law: “The Jones Act plays a critical role in support of U.S. national security. Eliminating the Jones Act would allow foreign-built ships to operate in our domestic trade, which only rewards countries like China at the expense of U.S. businesses and jobs. Jones Act carriers provide a reserve force of well-trained seafarers who in times of national emergency can crew reserve sealift vessels, while ensuring the United States does not need to rely on foreign carriers to move people and military assets.” SIU Forges Ahead Despite Pandemic Continued from Page 20 Patrolman John “Jack” Sheehan died on October 29. Rescues and New Tonnage SIU crews were on-hand for several rescues last year, jumping into action to save lives in dire circumstances. In each instance, Seafarers used their training and skills to rescue stranded boaters – the training they hoped never to need to use. In March, the survey vessel Wolf River, returning from a crew change on the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock-operated Padre Island, diverted course when the crew saw a group of people whose vessel was taking on water in the bay. The crew saved a family of six, two adults and four children. Also in March, the crew of the CS Decisive rescued a boater in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In April, the crew aboard the Sunshine State rescued two boaters from their disabled craft, and in July, the CIVMAR crew of the USNS Patuxent rescued 15 people off the coast of Somalia. Nine days later, the Patuxent would again divert, rescuing four fishermen who had been adrift for 12 days in the Gulf of Aden. The crew of the Golden State rescued two boaters near Key West in August – just before a tropical storm came through the area – and in November, the CIVMAR crew of the USNS Charles Drew rescued two Iranian sailors who had been adrift for eight days in the Gulf of Oman. New tonnage entered the fleet, including the reflagged tanker Pohang Pioneer and (for the SIU Government Services Division) the USNS John Lewis and USNS Harvey Milk. Union and Industry Beginning in September, the maritime industry was alerted to reports of alleged sexual assault and sexual harassment involving U.S. Merchant Marine Academy cadets who said they were victimized while serving their Sea Year aboard U.S.-flag vessels. The SIU, while not involved in any of the allegations, is committed to continuing to educate members about the ongoing importance of protecting shipmates from any and all harassment, and will continue supporting those who have been victimized at sea. While a U.S.-flag vessel was not the cause of a major blockage in the Suez Canal in April, SIU members were negatively impacted by a historic backup as crews worked to clear the obstructing vessel. Many Seafarers shared their stories during this time, and provided photos to better illustrate the magnitude of this incident. Within the SIU: Union election results were tallied and announced in January, with SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and others re-elected by large margins; longtime SIU official Kate Hunt retired, and Nick Celona was appointed to serve as the Vice President of the Government Services division; Heindel was named an Admiral of the Ocean Sea recipient by the United Seamen’s Service; the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center opened a brand-new, state of the art Media Center on campus; and as of press time, significant progress was being made in clearing the backlog of medical paperwork with CHS. 2022 Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program Scholarships totalling $132,000 are available under the 2022 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholarship Program. The grants are available to Seafarers and their dependents looking to continue their education. Allocations for each category will be as follows: Seafarers Scholarships Dependents Scholarships Three scholarships designated for active Seafarers: Five scholarships designated for dependents:  One $20,000 offering for a four-year course of study at an accredited college or  A total of five scholarships, each worth $20,000, are being offered to dependents (spouses included) to attend four-year courses of study at accredited colleges or universities. Dependents and spouses of active as well as retired Seafarers may apply. university  Two scholarships ($6,000 each) for Seafarers interested in pursuing two-year courses of study at a community college or vocational school To take advantage of these opportunities, clip, complete and mail the form below, or visit www.seafarers.org, go to the About tab, navigate to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan menu and select Scholarship Booklet (PDF). Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2022 SHBP Scholarships. Please send me the 2022 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Street Address.................................................................................................................................................................................................... City, State, Zip Code......................................................................................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) ................................................................................................................................................................................. This application is for (circle one): Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 January 2022 1/22 Seafarers LOG 19 �JANUARY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 1 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Hoisting the U.S. Flag aboard the Pohang Pioneer (from center of flag, clockwise) are:Third Assistant Engineer Emily Blake, First Assistant Engineer Hunter Smith, Chief Cook Steven Johnson, Chief Engineer James Cook, Captain Chris Fox, Chief Mate Bill Harris, Third Mate Callum Foley, Bosun Ahmed Ghalib, Steward Rudy Lopez and AB Larry Rawlins. The SIU pushed for governments to prioritize mariners for COVID-19 vaccines. The work particularly paid off in Puerto Rico, where numerous Seafarers completed their respective vaccinations in April. That group included SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo, AB Edwin Pagan, ABM Raul Colon, ABM Jose Nunez, Bosun Jorge Soler, Jr. Engineer Richard Vega, Bosun Adrian Surrillo Diaz, Recertified Bosun Isaac Vega, Recertified Bosun Rafael Franco, QMED Jep Sumpter, ABM Luis Ramos Rosa and others. SIU’s Year in Review: 2021 Seafarers Persevere as Pandemic Continues Outside of the SIU, the year 2021 could easily be confused for 2020. The world was still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, including a number of variants which evolved and threatened even the vaccinated population. By December 2021, more than 48 million cases of COVID-19 were reported in the United States alone. At the same time, 196 million people in the U.S. have been fully vaccinated, and an estimated 231 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination numbers are always climbing, and seemingly signify a real chance at putting the pandemic in the rearview mirror. Within the SIU, 2021 arguably should be known as the year of the contract. As of early December, at least 15 different contracts had been ratified during the year, and those agreements dominated the Seafarers LOG headlines. The pandemic certainly had an effect on how those negotiations took place, with countless video conference calls replacing or supplementing in-person meetings. But the work still got done, and each contract included major wins for Seafarers. The following is an overview of some of the year’s top stories for the union, the maritime industry as a whole and the labor movement. the labor movement as a whole. In January, President Biden issued a “Buy American” executive order, which specifically mentioned the administration’s support of the Jones Act. The executive order also calls for federal dollars to be spent on goods made by American workers using domestic content, and attempts to close loopholes that have allowed jobs and production to be shipped out of the country. In June, the White House issued guidance to provide transparency around the process of waivers from the established Made in America Laws, which includes any potential Jones Act waivers. As part of his Labor Day proclamation, Biden doubled down, saying, “In my White House, labor will always be welcome. I intend to be the most pro-union president leading the most pro-union administration in American history.” The House passed the “Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019” in March, which has been identified as a critically important piece of legislation for the labor movement. Despite this, no further actions have been taken regarding the PRO Act. Arbitration Decision In August, the union lost its arbitration against the American Maritime Association (AMA), which had required all mariners sailing aboard any of their affiliated companies’ vessels be vaccinated against COVID-19. The union’s argument was that the AMA should have first negotiated with the SIU, rather than impose the mandate unilaterally. In the months that followed, vaccine mandates became the norm across many industries, and federally required for all government employees. As of December, the union’s vaccination rates are very high, with union employees and officials having reached a 98 percent vaccination rate. Those who remain unvaccinated have received medical exemptions. Crossing the Bar The labor community lost AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on August 5. A true giant in the movement and a longtime friend of the SIU, Trumka helped fight for the union way of life right up until his death, making an impassioned speech in support of the Mine Workers just days before he passed. His legacy will continue to have a lasting impact on workers’ rights. In the wake of Trumka’s passing, Liz Schuler was elected the next president of the AFL-CIO. She’s the first woman to fill that position. Additionally, AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney passed away February 1; American Maritime Officers (AMO) Executive Vice President Mike Finnigan died on March 19; longtime Paul Hall Center Instructor and Director of Training J.C. Wiegman passed away on May 5; maritime industry pioneer David Tolan passed away on July 6; and retired SIU Continued on Page 19 Contracts The year 2021 saw contract after contract successfully negotiated and ratified, and across the board each agreement included gains for the covered members. Without exception, each contract boosted wages while maintaining or improving benefits. Newly ratified pacts included: three-year contracts with Crescent Towing, Seabulk, OSG Inland, Penn Terminal, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning/Crowley ATB, Argent Marine, Crowley Towing and Transportation, and G&H Towing; four-year agreements with Inland Lakes Management, American Steamship Company and Virginia Pilots (which has been ratified as of press time); five-year contracts with Matson and Watco Transloading, LLC; a six-year contract with Luedtke Engineering Company; and a groundbreaking nineyear agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line that significantly improved on the old contract. Legislative News The Biden Administration has proven to be a consistent ally to Seafarers, as well as The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continued providing courses for upgraders and apprentices, and also opened a cutting-edge media center that’s being utilized for various classes. Students are pictured in the state-of-the-art facility. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2022 Description An account of the resource U.S. MARINERS 'ARE TRUE PATRIOTS' ADMINISTRATOR REPORTS MORE PROGRESS WITH CHS NASSCO CHRISTENS USNS MILK VAN OVOST BACKS JONES ACT, U.S. MARINERS SIU'S HEINDEL HONORED WITH AOTOS AWARD UNION RAMPS UP RECRUITING IN 'LAST FRONTIER' MEMBERS RATIFY 5-YEAR CONTRACT WITH VIRGINIA PILOT ASSOCIATION SIU CIVMARS HELP RESCUE TWO IN GULF OF OMAN OAKLAND THANKSGIVING EVENT RESUMES ORGANIZED LABOR APPLAUDS PASSAGE OF INFRASTRUCTURE BILL THANKSGIVING AT SEA SEAFARERS PERSERVERE AS PANDEMIC CONTINUES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 84, NO. 1 2022 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/3ef123d173ac59f1549c65b759931fe7.pdf 40a6670e60918d7cb5dfc135d1bd82b4 PDF Text Text JANUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 1 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Bisso Boatmen Ratify Contract 3-Year Pact Features Numerous Gains SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso & Son recently approved a new contract that boosts wages and includes many other improvements. Negotiations took place in New Orleans in mid-November; voting concluded Nov. 23. The photo above includes members of the respective bargaining committees. Pictured from left in the Crescent City are SIU Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler, Bisso Operations Manager Timothy Michel, Bisso President Matt Holzhalb, Bisso VP Mike Vitt, SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, SIU Alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais, Bisso HR Manager Ashley Sorrells, SIU Wheelman Delegate Ian Strother, Bisso CFO Casey Willis and SIU Engineer Delegate Kevin Wells. The photo at immediate right, taken in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, includes boatmen from the Vera Bisso along with SIU delegates and Westbrook (third from right). Page 3. Oakland Thanksgiving Event Another Rousing Success The yearly pre-Thanksgiving feast at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, took place Nov. 22 and featured an array of U.S. congressional representatives, military personnel, company executives – and of course, Seafarers, SIU retirees and their families. Pictured at the gathering are members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard along with (front, from left) Chief Cook Ronald Williams, AB Paul Clow, AB Josesimo Balerite, Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman and ACU Mohamed Wasel. Pictured from right to left in the second row are SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona and retired Recertified Steward George Pino, along with the color guard. Page 5. Steward Departments Brighten Holiday at Sea Continuing a decades-long tradition, steward-department Seafarers made extra efforts to help ensure an enjoyable Thanksgiving for their respective shipmates throughout the fleet. Among those providing scrumptious holiday fare at sea was Recertified Steward Cleto Lindong (left in photo at immediate right) aboard the Safmarine Ngami. He’s pictured with vessel master Capt. William Fisher. Enjoying a meal aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel are (from left in photo above) QMED Brandon Thornton, AB Alex Busby, SA Santiago Aquino, AB Orlando Da Cruz and QEE Matthew Yowell. Pages 10-11. SHBP Scholarship Info Page 9 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 1 SIU Year in Review Page 20 12/20/22 12:07 PM �President’s Report Big Wins for Maritime The most recently enacted National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) contains a number of key victories for the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I’m proud to say the SIU played an active role in helping secure many of the components. One of the particularly noteworthy developments is the doubling of the new U.S. Tanker Security Program (TSP) from the initial 10 ships later this year to 20 in the year 2024. Not only will this mean more shipboard jobs, it also will strengthen U.S. national security by reducing potential reliance on foreign ships and crews. In what I would describe as a “lessons learned” section, the legislation boosts Jones Act enforcement through a series of smart procedural mandates. This should help preserve American jobs while making it harder for foreign-flag interests to attempt “crisis arbitrage” – taking advantage of situations such as natural disasters just Michael Sacco to make a buck. The NDAA also has a lot of meat when it comes to modernizing the mariner credentialing system and reducing the current backlogs. As Seafarers know, these are critical steps that absolutely affect U.S. national, economic and homeland security. Other elements of the bill focus on maintaining safe workplaces, making it easier for military veterans with sea time to enter our industry, and guaranteeing shore leave for our brothers and sisters in the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration fleet. Finally, the legislation includes this “Sense of Congress on Merchant Marine” that is straightforward and powerful: “It is the sense of Congress that the United States Merchant Marine is a critical part of the national infrastructure of the United States, and the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine are essential workers.” Our legislative team deserves kudos for helping advance your interests – and our rank-and-file members deserve credit, too. Your professionalism and reliability strengthen our voice on Capitol Hill (and at other levels of government). Candidly, your support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund, also makes a big difference. It’s vital for helping us promote and protect not just the SIU but the broader U.S. Merchant Marine. I look forward to watching all of this play out and to helping make it happen. Brotherhood of the Sea Whether you’re flipping through printed pages or scrolling online, a look at pretty much any issue of the LOG gives readers a good idea of what we’re all about. In this edition alone, our coverage reflects the SIU securing great contracts, saving lives at sea, brightening the holidays for one another, engaging in grassroots political action, and even speaking up for mariners on the world stage. Additionally, the class photos from our affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, are more than just potential keepsakes. They reflect the steady operations of a world-class training facility – one that serves as a gateway for career advancement. And, the apprentice photos show the next generation of Seafarers (who’ll benefit greatly from what we’re working on now). We need to make sure these young women and men continue entering our industry. Not to be overlooked are the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Scholarships that are available to members and their dependents. Be sure to check on those details, apply if it’s something that might help you, and encourage others to do the same. Last but definitely not least, read the answers in our “Inquiring Seafarer” feature. (By the way, that feature has run in the LOG off and on for decades.) Those comments from longtime members again reflect an organization that has a lot to offer and much to be proud of. Now, let’s continue our momentum in the New Year! Pictured at the ceremony are (from left) AMP President Ku’uhaku Park, U.S. Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-Puerto Rico) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez. AMP Salutes Rep. González-Colón The leading U.S. domestic maritime coalition recently honored a longtime backer of the industry. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) on Nov. 16 presented U.S. Rep. Jenniffer GonzálezColón (R-Puerto Rico) with its American Maritime Champion Award. According to the coalition, “The award recognizes individuals or groups of individuals who have added to the rich heritage of the United States as a maritime nation through their professional contributions, courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” The SIU is an AMP affiliate; SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez represented the union at the awards ceremony. “In her role as the Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico, Rep. González-Colón has been an ardent supporter of the Jones Act and American Maritime as a whole,” AMP noted in a news release. “She is a member of the U.S. House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and possesses a deep understanding of the importance of a robust national maritime capacity. Rep. González-Colón is a champion of the Puerto Rican people on the issues that matter most to the Island.” “I am honored to have been selected for this award, finding myself in the company of many distinguished congressional leaders,” said GonzálezColón. “We all share a common goal of defending American industry and jobs and the preservation of our security of supply. Our economy moves based on what we can export and import; the maritime industry is the main artery of our supply chain and inserts our products in the market. The American shipping industry has served Puerto Rico for over a century, developing infrastructure, employees, fleets, specialized equipment, and systems, and continuing to improve them, which assists the recovery of Puerto Rico with the presence of a regular route system. We have seen how having direct, reliable, and expeditious service lifts up our economy. The current effort in the modernization of the fleet is critical for the reliability of service and drives an investment in the American shipbuilding in which many Puerto Rican workers are part of the team in the mainland, as well as creating and sustaining port and shipping jobs in Puerto Rico in support of our export and import industries.” “Representative González-Colón has been a steadfast leader in her commitment to the people she serves, including the men and women of American maritime in Puerto Rico,” said AMP President Ku’uhaku Park. “She understands not only the importance of a reliable, on-time American supply chain to and from Puerto Rico, as was seen during the pandemic and supply-chain disruption, but also the larger significance of ensuring national security through a strong shipbuilding and merchant mariner capacity.” Union Assists Maritime Ally in Important Drive O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 85 Number 1 January 2023 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. The SIU is assisting with a (free) membership drive for American Maritime Voices, which is affiliated with the coalition American Maritime Partnership. Individuals are encouraged to sign up online. This is a grassroots effort to stand up for the Jones Act. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 2 January 2023 12/20/22 12:09 PM �Deckhand Ryan Bryce (left) discusses the new contract with bargaining committee members Ian Strother (center) and Jacob Toler. SIU boatmen are pictured Nov. 23 outside the company’s fleet office in New Orleans. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook is at center in photo above, and fourth from right in the photo below. Bisso Boatmen Ratify Three-Year Contract SIU members employed by E.N. Bisso & Son unanimously have ratified a three-year contract featuring substantial gains. The union represents 70 boatmen at Bisso, which is headquartered in New Orleans. They work as wheelmen, deckhands and engineers aboard a fleet of 14 tugs, providing ship docking and offshore towing services. Negotiations took place Nov. 15-17 in New Orleans. Ratification began immediately thereafter and concluded Nov. 23. The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Port Agent Chris Westbrook, Engineer Delegate Kevin Wells, Wheelman Delegate Ian Strother, Deckhand Delegate Jacob Toler and alternate Delegate Todd Rabalais. “We had a lot of experience on the committee, along with some newer guys,” Westbrook said. “The company, to their credit, stepped up and negotiated a package that reflects the current labor market. They recognize the value of their employees. I think the contract is a tremendous retention and attraction tool, and it’s a win-win for both sides.” Wells stated, “All in all, the negotiations were pretty tough, but in the end, both sides came to an agreement. After going out and speaking with the guys, everybody was very pleased. Personally, I was pleased with the company’s willingness to work with us.” He added that the annual wages increases are the largest he’s seen in his 35-year tenure with Bisso. “That’s the highlight to me and I think it’s the same for the rest of the guys,” Wells said. Strother, a nine-year employee, served as a bargaining-team member for the first time and said he found the process “interesting. At times we were joking, and at other times it was very stressful. I’m very happy with the SIU Helps in Delivery Of Mariner Message At Key United Nations Conference The global maritime industry faces massive changes related to new fuels – and the SIU is helping make sure mariners’ voices are heard throughout what undoubtedly will be a decades-long process. Most recently, this outreach consisted of longtime SIU member Lindsey Austin participating in the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – abbreviated as COP27 (it’s the twenty-seventh such conference). The well-attended gathering took place Nov. 6-20 in Egypt. “I was really proud to represent working seafarers and especially to represent the SIU,” said Austin, a 10-year member currently sailing as a chief mate. “The industry’s goal is to be emissions-free or neutral by 2050, so mariner retraining is needed. Not only will we need to reskill and retrain, we’ll also need to attract and retain new people.” While the conference had a wide-ranging agenda, a highlight for shipboard personnel and their unions was the introduction of Maritime Just Transition Task Force. Formed by unions, vessel owners and United Nations entities, the group’s mission statement underscores that its objective is “to ensure that shipping’s response to the climate emergency puts seafarers and communities at the heart of the solution.” In that vein, COP27 included the unveiling of a new report commissioned by the Task Force. The research and findings pertain to mariner training and skills for decarbonized shipping. The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), touching on some of the report’s findings, noted, “The three emission-reduction scenarios assessed in the research January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 3 way it turned out. “We tried to get the best agreement possible for our co-workers,” he added. “We didn’t necessarily get everything we wanted, but we did really well.” In addition to calling for yearly wage increases, the contract also boosts base pay; includes an immediate cost-of-living bonus for all ratings; and features a longevity bonus for highlight an immediate need to start putting the training infrastructure in place, to ensure hundreds of thousands of the world’s nearly two million seafarers are upskilled and empowered through the transition. Findings also suggest that a lack of certainty on alternative fuel options is having [undesirable] effects for seafarer training, as the global maritime community works towards a clearer decarbonization pathway in a post-fossil fuel era.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel – who chairs both the ITF Seafarers’ Section and the Maritime Just Transition Task Force and has been extensively involved in promoting mariner welfare around the globe – stated, “A Just Transition for shipping will require a commitment to safe crewing: having enough seafarers on board to allow for the safe handling of new fuels, technologies and ship designs.” (Heindel announced the federation’s sustainable shipping policy a year earlier.) COP27 attendees expressed appreciation for the specific recommendations contained in the Maritime Just Transition Task Force report. Those goals include committing to global labor standards, prioritizing mariner health and safety, investing in training, supporting career pathways, addressing attrition and recruitment, and more. Austin, who also participated in the 2021 COP meeting online, primarily took part in two of the COP27 panels. She found the experience “100 percent worthwhile. It’s always nice to be around a group of people who have a common cause and are passionate about it,” she stated. “People might not agree on the politics or science of climate change, but there is no question that change is coming in our industry. Now we have a plan.” She added that a comment from one of the other panelists underscored the importance of mariners participating in COP27 and in future related events. “The sentiment was that we wouldn’t talk about farming without including farmers, and we shouldn’t talk about the maritime industry without seafarers,” Austin said. “That may sound basic but it’s a good point and it reinforces the need for us to be involved.” employees who’ve been with the company for at least 30 years. The pact maintains medical coverage at the top level available through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (Core Plus), adds a paid holiday, expands the bereavement clause, doubles the rate for maintenance and cure, and doubles the reimbursement for personal protective equipment. SIU member Lindsey Austin takes notes during one of the discussions at COP27. She also addressed attendees, providing the perspective of an active mariner. Seafarers LOG 3 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Pictured from left in the back row are Chief Steward John Greubel, AB Ed Gavagan, Bosun Charles Hill, AB Nick Carey, OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano and OMU Jose Smith. Seated (from left) are GVA Ricardo Escorcia, AB James Riley, AB Andrew Graham and Chief Cook Jose Clotter. Chief Cook Jose Clotter (left) is pictured with the rescued migrants. American Phoenix Crew Rescues Migrants SIU members sailing aboard the American Phoenix were in the right place at the right time, and helped to rescue a raft full of Cuban migrants adrift in the Straits of Florida on Nov. 22. The SIU members sailing aboard the Seabulk-operated tanker included: Recertified Bosun Charles Hill; ABs Nicholas Carey, Edward Gavagan, Andrew Graham, Edward Majesky and James Riley; QEP Benjamin Mathews; OMUs Damir Josipovic, Javier Murillo Solorzano and Jose Smith; Steward Baker John Greubel, Chief Cook Jose Clotter and GVA Ricardo Escorcia. The officers aboard the vessel are represented by the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers. Vessel master Capt. Thomas Liebsch reported, “At 0742 local time on November 22, while the American Phoenix was transiting from Port Everglades to the Southwest Pass, the 2nd Mate and lookout, AB Andrew Graham, spotted a small object approximately 3.5 nautical miles from the vessel. Upon further inspection, they could see a raft with men onboard, waving their arms and a flag.” Graham stated, “We saw an object from afar and when it got closer, I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw people trying to flag us down. I thought it was trash at first, they were being pushed into the Gulf of Mexico and had minimal supplies left. They may have had a grave outcome if we hadn’t spotted their little makeshift raft.” The raft was described by the captain as a “makeshift craft, poorly constructed of plywood and Styrofoam and with an open bottom, with seven Cuban migrants onboard.” After contacting the United States Coast Guard Sector Key West, the crew of the American Phoenix was first advised to remain in the area, and then later instructed to attempt a rescue and bring the migrants aboard. Liebsch continued, “At 0828 local time, the USCG asked if the vessel would attempt a rescue and disembark the mi- grants from the raft onto the ship. The Chief Mate and Bosun Charles Hill directed ABs Andrew Graham, Ed Gavagan, Eddie Majesky and Nick Carey, and QMED Benjamin Mathews to rig the accommodation and pilot ladders and prepare life rings and heaving lines. With the Captain giving rudder commands, AB James Riley carefully steered the vessel closer to the raft and the crew was able to get a sea painter over by using a line throwing appliance. Once the raft was safely alongside, all seven migrants were transferred to the ship at 1015 local time.” Clotter provided translation assistance between the crew and the migrants. He stated, “The Chief Mate asked me to help translate once they determined the men were Cuban. Upon boarding the vessel, I questioned the men to make sure they did not have any weapons, and asked if they were looking for help. They responded that they were in need of help, and that they had been out at sea for nine days.” Clotter added, “The steward department gathered some fruit and water for them, and then my wife, who was working on another ship at the time, suggested that I offer to give them some spare clothes to change into, once I shared the news with her. So I did just that – I gave them pants and shirts, and also asked the rest of the crew to join in as well, if they had anything to spare.” The captain agreed, saying, “Chief Cook Jose Clotter, GVA Ricardo Escorcia and OMU Javier Murillo Solorzano did a fantastic job of translating so the crew could better help and provide comfort for the migrants. Additional engine room personnel who provided assistance in the engine control room and on deck included OMUs Damir Josipovic and Jose Smith.” He concluded his report: “The vessel proceeded towards Key West to rendezvous with USCG Cutter Vigorous. QMED Mathews helped the men all properly don their lifejackets in VP Harris Reiterates Support SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (left) and United States Vice President Kamala Harris meet at a recent labor gathering in San Francisco. Harris is a longtime friend of the SIU. During the meeting, she underscored her ongoing support for the U.S. Merchant Marine and for workers’ rights. 4 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 4 The raft as seen from the SIU-crewed American Phoenix. preparation for the transfer to the cutter. At 1254 local time, the cutter launched a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) and the seven migrants boarded via the accommodation ladder at 1312 local time.” Sunshine State Helps Save 9 On October 16, while transiting the Florida Straits en route from Jacksonville, Florida, to Port Arthur, Texas, the mate on watch aboard the Sunshine State (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) noticed what he thought to be an unusually small sailboat on the starboard bow. Further investigation revealed a makeshift craft overloaded with refugees making various signals indicating distress. Closer inspection revealed a homemade, small craft consisting of plastic or foam blocks cobbled together along with a small windsurfing sail. Under advisement from the Coast Guard, the Sunshine State circled the craft to calm the seas until a U.S. Customs vessel arrived on scene. The SIU crew of the Sunshine State included Recertified Bosun Randell Porter; ABs Carlos Avila, Daniel Harris, Paul Riley and Lloyd Stock; QE3 Manolito Garcia; Steward/Baker Mamie Porter and GVA Ernesto Martinez. January 2023 12/20/22 12:11 PM �U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California) U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California) Yardena Wolf Chief of Staff, Office of U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-California) Patriot Contract Services President Lance Bardo, SIU VP Nick Marrone Oakland Thanksgiving Event a Success The yearly pre-Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Oakland, California, once again proved smooth, successful – and filling. Locally renowned for decades, the 2022 iteration took place in its usual slot on the Tuesday before the holiday (Nov. 22). The event featured a comprehensive menu, remarks from union officials and guests, and relaxed fellowship. Among those addressing the crowd of approximately 120 people were U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-California), U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto and Yardena Wolf, chief of staff for U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (DCalifornia). Guests included rank-and-file SIU members and their families, SIU re- tirees, shipping company executives, representatives from various labor organizations, and others. Among the vessel operators represented at the traditional feast were Matson, Patriot, Pasha, Crowley and Starlight Marine. “Our theme this year really focused on giving thanks and also on unity,” said SIU Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona, long the driving force behind the event. “One point I emphasized is that we can disagree about policies, but we have to stay unified. We’re Americans and we’re all in this together.” Other speakers shared those sentiments and also underscored their support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. Editor’s note: Thanks to Charles Farruggia for supplying the photos on this page. SIU VP Nicholas Celona (center) is pictured with International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 8 Business Reps Ryan Lange (left) and Greg Hardeman. Members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment Color Guard and retired Recertified Steward George Pino (right, holding U.S. Merchant Marine flag) help kick off the event. SIU Oakland Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) chats with guests from Carpenters Local 2233. Pictured from left are Arturo Rodriguez, Tim Favaloro and Francisco Martinez. January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 5 In photo at immediate left, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto (right) addresses the audience as VP Nick Marrone looks on. Pictured from left (photo above) are SIU VP Nicholas Celona, Richard Carpeneti (former president of the San Francisco Housing Authority) and Larry Mazzola Jr. (president of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 38). Bosun Victor Frazier (center) and his family enjoy the gathering. Seafarers LOG 5 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Pictured from left to right are OS Levi Gorokhovsky, Bosun Santos Contreras, Chief Officer Gary Bigham, OS Destini Dunlap, OS Robert Freer, OS Ryan Heinberger and UA Carl Piercy. Chief Cook Walter Schoppe Longtime Seafarer Praises Cable Ship Comrades Bosun Robert O’Connell recently was moved to write to the staff of the Seafarers LOG, detailing his experiences while sailing aboard the cable ship Decisive late last year. The vessel, operated by Subcom, was tasked a cable-laying operation in the Mediterranean Sea, which lasted about 40 days. O’Connell embraced the challenge, saying, “I caught the AB job and hadn’t been on one of those cable ships in 20 years. It’s an interesting operation.” He joined the SIU in 1991, as part of Class 475, and sailed until 2004. He left the industry for personal reasons, but returned to sailing in 2019. While the trip was unique in its own way, what inspired him to catalogue the voyage was his collective interaction with the rest of the crew: “They showed great teamwork, and were able and willing to perform any task given to them.” He added, “What really stuck out to me was how the apprentices and ordinaries really stood up. They really impressed me. There was nothing they couldn’t do. They worked together, stayed happy and upbeat and got the job done. And it was a long job.” O’Connell also stated that in conversations with the captain, Eric Ellsworth, the vessel master mentioned more than once how pleased he was with the work of the apprentices. O’Connell wanted to highlight the efforts of the following crew members while he was aboard: Bosun Santos Contreras, Bosun’s Mate Jerry Dingal, ABs Suallah Osman, John Reid and Cameron Ruthlev, OSs Destini Dunlap, Robert Freer, Levi Gorokhovsky, and Darius Parker, Chief Electrician Casey Frederick, MDR Luke Mueller, CASJ Dominador Diaz, OMU Kasim Ahmed, Chief Steward Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Walter Schoppe, Third Cook Virgilio Brosoto, SA Mahmoud Fares, GVAs Khaleel Boatner, Donato Camandang, Verna Dotson, Apprentice Preston Stine plays guitar during Justo Guity, Ryan Heimberger, Ruby his coffee break. Jones, Salah Mohmohd, Kassem Salah and Van Valladolid, and Apprentices Preston Stine and Carl Piercy. Regarding the work of Chief Cook Schoppe – who has sailed with the SIU for more than 40 years – O’Connell noted, “The food was great. He’s a real professional.” He concluded by saying, “It made me feel good that the SIU tradition of good seamanship and work ethic hasn’t been lost. My hat’s off to them.” AB Suallah Osman (left) and OS Levi Gorokhovsky take inventory and stow gear for the cable operations. Observance Includes Merchant Mariners The U.S. Merchant Marine was included in the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony Dec. 7 in the nation’s capital. The event, hosted by Friends of the National World War II Memorial and the National Park Service, took place at the World War II Memorial. Retired Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus attended the ceremony and provided these photos. The posed photo by the wreaths includes (from left) Deputy Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley and Adm. Christopher W. Grady, who serves as the twelfth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 6 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 6 January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �CHEERFUL VISIT – AB Donald Desir (second from left) meets with personnel from the Baltimore International Seafarers Center aboard the ARC Defender (TOTE Services). The ladies brought gifts for the crew to brighten their time in Charm City. ABOARD MAERSK SARATOGA – Bosun Kemer Rojas (left) and AB Ramon Guity are pictured aboard the Maersk Line, Limited ship in mid-November in Kuwait. ABOARD MAERSK DURBAN – QMED Sammy Montana cuts a metal pipe fitting with an electric jigsaw. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – Bosun Mark Hoffman (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp, receives his first pension check. Hoffman started sailing with the union in 1987. WELCOME ASHORE IN PHILLY – Recertified Steward Jeff Beasley (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall following a 40-year career. His daughter, Leilani, is in the center, while SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice is at right. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Longtime SIU member and delegate Capt. Terry Murley (left), who spent his entire 44-year career at Crescent Towing, picks up his first retirement check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook is at right. TAKING THE OATH IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Kirk Fisher (center in photo at left) receives his A-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (right) and SIU Patrolman Dylan Rivera. In the larger group photo above, SA Stephen Nowell (center, with hand raised) takes the oath prior to receiving his B-book at the hall. Pictured from left are SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon, MDR Yan Paing (partially visible), Niday, Rivera, Nowell, SA Ahmed Abubaker, OS Abdelrahim Salih, and Chief Cook Ashley Graham. HELPING AT THE HALL – QEE Randy Slue takes a busman’s holiday by volunteering at the hall in Jacksonville, Florida. “He always comes through for us,” said SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 12/19/22 11:44 AM �HONING SKILLS – Mariners from the Algol and Capella are pictured following small-arms training. From left: Capt. Raymond Davis, Electrician Salah Saleh, GUDE Ruel Decrepito, Electrician Alex Canada, Recertified Bosun Artis Williams, Capt. Andrew Diamond and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS MAURY – GVA Brian Peralta (seated) is surprised with a chocolate mousse cake in celebration of his retirement from sailing. Chief Steward Rhonda Jenkins is at left while vessel master Capt. Jon Skogland is at right aboard the Ocean Shipholdings-operated vessel. ABOARD MAUNAWILI – SIU Guam Port Agent Victor Sahagon (right) meets with Seafarers aboard the Matson ship. Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz is at left while Recertified Steward Christopher Amigable is at center. A-BOOK IN WILMINGTON – AB Brandon Urich (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr. A-BOOKS IN FLORIDA – Picking up their respective A-seniority books at the Jacksonville hall are (left in photo above) QMED George Box and (left in photo below) Bosun Terry Hester. Box is pictured with SIU Safety Director Adam Bucalo, while Hester is shown with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Two Seafarers recently received their respective B-books at the Houston hall. They are AB Adolf Abbey (right in photo at right, with SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel) and AB Daniel Hanback (left in photo at left, with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick). MILESTONE IN JERSEY – AB Dennis Saggese (right in photo at immediate right) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Jersey City, New Jersey. SIU Patrolman Jose Argueta is at left. 8 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 8 January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �SHBP Offers Scholarships For 2023 Previously Non-Selected Applicants May Reapply if Still Eligible The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) Scholarship Program will offer eight awards totaling $132,000 for the 2023 calendar year. Three scholarships will be designated for Seafarers while five will be targeted for spouses and dependents. One of the endowments reserved for Seafarers totals $20,000 and is intended to help defray the costs associated with attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The remaining two are in the amount of $6,000 each and are designed as two-year awards for study at a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Each of the five scholarships for spouses and dependents is for $20,000. Now is an ideal time to begin the application process. The first step is to obtain a scholarship program booklet. This package contains eligibility information, procedures for applying for the scholarships and an application form. Union members and their dependents now have three avenues through which they may obtain this booklet. Prospective applicants may request these booklets via mail by completing and mailing the form provided. Booklets may also be obtained by visiting any SIU hall. Finally, applicants may obtain the booklet online by visiting www.seafarers.org, go to the Benefits menu, open the “Core Plus and Core Benefits” section, scroll to “Applications and Forms,” and select Scholarship Application. Although the booklet says 2021, all information is still current for the 2023 SHBP Scholarships. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility criteria. They should also begin collecting and assembling the remainder of the paperwork needed to submit with the full application, which must be received by April 15, 2023. A scholarship selection committee, consisting of a panel of professional educators, will examine the high school grades of all applicants as well as evaluate scores from their Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) and American College Tests (ACT). Accordingly, arrangements should be made by applicants who have not done so to take these tests no later than February 2023. Doing so will virtually assure that the results reach the evaluation committee in time for review. Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for the scholarship program and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet the eligibility requirements. Please send me the 2023 SHBP Scholarship Program Booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name .......................................................................................................................................... Street Address ............................................................................................................................ City, State, Zip Code................................................................................................................... Telephone Number ( ) .......................................................................................................... This application is for: Self Dependent Mail this completed form to: Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1/23 Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2021 and ending July 31, 2022 (the “2021 Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the 2021 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Funded Percentage 2021 Plan Year Valuation Date August 1, 2021 Funded Percentage Over 100% Value of Assets $111,300,133 Value of Liabilities $105,199,118 2020 Plan Year August 1, 2020 Over 100% $106,834,294 $102,467,876 2019 Plan Year August 1, 2019 Over 100% $106,530,327 $ 99,134,084 Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2022 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2021 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2023. Fair Market Value of Assets July 31, 2022 $110,134,839 July 31, 2021 $119,994,941 July 31, 2020 $101,823,920 Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2021 Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 2,050. Of this number, 785 were current employees, 862 were retired and receiving benefits, and 403 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2021 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: Asset Allocations Percentage 1. Cash (Interest bearing and non-interest bearing) 2.9% January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 9 2. U.S. Government securities 0.0% 3. Corporate debt instruments 0.0% 4. Corporate stocks (other than employer securities): 22.2% 5. Real estate (other than employer real property): 8.5% 6. Value of interest in registered investment companies (e.g., mutual funds) 62.3% 7. Other 4.1% Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2021 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2022. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for singleemployer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. Seafarers LOG 9 12/19/22 11:44 AM �From left, Chief Cook Robert Wright, SA Santiago Aquino and Recertified Steward Cleto Lindong stand behind some of their handiwork aboard the Safmarine Ngami. Recertified Steward Ali Matari led the way in making sure fellow mariners aboard the Maersk Hartford were well-fed on Thanksgiving. Pictured from left aboard the USNS Red Cloud are C/M Brad Lawhon, C/E Jared Ciavola, Chief Steward Dennis Dizon, SA Emily Lepley, QMED Floro Ponce, Chief Cook Alvinmar Aldana, Capt. Doug Nagy and SA Amado Angeles. Pictured clockwise, starting at front left are Chief Cook Nicoll Rodriguez, Capt. Gabor Ujvari, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, ACU Nasser Alarqban and Chief Engineer Tommy Stillwachs aboard the President Wilson. SIU Steward Departments Deliver Thanksgiving Feasts Spending holidays at sea often comes with the job of being a mariner, but Seafarers and their shipmates still appreciate extra effort from the galley gangs on Thanksgiving. Based on recent communications to the LOG as well as online posts, such output proved quite evident Nov. 24 aboard SIU-crewed ships. Elaborate menus became the norm on vessels including the President Wilson (operated by APL), Safmarine Ngami (Maersk Line, Limited), USNS Red Cloud (Patriot), USNS Dahl (Patriot) and many others. Prior to press time, the union posted photos from those feasts, and the subsequent comments on the SIU Facebook page were voluminous and enthusiastic. They included: “There are some super-talented steward departments out there!” “Awesome job by the steward department. That is an impressive spread.” “I wouldn’t use the word effort. That is hard work!” “WOW what an awesome spread. Looks so tasty! Happy Thanksgiving.” Similar sentiments surfaced in related emails sent to the LOG, including this one from Safmarine Ngami vessel master Capt. William Fisher: “A strong shout-out to the steward department for an awesome job they did, as you can see in the pictures. (Recertified) Steward Cleto Lindong and Chief Cook Robert Wright and SA Santiago Aquino are some of the SIU’s finest.” With another Thanksgiving having passed, SIU galley gangs have upheld a tradition that’s almost as old as the union itself. Editor’s note: The photos on these two pages were submitted on Thanksgiving and in the days immediately afterward. Additional images are posted on the union’s Facebook page. The three photos directly above are from the Safmarine Ngami, as is the image that’s third from left, middle row, on page 10. The two photos at immediate left are from the President Wilson, while the remaining two (directly next to the one of the USNS Dahl crew) are from the USNS Red Cloud. Crew members aboard the USNS Dahl line up for a holiday feast. 10 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 10-11 January 2023 January 2023 Seafarers LOG 11 12/19/22 12:09 PM �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Editor’s note: This month’s question was answered by graduates of the most recent bosun recertification course in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Nasser Hafid Recertified Bosun My dad was a sailor. What made me do what I do now is, seeing my dad support a wife and eight children. That’s what inspired me to join the SIU. Also, the money is good! Carlos Gibbons Recertified Bosun I joined with the hope of a better future – to put myself into a good financial position, and also because of the family time that this profession offers. I’ve stayed because of the many opportunities that the industry offers if you keep upgrading. Neftali Erausquin Recertified Bosun I enjoy traveling around the world and being part of a great union, the SIU. I’m proud to be a member and I definitely love the sea. Larry Dizon Recertified Bosun I joined the SIU back in 2005 and it has been a life-changing experience. I’ve developed skills and excelled in my chosen career. This has given my family a better life, and I plan to stay with the SIU. Ronald Poole Sr. Recertified Bosun Life in the union has been good for me and my family. I have two daughters in college and one more to go. The sky is the limit with the SIU. Richard Molina Blackman Recertified Bosun I joined the SIU in 2001 and it has been a great experience. I always wanted to be a seaman. The SIU has given me the opportunity to provide for me and my family. The SIU made me the man I am today, and I plan to retire with the union. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, VA 23323 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 James B. Hall Recertified Bosun After I completed four years in the Navy, I went back to the small town where I grew up, went back to school and got a job. Within a year, I really missed going to sea. I considered re-enlisting but came across the SIU website and got into the apprentice program. I’ve remained with it because I enjoy travel and because the lifestyle is flexible. Pic From The Past In photo at right, workers in Rotterdam put the finishing touches on the stern of the Sea-Land McLean in 1972. SIU members crewed up the SL-7 shortly thereafter. The photo below (taken with a fisheye lens, from one of the port cranes) shows a longrange view of the ship at berth. PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 12 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 12 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice/Reminder Medical Department Outlines Drug Test Collection Procedures In order to help prevent any misunderstandings that may affect your merchant mariner credential, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department offers the following brief review of a few of the federal rules related to drug test collections. n You have up to three hours to provide an acceptable urine specimen. Do not schedule a test for a day and time if you don’t have three hours available to stay at the clinic if needed. n The collection process usually starts when you are taken into the back to provide a sample. You cannot leave until the col- lector says that the sample is acceptable. n You must follow the collector’s directions. Leaving prior to providing an acceptable specimen, being unable to provide one within the three-hour timeframe without a medical explanation, or interfering with the collector constitutes a refusal to test. Refusal to test may result in action by the U.S. Coast Guard as if there had been a positive test. In summary, pick your appointment time so you can stay as long as needed, do not interfere with the collector and, most importantly, follow the collector’s instructions. January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point................*Tuesday: January 3, Monday: February 6 Algonac...................................Friday: January 6, February 10 Baltimore.................................Thursday: January 5, February 9 Guam................................Thursday: January 19, February 23 Honolulu..................................Friday: January 13, February 17 Houston................................Monday: January 9, February 13 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: January 5, February 9 “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 14 -December 14. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 14. Port Total Registered Total Shipped Registered on Beach All Groups All Groups All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 17 0 1 21 0 8 6 43 29 21 2 3 20 12 3 1 4 17 0 22 230 5 5 0 12 0 8 2 19 27 8 2 3 7 3 0 5 1 6 1 7 121 6 0 0 2 0 0 0 6 6 1 2 1 6 2 0 0 2 0 2 4 40 Deck Department 22 1 2 0 2 0 2 2 0 10 6 3 0 0 0 9 5 0 4 1 0 23 7 2 25 19 3 15 8 5 3 1 1 4 1 0 16 5 5 5 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 1 11 2 0 1 1 1 15 5 2 168 72 25 New Orleans...........................Tuesday: January 10, February 14 Jersey City..................................Tuesday: January 3, February 7 Norfolk.........................................Friday: January 6, February 10 Oakland................................Thursday: January 12, February 16 Philadelphia......................Wednesday: January 4, February 8 Port Everglades......................Thursday: January 12, February 16 San Juan..............................Thursday: January 5, February 9 St. Louis...................................Friday: January 13, February 17 Tacoma....................................Friday: January 20, February 24 Wilmington..........*Tuesday: January 17 , *Tuesday: February 21 * Piney Point change due to New Year’s Day observance * Wilmington changes due to Martin Luther King Day and President’s Day observances. Contribute To The Seafarers Political Activities Donation SPAD SPAD Works For You Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 4 1 1 5 0 4 7 15 19 7 0 3 9 8 0 3 6 8 4 7 111 1 0 1 5 2 3 5 8 12 5 1 4 12 3 0 5 3 2 2 5 79 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 16 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 1 4 1 3 8 17 24 5 1 2 24 8 1 3 5 11 0 17 138 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 4 16 2 0 4 16 5 1 3 6 1 3 6 72 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 0 0 1 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 15 January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 13 GRAND TOTAL: 494 C Reliefs A B C 16 0 1 30 4 12 10 48 41 41 2 6 23 14 3 3 8 24 1 39 326 8 3 0 17 0 10 6 23 36 14 3 7 11 3 2 2 5 14 1 11 176 3 1 0 5 1 2 0 6 5 2 0 2 2 1 0 0 2 5 0 2 39 Engine Department 5 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 0 6 3 1 1 0 1 0 3 1 7 3 1 11 8 1 14 12 2 7 1 1 0 3 0 1 4 2 11 11 3 4 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 2 1 0 3 1 2 0 2 0 12 1 1 88 59 17 1 0 2 7 0 3 2 10 8 1 1 1 6 3 1 1 3 2 3 5 60 4 1 1 10 1 6 8 18 27 9 1 2 10 10 4 3 10 17 7 15 164 0 0 1 6 3 1 9 6 16 6 0 3 8 5 0 3 5 5 2 10 89 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 2 1 4 19 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 11 Steward Department 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 6 1 1 0 2 1 0 4 2 0 8 2 0 12 13 0 8 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 8 18 2 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 2 1 8 1 0 0 1 0 14 8 0 81 66 6 3 0 0 4 0 1 3 7 9 4 0 2 8 3 0 1 5 4 0 10 64 5 0 1 15 0 5 8 19 31 9 1 4 23 14 2 3 7 11 2 26 186 1 1 0 7 1 1 1 11 20 7 0 6 7 5 3 3 7 1 2 8 92 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 4 2 0 0 5 1 0 2 3 0 0 3 24 8 3 1 2 1 5 0 14 32 13 1 0 11 4 0 7 0 7 2 10 121 10 2 1 1 1 1 1 15 54 15 1 0 16 4 0 15 2 8 1 3 151 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 Entry Department 6 4 3 1 0 2 2 2 0 1 2 1 2 2 7 5 23 30 6 7 1 0 0 0 10 13 5 2 0 0 4 10 0 1 8 4 1 0 8 4 88 89 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 4 0 0 5 2 0 4 0 2 0 1 35 4 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 2 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 4 27 7 3 0 4 1 3 3 18 29 20 0 1 11 5 0 3 0 18 2 23 151 10 2 3 4 1 5 3 25 101 20 2 0 20 6 2 12 1 9 2 10 238 393 218 344 258 703 508 320 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m ATTENTION SEAFARERS B 5 1 4 11 0 6 1 14 12 12 0 3 8 4 0 0 2 4 1 11 99 Joliet.................................Thursday: January 12, February 16 Mobile............................Wednesday: January 11, February 15 A 285 137 Seafarers LOG 13 12/20/22 12:18 PM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), August 28 – Chairman James Joyce, Secretary Donna Hickman, Educational Director Monroe Monseur. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and to apply for TWIC renewal online. Members requested new mattresses and fridge for crew mess room. tary Caezar Mercado Educational Director Tijani Rashid, Deck Delegate John Worae. Members were reminded about flu shots and keeping documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new mattresses, unlimited Wi-Fi access on board, fans in each room and additional benefits. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. MAERSK COLUMBUS (Maersk Line, Limited), September 18 – Chairman Sanjay Gupta, Secretary Stephan Osovitz, Educational Director Jeffrey Hamer, Deck Delegate James Moody, Engine Delegate Arthur Bailey, Steward Delegate Christopher King. Chairman reminded crew to keep rooms clean and to stay on top of documents. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new washer and dryer as well as a new coffee maker. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. MAERSK OHIO (Maersk Line, Limited), October 7 – Educational Director Carlos Mohler Vega, Steward Delegate Andrea Hargrove. Chairman reiterated importance of leaving clean rooms for reliefs. Secretary recommended members upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Educational director urged crew to stay on top of documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), September 24 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Anthony Harrell, Deck Delegate Samuel Pedrosa, Engine Delegate Ruben Haynes. Payoff scheduled for September 27. Chairman discussed ship fund. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Cooktop grill in galley to be replaced. Members requested clarification regarding weekend overtime. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Crew was reminded to keep rooms clean. Members requested annual physicals and increased dental and vision benefits. MAERSK KINLOSS (Maersk Line, Limited), October 2 – Secre- MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), October 16 – Chairman Ali Alhamyari, Secretary Sajid Foster. Educational director advised crew to go to Piney Point and upgrade. Crew looking into getting new DVD players and TVs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested new gym equipment and better Wi-Fi service. Members voiced concerns regarding new contract. SEABULK PRIDE (Eco-Tankers Crew Management), October 27 – Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary Jasmine Garrett. Crew met with union representative and reviewed the latest communications. Educational director reminded members to continue to upgrade and to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed health insurance coverage and provided several suggestions to enhance medical benefits for union members and their families. Steward Recruiting in City of Brotherly Love SIU Philadelphia Safety Director Andre MacCray (facing camera) is pictured at a recent job fair, spreading the word about the SIU and its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. department was commended for a job well done. Crew was encouraged to submit content to Seafarers LOG office. Next port: Port Everglades, Florida. ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services), October 30 – Chairman John Cedeno, Secretary Armon Bailey, Educational Director Hector Ginel, Deck Delegate Junior Augustin, Steward Delegate Adalberto Colon Rosa. Chairman reminded crew to verify credentials with patrolman when registering at the hall. He asked everyone to keep up the good work and to stay safe. Educational director advised members to attend upgrading courses at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. He instructed everyone to apply at least 30 days in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to use outside ladder well since steward department just stripped and waxed inside ladder well. Crew requested 401k contributions to be matched and for mental health coverage for spouses. Members suggested providing tour of duties for all who complete their assigned tours. MATSON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), October 30 – Chairman Christopher Pompel, Secretary Justo Reyes, Deck Delegate Michael Salatto, Engine Delegate Brandon Tanton, Steward Delegate Christopher Hopkins. Chairman discussed new agreement details and Seafarers Appeals Board action regarding length of jobs. He encouraged members to carefully watch documents and physicals. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested Starlink internet for all ships, one job call a day and Wi-Fi access at halls. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), November 13 – Chairman Domingo Leon, Secretary Memo Elfeky, Educational Director Jan Morawski, Deck Delegate Suyapa Smith, Steward Delegate Malcolm Holmes. Chairman reported a great trip as did other union members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew is in need of better internet connection as they are often without. Members asked for increases in vacation days and increases in dental care. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt 14 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 14 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA BRUCE CHILDERS Brother Bruce Childers, 65, started his career with the union in 1988. He first shipped with Mariner Towing and was a deck department member. Brother Childers upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed aboard the Discovery and makes his home in Panama City, Florida. MARK CLARK Brother Mark Clark, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Leo. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Clark’s final vessel was the Mayaguez. He lives in Long Branch, New Jersey. ALBAD COLON both the deck and engine departments and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Fernandez most recently shipped on the Isla Bella. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Florida. the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Llave last shipped on the Horizon Reliance and calls La Mirada, California, home. CHRISTOPHER KICEY Brother Victor Gil Mariano, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1991 when he worked on the Independence. He shipped in the deck department, upgraded in Piney Point on multiple occasions and concluded his career aboard the SBX. Brother Mariano resides in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Brother Christopher Kicey, 66, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1991 when he sailed on the Richard G. Matthiesen. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kicey’s final vessel was the Overseas Boston. He resides in Navarre, Florida. MICHAEL KOVACH Brother Albad Colon, 70, began sailing with the union in 2000. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Colon’s first vessel was the Patriot; his last, the Bay State. He is a Houston resident. Brother Michael Kovach, 65, donned the union colors in 1987 and first sailed aboard the William R. Button. He primarily sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Kovach upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He calls Matawan, New Jersey, home. OWEN DUFFY AMADO LABORIEL Brother Owen Duffy, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Leo. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions and shipped in the engine department. Brother Duffy’s final vessel was the El Yunque. He is a resident of Orlando, Florida. MAURICIO ELOPRE Brother Mauricio Elopre, 65, signed on with the union in 2006. A deck department member, he first sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha. Brother Elopre upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. He last shipped on the Maersk Tennessee and makes his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. RAYMOND FERNANDEZ Brother Raymond Fernandez, 67, became a member of the union in 1980, initially sailing aboard the USNS Potomac. He sailed in January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 15 Brother Amado Laboriel, 65, signed on with the Seafarers in 2003. He sailed in all three departments. Brother Laboriel’s first vessel was the Flickertail State; his last, the Maersk Hartford. He resides in Far Rockaway, New York. ENRICO LA MARCA Brother Enrico La Marca, 65, began sailing with the union in 2003 when he shipped on the Atlantic Guardian. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and worked in the steward department. Brother La Marca most recently sailed on the Liberty Glory and lives in Puerto Rico. RONIE LLAVE Brother Ronie Llave, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2006, initially sailing on the Pride of Hawaii. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at VICTOR GIL MARIANO PAUL MORAN Brother Paul Moran, 65, joined the union in 1978. He first sailed aboard the Connecticut and worked in all three departments. Brother Moran’s final vessel was the Overseas New Orleans. He makes his home in Brooklyn, New York. EMILIO PLACIDES Brother Emilio Placides, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1996 when he shipped on the USNS Wyman. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and was a member of the steward department. Brother Placides last sailed aboard the John McDonnell and settled in Oxnard, Virginia. JO POSTELL Brother Jo Postell, 65, signed on with the union in 2004, initially sailing aboard the William R Button. A deck department member, he concluded his career aboard the Maersk Sentosa. Brother Postell calls Moyock, North Carolina, home. resident of Bella Vista, Arizona. TOMMY RODGERS Brother Tommy Rodgers, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2007 when he shipped on the Resolve. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and was a member of the deck department. Brother Rodgers’ final vessel was the Liberty Grace. He makes his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. ROY SCOTT Brother Roy Scott, 65, began sailing with the union in 1991. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Independence. Brother Scott upgraded at the Piney Point school in 1995. He last shipped on the Green Bay and settled in Pearl City, Hawaii. KENNETH SIMMONS Brother Kenneth Simmons, 67, signed on with the SIU in 2001 and first sailed with Marine Personnel and Provisioning. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership and was a deck department member. Brother Simmons most recently shipped on the Liberty Pride. He resides in Tampa, Florida. ROBERT WEEKS Brother Robert Weeks, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1976 when he shipped on the Arthur Middleton. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and sailed in all three departments. Brother Weeks’ final vessel was the El Morro. He lives in Mobile, Alabama. JILL PRESCOTT Sister Jill Prescott, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1983. She was a steward department member and first shipped on the Taurus. Sister Prescott upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. She concluded her career aboard the Horizon Spirit and is a INLAND EDWARD BOPP Brother Edward Bopp, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center within his first year of membership. Brother Bopp worked for Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He lives in Covington, Louisiana. PAUL HACKNEY Brother Paul Hackney, 59, signed on with the Seafarers in 1989 when he sailed on the USNS Stalwart. A deck department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Hackney was most recently employed by Penn Maritime and makes his home in Smyrna, Georgia. RAYMOND KUCHARCZYK Brother Raymond Kucharczyk, 62, joined the union in 1978, initially working with Inland Tugs. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and shipped in the deck department. Brother Kucharczyk was last employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore and is a Baltimore resident. MIRIAM MERLUZZO Sister Miriam Merluzzo, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 2000. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Merluzzo worked with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock for her entire career. She lives in Tamworth, New Hampshire. WILLIAM RICHARDSON Brother William Richardson, 62, started his career with the union in 1979 when he worked with G&H Towing. He shipped primarily in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 2000. Brother Richardson last sailed with OSG Ship Management. He is a resident of Mathews, Virginia. DOUGLAS SCOTT Brother Douglas Scott, 64, joined the SIU in 1994. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2002. Brother Scott was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He resides in Willis, Texas. Seafarers LOG 15 12/19/22 12:19 PM �Final Departures DEEP SEA BRYAN DAWSON Pensioner Bryan Dawson, 76, died December 4. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. An engine department member, he first shipped on the Maersk Vermont. Brother Dawson last sailed on the Edward A. Carter in 2009. He became a pensioner in 2017 and settled in Foxborough, Massachusetts. LOUIS DIESSO Pensioner Louis Diesso, 71, passed away November 16. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1982, initially sailing aboard a Delta Line ship. Brother Diesso sailed in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He concluded his career in Tacoma and retired in 2009. Brother Diesso called LaQuinta, California, home. GARETH HUNT Pensioner Gareth Hunt, 75, died November 11. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 2003. Brother Hunt’s first vessel was the John Chapman. He sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Pride of America. Brother Hunt went on pension in 2016 and lived in Port Angeles, Washington. PAUL JAGGER Brother Paul Jagger, 66, passed away July 22. He began his career with the SIU in 1983 when he shipped on the Capricorn. Brother Jagger sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the American Mariner. He was a Las Vegas resident. LEOLA JOHNSON Sister Leola Johnson, 53, died October 12. Born in Chicago, she joined the union in 2001. Sister Johnson was a steward department member and first shipped on the Patriot. She most recently sailed aboard the Cape Isabel in 2019 and resided in Jacksonville, Florida. 16 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 16 JOSE MATA Pensioner Jose Mata, 91, passed away December 2. He joined the SIU in 1963, initially sailing aboard the Mankato Victory. Brother Mata sailed in all three departments. He went on pension in 1995 after concluding his career on the Green Island. Brother Mata lived in Metairie, Louisiana. HENRY MORIN Brother Henry Morin, 89, died November 1. He signed on with the union in 1990 when he sailed aboard the USNS Triumph. Brother Morin was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Stephen W. Pless. He made his home in Jaco, Costa Rica. EDWIN ORTEGA Pensioner Edwin Ortega, 63, passed away November 19. He became a member of the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Pisces. Brother Ortega worked in the deck department and most recently shipped on the Maersk Seletar. He became a pensioner in 2019 and settled in Spring Hill, Florida. LAWRENCE RAZO Pensioner Lawrence Razo, 95, died November 1. He donned the SIU colors in 1967 and worked in the steward department. Brother Razo’s first vessel was the Baylor Victory. He last sailed on the Navigator before going on pension in 1994. Brother Razo resided in Stockton, California. JOSEPH SAXON Pensioner Joseph Saxon, 74, passed away November 12. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1964, initially sailing aboard the Our Lady Of Peace. Brother Saxon sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Brenton Reef and retired in 2003. Brother Saxon lived in Mobile, Alabama. PAUL SU Pensioner Paul Su, 86, died October 17. He started sailing with the union in 1989. An engine department member, Brother Su was employed with AMCV Cruise Operations for the duration of his career. He went on pension in 2003 and resided in Taiwan. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM GILLETTE Pensioner William Gillette, 93, passed away October 26. He joined the SIU in 1974 and first worked with Great Lakes Associates. A steward department member, Brother Gillette last sailed aboard the Paul Thayer in 1993. He became a pensioner the following year and settled in Reidsville, North Carolina. INLAND RONALD AINSLEY Pensioner Ronald Ainsley, 82, died December 2. He signed on with the union in 1962 and first sailed with Allied Transportation. Brother Ainsley worked in the deck department and was last employed with Moran Towing of Virginia. He began collecting his pension in 2014 and made his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. ERIK ERIKSEN Pensioner Erik Ericksen, 85, passed away December 2. Initially working with Gulf Atlantic Transport, he joined the union in 1968. Brother Eriksen was a deck department member. He last sailed with Allied Transportation and retired in 1999. Brother Eriksen was a resident of Jacksonville, Florida. engine department. Brother Herman was employed by G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Cleveland, Texas. CURTIS IRELAND Pensioner Curtis Ireland, 92, died November 23. He started sailing with the union in 1953 when he worked for Sprogue Steamship Company. Brother Ireland was a member of the deck department. He was last employed by Mariner Towing and went on pension in 1993. Brother Ireland resided in Lowland, North Carolina. HARALD SEVLAND Pensioner Harald Sevland, 85, passed away November 17. Born in Norway, he joined the SIU in 1979. Brother Sevland was a deck department member. He worked with Crowley Towing and Transportation until his retirement in 2002. Brother Sevland lived in West Palm Beach, Florida. PAUL TULLIS Pensioner Paul Tullis, 83, died November 18. He began sailing with the union in 1977 when he was employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Tullis was a deck department member and last worked on the Sugar Island in 1983. He became a pensioner in 2004 and settled in Flowery Branch, Georgia. NMU RAYMOND LEITE Pensioner Raymond Leite, 80, passed away October 3. He joined the Seafarers during the SIU/NMU merger in 2001 and first sailed aboard the Atlantic Forest. Brother Leite sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career on the Green Cove before going on pension in 2004. Brother Leite was a Miami resident. ANDRES WATLER Pensioner Andres Watler, 83, died December 3. A deck department member, he signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. Brother Watler’s first vessel was the USNS Altair; his last, the Rover. He retired in 2003 and made his home in New Orleans. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Beck, Douglas 85 Brown, Alexander 87 Castellanos, Antonia 93 Cespedes, Salvador 91 Dunn, Edwin 95 Eldridge, Shirlie 80 El Zofri, Mohamed 94 Grey, Charles 90 Hartstick, Edward 94 Hearn, George 95 Lane, Louis 98 Polito, James 100 Ruiz, Marcelino 92 DOD 07/06/2022 11/21/2022 01/26/2022 09/25/2022 11/07/2022 12/24/2021 09/05/2022 10/15/2022 11/04/2022 11/12/2022 11/07/2022 11/22/2022 10/29/2022 WILLIAM HARVELL Pensioner William Harvell, 71, died November 27. He donned the union colors in 1989. A deck department member, Brother Harvell first worked with Interstate Oil and Transportation. He last shipped on the Courage and became a pensioner in 2019. Brother Harvell lived in Mollusk, Virginia. EARL HERMAN Pensioner Earl Herman, 85, passed away October 25. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1980 and shipped in the Have You Missed An Issue of the Seafarers Log? PDF versions of nearly every edition are available at seafarerslog.org You can also scan this QR code to go directly to the website January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion ServSafe Management February 13 February 17 March 20 March 24 April 24 April 28 May 29 June 2 July 3 July 7 August 7 August 11 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck February 27 March 17 April 10 April 28 June 5 June 23 Lifeboat/Water Survival February 13 February 24 March 13 March 24 April 10 April 21 May 8 May 19 RFPNW January 30 February 17 March 20 April 7 May 1 May 19 Fast Rescue Boat July 17 July 21 Leadership & Management Skills June 19 June 23 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW January 30 February 24 May 1 May 26 FOWT February 27 March 24 April 3 April 28 Junior Engineer Program March 27 May 19 Marine Electrician April 24 May 26 Marine Refer Tech March 13 April 21 Advanced Refer Containers April 10 April 21 Machinist March 13 March 31 Pumpman April 3 April 7 Welding January 23 February 10 March 20 April 7 Engineroom Resource Management June 12 June 16 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook January 16 February 17 February 20 March 24 March 27 April 28 May 1 June 2 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 17 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook June 5 July 7 July 10 August 11 Advanced Galley Operations March 13 April 7 May 22 June 16 Chief Steward February 6 March 3 April 17 May 12 June 26 July 21 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting June 5 June 9 Basic Training January 23 January 27 April 17 April 21 Basic Training Revalidation January 13 January 13 January 23 January 23 January 27 January 27 February 13 February 13 February 24 February 24 March 20 March 20 March 24 March 24 April 7 April 7 April 17 April 17 April 21 April 21 May 1 May 1 May 5 May 5 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation January 30 February 3 May 15 May 19 Government Vessels January 16 January 20 February 6 February 10 February 13 February 17 March 13 March 17 March 20 March 24 April 10 April 14 April 24 April 28 May 8 May 12 May 22 May 26 June 5 June 9 Tank Ship Familiarization DL February 20 February 24 May 22 May 26 Tank Ship Familiarization LG February 27 March 3 May 15 May 19 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 1/23 Seafarers LOG 17 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #888 – Pictured November 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Tahjarian Campbell, Shavel Freeman, Samyra Gardner, Stephen Hoskins, Devine Lents, Ishmael McNeal, Jawuam Mixon,Tre Scott and Jermal Torney. Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Ayesh Saleh Boobak Ahmed, Saif Al Tamimi, Gerald Durham, Alfred Edmond, Deon Green, Ransom Andrew KB Kauwe, Fahmi Ali Taher Saeed, Rafael Tavera-Gonzalez and Jonathan White. Junior Engineer (Engineering Plant Maintenance II) – Graduated October 14 (above, in alphabetical order): David Argo Jr., Samuel Fagerness, Michael Jamal Garcia, Troy Hubbard Jr., Thomas Koncul, Cristian Efrain Lalin, Wayne Linnette IV, Tyler Maddox, Zeke Pasquarelli and Joesef Moses Shaibi. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far right. 18 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 18 Radar/ARPA – Graduated October 21 (above, in alphabetical order): James Blackburn III, Dominique Glover and Will Jordan. RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated October 21 (above, from left): Charles Armand Bishop and Keshun Dominique Corpus. Instructor John Wiegman III is at right. Upon the completion of their training, both Bishop and Corpus plan to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels. January 2023 12/19/22 11:44 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated October 28 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Nathan Elliott, Kirk Fisher, Aaron HeltonCox, Terry Hester, Joseph Huls, Mohamad Mahmoud Kammoun, Alexander Miraglia, Tracy Mitchell Jr., Abdo Ahmed Saleh, Trovarius Thomas, Reynaldo Tinay and Cortney Williams. Marine Refer Tech – Graduated October 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Justin Bodnar, Hector Ismael Caballero, Rustin Calame, Michael Clark, Christian Cruz, Tony Hamaguchi, Daryl Hicks, Wordell Prescott, Ahmed Omar Sharif and Sanjay Waidyarachchi. Class instructor Chirstopher Morgan is at the far right in the back row. Basic Training (Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities) – Graduated October 14 (above, from left): Upgraders Lisa Evans and Marcus Stackpoole. RFPNW – Upgrader Matthew Conley (above, right) recently completed his requirements in this course. The ordinary seaman graduated October 14. Pictured with him at left is his instructor Dominic Hix. Advanced Stability – Graduated September 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Baird, Matthew O’Donnell, Scott Salo and Andrew Torti. Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated November 25 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Bradley Albert, Cameron Amir Azadi, Alexis Claro, Joseph Crisante Jr., Rosetta Jackson, Krystal Mosley, Delphine Simmons, Souleymane Tamla, Joel Williams and Shana Zeidenberg. January 2023 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23.indd 19 Seafarers LOG 19 12/19/22 11:44 AM �JANUARY 2023 VOLUME 85, NO. 1 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O I Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 18-19 SIU Year in Review: 2022 n many ways, 2022 represented a gradual return to normalcy for the SIU. With the pandemic largely in the past, the year saw new vessels, new construction, new contracts and wage reopeners, and multiple conventions with themes focused on the future. SIU members answered the call time and time again, even amid a global labor shortage. While many union brothers and sisters upgraded their skills and earned new ratings by returning to the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, union representatives ramped up the SIU’s recruiting efforts, both in person and online. The following is an overview of some of the year’s top stories for the union, the maritime industry as a whole and the labor movement. New Tonnage In January 2022, the second of two reflagged vessels joined the U.S.-flag fleet of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC): the ARC Commitment and the ARC Defender. These roll-on roll-off vessels, which are both enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), “are among the most capable and militarily useful vessels in the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, able to carry tracked and wheeled vehicles, helicopters, and other high and heavy project cargoes,” according to ARC. Additionally, Crowley flagged in the tanker Stena Polaris while the union regained jobs aboard the tanker Seabulk Pride when the ship was delivered to Seabulk. Also joining the fleet in 2022 was the MV George III, an LNG-fueled Ohanaclass vessel operated by Pasha Hawaii. Additionally, more new vessels are on the way, as three new Aloha-class containerships were ordered by Matson – to be built by union labor at Philly Shipyard. The first of those vessels is expected to be delivered in 2026. Conventions and Maritime News The past year also included a mix of virtual and in-person conventions, both with the union’s own events as well as those of SIU affiliates and industry partners. The SIU-affiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) hosted its Quadrennial Convention in Philadelphia June 9-10. In a schedule which included speeches and presentations from various maritime and labor leaders, SIU President Michael Sacco was re-elected to serve as president of the MTD. Authorization Act of 2023, which is expected to pass as of the writing of this article. That language tightened up the Jones Act waiver process, restricting who is authorized to grant such waivers, and other codified changes. The NDAA also included many outright gains for the maritime industry, which will be covered in detail in the February issue of the Seafarers LOG. SIU President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler (left) and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond moments after their respective elections to office last summer in Philadelphia. Sacco conducted the election (and himself was re-elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council during the same convention). (Photo by Jay Mallin) The following week, Sacco oversaw the elections of Liz Shuler as president of the AFL-CIO and Fred Redmond as the federation’s secretary-treasurer. Sacco was reelected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council during a convention that featured in-person remarks from President Biden. The SIU-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU) conducted a virtual convention on Sept. 20, while the SIUNA convention, with its theme “Building for the Future,” took place virtually on Sept. 14. Both saw the respective executive boards reelected, with the full confidence of those in attendance. In April, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) reaffiliated with the MTD, thereby becoming the 24th affiliate. Additionally, the United Seamen’s Service’s 53rd annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award dinner took place Oct. 28, and honored Edward W. Aldridge, president of CMA-CGM North America and American President Lines; Harold J. Daggett, president of the ILA; and Eric P. Ebeling, president and CEO of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group. Also honored for their rescue efforts were the SIU crews from four vessels: the USNS Yuma, Pacific Tracker, Herodote and the Maersk Peary. In other maritime news, the merchant mariners who served during World War II were finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, in a ceremony conducted in the Capitol Building on May 18. In July, former AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was awarded a Posthumous Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The sanctity of the Jones Act was violated in September, when a onetime waiver was granted to a BP Petroleum tanker to sell their cargo in Puerto Rico in the wake of a hurricane. In a joint statement from U.S. maritime unions (including the SIU), the groups pointed out, “This waiver was unnecessary. U.S.-flagged vessels and foreign-flagged vessels carrying legal cargoes of fuel, either from American ports or from foreign ports, had safely discharged their cargoes in Puerto Rico after the storm. American ships were available. American crews were available. But none of that mattered, because the political optics of a ship waiting to bring fuel to the island apparently matters more than a century of bedrock American law.” This waiver situation was used as fuel for political advocates and allies to attach specific language to the National Defense Seafarers - including those pictured above, with SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White (right) - approved new, five-year standard freightship and tanker agreements last year. 20 Seafarers LOG 79200_SEAFARERS_Jan23_X.indd 20 Contracts The contracts department of the SIU was busy in 2022, working out the standard freightship and tanker agreements, which were overwhelmingly ratified by the membership. The five-year pacts increase wages, maintain benefits, help ensure shipboard internet access, and preserve every SIU job. Those were far from the only contracts in the news in 2022. New pacts also were reached (or existing ones were extended) with TOTE, Key Lakes, Port City Marine Services, E.N. Bisso & Son, Chesapeake Crewing, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, American Petroleum Tankers, Liberty Maritime, Maersk, Seabulk, Marine Personnel and Provisioning, Waterman Steamship, and Subcom. Rescues There were quite a few instances of rescues at sea in 2022, in which SIU members went above and beyond to save lives. Full recaps of each rescue are available on our website (and in the pages of the Seafarers LOG), but notable examples include: MT Pennsylvania in April; the Endurance in June; the NY Waterway tugboats John Stevens and Garden State in July; the Pacific Tracker in July; The Maersk Tennessee in July; the Centerline Logistics-operated tugboats Richardson Sea and Chabria Sea in July; NY Waterway ferry Abraham Lincoln in August; the National Glory in October; the Alliance Fairfax in October; the Sunshine State in October; and the American Phoenix in November. Progress, Grassroots Action Various construction projects and curriculum enhancements took place throughout the year at the Paul Hall Center, a staple for many Seafarers. The school offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime institution in the nation. Those classes include ones for entry-level students and upgraders. A massive renovation at the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, got underway and has continued in the new year, with an expected completion date likely in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Election Day saw strong performances by SIU-backed candidates. The vast majority of those running for House or Senate seats with support from the union’s voluntary political action fund won their respective races. Throughout the year, the union actively advocated for laws and programs that keep the U.S. Merchant Marine afloat, including the Jones Act, cargo preference, the Maritime Security Program, the new Tanker Security Program and more. Final Departures Finally, a few leaders in the maritime community crossed the final bar in 2022, including: Saltchuk Co-Founder Stan Barer, former Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Alaska Congressman and maritime advocate Don Young, former U.S. Maritime Administrator Vice Admiral (ret.) Albert Herberger, and longtime SIU Chief Bosun John Natoli. January 2023 12/20/22 12:56 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2023 Description An account of the resource AMP SALUTES REP. GONZALEZ-COLON BISSO BOATMEN RATIFY THREE-YEAR CONTRACT SIU HELPS IN DELIVERY OF MARINER MESSAGE AT KEY UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE AMERICAN PHOENIX CREW RESCUES MIGRANTS SUNSHINE STATE HELPS SAVE 9 OAKLAND THANKSGIVING EVENT A SUCCESS LONGTIME SEAFARER PRAISES CABLE SHIP COMRADES SIU STEWARD DEPARTMENTS DELIVER THANKSGIVING FEASTS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2023 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 85, NO. 1 2023 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/a86c4dcd45de63aeca23e1219a149567.pdf 196229d9a6a8ba11931f3f977405e8b1 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JANUARY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU's Year in Review Rescues, Renovation, Recruiting & Retirement Highlight 2023 The union experienced no shortage of highlights last year, including the reopening of the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia (above), following a months-long renovation. SIU President Michael Sacco early in the year announced his retirement after a half-century of service to the union; he was succeeded by then-Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Those and other top stories are recapped on the back page. Seafarer Honored in Maryland Chief Cook Brittany Steward (second from left) on Nov. 16 received the Apprenticeship Champion Award from the Maryland Department of Labor, as did other honorees. The agency describes the award as “an honor bestowed to exceptional champions of apprenticeship who have a strong connection to apprenticeship in the State of Maryland.” Steward is a 2017 graduate of the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Pictured with her at the event are (from left) SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and SIU VP Contracts George Tricker. Page 4. Whitmire Wins Texas State Sen. John Whitmire (D) (center) will be the next mayor of Houston following his win in a runoff election Dec. 9. The SIU actively supported the labor-backed candidate for many months; Whitmire kicked off his campaign at the Houston hiring hall. He also visited the hall Nov. 13 during a benefits conference, when this photo was taken. Pictured from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, SIU President David Heindel, Whitmire, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski. THANKSGIVING AT SEA • PAGE 7 // SHBP SCHOLARSHIP INFO • PAGE 8 �President’s Report Stick Together to Boost Manpower A s reflected in our “year in review” coverage this month, one of the biggest stories of 2023 was the SIU’s tireless effort to recruit new people into our industry. This is a multi-faceted challenge, but we have made tangible progress, including a recent legislative gain – and a related upcoming tweak of the apprentice program in Piney Point – that will facilitate sailing in entrylevel jobs as well as upgrading to David Heindel ratings. We’ll share more details in the months ahead, but this is a big win. While I am confident in saying the SIU has worked exhaustively and transparently to boost and retain manpower, I am concerned that some of our allies are trying to move in different directions to solve the problem. It’s important that we work together as an industry – labor and management alike – in order to identify and implement the most effective, most sustainable answers for America and its current and future mariners. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t brainstorm for creative solutions, but there’s nothing to be gained through catching people off-guard with public calls for steps that very well might weaken, rather than strengthen, the U.S. Merchant Marine. Our industry normally enjoys a well-earned reputation for being on the same page. We need to return to that standard. Again, in the SIU we are taking steps in the right direction, and on that note, I thank our rank-and-file members for always stepping up to provide the besttrained, most reliable shipboard manpower. It’s been a challenge lately from a sheer numbers standpoint, because of numerous activations, post-pandemic retirements and new entries into the Tanker Security Program, but you have answered the call. As you all know, it’s vitally important to take a job if you’re in position to do so – not just for the immediate income and experience, but also to help ensure that your jobs are still there in the future. Our survival hinges on our dependability (along with grassroots political action, but that’s a topic for another day). That’s something to keep in mind the next time you’re weighing whether or not to ship out. Finally, I appreciate you continuing to do your part by promoting the industry and helping recruit future Seafarers, whether that’s by word-of-mouth or (as numerous members have done) volunteering to assist at a career fair. Your efforts are making a difference. Please continue to help your union out where and when you can. Safety First As of this writing in mid-December, at least three foreign-flag merchant ships and one U.S. warship had been attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, according to the Pentagon. And, you may have read or heard about in-port protests on the West Coast that involved an SIUcrewed vessel which may or may not have been carrying military cargo. The bottom line is that this is the right moment to adhere to the World War II mantra, “Loose lips sink ships.” These are emotionally and politically charged times. Please take every precaution in your communications to help ensure discretion and safety. Seafarers LOG Volume 86 Number 1 January 2024 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2023 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Norfolk Hall Hosts Pro-Maritime Virginia Senator, Congressman The new-look hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, served as a distinguished but still down-to-earth setting for a recent gathering of Seafarers, representatives from various unions – and two prominent politicians from the Commonwealth. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D) and U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D) headlined the Nov. 20 meeting of the Hampton Roads Ports Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department). Both are longtime friends of the SIU, backers of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and supporters of workers’ rights. They took part in a question-andanswer luncheon as the council conducted its first inperson meeting since the pandemic. “It was a great event,” said SIU Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey. “I thanked them for being staunch supporters of the Jones Act and all things maritime, and made sure they know they are welcome here any time. They actually asked a lot of questions about Piney Point (home of the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Maryland).” The gathering lasted 90 minutes and was wellattended. Attendees included rank-and-file SIU members and representatives from nine international SIU members (from left) QMED John Morrison and OS Pinero Peek chat with U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Virginia) at the hiring hall in Norfolk. SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left) tells U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) about the extensive renovations that were completed at the Norfolk hall last year. unions. Topics of discussion included the importance of building more U.S.-flag ships; increasing support for labor/company apprenticeship programs; boosting federal labor laws; and maintaining support for infrastructure investments. Torrey, MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Mark Clements and MTD Administrator Brittanie Potter welcomed Kaine and Scott to the newly remodeled hall. Both members of Congress told Torrey how impressed they were with the facility (Kaine had visited a few years ago). Prior to the meeting, Kaine and Scott spoke privately with participants and guests. Besides the SIU, other MTD affiliates with representation included the Boilermakers, Communications Workers, Electrical Workers, Operating Engineers, Painters & Allied Trades, and Teachers. In addition, the Masters, Mates & Pilots and the Food & Commercial Workers participated. Finally, both Kaine and Scott saluted retired MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan, who opened the meeting and announced this was his final function for the department. Maritime Administrator Underscores Need to Boost Recruiting and Retention During recent remarks delivered at an annual meeting of the American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips emphasized the critical role of U.S. Merchant Mariners. In a wide-ranging address that spelled out the administration’s muti-faceted pro-maritime strategy, Phillips spent significant time discussing American crews and also touched on the global manpower challenge. Phillips said in part, “I have done a lot of international engagement over the last few months, meeting with leaders from the IMO, the UK, Vietnam and Korea. In all of these engagements the one consistent throughline that everyone spoke about was the critical nature of the mariner workforce and, more to the point, the mariner workforce shortage. For our part, the Maritime Administration is … working to … help recruit, train, and retain mariners by reducing barriers to entry.” She added, “I am beginning to focus more keenly on quality of life for all mariners. Salaries for entrylevel m e r c h a nt mariners are at an all-time high. However, despite t he comp e t it ive pay, our industry continues to grapple w it h a mariner shor t f a l l . W h i le most acutely felt in the efforts to recruit and retain women – who are woefully u nder represented at about 8% of the Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips maritime community – the downward trend in the number of mariners across all demographics, demands our attention. With that in mind, over the next several months I am going to focus on quality-of-life issues and work with the industry on the sharing of best practices…. “I truly believe that to attract today’s workforce we must change the ‘way we have always done it.’ Mariners who want careers and families can indeed have both if a pathway is mapped out in an effective family policy and embraced by industry and labor.” The administrator also provided an update on the agency’s work to develop a formal national maritime strategy, as directed by the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. As previously reported in the LOG, the Maritime Administration chose the Center for Naval Analyses (CAN) “to identify and examine the key components of an enduring national maritime strategy... that can be leveraged for decades to come,” Phillips said. “MARAD, working with CNA and numerous stakeholders from across government, industry, labor, academia, and other partners will identify the commercial sealift requirements to meet our nation’s future economic and security needs, identify shortfalls and challenges in current capabilities that need to be addressed, and provide MARAD with options to address any shortfalls in capacity and capability from which we then develop our strategy. This includes addressing any shortfalls in the areas of focus I mentioned earlier such as our strained workforce and the modest presence of U.S.flag commercial ships in international trade.” Moreover, Phillips said the agency “has developed a five-year strategic Mariner Workforce Development Plan to recruit, train, and retain merchant mariners…. We are close to a release date on this report, and it will be posted on MARAD’s website.” JANUARY 2024 �SIU Crews Honored at AOTOS Event Congratulating NY Waterway President/CEO Armand Pohan (second from right) are (from left) SIU Port Agents Joe Baselice and Ray Henderson, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. S IU members were among the honorees at the most recent Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) awards ceremony, which took place Dec. 1 in New York City. Seafarers from the NY Waterway ferry Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the roll-on/roll-off ship Midnight Sun (TOTE), and the replenishment oiler USNS John Lewis (whose crew includes CIVMARS from the SIU Government Services Division) were among those recognized by event host the United Seamen’s Service (USS). Receiving the primary awards were Pasha Group President and CEO George Pasha IV; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Adam Vokac; and Interlake Maritime Services President Mark W. Barker. SIU personnel in attendance included President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Bryan Powell, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Baselice, Jersey City Port Agent Ray Henderson, Norfolk Port Agent Mario Torrey, Patrolman Osvaldo Ramos, and Manpower Director Mark von Siegel. Pasha, whose company employes numerous SIU members, said in part, “We need additional investment in training and schooling of our mariner workforce, including funding for high school and pre-high school programs. We need to lower barriers for entry for our seafarers and to allow for our service members to transition into commercial roles more easily. It is crucial for this administration to communicate the significance and value of these well-paying jobs and to actively support the unions and employers in recruiting and retaining these essential positions.” He added, “We extend our gratitude to our hard-working mariners who tirelessly carry out heroic duties to ensure the The SIU gained new jobs following Great Lakes Towing Company’s (GLT) acquisition of Sarter Marine Towing. Sarter boatmen, though accretion, are now covered by the current contract between the union and GLT. “It’s all working out,” said SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. “The guys are really pleased to be in the union and they’re excited about the benefits in particular.” Deckhand Zachary Grovogel said that not having to pay premiums for coverage through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan “is definitely an improvement over what we had before.” He said the Sarter boatmen “are involved in towing, but longer distance compared to the rest of the Great Lakes Towing fleet. They’re in-harbor, whereas we’re more the longtow operations.” In a news release about the sale, Sarter noted that the transaction includes “purchase of the tugboats Donald J. Sarter and William C. Selvik, as well as all supporting machinery and equipment and most other shoreside assets. The remaining five tugs in Sarter’s fleet will be chartered to [GLT] under a long-term bareboat charter arrangement. [GLT] has retained all employees of Sarter Marine and will supplement the business with administrative and financial support to help support and enhance Sarter’s current book of towing business in the region.” “The Sarter Marine Towing team is excited to partner with Great Lakes Towing. They have been a pleasure to work with,” said Julie Sarter, president and owner of Sarter Marine. GLT President Joe Starck stated, “The acquisition of Sarter Marine significantly enhances the Towing Company’s capabilities in Northern Green Bay and Lake Michigan. This is really a win-win outcome for everyone involved.” SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (second from right) meets with Sarter Marine boatmen in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Pictured from left are Deckhand Zachary Grovogel, Deckhand Phillip Pfister, Brdak and AB Nicholas Sternard. SIU Port Agent Todd Brdak (left) and GLT Operations Manager Linsday Dew are pictured aboard one of the company’s boats. In attendance to help salute honorees are (from left) SIU VPs Nicholas Celona and Bryan Powell and SIU President David Heindel. ships remain safe and reliably on time. We also honor the work of United Seamen’s Service in providing comfort and assistance to our mariners worldwide.” As previously reported in detail, the Roosevelt crew helped rescue hundreds of passengers from a Staten Island Ferry boat that had caught fire; the Midnight Sun crew quickly extinguished a shipboard fire; and the John Lewis crew rescued a boater who’d been stranded at sea for five days off the coast of Southern California. SIU Fleet Expands With Sarter Marine Acquisition JANUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • 3 �Chief Cook Garners Recognition A n enthusiastic Seafarer recently received recognition for her professional and inspirational dedication. The Maryland Department of Labor (MDOL) on Nov. 16 honored Chief Cook Brittany Steward and others with the Apprenticeship Champion Award, which the agency describes as “an honor bestowed to exceptional champions of apprenticeship who have a strong connection to apprenticeship in the State of Maryland.” Steward is a 2017 graduate of the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), located in Piney Point, Maryland. She’s also a frequent upgrader. SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins attended the ceremony in support of Steward, as did her mother and brother. Steward initially didn’t know she’d been nominated for the award. MDOL Director of Apprenticeship and Training Chris MacLarion learned of her background and then visited the hiring hall in Baltimore to speak with Hoskins. Inspired by Steward’s story (as relayed by the port agent), he contacted Steward to learn more about the path that led her to the PHC. “I feel proud of the award because my journey has been far from easy,” Steward told a Seafarers LOG reporter. “I’m proud of the burning desire to rise above my circumstances. The recognition is not just a testament to my achievements but to the countless individuals who have supported me along the way. I am proud of the resilience I have developed, the empathy I have cultivated, and the determination that has fueled my journey.” The timing worked out well. Steward (a Baltimore native but current Texas resident) had recently returned from a voyage to Dubai, and already planned to travel to Baltimore to visit family. Steward mentioned that her early years were spent with a foster family. Her mother worked diligently, juggling multiple jobs and overcoming her own challenges so that she may one day be reunited with her daughter. Those efforts paid off and they indeed reconnected after three years. Steward said her mother has “always been there to support me and to guide me on my path, even when I made mistakes. She did her best with guiding me and I appreciate that. She was definitely my biggest support system. That’s really my motivation because her story inspired me. No matter what you go through or what you’ve been through, if you’ve got the right mindset, you can do anything you want.” After Steward graduated from Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School (also known as Mervo) in Baltimore City, she struggled to find her footing in the working world. She eventually enrolled in a private career school, where she amassed a significant amount Chief Cook Brittany Steward (center) is pictured at the awards ceremony with SIU VP Contracts George Tricker (left) and SIU Baltimore Port Agent John Hoskins (right). Celebrating the award are (from left) MDOL Director of Apprenticeship and Training Chris MacLarion, Antionette Nelson and her daughter, honoree Brittany Steward. of student loan debt – and still had no clear career path to show for it. Prior to enrolling at the PHC, Steward at various times had worked as a dental assistant, bartender, and staff member in the Baltimore County American Job Centers. A friend had suggested joining the Seafarers via the apprentice program (which is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor), but she didn’t take it seriously at first. “I was listening, but I wasn’t listening,” she admits, until about two months later when she finally read the information that she had asked them to provide. It was then that she thought, “This is my ticket out of Baltimore.” Her vision proved correct. She’d never left the city until enrolling in Piney Point, but now has been to several countries. Steward may have delayed her entry into the U.S. Merchant Marine, but she made up for it. After graduating from PHC Class 826S on a Friday in 2017, she shipped out the following Monday. As Steward described it, she “went straight to the money,” and made $6,000 per month on her first vessel. Seeing that first paycheck “was life-changing,” she recalled. “I received it and immediately paid off all of my student loans. I’m debt-free.” After successfully completing two voyages as an SA, Steward returned to Piney Point to begin upgrading. She then climbed the gangway of the USNS Impeccable in the Philippines, ready to work as a chief cook – and promptly was asked to step in as the new chief steward. Understandably nervous, Steward overcame some figurative speed bumps and handled the surprise assignment. “I was nervous but I did it,” she said. “I took that opportunity to step up because I want to move up as fast as I can. I will still upgrade and still take classes, but I wanted to take advantage of that opportunity.” Steward isn’t only focused on her own advancement, though. Since finding her career path, she has shared her story in hopes of enlightening others about maritime careers. “I’m trying to be reachable to people that look like me in my environment, that talk like me, that dress like me and think that they’re not supposed to be in these rooms,” she said. One method Steward launched was her own startup YouTube channel. “What made me start filming? I got tired of talking to people in the neighborhood; they weren’t listening. So, I said, instead of asking me, go to my YouTube channel and if the information is for you, it’s for you,” she said. She added, “I procrastinated on it for a few years because I didn’t like how I talked in front of the camera. I didn’t want to be too real, but I know my people are my people. If you can relate to me, then I’m happy with that.” (Her channel is @stuthesailor) Meanwhile, the MDOL not only listened to Steward’s story but found it compelling enough to include her in the agency’s third annual awards event. During the presentation, MDOL official Erin Roth stated, “The reason that she’s getting this Apprenticeship Champion award today is because she continues to tell anyone and everyone in the city and where she lives now out of her home base in Houston, Texas, about the opportunities that apprenticeship can offer. So, thank you, Brittany. We really appreciate you.” Maryland DOL Honors Apprentices The who’s who of Maryland labor and apprenticeship gathered at the Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel in Towson, Maryland, to take part in the state’s third annual apprenticeship awards ceremony, including Governor Wes Moore (D), Maryland Labor Secretary Portia Wu (D), many other state and county government officials – and representatives from the SIU, including honoree Chief Cook Brittany Steward (see separate article, this page). SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker and Baltimore SIU Port Agent John Hoskins also attended the gathering, which took place Nov. 16. The ceremony was part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) celebration, which lasted from Nov. 13-19. NAW included numerous events across the country (the SIU participated in several of them) designed to publicize the opportunities that apprenticeship offers for workers to develop the skills employers value. “The Maryland Department of Labor is proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and showcase the key success of this program,” said Wu. “Maryland is full speed ahead on growing apprenticeship through expanding to new industries, working with schools and colleges, and partnering with communities across the state.” Since the inception of these awards, the state has focused on expanding the number of apprenticeships available to people in Maryland and advocating for apprenticeships to become more commonly acknowledged as viable pathways to begin a career without defaulting to the traditional route of higher education via college. Steward is a graduate of the apprentice program at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. (That program is open to applicants across the nation, not just Marylanders, and is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor.) “We have some of the best four-year colleges in America in the state of Maryland, and that’s a fact that we should all be very proud of – but we are going to end this myth that every single one of our students must attend one of them in order to be economically successful,” Moore said. Registered apprenticeship is widely considered an effective training strategy that leads to quality employment, equips workers with job-relevant skills, and helps employers meet their current and future workforce needs. According to Moore’s proclamation, the U.S. DOL’s apprenticeship week celebration was established in 2015 to promote events that showcase the success and the value that registered apprenticeship represents in both Maryland and the United States for our workforce. Currently, the state boasts more than 11,000 registered apprentices who are active in the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program. There have also been 165 new apprenticeship programs approved across key industry sectors over the past seven years, 23 of which happened since January 2023. “Maryland has set ambitious goals for expanding apprenticeship and we mean to meet them,” Wu said. “Registered apprenticeship is key to our state’s economic success. We’ve SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 44 • SEAFARERS already hit historic highs in apprenticeship adoption and today’s investments will accelerate our progress.” Maryland has an increased workforce demand for positions in many sectors, including teaching, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and cybersecurity. Apprenticeship programs have been created in order to help address some of these needs, according to Moore’s proclamation. He further noted that the unemployment rate in Maryland is only 1.6 percent, “which is the lowest unemployment rate in the history of the United States.” The governor also announced a new apprenticeship program. The $1.6 million Maryland Hospitality Management endeavor will be sponsored by the U.S. DOL. “The money will go towards six community colleges that will sponsor apprenticeships, for management positions in the hospitality sector. Together, these programs will reach over 1,200 Marylanders,” Moore continued. He also announced the appointment of five new “apprenticeship ambassadors” who will help expand the apprenticeship push in the state and will help recruit more organizations to join in the movement. “We are ready to unearth all the potential that this state has,” Moore concluded. “We are prepared to invest in genius – in the genius that each and every person has – and our job becomes how we make sure they see that genius for themselves. The whole reason that we celebrate apprenticeships is because we want to say to every single Marylander with a full sense of certainty that you're more than worthy regardless of the direction that you choose.” JANUARY 2024 �Benefits Conferences Continue in New Year Three more benefits conferences are scheduled to take place within the first few months of the new year, and those will mark the conclusion of a series of 15 that began last summer. The gatherings are hosted by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) at various hiring halls and are supported by the SIU. Seafarers, pensioners and their families are encouraged to attend. The remaining schedule is: • Wilmington, California: Tuesday, Jan. 16 • Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Tuesday, Feb. 20 • Algonac, Michigan: Friday, March 8 (Editor’s note: The Wilmington date is new; the originally scheduled conference had been postponed due to inclement weather.) Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen has led the conferences and appreciates the widespread participation. “They’ve all been well-attended,” she said. “Members and families have come out, and they’ve asked great questions. We’ve talked about a lot of different things.” Bowen emphasized that membership feedback from the first several conferences directly led to positive change: “As a result of Seafarers talking about their optical benefits, we put that (topic) before the trustees, and they agreed to an increase in those benefits. Vision benefits will double as of Jan. 1, and I think this shows that the process works. Leadership heard the members’ concerns and did something about it.” Conferences already have taken place in Norfolk, Virginia; Oakland, California; Honolulu; Tacoma, Washington; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Piney Point, Maryland; Jacksonville, Florida; Houston; New Orleans; Mobile, Alabama; and Jersey City, New Jersey. As previously reported, the meetings usually begin with an overview of the SHBP, including eligibility requirements, coverage levels, prescription considerations and more. Attendees have received tips on how to reduce out-of-pocket expenses and how to take advantage of new benefits. Comparable information is shared during separate reviews of the Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Vacation Plan, SIU 401K, and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Plentiful handouts from the Seafarers Plans and from Cigna also are available. Pictured from left at the Mobile gathering are SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, SIU President David Heindel, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Benefits Director Gunilla Watts, Media Coordinator/ Recruiting Lauren Liles, and SIU Mobile Port Agent Jimmy White. In the photos below, attendees pack the halls in (from top to bottom) Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, and Jersey City. Retired Recertified Steward Denis Burke (second from left) and his family attend the Houston conference and are pictured with SIU President David Heindel (right) and Seafarers Plans Administrator Maggie Bowen (left). JANUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 5 5 �Thanksgiving in Jacksonville This year’s Thanksgiving gathering at the hiring hall in Jacksonville, Florida, took place Nov. 20 and drew a large, enthusiastic crowd of members, pensioners and guests. Additional photos are available on the SIU’s social-media pages. Retired Recertified Steward Darryl Goggins, Recertified Steward Jerome Jordan SA Shantel Sykes, Chief Cook Brittany Harris GUDE Ashanty Castillo, Administrative Assistant Ashley Castillo ABG Vicente Mansilungan, SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Steward/Baker Manuel Daguio Recertified Bosun Tavell Love (right) SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 66 • SEAFARERS Safety Director Adam Bucalo, Patrolman Eddie Pittman, Admin. Asst. Marquita Stamper, Port Agent Ashley Nelson, Admin. Asst. Ashley Castillo, Patrolman Brian Guiry JANUARY 2024 �Thanksgiving At Sea SIU steward departments upheld the decades-long tradition of putting out scrumptious holiday spreads for Thanksgiving 2023. Additional photos are available on our social-media pages. ABOARD MAERSK KANSAS - Pictured from left are ABM Mike Pockat, ABM Alfonso Marin, SA Elena Tate, CS James McLeod and Bosun Kyle Silva. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD – Pictured from left in photo above, middle, aboard the Patriot-operated ship are Chief Cook Julian Abreu, SA Emily Lepley and Recertified Steward Dennison Dizon. ABOARD MANULANI - Pictured from left in photo above, right, aboard the Matson-operated vessel are Capt. Travis Seely, Chief Cook Steven Johnson, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi and ACU Abdulwali Mugalli. ABOARD MAERSK PITTSBURGH – Pictured from left in photo above, middle, are Chief Cook Erik Loret, SA Nagi Alzaim and Recertified Steward Ali Matari. The remaining photo includes other crew members and officers. JANUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •77 �Biden To Use Trade Pacts, Leverage To Advance Worker Rights Worldwide B uilding on the provisions of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA), the Biden administration recently launched a whole-of-government initiative, via an executive order to use trade pacts and other leverage to advance worker rights worldwide. Biden’s objective, said Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai and Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, is to expand and increase worker rights and incomes abroad. When those rights advance and incomes advance, those workers benefit – and U.S. workers do, too, the three said. That’s because advancing workers’ rights and wages abroad also removes low-wage exploitation, which many businesses commonly use to export U.S. jobs and undercut U.S. workers, the officials said. “In support of workers and our national security interests, my administration will consider actions to integrate and elevate workers’ rights and the promotion of high labor standards in our foreign, international development, trade, climate, and global economic policy priorities,” Biden’s executive order declares. Biden’s order supersedes more corporate-leaning trade policies, some of which date back to the Gilded Age, which heavily rely on foreign labor to produce U.S. goods. These policies often came at a great cost to laborers in “opening markets,” many of whom suffered abuse and repression. Some examples include NAFTA, USMCA’s predecessor, which passed in spite of strong union opposition. Now, Biden is pivoting the government in a pro-worker direction, and that drew cheers from the AFL-CIO. Its then-top trade expert, Deputy Chief of Staff Thea Lee, led the crafting of tough, enforceable worker rights into the USMCA during the Trump presidency. Legislative directors from the Steelworkers, the Auto Workers and the Teamsters helped. Labor then worked with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, (D-Conn.) and other pro-worker lawmakers, to ensure those tough standards remained and the USMCA passed. Tai noted it’s led to large growth in Mexico in both independent unions – as opposed to company and pro-government unions – and rising wages there, notably in the auto industry. With that as a model, as Tai and Su pointed out, Biden’s executive order framework “will reshape how U.S. government agencies conduct international diplomacy by putting workers’ rights and standards at the center,” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler said. “Across the globe, working people are united in our fight against growing corporate overreach and abuse, low wages, attacks on organizing, the absence of strong benefits, and poor working conditions. This new strategy is a major victory for workers everywhere and underscores workers’ rights are essential to our country’s national and foreign policy, and national and economic security.” Shuler added, “This framework will leverage diplomacy to promote internationally recognized labor rights and worker organizing; create measures that enable swift responses to violence and threats against trade union leaders, activists and organizations; improve the capacity of U.S. agencies and foreign missions to engage with workers and their representatives to improve the lives of working people; and enhance and enforce fair trade practices. The directive recognizes that no matter where we live, all workers deserve dignity and respect on the job. We need a global economy that puts working people at the center.” During a ceremony in San Francisco where the executive order was announced, and with many union members SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 88 • SEAFARERS in attendance, Su (a Californian) said, “Every worker deserves a just day’s pay for a hard day’s work. Every worker should come home healthy and safe at the end of the day. And every worker should have a right to join a union. These are not just American values. They apply to workers around the world. And in President Biden’s America, we want to lead by example.” Su also warned that the executive order to all federal agencies to push worker rights worldwide, together, isn’t enough. “Corporations are global. So, workers, and worker power, and the way we think about workers have to be global, as well,” she explained. “When some corporations cut corners and contract out work to low-road businesses that exploit workers around the world, it creates an unfair playing field for every responsible business that does right by its workers. When global actors are allowed to evade labor laws in one country by exploiting workers in another part of the world, this undermines workers’ rights everywhere. And when workers are harassed, discriminated against, and attacked as they produce things sold all around the world, we cannot simply look away and ignore the ways our global economy brings with it global responsibility.” Blinken outlined practical moves to enforce worker rights worldwide, besides using trade pacts as leverage. They include “engaging governments, workers, unions, civil society and the private sector to protect and promote internationally recognized labor rights.” He’s ordering ambassadors to “engage with workers, with unions so their voices are reflected in everything that we do. “Second, we will work to hold accountable those who threaten, who intimidate, who attack union leaders, labor rights defenders, labor organizations – including using things like sanctions, trade penalties, visa restrictions – all the tools in our kit,” he said. JANUARY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – AB Muhiddin Awale (center) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. He first sailed with the union in 1996. Congratulating him are SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) and SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. BOSUN CALLS IT A CAREER – Longtime Seafarer Boyce Wilson (center) is pictured at the Houston hall (receiving his first pension check) with SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo (left) and Port Agent Joe Zavala. Wilson started sailing with the SIU in 1990. WELCOME ASHORE IN HOUSTON ‒ QEP Craig Croft (center), who started sailing with the SIU in 1985, displays his first pension check. He’s pictured at the hall with (from left) Asst. VP Mike Russo, Patrolman J.B. Niday, Patrolman Kelly Krick and Port Agent Joe Zavala. PRE-THANKSGIVING TREAT ‒ An impromptu gathering took place on Thanksgiving eve at the hiring hall in Oakland, California. Retirees and active members enjoyed good food and swapped sea stories, according to Port Agent Duane Akers, who submitted this photo. Among those in attendance (and pictured above) were retirees Emmanuel Bayani, Jovencio Cabab, Rolando Gumanas and Angelito Francisco, and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. JANUARY 2024 SIGNING UP IN ALGONAC – STOS Chandler Williams (right) receives his B-book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with Safety Director Jason Brown. ACTIVE IN APPRENTICESHIP WEEK – The SIU recently participated in National Apprenticeship Week, a DOL-led effort featuring events from coast to coast. Pictured from left are AB Blake Stollenwerck, SIU President David Heindel, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook, and Louisiana Workforce Commission Apprenticeship Director Stephen Peychaud. The SIU’s ongoing collaboration with the commission has been successful. Meanwhile, Heindel commended Stollenwerck for stepping up on short notice to assist in manning the first of the Tanker Security Program vessels. FULL BOOK IN SAN JUAN – ABW Felipe Flores (right) receives his full book from Safety Director Ricky Martinez at the hiring hall. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •99 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ISLA BELLA – ABOARD TUGBOAT TEXAS – This Seafaring selfie was taken aboard the Great Lakes Towing boat during a servicing in Green Bay, Wisconsin. From left are AB/Delegate William Hermes, AB Steve Rodziczak, SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, and AB Patrick Hermes. Chief Cook Gregory Eady is pictured aboard the TOTE ship. As noted by vessel master Capt. Andrew M. Mayher, “His hard work and dedication has made noticeable improvements to the vessel by his shipmates and those who visit.” OUTREACH IN LONE-STAR STATE – In photo above, left, SIU Patrolmen Kelly Krick (left) and J.B. Niday (right) bump into SIU Chief Engineer Pearson Smith (center) at a recent career fair at Texas A&M Galveston. Pearson, who sails with G&H Towing, is on active-duty orders from the U.S. Navy Reserve. The remaining photo (taken at a separate gathering) includes AB/Tankerman Jarred Moylan, Krick and Safety Director Kevin Sykes. The career-day event took place at Moylan’s alma mater: Aransas Pass High School. YOUNG VOICES OF EXPERIENCE – Three SIU members – all graduates of the apprentice program at the union-affiliated school in Maryland – recently participated in a career fair sponsored by Kamehameha Schools, a private school system in Hawaii. The Seafarers shared their respective training and sailing experiences with prospective apprentices. Pictured from left are QE4 Jade Ezera, AB Desmond Unutoa, and AB Luke Satsuma. MILESTONE IN GUAM – AB Julee Quiapos (left) picks up his A-seniority book at the hall. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon. SALUTING A HALF-CENTURY OF SERVICE ‒ Coinciding with the recent benefits conference in New Orleans, the union recognized retired Lead Bosun John Cain (center) for his more than 50 years with the union. Pictured from left are SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Cain, SIU President David Heindel, SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona, and New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association President Louis “Toby” Wattigney (who is a former SIU captain with Crescent Towing). 10 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 • SEAFARERS THANKING OUR VETERANS – This snapshot was taken shortly before Veterans Day 2023, aboard an SIU-contracted NY Waterway ferry. It includes (from left) Capt. Rick Thornton (former U.S. Navy), Senior Deckhand George Schumpp (Army), and SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (Coast Guard). JANUARY 2024 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD STENA IMPERATIVE – Pictured from left in the galley of the Crowley vessel above, right are SA Richmond Almocera, Chief Cook Esper Jordan and Steward/Baker Jose Norales. Remaining photo includes Safety Director Amber Akana, Norales and other crew members. TAKING THE OATH IN JACKSONVILLE ‒ Receiving their respective B-books at the hiring hall are (facing camera, from left) STOS Dale Henry and QMED Tyler Summersill. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is at left. B-BOOK IN HOUSTON – STOS Joshua Daniel (left) receives his full book at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. ABOARD STENA IMPECCABLE ‒ Pictured from left aboard the Crowley ship in Hawaii are Pumpman Martin Hamilton, SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, Bosun Isaac Amissah and Recertified Steward Anthony Jacobson. AROUND THE NORFOLK HALL – In photo above, middle, OSs Travis Smith and Joseph Ilao display their newly acquired B-books. The outdoor photo features Chief Cook Carl Royster volunteering to help keep the grounds tidy, while the remaining snapshot includes newly retired QMED George Kee (left) and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. JANUARY 2024 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG•11 11 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea Notice Increase in Vision Benefits “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 11 - December 12, 2023. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 13, 2023. The Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are pleased to announce that they have decided to increase the vision benefits that the Plan provides to mariners and their families at the Core-Plus, Core and Pensioner benefit levels. The new vision benefits will be double the amount that was previously available. This increase in benefits goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024. Mariners and their dependents at the Core-Plus level will now be eligible to receive up to $400 per person during any 24 consecutive months, to help pay for eye exams, glasses or contact lenses. At the Core level, mariners will be eligible to receive up to $250 in vision benefits during 24 consecutive months, and their dependents may receive up to $80 in vision benefits during this period. Pensioners and their dependents will now be eligible for up to $80 in vision benefits within 24 consecutive months. The Trustees wish all participants in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan a happy and healthy new year! Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 12 0 3 20 2 7 9 35 39 19 3 9 19 9 3 1 7 12 1 25 4 3 2 11 0 4 2 27 22 6 1 3 16 2 2 2 1 6 2 10 1 0 1 2 1 3 0 5 5 2 1 1 8 0 0 0 2 3 0 1 15 0 3 15 1 3 7 22 16 14 5 4 14 7 3 1 1 14 1 15 5 0 3 6 0 4 1 16 20 6 0 1 10 4 2 3 4 3 1 6 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 3 2 0 1 0 5 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 10 0 4 11 0 3 2 8 14 10 1 2 4 5 1 2 2 9 0 6 24 2 1 28 2 13 13 47 51 35 2 13 26 16 7 1 12 24 2 38 4 4 1 15 0 5 6 37 31 11 3 3 21 1 2 2 6 10 1 11 3 0 1 2 1 2 1 4 7 5 0 1 8 0 0 0 2 5 0 5 TOTAL 235 126 36 161 95 20 94 357 174 47 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 1 0 2 5 0 2 5 7 20 12 1 3 13 3 2 2 3 9 0 9 99 2 0 2 4 1 2 2 7 10 6 1 2 6 2 1 0 3 4 1 6 62 1 1 1 2 0 1 0 2 3 3 0 2 6 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 28 4 0 4 1 0 5 0 10 12 2 2 0 5 1 1 1 3 6 1 8 66 2 1 1 9 1 1 9 13 24 14 3 3 17 5 2 3 5 13 1 16 143 0 1 1 5 1 2 4 14 12 5 0 4 12 2 1 0 3 2 1 12 82 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 2 3 3 0 3 4 4 1 0 0 3 0 6 33 3 0 0 5 0 4 3 5 14 4 0 1 7 4 0 3 3 8 0 10 74 7 0 1 12 0 2 12 27 45 13 3 3 18 15 6 2 7 9 3 25 210 2 1 1 5 1 0 3 10 17 6 1 1 14 8 1 3 11 7 0 10 102 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 5 1 0 1 5 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 22 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 13 4 1 0 6 0 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 5 2 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 15 1 0 12 0 3 3 27 45 25 1 0 13 7 0 2 3 15 1 19 17 1 2 17 2 6 14 42 124 35 2 4 48 7 2 18 1 10 0 16 With Seafarers Aboard OS Santorini Total Shipped All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Engine Department This snapshot was taken in early December in Corpus Christi, Texas. Pictured from left aboard the Overseas Ship Management vessel are OS Alex Needham, Chief Cook Joshu Lee, AB Christopher Collins, OS Elvershon Williams, Bosun Ryan Legario, SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday and Steward/Baker Michael Carello. January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Friday: Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8 Thursday: Jan. 25, Feb. 22 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Friday: Jan. 19, Feb. 16 Tuesday: Jan. 16, Monday: Feb. 12 Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8 Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Port Everglades San Juan Wednesday: Jan. 17, Feb. 14 Tuesday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Tuesday: Jan. 9, Feb. 6 Friday: Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15 Wednesday: Jan. 10, Feb. 7 Thursday: Jan. 18, Feb. 15 Thursday: Jan. 11, Feb. 8 St. Louis Friday: Jan. 19, Feb. 16 Tacoma Friday: Jan. 26, Feb. 23 Wilmington Monday: Jan. 22, Tuesday: Feb. 20 Date changes due to holiday observances. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m 2 1 2 2 0 3 3 10 14 4 2 2 13 3 3 3 3 4 1 11 86 2 0 2 1 0 3 0 3 12 2 2 1 3 0 0 0 1 3 0 2 37 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 7 1 0 0 1 1 0 3 22 Steward Department Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTAL 3 0 0 8 1 3 10 18 29 8 1 1 15 8 2 4 6 9 2 11 139 2 1 0 4 0 2 2 7 14 4 1 1 12 6 0 3 7 7 0 5 78 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 1 2 2 0 2 2 0 0 4 20 3 0 0 4 1 3 3 6 11 6 0 1 9 6 0 4 1 4 0 11 73 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 1 1 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 0 0 7 0 2 0 20 25 14 1 0 9 3 0 2 2 8 0 13 15 1 4 5 0 0 9 13 70 22 1 2 28 5 3 15 0 7 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 5 1 8 15 4 0 1 9 0 0 5 5 3 0 7 67 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 3 0 0 1 15 Entry Department 3 1 2 1 1 1 1 13 24 5 0 0 8 1 1 5 0 2 0 10 6 0 1 2 0 1 2 7 40 10 1 0 16 7 1 12 2 3 1 3 TOTAL 12 116 206 6 79 115 43 21 192 368 GRAND TOTAL 485 382 290 326 278 172 277 731 550 470 12 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 12 • SEAFARERS JANUARY 2024 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAGOTHY (Argent Marine Operations, Inc.), August 19 – Chairman Rudy Harjanto, Educational Director Ryan Sotomayor, Deck Delegate Justo Guity. Chairman reiterated the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center and reminded crew of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s scholarship opportunities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed dangerous-cargo pay and requested new fans, linens and beds. TVs and refrigerators are needed in rooms. Members reported issues with internet service. Crew asked for boot reimbursements, air conditioning in galley, wage increases. Crew requested specific wage allocations to be reported on pay vouchers. SBX (TOTE Services), September 19 – Chairman James Reynolds, Secretary Annie Nodd, Educational Director Rolando Torres, Deck Delegate Jehu Laranjo, Engine Delegate Olivier Especa, Steward Delegate Gilma David. Chairman discussed the MSC contract extension and explained how it may delay annual raises. He reviewed medical benefits as well as the pension plan. Secretary directed members to the steward’s office to find all SIU forms and reminded everyone to verify documents before signing them. She informed crew of upcoming benefits conferences and encouraged everyone’s attendance. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members suggested several additions for the next contract including implementing “roommate pay.” Crew motioned to increase continuity retention program and to make increases to all wages across the board. New dates for safety training courses have been posted for those interested. Next port: Honolulu. HUDSON EXPRESS (Marine Personnel& Provisioning), September 30 – Chairman Zeki Karaahmet, Secretary Abraham Mills, Educational Director Fernandez Wilcox. Chairman brought up various overtime issues, including considerations regarding department delegates and meetings. He also thanked the steward department for a job well done. Secretary reminded members to keep mess hall and laundry room clean and thanked crew for help with recent ship stores. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and reminded them to keep their documents up to date. Members requested increases to vacation and pension benefits. Crew experienced a safe voyage and good weather. CAPE WRATH (Crowley), October 1 – Chairman Prateek Poras, Secretary Douglas Flynn, Educational Director Timothy Chestnut, Deck Delegate Alexander Busby, Engine Delegate Morey Lewis, Steward Delegate Wilma Joy Smith. Chairman discussed manning of Cape ships. Educational director advised crew to renew documents in timely manner and keep beneficiary information updated. He directed members to the SIU website to check for upgrading courses at the Piney Point school and reminded them to use the member portal. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked for upgrades to air conditioning, furniture and Wi-Fi service. News books and movies were requested as well as a new ice machine. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. TEXAS (Seabulk Crew Management), October 12 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Michael Banks, Steward Delegate Jose Santos. Chairman asked for members’ patience when they’re awaiting reliefs. Secretary encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and to keep physicals up-to-date. Educational director reminded members to keep documents current and to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Three refrigerators needed on ship, and engine department in need of winter gear. Members requested increased coverage for eyeglasses. Next port: Anacortes, Washington. MYKONOS (Overseas Ship Management), October 21 – Secretary Brian Lunsford, Educational Director Lawrence Banks. Chairman advised crew to stay on top of sanitation. Secretary urged members to renew medical documentation early and to check credentials for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New beds needed on ship. Crew requested 30 for 30 vacation and improvements to medical and pension benefits. Next port: Singapore. U S N S B RU C E H E E Z E N ( O c e a n Shipholdings), October 29 – Chairman Robert Natividad, Secretary Emmanuel Matias, Educational Director Yuri Hernandez, Deck Delegate Ricardo Dayrit, Steward Delegate Marcus Dalton. New plates and linen orders are underway for next trip. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and announced plans about completing documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new shower curtains and shower mats. They asked for addi- tional food and for easier access to the internet. MAERSK KANSAS (Maersk Line, Limited), November 11 – Chairman Kyle Silva, Secretary James McLeod, Educational Director Francois Doucet, Deck Delegate Alfonso Marin, Engine Delegate Adrian Darden, Steward Delegate Cody Younghans. Chairman thanked crew for working safely and keeping ship clean. He especially thanked members for doing a good job with oil cleanup. Educational director advised members to take advantage of the new courses being taught at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested new linens and towels. Crew needs carpet cleaner and new washer and dryers. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. TORM THUNDER (Eco-Tankers Crew Management), November 25 – Chairman Ryan Scott, Secretary Michael Watts, Educational Director Michael Kelly, Deck Delegate Adam Riley, Engine Delegate Greg Alvarez, Steward Delegate Angel Bernardez. New dryer ordered. Fans and refrigerators in staterooms are being worked on. Chairman told members to stay up to date on documents and physicals. Educational director urged crew to attend upgrading courses at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for Gatorade powder mix to drink while working in a hot-weather climate. Crew requested increases in vacation as well as pension benefits. Members would like financial compensation for going past contractual sign on time without a relief. Next port: Guam. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return JANUARY 2024 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •13 13 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast This month’s question was answered by members of the most recent bosun recertification class. That class included 11 Seafarers; the responses of the other six members were published in the previous edition. Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Question: Why did you join the union and why have you stuck with it? Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 Luis Garcia Recertified Bosun John Coleman Recertified Bosun Since I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a seaman, because I’m from a port town (Buenaventura, Colombia), and seeing those seamen coming ashore, they were almost heroes. I joined the SIU thanks to a friend, in 2004. The reasons I’m still an SIU member are because of all the benefits we get, good money, traveling to different countries for free, and I spent quality time with my family when I’m home. I joined and have stuck with it because the SIU offers great money and great benefits. You can live anywhere you want, and you have a flexible work schedule. Robert Hoppenworth Recertified Bosun I joined the union because I was able to start in the trainee program. I was in Class 535. I knew I could upgrade and move up at my pace, and of course make more money and have a future. HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Paul Brown Recertified Bosun I became a seaman because I followed in my father’s footsteps. I really enjoy this career. The SIU provides a great opportunity to get ahead in life, and it has worked out very well for me. Junior Augustin Recertified Bosun JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Most of the men in my family are sailors, so I’ve had a desire to work on a ship from a young age. After coming to the United States and being introduced to the SIU, I knew this was a perfect opportunity to fulfill my career goals as well as provide me the lifestyle I wanted. I’ve been able to accomplish so many of my dreams – this career changed my life, and I truly enjoy what I do. I’m very thankful for all the leadership and instruction I’ve gotten; there are some truly monumental leaders in the union, and their passion for the industry along with their professionalism has motivated me and inspired my growth. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 Oiler Antonio Garza works aboard the Overseas Alaska in 1971. 14 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 • SEAFARERS JANUARY 2024 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA EDDIE ALMODOVAR Brother Eddie Almodovar, 66, signed on with the union in 1977 when he sailed on the Overseas Chicago. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Almodovar most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Montana. He resides in Jensen Beach, Florida. ARMANDO AMANTE Brother Armando Amante, 70, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2004 when he sailed aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Amante shipped in the steward department and last worked on the Pacific Collector. He is a resident of Kent, Washington. EDUARDO BARLAS Brother Eduardo Barlas, 66, joined the SIU in 2001. He first shipped on the Maersk Maine and sailed in the deck department. Brother Barlas upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed on the Maersk Columbus and makes his home in New Milford, New Jersey. ANDREW BARROWS Brother Andrew Barrows, 68, joined the union in 1991, initially sailing aboard the Falcon Leader. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Barrows’ final vessel was the USNS Pililaau. He lives in New Orleans. FELSHER BEASLEY Brother Felsher Beasley, 63, joined the union in 1979, initially sailing with Inland Tugs. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Beasley last shipped on the American Pride and makes his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. JANUARY 2024 We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. LEO BOGNOSON STEVEN MCBRIDE DONALD RICO Brother Leo Bognoson, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1993. A deck department member, he first worked on the Producer. Brother Bognoson upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His final vessel was the Pride of America. Brother Bognoson resides in Long Beach, California. Brother Steven McBride, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1991. He first sailed aboard the USNS Indomitable and worked in the deck department. Brother McBride upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed aboard the Chemical Pioneer and is a resident of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Brother Donald Rico, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1991 and initially worked on the Sealift Atlantic. He was a member of the deck department and last shipped on the Global Sentinel. Brother Rico upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1997. He calls Morton, Washington, home. JOSE BONITA JULIOUS MIZELL Brother Jose Bonita, 67, joined the Seafarers in 2005, initially sailing on the Steven L. Bennett. Brother Bonita was a member of the engine department. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Bonita last shipped on the Washington and lives in SeaTac, Washington. Brother Julious Mizell, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1978 and first sailed aboard the Coastal Kansas. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Mizell’s final vessel was the Ohio. He makes his home in Denham Springs, Louisiana. ISAAC VEGA MERCADO Brother Isaac Vega Mercado, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1984 when he sailed aboard the Venture. Brother Vega Mercado upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. A deck department member, he last shipped on the Ocean Glory. Brother Vega Mercado settled in Ponce, Puerto Rico. BOYCE WILSON EDWARD GAVAGAN Brother Edward Gavagan, 69, became a member of the union in 2001. He shipped in the deck department and first sailed with Marine Personnel & Provisioning. Brother Gavagan upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently sailed on the American Phoenix and settled in Tampa, Florida. TRACEY NEWSOME Brother Tracey Newsome, 60, started his career with the union in 1987, initially sailing aboard the USNS Harkness. A steward department member, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Newsome most recently shipped on the Texas. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Boyce Wilson, 63, signed on with the union in 1990. He was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Sealift Atlantic. Brother Wilson upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last shipped on the Alliance Fairfax. He makes his home in El Campo, Texas. INLAND MICHAEL EDWARDS EDISON INUMAN ARISTEO PADUA Brother Edison Inuman, 68, donned the SIU colors in 2001, following the NMU’s merger into the SIU. His first SIU ship was the Cape Horn. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Inuman most recently sailed on the KamoKuiki. He is a resident of San Jose, California. Brother Aristeo Padua, 65, became an SIU member in 2001. He first shipped on the Samuel L. Cobb and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. A deck department member, Brother Padua concluded his career aboard the Alaskan Legend. He resides in Cerritos, California. GERALD KIRTSEY STEPHEN PARKER Brother Gerald Kirtsey, 61, joined the union in 1987. A steward department member, he initially shipped on the USNS Capella. Brother Kirtsey upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career aboard the California and resides in Jacksonville, Florida. Brother Stephen Parker, 62, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1982, initially sailing on the Long Lines. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Parker last shipped on the Ocean Grand and makes his home in South Portland, Maine. Brother Michael Edwards, 57, signed on with the union in 1987. He was a deck department member and sailed with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. Brother Edwards upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He settled in Spring, Texas. DOMENIC RIZZO Brother Domenic Rizzo, 62, joined the union in 1989 when he worked with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Brother Rizzo was a deck department member. He last sailed with McAllister Towing of Philadelphia and resides in Monmouth Beach, New Jersey. KENNETH WOMACK Brother Kenneth Womack, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 2004, initially working with OSG Ship Management. He sailed as a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Womack concluded his career with Penn Maritime and calls Rayville, Louisiana, home. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Final Departures DEEP SEA BENJAMIN FERIA Brother Benjamin Feria, 70, passed away October 10. He became a member of the SIU in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Meteor. Brother Feria was a steward department member. He last shipped on the President Wilson in 2020 and made his home in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. VIRGILIO HOFFMANN Pensioner Virgilio Hoffmann, 81, died September 18. He joined the union in 1972 and initially sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes. Brother Hoffmann sailed in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Lightning. He started collecting his pension in 2012 and was a San Francisco resident. DESMOND LYNCH Brother Desmond Lynch, 70, has passed away. He was born in Guyana and began his career with the Seafarers in 1999. A steward department member, Brother Lynch was first employed by H&M Lake Transport. He most recently sailed on the Sam Laud in 2011 and lived in Covington, Georgia. KELLY MAYO Pensioner Kelly Mayo, 63, died October 6. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1970. Brother Mayo first sailed with Michigan Tankers Inc. and worked in the engine department. He most recently shipped on the Overseas Nikiski and went on pension last year. Brother Mayo lived in Inverness, Florida. ANGEL SOTOMAYOR Pensioner Angel Sotomayor, 69, has passed away. He joined the SIU in 1969 and first shipped with OMI Bulk Corporation. Brother Sotomayor sailed in all three departments. He last shipped on the El Morro and went on pension in 2007. Brother Sotomayor made his home in Puerto Rico. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. HERMAN STITH EDWARD SCHAFFHAUSER THOMAS JACKSON Pensioner Herman Stith, 69, died November 8. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1997 when he sailed on the Cape May. Brother Stith was a steward department member and last shipped on the Maersk Carolina in 2008. He began collecting his pension in 2020 and resided in Norfolk, Virginia. Pensioner Edward Schaffhauser, 89, passed away September 28. He joined the union in 1974 when he worked with Gulf Atlantic Transport. Brother Schaffhauser shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce before going on pension in 1996. Brother Schaffhauser resided in Atlantic Beach, Florida. Pensioner Thomas Jackson, 98, died September 27. He began sailing in 1944, when he worked on the Charles L. O’Connor. Brother Jackson was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the American Clipper before going on pension in 2002. Brother Jackson resided in Jamaica, New York, his home state. RUDOLPH WINFIELD Pensioner Rudolph Winfield, 78, passed away October 21. He donned the SIU colors in 1965. A steward department member, Brother Winfield first shipped on the Cottonwood Creek. He concluded his career aboard the Quality and became a pensioner in 2011. Brother Winfield lived in Norfolk, Virginia. INLAND ROBERT ANDERSEN Pensioner Robert Andersen, 83, died October 25. He started sailing with the SIU in 1978 and first sailed on the Manhattan Island. Brother Andersen sailed in both the deck and engine departments, and last worked aboard the Padre Island. He retired in 2002 and resided in High Falls, New York. DAVID BREUNING Pensioner David Breuning 81, passed away October 31. Born in Durango, Colorado, he joined the SIU in 1977. Brother Breuning was first employed with Allied Transportation and worked in the deck department. He retired in 2005 after concluding his career with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Brother Breuning made his home in Orlando, Florida. HUGH PREWITT Pensioner Hugh Prewitt, 92, died October 7. He signed on with the union in 1963 and sailed in the deck department. Brother Prewitt first sailed with HVIDE Marine. He was last employed with National Marine Service and became a pensioner in 1998. Brother Prewitt lived in Nederland, Texas. NMU EZEQUIEL DE OLIVEIRA Pensioner Ezequiel De Oliveira, 92, died June 22. Brother De Oliveira worked in the deck department, lastly aboard the Maersk Texas. He became a pensioner in 2002 and resided in Brazil. ELIAS ERAZO Pensioner Elias Erazo, 93, passed away November 6. Born in Honduras, Brother Erazo began sailing in 1959. He was an engine department member and last sailed aboard the Majorie Lykes. Brother Erazo retired in 1991 and settled in Sunrise, Florida. HERMAN GOVAERT Pensioner Herman Govaert, 85, died June 26. Brother Govaert first shipped aboard the Green Dale, and worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the Mormac Dawn and became a pensioner in 1993. Brother Govaert lived in Belgium, his birthplace. CLIFTON HUGHES Pensioner Clifton Hughes, 97, passed away August 2. Brother Hughes sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the Lyra and retired in 1993. Brother Hughes made his home in Rusk, Texas. JOHN JENNINGS Pensioner John Jennings, 70, passed away August 27. Brother Jennings sailed in the steward department. He last shipped on the Green Wave in 2003. Brother Jennings began collecting his pension in 2017 and was a resident of Lancaster, California. FRANCISCO MARCHENA Pensioner Francisco Marchena, 85, died October 30. Brother Marchena was born in New Jersey. He worked as a deck department member and last sailed aboard the Mormac Star. Brother Marchena retired in 2000 and settled in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. CARL SAARI Pensioner Carl Saari, 86, passed away October 21. An engine department member, Brother Saari was born in Limestone, Michigan. He concluded his career aboard the Agent before retiring in 1993. Brother Saari made his home in Mathias, Michigan. SIU SHOWS SUPPORT DIMAS RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Dimas Rodriguez, 90, died February 16. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1966, initially sailing aboard the Seatrain New York. Brother Rodriguez was a steward department member and concluded his career aboard the Guayama in 1994. He settled in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. 16 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 16 • SEAFARERS SIU VP Government Services Nicholas Celona (fourth from left) attends the 248th birthday celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps in San Jose, California, along with other guests. The event took place last November. JANUARY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates Date of Completion SAFETY/OPEN UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 19 March 18 March 1 March 29 Able Seafarer - Deck March 11 March 29 Basic Training Revalidation February 2 February 12 February 16 March 4 March 8 March 18 March 22 April 5 April 22 April 26 February 2 February 12 February 16 March 4 March 8 March 18 March 22 April 5 April 22 April 26 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT February 5 March 11 March 1 March 29 Marine Electrician April 22 May 24 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation February 5 February 9 Marine Refer Tech March 11 April 19 Government Vessels Adv. Refer Containers February 5 February 16 February 26 March 4 March 25 April 22 March 1 March 8 March 29 April 26 Machinist April 29 May 10 Tank Ship Familiarization - DL April 22 April 26 Tank Ship Familiarization - LG April 29 May 3 Pumpman April 22 April 26 Welding March 4 April 8 March 22 April 26 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook February 12 March 18 April 29 March 15 April 19 May 31 ServSafe Management February 5 March 11 April 22 February 9 March 15 April 26 Advanced Galley Ops March 18 April 12 Chief Steward February 12 April 22 March 8 May 17 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell) ___________________________ Date of Birth ___________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member  Lakes Member  Inland Waters Member COURSE ____________________________ START DATE __________________ DATE OF COMPLETION ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department ___________________ Home Port _____________________________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes  No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes  No _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ___________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. JANUARY 2024 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: _______________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off: _______________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date: __________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG17 • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos 901 APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #901 – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Israel Christian-Grace, Aminata Diallo, Emma DiGennaro, Eden Dulin, Caleb Estrada, Dennis Freeman Jr., Austin Gass, Brenda Gonzalez Potash, Laurence Iledan, Justian Jones, Antoine Kozel, Madison Kruer, Marcos Medina-Vargas, Mario Odom Jr., Dominic Pena, Orlando Quirantes, Simeon Roberts, Xavier Roberts, Sarah Silverleaf, Eric Simmons, Andrew Tingle, Wesley Tingle, Kiefer Vanderbilt and Marshall Whitcraft. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ABLE SEAFARER DECK – Graduated August 4 (above, in alphabetical order): Mukhtar Ali, Jonathan Cordova-Alonso, Joshua Daniel, Elijah Diallo, James Jones, Derrel Oliver, Carl Piercy, Cody Quinn, Julian Ramirez, Felix Rivera Rodriguez, Dean Schrantz, Venise Spears, Preston Stine, Mark Stookey, Kamron Stripling, and Zachary Wilkinson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) ADVANCED REFER CONTAINER MAINTENANCE – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Dennis Blake II, Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, David Hain-Mendez, Ethan Love, Yahya Ali Mohamed and Kelly Percy. Instructor Roy Graham is at left, while Instructor Mike Fay is in the back, third from the right. 18 SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 18 • SEAFARERS JANUARY 2024 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW - PHASE 3 – Graduated December 1 (above, in alphabetical order): Taher Albaneh, Alexander Baum, David Bessey, Emily Castellano-Marquez, Ne'shawn Christopher, Michael Cruz Diaz, Qaadir Gillette-James, Colontae Hargrove, Wade Henry, Lynn James Jr., Lamar Johnson, Jeremiah Mills, Jabar Mohamad, David Morris, Gary Wassel Jr., and Dylan Wright. ADVANCED GALLEY OPERATIONS – Graduated November 10 (above, in alphabetical order): Charlene Briggs, Esstonia Moore, Jacob Parrilla, Tony Pragosa, William Sanchez, and Delphine Simmons. (Note: Not all are pictured.) JUNIOR ENGINEERING - PLANT MAINTENANCE II – Graduated November 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Kyree Carter, Akim Davis-Griffin, Lesther Gonzalez, Cody Higgs, Quinton Sashington, Randy Slue, Daniel Ursitti, Joel Williams, and Sean Wilson. Instructor Christopher Morgan is second from left. WELDING & METALLURGY – Graduated November 3 (above, in alphabetical order): Michael Clark, Marquez Fields, Jean Lozada, Ahbram Ventura-Bishop and Michael Wilt. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Instructor Chris Raley is at the far right. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4 – GROUP A) – Graduated November 24 (above, in alphabetical order): Timothy Cooper, Alondra Delgado, Benny Feria, Faith Gonse and Britorria Hogan. JANUARY 2024 CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK (MODULE 4 – GROUP B) – Graduated November 24 (above, in alphabetical order): De'vine Lents, Joseph Lucas, Jubaree McHellen, Pura Moreno Soriano, Kevin Robinson and Suyapa Ruiz. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 SEAFARERS LOG19 • 19 �JANUARY 2024 VOLUME 86, NO. 1 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Year in Review: 2023 New Tonnage and Contracts SIU President David Heindel (left) makes his first speech as the fourth president of the SIU. Michael Sacco, the previous president, is at right. I n 2023, the SIU’s top priority wasn’t hard to determine. In the pages of the Seafarers LOG, as well as on the SIU’s social media pages, it clearly proved to be the year of the recruiter. From job fairs, ad campaigns and community outreach, the union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) have been hard at work finding new mariners to join the Brotherhood of the Sea. However, the biggest story of the year is clear: the retirement of longtime SIU President Michael Sacco, and the subsequent appointment of SIU President David Heindel. The SIU Executive Board convened Feb. 13 near Orlando, Florida. Sacco announced his retirement and then nominated Heindel (who had served as the union’s secretary-treasurer since 1997) as his successor. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez seconded the nomination; a unanimous vote of approval followed. Subsequently, the board unanimously approved the respective appointments of Tom Orzechowski as secretarytreasurer and Bryan Powell as vice president of the SIU’s Great Lakes and Inland Waters sector. Orzechowski had served as Lakes vice president since 2003; Powell had been an assistant vice president since 2007. “Dave will do a great job and he has my complete confidence,” Sacco stated. “He has proven himself throughout his lifetime of service to the SIU. We are also fortunate to have outstanding leadership throughout our executive board, and I know this will be a seamless transition.” The following are other top stories from the year, grouped into broad topics. The first tonnage of the year to join the U.S.