14 32 1900 https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/ff619a2b6afff4c92265dd7bf08289ee.pdf 8bc2eda491aa2afac2d65f415c5a26fb PDF Text Text www.seafarers.org Volume 63, Number 6 June 2001 _ _..........-- Signing the merger document are (from left) NMU VP Charles Stewart, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, NMU President Rene Lioeanjie and SIU Executive VP John Fay. 64 Years of Maritime History e ind erger Last month, members of the Seafarers International Union and the National Maritime Union approved the details of the merger agreement between the two unions, thereby finalizing the unification and marking an historic occasion in maritime labor history. Page 3. . .. 1-:.~ I SEAFARERS • LOG I~- I -~ ·/, . ... " " ""'"···· ....................................................... .... : SHIP UNIONS AGREE~ -._. ~ - ~ ON JOINT PROGRAM . =~=erg .......... .... -~ ··:--..- .....!..-" ..... _ SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie say the merger benefits the entire U.S.-flag maritime industry. �President's Report Runaway-Flag Fight Continues If you've ever wondered why the SIU remains active in the International Transport Workers ' Federation's global campaign against runaway-flag shipping (ITF), a glance at some recent headlines emphatically provides part of the answer. Last month, the runaway-flag cruise ship Norwegian Sky was cited for illegally dumping concentrated sewage between Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. According to news reports, the Bahamianflag vessel discharged sewage for 20 to 30 minutes while under way - leaving a trail of waste that the Coast Guard easily traced to the ship. Problems for the Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel Michael Sacco didn't end there. On May 19, 78 people aboard the ship were injured after a mishap involving the autopilot. Passengers said they feared for their lives as the ship turned hard to the left, sending people and objects airborne. Some reportedly suffered broken bones. The Coast Guard is investigating the accident. The Norwegian Sky hardly is an isolated example of recent troubles involving runaway-flag ships, also called flag-of-convenience (FOC) vessels. On May 18, the ITF announced its intervention on behalf of30 mariners facing starvation after their Cambodian-flagged ship reportedly was abandoned by its owner. At the time when the ITF moved to lend assistance, the crew hadn't been paid in eight months. They had been stranded with no food or water for the previous 30 days, relying on donations from the port authority and local churches in Kochi, India. And, as reported on this page, ITF inspectors earlier this year recovered a quarter-million dollars in back pay for mariners on the Joywave, another runaway-flag passenger ship. Those crew members also endured a shortage of food and slave-like living conditions aboard the Cyprus-flagged ship. In fact, more often than not, the Seafarers LOG contains articles about how the union's ITF inspectors are working to help mariners on FOC vessels secure what they are owed by dishonest shipowners and agents. If you have read those pieces, then I'm sure you'll agree that the conditions on many runaway-flag ships are flat intolerable. The recurring theme is that greedy FOC shipowners subject their crews to inhumane and criminal treatment - usually in the name of profits. Morality isn't the only motivation in the ITF campaign. Besides all the other things that are wrong with runaway-flag shipping, it isn't fair for U.S. mariners to be forced to compete with crews earning Third World wages. In some cases, those crews on FOC ships aren't even qualified mariners, but instead desperate individuals who bought their credentials. Anyone doubting that last point should see the recent stories involving the Republic of Panama's selling of a first officer's certificate and sea book to the head of the ITF, despite his lack of maritime training or shipboard experience. The issuance of the phony documents speaks volumes about the depth of the runaway-flag scam. There is yet another aspect to the campaign. Without question, FOC shipping threatens America's national security. It hurts U.S. sealift capability. For all of those reasons, the SIU remains committed to the fight against runaway flags. Working with our brothers and sisters in the ITF, we will continue doing everything possible to hold FOC shipowners and operators accountable. It has been a long fight, but we're progressing. The proof is in better wages and improved working conditions aboard many runaway-flag vessels, thousands of which have come under ITF contract. Progress also can be seen in tougher port-state control inspections and stronger international regulations. At the same time, we won't let up in our efforts to revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. American-flag ships, crewed by Seafarers, are the world's safest. They are crewed by the best-trained mariners, and they represent strength and security for our nation. By working with the ITF to raise the world's shipping standards, rather than letting them sink to the lowest levels, the SIU stands up for mariners worldwide. We will not let up in this fight until we have won. Florida-Based ITF Reps Come Through for Crew, Net $225,000 in Back Pay Inspectors from the International Transport Workers ' Federation's (ITF) cruise ship campaign office in Cape Canaveral, Fla. earlier this year secured $225,000 in back wages for crew members aboard the runaway-flag ship Joywave. SIU ITF Inspector Scott Brady and SIU of Canada ITF Inspector Jim Given also gained repatriation for 62 crew members while the Cyprusflagged vessel was in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. "We toured the vessel and the conditions were the worst I've seen yet," observed Brady. He said the entire crew (approximately 80 people) shared a single bathroom with two showers and slept six to a cabin. Only a dozen sets of eating utensils and plates were available for the mariners. The crew also suffered from a shortage of stores and a lack of fresh water. "I've been doing this for a while, and this was the worst ship I've ever seen," concurred Given. "For example, the hotel catering crew had been on board for four-and-a-half months. They were given fresh fruit once-a single orange that they were supposed to split." The Joywave, owned by New Marathon of Crew members from the runaway-flag ship Joywave receive back wages, thanks to assistance from ITF Inspectors Scott Brady and Jim Given. Greece, had been arrested in February because it owed port fees to the Dominican Republic (and, reportedly, to other nations as well). On its way into port, it also collided with and sank a yacht. Armed guards were stationed near the Joywave when some of the crew-which included individu- Continued on page 6 Rank-and-File Financial Committee Approves Union's Records for 2000 A committee of rank-and-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during last month's union meeting in Piney Point, Md. , has reviewed the SIU's financial records for the year 2000 and found them in good order. Serving on the committee were Charles Clausen, John Gallagher, Walter Harris, George Mazzola, Chris Nardone , John O'Connell and Serving on the finance committee are (from left, seated) Charles Clausen, Walter Harris, James Simms, (standing) John Gallagher, George Mazzola, Chris Nardone and John O'Connell. James Simms (chairman). In its report, the committee noted, "All records used in connection with the union's financial operations were reviewed fully. . . . We find that the head quarters of the union it taking steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation." The use of an annual financial committee is required by Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution. It reads: "The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations." all Merger Complete On a personal note, I extend thanks and congratulations to the SIU membership for your solid support of the recently concluded merger of the NMU into the SIU. During most of our union's history, such a merger with the NMU seemed unachievable. But, times change - and we all realize the benefits of working together. This is a great day for all of us. The merger will benefit the membership and the whole U.S.-flag industry. As you know, the merger involved several steps. Each time we asked for your confidence, you responded by moving forward. Again, thank you for that confidence, and congratulations on a great new united future. Volume 63, Number 6 June 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth '-"eoH011 wuN1c~r. Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899i~i 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland ;~~ 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: ~' · An-c101cLc .'M~ Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim '°" · ~ .. "'~1 • Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. ' " •O Copyright © 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS B Receive $132K in Scholarships from SHBP A panel of professional educators comprising the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plans scholarship committee last month in New York selected the eight recipients for the 2001 awards. This was the first year of the expanded program, which saw an increase in the dependents' scholarships from $15,000 to $20,000; raised the four-year grant for an active SIU member from $15,000 to $20,000, and added a fifth dependent scholarship, up from four last year. Jeffrey Allan Lagana, a graduate of class 561 in the Paul Hall Center 's unlicensed apprentice program who now sails as an AB, was awarded the $20,000 Seafarers ' scholarship. He plans to complete his bachelor 's degree in environmental science and continue toward graduate studies while still fulfilling his responsibilities at sea. Two scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each were awarded to deep sea members Brian Burchette and Army Joe Leake. Burchette started sailing aboard the American Hawaii cruise ships in 1987 in the steward department. He hopes to use his award to study in the computer field. Leake joined the SIU in 1997 and has enjoyed sailing and seeing the world. He now plans to major in business management while in college. Five dependents of SIU members were selected to receive $20,000 each to attend four-year colleges or universities. They are Hail Said Abdullah, son of Great Lakes member Said Ahmed Abdullah; Kyla Robb DonLevy, daughter of inland member Richard William DonLevy; Alan Sun, son of Chief Cook Steven Sun; Alexander L. Talarico, son of retired deep sea member Louis James Talarico; and Demi Lynn Vorise, daughter of steward department member George Vorise Jr. This year 's selection committee, as in the past, was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The panel was composed of Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary's College of Maryland; Dr. Charles D. O'Connell Jr., University of Chicago; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County [Md.] Community College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities; Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; and Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio. For a more in-depth look at each of the scholarship winners, see page 9. June2001 �embers Approve Merger SIU, NMU Complete Long-Anticipated Unification Members of the Seafarers International Union and the National Maritime Union last month approved the details of the merger agreement between the two unions. This finalizes the unification and marks an historic occasion in maritime labor history. Voting took place throughout May at SIU and NMU halls across the nation. Overall, members okayed the agreement by a nearly unanimous tally. "It's long overdue," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "This merger will benefit not only our membership, but also the entire U.S. maritime industry. It means a more powerful voice for mariners, a stronger manpower pool for national defense, and a brighter future. It's a very positive move." NMU President Rene Lioe- SIU-NMU affiliation and merger coverage in the Seafarers LOG Issue Page(s) April 1998 2,3 Oct. 1998 2 Jan. 1999 3 Feb. 1999 5 May 1999 4 July 1999 2 Sept. 1999 2 Oct. 1999 2, 3 Nov. 1999 2 Dec. 1999 2 Jan.2000 2 Feb.2000 2 March 2000 3 Sept. 2000 7 (included in report of constitutional committee) Oct. 2000 15, 26, 32 Feb.2001 3 April 2001 2,3 (full merger agreement printed) anjie said, "It's clear that the memberships of both unions are ready for this merger. As one organization, we're better equipped to improve the working conditions of our members and fight for a bigger, stronger U.S.-flag fleet." Intermittent merger talks between the SIU and NMU date back to the mid-1950s. Battles between the unions go back even longer, to the late 1930s. But the NMU's affiliation in December 1998 with the Seafarers International Union of North America signaled that both organizations finally were prepared to join forces. Since then, SIU and NMU members have trained side-by-side at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. They also have sailed together. The merger 's mechanics were patterned after those of the 1977 78 merger between the SIU and the Marine Cooks & Stewards. From Dec. 1, 1999 through Jan. 31, 2000, SIU and NMU members voted by secret ballot on whether the unions should proceed with merging. SIU members approved the resolution with 86 percent voting in favor of full merger talks; in the NMU, 93 percent of those voting approved the resolution. During the most recent SIU general election, from Nov. 1Dec. 30, 2000, Seafarers approved two constitutional amendments related to the merger. Eighty-four percent of those voting approved the amendment adding "NMU" to the union's full name; 87 percent approved the amendment calling for the addition of two executive board slots. Those results were affirmed by the Sill's rank-and-file tallying committee, whose report in tum was approved in March 2001 at SIU halls throughout the country. Finally, the merger agreement itself was presented for votes at the May membership meetings of the respective unions, following the document's completion in late February. The May votes included NMU members voting on whether to accept the sru constitution. "Perhaps the greatest testament to the merger's timing is the support and matter-of-fact reaction from both memberships," said SIU Executive Vice President John Fay. "For sure, there are those who cannot or will not let go of the days when the sru and NMU clashed. However, many more members have greeted the merger with enthusiasm-recognizing the benefits and saying, in essence, the sooner the better." Before this latest series of votes, news that the organizations were talking about a possible affiliation first was announced in March 1998 when the NMU held its constitutional convention at the Paul Hall Center. The NMU delegates approved a resolution that stated · "some form of affiliation eventually leading to a merger with another maritime union would be in the best interest of the membership." Sacco, addressing that convention, reflected on the past problems between the organizations President Bush's Energy Plan Includes ANWR Exploration President Bush on May 17 issued his proposed energy policy, and the detailed report includes recommendations for exploration and development of part of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Parts of the president's wideranging policy will require congressional action (including ANWR), while others can be carried out via executive orders and regulatory changes. The SIU recently joined a new coalition called JobPower which favors the safe development of ANWR. Trade unions, elected representatives and businesses are part of the fast-growing group, which estimates that up to 700,000 domestic jobs will be generated by opening ANWR. President Bush's energy plan cites numerous potential benefits in ANWR development, including reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil. His report states the following: June2001 "We need to increase our domestic production and lessen our reliance on foreign oil. America's dependence on foreign oil has · risen sharply in recent years, going from 39 percent in 1988 to 56 percent today. In 2020, if trends continue, we will import two of every three barrels of oil. "We are proposing to open only a small fraction-8 percent -of ANWR for oil and gas exploration. Between 6 and 16 billion barrels of oil exist in ANWR. The mean estimate ( 10 billion barrels) would make ANWR the largest oil field discovered in the world in the last 40 years. The expected output of oil would equal 30 years of oil imports from Saudi Arabia and almost 60 years of Iraqi oil imports." The report notes, "21st century technologies like horizontal drilling, 3-D seismic mapping and ice roads can help us minimize the production footprint to only 2,000 acres out of the 19 million acres in ANWR. That is equivalent to four average American family farms in an area the size of South Carolina .... Oil and gas development has successfully coexisted with wildlife in Alaska's arctic for over 30 years. The Central Arctic Caribou Herd and Prudhoe Bay has grown from 3,000 in 1970 to 27,000 today-a nine-fold increase." Legislation including authorizing language to develop ANWR was introduced earlier this year-S. 388, the National Energy Security Act of 2001, in the Senate; H.R. 39, the Arctic Coast Plain Energy Security Act of 2001 , in the House. SIU President Michael Sacco, endorsed ANWR development at a Capitol Hill press conference March 27. "By opening ANWR, the United States can increase domestic oil production, reduce our reliance on foreign sources of oil, and create hundreds of thou- SIU-NMU Key Dates 1892 Founding of International Seamen's Union, a federation of a number of seamen's unions on the U.S. coasts and forerunner of both the SIU and NMU 1937 Formation of National Maritime Unton AFL takes over remnants of JSU to rebuild a seamen's union within the federation mergers with Congress of muates With America 1999..2000 SIU and NMU members unions 2001 and called on the delegates to imagine what could be accomplished for the U.S.-flag fleet if the two stood together. Talks between officials from the two unions continued through the year, climaxing with the signing of the affiliation document in December 1998. Before 1935, all labor unions were affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Within the AFL was the International Seamen's Union (ISU), headed by Andrew Furuseth. sands of new jobs for American workers," stated Sacco, who also serves as president of the 8-million member Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. "ANWR will be explored and drilled by American workers; the oil transported through U.S.-built pipelines; refined and distributed by domestic facilities ; and its byproducts used by U.S. energy producers and U.S. consumers." He added, "Many of our brothers and sisters in maritime labor will crew the growing fleet of environmentally safe, doublehulled, U.S.-flagged tankers that will carry the oil from Alaska." After World War I, the ISU had more than 100,000 members. But by the mid- l 930s, the membership had fallen to fewer than 3,000. The ISU disbanded in 1937. The NMU was founded that year and represented unlicensed mariners in the newly formed Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). One year later, the AFL chartered the SIU under the leadership of Harry Lundeberg. Over the subsequent decades, the waterfront saw numerous confrontations between the two unions as they tried to obtain contracts from non-union operators and take in new members. The fighting continued even after the AFL and CIO merged in 1955. However, the SIU and NMU found ways to work togetherparticularly in the international campaign to expose and eliminate runaway-flag shipping which was taking American mariner jobs overseas. After the creation of the AFLCIO, the SIU and NMU entered into talks several times to bring the two organizations together. However, none of those efforts was successful- until now. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Wednesday, July 41 2001 for the observance of Independence Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOS 3 �National Maritime Day Ceremonies Spotlight Merchant Marine1s Value The accomplishments and sacrifices of the United States Merchant Marine have played a key role in America's national security and economic prosperity. This was the common message offered May 22 by speakers at three National Maritime Day events in Washington, D.C. SIU members and officials attended each event. The SIU contingent included President Mike Sacco, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The ceremonies which paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the thousands of U.S. Merchant Mariners who so honorably served their country in years past were the 2001 Merchant Marine Memorial Service at the U.S. Naval Memorial, conducted by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd); a Maritime Day Memorial Luncheon sponsored by the Port of Washington Propeller Club; and a National Maritime Day Memorial Service at the Washington Navy Yard, sponsored by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). MarAd Memorial U.S. Secretary of TransY. portation Norman Mineta served as the keynote speaker during the Merchant Marine Memorial Service. He stated, "Each time in the last century our nation's military deployed to protect U.S. interests, the lives of Rear Adm. Edward Fahy, U.S. Transportation Command U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta (middle of three men wearing suits), keynote speaker at the U.S. Maritime Administration's ceremony May 22 in Washington, poses with SIU President Michael Sacco (to Mineta's left), NMU President Rene Lioeanjie (to Mineta's right), and students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. America's men and women were placed at risk. And in each one of those deployments, their logistical lifelines-the U.S. Merchant Marine-were right alongside, or close behind, with the tools to get the job done and return home safely." Mineta said that World War II best exemplifies the spirit of sacrifice that defines service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. He pointed out that nearly 7 ,000 seamen perished at sea during World War II, most as a direct result of engaging the enemy. Roughly one in 30 U.S. Merchant Mariners, he said, died in the line of duty during the war. "Aside from the U.S. Marine Corps," he continued, "no other armed service suffered a higher percentage of war-related deaths than the U.S. Merchant Marine." Despite these heavy casualties, the U.S. Merchant Marine still got the job done. "In the dark days of 1942 when Allied shipping in the Atlantic was being lost at horrific rates," Mineta said, "the steel bridge across the ocean bent and swayed-but never broke. The seamen's iron will ruled their fears. Doing one's duty was expected." And some job they did. "Americans wartime cargo from the homeland to the Pacific and to Europe totaled more than 258 million long tons," the secretary said. "In the last year of the war, the delivery rate reached 8,500 tons· every hour of every day." The same scenario still is true today, stated Mineta. "The civilian seafarers' role has never been easy.... The military still depends on the fourth arm of defense for transportation. We must never forget that America's maritime future is inseparably bound to its past." Rear Adm. Edward J. Fahy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, echoed the positions offered by Secretary Mineta and commented on the economic impact which the U.S. Merchant Marine has had on our country. "This is a maritime country, a nation built on the sea," he said. "From our very first president George Washington through Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, and then through the days of past presidents and sitting presidents ... we all recognized that there is a need for a strong merchant marine to keep this nation so great." Without a strong merchant marine, the admiral said, America is no longer a maritime nation, but simply an island. "And we simply cannot afford to lose the leadership of the world by 'National Marlttlft:,.Di!.~001 By the President of the United States of ~<:a: A Proclamation Vice Adm . Gordon Holder, Commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command Chuck Raymond, President and CEO, CSX 4 Seafarers LOG Larry O'Toole, MEBA President isolating ourselves that way. So we must have a strong merchant marine; it's important to all of us." He added, "The incredible ability for this country to put goods at sea cannot be diminished. It's those U.S. citizens, the patriots that answer the call, that make this country great. And we must, from our perspective at Transportation Command, continue to keep that U.S shipping as strong as possible. "It is crucial to us in all of our plans that when we go to war, we must have U.S. access guaranteedand the only way to keep that open to us is through U.S.-flag shipping and U.S. citizen crews sailing across the ocean for us," Fahy concluded. Larry O'Toole, president of the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association, gave further testament Continued on page 5 .· Throughout our history, America's economic prosperity has been closely tied to its maritime geography. From indige~ nous peoples navigating our majestic rivers to colonists settling along the New World's eastern shores, natives and immi~ grants alike have relied on the sea and our bountiful inland waterways for commerce and security. In colonial days and in the t 91n century, America's maritime industri€S facilitated the exchange of goods and the migration of pioneers. During World War 11, some 6,000 American seafarers and more than 700 U.S. merchant ships fell to enemy action, many in the infamous Run toMurmansk. No branch of our Armed Forces, save the Marine Corps, suffered a higher casualty rate. Today, our Merchant Marine continues this proud tradition. As recently as the Persian Gulf War and during humanitarian and milltazy operations since, a unique partnership of government, fndUStry and labor has continued its vital maritime service to our nation. Many cMfian merchant mariners crew the Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force, which is obseniing its 25 111 anniversary. Today, the U.S. maritime fleet has decreased In the number of vessels In the international trades, but it transportS goods more efficiently and economlcafly than ever before. These U.S. ships deliver a billion tons of imports and exports each year in our foreign trade and another billion tons of waterborne domestic trade. Many merchant seafarers are trained at outstanding institutions such as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Pont, New York, the six state maritime academies, and several union and industry training facilities. To help ensure continued competitiveness, we must tailor our maritime policy to the challenges of the 2 tn century. America's Marine Transportation System will help detennine our long-term economic health and improve our ability to respond quickly and effectively in crisis. Within the next two decades, cargo will double. Accordingly, my Administration is working with government agencies, the maritime industry, shippers, labor unions and environmental groups to ensure that our waterways continue to serve as a sound transportation option in the face of ever-growing congestion on highways and rail lines. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, h.as designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested that the president issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. Now; therefore, I, GeoJJe W. Bum, president of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 200 l, as National Maritime Day. I calf upon the people of the United St.ates to celebrate this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I afso request that all ships sailing under the American flag dres.s ship on that day. In wft.nes.s whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty~fifth. George w. Bush June2DIJ1 �SIU Crews Up Liberty Gory The bulker Liberty Glory signifies new job opportunities for SIU members. The union recently welcomed new shipboard jobs with the crewing of the Liberty Glory, a bulk carrier operated by Liberty Maritime Corp. The U.S.-flag vessel was built in Oshima, Japan. A sister ship, also crewed by Seafarers, is expected later this summer, possibly as soon as next month. Delivered in Maritime Day Continued from page 4 mid-April, the Liberty Glory is 623 feet long, with a 105foot beam. It is listed at 50,601 MT and can travel at 15.3 knots. The ship is equipped with four cranes. SIU members sailing on the vessel's maiden voyage-hauling grain from New Orleans to Haifa, Israel-were Bosun Francisco Munoz, ABs Alex Relojo, George Holland, to the U.S. Merchant Marine's role in national security and its impact on our economy. "From the first shot of the Revolutionary War to the struggles against tyranny in World War II to restoring of Kuwait Independence, the merchant marine answered our nation's call during times of crises by steadfastly delivering troops and equipment to foreign lands," O'Toole said. Although many merchant mariners tragically paid the ultimate price, their deaths were not in vain, he said. "Together with our allied forces, they won world peace, American security and the defeat of fascism .... The contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine to national defense during wartime justifies its existence," O'Toole continued. "Indeed, it SIU members AB Brian Gillins (left photo) and OS Sandra Hines represented the unlicensed crew of the USNS Indomitable during the MSC ceremony. demands safeguarding its vitality during peacetime." Chuck Raymond, president and CEO, CSX Lines, and chair of the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council, was the MarAd service's final speaker. He dubbed our seagoing forefathers as "ordinary mariners who performed extraordinary actions for their country." Recalling the merchant marine in World War II, Raymond cited a quote from President Franklin Roosevelt: "Mariners delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and the most dangerous job ever undertaken." The CSX Lines president said that through events like the memorial service, citizens across the country have begun to understand the importance of the merchant seamen's story. After noting that President Bush's proclamation mentions the importance of today's U.S. Merchant Marine to our economy and to our national security, Raymond offered, "Our economic welfare depends on their [merchant mariners ' ] ability to move goods and passengers. But never forget this: The security of our country is strengthened by a robust, welltrained and totally committed U.S. Merchant Marine. We are the military's fourth arm of defense." MarHlme Day Memorial Luncheon Secretary of Transportation Maritime College Honors 3 SIU President Michael Sacco (right) was one of three honorees at a scholarship benefit dinner conducted March 31 in New York by the Maritime College at Fort Schuyler Foundation Inc. The foundation recognized Sacco for the SIU's efforts in maritime education. The organization also honored Alfred ''Ted" Ruhly (left), retired chairman of Maersk, and Commodore Leroy Alexanderson. Wayman Sellers, John Pahner and Scott Grider, QMED Warren Wright, GUDEs Melvin RatclitJ and AbdouDa Amoudi, Steward/Baker Michael Baker, Ollef Cook Cail Husted and GSU N~ Htmian. The SIU crews five other Liberty Maritime ships. Liberty Maritime Corp. is based in Lake Success, N.Y. SIU President Michael Sacco (second from right) and former U.S. Maritime Administrator Al Herberger (far right) were among many people attending MarAd's memorial (top photo) as well as the MSC ceremony (below). Mineta also served as keynote speaker during the Maritime Day Memorial Luncheon at the Port of Washington Propeller Club. Reflecting on the nation's history of water transportation, the secretary focused on how much we continue to depend on marine transportation today. He said he could spend hours talking about the national defense role of water transportation, but he did not want to minimize its contributions to peace and prosperity. "Let us all remember that in order for us to continue to rely on our civilian mariners in a crisis, we must ensure that they have good jobs in peacetime," he said. "We have been a maritime nation for more than 200 years," he added. "Still today, 95 percent of our overseas trade moves on the water. In this increasingly global economy, the vast majority of what we sell abroad and what we import moves in ships." MSC Ceremony MSC sponsored a National Maritime Day memorial service in the Sail Loft at the Washington Navy Yard. June2001 SAFETY Fl RST: Crew members and officers set the right tone with a shipboard safety drill. Retired Navy Capt. Thomas J. Hudner, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient, was the guest speaker for the event He, too, spoke of the U.S. Merchant Marine's contributions to national security. Capt. Hudner detailed the merchant marine's involvement in the Korean Warspecifically the evacuation of Hungnam, Korea, in late 1950. China intervened in the Korean War in 1950 and pushed South Korean troops, United Nations (UN) forces and refugees out of the north to the ports ofHungnam and Wonsan. Saving the troops and refugees from encirclement by the enemy, 193 merchant ships evacuated 105,000 UN troops, 91,000 refugees, 350,000 metric tons of cargo and 17,500 vehicles to the port of Pusan. The commander of MSC, Vice Adm. Gordon S. Holder, added, "As this nation began more than 225 years ago, it was her merchant mariners who led the way, capturing the first British vessel in our War of Independence. Merchant mariners have been part of this nation's security and prosperity ever since." Seafarers L06 5 �Union Labels Surface in Los Angeles The skills and services of union members from throughout the United States and its territories took center stage April 27-30 in Los Angeles during the 2001 AFL-CIO Union Industries Show. The SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) operated a booth featuring numerous product displays (right) which attracted thousands of visitors (below right). Ray Crowell/Page One UIW National Director Steve Edney (left) and recently retired UIW VP Great Lakes Bill Dobbins (right) discuss the top quality of unionmade products with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka. Busily working the UIW booth are (from left) UIW VP Atlantic Region John Spadaro, UIW Asst. VP West Coast Nick Rios and UIW National Director Steve Edney. ITF Secures Back Pay For Runaway-Flag Crew Flag Day in St. Louis Mariners on the Joywave endured a shortage of stores and slave-like living conditions, according to ITF inspectors. Continued from page 2 of Cuban, Filipino, als Indonesian, Romanian, Lithuanian, Polish and Yugoslavian descent-<;ontacted the ITF via email. Brady and Given successfully demanded the back wages and repatriation, for which the crew understandably and predictably was grateful. However, when more crew members came forward to seek assistance, "the company had the Romanian manning agency call the seamen's wives at home and threaten them and their children," charged Brady. "It just reinforces the pathetic nature of runawayflag shipping." The SIU is affiliated with the ITF, a London-based federation of 570 unions. Members of the housekeeping department, having received their back pay, are ready for repatriation. 6 Seafarers LOS The SS Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine and the Navy Armed Guard Veterans recently donated a U.S. Merchant Marine flag (center) to the SIU's St. Louis hall, which hosts the group's monthly meetings. The flag stand was a gift from the chapter's late founder, Frank Kodelja, by his brother Walter. Chapter members said the flag is intended to thank the SIU for providing them with a safe, hospitable meeting place. Pictured at the hall are (from left) Samuel Parker Chapter members Walter Kodelja, Ed Dierkes and Jack Groth, SIU St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper, chapter member John Ludwig and SIU Bosun Tom Casey. U.S. Army Reverses Call on Chinese-Made Berets The U.S. Army has reversed its earlier decision that had allowed soldiers to wear Chinese-manufactured black berets. The Pentagon last month announced the change amid a mounting wave of criticism and intense pressure from Congress. "The Army Chief of Staff has determined that U.S. troops shall not wear berets made in China or berets made with Chinese content," Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said May 1. "Therefore, I direct the Army and the Defense Logistics Agency to take appropriate action to recall previously distributed berets and dispose of the stock." At issue were some 600,000 Chinese-made berets for which the Pentagon had contracted. About half had been delivered and many issued to soldiers. The recall is the latest in a series of snags the Army has faced as a result of its contentious plan to outfit all of it members with black berets by June 14, the U.S. Army's 226th birthday. As detailed earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the Pentagon reportedly evaded a long-standing "buy American" law when it ordered more than one million of the berets from China and other Third World countries. The berets were being obtained under a contract with a British firm that was manufacturing them in China. The House Committee on Small Business on April 5 ordered. the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to suspend the contracts, pending completion of congressional investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the Pentagon has canceled contracts with three other companies for more than 1.5 million foreign-made black berets. News reports say the DLA attributes the cancelations to late deliveries and substandard workmanship. These berets were being manufactured in Romania, South Africa and India. In another related development, Sen. Christopher S. Bond (R-Mo.) · announced he had secured a promise from the Pentagon that all future beret replacements will be made in the U.S. The agreement reportedly was reached during a meeting between staffers on the Senate Small Business Committee, which Sen. Bonds heads, and two senior officials. June2D01 �12 Bosuns Earn Recertification The SIU's newest recertified bosuns, speaking at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., offered insightful comments about the union and the Paul Hal] Center for Maritime Training and Education. Graduating ·at the school May 7 were Mathew Bevak, Kenneth Boone, Jose Caballero, Wayne Casey, Gary Dates, Randal Evans Jr., Charles Foley, Stephen Herring, Michael Moore, John O'Connell, Herman Reynolds and Daniel Seagle. They completed the fourweek class considered the top curriculum available for deck department Seafarers. In addition to their remarks on various aspects of the training center and the SIU, most of the bosuns also encouraged the unlicensed apprentices in the audience. Bevak, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., said the apprentices "have an opportunity to be part of a union that not only will help you work, but also educate you. Don't pass up this golden opportunity." Boone, from the port of Norfolk, Va., thanked SIU officials "for your leadership and for keeping us working, and keeping the U.S. flag flying on ships." Himself a graduate of the entry program at Piney Point, Boone urged the apprentices to "take pride in your work, because every job on a ship is important. Be willing to learn and willing to listen." Caballero, whose home port is New York, recalled joining the SIU in 1979 and first sailing as a saloon messman. "Since then, I've been around the world three times," he said. ''To the unli- The union's newest recertified bosuns are congratulated by SIU officials following last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left to right are SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Charles Foley, Wayne Casey, Stephen Herring, John O'Connell, Herman Reynolds, Gary Dates, Michael Moore, SIU \(P Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU President Michael Sacco, Randy Evans, Jose Caballero, Kenneth Boone, Darnel Seagle, Mathew Bevak, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, and SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker. censed apprentices, work hard and keep coming back to the school. It pays off." Casey, from the port of Tacoma, Wash., noted that he joined the union in 1969 and sailed for six years before leaving the industry. He came back 10 years ago, and his experience at sea and ashore prompted him to tell the apprentices, "You have a beautiful opportunity here and a lot of money to make." Dates, who sails from the port of Houston, said he is encouraged by the progress he sees within the SIU and at the school. "We're constantly moving forward, and our officials always look beyond the horizon," he stated. "This is my fourth time at Piney Point, and every time I return, there's a new and major improvement. "Joining the SIU is the best move I ever made," he added. "We are a family and we're on the Members of the recertification class join unlicensed apprentices for a lesson aboard the training vessel Osprey. June 2IJIJ1 right course. Let's continue and grow together." Evans, also from the port of Houston, said he benefited from the bosuns' trips to SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. and to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department in Washington, D.C., in addition to their interaction with school personnel. "This visit has helped me see the big picture," he observed. "Speaking with the heads of the different parts of the school and officials in Camp Springs has helped me answer many, many questions about where we as a union are going in the future-and the future is bright." He also described the Paul Hall Center as "the Harvard of U.S. Merchant Marine training facilities." Foley, the third and final class member who sails from Houston, stated that during his 25-year maritime career, "I've seen the good times and bad times in the industry, and the one constant has been the support of the SIU to its membership. Our union always seems one step ahead of its competition." Herring, whose home port is Jacksonville, Fla., encouraged his fellow Seafarers to upgrade "at every opportunity, to maintain the high standards that are required today. The school is vital!" Moore, from the port of Philadelphia, said he enjoyed conferring with his classmates "because it's helpful to learn how they've handled similar situations (aboard ship)." He said he also gained confidence by learning about the union's wide-ranging SIU Gets Under Bosun's Skin, In a Good Way cealed in a short-sleeve shirt," he laughs. Evans said the tattoos don't hurt, "but they're more costly all the time .... They're my own personal picture album." Turning serious, he said the SIU helped him find direction. "I joined the union at a very tragic and confusing part of my life. I was given the opportunity to tum my life around. Through hard work, I learned my job and the skills it takes to do it well. If you take pride in your job, you'll feel pride in yourself, and the rest will follow." Randy Evans picked an interesting way to celebrate becoming a recertified bosun. A 13-year member of the SIU, Evans commemorated the class with a tattoo on his left armcrossed anchors with "SIU 2001" between them. "When I first sailed in the Navy, all the bosuns' mates had [crossed-anchor tattoos]," Evans noted. "To me, each tattoo tells a story." Evans said that participating in the recertification program somehow made his SIU career "feel official," and that's what inspired him to get the tattoo. Not that he hasn't answered similar urges-he has 11 other tattoos. "But they can all be con- activities to promote Seafarers and the U.S.