-Flag fleet was the Badlands Trader, a tanker operated by U.S. Marine Management, Inc. (USMMI) for Maersk Line, Limited., reflagged to United States registry on April 17 in Piraeus, Greece. In July, Pasha Hawaii’s new LNG-powered containership Janet Marie was delivered, as well as the TOTE-operated Empire State and a new NY Waterway tug, the Arthur E. Imperatore. In August, the Janet Marie was christened, as were the Crowley tug Artemis and the USNS Navajo (operated by MSC). Near the end of the year, an influx of new tonnage added jobs for SIU members, including the SLNC Star (Chesapeake Crewing) the Allied Pacific (Patriot), the purchase of the Alaskan Frontier by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), and the impending additions of the Cape Sable and Cape San Juan (Crowley) into the Ready Reserve Force (RRF). In 2023, multiple contracts were negotiated, with others ongoing as the year concluded. Contracts that were agreed and voted upon in 2023 included a mid-contract pay increase with G&H Towing and a new three-year contract with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. Five SIU members employed by NY Waterway played vital roles in safely evacuating hundreds of passengers from a Staten Island Ferry that caught fire in late December 2022. (Photo courtesy Baris Barlas, Big City Tourism) Rescues Just missing our print deadline for the 2022 Year in Review, SIU members aboard a NY Waterway ferry came to the rescue of hundreds of passengers aboard a disabled Staten Island Ferry on Dec. 22. The NYPD and FDNY responded to the incident by requesting aide from other ferries in the harbor, and the SIU crew of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt rushed to help the passengers in peril. The SIU members rescued 558 passengers from the doomed vessel, with the remaining 310 taken to shore by other vessels. The rescues didn’t stop there: On January 3, the Sagamore (operated by Sealift) rescued 15 from the Straits of Florida; the National Glory (Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning) handled two such operations, one in February involving 21 migrants and the other in early March involving 15 distressed individuals; the Overseas Long Beach (OSG) saved 12 migrants on March 30; the ATB Legacy (Crowley) saved eight migrants who had been stranded for nearly a month on March 1; and both the Overseas Nikiski (OSG) and Overseas Santorini (OSG) performed rescues – 18 hours apart – on May 30-31. Members of the SIU Government Services Division also helped handle rescues, including one involving the USNS John Lewis. SIU President David Heindel (left) was a featured speaker Aug. 9 as Seafarers-contracted Pasha Hawaii christened its new containership Janet Marie in Oakland, California. Pictured at the event are (from left) Heindel, company President and CEO George Pasha IV, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone and Elyse Pasha, wife of George. Maritime News The Seafarers LOG saw a noteworthy redesign in 2023. As mentioned above, the union experienced just the third transfer of power in the SIU’s history. President Heindel pledged his unyielding support of the rank-and-file in a meeting which took place in mid-February, and began serving in said role shortly thereafter, as the fourth SIU president. In other news, Daniel Duncan, former Seafarers LOG editor and executive secretary-treasurer of the SIUaffiliated Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, retired after more than three decades of service to the maritime community. Also retiring in 2023 was SIU of Canada President Jim Given, who was succeeded by Mike Given. The union also completely renovated the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virgina, over the course of 2023, culminating in a re-dedication ceremony which took place on July 25. Heindel said the refurbished hall “symbolizes improvements in the present and the hope for the future. This location is excellent, and now this facility itself is state of the art and will serve our membership well into the future. It’s a place where our members and their families can feel safe and proud to come and take care of their business.” Additionally, the union and the Seafarers Plans teamed up to conduct a series of benefits conferences at numerous halls. A few more such meetings are scheduled for 2024. The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education hosted many important gatherings SIU and Paul Hall Center personnel devote lots of time and resources toward recruiting, as reflected by this December snapshot taken in Jacksonville, Florida. Safety Director Adam Bucalo is at left. throughout the year, including a meeting of the high-level U.S. Transportation Command’s (USTRANSCOM) Sealift Executive Working Group, typically referred to as the EWG, on August 30. SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez is the labor representative on the committee. Other notable events throughout 2023 included: the return of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic; the first Congressional Sail-In since the COVID-19 pandemic; and the opportunity for four SIU apprentices to serve as flag-bearers during the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Finally, it is worth mentioning that the Seafarers LOG itself underwent a notable change, moving to a new, fullcolor format beginning with the October 2023 edition. The change has been received positively by readers. Final Departures Last year saw the following maritime figures cross the final bar: Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center Director John Gallagher; AFL-CIO President Emeritus Thomas R. Donahue; retired SIU Assistant Vice President Chester “Chet” Wheeler; and SIU Representative Gerard Dhooge. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2024 Description An account of the resource SIU CREWS HONORED AT AOTOS EVENT MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR UNDERSCORES NEED TO BOOST RECRUITING AND RETENTION NORFOLK HALL HOSTS PRO-MARITIME SENATOR, CONGRESSMAN SIU FLEET EXPANDS WITH SARTER MARINE ACQUISITION CHIEF COOK HONORED BY STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS CONFERENCES CONTINUE SIU YEAR IN REVIEW INCREASE IN VISION BENEFITS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2024 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 86, No. 1 2024 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/dd7bf949c3382ef3e7ede8fd966f6a35.pdf 4c4ca78b70ddef335064acab80696e74 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JANUARY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Members Crew Up Reflagged Tanker The union recently gained new shipboard jobs when the shallowdraft tanker Dream Pioneer (below) reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. Some of the first SIU members to sail aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel – renamed as the Redwood Trader – are pictured in the other photo. Page 3. (Ship photo by Seongwoo Park) Steward Departments Union Election Winds Down Brighten Thanksgiving SIU galley gangs across the fleet made extra efforts to help ensure their fellow mariners enjoyed holiday delicacies despite being on the job. Pictured aboard the Perla Del Caribe (TOTE Services) on Thanksgiving are (from left) Chief Cook Fernando Marques and Recertified Steward Tony Mendez. For additional photos, see pages 10-11. The SIU election was scheduled to conclude Dec. 31 (after press time). Recently securing their respective ballots aboard the Liberty Peace (Liberty Maritime) are (from left) Chief Cook Claribel Cabral, STOS Noel Gay, Steward/Baker Bebiana Eason, AB Moises Arzu and AB Juan Salgado. Page 4. YEAR IN REVIEW • PAGE 5 // PHILANTHROPY IN PUERTO RICO • PAGE 20 �President’s Report Wins – and More Work Ahead – in D.C. While I wouldn’t describe it as a Christmas present, the planned mid-December introduction of the Ships for America Act in Congress is a great boost to the U.S. Merchant Marine as we navigate the winter holidays. The bill’s co-sponsors are realistic about its path for advancement in the New Year – it’ll take a lot of work, and passage won’t happen overnight. But there is strong bipartisan backing for the bill, along with a growing awareness of our industry’s importance to national, economic and homeland security. As you may have seen online, the SIU publicly supported the Ships for America Act upon David Heindel introduction (very close to our press time). We are one of dozens of organizations and individual stakeholders that helped shape the bill as it went through draft revisions for more than a year. Personally, I find it an extraordinary piece of legislation that stands to revitalize, strengthen and sustain our nation’s maritime industry. The Ships for America Act addresses critical gaps in shipbuilding, maritime workforce development, and the modernization of our commercial fleet. It is a bold step toward ensuring that the United States maintains a robust and competitive maritime presence, which is essential for both economic and national security. In my 51 years of working in this industry, whether at sea or ashore, I have not seen any maritime legislation as comprehensive and impactful as the Ships for America Act. I have urged labor and industry leaders to join us in supporting this long-overdue bill, as it not only honors the legacy of our maritime industry but also paves the way for its future growth and sustainability. At the same time, and as original co-sponsor Sen. Mark Kelly – a former U.S. Merchant Mariner – said shortly before the bill was introduced, I also remind everyone that this will be a process rather than an instant victory. Those of you who were sailing or otherwise following the industry back in the mid-1990s may remember how many pushes it took for us to help get the Maritime Security Act across the finish line. Similarly, and although this one was slightly before my time, the Merchant Marine Act of 1970 required a sustained and lengthy effort. Notwithstanding those caveats, this is a huge opportunity for our industry. I sincerely thank Sen. Kelly, Sen. Todd Young, Rep. Trent Kelly and Rep. John Garamendi for introducing the bill, and I look forward to working for its passage. We’ve got other good news to report from the nation’s capital, too. As part of this year’s Defense bill, both the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and the Tanker Security Program (TSP) will be extended five years, to 2040, when the bill passes (it has not yet done so as of press time), which is expected before the end of the year. I am proud to note that the SIU helped make it happen, particularly regarding the MSP. The MSP has been a foundational component of the U.S.-flag fleet since we helped secure passage of the aforementioned Maritime Security Act in 1996. The much-newer TSP promises to be a vital component moving forward." Collectively, these are timely examples of why we’re a politically active organization and always will be. Your jobs are directly dependent on federal laws (among other factors), and that’s why we’re always on the front lines in Washington, as well as staying active at the state and local levels of government. Building on Success As of this writing in mid-December, I am finishing my first full calendar year as president of our great union, and closing in on two years at the helm, total. I appreciate your supportiveness and I assure you that while no organization is perfect, we always strive to be proactive, responsive and supportive of the rankand-file membership. If you read our “year in review” article elsewhere in this edition, I think you’ll agree that we earned many successes in 2024, and we are well-positioned to build on them in the New Year and beyond. I remain confident in our union and our industry, and am ready to help keep us on the right course, with your continued backing. Sen. Kelly: Ships for America Act Will Revitalize Industry A strong U.S. maritime industry is essential to the nation, and the Ships for America Act is a timely, viable way to bolster it. Pro-maritime U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) delivered those messages Nov. 21 at an industry gathering in the nation’s capital. Attendees included SIU Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, Director of Manpower Mark von Siegel, Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, and Political Consultant Terry Turner. Kelly is a co-sponsor of the Ships for America Act, the most comprehensive maritime legislation put together in decades. The bill was expected to be formally introduced Dec. 18 or 19 (at press time). The SIU worked with industry allies for more than a year to help craft the legislation. A former merchant mariner, astronaut and a Navy veteran, Kelly also is the grandson of a World War II U.S. Merchant Mariner. He told the audience in Washington, D.C., that his lifelong familiarity with, and support for, American maritime has led him to firmly conclude “we need to seriously and urgently reorient our maritime industry…. It’s an issue that Congress and multiple administrations, Republican and Democrat, Seafarers LOG Volume 87 Number 1 January 2025 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2024 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG Gathering for a photo immediately following the senator’s remarks are (from left) SIU Director of Manpower Mark von Siegel, U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, (rear) SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, and SIU Political Consultant Terry Turner. have tried to grasp, but also sort of ignored for decades. Now, we can't afford to ignore this any longer.” The senator compared U.S.-flag fleet data from the mid-1980s, when he graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, to today. He pointed out that the size of the U.S. fleet is dwarfed by China’s. Kelly also lamented the gradual decrease in the number of U.S. shipyards. “Despite the decline in size of our maritime industry, we’re still facing a shortage of mariners that we need to man and crew these vessels, and the consequences of these failures are serious,” he stated. “With oceans to the east and west, America has always been a maritime nation. More than 80% of goods imported into this country come by sea, making the maritime domain critical to our economy, and just as importantly, maritime transportation logistics are critical to our national security in a prolonged conflict overseas. We’re going to have to rely on the U.S. Merchant Marine to provide the sealift we need to support overseas operations, and we need a more robust maritime industrial base here at home to make sure we have the shipbuilding and ship repair capacity to meet the needs of the Navy and other government shipbuilders.” Kelly said that such a broad and complex set of challenges “requires us to comprehensively rethink our national maritime strategy, and so over the past year, my team and I and others on Capitol Hill have worked with many of you and countless others throughout the maritime industry to develop comprehensive legislation to rebuild the U.S. maritime industry. For months now, I’ve worked closely with (original co-sponsor) Rep. Mike Waltz (R) of Florida, who will be the incoming National Security Advisor for the president-elect.” The senator described four main components of the Ships for America Act. “First, it works to make sure that U.S.-flag vessel costs are competitive in international commerce,” he explained. “We provide tax incentives for private companies to consider shipping cargo on U.S.-flagged vessels and restore the cargo preference and agency reimbursement requirements that Congress undid in 2012. We also propose regulatory reforms, like looking for efficiencies to improve the way that the Coast Guard regulates vessels, and evaluate whether there are ways to allow vessels to flag into the fleet more efficiently. Lastly, we established a new program called the Strategic Commercial Fleet, which would complement the existing Maritime Security Program by bringing 250 new U.S.-flag vessels into the fleet over the next 10 years, by providing financial support to offset operating differences for the ocean carriers who provide the best value to our economic and national security.” He then turned to the importance of domestic shipbuilding capability, and outlined how the Ships for America Act will promote it. Finally, Kelly described methods to attract and retain maritime personnel. JANUARY 2025 �Redwood Trader Flag-In Means New SIU Jobs SIU-contracted U.S. Marine Management (USMMI) recently won a long-term charter from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command for a shallow-draft tanker, bringing a new ship into the U.S.-flag registry and signaling new job opportunities for Seafarers. The former Dream Pioneer recently reflagged under the Stars and Stripes and was renamed the Redwood Trader. Built in 2018, the ship will operate in the Far East. It is approximately 360 feet long, and 5,422 gross tons. She is the sister ship of Pohang Pioneer, USMMI’s other shallow-draft tanker on charter to MSC and also manned by SIU members. Recertified Steward Bernard Butts stated, “My experience with this re-flagging is that it has been very well planned and well executed, from the crewing of the vessel to making sure everything was in place when we arrived in Korea for the smoothest transition possible.” He added, “The vessel is in pretty good shape. It needed some cleaning but overall looks like a decent acquisition.” USMMI Vice President of Labor Relations David Sloane stated that the company “is proud to add another U.S.-flagged ship to our fleet serving U.S. national security interests. This charter continues USMMI’s longstanding relationship with the U.S. Navy supporting their requirements. We appreciate the ongoing support from the SIU to supply our company with outstanding U.S. citizen mariners.” Along with Butts, the initial SIU crew included Bosun Brayan Nunez Crisanto, ABs Nahun Bernardez Bernardez, Lester Marson Buchanan, and Zachary Wilkinson, QMEDs Tomas Merel and Jonathan Bernardez Bernardez, OMU Martin Dragon, and Chief Cook Prior to its recent reflag, the vessel was named Dream Pioneer. (Photo by Chadon Williams. Igor A. Savitskiy) Resolution Passes in Support Of Jones Act in Puerto Rico Puerto Rico-based trade unionists recently expressed strong support for the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. The AFL-CIO-affiliated Federation of Workers of Puerto Rico (FTPR) conducted its 23rd convention of delegates and election of officers in Caguas in mid-November. During the proceedings, SIU Assistant Vice President Amancio Crespo, who since 2022 has served as one of nine FTPR vice presidents, offered a pro-Jones Act resolution. The statement then was approved without opposition. Resolution Number 8 reaffirms the statement approved at the 2022 national convention, and requests full and unconditional support for the Jones Act in Puerto Rico. The rationale for such backing includes the facts that the Jones Act helps maintain good-paying jobs in the territory and also ensures reliable cargo transportation to and from the island. Chief Steward Jacob Parrilla, one of the delegates representing the SIU at the convention, spoke in support of the resolution, which in turn was seconded and confirmed by all the SIU delegates and everyone else in attendance. “My table consisted of SIU members who were all delegates on our ships,” Crespo noted. “They seconded a motion that I brought to the floor requesting all the unions in Puerto Rico, all the AFL-CIO unions, and all the unions with the FTPR to fully support the Jones Act and the cabotage law for Puerto Rico, because of all the jobs that JANUARY 2025 they create for Puerto Ricans residing in Puerto Rico and how important they are to the local economy. We had 100% support.” During the convention, Crespo was re-elected for his second term in his role as a vice president of the FTPR. He will serve in this role for the next three years. “A lot of people have the wrong impression about the Jones Act,” Crespo added. “Many people think that [the Jones Act] is why some of products that are brought in from stateside may cost more, but that is actually because of the tax code. It has nothing to do with transportation, which is basically what the Jones Act states. The Jones Act creates jobs, and it supports Americans getting those jobs as long as the merchandise moves in U.S. waters, but it has nothing to do with the Puerto Rico tax code.” He concluded, “I want people to know what the Jones Act is and how many jobs it brings to Puerto Rico. We’ve got thousands of good-paying jobs in Puerto Rico that are directly dependent on the Jones Act, and we don’t cost the government a penny. On the contrary, most of our guys, the mariners, make their money outside of Puerto Rico, and yet, they pay their taxes and contribute to the economy here in Puerto Rico because they’re residents, so it's a good thing for the economy.” All AFL-CIO-affiliated unions on the island of Puerto Rico were represented at the convention. SIU attendees at the convention included (seated, from left) ABM Angel Pagan, Bosun Charles Ortiz, QMED Michel Cruz, Chief Steward Jacob Parrilla and (standing) Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo (right) reads the pro-Jones Act resolution, which then received unanimous backing from the other delegates. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �Voting Concludes in SIU’s 2024 Election Voting finished at the end of last month (December), and results of the election of officials for the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters will be announced, in accordance with the SIU Constitution, upon completion of the tallying committee’s work. Special membership meetings were planned to take place last month (Dec. 30) at union halls listed in the SIU Constitution to elect delegates for a rank-andfile tallying committee. That committee, including two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will tabulate results of the election, which started Nov. 1 in all SIU halls (and aboard many ships) and was scheduled to end Dec. 31. The February issue of the Seafarers LOG will carry the election results. The ballot included a list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 25 positions). Individuals elected in this round of balloting will serve a four-year term lasting from 2025 through 2028. The ballot also included 23 proposed amendments to the SIU Constitution. Seafarers who were eligible to vote in the election were full book members in good standing, according to the union’s constitution. Members had the opportunity to pick up a ballot either in person at one of the 20 union halls around the country and overseas or via mail (absentee ballot). Additionally, in order to facilitate participation and in accordance with past practice from the previous election, voting took place on numerous SIU-crewed vessels Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations and other related information appears in the October 2024 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known addresses, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. QMED Gabriel Santa Ramos (right) makes the most of his trip to the hall in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he first secured his full book and then voted in the union election. Safety Director Ricky Rivera is at left. Aboard the Montford Point (Ocean Shipholdings) in Norfolk, Virginia, Recertified Bosun Larry Dizon (left) and AB Noel Gemo complete their respective ballots. Voting at the Houston hall are (from left) AB Carlos Avila, AB Franklin Akins, and AB Rommel Dela Vega. Hearings Imminent for Cabinet Nominees Recertified Bosun John Cedeno casts his ballot in the SIU election aboard the tanker Evergreen State (Intrepid) in Texas. Steward/Baker Hussain Nagi (right) obtains his ballot from SIU Patrolman James Bast at the Jersey City, New Jersey hiring hall. 4 • SEAFARERS LOG The United States Senate this month will conduct hearings and begin the process of confirming nominees for cabinet-level positions when the 119th Congress is seated. Among the various posts, the four that traditionally are most important to maritime labor are Secretary of Defense, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Secretary of Transportation. President-elect Trump has nominated decorated Army veteran and Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. For Secretary of Homeland Security, which is the agency that includes the Coast Guard, the President-elect has chosen North Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. In both cases, the nominees’ respective views on the maritime industry are largely unknown, according to SIU Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman. Secretary of Transportation designee Sean Duffy, a former congressman, had a mixed record of backing maritime during his tenure in the House, Schoeneman noted. That included less-than-supportive votes on separate amendments that would have negatively impacted cargo preference laws and the Maritime Security Program. Duffy has a mixed record on the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. “We are committed to working with Secretary-designee Duffy, and we look forward to helping promote policies that will strengthen the U.S. Merchant Marine,” Schoeneman concluded. Secretary of Labor designee Lori ChavezDeRemer, the daughter of a Teamster, is one of the strongest GOP labor supporters from the last Congress (she narrowly lost her re-election bid). One of three Republicans who cosponsored the PRO Act, which would make organizing easier for workers and is a key AFL-CIO legislative priority, she has been a champion for working families during her tenure in Congress, representing a district in Oregon. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 JANUARY 2025 �SIU’s Year in Review: 2024 In many ways, 2024 for the SIU proved uplifting, productive and promising. The exceptions were big ones, though. Throughout the year, there were more than 300 reported attacks on vessels from various nations by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. While no SIU-crewed ships were hit, there were close calls involving the Maersk Detroit and Maersk Chesapeake (Jan. 24); the Torm Thor (Feb. 24); the Maersk Yorktown (April 24); the Maersk Sentosa (July 24); and the Liberty Grace, Stena Impeccable, and Maersk Saratoga (Nov. 30-Dec. 1). Most maritime traffic eventually started rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. However, at least three foreign mariners died in Houthi attacks off the coast of Yemen, and several ships were severely damaged. The Houthis’ stated rationale is that they target Israeli-owned ships or vessels that have called at Israeli ports, but that simply doesn’t withstand a fact-check. SIU President David Heindel, testifying Jan. 30 at a U.S. House of Representatives hearing on the volatility of Red Sea shipping, underscored the U.S. Merchant Marine’s commitment to delivering the goods while also calling for continued safeguards that protect all mariners transiting the area. Heindel spoke on behalf of several maritime labor organizations in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Closer to home, the maritime industry also made unwanted headlines beginning March 26, when the Key Bridge outside the Port of Baltimore was struck by the Singapore-flagged vessel Dali, causing the bridge to collapse into the channel and killing six construction workers. While the tragedy did not have a major impact on SIU jobs, the union, through the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), worked to protect the rights of the Dali’s crew and officers (themselves members of unions). The previous year did include many positive developments for the SIU, among them the ratifications of new respective collective bargaining agreements with TOTE, Bay Houston, NCLA, Crescent Towing, Penn Maritime, American Steamship, Crowley-Penn Terminals, Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, Argent Marine, Transoceanic Cable Ship Company, Crowley Towing, OSG (inland), and Great Lakes Dredge and Dock. The union also solidified a 12-month bridge agreement with its operators who have vessels in the Ready Reserve Force. Moreover, the SIU protected members’ jobs through various company sales, consolidations and new ventures, including the newly formed Fairwater Holdings LLC. SIU President David Heindel testifies in Congress on the reliability of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the need to protect all mariners transiting the Red Sea. JANUARY 2025 The SIU welcomed lots of new tonnage into the union-contracted fleet, including Waterman’s M/V Green Ocean (background in photo above). Pictured in Baltimore following a late-March 2024 ceremony commemorating the ship are SIU members and officials including President David Heindel (far right), Exec. VP Augie Tellez (far left) and Port Agent John Hoskins (second from right). Additionally, 2024 saw no shortage of new tonnage entering the SIU fleet, including some outright additions and replacement vessels that helped further modernize it. Those gains include the tankers Redwood Trader and Shenandoah Trader (USMMI), the roll-on/roll-off ships ARC Honor, ARC Endeavor (TOTE for American Roll-On/Roll-Off Carrier) and Green Ocean (Waterman), several APL maritime ships that are part of a fleet update, Crowley’s first-of-its-kind electric tugboat eWolf, Great Lakes Towing’s tug Minnesota, the bunker barge Progress (Crowley), the National Security Multi-Mission vessel Patriot State (TOTE, when activated), and the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock dredge Galveston Island. SIU members upheld the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea by performing on-thejob rescues and/or rendering humanitarian aid. They included mariners from the Maersk Kinloss, Garden State, and George M. Members also ably helped avert disaster by successfully combating fires aboard the USNS Button, USNS Bobo, and Father Mychael Judge. On the legislative front, the SIU helped secure several gains, including the imminent introduction of the Ships for America Act, which will be the most comprehensive maritime bill in decades. The union also successfully pushed for common-sense modifications to some requirements for deck-department mariners sailing internationally. Most of the SIU-backed candidates in the House and Senate won their respective races in November. Across the country, the union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) maintained a robust presence on the recruiting trail. These efforts have helped alleviate some manpower concerns, and have resulted in a backlog of applications for the PHC’s apprentice program. The PHC continued expanding and updating its curriculums, while also earning the prestigious “Center of Excellence” designation from the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. The school also hosted the annual Seafarers Waterfront Classic, a philanthropic event that benefits military veterans and first responders. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) awarded scholarships to members and dependents, while the Seafarers Plans also concluded a nationwide series of benefits conferences aimed at assisting rank-and-file members, retirees, staff members and their families. More broadly, the labor movement continued enjoying a resurgence, as public opinion soared in favor of unions, representation elections increased, and a government report spotlighted the ways unions benefit the overall economy. The SIU conducted its own election, in accordance with the union constitution. It was scheduled to conclude Dec. 31. Lastly, the union bid farewell to too many friends and colleagues, including Vice President Government Services Nicholas Celona, who passed away in June at age 65; and Patrolman Jesse Sunga Jr., who died in July at age 36. SIU President Emeritus Michael Sacco, a giant both in the union’s own history and that of American maritime labor, passed away just a few days before 2024 began, at age 86. Boatmen employed by Crescent Towing approved a very well-received contract in 2024. SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (second from left) and some of the delegates meet with fellow Seafarers to discuss the new agreement. In early 2024, representatives from the Seafarers Plans and from the SIU wrapped up a monthslong series of benefits conferences that began in 2023. Pictured at the penultimate session (in Algonac, Michigan) are SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski (left) and Recertified Bosun Saleh Ahmed. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 16 - December 15, 2024. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 16, 2024. Total Shipped All Groups A B C Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Port Total Registered All Groups A B C Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 14 1 2 15 3 14 9 28 24 19 5 4 16 11 0 2 7 0 15 28 10 1 1 8 1 4 4 12 24 5 0 4 13 1 1 1 3 2 3 10 0 0 1 3 1 3 0 9 6 3 0 2 11 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 15 1 1 12 4 9 1 24 25 11 2 5 15 10 1 0 5 2 11 22 12 2 0 5 0 3 5 16 20 4 0 1 11 1 2 1 3 2 4 5 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 7 6 2 0 0 8 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 12 0 1 11 0 6 0 15 14 4 0 0 11 0 1 0 4 2 11 7 17 2 4 24 4 13 14 48 39 31 4 5 29 14 1 3 11 3 17 35 10 4 4 12 2 4 3 18 36 9 3 7 13 2 1 1 3 2 5 14 2 0 1 6 3 6 1 15 8 8 1 3 9 1 0 0 0 2 4 2 TOTAL 217 108 44 176 97 30 99 318 153 72 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 3 1 3 5 0 1 3 12 25 10 1 3 10 6 1 2 4 1 11 9 111 1 1 2 8 0 2 1 5 16 6 2 3 10 1 0 1 3 0 3 1 66 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 2 5 0 0 1 6 2 1 0 2 0 2 0 26 4 0 3 1 0 2 0 3 8 3 1 1 3 3 0 0 0 1 4 5 42 3 1 3 11 0 3 7 20 33 7 2 3 10 4 2 2 8 1 15 14 149 1 1 1 8 0 2 2 10 14 5 2 3 17 8 0 1 5 1 3 2 86 0 0 1 3 2 1 1 6 2 0 0 2 7 3 1 0 2 1 4 3 39 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington TOTAL 4 0 1 7 2 1 5 16 13 5 1 6 18 12 3 0 2 0 5 13 114 0 1 0 3 4 1 1 3 15 4 1 2 12 2 0 1 9 0 4 5 68 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 13 1 0 0 4 1 3 5 15 8 5 1 2 13 6 2 0 0 1 2 14 83 0 0 0 3 0 3 4 5 12 5 0 2 6 3 0 0 0 0 4 5 52 7 0 1 13 3 1 8 18 30 14 1 8 17 18 2 2 7 0 9 33 192 0 2 1 8 5 5 3 13 27 5 1 1 17 6 1 2 15 1 4 6 123 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 5 2 0 0 1 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 18 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 1 8 1 3 2 19 26 12 1 0 14 7 2 1 0 0 4 9 7 1 3 7 0 2 4 12 46 18 1 3 26 10 2 3 1 0 7 13 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 2 1 2 0 7 25 13 0 0 9 4 0 1 0 0 1 9 3 0 4 6 0 0 3 5 23 8 0 1 22 6 1 5 1 0 2 8 5 0 1 3 0 0 0 3 3 4 0 0 6 1 0 5 0 0 3 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 1 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 9 0 4 12 0 2 2 28 42 18 1 1 12 10 2 2 0 0 9 13 19 1 2 13 1 4 4 22 88 32 2 4 56 16 0 10 2 2 13 20 TOTAL 12 114 166 6 78 98 39 19 167 311 GRAND TOTAL 356 249 341 275 159 232 678 529 440 Trip Reliefs Deck Department Engine Department 4 1 3 2 1 1 3 4 12 6 1 1 14 5 0 1 2 2 4 9 76 3 0 2 3 0 3 1 0 15 5 2 1 11 1 0 0 0 0 4 5 56 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 8 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 19 Steward Department January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Monday: Jan. 6, Feb. 3 Thursday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Thursday: Jan. 9, Feb. 6 Thursday: Jan. 23, Feb. 20 Friday: Jan. 17, Feb. 14 Houston Monday: Jan. 13, Feb. 10 Jacksonville Thursday: Jan. 9, Feb. 6 Joliet Thursday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Mobile New Orleans Jersey City Norfolk Wednesday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 Tuesday: Jan. 14, Feb. 11 Tuesday: Jan. 7, Feb. 4 Friday: Jan. 10, Feb. 7 Oakland Thursday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Philadelphia Wednesday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Port Everglades Thursday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 San Juan Thursday: Jan. 9, Feb. 6 St. Louis Friday: Jan. 17, Feb. 14 Tacoma Friday: Jan. 24, Feb. 21 Wilmington Tuesday: Jan. 21, Feb. 18 Wilmington changes due to holiday observances Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 2 11 3 0 2 9 1 0 1 2 0 3 4 44 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 12 Entry Department 6 •SEAFARERS 6 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 454 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 JANUARY 2025 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU LANDMARK MOMENT ‒ Chief obtained their respective full union books. Solmirano is pictured at the hiring hall, while Reyes is shown aboard the USNS Lummus (Crowley). SIU Port Agent Victor Sahagon is at right in both photos. Steward Rene Bravo Harrington (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured at the San Juan, Puerto Rico, hall with Safety Director Ricky Rivera. INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY ‒ SIU officials helped map out vital strategies for the world’s seafarers during the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) 46th Global Congress, which took place Oct. 13-19 in Marrakech, Morocco. Pictured at the gathering are (from left) SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Aung, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton, SIU President David Heindel, ITF President Paddy Crumlin, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, and ITF Coordinator Ricky Esopa. As previously reported, Heindel was re-elected to his post as Chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. AS SEEN IN WILMINGTON ‒ STOS Jocelyn Merino (right) receives her B-seniority book. She’s pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman. BOOKS SECURED IN GUAM ‒ Chief Cook Francis Solmirano (left in photo above, left) and AB Justin Reyes (left in other photo) recently MILESTONE IN VIRGINIA ‒ QMED Karl Morrow (right) receives his A-seniority book at the hall in Norfolk. Congratulating him is SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. FULL BOOKS IN HOUSTON ‒ Securing their respective B books at the hiring hall are (center in photo above, right) SA Jessic Neal and (right in remaining photo) AB Doroteo Bernardez. Pictured with Neal are (from left) SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick and SIU Port Agent Joe Zavala. With Bernardez are (also from left) SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. JANUARY 2025 FULL BOOK OBTAINED ‒OS Katrina Matthews displays her newly acquired B book at the hiring hall in Joliet, Illinois. SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 77 LOG • �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU WHO’S THE GUY WITH BOSUN TIM? ‒ Many readers undoubtedly recognize SIU OFFICIAL HONORED ‒ As reported in last month’s LOG, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez (center) received a 2024 Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) Award, presented in New York City by the United Seamen’s Service. Pictured with him at the Oct. 25 awards dinner are fellow honorees Daniel J. Thorogood (left), CEO of Fairwater; and Tim Nolan, TOTE Group president and CEO. ABOARD MONTFORD POINT (ALMOST) ‒ Pictured next to the Ocean Shipholdings vessel in Virginia are (from left) SIU Patrolman Josh Rawls, OS Benneth Yap, Recertified Bosun Larry Dizon, and SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. WWE legend Hulk Hogan (right), pictured with Bosun Tim Kauble. The photo was taken Nov. 14 in Atkins, Arkansas, one of many stops on Hogan’s “Real American Beer” promotional tour (he co-founded the brand earlier this year). “He was very nice and asked questions about the industry, including how we were faring with the situation in the Red Sea,” Kauble said. (For anyone wondering, the bosun’s T-shirt is innocuous, and refers to a movie.) FAMILY TRADITION ‒Pictured from left at the New Orleans hall are Paul Hall Center Apprentice Conor Westbrook, SIU Asst. VP Chris Westbrook (aka Dad), and Deckhand Aedan Westbrook. When this photo was taken just before the SIU’s editorial blackout for individuals on the ballot in the union election, Conor was picking up his first vacation check after his initial voyage; his next stop was phase 3 of the apprentice program. Aedan was getting ready to enroll the University of Louisiana Lafayette. SUNSHINE STATE ACHIEVEMENT ‒ SA Rose Robinson (left) receives her full book. She’s pictured at the Fort Lauderdale hall with SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins. ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR ‒ As seen aboard the ATC ship OATH TAKEN IN OAKLAND ‒ From left, OS Courtle’on CHEERFUL GIVERS ‒ The SIU once again is participating in Santa’s Castle, an annual outreach benefiting military families Brown and GVA Sabrina Barnes are sworn in for their respective B books. They’re pictured at the hiring hall, with SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. on Halloween. From left are the late Capt. Sparrow, Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, and Recertified Steward Albert Sison. in the Pacific Northwest. Look for details in an upcoming edition of the LOG. Meanwhile, dropping off donations at the hall in Tacoma, Washington, are Recertified Bosun Sanjay Gupta (left in photo above, right) and Tacoma Matson Shoregang Lead Bosun John Turner (left in remaining photo). SIU Port Agent Warren Asp is at right in both snapshots. 8 8 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG• OCTOBER 2023 JANUARY 2025 �Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice, which federal law requires all pension plans to furnish on an annual basis, includes important information about the funding status of your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”). It also includes general information about the benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”), a federal insurance agency. All traditional pension plans (called “defined benefit pension plans”) must provide this notice every year regardless of their funding status. This notice does not mean that the Plan is terminating. It is provided for informational purposes and you are not required to respond in any way. This notice is required by federal law. This notice is for the plan year beginning August 1, 2023 and ending July 31, 2024 (the “2023 Plan Year”). How Well Funded Is Your Plan The law requires the administrator of the Plan to tell you how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The Plan divides its assets by its liabilities on the Valuation Date for the plan year to get this percentage. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The Plan’s funded percentage for the 2023 Plan Year and each of the two preceding Plan Years is shown in the chart below. The chart also states the value of the Plan’s assets and liabilities for the same period. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets The asset values in the chart above are measured as of the Valuation Date. They also are “actuarial values.” Actuarial values differ from market values in that they do not fluctuate daily based on changes in the stock or other markets. Actuarial values smooth out those fluctuations and can allow for more predictable levels of future contributions. Despite the fluctuations, market values tend to show a clearer picture of a plan’s funded status at a given point in time. The asset values in the chart below are market values and are measured on the last day of each plan year. The chart also includes the year-end market value of the Plan’s assets for each of the two preceding plan years. The value of the Plan assets shown as of July 31, 2024 is an estimate based on the most accurate unaudited financial information available at the time this notice was prepared. The final audited information on the Plan’s assets will be reported on the Plan’s 2023 annual report filed with the Department of Labor in May 2025. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan generally is in “endangered” status if its funded percentage is less than 80 percent. A plan is in “critical” status if the funded percentage is less than 65 percent (other factors may also apply). A plan is in “critical and declining” status if it is in critical status and is projected to become insolvent (run out of money to pay benefits) within 15 years (or within 20 years if a special rule applies). If a pension plan enters endangered status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a funding improvement plan. Similarly, if a pension plan enters critical status or critical and declining status, the trustees of the plan are required to adopt a rehabilitation plan. Funding improvement and rehabilitation plans establish steps and benchmarks for pension plans to improve their funding status over a specified period of time. The plan sponsor of a plan in critical and declining status may apply for approval to amend the plan to reduce current and future payment obligations to participants and beneficiaries. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2023 Plan Year. Participant Information The total number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the valuation date was 1,988. Of this number, 752 were current employees, 788 were retired and receiving benefits, and 448 were retired or no longer working for the employer and have a right to future benefits. Funding & Investment Policies Every pension plan must have a procedure to establish a funding policy for plan objectives. A funding policy relates to how much money is needed to pay promised benefits. Plan benefits are funded by employer contributions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Pension plans also have investment policies. These generally are written guidelines or general instructions for making investment management decisions. The investment policy of the Plan is to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. Under the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2023 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: JANUARY 2025 Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file annual reports with the US Department of Labor. The report is called the “Form 5500.” These reports contain financial and other information. You may obtain an electronic copy of your Plan’s annual report by going to www.efast.dol.gov and using the search tool. Annual reports also are available from the US Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room at 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N- 1513, Washington, DC 20210, or by calling 202-693-8673. Or you may obtain a copy of the Plan’s annual report by making a written request to the plan administrator, Ms. Michelle Chang, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107. Annual reports for the 2020 Plan Year and earlier plan years are available now. The annual report for the 2023 Plan Year will be available when it is filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration in May 2025. Annual reports do not contain personal information, such as the amount of your accrued benefit. You may contact the plan administrator at 415-764-4993 or the address above if you want information about your accrued benefits. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan’s available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC, below), the plan must apply to the PBGC for financial assistance. The PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan’s financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent and is over 100% funded. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by the PBGC The maximum benefit that the PBGC guarantees is set by law. Only benefits that you have earned a right to receive and that cannot be forfeited (called vested benefits) are guaranteed. There are separate insurance programs with different benefit guarantees and other provisions for single-employer plans and multiemployer plans. Your Plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. Specifically, the PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit payment equal to 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate, plus 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate, times each year of credited service. The PBGC’s maximum guarantee, therefore, is $35.75 per month times a participant’s years of credited service. Example 1: If a participant with 10 years of credited service has an accrued monthly benefit of $600, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the PBGC guarantee would be determined by dividing the monthly benefit by the participant’s years of service ($600/10), which equals $60. The guaranteed amount for a $60 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $24.75 (.75 x $33), or $35.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit is $357.50 ($35.75 x 10). Example 2: If the participant in Example 1 has an accrued monthly benefit of $200, the accrual rate for purposes of determining the guarantee would be $20 (or $200/10). The guaranteed amount for a $20 monthly accrual rate is equal to the sum of $11 plus $6.75 (.75 x $9), or $17.75. Thus, the participant’s guaranteed monthly benefit would be $177.50 ($17.75 x 10). The PBGC guarantees pension benefits payable at normal retirement age and some early retirement benefits. In addition, the PBGC guarantees qualified preretirement survivor benefits (which are preretirement death benefits payable to the surviving spouse of a participant who dies before starting to receive benefit payments). In calculating a person’s monthly payment, the PBGC will disregard any benefit increases that were made under a plan within 60 months before the earlier of the plan’s termination or insolvency (or benefits that were in effect for less than 60 months at the time of termination or insolvency). Similarly, the PBGC does not guarantee benefits above the normal retirement benefit, disability benefits not in pay status, or non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. For additional information about the PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees, go to the Multiemployer Page on PBGC’s website at www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer. Please contact your employer or fund administrator for specific information about your pension plan or pension benefit. PBGC does not have that information. See “Where to Get More Information about Your Plan,” below. Where to Get More Information For more information about this notice, you may contact Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator, SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, at 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107, 415-764-4993. For identification purposes, the official plan number is 001, the plan sponsor is the Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, and the employer identification number or “EIN” is 94-6061923. SEAFARERS LOGSEAFARERS 2023 • OCTOBER LOG •99 �Thanksgiving With the SIU SIU steward departments once again upheld their long tradition of providing top-notch menus for Thanksgiving. Most of the snapshots on these two pages were taken aboard ship; many more are available on our social-media pages. ABOARD ALLIANCE FAIRFAX ‒ Pictured from left in the group photo aboard the Maersk ship are Recertified Steward Rocky Dupraw, Chief Cook Greg Brown, and SA Marquis Hill. AT THE HOUSTON HALL ‒ Members, retirees and other guests turn out Nov. 21 for a pre-holiday feast. Pictured from right to left in the smaller photo are SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, Port Agent Joe Zavala, and Safety Director Kevin Sykes. ABOARD MAERSK IOWA – Helping prepare the holiday meal are (above, right, from left) Chief Cook Garry Brandon and SA Emy Smith. Recertified Steward Lamont Faulks (left in photo above, middle) also is pictured with Brandon, while Capt. LaMaina (remaining photo) helps himself to some shrimp cocktail. ABOARD MANUKAI – The group photo from the Matson vessel includes (right to left) Capt. Mike Gruninger, Recertified Steward Fakhruddin Malahi, Chief Cook Juan C. Baquera and ACU Amado Paulito Angeles. 10 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2025 10 JANUARY �Thanksgiving At Sea ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR ‒ Pictured from right to left in the group photo aboard the ATC vessel are Recertified Steward Albert Sison, Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, and (in the distance) 3/M Alex Gilmore. ABOARD USNS RED CLOUD ‒ From right to left in the group photo from the Patriot ship are Recertified Steward Dennis Dizon, Chief Cook Maria Legier, SA Leo Bierneza, and Capt. Andrew MacLeod. ABOARD TAINO ‒ Pictured from left on the Crowley vessel are Chief Cook Juan Andres Vallejo, Chief Cook Esperanza Crespo and Recertified Steward Rafael Cardenas. JANUARY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •11 11 �SIU Directory Inquiring Seafarer David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts This month’s question was answered in 2024 by upgraders (and an instructor) in a chief cook training class in Piney Point, Maryland. Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President Government Services Question: What are you most looking forward to in the New Year, as a member of the SIU? Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Jerome Johnson Chief Cook Mahmoud Fares Chief Cook Next year I’m looking forward to finally sailing as chief cook. I’m hoping to travel to different places, and hopefully I’ll get on a ship that goes to foreign places so that I can experience more of the world. I’m looking forward to improving my cooking skills and providing better meals on the ship. Nikita Johnson Chief Cook Maria Legier Chief Cook I am looking forward to sailing as a chief cook. I also hope to travel to Europe next year if I can find a ship that’s traveling there, because I haven’t been yet. We all have similar goals since we’re in the same class, but I’m looking forward to becoming a chief cook next year, too. John Stephano Chief Cook Rob “RJ” Johnson Chef Instructor Since I joined the SIU, this has been the best part of my career. I look forward to continuing my education and growing as a chief cook. I’m looking forward to working with new students, trying new recipes, and utilizing new equipment. We always strive to make upgrading a more enjoyable and more informative experience, so I’m excited to help liven things up and make sure the students have a good time while learning. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Among those pictured aboard the Long Lines (Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.) in 1974 are (left) AB John Whiting and (right) Recertified Bosun Herb Libby. 12 •SEAFARERS 12 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JANUARY 2025 �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA ARKADY BICHEVSKY Brother Arkady Bichevsky, 70, joined the union in 2004. An engine department member, he first sailed aboard the Maersk Missouri. Brother Bichevsky upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. He last sailed on the Matson Tacoma and lives in Rockaway Beach, New York. DONATO CAMANDANG Brother Donato Camandang, 72, signed on with the SIU in 2007 when he sailed on the Pride of Hawaii. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Camandang’s final vessel was the Decisive. He resides in Oceanside, California. JAMES CAMERON Brother James Cameron, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2007. He initially sailed on the Cape Ann and was a member of the steward department. Brother Cameron upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions and spent most of his career working aboard Maersk ships. He plans on spending his retirement in both Mobile, Alabama and Portsmouth, Virginia. PAUL CAROLAN Brother Paul Carolan, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1980 when he sailed aboard the Sealand Anchorage. He was a deck department member and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Carolan last worked aboard the Dodge Island. He is a resident of Keystone Heights, Florida. PATRICK CHALMERS Brother Patrick Chalmers, 57, started his career with the union in 2001, initially sailing on the USNS Dahl. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Chalmers last shipped on the Burns Harbor. He makes his home in Ocala, Florida. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. ELMO DAVIS ZAID SHAIF Brother Elmo Davis, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1996, when he sailed on the USNS Kane. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Davis last shipped on the Maersk Iowa and lives in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Brother Zaid Shaif, 70, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1978, initially sailing aboard the Aleutian Developer. An engine department member, he upgraded on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Shaif’s final vessel was the Overseas Maremar. He lives in New Hyde Park, New York. LUIS GONZALEZ Brother Luis Gonzalez, 60, started sailing with the SIU in 1992. He sailed in the steward department and first shipped on the Independence. Brother Gonzalez upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career aboard the Maersk Yorktown and settled in the Bronx, New York. ERIC YOUNG Brother Eric Young, 56, signed on with the SIU in 1987 when he worked on the William Baugh. He upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Young most recently shipped on the Global Sentinel and settled in Windsor, Virginia. REGINALD HUNTER Brother Reginald Hunter, 62, signed on with the union in 1983 and first shipped out aboard the Aries. An engine department member, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Hunter most recently sailed aboard the Independence. He is a resident of Spring, Texas. STEVEN ANGELL IAN JORDAN DAVID CALLIS Brother Ian Jordan, 67, began sailing with the Seafarers in 2011, initially working aboard the John Boland. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Jordan last shipped on the Ocean Grand. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. Brother David Callis, 62, donned the union colors in 1981 when he worked with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Callis was last employed with Express Marine. He resides in Gwynn, Virginia. LELAND PETERSON PETER DITTMANN Brother Leland Peterson, 65, joined the SIU in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Denali and worked in the engine department. Brother Peterson upgraded on several occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped on the Alaskan Navigator and makes his home in Port Angeles, Washington. Brother Peter Dittmann, 60, joined the Seafarers in 2012. He sailed in the deck department and worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Dittmann resides in Lexington, North Carolina. INLAND Brother Steven Angell, 69, began sailing with the SIU in 2009. An engine department member, he sailed with Penn Maritime for the duration of his career. Brother Angell lives in Mims, Florida. KENNETH GRAYBILL EDWARD SACKS Brother Edward Sacks, 65, became a member of the union in 1989. He shipped in the engine department and first sailed on the Independence. Brother Sacks upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He most recently sailed on the Overseas Boston and settled in Schertz, Texas. Brother Kenneth Graybill, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1998, initially working with Penn Maritime. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Graybill most recently shipped on the Achievement. He calls Brunswick, Maine, home. PATRICK CONLON SALAH SALEH Brother Patrick Conlon, 68, became an SIU member in 1982. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Santa Mariana. Brother Conlon upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last shipped on the Horizon Anchorage and settled in Tacoma, Washington. EDGAR HENSON Brother Salah Saleh, 53, joined the Seafarers in 1999 and first sailed aboard the Independence. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions and primarily sailed in the deck department. Brother Saleh’s final vessel was the Global Sentinel. He resides in Lafayette, Louisiana. Brother Edgar Henson, 63, joined the union in 2003. He was an engine department member and worked for Crowley Towing and Transportation for the duration of his career. Brother Henson makes his home in Loxley, Alabama. JANUARY 2025 SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA ABDULHALIM ALI Brother Abdulhalim Ali, 46, has passed away. He became a member of the SIU in 1997. A steward department member, Brother Ali first sailed aboard the Independence. He most recently shipped on the President Wilson in 2020. Brother Ali made his home in Melvindale, Michigan. HORST BAETJER In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. INLAND MELVIN NICHOLS Pensioner Melvin Nichols 62, passed away July 27. He donned the SIU colors in 1990. A deck department member, Brother Nichols first shipped on the Franklin J. Phillips. He last sailed aboard the Cape May and became a pensioner in 2021. Brother Nichols made his home in Newport News, Virginia. BRIAN POST ALBERT CHURCHILL Pensioner Albert Churchill, 88, passed away October 7. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1962. Brother Churchill was employed with G&H Towing for the majority of his career. He became a pensioner in 1999 and settled in Dickinson, Texas. Pensioner Brian Post, 74, died June 7. He became a member of the SIU in 1991. Brother Post initially sailed aboard the USNS Chauvenet. He worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Baldomero Lopez. Brother Post went on pension in 2016 and resided in Clovis, California. EDWARD HENRIX BRUCE BUTLER DAVID RITCHIE Pensioner Bruce Butler, 75, passed away September 27. He started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 2002 when he shipped on the Courier. Brother Butler shipped in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Maersk Alaska. He went on pension in 2015 and resided in Houston. Pensioner David Ritchie, 78, passed away November 12. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1998 and first sailed aboard the Anders Maersk. Brother Ritchie sailed in the deck department. He last sailed on the Pearl and began collecting his pension in 2017. Brother Ritchie lived in Braintree, Massachusetts. Pensioner Gerald Filkins, 81, passed away April 7. He joined the SIU in 1977, initially working with Allied Transportation. Brother Filkins sailed in both the deck and steward departments. He was last employed with OSG Ship Management before retiring in 2014. Brother Filkins made his home in Corunna, Michigan. Pensioner Horst Baetjer, 86, died October 10. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1968, initially sailing with Victory Carriers. Brother Baetjer worked in the engine department. He last sailed on the Explorer before retiring in 2003. Brother Baetjer lived in Torrance, California. JOSE COLINDRES OSORTO Pensioner Jose Colindres Osorto, 77, died October 24. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2006 when he sailed aboard the Pride of Aloha. Brother Colindres Osorto sailed in both the deck and engine departments and concluded his career on the St. Mary’s Challenger. He retired in 2012 and lived in Danli El Paraiso, Honduras. TODD CONLEY Brother Todd Conley, 53, died October 11. He joined the SIU in 1998 and first shipped on the Global Link. Brother Conley worked in the deck department. He most recently sailed in 2019, on the Dependable, and made his home in Palm Harbor, Florida. PATRICK DURNIN Pensioner Patrick Durnin, 72, passed away October 28. He signed on with the union in 1977 and initially sailed aboard the Santa Maria. A steward department member, Brother Durnin concluded his career aboard the Horizon Kodiak. He began collecting his pension in 2024 and resided in Gig Harbor, Washington. MELVIN HITE Pensioner Melvin Hite, 97, died October 15. Brother Hite signed on with the union in 1990 when he shipped on the USNS Chauvenet. He worked in the steward department and last shipped aboard the Maersk Georgia. Brother Hite retired in 2006 and settled in Suffolk, Virginia. MATTHIAS SOLDIERER Pensioner Matthias Soldierer, 87, died October 31. He joined the union in 1963 and initially sailed with United States Shipping Company. Brother Soldierer primarily sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Independence. He became a pensioner in 2002 and made his home in the Dominican Republic. GREAT LAKES MUSAID ALGAHMIE Pensioner Musaid Algahmie, 87, passed away August 25. He began his career with the SIU in 1966 and first sailed with Great Lakes Associates. Brother Algahmie worked in the steward department. He concluded his career aboard the William Baugh and began collecting his pension in 2002. Brother Algahmie called Dearborn, Michigan, home. DONALD DANDREA Pensioner Donald Dandrea, 79, died October 13. He joined the union in 1987 when he sailed aboard the Indiana Harbor. Brother Dandrea shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on the Walter J. McCarthy and went on pension in 2009. Brother Dandrea resided in Duluth, Minnesota. 14 •SEAFARERS 14 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Brother Edward Hendrix, 69, died August 29. He embarked on his career with the union in 1974 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Hendrix initially worked with Allied Transportation. He last sailed with Mariner Towing and resided in Virginia Beach, Virginia. GERALD FILKINS BEN JOHNSON Pensioner Ben Johnson, 57, died October 10. He joined the union in 1992. Brother Johnson was a deck department member and initially sailed aboard the Gemini. He most recently shipped aboard the Pride and became a pensioner last year. Brother Johnson lived in Deerfield Beach, Florida. MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ RAMOS Pensioner Miguel Rodriguez Ramos, 66, passed away October 11. He began sailing with the SIU in 1977, initially working aboard the Humacao. Brother Rodriguez Ramos worked in both the deck and engine departments. He started collecting his pension in 2020 after concluding his career with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. Brother Rodriguez Ramos resided in San Juan, Puerto Rico. NMU GERARDO BALLESTAR Pensioner Gerardo Ballestar, 82, died October 20. A deck department member, Brother Ballestar last shipped on the Cape Henry. He became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in Houston. RONALD BARBO Pensioner Ronald Barbo, 86, passed away September 8. Brother Barbo worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the Gemini. He retired in 2005 and called Great Falls, Montana, home. JANUARY 2025 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), July 21 – Chairman Papa Yankeh, Secretary Alexus Guillory, Educational Director Rahsaan Alexander, Deck Delegate Alexander Busby, Engine Delegate Gregorio Clotter, Steward Delegate Brittany Ruffin. Chairman gave special thanks to steward department and urged members to stay on top of documents. Educational director reminded crew to get sea time and then upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation and pay rates. Crew requested new washing machines, vacuums and a tea kettle. Members asked about food budget and Wi-Fi access. Next port: Elizabeth, New Jersey. OCEAN FREEDOM (Patriot Shipping, LLC), July 28 – Chairman Robert Mack, Secretary Robert Foster, Educational Director Resean Peters, Deck Delegate Leopoldo Estrada Martinez, Steward Delegate D'angelo Dickson. Refrigerator replaced. Secretary asked crew to inform him of any changes in work spaces. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Education and Training. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate reminded crew to return items to the galley and to be mindful when consuming beverages to avoid running out. Members requested new TVs, DVD players, fans, new mattresses, better pillows and blankets and better detergent. such as a Firestick or hard drive for media. OCEAN FREEDOM (Patriot Shipping, LLC), August 22 – Chairman Robert Mack, Secretary Robert Foster, Educational Director Resean Peters, Deck Delegate Elijah Courtney, Steward Delegate Toinette Williams. Chairman reported a good trip overall. New apprentice aboard ship. Members were encouraged to approach educational director with any questions. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked deck and engine departments for their support. Crew discussed ways to maintain records for overtime in engine department. Members requested clocks for each room, new shower heads and coveralls. ISLA BELLA (TOTE Services), September 29 – Chairman Tavell Love, Secretary Richard Jones, Educational Director Hector Ginel-Coreano, Deck Delegate Prymus Buckholtz, Engine Delegate Lamont Robinson, Steward Delegate Adalberto Colon Rosa. Chairman discussed contract modification. He advised fellow crew members to renew documents six months before expiration dates. He thanked steward department for great meals. Secretary thanked crew for remembering to keep mess halls orderly as well as leaving clean rooms for oncoming reliefs. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland, as soon as possible and to keep documents valid since renewal is taking longer than usual. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like to increase the respective amounts of compensation for extra meals and extra riders. They requested increases in work boot reimbursement and for 20 for 30 vacation. Crew requested new mattresses and better Wi-Fi connectivity. OCEAN FREEDOM (Patriot Shipping, LLC), September 23 – Chairman Robert Mack, Secretary Robert Foster, Educational Director Resean Peters, Deck Delegate Elijah Courtney, Steward Delegate Toinette Williams. Chairman reminded members to stay safe. Successful trip per both chairman and secretary. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Weekly printouts needed for engine department. Crew suggested adding one or two dayworkers on deck and raising overtime rates for all endorsed members. Members requested new microwaves, new coffee maker, new trashcans and for a way to access more television channels/shows MAERSK PITTSBURGH (Maersk Line, Limited), October 30 – Chairman Papa Yankeh, Secretary Tyrane Savage, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang, Deck Delegate Marcus Carrasquillo, Engine Delegate Robert Noble, Steward Delegate Erik Loret. Washing machine and vacuums both received and put together. Chairman commended crew for a job well done and reported a good trip. Secretary and chairman reiterated the importance of renewing documents early, due to processing times. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of the upgrading opportunities offered at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked to add a second permanent electrician and requested a tea kettle, laundry baskets in each stateroom and a media box for TV. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), November 3 – Chairman Roy Madrio, Secretary James McLeod, Educational Director Jose Encarnacion Rivera, Deck Delegate Leandro Cacho, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate Richard Torres. Chairman thanked crew for a job well done. Secretary reminded members to leave clean rooms for oncoming crew and asked that they let steward department know if new linen is needed for reliefs. Educational director advised members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or dispute OT reported. Crew requested 20 for 30 vacation days and would like new linen, coffee maker for mess hall, gaming system for crew lounge and for better soap. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafar- ers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 15 SEAFARERS JANUARY 2025 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 15 LOG • 15 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Title of Course Start Date DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Date of Completion STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 10 April 14 June 30 February 21 April 25 July 11 Able Seafarer - Deck February 10 March 17 May 5 June 9 February 28 April 4 May 23 June 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES FOWT March 17 April 21 April 11 May 16 Junior Engineer Program May 5 June 27 Marine Electrician March 17 April 18 Marine Refer Tech February 3 March 14 Machinist May 26 June 13 Pumpman May 19 May 23 Welding February 24 April 21 June 2 March 14 May 9 June 20 Chief Steward April 28 June 23 May 23 July 18 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training February 3 April 7 June 23 February 7 April 11 June 27 Basic Training Revalidation March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 May 5 May 9 June 30 March 3 March 7 April 14 April 18 May 5 May 9 June 30 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation March 17 March 18 Government Vessels January 27 February 24 March 17 April 7 May 5 June 2 January 31 February 28 March 21 April 11 May 9 June 6 Tank Ship - DL (PIC) July 14 July 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations Latest Course Dates Seeking Additional Instructors February 10 March 10 April 7 April 28 May 26 March 7 April 4 May 2 May 23 June 20 Certified Chief Cook February 17 April 28 April 25 July 4 ServSafe Management February 10 April 21 February 14 April 25 Advanced Galley Operations February 3 March 3 March 31 May 26 February 28 March 28 April 25 June 20 The SIU-affiliated Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship is seeking to add to their team of qualified instructors in multiple areas of expertise. If you would be interested in applying to be an instructor, please review the following job titles and email monicaszepesi@seafarers.org with a copy of your credential. The school is seeking qualified candidates in the following areas: - Chief Engineer - Deck Instructor - Engine Instructor UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 16 16 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. JANUARY 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #914 – Above (not all are pictured): Jontae Allen, Zyon Anderson, Adam Atterberry Jr., Paul Conlon, Alexandria DeAtley, Gennaro Dimatteo, Nadia Forester, Kason Garibaldi, Jamari Gissentanner, Nainoa Goodwin, Jacob Hall, Hans Hansen Quinones, Samaria Harper, Baldemar Hernandez Jr., Ken Kan, Ashton Luuloa, Kenny Nguyen, Andy Phouminh, Joshua Robinson, Malachi Scott, Nathan Tissaw, Daniel Valentine and Allan Willingham. ABLE SEAFARER (DECK) – Graduated October 11 (not all are pictured): Travis Akins Jr., Alexander Baum, Brandon Brown, Nathan Dixon, Erry Draper Jr., Patrick English, Jon Erichsen, Simon Gathing, Qaadir Gillette-James, Lawrence Girard III, Keon Hatcher, Wade Henry, Jonathan Jeronimo, Owen Lehman, Shaan Oberdieck, Halden Pettit, Ernest Ross Jr., John Scofield, James Stamper and Gary Wassel Jr. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 11 (not all are pictured): David Arcilla, Edwin Bonefont, Ronnie Brickhouse, Thomas Cohen, James Fells, Arvin Heras, Devin Jasmin, Michael Johnson, Brandon Jordan, James Martin Jr., Gaber Mohamed, Candice Owens, James Scott, Joseph Tier, Herminio Vasquez Jr., Tony Washington, Sharon Williams and Aaron Wood. RFPEW – Graduated October 18 (not all are pictured): Nasir Harrell, Jamari Harris, Quincy Howard, Darea McCarthy, David Rexrode Jr. and Jayden Smith. RFPNW – Graduated October 11: Philip Holtzman, Kaden Ketcham, Alyssa Ray, Maurice Roberts Jr., Nature Torrey and Tyler Williams. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduating September 27 (not all are pictured): Jontae Allen, Zyon Anderson, Adam Atterberry Jr., Paul Conlon, Alexandria DeAtley, Gennaro Dimatteo, Nadia Forester, Kason Garibaldi, Jamari Gissentanner, Nainoa Goodwin, Jacob Hall, Hans Hansen Quinones, Samaria Harper, Baldemar Hernandez Jr., Ken Kan, Ashton Luuloa, Kenny Nguyen, Shania Panton, Andy Phouminh, Joshua Robinson, Malachi Scott, Nathan Tissaw, Daniel Valentine and Allan Willingham. JANUARY 2025 MEDICAL CARE PROVIDER – Graduated October 4: Zachary Cartwright, Jessica Clark, Daniel Fields, Brian Guiry and Omar Rodgers. RFPEW – Graduated October 18 (not all are pictured): Joshua Cunningham, Wilbur Edwards Jr., Denzel Lalin, Siniya Lee, Garland Scott and James Trysnicky. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated October 4 (not all are pictured): Loren Arriola, Ronnie Brickhouse, Marvin Fabrizius, Tomas Faller, John Garrett, Mohammed Gir, Shadad Hadi, Reynaldo Lacayo-Bermudez and Tony Washington. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 17 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos RFPNW – Graduated October 11: Maximilian Bates, Brian Bolden Jr., Kevin Hopkins, Jeremy Marte, Scott Nygaard, Joseph Paulin and Bryan Whiter. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION DL – Graduated October 4 (not all are pictured): Justine Headen, Christopher Holmes, Joshua Mair, Denise Parker, Lakisha Perry, Caleb Rawls, Vensen Suguitan, Kenneth Watts Barry, Conor Westbrook and Benjamin Wilkinson. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION DL – Graduated October 11: Moath Alsharif, Sean Carter, Sharoneca Currelley, Mohammed Gir, John Roberson II, Blair Royal and Jasean Tomlin. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION DL – Graduated October 11: Mathew Bolanos, Benjamin Brown, Tristan Chavers, Austin Gass, Richard Holland, Antoine Kozel, Corey Lopez, Lionel Packnett Jr., James Randall III, Raymond Richards, Sarah Silverleaf, Leondre Stevenson, Connor Stratton and Trent Valentine. CHIEF STEWARD – Graduated November 1: Drushelia Finney, Hyeyoung Forrer, Esstonia Moore and Lonnie Myers Jr. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION DL – Graduated October 25 (not all are pictured): Thomas Cohen, Kelly Doyle, Jeremy Garcia, Siniya Lee, Gaber Mohamed, Frederick Radford, Joseph Tier, Gerald Toledo, Tony Washington and Richard Wright. GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated November 8 (above, not all are pictured): Jorge Garcia Gutierrez, Emiliano Guevara, Molly Hecker, Anthony Hill Jr., Charles Hughes Jr., Michael Lane, Reshawn Latimer, Kennard Latson Graham, Cotisha Long-Green, Tyler Maddox, Sylvia Muhi, Nicholas Parker, Jess Rillera, Mikael Safarian, Milton Sivells, Maria Soler Madera, Kevin Watson Jr., Christopher Weaver, Da'von Wright and Aaron Zachary. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 JANUARY 2025 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos FOWT – Graduated October 18 (not all are pictured): Ismael Andriamasy, John Bayonne III, Ashanty Castillo, Randall Cox Jr., Marc Dadich, Gregg Gethers Jr., Marcel Gordon, Sierjohn Jove, Jon Kavanagh, Keith Martin Jr., Paloma Mendez, Darriona Noisette, Nesta Pafford, Corey Porter, Dallas Smith and Stephen Swaby. BASIC SAFETY - UPGRADER – Graduated November 1: Matthew Thompson. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated October 18: Phillip Adams, Tyler Allen, Corey Ambrose, Cerryisha Banks, Malakhi Basquez, Julius Douglas, Jeremy Fazio, Alex Greco, Keely Grochowicz, Kristopher Henny, Jevon Hill, Chifhon Hogan, Shatavia Ingram, Michael Johnson, Monica Marquez-Realivazquez, Robert McMahon, Tylan Meekins, Osiel Moreno, Aniyah Napier, Nathaniel Orff, Justice Rodriguez, Charles Vanderpool, Chuck Willberth and Jordayn Williams. RFPNW – Graduated November 8: Ryan Bruun, Joshua Burton, Rudolph Castaneda, Michael Dooley, Richard Dunn, Dennis Garcia Borda, Fahmy Hajj, Joshua Kazakis, Chantay Martin, Langston Mejia-Johnson, Michael Smith, Carlos Velazquez Rivera and Jacob Wharton. VESSEL FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated November 8: Hunter Abshire, Mark Baillie, Cedricka Banks, Jamequia Cherry, Wilfredo Cosme Ayala, Jacob Dezzutti, Michael Gaffney, Preston Harris, Suzanne Herrera, Alexander Holmes, Joshua Kelly, Ariel Marrero, Anthony Monroe, Metwa Ojoch, Juan Ortiz Reyes, Shawna-Kay Skinner, Carl Trice, Talib Weatherspoon, Dorian White, Justin White, Sean Wilson and Anton Zakoverya. JANUARY 2025 RFPNW – Graduated November 8: Tristan Chavers. BASIC ELECTRICITY – Graduated November 1: Charles Bishop, Wilfredo Calix Maximo, Preston Eiland, Erl Encina, Michael Lane, Johnny Matthews III, Alton Simpson, Christopher Skinner, Dennis Smith Jr. and Michael Zabielski. Instructor Christopher Morgan is on the right. RFPEW – Graduated November 15: Aaron Green, Antonio Harrison Jr., Brian Sheeran, Elijah Stepney and Terrence Thompson. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 19 SEAFARERS LOG • 19 �JANUARY 2025 VOLUME 87, NO. 1 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU, Other Unions Join Forces for Holiday Toy Drive in Puerto Rico John Navas, a teacher and an officer with the Puerto Rico Chapter of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, poses next to books which later were given to students at the Julian Marrero School. A Pitching in with the outreach are (from left) Mary Crespo of the SIU; (front) Maria Ortiz, special education teacher and delegate for the Association de Maestros de PR-AFL-CIO; (back row) Jose Ramirez, secretary-treasurer of LCLAA-PR and VP of the Federation of Workers of Puerto Rico; Nadry Martinez, assistant to the office of the president of the Federation de Trabajadores de PR; SIU Chief Steward Jacob Parrilla; SIU AB Angel Pagan and his wife, Tanya Pagan; and Professor John Navas, an official with both LCLAA-PR and the Association de Trabajadores de PR AFL-CIO. head of Thanksgiving, SIU members and officials, along with representatives from other local unions ensured that students from Julian Marrero Special Education School in Corozal, Puerto Rico, would close out their school year with a little extra holiday cheer. Representatives from the Federation of Workers of Puerto Rico (FTPR), American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR) joined the SIU – united under the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) Puerto Rico chapter – to distribute books and toys collected at the SIU’s San Juan hiring hall. Numerous rank-and-file Seafarers donated to the cause. Some 125 children, ranging from prekindergarten to eighth grade, received toys and books from the volunteers. Each student received more than one toy and a book. Upwards of 300 toys and 150 books were shared with the students who attended the toy drive. The unions focused their philanthropic outreach efforts on this school because it serves an underresourced population of students with special educational needs. The toy drive, which lasted about six hours, coincided with the end of the school term/semester. It was the inaugural and first major event for this newly formed LCLAA chapter. “I'm planning to do one every Christmas from now on,” said SIU Assistant Vice President and LCLAA-Puerto Rico Chapter President Amancio Crespo. In the future, LCLAA-PR is interested in potentially expanding their philanthropic outreach to include students from other schools, foster children, and elderly people living in facilities who may not receive many visitors. “I want people to know us as a helping hand. [This toy drive was] comprised of all the unions in the area, with the SIU at the helm. I want people to see [our unions] as people who give back to the community, so that’s what we're doing,” said Crespo. “We thought that we could bring some joy and happiness to these kids and their parents, and at the same time, let them know this is what unions do. We provide for the working class. We provide for the families.” Participating LCLAA-PR members collected toys, transported them to the school, and helped the students select their gifts and books. Additionally, volunteers distributed snacks to the students. Three of the participating volunteers were teachers and AFT union members employed with Julian Marrero who, because of their prior knowledge of the students, helped distribute toys and books to students in accordance with their appropriate age/grade level. John Navas, who is both a teacher employed with the teacher’s union AMPR, and the vice president of the LCLAA-PR chapter, also participated in the philanthropic event. During the toy drive, he talked to students and told them about the purpose of the event while he gave them their books. “My experience volunteering at Julian Marrero was awesome,” he said. “This toy drive was put together to help special-ed students and it was emotional getting to see the reactions on their faces when they received the toys. They came up to us group by group and the groups were no bigger than 12 students each. I got to see the surprised and grateful students accept their gifts, smiling because they were so happy.” “This was such a rewarding activity,” he added. “The effort and time spent planning the activity was worthwhile. My favorite part was seeing the students’ expressions when they entered the classroom. I wish I had the messages that the teachers received from the students and their Volunteers at the toy drive gather for a photo. From left to right are Jose Ramirez, John Navas, Nadry Martinez, Maria Ortiz, Jacob Parrilla, and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. families to share with you. I know that the students, parents, teachers and administrators were very grateful and that our work had a positive impact on the whole community.” Crespo agreed, saying, “Things that we take for granted, that we don't even think about, they mean so much to these kids and their parents.” Pitching in at the Hall Sprucing up the San Juan, Puerto Rico, hall ahead of the holidays are (from left in photo above, left) ABM Angel Pagan and Safety Director Ricky Rivera, along with (other photo, from left) QMED Cortney Gantt and SIU Asst. VP Amancio Crespo. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2025 Description An account of the resource SENATORE KELLY: SHIPS FOR AMERICA ACT WILL REVITALIZE INDUSTRY REDWOOD TRADER FLAG-IN MEANS NEW SIU JOBS RESOLUTION PASSES IN SUPPORT OF JONES ACT IN PUERTO RICO VOTING CONCLUDES IN SIUS 2024 ELECTION HEARINGS IMMINENT FOR CABINET NOMINEES SIU, OTHER UNIONS JOIN FORCES FOR HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE IN PUERTO RICO Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2025 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 87, NO 1 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/27c1a085c2555070dec44b1ed5cfef6b.pdf 88ecbc8462d203fa000436f13fba9859 PDF Text Text SEAFARERS LOG JANUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO SIU Members Ratify Contract At Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Seafarers employed by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) recently approved a new three-year contract featuring numerous gains. Members of the respective negotiating teams are pictured above, at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland. From left are company executives Holt Hartung and James Walker, AB/Dragtender Clayton Stanley Byrd, Robert Worrell of GLDD, AB/Dragtender Billy Born, SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo, George “Bubba” Strawn and Steven Deken of GLDD, SIU Houston Port Agent J.B. Niday, Capt. Alex Penzi, and Chief Engineer Jeff McCranie. Not pictured but also serving on the SIU bargaining committee was Asst. VP Joe Zavala. The other photo, taken aboard the hopper dredge Amelia Island off the coast of Galveston, Texas, features SIU personnel counting ballots. From left are Capt. David Fitzgibbons, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, AB/Dragtender Brandon Bortolan, and Chief Steward Noah Schluder. Page 3. Year in Review: Bravery at Sea, New Tonnage, Gainful Contracts Highlight 2025 for Seafarers The year 2025 included many noteworthy happenings for the SIU, including the heroism of the Stena Immaculate crew and lots of additions to the union-contracted fleet. One of those vessels, the LNG carrier American Energy (Crowley), is pictured here. Page 6. SHBP SCHOLARSHIP INFO • PAGE 7 // THANKSGIVING SNAPSHOTS • PAGES 10-11 �President’s Report Supporting Our Troops As you may have seen on our social media accounts, the SIU and the Paul Hall Center were well-represented at the most recent Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Our delegation teamed with members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans to place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and four of our apprentices also served as a color guard when the ceremony shifted to the nearby amphitheater. We have a write-up elsewhere in this edition. It’s always a great honor to be included for these ceremonies, and I very much appreciate our team showing up on a holiday and enduring a very chilly David Heindel day. Regardless of one’s political leanings, when the president and the vice president are among the participants, it’s a privilege to be invited – and for the record, I said the same thing two years ago when we also had a delegation there for Veterans Day. For those of you who are newer to our organization and may not know, U.S. Merchant Mariners who served in World War II are considered military veterans, and for good reason. Depending on who’s doing the math, they suffered either the highest or second-highest casualty rate among our forces. That includes more than 1,200 SIU members who made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m proud to note that the SIU played a significant role in helping secure veterans’ status for the World War II U.S. Merchant Marine, and we also later assisted in getting the cutoff date for such recognition extended to match that of the armed forces. Today, the SIU remains a reliable component of America’s fourth arm of defense. We support our troops whenever and wherever needed, as well as answering the call for our nation’s humanitarian missions. In these globally uncertain times, it’s clear that we very much need to maintain a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Veterans Day was a reminder that our civilian mariners were and are a key part of our nation’s sealift capability – and our ability to achieve victory. International Solidarity Recently, I had the honor of representing both the SIU and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) at an anniversary gathering of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines, better known as AMOSUP. The meeting in Manila offered a great opportunity to brainstorm about current and future challenges facing the world’s mariners. Our international ties have been a source of power for the SIU for the vast majority of our existence. Whether we’re teaming up with other unions or working with the ITF – or both – on a particular campaign, we benefit from strength in numbers and a unified voice. One relatively recent example is the logistical obstacles we overcame during the pandemic, on behalf of rank-andfile mariners across the globe. Another is an early-December cabotage victory secured in part through joint efforts involving the Maritime Union of New Zealand and the ITF. And, an ongoing example is the ITF’s flag-of-convenience campaign, which unites numerous affiliates and which has raised wages and improved working conditions for many thousands of mariners. By the way, AMOSUP is one of several foreign maritime unions that models itself after the SIU and other North America-based seafaring organizations. We are happy to work with them, lead by example in some cases, and learn from their example in others. In short, our solidarity is real, and it makes difference. Protecting Workers’ Rights As this edition went to press, the U.S. House of Representatives was set to engage in a series of votes on the Protect America’s Workforce Act – legislation backed by the SIU that would restore collective bargaining rights in much of the federal sector. Regardless of the bill’s ultimate fate, I was glad to see bipartisan support for the legislation as the House finally took it up (the bill was introduced in April). People of all political parties and persuasions support unions. This particular bill would overturn an executive order and restore the bargaining rights of more than one million federal workers. I could not possibly disagree more strongly with the assertion that collective bargaining rights weaken national security (the premise of the executive order). In fact, the opposite is true. Federal-sector workers, including members of our own SIU Government Services Division, are dedicated patriots, and they deserve the right to choose union representation. We’ll do our part to help advance the bill, and we’ll keep you posted. House Passes Pro-Worker Legislation A bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives on Dec. 11 voted to pass the Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R. 2550), a bill that would restore collective bargaining rights to one million federal workers by reversing a March executive order. As reported by the AFL-CIO, to which the SIU is affiliated, “With nearly 70% of Americans supporting unions, politicians face a clear mandate to protect workers’ rights and the freedom to have a voice on the job. The bipartisan bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Jared Golden (D-Maine) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pennsylvania), came to the floor for a vote by a rare discharge petition and passed 231-195 with support from Republicans and Democrats. It is the first time the House of Representatives has voted to overturn a Trump executive order during his second term.” AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler stated, “In these increasingly polarized times, working people delivered a rare bipartisan majority to stop the … unprecedented attacks on our freedoms. We commend the Republicans and Democrats who stood with workers and voted to reverse the single largest act of union-busting in American history.” Seafarers LOG Volume 88 Number 1 January 2026 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFLCIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director: Jordan Biscardo Assistant Communications Director: Nick Merrill Assistant Editor: Aja Neal Administrative Support: Jenny Stokes Copyright © 2026 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The SIU engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. 2 • SEAFARERS LOG She added, “Americans trust unions more than either political party. As we turn to the Senate –where the bill already has bipartisan support – working people are calling on the politicians we elected to stand with us….” A bipartisan companion bill to restore federal workers’ rights has already been introduced in the Senate with 48 original co-sponsors, and more than 15 active lawsuits are challenging the administration’s executive order in the courts. A day before the House vote, Golden noted, “President Trump said ending collective bargaining was about protecting our national defense. But in my District, many affected workers build our warships and care for our veterans. These workers make our country safer and stronger every day. America did not vote to silence these workers, but this bill gives all of us a chance to restore their voices. If the majority we built over the past few months sticks together, we can overturn this union-busting executive order, and we can show America that this body will protect workers’ rights.” Fitzpatrick said bipartisan support for the legislation “is a reminder of what this House can accomplish when we honor its purpose and allow the people’s will to move forward. A bipartisan majority affirmed that protecting America’s security and respecting America’s workers are not competing priorities – they are inseparable. Federal workers, many of whom are veterans, are the backbone of our public service. When they have a voice in the decisions that shape their work, our government is more stable, more capable, and better prepared to serve the American people. I’m proud to work alongside Congressman Golden in leading this bipartisan effort.” Golden and Fitzpatrick introduced the bill in April. After months of inaction on the floor, in July they initiated a discharge petition and set to work building support to force a vote in the House. In November, the discharge petition obtained its 218th signature, clearing the threshold to bring the legislation up for a vote. The executive order, titled “Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs,” sought to end collective bargaining with unions at the departments of Defense, State, Veterans Affairs, Justice and Energy, and some workers at the departments of Homeland Security, Treasury, Health and Human Services, Interior and Agriculture. The Protect America’s Workforce Act would repeal the executive order outright, and guarantee that the federal government honors any union contract in place at the time it was issued. Federal workers’ bargaining rights already are limited to conditions of employment. Roughly one-third of all federal workers in unions are veterans. Notice Updated Notice of Privacy Practices Available For Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan recently updated its Notice of Privacy Practices. This notice explains the procedures that the Plan follows to protect your personal information. The updated notice is available at https://www.seafarers.org/plans/ under Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, in the section called “HIPAA Privacy Rules.” JANUARY 2026 �Members Ratify Contract with GLDD Historic Agreement Features Numerous Gains for Seafarers Seafarers employed by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) have approved a new three-year contract featuring wage increases and other substantial gains. The pact covers approximately 200 SIU members who work in the company’s hopper dredge division. It takes effect March 1, 2026 and lasts through February 2029. Negotiations took place at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC) Oct. 13-15 of last year. Voting was conducted via mail-in ballots. Representing the SIU on the bargaining committee were Assistant Vice President Michael Russo, Assistant Vice President Joe Zavala, Port Agent J.B. Niday, and rank-and-file delegates Capt. Alex Penzi, Chief Engineer Jeff McCranie, AB/Dragtender Billy Born, and AB/Dragtender Clayton Stanley Byrd. Company negotiators included GLDD executives Holt Hartung, James Walker, Robert Worrell, George “Bubba” Strawn, and Steven Deken. In addition to the wage increases, contract highlights include a new loyalty incentive program that provides extra money based on years of service; increased company contributions to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP); a new boot allowance (annual reimbursement); new billets for PHC Apprentices; and new wage incentives for licensed members working in unlicensed positions. The contract also maintains Seafarers Pension Plan participation along with Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan coverage at the top level. Moreover, this is believed to be the first SIU contract that includes artificial intelligence (AI) protections. Specifically, new provisions guarantee early notification and employment safeguards for members affected by technological changes. Born said the AI component “is a very good thing to have in the contract, and we should have it in other contracts, too.” He also identified the SMPPP increases and the loyalty program as some of the other highlights of the new pact. “The negotiations weren’t a long, drawn-out process of stalemates,” added Born, who has been an SIU member for 25 years and has worked for GLDD for more than 20 years. “Everybody wanted to get it done and get it done right. Mike (Russo) did a fine job, and we got a fair contract. The company was looking out for the guys who have been here a long time, and this also gives the younger guys something to look forward to.” McCranie also emphasized the “firsts” in the contract and described the overall agreement as “very competitive” within the industry. “Where we excel in the SIU is our retirement benefits and our medical benefits, and those have a cost that the company has to pay, so that’s a factor (in negotiations),” McCranie said. “We kept the same Core-Plus benefits we’ve always enjoyed. The firsts are the longevity pay, the AI clause and a new billet.” He described the bargaining sessions as long but smooth. Russo thanked the rank-and-file delegates “for their exceptional dedication, professionalism, and service throughout the negotiations. Their steadfast efforts ensured that the interests and perspectives of Standing from left aboard the Ellis Island are ETO Joey Vincent, QMED Salomon Prado, Capt. Andrew Torti, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, AB William Doyle, SA Omar Ortega, and 2AE Ned Doherty. In front is Port Agent J.B. Niday. QMED Mainor Leopoldo Calderon (left) and SIU Asst. VP Joe Zavala meet aboard the Padre Island. SIU members were fully represented at every step of the bargaining process.” Zavala pointed out that the union secured the new agreement without any concessions and said the contract “delivers meaningful improvements and reinforces our long-term security and stability within the industry.” He continued, “When I negotiate a contract with one of the bargaining units, I try to visualize the kind of agreement I would love to work under. I truly believe we achieved that with the 2026 contract for Great Lakes and Dock Dredge & Dock.” Niday stated, “The hard-working men and women of the GLDD hopper dredge fleet are an impressive group of SIU members. They deserved a solid contract, and the SIU delivered.” Houston-based GLDD “is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States and has a long history of performing significant international projects,” the company’s website reports. Its areas of operation include New York; Miami; Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia, and more. Pictured from left aboard the Ellis Island are AB/Dragtender Kelvin Miguel and Bosun Vincent Sanzone. Chief Cook Irving Guerrero serves lunch aboard the hopper dredge ATB Douglas Mackie/Ellis Island. Among the SIU members pictured with officials aboard the Dodge Island are Capt. Rob Ruiz, AB Michael Howlett, SA Florencio Espin, CE Edward Bradford, Third AE Michael Jonas, CM Emmanuel Fakpui, Electrician Patrick Conroy, Chief Cook Tinesha Travis, AB Bernardo Segura Jumayao, and AB/Dragtender Charles Troutwine. JANUARY 2026 Capt. Joe Minnick Padre Island SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 3 3 �SIU’s Support of U.S. Military Comes Naturally Many SIU officials are veterans, and their experience has provided them with skills that carried over into their current roles. The following are accounts of several SIU officials’ military careers. This is the second installment of the series. Please note that last month’s LOG inadvertently included a recap of Joe Vincenzo’s service that had not been fully edited. The correct version appears here. Michael Russo Assistant Vice President Michael Russo served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years. During that time, he worked in communications, and his main responsibilities were setting up and maintaining secure, reliable lines for field operations and command coordination. To perform his duties well, Russo said, he needed to demonstrate “precision, technical knowledge, and the ability to adapt quickly in high-pressure environments.” In his opinion, the skills Russo honed while in the Marine Corps helped prepare him well for a career with the Seafarers International Union. “The discipline, teamwork, and understanding of the chain of command that I developed in the Marines translated directly to maritime operations,” he said. “Life at sea, much like military life, demands accountability, respect for hierarchy, and a strong work ethic. The technical skills and operational mindset I gained helped me quickly adapt to the structured and safety-focused environment of the merchant marine.” After signing up with the SIU, he began to understand the significance of the merchant marine and its connection to the military. “Before joining the union, I saw the merchant marine simply as commercial sailors working in civilian shipping. After becoming part of the union, I learned that the merchant marine plays a vital role in national defense and global trade, often supporting military missions by transporting equipment, fuel, and supplies,” he said. His experience in both realms gave him “a real appreciation for the professionalism, training, and sacrifice that merchant mariners bring to their work both in peacetime and during conflict.” Russo urges current military members or veterans who might be considering a similar career path in the civilian maritime world to take advantage of the discipline, leadership, and technical skills they would’ve already gained through their military service. “The transition is smoother than you might think,” he said. “The SIU offers excellent training programs, good pay, and a sense of camaraderie similar to what you experienced in the military. It’s a career that rewards hard work, reliability, and a willingness to learn.” According to Russo, the bond between the armed forces and the U.S. Merchant Marine is built on mutual respect and a shared mission, as they both stand ready to serve the nation in times of crisis and war. “Merchant mariners may not wear uniforms, but their role in supporting logistics and freedom of navigation is every bit as essential to national security,” he said. “I feel proud to be part of that tradition and to contribute in a way that connects my military service to civilian maritime service.” Pat Vandegrift Vice President Pat Vandegrift served in the U.S. Navy as a sonar technician surface, third class petty 4 • SEAFARERS LOG officer (STG3). He carried out his duties aboard a destroyer and a frigate, which were both ASW, or anti-sub warfare vessels. His main responsibilities were operating and maintaining various kinds of gear designed to search for submarines. Vandegrift served in that role for five years. “I believe the training I received in the Navy prepared me to excel in the ranks of the U.S. Merchant Marine,” said Vandegrift. Specifically, he cites the training he completed that honed his attention to detail and inspired a tenacious, no-quit attitude when facing obstacles. He also mentioned camaraderie as a highlight. When Vandegrift was accepted into the trainee program, his ideas about the merchant marine evolved: “I envisioned it being a neat career and then once I was accepted into the trainee program (which is now vessel for some period of time. The agreement is different than being in the military, so it’s a whole lot freer, and less controlled.” Vandegrift also shared some words of wisdom for former military members who may be considering a switch to the merchant marine. “It brings with it the same camaraderie that we had in the military. It still has some military structure out of necessity for the safe navigation of the vessels, but it's a whole lot freer of a lifestyle where you can pick and choose where you work by region, by vessel type, so on and so forth,” he said. He also acknowledged the wellestablished bond between the armed forces and the U.S. Merchant Marine, the fourth arm of defense: “We have a longstanding mutual respect for one another. I’m always grateful for SIU allowing me to join the ranks.” Michael Russo (left), along with a fellow Marine. Duane Akers Pat Vandegrift referred to as the apprentice program) post-Navy, it reinforced that it’s a wonderful way to make a living…. After living on a warship and the intensity of the military, this is better than I had imagined.” The work still involves going to sea and navigating and operating a vessel in an ocean or other large body of water, but the differences between being a civilian mariner and his past in the Navy stood out to Vandegrift. After spending some time sailing with the SIU, Vandegrift was offered the opportunity to apply for positions at the school in Piney Point, Maryland. He had already met people who worked in that area from being “on the docks” as a mariner, so he had an idea of what to expect. “Coming to the SIU, once I hit my first ship, I knew that this was awesome,” he said. Vandegrift says he wouldn’t forsake his time in the Navy, even with all of its requirements and strictures. Still, since making the switch to the merchant marine, he has been able to carve out a space for himself in the SIU, and he appreciates the flexibility the career change has granted him. “I would never give up my Navy time, but compared to the Navy, this is different,” he said. “When you go on a ship, you're contracted to that company, to that Joe Vincenzo (holding flag) listens as then-Sen. Bob Dole addresses his division, The Big Red One. Duane Akers Port Agent Duane Akers joined the Navy in January of 1980. He served for 17 years and then took early retirement as an E6. Initially, he worked in combat medicine for 11 years with the Marines and then completed advanced schooling to become an MDR (which in the Navy is known as an Independent Duty Corpsman) on submarines. When he was assigned to the Marines in combat medicine, where he took care of people in both the Navy and the Marine Corps, Akers deployed multiple times with Marines in combat zones, which he says allowed him to mature in his work. What set him up for his career with the SIU was completing Independent Duty Corpsman school. After serving on a submarine and his final command overseas, he retired from the Navy and began working as an MDR with the SIU. He wasn’t aware of the merchant marine until he joined. He recalls taking courses for the transition assistance program, which is a requirement for all military personnel. “A key statement from that time that stayed with me was that most people get their jobs through word of mouth, family, and friends. That happened to me,” he said. Akers’ best friend and brother were at the military base from which he separated. His friend’s brother did the same job that Akers did on submarines and offered him an application for Dyn Marine Services. This led to his first job three months after his Navy retirement. He spent the next 25 years working aboard ships. “Once I got to my first ship, it was a perfect fit,” Akers said. “I don’t regret one moment.” He attributes his desire to become an MDR in the military to his passion for healthcare and taking care of patients. “That (passion), combined with going to sea and travelling – you put those three together, and it was like being in heaven for me. Plus, a very nice paycheck came with it, but that was secondary,” he said. Akers appreciates that this career change offered him independence as well as a heightened level of responsibility. His military leadership training combined with his medical background and people skills helped him develop along his career path. “If I can’t make a difference in people’s lives, I don’t belong in the job,” he added. Although Akers plans to do some direct recruiting of his own on the military base not too far from his port, he also had some advice to share with military members who may be interested in switching careers: “The SIU is a perfect fit – the lifestyle, the benefits.… It really works hand-inhand with our military veterans. I have yet to hear of any veteran that I've recruited into the SIU who told me they’ve made a mistake. They all have said, ‘This is a wonderful experience. I wish I knew about this earlier,’” he said. Joe Vincenzo SIU Vice President West Coast Joe Vincenzo was an Army member, on active duty from 1983 through 1987, followed by three years in the reserves. He served as a 98J as part of a detachment of the Big Red One, as a non-communication electronic warfare specialist. His main responsibilities were focused on data collection and analysis. In his own words, transitioning from the armed forces to the SIU was “really interesting. There are some obvious transferable skills: discipline and being a team player. You won’t even make it out of basic training without those,” Vincenzo said. He recalled a routine occurrence during his time in military basic training, when the drill sergeant would ask questions about their fellow servicemen while they were standing in the food line, such as their spouse’s name. “If you didn’t know, you’d be down on the ground doing pushups,” said Vincenzo. It taught him the importance of being sociable and making the effort to get to know other people in his unit. Vincenzo’s military experience also reinforced the importance of following rules, working as a team member, leadership, and general knowledge of being a soldier, and for those reasons, he considers the military an excellent place to begin a career. “It’s a vetting process, and it helps you to get a better sense of who you are and what you’re capable of,” he said. Serving in the military was also a way for him to have novel experiences that would assist him down the line, especially in a career that requires knowledge of computers (which were still relatively new in 1983). “The first time I ever touched a computer was in the Army,” he said. “It helped me not be afraid of the machine or to try new things and to familiarize myself with computers.” During his time in SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 4 JANUARY 2026 �the military, Vincenzo worked in the motor pool maintaining “duce and a half ” and five-ton trucks along with M113 and M117 track vehicles. As with his primary MOS, he learned how to set up and operate data collection equipment in the field and recognize different electronic transmissions typically associated with unfriendly missile systems. Vincenzo’s computer experience gave him the skillset necessary to navigate and utilize computer systems like the SIU’s union-wide human resource information system, which is used to keep and organize records and information about members and crews. Although he hadn’t much experience with the merchant marine before joining the SIU, he always dreamed of one day joining the Navy. “My interest and experience with the merchant marine was a natural offshoot of that,” he said. Vincenzo’s father was in the Coast Guard, and his sister was a nurse on the SIU-crewed passenger ships in Hawaii. In fact, he discovered this career path with the SIU when he went to Hawaii in 1991 to work as a wiper on the same ship, SS Constitution, with his sister. “I respected people who worked on ships, and I wasn’t sure how long I’d be out there when I started,” he recalled. After joining the SIU in January 1991, “35 years later, I’m still here,” he noted. The benefits of choosing a career in maritime after having enlisted in the Army quickly became evident to him. “It’s first and foremost very fulfilling on a personal level and rewarding just the same. I bought my first house with the money I made serving as an oiler in the employ of Seabulk on the MV Seabulk Pride,” he said. “Even to this day I can’t imagine having fallen into a better career.” Advice Vincenzo would share with current and former military members who might be considering a similar career path is as follows: “Have a long game in mind. Don’t get caught up in a short-term-returns way of thinking. Look down the road and consider the life you can build for yourself. There are lots of opportunities and experiences in the merchant marine that you just can’t get elsewhere.” One such opportunity for Vincenzo was working as an oiler on the SS Jeremiah O'Brien in 1994 during the 50-year commemoration of D-Day. “It was one of the crown jewels of my experience as a Merchant Marine. I signed on as an oiler on the ship,” he said. "For those who may not know, the ship made its way to the UK and then to France leading a parade of ships back to the beaches of Normandy where it was among war fighting ships that supported Allied efforts during the D-Day invasion itself. It truly was an honor to serve as just one of a very few volunteer crew members on that ship at that time." To Vincenzo, the bond between the merchant marine and the armed forces cannot be overstated: “We were there with them from the Revolutionary War and we’re still there today. We’re there as an auxiliary in times of war and peace in support of our national defense and economic and homeland security. We’re right there with them every step of the way.” Union, School Join Forces with AMMV In Honoring World War II Mariners The SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center (PHC) teamed up with members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) for the 2025 Veterans Day ceremony conducted at Arlington National Cemetery, near the nation’s capital. In addition to serving as flagbearers, PHC Apprentices assisted AMMV members in placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier immediately prior to the Nov. 11 ceremony shifting to the adjacent amphitheater. The wreath honored the service of World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners, who are formally recognized as military veterans. (More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in service during the war.) “The entire SIU team did a great job honoring our U.S. Maritime Service,” said AMMV President Emeritus Dru DiMattia. “The World War II veterans among our stakeholders were very touched, and we all appreciated your team enduring the early-morning chill.” DiMattia added that the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own” started their musical program at the ceremony by playing “Heave Ho,” which was composed in 1943 and is the official song of the U.S. Maritime Service. Taking part in the ceremony were PHC Apprentices Andrew Smith (a Marine Corps veteran), Monique Banks (Army and Air Force), Astrid Ortiz and Leroyal Hester III; SIU Vice President Pat Vandegrift (Navy), PHC Director of Education Wayne Johnson Jr., and Apprentice Commandant Christian Holloway (Army). Capt. Darin Huggins, AMMV’s recently elected national president, noted, “The American Merchant Marine Veterans, founded by our World War II Merchant Mariners in 1984, still tolls the bell of legacy and educates the people of our nation about the vital supply chain operations of the maritime industry that are maintained by dedicated and courageous men and women of the United States Merchant Marine…. AMMV honors the service of all merchant mariners who served our nation during military sealift operations…. This year, 2025, is the U.S. Merchant Marine’s 250th anniversary, as a result of the colonial merchant mariners’ victory over the British warship HMS Margaretta in Machias Bay, Maine, on June 12, 1775. This first sea battle of the Revolutionary War has been called the Lexington of the Seas.” President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins spoke during the ceremony. JANUARY 2026 Making final preparations for the Veterans Day event in Arlington, Virginia, are (from left) SIU VP Pat Vandegrift, Paul Hall Center Apprentices Andrew Smith, Astrid Ortiz, Monique Banks and Leroyal Hester, Apprentice Commandant Christian Holloway, and Paul Hall Center Director of Education Wayne Johnson Jr. This memorial wreath honored the service of AMMV members, officials and supporters are pictured with Paul Hall Center personnel prior to the World War II mariners, including thousands of wreath-laying component of the ceremony. SIU members. Visitors attend the 72nd National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser) SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 5 LOG • 5 �SIU’s Year in Review: Steady Gains in 2025 The SIU remained on a steady course throughout 2025, securing favorable contracts, welcoming new tonnage, and maintaining an effective political presence to safeguard Seafarers’ jobs, among other activities. The year started with a committee of rank-andfile members finalizing a report that confirmed the election of SIU officials including President David Heindel, Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski, and Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, George Tricker, Joseph Soresi, Nick Marrone, Bryan Powell, and Joe Vincenzo, along with a number of assistant vice presidents and port agents. That report, subsequently approved at the monthly membership meetings, also confirmed that Seafarers had voted in favor of the addition of two new vice president positions – slots filled by Hazel Galbiso and Pat Vandegrift. Later in the year, after Marrone retired, he was succeeded by Vincenzo, while former Assistant Vice President Government Services Sam Spain became the vice president for that division. The following is a look back at some other highlights of the previous year. Rescues and Heroism No occurrence felt bigger than the one involving the SIU-crewed Stena Immaculate. On March 10, the Madeira-flag containership Solong hit the Crowleyoperated ship even though the U.S.-flag tanker had been anchored off Britain’s east coast for at least 15 hours. The 461-foot-long Solong didn’t slow from its approximate speed of 16 knots, nor did it change course. After bravely fighting the resultant fire (the Stena Immaculate, 600 feet in length, was carrying military jet fuel) for around 30 minutes, all 23 mariners from the Crowley vessel successfully launched and boarded their lifeboat, and made it ashore essentially unharmed. Those personnel included SIU members, two apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and officers from the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers (AMO), plus one from the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. In the aftermath, several SIU members credited the safety training they’d received at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center as crucial to their survival. That wasn’t the only time in 2025 that Seafarers demonstrated their professionalism and selflessness. On Jan. 21, the crew of the Crowley-operated El Coqui rescued four individuals after their sailboat sank off the coast of the Dominican Republic. Later in the year, on Sept. 1, SIU and AMO members from the Pasha vessel National Glory played huge roles in extinguishing an accidental shoreside fire near their berth that could have proven disastrous if not for their prompt, professional actions. Most recently, on Oct. 10, the crew of SLNC Star saved a vessel of fishermen adrift at sea between Singapore and Diego Garcia who had been without food, water or fuel for days. New Tonnage and Contracts There was no shortage of contractual gains for the union throughout the year. The union secured new agreements that either maintained benefits or increased them, and also obtained wage increases in every new agreement. Contracts were ratified covering members at NY Waterway, E.N. Bisso & Son (mid-contract gains), Express Marine, Waterman, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, and Marine Personnel and Provisioning (the latter was pending as of press time). Additionally, SIU members will continue sailing aboard dozens of U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels for the next 10 years, following a mid-year announcement of new contracts by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD). The agency on July 30 reported that agreements covering 51 vessels had been signed, with a combined value of $6.2 billion. For the SIU, the number of shipboard jobs will largely remain unchanged, though the union did gain around 40 billets when the “Cape Ts” (Taylor, Texas and Trinity) are in full operating status. New tonnage also entered the SIU fleet throughout the year, starting with NY Waterway’s ferry Jackie Robinson, followed by the LNG carrier American Energy (Crowley), the general cargo ship SL Midway (Schuyler Line), the containership CMA CGM Phoenix (Osprey Ship Management), the cable-laying barge Marmac 306 (Crowley), the hopper dredge Amelia Island (Great Lakes Dredge & Dock), the Great Lakes Towing tugboat New York, and the tanker CS Anthem (Intrepid), among others. Grassroots Activity The union threw its support behind the reintroduced SHIPS for America Act, a major piece of legislation aimed at reinvigorating not just shipbuilding but many components of the U.S. maritime industry. The SIU also applauded a promaritime executive order from the White House that promotes many of the same goals included in the SHIPS Act. The Federal Maritime Commission launched an investigation of flag-of-convenience shipping practices, a move welcomed by the SIU. AFL-CIO-affiliated unions including the SIU endorsed the Protecting America’s Workforce Act, which would restore collective bargaining rights to hundreds of thousands of federal workers who lost them due to an executive order. Moreover, while not a piece of legislation itself, an updated report from Seafarers Rights International found that cabotage laws now exist on 85% of the Family members and former colleagues of the late SIU President Michael Sacco converged in Piney Point, Maryland, June 17 to name a building in his honor as well as unveiling a bronze bust of the union’s longest-serving president. world’s coastlines, are growing in number at an unprecedented pace, and are increasingly essential to national security, economic stability and maritime resilience. The detailed findings underscore the value and importance of the Jones Act, America’s freight cabotage law. Other Gains, Final Departures The union launched an online dues portal that immediately got widespread use by Seafarers. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan awarded scholarships to members and dependents worth a combined $120,000. In Piney Point, Maryland, the Paul Hall Center increased its schedule to help address a manpower shortage, while both the school and the union maintained extensive recruiting efforts across the country. The school also dedicated a building – the Michael J. Sacco Media Center – in honor of the longestserving SIU president, who passed away in December 2023. Sacco also helped form the school in the late 1960s, and he worked there for many years. Additionally, a new scholarship program for upgraders seeking to obtain licenses in the deck or engine departments was launched and also named in Sacco’s honor. SIU philanthropy was evident at the tenth iteration of the Seafarers Waterfront Classic and during traditional events in the Pacific Northwest, Florida, Hawaii and elsewhere. Finally, the union mourned the passing of former officials Don Anderson and Thornton Elliott, and that of Valerie Cole (longtime Union Plus representative) and Myron Mintz (longtime co-counsel for the SIU Rivers Pension Trust). The union and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education observed National Maritime Day ceremonies across the country on May 22, including the traditional event hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation in the nation’s capital. That’s where SIU officials and PHC Apprentices are pictured above, shortly Seafarers from the Stena Immaculate and SIU Asst. VP Michael Russo (second from left, before the event. From left in front are VP Pat Vandegrift, President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Tom in front) met multiple times per day at a hotel in Grimsby, England, in the aftermath of Orzechowski, Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Asst. VP Michael Russo, and VP George Tricker. the accident. 6 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 6 JANUARY 2026 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from November 10 - December 11, 2025. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of December 12, 2025. Port Total Shipped All Groups A B C Total Registered All Groups A B C Trip Reliefs Registered on Beach All Groups A B C Deck Department Algonac 18 Anchorage 2 Baltimore 3 Fort Lauderdale 22 Guam 2 Harvey 10 Honolulu 12 Houston 40 Jacksonville 42 Jersey City 24 Joliet 3 Mobile 12 Norfolk 20 Oakland 10 Philadelphia 3 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 4 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 16 Wilmington 30 9 2 8 13 2 6 1 24 36 15 3 4 8 6 1 3 3 2 4 11 1 0 7 7 2 4 1 10 11 9 0 3 7 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 13 1 2 16 3 5 5 26 21 14 1 4 15 3 3 1 3 1 11 20 8 3 3 8 2 3 1 11 34 6 5 3 10 3 2 1 5 1 3 9 0 0 4 9 1 2 1 8 11 8 0 1 6 0 0 0 2 0 3 3 2 2 4 16 2 7 3 21 37 12 3 2 10 1 3 0 3 1 7 15 21 4 3 26 3 14 15 66 62 34 4 11 26 15 4 2 7 1 22 53 7 2 5 12 1 4 2 36 45 19 3 4 16 2 2 4 0 1 5 10 2 0 2 11 1 10 2 18 12 3 0 4 10 4 1 1 1 0 2 3 TOTAL 277 161 67 168 121 59 151 393 180 87 Algonac 2 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 1 Fort Lauderdale 6 Guam 0 Harvey 1 Honolulu 3 Houston 8 Jacksonville 22 Jersey City 9 Joliet 1 Mobile 4 Norfolk 12 Oakland 3 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 3 Puerto Rico 5 St. Louis 2 Tacoma 8 Wilmington 16 TOTAL 106 3 1 4 9 0 4 3 10 24 6 0 0 11 1 1 3 4 0 2 1 87 1 1 1 1 2 0 0 4 3 2 1 0 3 2 1 0 0 1 1 5 29 3 0 2 5 1 2 1 3 14 4 1 2 9 3 1 1 1 0 3 4 60 3 0 5 9 2 1 7 14 30 9 2 3 18 5 0 3 7 2 12 17 149 4 4 4 10 0 2 3 15 31 5 1 1 16 2 2 1 6 1 4 8 120 0 0 3 5 1 0 1 4 4 5 0 1 2 4 1 0 0 1 0 5 37 Algonac 2 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 2 Fort Lauderdale 7 Guam 2 Harvey 3 Honolulu 3 Houston 18 Jacksonville 22 Jersey City 5 Joliet 0 Mobile 3 Norfolk 15 Oakland 5 Philadelphia 1 Piney Point 2 Puerto Rico 7 St. Louis 1 Tacoma 6 Wilmington 22 TOTAL 126 1 1 1 4 0 1 2 11 24 6 0 4 7 0 1 3 7 2 3 11 89 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 5 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 1 1 18 3 0 1 3 2 3 3 4 12 0 0 5 18 2 1 3 1 3 4 14 82 2 0 1 1 0 3 2 3 17 2 0 1 8 3 0 4 4 1 0 10 62 3 0 2 16 0 5 5 26 42 11 2 4 25 17 2 1 10 1 10 36 218 2 2 1 6 0 0 3 13 22 8 0 4 19 5 1 1 8 0 3 11 109 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 1 7 2 0 1 1 0 2 1 25 Algonac 1 Anchorage 0 Baltimore 0 Fort Lauderdale 1 Guam 0 Harvey 1 Honolulu 0 Houston 1 Jacksonville 0 Jersey City 0 Joliet 0 Mobile 0 Norfolk 0 Oakland 0 Philadelphia 0 Piney Point 0 Puerto Rico 0 St. Louis 0 Tacoma 3 Wilmington 2 1 1 1 8 0 2 2 21 47 21 1 1 15 2 0 3 0 0 4 13 18 0 1 8 3 3 1 14 51 13 1 1 21 7 0 2 0 0 5 21 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 2 5 0 4 0 9 29 14 0 1 7 3 1 1 0 0 5 7 3 0 0 2 3 1 2 3 18 2 1 1 6 10 0 0 0 0 3 12 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 2 4 3 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 9 4 1 12 1 2 3 38 52 24 1 1 23 8 1 2 0 0 10 20 25 0 1 13 0 3 4 25 75 24 3 2 52 20 1 1 0 0 11 37 TOTAL 9 143 170 8 88 67 20 17 212 297 GRAND TOTAL 480 284 338 332 156 293 777 621 446 Engine Department 5 0 1 6 1 1 3 4 16 4 1 4 9 2 2 1 2 2 6 10 80 0 0 3 3 0 4 3 3 18 4 0 1 12 2 0 2 0 0 2 4 61 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 4 6 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 18 Steward Department January & February Membership Meetings Piney Point Algonac Baltimore Guam Monday: Jan. 5, Feb. 2 Thursday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 Thursday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Thursday: Jan. 22, Feb. 19 Honolulu Friday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Houston Monday: Jan. 12, Feb. 9 Jacksonville Thursday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 Joliet Thursday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 Mobile Wednesday: Jan. 14, Feb. 11 New Orleans Tuesday: Jan. 13, Feb. 10 Jersey City Tuesday: Jan. 6, Feb. 3 Norfolk Friday: Jan. 9, Feb. 6 Oakland Thursday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 Philadelphia Wednesday: Jan. 7, Feb. 4 Port Everglades Thursday: Jan. 15, Feb. 12 San Juan Thursday: Jan. 8, Feb. 5 St. Louis Friday: Jan. 16, Feb. 13 Tacoma Friday: Jan. 23, Feb. 20 Wilmington Tuesday: Jan. 20, Feb. 17 Meeting date changes due to holidays Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. JANUARY 2026 1 1 0 3 0 3 0 8 22 5 0 1 5 0 0 2 3 2 0 6 62 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 3 12 Entry Department 518 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 7 LOG • 7 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU ABOARD CAPE INTREPID ‒ Safety Director Kevin WELCOME ABOARD IN HOUSTON ‒ STOS David Alvarez (second from left) recently received his B book. He’s pictured at the hiring hall with (from left) Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Patrolman Anthony Jacobson, Port Agent J.B. Niday, and Patrolman Kirk Pegan. WELCOME ASHORE IN HAWAII ‒ GUDE Carlos Madayag (left), who began his SIU career in 1989 and sailed with the union for 36 years, picks up his first pension check. He’s pictured at the Honolulu hall with SIU VP Hazel Galbiso. FULL BOOK SECURED ‒ OS Ahmed Ahmed obtains his B book at the hiring hall in Joliet, Illinois. Sykes (third from left) meets with Seafarers on the Ocean Duchess ship. Pictured from left are Oiler David Caballero, SA Calixta Arzu, Sykes, Wiper Wilfredo Martinez, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, and Chief Steward Delbra SingletonLeslie. ABOARD COLORADO EXPRESS ‒ Pictured from left on the Marine Personnel & Provisioning ship are AB Pablo Taracena Dardon, Bosun Arsenio Malunes, Steward/Baker Alvinmar Aldana, ABM George Fababier, QEE Jetaime Mays, SIU Wilmington Port Agent Gerret Jarman, ABM Ruziell Bautista, and SA Nawaf Haidra. CONGRATS IN MICHIGAN ‒ AB Emad Nagi (right) receives his B book at the hiring hall in Algonac. Congratulating him is SIU Asst. VP Todd Brdak. ABOARD GREEN OCEAN ‒ Chief Cook Erik Loret prepares lunch aboard the Waterman vessel. ABOARD LIBERTY PEACE ‒ The Liberty Maritime vessel called on Jacksonville, Florida, late last year. Pictured from left in the larger group photo are AB Eddie Thomas, AB Basheer Ali, Safety Director Adam Bucalo, and Bosun Mohamed Alahmadi. In the other snapshot are Bucalo and Steward/Baker Pauline Crespo. 8 •SEAFARERS 8 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 ABOARD MARINER ‒ Seafarers (from left) SA Amilcar Miranda, Chief Steward Arlene Thomas, and AB Ronald Poyotte gather aboard the Eco-Tankers vessel. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 8 JANUARY 2026 �At Sea & Ashore with the SIU TAKING THE OATH IN WILMINGTON ‒ AB Mark Garcia (right) receives his full book at the hiring hall on the West Coast. At left is SIU VP Joe Vincenzo. BOOKS GALORE IN NORFOLK ‒ In the three-person snapshot, SA Shakisha West (left) and GUDE Tytianna Pryor (right) receive their respective B books. They’re pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey. OS Quasia Clinkscales (individual photo) also received her B book, while AB Andre Irby (right in remaining photo, with Torrey) secured his A-seniority book. (ALMOST) ABOARD USNS PATHFINDER ‒ Pictured next to the Ocean Ships-operated vessel are (from left) CSK Courtney Turner, MDR Clyde Burgess, GVA Kipp Worthy, AB Marck Hilgendorf, GVA Twane Joe, STOS Terrell Redmond, AB Antonio Gonzalez, Bosun Dhindo Faulve, STOS Joshua Collins, QMED Isaac Nugen, AB Rodante Niebres, SA Isaka Koanda, QMED Noli Aguirre, Chief Cook De’vine Lents, and Chief Steward Alphonzo Berry. PROGRESS IN PINEY POINT ‒ AB Mackenzie Wincelowicz (right in photo above, left) receives his A-seniority book while OS Daniel Ignacio (right in remaining photo) obtains his B book. Both Seafarers are pictured with SIU Port Agent Kelly Krick at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. ABOARD OVERSEAS TAMPA ‒ Meeting with Seafarers aboard the Overseas Ship Management vessel is SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (right). Pictured from left are Paul Hall Center Apprentice John Karafanda, AB Valeriy Goncharov, Bosun Jamar Harley, SA Dagoberto Norales, and Hopkins. SIU VOLUNTEERISM IN ACTION ‒ SIU personnel recently pitched in for the Seafarers International House “Christmas At Sea Satchel” packing day in Manhattan. Volunteers gathered to pack satchels with winter essentials (including hoodies, socks, gloves, snacks and more) for donation to mariners calling on ports in and near Newark, New Jersey. Among those pictured are SIU AB Michael Penkwitz (far right in photo above, left) and (from left in the posed photo) Safety Director Jordan Esopa and Seafarers International House Executive Director Rev. Marsh Luther Drege. HONORS BESTOWED ‒ The Maritime Trades Department’s St. Louis JANUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 99 LOG • Port Council recognized St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer (second from left) with its Able Helmsman award, for outstanding leadership. Pictured from left at the related port council event are Port Council President John Stiffler, Mayor Spencer, Port Council Secretary-Treasurer/SIU VP Bryan Powell, and Port Council VP John Orr. �Thanksgiving With the SIU SIU steward departments once again upheld their long tradition of providing top-notch menus for Thanksgiving. Most of the snapshots on these two pages were taken aboard ship; many more are available on our social-media pages. ABOARD AMERICAN ENERGY ‒ Pictured from left on the Intrepid vessel are Chief Cook Carlos Colon, SA Lauren Buggs, and Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont. ABOARD TAINO ‒ SA Michael McLaughlin, Chief Cook Carlos Gomez, and Steward/Baker Luis Perez brighten the holiday on the Intrepid ship. AT THE HOUSTON HALL ‒ A well-attended pre-Thanksgiving event took place Nov. 21. Among those pictured in the largest group photo are former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Leo Bonser from Federated Marine, Steve Huttman from Bay Towing, Bobby Pitka from G&H Towing, congressional candidate Christian Menefee, and SIU VP Dean Corgey. From left in the photo (below, right) are Asst. VP Joe Zavala, Safety Director Kevin Sykes, Recertified Bosun LBJ Tanoa, Corgey, and Port Agent J.B. Niday. In the remaining posed photo are (standing) Recertified Bosun Nicholas Smithling and his family. ABOARD MAERSK PITTSBURGH ‒ Recertified Steward Ali Matari (above, left) and SA Olga Gutierrez (above, right) provide service with a smile. 10• SEAFARERS SEAFARERS LOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 10 JANUARY 2026 �Thanksgiving With the SIU SIU steward departments once again upheld their long tradition of providing top-notch menus for Thanksgiving. Most of the snapshots on these two pages were taken aboard ship; many more are available on our social-media pages. ABOARD ALASKAN NAVIGATOR ‒ Seafarers aboard the ATC vessel spent the holiday in a South Korean shipyard. In the smaller outdoor group photo are (from left) Chief Cook Nasr Almusab, Recertified Steward Albert Sison, SA Ahmed Moosa, and SA Khaled Ali. The whole crew is featured in the other outdoor photo, while the galley gang also is pictured in one of the indoor shots: Recertified Steward Sison, SA Ali, Chief Cook Almusab, and SA Ahmed Moosa. ABOARD SEABULK PRIDE ‒ Some of the holiday offerings aboard the Eco-Tankers ship are pictured here. JANUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS 2023 11 • OCTOBER LOG • 11 �SIU Directory David Heindel, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President Tom Orzechowski, Secretary-Treasurer Inquiring Seafarer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Joe Vincenzo, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Sam Spain, Vice President Government Services Bryan Powell, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Pat Vandegrift, Vice President Hazel Galbiso, Vice President HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, along with Justin Shepler, who was in the process of joining the union through the veterans program. Question: What are some things you like about your career? Vito DeLorenzo Jr. AB Justin Shepler ABM If you need a job, you have an organization here with the SIU (to help you get one). Having the ability to have time off in between jobs, to spend time with my family. I think it makes for a good work-life balance. I was a quartermaster in the Navy, so I knew about the merchant marine, but I never thought about it as a career. I got out of the Navy in 2022 and started my own business, but it didn’t work out, so I got a CDL (commercial driver’s license). I liked driving trucks but I missed the ocean. In the merchant marine, you get to travel, you get time off to do your own thing, and the pay is good. Ahmed Haridy STOS Rhonda Jenkins Chief Steward This has been most of my life – I always want to be close to the water. When I was a little boy, I had my own boat. In high school, I had a motorboat. I love the sea and I’ve worked in all departments. Travel, meeting new people. It’s important because with traveling, you get to learn more and interact with different people. I’ve been sailing almost 24 years. Gerardo Melano Chief Steward Steven Lopez Chief Steward It gives me financial stability and security. That’s the most important part. Also the travel and meeting a lot of different people. You learn from them. You experience different countries and learn from their culinary perspectives, and you can share those with the rest of the crew and officers. I like the flexibility it gives me. When I say I’m on vacation, I’m actually on vacation. I love the fact that I’ve traveled the whole world, pretty much. And I love the fact I can put money in my pocket so I can put food on the table, feed the family. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pic from the Past OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2800 S. 20th Street, Building 12B, Suite A Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 The SIU deck gang is pictured aboard the Malden Victory in 1947. The United States constructed more than 500 Victory ships between 1944 and 1946. 12 • SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 2026 12 JANUARY �Welcome Ashore! DEEP SEA LEONILO ARANO Brother Leonilo Arano, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers International Union in 2008, initially sailing aboard the Texas Clipper. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Arano last shipped on the National Glory and makes his home in Edinburg, Texas. MARTIN ARCENIO Brother Martin Arcenio, 67, joined the union in 1997, initially sailing aboard the Global Mariner. He worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Arcenio most recently shipped on the Cape Wrath. He lives in Inwood, West Virginia. We pay tribute to our brothers and sisters of the SIU who have recently retired. THANK YOU for a job well done and we wish you fair winds and following seas. GARY DAHL LEROY WILLIAMS Brother Gary Dahl, 62, started sailing with the SIU in 1991 when he shipped on the Cape Clear. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Dahl’s final vessel was the Horizon Anchorage. He makes his home in Queen Creek, Arizona. Brother Leroy Williams, 65, began his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1981 when he shipped on the Overseas New York. An engine department member, he upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Williams concluded his career aboard the Cape Race. He makes his home in Norfolk, Virginia. ANTHONY JACOBSON Brother Anthony Jacobson, 58, began his career with the Seafarers in 1993 when he sailed aboard the USNS Invincible. He upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school and worked in the steward department. Brother Jacobson concluded his career aboard the Maersk Sentosa. He resides in Missouri City, Texas. DEBORAH BROWNE CARLOS MADAYAG Sister Deborah Browne, 66, started sailing with the SIU in 1996 and first worked on the USNS Kane. She shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Browne last sailed on the Great Land. She resides in Fairview, Oregon. Brother Carlos Madayag, 67, joined the union in 1986. He first shipped on the Independence and sailed in all three departments. Brother Madayag upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Pride of America. He lives in Mililani, Hawaii. MARCELINO CAYABYAB Brother Marcelino Cayabyab, 65, became a member of the union in 2001 when he sailed aboard the Independence. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Cayabyab’s last vessel was the Cape Horn. He makes his home in Tracy, California. TILLMAN CHURCHMAN Brother Tillman Churchman, 67, signed on with the SIU in 1980. He first shipped on the Sea-Land Finance and worked in the deck department. Brother Churchman upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the El Faro and is a resident of Horicon, Wisconsin. FRED CINTORINO Brother Fred Cintorino, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1981 and first sailed aboard the Benjamin Harrison. He upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions and sailed in the deck department. Brother Cintorino concluded his career aboard the Endurance and settled in Panama City, Florida. HECTOR CUMBA CONCEPCION Brother Hector Cumba Concepcion, 63, signed on with the union in 1998, initially sailing aboard the Expedition. He worked in the deck department and upgraded often at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Cumba Concepcion most recently shipped on the Mendonca. He lives in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. JANUARY 2026 INLAND THOMAS DOHERTY Brother Thomas Doherty, 65, signed on with the union in 1979. He sailed in the deck department, initially working with Interstate Oil. Brother Doherty upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He concluded his career working for Mariner Towing and settled in Villas, New Jersey. DAVID MCCORMICK Brother David McCormick, 70, joined the SIU in 1975 when he worked with Allied Transportation. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother McCormick concluded his career with OSG Ship Management. He makes his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland. JOSE RODRIGUEZ GONZALEZ WILLIAM MATTHEWS Brother William Matthews, 69, started sailing with the SIU in 2002, initially working aboard the USNS Charlton. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Matthews concluded his career aboard the Bernard F. Fisher and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Jose Rodriguez Gonzalez, 62, started his career with the Seafarers International Union in 1990, initially sailing with Crowley Puerto Rico Services. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills on multiple occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Rodriguez Gonzalez was last employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. He resides in Rio Blanco, Puerto Rico. NMU MICHAEL RATIGAN DAVID BAYS Brother Michael Ratigan, 70, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 2005 when he sailed aboard the Dependable. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and worked in the deck department. Brother Ratigan most recently sailed aboard the Cape Race. He resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother David Bays, 65, signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the deck department and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Bays was last employed with Lykes Brothers. He lives in Poplarville, Missouri. PETER HAMM WILLIAM TANKSLEY Brother William Tanksley, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1991. He first sailed aboard the American Falcon and was a deck department member. Brother Tanksley upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last shipped aboard the Seabulk Challenge. He lives in Warner Robins, Georgia. Brother Peter Hamm, 65 became a union member during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the Cape Domingo. Brother Hamm is a resident of Charleston, South Carolina. RICKY SHAW Brother Ricky Shaw, 71, signed on with the union during the 2001 SIU/NMU merger. He shipped in the steward department and concluded his career aboard the Mormac Sky. Brother Shaw lives in Los Angeles. SEAFARERS LOG • OCTOBER 2023 13 SEAFARERS LOG • 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA DAVID ATKINSON Pensioner David Atkinson, 88, passed away October 11. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1967. Brother Atkinson was initially employed by Sealand. He was a deck department member and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Atkinson concluded his career on the Navigator before going on pension in 1993. He lived in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. In solemn remembrance, we honor the legacies of these union members who have crossed the final bar. May they rest in peace. RICARDO SEBASTIAN KENNETH GUTH Pensioner Ricardo Sebastian, 84, passed away October 19. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1988 when he worked for AMCV Cruise Operations. Brother Sebastian sailed in both the steward and engine departments. He concluded his career aboard the Independence, before retiring in 2001. Brother Sebastian made his home in Harker Heights, Texas. Pensioner Kenneth Guth, 90, passed away November 3. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968. Brother Guth shipped in the deck department and began his career working with Interstate Oil. He concluded his career with the same company and went on pension in 1997. Brother Guth resided in North Wildwood, New Jersey. GREAT LAKES OGER BERMUDEZ DAVID KLOSS Brother Oger Bermudez, 70, died August 16. Signing on with the SIU in 2017, he first shipped on the Maersk Atlanta. Brother Bermudez worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the Innovation and made his home in Houston. Pensioner David Kloss, 89, passed away October 18. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1989. An engine department member, Brother Kloss was employed with Upper Lakes Towing for the duration of his career. He became a pensioner in 2001 and settled in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. JIMMIE BINGHAM Pensioner Jimmie Bingham, 90, has passed away. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1968 and first sailed with States Steamship. Brother Bingham worked in the steward department and last sailed on the President Tyler in 1995. He began collecting his pension in 2002 and resided in San Bernardino, California. WAYNE CASEY Pensioner Wayne Casey, 80, died October 11. He became a member of the SIU in 1968. Brother Casey initially sailed aboard the Boston. He worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Casey retired in 2011 and resided in Windham, Maine. GERALD CASSIE Pensioner Gerald Cassie, 78, passed away September 15. He donned the SIU colors in 1998, initially sailing aboard the USNS Bowditch. Brother Cassie was a deck department member and concluded his career aboard the Innovator. He went on pension in 2012 and made his home in St. Johns, Florida. EDGAR MITCHELL Pensioner Edgar Mitchell, 95, passed away September 28. He signed on with the union in 1956, initially working with Waterman Steamship. Brother Mitchell shipped in the engine department and also worked on shore gangs. He last sailed with Sealand in 1988 before retiring the following year. Brother Mitchell resided in Mobile, Alabama. INLAND ROBERT ANERINO Pensioner Robert Anerino, 93, died October 11. He embarked on his career with the union in 1949 and initially worked for Central Pennsylvania Quarry. A deck department member, Brother Anerino was last employed with Interstate Oil. He went on pension in 1988 and resided in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. GLENN BUMPAS Pensioner Glenn Bumpas, 70, died October 12. He donned the SIU colors in 1973. Brother Bumpas first shipped aboard the Del Rio. He was an engine department member and also worked on shore gangs. Brother Bumpas concluded his career with Sealand and became a pensioner in 2017. He made his home in Hilltop Lakes, Texas. PERCY DOUCET Pensioner Percy Doucet, 87, passed away September 15. He became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1967 when he sailed with National Marine Service. Brother Doucet was a deck department member and concluded his career working with HVIDE Marine. He became a pensioner in 2001 and lived in Welsh, Louisiana. GEORGE THOMPSON Pensioner George Thompson, 86, died October 24. He became an SIU member in 1962. Brother Thompson was a deck department member and worked for McAllister Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. He retired in 1996 and settled in Virginia Beach, Virginia. NMU PERRIE BEASLEY Pensioner Perrie Beasley, 87, passed away October 2. A deck department member, Brother Beasley last shipped on the Sue Lykes. He became a pensioner in 2000 and lived in Hitchcock, Texas. WILLIE LUPTON Pensioner Willie Lupton, 91, died October 24. Brother Lupton shipped in both the deck and engine departments. He concluded his career aboard the Mercury and retired in 2011. Brother Lupton resided in Franklin, North Carolina. LUCILLE RYAN Pensioner Lucille Ryan, 90, passed away October 16. Sister Ryan sailed in the steward department. She last shipped aboard the Endeavor before becoming a pensioner in 2003. Sister Ryan lived in Mesa, Arizona. ALFRED TAM Pensioner Alfred Tam, 85, passed away October 23. Brother Tam worked in the deck department. He retired in 1997 after concluding his career aboard the Green Wave. Brother Tam resided in San Francisco. JOHN GATES Pensioner John Gates, 63, died September 30. He began his career with the SIU in 1991 when he shipped on the Cape Charles. Brother Gates worked in the deck department. He last sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation before retiring in 2018. Brother Gates called Texas City, Texas, home. 14 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 14 SEAFARERS • SEAFARERS LOG JANUARY 2026 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. SL MIDWAY (Argent Marine Operations), June 13 – Chairman Nicholas Turano, Secretary Tristan Cordero. Chairman asked everyone to be mindful of the adjustment period with newly U.S.-flagged ship. Crew still working out the kinks and trying to make improvements. Many items on order, including tools, parts, consumables, etc. Chairman showed members where to access various union-related items including SMIS (Seafarers Management Information System), STCW-related information, Seafarers LOG and ship contract. Secretary reminded crew to keep private and public spaces clean. Educational director urged members to be aware of document expiration and to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discrepancy reported between member’s registration rating vs actual sign on. Bosun in communication with union hall to sort out resulting pay scale issues. Members would like more Wi-Fi data. Crew requested an ice machine, salad bar, new refrigerators, new linens, and new mattresses. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), September 23 – Chairman Philip McGeoghegan, Secretary Robert Seim, Educational Director Ashely Burke. Members went over old business including discussions on tariffs and cargo shipping. Crew still needs new mattresses and linens. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation and more Wi-Fi data to be available. Crew re- quested new towels and pillows. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. AMERICAN LIBERTY (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), September 27 – Chairman Virgilio Rosales, Secretary Jermaine Robinson, Educational Director Juan Castillo, Engine Delegate Emilio Gonzalez, Steward Delegate Madie DeVaughn. Entire crew is getting along well and working efficiently, per chairman’s report. Secretary urged members to regularly check documents for expiration dates and to upgrade their skills at the Piney Point school. Educational director mentioned the use of safety footwear. Steward was praised by delegate for his always helpful, hands-on style. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like an increase to vacation pay and requested new linens and mattresses. Next port: New Orleans. TEXAS (Fairwater Crew Management, LLC), October 6 – Chairman Tomas Calderon Robinson, Secretary Ronald Davis, Educational Director Furman Watson. Members are all doing well. Chairman reminded crew to upgrade their skills at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for maritime training and education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. Secretary advised members to keep paperwork current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for a job well done. USNS EFFECTIVE (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), October 20 – Chairman Edgar Elegino, Secretary Kenneth Bogner, Educational Director William Cassel. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed shipyard operations. Members would like to increase vacation benefit to 30 for 30 and room share pay to $50 per day. Wi-Fi installation underway. ARC COMMITMENT (TOTE Services), October 20 – Chairman David Brady, Secretary Daniel Miller. Crew reviewed old business including requests for new pillowcases, comforters and TVs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation days and to bring back implementation of weekend overtime rate. MAERSK DENVER (Maersk Line, Limited), October 25 – Chairman James Walker, Secretary Avis Hawkins. Chairman reported a great trip overall. Educational director advised crew to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Mattresses ordered. Members would like 30 for 30 vacation and reimbursement for traveling to ship. Crew requested new gym equipment, TVs, a new freezer and better Wi-Fi. ALASKAN LEGEND (Alaska Tanker Company, LLC), November 7 – Chairman Donny Castillo, Secretary John Huyett, Educational Director Corey Hann, Deck Delegate Manuel Espinoza, Engine Delegate Antonio De Luna, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. Chairman warned crew of possible delays with document renewals due to government shutdown. Steward department was thanked for awesome cooking and service. Educational director urged members to schedule classes as soon as possible at the Piney Point school. Classes are filling up rapidly. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like vacation to be 20 for 30 and asked for satellite TV system to be updated. Members requested clarification on day-in-lieu-of pay. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines, LLC), November 9 – Chairman Shawn Strand, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director Jason Powell, Deck Delegate Terrence Carmody, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Murray, Steward Delegate Engracio Moratin. Chairman announced next payoff at sea and thanked crews for working more than 2,500 days with no lost-time injuries. Secretary reminded members to stay on top of documents. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members would like increases in vacation and pension benefits and asked to be able to sign up for upgrading classes on short notice. Crew asked for fewer job calls per day. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return JANUARY 2026 receipt requested. The proper address for this is: George Tricker, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Spr ings, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­ quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President David Heindel at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: David Heindel, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS LOG • SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG •15 15 �Annual Funding Notice For SIU Pacific District Pension Plan Introduction This notice provides key details about your multiemployer pension plan (the “Plan”) for the plan year beginning August 1, 2024 and ending July 31, 2025 (“Plan Year”). This is an informational notice. You do not need to respond or take any action. This notice includes: • Information about your Plan’s funding status. • Details on your benefit payments guaranteed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC), a federal insurance agency. What if I have questions about this notice, my Plan, or my benefits? Contact your plan administrator at: • Ms. Michelle Chang, Administrator • Phone: (415) 764-4993 • Address: 730 Harrison Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA 94107 • Email: mcsupsiupd@sbcglobal.net To better assist you, provide your plan administrator with the following information when you contact them: • Plan Number: 001 • Plan Sponsor Name: Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan • Employer Identification Number: 94-6061923 What if I have questions about PBGC and the pension insurance program guarantees? Visit www.pbgc.gov/prac/multiemployer for more information. For specific information about your pension plan or pension benefits, you should contact your employer or plan administrator as PBGC does not have that information. Federal law requires all traditional pension plans, also known as defined benefit pension plans, to provide this notice every year regardless of funding status. This notice does not mean your Plan is terminating. How Well Funded Is Your Plan? The law requires the Plan’s administrator to explain how well the Plan is funded, using a measure called the “funded percentage.” The funded percentage is calculated by dividing Plan assets by Plan liabilities. In general, the higher the percentage, the better funded the plan. The chart below shows the Plan's funded percentage for the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. It also lists the value of the Plan's assets and liabilities for those years. Year-End Fair Market Value of Assets To provide further insight into the Plan’s financial position, the chart below shows the fair market value of the Plan’s assets on the last day of the Plan Year and each of the two preceding plan years as compared to the actuarial value of the Plan’s assets on August 1. • Actuarial values (shown in the chart above) account for market fluctuations over time. Unlike market values, actuarial values do not change daily with stock or market shifts. • Market values (shown in the chart below) fluctuate based on investment performance, providing a more immediate snapshot of the plan’s funding status. *This figure is preliminary and unaudited. Endangered, Critical, or Critical and Declining Status Under federal pension law, a plan’s funding status determines the steps a plan must take to strengthen its finances and continue paying benefits: • Endangered: The plan’s funded percentage drops below 80 percent. The plan’s trustees must adopt a funding improvement plan. • Critical: The plan’s funded percentage falls below 65 percent or meets other financial distress criteria. The plan’s trustees must implement a rehabilitation plan. • Critical and Declining: A plan in critical status is also designated as critical and declining if projected to become insolvent—meaning it will no longer have enough assets to pay out benefits—within 15 years (or within 20 years under a special rule). The plan’s trustees must continue to implement the rehabilitation plan. The plan’s sponsor may seek approval to amend the plan, including reducing current and future benefits. The Plan was not in endangered, critical, or critical and declining status in the 2024 Plan Year. Participant and Beneficiary Information The following chart shows the number of participants and beneficiaries covered by the Plan on the last day of the Plan Year and the two preceding plan years. The numbers for the Plan Year reflect the plan administrator’s reasonable, good faith estimate. Funding & Investment Policies Funding Policy The law requires that every pension plan have a procedure for establishing a funding policy to carry out the plan’s objectives. A funding policy relates to the level of contributions needed to pay for benefits promised under the plan currently and over the years. The Plan’s benefits are funded by employer contribu- 16 •SEAFARERS 16 SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 tions and investment returns on those contributions. Commencing January 1, 2016, the shipping companies have agreed to make contributions to the Plan and may agree through collective bargaining in the future to make additional contributions as necessary to satisfy the minimum funding standards of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”) and the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). The Plan’s funding policy is to continue to fund Plan benefits in this manner in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code. Investment Policy Once the money is contributed to the Plan, the money is invested by Plan officials called fiduciaries. Specific investments are made in accordance with the Plan’s investment policy. Generally speaking, an investment policy is a written statement that provides the fiduciaries that are responsible for the plan investments with guidelines or general instructions concerning the various types or categories of investment management decisions. The Investment Policy of the Plan requires the Trustees of the Plan to maintain a portfolio of investments which is conservative in nature. The Trustees, working with experienced investment consultants, monitor and make appropriate changes to the Plan’s investments, seeking to achieve positive investment results over the long term. In accordance with the Plan’s investment policy, the Plan’s assets were allocated among the following categories of investments, as of the end of the 2024 Plan Year. These allocations are percentages of total assets: The average return on assets for the Plan Year was 6.9%. Events Having a Material Effect on Assets or Liabilities By law, this notice must include an explanation of any new events that materially affect the Plan’s liabilities or assets. These events could affect the Plan’s financial health or its ability to meet its obligations. For the plan year beginning on August 1, 2025 and ending on July 31, 2026, the Plan expects no such event. Right to Request a Copy of the Annual Report Pension plans must file an annual report, called the Form 5500, with the U.S. Department of Labor. The Form 5500 includes financial and other information about these pension plans. You can get a copy of your Plan’s Form 5500: • Online: Visit www.efast.dol.gov to search for your Plan’s Form 5500 • By Mail: Submit a written request to your plan administrator. • By Phone: Call (202) 693-8673 to speak with a representative of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Public Disclosure Room. The Form 5500 does not include personal information, such as your accrued benefits. For details about your accrued benefits, contact your plan administrator. Summary of Rules Governing Insolvent Plans Federal law has a number of special rules that apply to financially troubled multiemployer plans that become insolvent, either as ongoing plans or plans terminated by mass withdrawal. The plan administrator is required by law to include a summary of these rules in the annual funding notice. A plan is insolvent for a plan year if its available financial resources are not sufficient to pay benefits when due for that plan year. An insolvent plan must reduce benefit payments to the highest level that can be paid from the plan's available resources. If such resources are not enough to pay benefits at the level specified by law (see Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC, below), the plan must apply to PBGC for financial assistance. PBGC will loan the plan the amount necessary to pay benefits at the guaranteed level. Reduced benefits may be restored if the plan's financial condition improves. A plan that becomes insolvent must provide prompt notice of its status to participants and beneficiaries, contributing employers, labor unions representing participants, and PBGC. In addition, participants and beneficiaries also must receive information regarding whether, and how, their benefits will be reduced or affected, including loss of a lump sum option. This Plan is not insolvent. Benefit Payments Guaranteed by PBGC Only vested benefits—those that you’ve earned and cannot forfeit—are guaranteed. What PBGC Guarantees PBGC guarantees “basic benefits” including: • Pension benefits at normal retirement age. • Most early retirement benefits. • Annuity benefits for survivors of plan participants. • Disability benefits for disabilities that occurred before the earlier of the date the plan terminated or the sponsor’s bankruptcy date. What PBGC Does Not Guarantee PBGC does not guarantee certain types of benefits, including: • A participant’s pension benefit or benefit increase until it has been part of the plan for 60 full months. Any month in which the multiemployer plan was insolvent or terminated due to mass withdrawal does not count toward this 60month requirement. • Any benefits above the normal retirement benefit. • Disability benefits in non-pay status. • Non-pension benefits, such as health insurance, life insurance, death benefits, vacation pay, or severance pay. Determining Guarantee Amounts The maximum benefit PBGC guarantees is set by law. Your plan is covered by PBGC’s multiemployer program. The maximum PBGC guarantee is $35.75 per month, multiplied by a participant's years of credited service. PBGC guarantees a monthly benefit based on the plan’s monthly benefit accrual rate and your years of credited service. The guarantee is calculated as follows: 1. Take 100 percent of the first $11 of the Plan's monthly benefit accrual rate. 2. Take 75 percent of the next $33 of the accrual rate. 3. Add both amounts together. 4. Multiply the total by your years of credited service to determine your guaranteed monthly benefit. JANUARY 2026 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates Printed below are dates for courses scheduled to take place at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. The QR code connects to a web page with the latest course dates (they may differ from what’s printed here, though in most cases the only changes are additions that haven’t yet made it into the LOG). Seafarers are welcome to contact the admissions office with questions about upgrading courses: (301) 899-0657, admissions@seafarers.org Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion DECK DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Able Seafarer - Deck RFPNW Water Survival Jan. 26 Feb. 23 April 6 June 8 Feb. 13 March 13 April 24 June 26 Feb. 16 March 9 May 4 March 6 March 27 May 22 Jan. 19 Feb. 16 March 16 Jan. 30 Feb. 27 March 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Latest Course Dates STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Galley Operations Jan. 19 Feb. 16 March 9 April 4 May 4 Feb. 13 March 13 April 3 May 1 May 29 Chief Steward March 2 May 25 March 27 June 19 Adv. Galley Operations Feb. 2 March 30 April 27 Feb. 27 April 24 May 22 OPEN/SAFETY UPGRADING COURSES Basic Training Revalidation Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Jan. 26 Jan. 30 Feb. 9 Feb. 13 March 16 March 20 May 4 May 8 June 15 Government Vessels Feb. 23 April 20 May 18 Feb. 27 April 24 May 22 RFPEW Jan. 19 Feb. 16 April 6 Feb. 13 March 13 May 1 Boiler Technician (FOWT) March 16 May 4 April 10 May 29 Junior Engineer March 9 May 18 May 1 July 10 Marine Electrician April 6 May 8 Basic Training/Adv. FF Reval. March 23 March 24 Marine Refrigeration Tech. Feb. 23 June 22 April 3 July 31 Tanker Ship Fam. - DL Feb. 16 March 23 Feb. 20 March 27 Machinist Feb. 23 March 13 Tanker Ship Fam. - LG Feb. 23 March 30 Feb. 27 April 3 Pumpman March 16 March 20 Welding Feb. 9 March 16 April 13 June 1 Feb. 27 April 3 May 1 June 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Certified Chief Cook Feb. 2 April 13 April 10 June 19 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name__________________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)______________________________ (Cell)____________________________ Date of Birth____________________________________________________________________  Deep Sea Member   Lakes Member   Inland Waters Member  COURSE ____________________________ START DATE OF DATE COMPLETION __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ Social Security #_________________________________ Book #_________________________ Seniority_______________________________________ Department____________________ Home Port______________________________________________________________________ E-mail _________________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program?  Yes   No  If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses?  Yes   No  _______________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________ __________________ ____________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 17 SEAFARERS JANUARY 2026 LOG • OCTOBER 2023 LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ________________________ Date On: _______________________________________ Date Off:________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________ Date:___________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 17 LOG • 17 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos APPRENTICE WATER SURVIVAL CLASS #927 – Recently graduated: Lorenzo Allen Jr., David Cipriano, Bianca Clark, Oscar Diviny, Rubert Johnson Jr., Corey Keys, Louis Levasseur, Vincent Levin Jr., Douglas McHale, Lawrence Neloms, Misael Orlando Pizarro, Richard Peek, Jezhra Santos, Kadeem Swenson, Arielle Taylor, Alexi Vasquez, Andres Vasquez and Jadelyn Watling. FIRST AID – Graduated recently (not all are pictured): Nicholas Amore, Joseph Breece II, Roland Evans II, Thomas Felton, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Oscar Garibaldi, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan, Delvonta Haynes, William Land, De'aizja Martin, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata, Astrid Ortiz, Shawn Richard, Paul Schad and Jacquita Theriot. WELDING – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Saif Al Tamimi, Jose Alicea-Sanchez, Loren Arriola, Henry Bermudez, Raekwon Brooks, Trinity Carter and Saddam Yahia. Instructor Chris Raley is at the far left. CERTIFIED CHIEF COOK – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Adam Atterberry Jr., Jordan Cruz, Alexandria DeAtley, Mohamed Diallo, Khadajah Dillard, Frenchele Erving, Treavon Hampton, Frances Mendez Echevarria, Nicholas Valentin and Dorian White. VESSEL FAMILIARIZATION – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Nicholas Amore, Joseph SERVE SAFE – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Logan Collins, Oscar Diviny, Tong Lu and Alex Sanchez. 18 18 •SEAFARERS SEAFARERSLOG LOG • OCTOBER 2023 Breece II, Roland Evans II, Thomas Felton, Brandon Foreman, Erica Fu, Gustavo Garayua Lanza, Oscar Garibaldi, Lawrence Gonzales II, Ivan Hassan, Delvonta Haynes, William Land, De'aizja Martin, Sean Mullen, Taiyo Nakata, Astrid Ortiz, Shawn Richard, Paul Schad and Jacquita Theriot. JANUARY 2026 �Paul Hall Center Class Photos GOVERNMENT VESSELS – Graduated October 24: Davon Brown, Kameron Carey, Joseph Crisante Jr., Lynn Figueroa, Rico Flores, Adele George, Catherine Lirio, Jevon Lowery, Rodolfo Manansala, Juan McCakeren, Armel Moyler, Brian Peralta, Marcus Pittman, Ariana Ross and George Vanover. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (LG) – Graduated October 31: Adiener Alfaro, Maximo Bencosme, Carleous Brown Jr., Malcom Campbell, Terren Carlton, Christian Daguio, Glenn Davis, Jordon Degraffenreidt, Vito Delorenzo Jr., Elhadji Diop, Steven Gomez, James Jones, Marcos Rochez Mena, Deroyce Roquemore, Justin Shepler, Kendo Williams Jr., Royce Williams, Saddam Yahia and Shana Zeidenberg. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated October 31: Reynard Gibbs. RFPNW – Graduated October 31: Jayson Davis, Bryan Madrid and Christian Vigne. WATER SURVIVAL – Graduated October 24: Rayshard Brown (left) and Ahmed Haridy. TANK SHIP FAMILIARIZATION (DL) – Graduated October 24 (not all are pictured): Julius Augustin, Carleous Brown Jr., Glenn Davis, Vito Delorenzo Jr., Koksal Demir, Steven Garrett, Steven Gomez, Ryan Henderson, Andrew Navarro, Antoinette Rivera, Marcos Rochez Mena, Deroyce Roquemore, Justin Shepler, William Summers Jr. and Kendo Williams Jr. JANUARY 2026 SEAFARERS LOG •SEAFARERS OCTOBER 2023 LOG • 19 19 �JANUARY 2026 VOLUME 88, NO. 1 SEAFARERS LOG OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION — ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS, AFL-CIO ITF Adds 3 Flags to FOC List Dominica, The Gambia, and Niue are the latest additions to the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) longstanding flags-of-convenience (FOC) list. The three flags were added to the FOC list at a meeting of the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee – bringing together mariner and docker unions from around the world – in Athens, Greece, last November. The SIU is an ITF affiliate, and SIU President David Heindel serves as chair of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section. He and SIU Secretary-Treasurer Tom Orzechowski attended the Fair Practices Committee meeting. The additions bring the total number of FOC flags to 48 countries. “We’ve been monitoring ships sailing under these three flags this year, and after carrying out the necessary due diligence we can confirm their designation as new flags of convenience,” said ITF Inspectorate Coordinator Steve Trowsdale. “If you are a flag state and you take registration fees, then you have an obligation to ensure the rights of seafarers on vessels under your flag are respected. Let there be no doubt that the ITF is watching and that our global network of inspectors will do everything in their power to protect the seafarers on these vessels.” The ITF defines an FOC ship as one flying the flag of a country other than its actual ownership. According to the federation, The Gambia went from having zero tankers in 2023 to more than 35 by early 2025. The registry is strongly associated with the “dark fleet,” the ITF reported. Research showed that 99% of its tankers were under sanctions or believed to be carrying sanctioned commodities, although The Gambia now claims to be vetting the registry. Niue’s registry opened in 2012, but as of 2025, ITF data showed that where ownership of its 59 vessels can be confirmed, it is spread across Asian states including Singapore (16), Malaysia (two), Japan (two), Indonesia (seven), India (one), Hong Kong (one) and Thailand (one), in addition to the Netherlands (one). Meanwhile, for Dominica, of the registry’s 43 ships, 30 vessels have ownership in the UAE (seven), India (seven), Kazakhstan (three), Saudi Arabia (two), the United States (two), Barbados (two) and Norway (two), in addition to Australia, Cyprus, Finland, Great Britain, and Guinea-Conakry (one each). The ITF’s maritime unions have developed a set of policies that seek to establish minimum acceptable standards for seafarers working on FOC vessels (also known as runaway flags), which account for around 30% of the more than 100,000 merchant vessels operating worldwide, the federation reported. These standards form the basis of the ITF’s collective bargaining agreements, which set the wages and working conditions for crews on FOC vessels regardless of nationality. Slightly more than 47% of all FOC vessels are covered by ITF contracts; compliance is monitored by a network of 130 ITF inspectors and contacts in more than 125 ports throughout the world. The ITF Fair Practices Committee governs the ITF’s FOC campaign – first launched in Oslo in 1948 – including the addition and removal of flag states from the FOC list. The three newest Flags of Convenience, from left to right: Dominica, The Gambia and Niue. Safety Board Issues Report on Dali A loose wire which led to two electrical blackouts and complete loss of power for engines and steering propelled the fully loaded cargo containership Dali into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, the non-partisan National Transportation Safety Board concluded. But in its final report on the crash, which sent the 48-year-old bridge plunging into the Baltimore ship channel, killing six highway workers, the board also warned that 68 other bridges around the U.S. face the same hazard the Key Bridge did: inadequate protection around their piers from today’s long and heavy cargo carriers. “Our investigators routinely accomplish the impossible, and this investigation is no different,’ said NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy. “The Dali, at almost 1,000 feet, is as long as the Eiffel Tower is high, with miles of wiring and thousands of electrical connections. Finding this single wire was like hunting for a loose rivet on the Eiffel Tower. “But like all of the accidents we investigate, this was preventable. Implementing NTSB recommendations in this investigation will prevent similar tragedies in the future.” The appendix in the final report lists 68 vulnerable bridges which could suffer the same fate if a Dalilike vessel crashes into one of their key piers. The 68 include bridges built before modern protection standards were adopted – such as New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge and San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge – and those which need updating to meet modern safety specifications. According to the report, the bridges that need updating, some of them critically, include New York’s Verrazano Narrows Bridge; the Chicago Skyway’s Calumet River Bridge; both spans of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which connects the Eastern Shore to the rest of the state; five Delaware River bridges in the Philadelphia area; and the George Washington Bridge connecting New York and New Jersey. Another is the Newark Bay bridge in New Jersey. The report absolves the Dali crew of responsibility for the crash itself. In a news release, the board noted, “The NTSB found that the quick actions of the Dali pilots, shoreside dispatchers and the Maryland Transportation Authority to stop bridge traffic prevented greater loss of life.” They added, “After the initial blackout, the Dali’s heading began swinging to starboard toward Pier 17 of the Key Bridge. Investigators found that the pilots and the bridge team attempted to change the vessel’s trajectory, but the loss of propulsion so close to the bridge rendered their actions ineffective. A substantial portion of the bridge subsequently collapsed into the river, and portions of the pier, deck and truss spans collapsed onto the vessel’s Salvors with the Unified Command perform a controlled demolition and precision cutting of a section bow and forwardmost container bays.” of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that sits on the port side of the bow of the Dali in May 2024. (Photo by USACE public affairs specialist Elizabeth Lockyear) � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource JANUARY 2026 Description An account of the resource HOUSE PASSES PRO WORKER LEGISLATION UPDATED NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES AVAILABLE FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN MEMBERS RATIFY CONTRACT WITH GLDD SIUS SUPPORT OF US MILITARY COMES NATURALLY UNION, SCHOOL JOIN FORCES WITH AMMV IN HONORING WWII MARINERS SIUS YEAR IN REVIEW STEADY GAINS IN 2025 THANKSGIVING WITH THE SIU ITF ADDS 3 FLAGS TO FOC LIST SAFETY BOARD ISSUES REPORT ON DALI Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2026 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context No. 1, Vol 88 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/0e716f235b4f1821c6718346d527cb72.pdf 2ed17dd8d1838da3642b25037fa355c6 PDF Text Text JULY 2020 VOLUME 82, NO. 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Supports DEFENDER-Europe 20 Six SIU-crewed vessels earlier this year played vital roles in a large-scale military exercise. Five of the ships are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (segments of the exercise continued at press time). Above, an Abrams tank drives off the SIU-crewed MV Endurance (U.S. Navy photo by Travis Weger). In photo at right, mariners aboard the USNS Benavidez, including SIU Ordinary Seaman Jiamall Whitaker Brickers (far right), steer the ship into position during a convoy with the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf and the Seafarers-crewed MV Resolve (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan R. Bair). Pages 10-11. Halls Reopen, School to Follow SIU hiring halls reopened June 15, and the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has announced plans to resume classes in early August. Across the board, many precautions are being taken – and the situations remain fluid in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crew changes are continuing, though not without assorted complications overseas. Meanwhile, the definition of PPE has expanded during the pandemic, as reflected in the group photo from the USNS Gordon (directly above). Pictured from left aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel are 2/E Shy, EO Rob Fink, Recertified Bosun Karl Mayhew, 3/M Forrest G., AB Karen Allen, Chief Engineer Ken, STOS Brandon Williams and C/M Andy Lucchese. They are sporting face coverings that were hand-made by a good friend of the ship’s 1st Engineer Elizabeth Mack. The photo at left shows SIU members lined up at the Jacksonville, Florida, hiring hall as it reopens June 15. Page 3. National Maritime Day Page 4 Jones Act Turns 100 Page 5 �President’s Report Opportunity for Justice For those of us in the labor movement, or, really, for anyone familiar with our work, the awful irony was impossible to miss. Vandals extensively damaged the lobby and other first-floor areas of the AFL-CIO headquarters building late on May 31. They broke windows and doors and set fires in the facility as other individuals engaged in peaceful, legitimate demonstrations in the nation’s capital (and across the country). For those who don’t know, the AFL-CIO building is across from the White House. Ultimately, as AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said, the building itself is just that – a building. Thankfully, no one was inside at the time, and the sprinkler system at least limited the damage, which nevertheless was extensive. The irony, of course, is that the federation and its affiliates, including the SIU, have long been on the front lines of the fight for racial justice – not just when it comes to law enforcement, but also Michael Sacco for economic equality. Unions typically have higher percentages of minorities in their memberships than the general public. The gains we’ve secured throughout the decades have helped union and unrepresented workers (of all colors) alike, but for those who enjoy the benefits of membership, we focus not on race but on the “black and white” written in the contract. Many, many years ago, the SIU was segregated. I am not blind to the racism that existed in the labor movement in general, either. Thankfully, we turned the corner within our ranks a long time ago. It’s certainly possible to cherry-pick examples of current individual discrimination, but on the whole, organized labor has been and remains at the forefront of this fight. While we’re on the subject, let’s get something straight. When someone says, “Black Lives Matter,” they are not saying other lives don’t matter. We all saw the video of George Floyd being suffocated by a police officer – a sickening sight that ultimately resulted in Floyd’s death. It’s not an isolated example, and it called attention to a longstanding problem in a way that cannot and must not be avoided. But that’s not the only struggle faced by our African-American brothers and sisters. I’m not sure how widely known this is, but historically, black workers have faced unemployment rates twice as high as those of their white counterparts. And from what I’ve read, the statistics can’t be explained away by differences in levels of education. At every level of education, the black unemployment rate is significantly higher than the white unemployment rate, even for those workers with college or advanced degrees. Outside the labor movement, there are also, to this day, significant wage gaps between white and black workers. No matter how you slice the data, that’s the reality. Here’s some more reality: Almost all police officers are decent people doing their best in a difficult job. Most people aren’t racists, and, as we saw with the AFL-CIO building, there are those who want to create trouble. But we still live in a world divided in many ways by color lines. To build a different, better economy and better way of life, we need power that can only come from solidarity – and solidarity has to start with having all our voices be heard. We should begin by acknowledging our own shortcomings and honestly addressing issues that are faced by the communities in which our members live – both the problems and the solutions. We have to find a way to see with each other’s eyes. As with any longstanding problem, there isn’t an overnight solution here. But I’m confident in our country, our movement, our union. Let’s keep the lines of communication and dialogue open and let’s work – together – for meaningful change. Secretary Chao Thanks Industry United States Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao released a video statement on May 7, in which she expressed her gratitude to the men and women of the American maritime industry. “During these challenging times, I want to send a grateful message to everyone in the U.S. maritime industry to thank you for your work and dedication,” Chao began. “Our nation is so thankful for your continued service to our country during this most unusual time.” She continued, “U.S. mariners and the U.S.-flag shipping fleet have been critical in helping to keep supply chains moving, and are an important part of our national defense. The department is on the job 24/7, doing everything possible to help you. Knowing that U.S. mariners will always respond to the call of duty gives all of us a sense of security. You are helping our country get through this crisis, and successfully prepare for economic recovery. “For that, you are to be applauded. You are an inspiration. Thank you, for all that you do for our country,” she concluded. The video is linked on the SIU website. Elaine L. Chao U.S. Secretary of Transportation Congressional Representatives Voice Strong Support for Merchant Marine U.S. Reps. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) and Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) are reminding fellow members of Congress that the U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to national, economic and homeland security. Luria on May 5 hosted a press call featuring Hoyer along with American maritime industry leaders, including SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Marshall Ainley; American Maritime Officers National Vice President Christian Spain; Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan; Maersk Line, Limited President Bill Woodhour, and several others. Luria and Hoyer said they are pushing to include U.S.-flag shipping in upcoming stimulus packages stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, they are urging that participants in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) receive additional stipends. They also recommend increasing American-flag carriage of preference cargoes, and upholding the Jones Act. Tellez thanked both Luria and Hoyer for their continued and steadfast support of the maritime industry, describing them as “staunch allies.” His remarks focused on American mariners rather than the laws and programs that keep Old Glory flying on the oceans, lakes and waterways. “Our members play a vital role in keeping commerce flowing,” Tellez stated. “We’re the folks on the front lines of this crisis, ensuring that the nation’s economic and national security are protected and defended.” He added, “Our folks don’t get to go home at night. They are doing a job, many of them well beyond their normal tour of duty. They know the importance of what they do, and they are dedicated. On behalf of the unsung heroes of the U.S. Merchant Marine, thank you for everything you do for us.” Luria recently sent a letter to U.S. House and Senate leaders asking for their support of American-flag ships and their crews. Expounding on that communication, she said during the call that a drop-off in both government cargo and commercial cargo means it’s the right time to boost the MSP. “This program is an essential part of our national security,” she stated, and then added her ongoing backing of the Jones Act and cargo preference. Hoyer, whose district includes the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, said the pandemic should remind everyone about the importance of maintaining U.S. manufacturing capabilities, American jobs – and a strong U.S.-flag maritime industry. “The maritime industry is an absolutely critical component of our national security infrastructure,” he stated. “COVID-19 has put a lot of our capabilities at risk. One thing it has made clear is the critical need to make things in America. It’s incumbent upon us to maintain our maritime capacity…. If we do not invest in keeping our maritime industry and our sailors ready to go, we will be in real trouble. This is not an optional investment.” He said the maritime industry “is facing the same problems every other business in America has run into. This industry is a national security priority – both the ships and the personnel are critically important. We need to make sure they have the resources to be sustained.” Hoyer also pointed out that Luria’s active-duty service in the U.S. Navy helps make her “a perfect advocate and somebody who has a deep knowledge of the vital role civilian mariners play.” Lastly, he expressed “great pride in the men and women who are in Piney Point (at the Paul Hall Center). They are a wonderful example of how industry and labor work together. The school is one of the great training centers in our country, and maybe in the world. Augie Tellez and the other leaders of our merchant marine are a critical component of our community.” Woodhour said the decline in cargoes “shows no realistic sign of ending anytime in the near future.” He is concerned that the mariner pool will dwindle, and said the proposed additional stipend will help avoid layups and layoffs, even though it’s not a long-term solution. “We stand beside our friends in maritime labor,” Woodhour said. Later, when answering a reporter’s question, Woodhour pointed out that many other countries heavily subsidize different sectors of their maritime industries, on a scale that dwarfs anything done in the U.S. Luria wrapped up the call by conveying her “thanks to civilian mariners. We will keep pushing to support the MSP and the other things that make the U.S. Merchant Marine continue to be a viable, important part of our economy and our national defense.” O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 82 Number 7 July 2020 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2020 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) U.S. Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Virginia) July 2020 �COVID-19 PANDEMIC Halls Reopen; School Resumes Aug. 1 Union Works with State Dept., Congress, Others for Overseas Crew Changes Editor’s note: The COVID-19 pandemic remains a constantly changing situation. Accordingly, SIU members are encouraged to check the union’s website and stay in touch with the halls for the latest information. There is a prominent COVID-19 section on the home page at www.seafarers. org. For major announcements, the SIU also sends text alerts linking to the web posts. As pandemic-related restrictions started to loosen across the United States, the SIU cautiously and deliberately reopened its hiring halls and announced plans to resume classes at its affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Many states began advancing to different phases of reopening from late May to midJune. However, the COVID-19 pandemic remained a massively serious threat – as of June 15, at least 114,000 people had died from the coronavirus in the U.S. and more than two million cases had been reported. Following are some of the major developments since publication of the June edition of the LOG: n A crew member from the USNS Leroy Grumman, which is part of the SIU Government Services Division fleet, became the first known American mariner to die from the coronavirus. Though not a union member, Joseph Bondoc was part of the unlicensed crew. He was one of more than 20 crew members diagnosed with COVID-19 while the vessel was in a Boston shipyard. A contractor from that same yard also died from the virus. n SIU hiring halls reopened June 15, with numerous safeguards. Vessel servicing also resumed on June 15, wherever allowable, and union headquarters (located in Camp Springs, Maryland) transitioned from a skeleton crew to fuller staffing in all departments. Pandemic-related modifications have been made at the halls, including extensive cleanings, installation of dividers, shipments of PPE for members and staff, rearranging seats to promote social distancing, and more. Members are required to wear a face covering when entering the building. (A limited number of masks are available at the halls.) Additionally, visitors must bring a completed medical questionnaire (available on the SIU website) with them when they arrive at a hall. Similar protocols and precautions are in place at headquarters. In an effort to keep the numbers down in Members return to the halls in Oakland, California (photo above) and in Jacksonville, Florida (photo at left, below). Face coverings and temperature checks are among numerous precautions being taken at the halls. SIU VP Nick Celona is at far right in photo above. the halls during this transition of reopening, members should be aware that even after June 15, registration and reclaims are still being done by phone, temporarily. Regular job calls take place for rotary shipping, and general business can be conducted at the halls (filing for vacation benefits, beefs, etc.). n The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Piney Point, Maryland, is scheduled to reopen Aug. 1. An array of safety-related modifications are being implemented. Initially, the school will offer a limited number of upgrading courses, with reduced class sizes. The full course content will be presented in a shorter-than-usual period, in order to get students in and out more quickly. Apprentice training will resume in September. At least during the initial reopening period, students must remain on campus for the duration of their respective courses (including weekends). Students are asked to pack and prepare for their time at the school just as if they were heading to a ship. The school does not have a firm timeline for this policy, but envisions it as temporary. The original course schedule for 2020 has been completely scrapped. New course dates are available on the SIU website and will be published in the Seafarers LOG. Course dates will continue to be added. Many steps are being taken to help ensure both functionality and safety. Meal periods will be assigned, altered and staggered. Class starting times will be altered to help promote social distancing. No family members or guests should come to the school until further notice. Gym access will be limited. The following courses will be offered beginning in August: Able Seafarer Deck; Certified Chief Cook; Chief Cook Assessment Programs; BT Revalidation; Chief Steward; Government Vessels; and BT/Advanced Firefighting Revalidation. Those with questions should contact the admissions office by phone at (301) 9940010 (8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Eastern Time), or by email at admissions@seafarers.org. n Crew changes have been among the largest challenges of the pandemic, particularly for the SIU-crewed “shuttle” ships that normally remain overseas. Nevertheless, significant progress was happening at press time. In late May, SIU President Michael Sacco and the presidents of five other U.S. maritime unions contacted the U.S. Secretary of State and the U.S. Secretary of Defense with an urgent call to facilitate overseas reliefs for American mariners. Signing the letter were Sacco; AMO President Paul Doell; MEBA President Marshall Ainley; MM&P President Don Marcus; SUP President Dave Connolly; and MFOW President Anthony Poplawski. The letter – which was far from the SIU’s lone effort – reads in part, “Scores of U.S. mariners are presently trapped aboard cargo ships, unable to take leave or return home due to extreme COVID-19 lockdown measures imposed by foreign governments. This humanitarian crisis, if not resolved as soon as possible, may threaten the essential supply chain for some 200,000 active U.S. military personnel now serving overseas. The cargo carried on these U.S. flagged ships supports our troops, our allies and the global economy. “Ship’s captains, officers and crew members who sail under the American flag and perform these essential functions for our country have not been able to set foot on dry land in months. Their workplaces have become floating prisons. Crew members are in danger of losing access to life- sustaining medicines. In many cases, they cannot contact their loved ones at home in the United States as some of these vessels lack Internet access. “It is well documented that isolation and excessive time serving aboard ship can create increased fatigue and psychological stress, raising the risk of marine accidents. Thousands of mariners across the globe who work on foreign-flagged vessels are in the same predicament.” (The full text of the letter is available on the SIU website.) The SIU also is actively coordinating with vessel operators, U.S. embassies, the International Maritime Organization, International Labor Organization, World Health Organization, and directly with the host nations to expedite crew changes. Meanwhile, several SIU-contracted vessel operators chartered a plane to make crew changes in Diego Garcia. That plane returned to the U.S. in late May after the changes were made. Pre-boarding quarantines largely have become the norm, regardless of vessel location. With that in mind, the SIU in late May posted a message to the membership noting, “It’s extremely important that all members adhere to the agreed-upon protocols prior to joining a ship. This applies whether you are self-isolating at home or in a hotel. While we are navigating these uncharted waters, think of the pre-boarding safety regimen as your part of helping ensure the vessel’s crew remains COVID-free. And remember that if you fail to comply, you are affecting not only yourself but your future shipmates and the fellow members who are awaiting reliefs.” n The July membership meetings have been cancelled, but plans are being made to conduct the August meetings, with safety measures. n The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) on June 4 announced several additional extensions for various documentation. Merchant mariner credentials (MMC) and medical certificates (national endorsements only) that expire between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020 are extended until Dec. 31, 2020. Mariners who are actively working on expired credentials that meet the expiration criteria must carry the expired credential with a copy of the NMC notice, which is posted in the Latest News and COVID-19 sections of the SIU website. The agency also announced that MMCs with STCW endorsements that expire between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020 are extended until Dec. 31, 2020. The same is true for STCW medical certificates that expire between March 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. SHBP Relaxes Some Rules Governing Cobra Coverage During the course of this COVID-19 pandemic, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has relaxed certain time limits July 2020 for COBRA coverage and for the submission of appeals for denied medical claims. For detailed information on these changes, you can contact the claims department or the membership assistance department at (800) 252-4674. Seafarers LOG 3 �U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao (left), Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby (center) and Gen. Stephen Lyons (right) are shown in the National Maritime Day video produced by the U.S. Maritime Administration. MARAD Delivers Rousing Maritime Day Video The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Maritime Administration (MARAD) definitely made the best of a challenging circumstance for this year’s National Maritime Day celebration in the nation’s capital. The agency produced a half-hour video and posted it on the MARAD YouTube channel the morning of May 22. Viewer comments reflect sincere appreciation for the stirring tribute, which featured comments from DOT Secretary Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) Commanding Officer Gen. Stephen R. Lyons, Maritime Administrator Mark H. Buzby, TV host Mike Rowe and World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners David Yoho, James Monteleone, George Shaw and Hugh Stevens. This year’s theme was, “Resilient Sealift for a Resilient Nation.” “It’s great to be with you today – if only virtually – but Maritime Day must go on,” Buzby said in his opening remarks. He then introduced Chao, whom he described as “a strong advocate for the importance of the maritime industry to our nation’s economic growth, and to our national security.” Chao offered a brief history of the day of remembrance: “National Maritime Day was established by Congress in 1933 to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage of the American steamship Savannah. It was a way to celebrate America’s long and deep maritime tradition, and the innovation that has powered it, from [steamships] to nuclear ships and beyond. In World War II, merchant mariners were an essential part of the war effort, and their casualty rate exceeded that of all the other Armed Forces.” She continued, “Today, we salute the men and women of the American maritime community, who have helped ensure that people, supplies and equipment get to where they need to be during times of peace, war and natural disasters. “Our U.S.-flag fleet is an integral part of our national security, and as we face the COVID-19 crisis of today, the department is doing everything we can to support our country’s maritime sector, and ensure that the industry is able to ramp up when the economic recovery begins.” Buzby then offered his remarks, speaking from the deck of the SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force vessel SS Cornhusker State in Newport News, Virginia. “Our motto in the U.S. Merchant Marine is, ‘In Peace and War.’ It’s on our merchant marine flag, we talk about it in speeches all the time,” he noted. “It’s been a part of our industry since before this nation was even a nation. It’s what drives all of us who have served at sea and those of us who support those who go to sea. The idea is that we’re going to get it through, no matter what – whether it’s peacetime, wartime, no matter what, we’re going to get it through. “And certainly, throughout our nation’s history, this industry has persevered through a Revolutionary War, a Civil War, two global conflicts and any number of regional conflicts,” Buzby added. “The merchant marine has always been there, and has never faltered. Now here we are, facing a new foe, a new global conflict, but this time instead of man versus man, it’s man versus a virus. And the U.S. Merchant Marine is still persevering through it all.” Buzby then touched on the service of mariners during World War II, before saying, “Congress just approved recently the Congressional Gold Medal to award all those merchant marine veterans of World War II, who … persevered in wartime to make sure the Allies had victory in Europe and in the Pacific. Today, you mariners are facing the same, very grave challenges, and we have to do the very same thing. We have to come up with coun- termeasures, things that are going to mitigate that risk and keep our ships sailing, and you’re doing that – whether it’s through personal protective equipment, social distancing, contact tracking, the deep cleaning of our vessels, you’re making it happen and you’re still getting our ships through. And I think that’s a real tribute, as much to you and this generation as it was to those who preceded you and other generations who did what you had to do to get those ships through. I think it’s something that you all should be very, very proud of. “I’m very proud of the conduct of all of you, whether it’s been labor, the shipowners and operators, or whether it’s been government entities,” he continued. “The level of cooperation that has been exhibited, I think, says so much about this industry and why we are so strong and why we have been able to persevere through all these years.” Buzby concluded, “In the coming months, when we do get this thing behind us, every one of us that had the watch during this time should take a great deal of pride in the fact that, when it was our time, when our nation called upon us, when the challenges were issued, that we all stood tall, did what we had to do, and made it happen. In peace and war.” Lyons said, “As this audience knows, TRANSCOM, one of 11 combatant commands, is responsible to the Secretary of Defense and the Commander in Chief to deploy and sustain military forces around the globe to support our national security interests. In doing so, we count on a strong, U.S.-flag maritime industry – a maritime industry that has a long history of enabling military victory. Today, just as in World War II, the United States-flag merchant ships, the mariners who crew them, and our commercial sealift industry continue to play a critical role in our nation’s defense by providing sealift ships, mariners, and access to global seaport networks.” He continued, “As a result, the United President Issues Maritime Day Proclamation Since the founding of our great Nation, we have relied on merchant mariners to deliver goods to market and strengthen our national security. On National Maritime Day, we recognize the United States Merchant Marine for all it does to facilitate our commerce and protect our interests at sea. Our Nation’s merchant mariners enable peaceful trade with countries around the world and provide vital sealift support to our Armed Forces. Whether on the ocean or our inland waterways, merchant mariners support our economy by transporting billions of dollars of imported and exported goods. These men and women also sail bravely into combat zones to deliver supplies and weapons to our military men and women, playing a critical role in the success of their mission. This year, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we pay tribute to the United States merchant mariners who served as the “Fourth Arm of Defense” for our 4 Seafarers LOG Nation during the war. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign into law long-overdue legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the valiant civilian merchant mariners who maintained critical supply lines to our overseas troops and allies during the Second World War. Many of these mariners endured brutal attacks from German U-boats, and more than 6,000 of them perished at sea or were held as prisoners of war. This number includes 142 students of the United States Merchant Marine Academy – distinguishing it as the only one of the five service academies authorized to carry a battle standard. As we remember the tremendous sacrifices of the World War II merchant mariners, we also continue to honor the present-day citizen mariners who make up our Nation’s world-class Merchant Marine. Today, we pay tribute to their expertise, patriotism, and dedication to serving our country and ensuring our national security. States’ ability to project and sustain military power across transoceanic distances remains a strategic competitive advantage, and is admired by friends and adversaries. TRANSCOM, working with MARAD and key industry partners, provides an essential element of deterrence and, if necessary, the unquestionable ability to respond with overwhelming, decisive force, most of which will be moved by sealift. The resulting combined effort is a world order that encourages peace, and opportunities for freedom, while deterring a great power war for over 75 years and counting. “The United States is today, and always will be, a maritime nation,” Lyons concluded. “The most important resource of a maritime nation is people: professional men and women of high technical proficiency, who sail with high technical competency, hard work and innovation. That is why, at the end of the day, it is a U.S. flag on a ship, with U.S. crews at the helm, that remain essential to our national defense.” Yoho began by expressing his thanks on behalf of his fellow merchant veterans for the recent passage of the Congressional Gold Medal Act. He then gave a brief history of the merchant marine in World War II, to which fellow veterans Monteleone, Shaw and (now Captain) Stevens added their insights into the life of a World War II mariner. Following those remarks, Buzby placed a ceremonial wreath into the sea, as the traditional Eight Bells were rung in honor of fallen mariners. Afterwards, Rowe spoke about his relationship to the maritime industry, including an uncle who was a mariner, before concluding the ceremony with the singing of the Merchant Marine anthem, “Heave Ho.” Meanwhile, despite pandemic-rooted limitations, the SIU observed National Maritime Day in other newfound ways. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes were featured in separate online interviews about the industry. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2020, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth. DONALD J. TRUMP July 2020 �Industry Celebrates Jones Act Centennial June 5 marked the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Within this important legislation is the language that governs America’s waterborne freight cabotage – the Jones Act. Named for the bill’s primary sponsor – U.S. Senator Wesley Jones (R-Washington) – the Jones Act simply states that cargo moved from one domestic port to another domestic port must be carried aboard a U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flagged, U.S.built and U.S.-owned vessel. The Jones Act oversees the movement of goods along America’s ocean shorelines, Great Lakes ports and inland waterways. “The Jones Act remains a pillar of not only the United States maritime industry, but also our country’s national, economic and homeland security,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “It’s a source of family-wage jobs both on the water and ashore. It protects our nation in so many ways.” A 2019 study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the Transportation Institute showed the Jones Act is responsible for 650,000 American jobs creating more than $40 billion annually in income. Workers whose jobs are related to the law can be found in all 50 states. Cargo shipping is not the only maritime aspect covered by the Jones Act. It includes the U.S.-flag dredging industry as well. “The Jones Act has been attacked by unsubstantiated claims for years,” declared Maritime Trades Department (MTD) Vice President Jerry Abell. “In this day and time of viruses that we have no vaccines for and unprecedented death tolls, this act should be our first line of defense to protect the American shipping and dredging industries and the health of the American workforce from foreign enemies. I cannot stress enough how important the Jones Act is to the security and economic success of the country.” (Abell is President/Business Manager for Dredging Local 25 of the International Union of Operating Engineers.) Throughout the decades, the Jones Act has received bipartisan support from the White House and members of Congress. Military leaders also have expressed their backing for the law as it not only provides well-trained American mariners who crew Legislators Issue Statements Backing Vital Maritime Law Following are excerpts of statements issued by members of Congress in recognition of the Jones Act centennial. “The Jones Act has been and remains critical to supporting U.S. mariner jobs and our maritime industry, not to mention bolstering our national security. Over its 100-year history, the Jones Act has been critical in times of war, national emergencies and natural disasters, and global crises such as the current pandemic.” --- U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) “The Jones Act is an integral part of our Nation’s success, and I am proud to recognize its longstanding contributions to our Nation and to advocate for its continued influence in the decades to come. The Jones Act has enhanced American prosperity and national security ever since its enactment on June 5, 1920. It puts America first over subsidized foreign shipbuilders and foreign vessel operators that do not pay U.S. taxes or comply with U.S. regulations. It continues to preserve our role as the world’s leader in commerce and thousands of precious jobs for our American citizens. When it comes to the Jones Act, there is an overwhelming sense of pride from the American people, especially from Mississippians.” --- U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi) “At its core, the Jones Act is a critical labor standard that helps put U.S. mariners to work and maintains important workplace rights. In Washington’s Second Congressional District, the district I represent, the Jones Act supports 2,240 jobs which generate more than $130 million in labor income and more than $642 million in economic impact annually…. The Jones Act also underpins U.S. maritime defense policy and is essential to preserving national security interests at home and abroad.” --- U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Washington) July 2020 vessels taking needed goods for armed forces located around the world, but also supplies another set of eyes from American citizen-seafarers within U.S. ports, harbors and waterways for unlawful activities. “Many people do not realize that the Jones Act was not America’s first cabotage law,” noted MTD Executive SecretaryTreasurer Daniel Duncan. “In fact, among the original laws passed by the first Congress in 1789-90 were several designed to protect the nation’s fledgling maritime industry.” At one time, foreign-flagged and foreign-crewed vessels were permitted to sail along the inland waterways and on the Great Lakes. These vessels and crews did not then, nor have to now, meet America’s labor, building and safety standards. After a series of disasters that claimed American lives, Congress worked on various measures to strengthen the cabotage laws. During World War I, the United States did not have much of a merchant fleet. Many businesses depended on commercial vessels from Britain, France, Germany and other nations to export and import goods. When the war took these vessels away, Americans were forced to pay a premium to move cargo. This led to the 1920 Merchant Marine Act with its inclusion of the Jones Act. Despite its value to the American economy and the nation’s security, the Jones Act continually faces attacks from outside interests. The cabotage law of the Jones Act is not unique to the United States, either. The London-based Seafarers’ Rights International released a study in 2018 listing more than 90 countries that have some type of cabotage law on their books. Maritime unions around the world have identified the Jones Act as the flagship of cabotage laws. “This centennial is worth celebrating – and the Jones Act is worth fully preserving,” proclaimed Sacco. “America’s freight cabotage law has served us extremely well for a century, and that’s why it has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support along with powerful backing from top military leaders. “God bless the Jones Act, which I believe is the most ‘All-American’ law in existence.” “For 100 years, the Jones Act has been protecting Americans and our nation’s waterways. Not only is Louisiana’s First Congressional District number one in the country for Jones Act jobs, the Jones Act is a critical piece of America’s national and economic security. At its heart, this law strengthens American naval capabilities, prevents foreign ships from roaming throughout our inland waterways, and protects our country from unknown foreign threats. The U.S. maritime industry is an important backbone of America’s industrial base, and without the Jones Act, our maritime industry would be unfairly undercut by subsidized foreign entities. I will continue fighting to preserve the Jones Act so we can protect our national security, and to ensure these high-skilled, high-paying jobs remain in Louisiana and in America.” --- U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) “The bedrock principles and protections of the Jones Act are as essential today as they were when the bill was passed a century ago. We are, at our core, a maritime nation. The U.S. Merchant Marine enables the country to project force anywhere around the globe and ensures the security of our waters at home. We cannot be complacent in our defense of the Jones Act, which remains a critical component of U.S. maritime and military strategy.” --- U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney (D-New York) “This week, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act and its century of fostering our domestic maritime industry and supporting our national security. Named in honor of its author, former Senator Wesley Jones, the Jones Act has helped provide economic benefits in times of peace and has safeguarded resources to expand our military maritime capacity for times of war. For the Department of Defense, maintaining a U.S.flagged fleet is critical to ensuring we have sufficient U.S. sealift capacity, available at a moment’s notice, to defend our nation…. Not only does the Jones Act support this vital national security requirement, it also provides an economic benefit to our nation.” --- U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela (D-Texas) Seafarers LOG 5 �Retired Paul Hall Center Instructor Bernabe Pelingon Passes Away May 2 at 68 When Bernabe Pelingon finished a 20-year stint in the U.S. Navy in 1997, he earnestly considered an array of second careers. But it didn’t take long for him to choose the SIU. Pelingon joined the union and sailed for two years before becoming an instructor at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. He taught at the school for nearly 20 years, mixing in some ongoing work as an active mariner, before retiring in late 2018. Pelingon, known to all as Bernie, cited health concerns when he retired. He died May 2 at age 68. “He was beloved by staff and students alike, and his influence can be seen on many people working in the deck department throughout the SIU,” said Paul Hall Center Acting Vice President Tom Orzechowski. “He was around when I took my AB course and he was a sailor’s sailor.” Stan Beck worked with Pelingon both in the armed forces and at the school. “Bernie was one of my shipmates in the U.S. Navy,” Beck recalled. “We were on the USS Detroit together and we were both at the Paul Hall Center (as instructors) for 20 years each. He loved teaching students and was everyone’s mentor. He was always willing to help with anything we needed, and he will be missed very much.” Another instructor, Tom Truitt, noted, “Bernie’s best interest was always for the student. He was always looking to give the students the most beneficial information so they could succeed after they left the school. He was a wealth of knowledge and I knew if I had a question, he would answer it or know where to find the answer. I really enjoyed working with him, and he was a true professional.” Even after retirement, Pelingon lived on the secondary road leading to the school. A native of the Philippines, Pelingon hailed from a family of educators. He received college degrees in nautical science and marine transportation and also secured his third mate’s license. In the Navy, he served as quartermaster first class, earning many decorations along the way in addition to working as an instructor. In Piney Point, he became the school’s lead instructor for able seamen – but he did far more than classroom work. Pelingon recruited other veterans to the school, both as students and instructors. He served as a peer tutor and mentor for upgraders, some of whom had English as a second language. In his retirement letter, Pelingon said that working at the school “has been a wonderful experience, and I will cherish the memories.” Bernabe Pelingon (left) was a fixture in Piney Point for nearly 20 years. He served as lead instructor in the deck department and also recruited for the school. USCG Waives MMC Fees For Active Duty Personnel Editor’s note: The following information was issued by the U.S. Coast Guard on May 26. The announcement is posted on the SIU website, in the Latest News section, and includes all of the related links. 6 Seafarers LOG The Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing has published CG-MMC Policy Letter 02-20 titled: Guidance on Waiver of Merchant Mariner Credential Application Fees for Active Duty Officials Release Procedures For Requesting Absentee Ballots For Upcoming SIU Elections Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters are scheduled for later this year. As in past SIU election years, a comprehensive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020 voting period or who otherwise think they will need absentee ballots, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail Members of the Uniformed Services. Active duty members of the uniformed services are eligible for a waiver of fees for evaluation of an application for an MMC, the administration of an examination required for an endorsement, and for the issuance of an MMC. The waiver applies to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2020 and must be received at 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2020. 5. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designated in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2020. 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked “Ballot.” Do not write on the “Ballot” envelope. 7. Place the envelope marked “Ballot” in the mailing envelope which is imprinted with the mailing address of the bank depository where all ballots are sent. 8. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. 9. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Dec. 31, 2020 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2021. Public Health Service. This policy is available on the Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentialing policy website on the MMC Policy Webpage. It may also be accessed by selecting “Policy & Regulations” on the National Maritime Center’s website. Mariners and other interested parties should contact the Mariner Credentialing Program Policy Division at MMCPolicy@uscg.mil or (202) 372-2357 with any questions or feedback. July 2020 �MTD Calls for Justice for All AFL-CIO Pledges to Continue Fighting for Reforms As demonstrations for just treatment of minorities spread across the country, two SIU-affiliated organizations spoke out in strong support of the peaceful protesters’ goals – most if not all of which are shared by organized labor. Many union members and their families were part of the grassroots mobilizations, often under the banner of Black Lives Matter. Both the Maritime Trades Department (MTD) and the AFL-CIO responded not only to the rallies but also to the destruction that occurred at the AFL-CIO headquarters building late on May 31. Vandals damaged the building, which is directly across the street from the White House. They broke windows and set fires in the lobby. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as president of the MTD. The department’s statement reads, “The Sisters and Brothers of MTD affiliates who crew U.S.-flag ships, who build U.S.-flag vessels, who work on U.S. docks, and who supply these American workers know the value of teamwork and working together. These members of our Port Councils and unions have marched, do march and will march when we witness and experience injustice. The death of George Floyd was uncalled for and only the latest. The call for justice is valid. We will continue to work to bring equality and justice for ALL Americans. It must happen. “However, destruction solves nothing. Words mean little if there is no action. It is way past time for all Americans to realize that ‘We, the People’ needs to truly come to all – people of color, native Americans, immigrants seeking a better life. “Unionism is solidarity. The MTD stands, marches and fights for solidarity – peaceful solidarity – for all.” George Perry Floyd Jr. was an AfricanAmerican man who was killed by police during an arrest in Minneapolis on May 25. Protests in response to both Floyd’s death, and more broadly to police violence against other black people, quickly spread across the United States and internationally. On June 1, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka issued the following statement: “My heart is heavy at the events of the past few days. I watched the video of George Floyd pleading for his life under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer. No person of conscience can hear Floyd’s Union members gather near AFL-CIO headquarters for a spontaneous demonstration June 8 in the nation’s capital. (Photo courtesy Union Veterans Council) cries for help and not understand that something is deeply wrong in America. “What happened to George Floyd, what happened to Ahmaud Arbery, what happened to far too many unarmed people of color has happened for centuries. The difference is now we have cell phones. It’s there for all of us to see. And we can’t turn our heads and look away because we feel uncomfortable. “Racism plays an insidious role in the daily lives of all working people of color. This is a labor issue because it is a workplace issue. It is a community issue, and unions are the community. We must and will continue to fight for reforms in policing and to address issues of racial and economic inequality. Aboard the Safmarine Mafadi Recertified Steward Lauren Oram (right) reports that the galley gang aboard the Maersk Line, Limited vessel is quite busy keeping the ship sanitary. She’s pictured with (from left) SA Claribel Cabral and Chief Cook Juan Poblete Inostroza. July 2020 “We categorically reject those on the fringes who are engaging in violence and destroying property. Attacks like the one on the AFL-CIO headquarters are senseless, disgraceful and only play into the hands of those who have oppressed workers of color for generations and detract from the peaceful, passionate protesters who are rightly bringing issues of racism to the forefront. “But in the end, the labor movement is not a building. We are a living collection of working people who will never stop fighting for economic, social and racial justice. We are united unequivocally against the forces of hate who seek to divide this nation for their own personal and political gain at our expense. “We will clean up the glass, sweep away the ashes and keep doing our part to bring a better day out of this hour of darkness and despair. “Today and always, the important work of the AFL-CIO continues unabated. U.S. Coast Guard Announces AB and Lifeboatman Surveys Some SIU members soon may receive an email from the U.S. Coast Guard pertaining to a survey. The agency’s announcement, dated June 11, appears below and is available on the SIU website (check the Latest News section). Able Seaman and Lifeboatman Surveys The Coast Guard is seeking input from mariners who hold Merchant Mariner Credential endorsements as Able Seaman (AB) and Lifeboatman (LB) to validate information gathered as part of a Job Task Analysis (JTA). Since 2016, the Coast Guard has been working on several initiatives to improve the quality of the content of credentialing examinations. One initiative is to validate the real-world occupational tasks carried out by mariners in today’s merchant fleet by conducting JTAs. The first JTA is for AB and LB endorsements. We worked with members of industry with AB/LB experience to identify the tasks that AB and LB are responsible for while signed on a vessel. The Coast Guard is inviting you to be a part of this exciting and worthwhile effort by: n Validating the AB and LB tasks. n Telling us how frequently you complete the tasks. n Telling us how difficult it is to complete the tasks. n Telling us how important it is to complete the tasks. This is a unique opportunity for you to provide insight into your job, either as an AB/LB or as a supervisor, and contribute to Coast Guard examination improvements. The Coast Guard will use the results of the JTA in consultation with industry to evaluate and update examination content for these endorsements. Mariners who hold endorsements as AB and/or LB will receive an e-mail from JobTaskAnalysis@uscg.mil containing a link to the survey and the dates the survey is open. Your link to the survey will have a unique identifier to record your responses. It is not linked to you personally and the information you provide will remain anonymous. Your participation is encouraged for the benefit of the maritime community and safety of the Marine Transportation System. If you have questions regarding the survey, please contact us at JobTaskAnalysis@uscg.mil. Seafarers LOG 7 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU GOLDEN SHELLBACK – Mariners aboard the Matson ship M/V Kamokuiki recently crossed the Equator and International Date Line, and then received a Golden Shellback certificate. SIU Steward/Baker Adele E. Williams is pictured fourth from left. The crew also includes (from the MM&P) Capt. Louis E. Terramorse, C/M Robert G. Abbott, 3/M Jessica N. Mastrella, (from the MEBA) 2/M Robert M. Womble, C/E Evan C. Hafford, 1 A/E Glen K. Elliott, 2 A/E Lucas W. Frank, (from the SUP) Bosun Forrest A. Jackson, ABW Joshua S. Davis, ABW Christian G. Ortiz, ABW Richard N. Kahalewai Jr., AND (from the MFOW) Electrician Kevin L. Haymer and Oiler Walter J. Tangonan. Second Mate Womble is behind the lens. GUAM HALL – Pictured prior to the pandemic are (photo at left, from left) ABG Octavio Henriques, OS Franklin Muna and Recertified Bosun Gregory Jackson. Muna was receiving his full B-book. The individual photo in the center shows QEP Richard Digman receiving his A-book, while the photo at right includes (from left) SIU Port Agent Fred Sanchez and MDR Donald Dabbs, also receiving his A-book. HOUSTON HALL – Chief Cook Jorrell Davis (left) receives his B-book. He’s pictured with Patrolman J.B. Niday. ABOARD USNS MAURY – There are many Seafarers past and present among the engine crew aboard the Ocean Shipholdings vessel. (Note that the ship had been through two 14-day quarantine periods in the last two months and was deemed “clean,” hence the absence of social distancing and PPE for the photo at right.) Front and center are C/E Merrick Brow, an SIU hawsepiper, and Oiler Karl Morrow. Behind them, left to right, are 3A/E McCale Butto (Suny), 2A/E John Bimpong (SIU hawsepiper), Oiler Anias Stanford, Oiler Zach Cartwright, QMED Hermano Sillon, Storekeeper Michael Dupee and 1A/E Keith Bailey (SIU hawsepiper). Many thanks to Keith Bailey for the photo and info. ABOARD MAHI MAHI – Pictured aboard the Matson ship in mid-May (above, from left) are ACU John Canson, Chief Steward Ken Greenidge and Chief Cook Carmelo Dela Cruz. (Yes, we cheated and stitched two photos together.) 8 Seafarers LOG OAKLAND HALL – Members and port officials make the best of it May 15 as Seafarers stop by the hall to pick up shipping documents. July 2020 �Seafarers Rise to Occasion During WWII Battles at Sea Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 5-June 16. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 16. Continued from Page 20 sail their old, unarmed ships through “U-boat Lake” in early 1942. On the 20th of May, the George Calvert, a Bull Line Liberty, was sunk with a loss of three men while bound for Bandar Shapur with 9,116 tons of war supplies for the Russians. Another Bull Line ship, the Major Wheeler, disappeared in the Caribbean to become an unsolved mystery of the sea. And there was the City of Alma of the Waterman Company, en route from Port of Spain, Trinidad, to Baltimore on June 2, when she was hit by just one torpedo from an unseen submarine. Ripping a 40-foot hole in the hull, the “tinfish” almost sliced the freighter in two, and she sank so speedily that 10 men were saved only because they had jumped clear when she plunged, later climbing aboard a life raft which had broken loose and floated free. Sparks was caught in his shack, sending out calls for help. The Skipper, Second Mate, Chief Engineer, First, Second and Third Assistant Engineers and 22 other crewmen were lost on the City of Alma. The Little Millinocket, Bull Line, was warned of the proximity of a marauding sub, but too late to save herself. It was five minutes past five in the afternoon when Steward Ernest Oxley stopped by the wireless room and read a message which had just come in from San Juan. The radiogram warned that a submarine was in their vicinity. And correct it was, for Steward Oxley had no more than read the warning of danger when the ship shuddered from a torpedo explosion in the starboard side amidships. Oxley ran out on deck to see the Skipper, the Chief and the First Mate running toward the life rafts, with the Captain shouting “Let go the rafts. It’s our only chance. Let go the rafts.” That was the last he saw of the trio, for they went down with the ship. On watch below, when the torpedo hit, was the 4 to 8: Second Assistant Francis Amberger, Fireman Robert Baylis and Oiler Joe Lewnuk. Joe escaped – miraculously, it seemed – by climbing up the emergency cable ladder to the engine room skylight before the engine room flooded and the Millinocket settled by the stern. Seamen could never tell when their ship might get hit during these hectic days, for subs gave no warning. Captain Homer Lanford was pulling the whistle cord of the SS Del Mundo, to turn a convoy into the old Bahama passage off Cuba, when this Mississippi Shipping Company freighter got a torpedo in the engine room, killing all hands below. An old “Hog,” the Del Mundo was “commodore” of a 38ship fleet, and was carrying 30 Polish women war refugees as passengers. A number of other ships were sunk in the same attack, covering the sea with a maze of floating debris. Captain William B. Sillars, of the Waterman freighter Afoundria, sensed pending disaster to his ship on May 5, 1942, when the vessel was hit by a sub mid-afternoon off the northwest coast of Haiti. Total Registered Port All Groups A B Total Shipped C All Groups A B Registered on Beach C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C Sensed Danger He had come on to the bridge just a few minutes before, saying to Second Mate James Chatfield, “I feel that right now we are at the most dangerous stage of our trip. Keep a very good lookout!” The Afoundria had a load of bombs up forward and a cargo of beans aft. Fortunately, the torpedo hit among the beans. All hands were saved. By the end of July, submarine sinkings in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico had been drastically cut, but ships continued to go down in these waters right up to the end of the war, and among them were freighters manned by SIU crews. Lack of space precludes the telling of even a part of the action-packed drama that these ships contributed to the story of the war at sea. The U.S. Merchant Marine emblem is included in the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. July 2020 Seafarers LOG 9 �SIU Delivers The Goods For Key Military Exercise Six Seafarers-Crewed Vessels Mobilize for DEFENDER-Europe 20 SIU-crewed vessels are part of a convoy Feb. 28 in the Atlantic. Pictured from left during the military exercise are the USNS Benavidez, MV Resolve and the guidedmissile cruiser USS Vella. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Waters) F ive vessels assigned to the Maritime Security Program fleet, augmented by a Military Sealift Command Bob Hope-Class ship – all crewed by SIU members – earlier this year proved their value to national defense. They carried vital materiel for a branch of the country’s armed forces during DEFENDER-Europe 20, an extensive military exercise designed to build strategic readiness by deploying a “combat credible” force to Europe in support of North American Treaty Organization and U.S. national defense strategy, according to the U.S. Army. (Segments of the exercise were ongoing at press time.) The SIU-crewed convoy (comprised of the MV Endurance, MV Resolve and MV Patriot, all operated by Tote Services; the Central Gulf Lines-operated MV Green Bay and MV Green Lake; and the U.S. Marine Management-operated USNS Benavidez) took center stage in what initially was billed as the largest deployment of troops from the United States to Europe in more than 25 years. The vessels and crews were charged with transporting Abrams tanks, armored personnel carriers, heavy machine guns, mortars and much more from the United States to Europe. An estimated 20,000 U.S. troops reportedly were slated to participate in the exercise. This effort exercised the Army’s ability to coordinate large-scale movements with allies. In response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus and recent guidance by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, however, the exercise was modified both in size and scope. By mid-March, all movement of personnel and equipment from the United States to Europe ceased. The health, safety and readiness of the U.S. military, civilians, and family members moved to the forefront. Prior to the reset, the Army deployed approximately 6,000 soldiers from the United States to Europe including a division headquarters and an armored brigade combat team. The SIU-crewed vessels at that point had transported more than 1.3 million square feet of materiel including approximately 9,000 vehicles and 3,000 other pieces of equipment from Army prepositioned stocks. At press time, the Army announced that another component of DEFENDER-Europe 20, originally scheduled for May, will take place at Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area, Poland, June 5-19. “Exercises like DEFENDER-Europe 20 continue to demonstrate that NATO allies and partners stand stronger together and that the U.S. commitment to NATO is ironclad,” the Army reported. Meanwhile, the U.S. Merchant Marine helped the U.S. Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) demonstrate its ability to project strategic readiness through their support of the DEFENDER-Europe 20 exercise. SDDC personnel successfully moved more than 3,000 pieces of equipment through multiple seaports from the United States to Europe. “Our commercial carriers and partners are key to our operations,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen E. Farmen, SDDC commanding general. With the SIU-crewed MV Endurance in the background, an M88 Recovery vehicle heads ashore at the port of Bremerhaven, Germany for Exercise DEFENDER-Europe 20. (NATO photo) 10 Seafarers LOG AB Glen McCullough (left) and Second Mate Edmun Scott (a member of the Seafarers-affiliated American Maritime Officers) man the bridge aboard the USNS Benavidez while the vessel is at sea Feb. 17. The Benavidez was underway in support of Agile Defender 2020, a maritime portion of Defender 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Bill Mesta) In photo below, OS Jai’mall Whitaker Brickers stands bridge wing lookout aboard the Benavidez (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jordan R. Bair). Part of what he sees (photo at immediate left) is the array of containers and other U.S. Army equipment that is staged on the vessel’s top-side deck. The SIU-crewed roll-on/roll-off vessel M/V Green Bay (photo above) arrives in Bremerhaven, Germany, to offload cargo for DEFENDER-Europe 20. The Green Bay transported more than 470 pieces of equipment across the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Travis Weger) Tracked vehicles (photo at immediate right) wait dockside to be loaded on the Seafarerscrewed MV Resolve in Beaumont, Texas. (U.S. Navy photo by Bill Mesta) July 2020 July 2020 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer This month’s question was answered by Tacoma-area members, via phone. George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Question: What does it mean to you to be in The Brotherhood of the Sea? Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Ahmed Sharif QEE Being in the Seafarers has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Job security, good pay, and it helps me support my family. Being in the union means I’ll always have a job. Anytime I want to work, I’ll have a job, and it’s been that way my whole career. I’ve been in the union since 1997, and I feel blessed being a member of the SIU. Adel Ahmed Recertified Bosun It keeps us close together. You get to know new people every time you board the vessel, and you learn what different cultures have in common and what makes them different. My dad convinced me to join by telling me what the job was really like, what the lifestyle was like. I joined in 2001, and this job has let me take care of my kids, and earn money like you’d normally have to have a degree to make. Thanks to our union, and keep up the good work! Darryl Smith Recertified Bosun For one, it was the place that gave me an opportunity at 18 to start a good career. This line of business helps everyone in the country, as well as our military. It let me travel the world, meet new people, and gave me a clear career path that lets you move up as far as you want in life. I hope the union continues to bring in new mariners, and keep this industry thriving. Luke Coffelt OMU It means a sense of camaraderie, that we can rely on each other out at sea and ashore. It also provides a sense of security, that the union would have my back on a ship if I needed anything. The union gave me flexibility, way beyond what another job could. Being able to build my own schedule is a huge advantage in my life. Todd Williams QMED It means a lot. It presents a lot of opportunities to make a decent living and be a part of something that’s really great. You get to meet some great people, and it means a lot to me. It changed my life, that’s for sure, by being able to provide for my family and see a lot of different places around the world. Matthew Conyac Chief Steward It means that I’ve got a good union job and benefits available to me, and that we need to work on strengthening and growing our membership to keep the corporate and political interests that are against us, from endangering all we’ve worked to accomplish. Pics From The Past NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 These snapshots were submitted by the son of the late NMU Bosun John Ivo Valjalo. John joined the union in 1946, first serving on the SS Bartlesville Victory as deck maintenance. He remained with the union until 1985. John passed away peacefully in December 2015 in Liverpool, England, at age 92. Photo at right was taken aboard the SS Tyson Lykes during a 1959 voyage from Liverpool to Florida. The other is from Marseilles, France, January 1946. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 12 Seafarers LOG July 2020 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA PAUL ADAMS Brother Paul Adams, 69, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979, initially sailing on the Pacer. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Adams most recently sailed on the John U.D. Page. He makes his home in Cocoa Beach, Florida. AL ALHAJ Brother Al Alhaj, 65, started sailing with the union in 1979 when he shipped on the Brooks Range. A member of the deck department, he last sailed on the John Boland. Brother Alhaj settled in Lincoln Park, Michigan. TOMMY BELVIN Brother Tommy Belvin, 70, signed on with the SIU in 1978 when he sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes. He was a member of the steward department and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Belvin’s final vessel was the Maunalei. He makes his home in Tacoma, Washington. URSULA CANCI Sister Ursula Canci, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996, initially shipping on the Silas Bent. An engine department member, she upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Sister Canci last sailed on the USNS Stockham. She resides in Staten Island, New York. LEONARD CHAVIS Brother Leonard Chavis, 66, started his career with the union in 2004, first sailing aboard the Delaware Bay. He was a member of the engine department and most recently shipped on the Ohio. Brother Chavis makes his home in Port Arthur, Texas. NICK CIABATONI Brother Nick Ciabatoni, 69, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2001. He first sailed aboard the Cape Inscription, and worked in the deck department. Brother Ciabatoni upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2012. He last shipped on the Alaskan July 2020 Navigator and calls St. Augustine, Florida, home. STEVEN DICKSON Brother Steven Dickson, 66, signed on with the Seafarers in 1991, when he sailed on the USNS Wilkes. He was a steward department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Dickson most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Seletar. He resides in Bremerton, Washington. JEROME DOOMS Brother Jerome Dooms, 63, joined the SIU in 1989, first sailing aboard the Dewayne T. Williams. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Dooms last sailed on the St. Louis Express and settled in Houston. JOSEPH HUMPHREY Brother Joseph Humphrey, 58, started shipping with the union in 1991, initially sailing on the Frances Hammer. He upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center and sailed in the deck department. Brother Humphrey’s final vessel was the Maersk Memphis. He lives in Honolulu. MICHAEL INGRAM Brother Michael Ingram, 65, joined the union in 1973. He was a member of the deck department and first sailed aboard the Falcon Lady. Brother Ingram upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Overseas Washington and settled in Klickitat, Washington. NORMAN JACKSON Brother Norman Jackson, 54, donned the SIU colors in 1989 when he sailed with Delta Queen Steamboat Company. A steward department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Jackson’s final vessel was the American Phoenix. He makes his home in Marrero, Louisiana. GREGORY KEENE Brother Gregory Keene, 61, signed on with the union in 1978, first sailing on the Great Land. He upgraded on multiple oc- casions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school and was a steward department member. Brother Keene’s last ship was the Maersk Michigan. He resides in the Philippines. CHARLES KENNEDY Brother Charles Kennedy, 73, joined the union in 1975, initially sailing aboard the Yukon. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Kennedy most recently sailed aboard the Overseas Key West and lives in Mobile, Alabama. PETER MENSAH Brother Peter Mensah, 71, began shipping with the union in 2003 when he sailed aboard the Global Link. He worked in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Mensah last shipped on the Dependable and resides in Willingboro, New Jersey. MARIANO NORALES Brother Mariano Norales, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1990, first sailing on the Independence. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Norales’ last vessel was the Quality. He makes his home in Houston. AMELIA OCAMPO Sister Amelia Ocampo, 65, signed on with the SIU in 2000. She initially sailed aboard the USNS Gilliand and shipped in both the steward and deck departments. Sister Ocampo upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. She most recently sailed on the Resolve and makes her home in Jacksonville, Florida. ROCKY OLDS Brother Rocky Olds, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1999. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Olds’ first and last vessel was the USNS Dahl. He makes his home in San Marcos, California. recently sailed with Moran Towing of Maryland. He resides in Sparrows Point, Maryland. JOSE RAMIREZ Brother Brian Wilder, 64, joined the SIU in 1991, first sailing aboard the Cape Bon. He was an engine department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Wilder last sailed on the American Pride and settled in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Brother Jose Ramirez, 65, started sailing with the union in 1990 when he shipped on the Independence. A member of the engine department, he upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Ramirez last sailed on the Florida and settled in Houston. KASSIM SHAIBI Brother Kassim Shaibi, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1979 when he sailed aboard the Trader. He was a member of the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Shaibi’s final vessel was the Liberator. He makes his home in Shafter, California. ROBERT SHAW Brother Robert Shaw, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1976, initially shipping with National Marine Service. A deck department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Shaw last sailed on the Pride and resides in Rockaway, New Jersey. MICHAEL SPRANZA Brother Michael Spranza, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1980 when he sailed aboard the San Juan. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Spranza last shipped on the Reliance. He calls Daly City, California, home. TIMOTHY VAN PELT Brother Timothy Van Pelt, 61, signed on with the Seafarers in 1978, when he sailed on the Overseas Ulla. He was an engine department member and upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Van Pelt most BRIAN WILDER GREAT LAKES THOMAS CHABOT Brother Thomas Chabot, 65, started shipping with the union in 1973, initially sailing on the Paul H. Townsend. A deck department member, his final vessel was the Charles E. Wilson. Brother Chabot lives in Lachine, Michigan. LARRY SKOWRONEK Brother Larry Skowronek, 64, started his career with the union in 1990, first sailing aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and was a member of the deck department. Brother Skowronek’s final vessel was the Burns Harbor. He makes his home in Alpena, Michigan. INLAND CHARLIE CARLSON Brother Charlie Carlson, 64, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1998. He was first employed with Penn Maritime and sailed in the deck department. Brother Carlson upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed on the Resolve and lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. GARY DAVIS Brother Gary Davis, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1977, working with HVIDE Marine. He sailed in the deck department and concluded his career with G&H Towing. Brother Davis makes his home in Graves, Texas. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA HOWARD ALLEN Pensioner Howard Allen, 83, died April 10. He signed on with the SIU in 1963 and first shipped with American Steamship Company. Brother Allen was a member of the engine department. He concluded his career on the Liberty Wave and became a pensioner in 2008. Brother Allen resided in New Orleans. ALEXANDER BENDOLPH Brother Alexander Bendolph, 65, passed away March 18. Born in Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1978. An engine department member, Brother Bendolph first sailed aboard the Connecticut. He last shipped on the American Spirit and was a resident of Mobile, Alabama. WILLIAM BRAGG Pensioner William Bragg, 64, died March 16. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1980; his first vessel was the El Paso Howard Boyd. Brother Bragg worked in the steward department. He most recently sailed aboard the Charger and became a pensioner in 2013. Brother Bragg made his home in Thailand. DAVID CASTRO Pensioner David Castro, 68, passed away May 12. He became a member of the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the USNS Algol. Brother Castro sailed in the engine department. He last shipped aboard the USNS Fisher before becoming a pensioner in 2018. Brother Castro lived in Borrego Springs, California. EDWARD HABER Pensioner Edward Haber, 70, died April 30. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1967, when he shipped on the Malden Victory. Brother Haber worked in the steward department and last sailed on the Elizabeth. He retired in 2002 and made his home in Palm Bay, Florida. 