-flag fleet. A seven-time upgrader, Moore added, "I've gotten everything I need to be the best Seafarer right here at the school. O'Connell, who sails from the port of New Bedford, succinctly advised the apprentices to "take pride in your work, take advantage of our school, and treat your shipmates as you would yourself." Reynolds, from the port of New York, thanked the union's officials for their efforts and said he is "proud to be an SIU member. I've learned a lot here. "To the apprentices," he continued, "pay attention to what people tell you, because they're trying to help." Seagle, who sails from the port of Tacoma, reminded his fellow SIU members to utilize the Paul Hall Center to comply with the amended STCW convention. "I've really learned a lot here." The course blended hands-on training with classroom instruction, along with meetings with representatives from various departments of the SIU. The bosuns covered topics such as wire-splicing, navigation, damage control, forklift handling, Hagglund crane operations, fire fighting, first aid and CPR, and many others. Bosun Randy Evans won't have trouble remembering the year he completed recertification, thanks to the reminder on his left arm. Seafarers LOB 7 �Paul Hall Center Aces Coast Guard Audit The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., has posted yet another discrepancy-free inspection of it maritime education program. The latest increment came March 15, following an announced oversight audit by a team from the U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center (REC) in Baltimore. During the audit, REC team members conducted a thorough examination the school's maritime training programs to ensure that all U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses are taught in accordance with regulations set forth in Navigation & Vessel Inspection Circular 5-95. Ultimately, their goal was to ensure mariners attending the school are receiving training and assessments as defined in the approved curriculum. Following methodologies described in the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Manual, members of the three-person team examined and scrutinized the Paul Hall Center's: • record keeping and database management system, • category 1 classes in session, • instructor credentials, presentation skills and curriculum, • course examinations and grade books, • student enrollment, • master issue certificate list, • training record book data, and • applications and admission processes. No irregularities were found. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Brian A. Grim, a well-schooled and highly experienced inspector who served as team leader during the audit, broke the good news in a letter to William D. Eglinton, Paul Hall Center training director. In part, that correspondence read: "It is noteworthy that there were no discrepancie found during the audit of your courses. The courses you are instructing are within standards .... The Coast Guard appreciates the efforts you have taken in the field of marine training and extends its wishes for the continued succes of the training programs offered by your school." J.C. Wiegman, the school's assistant training director, accompanied the inspection team during their visit. Understandably, he was elated with the oversight audit's outcome and gave the team high marks on its thoroughness. "We have a long-standing working relationship with the REC in Baltimore," Wiegman offered. ''Their inspectors are always direct and extremely thorough in their approach. "They appeared to be very comfortable with our openness during their audit; they saw and examined everything they wanted to," he continued. "But more importantly, they were confident that we were doing everything properly. They were happy for us that everything here at the school was in place." Basic and advanced fire fighting are two of the dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses available at the Paul Hall Center. Congressman Visits Paul Hall Center New Commander Tours Piney Point Capt. Roger Peebles, second from right in left photo, the new U.S. Coast Guard area commander for the port of Baltimore, visited the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education May 10 for a briefing and tour. Accompanying the captain during his first ever visit to the school was John Cassidy, director, U.S. Coast Guard Regional Evaluation Center, Baltimore, right. Both listen to a briefing being given in the school's simulator building by Bill Eglinton, director of training (left) and Eric Malzkuhn, vocational instructor. In right photo, Captain Peebles and Cassidy witness a simulator demonstration. Congressman Robert Underwood (D-Guam) recently visited the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. While at the school, Congressman Underwood, fourth from right in back row, met with students from Guam who are undergoing training. Students shown with the congressman, in no particular order, are Johathan Babauta, Christopher Borja, Vicente Magbanua Jr., Mack Pedro, Alfred Wooten IV, Duane Wusstig, Herbert Pohl, Dominque Tarantino, Samuel Lloyd, Jesse Toves, Chris Marquez, Uverna Johnson, Denny Manns and Melissa Leon Guerrero. Also pictured, back row left, are George Gibson, the center's assistant training commandant, and Legislative Assistant Mark Smith. Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan, back row right, also joined in for the photo. Over Our Heads Improvements continue at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. New roofs are being installed on nearly every structure throughout the 65-acre campus, including the Paul Hall Memorial Library, pictured here. Contribute to the Seafarers Political Action Donation B Seafarers LOG June2001 �SHIP Scholarship Program W Awards $132,000 to Eight College-Bound Students hen the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarship program was introduced in 1953, it was considered one of the most flprogressive and forward~Iooking'1 ' measures to be adopted by any trade union. At that time, four full college scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each were awarded to children of Seafarers or to Seafarers not over 35 years of age who qualified in competitive examinations. Today-48 years later-a panel of educators making up the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan's scholarship committee has selected eight recipients for the annual awards. The monetary amounts given this year to three Seafarers and five dependents of SIU members total $ 132,000. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the eight colfege-bound students. Seafarers effrey Allan Lagana, 23, was Jshipawarded a four-year scholarin the amount of $20,000. The deep sea member looks forward to earning a degree in environmental science and policy at the University of Maryland, with the aim of helping to "preserve and improve the condition of our environment so that future generations may experience living in cleaner, safer surroundings." can achieve through the resources offered by the union. Now back at the University of Maryland (with a 4.0 GPA) and majoring in environmental science, Lagana hopes, with the help of this scholarship award, to complete his bachelor's degree and continue toward graduate studies while still fulfilling his responsibilities at sea. He is, he noted in his scholarship application, "one step closer to achieving my goal of making the world a better place to live." rian Burchette B Joe Leake Jeffrey Allan Lagana Following his 1995 graduation from St. Mary's Ryken High School in Leonardtown, Md., Lagana, who was a successful stu ent, had his sights set on college. He was accepted into the schools of his choice, but out-ofstate tuitions were too high, and he decided to enroll at the University of Maryland as an engineering major. After three semesters, he realized he did not wish to pursue engineering but wasn't sure exactly what he wanted except to get away on his own and experience life as an adult. So it was that in January 1997, at age 19, Lagana found himself at the Paul Hall Center in the first class in the new unlicensed apprentice program. His leadership qualities were evident, as he was selected to be the chief bosun for Class 561. His first voyage during his training was aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii, and he has been an active union member ever since, enjoying the chance to "see and experience a vast number of places and people that many never have the opportunity to do in a lifetime." He most recently sailed aboard the Maersk Tennessee. Lagana has returned to the school a number of times to upgrade his skills. As one of the first students from the unlicensed apprentice program to complete the Able Seaman course, he also received three college credits for successfully completing all the requirements for English 102: Composition and Literature, and later became the first Seafarer to earn his Nautical Science Technology Certificate at the school. Lagana has, on a number of occasions, volunteered to speak to the unlicensed apprentices' social responsibilities classes about his experiences since becoming an SIU member and is truly a model of what a student June2001 and Army are the two Seafarers selected to received the $6,000 scholarships to attend a two-year course of study. Both sail deep sea. After graduating from high school in Spokane, Wash. in 1985, Burchette moved back to Hawaii to live with his father. While working at a hotel banquet facility there, he found out about the American Hawaii cruise ships and fulfilled the necessary steps to join the Sill. After two years aboard the cruise ships- starting out as an assistant waiter and working his way up to captain's waiter- he sought new challenges and opportunities within the union. He attended upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center and began sailing on different types of vessels, eventually application form. reaching his goal of becoming a Burchette, 32, has since chief steward in 1992. moved to Columbia, S.C. and realFollowing a series of events, izes how much the union has including the death of his father helped him and allowed him to and moving to Phoenix, Ariz., experience. "There is no other Burchette retired his book and way that I would have ever pursued a career in the fitness ·become the individual I am today field as a personal trainer and without the union. I love to sail. I health foods store owner. love to travel. But I also know there Eventually, the store closed, but comes a time when new avenues he became interested in the com- must be approached." And with puter field and started taking that, Burchette, who most recently sailed aboard the !TB Groton, classes for certification. But after a move back to hopes to continue his computer Hawaii and then to Bremerton, studies at Midland Technical InWash., Burchette retrieved his stitute or the University of South union book out of retirement and Carolina, both in Columbia, or at set his goals once more. His first Tacoma Community College in job back was as a steward assis- Tacoma, Wash. Leake, 29, began his pursuit to tant on the Overseas Boston in 1998. "I was back sailing. I loved work in the maritime industry in it," he wrote on his scholarship 1994 when he joined the National Maritime Union. But after a lack of job opportunities, he enrolled in a seamanship program cosponsored by the NMU and the Inland Boatman's Union of the Pacific, graduating with the endorsements of AB and QMED. Still unable to find work, he joined the in July 1997 and "one week later I was finally working in the industry that I had wanted to be a part of for three years." The past four years as a Seafarer have been "the best four years of my life," he noted on his Brian Burchette scholarship application form. Robb DonLevy Dependents K yla graduated last month B om in a small village in Yemen in 1981, Hail Said Abdullah came to the United States at the age of 14 with a dream of getting a good education. He worked hard and graduated from Fordson High in Dearborn, Mich. in 2000 with many academic honors. He has begun his studies at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn and plans to transfer to Wayne State University in Detroit, with the hopes of becoming a pharmacist. In addition to keeping up his high grades in college, Abdullah continues to work at a retirement home. He notes that the $20,000 scholarship will help him achieve his educational goals and also continue to serve his community. Abdullah's father is Great Lakes member Said Ahmed Abdullah, who joined the union in 1990. from East Bay High School in Gibsonton, Fla. She was fourth in her class of 320 students. The 17-year-old would like to pursue a bachelor's degree in secondary education, specializing in physical education and health. She already has been accepted to both the University of South Florida and the University of Central Florida. Ever since she was a little girl, DonLevy has had a dream to become a teacher and, possibly, a girls' basketball coach. She wants to have a positive influence on her students' lives and encourage them to achieve their highest goals. She also would like to give back to the "wonderful community" in which she has grown up. Her father, Richard William Don Levy, has been an SIU member for nearly 30 years in the inland division. Kyla Robb DonLevy sru Army Joe Leake "I've had the opportunity to visit every continent in the world, with the exception of South America, and I will get there soon." Being a member of the SIU has allowed him to become financially independent and support a family. And "the education that I receive each and every time I sail is priceless." He most recently worked aboard Natco's Dodge Island. Leake, who wasn't the best student in high school, has since learned the importance of an education and now dreams of attending college and receiving a degree. With his award, he hopes to major in business management at Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University, or Hampton University, all in southern Virginia. lexander L. Talarico completed his course of study at Catalina High Magnet School in Tucson, Ariz. last month, graduating in the top I 0 percent of his class. He was on the honor roll and took honors and advanced placement courses to better prepare himself Alan Sun for his future career in raduating this month business and computer scifrom Greenfield High ence. He already has been School in Greenfield, Calif. accepted to the University with a 4.109 GPA, Alan of Arizona in Tucson. Sun believes his "reason to Born and raised in be on this planet is to do well in everything that I Buenos Aires, Argentina, Talarico, now 18, moved commit myself to." Determination, respon- to the United States in sibility and devotion are the 1995. His bilingual skills three qualities he feels will . have been very useful durhelp him be successful in ing his internship at a the future, especially as he company that develops aspires to study biology and computer software, and he eventually become a veteri- hopes to continue using narian. them. Sun, 17, has participated His father, Louis in track and field events James Talarico, sailed in during his high school the deep sea division since career, been the editor of 1961. He retired in 1997. the school newspaper and belonged to the art club and the physics club, among other school activities. He also interns in a veterinarian's clinic. He has applied to the University of California. Sun's father, Steven Sun, has been a member of the union since 1967. He presently works as a chief cook aboard the President A G Polk. Alexander L. Talarico Demi Lynn Vorise emi Lynn Vorise, 19, graduated last year from North Iberville High School in Rosedale, La., and is currently attending Jacksonville University, where she is majoring in English. Her dream is to become a lawyer. Vorise's vision for the future is one in which she can protect those who have been treated unfairly - "to make opportunities available to the unfortunate people living in this world" and "to make this world a better place for all." While an honor student in high school, Vorise was an active member of the tutoring program in addition to other extracurricular activities. She graduated second in her class and was elected salutatorian. D Her father, George Vorise Jr., has been a deep sea member since 1969. He sails in the steward department. Seafarers LOG 9 �pq,e May Light Begins Coastal Cruises Following the ceremonial dedication of the Cape May Light in April, the SIUcrewed coastal vessel embarked on its inaugural cruise along the U.S. eastern seaboard. Other voyages will showcase the beauty, heritage and character of the Great Lakes and the Canadian Maritime provinces. And during the winter months, the itinerary will include cruising the coastlines of Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Panama. The 224-passenger Cape May Light and its sister ship, the Cape Cod Light (expected to enter service in August) were inspired by the historic Fall River Line vessels, which served overnight passengers on northeastern U.S. coastal routes for nearly a century beginning in the mid- l 800s. They are named after historic lighthouses and are the first two ships in the new Delta Queen Coastal Voyages fleet. The company, a subsidiary of SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages, plans three more additions to its coastal fleet during the next few years. U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao christened the vessel April 25 in Alexandria, Va. at a pier within sight of the nation's capital. Also in attendance, SIU President Michael Sacco stated that the union will continue to do everything possible to support companies like American Classic Voyages and to make sure that such ceremonies become the rule rather than the exception. Briefly pausing from the intense last-minute preparations for the first cruise, galley personnel on the Cape May Light include (in alphabetical order) 1st Cook Tyrone Bailey, 1st Cook Charles Blue, 2nd Cook/OS Kellie Clark, Exec. Sous Chef Giles Kingsley, 1st Cook/OS Johnny Scott, Director of Food Operations Paul Smith, 1st Cook/OS Olive Stewart, Exec. Chef Mark Vannasdell and Food and Beverage Controller Mark Wertanen. U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao (left) talks with SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay before christening the new SIU-crewed coastal vessel Cape May Light. Mississippi Queen Celebrates 25th Birthday ,\.J . . JI-! ~- !1::i, " · e, '\ CAPE MAY LIGHT 10 Seafarers LOS ~ Back in 197 6, when the United States was celebrating its 200th birthday, the SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen was just being launched. It was the biggest steamboat ever built. Today, while no longer the largest steam-powered paddlewheeler, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. 's Mississippi Queen may be the most famous, having carried nearly half-a-million passengers on river cruise vacations through the nation's Heartland and South. Birthday celebrations took place April 11 as calliope music filled the air, steamboat whistles sounded and hundreds of colorful balloons were released from the vessel's deck. The paddlewheeler was designed by James Gardner (who also designed Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2). Built at a cost of $27 million at one of America's most famous shipyards, Jeflboat, Inc., the vessel continues to appear as it did back then but with all the amenities of today's Now 25 years old, the SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen continues its leisurely cruises along the Mississippi River, using a 70-ton paddlewheel for propulsion. traveler, including a bathing pool, exercise room, beauty salon, movie theater and elevators Despite the fact that the Mississippi Queen is 382 feet long, 68 feet wide and weighs 3,364 tons, it floats in only 9 feet of water. It can accommodate 416 passengers in 208 suites and staterooms (most of which feature a view of the river from a private veranda, large window or porthole). And the custom-built cal- liope (or steam-powered piano) is the world's largest, featuring 44 gold-plated, solid brass pipes. The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages Co., traces its roots back to 1890. The company also operates other SIU-crewed riverboats: the Delta Queen, a National Historic Landmark, and the American Queen, which now holds the record as the world's largest steamboat. June2D01 �SS Iberville'• Pre-War Voyage Recalled by Retiree Stevenson Editors Note: Much of humanity was on the verge of armed conflict in 1941. Germany and England already were at war, and the masters of Nazi Germany reigned over a great deal of the European continent. U.S.-flag shipping was in the doldrums because the 1939 Neutrality Act prohibited American ships from entering war zones. Given these and other considerations-especially the prowess with which German U-boats sank their targets-this didn t seem the best time for young adventurers to travel the world on the high seas. Many, however, did. One was James Stevenson, who sailed with the SIU during World War II and later earned his license. Following is his personal account of his six-month, around-the-world voyage aboard the SS Iberville. I paid off the Kenmar May 14. After two days on the beach, my poke was getting mighty small. I had been on ships engaged in the coastwise and intercoastal trade. I wanted to ship foreign to those far-off places in China and the Dutch East Indies. In April, President Roosevelt revised some of the restrictions of the Neutrality Act. He opened the Red Sea to U.S.-flag shipping because the British 8th Army fighting the Germans in Libya was short of supplies and needed help. After being present at the union hall every day for the shipping call, my luck changed. On June 6, I got a job as a messman on the SS Iberville bound for Suez, Egypt and ports beyond. When I reported aboard the Iberville, she was loaded down to her marks with supplies for the British 8th Army. She had a deckload of planes, Ford trucks and drums of gasoline. We sailed the following day to Port Tewfik Crew members from the Iberville are pictured in Singapore on Sept. 24, 1941. From left to right are Frank Medeiros, James Stevenson, Frank Frye and Jim Deidrick. (Suez) south across the Atlantic to Capetown and north over the Indian Ocean to Aden, Arabia. On June 22, the radio officer posted a notice that Germany had invaded Russia. Russia was now our ally. On July 26, after a 13,588-mile voyage, we arrived at Aden. We were met by a British naval vessel which escorted us north up the Red Sea blacked-out to Port Tewfik. We arrived July 31 and were assigned to an anchorage. About 50 ships were in the harbor, among them my first ship, the SS Kenmar. Also there, off our starboard bow, lay the burned hulk of the British troop ship MV Georgie. It had been bombed in May by the German Luftwaffe. Masts of other sunken ships projected above the waters, the victims of war. We were greeted by German bombers our first night in port. I heard the planes droning overhead, then suddenly bombs screaming down from the sky. Flashes of fire from anti-aircraft guns lit up the dark. The great search lights were probing the sky to catch a plane in their beams so the shore batteries could shoot them down. The following day the deck crew painted the ship gray, the color of war. On Aug. 11 , the Iberville was struck at the stern by a magnetic mine that had been dropped from a plane. She was towed to the shipyard and repaired and the remainder of our cargo discharged. After 19 days in Port Tewfik and 10 air raids, we were off to Bombay, India Aug. 19. We arrived there during the morning of Aug. 31 to load manganese ore. Four days later, we sailed to Belawan Deli, Sumatra for a cargo of rubber. Our next stop ~~; ~~~· James R. Stevenson, former SIU member who retired as a merchant marine officer in 1983, sailed aboard the SS Iberville during its historic six-month around-the-world voyage in 1941. Stevenson is now a maritime historian with the American Merchant Marine Veterans. He is pictured above with some of his decorations for maritime service in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. was Penang, where we loaded tin. On Sept. 17, we sailed to Singapore. There we heard that the U.S.flag ship SS Steel Seafarer had been sunk Sept. 5 by a German plane in the Red Sea. America was being drawn into the war. I saw hundreds of armed Australian and British troops in Singapore. Sandbags were stacked around the pubic buildings. A few hundred miles to the northeast, Japanese troops occupied the French colony of IndoChina. They had been there since 1940 when the colony came under the control of the Vichy government of France. More rubber was loaded in Singapore. The Iberville was getting war weary. Her boilers had suffered damage during the air raids in Port Tewfik. We departed for Cebu, P.I., sailing blacked-out over the South China Sea. We kept a sharp lookout for Japanese submarines which were based in Saigon. This sea was now their domain. We arrived in Cebu Oct. 2 to load chrome ore. Our ship was now loaded down to her marks with rubber, tin, chrome and manganese ore-products not found in the USA. We began our long voyage to New York, about 12,000 miles away, sailing blacked-out at night until we reached the International Date Line. We continued to Honolulu after 25 days at sea and several breakdowns due to boiler trouble. Everyone was happy to see land. Lee Van Atta, a reporter from the Honolulu Advertiser, came aboard to interview the crew about their experiences in Port Tewfik. The next day headlines read, "Freighter Here After Aerial Assault In Suez." Our fuel tanks were refilled and food supplies replenished. On Nov. 1, we sailed for New York, 6,700 miles away. Our transit through the Panama Canal was a marvelous sight, a wonder of the world, even more so than the pyramids of Egypt. The Iberville arrived in New York Dec. 3, 1941 after a sixmonth voyage around the world with her valuable cargo intact. Four days later, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, thrusting our nation into the greatest sea war in history. Newest NAFTA Assessment Shows Staggering Job Losses •GUU r--- -,- Stagnant worker incomes, lost job opportunities, increased insecurity and rising inequality exist continent-wide in epidemic proportions thanks to the socalled North American Free Trade Agreement. This is the assessment of NAFTA at Seven, a new report from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) which evaluated the trade accord on its seventh anniversary (NAFTA took effect Jan. 1, 1994). The report represents the combined assessment of a trio of economic analysts who hail from the United States, Mexico and Canada. As advocates push for extending free trade to the remainder of the hemisphere through a so-called Free Trade Area of the Americas agreement, the report warns that other countries are susceptible to the ill effects already experienced by NAFTA countries. In the United States, NAFTA eliminated more than 766,000 job opportunities between 1994 and 2000, as the trade deficit between the U.S. and its northern and southern neighbors ballooned, according to U.S. author Robert Scott. Scott is an economist with the EPI. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have experienced a net loss of jobs under NAFTA. Exports from every state have been offset by faster-rising imports. Net job loss figures range from a June2001 low of 395 in Alaska to a high of 82,354 in California. Other hard-hit states include Michigan, New York, Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia, each with more than 20,000 jobs lost. These states all have high concentrations of industries (such as motor vehicles, textiles and apparel, computers, and electrical appliances) where a large number of plants have moved to Mexico. While job losses in most states are modest relative to the size of the economy, it is important to remember that the promise of new jobs was the principal justification for NAFTA, Scott says. According to its promoters, the new jobs would compensate for the increased environmental degradation, economic instability, and public health dangers that NAFTA brings. If NAFTA does not deliver net new jobs, it can't provide enough benefits to offset the costs it imposes on the American public. The loss of these real and potential jobs is just the most visible tip of NAFTA's impact on the U.S. economy, Scott says. NAFTA, in his estimation, also has contributed to rising income inequality, suppressed real wages for production workers, weakened collective bargaining powers and ability to organize unions, and reduced fringe benefits. Mexican author Carlos Salas says large NAFTA-related. lob ) ~. \........-- - - .i-- ,' since 19$3 . . I Uniled Statfls ~ 788-,030 U.S. Joba Ion Ill LJ trade surpluses with the United States have not been enough to overcome even larger trade deficits with the rest of the world in his country. Wages and incomes in Mexico, according to Salas, fell between 1994 and 1998. And with NAFTA, inequality has grown and job quality has deteriorated for most workers. Salas is an economist at the Colegio de Mexico. numLm ~I iM lc:.i&t • 27.8CI) II> 8~ . ~ (I~> • f3.2CO 10 27 .6t'i0 ~1 :1; • 3,100 wtS,2tn i") .2,Q(() lu $!, ! ~ (1 C.) $00 Iv · 2.JIOO (1 '? In Canada, exports to the U.S. now account for 40 percent of gross domestic product, reports Canadian author Bruce Campbell. Still, he says, overall growth during the 1990s was worse than in any other decade since the 1930s. Further, he notes that productivity growth has not led to growth in wages. Campbell is director of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives. Seafarers LOii 11 �eac Altair's Sealift Ex Merchant Marine The fast sealift ship USNS Altair is operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA). Chinook helicopters are kept under wraps. A loader is at lower right. 12 Seafarers LOS he SIU-crewed USNS Altair recently demonstrated that the U.S. Merchant Marine remains ready, willing and able to deliver the goods for America's armed forces. As part of a larger exercise known as Lightning Force, the Altair transported 3,800 tons of U.S. Army equipment (belonging to the 25th Infantry Division) from Pearl Harbor to Beaumont, Texas. The load amounted to 948 pieces of cargo, including four Chinook helicopters, 16 Kiowa Warrior Reconnaissance helicopters, 24 Blackhawk helicopters, 100 "Humvees," plus troop transports, fuel trucks, front-end loaders, bulldozers, trailers, ammunition carriers and more. Just as soldiers hone their skills via training and repetition, so it is with civilian crew members aboard ships operated for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Through exercises like Lightning Force (scheduled to conelude late last month), merchant mariners brush up on all T 4 - the proficiencies requ operations. "Breakout" drills ha testing the machinery which typically are (ROS). The ROS ship from a few days to a.fe ~ D~ing the ,A lt.am~::r New Orleans on Marc April 9. For the next loaded non-stop onto t The Altair then dep carrying not only milit Seafarers reported exce and their guests. "The soldiers stated a great experience and noted AB Arthur Mac �The Altair's deck is packed with loaders, trailers and other gear. Visible in the background is a memorial • for the USS Utah, including · . , the ship's wreckage. ¥ cise Demonstrates Key Defense Role f crews involved in sealift e added benefit of vigorously d vessels such as the Altair, in reduced operating status e activation periods ranging eks. _ lhe hi 'led from d arrived in Pearl Harbor on ays and nights, materiel was 8-foot ship. Pearl Harbor for Beaumont, ear but also Army personnel. cooperation between the crew eing on board the Altair was ed us a safe journey home," ''The whole exercise went really well," added SA Steve Johnson (who, with Machado, provided the photos on this page). ''The soldiers got a taste of life at sea. Many friendships were made and many fond memories remain." The Altair arrived in Beaumont on April 27 and commenced off-loading. To complete this portion of the drill, the Army was scheduled to transport the equipment by air, r ail and road to Fort Polk, La. Formerly a containership, the Altair was modified during the 1980s to provide roll-on/roll-off capabilities, along with helicopter handling and storage facilities. The ship can travel at up to 30 knots. It has a 106-foot beam, a light displacement of 29,692 tons, a full displacement of 61 ,987 tons and a dead weight tonnage of 32,295. Its maximum navigational draft is 37 feet. Since World War II, 95 percent of all U.S. military equipment and materiel sent to crisis and combat theaters has been carried by sea. Helicopters are off-loaded in Beaumont, Texas. .-.,.,· - .· t. �STCW: B Months Remain for Feb. 1, 2002 Compliance Between now and Feb. 1, 2002-the deadline for meeting all requirements of the amended STCW convention-SIU members sailing aboard deep sea or near-coastal vessels should concern themselves with two things. Those items are, taking a U.S. Coast Guard-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course or being trained and assessed aboard ship with entries made into your training record book (TRB), and, if you are a watchstanding deck or engine department person, obtaining a 1995 STCW certificate. If a mariner doesn't complete STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) or acquire the 1995 STCW certificate, if required, by Feb. 1, 2002, then that mariner cannot sail aboard deep sea or nearcoastal ships. STCW certificates are available through Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs). Members should bring the following things when applying for the certificate: your merchant mariner's document (MMD), TRB, BST course certificate and one passport photo. You also can get your certificate through the mail by sending notarized copies of your MMD and BST certificate and the photo to your nearest Coast Guard REC. Please call the REC in advance with your request. Members should not expect same-day service for STCW certificates or document renewals. There is no charge for the STCW certificate. Origins STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. It is a treaty under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The original STCW Convention was ratified in 1978. It set minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide. The U.S. didn't sign onto the 1978 convention until 1991, although our nation easily met the requirements. However, by then the pact was under revision. The STCW amendments were finalized in 1995, with more than 100 signatory nations (again including the U.S.). The five-year transition period for the amended convention began Feb. 1, 1997. Some of the new requirements were instituted at that time, while others have been phased in. As of Feb. 1, 2002, the 1978 convention completely is super- PLAN A PINEY POINT VACATION Schools soon will be out for the kids-and that means only one thing: a summer vacation is around the corner. SIU members and their families who want to do something different this year without blowing the family budget might consider tak- UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. ing advantage of a benefit unique to Seafarers: vacationing at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Everything you could ask for in a summer vacation can be found at Piney Point. Besides comfortable accommodations for the whole family, as well as three delicious meals a day, the Paul Hall Center affords plenty of opportunities to fish, go boating, play tennis and swim. Also available for use are a sauna and exercise facilities. Piney Point, in St. Mary's County, is ideally situated to allow for day trips throughout the historic southern Maryland and Washington, D.C. metropolitan areas. The location provides a great chance to visit such landmarks as the home of George Washington at Mt. Vernon, Arlington Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol. Children will love to tour Now! the FBI building or see where U.S. money is made at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. And watching the sharks at the Baltimore acquarium is a real treat. But if sightseeing is not your idea of a vacation, there is always something going on in St. Mary's County, itself Seafood festivals, art exhibitions, antique and craft shows, concerts and theater productions are but a few of the offerings. A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family, and the rates are very reasonable (see box at left). Give yourself and your family an unforgettable vacation at Piney Point. Send the completed application form to the Seafarers & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. You won't regret it. PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book number: Address:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ __ _ __ _ __ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: _ __ 2nd choice: _ __ 3rd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674--0075. 6101 14 Seafarers LOG seded by the amended pact. It becomes null and void. In the interim time between 1997 and 2002, confusion occasionally has arisen because some of the dates for compliance with the 197 8 convention and the amended convention overlapped. For instance, that's how the U.S. ended up with two different STCW certificates (1978 and 1995). Paul Hall Center's Basic Safety Classes Two STCW Basic Safety Training courses are offered, each of which is U.S. Coast Guardapproved. One is a five-day class for all personnel who began sailing after Aug. 1, 1998. The other is a four-day class for all personnel who began sailing before Aug. 1, 1998. Each class meets the five-year STCW Chapter VI basic safety requirements. Subjects include personal survival, fire prevention and fire fighting, first aid/CPR, and social responsibility and personal safety. Classroom training in combination with assessment of proficiency as per STCW tables will be conducted and entries made in the training record book. These classes are limited to 25 students maximum. Basic fire fighting is one of the Chapter VI requirements, and therefore is offered as a lead-in to the STCW classes. Check the Paul Hall Center upgrading course schedule on page 21. Addltlenal ResourGel: ' Contact the Paul Hall Center for -Maritime Training and Education toll~free at 800-732-2739 • Visit the U.S. Coast Guard's STCW web site at http:/luscg.mif/stcw/ Please Note: • STCW Basic Safety Training must be renewed every five years. •Licensed mariners (including engineers) must complete lifeboatman/proficiency in water survival by the 2002 deadline. • Watchstanding deck and engine department members need a 1995 STCW certificate by Feb. 1, 2002. Renew Every 5 Years You may have taken the four elements of BST (basic fire fighting, basic first aid, personal survival and personal safety/social responsibility) by having taken the individual courses, such as basic fue fighting at the Paul Hall Center in, for example, May 1999. But be advised that BST must be renewed every five years and therefore if you piecemeal the four elements, then each one has a different "clock" running on it for the five-year period. Also, personal safety/social responsibility is not acquired by just taking several classes dealing with the course content-it has to be an approved course. In other words, go to the Paul Hall Center and take the five-day Basic Safety Training course and you will be qualified for the next five years. Moreover, an often-asked question is " courses must be renewed?" The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that of the various STCW required courses, i.e., ARPA, BRM, advanced fire fighting, GMDSS, BST, etc., only Basic Safety Training must be renewed every five years. Contacting Members of Congress on Capitol Hill Crew members often ask the Seafarers LOG to publish mailing addresses for U.S. Senators and Congressmen. Here they are: The Honorable (Name) United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Also be sure to include your name and return address. The telephone number for the Capitol switchboard is (202) 224-3121. The Honorable (Name) United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Additionally, most members of Congress may be contacted by email. To locate an address, go to www.senate.gov or www.house.gov. The SIU's web site (www.seafarers.org) provides links to those sites and to the White House under our "legislation" section. When writing to members of Congress, whether via letter or email, remember to be concise. State your purpose, be factual and explain how legislation probably will impact you and others. If writing about a specific bill, include its name and number (House bills begin with H.R., Senate bills with S.). June2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 2001 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SlllPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 6 1 4 17 34 6 15 21 8 2 0 6 0 3 10 22 2 12 7 11 4 3 3 11 18 2 3 8 22 23 194 2 9 3 2 4 6 12 5 8 5 4 3 0 2 3 6 7 11 113 5 76 1 2 0 0 3 22 15 9 7 13 20 1 19 17 145 Guam 0 7 12 13 7 4 14 4 5 9 6 5 4 0 4 8 4 8 6 11 1 11 2 2 4 2 0 2 6 0 2 2 6 0 6 5 5 3 2 2 2 5 3 8 2 67 1 6 8 2 13 8 100 11 5 95 43 5 1 12 5 2 3 6 5 31 52 13 23 36 21 6 3 13 6 23 8 13 3 3 84 9 3 7 6 2 5 6 2 1 2 3 2 3 4 0 2 4 5 2 52 13 9 62 0 0 24 15 19 7 9 5 14 1 28 10 5 2 0 2 1 2 3 5 32 32 11 12 314 157 12 11 84 0 0 1 4 1 0 3 0 0 3 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 17 1 6 2 2 2 2 4 2 3 8 7 2 2 5 0 9 3 0 1 l 1 2 1 3 0 4 8 0 1 1 7 4 0 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 8 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 3 3 5 0 5 0 3 4 14 11 2 0 3 3 3 0 1 4 9 1 3 4 0 3 2 3 1 0 7 2 5 4 2 3 0 12 2 0 0 2 2 . 1 1 12 0 14 12 4 4 3 13 8 103 47 38 75 0 0 0 19 0 0 3 7 IO 7 6 4 0 0 Guam 1 0 0 0 5 3 6 2 Port 3 3 0 1 0 4 1 0 2 0 0 0 l 0 0 0 2 9 0 6 9 2 19 46 5 16 8 4 29 20 7 13 9 19 7 2 5 14 16 2 8 10 0 3 3 7 3 0 7 2 2 3 0 1 2 0 15 12 11 7 9 9 159 123 50 9 I 1 0 12 25 26 8 12 19 9 5 2 0 22 2 29 20 193 11 4 5 1 0 0 0 Guam 0 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerro Rico San Francisco 8 1 2 l 3 4 0 0 0 4 1 2 91 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 45 0 0 0 0 11 3 0 13 5 5 21 10 14 4 1 0 3 6 20 9 1 13 10 18 2 7 2 9 21 10 6 0 18 4 0 14 12 3 0 14 0 7 1 5 3 32 142 220 17 429 397 377 304 1 4 St. Louis O Tacoma Wilmington 3 5 0 0 0 5 0 6 8 1 4 10 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 19 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: July l8, August 22 Mobile .................... Wednesday: July 11, August 15 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: July 17. August 21 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 10, August 14 New York .... :...........Tuesday: July 3, August 7 Norfolk .................. :Thursday: July 5, August 9 Philadelphia ............Thursday: July 5* Wedn~sday: August 8 f(llichange created by Independence Day holiday) Port Everglades ....... Tbursday: July 12, August 16 San Francisco ... ;'.:.Jfhursday: July 12, Avg\lst 16 San Juan..................Thursday: July 5,August 9 St. Louis .... ;............ Friday: July 13, August 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: July 20, August 24 Wilmington ............. ,.Monday: July 16 day: u t2I* 9 3 8 30 2 5 6 0 11 4 8 2 PAUL BELLIA (of Florida) 8 2 Please contact Donald Cole or Jack McCoy at (619) 895-1241. 