14 Seafarers LOG NATHANIEL HARRIS Brother Nathaniel Harris, 65, passed away March 30. He joined the SIU in 1973, initially sailing on the Overseas Progress. Brother Harris was an engine department member. He last shipped on the Thomas Lynch and settled in Mobile, Alabama. TED KOPECKY Pensioner Ted Kopecky, 75, died May 26. He joined the union in 2001 and first shipped aboard the Maersk Vermont. Brother Kopecky was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career on the Maersk Ohio and retired in 2011. Brother Kopecky lived in Poland. FRANCIS MCCALL Brother Francis McCall, 93, passed away May 6. He started sailing with the union in 1953 when he shipped aboard the Hastings. Brother McCall was a deck department member. He last worked on the Elizabeth in 1971 and was a San Francisco resident. BRYANT MCGIFFEN Brother Bryant McGiffen, 28, died December 27. He signed on with the Seafarers in 2016 when he sailed aboard the Liberty Grace. A member of the engine department, Brother McGiffen last shipped on the Pride of America. He resided in Saint James City, Florida. TIMOTHY MCHALE Pensioner Timothy McHale, 67, passed away May 18. He began his career with the SIU in 2001, initially sailing aboard the USNS Dahl. Brother McHale was a deck department member, and last sailed aboard the USNS Montford Point. He became a pensioner in 2017 and made his home in Troy, North Carolina. VLADIMIR NITRIANSKY Pensioner Vladimir Nitriansky, 74, died May 11. He joined the SIU in 2000, first sailing on the American Merlin. Brother Nitriansky shipped in the deck department. He concluded his career aboard the Patriot and retired in 2017. Brother Nitriansky called Theodore, Alabama, home. ANTHONY NOVAK Pensioner Anthony Novak, 96, passed away May 24. He joined the union in 1947 and first sailed on the Spartanburg Victory. Brother Novak was an engine department member and last shipped on the Overseas New York. He began collecting his pension in 1985 and settled in Minneapolis. TONY RABAGO Pensioner Tony Rabago, 86, died May 17. He donned the SIU colors in 1952, initially sailing aboard the Neva West. Brother Rabago was a steward department member and last sailed on the Overseas Alice. He retired in 1993 and made his home in Santa Fe, Texas. KENNETH ROETZER Pensioner Kenneth Roetzer, 74, passed away May 1. He began his career with the SIU in 1989, when he worked for Red Circle Transport. Brother Roetzer was a steward department member, and last sailed aboard the Marilyn. He became a pensioner in 2013 and made his home in Castlewood, Virginia. WAYMAN SELLERS Pensioner Wayman Sellers, 81, died May 5. He became a member of the union in 1989, initially sailing aboard the Silas Bent. Brother Sellers sailed in the deck department. He last shipped aboard the Keystone State before becoming a pensioner in 2004. Brother Sellers lived in Phoenix. WILLIAM WARE Brother William Ware, 85, passed away April 9. He joined the SIU in 1952. Brother Ware was a steward department member and sailed with States Steamship for the duration of his career. He called Waynesville, North Carolina, home. ROBERT WILSON Pensioner Robert Wilson, 75, died April 26. He joined the union in 1979 and first shipped aboard the Long Beach. Brother Wilson was a member of the deck department. He concluded his career on the Cape Horn and retired in 2016. Brother Wilson lived in Mount Shasta, California. GREAT LAKES MOHSIN HARHARA Pensioner Mohsin Harhara, 77, passed away April 27. He signed on with the Seafarers in 1976, initially sailing on the Hudson. Brother Harhara was an engine department member and concluded his career on the American Mariner. He went on pension in 2000 and settled in Allen Park, Michigan. INLAND RODNEY MCCASLIN Pensioner Rodney McCaslin, 61, died May 25. He started sailing with the SIU in 1986, first working for Moran Towing of Texas. Brother McCaslin shipped in the engine department. He concluded his career on the Integrity, and went on pension in 2016. Brother McCaslin resided in Winslow, Maine. HENRY METALLO Pensioner Henry Metallo, 73, has passed away. He signed on with the SIU in 1970. A deck department member, Brother Metallo sailed first and last with OSG Ship Management. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a Baltimore resident. LOUIS SMITH Pensioner Louis Smith, 62, died April 10. He was a deck department member and began sailing with the union in 1997. Brother Smith worked with McAllister Towing of Virginia for the duration of his career. He retired in 2020 and resided in Hudgins, Virginia. RICHARD WARD Pensioner Richard Ward, 74, passed away December 11. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1981 when he worked for CG Willis. Brother Ward was a deck department member. He continued his employment with the same company until his retirement in 2007. Brother Ward lived in Jacksonville, Florida. with the SIU in 2000, first working with Riverboat Services. Brother Weaver shipped in the deck department. He concluded his career on the Legacy, and went on pension in 2019. Brother Weaver settled in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. JACK WYATT Pensioner Jack Wyatt, 74, passed away May 29. He signed on with the SIU in 1982. A deck department member, Brother Wyatt sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation for his entire career. He became a pensioner in 2006 and was a resident of Lakeside, Arizona. NMU CARLOS CABEZAS Pensioner Carlos Cabezas, 79, died May 27. He was an NMU member before the 2001 NMU/ SIU merger. Brother Cabezas was a deck department member. He last sailed aboard the Cape Orlando and became a pensioner in 2006. Brother Cabezas was a San Francisco resident. CLARENCE MCCALL Pensioner Clarence McCall, 90, passed away May 21. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, he began sailing with the NMU in 1957. Brother McCall shipped in the deck department. He began collecting his pension in 1995 and settled in Port Arthur, Texas. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. Name Age Araujo, Theophilus 78 Barnes, Linford 89 Colon, Luis 93 Crossen, Robert 88 Fernandez, Mario 89 Floyd, Anthony 79 Gantt, Rudy 86 Guevara, Paul 91 Jernigan, James 87 Kenny, Thomas 95 Liberatore, Frank 92 Moore, Aubrey 94 Moras, Constantino 97 Musa, Sharif 65 Olson, Hank 89 Perry, Archibald 91 Terry, Albert 84 DOD 05/17/2020 11/09/2019 04/19/2020 05/25/2020 05/04/2020 12/13/2019 05/09/2020 04/04/2020 05/04/2020 05/15/2020 03/26/2019 03/30/2020 05/01/2020 01/25/2020 03/28/2020 01/17/2020 04/12/2020 RICHARD WEAVER Pensioner Richard Weaver, 70, died May 11. He started sailing July 2020 �ITF Secures Back Pay, Repatriation For Mariners Stranded by Company After five months of being detained and abandoned, the crew of the Liberian-flagged M/V Evolution has finally been paid their due wages, and those who wished to be repatriated were sent home, thanks to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). The 505-foot, runaway-flag cargo vessel was first detained by the U.S. Marshals Service on Jan. 31, after it arrived off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. The vessel was abandoned by an overseas maritime firm called Smooth Navigation, which stranded the 21 mariners on board, waiting to receive the $355,000 in back pay they were owed. The crew, 19 from the Philippines, one Jordanian officer and one Lebanese officer, continued to perform their duties on the ship while being detained. Without the proper immigration documents, they were unable to leave the vessel and enter the United States. The vessels’ insurers demanded that the Evolution be put on the auction block to pay for a shipment of iron that was damaged by saltwater as the vessel sailed to Indonesia from Iran. They sought to recoup $1.45 million from the sale of the vessel. The Evolution is the first major vessel abandonment in the United Aboard Maersk Idaho States since crew abandonment insurance was created in 2018, according to ITF Inspector Corey Connor. “It does happen. It’s not uncommon, especially around the world, but it’s very uncommon in the United States,” said Connor. He added that the vessel was finally sold at auction in May for two main reasons: “One, the vessel is abandoned, so there’s currently nobody taking responsibility for it. So, the vessel needs to be sold to a new company. The second part of that is getting the crew paid. The crew hadn’t been paid in four months, so we were able to get everyone to agree to pay the crew with the money earned from the sale of the vessel.” The crew was partially repatriated on June 13, and the 19 Filipino crewmembers were allowed to return home. The officers chose to stay on board until the new owners take control of the vessel, and Connor was informed in a message from the crew that this was the “good ending” they had hoped for. The full amount of the wages owed to the mariners was on the way as of press time. The SIU is an ITF affiliate; SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as chair of the ITF Seafarers’ Section. Grateful crew members are pictured with ITF Inspector Corey Connor (wearing face covering). This pre-pandemic photo was taken much earlier in the year. That’s Paul Hall Center instructor John Thomas near the bottom left, hands on hips and wearing a dark hardhat. He visited the ship in order to help update the school’s fire fighting curriculums. (Nothing bad happened on the Idaho. Thomas was just taking general notes.) Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt July 2020 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #860 – Graduated February 21 (above, in alphabetical order): David Argo, Tina Brown, Isaiah Cabral, Gregory Castor, Jonte Crenshaw, Dylan Jones, Raheem Joseph, Gabriel Kalima, Jocecil Lugo-Rivera, Jose Pena, Julianne Perez-Borroto, William Place, Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez, Tyson Richardson, Gabriel Rivera, Julian Rubbo, Makanaonalani Sing, Tyseen Tolbert, Eddie Verrett Jr. and Jeffery Wixted. RFPNW – Graduated April 17 (above): Willie Smith Jr. Radar Observer – Graduated March 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Diego Fernando Barbosa, David Brusco, Carlo Mateo Gentile, Jason James and Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed Eissa. Class instructor Brian Moore is at the far left. UA to AS-D – Graduated March 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Sharde Baker, Robert Coleman III, Norman Routier Comeaux Jr., Michael Curtin, Kendall Davis, Christopher Eke, Carey Floyd, Antonio Manuel Gonzalez-Esteves, Michael Hickey, Nicholas Holt, Jackson McDaniel, Anthoine Nichols, Velislav Nikolov, Lane Plummer, Tyler Thompson and Mervin Zamora. 16 Seafarers LOG July 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes RFPNW (Phase III) – Graduated April 17 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Bryan Aleman Medina, Daniel Bost, Jessina Fernandez, Marck Mathias Hilgendorf-Sanchez, Ricardo Jose Valenzuela-Venegas and James Zaro. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-contracted vessels. Government Vessels – Graduated March 20: Charles Crawford (above left) and Manuel Lata Jr. Also graduating, but not pictured was Latosha Love. BAPO (Phase III) – Graduated April 17 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathan Johnson Jr., Gregory Nash, Jorge Gerardo Valencia Bon and Ronald Von Kaenel. Each plans to work in the engine departments of union-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training. Junior Engineer – Graduated March 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Joel Boyd, Caleb Donovan, Paul Hudgins, Jacob Laroche, Tyriq Mills, Re’sean Peters, Dontrell Riddick, Andy Salado, Maksim Shpylyevyy, Daniel Lowie Rivera Surell and Kevin Willis. Class instructor Christopher Morgan is at the far left. July 2020 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer – Graduated March 20 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Eduardo Arroyo, Justin Bodnar, Charles Collins III, Tom Dary, Francois Doucet III, Mark Feldhaus, Cody Fox, Thedford Jones Jr., Joshua Kraynak, Daniel Jaim Leon-Bruges, Ethan Love and Gabriel Santa Ramos. Class instructor Roy Graham is at the far right. Basic Training (Advanced Firefighting Revalidation) - Graduated March 13 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): Julian Avila, Annie Bivens, Juan Alberto Lima, Martin Malia, Joseph Mesyna, Raymond Crestus Oglesby and Thomas Paytosh. (Note: Not all are pictured.) FOWT – Graduated March 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Reny Arzu, Marco Antonio Baez Millan, James Bithos Jr., Anthony Brown, Michael Day Jr., Mark Dennison, Keilah Keturah Israel Freeman, Lorenz Ronal Grice, Carlos Marcos Gutierrez, Deandre Henry, Kalanihooulumoku Holt, Roman Hutson, Cale Irons, Tony King Jr., Alika Matthew Kawika Kukahiko, Jack Lanier, Billy Sawyer III, Delson Smith, Anias Stanford, Neil Laconsay Tupas and Daniel Villarruel 18 Seafarers LOG July 2020 �Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Firefighting – Graduating from this class February 21 and February 28, respectively, were upgraders Jeremy Blake (above) and Willie Smith Jr. (below). Basic Training (Basic Firefighting) – Graduated March 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Gamaladin Hamood Al-Gazzaly, Garrett Allen, Velma Clarke, Rasim Jasiqi, Joseph Jones, Manuel Lata Jr., Matthew Troyer, Robert Varney, Dominic Washington and Ismail Salim Yahya. Galley Ops (Phase III) – Graduated April 17: Sophia Lewis (above). Upon the completion of her training, she plans to work in the steward department aboard unioncontracted vessels. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated March 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Carlos Colon De Jesus, Alexander Emrick, Supattara Inthapanti, Jose Luis Medina, Lekesha Stevenson and Philip Anthony Villaflor Zulueta. Advanced Galley Ops – Graduated March 13 (above, in alphabetical order): Stclair Browne Jr., Shawn Cox, Charles Crawford, Latosha Love, Adele Mba Messina and Marquisha Simmons. (Note: Not all are pictured.) July 2020 Certified Chief Cook (Module 1) – Graduated March 20: Sharon McNeal (above). Seafarers LOG 19 �VOLUME 82, NO. 7 JULY 2020 Text “Join” to 97779 To Sign Up for SIU Text Alerts O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O SIU Delivered During World War II Editor’s note: This is the third installment from a 1951 booklet titled “The Seafarers in World War II.” Penned by the late SIU historian John Bunker, the publication recapped SIU members’ service in the war. More than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives to wartime service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The first two installments were published in the May and June LOGs, respectively, and are available on the SIU website. This one picks up aboard the SIU-crewed Clare, which had been hit by a torpedo. Crew members had also just seen another SIU-crewed vessel, the Elizabeth, get hit by a torpedo. That was a sobering thought and they pulled for the shore. It took about 15 minutes for the Clare to sink and they watched her settle, silhouetted against the tropic sky. No men were lost on the Clare. Not so fortunate were other SIU ships that are now rustling many fathoms under the surface in the lightless deeps of the Caribbean and the Gulf. Of the hundreds of men lost on SIU ships in World War II a large percentage made supreme sacrifice in these waters that looked so calm and peaceful, yet comprised one of the most hazardous sectors of the war. It was oil and bauxite, the two prime essentials of modern war, that lured the U-boats to the Caribbean in the first place. The tankers and the bauxite ships were their number-one targets, but they also sank anything else that came along. In the first six months of 1942, the subs shelled or torpedoed anything that steamed their way, without fear or favor. One of several bauxite-laden ships to get sliced with a tin fish in these waters was the little SS Suwied under command of the Captain Bernard David. She was off the south coast of Cuba bound for Mobile with aluminum ore when, on June 7, a torpedo exploded in her starboard side and she went to the bottom in just 1-½ minutes! Not many ships beat her record for sinking. Water and debris shot up the funnel as the boilers exploded and First Mate John Hume, one of the last to leave the plummeting ore carrier, walked off the deck in water over his shoulders after releasing the forward life rafts. The sub that torpedoed them surfaced nearby and watched the troubles the men had with their leaky lifeboats, but the Germans did not interfere in any way and the 27 survivors were picked up the next day by a Navy patrol vessel. It is pertinent to note in this regard that there were only one or two instances in all the sinkings in the Caribbean where submarine crews mistreated torpedoed men from American ships. In many cases they even gave the survivors water, bread and cigarettes, offered medical aid when needed, and gave the officers a course to the nearest land. A close competitor to the Suwied for the title of “the fastest sinking ship” was the Alcoa Pilgrim, which was torpedoed without warning early in the morning of May 28 while en route from Port of Spain, Trinidad, to Mobile with 9,500 tons of heavy bauxite aboard. She sank by the stern in a little over 90 seconds, with heavy loss of life. No Time For SOS This blacked-out, SIU-crewed freighter had three lookouts on watch, and was zig-zagging when the unseen U-boat sent Enrollees from across the country arrive at the United States Maritime Service training station at Sheepshead Bay, New York, in the early 1940s. a torpedo into her engine room on the starboard side just below the water line. Needless to say, there was no time to send out an SOS and no time to fire any guns even if the ship had been armed. The Alcoa Pilgrim plunged so quickly no boats could be launched, but nine survivors got aboard two life rafts which drifted clear and were picked up a week later by the SS Thomas Nelson. As was usual in sinkings of unarmed ships steaming alone, the sub surfaced, came up to the survivors, and questioned them about the ship and cargo. The Uboat was a big one, and bore the insignia of a ram’s head on her conning tower. After questioning the Pilgrim’s men, she steamed calmly away on the surface looking for more victims. Truly it can be said that the Caribbean in 1942 was a “U-Boat Lake.” 60 Seconds To Sink Although U-boats liked best to bag a bauxite ship or a tanker, because these cargoes were so vital to the war effort, they weren’t at all choosey about their targets – and molasses tankers got sunk as well as more “vital” prey during the war in the Caribbean and the Gulf in 1942. The SS Catahoula of the Cuba Distilling Company, a favorite among SIU men who liked the senorita run, was hit on April 5, to be followed by its sister ship the SS Carrabulle on May 26. There was a full load of molasses in the tanks of the Catahoula, as she stood north from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, toward Wilmington, Del., in the late afternoon of a warm clear day over a lazy, beautiful sea. Two men were on lookout, but they couldn’t see the sub waiting for them against the glare of the setting sun. The first torpedo hit on the port side in a terrific blast that blew up the deck plates, loosened the engine room bulkheads and carried away the catwalk. Pitched Battle Being one of the first ships equipped in some fashion to fight back against the sub, the general alarm was sounded; and a complement of Navy gunners manned their machine guns so well that the inquisitive sub had its periscope shot away – or so it seemed from the deck of the tanker. Not a bit daunted by the prospect of fighting a raider with .30 caliber pellets, the gun crew fired away till they consumed 200 rounds. But four minutes later after the first torpedo, the sub let them have another, which found its mark forward of the bridge to starboard – showing that the wary U-boat had made a quick circuit around the ship for its second try. After this hit, the Catahoula lost no time going down, and was under water fore and aft in little more than 60 seconds. Two of the crew had been killed in the first blast, and five more were crushed when the stack fell athwart the starboard lifeboat. One lifeboat and one raft on the port side got away safely and, thanks to Sparks having stuck by his post to get off four calls for help, 38 survivors were rescued the next day by the USS Sturtevant. Heroism of the Radio Operator and the tragic death of the Skipper and 23 men marked the sinking of the Carrabulle, which tried bravely to escape from a Uboat on the night of May 26, while en route from Good Hope, La., to San Juan, Puerto Rico, with a cargo of emulsified liquid asphalt. The first they knew of a U-boat’s presence was the moan of a siren and a crack of a shot across the bow. Close Range In a moment or two, they saw the raider little more than a ship’s length off the beam, where it opened fire on them with a light gun, throwing shell after shell into the defenseless tanker while the general alarm summoned all hands to the boats and the order was given to abandon ship. They lowered away as the nearby Uboat moved around to the port side and opened fire again, the shells hitting in rapid succession against deck house and bridge. As the first boat pulled away from the ship’s side, the U-boat commander hailed them from the conning tower. “Are you all right?” he asked. They shouted “no” – that another boat was still preparing to cast off. They heard several men laughing on the raider’s deck, even while a second torpedo streaked past them and headed for the lifeboat that was just now shipping its oars beside the sinking Carrabulle. The men in the boat probably never saw the torpedo till it was all but on top of them, and then there was only time for a startled cry or two. The steel tube bulleted through the lifeboat, and hit the steel hull of the tanker in an explosion that stifled all cries or shouts for help, blowing boat and men into myriad torn pieces of human bodies and flying steel. It was one of the few known cases in which German submarines deliberately attacked lifeboat occupants from American ships. Six SOS Calls Before the Carrabulle sank, Sparks managed to get out six SOS calls, then ran out of the radio shack onto the flooded deck and jumped overboard just as she went under. Brave were the men who volunteered to Continued on Page 9 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2020 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SECRETARY CHAO THANKS INDUSTRY CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES VOICE STRONG SUPPORT FOR MERCHANT MARINE HALLS REOPEN; SCHOOL RESUMES AUG. 1 MARAD DELIVERS ROUSING MARITIME DAY VIDEO INDUSTRY CELEBRATES JONES ACT CENTENNIAL RETIRED PAUL HALL CENTER INSTRUCTOR BERNABE PELINGON PASSES AWAY MAY 2 AT 68 OFFICIALS RELEASE PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING ABSENTEE BALLOTS FOR UPCOMING SIU ELECTIONS MTD CALLS FOR JUSTICE FOR ALL U.S. COAST GUARD ANNOUNCES AB AND LIFEBOATMAN SURVEYS SIU DELIVERS THE GOODS FOR KEY MILITARY EXERCISE SIU DELIVERED DURING WORLD WAR II Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 7/1/2020 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol 82, No. 7 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/e83f816932d7fceda5dd45a71d81a137.pdf 47b4f916c6f04d429567cfca485a0b55 PDF Text Text JULY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Houston Hall Hosts Vaccination Clinics Paul Hall Center Eases Some Restrictions for Vaccinated Students Progress continues in the effort to vaccinate individuals against COVID-19. In photo at right, Seafarers and family members gather at the Houston hiring hall for a late-May vaccination clinic conducted by a local health agency (the hall also hosted one a few weeks earlier). Meanwhile, the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, has modified some protocols for fully vaccinated students. Page 3. Stewards Complete Recertification Class In another sign of steps towards normalcy, eight Seafarers in early June completed the steward recertification course at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. They comprised the first pandemic-era recertification class. Pictured in the school’s auditorium immediately following the June membership meeting (photo at left) are (from left) SIU Assist. VP Pat Vandegrift, SREC Edwin Bonefont, SREC Francisco Madsea, SREC Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera, SIU Executive VP Augie Tellez, SREC Mario Firme Jr., SIU VP Government Services Kate Hunt, SIU VP Contracts George Tricker, SREC Dante Cruz, SREC Albert Sison, SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, SREC Marlon Battad, SREC Kenneth Greenidge and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Pages 12-13. Sunshine State Provides Key Assist During Rescue Mariners from the Sunshine State on April 12 helped save two boaters who had been stranded off the Florida coast. Some of the SIU crew and American Maritime Officers members are pictured aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel. Page 3. Boatmen Approve More Contracts An exceptionally busy year on the contract front continued recently as several new agreements were ratified. Boatmen at Seabulk Towing are among the Seafarers who approved their respective collective bargaining agreement. In the photo above are SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday (left), SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick (right) and Seabulk SIU members Engineer Richard Johnson, Deck Delegate Christopher McCalip, Captain Delegate Joshua Rodrigues and Mate Delegate William Soileau. Page 4. National Maritime Day Pages 5, 6 SHBP Awards Scholarships Page 7 �President’s Report Jones Act Remains Vital The recent ransomware attack against Colonial Pipeline brought the Jones Act back into the news, relatively briefly. The worst of the fuel supply problems in parts of the eastern and southern United States lasted for a week or so. Only a single Jones Act waiver was utilized, and it is very questionable whether it made any difference. While the specific circumstances always change, the general approach of Jones Act critics during a crisis often is to take advantage for the sake of profit – and sometimes with the concurrent aim of weakening American maritime. Look no further than the Colonial situation, when two waivers were granted – and one of them wasn’t used, presumably because when the foreign-flag operator found out they could make more money elsewhere, they took the cargo and left. That’s a good illustration of why it would be crazy for our nation to solely rely on foreign Michael Sacco ships, and why we simply must maintain the Jones Act. Our predecessors learned that lesson during World War I, when we didn’t have ships and we discovered we couldn’t depend on foreign-flag vessels. That’s basically how the Jones Act became law in the first place. It’s now the bedrock of U.S.flag shipping, American shipyards and U.S. crews. For more than a century, it has helped safeguard America’s national, economic and homeland security. Giving credit where it’s due, I applaud the Biden administration for keeping maritime labor, prominently including the SIU, in the loop as the Colonial situation unfolded. We didn’t necessarily agree with every decision, but we were part of the discussions and we were treated respectfully. That’s not a surprise but it’s a great sign for the future. Further, administration officials were very deliberate in evaluating the availability of American-flag ships, and they rejected many more waiver requests than they granted. I also should mention that an erroneous interpretation of an online news article stated that our union supported the waivers. That is not the case, and while the popular outlet that made the mistake quickly corrected it, other sites copied and repeated the uncorrected blunder. What we said at the time is the same thing we’ve always said. The SIU never has and never will stand in the way of a legitimate need for a waiver. Experience has taught us, however, that those who apply for such exceptions don’t always have our country’s best interests at heart. On that note, I look forward to the strong possibility of congressional hearings about this latest chapter – specifically focusing on whether foreign companies tried to gouge the United States. Protect Yourselves All right, I steered clear of this topic last month, but I’m circling back to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, unless you’ve got a medical preclusion or religious objection. I realize that people have mostly made up their minds by now, but for anyone still thinking about it, I fully believe that the vaccines are the absolute best way to protect you, your families and your shipmates. From everything I’ve read and heard, the biggest consideration that makes some people hesitant is the relative speed with which the vaccines were developed. The key word, though, is “relative,” because while the scientific community indeed moved quickly to combat this pandemic, they already had lots of experience working on vaccines against other forms of coronavirus. Think back to the early coverage of COVID-19, when articles and broadcasts often used the term “novel coronavirus.” The “novel” means exactly what the word’s definition states: new. But human coronaviruses first were identified in the mid-1960s. So, doctors and scientists were not starting from scratch. As always, get the facts and go from there. I believe that an honest reading of those facts will lead you to the same conclusion I reached: Vaccines are safe and effective. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 83 Number 7 July 2021 The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Photographer, Harry Gieske; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes; Content Curator, Mark Clements. Copyright © 2021 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. Reversed to White Reversed to White 2 Seafarers LOG Colonial Pipeline Episode Reinforces Importance of Jones Act to Security America’s freight cabotage law made headlines in early May, following a cyberattack that disrupted fuel movement in parts of the United States for about a week. A maritime expert posted an editorial explaining how the Colonial Pipeline saga reinforced the importance of the Jones Act to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. The 101-year-old law helps maintain approximately 653,000 U.S. jobs, including shipboard and shipyard positions. It contributes billions of dollars to the economy each year. Colonial Pipeline, a privately held business, provides nearly half of the East Coast’s fuel, including gasoline, diesel, home heating oil and more. The company fell victim to a ransomware attack May 7; it resumed service May 12. While not central to most of the incident’s coverage, the Jones Act received attention because of waiver requests ostensibly submitted to help alleviate the crisis. Ultimately, the White House granted only two such waivers – and only one of those was used. The SIU posted a statement that reads in part, “The SIU continues to fully support the Jones Act, as we’ve done without exception since our founding in 1938. At the same time, we have never objected to waiving the Jones Act if doing so is a truly necessary response to national emergencies. Any waiver must not come at the expense of American jobs. “One point that shouldn’t be overlooked as the Jones Act appears in current headlines is that this law has successfully supported America’s national, economic and homeland security for more than a century. It’s an indispensable foundation that helps maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S.-citizen mariners, as well as a viable shipbuilding capability along with the vessels themselves. “Finally, the SIU supports a close examination by Congress regarding whether there has been any gaming of the system for crisis arbitrage that enriches foreign-flag interests.” Others also weighed in, including Navy League of the United States CEO Mike Stevens. He wrote, “The disruption of the Colonial Pipeline was a devastating reminder of America’s vulnerabilities in an age of rapidly evolving threats. But while this should have been a moment for unification around national security priorities, some saw this crisis as an opportunity to propagate misguided and inaccu- rate attacks on the Jones Act. “The Jones Act serves as the bedrock of American maritime law, ensuring that goods transported between U.S. ports are carried via U.S.-flag ships,” Stevens continued. “The national security implications of this law are impossible to overstate. Ever wonder why you don’t see near peer competitor foreign-flagged ships sailing up the Mississippi or Hudson rivers? It is thanks to the Jones Act.” Stevens further pointed out that the law “ensures a strong maritime fleet manned by the U.S. Merchant Marine is ready and willing to answer the call in times of emergency. When the world is at peace, it is often forgotten that the U.S.-flag fleet and U.S. Merchant Marine are essential to American war efforts as they are the ones that transport the equipment, fuel, food, troops and ammunition to active conflict zones around the world. During peacetime, it is easy to forget how vital these vessels are to our military readiness. Let’s not make that mistake again by weakening the Jones Act and depleting our flag fleet.” Additionally, he reminded readers that the U.S. is far from alone in maintaining regulations that help support a domestic fleet and crews. “Our competitors around the world see the value in such cabotage laws, which is why they have their own,” Stevens said. “According to a report published by Seafarers Rights International, 80% of the world’s coastlines of United Nations Maritime States are governed by national cabotage laws.” The coalition American Maritime Partnership (AMP), to which the SIU is affiliated, issued a statement that read in part, “Any waiver of U.S. law, including the Jones Act, should be done with precision and demand transparency and accountability of those who seek to benefit from such waiver. The Jones Act strengthens our industrial base and readiness, supports U.S. jobs and infrastructure, and protects homeland and national security. It should not be waived unless, and only to the extent that, a waiver would respond to an urgent national security need that cannot reasonably be met with American ships. The American Maritime Partnership does not object to the targeted approach of the Administration, but strenuously encourages all policymakers to hold accountable those who seek to benefit from any waiver to avoid undermining American jobs and consumers.” New Hampshire House of Representatives Gives Thumbs Down to Anti-Worker Bill Working families scored an important win June 3 when the New Hampshire House of Representatives first rejected and then voted to indefinitely postpone S.B. 61, a bill that aimed to make the Granite State the first so-called “right to work” state in the Northeast. The final vote on the bill itself was 199-175. All Democrats voted against the bill, and they were joined by 20 members of the Republican majority who did not support the position of their leadership. Immediately afterward, the chamber voted by 197178 for indefinite postponement, effectively tabling the legislation until at least 2023. AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka congratulated New Hampshire union members on the win. “While today’s victory is a testament to the strength and will of working people, the reality is we should not have to fear that big corporations and anti-worker politicians are going to pass this legislation in New Hampshire – or anywhere else,” Trumka said. “That’s why we need the PRO Act because it would eliminate right to work, putting it in the ash heap of history where it belongs.” According to the AFL-CIO, for more than six months, “labor leaders and union members across the state have been speaking out, rallying and contacting their representatives about the dangers of this bill, which would have deprived workers of our freedom to join together and form strong unions if we choose to. Dozens of New Hampshire union leaders and members gathered outside of the New Hampshire Sportsplex in Bedford, where the House was hosting its final session, to protest right to work (for less). New Hampshire AFL-CIO President Glenn Brackett (IBEW), New Hampshire AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Dave Pelletier (UA) and New Hampshire Building and Construction Trades Council President Mike Smith (Ironworkers) were all present at the rally.” “The New Hampshire AFL-CIO applauds the New Hampshire House of Representatives for voting to indefinitely postpone S.B. 61,” said Brackett. “For more than 40 years, New Hampshire’s labor movement has been sounding the alarm on ‘right-to-work’ laws. These bills are nothing more than out-of-state corporate interests looking to take advantage of our lawmakers, our businesses and our workers. They deprive workers of their freedom to join together and form strong unions if they choose to. And they have no business being a part of how we do things here in New Hampshire.” The fight garnered national attention from corporate interests and the Virginia-based National Right to Work Committee after Democrats lost control of the New Hampshire House and Senate last November. Gov. Chris Sununu had supported right-to-work (for less) in the past and indicated he would sign it if it reached his desk. A state senate version narrowly passed (13-11). Prior to the House vote, it was announced that around 200 people from New Hampshire had signed on in support of the bill on the NH General Court website while more than 1,700 had signed on in opposition to it. “The only purpose of this bill is to increase corporate power at the expense of working people,” IBEW Local 1837 Business Manager Tony Sapienza testified during the hearing. “Obviously, wages and benefits will erode faster or grow slower if corporations are empowered and collective bargaining rights are eroded.” In addition to workers and their unions, other opponents of the bill testifying included faith leaders, economists, small business owners and larger companies that rely on union apprenticeship programs for a reliable source of skilled workers. One of the last people to testify against the bill at the House hearing was Pat Moran, a troubleshooter for Eversource NH and a chief shop steward for IBEW Local 1837. “I feel strongly that Senate Bill 61, the so-called right-to-work bill does not belong in New Hampshire. I believe this is a means to break unions,” Moran said. “The name itself is a lie. Right to work doesn’t give anyone any rights or any work. It is meant to hurt unions financially in the hope that they will wither and die.” July 2021 �Progress Continues with COVID-19 Vaccines Many Countries Open to U.S. Travelers Who are Fully Vaccinated COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States continue to plummet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, both have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly a year, and the number of people vaccinated continues to grow. As of May 27, 2021, almost 133 million people in the U.S. had been fully vaccinated and some 63 percent of all adults had received at least one vaccination. Nearly 28 million who contracted the disease have recovered. These encouraging trends come as many people are making plans to travel, gather with friends and family, and resume other activities they had avoided since the start of the pandemic. On the negative side of the ledger, active COVID-19 cases remain high at just over 34 million; nearly 611,000 Americans so far have perished from the disease. In an effort to protect themselves and their shipmates, Seafarers across the country continue lining up to get the vaccinations against the disease. As reported in the previous edition of the Seafarers LOG, the hiring hall in Houston in early May hosted a free COVID-19 vaccination drive. Working in concert with a local health care provider and a Harris County Commissioner from the second precinct, union officials helped get dozens of Seafarers vaccinated. A second free vaccination drive took place at the hall May 27 with some 60 people (active members and dependents) taking advantage of the offering and receiving the vaccine. At press time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, until it can amend an order from earlier this year, it will “exercise its enforcement discretion to not require wearing a mask in outdoor areas of transportation conveyances or while outdoors at transportation hubs. The Coast Guard will no longer enforce mask requirements in outdoor areas of maritime transportation conveyances and hubs.” Meanwhile, officials at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland have revised and updated the school’s rules and procedures regarding COVID-19. These rules, as currently constituted, include allowing fully vaccinated individuals to leave the base. According to the updated guidance from the school, “Fully vaccinated persons are those who have received the second dose (Pfizer, Moderna) at least two weeks prior or the single dose Johnson & Johnson at least two weeks prior. Fully vaccinated persons must bring a copy (paper or digital) of their vaccination card to admissions to receive a badge. The badge will allow those who are fully vaccinated to leave campus and be allowed to return. All student badges will be checked by security prior to entering or leaving the campus.” The guidance continues, “When inside of any buildings and in common areas on campus, you must wear a protective face covering/mask which is secured behind both ears or head. You will not be required to wear face masks when in your hotel room/personal space or outside. Face coverings that are NOT acceptable include bandanas, T-shirts and any covering with inappropriate art, words and references. In the event you do not have a proper face covering/mask, they will be available for sale in the sea chest.” Campus-wide social distancing remains in place. For now, no spouses, other Sunshine State Crew Aids Stranded Boaters Timely assistance from the SIUcrewed Sunshine State off the Florida coast helped bring two stranded boaters to safety on April 12. Mariners aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel located the boaters – and what was left of their disabled craft – and stayed with them until the Coast Guard arrived. The Sunshine State shielded the boaters from wind and waves. “They had been adrift for several days after their 42-foot Grand Banksstyle cabin cruiser had her super structure ripped from the main deck during the height a violent storm off the coast of Fort Pierce,” reported Sunshine State vessel master Capt. A.J. Weis. AB Robert Gross was on the wheel when the mate on watch “noticed this boat that looked kind of funny, because it had no top, almost like the bottom of a sailboat. He noticed there was a guy waving a red garment, so he called the captain. We circled around them and called the Coast Guard for them, because they had no means of electronic communication.” Gross said this was his first time assisting in any sort of rescue. “It was pretty neat and exciting,” he said. “We stayed around them until the Coast Guard got there. This kind of thing actually happens quite a lot around the Florida Keys and Miami, where boaters end up in distress.” Weis, a member of the Seafarersaffiliated American Maritime Officers, July 2021 noted that the Sunshine State was “in the ballast leg of a routine voyage from Charleston, South Carolina, to Corpus Christi, Texas” when Third Officer Joseph Mainella saw the boater signaling with a red jacket. “The officers and crew … took immediate action to assist the stranded vessel,” Weis wrote. “The master commenced emergency maneuvers, which included slowing the engines and performing multiple round turns to calm the wind waves and seas around the stranded vessel. In the meantime, the vessel’s bridge team commenced emergency communications with USCG Sector Miami, alerting them to the vessel’s position and the condition family members or guests are allowed on campus. Assigned meal times also remain in place. Elsewhere, Bloomberg’s daily newsletter Supply Lines has reported that ports around the U.S. are extending a lifeline to thousands of seafarers (mostly foreign workers) by rolling out vaccines for them. These workers have spent the pandemic isolated aboard ships, helping ensure goods kept moving across a battered global economy. From Boston to Houston and Los Angeles, and even in smaller trade gateways like Gulfport, Mississippi, local health officials and nonprofits are boarding container ships, tankers and other cargo carriers to administer COVID-19 shots or, when possible, shuttling crews to nearby pharmacies and clinics. The preferred vaccine for maritime workers: the one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot because they’re often docked for just a day or two. In Los Angeles and nearby Long of the two souls on board. The Sunshine State stayed on location directing units of the USCG, local sheriff’s department from St. Lucie County, as well as coordinating search-and-rescue operations with U.S. Navy Airborne unit 898.” He continued, “Once the large Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo arrived on scene, the Sunshine State remained windward of the stricken vessel to provide a lee for small boat boarding operations. Once aboard, the USCG found two people, both in need of medical attention…. The Isaac Mayo took the two survivors aboard and expedited their return to port for further medical attention. The drifting hull of the yacht La Sabia was then taken under tow to the nearest Florida port. USCG Lt. Cmdr. Nick Zieser, commanding officer of the CGC Isaac Mayo, then released the Sunshine State with many thanks, stating: ‘Thank you for discovering and reporting this case - fair winds and a safe rest of your voyage.’ Beach, California, home of the nation’s largest port complex, a vaccination program that began in mid-May has reached about 500 visiting sailors on 11 container ships as of late June. Similar efforts are getting under way at nearly 50 U.S. seaports, according to the North American Maritime Ministry Association. Moreover, as of June 10, at least twodozen countries have opened to U.S. travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The travel website AFAR is maintaining a one-page list of such nations at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ttm3sxf8 That post includes at least two other links, both for U.S. State Department pages, that Seafarers may want to bookmark. This web address includes the latest travel guidance for U.S. citizens: https://tinyurl.com/n9zrs2y3 This one features country-specific information: https://tinyurl.com/9cp4meep “After returning to our original track line, the Sunshine State encountered the main cabin and pilot house of La Sabia floating upside down with a capsized aluminum rowboat lashed to the superstructure amongst other wreckage. The Sunshine State investigated the wreckage to ensure there were no other persons involved in the incident who were unaccounted for. The hazard to marine navigation was reported to USCG Sector Miami, which then transmitted a continuous marine navigation warning to all the vessels in the immediate area.” In addition to Gross, SIU members aboard the Sunshine State during the rescue included Bosun Tavell Love, ABs Husein Alrayyashi, Marco Brown, Hussein Howe and Julious Mizell, QEP Michael Williams, QE3 Rodriques Carson, Steward/Baker Kenneth McHellen, Chief Cook Lizzie Robinson, SA Anthony Grant and GVA Breon Boyd. The SIU-crewed Sunshine State (background) is pictured near the rescue site. Seafarers LOG 3 �CIVMARS to the Rescue Pictured from left at Penn Terminal are Seafarers Jeff Pope, George Vazquez, Vernell Cornell, Mike Fay and John Wozunk, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice, Seafarers John Harvey, Scott Musick and Gregorio Batista, and SIU Safety Director Andre MacCray Additional Contracts Approved Continuing with an unofficial theme of 2021, SIU officials and delegates negotiated multiple contracts recently, all of which featured gains across the board. At press time, more contracts were in the final stages of possible ratification, and will be featured in upcoming editions of the Seafarers LOG. Seabulk Towing Delegates and officials recently finalized a new three-year agreement with Seabulk Towing, which was ratified with unanimous member approval. “The delegates did an outstanding job,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Michael Russo. “We were able to sit down with the company and hammer out a good contract that works for everyone else in the fleet.” The SIU’s negotiating committee included Russo, SIU Patrolman J.B. Niday, SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick, Engineer Delegate Richard Johnson, Deck Delegate Chris McCalip, Captain Delegate Joshua Rodrigues and Mate Delegate William Soileau. The agreement included pay increases in all three years plus hurricane pay. It maintains medical and pension benefits with no losses anywhere. OSG Inland An SIU committee also recently negotiated a new three-year agreement with OSG’s inland operation. The negotiating team included SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SIU Port Agent Joe Baselice and AB Tankerman Ed Putro. The contract features wage gaines, increases to holiday and overtime pay, and boosts to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It also includes increases to lightering pay and pay for additional meals, while maintaining the current Core-Plus medical benefits and top pension plan contributions. Penn Terminal The SIU has also ratified a new contract with Crowley at Penn Terminal, a threeyear agreement that features annual wage increases. The new pact also adds a holiday and personal day, as well as an increase to the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan, all while maintaining the current Core-Plus level of benefits and pension contributions The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent, crewed by members of the SIU Government Services Division, rescued 15 people from a sinking commercial vessel off the coast of Somalia on June 8. Mariners from the distressed runaway-flag cargo ship Falcon Line (some are pictured above) boarded life rafts before their vessel sank in the Gulf of Aden. Crew members from the Patuxent provided the rescued mariners with food, water and medical screenings. (U.S. Navy photo) Medina Makes History with IMO Election U.S. Representative Chairs Maritime Safety Committee Mayte Medina 4 Seafarers LOG A longtime advocate of U.S. mariners recently made a splash on the international scene. Mayte Medina of the U.S. Coast Guard was unanimously elected as the committee chair during the first day the 103rd session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) on May 5. She is the first woman to chair what is considered the IMO’s highest technical body. According to the Coast Guard, “As the senior technical body within the IMO, the MSC is responsible for all issues related to the protection of life and property at sea. Under Ms. Medina’s leadership and guidance, a number of significant issues were considered and positively advanced during this session, including impacts of COVID-19 on shipping, autonomous ships, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and fuel oil safety.” Medina, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, has worked for the Coast Guard since 1997. She is the agency’s chief of the Office of Merchant Mariner Credentialing at Coast Guard headquarters in the nation’s capital. The agency described her as “an internationally recognized expert on mariner training and certification” who previously served as chair of the IMO’s Human Training and Watchkeeping Subcommittee. “In addition, she has been involved in the development of many other domestic and international maritime safety, security, and environmental protection standards. Well known and highly respected worldwide, her election is well-deserved and highly commended.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also serves as chair of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Seafarers’ Section, applauded the election. “Working with Mayte both domestically and internationally over the last 15 years has demonstrated that her dedication and sincere concern for the health and safety of all seafarers is genuine and steadfast,” Heindel stated. “While representing United States interests at the International Maritime Organization and International Labor Organization, she has always been keen to find solutions to the problems confronting mariners. I wish her well in her new role at the IMO, and knowing Mayte will be in the chair of the Maritime Safety Committee gives me confidence that seafarers will receive a fair shake with the issues confronting us today and in the future.” IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, wrapping up the recent IMO meeting, stated, “In congratulating you all for your contributions to the success of this session, I would like to thank in particular your newly elected Chair, Ms. Mayte Medina of the United States. This has been a very demanding first session for you, Madam Chair, but you have managed very efficiently, diligently and confidently, to achieve consensus in all decisions. It is clear that the Committee took a wise decision in electing such an experienced and determined Chair. Under your able leadership, MSC 103 has concluded successfully.” July 2021 �Pete Buttigieg U.S. Secretary of Transportation Gen. Stephen Lyons Commanding Officer, U.S. Transportation Command Adm. Karl Schultz Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard DOT’s Virtual Maritime Day Observance Honors U.S. Mariners Past and Present Although the COVID-19 pandemic precluded an in-person gathering for the May 20 National Maritime Day Observance, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and its Maritime Administration (MARAD) put together an upbeat video to mark the occasion. Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education appear in the 39-minute video (they sing “Heave Ho!” near the conclusion), which is linked on the SIU website and available on MARAD’s YouTube channel. Featured speakers include DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) commanding officer Gen. Stephen Lyons, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl Schultz, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei, and Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. Numerous maritime students also were included, as was World War II mariner Billie Pennings. Buttigieg said the pandemic’s challenges “didn’t stop our merchant mariners and (other) maritime industry workers from helping to steer the entire country through the challenging waters that we’ve been in.” He also stated, “This administration is firmly committed to the Jones Act, which President Biden has called the cornerstone of our domestic industry.” Lyons noted, “Programs like the Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act and the new Tanker Security Program are important to ensure access to industry capabilities for defense needs.” These strong words of support came a week after foreignflag interests attempted to gain Jones Act waivers during the Colonial Pipeline shutdown, which affected the delivery of petroleum products across the South and Mid-Atlantic for a little longer than one week. The U.S.-flag maritime industry closely worked with the White House to make sure cargo would be delivered and the Jones Act would remain secure. In his first Maritime Day remarks as the head of the Transportation Department, Buttigieg, a Navy veteran, acknowledged the hardship incurred by those at sea during the pandemic. He said the way to thank them is “to make sure these jobs are safe and secure. It’s why the president’s plan so strongly supports measures to make sure that the goods and materials, infrastructure investments are made in America, shipped on U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed vessels.” While also saluting the efforts of those who worked at sea, on the docks and elsewhere within the industry to keep the country moving during the coronavirus fight, he praised their efforts to keep the nation secure. “As the TRANSCOM commander, I recognize the important role the U.S.-flag maritime industry plays in our nation’s defense: a Naval auxiliary in peace and in war, contributing qualified mariners, military useful vessels and access to global trade networks,” Lyons stated. “This is why TRANSCOM and [the Defense Department] remain strong advocates for a healthy U.S.-flag maritime industry.” The Coast Guard’s Schultz pointed out that the agency recognizes “all of our credentialed U.S. merchant mariners who form the backbone of the marine transportation system. Throughout this pandemic, America’s highly professional merchant mariners kept products moving to ensure our stores were stocked with medical and critical supplies. Last year, the Coast Guard made sure these marine operators were categorized as ‘essential workers’ because annually they enable $5.4 trillion of economic activity that Americans depend on.” Opening the ceremony was Lessley, who said the ceremony’s theme of America’s Maritime Workforce – Connecting the Nation and the World “reminds us how vital waterborne commerce remains and how essential the men and the women who daily face the challenges of this industry are to keeping our economy strong and to supporting national defense. The success of our economy is inextricably linked to the success of our maritime industry.” Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei recalled how the “people working throughout the supply chain made sure that food, medicine, personal protective equipment, ventilators and eventually vaccines got to where they needed to be.” President Franklin Roosevelt authorized the initial National Maritime Day on May 22, 1933, to commemorate the first successful crossing of a steam-powered vessel – the U.S.-flag SS Savannah – across the Atlantic on that date in 1819. Daniel Maffei, Chairman Federal Maritime Commission (See President Joe Biden’s National Maritime Day 2021 Proclamation on next page) Lucinda Lessley Acting Administrator U.S. Maritime Administration Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, close the DOT video by singing the old U.S. Maritime Service’s official song, “Heave Ho! My Lads, Heave Ho!” July 2021 Seafarers LOG 5 �Maritime Gets Strong Support in House Hearing Speakers Stress Need for New American-Flag Tonnage Members of Congress, the administration and the armed forces recently emphasized the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine and American-flag sealift capability. They spoke during a May 18 joint hearing of the U.S. House Armed Services Subcommittees on Seapower and Projection Forces and Readiness. The hearing in part focused on the need to recapitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. Speakers also underscored the importance of the U.S. mariners, the Jones Act, cargo preference laws, the U.S. Maritime Security Program, and the new U.S. Tanker Security Program. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-California), chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, stated, “I remain concerned that we are not doing enough now to recapitalize our sealift fleet to meet capacity requirements. We need a national sealift fleet of smaller, affordable, more numerous ships and we have to start this effort now. Failure to do so will place the Marines, the Army, the Navy, and anybody else that wants to fight anywhere in the world in an unacceptable risk and force projection capability beginning in 2024. Actually, today.” Ranking member U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) said, “Given the current state of our sealift capability it would appear that we are in trouble. Almost all of our forward combat unit equipment moves by sea. But our ships are old and some near obsolete. The Army has stated that planned fleet reductions could result in, quote, ‘Unacceptable risk in force projection capability beginning in 2024,’ unquote. I know that TRANSCOM can influence but not direct service budget decisions. But I look forward to hearing concrete solutions and long-term plans, not simply relying on service-life extensions to rebuild the fleet.” U.S. Gen. Stephen Lyons, commanding officer of the U.S. Transportation Command, said that he and Garamendi and Lamborn “are in complete agreement on the essence of having a strong U.S.flag mariner fleet, both organic and commercial, and then the mariners that sail both of them are a critical component of our national defense and our national security. The work this committee has done on the Tanker Security Program is great work. We fully support that. We fully support the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program.” Later in the hearing, Lyons added that President Joe Biden Issues Maritime Day 2021 Proclamation May 21, 2021 Since the first days of our Republic, America has been a proud maritime Nation. To this day, the United States Merchant Marine is a pillar of our country’s prosperity, playing a vital role in the maintenance of our economic and national security. Through every period of peace and war, our merchant mariners have been dedicated to protecting our freedom and promoting commerce. On National Maritime Day, we honor the steadfast commitment and sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the United States Merchant Marine, and recognize their essential role in safeguarding and strengthening our Nation. Called the “fourth arm of defense” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II, the Merchant Marine established itself as a cornerstone of sealift support for our Armed Forces, sailing through theaters of war to deliver troops and supplies while keeping vital ocean supply lines operating. The perseverance and dedication of the Merchant Marine contributed to the Allied victory even as they suffered one of the highest casualty rates of any of our military services. Our merchant mariners also play a critical role in times of peace. They ensure our economic security by keeping our coastal and inland waterways open to trade, while United States-flagged ships operated by American merchant mariners transport goods across our country and all over the world. United States maritime freight operations helped support $5.4 trillion of economic activity among the many non-maritime industries that depend on the Merchant Marine for access to world markets. This movement of goods domestically and internationally continues to ensure America’s economic competitiveness throughout the world – growing jobs and supporting businesses of all sizes here at home. Our merchant mariners are also critical to extending United States support and assistance to foreign nations and local communities hit hard by natural disasters and devastating crises. Even in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, these brave men and women have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to fulfill their mission while keeping our Nation’s supply chains running. The operation of the United States-flagged fleet is essential in contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and landside congestion, helping provide current and future generations with a more sustainable means of freight transportation. The industry is also working to develop and implement new technologies to continue reducing emissions – an effort my Administration is supporting through new international partnerships. The maritime industry has long provided opportunity for Americans of all backgrounds – and the Merchant Marine continues to advance a more equitable industry in which barriers to entry and advancement are eliminated. On this National Maritime Day, we honor the brave merchant mariners who provide critical support to our troops stationed in warzones, and who are essential to our Nation’s economic success. Recognizing the contributions of our merchant mariners, my Administration strongly supports protecting the Jones Act – the cornerstone of our domestic maritime industry. We must protect those who protect our country. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2021, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to celebrate with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth. the new tanker program “is critical in my view when I look at the liquid energy value chain and what that represents – the way it operates today and the way we will need to warfit to operate under all domain persistent attack. It’s clear that we need to have a U.S.-flag capability to meet our national defense and national security needs. Today, that’s not the case (with tankers). We have a large dependency not just on commercial tankering but foreign-flag commercial tankering. I think this program will be an important step to move us to a U.S.-flag dependency which I think is critical to the national defense.” Additionally, he said that any waiver of the Jones Act “should be a rare exception.” Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley weighed in on recent requests for Jones Act waivers. She stated, “I personally and I think a lot of my colleagues continue to believe that waivers such as these should be thoroughly vetted, rare, short, and only granted in exceptional emergency circumstances…. The administration has made clear its support for the Jones Act.” She also commended the pandemicera work of American mariners. Lessley said, “The members of the U.S. Merchant Marine have gone above and beyond to ensure the continued operation of our maritime transportation system during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Moreover, Lessley reiterated the administration’s backing of the Tanker Security Program and cargo preference laws. “The newly authorized Tanker Security Program has the potential to address the need for more U.S.-flag product tankers in support of both national economic needs and DOD contingency requirements,” she said. “Cargo preference requirements keep vessels operating under the U.S. flag and create U.S. mariner jobs. MARAD is committed to ensuring compliance with cargo preference requirements and we continue outreach to federal agencies and industry to assist them in understanding and meeting these requirements.” She added, “Access to a pool of qualified mariners from a robust commercial maritime fleet is essential to maintain sealift readiness. And due to the small number of ships in the U.S.-flag oceangoing fleet, MARAD is concerned about our ability to quickly assemble an adequate number of qualified mariners should an extended mobilization occur.” Notice COVID-19: Spotlight on the Mental Health of Mariners Editor’s note: The U.S. Coast Guard issued the following Marine Safety Information Bulletin on May 19. It is posted on the SIU website (look in the News section or search for “Spotlight on the Mental Health of Mariners”), including the links referenced in the notice. Those URLs are unwieldy in print, so they’re replaced with the word HERE in this version of the notice. Also, the original notice includes information about an online survey that ended May 31, so that segment is omitted here. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have significant impacts on the U.S. Marine Transportation System, the Global shipping industry and on mariners themselves. The risk of severe illness and death from COVID- 19 infection and the prolonged nature of the pandemic have compounded existing stressors and created new stressors on maritime personnel, including feelings of isolation, and physical and mental fatigue caused by pandemic-related restrictions on crew changes, shore leave, and repatriation of seafarers. These issues have led to humanitarian concerns as well as concerns for the physical and mental health of mariners. Mariner mental health concerns are of significant importance to the USCG as they may adversely affect vessel operations and life at sea. Mariner mental health concerns, including those stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, may include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide. While some of these concerns arise in individuals with diagnosed mental illness, many occur in people who do not have a known mental health condition. The USCG is committed to working closely with industry partners and the National Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee to identify successful strategies to promote mariner mental health. However, the USCG and its partners recognize that strategies will only be successful if mariners feel safe accessing and utilizing available mental health resources. To that end, the USCG seeks to assure mariners that seeking mental health care will not jeopardize a mariner’s medical certification. In fact, the National Maritime Center (NMC) routinely approves medical certification for individuals who have stable, well controlled mental health conditions. On the infrequent occasions that the NMC has denied medical certification to a mariner with mental health concerns, it was for mental health conditions that were not sufficiently controlled so as to pose a risk to public and maritime safety. If you are a mariner who is in need of mental health care, please: do so without fear of reprisal or punishment from the USCG; and remember that it is generally better to seek help and treatment rather than putting yourself and fellow crew members at risk because of an untreated condition. Information on the medical review process for mariners with diagnosed mental health conditions is available in the Merchant Mariner Medical Manual, COMDTINST M16721.48, which can be found HERE. Information on mariner health and wellness topics, including mental health, can be found in the Proceedings Magazine Fall 2020 Edition on Mariner Health & Wellness online HERE. R. V. Timme, RDML, U.S. Coast Guard, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy sends. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. 6 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �SHBP Awards $112,000 in Scholarships Seafarers, Dependents Receive Aid for Ongoing Education Two Seafarers and five SIU dependents recently received good news in the form of scholarship awards from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). The SHBP Scholarship Committee (consisting of active and retired educators from various colleges and universities from across the country) in late May selected the following individuals for Charlie Logan Scholarships: Chief Steward Ingrid Ortiz-Rosario, QMED Edward Williams, and dependents Brianna Alvarado, Michael Eaton Jr., Sarah Elazzouzi, Matthew McKenna and Nana Osei-Sarfo. Ortiz-Rosario and Williams each received two-year grants totaling $6,000 apiece, while the dependents each got four year, $20,000 awards. Brief profiles of the scholarship winners follow. Ingrid Ortiz-Rosario SIU Connection: Chief steward who joined the union in 2013. Notable: Already a college graduate, owned her own business for many years before getting the urge to go to sea…. Puerto Rico native who still lives in San Juan. Academic Items: Plans to major in accounting/finance and has applied to several schools. Quotable: “I have been fortunate to travel the world because of the SIU, supporting our government aboard U.S. military-contracted ships and, most importantly, I have supported the island where I grew up by working on Jones Act ships carrying much-needed supplies to Puerto Rico.” Edward Williams SIU Connection: QMED Notable: Has sailed as pumpman and electrician. Lives in Lithonia, Georgia. Academic Items: Graduated from Joppatowne High School in Maryland, attended ITT Technical Institute. Applying to San Jacinto College, Mid Atlantic Maritime Quotable: “Prior to joining the SIU, I was employed by a manufacturing company for nearly five years. It became apparent that layoffs were imminent. When we were laid off, a coworker suggested that I apply for the apprentice program at Piney Point. I invested all my time and effort into the training that was offered…. I would like to continue my education and sail as a third engineer.” ahead of time at a community college. Quotable: “I’ve ultimately learned to be a better leader for myself and others. I’ve become passionate about inspiring others in the same way I’ve been inspired by music. My future as a music educator is bright for my future students, colleagues, and those who wish to be inspired. To teach is to touch a life forever.” Michael Eaton Jr. SIU Connection: Son of Tankerman Michael Eaton. Notable: Family is from Peru. Has worked as a math tutor. Played football, chess club, cooking club, political debate team, NHS. Academic Items: Already accepted at Central Florida. Plans to be a software engineer. Graduated from Merritt Island (Florida) Christian School with a 3.82 GPA. Quotable: “My most valuable experience is when I volunteered many hours at the Veteran Memorial Park and Saint Vincent de Paul. The times I spent there assisting others helped me understand how much I like to help people. I plan to develop software that can assist people.” Sarah Elazzouzi SIU Connection: Married to QMED Mohammed Elazzouzi. Notable: Works as a patient care technician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Academic Items: Applied to Touro College for nursing science. Has already earned a number of college credits elsewhere. Quotable: “I love helping people and I’m proud to be part of the first responders during the pandemic. My goal is to become a certified registered nurse anesthesiologist. I plan to start my career as a registered nurse in the ICU, as it will allow me to learn about critical care and to work with the most advanced technology.” Matthew McKenna SIU Connection: Son of inland AB Timothy McKenna Notable: Cleveland resident who plans to be a lawyer. Active in community service. Academic Items: Graduated from St. Ignatius High with a 4.33 GPA. Has applied to Notre Dame, Loyola College, and College of the Holy Cross. Quotable: “The thing at St. Ignatius that really made all of my passions fit together was community service…. I want to use my talents to fight for judicial representation for those who took a wrong turn. I will always remember that man-made systems are not perfect.” Nana Osei-Sarfo SIU Connection: Stepdaughter of Bosun Michael Kanga. Notable: Born in Ghana and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. Academic Items: Graduated from James Hubert Blake High School in Maryland with a 4.0 GPA. Has applied to High Point University, Morgan State, and Robert Morris. Plans to major in actuarial science. Quotable: “In 2015, my mother married and joined my stepfather here in the United States, and I relocated two years later. I quickly adjusted and acclimatized myself to the more complicated education system in the U.S. while maintaining straight-A grades…. I am an active member of the Minority Scholars Program, the Leo Club (which undertakes volunteer opportunities to inspire positive change in our local community), and the Black Student Union. I am honored to be a mentor, serving on the Briggs Chaney Middle School committee as well.” Brianna Alvarado SIU Connection: Stepdaughter of inland member Fernando Pacheco, a mate with G&H Towing. Notable: Graduated from Deer Park High School in Texas with a 4.19 GPA. Work experience includes being a private-lesson instructor for violin students, and providing childcare at Parkgate Community Church. Academic Items: Already accepted at Stephen F. Austin State University, her first choice. Plans to major in music. Taking classes July 2021 For the second straight year, the SHBP Scholarship Committee met online, due to COVID-19 safety measures. The committee consisted of Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Michael Glaser, Dr. Marla Kohlman, Dr. Gayle Olson and Dr. Keith Schlender Seafarers LOG 7 �Late Mariner Inspires Donations to Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund Thomas Peter Tobin only sailed with the SIU for a few years, but the union made a big impression on him. That much was obvious following his unexpected death on April 28, at age 46. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Seafarers Disaster Aid Fund (SDRF). In response, Tobin’s friends and colleagues made 35 separate donations to the fund, totaling more than $11,000. All money collected by the SDRF is used to assist SIU members and retirees living in areas affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters. (The fund is prominently linked on the home page of the SIU website.) Tobin, who went by his middle name, trained at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland, off and on beginning in late 1997 until early 2000, and he sailed with the union from 1998-2000, most recently as an AB. He passed away from cardiac arrest caused by an undiagnosed cardiomyopathy while exercising in his house in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, New York. A native of Teaneck, New Jersey, who grew up in Pelham Manor, New York, Tobin packed many adventures into his life. He attended the University of Colorado before joining the SIU; his time with the union included the maiden voyage aboard At left, Tobin is pictured in the late 1990s in Piney Point. The photo of him at right is recent. the USNS Bob Hope in late 1998. According to his obituary, “Peter spent time in some of the world’s most vibrant cities, including San Francisco, New Orleans, Buenos Aires, Tokyo, and New York. On his travels, he cooked and sailed, taught English, acquired tattoos, and amassed adventures that he recorded in masterfully descriptive language on the pages of his many journals. Peter’s magnetic personality and fluid adaptability made it easy for him to move among strangers, quickly turning many into friends. His curiosity, sharp wit, and intellect propelled him through the world, in any direction that inspired him.” He lived in Argentina while teaching English, then returned to New York, where he was a founding member of both Mission Capital Advisors and (more recently) a founder and partner at Three Line Capital, an “active distressed debt principal investor.” Tobin married Dr. Nora Lansen in 2006; they would actively raise their three children together. He is survived by his parents, siblings, wife and children Ella, Penny and Ryder. With Seafarers at San Juan Hall AB Carlos Diaz (left) and his wife, Katyria Calderon, are pictured at the San Juan hall following Carlos’ recently completed tour of duty aboard Crowley’s Taino. One could say Carlos found a home with the SIU. Since he started sailing in December 2018, “our lives have taken a 180-degree turn for the better,” he said. “Our kids are now in the best schools, and we take quality time off. A vote of thanks to our headquarters personnel and all SIU officials for a job well done on behalf of the membership.” SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo (center) happily welcomes his friends, who are SIU pensioners, Radmaes Cosme (left) and Jose Colls (right). Chief Steward Juan Guanil (right) shows his A-seniority book. “I came to the SIU with high hopes and have had eight years of awesome work experience and great pay,” he said. “A vote of thanks to our headquarters personnel and contracts department.” SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo is at left. Pensioners Paulino Flores (left) and Jose Velez visit the hall in late May. Ricardo Valenzuela in April finished upgrading to AB. He’s displaying a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor certifying his progress. 8 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Kenneth Cabrera Roman (right) holds his performance evaluation (top marks all the way) following a voyage aboard the Pacific Tracker. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo. The chief cook noted, “After working on a dead-end job at a local mall in San Juan, joining the SIU has been a life-changing experience and a huge career opportunity for me.” Recertified Bosun Victor Nunez Pictured from left are QMED Edwin Morales, Storekeeper Steven Lopez, Chief Steward Carmelo Calderon, SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo and Chief Steward Jorge Roman. July 2021 �Union, Paul Hall Center Mourn J.C. Wiegman When J.C. Wiegman committed to something, he went all in. That proved true in his devotion to family, his career in the U.S. Navy, and his second career as a mainstay at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (PHC), where Wiegman worked from 1989 until his retirement in early 2015. And, as anyone who knew him could attest, it definitely applied to his longtime loyalty to the NFL’s Washington Redskins (since renamed). Wiegman unexpectedly passed away May 5 at his home in Piney Point, Maryland, close to the PHC. He was 72. “J.C. was always doing his very best to make sure that our membership was equipped with the proper tools to meet the ever-changing needs of our industry,” said SIU Executive Vice President Augie Tellez. “Although their name has changed, I’m sure he’s wearing his Washington Redskins J.C. Wiegman speaks at the Paul Hall Center in 2014. jacket, arguing with the angels over their proud history. Our sympathies and condolences go out to his wife and family.” Paul Hall Center Assistant Vice President Bart Rogers worked with Wiegman throughout his career at the school, both when Wiegman was an instructor and during his tenure as director of training. “J.C. was a tireless advocate for our mariners,” Rogers said. “He was well-respected throughout the industry for his knowledge of maritime regulations, and he was at the forefront of U.S. implementation of STCW requirements. He was my friend and I will miss our Giants-Redskins battles.” Born John Clarence Wiegman, J.C. served in the Navy from 1966 until 1987, most recently as a gas turbine mechanical maintenance senior chief. He earned numerous awards and decorations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, Good Conduct Awards and Navy Commendation Medals. Wiegman’s connection to Piney Point began long before the school opened there in 1967. He grew up in the small town (its population today is still fewer than 1,000), and his father worked at the facility when it was a torpedo testing center. If no mention of Wiegman away from work would be complete without including both the Redskins and his acumen as a Little League baseball coach (he coached each of his three kids), no recap of his time at the PHC would be proper without crediting his encyclopedic knowledge of the maritime industry’s myriad training requirements. When Wiegman retired, Don Nolan, then the PHC’s vice president, described him as “instrumental in all phases of training throughout the school, both vocational and academic. His communications with the Coast Guard, the Military Sealift Command and other agencies was vital for us, and he also did a great job with our veterans program. Rogers added that Wiegman “kept us way ahead of schedule with new requirements all of the time, long before you were required to be compliant. He kept us abreast of all the changes, going back to the training record book and most recently the (STCW) final rule.” When he retired, Wiegman noted, “I could write a book on the changes in training that began in the 1990s. In the early 90s, oil and pollution prevention were impacting the industry. A program for tanker safety operations was put in place. This course became the industry standard before the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 came out in regulation. It was also a key event in my career because my boss, the late Wiegman (right) visits a ship to gather information for use in classes at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland. Bill Eglinton, tasked me with going to the Coast Guard and getting a grandfathering provision for (the) tanker assistantdangerous liquids class. Going to the National Maritime Center, I met and learned to work with them, opening lines of communication.” Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Carole; three sons; a sister; and nine grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Valley Lee Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692. Spotlight on Mariner Health Alzheimer’s Disease Destroys Individual’s Mental Functions Editor’s note: This article was provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Medical Department. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. It is known to have two types of proteins that form in the brain (tangles and plaques). A progressive illness, Alzheimer’s destroys memory and other important mental functions. Brain cell connections and the cells themselves degenerate and die, eventually destroying memory and other important cerebral utilities. Presently, there is not one known cause for Alzheimer’s disease. In one percent of all cases, there are genes that can determine whether or not an individual will have the disease. They’re related to amyloid-beta production, which is likely to cause Alzheimer’s. Other cases may result from an individual’s lifestyle, diet, alcohol intake, stress level, etc. Healthy habits may help ward off Alzheimer’s or at least slow down its progression. These habits include: Regular Exercise - Exercise is number one in helping to prevent or slow the progression in people July 2021 who have symptoms. It is recommended that people try to exercise for 30 minutes per day, three to four times a week. Proper Diet - Eating a Mediterranean diet will also help to slow the progression in individuals who have this disease. This diet is rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, fish, poultry, eggs, limited dairy and moderate amounts of red wine and red meats. Proper Rest - There is growing evidence that proper rest also can help prevent Alzheimer’s and is linked to greater amyloid clearance from the brain. At least six to eight hours of sleep per night is recommended. Participate in New Activities - Learn new things to help stimulate the brain’s activity. Reading, playing games, going out and meeting new people all can be beneficial. Moderation - Limit alcohol intake. It is thought, however, that small amounts of wine may be helpful in the prevention and the slowing of Alzheimer’s disease. See Your Doctor Regularly - Keep appointments with your doctor and take medications as prescribed. Healthy Recipe Tacos Al Pastor (12 Servings) Achiote Paste Achiote paste is made with annatto seeds, cumin, pepper, coriander, oregano, cloves, and garlic. It can be used as a sauce, marinade, or rub in many delicious traditional Mexican dishes including Cochinita Pibil and Tacos Al Pastor. This condiment is not easily found in most grocery stores, but should be available in Latin grocery stores or online (preferred choice). Guajillo Chile Powder Guajillo peppers have a sweet flavor and mildmedium heat. They are the second most commonly used dried chili in Mexican cuisine after poblanos. 1 Guajillo Chile is equal to 1 teaspoon of Guajillo Chile powder. Like Achiote Paste, this condiment is also not easily found in most grocery stores, but should be available in Latin grocery stores or online (preferred choice). For the Pork: 3 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed 3 tablespoons canola oil 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced small 1 1/2 cups red onion, diced small 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped) 12 flour tortillas (6 inch) For Al Pastor Sauce 1 1/2 cups Pineapple juice 1 1/2 ounces Achiote paste 3 teaspoons Guajillo chile powder (ground guajillo chile pepper) 1/4 cup white vinegar 1 1/2 teaspoons Dried oregano (ground) 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated garlic 1 1/2 teaspoons Cumin (ground) 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic clove (chopped) 1/4 teaspoon cloves (ground) 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper (ground) Make Al Pastor Sauce In a blender or food processor, place all the sauce ingredients and blend until well combined and smooth. Set aside. Make Al Pastor Pork Marinate the pork with the sauce recipe overnight. Remove from marinate and discard leftover liquid. Sear the pork on a grill over high heat 2 minutes per side. Roast the seared pork in a 350-degree oven; uncovered for 15-20 minutes. Rest the meat for about 15 minutes, covered. Slice the pork thin at an angle. Place in serving pans and keep warm. Make the Sides Ready Warm the tortillas on a low heat grill for 30 seconds on each side. Place in serving pan and keep warm. Grill the chopped pineapple on a well-oiled griddle or sauté pan; for about 3-5 minutes until caramelized, but not mushy. Make the Tacos Al Pastor Place about 3oz. of meat on a warm tortilla. Add about 1 tablespoon of the caramelized pineapple.Add about 1 tablespoon of the chopped red onions. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of the chopped cilantro. Nutrition Information Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 400 Calories; 13g Fat (28.0% calories from fat); 21g Protein; 52g Carbohydrate; 3g Dietary Fiber; 36mg Cholesterol; 682mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Grain (Starch); 2 Lean Meat; 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 1 1/2 Fat; 0 Other Carbohydrates. (Recipe courtesy of the Paul Hall Center’s Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship) Seafarers LOG 9 �TALKING MARITIME WITH CONGRESSWOMAN – SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson (right) and SIU Patrolman James Bast (left) are pictured with U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-New York) following a U.S.-flag maritime roundtable gathering in New York in early May. MARITIME DAY IN ALOHA STATE – Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi (center) recently presented the Hawaii Port Maritime Council (part of the Maritime Trades Department) with a proclamation recognizing National Maritime Day. Pictured at right is SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, who also serves as the port council’s secretary-treasurer. At left is Randy Swindell, port council president. KEY APPOINTMENT FOR SIU OFFICIAL – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (second from right) recently was appointed to the newly formed Broward County (Florida) Labor Board. He’s pictured in mid-May with county commissioners and other board members. Speaking to Mayor Steve Geller and commissioners, Hopkins gave a brief talk about the SIU and its affiliated school in Maryland, plus the MTD and the U.S. Merchant Marine in general. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU SOLIDARITY IN THE SOUTH – Seafarers in New Orleans recently took part in an informational picket supporting the Southeast Louisiana Building & Construction Trades Council. They are pictured with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook (back row, center, wearing white hat). WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – AB Willie Allen (right) receives his first pension check from SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook at the hiring hall. Allen started his SIU career in 1990 on the Delta Queen. He later transitioned to the Crowley ATB fleet. CLASS PREP – OMU Kevin Brown (left) takes a precourse test for entry into a storekeeper class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brown was a member of apprentice class 818 in 2017 and recently signed off the Horizon Pacific. He’s pictured at the Oakland hall, with SIU Patrolman Adrian Fraccarolli. BOOKS IN PINEY – Chief Cook Christopher Richardson (right in photo above) and AB Christopher Hart (right in photo below) receive their respective full B-books in Piney Point, Maryland. Each is pictured with SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey (left in both photos). ABOARD MAERSK MICHIGAN – Vessel master Capt. T. Pham submitted this snapshot of SIU members aboard the ship in the Far East. It includes Bosun Rudy Harjanto, ABM Fernando Haber, ABW Debbie Garcia, ABW Carlos Zapata, ABM Roy Enriquez, QMED Joshua Bonita, ABW Mark Bolin, Chief Cook Hyeyoung Forrer, GVA Gene Ajoste, QMED Theodore Gonzales, Pumpman Walden Galacgac and Chief Steward Gerard Cox. 10 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU BOOKS IN HOUSTON – Gathering for a photo earlier this year at the hiring hall are (from left) SIU Asst. VP Mike Russo, ACU Cathleen Dell, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and AB Eleuterio Lino. The two Seafarers received their respective full B-books earlier the same day. FULL BOOK IN JERSEY – Seafarer Tommy Napoli (left) receives his full B-book from Bosun Scott Smith. They’re pictured at the Watco Marine Transfer Station in Elizabeth, New Jersey. BOOKS IN JACKSONVILLE – During the May membership meeting, SA Nala Johnson (second from right) receives her full B-book, while Chief Cook Lordiem Garcia (right) gets his A-book. SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson is administering the oath. Partly visible at far left is TOTE Director of Fleet Services Lisa Gee, a guest at the meeting. SEAFARING SELFIE – Pictured from left at the Oakland hall are Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb, SIU Port Agent Nick Marrone II and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. CHECKING IN AT TACOMA HALL – Longtime Seafarer MDR Brandon Maeda (left) stops by the hiring hall to take care of some paperwork and catch up on union news. At right is SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. AT THE SAN JUAN Hall – In photo above, Chief Cook Fernando Marques (right) receives his A-seniority book. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Amancio Crespo at the hiring hall in Puerto Rico. In the photo at right, Seafarer Steven Lopez (right) displays certificates of completion for three classes he recently finished at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Maryland (MSC Storekeeper, MSC Supply Configuration Management, and MSC Ship Clip). He is believed to be the first storekeeper registered at the San Juan hall. We’ve got a good source for that info: Crespo, left in the photo. PRIDE IN PORTLAND – Thanks to Recertified Steward Michael Gramer (aboard the Pacific Tracker) for this photo of the SIU-crewed Pride of America, which is getting spruced up in Portland, Oregon. July 2021 CARTER RETURNS TO SERVICE – After a brief layup period early this year, the SIU-crewed Edward Carter Jr. is once again sailing as part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet. The vessel is operated by Sealift, Inc. Seafarers LOG 11 �Eight Recertified Stewards Thankful for Opportunities for Advancement The first pandemic-era class of stewards successfully completed the highest-level curriculum available at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for their department, reaching what several of them described as the peak of their culinary careers. Eight culinary professionals on June 7 graduated from the two-week Steward Recertification Course, which was modified due to pandemic concerns: Jatniel “Bam Bam” Aguilera, Marlon Battad, Edwin Bonefont, Dante Cruz, Mario Firme Jr., Kenneth Greenidge, Francisco Madsen and Albert Sison. During their studies, they learned and furthered their knowledge of nutrition, healthy eating, baking and sanitation, and improved other skills such as computer literacy, social responsibilities and leadership. In addition, the newly recertified stewards gained insight into how the union and school operates, with courses and workshops that detail the functions of various departments, the union’s affiliated labor partners and the inner workings of collective bargaining agreements. To place a capstone on the program, each steward addressed the assembled crowd of upgrading members, apprentices and SIU officials and staff at the June membership meeting in Piney Point, Maryland. In their speeches, each member expressed gratitude and humility upon completing the program, and thanked the staff and instructors of the school for their help in achieving this goal. Without exception, each member thanked the union officials for their leadership and knowledge, as well as imparted words of wisdom to the future generations of mariners in attendance. The following are excerpts from each recertified steward’s speech, presented in the order in which they spoke. These excerpts were bolstered by written comments and notes provided to the Seafarers LOG. “I’m finally here, after a 14-and-a-half-month COVID delay,” he continued. “I am standing on stage, in front of an audience of my brothers and sisters, alongside my colleagues, and I can now proudly say that I am a SIU recertified chief steward. I’m honored, I’m grateful, I’m blessed to have been given this opportunity, and I’m proud to be a part of this organization.” He then praised the instructors, saying: “The knowledge that you give us is priceless. The classes here have provided me with solid information, and I can now take that knowledge and pass it along to my union brothers and sisters.” Sison also credited all of the staff at the Paul Hall Center. Kenneth Greenidge Greenidge opened with a quote from author David J. Schwartz: “Success is determined not so much by the size of one’s brain as it is by the size of one’s thinking.” He then discussed his SIU journey, saying, “The SIU has been a life-changing experience for me, and it has been a heavy journey.” A frequent upgrader, Greenidge was born in New Orleans, and began sailing in 1989 out of Piney Point. He now primarily sails out of Oakland, California. He continued: “The union has always stood by me. They have my back, and I’ve utilized all the facilities they have to offer. And I do mean all the facilities. The SIU really gave me the opportunity to be a productive citizen of the United States.” To the apprentices, he offered the following advice: “You can apply your experience in life anywhere you go. You can have they lifestyle you enjoy, and love your life. But you must stay humble, and look out for your brothers and sisters. Treat people with respect and have respect for yourself. “Go out there and work to the best of your ability, regardless of people’s attitudes. Sometimes a good attitude and energy can rub off on someone who does not have such a good attitude. Be yourself, be honest and good fortune will always come,” he concluded. Jatniel ‘Bam Bam’ Aguilera Jatniel Aguilera, who goes by the nickname Bam Bam, is a Puerto Rican mariner who joined in Piney Point in 2009 and currently ships out of the San Juan hall. He is also the proud father of another Seafarer, as his son has joined the union. Aguilera described the course, saying: “In the steward recertified class, I learned how and where to turn when you have any doubts or questions. I also learned how to be a better leader, and how to help others become better leaders. In addition, I learned the importance of supporting the Jones Act, SPAD, and the role of the Maritime Trades Department. “That knowledge is what helps us be able to guide others, both on the vessel and outside the union, on the importance of what makes the union strong,” he continued. “I would describe my experience in Piney Point as, ‘This is a factory that makes leaders, skilled merchant mariners and future officers of the SIU.’ This school gives you a firstclass education, and if you know how to take advantage of it, you will make the best of your career.” He concluded by saying to the trainees, “Be the architect of your destiny. Follow orders; it’s not so hard. And support this union. Fight for this union. This is a machine, always going forward, and what lies ahead is great success for you and your brothers and sisters.” Dante Cruz Dante Cruz spoke next. He’s a California resident who joined the union in San Francisco in 1993 and now sails out of Oakland. Cruz spoke about all he learned in the course, and touched on the importance of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, saying, “Brothers and sisters, your safety is their safety.” He continued, “I was surprised when I met all of the union officials. They’re very friendly and approachable people.... I learned all about politics and how important it is to our union. I also learned how hard the union officials work to make sure members have a job in the future. “The school’s accommodations were very neat, and the food was both delicious and healthy,” he added. “The facility was also very advanced, in terms of their level of technology.” He concluded by encouraging the other students to study hard and stay safe. Mario Firme Jr. Mario Firme Jr., who joined the union in 1990 and sails out of Wilmington, spoke next. Firme Jr. expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, and specifically thanked several key figures. He said, “It’s an honor and a privilege that I have finally reached the goal I’ve been dreaming of becoming a recertified chief steward. The union has given me the opportunity to have a better quality of life, and hope for the future. I promise to be a good leader.... I specifically want to thank Chef Jesse Sunga, Wilmington Port Agent Jeff Turkus, and SIU Vice President Tom Orzechowski, for their help and encouragement.” He also addressed the apprentices, saying, “Listen and learn from your shipmates, and never be afraid to ask questions.” Francisco Madsen Francisco Madsen, who joined the SIU in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 2004 and still ships from there, emphasized how much the union has impacted his life. After quipping that his fellow stewards had already said what he planned to say in his speech, he relayed his experiences, stating, “I said when I started, ‘I can do this job for maybe one or two years.’ Well, here I am, all these years later. The SIU changed my life, and with the help of the school’s instructors, I have been able to have the necessary tools to get where I am today.” He then offered a stark reminder to those in attendance: “Two very important words to remember: Jones Act. Without the Jones Act, we are nothing. Don’t forget, you are a union worker. That’s who we are.” After praising the school’s numerous improvements, he concluded by recognizing the future of the union, saying, “I see a lot of young people in here, and some upgraders as well. I encourage you to take every opportunity the school gives you.” Stewards get together for their graduation dinner, with officials including SIU Exec VP Augie Tellez (center) and Paul Hall Center Acting VP Tom Orzechowski (third from right). Edwin Bonefont Before Edwin Bonefont took the stage, Tellez introduced him as coming from a legacy SIU family. Historically, many mariners with the last name Bonefont have shipped out of East Coast ports ever since the inception of the union in 1938, making the name synonymous with Seafarers, according to Tellez. Edwin, who joined the SIU in Piney Point in 1992, ships out of San Juan today. “I want to say thanks to everyone who helped me live my dream,” he began. “The SIU has been a part of my family since it started. In all the years I have been coming to the school, I have always had a great experience, from the time I was an apprentice until today. I can say that the instructors and the officials help elevate the SIU to the status that it holds today.” He talked about all he learned throughout the program, saying, “I met with the officials, who explained to me how the SIU operates, and what the union does for the members. And from all angles, I have a better understanding of how the different departments work together. My experiences will help me explain how it all works to the other members aboard the ship.” He concluded by saying, “I’m excited to see what the future holds, for the future mariners and for the SIU.” Kenneth Greenidge Recertified Steward Jatniel Aguilera Recertified Steward Mario Firme Jr. Recertified Steward Marlon Battad Recertified Steward Albert Sison Recertified Steward Marlon Battad Next at the podium was Marlon Battad. Battad joined the union in Norfolk in 2004 and currently sails from Houston. He has upgraded at the Paul Hall Center seven times. “Our union has been a very important part of my life,” he began. “The union has given me the means of providing for my family and loved ones. I am thankful for this opportunity, to be one of the chosen members to become a recertified steward. This accomplishment is one of the great achievements that I will always remember.” He then praised the SIU officials, saying, “During my few weeks of staying here at the campus, I have learned how hard our union officials work to make sure that we all have a job. I am forever grateful for their hard work and dedication to our union, to ensure that every single member has the means to provide for our families.” He added, “To our upcoming members, my advice is to take pride. Take pride in what we do, so that we can protect our jobs for the next generations to come.” After urging fellow members to support SPAD (the union’s voluntary political action fund) and also participate in grassroots political activities, he thanked SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez specifically, as well as the staff of the port of Houston. Albert Sison Albert Sison, who joined the union at the Port of Wilmington, California in 1991, was the next to speak. He brought specific attention to the recent and ongoing upgrades to the school, praising the renovations as well as the all-new media center (which will open later this year). 12 Seafarers LOG Dante Cruz Recertified Steward July 2021 July 2021 Francisco Madsen Recertified Steward Edwin Bonefont Recertified Steward Seafarers LOG 13 �Car Rental Discounts for Union Families Savings from loyalty programs With Union Plus car rental discounts, your next trip just got a lot cheaper. Union members can save up to 25% with exclusive deals at six nationwide car rental companies. Learn more at unionplus.org/carrental 7/21 SIU-CR-6-2-21 14 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �Notice/Reminders DOT Forbids Marijuana Use; Pre-Employment Drug Tests Are Reported to Coast Guard Seafarers are reminded that the U.S. Department of Transportation forbids the use of marijuana by employees subject to drug testing under DOT regulations. Even if marijuana use is legal in your home state, it is still illegal under federal law (federal law regulates the maritime industry). A recent report by an industry trade association representing hundreds of employers pointed out that many people trying to enter the industry hit a roadblock by testing positive for marijuana. Conversely, the percentage of active mariners who test positive for drug use is extremely low. The same article noted that maritime employers are required to report their respective yearly drug and alcohol testing data to the U.S. Coast Guard. This includes pre-employment drug tests. The bottom line for mariners – active and prospective alike – is that marijuana is still banned under federal law, and pre-employment screenings are reported to the Coast Guard. Paul Hall Center Modifies Some Requirements for Galley Training In an effort to facilitate important training for mariners while also helping promote career advancement, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has adjusted some of its requirements for steward-department coursework. Effective immediately, the path for entry-level students in the Paul Hall Center’s apprentice program to advance to chief cook consists of first completing Phase 1 of the program, then accumulating at least 200 days of sea time, obtaining two letters of recommendation (one each from a chief steward and a captain), and applying for (and graduating from) the Certified Chief Cook course. Components of the Galley Operations course now are included in Phase 1 and in the Chief Cook Assessment program. For a copy of a letter sent from the school to prospective stewarddepartment upgraders, visit the News section of the SIU website. The letter is linked in a March 18 post. Questions may be addressed to the admissions department at (301) 994-0010, option 2, or at upgrading@seafarers.org. Note to Our Readers Without exception, anyone entering an SIU hiring hall or signing onto a vessel has passed a number of safety protocols, often including testing for COVID-19, two-week quarantines, vaccination and verifying health-related items on a questionnaire. For that reason, not everyone you see pictured in the LOG is wearing a mask. In addition, in many cases, people have briefly removed their masks only long enough to snap a quick photo. We cannot stress enough the importance of following all safety protocols for your protection and the protection of those around you. July & August Membership Meetings Piney Point.......................*Tuesday: July 6, Monday: August 2 Algonac.....................................................Friday: July 9, August 6 Baltimore...................................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Guam.......................................Thursday: July 22, August 19 Honolulu...............................Friday: July 16, August 13 Houston...................................Monday: July 12, August 9 Jacksonville.........................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 10-June 13. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 13. Total Registered Port A All Groups B Total Shipped C New Orleans............................Tuesday: July 13, August 10 Jersey City.....................................Tuesday: July 6, August 3 Norfolk..........................................Friday: July 9, August 6 Oakland................................Thursday: July 15, August 12 Philadelphia..............................Wednesday: July 7, August 4 Port Everglades........................Thursday: July 15, August 12 San Juan.......................................Thursday: July 8, August 5 St. Louis......................................Friday: July 16, August 13 Tacoma........................................Friday: July 23, August 20 Wilmington......................................Monday: July 19, August 16 * Piney Point change due to Independence Day observance. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m July 2021 All Groups B C Trip Reliefs A All Groups B C 0 0 0 2 0 4 1 11 4 6 0 4 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 38 3 2 2 11 0 7 2 19 19 17 0 3 8 5 6 1 7 12 0 10 134 39 1 5 30 6 16 12 67 60 61 4 15 45 26 5 1 11 48 2 51 505 7 1 0 17 0 7 3 29 37 14 2 4 14 4 2 0 5 12 2 27 187 0 2 0 5 0 2 0 7 12 5 0 0 4 5 1 1 0 9 0 2 55 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 1 0 1 3 0 2 1 10 12 7 2 2 10 5 2 2 1 3 0 3 67 6 2 4 17 2 7 8 27 33 12 3 1 12 9 1 3 6 23 2 23 201 3 1 0 8 1 4 1 16 17 4 0 4 24 8 1 3 7 10 4 9 125 2 0 0 3 0 1 0 2 4 2 2 1 4 5 0 0 0 2 0 0 28 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 34 0 5 19 5 16 11 42 35 29 3 11 22 18 7 2 6 31 2 26 324 7 2 2 18 0 7 2 23 32 8 1 6 11 3 2 1 5 12 1 13 156 0 0 0 5 0 3 0 12 9 5 0 3 3 3 0 1 1 5 0 2 52 Deck Department 12 3 2 0 2 3 12 13 0 0 8 7 9 0 33 17 28 25 25 7 0 1 2 1 16 10 7 4 6 3 2 2 5 4 18 6 1 0 14 7 202 113 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 2 2 3 9 1 7 7 16 21 10 2 1 12 7 2 2 3 18 2 14 141 2 1 3 8 1 4 2 16 12 1 1 4 19 7 2 4 5 7 2 6 107 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 6 2 3 0 1 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 23 Engine Department 2 0 0 0 0 4 6 3 0 0 3 1 3 4 8 11 9 14 5 6 1 1 2 4 15 12 3 6 2 3 0 2 2 3 6 4 0 0 10 5 77 83 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Seattle St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 3 0 0 6 1 5 8 18 25 11 2 6 16 17 1 6 4 7 1 18 155 5 0 1 2 1 0 1 6 12 6 0 0 14 6 0 2 5 5 0 7 73 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 13 Steward Department 1 0 0 0 0 0 6 2 1 0 3 0 2 1 10 4 10 4 9 2 0 0 2 1 10 4 11 4 0 0 5 5 2 3 7 3 0 0 11 4 84 43 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 9 1 0 0 5 0 2 2 7 9 3 0 1 7 5 0 3 2 7 0 5 59 7 0 1 18 1 7 15 27 34 14 3 7 23 18 4 6 5 16 3 32 241 5 0 1 5 1 1 5 11 22 5 1 1 19 8 0 1 5 2 0 12 105 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 6 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 14 Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Harvey Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Jersey City Joliet Mobile Norfolk Oakland Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico Tacoma St. Louis Wilmington TOTALS 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 20 12 1 2 5 1 2 5 16 32 13 0 0 17 14 0 1 1 13 0 14 149 16 0 1 3 1 3 1 6 48 7 3 0 22 7 2 24 0 9 0 12 165 Entry Department 0 4 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 7 1 12 2 7 0 0 0 0 1 9 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 9 8 61 2 0 1 3 0 1 2 8 20 5 1 1 10 1 1 12 1 2 0 4 75 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 6 1 0 1 3 0 1 2 0 1 0 5 28 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 4 36 21 3 1 6 2 4 11 20 42 18 1 0 27 21 1 1 2 19 1 30 231 15 2 0 3 2 3 4 7 97 13 3 2 29 10 2 17 2 16 2 14 243 GRAND TOTAL: 640 485 253 132 288 983 648 340 Joliet..............................................Thursday: July 15, August 12 Mobile......................................Wednesday: July 14, August 11 A Registered on Beach 371 300 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory Inquiring Seafarer Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kate Hunt, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM P.O. Box 3328, Hagatna, Guam 96932 Cliffline Office Ctr. Bldg., Suite 103B 422 West O’Brien Dr., Hagatna, Guam 96910 (671) 477-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 This month’s question was answered by members of the union’s annual finance committee. Question: Why did you join the SIU and why have you remained with the union? Earl Castain Recertified Bosun I heard about the SIU from a friend. I started doing my own research and thought it would be a great opportunity for me to explore and take advantage of the travel. I’ve enjoyed meeting different people from all walks of life and nationalities. My long-term goal was to stay with the SIU until retirement and I’m just about there. Donald Lumpkins QMED I was living paycheck to paycheck and had a lot of local friends that sailed. They helped me join. I love the travel and seeing places I wouldn’t otherwise see. Thank you, SIU! Riley Donahue III QMED I joined in 1984, after working at a steel mill the prior three years. I had relatives who lived near Lexington Park (Maryland), and they told me about the SIU. They knew I was looking for work. The traveling is a big plus. I like seeing new places. James Osborne AB I was driving a dump truck, and someone told me about the school. That was 16 or 17 years ago. Knowing that the schedule was four months on and four months off actually meant I’d spend more time with my family. The money is also good. Thomas L. Cyrus Jr. Chief Cook I wanted to travel and see the world, and get paid doing it. I’ve stayed with it because of the good pay and benefits. It’s a great way to make a living. Laura Hollar QEE I wanted a career that would be longlasting and I wanted to travel around the world. I came in through the apprentice program in 2009. One reason I’ve stayed with this career is the opportunity for advancement. JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 Lionel Packnett Recertified Steward I joined the union to have a career opportunity. I remained because it is still a good way to provide for my family, and I love the traveling that I experienced early on during my career. NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 Pic From The Past PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 The SIU-crewed SS Jacksonville (Sea-Land) is pictured at a new dock in Puerto Rico in November 1972. The vessel typically sailed between the island territory and the East Coast. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org 16 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA ATO AIKINS Brother Ato Aikins, 68, began sailing with the SIU in 2001. A deck department member, he first shipped on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Aikins upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the USNS Pollux and lives in Seattle. FRANCISCO ANACTA Brother Francisco Anacta, 65, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2005, initially sailing aboard the Manulani. He upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2013 and shipped in the deck department. Brother Anacta’s final vessel was the Washington. He is a resident of Panorama City, California. RICKY ARROYO Brother Ricky Arroyo, 66, donned the SIU colors in 1989 when he shipped aboard the Independence. He primarily sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on numerous occasions. Brother Arroyo most recently shipped on the Horizon Enterprise. He makes his home in Honolulu. AUGUST AWONG CHRISTINE CASSIE RONALD LADD Sister Christine Cassie, 70, signed on with the SIU in 1998, initially sailing aboard the USNS Watson. A steward department member, she upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Sister Cassie last shipped on the USNS Red Cloud. She is a resident of Spokane, Washington. Brother Ronald Ladd, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1991. He first sailed aboard the William R. Button and was a member of the engine department. Brother Ladd last shipped aboard the Baldomero Lopez. He makes his home in Albion, Maine. RAMADAN EDRES Brother Efren Matias, 68, joined the Seafarers International Union in 2001, initially sailing on the USNS Sisler. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Matias last shipped aboard the USNS Watson. He is a resident of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Brother Ramadan Edres, 65, joined the SIU in 2007 when he sailed on the Green Ridge. He sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Maersk Pittsburgh. Brother Edres makes his home in Staten Island, New York. RONNIE HERIAN Brother Ronnie Herian, 67, signed on with the union in 1980, initially shipping on the Venture. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1983. Brother Herian last shipped aboard the Cape Farewell. He calls Dunnellon, Florida, home. JAMES ILLSON Brother James Illson, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1973 when he sailed aboard the USNS Maumee. He upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school in 1982 and was a member of the engine department. Brother Illson’s final vessel was the Westward Venture. He resides in Seattle. YURIY KHITRENKO Brother August Awong, 65, signed on with the SIU in 1982, initially shipping aboard the Constitution. Brother Awong was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Global Sentinel and resides in Honolulu. Brother Yuriy Khitrenko, 65, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2003. He was an engine department member; his first vessel was the Cape Race. Brother Khitrenko upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He concluded his career on the Maersk Kinloss and lives in Rego Park, New York. ANTHONY CARVALHO JULIAN LACUESTA Brother Anthony Carvalho, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1990 when he shipped aboard the Sealift Arctic. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Carvalho’s final vessel was the Endurance. He lives in Bonner, Montana. July 2021 Brother Julian Lacuesta, 65, joined the Seafarers in 2001, initially shipping on the Libra. He sailed in both the deck and engine departments an upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Lacuesta’s final vessel was the USNS Petersburg. He resides in El Monte, California. EFREN MATIAS KEVIN MCCAGH Brother Kevin McCagh, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1990 and first sailed on the Cape Nome. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions and sailed in the engine department. Brother McCagh last shipped on the Horizon Kodiak. He resides in Copalis Beach, Washington. DAVID MOSES Brother David Moses, 68, became a member of the SIU in 2006 when he shipped aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. A steward department member, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Moses most recently shipped on the Maersk Kinloss. He calls Jersey City, New Jersey, home. JURI NOVOZILOV Brother Juri Novozilov, 70, started sailing with the union in 1999, on the Sea Fox. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2000. Brother Novozilov last shipped on the Samuel L. Cobb. He resides in Elkton, Maryland. EDGARDO ONG Brother Edgardo Ong, 66, signed on with the SIU in 1998, first sailing aboard the USNS Bowditch. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Ong concluded his career on the USNS Bruce Heezen and settled in Bonita, California. deck and engine departments and upgraded often at the Piney Point school. Brother Williams’ final vessel was the Ocean Atlas. He calls Mobile, Alabama, home. DEOCADIO ROMNEY DAVID BRAGDON Brother Deocadio Romney, 72, embarked on his career with the union in 1998 when he sailed on the Overseas Boston. A deck department member, he upgraded at the unionaffiliated Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Romney’s final vessel was the Overseas Tampa. He lives in Anchorage, Alaska. Brother David Bragdon, 62, signed on with the Seafarers in 1981. An engine department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education on several occasions. Brother Bragdon’s first vessel was the Manhattan Island; his last, the Dodge Island. He lives in The Villages, Florida. DWIGHT ROSS Brother Dwight Ross, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1991. He was a member of the steward department and first shipped on the Cape Edmont. Brother Ross upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. He last sailed on the Seabulk Pride and is a Houston resident. GEORGE SALTZ Brother George Saltz, 71, joined the union in 1991 and first sailed aboard the Ranger. He was a deck department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Saltz’s final vessel was the Santorini. He makes his home in Spring Hill, Florida. DANIEL TEICHMAN Brother Daniel Teichman, 71, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1990. He upgraded on multiple occasions at the Paul Hall Center and was a member of the deck department. Brother Teichman’s first vessel was the William Baugh; his last, the Liberty Grace. He lives in Rutland, Vermont. MICHAEL WILLIAMS INLAND LUTHER BRUCE Brother Luther Bruce, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1979 when he worked with National Marine Service. He upgraded at the Piney Point school within his first year of membership and was a member of the deck department. Brother Bruce was last employed by OSG Ship Management. He is a resident of Warwick, Maryland. PATRICK CAIN Brother Patrick Cain, 64, began sailing with the union in 1978. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1982. Brother Cain was employed by Crescent Towing and Salvage for the duration of his career. He calls Pass Christian, Mississippi, home. GEORGE MALONEY Brother George Maloney, 71, signed on with the Seafarers in 2004. An engine department member, he upgraded at the union-affiliated Piney Point school in 2007. Brother Maloney worked with G&H Towing for the duration of his career. He is a resident of Santa Fe, Texas. ROBERT SOSCIA Brother Robert Soscia, 71, began sailing with the union in 2004. He was a member of the deck department and was employed by Port Imperial Ferry for his entire career. Brother Soscia calls Hazlet, New Jersey, home. Brother Michael Williams, 65, became a member of the SIU in 2006, initially shipping aboard the Bernard F. Fisher. He worked in both the Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MICHAEL BOLGER Pensioner Michael Bolger, 77, passed away May 8. He signed on with the union in 1967 and was a deck department member. Brother Bolger first shipped on the R.D. Conrad. He last sailed on the USNS Potomac before going on pension in 2009. Brother Bolger was a resident of Gold Beach, Oregon. DIONCE BRIGHT Brother Dionce Bright, 46, died March 3. Born in Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1994. Brother Bright’s first vessel was the Sealift Arctic and he sailed in all three departments. He most recently sailed aboard the Cape Ray and lived in Chesapeake, Virginia. LARRY COMBS Pensioner Larry Combs, 81, passed away May 8. He began his career with the SIU in 1955. Brother Combs’ first vessel was the Alcoa Puritan. He sailed in the deck department and last shipped on the Atlantic. Brother Combs became a pensioner in 2000 and resided in Norfolk, Virginia. PASQUALE DIBIASE Pensioner Pasquale Dibiase, 66, died April 24. He started shipping with the SIU in 1982 when he sailed on the Constitution. An engine department member, Brother Dibiase concluded his career on the Green Point. He retired in 2016 and lived in Portland, Maine. MICHAEL HESTER Pensioner Michael Hester, 71, died March 15. Signing on with the union in 1991, he first sailed on the Overseas Washington. Brother Hester was a deck department member and last worked aboard the Pacific 18 Seafarers LOG Tracker. He went on pension in 2015 and resided in San Ysidro, California. BARBARA JOVANOVIC Pensioner Barbara Jovanovic, 87, passed away May 15. She began shipping with the SIU in 1989 when she sailed aboard the Independence. Sister Jovanovic was a steward department member. She continued sailing aboard the same ship until her retirement in 1999. Sister Jovanovic lived in Encino, California. MARK LAMAR Pensioner Mark Lamar, 68, died January 2. He donned the SIU colors in 1974 and initially sailed aboard the Van Defender. Brother Lamar sailed in the deck department and concluded his career aboard the El Faro. He went on pension in 2019 and was a resident of Everett, Pennsylvania. PATRICK LYNCH Pensioner Patrick Lynch, 74, passed away May 7. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1970 when he shipped with CSX Lines. Brother Lynch was a member of the engine department. He last shipped on the Golden State before retiring in 2012. Brother Lynch lived in El Sobrante, California. MOHAMED OMAR Pensioner Mohamed Omar, 70, died May 4. He began his career with the SIU in 1987 and initially sailed on the Lurline. Brother Omar was a member of the steward department and concluded his career on the Moku Pahu. He became a pensioner in 2016 and resided in Dearborn, Michigan. LEONARDO PAPA Pensioner Leonardo Papa, 75, passed away April 13. He signed on with the union in 1985 and first worked on the Constitution. Brother Papa primarily sailed in the engine department and concluded his career aboard the Explorer. He began collecting his pension in 2013 and made his home in Shoreline, Washington. SAL DOMENIC QUAGLIATO Pensioner Sal Domenic Quagliato, 86, died December 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1987 and first sailed on the USNS Capella. Brother Quagliato was a deck department member. He last shipped on the Defender and retired in 2005. Brother Quagliato lived in Long Beach, California. JUSTIN SAVAGE Brother Justin Savage, 55, passed away March 9. Born in Honolulu, he signed on with the union in 1990. Brother Savage initially sailed aboard the Sealift Atlantic and was a member of the deck department. He last shipped on the Cape Jacob in 2005 and resided in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. GREAT LAKES CLARENCE DOAN Pensioner Clarence Doan, 78, died April 4. He signed on with the union in 1968 when he sailed on the American Seaocean. Brother Doan sailed in all three departments and concluded his career on the American Republic. He began collecting his pension in 2007 and made his home in Interlachen, Florida. INLAND EDWARD BARTHOLMEY Pensioner Edward Bartholmey, 71, passed away May 1. A deck department member, he signed on with the SIU in 1978. Brother Bartholmey was employed by G&H Towing for his entire career and retired in 2011. He was a resident of La Marque, Texas. JERRY CHAMPION Pensioner Jerry Champion, 84, died April 12. He joined the Sea- farers in 1968 when he worked for Stone Towing Line. Brother Champion worked in the deck department and remained with the same company for the duration of his career. He retired in 2002 and called Wilmington, North Carolina, home. away April 4. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 when he worked for G&H Towing. A member of the deck department, Brother Self last sailed with Moran Towing of Texas. He retired in 2019 and called Pasadena, Texas, home. WILLIAM CHARNOCK Pensioner William Charnock, 72, passed away April 23. Signing on with the SIU in 1993, he was first employed by Piney Point Transportation. Brother Charnock primarily sailed in the deck department and last worked for Allied Transportation. He became a pensioner in 2013 and resided in Hampton, Virginia. MORRIS SUPERCZYNSKI Pensioner Morris Superczynski, 92, died May 9. He signed on with the union in 1956 and was a deck department member. Brother Superczynski was employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore for the duration of his career. He retired in 1985 and resided in Bridgeport, West Virginia. JAMES DOW Pensioner James Dow, 84, died May 11. He began sailing with the union in 1969, initially working with Western Towing. A deck department member, Brother Dow continued to work for the same company for the majority of his career. He went on pension in 2002 and lived in Cleveland, Texas. NMU ORRIE ODOM Pensioner Orrie Odom, 90, passed away May 6. He joined the union in 1962. Brother Odom was employed by Dravo Basic Materials for the duration of his career. He retired in 1993 and settled in Range, Alabama. CHARLES PRUITT Pensioner Charles Pruitt, 83, died May 12. He signed on with the SIU in 1968, initially working for Steuart Transportation. Brother Pruitt sailed in both the deck and engine departments. He was last employed by Allied Transportation and retired in 1998. Brother Pruitt was a resident of Tangier, Virginia. MARCIANO DEGRACE Pensioner Marciano DeGrace, 82, passed away March 8. He joined the SIU during the 2001 NMU/SIU merger. Brother DeGrace was a deck department member. His first vessel was the Gopher State; his last, the Chesapeake Bay. Brother DeGrace became a pensioner in 2003 and resided in Yonkers, New York. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Alvira, Hipolito 93 Brown, Joseph 96 Cossette, Robert 93 Durant, Ralph 81 Engle, James 91 Forbes, David 80 Hendrick, Plummer 94 Huria, Peter 88 Johnson, Oscar 93 Logrono, Victor 94 Petrone, Joe 93 Pleas, Louis 85 DOD 05/10/2021 04/26/2021 03/29/2021 05/10/2021 09/22/2020 05/08/2021 05/03/2021 03/24/2021 05/15/2021 04/18/2021 03/23/2021 05/07/2021 ALAN SELF Pensioner Alan Self, 63, passed July 2021 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), March 28 – Chairman Jose Loureiro, Secretary Ingra Maddox, Educational Director Tristan Brand, Deck Delegate Domingo Cazon, Engine Delegate Mark Loughman, Steward Delegate Roberto Martinez. New PE for MMC renewal is not needed if medical certification is good for another year. COVID-19 tests administered prior to joining ship and vaccinations offered in Alaska. Making three trips to Cherry Point. Document extension runs through October or one year after the initial expiration date of the credential (i.e., one year after the expiration date printed on the credential), whichever is earlier, per USCG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed nonunion jobs lost due to pandemic. Members would like to increase vacation days and lower number of days required for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for boosting morale by providing good food and treats. Crew was reminded to keep up with dental care. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), April 11 – Chairman Nieves Guerrero Mariano, Secretary Moses Scott. Chairman discussed restriction pay in Sudan. No TV in rooms or weights in gym. Members requested portable heaters. Deck and steward delegates reported incident involving crew and one officer. Report to be given to bosun. Crew went over Seafarers LOG and discussed new jobs, 401K and upgrading applications. Members were reminded to upgrade at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. MAERSK DETROIT (Maersk Line, Limited), April 25 – Secre- 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. tary Johnny Sawyer, Educational Director Grant Shuman, Deck Delegate Morris Foster, Engine Delegate Abdulnaser Saeed. Steward department was thanked for a job well done. One injury reported aboard ship. Members were encouraged to support President Biden and Vice President Harris, both of whom are pro-maritime and pro-worker. Crew advised to get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Internet and SAT phone has been unavailable for three months. Members discussed retirement and vacation benefits. Crew requested a separate line of communication out side of Maersk for complaints within the company. OHIO (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), May 1 – Chairman Timothy Jackson, Secretary Louins Johnson, Educational Director Kevin Carraby, Deck Delegate Antionne Kelly, Engine Delegate Joseph Vitela, Steward Delegate Danilo Valencia. Crew discussed getting new computer up and running. Microwave and Xbox game purchased. Vote of thanks given to chairman and educational director. Chairman urged members to allow ample time to obtain renewals and discussed BT requirements when renewing MMC. Crew was reminded to practice social distancing. Good trip reported by chairman, including excellent food aboard ship. Educational director encouraged members to register for upgrading courses at the Piney Point school, as they fill up fast. Crew went over blue tickets and course of action to obtain green tickets. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read President’s Report in Seafarers LOG and discussed various topics including the importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccines. Members requested new pillows, mattresses and Wi-Fi availability on ship. Crew voiced recommendations regarding medical, dental, vacation, and pension benefits. Next port: Portland, Oregon. With Seafarers in Jacksonville OVERSEAS MARTINEZ (Overseas Shipping), May 5 – Chairman Brian Gauntt, Secretary Rene Guity, Deck Delegate Dwuan Reed. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members requested a coffee machine and new mattresses. Federal tax forms needed on ship. Steward department was commended for a job well done. Next port: Pascagoula, Mississippi. OCEAN FREEDOM (Crowley), May 6 – Chairman Jovan Williams, Secretary Jason Jambeter, Educational Director Jeffrey Thrash, Deck Delegate Robert O’Connell, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman. Mariners discussed global crew-change crisis and how it affects fellow seamen. Chairman thanked steward department for making great meals despite short supply of food stores. Educational director advised members to upgrade while they can, and to keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested increase to 401K benefit, and satellite TV system. Next port: Sweden. USNS WATERS (Ocean Shipholdings Inc.), May 13 – Chairman OMU Shawn Benosa (left) and Chief Cook Darrisha Bryant are sworn in for their respective full B-books during the June membership meeting in Jacksonville, Florida. Nathan Shuford, Secretary Alexander Dominguez, Educational Director Randy Slue, Engine Delegate Bobbie Gibbs, Steward Delegate Charles Sassone. Chairman reminded members to pay their dues. CHS taking more time with papers. Educational director emphasized importance of good communication between members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed pension benefits and requested increase in pension or decrease in sea time requirements. Ship has some internet access but SIU members do not. Members asked for one hour of overtime per week for room sanitation. Crew was reminded to work together and be respectful. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), May 16 – Chairman Wilfred Maurice, Secretary Lamont Faulks, Educational Director Darrell Goggins, Deck Delegate Yoland Legaspi, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal, Steward Delegate Sandra Vann. Educational director urged members to upgrade at the Piney Point school. Crew requested new TVs in rooms and improved Wi-Fi. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New bedsheets and new dinnerware requested for ship. More cleaning chemicals needed. Next port: Charleston, South Carolina. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board July 2021 by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIV- ITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Gap Closing Courses MSC Storekeeper Basic September 13 October 1 MSC Supply Configuration Management October 4 October 15 MSC Ship Clip October 18 October 29 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck July 26 September 27 November 15 August 13 October 15 December 3 Lifeboat/Water Survival September 27 October 25 November 22 October 8 November 5 December 3 RFPNW August 23 November 15 September 10 December 3 Radar/ARPA July 26 August 6 Fast Rescue Boat August 9 August 13 GMDSS July 12 July 23 Celestial Navigation November 15 December 10 Leadership and Management Skills December 13 December 17 Advanced Meteorology July 12 July 16 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Advanced Reefer Containers July 12 July 23 FOWT July 26 September 20 October 25 August 20 October 15 November 19 Junior Engineer September 6 October 29 Marine Electrician September 6 October 8 Marine Refer Tech July 26 September 3 Advanced Refer Containers July 12 July 23 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth __________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #_________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended __________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG Title of Course Start Date Date of Completion Machinist October 18 November 5 Pumpman November 8 November 12 Welding August 30 October 25 September 17 November 12 Engineroom Resource Management December 6 December 10 RFPEW August 23 November 15 September 17 December 10 Steward Department Upgrading Courses Certified Chief Cook July 19 August 23 September 27 November 1 August 20 September 24 October 29 December 3 Advanced Galley Operations July 26 September 27 November 15 August 20 October 22 December 10 Chief Steward August 23 October 18 September 17 November 12 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 6 September 10 Medical Care Provider September 13 September 17 Basic Training July 26 August 9 August 30 July 30 August 13 September 3 Basic Training Revalidation August 30 September 3 September 10 October 22 August 30 September 3 September 10 October 22 Basic Training/Adv. Firefighting Revalidation October 25 October 29 Government Vessels July 19 August 9 August 16 August 30 September 20 November 1 November 15 December 13 July 23 August 13 August 20 September 3 September 24 November 5 November 19 December 17 Tank Ship DL September 20 September 24 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 18 October 22 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 23 September 27 December 13 August 27 October 1 December 17 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 7/21 July 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #869 – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Joseph Bates, Turin Vatican Beamon Jr., Alexander Boothby, Martin Cox, Robert Cruz, Kendric Payne, Jaime Rios, Edwin Ruiz Vazquez, Francis A. Solmirano, Jose Ivan Soto-Ortiz, Tevainui Weza and Emilie Whitlow. Deck Operations (Phase III) – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): William Borders, Keon Romero Hatcher, Christian Ivezic, Christopher Nicolosi, Davner M. Rivera-Melendez , Kelvin Ivan Soto-Melendez and Woodrow Williams. Upon the completion of their training, each plans to work in the deck departments of SIU-crewed vessels. RFPEW (Phase III) – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Johnathan Bumgarner, Tyson Richardson, Julian M. Rubbo and Kameron Sims. Their instructor, Christopher Morgan, is at the far left. Each plans to work in the engine departments of SIU-crewed vessels upon the completion of their training. Junior Engineer – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): Anthony Brown Jr., Christian Cruz, Casey Frederick, Crystal Higgs, Deidra Hunter, Michael Joel, Tony King Jr., Joshua Mann, Gabriel Santa Ramos and Anias Stanford. Sterling Cox, their instructor, is at the far right. July 2021 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Adriano T. Agostino, Shane Beall, Angel Eugenio Centeno, Zachary Eads, Shirley Jenkins, Linda M. Kluth, Milton Legendre, Kristian Lindenmuth, Joseph White and Reginald White. UA to FOWT – Graduated April 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Liam Flanagan, David Allen Hain-Mendez, Troy Hubbard, Thomas Koncul, Johnny Matthews III, Randy Jahid Slue, Calvetta Taylor, Blake Washington and Kamaul Wells. MSC Supply Configuration – Graduated April 23 (above, in alphabetical order): Nathaniel Balos, Dillian Cannady, Julien Kei Charlet, Jamila King, Detrell Lambey, Steven Ariel Lopez Ferrer, Patricia Placek, Renita Walker and Nigel Williams. Pumpman – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): David Cornelius, Patrick Dean, Rene Gregorio Hallasgo and Nat Lamb. William Dodd, their instructor is at the far left. Machinist – Graduated May 21 (above, in alphabetical order): David Cornelius, Patrick Dean and Rene Gregorio Hallasgo. Their instructor, Roy Graham, is at the far right. 22 Seafarers LOG July 2021 �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Ahmed Ismail Ali, Jason Bullen, Jessica Crockett, Daniel Fields, Hamzah Ghaleb, Hamza Ghalib, Dominique Glover, Octavio Manuel Henriques, Mohsen Muhamed Hussen, Erris Jackson, Paul Klear, Mark Nover Miranda Lata, David Quade II and Clayton Walker. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization – Graduated May 14 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Hycienth Chuks Asagwara, Lamar Doctor, Aurora Foster, Russell Horton, Sean Jones, Antonio Norflett, Eugene Perez Jr., and Jason Springer. Small Arms – Graduated May 20 (photo at left, in alphabetical order): John Joseph Caraan Alcos, David James, Tomas Merel, Hamdanni Nurdin and Devin Zug. Chief Steward – Graduated May 28 (above, in alphabetical order): Randall Campbell, Reno Ibanez Duque, Joseph Kudjoe, Tyrane Savage, Jeffery Toliver Jr., and Bob Tuilaepa. (Note: Not all are pictured.) July 2021 Chief Cook Assessment Program – Jose Neil Dayal Sadaya, above, graduated from this course May 14. Seafarers LOG 23 �JULY 2021 VOLUME 83, NO. 7 Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O White House Boosts Jones Act Protection Administration Announces Transparency Program for Waiver Requests In an effort to promote Made-in-America goods and services, the White House, through its newly created Made in America Office, released a 15-page guidance dealing with proposed waivers to federal departments and agencies. “Transparent reporting of waivers from Made in America Laws will not only build confidence that the laws are operating as intended, but also provide data to inform policy development and strategic decision making,” stated the June 11 release from the Office of Management and Budget. The initial implementation of this transparency program will include U.S.flag shipping, specifically the Jones Act and the Cargo Preference Acts of 1904 and 1954, respectively. The guidance is in response to President Biden’s Made in America executive order of January 25, in which the Jones Act was specifically mentioned. It calls for transactional reviews by federal department and agency senior accountable officials in coordination with the Made in America office. That office will create a public website to allow for public transparency to be running during fiscal year 2022. In citing the need for such a waiver review process within the U.S.-flag industry, the guidance “recognizes foreign near-peer competitors are increasingly creating and exploiting economic vulnerabilities in gaining undue influence over the global transportation system, which provides the access to worldwide supply chains that supports our national defense, vital emergency services, critical infrastructure, economy, and way of life.” It outlines that any waiver of cargo preference laws will include the nature and description of transportation required, why the department/agency cannot acquire a U.S.-flag vessel, an explanation of the national security interest needed for a U.S.-flag waiver, and any additional information. If a requested waiver does not involve cargo preference, then the transparency process calls for stating who seeks such a waiver, the determination by the maritime administrator of the availability of U.S.flag vessels to meet the national security requirement, actions taken by the maritime administrator to enable U.S.-flag U.S. Shipyards Support $42.4 Billion in Gross Domestic Product The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) on June 14 announced the release of a new report finding that the nation’s private shipyards support $42.4 billion in gross domestic product (GDP). MARAD’s new report – The Economic Importance of the U.S. Private Shipbuilding and Repairing Industry – measures the economic importance of the shipbuilding and repairing industry at the national and State levels for calendar year 2019. “Shipyards create good jobs and support economic growth – not just in the areas surrounding our ports and waterways, but across the nation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. In 2019, the nation’s 154 private shipyards directly provided more than 107,000 jobs and contributed $9.9 billion in labor income to the national economy. On a nationwide basis – including direct, indirect, and induced impacts – the industry supported 393,390 jobs, $28.1 billion of labor income, and $42.4 billion in GDP. The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the economic importance of the maritime industry and has proposed $17 billion in inland waterways, coastal ports, land ports of entry, and ferries as part of the American Jobs Plan, MARAD reported. “These investments would make our infrastructure more resilient while improving efficiency and creating new capacity to enhance freight movement in the United States,” the agency noted. Since 2008, the U.S. Department of Transportation has provided nearly $262.5 million in grant funding through its small shipyard grant program to nearly 300 shipyards in 32 states and territories to improve infrastructure at U.S. shipyards. “The report issued by MARAD confirms that shipyards are vital economic engines in addition to being essential components of our industrial base,” said Acting Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley. “The skilled jobs created by shipyards are not only essential to supporting our military and our commerce, they are contributing to the economic success of communities all over the United States.” The report states the U.S. shipbuilding industry has run a trade surplus in six out of the last 10 years, with a cumulative trade surplus of $7.3 billion over this period. From 2015 to 2020, U.S. shipbuilders delivered 5,024 vessels of all types including tugs and towboats, passenger vessels, commercial and fishing vessels, and oceangoing and inland barges, reaching 608 vessels in 2020. More than 60 percent of vessels delivered during the last six years have been inland tank and dry cargo barges. There are currently 154 private shipyards in the United States, spread across 29 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands, that are classified as active shipbuilders. In addition, there are more than 300 shipyards engaged in ship repairs or capable of building ships but not actively engaged in shipbuilding. Although the majority of shipyards are located in the coastal states, active shipyards are also located on major inland waterways such as the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River, and the Ohio River. The final report, The Economic Importance of the U.S. Private Shipbuilding and Repairing Industry, is linked in a June 14 news post on the SIU website. vessel capability, information from other departments and/or agencies, any notices from the Department of Homeland Security prior to granting or denying such a waiver, and any additional information to understand why a waiver is needed and how it would be consistent with the law. The Made in America Office will work with relevant agencies to review how best to ensure agency compliance with cargo preference requirements to maximize the utilization of U.S.-flag vessels, in excess of any applicable statutory minimums, to the greatest extent possible. While U.S.-flag shipping will be among the first to be covered by this guidance, it eventually will apply to construction and purchases of goods and materials used throughout the federal government. Charter Member Turns 101 Retired Bosun Sylvester Furtado turned 101 on June 20. A charter member of the SIU (he joined in 1939), Furtado sailed until 1982. The Maryland resident sailed on many different vessels, including ones operated by Sinclair Oil, Mayflower Steamship, Waterman, Calmar, Delta Lines and others. Reminder About MMC Renewals Pete Buttigieg U.S. Transportation Secretary Lucinda Lessley Acting Maritime Administrator According to the latest pandemicera guidance on merchant mariner credentials (MMC) from the U.S. Coast Guard, those documents “may only be extended for up to one year from their date of expiration. Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (National Endorsements only) that expire between March 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 are extended until the EARLIER of October 31, 2021; OR one (1) year after the initial expiration date of the credential (i.e., one year after the expiration date printed on the credential).” So, for example, a mariner whose credential expired on April 15, 2021, has until October 31 of this year to secure a renewed document. A mariner whose MMC expired in March 2020 should have renewed that document by March 2021. Keep an eye on the National Maritime Center website for the latest guidance. Notices that may affect Seafarers also are posted on the SIU website, both in our news section and in our COVID19 Safety Updates area. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2021 Description An account of the resource HOUSTON HALL HOSTS VACCINATION CLINICS STEWARDS COMPLETE RECERTIFICATION CLASS SUNSHINE STATE PROVIDES KEY ASSIST DURING RESCUE BOATMEN APPROVE MORE CONTRACTS COLONIAL PIPELINE EPISODES REINFORCES IMPORTANCE OF JONES ACT TO SECURITY NEW HAMPSHIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GIVES THUMBS DOWN TO ANTI WORKER BILL PROGRESS CONTINUES WITH COVID-19 VACCINES SUNSHINE STATE CREW AIDS STRANDED BOATERS ADDITIONAL CONTRACTS APPROVED MEDINA MAKES HISTORY WITH IMO ELECTION DOT'S VIRTUAL MARITIME DAY OBSERVANCE HONORS U.S. MARINERS PAST AND PRESENT MARITIME GETS STRONG SUPPORT IN HOUSE HEARING PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN ISSUES MARITIME DAY 2021 PROCLAMATION COVID-19: SPOTLIGHT ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF MARINERS SHBP AWARDS $112, 000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS LATE MARINER INSPIRES DONATIONS TO SEAFARERS DISASTER AID FUND UNION, PAUL HALL CENTER MOURN J.C. WIEGMAN EIGHT RECERTIFIED STEWARDS THANKFUL FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT DOT FORBIDS MARIJUANA USE; PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTS ARE REPORTED TO COAST GUARD PAUL HALL CENTER MODIFIES SOME REQUIREMENTS FOR GALLEY TRAINING WHITE HOUSE BOOSTS JONES ACT PROTECTION U.S. SHIPYARDS SUPPORT $42.4 BILLION IN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT CHARTER MEMBER TURNS 101 REMINDER ABOUT MMC RENEWALS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/2021 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context VOL. 83, NO. 7 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/2fbed3d633eca9c9bfb0e85313bae6b8.pdf 93489890b707cf046d41f6003ad5b617 PDF Text Text JULY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Shuler, Redmond Elected To Top Posts at AFL-CIO Delegates to the AFL-CIO convention on June 12 elected Liz Shuler (left) as president and Fred Redmond (right) as secretary-treasurer. SIU President Michael Sacco (center), the longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, oversaw the election. Later, President Biden (photo directly below) addressed the delegates. The convention took place in Philadelphia. Page 2. (Photos by Jay Mallin) SIU Helps Observe National Maritime Day SIU officials and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took part in the National Maritime Day ceremony at DOT headquarters on May 24. Pictured in the front row, from left: SIU Port Agent Mario Torrey, SIU Asst. VP Pat Vandegrift, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips, SIU VP George Tricker, SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez, Deputy Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Daniel Duncan. Apprentices from the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are on stage. Pages 4-5. SHBP Scholarship Winners Page 6 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 1 MTD Convention Coverage Pages 11-14 6/24/22 11:30 AM �President’s Report Cargo Preference Laws Help USA Recent attacks against our nation’s cargo preference laws seem familiar in that they’re apparently designed to capitalize on a crisis. In this case, a pair of Senate resolutions targeting the “ship American” components of cargo preference sprung up in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Cargo preference is sometimes overlooked or misunderstood, but these laws are crucial for U.S. national, economic and homeland security. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, cargo preference “is the general term used to describe U.S. laws, regulations and policies that require the use of U.S.-flag vessels in the movement of cargo that is owned, procured, furnished, or financed by the U.S. Government. It also includes cargo that is being shipped under an agreement of the U.S. Government, or as part of a Government program.” If you remember nothing else about cargo Michael Sacco preference, please let it be the following: The premium for using U.S.-flag ships accounts for less than one percent of program costs, according to our government’s own data. Nevertheless, the completely unnecessary resolutions call for waiving “ship American” rules and diverting cargo to foreign carriers for three years. This would apply not only to cargoes destined for Ukraine, and that’s despite the fact that the law already permits the use of foreign-flag ships if U.S.-flag vessels aren’t available at “fair and reasonable” rates. Preference cargoes typically include military items, food aid, and shipments generated by the U.S. Export-Import Bank. There are corresponding percentage requirements that specify how much of the cargo must be moved on American bottoms, ranging anywhere from 50 to 100 percent. Cargo amounts themselves vary from year to year. For example, according to the Congressional Research Service, U.S. international foodassistance outlays fluctuated from Fiscal Years 2016 to 2020 based in part on demands that changed due to conflicts in Syria, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. In the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2020 and ending September 30, 2021, U.S.-flag ships delivered approximately 650,000 metric tons of food-aid cargoes around the globe. One thing that doesn’t change is the rock-solid rationale for maintaining these laws. Again, we turn to the DOT for the following excerpt about why cargo preference is necessary: “Just as many other seafaring nations have learned, history has taught us that Cargo Preference … is necessary for our national defense and a key driver of domestic and foreign commerce. This requires a U.S.-flag commercial merchant marine that can be called upon in times of war or national emergencies. Therefore, Congress has determined that the United States have a merchant marine sufficient to carry the waterborne domestic commerce and a substantial part of the waterborne export and import foreign commerce of the United States; capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency; owned and operated as vessels of the United States by citizens of the United States; composed of the best-equipped, safest, and most suitable types of vessels constructed in the United States and manned with a trained and efficient citizen personnel; and supplemented by efficient facilities for building and repairing vessels.” While we’ve got a long way to go to meet the goal of having American-flag ships carry “a substantial part” of our exports and imports, the SIU wholeheartedly agrees with the above-stated rationale and goals. Moreover, cargo preference laws have helped us answer the bell during all the recent activations – a response that is endangered by efforts to weaken those statutes. Cargo-preference laws are good for America, good for the U.S. maritime industry – and good for the foreign citizens who benefit from many of the cargoes themselves. I thank the Biden administration for supporting these laws, which should be maintained and strengthened. O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Volume 84 Number 7 July 2022 Delegates Elect Shuler, Redmond To Lead AFL-CIO into the Future AFL-CIO Convention delegates on June 12 elected Liz Shuler to serve as president of the federation of 57 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. Delegates also elected Fred Redmond to serve as secretary-treasurer; he is the first African American to hold the office. SIU President Michael Sacco, the longest-serving member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, oversaw the election and later was re-elected to the board. The SIU delegation to the convention also included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Vice Presidents Dean Corgey, George Tricker, Nicholas Celona, Joseph Soresi, Nick Marrone and Tom Orzechowski. Other convention happenings included an in-person address by President Joe Biden, and passage of a pro-Jones Act resolution that was read by Heindel. Immediately after her election, Shuler stated, “We are going to amplify the voices of working people – their hopes, struggles, and demands. This is more than a comeback story. This is a new story, yet to be told. A story we will write, on our terms, to be written by every one of us. A new era for all working people across this country. And generations from now, they’ll tell the story of how we succeeded, together, President Biden tells convention delegates that he remains an ardent supporter of unions. (Photo by Jay Mallin) in solidarity.” In her acceptance speech, Shuler delivered a call to action to organize, innovate and reshape the labor movement to meet the moment that the country is in as it continues to emerge from the COVID19 pandemic. Shuler also announced the AFL-CIO’s plan to activate one million workers throughout all 50 states to participate in the electoral process. Redmond said, “We will keep fighting until every worker in this country has the chance to have a good, union job. Everybody in, nobody out. And we’re going to fix our labor laws and make that a reality. I know what the labor movement does. It brings the marginalized in from the margins. It brings respect to the disrespected. It lets people come together and collectively bargain for their own future.” From 2009 until 2021, Shuler served as the AFLCIO’s secretary-treasurer. She assumed the role of president following the passing of Richard Trumka in 2021. Some of the SIU delegation is pictured on the convention floor. From left in front are SIU VPs Nicholas Celona, Joseph Soresi and Tom Orzechowski. SIU VP George Tricker is at far left in the second row while SIU VP Nick Marrone is third from left in that row. The SIU online: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO; 5201 Capital Gateway Drive; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Assistant Communications Director & Managing Editor/ Production, Jim Guthrie; Assistant Editor, Nick Merrill; Administrative Support, Jenny Stokes. Copyright © 2022 Seafarers International Union, AGLIW. All Rights Reserved. The Seafarers International Union engaged an environmentally friendly printer for the production of this newspaper. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and SIU Exec. VP Augie Tellez participate in the AFL-CIO convention in Philadelphia. 2 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 2 SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel reads a resolution supporting the Jones Act. Delegates approved the statement. (Photo by Jay Mallin) July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Pete Buttigieg Secretary of Transportation Ann Phillips, Rear Adm. USN, (Ret.) Maritime Administrator Adm. Karl Schultz Commandant U.S. Coast Guard Daniel Maffei Chairman Federal Maritime Commission SIU Turns Out for Maritime Day Observances In Washington, DC, Elsewhere Across Country Editor’s note: Additional photos from the various National Maritime Day ceremonies are available on the SIU Facebook page. SIU officials and apprentices from the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education contributed to the respectful, appreciative atmosphere May 24 at Department of Transportation (DOT) headquarters as the agency hosted an in-person observance of National Maritime Day. The event (which also was available as a livestream) marked the first in-person National Maritime Day ceremony in the nation’s capital since 2019. SIU officials in attendance included Executive Vice President Augie Tellez, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President George Tricker, Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift and Port Agent Mario Torrey. Paul Hall Center Apprentices Faith Wood and Alexander Boothby played key roles in the ceremony, which featured remarks from Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips (Rear Adm., USN, (Ret.), U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Karl July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 3 Schultz, Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Daniel Maffei and Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, commanding officer of the Military Sealift Command. Deputy Maritime Administrator Lucinda Lessley served as the emcee. Seafarers and SIU officials also took part in National Maritime Day observances in Texas, California and Virginia (all of them in person). At the DOT gathering, Buttigieg noted, “It is nice to have human voices reverberating in this atrium again.” He stated, “We are a maritime nation. From the three ships that changed the fate of the American continent, to the naval base in Hawaii whose bombing catalyzed America’s entry into World War II, to the ships carrying most of the things we all count on every day to our nation’s ports, we have always been and will always be a nation whose destiny is connected to the sea.” Buttigieg added, “In peace and in war, our mariners are the reason food reaches families’ tables around the country, the Continued on next page Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer Commanding Officer Military Sealift Command Lucinda Lessley Deputy Maritime Administrator Seafarers LOG 3 6/24/22 11:32 AM �Paul Hall Center Apprentice Alexander Boothby (photo at left) sounds “eight bells” as part of the Transportation Department ceremony in D.C. while Apprentice Faith Wood (above) carries a wreath towards the stage. Union Participates in Events Highlighting Contributions of Merchant Marine Continued from Page 3 reason supplies reach our service members deployed around the world…. Facing a once-in-a-century pandemic, you have adapted. You have kept sailing. You have kept America afloat.” “It’s my distinct honor to be here as MARAD’s 20th administrator,” said Phillips. “I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to serve our nation, and to work with so many stakeholders, many of whom are here in person today…. To foster, promote and develop the maritime industry to meet our nation’s current and future economic and security needs.” She continued, “Maritime Day is our annual opportunity to celebrate and commemorate, to honor our maritime history and to make sure our fellow Americans understand how critical the maritime industry has been – and continues to be – to our nation’s success. Most importantly, today we are thankful for the women and men of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and we celebrate their essential role in safeguarding and strengthening our nation.” Schultz said, “From the Coast Guard perspective, the marine transportation system is critical to our nation’s economy and our national security. About 24 percent of our gross domestic product ties to that. And all of us here today, we know the importance of seaborne cargo. We know the importance of a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. But over the past few years, I think Americans are becoming increasingly aware of the ties to their day to day lives.” He added, “In our world, it’s easy to focus on the ships, the ports and the other infrastructure that enable us to execute the mission. But you heard the secretary say it: It’s really about the mariners. It’s not the steel, it’s not the concrete. It’s the people that make this important industry the great industry it is.” Maffei elaborated on the importance of the merchant mariners of WWII, who recently received a Congressional Gold Medal for their service. He said, “Now, more than three-quarters of a century later, we remember their sacrifice and heroism, and that of all U.S. Merchant Mariners who have – right up to the present COVID crisis – put their lives and health on the line in order to ensure the success of U.S. forces and humanitarian efforts abroad. U.S.-flag ships continue to deliver important cargoes, across waterways, to all parts of our country…. On this Maritime Day, we owe them once again our heartfelt gratitude.” Wettlaufer used his speech to look to the future, saying, “To the people in the Among those pictured at the National Maritime Day event in San Pedro, California, on May 22 are SIU Port Agent Gerret Jarman (third from left), SIU Pensioner Mary Lou Lopez (second from left) and representatives from the SIUNA-affiliated SUP and MFOW. President Issues Proclamation For National Maritime Day 2022 From sea to shining sea, whether in still or raging waters, America has always been a Nation of maritime travel. Across our 25,000 miles of waterways and over 360 commercial ports, the United States Merchant Marine is integral to our Nation’s prosperity. From helping move goods throughout the supply chain to supporting our troops wherever they are deployed, the Merchant Marine plays a vital role in the economic security and defense of our country. On National Maritime Day and every day, we honor the Merchant Marines for their service and sacrifice and acknowledge their crucial role in protecting our Nation’s security and commerce. Today, our Merchant Marine remains inextricably linked to our national and economic security and competitiveness. Merchant mariners’ legacy of perseverance and dedication is carried on by today’s civilian mariners. As tyranny and violence again cause the tragic loss of innocent lives and senseless destruction in Europe, our merchant mariners have answered the call of duty by crewing vessels of our United States Ready Reserve, moving vital military cargo to help the Ukrainian 4 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 4 front row here, turn around and look at the [apprentices] from the [Paul Hall Center]. That’s the future. “In 2022, as in 1945, American mariners remain essential to our economy and our defense,” he continued. “The close collaboration between and integration across our commercial and labor partners, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Maritime Administration, the shipbuilding and repair industry, certainly the Department of Defense and the merchant marine allow our nation to maintain and retain a vital strategic advantage. An advantage that allows the joint force to maneuver across the globe at the time and to the place of our choosing, in both peacetime and in conflict.” To close out the ceremony, students from the Paul Hall Center served as wreath tenders and performed the sounding of Eight Bells, as is tradition. Pictured at the National Maritime Day ceremony May 19 in Norfolk, Virginia, are (from left) SIU Safety Director Anthony Houston, SIU Government Services Division Representative Sam Spain, Maersk Line, Limited President/CEO Bill Woodhour and SIU Port Agent DeCarlo Harris. Woodhour gave the keynote speech. people in their defense of freedom. We also salute the remarkable efforts of our entire maritime industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They put the well-being of the American people first, risking their lives to ensure that essential cargoes of medical supplies and personal protective equipment were delivered to those in need across our Nation. As we continue to build a better America, our Merchant Marine plays a pivotal role in securing our coastal and inland waterways so that they are open to trade. No matter the hardship, mariners provide a smooth passage for America’s critical domestic goods and serve as stewards of our Nation’s trading gateways with the rest of the world. My Administration continues its unwavering support of the United States Merchant Marine, as well as the Jones Act, which protects the integrity of our domestic maritime industry, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and contributes over $150 billion in economic benefits. We also know that the future success of the vital maritime industry depends on its ability to attract the talent of all Americans and reflect the diversity of the Nation it serves. That is why we are resolved to continue the urgent work of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the ranks of the Merchant Marine and to end sexual assault, sexual harassment, and bullying in the workplace. Our Nation’s merchant mariners serve with honor and integrity each and every day. Today, we recognize their service and sacrifice and recommit ourselves to fulfilling the promises and uplifting the values that they continue to protect. The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2022, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and to celebrate the United States Merchant Marine and maritime industry with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-sixth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. July 2022 6/24/22 2:54 AM �From left, Bosun Moussa Hamdy and Third Mate Lucan Shanahan welcome the rescued boater aboard the Endurance. Jack Sparrow? No, but Endurance Crew Rescues Capt. of Black Pearl Seafarers recently rescued an individual boater from a disabled, leaky craft approximately 170 miles off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. SIU and AMO members from the Endurance (operated by TOTE Services for vessel owner American RollOn Roll-Off Carrier) (ARC) performed the operation June 15, shortly after loading more than 1,900 pieces of highpriority military cargo destined for Europe to support ongoing NATO exercises. SIU members aboard the ship during the rescue included Bosun Moussa Hamdy, ABs Michael Otwell, Hussein M. Hussein, Dennis Stevens, Charles Frisella and Joshua Cutchin, Oilers Jorge Valencia Bon, Starling Priester and Denard Williams, Chief Steward Wilfredo Ramos Silva, Chief Cook Michael Page and SA Lynford Robles. The Endurance received a distress call from the Black Pearl, a 30-foot sailboat that was sinking 12 nautical miles from their position. According to a report from ARC, “Once the Black Pearl was in visual range, Endurance Captain Glenn Koshak deftly maneuvered the Endurance into position to lower a rescue ladder and recover the exhausted sailor who was the sole occupant of the boat. Ultimately, he was transferred at sea to the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Yellowfin and returned to shore. The swift and professional actions of the M/V Endurance Captain and Crew reflect the best values of the American Merchant Mariner and American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier.” “Helping a sailor in distress on the open seas is a moral imperative regardless of the priority of our cargo. I’m just happy we could help,” said Koshak. The sailboat reportedly had been taking on water for 24 hours and the occupant’s bilge pump stopped working. Koshak reported, “The distressed sailboat was spotted through the binoculars by the AB on watch at about nine nautical miles distance. Meanwhile the chief mate, bosun, and deck crew were readying the starboard pilot ladder and marshalling emergency equipment at the starboard pilot door. The engine crew were readying the ship’s generators to use the bow thruster and getting prepared for maneuvering…. “The mate on watch informed the captain of the Black Pearl of Endurance’s intentions and he stated that the water was above the settee and that he didn’t know how long he would have comms as the water level was nearing the radio equipment. The master of the 868-foot Endurance circled around to the east and cautiously approached the Black Pearl, keeping her at about 20m distance from the starboard side. Once the Endurance had come to a stop and the Black Pearl was positioned near the starboard pilot ladder, the captain of the Black Pearl abandoned his sinking craft and boarded his dinghy. Exhausted, he paddled the small inflatable the 20m to the pilot ladder and boarded the Endurance. “The crew greeted the shipwrecked sailor with urgency, removing his soaked shoes, and giving him blankets and dry clothes. He was checked by the ship’s medical officer, and vitals were relayed to the USCG. All in all, the captain of the Black Pearl was in ok condition with a swollen elbow and a bruise on his side. The steward department made sure he had plenty of Gatorade and food to eat after his exhausting ordeal.” The Endurance then headed back toward Charleston and met the Coast Guard cutter four hours later. “The crew of the Endurance acted with urgency and professionalism to ensure the safe rescue of the captain of the sailboat,” Koshak said. “They put their merchant marine training to the test and because of that a man is alive today. Merchant mariners rely on our brothers and sisters of the sea in times of crisis and always keep a weathered eye on the horizon.” The boat (above) had been leaking for 24 hours off the coast of South Carolina. In photo below, the sailboat’s occupant climbs aboard the SIU-crewed Endurance. Sen. Murkowski Receives SCA Maritime Leadership Award At their annual meeting in Washington, D.C., the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) recently presented U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) with the SCA Maritime Leadership Award. According to the SCA, “The award is given each year to national leaders or elected officials who demonstrate exemplary dedication and support for the nearly 400,000 men and women who serve in America’s shipyards and throughout the domestic industrial base.” “Throughout her time in public office, Sen. Murkowski has been a staunch advocate for the entire American maritime industry and especially for the hundreds of thousands of hardworking men and women who design, build and maintain our domestic fleet,” said SCA President Matthew Paxton. “Hailing from the Last Frontier, Sen. Murkowski knows firsthand the value of a strong maritime sector to our national defense and transport of commerce, and this Senator Lisa Murkowski (right) receives the Maritime Leadership award recognizes her unparalleled leadership and sigAward from Shipbuilders Council of America president Matthew nificant contributions to our industry in Alaska and Paxton (center) and Chairman Ben Bordelon. (Photo courtesy across America.” SCA) July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 5 Murkowski stated, “Since our nation’s founding, in times of conflict and peace, U.S. shipyards have built and maintained the vessels that protect America’s coastlines and waterways, carry the brave men and women of the U.S. military, and secure the movement of domestic and international commerce. The current geopolitical situation in Ukraine and persistent security threats from China demonstrate the need for Congress to prioritize investments into expanding the fleet of the future, particularly building out a robust fleet of polar security cutters. We must ensure our military is positioned to respond to the increased demand for their services as the maritime theater gets increasingly complex. It’s an honor to be recognized with this year’s Maritime Leadership Award and we will continue to be a vocal advocate for these essential national defense programs.” Murkowski currently serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, where she has advocated for the U.S.