3 2 1 0 2 2 3 6 73 0 0 0 12 2 6 1 5 6 2 5 57 1 0 0 2 6 1 4 l 2 30 127 14 7 16 17 10 9 6 7 29 33 14 3 22 2 23 4 17 2 22 7 6 0 22 27 19 305 496 11 2 0 84 122 0 55 18 224 238 209 141 721 577 0 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 5, August 9 0 0 0 6 5 5 Houston ..................Monday: July 9, August 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Honolulu ................. Friday: July 13, August 17 Each port's meeting smrts at 10:30 a.m. Personals LUCIEN LAVALLAIS Please contact Linda Ellis and Anthony Byrd at any of these phone numbers: (903) 938-8851, (903) 9271958, (903) 935-9986, or write them at 713 Navajo Trail, Marshall, Texas 75672. PATRICK PARKER 0 3 l 21 IO 2 Duluth .....................Wednesday: July 11, August 15 (*clumge created by Paul Hall birthday holiday) ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Baltimore 6 5 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. June2001 Baltimore ................Thursday: July 5, August 9 11 12 4 0 Algonac Baltimore Totals All Departments 2 1 51 30 33 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 Port Totals Algonac .................. Friday: July 6, August 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 2 1 Totals Piney Point .............Monday: July 2, August 6 0 2 0 9 9 0 0 4 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico .San·Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 6 2 5 6 2 3 1 7 1 0 5 4 4 5 3 4 6 Algonac Baltimore o~ 0 0 0 1 Port Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Trip July &August 2001 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Frances Trader would like to hear from you. You sailed with her husband, Ernest Trader, in 1957. Please call her at (252) 444-6730. REQUESTFROMJAMESD.HOLLAND It has been many years since James Holland worked on ships or tugs. He is in prison and would appreciate hearing from anyone who would care to write him. His address is James D. Holland, #391218, Yfynne Unit C.C., Huntsville, TX 77349. INFORMATION ABOUT ANTONIO LUIS RAMOS Antonio Luis Ramos, approximately 84 years old, was born in Corosal, P.R. and lived with his wife, Maria Luisa Rosa, in New York. Anyone with information about him is asked to contact his son, Luis Antonio Ramos, at 4401 Plaza Drive, Apt. B-102, Holiday, FL 34691. ALLEN EDWARD RICE JR. Please contact Sally (Rice) Doherty at (301) 8120264, or write her at 4005 Band Shell Court, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732. Seafarers LOB 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Diredory APRIL 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Tom Orzechowski Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram .. Vice President Government Services .. Company/Lakes Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 10 10 0 7 4 0 5 5 0 16 41 L- MAY 15, 2001 Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 4 0 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 9 9 0 5 6 0 3 2 0 1 5 0 7 32 HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Totals All Depts 0 38 60 0 22 15 016 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 45 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters APRIL 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St, Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 MAY 15, 2001 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihl St., Honolulu, HJ 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Libeny St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY' CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St, New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 39U Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY I 1232 (718) 499-6600 8. .·. NORFOLK "''. HSThirdSt.,Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PJlll,ADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St, San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16'6 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma. WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 · ··.~ WILMINGTON SfON. BroadAve., Wilmington. CA 90744 . 16 (310) 549-4000 Seafarers LOS Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters Wet Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 6 10 0 l 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTME T 0 0 0 I l 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 I 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 4 0 17 21 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 11 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 23 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This somewhat faded photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Louis E. Wagner of Sandusky, Ohio. It was taken aboard the Liberty ship James Lick in October 1945 at Buckner Bay in Okinawa, Japan. In a note accompanying the photo, Wagner also enclosed a copy of the log book from that voyage, which included entries on the damage done by a typhoon through which the vessel sailed. Wagner, who was an AB at the time, is directly behind the "L.'.' in the life ring. He states: "The ship was named for James Lick, businessman-philanthropist in San Francisco. A highway and observatory also are named in his honor. He was born Aug. 21, 1796 and died Oct. 1, 1876. He's buried at the Lock Observatory. "The skipper of this ship was Capt. William S. Dodge, and he was well known on the West Coast and to the personnel of the Jeremiah O'Brien." Wagner, now 72, is a former member of the Sailors Union of the Pacific. He served on a number of other Liberty ships, including the Jason Lee, George W Goletha/s, Cornelius Gilliam and Ed P Costigan as well as on a Victory ship, the Roswell Victory. Wagner was aboard the James Lick at Eniwetok in August 1945 when the war ended in the Pacific. "What a great feeling!" he writes. June2001 �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. T wo recertified stewards are among the 10 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Jose Coils and Fernando Urias graduated from the highest level of training available to members of the steward department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Coils and Urias, nine of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division and one navigated the inland waterways. Five of the retirees worked in the deck department, two shipped in the engine department and three sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA SOFRONICOD. ADENIC, 70, started his SIU career in 1988, joining in Venezuela. Brother Adenic first shipped aboard American Hawaii Cruises' SS Independence. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1990. He last worked aboard the USNS Invincible, operated by Maersk Line Ltd. Born in the Philippines, he now resides in Kansas City, Mo. PETRONILO E.AMOR, 71, joined the SIU in 1990 in Venezuela. Brother Amor first sailed aboard the SS Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. The engine department member upgraded his skills in 2000 and again this year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. A native of Hawaii, Brother Amor last sailed aboard the cable ship Long Lines, operated by Tyco. He resides in Honolulu. JERRY BARNETT, 57, was born in Revere, Mass. Brother Barnett started his SIU career in 1966, joining in the port of New Orleans. Before becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1961to1964. Brother 'All I Wanted to Be' Simms Satisfied With Seafaring Career For some people, choo ing a vocation is agonizing. Whatever their priorities, they may sweat certain details to the point of inaction. Others are unfazed by switching among unrelated professions-perhaps several times. And then there's Jimmy Simms, who not only knew since childhood that he wanted to be a merchant mariner, but also lived that Jimmy Simms, completing his retirement dream during his 42-year paperwork, says of his career, "I wouldn't career with the SIU. change one day of it." Simms, 62, retired last month, right after serving on the 2001 rank-and-file Training and Education as a financial committee. major boon to the membership. "My father was a mariner, The facility, located in Piney and that's all I wanted to be, my Point, Md., opened in 1967. whole life," Simms recalled. "I "Without the school, we wouldn't change one day of it. It wouldn't be nearly as strong. was mostly good times. I saw Paul Hall (the late SIU president everything, did everything." and the school's namesake) He joined the union in 1959 deserves credit for founding it," and then climbed the gangway to Simms stated. his first vessel-the Edith, a Bull He also expressed confidence Lines ship. "From that point on, in SIU President Michael Sacco, I was in every major beef," Vice President Contracts Augie Simms noted. "Pickets, organizTellez, Secretary-Treasurer ing, and I also was active on David Heindel "and all of our rank-and-file committees. other officials. Mike is one of "It's in my blood," he continthe best labor leaders in the ued. "I can't say enough good country, and the way it looks, things about the SIU, and I still we' re going to be here for a long plan to attend membership meet- time." ings and help wherever needed." A veteran of the U.S. Army, Simms mostly sailed in the Simms has retired to Baltimore. deck department, although he He said he felt mixed emotions switched to the steward departabout retiring-but arthritis ment a few years ago. helped firm up the decision. Reflecting on the union's "It's time. I've been in every progress, Simms points to the major port in the world. But that Paul Hall Center for Maritime doesn't mean I won't miss it." June2001 Barnett first sailed aboard the Pecos, operated by Pecos Transport, Inc. The deck department member last worked aboard the Sea-Land Developer. Brother Barnett lives in Fresh Meadows, N. Y. JOSER. COLLS, 60, started his SIU career in 1962, joining in San Juan, P.R. Brother Colls served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960. Born in Lares, P.R., he sailed in the steward department. Brother Calls first shipped aboard the Sea-Land Arizpa. He upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the steward recertification program there. The recertified steward last shipped aboard the SeaLand Expedition. Brother Colls lives in his native commonwealth. HECTOR FELIX, 81, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of New rleans. he steward department member hails from Cuba. Brother Felix first shipped aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Maria. He upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1986 and 1987. Brother Felix last Reprinted from past issues of the worked aboard Matson Navigation's Lurline. He calls Miami home. ROSSA. HARDY, 62, hails from Texas. He joined the SIU in 1965 in Port Arthur, Texas. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1959. Brother Hardy first sailed aboard the Del Valle, operated by Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. A member of the engine department, he upgraded his skills in 1974 and 1994 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hardy last sailed aboard Westchester Marine's Cape Texas. He resides in Hitchcock, Texas. SANT PERSAUD, 72 started his SIU career in 1991, joining in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Persaud first shipped aboard the Cape Charles, operated by OMI Ship Management, Inc. Born in Guyana, he sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Persaud upgraded his skills at the SIU' s training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1991 and again earlier this year. He last sailed aboard the Major Steven W. Pless, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Stouffville, Ontario is his home. JAMES McHUGH, 66, was born in Tamaqua, Pa. Brother McHugh started his SIU career in 1959, joining in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Navy m~&ZJ•.J from 1950 to 1954. The deck department member first shipped aboard ORE Navigation's Santore. He last worked aboard NPR, Inc.' s Carolina. Brother McHugh lives in Philadelphia. FERNANDO URIAS, 65, joined the SIU in 1959 in the port of Houston. The Texas native first shipped aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Madaket. A member of the steward department, he upgraded his skills, including completion of the steward recertification course, in 1986 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Brother Urias lives in Galveston, Texas. INLAND -:: FELIX AGUILAR, 62, hails from Puerto Rico. Boatman Aguilar joined the SIU in 1978 in San ... Juan, P.R. He sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. A member of the deck department, Boatman Aguilar makes his home in Fajardo, P.R. ried in runaway-flag .tankers. Jhey would rip the heart out of the Jones Act so they could transport Alaskan oil 1951 from one U.S. port to another in foreignThe SIU Welfare Plari boosteo payments built, foreign-manned tankers - paying to hospitalized SIU men by 43 percent. slave wages and at the same time escaping The increased benefits go to $ 10 weekly from the present $ 7 and become effective the taxes that must be paid by American· flag operators. . . . as of June 4. The SIU is leading a Welfare Plan campaign to muster trustees adopted the Congressional suprecommendation port to strengthen made by SIU reprethe Jones Act. sentatives on the benefit. This increased hospital 1993 payment is the secThe SIU-contracted ond {increase) to be made by the Welfare Delta Queen Steamboat Company plans Plan within a period of six weeks. This to have its newest and most elaborate past April 16, the amount of the death paddlewheel steamboat -the American benefit was doubled from $500 to Queen-in operation by April 199 5. Last $1,000. month, at a steel-cutting ceremony in New Orleans, the company celebrated the 1971 start of construction of the 4 20-foot, sixdeck vessel which is being built at the The jobs of Seafarers are on the Jine in McDermott, Inc. shipyard in Amelia, La. the renewed attack on the Jones Act, a body of laws that demands that all domes- at an estimated cost of $60 million. tic shipping be moved on American-flag Like its sister ships, the Delta Queen and the Mississippi Queen, the American Queen vessels. The heavy assault on the Jones Act is being led by the oil industry, which will cruise the Mississippi and Ohio rivers wants oil from the rich Alaskan fields car- as well as several of their tributaries. THIS MOi'ITH 11'1 SIU HISTORY Seafarers LOG 17 �final Departures DEEP SEA SOFRONIO AMPER .------:==-----. Pensioner Sofronio Amper, 75, died Jan. 11. Brother Amper started his SIU career in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed aboard the Cape San Diego. Born in the Philippines, Brother Amper shipped as a member of the steward department. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Pacific. Brother Amper served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1951. He started receiving his pension in 1991. Brother Amper lived in Daly City, Calif. ROY AYERS Pensioner Roy Ayers, 81, passed away Feb. 9. He joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Ayers shipped in the steward department, first sailing aboard Emerson Stearn Co. 's Cathrine. The Georgia native last worked aboard the Del Mexico, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Ayers served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1944. He resided in Cullman, Ala. and began receiving his pension in 1979. HAROLD BAGLIEN Pensioner Harold Baglien, 77, died Dec. 10, 2000. Brother Baglien started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S). The steward department member sailed aboard American President Lines vessels, including the President Pierce. A native of North Dakota, Brother Baglien served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. He started receiving his pension in 1988. Brother Baglien called Seattle home. JAMES BERGBOWER Pensioner James Bergbower, 73, passed away ' Feb. 23. He joined the union in 1952 in the port of Wilmington, .___...,._...._....,_~__..,.___, Calif. Born in Illinois, Brother Bergbower first sailed aboard the Oremar, operated by ORE Navigation Corp. The deck department member last shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Bergbower served in the U.S. Anny from 1953 to 1955. He began receiving his pension in 1980. Preston, Md. was bis home. ROBERT BESSETTE Pensioner Robert Bessette, 82, died Dec. 27, 2000. Brother Bessette started his career with the MC&S in 1952 in Seattle. The steward department member shipped aboard vessels operated by Alaska Steamship Co. and Weyheuser. He started receiving his pension in 1978. A native of Seattle, Brother Bessette lived in Rocklin, Ga. 18 Seafarers LOii EDDY BROWN Brother Eddy Brown, 57, passed away Dec. 18, 2000. Brother Brown started his SIU career in 1987 in the port of New Orleans. A member of the engine department, he first shipped aboard the USNS Bowditch, operated by Lavino Steamship Co. Brother Brown last sailed aboard Bay Ship Management, Inc. 's USNS Capella. He served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1972. Metairie, La. was bis home. CLYDE CAHILL Pensioner Clyde Cahill, 79, died Dec. 20, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1945, joining in the port of New York. Born in Ohio, Brother Cahill first sailed aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co vessel. He shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Cahill last worked aboard the SeaLand Adventurer. He started receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Cahill resided in Caliente, Nev. FAUSTINO CALVO Brother Faustino Calvo, 68 passed away Jan 12. He joined the union in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. A native of California, he first sailed aboard the Meridian Victory, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Calvo shipped in the deck department, last working aboard T.M. McQuilling & Co. 's Coastal California. Brother Calvo called Fresno, Calif. home. JOSE DESTACAMENTO Pensioner Jose Destacamento, 78, died Jan 7. Brother Destacamento started his SIU career in 1957, joining in the port of New York. A member of the engine department, he first shipped aboard Seatrain Lines, Inc. vessels. Brother Destacamento last worked aboard the San Juan, a Puerto Rico Marine Management Inc. vessel. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1942 to 1945. Brother Destacamento lived in Jacksonville, Fla. and started receiving his pension in 1987. FREDERICK ENGEL Pensioner Frederick Engel, 72, passed away Nov. 24, 2000. He began his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New Orleans. A member of the steward department, he sailed primarily aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. vessels, last working aboard the Stonewall Jackson. The New Orleans native began receiving his pension in 1996. He called Metairie, La. home. GEORGE FILOMIO Pensioner George Filomio, 76, died Dec. 31, 2000. Brother Filornio joined the union in 1957 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed aboard a Pan Shipping Corp. vessel. Born in New York, Brother Filomio shipped as a member of the engine department. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Developer. Brother Filomio served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. He started receiving his pension in 1990. Seattle was his home . RAYMOND HOLDER Pensioner Raymond Holder, 85, passed away Jan 13. Brother Holder started his SIU career in 1942 in Tampa, Fla. '-----"""'-""'---"llL"'"'-1.__J Born in Alabama, he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Holder began receiving his pension in 1981. He resided in Hawthorne, Fla. NICOLAOS HRYSAGIDS Pensioner Nicolaos Hrysaghis, 84, died Dec. 26, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. Born in Greece, Brother Hrysaghis first sailed aboard the Atlantic Water, operated by Metro Steamship Corp. A member of the deck department, he last worked aboard the Sea-Land Independence. Brother Hrysaghis started receiving his pension in 1982. He lived in Athens, Greece. RICHARD T. JACKSON Brother Richard T. Jackson, 59, passed away Jan 25. Brother Jackson joined the union in 1970 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. A native of California, he first sailed aboard an Anchorage Tankship Corp. vessel. Brother Jackson shipped in the engine department, last sailing aboard Hudson Waterways Corp. 's Transchamplain. He lived in California. BARNEY KELLY Pensioner Barney Kelly, 78, died Nov. 12, 2000. Brother Kelly started his SIU career in 1949 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard a Pan Shipping Corp. vessel. The Alabama native worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Kelly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1941 to 1943. He lived in Richmond, Texas and began receiving his pension in 1974. DAVID KETCHUM Pensioner David Ketchum, 66, passed away Feb. 7. He started his SIU career in 1955, joining in the port of Phila• delphia. The =----------"Maryland native first sailed aboard the Marore, operated by ORE Navigation Corp. Brother Ketchum shipped as a member of the deck department, last working aboard the Cape Farewell. He started receiving his pension in 1991. Brother Ketchum called Dundalk, Md. home. I LAWRENCE LYNCH Pensioner Lawrence Lynch, 77, passed away Nov. 11, 2000. He started bis SIU career in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. A member of the steward department, Brother Lynch first shipped aboard the Joplin Victory, operated by Marine Carriers Corp. The Tennessee native last worked aboard Titan Navigation's Golden Phoenix. Brother Lynch served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He started receiving his pension in 1988. Brother Lynch lived in San Francisco. JAMES T. MANN Pensioner James T. Mann, 73, died Feb. 1. Brother Mann joined the SIU in 1951 in Savannah, Ga. He first sailed aboard a .....___,u....:.,___-.::...-.....__, Sprogue Steamship Co. vessel. A native of Savannah, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Mann last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Performance. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1955. Brother Mann started receiving his pension in 1992. He lived in Harris, Texas. JUAN NIEVES Brother Juan Nieves, 91, died Dec. 1, 2000. Brother Nieves was a charter member of the SIU, having joined the union in 1938 in the 1~-__._~___,_--=___, port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he first ail d aboard the Michael, operated by Mayflower Steamship Corp. The deck department member last worked aboard Sea-Land"'----·--,Inc. 's Arizpa. Brother Nieves lived in Carolina, Puerto Rico. ARNOLD PERRY Pensioner Arnold Perry, 72, passed away Dec. 3, 2000. Brother Perry joined the SIU in 1956 in Buffalo. The Massachusetts native sailed both deep sea and on the Great Lakes. He last worked aboard the Charles E. Wilson, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Perry served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1953. He began receiving his pension in 1993. Brother Perry resided in New Bedford, Mass. HOWARD SANDERS 1i__=-..1-::..........l.....;::.._~ Pensioner Howard Sanders, 82, died Jan. 10. Brother Sanders started his career with the MC&S in 1968, joining in Seattle. He first shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. The steward department member last worked aboard the Ewa, operated by Matson Navigation Co. Brother Sanders, who retired in 1983, called Carpinteria, Calif. home. SALBATO SERIO .....,..,.,.,,..--____, Pensioner Salbato Serio, 75, passed away Dec. 25, 2000. He joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Serio last worked aboard the Jacksonville, operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc. He lived in Violet, La. LEONARD STRONG Brother Leonard Strong, 56, died Jan 20. Brother Strong started his SIU career in 1991, joining in Seattle. The Illinois native first sailed aboard the Sgt. Edward A. Carter Jr., operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc. Brother Strong shipped as a member of the engine department. He last worked aboard Maersk Line's Constellation. Brother Strong served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1970. He resided in Greybull, Wyo. RALPH TODD Pensioner Ralph Todd, 75, died Dec. 21, 2000. Brother Todd joined the SIU. . e port of New Orleans. He first sailed aboard an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The Jasper County, Miss. native shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Todd last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He began receiving his pension in 1997. Brother Todd lived in Ovett. Miss. ALEX VASQUEZ Pensioner Alex Vasquez, 76, passed away Dec. 31, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. The Texas native shipped as a member of the steward department. He last worked aboard Penn Tanker's Ogden Challenger. Brother Continued on page 20 FAMILY MEMBERS Felix Tate and his son-in-law are both included in this month's final departures. FELIX TATE JOHNNY YOUNG Pensioner Felix Tate, 92, passed away Dec. 25, 2000. Brother Tate started his SIU career in 1945, joining in the port of _ __, Mobile, Ala. The Little River, Ala. native shipped as a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Erna Elizabeth, operated by Albatross Tanker Co. Brother Tate began receiving his pension in 1977. He resided in Detroit. Pensioner Johnny Young, 71, died Jan 6. Brother Young started his SIU career in 1958, joining in the port of Mobile, Ala. ~-------~ The Camden, Ala. native first sailed aboard an American Trading Prod vessel. A member of the steward department, Brother Young last sailed aboard the Liberty Spirit. He started receiving his pension in 1991. Brother Young lived in New Orleans. ~-~ June2001 �,Digest of Shipboar · 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. ANCHORAGE (CSX Lines), March 25-Chainnan Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary James A. Wright, Educational Director Michael W. Phillips, Deck DeJegate Tom Schroeder, Engine Delegate Ken Stratton, Steward Delegate Amanda Suncin. Chainnan announced payoff March 27 on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked everyone for great job and for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded crew members to check expiration dates on z-cards and STCW certificates in order to renew in time. He also suggested attending Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for any needed upgrading courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions for new contract sent to contracts department for consideration. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. CAPE /SABEL (Crowley Liner Services), March 11-Secretary Dorothy S. Carter. Chairman reminded everyone about Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for STCW compliance and urged Seafarers to try and recruit new SIU members. He asked that trash be separated from garbage and plastics and stored in proper containers and that care be taken when unloading vessel. Any items deemed un afe should be re thanked everyon_e for help in organizing ship, bnngmg Sl01c<:> vn boo.rrt ~nd keeping things clean. Educational director said to apply as soon as possible for upgrading classes at Piney Point and also suggested addition of classes for QMEDs to advance in their departments. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded to have TRBs signed before getting off. CAPT. STEPHEN L. BENNETT (Sealift), March 25-Chairman Samuel R. Bunch, Secretary Kathy A. Devane, EducationaJ Director Alfonza Davis, Deck Delegate Spencer Brooks, Engine Delegate Francisco A. Diego, Steward Delegate John Padilla. Chairman advised those members who still need to meet STCW requirements to attend classes at Paul Hall Center. Secretary noted that due to concerns about "mad cow disease," no European beef is being accepted on ship; request made to company to stor~ only American items. Question raised about reimbursement for medical/ pharmaceutical services for dependents. Steward thanked for good job. CRUSADER (CSX Lines), March 22-Chairman Roberto G. Diaz, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Educational Director Kevin Cooper, Deck Delegate Kenneth Baker, Steward Delegate William Blees Jr. Chairman stated vessel visited by union officials for discussion on ways to better industry and quality of living aboard ship. Ideas for upcoming contract also discussed. Educational director noted two unlicensed apprentices aboard ship. Shawn Waring and Robert Stellon have done a great job and have learned a lot about what is required to be a good shipmate and union brother. "We wish them much success in this indus- June2001 try." No money in ship's fund; looking for donations to purchase sound system for satellite TV. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to reduce seatime requirements for pension, increase pension amount and include dependents on prescription plan. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. DISCOVERY (CSX Lines), March 22-Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Donald Spangler, Educational Director Greg Brandani, Deck Delegate Richard Grubbs, Engine Delegate Eddy Newman, Steward Delegate Dominico Dacau. Ship en route from Hawaii to payoff March 24 in Tacoma, Wash. Chairman announced vessel will then change from Hawaii run to Jacksonville-to-Puerto Rico run, sailing to Jacksonville via Panama Canal. Educational director reminded all members of new STCW requirements outlined in March LOG. Those not in compliance should sign up for courses at Piney Point as soon as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made to reduce time needed to get vacation checks and shorten shipping rotations. New garbage bin placed in crew laundry for "laundry trash" only. Pia tics should be disposed of in "plastic receptacle" outside laundry door. Crew members asked to rewind tapes used in crew lounge and return them to video locker when through. Smooth voyage reported with good crew. Everyone asked to keep up good work. Thanks given to steward department for great food. Next ports: Tacoma; Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu; Jacksonville. EL YUNQUE (IUM), March 27Chairman Luis Ramirez, Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp Jr., Educational Director James E. Williams, Engine Delegate Edgar Young. Chairman noted satellite dish is operational. He stressed importance of keeping updated on union activities by reading LOG. Educational director emphasized need to upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: San Juan, P.R.; Jacksonville, Fla. ENTERPRISE (CSX Lines), March 25-Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director Dann G. Manthei, Deck Delegate Paul E. Matsos, Engine Delegate John E. Coleman, Steward Delegate William E. Smith. Chairman read administrator's report and led discussion focusing on health benefits and payments to doctors. Secretary noted new mattresses ordered for crew should arrive soon. She also reminded crew members of deadline date of Feb. 1, 2002 for STCW compliance. Educational director advised everyone to take advantage of upgrading courses available at Paul Hall Center, especially those who still need STCW basic safety. Bosun collected $150 this voyage for movie fund. Forty doJlars remain after purchase of DVDs and player. Report from headquarters read and discussed, particularly importance of STCW compliance by deadline date. Suggestion made for directory of available medical/dental/optical providers in each port and an 800 number to call 24-hours-a-day for services. Clarification requested as to who provides payment of transportation to and from medical offices while on ship in U.S. and foreign ports. HM/ DEFENDER (Hvide Marine), March 30--Chairman Norman Armstrong, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director George Bixby, Deck Delegate Jim Hazelip, Engine Delegate Ed Krebs, Steward Delegate Lolita Sanchez. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Tampa, Fla. He reminded everyone to check expiration dates on shipping documents (z-cards, benzene, STCW, etc.). He thanked deck department for job well done and asked that crew members keep safety in mind at all times (including wearing of steel-toed shoes and hard hats on deck). Secretary requested those leaving ship get clean linen for replacement. Educational director led discussion about STCW compliance deadline and availability of classes at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks. Next ports: Tampa; Lake Charles, La. HM/ DYNA CHEM (Hvide Marine), March 28-Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Gerald B. Kirtsey, Educational Director Eron G. Hall Jr., Deck Delegate Tan A. Joon, Engine Delegate Victor Quioto, Steward Delegate James E. Harris. Chairman noted payoff March 31 in Lake Charles, La. Ship may have to anchor on arrival due to weather. Educational director urged everyone to check shipping documents for expiration dates and informed them of STCW regulations. Donations accepted by captain for hip' fund. Money o be used for new movies, bicycles, weight room equipment and satellite system upgrade. Some disputed OT reported in deck department regarding butterworthing and tank cleaning off watch. No beefs reported in all three departments. New washer installed in crew laundry. Suggestions made to include dependents on medical plan card and give one year seatime for every eight months completed in calendar year. HUMACAO (NPR-Navieras), March 18-Chairman David I. Murray, Secretary Marvin T. St. George, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Dwayne Gordon, Engine Delegate Kenneth Adamczak, Steward Delegate David Camacho. Chairman reminded crew members of need to complete STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002. Educational director stated those who are not in compliance should make arrangements to attend necessary courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $200 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. Everyone asked to help keep laundry room clean and lint-free (lint in dryer filter can cause fue) . Suggestion made to ask for satellite dish for all SIU ships in next SIU contract. Vote of thanks given to all three departments for jobs well done. Next ports: San Juan, P.R.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Jacksonville, Fla. INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), March 26--Chairman Samuel H. Lampshire, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate Gary P. Walker, Engine Delegate Melvin W. Layner, Steward Delegate Mostafa Loumrhari. Chairman announced payoff March 28 on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary thanked chairman and ABs for great job in helping keep ship clean-in and out. He also thanked electrician, QMED and wiper for jobs well done and again mentioned Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for compliance with STCW requirements. Educational director stated that classes are available at Piney Point to upgrade skills and get endorsements for STCW-required censed apprentices, Justin Armstrong and Bryan Wells, for doing great job in emergency situation involving small engine room fire. Secretary reminded crew of Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for STCW compliance. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Treasurer reported $553 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT noted. Bosun thanked Steward Casuga for good Crab Feast on the ITB Groton Assistant Cook Linda Barber (left) and Steward Charles Roldan watch their fingers as they prepare to cook these large crabs aboard the Sheridan Transportation Co. vessel. courses. Some disputed OT reported by steward delegate pertaining to cleaning of radio shacks. Request made for new freezer box in galley. Steward department thanked for good food. KODIAK(CSX Lines), March 4-Chainnan Garry D. Walker, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita Jr., Engine Delegate Gebar Ogbe, Steward Department Patrick C. Conlon. Chairman announced payoff March 14 in Tacoma, Wash. Blanket relief to be given to crew that day. Educational director stated electrician fixed TV antenna; TV reception now available. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed importance of providing input to contract negotiations. Vote of confidence given to SIU President Mike Sacco from crew of Kodiak. Steward department thanked for good job. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line, Ltd.), March 25Chainnan James J. Keevan, Secretary Joseph C. Birke, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Delegate Johnathan C. Wagner. Chairman noted potable water problem aboard ship and requested bottled water be issued to crew. He reminded watchstanders to be on Jookout for stowaways when in port. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. Requests made to check into slow mail delivery, need for more work gloves for crew and a new microwave oven. Members would like to purchase 25- and 35-pound weights and a 220-volt tape rewinder from money in ship's fund. PRODUCER (CSX Lines), March 18-Chairrnan Joel A. Lechel, Secretary Richard E. Casuga, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Joe Salcido, Engine Delegate Gregory Howard, Steward Delegate George Lee. Chairman announced payoff March 20 in Oakland, Calif. That's the time to ask union officials any questions. Chairman also praised two unli- menus and Chief Cook Lee for extra time and effort in food preparation and presentation, especially at cookout in Honolulu. Engine Delegate Howard, Captain Cocozza and the bosun and his gang also added to success of that event. Many suggestions made for contracts department, among them to lower age and amount of seatime needed to retire, raise pension level and improve dental and optical benefits. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu. SPIRIT(CSX Lines), March 4=Chairman Edward J. Stoelzel, Secretary Michael J. Gramer, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Steward Delegate Blaine Amundson. Chairman announced payoff March 9 on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Discussion held about time off for deck department in Tacoma and in Oakland, Calif. and that watchbill needs to be posted prior to arrival in those ports. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and further their education. Crew waiting for new mattresses. Eight new movies purchased in Taiwan from ship's fund; $200 remain. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland; Honolulu. PERSEVERANCE (IUM), April I-Chairman James E. Bishop, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director Ahn Sooil, Deck Delegate Walter Wilde, Engine Delegate Milton Israel, Steward Delegate Chancie Ransom. Chairman announced April 2 payoff in Yabucoa, P.R. He advised crew members to have all shipping documents up to date. Without STCW and other required certification, you can't sail. Educational director reminded everyone that school at Piney Point offers all necessary courses to complete STCW requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Will check ship's fund to see if there's enough to purchase new movies. Crew hopes for pay raise when contract expires in May. Requests made for vacation payable after 90 days, less time required for full pension benefits and better prescription plan for dependents. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Yabucoa; Marcus Hook, Pa.; Savannah, Ga. Seafarers LOS 19 �final Departures Letters to the Editor receiving his pension in 1984. He lived in Abington, Ill. GREAT LAKES Continued from page 18 (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) From Organizing To Remembering I sailed with the SIU from 1946 to 1954. I helped organize Isthmian Steamship Co. in 1946 and worked with Bull Shepard, Louie Goffin, Freddie Stewart, Paul Hall and Blackie Colcucci. I sailed in the deck department aboard Isthmian, Bull Line, Waterman and Alcoa vessels. When I came out of maritime school and before joining the SIU, I sailed on the Esso and Cities Service tankers. The last ship I sailed on was the Steel Rover in the Hawaiian Islands (see photo at right). Not too long ago, the Arthur Finnigan American Legion Post 1443 of Greenwood Lake, N.Y. erected a monument in honor of the merchant marine veterans of World War II. Attending the ceremony were color guards from Kings Point and Fort Schuyler. Ernest D. Mabee Greenwood Lake, N.Y. Vasquez served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1944. He began receiving his pension in 1979. Brother Vasquez called Houston home. PETE VASQUEZ Ernest D. Mabee poses in the lifeboat of the Steel Rover, which was at a pier in Hawaii many years ago. VERNON WARREN In Pral- of Chief Cook Mollnos Mr. Joel Molinos has truly done an outstanding job during his assignment to this ship as chief cook. He is an extremely capable and highly motivated individual and puts extra effort into his work. Mr. Molinas first came to this ship six months ago. Since then, he has set a very high standard in food preparation and has also assisted in ordering voyage stores and making the daily menus ... . I believe that every officer and crew member feels that the food Joel Molinos serves is well prepared. He takes great pride in his work. In addition, Joel Molinos is a good shipmate, always ready with a smile and a pleasant greeting or comment. The SIU should be very happy to have members of such high character and ability. I would be very plea ed to have Mr. Molino back on the Performance as steward/baker or as chief cook, and believe the entire crew feels the same way. In photo below, Ernest D. Mabee (left) helps Al Antaki, president of the Hudson Valley Merchant Marine Eugene Delong Chapter, unveil a monument dedicated to the honor of the merchant mariners who served in World War II. At right is a close-up view of the memorial. Pensioner Pete Vasquez, 74, died Jan 22. Brother Vasquez joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Houston. He first sailed aboard a Chesapeake & Ohio Railway vessel. The engine department member last sailed aboard the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Vasquez served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He began receiving his pension in 1991. Brother Vasquez lived in Houston. Captain Lawrence R. Swick Master, Sea-Land Performance (also signed by officers and crew members) Pensioner Vernon Warren, 78, passed away Nov. 23, 2000. Brother Weaver started his SIU career in 1950, joining in the port of New York. The Boston native shipped as a member of the deck department. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Brother Warren served in the U.S. Marines Corps from 1941 to 1945. He started receiving his pension in 1984. INLAND JAMESLABIT 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 requested. The 20 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Raul Barrera, 44, passed away Nov. 27, 2000. ~ The Michigan native started his SIU career in 1977 in Detroit. He first sailed in the deck department aboard Erie Steamship's Schoellkoff His last ship was the Buffalo, operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Barrera served in the U.S. Army from 1973 to 1975. He lived in Port Huron, Mich. and began receiving his pension last year. HOWARD V. JOHNSON Pensioner Howard V. Johnson, 70, passed away Dec. 13, 2000. Brother Johnson started his SIU career in 1966 in Detroit. A pilot, he worked primarily aboard Luedtke Engineering Co. vessels. Born in Des Arc, Art., Brother Johnson served in theU.S. Marine Corps from 1951to1953. He started receiving his pension in 1989. ' Brother Johnson called Benzonia, Mich. home. ROBERT KUTZNER Boatman James Labit, 42, died Nov. 13, 2000. Born in Louisiana, he joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of Houston. The deck department member first shipped aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He last worked aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Labit lived in Spring, Texas. PATRICK O'BRIEN Pensioner Patrick O'B · , passed away Dec. 21, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1962 in the port of Houston. The Kansas native sailed in the deck department primarily aboard G&H Towing Co. vessels. Boatman O'Brien began Know Your Rights RAUL BARRERA Pensioner Robert Kutzner, 75, died Aug. 18, 2000. Brother Kutzner started his SIU career in 1961 in the port of New York. The Bu mmerhirt and other Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessels. Brother Kutzner shipped in the deck department. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 and began receiving his pension in 1987. Brother Kutzner resided in Derby, N.Y. 0 proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has ·negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION ..,,.. SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregate4fond. Its proceeds are used to further its·objec and purposes including, but not funited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June2001 �June 29 August 10 October 5 June9 July 21 September 15 Welding SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule for cJasses for the months of June through September 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership~ the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the.nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 6. Bosun Recertification September 8 October 8 Saturday. Steward Recertification July7 August 6 Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date .pf Cotppletjon Able Seaman June2 June30 July 28 June 29 September 22 Lifeboatmao/Water Survival June 16 July 14 August 11 September 8 July 28 August 25 September 22 Radar (simulator) August 11 August 24 Radar (one-day renewal) July 6 July 27 August 24 September 21 August25 July3 Joly 23 July 5 July 26 Automaije Radar Plotting Aids* June 16 July7 August25 September 22 June 22 July 13 August 31 September 28 June9 July 7 August4 September 1 September 29 une July 14 Jone 23 July 21 August 18 September 15 October 13 (simulator) (*tirust h~ve_r•adar unlimited) GMDSS·. (simulator) anagement Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion B~sic Fire Fifhting June9 June 16 August 11 August 25 Government Vessels June9 June 23 July7 July 21 August4 August 18 Septemberl September 15 &eptember 29 June29 July 13 July 27 August 10 August 24 September 7 September 21 October 5 October 19 STCW Medical Care ·Provider June9 August 11 Septe:ntber 22 June 16 August 18 September 29 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW Basic Safety Junel June8 June 16 June 29 July 6 July 14 July27 . June 30 Radar (three-day renewal) (~A) Recertification Advan~d Fi~e Fighting • First Aid ifuly 27 August24 September 21 October 19 (including simulator · steering asst!!sments) une2 July 20 September 7 October 5 Scptc September 29 Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler July 14 September 8 August 24 Odober19 QMED '!Any Rating August 25 NovemberJ6 June9 June 23 June 30 July7 July 21 July 28 August4 August 25 $epte1Jlbet:/~ . . A.ug~st .3 · ·l\ugll,st 11 Sept~anber 1 Sept~tnber 14 September 21 Oc~o.!Jer 6 . · September 15 September 29 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* (*must have hasicjirejighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Engine Upgrading Courses Date of Completion Start Date Course July1 · June 23 July 21 ugust 4 August 18 September 15 June 16 August 11 August4 August 4 S~ptelnbet. :l.;, .. <. Septelnbetl9 ·· <June:z3 Augf!St 18 Academic Department Courses General education and coUege courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to compute!~ . co~,~ will be self-study. -·-~·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#______ _ ___ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ Department _ __ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken June2001 D No CPR: D Yes ONo SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6101 Seafarers LOii 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes STCW Basic Safety - Completing the basic safety training course March 2 are (in alphabetical order) Bernard Baker, Amilcar Bermudez, Guillermo Blanco, Carlos Bonilla, James Canada, Mark Canada, Jioia Deleon, David Harvey II, Timothy Hurst, Adams Mohammed, Carlos Sanchez, Lewis Longnecker, Rosemary Mccann, Errol Mitchell, William Moe, Vincent Moore, Rupert Perry Jr., Arthur Stewart, Mark Swisher and Marc Tomuschat. Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. This is one of the courses required for STCW compliance. Limited License - Graduating from the limited license course are (in no particular order) Stella Zebrowski, Richard DeWitte, Russell Kopecki, Brian Wynn and Patrick Duvernay. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at left. STCW Basic Safety - Upgrading Seafarers working aboard Luedtke Engineering vessels attended STCW basic safety classes from March 5 to March 9. They are (in alphabetical order) Aaron Adams, Lon Anderson, Richard Arnold, Edward Carlson, Albert Cropek, Larry Hilton, Kevin Hollenbeck, Shannon Jensen, Randall Johnson, Timothy Kibby, Don Laitinen, John Laitinen, Gregory Lamerson, Dale Leonard, Don Mills, Lester Morr, James Niehus, Blake Nye, Michael Schmeltzer, John Shaski, Richard Strongman, Charles Wallace, Lorry Wilcox and Thomas Zatkovic. · Welding - Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (back row, right) are Seatare rs who successfully completed the welding class May 18. They are (in alphabetical order) Luis Amadeo, Stephen Bradfute, Richard Davis, Paul Kucan and Richard Strongman. Train the Trainer / Train the Trainer - ARPA - Completing the course work May 11 for their ARPA endorsements. are (in no particular order) William Dekker, Terrence Bader, Carl D. Sanderson, James C. Gregory and Patrick W. Murray. Their instructor was Mike Smith (far right). 22 Seafarers LOS To teach any STCW course at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. or at its other locations, the U.S. Coast Guard requires instructors to complete this week-long course. Conducted by Beth Wroblewski (head of the curriculum development department in Piney Point), the participants learned and discussed different aspects of training. Completing the train the trainer course in March at the new safety school in Hawaii are new instructors (from the left, front row) Stuart Domingo, Ken Kidani, Barry Navares, (second row) Joe Curtis, Frank Donaldson, Rick Perry, Ming Yuen, Tony Ramos and Robert Narmore. Missing from the photo is Bob Seneca. June2001 �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman - June 1 was the graduation date for upgrading Seafarers in the AB class. They are (in alphabetical order) Donald Bowe, Gregory Brunson, Deronja Clark, William Colson, Edward Deupree, Julius Eremias, Lenard Ilagan, Michael Logotaeao, David Martin, Raymond Martin Jr., Bennie McKnight, Kirk Pegan, Freddy Traffin and Victor Valencia. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Requirements for graduation May 11 from the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course were completed by (in alphabetical order) Kent Arnold, Christopher Avila, John Bellinger, Robert Benson, Earl Bostrom, Ronald Burris, Larry Cokley, Gerard Costello, Damon Elmore, Charles Ford, Alex Fyodorovykh, Mitchell Gately, Steven L. Germac, Romeo Harriell, Rodney Jiminez, Elliott T. Johnson, Freddie L. McCreary Jr., Darrell McDonald, Michael W. Moore Jr., Joshua C. O'Connor, David R. Provost, Lima Valoaga and Michael A. Watkins. ·, e on .~he cannot Upgraa111y c n 9 i n o dop~rtmcnt embers enrolled in the QMED course, which began April 30, are (in alphabetical order) Linton Acliese, Daniel Borden, Jeff Burkey, Carl Castagna, Louis Champa Jr., Louis Gracia , Thomas Hale, Geoffrey James, Jose Liwag, Ibarra Mangaya, Roger Phillips, Eric Rodgers, Charles Sadler, Christopher Sykes, Jesse Turner and Vernon White. QMED - Unlicensed Apprentice Class 615 Members of unlicensed apprentice class 615 get both classroom instruction and hands-on training in CPR. Enrolled in the class are (in alphabetical order) Ivey Austin, Jonathan Babauta, Christopher Borja, Frank Brooks, Charles Freeman, Chad Hess, Ian Hindley, Jamevher Johnson, Terrance Jones, Rusty Kaufman, Robert Lavelle, Vicente Magbanua Jr., Eric Mantzer, Mack Pedro, Matthew Thompson, Gary Timmons, Alfred Wooten IV, Duane Wusstig and Leon Racks. June2001 STCW Basic Safety/First Aid Awareness- Completing one of the required STCW courses are (in no specific order) Kevin Fisher, Alexander Busby, Cipriano Panganiban , Mostafa Fahmy, Donald McBride, Guy Leary, Neil Brown, Milton Ballard Jr., Mark Maduro, David Flores, Harry Mays, Kevin Hartley, Rupert Mulzac, Stephen Steward , Harley Jones, Stevie Bentley, Troy Mitchell, Edward Curran Jr., John Westfall, Steven Lombardi, Brian Tamney, Tawnia Stucker, Angel Centeno, Davon Brown, Armando Castillo, and Lance Barabino. Their instructor was Michael J. Daras. STCW Basic Safety - Crew members who work aboard New York Waterway vessels attended the Paul Hall Center recently to meet the requirements of the amended STCW convention. They are (in alphabetical order) Antonio Aguilar, Michael Baranok, Thomas Bogucki, John Clare, Carmen Colon, Amy Darden, German Gonzalez, Peter Johansen, Errold Lanier, Luis Lopez, Michael Muia, Gregorio Pages, Oscar Perez, Adam Sciaino, Jeannine Smith, Carlos Sosa, George Sullivan, Gerald Torres, Jose Torres and Eric Yordt. Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. Seafarers LOS 23 �..............,. Volume 63 Number 6 June 2001 Seafarers: There's still time to plan a family summer vacation at Piney Point See page 14 for more details. Ocean Sbiplioldings Celebi'llla 20 Yean SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. (OSI), based in Houston, this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The company, through subsidiary and affiliate companies, operates five T-5 product tankers for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC). Throughout the years, Ocean Shipholdings has received numerous commendations from the Navy for the excellent operating performance of their vessels. These five tankers-the Richard Matthiesen, Lawrence Gianella, Paul Buck, Samuel Cobb and Gus Darnell-were built in 1985 with OSI construction supervision under a contact calling for several innovations in U.S. tanker construction. In fact, they were assembled from parts built in three states: Louisiana (the fore bodies), Alabama (deckhouse superstructures) and Florida (stem sections, plus assembly and outfitting). Fully double hull and OPA '90 compliant, the ships also are ice-strengthened. Each year the Navy uses one of them to resupply the National Science Foundation mission at the McMurdo Station in Antarctica. During Operation Desert Storm, OSI was active in supporting the Navy by refueling combatants using the underway replenishment stations (UNREP) installed by OSI on the T-5 tankers. These are the Modular Fuel Delivery Systems (MFDS), which are fully operated by the ship's crew. The vessels with MFDS installation are the Gianella and the Matthiesen. Those two ships, along with the other three, are named after merchant mariners who lost their lives fighting in World War II. The mission of the T-5 tankers is unique for U.S.-flag ships. They operate worldwide and serve only the U.S. Navy, but they are commercial standard tankships with all of the most modem equipment and systems. The crews are highly trained and expert in severe-area operations, ice navigation, ship-to-ship cargo transfers underway, hostile environment operations and all of the military standards required while meeting the safety and environmental regulations. Recently, OSI received a contract from MarAd for the operation and maintenance of three T-1 Ready Reserve Force tankers located in Japan. The ships are in a 10-day activation status. These three tankers-the Alatna, Nodaway and . . . .-......i~ Chatahoochee-are crewed by Seafarers when activated. Crew members prep the Richard Matthiesen for drydock. Tending the lifeline on the Lawrence Gianella is AB Mike Merrill. Among the SIU-crewed tankers operated by Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. are (from the top) the Gus Darnell, Paul Buck, Samuel Cobb and Lawrence Gianella. Each year, the U.S. Navy uses an SIU-crewed tanker to resupply the National Science Foundation mission at the McMurdo Station in Antarctica. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES FLORIDA-BASED ITF REPS COME THROUGH FOR CREW, NET $225,000 IN BACK PAY RANK-AND-FILE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES UNION’S RECORDS FOR 2000 MEMBERS APPROVE MERGER PRESIDENT BUSH’S ENERGY PLAN INCLUDES ANWR EXPLORATION NATIONAL MARITIME DAY CEREMONIES SPOTLIGHT MERCHANT MARINE’S VALUE SIU CREWS UP LIBERTY GLORY ITF SECURES BACK PAY FOR RUNAWAY-FLAG CREW U.S. ARMY REVERSES CALL ON CHINESE-MADE BERETS SIU GETS UNDER BOSUN’S SKIN IN A GOOD WAY PAUL HALL CENTER ACES COAST GUARD AUDIT SHBP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AWARDS $132, 000 TO EIGHT COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS CAPE MAY LIGHT BEGINS COASTAL CRUISES MISSISSIPPI QUEEN CELEBRATES 25TH BIRTHDAY SS IBERVILLE’S PRE-WAR VOYAGE RECALLED BY RETIREE STEVENSON NEWEST NAFTA ASSESSMENT SHOWS STAGGERING JOB LOSSES IN PEACE AND WAR ALTAIR’S SEALIFT EXERCISED DEMONSTRATES MERCHANT MARINE KEY DEFENSE ROLE OCEAN SHIPHOLDINGS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2001 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 63, No. 6 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/d88f4898508350691354a265faa52a66.pdf 3144a0d0e4b66f872b1fbfbdae3ae2d8 PDF Text Text www.seafarers.org Volume 63, Number 5 May 2001 Sealarers Crew Coastal Cruise Ship The new coastal cruise ship Cape May Light is the latest addition to the fleet of SIU-crewed vessels. Following ceremonies April 25 in Alexandria, Va., the ship begins its itinerary this month. Below left, OS Richard Bergeron and AB Giovanni Feliciano load provisions for the dedication ceremony, and at right, OS Jason Musmeci welcomes guests aboard the vessel. Page 3. Patriot Sparkles Coalition Urges ANWR Development Job Growth, New Energy Source Cited as Key Benefits by 'JobPower1 A number of improvements have been made to the Hawaiibased cruise ship ms Patriot. Pages 11-14. Administration Signals Jones Act Support U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), speaking at a March 27 press conference on Capitol Hill, explained some of the expected benefits of exploration and development of the Coastal Plain of Alaska 's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The SIU supports ANWR development and recently joined the coalition JobPower to promote it. Also present at the press conference were (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco and Operating Engineers President Frank Hanley. Page 3. • Newest LMSR, Pomeroy, Launched in San Diego • SIU-Crewed USNS Dahl Commended for Rescue �President's Report Cruise-Ship Gains Benefit SIU, Nation The fleet of SIU-crewed cruise ships keeps growing. That's good news for the union and for the nation. During a shipboard ceremony last month in Alexandria, Va. on the Cape May Light, I was struck by the progress of the American-flag cruise ship industry in the past year. From the Columbia Queen in the Pacific Northwest to Michael Sacco the ms Patriot in Hawaii, and from the Cape May Light to its sister ship Cape Cod Light along the coasts, we're witnessing the beginning of a potential boom for U.S.-flag passenger vessels. The best is yet to come. As you probably know, U.S. Lines is building the two largest cruise ships ever constructed in an American yard, with launches scheduled for 2003 and 2004. Credit must go to American Classic Voyages, parent company of the aforementioned ships. Their commitment to the U.S. flag is leading the way in building a newer, bigger and better American-flag cruise ship industry. I'm sure that when most people look at beautiful new vessels like the Cape May Light (and the others), they see it from a passenger's point of view. And from that perspective, there's plenty to be excited about. But I see this from a different angle. When I see the Cape May Light, I see new jobs for American citizens. I see more proof that U.S. shipyards can get the job done. And I see an enhancement of America's national and economic security. That last point is especially important. The cruise ship industry isn't the best-known segment of the U.S. Merchant Marine, but it's an important part just the same. It helps build a manpower pool of qualified mariners. Many of the same crew members who prepared the Cape May Light for its inaugural voyage may someday use their skills to deliver vital cargo to U .S. troops overseas. A lot of the training and skills that they need to operate the Cape May Light also can be used on tankers and containerships and military RO/ROs. There are other benefits. Compared to the runaway-flag ships which-for now-dominate the market, I'm positive that U.S.-flag cruise vessels will provide a safer product, both for the passengers and for the environment. Already, the Patriot has created new shoreside work with the opening last year of the SIU's new safety school in Hawaii. And it's about time this nation started benefiting from the millions and millions of dollars spent each year by U.S. citizens on vacation cruises. During the April 25 ceremony on the Cape May Light, I couldn't miss the irony of welcoming a new ship almost literally in the shadow of the nation's capital, where so much of our industry's fate is decided. Part of our job is working with Congress and the administration to help ensure that they understand the multi-faceted advantages for America with the addition of each new U.S.-flag vessel. There's much more to such ships than a nice appearance and an enticing itinerary. We will continue that work, just as we remain committed to providing the world's best-trained crews--on every type of vessel. The SIU is proud to be aboard the Cape May Light. We'll continue to do everything possible to support companies like American Classic Voyages and to make sure that ceremonies like last month's become the rule, rather than the exception. Volume 63, Number 5 May 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301 ) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes ; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 200 I Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Another Month, Another List of FOC Detentions Runaway-flag ships accounted for more than half of the vessel detentions in March by the U.S. Coast Guard. Nine of the 15 ships detained are runaway-flag vessels, also known as flag-of-convenience (FOC) ships. All 15 fly foreign flags. Among the detainees, two are Panamanian-flagged. According to Coast Guard reports, the main deck of the general dry cargo ship llha Do Fogo, inside the deck house, "was wasted and holed." Combustible liquids were stowed in an unprotected space, and the emergency portable fire pump didn't work. Additionally, "there were electrical hazards throughout the vessel from improper installation and maintenance: anchor windlass, light fixtures, and electrical appliances on the weather deck." The llha Do Fogo was confined in Fall River, Mass. on March 2. Apparently, things weren't much better aboard the Panamanian-flagged bulker Krissa, held in New Orleans on March 26. The crew couldn't perform a fire drill; the engine room bilges were contaminated; the chief engineer's certification had expired; and the emergency fire pump "leaked cooling water excessively." One of the more unsettling reports described conditions on the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker Marine Pioneer, halted in Houston on March 10. According to the Coast Guard account, "qualified personnel were not available in the cargo control room during cargo offioading." Also on the Marine Pioneer, there were no toxic gas indicators (benzene) or procedures in place for maintaining vapor-testing equipment or tank overfill alarms. Nor were there any operable oxygen analyzers on the tanker. The agency also indicated that AP/WIDE WORLD PHOTOS The U.S. Coast Guard's monthly list of vessel detentions reveals many of the hazards connected with runaway-flag shipping. Above, the runaway-flag tanker Westchester-which spilled half a million gallons of crude oil near New Orleans last November-trails a containment boom in the Mississippi River. the ship operator (Parakou Shipping, Ltd.) "was not responding quickly to the vessel's request for required parts," and that the crew's waste-management plan and record-keeping were lacking. Similarly, a lengthy report was issued for the general dry cargo ship Multi.flex Sprint, registered in the Bahamas. Detained in Baltimore on March 31, the vessel was cited for inoperable bridge propulsion controls; an inoperable emergency fire pump; excessive leakage of fuel and water from the main propulsion engine and auxiliary machinery; and leaking "hazardous amounts of exhaust gas into the engine room" from the main engine. In addition, the hatch cover hydraulic system leaked oil onto the main deck, and the rescue boat release mechanism didn't work. The Coast Guard further noted a shortage of stores, contamination of the potable water, and an inoperable food cold-storage system. A runaway-flag or FOC ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. Shipowners who participate in the FOC scam typically do so to avoid taxes and regulations while employing cheap, often unqualified labor. Very often, mariners who sail aboard runaway-flag ships are denied the most basic rights. It is not uncommon for FOC ships to sail with a shortage of stores, and crew members often need assistance from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) just to secure their wages. Unsafe working conditions, inadequate medical attention and very low wages also are prevalent. Panama's False-Document Saga Indicates 1,000 Bogus Certificates Firings Follow Embarrassing Expose by ITF On the heels of a high-profile incident in which the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP) sold a first officer's certificate to the head of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), news reports last month stated that more than 1,000 "mariners" are working under false documents issued by Panama. Meanwhile, the AMP reportedly fired 14 employees, including the manager of the licensing division, and suspended at least 26 others while government attorneys ostensibly continue investigating the falsedocument situation. In March, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft-with no seafaring experience-purchased (for approximately $4,500) mariner 's credentials from the AMP authorizing him to navigate a vessel. Although the notion of a runaway-flag registry selling documents wasn't new, the incident crystallized the danger and corruption connected to runaway flags, also known as flags of convenience (FOC). The episode received substantial coverage in the industry press and some high-profile reporting in the commercial media. The ITF has fought against runaway-flag shipping for more than a half-century. (The SIU is one of 570 unions affiliated with the London-based federation.) Reacting to the AMP dismissals, Cockroft stated, "So long as these are some of the guilty parties, then it is a useful first step. It is also a recognition of what the rest of the world has known for years: that Panama has been not just a pioneer of the flags of convenience system, but also of the laxity and legal abuses which that system encourages. "If Panama is truly committed to improving its maritime operations, it needs to change its register from an operation without responsibilities, whose sole purpose is making money," Cockroft added. "The ITF is happy to meet with the AMP at any time to assist with what would be the long and difficult task of cleaning up the Panamanian register." Panama is the world's largest shipping register. Almost none of the 6,000-plus vessels registered in that nation are owned by genuine Panamanian companies, staffed by Panamanian crews or commanded by Panamanian officers. In the weeks after Panama sold credentials to Cockroft, press reports quoted an anonymous AMP spokesman as saying that an initial investigation allegedly turned up more than 1,000 mariners holding phony documents. Additionally, the magazine Fairplay reported that the inquiry will check assertions made by former Panama President Guillermo Endara that his nation's consulates in New York and Miami employ relatives of AMP workers who are involved in the scam. Applications for mariner licenses are accepted at Panamanian consulates worldwide. Among the ITF's goals in its campaign against runaway-flag shipping are the elimination of the FOC system and the establishment of a regulatory framework for the shipping industry based on the concept of a genuine link between the flag a ship flies and the place where it is beneficially owned and controlled. The federation also seeks to attack all substandard shipping and secure ITF-acceptable standards on all ships irrespective of flag. May2i �1st Coastal Cruise Ship Christened SIU members are sailing aboard the newly christened Cape May Light, a coastal cruise ship scheduled to enter service this month. Ceremonies for the 224-passenger ship took place April 25 in Alexandria, Va., near Washington, D.C. "We 're all here because we love the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine," said U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao at the christening. "We want to see it strong and revitalized." Chao said the Cape May Light means "increased employment, and that's why I'm so pleased. I salute the men and women who will sail aboard her." She further credited SIU President Michael Sacco "for his wonderful leadership" in promoting a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Sacco pointed out at the ceremony that the vessel represents new shipboard jobs and enhances U.S. national and economic security. He noted that the new billets will help build and maintain a pool of qualified mariners- a sentiment later echoed by Chao. Built in Jacksonville, Fla., the Cape May Light is the first vessel AB Frank D'Amelio helps load stores for the ship's dedication. U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, keynote speaker at the christening, said that "every single vessel entering the U.S. fleet is vitally important to national security." Pictured with her are (from left) American Classic Voyages CEO Philip Calian, U.S. Coast Guard Chaplain Capt. Leroy Gilbert, Cape May Light Capt. Charles Beverly, American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay, Chao, SIU President Michael Sacco, and Emanuel Rouvelas, chairman of Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meeds LLP in the new Delta Queen Coastal Voyages fleet. A sister ship, the Cape Cod Light, is expected to enter service in August. The company, a subsidiary of SIU-contracted American Classic Voy- ANWR Development Offers Major Benefits Coalition Points to 700,000 New Jobs, Decreased Dependence on Foreign Oil The SIU is part of a new coalition of trade unions, elected representatives and businesses that is urging Congress to open the Alaska Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for oil exploration and development as part of a comprehensive energy package -an action that will generate up to 700,000 domestic jobs. SIU President Michael Sacco, joined by presidents of other unions and members of Congress, endorsed ANWR development at a Capitol Hill press conference on March 27. "By opening ANWR, the United States can increase domestic oil production, reduce our reliance on foreign sources of oil, and create hundreds of thousands of new jobs for American workers," stated Sacco, who also serves as president of the 8-million member Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. "ANWR will be explored and drilled by American workers; the oil transported through U.S.-built pipelines; refined and distributed by domestic facilities; and its byproducts used by U.S. energy producers and U.S. consumers." He added, "Many of our brothers and sisters in maritime labor will crew the growing fleet of environmentally safe, doublehulJed, U.S.-flagged tankers that will carry the oil from Alaska." The coalition is named Teamsters Pres. James P. Hoffa SIU Pres. Michael Sacco The christened USNS Pomeroy is released stern-first into San Diego Bay. Job Power. Also voicing support at the press conference were U.S. Sens. Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), and Teamsters President James P. Hoffa. Murkowski recently introduced S. 388, the National Energy Security Act of 2001, ·which includes authorizing language to develop ANWR. Young is sponsoring H.R. 39, the Arctic Coast Plain Energy Security Act of2001. "I'm pleased to see JobPower join the growing chorus of calls to open ANWR," noted Murkowski. "This group will help educate key members of Congress on the need for a sound, responsible energy policy that promotes economic development and job creation, enhances our national security, and meets the nation's energy demands. ANWR is a key part of such a policy-one that provides jobs for Americans and power to the American people." "It will mean more jobs to make sure we do it right," asserted Stevens. "The technology is there to develop this area.... If predictions are right, the supply of oil from ANWR will be about equivalent to the amount of oil we have imported from Saudi Arabia for more than 30 years." U.S. Rep. Don Young (RAlaska), though unable to attend the press conference, also weighed in with his backing. "The support of this group underscores the profound importance the opening of ANWR means to the working men and women in the U.S.," Young said. "Hundreds of thousands of jobs depend directly on Congress' decision to permit environmentally sound production in what could be one of our largest oil discoveries. This signals a sea change in this debate, and a bill permitting environmentally sound development is going to happen." Hoffa declared that ANWR development will help free America's working families from a current predicament "between a rock and a hard place. On one side, there's an economic recession that is darkening our doorstep. On the other side, an Representing new jobs for SIU members, the Pomeroy, one of the U.S. Navy's largest ships with a cargo-carrying capacity of more than 380,000 square feet, will preposition Army cargo at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. The strategic sealift ships are large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off ships (LMSRs), the largest ships ever launched down a sliding ways in the United States and the largest ships that can fit through the Panama Canal. U.S. Sen. Frank Murkowski U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens Seafarers Begin Crewing Pomeroy May 1 The newest ship to be crewed by Seafarers for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) was christened the USNS Pomeroy (T-AKR 316) March 10 at NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego. It is the seventh of eight new construction ships completed by NASSCO under the government-mandated initiative known as the Strategic Sealift Program. The 950-foot vessel was named in honor of Army Private First Class Ralph E. Pomeroy, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient whose brave actions in Korea in 1952 cost him his life but enabled his platoon to hold their position during a surprise attack. On hand at the christening ceremonies were members of Pomeroy's family, including two brothers and three sisters. One of ages, plans three more additions to its coastal fleet during the next few years. "This is a nice boat, it really is," stated OS Jason Musmeci aboard the Cape May Light. "Everyone is working well, across all departments, and the technology aboard the ship is very advanced." The 300-foot vessel is named after an historic lighthouse and is "designed to resemble the classic coastal ships of the late 1800s," noted the company. Itineraries for the Cape May Light and Cape Cod Light include the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, Great Lakes, Canadian Maritime Provinces, Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico and Panama. At the christening, American Classic Voyages CEO Philip Calian credited the partnership between labor, business and government for facilitating the new coastal cruise ships. He said the Continued on page 7 his sisters broke a bottle of champagne over the ship's bow, while another served as maid of honor. The vessel was then released stem-first into San Diego Bay. Speakers at the launching ceremony were U.S. Rep. Duke Cunningham (R-Calif.), a member of the Defense subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee; U.S. Rep. Bill Young (R-Fla.), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee; and Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC. Other speakers included Rear Admiral Dennis G. Morral, U.S. Navy Program Executive Officer for Expeditionary Warfare Programs; Brigadier General Edward T. Buckley, Assistant Division Commander 7th Infantry Division, and Richard H. Vortmann, president ofNASSCO. The vessel will be delivered to the MSC in August and in December will join her sister ships of the Watson class-the USNS Walson, USNS Sisler, USNS Dahl, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Charlton and USNS Watkins-in the prepositioning fleet. The final ship of the Watson class, the USNS Soderman, is scheduled to be launched in April 2002 and delivered the following September. Continued on page 9 Seafarers ·106 3 �Parent Co.'s Filing Not Expected to Disrupt NPR-Navieras It's "business as usual" for SIU-contracted NPRNavieras, even as its parent company, Holt Group Inc., reorganizes its financial structure. Holt Group recently filed for Chapter 11 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Philadelphia-based container shipping, stevedoring, warehousing and trucking group plans to shake up and reorganize its fiscal composition, which is overburdened by a $300 million debt. Holt and 24 of its subsidiaries and affiliates, including NPR-Navieras, filed petitions in the District of Delaware. The company plans to come out of protection sometime this summer. Meanwhile, it will operate as normal, continuing payment of employee salaries, wages and benefits with no interruption or change in any customer-related practices. "It's very much business as usual," said family spokesman Leo Holt, after the company made the voluntary petition March 21. Chapter 11 allows a company to continue operating its business while it seeks a settlement of its debts. In the first nine months of last year, published reports said, Holt posted losses of nearly $40 million, compared with $7 .5 million in losses during the corresponding period in 1999. Revenues also declined, by $23.5 million over the same time frame. The revised company strategy is for creditors to translate debts into equity and free up capital to invest in its shipping and stevedore operations. The Holt Group, with annual sales in excess of $300 million, is a leading provider of integrated cargo transportation and logistics management services in the contiguous United States. It also provides cargo-related services including stevedoring, warehousing and trucking at owned and leased marine terminal facilities in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida and Puerto Rico. Seafarers Earn Bonuses From 3 MSC Companies SIU crews soon will receive pay bonuses from three U.S. Military Sealift Command- (MSC) contracted companies, reported SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Maersk Line Limited, Patriot Contract Services, Inc. and Dyn Marine Services recently were designated to receive bonus money from MSC under two performance recognition programs, Tellez noted. Each company, in turn, will distribute payments to crews working on their respective vessels based upon previously negotiated formulas. Maersk and Patriot were recognized under MSC's large, medium-speed, rollon/roll off (LMSR) performance award program while Dyn Marine Services was cited under the command's technical analytic geographic survey (TAG-S) perfor- mance award program. Maersk was graded as "superior" and has already received funds from MSC. Individual bonus checks will be based on the time crew members were employed within the LMSR fleet, according to Tellez. Unlicensed crewmembers employed aboard Patriotoperated LMSR vessels will receive funds based on a similar framework. Dyn Marine crews are sharing in $80,000 in award funds from MSC. Like the Maersk and Patriot crews, those working under Dyn Marine contract will receive bonuses based on previously negotiated formulas by unlicensed and licensed unions. "We have reviewed the payment schedules and agree that they all comply with our negotiated settlements," Tellez said. SIU-Crewed MV Ascension Featured on Island Stamp An SIU-crewed vessel is featured on a postage stamp printed by a British-governed island in the South Atlantic. The MIV Ascension, operated by Sealift, Inc., is one of three vessels portrayed on the postage stamp issued by the Government of Ascension Island. Also shown are the Wide Awake II and the Maersk Gannett. The stamp, issued as part of a four-stamp series, was circulated for Christmas 2000. The themes of the series are local island scenes relating to Christmas songs. The 15-pence (cent) stamp on which the MIV Ascension appears is titled "I Saw Three Ships." The MIV Ascension is a containership that provides dedicated liner service from Port Canaveral, Fla. to Ascension Island. The vessel resupplies the U.S. Air Force Base on that island. Bosun Antonio Mercado poses near a new paint scheme he completed at NPR-Navieras in Puerto Rico. Although the line's parent company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, no interruption is expected at NPR-Navieras. Crowley Authorized for Cuba Run SIU-contracted Crowley Liner Services in early March received authorization from the Bush administration to provide common carrier services for licensed cargo from the United States to the Republic of Cuba. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), a component of the U.S. Treasury Department, issued the authorization. In gaining the approval, Crowley becomes the first U.S. ocean carrier sanctioned to do business in the communist country in more than 40 years. Officials for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based business said they hoped to begin shipments right away, but that everything was contingent on potential customers securing licenses to ship goods. Agricultural goods such as poultry and dairy products primarily constitute the cargo Crowley has been authorized to ship. Jacksonville and Port Everglades are expected to be the ports that Crowley utilizes for service to Cuba. Jacksonville served as the largest port of entry end exit for trade to Cuba before the 1959 Cuban revolution. The company applied for permission to do business with Cuba late last year when the Clinton administration hinted that portions of the United States' 1960 trade embargo against the island nation could be rescinded. Congress last year passed the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000. This legislation authorized OFAC to license the transport of agricultural commodities, medicine, medical devices or other products directly from the United States to the Republic of Cuba. Mayaguez Rescues 5 from Sinking Sailboat The SIU-crewed Mayaguez on April 5 rescued all five people from a sinking sailboat approximately 70 miles off the coast of Cape Canaveral. The U.S. Coast Guard issued a public service commendation to the captain and crew of the Mayaguez, citing their "determined efforts, outstanding initiative and adept seamanship skills." After receiving a distress call from the sailboat Spinning Jenny of Lune, the Coast Guard dispatched an aircraft to locate the boat's position, according to the commendation. Subsequently, the agency requested the Mayaguez to take aboard the five mariners from the foundering boat. "The crew of the Mayagu,ez quickly and diligently altered course to render assistance to the mariners, who had abandoned ship to a life raft," notes the citation. "Due to the quick response and dedication, the five sailors were rescued. . . . The crew of the Mayaguez s commitment and decisive, selfless actions are most heartily commended and are in keeping with the highest traditions of public service and the United States Coast Guard." Seafarers sailing aboard the Mayaguez during the rescue included Recertified Bosun Patrick Ray, ABs Marvin Chester, James Frank, Michael McKnight, Alan Barnett and Charles Wright, Chief Electrician Michael Martykan, OMUs Joseph Arch, Blanca Ortega and Allen Newgen, EU Juma Juma, Recertified Steward Eva Myers, Chief Cook Ivan Salis and UMMs Roque Lambert and Jorge Mora. The ship is operated by NPRNavieras. No Relation ... But 31h Stars \ The MN Ascension, the vessel at left in the set of stamps, is crewed by SIU members. While ashore in Apollo Bay, Australia, camera-equipped Storekeeper Terry Malone discovered a magnificently named motel. No, it isn't affiliated with the SIU-but it does offer 12 guest rooms and free parking. As for the name, the lodge is located near "beaches, boating, fishing" and other amenities, according to information found on several travel-related web sites. 4 Seafarers LOG lfay200 �New Twist on Army Headgear: Black Berets Made in China As the contentious issue concerning the distribution of black berets to all U.S. Army soldiers played out during the past two months, a staggering twist came to light. Namely, the Pentagon reportedly skirted a long-standing "buy American" law when it ordered more than one million of the berets from China and other Third World countries. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, .it remained unclear whether the Army would proceed with the order. The House Committee on Small Business on April 5 ordered the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to suspend the contracts, pending completion of congressional investigation into the matter. One day earlier, a Pentagon news conference-scheduled essentially to justify the $27 million procurement-abruptly was cancelled. At that time, 24 crew members from a downed American reconnaissance plane were being detained in China. U.S. apparel manufacturers charge that the order last October by U.S. Army Gen. Eric Shinseki for foreign-made berets stems from an arbitrary deadline. A federal law known as the Berry Amendment requires the Pentagon to purchase clothing made in the U.S. of 100 percent domestic components. Shinseki wanted every soldier in the Army outfitted with a black beret by June 14, the Army's 226th birthday. Because U.S. factories could not meet that deadline, the DLA uncharacteristically waived the amendment. According to news reports, U.S. factories could have produced the berets if given a longer and more traditional deadline. A spokesman for the American Apparel and Footwear Association told a Washington reporter that the Pentagon usually waives the Berry Amendment only if no U.S. company makes the item. Black berets traditionally have been exclusive to Army Rangers. Now, Rangers will wear tan berets, while the rest of the troops will wear the black models. Bush Administration: Jones Act 'Essential' In its first public statement on the Jones Act, the Bush administration declared the law must be maintained as "an essential element of U.S. maritime policy that provides important economic and national security benefits to the nation, such as support of the U.S. shipbuilding and ship repair industries, and maintenance of a labor base of skilled American mariners." Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta made the statement in response to a written question following his confirmation hearing before the Senate Commerce Committee. The Jones Act requires that cargo moving between U.S. ports be carried in vessels that are U.S.crewed, U.S.-built and U.S.owned. Similar U.S. cabotage Jaws reserve the movement of passengers and the performance of marine services such as dredging, towing and salvage to vessels that are U.S.-crewed, U.S.owned, and U.S.-built. During the 2000 campaign, the Bush/Cheney ticket issued an equally strong statement of support for the Jones Act. "Programs that have contributed to the growth of our domestic fleet, such as the Jones Act ... should be Rear Admiral Robert C. North Retires; Pluta Named Successor to USCG Position A change of command took place April 27 when Rear Admiral Robert C. North retired as assistant commandant for marine safety and environmental protection at the U.S. Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C. In that capacity, he coordinated national and international regulatory programs for commercial vessel safety, port safety and security, and marine environmental protection. Admiral Paul J. Pluta was named his successor. RADM North, who was the assistant commandant since May 1997, has been very supportive of the SIU and its attempts to improve marine safety. Bill Eglinton, the director of training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., has worked with Admiral North over the past few years. "The admiral has been very supportive of MERPAC (the Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee of which Eglinton was chairman for several years)," Eglinton noted. (MERPAC serves as a deliberative body to advise the secretary of transportation, via the U.S. Coast Guard commandant, on matters relating to the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of seamen serving in the U.S. merchant marine.) Eglmton also recalled that two years ago, when the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nations specialized agency headquartered in London, England, was pushing to have . sole lookouts on the bridge at night, Admiral North, who headed the U.S. delegation to meetings of that organization, helped May2001 RADM Robert C. North RADM Paul J. Pluta stop the proposal in its tracks. Prior to assuming the duties of his most recent position, RADM North served as assistant commandant for acquisition at Coast Guard headquarters, where he had responsibility for directing programs for the acquisition of major systems, products and services to support Coast Guard mission requirements worldwide. Before that, he served as commander of the eighth Coast Guard district in New Orleans, where he was responsible for all Coast Guard operations over a 26-state area from the Gulf of Mexico to the border with Canada. A graduate of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, State University of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler and the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., RADM North has received many decorations, among them the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, as well as numerous citations and special operations service awards. Like his p~edecessor, Rear Admiral Paul J. Pluta served as commander of the eighth Coast Guard district, headquartered in New Orleans before being named assistant commandant for marine safety and environmental protection. He is a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy and holds an M.S.E. degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan. RADM Pluta first served as an assistant engineering officer aboard the cutters Chincoteague and Minnetonka. From 1988 to 1991, he served as commanding officer at the Marine Safety Office in Wilmington, N.C., where his command played a key role in support of Operation Desert Storm. He holds the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and two Coast Guard Commendation Medals. maintained," Bush declared when a candidate for the nation's highest office. Elsewhere in his written responses to questions from the Senate committee, Mineta said, "A strong maritime industry capable of serving the commercial and national security needs of the country requires more than a fleet of U.S.-flag commercial vessels. It requires a base of trained mariners to crew our ships, a shipbuilding and repair industry capable of building and repairing those ships, and a national maritime infrastructure including ports, waterways and intermodal connectors that can serve the economic growth and national security requirements of our nation. I hope to work to bolster the strength and effectiveness U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta of each of these critical aspects of a strong maritime industry. "While it is necessary to continue support for key elements of the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, such as the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program," he continued, "this administration will also vigorously pursue negotiations aimed at ending international practices that disadvantage U.S. companies." Maritime Alliance Requests Ballast Water Standards The Transportation Institute in late March formally asked the U.S. Coast Guard to initiate the process establishing a mandatory, nationwide ballast water management program. A joint appeal from a broadbased alliance of organizations representing the majority of vessels involved in domestic as well as foreign trade, the request took the form of a letter. It was addressed to Coast Guard Commandant Admiral James Loy. The petition suggested to Admiral Loy "that a realistic and comprehensive national ballast water management program is necessary to address the transfer of aquatic invasive species in ballast water in an environmentally sound manner, while preserving the operating safety and flexibility required by vessels trading in U.S. waters." The international coalition advised the Coast Guard that development of such a program should-to the extent possible -be synchronized and consistent with the International Maritime Organization's continuing efforts to formulate an international plan governing ballast water. The alliance of trade associations said in the petition that it will support a mandatory ballast management program that permits the use of ballast water exchange as well as other management methods. Such a program, the group contends, comprehensively will address ballast water management issues on the wide spectrum of vessel types calling at U.S. ports. Currently, ships entering U.S. waters from outside the exclusive economic zone, under guidance contained in the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, have been asked to report their ballast water management practices. In addition to other specifics, these reports are supposed to include information on how ballast water is retained aboard each vessel. The coalition views the following as essential elements of an acceptable management program: • Promulgation of a mandatory national ballast water management program. • Creation of a ballast water management standard. • Certification/Approval of ballast water management technologies and practices. In addition to the Transportation Institute, the alliance consists of the American Maritime Congress, American Petroleum Institute, Chamber of Shipping of America, International Association · of Independent Tanker Owners, Lake Carriers' Association, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, and World Shipping Council. Ballast water is carried by ships to provide stability and adjust a vessel's trim for optimal steering and propulsion. The use of ballast water varies among vessel types, among port systems, and according to cargo and sea conditions. Ballast water often originates from ports and other coastal regions, which are rich in planktonic organisms. It is variously released at sea, along coastlines, and in port systems. As a result, a diverse mix of organisms is transported. and released around the world with the ballast water of ships. House Okays Memorial Support The U.S. House of Representatives on March 21 passed legislation authorizing support for an addition to the American Merchant Marine Memorial Wall of Honor located at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro, Calif. The House approved the Maritime Policy Improvement Act by a vote of 415-3. The bill bas been referred to the Senate. The measure authorizes up to $500,000 in federal support for the addition to the memorial. As noted in the text of the bill, "The United States Merchant Marine kept the lifeline of freedom open to the allies of the United States during the Second World War, making one of the most significant contributions made by any nation to the victory of the allies in that war." Seafarers LOB 5 �Preparing the tug Hannah D. Hannah for fitout of the 2001 season in South Chicago, Ill. are OS Steve Nemeth (left) and AB Eric Meier. Porter Yehia Kaid replenishes the cereal dispenser aboard the American Republic. DEU Richard Cole clamps down on one of the Buffalo's hatches. Fitout on tb.e Great Lakes 2001 Above: There's nothing like freshly baked bread, being removed from the oven by 2nd Cook James Martineau aboard the St. Clair in Toledo. Left: Checking out the navigation equipment on the St. Clair is Wheelsman Nels Johnson. DEU Musid Musleh tightens a clamp aboard the John J. Boland. Below: Martin Hochstafl is the gateman on the John J. Boland. Aboard the ITB Susan W Hannah/Southdown Conquest in Port Huron , Mich . are (from left) SIU Safety Rep. Todd Brdak, Conveyorman Courtney King, Cook Gerald Rifenbark and AB Lawrence Budnick. DEU Hamid Hizam is happy the shipping season has started again on the American Republic. Right: AB Jeffery Laland secures a hatch aboard the John J. Boland. Above, 2nd Cook Nasser Aljalham takes out a fresh batch of buns from the oven aboard the John J. Boland, while at right, Porter Mohamed Saadi gets dessert ready to put out for the St. Clair crew members. 6 Seafarers LOS May2001 �USNS Dahl Aids Injured Mariner A Greek mariner is out of harm's way today, thanks largely to the training and actions of the captain and crew of the SIU-contracted USNS Dahl. The large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessel on Feb. 17 was in the South Pacific Ocean transiting from Charleston, S.C. to Diego Garcia. At about 1:30 p.m., the vessel's radio operator received an emergency call for help from the Rescue Coordination Center in Norfolk, Va. The transmission alerted the Dahl crew of an emergency aboard the Greek Tanker Astro Beta. The Greek vessel was located some 140 nautical miles south of the Dahl s position. Theodoros Mavromanolakis, a pumpman on the Astro Beta, sustained a serious wound when a grinding wheel disc he was using in the vessel's machine shop disintegrated and cut his neck and throat with fragments. Upon receiving the call, Capt. Mike Burke, master of the USNS Dahl, immediately changed the The SIU-crewed USNS Dahl, which entered service in 1999, diverted course to answer an emergency call. ship's course to rendezvous with the Greek tanker. About four-anda-half hours later, the LMSR reached the tanker and launched its inflatable boat crewed by Bosun Terry Armas, Chief Mate Chris Larkin and the third assis- tant engineer. The three mariners boarded the Astro Beta with medical supplies. They examined and treated the victim's wounds. Mavromanolakis' injury was discovered to be within two inches of his carotid artery, so he needed immediate professional medical attention. Meanwhile the two ships' masters discussed expeditious action. Since the Greek tanker was fully loaded, her maximum sustainable speed would be only about 12 knots. The Dahl, being a significantly faster ship, could get Mavromanolakis to the closest port faster. So, the patient was transferred to the Dahl. After the transfer, Capt. Burke charted course for Georgetown, Ascension-an island in the Atlantic Ocean between Brazil and Africa-and the Dahl got underway. Mavromanolakis was cared for in the LMSR's hospital by Larkin and Third Mate Will Bentley during the voyage to port. Along the way, the duo consulted with a doctor from the Medical Advisory Service in Bethesda, Md. via satellite phone. Once at Georgetown, Mavromanolakis received professional assistance. "The first aid training these men received at the Seafarers International Union's Piney Point training facility, the American Maritime Officers' training center and the Military Sealift Command's training center paid off," said Capt. Burke. "I was extremely proud of my crew, particularly Chief Mate Larkin, Third Mate Bentley, Third Assistant Engineer Pisch and Bosun Armas." Petersburg Retums To Guam It's steady as she goes for the crew aboard the SIU-contracted Petersburg. The vessel recently returned to her home port in Guam following a short stay in the shipyard in Singapore. The crew expressed their happiness with their new contract during a recent visit by SIU representatives. In addition, they indicated that they enjoy the vessel's run and working with their fellow crew members. The Petersburg is a tanker operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. (IUM) under contract with the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The vessel is one ofMSC's four Afloat Prepositioning Tankers and is part of the 37 ships in the MSC's prepositioning program. IUM is based in Voorhees, N.J. AB Bruce Buchard (left) and AB Miles Copeland take a brief break from their respective duties. Pictured above from the left are Third Mate Andrew Matthers, QMED Don Montoya, Oiler Gerome Slade and AB Sjamsidar Madjidji. In the photo at left, AB Robert Wankmueller performs maintenance on the nets. AB Curtis Nicholson stands near the "warning" sign he made to promote shipboard safety. AB Brock Booker (left) briefs Bosun Peter Funk on the bench he built on the ship's deck, which contains eyewash and a fire extinguisher. Active in Alaska Members of the steward department keep the remainder of the crew happy with their culinary creations. Pictured in the galley are (from the left) SA Minnie Thomas, Chief Steward Oscar Angeles, Chief Cook Thalis Ealy, SA Ros Clark, SA Erni Lizada and Pumpman Dave Bouda SA Qais Ahmed. checks a valve. Cape May Light Readies for 1st Cruise Continued from page 3 Cape May Light and its sister ships are reminders of the importance of the Passenger Vessel Services Act and the Jones Act-cabotage laws which enhance U.S. security. American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay described the coastal cruise The SIU participated in the Alaska AFL-CIO legislative conference in February, with the event taking place in Juneau at the governor's mansion. Pictured at the meeting are (from left) SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone; Susan Knowles, wife of Alaska Governor Tony Knowles; Lt. Governor Fran Ulmer; and SIU Representative Harold Holten. Wiper Edmund Livings prepares to paint a boiler. Livings is a 2000 graduate of the Paul Hall Center. ships as "an ambitious undertaking by a courageous company. This vindicates the Passenger Vessel Services Act, which has been under unjust criticism in recent years .... Without Congress' support of the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act, ceremonies like today's are not possible." The Cape May Light enters service this month following dedication ceremonies April 25. Seafarers LOii 7 �New Orleans-Pictured from left to right are Patrolman James Brown, Port Agent Steve Judd, VP Contracts Augie Tellez, VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, President Mike Sacco and Executive VP John Fay. SIU President Mike Sacco addresses Seafarers at the April membership meeting in New Orleans. West and Gulf Coast Seafaren Welcome Headquarten Ofticials Meeting Topics Include STCW, SIU-NMU Merger Seafarers recently welcomed SIU headquarters officials to the union's halls in Wilmington, Calif. and New Orleans, respectively. Pictured on this page are photos from an informal gathering at the Wilmington hall in February; from the April membership meeting in New Orleans; and also from the March membership meeting at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. Among the topics discussed at the halls were the SIU-NMU merger; the union's support of exploration and development of the Alaskan Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR); upgrades to various SIU halls in recent years as well as the opening of several new halls; new job opportuni- ties for Seafarers in the inland and cruise-ship industries; and upcoming contract negotiations. Other subjects presented at the halls included the training requirements for the amended STCW convention; performance bonuses earned by Seafarers-contracted U.S. Military Sealift Command ships; wage increases for Waterman's prepositioning ships; a manning increase on AMSEA's fast sealift vessels; and a change in management operations for the double eagle tankers, from Interocean Ugland Management to Hvide Marine (with all contracts remaining in place). SIU President Mike Sacco greets (left photo) GSU Jennifer Smith and (above) 2nd Pumpman Linton Acliese in Wilmington. Wilmington-SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, GSU Eduardo Munizaga, SIU President Mike Sacco Mobile-Retiree Red Roach, SIU Representative Hubert Cain, Retiree Tobe Dansley Left: Wilmington- AB Mike Blunt, AB Bernard DeRepentigny, SIU President Mike Sacco, Port Agent John Cox Right: Mobile-Port Agent Ed Kelley, Capt. Mike Yarbrough Mobile-SIU boatmen from Crescent Towing (left photo) meet with VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (second from right) following the meeting . Pictured from left to right are Joe Tucker, Charles Tucker, Kyle Tucker, William Tucker, Corgey and Benny Tucker. The meeting (above) packed a full house. B Seafarers LOB 8ay2001 �Former Cargo Vessel, l'age Now Carries Ammo GSU Wanda J. Glinke is hard at work in the galley. Chief Cook McKinley Jones Jr. serves up a meal to crew members in the galley. renamed in honor of a Korean War hero. Patricia T. Holder, wife of MSC Commander Vice Adm. Gordon S. Holder, was the ship's sponsor during the Feb. 21 renaming ceremony. Admiral Holder served as the event's keynote speaker. The Page and its sister ship, Crew members aboard the Seafarers-contracted Lt. Col. the SIU-crewed Sgt. Edward A. John U.D. Page continue to rep- Carter Jr.- scheduled for delivresent the union in a professional ery to MSC in June-will carry manner during the performance all the U.S. Army's containerized of their daily duties. prepositioned ammunition, by the The vessel, chartered by the end of the year. U.S. Military Sealift Command The 949.8-foot Page is owned (MSC), is a self-sustaining· and operated by Maersk Lines ammunition transporter. FormerLtd. of Norfolk, Va., under a fively a cargo ship, which sailed year charter to MSC. Maersk under the name Newark Bay, it operates some two dozen SIUrecently was tied up in Sunny crewed vessels for MSC and in Point, N.C. to load cargo. Following completion of a the Maritime Security Program. conversion program, which com- The company's fleet includes menced in October 2000 at the containerships, roll-on/roll-off Norfolk Shipbuilding and Dry- prepositioning vessels and Tdock Co. in Norfolk, Va., it was AGOS vessels. It's lunch time for Electrician Mohamed A. Ali (above) and QMED Richard K. Larsen (below). AB Thomas Murphy AB George Marfo, left, joins Bosun Michael Moore, AB Steve Westfall and AB Ed Jaynes for a meal. Bosun Michael Moore and AB George Marfo AB Steve D. Westfall prepares to post the sailing board. Chief Steward James 0. Kidd Jr., Bosun Michael Moore, Chief Cook McKinley Jones Bosun Mchael Moore displays the stencils for the vessel's new name. SIU Joins Coalition Urging Congress to Open ANWR Continued from page 3 energy crisis that is threatening to cut off electricity, heating oil and other necessary fuel. "The Teamsters support actions that will help working families with both problems," he continued. "All of organized labor does. Opening up the Coastal Plain of ANWR will pump millions of dollars of new activity into our nation's economy, while at the same time dramatically increasing our domestic oil production." The coalition also pointed out that developing America's largest untapped domestic source of oil not only will reduce U.S. dependence on foreign energy sources, but also boost the nation's sealift capabilities and industrial base by encouraging construction of more American-built ships, which will be crewed by U.S. manners. Further, despite concerns from environmental groups, the coalition emphasized that developing an energy policy which includes ANWR will be done in an envi- ay2D01 Chief Steward James 0. Kidd Jr. shows off one of his prized creations in the steward department. ronmentally responsible manner. Technological advances and the dedication of American workers to ecologically sound operations will enable safe, efficient and environmentally sound development. Finally, the group observed that the area proposed for exploration constitutes less than 1 percent of the 1.5 million acres that make up ANWR. That area basically is an Arctic desert and a small fraction of the 88,000 acres that make up the North Slope. Organizations represented at the conference included the SIU, MTD and Teamsters; American Maritime Officers; International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Ironworkers; International Union of Operating Engineers; Laborers' International Union of North America; National Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association; Transportation Institute; and United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. Wiper Jared M. Lee heads to the fourth deck for a meal following a productive day in the engine room. CAPTAIN AND CREW REUNITE-Following a luncheon in his honor, retired Capt. Ted Vickers is happy to be with his former crew members at the Paul Hall Center. From the left are Capt. Steve Sears, Capt. Mike Lydick, Capt. Mike Davis, Capt. Ted Vickers, Chief Mate Vladimir Salamon, Chief Mate Scott Trester, Capt. Bill Gossett and Chief Mate Chester Stephens. Not pictured is Chief Mate Roger Rothschild. Capt. Vicken: Mentor aa.d Moti.vator It has been said that the accomplishments of a student are measured by the successes of his or her teacher. If that is the case, then Capt. Ted Vickers is a very successful man, indeed. A number of SIU members recently attended the Paul Hall Center to take STCW-related courses. They were all crew members who worked for Capt. Vickers at one time or another between 1983 and 1986. All are now captains and mates themselves and claim that Capt. Vickers was a true role model. They note that Vickers ran a tight ship (tug) with respect, good humor and caring. In addition to his nautical knowledge, they say that Vickers served as a mentor and motivator for everyone who sailed with him. Because of his caring approach to his crew, a true bond has formed over the years. And every time one of his crew members upgraded, they took his teachings and applied them to their own studies. When the upgrading Seafarers learned that Capt. Vickers lives not too far from the school, they invited him to lunch, setting up one of the dining room tables with a sign reading "Reserved for Capt. Vickers' Crew." And for just a little while, it was like old times. Seafarers LOG 9 �With the sm Above: San Juan SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez (right) inspects the working conditions on the NPR, Inc. cranes in Puerto Rico. With him is AB Roberto Flores. Left: AB Joseph Hubert shows his painting technique on one of the NPR, Inc. cranes. I C J The galley gang aboard the Mayaguez includes (from left) Chief Cook Ivan Salis, Chief Steward Edward P Dunn and Messman Roque Lambert. = = ! Right: The two Neils share a laugh at the MTD executive board meeting last February in Los Angeles. From the left are SIU Port Agent Neil Dietz and U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii). Right: Working on the deck of the Mayaguez is AB John Weaver. Left: Everyone enjoys returning to the Paul Hall Center and seeing old friends while upgrading their skills. From the left are Recertified Steward Robert Wilcox, Chief Electrician Christo Tsipliareles and Recertified Steward Joseph Gallo Jr. Left: Unlicensed Apprentice Ole Olsen (left) and OS David Parks enjoy the scenery as the Global Sentinel approaches the port of Vancouver, British Columbia . Russell Barrack is the bosun aboard the Mayaguez, an NPR, Inc. vessel. 10 Seafarers LOB May 2i �DAWN OF A NEW ERA The Vessel Signals New Beginning For U.S. Cruise Industry United States Lines began carrying passengers between New York and Europe in the early part of the 20th century-in the golden age of oceangoing passenger travel. It was a glamorous world enjoyed by such famous actors, artists and inventors as Cary Grant, Salvador Dali, Mary Pickford and Thomas Edison. Today, a part of that golden age has returned with the ms Patriot, the first in a new fleet of elegant and modem United States Lines cruise vessels. Meet the SIU-crewed ms Patriot .. . Shipshape! FACILmES FACTS AND FIGURES 9 passenger decks 7 passenger elevators Extensive open deck space 2 outdoor swimming pools Shuffleboard area Fifth Avenue shops and boutiques Barbershop and beauty parlor Photo galleries Medical center Self-service laundries Conference and meeting center Theater Gross tonnage: 33,930 GRT Height: 126 feet from water line to top of stack Length: 704 feet Beam: 90 feet Draft: 25 feet Main Engines/Propulsion: 2 Sulzer main engines, 22,400 total hp; 2 bow thrusters, total 3,000 hp; 2 stern thrusters, total 3,000 hp Speed: 19 knots Stabilizers: Sperry Marine automatic stabilizers Recent Projects to Crew Member Areas • Crew shower partitions were improved to eliminate standing water by extending the shower walls down to the deck in order to channel water into the drains. • All crew clothes washers and dryers are fully functional. • Ventilation has been improved and the series of "hot" cabins has been corrected and are now much cooler. • All crew cabins have had new lock cylinders installed in order to improve crew security. • Vending machines and additional food service equipment-ice cream chest, ice chest, hot dog machine-have been added to the crew dining area. • During February, the crew bar and "slop chest" officially was opened and is now operating on a daily basis. Profits from this area are being credited to the crew fund. • An onboard Crew Welfare Committee has been formed. This representative group from all shipboard departments will address crew recreational needs. • Regular meetings are being conducted with SIU representatives to address any crew issues. • A review of the crew menus has been undertaken to increase satisfaction and selection. The Hotel Director has surveyed the crew for their input and has organized a crew "food committee." May2001 As with any ship that undergoes refurbishment, the Patriot had to work out its share of kinks. Fortunately, the issues that surfaced during the vessel's West Coast stay have been addressed. Improvements have been made to the crew shower partitions, clothes washers and dryers, cabin ventilation and security. Vending machines and additional food service equipment have been added to the crew dining area. In February, the crew bar and "slop chest" opened, with profits credited to the crew fund. Additionally, other improvements are pending, such as installation of a satellite TV system, replacement of various fixtures in the restrooms, and repair or replacement of certain floor tiles. "It's important for us to do a good job crewing the ship," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "You can see a big part of the future of our union in the Patriot-namely, the two new cruise ships that are being built for U.S. Lines. The Patriot itself is a beautiful ship, but it's a springboard to bigger and better things for SIU members. "The union and the company are working together to identify and address the crew's concerns," he continued. "We're putting together programs to tackle those issues. Our ultimate goals are to provide a stable, well-trained manpower group and a positive working environment. All of our efforts are geared toward that." Brief History The ship, which carries up to 1,212 passengers, was built as the Nieuw Amsterdam in 1983 by Chantiers de l 'Atlantique in St. Nazaire, France. It was acquired from Holland American Line at a cost of $114.5 million and was delivered to American Classic Voyages (AMCV, the parent company of United States Lines) Oct. 18, 2000. After undergoing a $21 million renovation at Cascade General Shipyard in Portland, Ore., it sailed on Thanksgiving Day to host a series of trade industry preview events in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The ship was renamed the ms Patriot and launched in Hawaii under American Classic Voyages Co. 's United States Lines on Dec. 9, when it inaugurated year-round, seven-night cruise service throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The christening ceremony reflected both the heritage of Hawaii and the spirit of America as Maggie Inouye, wife of Senator Daniel Inouye, officially dedicated the ship. The United States Lines' logo, a stylized American bald eagle, is prominently displayed on the Patriot's smokestack. "We envision United States Lines as 'America's cruise line,"' stated AMCV President and Chief Operating Officer Roderick K. McLeod. "It offers a brandnew experience for cruise enthusiasts: the convenience of a cruise vacation in a comfortable, all-American-type atmosphere with emphasis on experiencing the Hawaiian Islands, up-close and personal." Adorning the smokestack is a stylized American bald eagle centered on a field of gold stars. The wings of the eagle suggest the stripes of the American flag; the three top stars represent the initial three vessels in the United States Lines fleet; and the other six stars represent United States Lines' commitment to its customers, employees, shareholders, community, the environment and our nation. Seafarers LOG 11 �llle U.S. Flag T •ted States • From the moment United States Lines introduced the ms Patriot on Dec. 9, 2000, a star-spangled tradition was born-one befitting the largest American cruise ship and the first major ocean-going passenger vessel to register in the United States in more than 40 years. Each American flag that flies over the vessel during its weekly Hawaii cruises is one that has flown over the nation's Capitol in Washington, D.C. According to AMCV's McLeod, "The Stars and Stripes reflect our commitment to providing high-quality, allAmerican cruise vacations and revitalizing the U.S.-flag cruise industry." AB Jeff Kalbach The logo of United States Lines is a stylized American bald eagle centered on a field of gold stars. GU Nabil Sharif, GU Ebrahim El Shaibi and GU Esa Abdullah Cocktail Server Brenda Black /(::_1ai . r-tonolulu The ms Patriot sails weekly to five ports on four of the Hawaiian islands Hawaiian Influence speak the Hawaiian language, dance the hula, play the ukulele and create a lei. Resource materials and In addition to the regular cruise experience, the ms displays of island artifacts and furnishings add to the Patriot offers passengers the opportunity to gain total Hawaiian experience. more knowledge about the rich heritage of the Children enjoy the knowledge shared by the Hawaiian Islands. kumu, but they also have their own part of the ship. The Destination Leaming Center is the "heart" of During its refurbishment, special centers-Graffiti 's the vessel, a place where travelers can learn about for teens and Kaleidoscope for pre-teens-were Hawaii and the 80 optional shore experiences offered designed to offer different activities away from their in the ship's island exploration program. The ship's parents featuring games, parties, contests, movies, Hawaiian teacher, or "kumu," shares the islands' histournaments and more. tory and lore, and passengers may choose to learn to But many of the optional excursions are wonderful opportunities for families to enjoy together and include a submarine exploration of undersea life around the islands, kayaking, horseback riding and snorkeling. Additionally, at certain times of the year, special cruises are featured. For example, over the Memorial Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Pearl Harbor Day holidays, the ship will sail into Pearl Harbor to Destination Learning Center visit the memorial built above 12 Seafal'el'S LOB the U.S.S. Arizona (which was sunk Dec. 7, 1941), and passengers can learn more about the meaning of the Hawaiian harbor in the course of American history. Whale watching cruises take place from January through March, and Aloha festival cruises are scheduled during the month of September to help the Hawaiians enjoy their native culture. Celebrating a birthday, engagement, honeymoon, anniversary? Different packages also can be arranged for any of these events. Even weddings can now be performed aboard the ship. lfay 2001 �Living Room of Presidential Suite Bedroom of Presidential Suite Accommodations Aboard the 33 ,930-ton ms Patriot, there are so many things to do that returning to your room is necessary just to rest up for your next island adventure. There are 606 suites and staterooms divided into 15 categories-everything from the luxurious presidential suite to the 20 parlor suites and 122 superior ocean view staterooms to the 266 ocean view staterooms or 197 of the more economical interior staterooms. All feature TV, radio, telephone and individual climate controls. Fares vary according to season, and all include onboard meals, activities, entertainment and port charges. Waikiki Beachboys Club Kumu Study ttinerary / The ms Patriot departs every Saturday evening year-round from Honolulu on seven-night, five-port cruises of four of the Hawaiian islands-Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaiibefore returning to Honolulu. No wonder Hawaii is known as America's paradise! Each island has something different to offer for both adults and children-from black sand beaches and tropical rainforests to fiery volcanoes and ancient Polynesian sites to coffee plantations and sugar cane fields to hiking trails and incredible golf courses-and more. All these options make it a little daunting for a visitor to figure out exactly what to see. / ' '>rff"tn:i 1 Graffiti's Teen Center But the ship's Island Explorations sengers right at the ship's dock for virprogram is there to help, showcasing 80 tually all excursions. optional shore excursions with tour itineraries that can be customized based on a passenger's personal interests or fitness evel. Passengers receive detailed excursion information for each port to help them choose specific tours, and experienced local Discover Hawaii's Tropical Beauty guides meet pas- Ship SpecHications and Facilities • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1,212 Passengers 33,930 Gross Tons 704 Feet Long Automatic Stabilizers 9 Passenger Decks Destination Learning Center Destination Services Desk Kaleidoscope Kids' Center Graffiti's Teens' Center Internet Lounge 2 Outdoor Swimming Pools Kohala Spa & Fitness Center Princess Kaiulani Movie Theater Fifth Avenue Shops and Boutiques Conference & Meeting Center 7 Passenger Elevators Eagle Deck Bridge Deck Mariner Deck Promenade Deck Broadway Deck Main Deck ADeck BDeck CDeck One of the ship's lifeboats Kaleidoscope Kids' Club May 2001 Seafarers LOG 13 �Activities dancing to the ms Patriots musicians, who play a variety of jazz, Daytime hours are mostly spent swing, contemporary Hawaiian and exploring the islands or enjoying classic rock throughout the ship's the amenities of the ship, including nine bars and lounges. Cultural two outdoor pools, a whirlpool and shows, revues, comedy acts, comfortable lounges for taking in singing, dancing and passenger talall the beautiful scenery. And for all ent shows keep things lively. There those who can't exist without eis also a 230-seat theater which mail, an Internet Cafe is at the shows first-run movies. ready with nine computers standing "Madam Pele's Night of Fire," by for some indoor surfing. however, is the signature event The nights are a different story. Passengers may enjoy listening and SIU Safety Director Jim Storm and 1st Cook Johnny Palencia 2nd Cook David Moulder which occurs when the ship passes the crimson lava flow of Hilo's Mt. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. Crew members and passengers gather on deck to view Madam Pele, the volcano goddess, and festivities ensue, including an outdoor volcano-theme dessert buffet, known as the Feast of Fire, as well as an award-winning comedy show. Cabin Attendant Angie Sticka 1st Cook Reuben Maldonado and 2nd Cook Anthony Angel Food In speaking about the cuisine, the passenger dining experience aboard the ms Patriot is truly a highlight. A galley staff of 90 SIU chefs, cooks and specialists create the meals for the main dining room (the Manhattan Dining Room) as well as for the alternative Outrigger Cafe's fare (which serves breakfasts, theme lunches, afternoon grill service and evening dinners). American and Pacific Rim specialties are showcased in the main dining room and are served on china, customdesigned by the suppliers of the original United States Lines. Other information about the art and history of AB Robert Mason and Carpenter Eric Orcwein 2nd Cook John Arciaga the original fleet is featured in the menus. And should a passenger still have some room after dinner, there is 24-hour room service as well as an ice cream station. (But not to worry, the shipboard Kohala Spa and Fitness Center can help you shed some of those newly gained pounds. And for pampering, there's a beauty salon with hair, skin and nail service for men and women.) AB Willie Johnson, OS Jorge Soler, Bosun Christy Fernando, OS Alfonso Banda, OS Andrzen Bronkowsksi and OS Gary Lauer While the ms Patriot is the first in a fleet of new U.S. cruise liners, United States Lines currently has two 1,900-passenger vessels under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. The 72,000-ton cruise ships-the largest ever built in a U.S. shipyard-will enter service in Hawaii in 2003 and 2004. 14 Seafarers LOB May 2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 -APRIL 15, 2001 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 1 Baltimore 6 6 0 3 3 2 4 6 12 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New · Orl~ans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point .............Monday: June 4, July 2 DECK DEPARTMENT Port Aigonac ,.. ,, Guam TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C l ", 4 18 37 6 15 22 8 2 5 11 18 2 23 25 10 23 3 12 7 12 4 4 3 9 7 9 5 4 3 0 3 0 3 24 24 12 9 1 0 5 14 13 4 9 5 8 6 4 6 9 10 2 5 0 0 5 4 4 3 11 10 101 6 3 3 3 5 3 4 5 4 70 2 21 1 10 12 7 5 204 120 80 22 20 181 0 5 0 7 15 13 -0 2 1 8 4 14 6 4 1 2 0 5 5 9 0 0 2 0 3 22 8 4 8 6 11 5 1 6 5 2 2 0 8 3 0 5 16 12 8 2 3 6 s 5 5 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 8 20 0 4 5 7 11 · 3 0 6 4 9 1 3 0 4 1 4 4 49 3 2 4 1 0 0 1 l 1 3 40 0 3 4 1 2 94 3 14 2 7 20 9 0 22 10 6 0 20 12 227 0 3 22 11 4 103 19 8 5 0 21 4 141 392 383 298 250 Totals All Departments 452 417 0 2 2 4 0 1 95 24 2' 2 2 0 9 0 9 17 33 16 12 27 9 8 11 0 21 6 1 10 6 22 5 11 16 12 5 5 2 13 · 0 5 8 9 0 8 2 3 3 13 13 137 1 8 10 62 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 14 10 3 10 38 2 8 6 0 10 4 10 10 1 4 2 2 1 1 2 2 0 36 3 33 24 4 2 3 2 7 6 23 240 83 70 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 4 0 5 0 15 3 6 1 43 15 23 3 3 179 8 25 8 10 33 24 2 26 5 7 2 34 21 0 0 0 5 I 2 3 l 0 2 4 4 0 5 1 0 0 0 3 0 11 13 7 6 0 45 4 8 0 8 15 10 0 14 0 8 0 5 12 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 28 13 15 25 10 5 3 6 8 2 0 0 4 7 0 12 10 41 15 3 28 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: June 13, July 11 Honolulu ................. Friday: June 15, July 13 Houston .................. Monday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 7, July 5 - Jersey City ..:...........Wedne$day: June 20, July 18 Mobile .................... Wednesday: June 13, July 11 NewBedford .......... Tuesday: June 19, July 17 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 12, July IO New York................Tuesday: June 5, July 3 Norfolk ................... Thursday: June 7, July 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 6 Thursday: July 5* (*change created by Independence Day holiday) Port Everglades •......Thursd€ly: June 14, July 12 San Francisco .........Thurs4ay: June 14, July 12 . San Juan .................. Thursday; June 7, July 5 2 11 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 7, July 5 1 6 189 Algonac ..................Friday: June 8, July 6 6 0 0 0 4 3 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 5 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 7 6 2 1 1 380 2 0 0 0 9 9 14 100 0 0 0 0 4 9 8 3 3 8 5 5 2 2 15 0 18 13 20 3 5 14 14 13 186 3 2 5 1 6 8 70 33 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 ~ 7 40 38 2 3 7 4 9 4 85 2 3 25 22 2 2 10 3 4 4 0 7 3 12 1 3 2 16 33 4 1 3 2 5 4 0 3 5 33 16 25 49 24 6 7 0 4 15 11 21 11 1 20 2 7 2 10 14 150 55 2 0 0 0 5 8 11 30 2 0 0 0 22 10 16 5 16 42 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 3 1 3 4 0 0 0 10 7 54 2 5 9 0 2 0 6 5 45 Port 5 1 5 1 2 4 0 3 0 3 2 7 4 8 1 6 8 2 13 8 104 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 6 l 7 0 0 Q 0 ,3 3 1 3 1 0 11 2 5 2 7 2 6 11 98 7 7 0 0 13 2 15 13 111 0 1 0 0 7 7 6 22 3 21 23 0 66 274 394 96 875 680 626 St. Louis ................. Friday: June 15, July 13 Tacoma ................... Friday: June 22, July 20 Wilmington .......... .....Monday: June 18, July 16 Each port's meeting starts at 111:30 a.m. Personal ALTON mcKMAN JR. Please contact Sean Hanley at (718) 926-4902. FRIENDS OF JAMES E. HILL James E. Hill would like to hear from any shipmates who sailed with him aboard the Penn Vanguard or the Keva Ideal. You may write him at 1805 Mitchell St., Apt. 1, Tampa, FL 33602. Correction In the April edition of the Seafarers LOG, page 13, several photos taken aboard the Sea-Land Voyager inadvertently were included with an unrelated article about the USNS Watkins. *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. lfay 2001 Seafarers LOB 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lnlernalional Union Directory MARCH 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Dafld Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez APRIL 15, 2001 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Tom Orzechowski Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . Kermett Mangram .. Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 {810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St, Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC, Anchorage, AK 99503 {907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 13 13 0 10 3 0 7 3 0 18 35 DECK DEPARTMENT 7 0 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 4 5 0 0 6 7 0 7 1 0 3 3 0 14 30 Totals All Depts 48 54 0 18 13 0 30 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 41 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters MARCH 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St, Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 APRIL 15, 2001 TOTAL SIIlPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606K.alihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 {713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., JacksonvilJe, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 0 0 0 I 0 0 4 2 1 2 0 5 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 Q 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 8 2 0 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 1 4 0 2 0 3 5 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 5 12 2 0 10 2 Totals All Depts 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 6 0 17 24 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622·1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division: (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16!/i Santurce,PR 00907 {787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOB PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Ted Vargas of Princeton, W.Va. It was taken in Rotterdam, Holland on the fantail of the Muncie Victory in July 1947. The ship, operated by South Atlantic Steamship Co., was making its last voyage as an SIU-contracted vessel. The crew members had just unloaded their aid cargo of grain to wore-torn Europe. "We had to tie up to a buoy and offload into barges," Vargas noted in a letter accompanying the photo. "All piers were either occupied or had been destroyed in the war." With Wiper Vargas (left) is Messman Eric Joseph. The vessel at right is the Atlantic Wind, a Liberty ship under Panamanian flag. Vargas mentioned that Joseph, an ex-boxer, went on to become well known in the SIU because of an act of generosity: He donated the cornea of his right eye to another SIU member, Phil Pron. Pron had been the victim of a shipboard injury that was slowly destroying his eyesight. His only hope was for a corneal transplant. Joseph's retina had been damaged, a carryover from his boxing days. The men, who had not known each other previously, met in the Staten Island Marine Hospital. An article was written about the two Seafarers in a March 1951 LOG. Ted Vargas sailed on three Liberty ships in the '40s and '50s. He presently volunteers as the 12-4 oiler aboard his fourth Liberty ship, the John W Brown , based in Baltimore, and says that vessel's trip to the Great Lakes last year was a huge success. Nlay 2001 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-jlag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. hree captains and one pilot are among the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captains Jam es M. Bowers, Julio R. Santana and Steve R. Warford, along with Pilot Percy P. Daucet, sailed the inland waterways for nearly 100 combined years at the helms of their respective vessels. Nine of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three plied the Great Lakes, while the remaining nine, which include the former captains and pilot, navigated the inland waterways. Fifteen of the retirees worked in the deck department, three shipped in the engine department and three sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. T DEEP SEA ABDULLA K.ALMANSOOB, 64, hails from Yemen. Brother Almansoob joined the SIU in 1976 in Seattle. He first sailed aboard the Overseas Juneau. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1988 and 9. He last shipped aboard Interocean Ugland Management's Northern Lights. Brother Almansoob lives in Seattle. r---.:::;;;~~---, WILLIAMJ. BEATTY, 68, started his SIU career in 1964, joining in the port of Houston. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, Brother Beatty served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964. A member of the engine department, he first shipped in the inland division aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Brother Beatty upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1986, 1995 and 1997. He last worked aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Beatty lives in Roanoke, La. ROBERT J. FRANKEL, 75, started his SIU career in 1986 in Seattle. Brother Frankel served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Born in New Brunswick, N.J., he sailed in the deck department. His first ship was the USNS Desteiguer, operated by Lavino Shipping Co. He last worked on the Sea-Land Quality. Brother Frankel calls East Brunswick, N.J. home. ROBERTF. LEWIS III, 57, was born in Woodbury, NJ. Brother Lewis started his SIU career in 1966, joining in the port of New York. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U .S. Navy from 1961to1965. Brother Lewis first sailed aboard the Sapphire Sandy. The deck depart- May 2001 ment member last worked aboard the Sea-Land Florida. Brother Lewis resides in Lakeland, Fla. the LTC John UD. Page, operated by U.S. Ship Management. He resides in Jacksonville, Fla. JAMES McHUGH, 66, started his SIU career in 1970, joining in the port of New York. Brother McHugh served in the U .S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. The Tamaqua, Pa. native sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother McHugh first shipped aboard the Steel Design. He last worked aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management Inc. 's Carolina. Brother McHugh lives in Philadelphia. INLAND EFRAINM. SANTANA, 61, hails from Puerto Rico. Brother Santana started his SIU career in 1967, joining in the L~~~~~ port of New York. His first ship was the Penn Sailor, operated by Penn Transportation Co. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1977 and 1987. He last shipped aboard Ocean Ships, Inc. 's Gus W Darnell. Brother Santana calls Bronx, N.Y. home. GARYB. EARL SCOTT, 64, began his SIU career in 1989, joining in the port of Houston. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, Brother Scott served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1955 to 1958. A bosun, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Scott first sailed aboard Sea Mobility, Inc. 's USNS Invincible. The Portland, Ore. native last worked aboard the USNS Bold, operated by Maersk Lines. Brother Scott resides in Dickinson, Texas. ALVIN TUTSON, 68, started his SIU career in 1964, joining in the port of Houston. The Louisiana native served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Brother Tutson first sailed aboard the Tamara Guilden, operated by Transport Commercial. The steward department member last worked aboard Interocean Ugland Management Corp.'s Pacific. Brother Tutson lives in Houston. ELLIS YOUNG, 57, hails from Savannah, Ga. Brother Young started his SIU career in 197 0, joining in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was Penn Transportation Co. 's Penn Sailor. The engine department member upgraded his skills a number of times at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Young last sailed aboard GEORGE A. BODDEN, 62, joined the SIU in 1971 in Tampa, Fla. A member of the deck department, Boatman Bodden was born in Honduras. He sailed primarily aboard Red Circle Transport Co. vessels. Brother Bodden calls Tampa home. JAMES M. BOWERS, 61, was born in Rocky Mount, N.C. He started his SIU career in 1968, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Bowers served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1958. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp. vessel. Boatman Bowers last worked as a catain aboard the Interstate 85, operated by Lynnhaven Services. He calls Kill Devil Hills, N .C. home. PERCY P. DAUCET, 62, started his SIU career in 1961 , joining in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Daucet first shipped aboard a National Marine Service Inc. vessel. The Louisiana native sailed as a pilot and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1987 and 1993. Boatman Daucet last worked aboard a Hvide Marine vessel. He resides in Welsh, La. HARVEYR. GALLOP JR., 63, hails from Nags Head, N.C. Boatman Gallop started his SIU career in 1967, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. The engine department member last worked aboard an Allied Towing vessel. Boatman Gallop lives in Powells Point, N .C. DANIEL J. GAYLOR, 68, joined the SIU in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Gaylor served in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy before becoming a Seafarer. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard the USNS Triumph, operated by Sea Mobility Inc. Brother Gaylor last worked aboard a Red Circle Transport Co. vessel. The Massachusetts native calls Pineville, La. home. JOHN PATRICK MORAN, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1973. Boatman Moran first sailed aboard a National Marine Services Inc. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last shipped aboard a Hvide Marine vessel. Born in New York, Boatman Moran now calls Cheboygan, Mich. home. RAYMOND RUSHON, 65, started his SIU career in 1972, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Rush on shipped as a member of the deck department. The Pennsylvania native sailed primarily aboard Crowley Liner Services vessels. Boatman Rushon resides in Havertown, Pa. JULIO R. SANTANA 62, joined the SIU in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. A captain, he sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessels. Boatman Santana upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1989. He lives in Carolina, P.R. STEVER. WARFORD, 71, started his SIU career in 1978, joining in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Arkansas, the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1941 The SS Robin Moor, an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-tlag vessel to be sunk by the Gennans (May 2 l). The crew was given 20 minutes by the German submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboats, and were approximately one mile from the ship, the German submarine torpedoed the Robin Moor, sinking it. The attack evenwally helped lead to all American-flag ships being armed and supplied with gun crews. deck department member shipped as a captain and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1991. Boatman Warford sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessels. He calls San Marcos, Calif. home. GREAT LAKES JULIANW. BUDNICK, 64, joined the SIU in the port of Detroit. Brother Budnick served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. He first shipped aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Rogers City, Mich., the steward department member last worked aboard the Buffalo, another American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Budnick lives in Michigan. ABDON. FOTAIH, 59, hails from Yemen. Brother F otaih began his SIU career in 1972, joining in the port of Detroit. He first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1978. Brother Fotaih last worked aboard American Steamship Co. 's Walter J. McCarthy. He resides in Dearborn, Mich. DONALDR. GIMPEL, 66, started his SIU career in 1967, joining in Duluth, Minn. Born in Duluth, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1998. Brother Gimpel last sailed aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. He lives in Duluth, Minn. first-class vacations at the lowest possible.... Fishing, swimming, tennis, saiJing, soaking up the sun and exploring the lands that fonn the coast of the Chesapeake Bay area are some of the things avail· able at the vacation center. 1991 THIS MONTH IN SIU HISTORY 1970 The SIU has opened a vacation center at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. This is a new and unique union program to make available to SIU members and their families In the aftermath of the conflict in the Persian Gulf, the American military is evaluating the effectiveness of all elements that went into Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Insofar as U.S. shipping is concerned, the verdict of commanders and planners throughout the military is that the nation's defense interests require more sealift capability and a healthy American-flag merchant marine .... Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney has highlighted the importance of mobility for the purpose of an adequate defense. A priority of DOD is 1'the ability to project military power rapidly to areas of U.S. strategic interest," Cheney said. Seafarers LOS 17 �final Departures DEEP SEA PABLO BARRIAL Pensioner Pablo Barria!, 78, died Dec. 21, 2000. Brother Barria! began his SIU career in 194 3, joining in the port of New Orleans. The deck department member first shipped aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. A native of Havana, Cuba, he last worked aboard the Bay Ridge, operated by Bay Tankers, Inc. Brother Barrial began receiving his pension in 1986. He lived in New Orleans. EDGAR BIVENS Pensioner Edgar Bivens, 76, passed away Feb. 11. Brother Bivens started working with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native first sailed aboard the Penn Export, operated by Penn Export Co. Inc. Brother Bivens shipped as a member of the steward department and last worked aboard Cove Shipping Co. 's Cove Navigator. Brother Bivens served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946. He began receiving his pension in lfJ86. Brother Bivens lived in Mobile. GEORGE BLACK Pe ioner Geor Black, 80, died ec. 19, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1948, joining in the port of New York. Born in Burma, Brother Black first sailed aboard Sinclair Oil Corp. 's Robin Wently. He shipped in the deck department, last working aboard a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Brother Black started receiving his pension in 1978. He called Las Vegas, Nev. home. WALTER BOWEN Pensioner Walter Bowen, 84, passed away Jan. 5. He joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. The steward department member was born in Washington and began receiving his pension in 1971. He resided in Ben Wheeler, Texas. ROBERT BRIAN Pensioner Robert Brian, 77, died Jan. 12. The West Virginia native started his SIU career in 1946 in the port of Houston. Brother Brian first shipped aboard the Rob Gray, operated by Sinclair Oil Corp. He sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Long Beach. Brother Brian served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. He began receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Brian lived in San Francisco. CLAUDE DICK Pensioner Claude Dick, 76, passed away March 6. He began his SIU career in 1953, joining in Galveston, Texas. Born in League City, 18 Seafarers LOB Texas, he first sailed aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Dick shipped as a member of the deck department and last worked aboard the Pride of Texas, operated by Seahawk Management. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945. Brother Dick, who lived in Galveston, started receiving his pension in 1991 . WILLIAM EDWARDS Brother William Edwards, 43, died Jan. 10. He joined the SIU in 1974 in the port of Piney Point, Md. The Virginia native, who was a .......................~_..-....__,memberofthe deck department, first sailed aboard an Interocean Management vessel. Brother Edwards last shipped aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He called Norfolk, Va. home. WILLIAM GOEPPNER Pensioner William Goeppner, 87, passed away Jan. 20. Born in California, he started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Brother Goeppner shipped as a member of the steward department. The Matsonia, operated by Matson Navigation Co., and American President Lines' President Hoover were among the vessels on which he sailed. Brother Goeppner started receiving his pension in 1972. He lived in Sunnyvale, Calif. DANIEL HALLEY Pensioner Daniel Halley, 89, died Nov. 11 , 2000. He started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Among the ves. sels the steward department member sailed aboard were Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Young America and Matson Navigation Co. 's Matsonia. Brother Halley started receiving his pension in 1977. He made his home in Germany. PETER HAMMEL Pensioner Peter Hammel, 86, passed away Feb. 24. Brother Hammel started his SIU career in 1955, joining in the port of New York. The New Orleans native first sailed aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Hammel shipped in the steward department, last working aboard the Overseas New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Hammel called Chalmette, La. home. He began receiving his pension in 1983 . CHARLES KRAUSE ..-----------., Pensioner Charles Krause, 85, died Jan. 27. A charter member of the SIU, Brother Krause joined the union in 1938 in Boston. L __ __._~_ He shipped as a member of the steward department. The Massachusetts native began __i receiving his pension in 1972. Brother Krause resided in Plymouth, Mass. PETERLYPEN Pensioner Peter Lypen, 76, passed away Feb. 26. He started his SIU career in 1944, joining in the port of New York. Brother Lypen shipped as a member of the deck department and first sailed aboard a Bloomfield Steamship vessel. He last worked aboard the Borinquen, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. Brother Lypen served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He called Elizabeth, N .J. home and began receiving his pension in 1986. ment, Inc. Brother Rotunda served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960. He lived in Fairmont, W.Va. and began receiving his pension in 1995. Navy from 1944 to1946. Brother Wong, who began receiving his pension in 1986, called Santa Clara, Calif. home. ANTONIO SANTIAGO MAURILIO ZEPEDA Pensioner Antonio Santiago, 82, passed away Jan. 12. Brother Santiago joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Stony Creek, operated by American Tramp Shipping and Development Co. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Santiago worked in the deck department, last sailing on Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. 's San Juan. Brother Santiago began receiving his pension in 1983. He called Staten Island, N.Y. home. Pensioner Maurilio Zepeda, 68, died Feb. 17. Brother Zepeda started his SIU career in 1961, joining in the port of Houston. Born in San Juan, Texas, he first sailed aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Del Valle. The deck department member last shipped aboard the Overseas Vivian, operated by Vivian Tankships Corp. Brother Zepeda began receiving his pension in 1998. He lived in Galveston, Texas. WILLIAM MASON Pensioner William Mason, 79, died Dec. 12, 2000. Born in California, he started his career with the MC&S. Brother Mason sailed in the steward department. States Steamship's Montana and Matson Navigation Co. 's Manulani were two of the vessels on which he sailed. Brother Mason started receiving his pension in 1976. He lived in Long Beach, Calif. PAUL PARSONS Pensioner Paul Parsons, 72, died Feb. 3. Brother Parsons started his SIU career in 1961 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Wilkes -1::------.1 County, N.C. native first sailed aboard the Steel Architect, operated by ISCO Inc. Brother Parsons shipped as a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard Interocean Management Corp. 's Cape Fear. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. Brother Parsons started receiving his pension in 1992. He called Lenoir, N .C. home. FRANKIE SNOW Pensioner Frankie Snow, 80, died Feb. 16. Brother Snow joined the SIU in 1951 in New York. He first sailed aboard the Southern Counties, operated by Terminal Steamship Co. Born in Virginia, Brother Snow shipped as a member of the steward department. He last sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Jefferson Davis. Brother Snow served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He began receiving his pension in 1985. Brother Snow resided in his native state. DONALD THOMPSON Pensioner Donald Thompson, 66, passed away Feb. 2. Brother Thompson started his career with the MC&S. The Monterey and Matsonia were among the vessels aboard which the steward department member worked. A native of Verndale, Minn., he started receiving his pension in 1977. Brother Thompson called Syracuse, Utah home. BERNARD ROMANOFF Pensioner Bernard Romanoff, 81, passed away Jan. 22. He joined the SIU in 1941 in the port of New York. A member of the deck department, Brother Romanoff first sailed aboard A. H. Bull Steamship Co.'s Rebel. The New York native last worked aboard the Borinquen, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. Brother Romanoff started receiving his pension in 1988. He resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. EDWARD UZIEL ANTHONY SANTO ROTUNDA JACK WONG Pensioner Anthony Santo Rotunda, 64, died Feb. 8. He started his SIU career in 1961 , joining in the port of New York. Born in Shinnston, W. Va. , the engine department member first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He last worked aboard the Carolina, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Manage- Pensioner Edward K. Uziel, 84, died Dec. 18, 2000. Brother Uziel started his career with the MC&S. The steward department member sailed aboard the American President Lines' President Hoover and President Wilson during his career. Born in Ohio, he began receiving his pension in 1974. Brother Uziel lived in Santa Rosa, Calif. Pensioner Jack Wong, 80, passed away Dec. 22. Born in China, Brother Wong started his SIU career in 1964, joining in the ..........__....~-~-~ port of Houston. His first ship was the Eldorado, operated by Transasia Transport Corp. A member of the steward department, Brother Wong last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. He served in the U.S. INLAND TOMISLAV BAKIC Boatman Tomislav Bakic, 67, passed away Jan. 31. He joined the SIU in 1979 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Croatia, Boatman Bakic first sailed aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel. The engine department member last sailed aboard an American Marine Services vessel. Boatman Bakic lived in San Pedro, Calif. GEORGE BAUM Pensioner George Baum, 88, died Jan. 2. He began his SIU career in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Baum first shipped aboard an Intercontinental Bulk Corp vessel. A member of the deck department, he last worked aboard a Moran Towing Co. of Maryland vessel. Boatman Baum began receiving his pension in 1974. He called Stoneleigh, Md. home. KENNETH GODEKE Pensioner Kenneth Godeke, 74, died Jan. 5. The Texas native started his career with the SIU in 1974 in Houston. A member of the deck department, Boatman Godeke sailed primarily aboard G&H Towing Co: vessels. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. Boatman Godeke called Houston home. He began receiving his pension in 1988. HAYWOOD TRICHE Pensioner Haywood Triche, 82, died Jan. 7. Boatman Triche started his SIU career in 1964 in Port Arthur, Texas . Born in Lockport, La., he sailed as a captain. He first shipped aboard a Slade Inc. vessel and last worked on a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Boatman Triche began receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in Gibson, La. Continued on page 20 May2001 �Digest of. Ship~~rcl • • '/'' "%) •nion Meetings .~. The Seararers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Feb. I I-Chairman Paul Domes, Secretary Milton M. Yournett, Educational Director Roy S. Frett, Deck Delegate Julio Mattos Jr., Engine Delegate Gustavo R. Osorio, Steward Delegate Angel Correa. Chairman informed crew of payoff Feb. 12 in Jacksonville. Educational director led discussion on need for basic fire fighting course to comply with STCW. He advised crew members to apply now rather than wait until last minute. He also encouraged them to read LOG for union and industry news and contribute to SPAD. Treasurer reported $58.50 in ship 's fund after purchase of movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce time required to file for vacation benefits. Discussion held on improving pension and medical benefits. Captain to be asked about feasibility of installing radio, TV antenna during yard period. DEVELOPER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Feb. I9-Chairman Dana M. Cella, Secretary Robert A. Castillo, Educational Director Dimarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Mohsin A. Ali, Engine Delegate Jason Vogel, Steward Delegate Amin A. Mohamed. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 26 in· Houston. He said · as a good trip with a good crew. He stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Crew bade farewell to ee unlicensed apprentices in Charleston, S.C. Secretary thanked everyone for good voyage, and educational director advised crew to ead LOG and take advantage of courses offered at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to purchase smokeless ashtrays for those members who smoke in their rooms. Unanimous vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals. ENDURANCE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Feb. 18-Chairman Francisco C. Munoz, Secretary Russell B. Beyschau, Educational Director Ramona P. Gayton, Deck Delegate Paul S. Wills, Engine Delegate Chromer W. Jefferson. Chairman and secretary reported smooth trip and look forward to their vacations. Secretary also urged crew members to read LOG to keep up with union news, upgrade skills at Piney Point and contribute to SPAD. Educational director asked for everyone's help in keeping dryer clean and free from lint. He also stressed need to complete STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into reducing time needed for vacation check. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), Feb. I I-Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar M. Vazquez, Educational Director Douglas D. Greiner, Steward Delegate Melvin W. Hite. Everything running smoothly, according to chairman and secretary. Educational director advised crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG about importance of meeting STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002 read and discussed. Suggestion made for contracts department to check into prescription coverage for dependents and to reduce time needed to collect vacation benefits. Afay2001 GUS W. DARNELL (Ocean Shipping Inc.), Feb. I-Chairman Patrick B. Rankin, Secretary, Kenneth Whitfield, Engine Delegate Mike Kille. Chairman announced ship to pay off Feb. 3 in Charleston, S.C. Secretary noted repair list passed around. Crew should check rooms and add any repairs needed. Members also asked to fill out address correction card and update any other forms. All three departments reported beefs pertaining to allotments. No disputed OT noted. Recommendations made to have allotments available throughout voyage and increase pension plan benefits. Steward department thanked for job well done. HAWAII (CSX Lines), Feb. I8Chairman Billy G. Hill, Educational Director Ronald A. ·B elcher, Deck Delegate James R. Blitch. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 23 in Jacksonville. He noted computer now ready for e-mail use by crew. He asked crew members to keep safety in mind at all times aboard ship. Crew expressed gratitude for new satellite digital TV system. Educational director reminded everyone to keep shipping documents up to date. He also stated that attending upgrading courses at Piney Point "is a must to protect your job" and noted need for STCW compliance by Feb. 1, 2002. He advised.crew members to read monthly LOG and have TRBs signed before getting off vessel. Treasurer stated direct TV system costs $55 monthly; donations accepted. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce seatime needed for vacation benefits. Bosun thanked crew for working together and helping separate plastic items from regular trash. Crew gave thanks to staff of LOG for good work. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; Elizabeth, N.J. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), Feb. 4-Chairman David I. Murray, Secretary Marvin T. St. George, Educational Director Angel Hernandez, Deck Delegate Dwayne L. Gordon, Engine Delegate Kenneth A. Adamczak, Steward Delegate James C. Wadsworth Jr. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 6 in San Juan, P.R. He advised everyone that Feb. 1, 2002 is deadline for STCW compliance. Secretary asked for help keeping messhall and lounge clean. He also said that all doors should be locked for safety while in port. Educational director talked about facilities and upgrading courses available for Seafarers at Paul Hall Center and urged everyone to attend. Treasurer reported $200 in ship's fund. All monies will be used to purchase new movies. Clarification requested by steward delegate on cleaning of rooms. All communications from headquarters posted in messhall. Recommendation made to ask contracts department to look into increased dental benefits and prescription coverage. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: San Juan; Jacksonville; Philadelphia, Pa. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Marine Corp.), Feb. 18-Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Michael P. Brown, Deck Delegate Gregory A. Poer. Chairman noted good trip to and from Bangladesh. Payoff scheduled Feb. 20 in New Orleans, La. Crew members reminded to clean rooms before getting off. Secretary thanked crew for helping separate plastics from regular trash and for turning in dirty linen. Educational director advised everyone to check that all documents are up to date and take advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for repair of ship's radio and TV antenna. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Feb. 26-Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Deck Delegate Jeffrey A. Lagana. Chairman noted watchstanders doing outstanding job. He reminded crew that safety is everyone's business. Secretary stated mail is not being forwarded to ship in accordance with contract and there are not enough work gloves for everyone. Educational director talked about importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center, keeping TRBs current and obtaining STCW certification before Feb. 1, 2002. Treasurer announced $504 in ship's fund. Crew would like to purchase 25- and 30pound dumbbells, tape rewinder (220-volt) and new barbecue grill. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for company to provide bottled drinking water until water tests come back showing no problems. Vote of thanks to steward department for good food. Ship heading to ports in Chile, Peru and Panama. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), Feb. 4---Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Educational Director Jorge N. Fernandez, Deck Delegate Charles E. Gordon ill. Chairman announced vessel arriving in Tacoma, Wash. Feb. 9. Payoff will take place same day. He suggested locking doors while in port and having clean linen for relief. He also thanked crew for good job in separating plastic items from trash. Secretary reported $118 in tuna fund. He advised crew members to store glasses in proper place during heavy weather. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of SIU's upgrading facilities at Piney Point. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate. President's report from recent LOG read. Crew discussed report and importance of getting union representation for oil patch mariners in Gulf of Mexico. Request made for company to supply work gloves. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime for pension benefits and having one wage scale for all SIU-contracted vessels. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif. NEW YORK (ATC), Feb. 17Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy S. Heyden, Educational Director Oscar Garcia. Chairman stated satellite antenna on order and to be hooked up when vessel returns to West Coast. Payoff will take place following meeting in captain's office. Bosun reminded crew members to comply with STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002 and thanked deck department for smooth job during lightering operations. He reminded crew of dues increase as of Jan. 1 and led discussion on possible shipboard training. Secretary asked everyone to help keep common areas clean. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center and reminded crew members to rewind videotapes when finished. All members advised to take care when coming off bow, as steps are slippery when wet. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications on work tours read and posted. Suggestions made for next contract, including dependent coverage for prescription drugs and increasing pension according to cost of living. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Next port: Singapore. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG), Feb. 23-Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John Trent, Engine Delegate Willie J. Franks, Steward Department Juan M. Rochez. Chairman thanked everyone for great job on deck. He reminded members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and get required STCW training before Feb. 1, 2002. Educational director echoed bosun's comments regarding need to attend classes at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like union and company to see monthly LOG. Treasurer announced $555.50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew welcomes two new unlicensed apprentices on board. Bryan Wells and Justin Armstrong will spend 3 months aboard ship, learning operations of each department. Bosun thanked steward department for barbecues, great food and overall cleanliness. Steward reminded those getting off to get clean set of linen for Patriotic Meeting Oiler Ahmed Khaul (right) welcomed SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox aboard the cruise ship ms Patriot when the vessel recently was on the West Coast. Operated by U.S. Lines, the Patriot is based in Honolulu. about satellite antenna for ship. Next port: New York. PACIFIC (CSX Lines), Feb. 25Chairman Lothar G. Reck, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Sr., Engine Delegate Rhonda Koski, Steward Delegate Subagio Wibisono. Chairman explained importance of contributing to SPAD and how all members benefit from it. He reported on events during Singapore shipyard period and ac\vised crew members to update STCW requirements before Feb. I, 2002 deadline. He also suggested they read the LOG and know their contract. He asked those getting off to clean rooms and leave fresh linen. Secretary commented on need to complete basic safety training course at Paul Hall Center. He also stated all the help you need for the future is available at the school. "All the training I received really paid off. I appreciate all the training and use it each day." Educational director reminded crew members to keep drug testing and all shipping documents up to date. Without them, you could lose your job. Treasurer announced $60 in movie fund, $164.16 in cookout fund and $255.50 in ship's fund. Plans are to buy a new grill in Tacoma, Wash. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on company contributions to pension plan, availability of unlicensed apprentices and extra vacation days. All crew members gave vote of thanks to steward department. Bosun asked everyone to pitch in and help keep rec. room and laundry area clean at all times. Vote of thanks also given by Bosun Mosley to SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona and his staff for all their help. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong; Taiwan. PRODUCER (CSX Lines), Feb. 4 -Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Joe Salcido, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard, Steward Delegate George Lee. Chairman reported payoff Feb. 6 on arrival in Oakland, Calif. Union officials to be on hand for collecting dues and answering any questions. Educational director reminded everyone to check STCW certification because after Feb. 1, 2002, you will not be able to sail without it. Fire fighting is one of required courses and is available at Piney Point. Check dates for each course in next person. Steward also thanked relief bosun and his crew for help with barbecues: "Couldn't have done it without you guys." SEALAND FLORIDA (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Feb. 3-Chairman Thomas E. Driggers, Secretary Ronald D. Jones, Educational Director Eric D. Bain, Engine Delegate Glenn O'Leary, Steward Delegate Charles Curley. Chairman announced arrival in Charleston, S.C. Feb. 8. Payoff scheduled for Feb. 12 in Houston. Secretary noted everything running well aboard ship and crew members are all good team players. Educational director advised members to pay attention to signs posted throughout ship and work safely. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new chairs for messhalls. It was also noted that too many tapes are collecting in crew lounge. Everyone asked to rewind tapes when finished and return to lockers for others to use. Clarification requested on why payoff port is not first U.S. port after going foreign. RELIANCE (CSX Lines), Feb. 11Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Orlando Cancel, Deck Delegate Ramon Duran, Engine Delegate Omar Sharif, Steward Delegate Abdulla Baabbad. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma Feb. 16 and Coast Guard inspection in Oakland, Calif. Feb. 21. He informed crew that hard hats must be worn on deck at all times. Verbal warning to be given for first violation. Secretary asked those members signing off vessel to leave cabins clean and get fresh linen for next person. He also reminded everyone to keep noise down at all times because someone is always trying to sleep. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and make sure STCW is up to date. Treasurer announced $94 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into changing seatime needed for medical coverage. Request also made for union to provide and post in union halls and in LOG per diem rates for travel within U.S. as well as on foreign voyages. Are there different rates in different countries? Bosun complimented steward department for being best feeding ship in his 25 years of sailing. Thanks also given to chief cook and steward assistant for job well done and to all crew for helping keep ship clean. Seafarers LOB 19 �Final Departures Continued from page 18 RALPH TWIDDY SR Pensioner Ralph Twiddy Sr., 84, passed away Jan. 2. Boatman Twiddy joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Born in Dare County, N.C., Boatman Twiddy sailed primarily aboard Gulf Atlantic Towing Co. vessels. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Boatman Twiddy resided in Creswell, N.C. He began receiving his pension in 1973. Know Your Rights · Central Railroad Co. vessel. Boatman Wilburn last worked aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1991. Boatman Wilburn lived in Liberty, Texas. GREAT LAKES JACOB HAJOSTEK Pensioner Jacob Hajostek, 79, passed away Jan. 31. Brother Hajostek began his career with the SIU in 1962 in Cleveland. A member of the deck department, he sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. Born in Cleveland, Brother Hajostek served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He started receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Hajostek called Lakewood, Ohio home. JOSEPH KEELAN AARON WILBURN Pensioner Aaron Wilburn, 71, who sailed as a captain, died Jan. 7. Born in Missouri, he joined the SIU in 1959. He first shipped aboard a New York Pensioner Joseph Keelan, 88, died Jan. 22. Brother Keelan started his sru career in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Pennsylvania, the deck department member started receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in Tampa, Fla. away Feb. 16. Born in Cleveland, Brother O'Dee shipped as a member of the deck department. He worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co vessels, last sailing aboard the Lemmerhirt. Brother O'Dee started receiving his pension in 1989. He called North Olmsted, Ohio home. WILLIAM G. TRUAX Pensioner William G. Truax, 64, died Jan. 31. The Toledo, Ohio native started his sru career in 1967,joining in Detroit. ~_......._ __. Brother Truax first sailed aboard the Reiss Brothers, operated by American Steamship Co. The engine department member last worked aboard Pringle Transit Co. 's Paul Thayer. Brother Truax served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1963. He started receiving bis pension in 1994. Brother Truax lived in Maumee, Ohio. RAILROAD MARINE JOHN O'DEE Pensioner John O'Dee, 73, passed LOG-A-RHYTHMS Liberty Ships (And the Men That Sailed Them) by Viktor R. Henrikson Kaisers coffins they were called, Cursed by some but respected by all. From the Atlantic convoys to the waters of Tokyo Bay, These are the ships that saved the day. The ships and the men that went to sea, Thats what kept America free. Watch an old Liberty at anchor, awaiting for the tide, Then stop and remember and thank your God That these ships, these men were on our side. Very few are left now, and soon all will be gone. The ships and the men that once. sailed our oceans, Both rough and serene, and made us proud of our Merchant Marine. Viktor Henrikson (aka Mr. Swede), who works in the Government Services Division, is an MSC carpenter and 28-year SIU member. ANTHONY LAUS Pensioner Anthony Laus, • 85, passed away Feb. 15. Brother Laus started his SIU career in 1963 in the port of New York. The Hoboken, ~--___. N.J. native shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Laus worked primarily aboard Erie Lackawanna Railroad Co. vessels. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. Brother Laus lived in Forked River, N.J. and began receiving his pension in 1977. TEDDY RONDA Pensioner Teddy Ronda, 82, died Feb. 1. He started his SIU career in 1960, joining in his native New York. A member of the deck ~L-..~ department, Brother Ronda worked primarily aboard New York/New Jersey Hartford Railroad vessels. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1944 and started receiving his pension in 1969. Brother Ronda lived in Bronx, N. Y. The STCW Clock Stops Ticking Feb. 1, 2002 Feb. 1, 2002-That is the date by which mariners sailing aboard deep sea or near-coastal vessels must comply with the amended STCW convention. If a mariner has not completed STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) or acquired the 1995 STCW certificate, if required, by Feb. 1, 2002, then that mariner cannot sail aboard deep sea or near-coastal ships. All SIU members who sail on these types of vessels are asked to contact the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at this toll-free number: 1-800-7322739. Please contact the school even if you already have completed basic safety and you have an STCW certificate. 20 Seafarers LOS FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. The annual financial committee will be elected during the May 7, 2001 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2000 records. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the STIJ Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all sru balls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest sru port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy bas been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the STIJ Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, . political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May 2DIJ1 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman (including simulator steering assessments) Mays June2 June 30 July 28 August25 June 1 June 29 July 27 August24 September 21 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May19 June 16 July 14 August 11 June2 June30 July 28 August25 Radar (simulator) August 11 August24 Radar (one-day renewal) July6 July 27 August24 Radar (three-day renewal) July 3 July 23 July5 July 26 June 16 July 7 August 25 June 22 July 13 August 31 May12 June9 July7 August 4 May25 June 23 July 21 August 18 June23 July 14 June 29 July 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (simulator) (*must luwe radar unlimited) GMDSS (simulator) Bridge Resource Management Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations m-Odules start every week beginning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 6. Recertification Bosun Recertification Septembers October 8 Steward Re(ertification July 7 August 6 Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting May12 June9 May19 June 16 Advanced Fire Fighting (one week) May5 May12 Advanced Fire Fighting - First Aid May19 August 11 June2 August 25 Government Vessels May12 May26 June 9 June 23 July 7 July 21 August4 August 18 June 1 June 15 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 10 August 24 September 7 STCW Basic Safety May12 May19 STCW Medical Care Provider May19 June9 August 11 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW Basic Safety May12 Arrival Date June23 · June 30 · Jnly.7 July 21 July 28 August 4 August 25 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* ("must have basic fire fighting) Date of Completion Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fu~ fighting) Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May19 July 14 June29 August24 QMED - Any Rating August 25 November 16 Welding June9 July 21 June29 August 10 itt~~\i~ <J:une9 ., . Engine Upgrading Courses Course Date of Completion Start Date Course The following is the schedule for classes for the months of May through August 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course~s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservafions should be made for May26 .June 23 .July 21 August4 ,. August 18 . June .23 _':August 18 June 16 August 11 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -·-~~~~--~,;~n~Q;;~ A-·;~n,-;,.