-flag maritime industry, as well as advancing policies to strengthen investments in Navy force structure and Coast Guard shipbuilding programs. Seafarers LOG 5 6/24/22 2:22 AM �$136,000 in Scholarships Awarded to Members, Dependents Three Seafarers and five SIU dependents were awarded scholarships from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) this year, totaling $136,000. The following Seafarers were selected to receive Charlie Logan Scholarships, as selected by the SHBP Scholarship Committee (consisting of active and retired educators from various colleges and universities from across the country): QMED Kabir Garcia Santiago, Chief Steward Sheneisha Thompson and QMED Justin Nicholson. In addition, the following dependents will also receive awards: Althea Rose Calixto, Fiona Forbes, Gabrielle Newgen, Hala Saleh and Kaylyn Zwernemann. Santiago’s grant was for $20,000, while Thompson and Nicholson each received an award worth $6,000. Each of the dependent scholarships is worth $20,000. Brief profiles of the winners follow. Kabir Garcia Santiago SIU Connection: QMED who joined the union in 2008. Notable: Puerto Rico native who lives in Carolina. Began working at age 10, and began sailing after college. Plans to become a Third Assistant Engineer in the near future. Academic Items: Graduated from Universidad Del Sagrado Corazon in 2005. Applied to multiple maritime academies. Quotable: “It’s difficult to condense 13 years of sailing…. I’m not only an asset because I have what could be considered a spotless professional record, but I have also never been fired from a job, have excellent social skills, an energetic drive, and am hungry for knowledge and always looking to go to the next level.” BA in communications. Plans to earn an engineer’s license. Quotable: “As soon as I heard about the apprentice program, it became crystal clear to me how to get out of the 9-to-5 deathtrap I was in, because I saw I could change the rules. I no longer had to spend all of my time trying to please a company, when I could join a union.” Althea Rose Calixto SIU Connection: Daughter of QMED Larry Calixto. Notable: Played tennis and participated in theater in high school. Worked at a tea house after high school, while enrolled in community college. Academic Items: Currently enrolled in Cosumnes River College, a community college in Sacramento. She has applied to California State University Long Beach and Sacramento. Pursuing a degree in psychology. Quotable: “I have always admired my dad’s dedication to his career, therefore inspiring me to pursue higher education. I plan to maintain good grades while being an undergraduate, allowing me to apply to graduate schools to advance my schooling and future job opportunities, with the intention of eventually giving back to my family.” Fiona Forbes SIU Connection: Daughter of Tugboat Master Vincent Forbes. Notable: Fluent in Japanese and English, written and illustrated two published books, National Honor Society member. Academic Items: Current high school student, dual enrolled in college courses, applied to multiple four-year colleges. Plans to earn a fine arts degree. Quotable: “I can remember sitting on my father’s lap, begging for ‘just one more story’ as I stare at the painting of him that hangs on the living room wall, trying desperately to see his face, hear his voice, feel his warmth for ‘just a little longer’ before he has to set out for another length out at sea.” Gabrielle Newgen SIU Connection: Daughter of QMED Allen Newgen. Notable: Played volleyball, softball, and swam in high school. Multiple volunteer positions. Academic Items: Current honor roll high school student, applied to several colleges in California. Pursuing a degree in business administration or graphic design. Quotable: “I want to create an enterprise that encourages all influential artists to produce a work of art that gives true meaning and has power within their own voice.” Hala Saleh SIU Connection: Daughter of SA Younis Hizam Faid Saleh. Notable: Currently working as a medical assistant while enrolled in a nursing program. Academic Items: Currently enrolled at Henry Ford College. Has applied to multiple four-year schools, with a plan to obtain a nursing degree. Quotable: “I want to contribute to the betterment of society as a whole. In the end, it’s not about me as much as it is about others. What can I do to make the world a better place? How can I, on my own, improve the lives of others?” Kaylyn Zwernemann SIU Connection: Daughter of Tugboat Captain Michael Zwernemann. Notable: Volunteered by planting trees and working in an animal shelter. Active member in five National Honor Societies. Academic Items: Current high school student who has applied to multiple fouryear colleges in Texas. Plans to get a degree in finance. Quotable: “My dad is probably the most sacrificial and hardworking man I know. When I was younger, I always hated the fact that my dad was away for what seemed like every big event working on a tugboat. But as I have grown older, I have gained an understanding that he did this so I could have every dream I have ever dreamed of, and I know now that it probably hurt him just as much as me to be away for some of those big moments.” Sheneisha Thompson SIU Connection: Chief steward who began sailing in 2014. Notable: Currently raising her daughter while managing her Seafaring career and finishing her degree. Academic Items: Is enrolled in Tidewater Community College, aiming to complete her Associates Degree in radiography. Quotable: “I have a success plan which will help me to achieve and manage my degree. I am determined to prove that I am more than capable of what’s required to succeed. I stay focused on studying and turning in assignments ahead of time. I also love to make weekly plans for my studies and decide in advance my goal for the week, which helps me manage my time better.” Justin Nicholson SIU Connection: QMED who has been sailing since 2015. Notable: Worked as a manager in a ski resort, before learning of the Paul Hall Center apprentice program from an old friend from high school. Joined Class 790 at age 33. Academic Items: Graduated from University of Hawaii in 2010, with a 6 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 6 The SHBP Scholarship Committee met virtually in May to finalize the scholarship awards. The committee consisted of Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Michael Glaser, Dr. Marla Kohlman, Dr. Gayle Olson and Dr. Keith Schlender. Each are current and/or retired educators. July 2022 6/24/22 11:35 AM �UNION HONORED IN TEXAS – The SIU recently received an award from the Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation, for “leadership in time of crisis.” The recognition stems from various sealift efforts and humanitarian aid. SIU Safety Director Kevin Sykes accepted the honor on behalf of the union. Pictured from left in photo above (taken at the Texas Gulf Coast Working Families Awards Celebration) are Sykes with U.S. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) and SIU Patrolman Clay Casteel; and (remaining photo) Sykes with U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and SIU Patrolman Kelly Krick. MEETING WITH PRO-MARITIME CONGRESSWOMAN – SIU Asst. VP Joe Vincenzo (right) is pictured with U.S. Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington) at a kickoff event for Washington State’s 10th District. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD ATB ACHIEVEMENT – SIU Asst. VP Kris Hopkins (second from right) meets with Seafarers aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning vessel. Pictured from left are AB Joseph Andre Gouveia, AE Zach Lindsey, Capt. Ryan Emmons, Hopkins and CM Jon Hendrickson. WITH SEAFARERS IN JACKSONVILLE – OMU Donell Criswell (right in photo above) receives his A-book at the hiring hall, while Chief Cook Arielle Collier (right in photo below) picks up her B-book. Both members are pictured with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. ABOARD GENERAL RUDDER – SIU and AMO members are pictured aboard the training vessel, operated by Crowley during a recent voyage. Pictured in the first row (from left) are CM Rick Caudle, QMED Nasser Aljahmi, 3M Kevin Zeller, 1st AE Sean Holmes, 3M Jack Keating, 2AE Gregory Potemken, AB Andres Martinez, SA Ricardo Escorcia, AB Edwin Zschocher, (back row, from left) Chief Cook Greg Watts, Training CM Ricardo Giannone, 3AE Zachary Weaver, 3AE Cherokee Johnson, Bosun Shaib Juma, Training 1AE Dan Picciolo, Chief Steward Rene Gil, MDR Jack Ford and Capt. Philip Whitney. Thanks to Caudle for the photo, taken in Miami. July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 7 Seafarers LOG 7 6/24/22 2:22 AM �At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD USNS ALGOL – Seafarers from the Algol and Capella (Ocean Duchess) are pictured during a recent servicing on the West Coast. From left are Recertified Steward Dante Cruz, GUDE Rodolfo Ludovice, GUDE Mohsin Mohamed, Recertified Bosun Artis Williams, Recertified Bosun Antjuan Webb, Electrician Salah Saleh, GUDE Ruel Decrepito and Recertified Bosun Ritche Acuman. FULL BOOKS IN ALGONAC – AB Trevor Allgeyer (above) and OMU Timothy McDonald (right in the photo immediately below, with SIU Patrolman Ryan Covert) recently received their respective full Bbooks at the hiring hall. HELPING FELLOW SEAFARERS – The SIU recently gathered donations (mostly entertainment items) for crew members on the President Wilson, who’ve had a longer-than-expected shipyard stay in Shanghai. Above are snapshots of bags being packed at the Oakland hall and then delivered to the President Roosevelt for transport. Pictured from left aboard the Roosevelt in the photo at left are SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday and Third Mate Samuel Synstelien. ABOARD GEM STATE – Seafarers are pictured aboard the PGM-operated vessel (photo at right) after returning to Alameda, California, following a turbo activation ordered by the U.S. Maritime Administration. ABOARD USNS JOHN LEWIS – Vessel master Capt. Doug Voss submitted the three photos directly above – along with kudos for SIU members – from the recently completed sea trials. “We had a great crew on board,” the captain noted. “They were a very fun, hard-working crew. We had a one-week sea trial and it was a success.” While members of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters handled the sea trials, CIVMARS from the union’s Government Services Division have since begun sailing aboard the vessel, which was built at General Dynamics NASSCO (a union yard). 8 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 8 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �ABOARD SLNC YORK – Pictured aboard the Argent Marine vessel in the Pacific Northwest are (far left) AB Clifford Carroll, (second from left) AB Mykel Potter, (second from right) Bosun Derek Minnix and (far right, from left) SIU Patrolman George Owen and Oiler Dennison Forsman. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU ABOARD AMERICAN PRIDE – Pictured aboard the Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning tanker in Port Arthur, Texas, are (photo above, from left) Chief Cook Adolfo Bermudez, SIU Houston Port Agent Joe Zavala and Recertified Steward Richard Jones. Below is Oiler Mario Cruz Levy, also with Zavala. A-BOOK IN OAKLAND – Chief Cook Ahmed Hussain (fourth from left) recently picked up his A-book at the hiring hall. A number of fellow Seafarers congratulated him, including SIU Port Agent J.B. Niday (far right). WELCOME ASHORE – Longtime Seafarer Capt. Randy Isenhart (center) is wrapping up his career aboard Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning’s Resolve. He’s pictured with Chief Mate Chris Mullin (left) and Chief Engineer Kevin Hale. WELCOME ASHORE IN TACOMA – MDR Duane Akers (left) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Warren Asp. (Akers hasn’t completely left the fold. He’s working as a safety director for the union.) July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 9 ABOARD OVERSEAS CHINOOK – Pictured from left aboard the OSG vessel are Chief Cook Gladiz David, SIU Houston Patrolman Clay Casteel and ACU Vidal Vallesteros. GIVING BACK IN ALOHA STATE – Volunteers from the SIU, including Port Agent Hazel Galbiso (above, left), recently helped spruce up a local school. The outreach was part of the “Labor of Love” community services program and included representatives from the Hawaii Ports Maritime Council. A few of the other volunteers are pictured in the photo at right. Seafarers LOG 9 6/24/22 2:22 AM �RALLYING FOR LIVING WAGE – The SIU participated in a demonstration at the Hawaii state capitol calling for a minimum-wage increase with no tip penalty. Pictured from left are SIU Port Agent Hazel Galbiso, former Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Director Gino Soquena, and AFGE National Organizer Lisa Akau. RECRUITING IN PHILLY – SIU Philadelphia Safety Director Andre MacCray (right) promotes the union and its affiliated school during a recent career fair. WELCOME ASHORE IN JERSEY CITY – AB Lucas Mejia (left), who started sailing with the union in 1991, picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. SIU Port Agent Ray Henderson is at right. At Sea and Ashore with the SIU WELCOME ASHORE IN JACKSONVILLE – Chief Cook Thomas Smith (left) receives his first pension check at the hiring hall. Smith began sailing with the SIU in 1981. He’s pictured with SIU Port Agent Ashley Nelson. WELCOME ASHORE IN OAKLAND – QMED Daniel Daligcon (right) picks up his first pension check at the hiring hall. He started sailing with the SIU in 1995. Diana Marrone, executive administrative assistant, is at left. FAMILY TRADITION – The Seafaring lineage is alive and well for Bosun Adiener Alfaro (right) and his son, AB Lexter Alfaro. The father-son team is pictured during a recent voyage aboard the USNS Maury (Ocean Shipholdings). Both members ship from the San Juan hall. WELCOME ASHORE IN NEW ORLEANS – Recertified Steward Eddie Taylor (left), pictured at the hiring hall with SIU Port Agent Chris Westbrook, started shipping with the NMU in 1978, and wrapped up his career with Keystone aboard the Cape Kennedy. He’s shown receiving his first pension check. 10 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 10 SEAFARING SELFIE – SIU Houston Safety Director Kevin Sykes (left) is pictured with AB Adam Simon, who works for G&H Towing. SAFETY TRAINING ABOARD TUG – Longtime Seafarer Capt. John Cox submitted this photo of fellow SIU boatmen Chief Engineer Roberto Rubio (left) and Mate Kent Hayward aboard the G&H Towing boat Frances E. Haden in the Gulf. July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia MTD President Credits Union Members For Dedication, Perseverance in Pandemic Despite facing unprecedented challenges caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the labor movement not only answered the call but also made significant strides, said the leader of the Maritime Trades Department (MTD). MTD President Michael Sacco, who also serves as SIU president, credited rank-andfile members and their unions with living up to their designation as part of the country’s “essential workforce.” Sacco expressed that sentiment in his opening remarks June 9 in Philadelphia, site of the MTD’s quadrennial convention. “Some of you may remember that we were just a week or so away from our 2020 executive board meetings when the pandemic basically overwhelmed North America,” Sacco said. “It’s no exaggeration to say that life hasn’t been the same since then. But we survived, we adapted and we learned. “Do you know what else we did?” he continued. “We delivered! Our members delivered. Our unions delivered. Obviously, there is nothing good about the COVID pandemic itself – but a lot of important things have happened since we had to cancel those meetings in 2020.” Sacco, who was reelected to his position later during the convention, reminded the audience of a period when “you couldn’t find toilet paper or hand sanitizer on the store shelves” and when a runaway-flag ship became stuck in the Suez Canal in 2021. “That’s when people outside our industry began to understand the importance of maritime,” he said. “That’s when the term ‘supply chain’ started to become part of everyday news coverage.” The growing awareness of the industry’s Michael Sacco President, MTD/SIU importance – starting with the significance of workers themselves – can only help bolster the U.S. Merchant Marine and American shipbuilding, Sacco stated. “Additionally, people across the United States are realizing the value of their work – and they’re waking up to the fact that the best way to get what they deserve is by forming or joining a union,” he added. “Our approval ratings are at historic highs. Our publicity is almost nonstop. Workers have won union elections at Starbucks and Amazon, two of the nation’s most high-profile employers. Workers at some Apple stores are also mobilizing for union representation.” He then welcomed delegations from International Longshoremen’s Association; the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; and the American Federation of Teachers. Those respective unions affiliated with the MTD since the department’s previous convention. The MTD president also touched on his pandemic-era experiences with online connectivity, and in particular web meetings. “It’s amazing how quickly it became part of everyday life,” he said. “What I’ve learned about technology is that it can be a double-edged sword. There is no doubt it can increase efficiency and save money. And there is no doubt that we also lose something if our only interactions with each other are on a computer screen. That’s not an old-school sentiment. It’s a human sentiment.” Like other speakers, Sacco also said it will be vital for workers and their unions “to make sure we’re using online connectivity – and technology in general – to enhance workplaces and to boost productivity while still preserving the relationships that are built over time, in person…. Again, I’m not looking to turn back the clock. But it’s up to us to harness the technology and put it to good use.” Lastly, he noted, “Whatever your personal political views, I hope you recognize that the Biden administration is well on its way to being the most pro-union administration ever. Not only that, the president himself has been an outspoken supporter of American maritime, starting in his first week in office. We’ve made great strides under his leadership, and we’ve also got lots of opportunities for more progress.” Shuler Cites ‘Power of Collective Action’ Federation President Sees ‘Future Where Unions Can Be the Constant’ The head of America’s largest labor organization says that unions can and must play vital roles as technology constantly reshapes workplaces. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler delivered that message June 9 at the Maritime Trades Department convention in Philadelphia. She also expressed the federation’s unwavering support for the U.S. maritime industry. Primarily, she explained her vision for how the labor movement can protect its hard-won gains while remaining vibrant for many years to come. “We cannot sit back and think it’s just going to take care of itself,” Shuler stated. “We want to be that labor movement that’s opening its doors wider than ever, showing workers that we are the place to go to prepare for the future. I see a future where unions can be the constant – where unions can be the solid foundation that people keep coming back to, to learn that next skill, to join that next industry that’s growing and emerging.” She said that, partly as a result of the pandemic, “people are waking up to the power of collective action and unions, like never before. There is activism like we haven’t seen in decades. This is a whole new generation of trade unionists that are showing us all how to be bold, how to take risks, how to be creative and how to be fearless. We need to do the MTD Snapshot July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 11 same.” Shuler mentioned various businesses where people have organized or joined unions in recent months, and noted that new technologies can leave people feeling unsettled. “Our workplaces are changing, especially coming out of the pandemic,” she said. “How do we build that future? It’s about embracing innovation and change. But it’s also about organizing.” Echoing the sentiments of MTD/SIU President Michael Sacco and other speakers, Shuler insisted, “Workers need to have a seat at that table where the decisions about technology are being made. No one knows our industries better than we do. We need to have workers’ voices at every stage of that process. That’s on us, and the labor movement has to prioritize it. We’ve got to keep evolving, and we’ve always been the source for those cutting-edge training programs. The maritime unions are right in the middle of this.” With that in mind, she announced that the federation recently launched the AFL-CIO Technology Institute. “We have to be the ones that shape that technology and control it for workers,” she added. “The industries that are emerging around us, especially coming out of the pandemic – we want to make sure that those are good, union jobs from day one. The Maritime Trades Department is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. It consists of 21 port maritime councils and 24 affiliates (including the SIU), plus executive officers and an executive board. We want to be the source for the highly skilled, most productive workers on the planet. That’s how we get a foothold.” She called for a “solidarity” approach to organizing, and pointed out that during the Amazon campaigns in Alabama, upwards of 15 unions participated, even though most didn’t have a membership stake. She sees that strategy as a model for the future and also said the campaign inspired other organizing drives in different economic sectors. Additionally, Shuler noted the importance of domestic shipbuilding, the Jones Act and cargo preference. “Maintaining a first-class maritime industry is all of our fight,” she said. “Having highly skilled, union, U.S. mariners is how we do that.” She also described U.S. maritime labor as “the most patriotic group of trade unionists. The role that the maritime trades play in keeping our country moving, making sure that our national defense is operable – this is who are movement is, and more people need to see that.” Shuler concluded by designating the Biden administration as “the most prounion administration in history…. That means that working people were at the table as we were planning the country’s recovery. We’re going to keep pushing to get more investment in working people.” She expressed concern about polariza- Because of the pandemic, the MTD’s convention – and its observance of the department’s 75th anniversary – were bumped back from 2021 to June 9-10, 2022 in Philadelphia. There, delegates re-elected Michael Sacco as president; Anthony Gonsiewski Liz Shuler President, AFL-CIO tion among some union members and encouraged everyone to “get back to our roots, focus on issues, get back to faceto-face communication, talk about our shared values and vision. Listen before you talk.” as vice president; and Daniel Duncan as executive secretary-treasurer. They also adopted numerous statements aimed at mapping out the MTD’s future. The convention’s theme was “Anchored in the Past – Full Ahead Toward the Future.” Seafarers LOG 11 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Maritime Trades Department Delegates & Guests Adam Vokac President MEBA Anthony Poplawski President MFOW Anthony Shelton President BCTGM Dave Connolly President SUP Edward Kelly President IAFF Eric Dean President Ironworkers Lonnie Stephenson President IBEW Richard Lanigan President OPEIU Lisa Bolton VP CWA Peter Clark VP ILA Brian Bryant VP Machinists Warren Fairley VP Boilermakers Patrice Caron Exec. VP SIU of Canada Bob Rice Sec.-Treasurer AMO Eric Bunn Sec.-Treasurer AFGE Roland Rexha Sec.-Treasurer MEBA Dale Troll Metal Trades Dept. Harry Kaiser BCTGM Jeanette Bradshaw Michigan Port Maritime Council Robert Howard Chicago Port Maritime Council Louie Diaz Southern California Port Maritime Council John Baker General Organizer ILA Patrick Dolan UA Dan Duncan Sec.-Treasurer MTD Mark Clements Administrator MTD Augie Tellez Exec. VP SIU Dave Heindel Sec. Treasurer SIU George Tricker VP SIU Tom Orzechowski VP SIU Dean Corgey VP SIU Nick Marrone VP SIU Joseph Soresi VP SIU Nicholas Celona VP SIU Govt Svs Karen Horton-Gennette National Director UIW Kris Hopkins AVP SIU Michael Russo AVP SIU Bryan Powell AVP SIU Pat Vandegrift AVP SIU Amancio Crespo AVP SIU Joe Vincenzo AVP SIU Govt Svs Maggie Bowen Plans Administrator Seafarers Bernie Hostein Steelworkers 12 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 12 July 2022 6/24/22 11:40 AM �Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia ITF Official Praises Maritime Labor Cotton Says Jones Act Should be Global Model The top official of a powerful international labor group said the global pandemic called overdue, positive attention to the maritime industry. Steve Cotton, general secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), addressed the Maritime Trades Department convention June 10 in Philadelphia. He discussed the federation’s efforts to help workers in Ukraine; the future of transportation jobs; and the maritime industry’s response to COVID-19. The ITF is a federation of 665 trade unions – including the SIU – representing 20 million workers in 147 countries in the seafaring, port, road, rail and aviation sectors. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel chairs the federation’s Seafarers’ Section. Cotton described the situation in Ukraine as “very challenging for the global labor movement.” He also mentioned the Seafarers Union of Russia, and noted, “Those friends of a long time are still our friends, and they’re not responsible for the behavior of Putin. We’ve had to very delicately make sure our brothers and sis- ters in Ukraine, who are suffering terribly, are supported by the ITF and all the global union movement, and also deal with the fact that some Russian transport workers are not the devil.” He then described how the pandemic, along with the unrelated grounding of a runaway-flag ship in 2021 in the Suez Canal, “highlighted to the world’s media how much they depend on the world’s seafarers. I frankly feel that we’ve been invisible. COVID has given us a unique opportunity to get into the governing bodies of the United Nations and other policymakers to remind them how critical seafarers and other transport workers are.” Cotton said that throughout the pandemic, “we saw collaboration at the port council level to get seafarers on and off ships. Also, the world saw that seafarers are committed and professional, wherever they’re working…. In some of the worst cases, we had seafarers on ships for 18 months, with no shore leave. “We also saw – not in the U.S. – the inability of governments to react to crisis,” he continued. “Bureaucracy made it very dif- MTD President Michael Sacco, ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel are pictured before the second day of the convention. ficult for us to move seafarers around, and we lobbied in all of the countries. We also learned that if we want to make a significant difference, we have to be in a conversation with the shipowners, and we worked collaboratively with them. We got a message to United Nations secretary general, who agreed that seafarers should be defined as essential workers and at the top of the list when it comes to moving across borders because of the pandemic.” Nevertheless, the crew-change crisis proved challenging, in part because of “inconsistent application of international rules.” The ITF official then discussed the always-changing nature of work and how the United States’ freight cabotage law can play a vital role in upholding workers’ rights. “You have the Jones Act, and the world is envious,” he said. “You have a power that goes beyond just words…. What you have in the Jones Act is something we need to transfer globally.” Making “green jobs” union jobs is “critical,” Cotton said. “Why is it critical? Because that’s where the money is going. It’s critical that we build better jobs – better union jobs – and we in the ITF are committed to do that.” Cotton commended Heindel’s work in trying to ensure a bright future for transportation workers while not impeding progress. He described those efforts and said they’re ongoing. “How do we make sure that today’s seafarers have got the skills to be tomorrow’s seafarers?” he added. “We have to have a union voice in every single one of those rooms where decisions are being made.” As a prominent example, he stated, “We need you – the strong American labor unions – and the use of the Jones Act to help us establish what is best practice when it comes to constructing wind farms off the coast. Many of our unions in traditional maritime countries don’t have the Jones Act and struggle to keep their men and women at work in the maritime sector. We think wind farms – the construction, the maintenance – could be an opportunity for good, well-paid unionized jobs for nationals all around the world. ITF General Secretary Steve Cotton says the pandemic highlighted the maritime industry’s importance. “We’re not against change,” he added. “We understand the world will continue to develop and change. But we want a say about what it changes. We want to have a conversation about, what does digitalization look like in the ports?... If we can work smarter, yeah, let’s work smarter. But let’s not put people out of work, and let’s not put people out of work without a conversation about what unions want.” Technology can’t replace the entire workforce, he said, pointing to a recent example of another foreign-flag ship that grounded in Baltimore. The eventual freeing of that vessel showed the importance of “skilled, working men and women,” Cotton said. “Let’s not mistake that a computer is going to come along and move that Evergreen ship out of the mud. That takes real people with real skills and the ability to time-manage the challenge.” He concluded, “Strong labor voices do make a difference, and our commitment in the ITF is unending to you.” Rep. Donald Norcross Stresses ‘Buy American,’ Lasting Value of Union Jobs in USA In a wide-ranging address June 10 at the Maritime Trades Department convention in Philadelphia, U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) often returned to one key subject: good, union jobs. A longtime electrician and onetime president of the South Jersey Building and Construction Trades Council before his election to Congress, Norcross also underscored his support for the U.S. maritime industry; emphasized the need for unity across the country; promoted workplace safety; and asked rankand-file union members to recognize the pro-labor work of the Biden administration. Norcross, who’s still a union member, pointed to his own family as a prime example of how union apprenticeships can be gateways to rewarding careers. He said he has three grown children: a doctor, a lawyer, and an electrician. Only the latter has paid off his house, the congressman said. “College isn’t the only path” toward a good job, Norcross stated, and the various paths “are of equal value.” One way to ensure availability of good jobs in the trades is by instituting project labor agreements (PLA), he said. President Biden earlier this Congressman Norcross ad- year issued an executive order mandresses the MTD convention and dating that federally funded conemphasizes his support of the struction projects worth at least $35 million must be handled by workers U.S. maritime industry. July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 13 covered by PLAs. Such agreements create and maintain good-paying jobs, promote local hiring and boost safety standards. “PLAs don’t happen accidentally,” said Norcross, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee. “They happen because the stage has been set over years. But we know how important they are. They mean good wages, pensions, safety. It only happens because we collectively work together to put people in positions in public office who understand where we come from.” He said that when traveling in an Armed Services Committee capacity, “when I meet the General Dynamics and Boeings and Lockheeds, I always ask to meet with the union president at each site. I want to hear what they have to say.” Turning to maritime, Norcross said the wind energy sector holds great promise for various sectors of the industry. He also expressed his ongoing support for the Jones Act, and said the pandemic opened the public’s eyes regarding the importance of maritime. “The supply chain does matter, doesn’t it?” he asked. “Buy American means we have a supply chain that we’re not going to (have) to worry about whether the Chinese are going to try to disrupt it. That’s as real as you are sitting here. It is unbelievable on a classified level what we see going on throughout our country. I think we’ve turned a corner; now, we need to make sure we do it. We start with Buy American and we make sure we have the skillsets back here at home.” Speaking about both the maritime industry specifically and the U.S. workforce generally, Norcross added, “You don’t build an industry or lose it overnight…. People are beginning to understand you don’t just snap your fingers” and have a well-trained, reliable workforce in place. Looking towards the midterms later this year, Norcross reminded the audience that Biden “uses the word ‘union’ proudly. This is a big deal.” The congressman called for unity and said when it comes to union involvement in politics, “It’s not about what team you’re on. It’s about what MTD President Michael Sacco (left), U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-New Jersey) we do: helping bring home a paycheck so they can take care of their family. If we get stuck in these (partisan) corners, it’s not a good outcome…. I’ve been on picket lines and nobody likes a fight more than me. But I was on the (Capitol) floor on January 6. That’s not my country. This is not a blue or red issue; this is an American issue as fundamental as anything we do.” Seafarers LOG 13 6/24/22 12:03 PM �Maritime Trades Department AFL-CIO 2022 Quadrennial Convention, June 9-10, Philadelphia ‘U.S. Merchant Marine is Essential’ FMC Commissioner Notes Growing Awareness of Maritime The U.S. maritime industry collectively should capitalize on the growing awareness of its essential roles. Carl Bentzel, a commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), emphasized that view June 9 at the Maritime Trades Department convention in Philadelphia. The FMC is self-described as “the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system for the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and the U.S. consumer.” Bentzel said that the COVID-19 pandemic spotlighted “the essential character of transportation…. The U.S. Merchant Marine is an essential component of our industrial base and our security. We can’t rely on foreign shipping to provide our nation’s objectives.” He also said that while the FMC is not involved in Jones Act issues, he strongly supports maintaining the century-old law, which is vital to U.S. national, economic and homeland security. (The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between domestic ports is carried aboard vessels that are crewed, built, flagged and owned American.) “It was always something that offended me, that we would consider ceding our territory, our navigable waters, to some foreign nation,” Bentzel said regarding those who would weaken or eliminate the law. “It would be like giving up the state of Nebraska to another nation. We can’t consider that. It’s stunning when we even consider” such proposals. “If you work in the United States, you should be subject to our laws. We should have U.S. health, safety and labor standards. It’s a disappointment to even have to argue this.” He noted the devastating consequences Australia has experienced due to wiping out their own freight cabotage laws. Bentzel added, “During the pandemic, Jones Act carriers are transporting cargo on a timely basis. It’s also getting there to the offshore islands and Puerto Rico. Rates have not gone up. By comparison, the shipping rates on (foreign flag) international cargo shipping have gone up 300 to 500 percent, and it’s taking two to three times longer to travel.” The commissioner pointed out there aren’t many U.S.-flag ships trading internationally, which leaves the country potentially vulnerable. “One-hundred percent of every single container used in the world is built by the Chinese government,” he said. “Forty-three percent of all ships are built by China,” while roughly 80 percent of the world fleet sails under runaway flags.” Bentzel then talked about the original debate concerning the Maritime Security Act of 1996 (a law that created the Maritime Security Program). He read comments from the late U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) – an honorary SIU member. The senator explained the maritime industry’s importance and said we cannot rely on the goodwill of foreign nations to transport military cargo and other vital supplies. “Those comments are applicable today, perhaps even more so,” Bentzel said. He then focused on ways to grow the in- FMC Commissioner Carl Bentzel dustry. “We should look at this crisis (the pandemic) as an opportunity to make the case that we have to have a (stronger) U.S. presence in (international) shipping,” Bentzel said. “I am a regulator, but in my capacity, I will do anything I can to support and promote the presence of U.S.-flag shipping and U.S. Merchant Mariners.” He concluded, “It is an industrial base that is strategically vital to the United States. We’ve spent too little energy and too little time and too little effort at the federal level doing what we could. I’m going to be working with you to do whatever I can, but it’s really up to your folks in Washington to come up with some plans. There is an opportunity; people recognize that our supply chain is handled by an industry. Before this (pandemic), goods just magically appeared. Let’s capitalize.” Speakers Tackle Labor, Maritime Issues Delegates and guests at the MTD convention heard from an array of speakers representing various segments of the maritime industry and the labor movement. Those speakers included BCTGM Secretary-Treasurer David Woods (above, left); Maryland Port Administration Executive Director Bill Doyle (second from left); Adriana O’Hagan of the American Federation of Teachers (second from right); and Philadelphia Central Labor Council President Pat Eiding (far right). Many of the convention’s attendees are pictured in photo at immediate right. 14 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 14 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Important Notice: Norfolk Hall Renovations, Temporary Offices Extensive renovations to the hiring hall in Norfolk, Virginia, are expected to commence soon. At press time, the union secured temporary office space that will be utilized during the renovation period. The address of the temporary office is 111 Mill Creek Parkway, Suite 100, Chesapeake, Virginia, 23323. That facility is located 14 miles from the Norfolk hall. The phone and fax numbers for the hall will remain unchanged. “The planning for these renovations has been comprehensive, and I’m confident that the membership will be pleased with the re- sults,” said SIU Assistant Vice President Pat Vandegrift, who is overseeing the project. “It’s definitely time to make these improvements, and we’re still retaining the convenience of the hall’s location, which is near both the waterfront and a main highway.” An exact move-in date wasn’t known at press time but will be posted on the SIU website, communicated via the union’s text service, and published in upcoming editions of the LOG. The renovations are expected to last several months and possibly as long as a year. Contact the hall for more information. Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea “Total Registered” and “Total Shipped” data is cumulative from May 14 - June 15. “Registered on the Beach” data is as of June 15. Port A Total Registered Total Shipped All Groups All Groups B C A B Registered on Beach Trip C Reliefs All Groups A B C WellCheck Provides Fast, Convenient Vax Card Storage Thanks to a partnership between the SIU and WellCheck, mariners can now verify their COVID19 cards with state databases, store them digitally on their devices, and call up the information in an instant – all for free. This service, which is being offered to members as an optional convenience, allows mariners to digitally authenticate their vaccine records. This is an important step that increases the card’s acceptance rate in some locations, including foreign ports and some large events. Once verified, the information is then stored digitally thru the WellCheck app, as well as automatically uploaded to the member ’s online SIU member portal. All members are strongly en- couraged to upload their vaccine cards through the WellCheck app, even if they have previously submitted their information. Additionally, when a member receives a COVID-19 booster shot, they are encouraged to upload their updated vaccine card through WellCheck. Members can also save their verified vaccine information to their Apple Wallet or Google Wallet on their mobile devices, to ensure they have ready access even if they lose internet connectivity. This is an added service being provided to the membership at no cost, and is not mandatory. To g e t s t a r t e d , s e e the May 17 post on the SIU website or visit: https://tinyurl.com/ bdz48avh July & August Membership Meetings Piney Point..........................*Tuesday : July 5, Monday: August 8 Algonac...........................................Friday: July 8, August 12 Baltimore........................................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Guam............................................Thursday: July 21, August 25 Honolulu...........................................Friday: July 15, August 19 Houston..........................................Monday: July 11, August 15 Jacksonville...................................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Joliet..............................................Thursday: July 14, August 18 Mobile.....................................Wednesday: July 13, August 17 New Orleans....................................Tuesday: July 12, August 16 Jersey City...........................................Tuesday: July 5, August 9 Norfolk..............................................Friday: July 8, August 12 Oakland.......................................Thursday: July 14, August 18 Philadelphia......................Wednesday:July 6, August 10 Port Everglades............................Thursday: July14, August 18 San Juan................................... ...Thursday: July 7, August 11 St. Louis.............................................Friday: July 15, August 19 Tacoma...........................................Friday: July 22, August 26 Wilmington..................................Monday: July 18, August 22 * Piney Point change in July due to Independence Day observance Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 15 Seafarers LOG 15 6/24/22 11:26 AM �Inquiring Seafarer Seafarers International Union Directory Michael Sacco, President Augustin Tellez, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer George Tricker, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast This month’s question was answered by upgraders at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Maryland. Question: What was the most memorable vacation you’ve taken since becoming a mariner? Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Brandy Baker QMED Spain in 2009, back when I first started in the union. I went to Madrid, and the experience made me want to do and see more. It was a life-changing experience for me, and it put clouds under my feet, it gave me the urge to travel more. Nicholas Celona, Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Vanessa Brumsey-Osbourne Chief Cook My best vacation was during off-time at work, when we went to Saipan. It’s gorgeous, and a day’s sail from Guam. The water was so blue, and you could see your toes through the water. It was a great time. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 Timothy Paul AB Scotland, 2007. I went over with my pregnant wife for our anniversary, and we came home with a daughter! But I love that I have been able to travel and see the world, both on a ship and in my free time. 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 Lance Gibson GUDE I went to Cancun for an anniversary trip with my wife. It was a surprise I set up for her, and she had no idea where we were going until we got to the airport. The smile on her face when she found out was priceless. And we’ve been married for 14 years. HOUSTON 625 N. York St., Houston, TX 77003 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 5100 Belfort Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 281-2622 JERSEY CITY 104 Broadway, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (201) 434-6000 Michael Zabielski DEU While working on the OSG Houston while it was in the yard, we went to the Bahamas. We saw the palm trees, went snorkeling, we went fishing from the deck of the ship. It was a great time. Ernest Grant DEU I’ve been on some tours that felt like vacations when we went ashore. Belgium was great – the people were so nice, the food was awesome, and their chocolate really is the best. They didn’t speak a lot of English, but they were so nice to me. JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 Ben Thuringer OMU I went to the Amalfi Coast in 2021. My intent was to tour the ruins of Pompeii, but I didn’t know I needed a reservation! So, I drove my rental car down the coast, and camped out on the beach for the night. It was an amazing trip. MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 OAKLAND 1121 7th St., Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2360 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT 45353 St. George’s Avenue, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN JUAN 659 Hill Side St., Summit Hills San Juan, PR 00920 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4001/4002 16 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 16 Pic From The Past In 1978, the SIUcrewed Delta Sud received the prestigious Jones F. Devlin award for an outstanding safety record. When the award was presented, the vessel had operated for 773 consecutive days without a single lost-time accident to any crew member. Among those pictured on the vessel in New Orleans are Steward/Cook Edward Vieira (left) and AB John Sanfferer (third from left). Vessel master Capt. W.L. Easter is fourth from left, accepting the certificate from Capt. E.R. Seamen, marine operations manager Delta Line. In that era, the Devlin award was sponsored by the American Institute of Merchant Shipping. It’s still presented today, by the Chamber of Shipping of America. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with other Seafarers LOG readers, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Capital Gateway Drive, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. High-resolution digital images may be sent to webmaster@seafarers.org July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. DEEP SEA GREGORY AGREN Brother Gregory Agren, 70, began his career with the SIU in 1987 when he sailed aboard the USNS Bartlett. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Agren most recently shipped on the Cape Island. He makes his home in Port Angeles, Washington. GERTRUDIS ARZU Sister Gertrudis Arzu, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1999, initially working on the Richard G. Matthiesen. She was a steward department member and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Sister Arzu most recently sailed on the Maersk Kinloss. She lives in the Bronx, New York. STEVE BIGELOW Brother Steve Bigelow, 67, donned the SIU colors in 1973 when he shipped on the Portland. He upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Bigelow was an engine department member and concluded his career on the Reliance. He calls Edmonds, Washington, home. JUSUF DJUNED Brother Jusuf Djuned, 66, signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1981, initially sailing aboard the Innovator. He shipped in the deck department. Brother Djuned’s final vessel was the Overseas Ohio. He makes his home in Seattle. WALTER FEY Brother Walter Fey, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1981. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. Brother Fey’s first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Chemical Explorer. He is a Philadelphia resident. ROMAN GENETIANO Brother Roman Genetiano, 68, signed on with the SIU in 1990, first sailing aboard the Independence. July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 17 He shipped in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Genetiano most recently sailed aboard the USNS Pililaau. He resides in Honolulu. ROMARICO HINAYON Brother Romarico Hinayon, 67, embarked on his career with the SIU in 2000. A steward department member, he upgraded on numerous occasions at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. Brother Hinayon first shipped aboard the Coast Range. He concluded his career aboard the Manulani and makes his home in Long Beach, California. VERNON HUELETT Brother Vernon Huelett, 66, started sailing with the union in 1980, initially working on the Gemini. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in 1986. Brother Huelett last shipped on the Dodge Island and settled in Houston. ABUBAKAR IDRIS at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Ismail concluded his career on the Dodge Island and makes his home in Dearborn, Michigan. Brother Simbler upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. He last sailed on the New York and is a resident of Tyler, Texas. departments and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Vega’s final vessel was the USNS Gilliland. He resides in New York. JOHN JASINSKI THESSOLONIAN SMITH PATRICK SMITH Brother John Jasinski, 69, signed on with the union in 2003. He first sailed with Keystone Shipping Services and worked in the deck department. Brother Jasinski upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently shipped on the Burns Harbor and is a resident of Marquette, Michigan. Brother Thessolonian Smith, 73, began his career with the SIU in 2005. He shipped in the steward department and initially sailed aboard the Lykes Explorer. Brother Smith upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently shipped aboard the Resolve and resides in Alexandria, Virginia. Brother Patrick Smith, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1982. He initially sailed with Atlantic Diving. Brother Smith upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2012. He was last employed by Great Lakes Towing and resides in Lakewood, Ohio. JAMES KASHA Brother James Kasha, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1997, initially shipping on the McDonnell. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on multiple occasions. Brother Kasha last shipped aboard the St Louis Express. He lives in Dunnellon, Florida. ELKANAH LADIA Brother Abubakar Idris, 70, joined the union in 1997. He was a deck department member and first sailed aboard the Overseas Philadelphia. Brother Idris upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions. He most recently worked on the Overseas Key West and callas Beaumont, Texas, home. Brother Elkanah Ladia, 70, donned the SIU colors in 2001. He first shipped aboard the Keystone Texas and worked in the deck department. Brother Ladia upgraded at the Piney Point school in 2007. He most recently sailed aboard the Louisiana and resides in Charleston, South Carolina. HUGO INFANTE JAMES SIEGER Brother Hugo Infante, 65, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1994, initially sailing on the Sea Lion. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on numerous occasions. Brother Infante last shipped on the Dewayne T. Williams and lives in St. Petersburg, Florida. Brother James Sieger, 70, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1973 when he shipped on an Interseas Bulk Carriers vessel. He worked in the engine department and upgraded on several occasions at the Piney Point school. Brother Sieger concluded his career on the Maersk Seletar. He lives in West Babylon, New York. TAHA ISMAIL KENNETH SIMBLER Brother Taha Ismail, 65, joined the SIU in 1999 when he sailed on the Anders Maersk. He was a steward department member and upgraded Brother Kenneth Simbler, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1988. He first sailed aboard the Inger and worked in the deck department. GREAT LAKES RANDY SORIANO Brother Randy Soriano, 54, joined the SIU in 2004. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Jack Lummus. Brother Soriano’s final vessel was the USNS Montford Point. He lives in the Philippines. FRANK STRONG Brother Frank Strong, 67, joined the union in 2001 and initially sailed on the Cape Ducato. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Strong concluded his career aboard the Pelican State and settled in Houston. EDDIE TAYLOR Brother Eddie Taylor, 70, signed on with the Seafarers in 2001. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Piney Point school on several occasions. Brother Taylor worked for Keystone Shipping Services for the duration of his career and last sailed aboard the Cape Kennedy. He makes his home in New Orleans. JUAN VEGA Brother Juan Vega, 69, became a member of the Seafarers International Union in 1998 when he shipped on the Long Lines. He sailed in all three INLAND DARRYL ATHERLEY Brother Darryl Atherley, 62, donned the SIU colors in 2007 when he shipped on the Integrity. A deck department member, he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions. Brother Atherley’s final vessel was the Achievement. He lives in Yankeetown, Florida. MICHAEL LAS DULCE Brother Michael Las Dulce, 56, signed on with the union in 1986 when he sailed aboard the Columbia. He worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center on several occasions. Brother Las Dulce most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Island and settled in Cudjoe Key, Florida. NMU LLOYD DAVID Brother Lloyd David, 66, joined the Seafarers International Union during the 2001 SIU/ NMU merger. He was first employed by Marine Personnel and Provisioning and sailed in the steward department. Brother David upgraded at the Piney Point school on multiple occasions and last sailed aboard the Argonaut. He resides in Philadelphia. Seafarers LOG 17 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Final Departures DEEP SEA GEORGE ARPIN Pensioner George Arpin, 94, passed away May 9. Born in Webster, Massachusetts, he joined the SIU in 1949. Brother Arpin was a steward department member and initially sailed with Waterman Steamship. He concluded his career aboard the Walter Rice before retiring in 1985. Brother Arpin was a resident of Boynton Beach, Florida. MARK CARPENTER Brother Mark Carpenter, 60, died April 27. A Connecticut native, he started sailing with the Seafarers International Union in 1986. Brother Carpenter shipped in the deck department, initially aboard the USNS Kane. He most recently worked on the Maersk Columbus and lived in Union, South Carolina. MACK FLORES Pensioner Mack Flores, 79, passed away May 16. He became a member of the union in 1986, first working aboard the USNS Algol. Brother Flores sailed in the deck department. He became a pensioner in 2011 after concluding his career on the Liberty Grace. Brother Flores was a Houston resident. JOHN FORBES Pensioner John Forbes, 91, died May 19. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1951. A steward department member, he first sailed aboard the Alcoa Runner. Brother Forbes’ final vessel was the Carolina. He became a pensioner in 1992 and settled in Mobile, Alabama. WILLIAM HALE Brother William Hale, 88, passed away April 19. He donned the SIU colors in 1951 when he sailed aboard the Pan Atlantic. Brother Hale was a deck department member and last shipped on the Mount Washington. He resided in Slidell, Louisiana. 18 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 18 GREGORY HILL Brother Gregory Hill, 66, died December 26. Born in Maryland, he joined the Seafarers International Union in 1971. Brother Hill was a member of the deck department and first sailed with Interseas Bulk Carriers. He last shipped on the Anchorage in 1995 and called Laurel, Delaware, home. GREGORY JOHNSON Pensioner Gregory Johnson, 67, passed away May 5. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977 when he worked on the Baltimore. A deck department member, Brother Johnson last sailed on the Maersk Missouri in 2010. He became a retiree the following year and settled in Ronkonkoma, New York. MAURICE KRAMER Pensioner Maurice Kramer, 96, died May 8. He was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and joined the union in 1945. Brother Kramer was first employed by New York Central Railroad Company and was a deck department member. He last worked with Delta Steamship Lines before becoming a pensioner in 1982. Brother Kramer lived in Metairie, Louisiana. JOHN LEVASSEUR Pensioner John Levasseur, 74, passed away May 4. He signed on with the SIU in 1969, initially sailing with Hudson Waterways. Brother Levasseur was a deck department member. He last shipped on the USNS Yano and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Levasseur lived in Wolcott, Connecticut. PATRICK MAHER Pensioner Patrick Maher, 74, died May 6. He donned the SIU colors in 1991 when he shipped on the Independence. Brother Maher worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Reliance and became a pensioner in 2012. Brother Maher called Alton, Missouri, home. GEORGE MAJOR Pensioner George Major, 86, passed away March 12. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1967, initially sailing aboard the Cortland. Brother Major shipped in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Cape Mohican and went on pension in 1994. Brother Major lived in Jacksonville, Florida. VARNEY MILNER Pensioner Varney Milner, 76, died April 23. A deck department member, he joined the union in 2001. Brother Milner’s first vessel was the Matej Kocak; his last, the Comet. He retired in 2010 and settled in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. KAID MOHAMED Pensioner Kaid Mohamed, 66, passed away March 10. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1989. The steward department member’s first vessel was the Anders Maersk. Brother Mohamed last shipped on the Keystone State in 2002. He began collecting his pension in 2021 and resided in Oakland, California. JOHN PONTI Brother John Ponti, 67, died April 3. He started sailing with the union in 1977 when he worked on the Overseas Vivian. Brother Ponti was an engine department member and last sailed aboard the Independence in 1985. He lived in Maui, Hawaii. JOSE RADONA Pensioner Jose Radona, 83, passed away March 11. He joined the SIU in 1999, initially shipping on the Independence. Brother Radona was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the Jack Lummus. He became a pensioner in 2010 and settled in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. RUSTY STEWART Pensioner Rusty Stewart, 67, died April 30. Born in Los Angeles, he became an SIU member in 1972. Brother Stewart sailed in the steward department, and his first vessel was the Merrimac. He most recently shipped aboard the Liberty and began collecting his pension in 2020. Brother Stewart called Poulsbo, Washington, home. PETROS TRIANTAFILOS Pensioner Petros Triantafilos, 82, passed away April 14. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1969 when he shipped on the Western Clipper. Brother Triantafilos worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard the Mariner. He became a pensioner in 2005 and lived in Athens, Greece. RENE YANES Pensioner Rene Yanes, 88, died April 23. He signed on with the Seafarers International Union in 1969. An engine department member, Brother Yanes first sailed on the Cottonwood Creek. After concluding his career aboard the Overseas Harriette, he retired in 1998. Brother Yanes made his home in Martinsburg, West Virginia. GREAT LAKES CLARENCE MASON Pensioner Clarence Mason, 92, passed away April 1. He joined the Seafarers International Union in 1966. An engine department member, Brother Mason first worked for Great Lakes Associates. He last sailed aboard the Presque Isle and went on pension in 1994. Brother Mason lived in Superior, Wisconsin. INLAND CHARLES CHARNOCK Pensioner Charles Charnock, 85, died May 8. He signed on with the SIU in 1970, initially working with Gulf Atlantic Transport Company. Brother Charnock sailed in the deck department. He concluded his career with Piney Point Transportation in 1997. Brother Charnock resided in Tangier, Virginia. JOSEPH ZORBACH Pensioner Joseph Zorbach, 78, passed away April 26. A member of the engine department, he joined the union in 1971. Brother Zorbach was employed by McAllister Towing of Baltimore for most of his career. He became a pensioner in 2000 and called Ocean City, Maryland, home. NMU GEORGE BROWN Pensioner George Brown, 78, died March 25. He sailed with the NMU prior to the 2001 merger with SIU. Brother Brown was an engine department member. He last sailed aboard the Eric G. Gibson before becoming a pensioner in 2008. Brother Brown made his home in Shreveport, Louisiana. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following union members have also passed away. Insufficient information was available to develop summaries of their respective careers. NAME AGE Bristow, Ray 86 Brown, Harold 71 Bruff, Noel 82 Clarke, Ruben 84 Cormier, Paul 95 Denson, Larry 73 Dingas, Loucas 83 Gutierrez, Luis 70 Horsford, Cedric 95 Hunter, Raymond 92 Hunter, Theodore 96 Karalekas, Nicholas 94 Kirksey, James 90 Morales, Oscal 96 Pablo, Franklin 81 Paterson, Jay 84 Rivera, Alejandro 87 Sutton, Troy 96 Thompson, Vincent 83 Williams, Emmitt 94 DOD 05/01/2022 03/19/2022 01/15/2022 03/16/2022 03/21/2022 05/03/2022 03/27/2022 02/22/2022 05/04/2022 04/22/2022 02/19/2022 04/16/2022 04/07/2022 03/24/2022 03/22/2022 04/13/2022 03/19/2022 03/13/2022 05/21/2022 05/05/2022 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings POTOMAC EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), February 27 – Chairman Richard Hitchcock, Secretary Armon Bailey, Educational Director Ricardo Ducay, Deck Delegate Tyler Peyton. Members discussed various issues with vessel and contract. Bosun to send documented issues to headquarters. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members asked for more assistance with steward department as there are two serving areas to satisfy. Crew gave thanks for the two apprentices on board from the Piney Point school. New flatscreen TV purchased from ship’s fund. Members requested new mattresses, more vacation and Wi-Fi. MAERSK SELETAR (Maersk Line, Limited), March 5 – Chairman Cleofe Castro, Secretary Ronald Byrd, Educational Director Jerome Culbreth, Deck Delegate Michael Sherman, Engine Delegate Jason Fuller. New sound system in crew lounge and in gym. Captain instructed crew to come to him with purchase requests. Secretary advised members to keep documents up to date and renew them well in advance. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center and reminded them to get booster shots before attending. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship to receive new grill, smoker and pizza oven. Members asked for better Wi-Fi. All rooms need 110 voltage converters. Crew requested higher taxi fare allowance for airport trips and more vacation time. New mattresses needed. Steward department was thanked for their service. Next port: Newark, New Jersey. MAERSK CHICAGO (Maersk Line, Limited), March 13 – Chairman Leoncio Gadingan, Secretary Norma West, Educational Director Jing Hui Huang, Engine Delegate Syed Iqbal. Members requested The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships’ minutes first are reviewed by the union’s contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships’ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. more vacation pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like physicals to be required once per year instead of every six months. Ship is getting new blankets, pillows and towels. OVERSEAS NIKISKI (Overseas Ship Management), March 27 – Chairman Paulin Augustin, Secretary Steve Concepcion, Educational Director Fontanos Ellison, Deck Delegate Nelxon Diego, Engine Delegate Ismael Manley, Steward Delegate Nelson Bernardez. Educational director reiterated the importance of upgrading at the union-affiliated Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members can find many forms on the SIU website. Crew requested new pillows, washcloths, water bottles, and refrigerators in rooms. Wi-Fi is slow on board, making online communication difficult. MAERSK HARTFORD (Maersk Line, Limited) March 27 – Chairman Anecito Limboy, Secretary Stephan Osovitz, Deck Delegate Romulo Tubon. New refrigerator received for crew lounge. Chairman encouraged members to contribute to SPAD (Seafarers Political Activity Donation, the union’s voluntary political action fund) and reminded crew to leave clean rooms and linen for oncoming crew. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center. Deck delegate reported beef regarding chief mate and assignment of weekend hours. Members requested a decrease in time needed for retirement and an increase in pension payments. Crew also desires a cost-of-living increase in new contract. POTOMAC EXPRESS (Marine Personnel & Provisioning), April 3 – Chairman Richard Hitchcock, Secretary Armon Bailey, Educational Director Darrell Goggins, Deck Delegate Tyler Peyton, Engine Delegate Kevin Johnson, Steward Delegate Mark Keller. Members reviewed old business and discussed several items relating to OT payments. Crew wants patrolman on board when arriving at the coast and would like to hear about upcoming contract. Union reps are also wanted aboard ship to discuss unresolved issues. Educational director reminded members to upgrade at the Piney Point school and to keep documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested fans that fasten to the wall in rooms and safety mats outside of bathroom. Help needed in galley. Members would like to see 20 for 30 vacation and wage increases. JOHN PAGE (Sealift Inc.), April 17 – Chairman Ronmel Lopez Miranda, Secretary Aaron HeltonCox, Educational Director Nathan Bryant, Deck Delegate John Wahl Engine Delegate Wayne Linnette, Steward Delegate Cameron Azadi. Captain discussed upcoming crew change. Educational director underscored the upgrading opportunities at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Maryland. He reminded members to keep documents up to date. Issues discussed regarding garbage sorting and penalty pay in deck department. Crew asked for clarification on ship restriction. Members read communications. Crew requested DVD players in crew lounge, TVs in every room, repair to sauna, a treadmill in gym and additional bumper plates. Members would like a raise in vacation pay. TAINO (Intrepid Personnel & Provisioning), April 24 – Chairman Donley Johnson, Secretary Kimberly Strate, Deck Delegate Rafael Franco, Engine Delegate Shewanna Stephenson, Steward Delegate Digna Castillo. No beefs Aboard New Tug AB Kenneth Bolin (right) and SIU Houston Patrolman Kelly Krick are pictured aboard the new Seabulk hybrid tug Spartan, believed to be the first hybrid vessel in the company’s fleet. or disputed OT reported. Chairman motioned to make changes to contract wording relating to rest periods, emergency duties and drills, and coffee time. ALLIANCE NORFOLK (Maersk Line, Limited), May 13 – Chairman Richard Gathers, Secretary Timothy Dowd, Educational Director Marvin Sacaza, Deck Delegate Ramsey Ingram, Steward Delegate John Ward. Crew reviewed old business, most of which has been completed. Educational director recommended members upgrade at the Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested more food supplies and raises in vacation time. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership’s money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 19 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY — THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea­farers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Conse­quently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION (SPAD). SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION — If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Capital Gateway Drive Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 19 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Paul Hall Center Upgrading Course Dates The following is a list of courses that currently are scheduled to be held at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Maryland during the next several months. More courses may be added. Course additions and cancellations are subject to change due to COVID-19 protocols. All programs are geared toward improving the job skills of Seafarers and promoting the American maritime industry. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Title of Start Date of Course Date Completion Certified Chief Cook July 11 August 12 August 15 September 16 September 19 October 21 October 31 December 2 December 5 January 5 Deck Department Upgrading Courses Able Seafarer-Deck August 29 September 16 October 17 November 4 November 28 December 16 Radar/ARPA October 10 October 21 Lifeboat/Water Survival August 1 August 12 August 29 September 9 September 26 October 7 October 24 November 4 November 21 December 2 Fast Rescue Boat August 22 August 26 RFPNW August 1 August 19 September 26 October 14 November 14 December 2 Leadership and Management Skills August 8 August 12 Advanced Shiphandling August 22 September 2 Advanced Meteorology September 12 September 16 Advanced Stability September 5 September 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses RFPEW July 25 August 19 September 26 October 21 November 14 December 9 Engine Department Upgrading Courses Engineroom Resource Management August 1 August 5 Steward Department Upgrading Courses ServSafe Management August 8 August 12 September 12 September 16 October 24 October 28 November 28 December 2 Advanced Galley Operations August 15 September 9 October 10 November 4 Chief Steward July 18 August 12 September 12 October 7 November 14 December 9 Safety/Open Upgrading Courses Combined Basic/Advanced Firefighting September 19 September 23 Medical Care Provider September 26 September 30 Basic Training August 8 August 12 October 3 October 7 Basic Training Revalidation July 11 July 11 July 15 July 15 August 1 August 1 August 5 August 5 Basic Training/Adv. FF Revalidation August 29 September 2 December 12 December 16 Marine Electrician October 31 December 2 Government Vessels July 18 July 22 August 1 August 5 August 15 August 19 August 29 September 2 September 19 September 23 September 26 September 30 October 17 October 21 October 24 October 28 November 7 November 10 December 5 December 9 Marine Refer Tech September 19 October 28 Tank Ship-DL (PIC) Advanced Refer Containers July 18 July 29 Tank Ship Familiarization DL October 24 October 28 Tank Ship Familiarization LG August 15 August 19 October 31 November 4 FOWT August 29 September 23 October 24 November 18 Junior Engineer July 11 September 2 September 19 November 11 Welding July 11 July 29 September 26 October 14 October 31 November 18 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name_________________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Telephone (Home)_________________________ (Cell)_________________________ Date of Birth___________________________________________________________________ Deep Sea Member o Lakes Member o Inland Waters Member o If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security #_______________________ Book #__________________________________ Seniority_____________________________ Department_____________________________ Home Port____________________________________________________________________ E-mail_______________________________________________________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held_____________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? o Yes o No If yes, class # and dates attended___________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? oYes o No _____________________________________________________________________________ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty-five (125) days seatime for the previous year, MMC, TWIC, front page of your book including your department and seniority and qualifying sea time for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. Must have a valid SHBP clinic through course date. I authorize the Paul Hall Center to release any of the information contained in this application, or any of the supporting documentation that I have or will submit with this application to related organizations, for the purpose of better servicing my needs and helping me to apply for any benefits which might become due to me. 20 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 20 October 24 October 28 COURSE ____________________________ ____________________________ START DATE _______________ _______________ DATE OF COMPLETION ________________________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ ____________________________ _______________ ________________________ LAST VESSEL: ___________________________________ Rating: ____________________ Date On: _______________________________ Date Off:____________________________ SIGNATURE ____________________________________ DATE______________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. Not all classes are reimbursable. Return completed application to: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education Admissions Office, Email:upgrading@seafarers.org Mail: 45353 St. George’s Ave., Piney Point, MD 20674 Fax: 301-994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, or any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 7/22 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Apprentice Water Survival Class #882 – Graduated May 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Christian Alvarado, Amari Cowell, Jerwin Dela Cruz, Tahtyana Edmond, Omar Fahmie, Tyree Harris, Clayton Laulainen, Christopher Lopez, Joshua Moore, Sherwin Murrell, Kelvin Oliver Jr., Ahmad Quarles Jr., Alexander Reay, Kristian Sims and Michael Wilt. Tank Ship Familiarization DL (Phase III) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Alexander Boothby, Padgett Carpenter, Robert Cruz, Declan Gallagher, Daniel Moran, Travis Morris and Jaime Rios. Important Notice To All Students July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 21 Students who have registered for classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, but later discover - for whatever reason - that they can’t attend, should inform the admissions department immediately so arrangements can be made to have other students take their places. Seafarers LOG 21 6/24/22 2:22 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Government Vessels – Graduated April 29 (photo at right, in alphabetical order): Shared Abdulaziz Ahmed, Ronny Arzu Amaya, Andrzej Marek Bronkowski, Latiffe Brooks, Juan Domingo Cardona, Kathy Carter, Carlos Jose Castillo Vidal, Bobby Conner II, George Egbert, Faith Gonse, Paula Minton, Nelson Ilario Ordonez Buelto, Vanessa Louise OsborneBrumsey, Greg Pavlich, Jeffrey Phillips, Anthony Alexander Rivera Jr., Shafreda Short Thigpen, Lisa Sottile, Aldo Thomas, Zachary Vincent, Vincent Vollaro and Shana Zeidenberg. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Tank Ship Familiarization DL – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Steven Joseph Benavides Jr., John Coleman Jr., Christopher Ferguson, Melvin Hill III, Arabi Nagi Muthala, Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez, Juan Rafael Santiago Robles and Mukhtar Ahmed Mohamed Suwaileh. Water Survival – Two upgraders graduated from this course April 22: Mark Canada (not pictured) and Ryan Chapman (above). Medical Care Provider – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Luke Branko Coffelt, Terrell Cuffee, Cody Fox, Vernon Van Humbles, Jahmal Jones, Christopher Marcani, Michael McGlone, Justin Nicholson and Gajatri Normatova. (Note: Not all are pictured.) 22 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 22 July 2022 6/24/22 2:54 AM �Paul Hall Center Classes Tankship Familiarization LG – Graduated May 9 (above, in alphabetical order): Husain Ali Ali, Nasser Abdulla Almansoob, Ronald Burris, Rohmy Butler, Michael Clark, Eugene Edwards, Bakr Saber Moustafa Elbana, Samed Shaif Kassem, Hubert Lawrence, Michael McGlone, Samuel Moore, Gajatri Normatova, Vanessa Osborne-Brumsey, Timothy Paul, Justo David Reyes, Mohsen Mohamed Said, Decontee Saypoh, Ryan Scott, Cynthia Servance, Joesef Moses Shaibi, Apollos Smalls, Benjamin Thuringer, Brandon Urich, Michael John Estavillo Valdez and David Watkins. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Pumpman – Graduated April 8 (above, in alphabetical order): Theodore Gonzales, Leroy Harris, Vernon Van Humbles, Daniel Leon-Bruges, Joshua Mann, George Marcelo Mardones, Wordell Prescott and Lonny Scott. MSC Storekeeper Basic – A pair of upgraders graduated from this course May 20. They are Christopher Marcani (above, left) and Sherron Davita Decoteau. Tankship Familiarization DL – Graduated May 6 (above, in alphabetical order): Ronald Burris, Michael Clark, Lashay Creekmore, Julius Jumangit Dagoldol, Joseph Dupre, George Nier Egbert, Brian Guiry, Ferdinand Gabonada Hullana, Michael McGlone, Gajatri Normatova, Nelson Ilario Ordonez Buelto, Vanessa Osborne-Brumsey, Timothy Paul, Apollos Smalls and Benjamin Thuringer. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Certified Chief Cook (Module 4) – Graduated May 20 (above, in alphabetical order): Garry Brandon, Graeme Simbajo Dy, Kim Holliman, William Johnson, Ricardo Ramos-Rodriguez and Juan Rafael Santiago Robles. July 2022 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 23 Government Vessels (Phase I) – Graduated April 15 (above, in alphabetical order): Alondra Delgado, Kyle Jolivette and Jonathan Slattery. Certified Chief Cook (Module 5) – Graduated May 27 (above, in alphabetical order): Shabrielle Knight, D’Artis Mitchell, Nikia Stripling, Branden Williams and Jonathan Yates. Seafarers LOG 23 6/24/22 2:54 AM �JULY 2022 VOLUME 84, NO. 7 O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E S E A F A R E R S I N T E R N AT I O N A L U N I O N AT L A N T I C , G U L F, L A K E S A N D I N L A N D W AT E R S , A F L- C I O Paul Hall Center Class Photos Pages 21-23 The USNS Patuxent (left) and Maersk Peary conduct one of several UnReps/CONSOL operations. The photo at right shows the Peary alongside the RFA Tidesurge. AB Ed Majesky (left) works the line while Pumpman Pat Montgomery runs the winch. Captain Praises Crew for ‘Amazing Job’ Maersk Peary vessel master Capt. Michele Laycock (an SIU hawsepiper) offered strong words of commendation following recent operations aboard the U.S. Marine Management vessel. “The officers and crew alike did an amazing job and I especially want them to know this,” she wrote. “From the middle of April to the middle of May, our vessel conducted several UnReps/ CONSOL operations. The first operation was with USNS Supply…. It was our first two-station UnRep. The only way to make this work on a commercially run vessel is to make this an ‘ALL HANDS’ evolution. In order to run two stations and to keep them safely manned during the evolution, we take on extra crew. Every crew member from every department has to give a little to make this all come together so seamlessly. From the QMED standing by in the steering gear space to the wiper on deck as a signalman, from the steward and chief cook who cover the SA signaling on deck, to the entire deck gang, all have important and integral roles that help to make this happen safely.” Laycock continued, “The crew of the Maersk Peary conducted five evolutions altogether in the covering a month-long period from April into May with Military Sealift Command owned and operated vessels USNS Supply (two altogether), USNS Patuxent and USNS Laramie. In addition to the full UnReps/CONSOLS we also had the privilege of conducting a dry hook-up with RFA Tidesurge (from the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary).” She concluded, “I’m so impressed and in awe of what we’ve accomplished – not because I didn’t think we could do it, but because the crew took this challenge and ran with it! As a crew and as a vessel, we have certainly learned, grown in our flexibility and our overall capabilities. We used every evolution as an opportunity to train and improve and it was apparent in the final results.” In photo above, AB Ben Wilson (left) and Recertified Bosun Ron Paradise connect the span wire. AB Roni Castillo (photo below) maintains manifold watch while alongside the USNS Patuxent. Clockwise beginning from above: Pictured from front to back in this Seafaring selfie are Capt. Michele Laycock and ABs Dave Kennedy and Josh Gail. AB Berard Fedele observes operations from the deck of the Peary while Wiper Abdelhak Moutmir signals for the other vessel to continue slacking their line. Standing by at their respective work stations are Pumpman Pat Montgomery (left) and SA Nisha Jones. 24 Seafarers LOG 73683_JULY_2022_SEAFARERS_LOG.indd 24 July 2022 6/24/22 2:22 AM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2020-present Description An account of the resource Volumes LXXXII of the Seafarers Log and beyond Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2022 Description An account of the resource SHULER, REDMOND ELECTED TO TOP POSTS AT AFL-CIO SIU HELPS OBSERVE NATIONAL MARITIME DAY SHBP SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS ANNOUNCED MTD CONVENTION COVERAGE ENDURANCE CREW RESCUES CAPTAIN OF BLACK PEARL SENATOR MURKOWSKI RECEIVES SCA MARITIME LEADERSHIP AWARD REP. NORCROSS STRESSES 'BUY AMERICAN' ITF OFFICIAL PRAISES MARITIME LABOR WELLCHECK PROVIDES FAST, CONVENIENT VAX CARD STORAGE MAERSK PEARY CAPTAIN PRAISES CREW FOR 'AMAZING JOB' Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/2022 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 84, No. 7