·A:,.;;.;·-·-·-·~·-··-~-·-·-;;t~-t~~~:;;;;:;tio;~coPIES~~~~;;~;;~:~-~:;;e-:~;;~n~~~n~~~-~~-tw:~; UrURH llWU rrl.lflHI IUft (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order onlv. pavable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - May2001 LAST VESSEL: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: - - - - -- -- - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5101 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Phase ill Unlicensed Apprentices - Unlicensed apprentices from classes 603, 608 and 609 are in the third phase of their training, having completed the DEU course April 27. From the left are (front row) Uverna Johnson, Chris Marquez, Samuel Lloyd and (second row) Robert Stellon and Shawn Waring. Their instructor, Randy Senatore, is standing in the back. FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements May 4 are (in alphabetical order) Muniru Adam, Milton Ballard, Lance Barabino, Dwayne Brock, Davon Brown, Neil Brown II, Robert Brown, John Collins Jr., Kevin Fisher, Kevin Hartley, Jon Hemba, Carlton Hendley, Guy Leary, Steven Lombardi, Mark Maduro, Timothy Manes, Harry Mays, Donald McBride, Fred McGauley IV, Rupert Mulzac, Robert O'Neal, Cipriano Panganiban, Matthew Redlinger, Lane Schroeder, Eli Smith, Donna Sylvia, John Westfall and Fred Ziegler. Their instructor, Mark Jones, is at far left. Welding- With their instructor Buzzy Andrews (in white) , upgrading Seafarers who completed the welding course April 20 are (in alphabetical order) Ronald Celious, Edmund Erdt, Timothy Horger, Edward Kelly, Jose Liwag and Charles Sneed. Able Seaman - Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class ending April 6 are upgrading students with their instructor, Bernarbe Pelingon (far right). Included in the class roster (although not all are pictured) are (in alphabetical order) Stanley Adams, Damon Anderson, Gregory Baker, Ronald Bergeron, Avery Brooks, Carlos Castillo, Thomas Coscia, Earnest Dillard Jr., Ronald Gibbs, Brian Guiry, Randy Hayme, Alvin Hester, Darrin Howell, Elijah Huff, Dayvien Johnson, L.G. Johnson, Leslie Klein, John Lightfoot, Douglas Ogle, Randell Porter, Steven Rocker, Silas Sam, Shauntay Shavies, Robert Taylor, Beverly Williams, Richard Williams and Rodolfo Zena . Able Seaman - Graduating from the AB course May 5 are (in alphabetical order) Steve Bentley, Terry Blade, Dana Brooks, Denetrica Brooks, Alexander Busby, Armando Castillo, Angel Centeno, Jason Dew, David Flores, Ronel Guerzon, Harley Jones, Jeroma Luckett, Michael McErlean, Troy Mitchell, Mostafa Mostafa, Chad Reynolds, Marque! Sapp, James Stanford, Stephen Steward and Tawnia Stucker. Tankerman (PIC) Barge - These Seafarers who successfully completed the tankerman (PIC) barge course March 16 are (in no particular order) Steven Kroner, Gerard Costello, Douglas Jones, Pete Hudson, John Bellinger, Andre Bernard, Charles Jackson, Chris Lisowski, Michael Knighton, Harvey Wilson , Jeffery Mccranie, Bartley Lane, Brian Wynn, Brandon Ponce 11, John Jaradat, Craig Melwing and llya Ledesma. Not in picture is Ashby Furlough. The course was taught by instructor Mitch Oakley. · Social Responsibility - Advanced Fire Fighting- Completing the advanced fire fighting class March 9 are (in alphabetical order) Leo Borror, Timothy Burke, Richard DeWitte, Owen Duffy, Patrick Duvernay, Russell Kopecki and Edward Wilisch. Their instructor is Anthony Hammett (standing left). Instructor Joyce Raum leads a course in social responsibility to the students in unlicensed apprentice class 614. · Any s~udent who has registered for a class and s~f~t: whatever reason-that he or she cannot ena;··ptease inform the admissions department so tha,t another- student may take that place. ..22 Seafarers LOB May2001 �Paul Hall Center Classes Lifeboat Endorsement Electrician Paul Su has worked aboard the SS Independence for more than 20 years. With the help of Paul Hall Center instructors Ben Cusic and Steve Soltysik, and the support and tutoring of many of his shipmates, Su earned his lifeboatman endorsement in February, when he graduated from the class held aboard the cruise ship while underway in Hawaii. Joining in the congratulations are, from left, instructor Ben Cusic, Paul Su, instructor Steve Soltysik, Elizabeth Porter, Nicole Chevalier and Amanda Brown. Water Survival/Lifeboat - Earning their water survival/lifeboat endorsements are (from left front) Keith Foster, Jill Robertson, Gerhard Jakits, instructor Ben Cusic, Tim Molly, Derek Kurch, David Fletcher, Amin Saleh, Gary DiPresso, Flavia Manning, Keo Sivongxay, Elias Parker, David Agosto, Ryan Nakama, Timoteo Lagula, Khaled Taffi, instructor Steve Soltysik, Robert Brock and Ken Caffey. Water Survival - Handling a big job takes teamwork! Fellow crew members Will Joquin and Don Smith have their hands full bringing Mike Liugalua into the the life raft during water suvival classes taught aboard the SS Independence. Crewmates Mike Young and Brandon Allard steady the raft. LEFT: Water Survival/Lifeboat Completing the shipboard water survival/lifeboat class are (from left front) Krishinda Bledsoe, Karol Tovar, Bernard Essiful, Amanda Brown, Mariana Ylaya, Brian Moore, Ronnel Sugui, Frank Ababa, Paul Su, Jerico Elgarico, Anthony Lopes, Charlene Medeiros, Elizabeth Porter, Matt Reventas and instructors Ben Cusic and Steve Soltysik. Water Survival/Lifeboat - Completing the water survival/lifeboat class in between their regular shipboard duties are (from left front) Donald Smith, Larry Genetiano, Stephen Warren, Dana Duarte, Anthony Pace, John Rabanal, John Meacher, Brandon Allard, Mike Liugalua, Ruben Siclot, Will Joquin, instructor Steve Soltysik and David McNeil. Water Survival/Lifeboat - Graduating from the water survival/lifeboat class, held aboard the SS Independence , are (from left front) Melecio Agpoa , Remando Ortiz, Romeo Cacal , Orlando Pajarillo, Michael Young , Arthur Rallos, Danile Cubangbang, Willis Abaya, Vinn Sirongxay, instructor Steve Soltysik and Jason Izaquirre. LEFT: Water Survival/Lifeboat - Successfully mastering the water survival/lifeboat course held aboard the cruise liner are (from left front) Albino lnfinada, Ben Reid, Vince Adams, Shane Hayes, instructor Steve Soltysik, Chester Ramiro, Nicole Chevalier and Vicente Cacacho. May2001 Seafarers LOB 23 �ATTENTION SEAFARERS: Check all your shipping documents to be sure they are up-to-date and not about to expire. You can't sail without them. Paul Ball Center Enrollment SoaJ'B As S e.rs Eye STCW D e 'Haven't Seen This Many People Here Since Desert Storm' Despite its rural setting, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has the feel of a small city these days. Students are flocking to the Piney Point, Md. facility. In midApril, more than 300 upgraders and unlicensed apprentices were enrolled at the school. Many were there for the center's U.S. Coast Guard-approved STCW basic safety class, a key requirement for numerous mariners under the amended STCW convention. The deadline for compliance with the amended STCW treaty is Feb. 1, 2002. Seafarers have taken notice, as 75 to 100 or more SIU members per week are completing the basic safety course at Piney Point. Other students are taking advantage of courses conducted in the center's new simulator (installed last fall), which offers training for shiphandling including radar operation, ARPA, GMDSS, engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. Many of the courses involving the simulator are designed to meet STCW requirements, for deep sea and inland mariners alike. The cutting-edge equipment provides teaching support for a broad range of subjects, including voyage planning and execution, tanker assistant DL, and engine room watchkeeping, to name only a few. Still others are participating in specially tailored courses that ar.e designed accommodate their respective work schedules. For instance, Seafarers from Moran, Express Marine, and Crowley attended Piney Point in April. Additionally, the unlicensed apprentice program is thriving. Last month, more than 100 Installed at the Paul Hall Center last fall, the new simulator offers training for (clockwise, from upper left) radar, shiphandling, bridge resource management, GMDSS and more. trainees were enrolled in the first component of the three-phase curriculum. Overall, the past few months may have marked an unprecedented level of peacetime enrollment at the school, which opened in 1967. "I haven 't seen hi many students here since Desert Storm," observed J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training. "STCW has a lot to do with that, but we're also still running other upgrading courses-AB, FOWT, lifeboat, the steward department courses and others." Many of the classes utilize the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, an extension of the Paul Hall Center campus that opened in June 1999. More than 4,000 students have trained at the world-class facility, which specifically is tailored for mariner fire fighting. The Paul Hall Center offers approximately 40 courses that are U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Hands-on training is the key component of most courses, while classroom lessons complement Most of the classes at the Piney Point, Md. facility emphasize hands-on training, but classroom instruction also remains an integral educational component for upgraders and unlicensed apprentices. the practical learning. For a list of upcoming courses, see page 21 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG. More information about the school is available online at www.seafarers.org. Bosun Touts Life at Sea The fire fighting and safety school, pictured in the photo at left and two below, hosts numerous classes, including STCW basic safety, basic and advanced fire fighting, damage control , water survival, first aid and CPR. Bosun Larry Watson (standing) recently discussed various aspects of going to sea, with 20 juniors and seniors at South Whidbey High School's career center. Several students at the Langley, Wash. school expressed an interest in more information about seagoing careers. Watson, a 24-year member of the SIU, previously encouraged one of his neighbors to attend the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. Jason Hudkins is completing the program's third and final phase. Seafarers who wish to interest local youth in a maritime career are encouraged to contact their local SIU hall to receive promotional material and guidance on how to be a maritime career mentor. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ANOTHER MONTH, ANOTHER LIST OF FOC DETENTIONS PANAMA’S FALSE DOCUMENT SAGA INDICATES 1,000 BOGUS CERTIFICATES 1ST COASTAL CRUISE SHIP CHRISTENED ANWR DEVELOPMENT OFFERS MAJOR BENEFITS SEAFARERS BEGIN CREWING POMEROY MAY 1 PARENT CO.’S FILING NOT EXPECTED TO DISRUPT NPR-NAVIERAS SEAFARERS EARN BONUSES FROM 3 MSC COMPANIES CROWLEY AUTHORIZED FOR CUBA RUN MAYAGUEZ RESCUES 5 FROM SINKING SAILBOAT SIU-CREWED MV ASCENSION FEATURED ON ISLAND STAMP BUSH ADMINISTRATION: JONES ACT ‘ESSENTIAL’ NEW TWIST ON ARMY HEADGEAR: BLACK BERETS MADE IN CHINA MARITIME ALLIANCE REQUESTS BALLAST WATER STANDARDS REAR ADMIRAL ROBERT C. NORTH RETIRES; PLUTA NAMED SUCCESSOR TO USCG POSITION HOUSE OKAYS MEMORIAL SUPPORT USNS DAHL AIDS INJURED MARINER PETERSBURG RETURNS TO GUAM CAPE MAY READIES FOR 1ST CRUISE WEST AND GULF COAST SEAFARERS WELCOME HEADQUARTERS OFFICIALS FORMER CARGO VESSEL, PAGE NOW CARRIES AMMO CAPT. VICKERS: MENTOR AND MOTIVATOR THE PATRIOT VESSEL SIGNALS NEW BEGINNING FOR U.S. CRUISE INDUSTRY PAUL HALL CENTER ENROLLMENT SOARS AS SEAFARERS EYE STCW DEADLINE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2001 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 63, No. 5 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/ffa394d47d4ca67399023321d02022e7.pdf e495e8d363844caffed1a0d798c7e909 PDF Text Text Volume 63, Number 4 -.seafarers.org April 2001 Runaway- ag cam Hits Another Low Panama Sells Mariner's License To ITF General Secretary Cockroft . REfUBLICA DE PANAMA, ·'. RB!'.UBUCOJ' P•l'f\M" · . AUToRIDAI> MARmMA DE ~ANAMA, .. PAl<A~ ... MAR!T!MEAl'T!lORITY In one of the most blatant examples of the fraud that is runaway-flag shipping, the Republic of Panama last month sold a first officer's certificate and "sea book" to the head of the FECHA DE NACIMIE!l.'TO ' l).);7£ Oi' 8\RT!f " ... I International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF)-a I I respected official, but one with no shipboard training or experience. Despite that greenness, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft now possesses paperwork authorizing him to navigate a vessel, thanks to Panama. Page 2. 34673 Merger Agreement Presented SIU, NMU Memberships Scheduled to Vote in May - SIU Crews Cable Ship .-- Baltimore-Based Wave Sentinel Joins Seafarers-Contracted Fleet _ ---~._____~ Recertified Bosun Dave Kalm and other SIU members are the first Seafarers to sail aboard the newly contracted Wave Sentinel, a cable ship based in Baltimore. Page 24. Page 3 �1 Meet '1st Officer Cockroft President's Report History on the Horizon Can you believe it? After more than 60 years of sailing toward the same port, the members of the SIU and NMU are almost there. We are all gathered on the bridge, looking past the bow, and we don't need binoculars! The dock is in sight! We are coming home. Next month, Seafarers and their counterparts in the National Maritime Union will Michael Sacco have an opportunity to finalize a truly historic event: the merger of the NMU into the SIU. Details, including the full text of the proposed agreement, are printed on page 3 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG. As the formal merger agreement is presented to both memberships, I am more convinced than ever that this unification is the right move at the right time, for all concerned. Members already are benefiting because our respective unions no longer work against each other, as we often did throughout the past six decades. As one union, we can concentrate on more job security aboard new ships built in U .S. yards. We can fight for better benefits and safer working conditions. The rest of the industry will gain from this merger, too. First and foremost, the merger will help build a bigger, more qualified manpower pool. In fact, those benefits already have begun materializing since we first welcomed our NMU brothers and sisters at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Another advantage-less obvious but very important-is that instead of consuming our respective resources while battling each other, the SIU and NMU instead will be betterequipped to take on the enemies of the American-flag fleet. We will settle for nothing less than the true revitalization of our merchant marine. I have been overwhelmed by the positive responses from SIU and NMU members since we started working together. The good news has come from the school as well as the vessels on which SIU and NMU members have sailed together. Seafarers have accepted and welcomed the NMU because we are all mariners, dedicated to the same task. Such camaraderie and cooperation is refreshing. As many of you know, merger talks between our two unions date back all the way to the 1960s, but none of those discussions produced an alliance. Conflicts between us date back even further, to the late 1930s. It's an interesting history that has been told many times. But now, a new chapter is being written. Throughout the multi-step process involved in this merger, the great majority of our members (and those of the NMU) have made it clear that now is the time to come together. I couldn't agree more. The merger means increased security and stability for both memberships. It means we'll be better equipped to meet the changing times that inevitably lie ahead. It will help set a solid foundation for us in this new century. The merger is an exciting, overdue step. I thank the members of both unions for their foresight and support throughout the process. Let's bring the ship safely into our home port by approving the proposed formal agreement next month. Volume 63, Number 4 April 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Panama Sells Phony Credentials; ITF Further Exposes FOC Scam For sheer size, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) exhibition ship Global Mariner may have been the ultimate visual aid in the fight against runaway-flag shipping. The converted cargo vessel early last year concluded a 20month, worldwide voyage that attracted nearly three-quarters of a million visitors to its shipboard presentation on runaway flags. Last month, however, the ITF dramatically further exposed the flag-of-convenience (FOC) rip-off with a single sheet of paper. The federation's general secretary, David Cockroft, bought a first officer's certificate (and "sea book") issued by the Republic of Panama. The paperwork authorizes Cockroft to navigate a vessel and "deputize for its captain, despite his complete lack of marine training and skills," the ITF noted. "This is one of those situations where you don't know whether to laugh or cry," said SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, who serves as second vice chair of the ITF Seafarers' Section. "Obviously, it's ridiculous that anyone could buy an officer's license. Yet, that's the reality of runaway-flag shipping." Cockroft's documentation didn't come cheap. It reportedly took about $4,000 to secure his paperwork. "This just proves- if more proof is needed-that it is time to eliminate the culture of greed and corruption rooted in the FOC system," Cockroft stated. "However good international conventions look on paper, they will never guarantee standards until ship registers which exist solely to make money are driven out of business." VllDUINll.Tfn/l..<'\.I ~l'\--Of~ ' ---~----~~ ... ~• Panama issued this first officer's certificate to ITF General Secretary David Cockroft, despite his complete absence of marine training and skills. Cockroft displays his newly bought mariner's credentials. "It is time to eliminate the culture of greed and corruption rooted in the FOC system," he says. He further described runaway-flag shipping as "an under-policed system that encourages bad operators to undercut good ones .... It is courting human and environmental disaster." The SIU is one of 570 unions affiliated with the London-based ITF. Altogether, those affiliates represent more than 5 million members. For more than a half-century, the ITF has fought against runaway-flag or FOC shipping. An FOC vessel is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. Shipowners who participate in the runaway-flag scam typically do so to avoid taxes and regulations while employing cheap, often unqualified labor. Panama is the world's largest shipping register as well as "one of 29 FOC countries that flag ships owned by foreign businesses purely for profit," the ITF reported. "Almost none of the 6,000-plus ships registered in Panama are owned by genuine Panamanian companies, staffed by Panamanian crews or commanded by Panamanian officers. Its ship registry has nothing to do with assuring safety and responsible shipping, and everything to do with making money." Although Cockroft's licensing escapade contains humorous undertones, it mainly highlights the potential dangers of FOCs. Cockroft likened the incongruous issuance of his officer's certificate by Panama to "awarding a good-conduct medal to Attila the Hun .... Do you want someone like me, with no practical seafaring experience, steering a ship full of dangerous chemicals or radioactive materials off your coast, or plowing through the same sea lanes as oil supertankers and crowded passenger ferries?" The Seafarers' International Research Center at the University of Wales is investigating the issuance of fraudulent qualifications worldwide. Preliminary findings revealed more than 12,000 cases of forgery, the federation pointed out. 'Slavery' at Sea? Year-Long Research Yields Grim Evidence A new report by the International Commission on Shipping (ICONS) describes "slave conditions" faced by thousands of mariners worldwide. Titled "Ships, Slaves and Competition," the report is based on a year-long, global investigation in which virtually every component of the maritime industry had input, noted ICONS Chairman Peter Morris, former Australian transport minister. "The obscenity is that the beneficiaries of the suffering include some of the wealthiest individuals and corporations on earth," Morris said in a news report. "They need to be held accountable for the way their cargoes are transported just as every other industry is." The commission said it gathered evidence that "tens of thousands of seafarers in 10 to 15 percent of the world's ships work in slave conditions, with minimal safety, long hours for little or no pay, starvation diets, rape and beatings. [ICONS] has been told of crew who have disappeared after complaints to officers, and employer practices of blacklisting sailors who complain to unions." Substandard shipping "operates because of a veil of secrecy on ship ownership and support from cargo owners seeking lower freight rates at the expense of the majority of quality ship operators," the commission stated. Along those lines, Morris cited studies by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and De- velopment (OECD) which indicate that a given vessel's annual operating costs can be slashed by 16 percent by dodging international safety requirements. The commission offered numerous recommendations, including stronger supervision of classification societies by the European Commission and tougher policy application by the societies to their clients; tighter port state controls and implementation of reward systems for quality ships; severe penalties for charterers and major shippers using sub-standard ships; improved flag state performance, and many others. Morris said those proposals won't increase prices for most shippers and consumers. "In fact there is considerable evidence to suggest that best practice will result in cheaper prices through reduced insurance costs, simplified port inspections and shorter turnaround times," he observed. The full report is available via the internet at www.icons.org.au. ApTil 2001 �SIU-NMU Merger Pact Presented May Votes Slated for Both Unions The SIU-NMU merger agreement will be presented for votes at the May membership meetings of the respective unions, following the document's completion in late February. If the agreement is approved, then this will be the final step in merging the NMU into the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. In that event, it is anticipated that the merger's effective date will be sometime in late spring or early summer. If the agreement is not approved, then a new one will be negotiated and presented to the memberships. The full text of the agreement is printed on this page of the Seafarers LOG. The May votes-which will include NMU members voting on whether to accept the SIU constitution- represent the third step in the merger process, as previously detailed in several issues of the LOG. The process being used is similar to the one implemented during 1977-78 when the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) merged into the SIU. Like the MC&S was in 1977, the NMU is an autonomous union within the Seafarers International Union of North America. From Dec. 1, 1999 through Jan. 31 , 2000, SIU and NMU members voted by secret ballot on whether the unions should proceed with merging. SIU members approved the resolution with 86 percent voting in favor of full merger talks; in the NMU, 93 percent of those voting approved the resolution. During the most recent SIU general election, from Nov. 1Dec. 30, 2000, Seafarers ap- proved two constitutional amendments related to the proposed merger. Eighty-four percent of those voting, approved the amendment adding "NMU" to the union 's full name; 87 percent approved the amendment calling for the addition of two executive board slots. Those results were affirmed by the Sill's rank-andfile tallying committee, whose report in tum was approved last month at SIU halls throughout the country. Text of SIU-NMU Merger Agreement to Be Voted on by the Memberships AGREEMENT OF MERGER WHEREAS, the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD (hereinafter referred to as "SIU") and the National Maritime Union (hereinafter referred to as "NMU") both represent unlicensed seamen working aboard merchant vessels on the seas, the lakes and inland waterways; and WHEREAS, over the last several decades, the commercial maritime industry in the United States has been in a state of flux which has impacted upon the employment opportunities of the collective membership of the SIU and the NMU; and WHEREAS, due to the unique nature of the maritime industry, both the SIU and the NMU have, over the years, maintained separate union/hiring hall facilities at various locations in the United States, some of which are located in the same geographical areas, and have negotiated separate and distinct collective bargaining agreements with the employers for whom their respective memberships are employed, to enable each union to represent its members; WHEREAS, such a duplication of resources and efforts does not efficiently serve the needs of either membership; and WHEREAS, as a result, the Executive Boards of both the SIU and the NMU met on several occasions to discuss the possibility of merging and/or consolidating operations and reached agr~ement to pursue the matter; and WHEREAS, the concept of merger was presented, via referendum votes, to the membership of both unions; and WHEREAS, the membership of both unions voted overwhelmingly in favor of such a merger and authorized their respective Executive Boards to negotiate a merger agreement which would set forth the proposed terms and conditions of a merger between these two unions; and WHEREAS, the Executive Boards of these unions have met and have reached agreement on the essential terms of a merger and now wish to codify and formalize such agreement into a document for the purpose of presenting such document to the respective memberships of the SIU and the NMU for their action; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, UPON MEMBERSHIP APPROVAL, THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO AND APPLIED TO THE MERGER OF THE SIU AND NMU AND WILL GOVERN THE NEW MERGED ENTITY: 1. NMU shall merge into and become an integral part of the SIU. 2. The name of the merged entity shall be the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/National Maritime Union (hereinafter referred to as "SIU/NMU"). 3. The terms and provisions of such merger and of the continued existence of the SIU/NMU, except as specifically elaborated herein, shall be as set forth in the Constitution of the SIU, as amended by membership vote effective March 2001 , and which shall be the Constitution of the merged organization and shall be in the name of the SIU/NMU. A complete and accurate copy of the Constitution of the SIU, to be submitted for approval to the membership of SIU in March, 2001 , has been April 2001 provided to the Executive Board of the NMU prior to the signing of this Agreement of Merger and shall be published to the membership of the NMU in connection with their vote to approve and accept this Merger Agreement. 4. The Constitution of the SIU/NMU, as amended, shall govern and set forth rights and obligations to all such members. All NMU full book members in good standing, possessing such status under the pre-merger NMU Constitution shall, subsequent to the merger, become full book members of the SIU/NMU. [Editor s note: Full book membership has nothing to do with seniority. They are separate issues. For an explanation of the proposed seniority system, see No. 8, in the next column.} All SIU full book members in good standing, possessing such status under the pre-merger SIU Constitution shall, subsequent to the merger, become full book members of the SIU/NMU. Nonfull book members of the SIU/NMU who are not eligible to become full book members as of the date of the merger shall have their membership rights subsequently determined by the provisions of the SIU/NMU Constitution, provided, however, that such non-full book members shall receive credit toward full book membership for all days of service which they have accrued prior to the effective date of this Merger Agreement. Any and all moneys paid to NMU or to SIU by non-full book members towards the pay ment of the Constitutionally mandated initiation fees as set forth in the respective Constitutions of both unions, shall be credited to such person's initiation fee obligation to the SIU/NMU as provided in the SIU/NMU Constitution. 5. For all purposes of the SIU/NMU Constitution, the terms "good standing or continuous good standing in the Union" shall include such status of members in the SIU and the NMU prior to this merger. 6. Subsequent to the merger, the SIU/NMU will commence a procedure by which they will gain recognition for the SIU/NMU from their various signatory employers as the exclusive bargaining representative for all SIU and NMU collective bargaining units existing as of the effective date of this Merger Agreement. However, the pre-merger job and seniority rights of SIU and NMU members will not be affected by the merger prior to the expiration of the existing NMU Collective Bargaining Agreement. (see paragraph 8 herein). The terms and conditions of all SIU and NMU collective bargaining agreements in effect on the effective date of this Merger Agreement shall remain in full force and effect until their expiration dates. Subject to Article X of the SIU/NMU Constitution, contract enforcement with respect to collective bargaining agreements possessed by NMU prior to the merger shall be, for the duration of said contracts, under the direction and supervision of the VicePresidents at Large referenced in Paragraph 19 hereof. 7. The SIU/NMU shall, upon approval of this Merger Agreement, succeed to any and all SIU and NMU rights in and to all NLRB certifications and shall become the exclusive bargaining representative of all individuals employed on former NMU and former SIU contracted equipment. If deemed necessary, motions will be submitted to the NLRB for amendment of certification to reflect the merger of these unions. 8. The job and seniority rights of both SIU and NMU members are currently contained in the shipping rules of each union and are incorporated in the aforementioned collective bargaining agreements. Until such time that the Executive Board of the newly formed SIU/NMU decides otherwise, but no sooner than the expiration dates of the existing NMU collective bargaining agreements, both sets of such shipping rules shall continue to be maintained and shall continue to be applied to employment aboard the same vessels as they were prior to the merger. Accordingly, the job rights of all SIU members as presently contained in the SIU shipping rules shall, subject to the provisions of such rules, continue in full force and effect. Likewise, the job rights of all NMU members as presently contained in the NMU shipping rules shall, subject to the provisions of such rules, continue in full force and effect. The SIU's current contracted employers shall constitute a separate unit for purposes of determining job or shipping rights and the NMU's current contracted employers shall constitute a separate unit for purposes of determining job or shipping rights. Former NMU members, who by virtue of the merger become SIU/NMU members, may register for employment aboard former SIU contracted vessels and will be treated as any other individual possessing C seniority under the existing SIU shipping rules. Likewise, former SIU members, who by virtue of the merger become SIU/NMU members, may register for employment aboard former NMU contracted vessels and shall be treated as any other individual possessing Class 3 seniority under the existing NMU shipping rules. Seniority shall then accrue in accordance with the particular shipping rules under which the individual works. 9. The parties agree that, subsequent to the merger, they will recommend to the respective Boards of Trustees of their existing pension, welfare and vacation benefit plans that such plans shall not be merged or combined in a manner that would have an adverse impact on the present participants of these plans (the "Plans")' prior to June 15, 2007. The parties further agree to recommend to these Boards of Trustees to expeditiously initiate a study to determine the feasibility of establishing and implementing reciprocity agreements between the respective Plans to enable individuals working under SIU/NMU contracts to accumulate and combine credits received under these Plans regardless of their particular job assignment. I 0.The parties also agree that, subsequent to the merger, they will recommend to the respective Boards of Trustees of their existing "hiring hall organizations" 2 that such Trustees should act towards merging these funds to reduce and/or eliminate duplication of expense and effort and to more effectively serve the needs and interests of the combined membership of the newly created SIU/NMU. In no event, however, shall such merger take place prior to the expiration dates of the existing NMU collective bargaining agreements .. Upon the effective date of this Merger Agreement all funds transmitted to the NMU by the NMU Joint Employment Committee will be transmitted to SIU/NMU. 11. The parties agree that subsequent to the effective date of this Merger Agreement, they will work toward coordinating and combining the activities of the Transportation Institute and LaborManagement Maritime Committee. 12. The parties agree that subsequent to the effective date of this Merger Agreement, they will work towards merging SPAD and NMU PLOW. 13.During the discussions leading up to this merger agreement, the parties acknowledge that they have each submitted to the other certified statements of their assets and liabilities, current as of December 31 , 1999 and that both parties now represent that for the period of time following such date, to the date of execution of this Agreement, there have been no appreciable changes in their assets and liabilities; except as otherwise previously disclosed. In addition, the NMU represents that it has no contractual liabilities except as set forth in the aforementioned certified statements or as listed in Schedule A to be provided and attached hereto. 14. The NMU further agrees that it will not incur any liabilities or make any expenditure without the SIU 's consent, except those that are necessary to continue the routine and ordinary business of the NMU during the period of the vote on this Merger Agreement. The term "routine and ordinary business of the NMU" shall include the following items of expenses and any other items similar thereto: • Salaries, withholding taxes and employee fringe benefits • Reimbursement of travel and other legitimate business expenses • Rent • Telephone e Per capita (SIU, AFL-CIO Maritime Committee, SMART and ITF) • Real estate and personal property taxes • Utilities • Building maintenance • Office supplies and postage • Office equipment, supplies and stationary, maintenance and repair • Automobile • Reproduction and printing • Subscription and periodicals • Interest expenses • Newsletter publication costs • Professional expenses including, but not limited to legal and accounting • Leases of office equipment • Office furnishings • Conference, seminar, convention and meeting expenses IS.In the event of approval of this Merger Agreement, the NMU agrees that such appro al will constitute an assignment to the SIU/NMU of all of its right, title and interest in and to all of its assets (both real and personal property) including but not limited to accounts receivable and union monetary obligations due from members and that the NMU will act as soon as is practical subsequent to the merger to take any and all necessary actions to transfer such rights and title to the SIU/NMU. Upon approval of this Merger Agreement, SIU/NMU shall assume full responsibility for all financial obligations of NMU including, but not limited to, all expenses associated with the administration and enforcement of all NMU collective bargaining agreements in effect on the effective date of this Merger Agreement. 16.For the purpose of executing any and all documents on behalf of the NMU which may be required by any person, firm , association, corporation or governmental agency subsequent to the effectuation of this merger for all NMU acts and matters prior to such merger, the authorized signators for NMU shall be two current NMU officers as designated by the present NMU President. 17. For the purpose of executing any and all documents on behalf of the SIU which may be required by any person, firm, association, corporation or governmental agency subsequent to the effectuation of this merger for all SIU acts and matters prior to such merger, John Fay and David Heindel, current SIU officers, or the survivor, shall be and are so authorized. 18. This Merger Agreement shall not become effective unless and until a majority of those SIU members so voting and a majority of those NMU members so voting, vote to approve and accept this Merger Agreement. In the event that such approval is not granted by a majority of each of the respective voting members of the two unions, then this Merger Agreement shall be deemed cancelled, null and void and of no force and effect. Constitution of the 19. The SIU/NMU shall create two VicePresidential positions to be known as 'Vice-Presidents at Large'. Upon approval of this Merger Agreement, as specified in Paragraph 18 hereof, the SIU/NMU National President shall appoint two current elected NMU officers, as recommended by the present NMU President, to fill the newly created NMU Vice-President positions. Thereafter, such individuals, or their successors, shall continue to serve in such capacity until the regularly scheduled election of SIU/NMU officers held in 2004. All other current elected NMU officers shall continue to be employed by SIU/NMU, in such capacity as the General Executive Board shall determine, for the balance of their current NMU term of office. 20. It is hereby agreed and understood that all parties to this Merger Agreement have negotiated its terms in good faith with every intention to fully comply with all provisions herein. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have made and executed this Agreement this 21 day of February 2001 . ational Maritime Union Seafarers International International Union, AGLIWD 1 The terms "existing pension, welfare, vacation and training and education plans" or "the Plans" refers to the following entities: NMU Pension Trust (NMU Pension Plan); NMU Welfare Trust (NMU Welfare Plan); NMU Vacation Trust (NMU Vacation Plan); NMU Rivers Pension Trust (NMU Rivers Pension Plan); NMU Rivers Welfare Trust (NMU Rivers Welfare Plan); NMU Upgrading and Training Plan; Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan; Seafarers Pension Plan; Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan; Seafarers Vacation Plan; Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship 2 The term "hiring hall organizations" refers to the following entities: NMU Joint Employment Committee; Seafarers Joint Employment Fund. Seafarers LOG 3 �Tacoma Hall Withstands Earthquake Senior members of the Page's SIU crew were on hand for the ceremony. Pictured from left to right are Chief Steward James Okidd Jr., Bosun Michael M. Moore and Chief Cook McKennly Jones. Newark Bay Renamed Ammunition Ship Conversion Complete The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), during ceremonies Feb. 21 at the Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Company in Norfolk, Va., renamed the SIU-crewed Newark Bay to the Lt. Col. John UD. Page, in honor of a Korean War hero. The vessel has been undergoing conversion from a commercial container ship to a self-sustaining ammunition transporter at the shipyard since October 2000. With all required modifications complete, it was delivered to MSC March 1. Patricia T. Holder, wife of MSC Commander Vice Adm. Gordon S. Holder, was the ship's sponsor. She broke the ceremonial bottle of champagne on the vessel's hull, officially naming it. Adm. Holder was the keynote speaker. As previously reported, the conversion was part of a transaction in which the SIU is gaining two ships. Col. Page, an Army officer, posthumously was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions from Nov. 29 to Dec. 10, 1950, near Chosin Reservoir, Korea. The colonel received the mission of establishing traffic control on the main supply route to the Chasin Reservoir Plateau. After completing his mission, he had two opportunities to vacate the combat zone. But rather than leave, he remained in the area to assist an isolated signal station, which had been cut off from a U.S. Marine division. Col. Page trained a reserve force of assorted troops-Army and Marines-to defend an improvised airstrip. He continued to fight courageously until he was mortally wounded. "Today, we again honor that heroism, that patriotism, as we name this great ship," said Adm. Holder during his keynote address. "I am sure she will live up to her name, going in harm's way if necessary, to deliver the ammunition the Army needs to carry out its worldwide mission." The Page and its sister ship, the SIU-crewed Sgt. Edward A. Carter Jr.-scheduled for delivery to MSC in June-will carry all of the Army's containerized prepositioned ammunition by the end of this year. Each vessel will carry a total of2,500 20-foot containers-2,230 under deck and 270 in a cocoon above deck. Both cargo areas will be air conditioned and dehumidified to protect the ammunition. The Page has four cranes on deck that allow the vessel to load and off-load ammunition without shoreside cranes. According to MSC, this critical feature gives the Page the flexibility to offload in undeveloped ports. The 949.8-foot vessel is owned and operated by Maersk Lines Ltd. ofNorfolk, Va. under a five-year charter to MSC. The Page will operate from the Diego Garcia area in the Indian Ocean. The Page was one of two foreign-flag cargo vessels which were reflagged under the Stars and Stripes in mid-2000 and tagged for conversion to use as ammunition ships under a fiveyear operating agreement to Maersk by MSC. The OOCL Innovation was the second vessel. After being reflagged, the Innovation initially (Aug. 6, 2000) was renamed the Sealand Oregon. Today it is the Sgt. Edward A. Carter Jr. Maersk Line Limited, based in Norfolk, operates about two dozen SIU-crewed vessels for MSC and in the Maritime Security Program. Its Seafarerscrewed fleet includes containerships, roll-on/roll off prepositioning vessels and T-AGOS ships. While many residents of the Pacific Northwest were being shaken into a frenzy by a Feb. 21 earthquake, which sent debris crashing to the ground in some areas, it was pretty much business as usual at the SIU hall in Tacoma, Wash. "We did evacuate our building," said Jamie Overby, safety director at the West Coast hall. "But we did not experience any damage at all to our facility, and no one was injured. "We were fully staffed that day, and I think we actually were pretty fortunate because our building is not located around any high-rise structures," Overby continued. "The other thing is that everyone responded very well. They all got out of the building and assembled in the parking lot just like they were supposed to. They all knew exactly what to do." The SIU's Tacoma hall is located at 3411 South Union Ave. It opened in 1996. Previously, the union operated a hall in Seattle. The February quake hit at 10:55 a.m. and measured a 6.8 magnitude, officials at the U.S. Geological Survey said. The rumble's epicenter was 35 miles southwest of Seattle, according to data released by the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, and was felt as far away as Portland, Ore. Published reports say following the quake, a crack was visible in a column at the capitol dome in Olympia, about 10 miles from the epicenter. "We are located about 15 miles from Olympia," said Overby. "But still it shook us around pretty good, the whole building was shaking. To me it felt like the bow of a ship hitting a big wave and shaking the house." Brenda Belia, an administrative specialist at the Seafarer Brian Burchett completes paperwork at the SIU Hall in Tacoma, Wash., shortly after the Feb. 21 earthquake. 4 Seafarers LOG hall, shared Overby's appraisal of the event and added, "It scared the living daylight out of me! I was born and raised here and have always felt the small tremors, but this one really was bad. It kept going and going- it lasted for about 20-30 seconds. "But the building held up great," she continued. "The pictures on the wall were crooked, but other than that, we had no problems." A pair of aftershocks agitated Olympia and Tacoma twice more Feb. 22. The first- a 3.4 magnitude quake-occurred at about 1: 10 a.m., while the second came around 6:23 a.m. The latter aftershock was a 2.7- magnitude rumble. Both were centered near the location of the original quake. While no one was killed during the original quake or aftershocks, Washington state officials say the underground eruptions were responsible for 300 injuries, some serious. Utility officials estimated that 17 ,000 of its 3 50,000 customers in Seattle were without power. Damage to property in the SeattleTacoma-Olympia area was estimated in the billions. 1 Health Plan ID Cards Slated for Distribution New identification cards soon will be in the hands of Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan participants. Intended to better serve the needs of eligible members and their families, the cards will be made of a high-quality plastic composite. They will be packaged and mailed out in much the same fashion as credit cards, according to Plan Administrator Lou Delma. The new forms of identification will contain routine data such as bearers' names, Social Security numbers, and insurance contacts. Health providers typically require such information to verify coverage. The cards were scheduled to be mailed in early April. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plans is the new name for the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The name change was announced last year by the plan's board of trustees. Eligible SIU members will receive medical identification cards like the one pictured at right for themselves and their families. The remaining SIU crewmembers joined Bosun Michael M. Moore, left, following the ceremony. Pictured with Moore (from left) are AB Carlos Perrilla, AB George Mareo, AB Ed Jaynes, AB Steve Westfall and AB Don Manrick. The SIU Hall in Tacoma, Wash. withstood the fury of the Feb. 21 earthquake, which measured 6.8 in magnitude. Qii This card does not guarantee coverage or confirm eligibility. Member's Name Printed Member's SSN • Red Cross Honors Jim Hanson . . . . . . .......... Page 9 • More on STCW Requirements .................. Page 11 • Upcoming Paul Hall Center Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 21 April 2001 �Dangerous Mexican Trucks Threaten U.S. Road Safety Texas Safety Official: 'We Only Inspect The Ones That Look Really, Really Bad' Yet another regrettable aspect of the so-called North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is at the fore as Mexico presses for complete access to United States highways. The U.S. did not meet the NAFTA-imposed March 8 deadline for opening all U.S. roads to Mexican trucks, but U.S. officials reportedly are working toward a policy on the issue. The AFL-CIO executive council (on which SIU President Michael Sacco serves) recently spelled out the myriad safety issues related to Mexican crossborder trucking. The federation insisted that American lives will be imperiled by completely opening U.S. borders. As Teamsters President James P. Hoffa wrote March 13 in a nationally published op-ed piece, "With 4 million (Mexican) trucks crossing the border with sub-par equipment, overworked drivers struggling to support families on often-meager wages, and the U.S. able to inspect fewer than 1 percent (of those trucks), it won't be long before an unsafe Mexican truck kills a U.S. family." On Feb. 6, a NAFTA dispute resolution panel ruled that the United States must end its current moratorium on considering Mexican applications for crossborder trucking privileges and must consider these applications on a case-by-case basis. Failure to do so could result in compensating Mexico through higher tariffs on goods or services going there. However, as pointed out by the labor federation, Mexican truck, bus and driver safety standards are still significantly below those in the United States, and U.S. inspection and enfor9ement programs are not adequate to assure the safety of American highways. A report last month by the Associated Press highlighted the problem's scope. For the past six years, Mexican rigs have had access to U.S. border states, up to 20 miles. Millions of foreign trucks enter the country each year, with the vast majority completely uninspected. A spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Public Safety told an AP reporter, "We only inspect the ones that look really, really bad. Like, 'Oh my God, how's that gonna stay together?' We're only taking the worst of the worst." The newspaper story further states that only one of every 100 rigs is checked. Nearly half of the vehicles inspected last year were removed from service because of various mechanical flaws, unsecured loads and other safety issues. Hoffa noted that cross-border trucking carries numerous concerns, starting with drivers' Not Over Yet Steelworkers Steadfast In NAnA Court Battle The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) on March 2 vowed to take their federal court fight against the constitutionality of the socalled North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Their pledge followed a ruling by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta rejecting the union's suit against the pact. The court described NAFTA as "a non-justiciable political question" that courts should not manage. The USWA, which first challenged NAFTA in court in the summer of 1998, contends that the agreement's ratification didn't meet the United States Constitutional requirement of two-thirds support by the U.S. Senate. Article II, Section 2 requires that "two thirds of the Senators present [must] concur" with any treaty negotiated by the executive branch of government. President Clinton formally labeled NAFTA an "executive agreement." According to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Labor, more than a half-million U.S. workers have been certified under one NAFTA unemployment program - meaning they lost their jobs due to NAFTA. Those workers represent only a fraction of the total U.S. jobs lost because ofNAFTA. Merchant Marine Panel Named Chairman Bob Stump (RAriz.) and ranking member Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) of the House Armed Services Committee last month announced the members of the Special Oversight Panel on Merchant Marine. Chairing the panel in the 107th Congress is Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.). Other Republican members are Reps. Curt Apri/2001 Weldon (Pa.), Jim Saxton (N.J.), Walter B. Jones Jr. (N.C.), Andrew Crenshaw (Fla.) and Jo Ann Davis (Va.). Rep. Tom Allen (D-Maine) is the panel's ranking member. Other Democrats serving on the panel are Gene Taylor (Miss.), Adam Smith (Wash.), and James Maloney (Conn.). rights. "Mexican drivers have no basic worker protections," he wrote. "U.S. drivers keep log books and are limited to driving 10 hours a day. Mexicans have no such rules and often pull shifts of 18 hours or more. U.S. drivers are also subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals and random drug tests, while employers in Mexico offer no such protection for workers or the public." Another key facet of this issue is drug trafficking, the Teamsters president asserted. "Drug lords are salivating with anticipation of an open border, buying up Mexican truck firms and dreaming of tractor-trailers full of heroin and cocaine making deliveries across our heartland." In a resolution issued in February, the AFL-CIO executive council cited studies by the DOT and the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) which "concluded that far too many safety hazards remain unresolved, and that the United States is ill prepared to handle the massive influx of foreign traffic that would result from opening the border. A substantial majority in Congress has publicly expressed serious concerns over safety and strong opposition to implementing the NAFTA crossborder transportation provisions until these safety concerns have been effectively addressed." The 1998 DOT report concluded that the agency lacks a consistent enforcement program that provides reasonable assurance of the safety of Mexican trucks entering the United States. There are numerous problems across the border, too. The report also stated that Mexico did not have in place: regulations or practices for hours of service; a drug and alcohol testing program; a program to conduct safety inspections of commercial vehicles at the roadside and on carrier property; a carrier/driver database with economic and vehicle licensing information; a drivers' licensing module with dri'ver licensing data; and a safety module with accident, infraction and inspection data. Further, Mexico had not announced a time frame for implementation of a safety management oversight program for Mexican motor carriers with U.S. operating authority. The federation concluded by calling on the Bush administra- Teamsters President James P. Hoffa warns that the combination of inadequate inspections and unsafe Mexican trucks entering the United States threatens the safety of U.S. citizens. tion and Congress "to keep the border closed to unsafe truck and bus traffic until comprehensive safety standards are agreed to and enforced by both nations, comprehensive and adequately tested enforcement programs are in place, and financial resources have been committed to establish dedicated border inspection facilities and to staff them adequately with full-time personnel.... The safety of American highways should take precedence .... Whatever sanctions the United States may face as a result will be a small cost to protect American lives on our highways." Legislation Introduced in House To Rescue U.S. Steel Industry In an effort to stem the tide on foreign-subsidized steel exports to the U.S., which already have sent 16 steel firms into bankruptcy and threaten other firms and more than 200,000 American jobs, a steel rescue package has been introduced in the House of Representatives, where it has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee. The legislation (H.R. 808), introduced March 1 by Reps. Peter Visclosky (D-Ind.), Jack Quinn (RN.Y.) and other members of the Congressional Steel Caucus, is aimed at providing certain safeguards for the domestic steel industry, including rolling back the high levels of foreign-subsidized steel that are being imported-and dumped-into this country. "The steel industry and its workers have been fighting for their lives for the past three years," stated new United Steelworkers of America (USWA) President Leo Gerard at a recent press conference with lawmakers. He demanded that President George W. Bush, a staunch advocate of free trade, take the necessary steps to impose quotas, tariff surcharges and other necessary actions to alleviate some of the more damaging effects of the govern- ment's trade policies allowing "offshore dumping" of steel. He stated that a "comprehensive policy to prevent the industry's collapse and ensure its future in a global economy" is needed, and named his immediate predecessor, George Becker, to head the lobbying effort. Labor productivity in steel has increased by 174 percent since 1980, Becker noted, while real wages have remained the same. The package, backed by more than 80 House Republicans and Democrats, is designed to: • Limit steel imports for five years, setting them at pre-1998 levels; • Establish a trust fund, paid for by a 2 percent surcharge on all steel sold in the U.S., to pay retiree health benefits; • Establish a $10 billion load fund, with government loan guarantees, to let the industry revitalize; and • Provide grants to pay for environmental compliance costs for plants that maintain target levels of employment and production. On Paper, MarAd Tests RRF Crewing Personnel from the SIU's manpower office and union halls will participate this month in a drill conducted by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) to test the procedures, people and communications equipment involved in Ready Reserve Force (RRF) activations. MarAd's "Command Post Exercise Breakout 0 I" is scheduled for April 16-27. In a letter to SIU President Michael Sacco requesting the union's "strong support" for the experiment, Acting Deputy Maritime Administrator Bruce J. Carlton noted, "As in the past, this will be a paper exercise only and mariners will not be required to actually report to their ships." Carlton indicated the overall objective of the exercise is "to test the procedures and coordination necessary to activate the RRF to meet strategic sealift requirements.... Using their existing collective bargaining agreements and manning scales based on the current contract, MarAd's RRF ship managers will call out full crews to be assigned to specific RRF ships during the exercise period .... It is my desire that Breakout 01 will once again serve to confirm the effectiveness of civilian crewing of reserve sealift assets." This is the ninth in a series of similar exercises conducted by MarAd. For the SIU, the task means frequent contact between the manpower office and the union halls. For MarAd employees, the assignment will provide refresher training (for experienced staff members) or orientation (for newcomers) for activation procedures. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, May 28, 2001 for the observance of Memorial Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 5 �Sealarers Seek Good-Faith Negotiations With ITT Navy Base Unit Informational picket lines went up around the U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads last month as Seafarers showed their support for SIU members working for ITT on that base, located at the eastern edge of Puerto Rico. ITT is refusing to renegotiate their contract. The 48 MOE (Marine Ocean Engineering) Seafarers at the ITI unit work on torpedo recovery vessels. They set the targets for naval exercises and, after the Navy has fired at the targets, reset them. They also perform maintenance on the vessels. ITT is refusing to honor the present contract, which has already been extended several times, nor will they pay a Christmas bonus or negotiate a new agreement. " ,fil Seafarers working for ITT at the U.S. Naval Station Roosevelt Roads in Puerto Rico are joined by other SIU members in a peaceful, informational picket line. ITT has refused to honor the workers' contract or to negotiate a new one. One of the signs reads "ITT: The Grinch That Stole Christmas,'' referring to the fact that the company did not give the employees their Christmas bonus. Scholarships Announced for ASC Mariners In SIU's Unlicensed Apprentice Program In an effort to recruit well trained and highly qualified mariners to serve aboard the vessels operated by SIU-contracted American Steamship Co. (ASC) on the Great Lakes, the company has set up a new scholarship program. The scholarships are designed to help disadvantaged, worthy candidates attend the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. While there is no tuition for this program, and room and board are free, other expenses (transportation to and from the school, clothing costs, the U.S. Coast Guard fee and routine pre-entry medical screenings) typically amount to around $1,000. These are the costs that will be covered (up to 80 percent) for each selected applicant. For ASC, the scholarship program is an important recruitment and retention tool. ASC's scholarship will cover students in all three phases of the program. The Unlicensed apprentices honor the U.S. flag at the end of the day. Great Lakes 2001 Season Off to an Early Start Thawing out from a frigid winter, the Great Lakes are once again seeing the start of a new shipping season as SIU members begin boarding the vessels and readying them for their loads-a process known as fitout. Inland Lakes, a company that manages a fleet of bulk cement carriers hauling products for the Lafarge Corp., notes that the Alpena came out of winter layup March 1 and already is carrying cement from Alpena to South Chicago. Another Inland Lakes vessel, the J.A. W. Iglehart, is expected to sail April 1, and the Paul H Townsend, which wrapped up its season last November, will sail shortly thereafter. The early starting dates for the 2001 season are due to higher customer demand, according to Walter Watkins, fleet captain from Inland Lakes. 6 Seafarers LOG The tug Susan W Hannah and barge Southdown Conquest were upbound in the St. Clair River early last month, and four of American Steamship Co. 's (ASC) boats scheduled their fitouts in early March as well: the Indiana Harbor, Walter J McCarthy, John J Boland and American Republic. Other ASC vessels (H Lee White, Buffalo, A.E. Cornelius, American Mariner, Sam Laud and St. Clair) have tentatively scheduled their fitouts later in the month. (By the time this issue of the LOG has been printed and mailed, most of these boats will already have started sailing.) According to SIU Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton, the ice covering the lakes dissipated quickly. He noted that Lake Erie, which was frozen in January, was ice-free by early March. company additionally will help the SIU in recruiting candidates for the program, but ASC will select the scholarship recipients. ASC's direct involvement increases the likelihood that the scholarship recipients will eventually work aboard ASC vessels. The unlicensed apprentice program includes an initial 12week training session at the school covering the basics, followed by a 90-day practical training and assessment period that takes place aboard a U.S.-flag ship (aboard an ASC vessel in the case of the scholarship recipients). Finally, students return to the center for department-specific training that prepares them to begin sailing aboard SIU-contracted vessels. In a letter from ASC Senior Vice President David A. Schultz to SIU President Michael Sacco, the vice president notes that this program is a "joint company/ union partnership leading to a continued developing workforce where labor and management are working hard together for our combined futures." Last summer saw low water levels on the lakes, and this year is not going to be any better, experts say, even though the snowpack around the Great Lakes is thicker this winter than a year ago. Thornton noted that the water level is already 15 inches lower outside the union hall on the St. Clair River than it was this time last year. Helping distribute informational materials pertaining to ITT's refusal to negotiate a new contract for the MOE Seafarers are (clockwise from top left) AB Joseph Hubert, Pensioner Luis Roman, OMU Orlando Herrera and AB Victor Pacheco, SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez and AB Noel Otero. • • , . Right: OS Robert Said and AB James Werda tie up the Alpena in Detroit. Left: Securing the self-unloading system on board the Alpena are Assistant Conveyorman Fred Hart, AB Dan Hart and AB Roland Lindemuth. Right: AB Dan Hart, Conveyorman Josh MacNicol and Assistant Conveyorman Fred Hart connect the self-unloading system at the Lafarge Cement Terminal in Detroit. April 2001 �Stewards: Upgrading Is Essential The SIU's newest class of recertified stewards graduated last month at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Each of the dozen Seafarers in the class offered strong praise for the school, with several describing it as vital to the long-term success of fellow members. Graduating at the March membership meeting were Pablo Alvarez, Stephen Avallone, Joseph Birke, Joseph Gallo Jr., Carlton Griffm, Michael Kozak, Stanley Krystosiak, Robert Mensching, Susan Moe, Benedict Opaon, Scott Opsahl and Robert Wilcox. The month-long course is considered the Paul Hall Center's top curriculum for steward department Seafarers. Among other studies, it includes fire fighting and basic safety training, various lessons in the galley labs, a trip to AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. and meetings with SIU department representatives at the union's headquarters. Alvarez, who sails from the port of Houston, said he appreciates the opportunities he has enjoyed in the SIU. The native of Honduras told the audience, "If you work, it doesn't matter where you come from-you're welcome in the SIU." Like his classmates, Avallone has upgraded numerous times at Piney Point. "The advantage we have as a union involves our training and professionalism," he said. "We must to continue to meet and exceed the training [requirements] of the global market. "My hat is off to our instructors and officials for the stand-up job they have done," added Avallone, whose home port is Wilmington, Calif. "Their visionary path has given us as members, choices in our careers." Birke, from New Orleans, encouraged the unlicensed apprentices in attendance. He said that, by utilizing the school and doing a good job aboard ship, they can enjoy bright careers as Seafarers. Gallo delivered heartfelt and impassioned remarks describing his feelings about the union. "There's no greater love than a man who will lay down his life for his brother. That is the SIU," said Gallo, who sails from the port of New York. On behalf of the entire class, Gallo also presented Paul Hall Center Executive Chef Romeo Lupinacci with an honorary plaque, thanking him for his guidance. A Seafarer for more than 20 years who sails from the port of San Francisco, Griffin said he recommends upgrading because "the more information we have, the better we'll be able to do our jobs aboard ships." He said the fire fighting and water survival training were the most interesting parts of the recertification class. "My overall experience was very informative and enjoyable." Kozak, whose home port is New York, said he is "very proud to be a part" of the union and the school. "The level of education in our industry is soaring. It's important to keep up," he added. Another class member who sails from New York, Krystosiak, said he particularly enjoyed "learning about the inner functions of the union and the various plans." Recertified stewards and SIU officials meet on stage after last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left to right are Robert Wilcox, Scott Opsahl, SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Stephen Avallone, Benedict Opaon, Michael Kozak, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Joseph Gallo Jr., SIU Asst: VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Joseph Birke, Susan Moe, Pablo Alvarez, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Carlton Griffin, and Stanley Krystosiak. Not pictured is Robert Mensching. He described the school as "the best training facility in the world. The classes were helpful and the instructors were great .... Upgrading is no longer optional. We must continue to hone our skills in order to maintain a competitive edge in the shipping industry." From the port of Honolulu, Mensching said, "I always seem to learn something new at the school. And I recommend upgrading to my fellow Seafarers, to further their careers as well as their education." He added, "I was pleased to find out there are so many people working behind the scenes to benefit the maritime industry. It looks like they are succeeding, as the potential for growth is great." Moe, also from Honolulu, said the curriculums as well instructors greatly have improved during the past 10 years. "I'm sure in the coming years, it will just get better and better.... Upgrading at Piney Point is essential to the industry to better yourself and keep abreast of new industry standards." Opaon, whose home port is Wilmington, said that hearing about the upgrading programs at Piney Point encouraged him to join the SIU in 1984. Now, having upgraded four times at the school, "I am very confident and ready to face the challenges of the future. "I strongly suggest and recommend these courses to all my brothers and sisters, for their personal improvement," he continued. "Take advantage of the good intention of the SIU leadership." Opsahl, who sails from the port of Tacoma, Wash., said he "enjoyed coming back and seeing the progress the school has gone through, and its plans for the future." He said there is ample motivation for upgrading. "You have to keep current with your endorsement or you'll be left behind, especially with STCW. You also increase your opportunity to ship out on ships that require certain endorsements. And, while upgrading, you have a chance to bump into an old friend and maybe collect that $20!" Joseph Gallo Jr. says he strongly believes in the Brotherhood of the Sea. From Jacksonville, Fla., Wilcox said the course contained numerous highlights, including menu planning, CPR and first aid, sanitation, and computer training. "I'm proud to be a member of the SIU," he said. "Our school is state-of-the-art with its training facilities and staff. I am thankful that our leadership has had the foresight to keep expanding our training facilities." 'Mysterious' Cook-Off Unfolds at Piney Point During their stay at the Paul Hall Center, the recertified stewards took part in a "mystery basket cookoff' Feb. 9 designed to test and enhance their respective skills. According to the guidelines for the friendly contest, a mystery basket is "a container of set ingredients from which each team will be writing a menu and preparing a meal. Everyone receives the same ingredients and has the same amount of time to work, so this is a true test of your creativity, skill and teamwork." The Seafarers divided into six teams of two apiece. They each had three hours to prepare a menu and fullcourse meal. Judging was based on finishing time, flavor, appearance and originality. "Any of the dishes would make you proud of our people's abilities and creativity," said one observer. "This is what makes the steward department the main source of a happy crew." The team of Joseph Gallo Jr. and Michael Kozak won the extremely close competition. Students participate in, and observe, CPR and first aid training. April 2001 With the ingregients they were given, the team of Stanley Krystosiak and Pablo Alvarez begins work on their four-course meal. Seafarers LOG 1 �'Thanks, Seafarers!' Longtime SIU Member Credits SARC For 'Tremendous Boost, New Life' Editor s note: This article was written by an SIU member who joined the union in the early 1970s. In keeping with the spirit of recovery, it is anonymous. The Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) formally began operating in early 1976. Any SIU member who meets the eligibility requirements for the Seafare rs Health and Benefits Plan (formerly named the Seafarers Welfare Plan) also is eligible for treatment- at no cost-at the SARC. The first step is to contact your port agent. Your confidentiality will be respected. An estimated 2, 000 SIU members have participated in the SARC program. It is with total gratitude that I write this open letter to both the leadership, and as importantly, the membership of the Seafarers International Union. In an effort to say thank you to the union for what they have given me, I've decided to reflect back over the past 25 years and take an honest look at the changes that have come over me. On April 12, 1976, I reached out to the Seafarers for help with my drinking problem. I had finally reached such a low that there really was no other way for me to go. My days were filled with a constant effort to stay under the influence of alcohol primarily, but on occasion any other drug that was available to help me escape. No one has asked me or told me that I should share with all of you my story, but I feel compelled to do so. There's a very good chance that some of the people that started to read this letter have already turned the page and moved on to something else. Some people just aren't interested. Then, there are those other folks that just don't want to hear about it. They are my kind of people. That's exactly what I would have done. It's also the most natural reaction to liave if you have the disease that I have. The most common symptom of the disease is the denial of the disease. Believe it or not, I was the last one to know that I had a drinking problem. My behavior at times was very unpredictable, and I frequently discovered that I was in one kind of trouble or another. At age 18, a judge suggested very strongly that I get help with my drinking B Seafarers LOB problem and he recommended that attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous might be a good place to start. His suggestion came in the form of a court order, so I figured maybe I should check it out. I surely was relieved to learn that I wasn't as bad as those folks . I mean I had never lost a wife, or a home, or a business. I had never even gotten fired from a job because of my drinking (I'd quit before they could fire me). After listening to all their tales of woe, I felt a tremendous sense "There is no shame in needing and asking for help. The real shame is in needing help and not asking for it. " of relief. I mentioned to one gent on my way out the door that, fortunately, I wasn't as bad as they were, and how my drinking problems were very minor compared to the people I had just listened to. His response to me wasn't quite what I was expecting. He suggested that if I was in fact an alcoholic, all that I needed to do was keep on drinking and all the things that hadn't happened to me yet, would in the course of time. Less than two years later, I had arrived. At that point in my life, my biggest consequences from drinking were an occasional night in jail, a car accident, or a break-up with a girlfriend if she nagged me about my drinking (I'd dump her before she could dump me). I always focused on the problems other people had with their drinking, minimizing my own. This allowed me to justify a continuance, and shifted the focus away from me. I heard some time ago that over 2,000 people have had the opportunity to go through the Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center (SARC) since its inception. I've often wondered if I was the only beneficiary of this wonderful facility who was lucky enough to have received the gift of a fresh start. I know better. Without the strong foundation, and the education about my addictive personality, coupled with the active involvement with area AA groups, my chances of continued sobriety would have been significantly reduced. I can't emphasize enough the tremendous boost the SARC gave to me when it was time for me to start my new life. The professionalism of the staff, the comfortable and peaceful facilities, and the first class support of the union officials are benefits and luxuries only offered to a small percentage of people contending with the disease of alcoholism. Most people don't have the opportunity to receive treatment. The SIU has, in my opinion, settled for nothing less than the best in the administration and staffing of the SARC. The devotion to the whole person, and the utilization of all the important resources, substantially boosted my ability to make the needed changes in my lifestyle. Also, I know how important confidentiality is to the continued success of this treatment center and that is precisely the reason I am choosing to remain anonymous in my letter. I don't think I'm any better than anybody else, I don't think I'm any worse either. I do believe that I'm better than I used to be. In other words, I'm not the man I want to be, I'm not the man I ought to be, but best of all, I'm not the man I used to be. I don't know how many people I have heard speak over the years about their alcoholism. Many talk about the effect their occupations had on its severity. I always chuckle to myself and wonder if they would believe me if I told them some sailors have also been rumored to drink a bit more than their fair share .... Washer-Dryer School, Spin Dry, The Farm-no matter what the uninformed people call this wonderful facility, the SARC, I know the percentage of people that go through a treatment facility and remain clean and sober for any length of time is very small. When you add to this the fact that a merchant mariner is, by the very nature of his/her job, required to be in an almost constant state of motion, it can also serve to erode the odds. When you are given a good base to build on, and you walk out the door with your dignity restored, your chances of success are greatly increased. With AA spread all over the world, contin- ued involvement at meetings greatly increases the likelihood of a sober life. At 21 years of age, the thought of not drinking for the rest of my life seemed to me quite impossible. I couldn't imagine how I would fill such a void. Drinking consumed a significant amount of time. The reality was that the way I was heading, my life probably wasn't going to be much longer anyway. I was taught to just live one day at a time and worry about tomorrow if I woke up. Now it seems that I never have enough time, and believe me, I'm always up to something. A short time ago, I watched one of my shipmates go down the ladder because he didn't pass a drug test. I can only imagine the emptiness he must have felt inside. How do you explain the loss of your very livelihood? How do you convince the people depending on you that it was worth it? How do you convince yourself? The SARC taught me more than about my addictive personality. They showed me where I needed to go in order to maintain some semblance of sanity in my life. There is no shame in needing and asking for help. The real shame is in needing help and not asking for it. They gave me the tools, now it's up to me whether or not I use them. Time and space won't allow me to describe accurately enough the wonderful friendships that I have developed in sobriety, all around the Great Lakes, or the relationships that I enjoy with each and every member of my family. I've been blessed with a very supportive and beautiful woman that I'll celebrate a silver wedding anniversary with in October. We have three healthy and great children that have never seen me drink. Because of that, the first and second born have been put through college, and the youngest only has a couple more years before she will graduate. By no means do I wish to imply or suggest that my life has become perfect. What I have now are the tools to help me cope with life as it keeps coming at me. I've dealt with the loss of both my parents and a younger sister to cancer. At no time did I feel that a drink was needed to help me get through it. Sobriety is the single greatest gift that I have ever received, because without it, everything else would have only been temporary. By keeping it my # 1 priority, I am able to make rational decisions and choices in all aspects of my life, minimizing problems that can be avoided. It's not so important how far away I get from my last drink; the only thing that really matters is how close am I to the next one? That's what I have to think about. School Gets New ATM An upgrader makes a withdrawal from the new ATM machine in the lobby area of the Training & Recreation Center Hotel at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The apparatus was installed Feb. 9 to meet the needs of students and staff members alike at the facility. The machine accepts ATM cards from all major banks, and customers using it may withdraw up to $300 per transaction. Officials at the school say the machine is very popular so far and users seem pleased to have it on board. Apri/2001 �Red Cross Honors Hanson This photo of the first group from Guam to enroll at the Paul Hall Center includes recent unlicensed apprentice graduates Ryan Legario (fourth from left) and Joe Benavente Jr. (second from right), plus new GED owner Jerald Martinez (third from right). Others in the group are enrolled in the program's final phase and are scheduled to graduate soon. Trio from Guam Achieves Goals Less than a year after first arriving at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, three unlicensed apprentices (Class 603) from Guam have earned a proud place in the territory's history. In late February, Joe Benavente Jr. and Ryan Legario became the first students from Guam to complete the unlicensed apprentice program. Around that same time, their classmate Jerald Martinez earned the distinction of being the first student from the territory to earn a GED at the Paul Hall Center. Jerald Martinez is all smiles shortly after receiving his GED at the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. The school is located in Piney Point, Md. "I had a lot of fun," said Benavente, who plans to sail in the engine department. "It's something I wanted to do-go to a school that's mostly hands-on. I really enjoyed the classes and I have nothing bad to say about this program." The unlicensed apprentice program begins with a 12-week segment in Piney Point covering the basics. From there, students embark on a 90-day shipboard stint (known as phase 2) during which they rotate through each department. Finally, the apprentices return to the Paul Hall Center for department-specific training. Benavente said the school's first-rate facilities and instructors helped prepare him for the second component of the program. "When we went out for phase 2, we realized we were well-prepared in phase l," he recalled. "People (on the ship) were really into safety. The whole experience was fun." He quickly noted one exception: "I was scared I would get seasick, and I did once, in a storm. But others have, too, so I didn't feel so bad." SMPPP Statements Mailed in March Annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) were mailed to Plan participants during the last week of March, according to SMPPP Administrator Lou Delma. Based on year-end reports received from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP investment manager, the Plan continues to perform well despite recent and ongoing market volatility. Since its inception through year-end 2000, the Plan bas earned 43.85 percent of its original value for an average annual earning rate of 11.14 percent. The year-end 2000 earnings checked in at 9.31 percent. The SMPPP originated in 1996, as the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into standard freightship and tanker agreements. The SMPPP subsequently has been included in other SIU contracts. Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a vacation plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a memrer's defined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP. a Seafarer is immediately vested from the fiIBt day money is ApTil 2001 received on his or her behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse's death. The annual statement includes the following information: • Member's name, address and Social Security number (which is also the participant's account number); • Statement date; • The opening balance for 2000 (which was the year-end 1999 closing balance); • Contributions received through Dec. 31, 2000 (listed individually and in total); • Interest earned and administrative expenses charged; • Any payouts made to the member in 2000; and • The closing balance for 2000 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year's annual statement). Members who have questions about their accounts may call 1800-485-3703. The American Red Cross' CJara Barton Volunteer Leadership Honor Award has been bestowed upon Jim Hanson, safety director at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Hanson received the award Feb. 15 during a luncheon at the school. Given by the St. Mary's County, Md. Chapter of the American Red Cross, the award recognized Hanson for his more than 36 years of volunteer service to the organization. He also received a pin in acknowledgment of his contributions. Hanson began working as a volunteer with the Red Cross in 1963. In that capacity, he trained several thousand individuals through the years. In addition to other subjects, he has trained people in basic and advanced first aid, CPR, swimming and life guarding. Hanson currently chairs the local chapter's health and safety committee. He also serves as an advisor to the chapter staff in health and safety matters. According to the citation, which accompanied his award, Hanson's expertise, guidance and leadership enabled the chapter to make valuable service contributions to the citizens of St. Mary's County. The citation reads in part: "Jimmy's [Hanson's] advice, counsel, dedication and efforts have enhanced volunteer performance and Chapter success. His cooperation and guidance with the staff and volunteers has resulted in the development and implementation of effective solutions in a resourceful and productive manner to all health and safety challenges encountered by the Chapter." Despite his many contributions to the Red Cross, Hanson never considered formal recognition. "It was kind of a shock for me because I don't do it [volunteering] for that," said Hanson Jim Hanson, right, receives the American Red Cross' Clara Barton Volunteer Honor Award from John L. Zimmerman. Hanson is the safety director at the Paul Hall Center. Zimmerman is chairman of the St. Mary's County Chapter of the Red Cross. in reaction to receiving the award. "I do it because I enjoy working with different people. "Still, it was a surprise," he continued, "And a very nice one. It made me feel really good that other people appreciate my efforts and realize that I have been volunteering so long." At 16, Hanson became certified in first aid and CPR. He received his instructor certification a year later, and by his 18th birthday was teaching classes for the Red Cross and Heart Association. He has been teaching ever since. "My family members have always been involved in volunteer fire departments and rescue squads," he shared. "So when I turned 16, I was old enough to get in. The reason I stick to it [after so many years] is because I still like doing it." Hanson has been employed at the Paul Hall Center since 1968, shortly after it first opened. During his tenure at the school, he has served in many capacities including fire chief, instructor, and supervisor of health and safety. Currently, he serves as director for both the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and the school's farm facility. The Clara Barton Volunteer Leadership Honor Award may be given to a volunteer for service in a number of leadership positions maintained through a period of years. It may be presented at any level of the organization and by any sector to a volunteer meeting the following criteria: • Service in a number of leadership positions and personal expertise that has enabled the Red Cross to contribute valuable service to the community. • Leadership in identifying and assessing volunteer performance and organizational concerns. Cooperation with other paid and volunteer staff in developing and implementing effective solutions in a resourceful and proactive manner. • Constructive guidance to co-workers in the efficient performance of assignments. A volunteer can receive the award only once in a unit, but may receive it from more than one unit. Crusader Safety: 3 Years and Counting Seafarers and officers aboard the CSX Crusader in late February celebrated a milestone, as the vessel surpassed three years of accident-free sailing. "Safety is something we take seriously," stated Recertified Steward Joe Emidy, who joined the SIU in 1980. "At every safety meeting, which we have every two weeks, we discuss any safety issues that may exist aboard the vessel. If there are ever any unsafe conditions, they're report- ed immediately. Every once in a while, our record is discussed, too." In recognition of the threeyear achievement, CSX supplied company jackets for everyone aboard. The Crusader, a containership, sails on the Gulf-Atlantic express run, calling on the ports of Houston; San Juan, P.R.; and New Orleans. SIU members pictured in Houston aboard the CSX Crusader, along with officers, are Bosun Robert Diaz, ABs Frank Caceras, Jose Osorio, Jose Canalas, John Walsh and Ken Baker, Electrician Tom Priscu, Engine Utility Everett Henry, Oilers Joel Encarnacion, Valentine Martinez and Norman Barbosa, DEU Eusebio Zapata, Recertified Steward Joe Emidy, Chief Cook Bill Blees, SA Tom Mccurdy and Unlicensed Apprentices Shawn Waring and Robert Stellon. Left: Crusader crew members are proud of their safety record, as shown by this sign. Seafarers LOG 9 �Survivor Torpedo SBJJk SS Leliigb, But Not Pete Bartlett's Spirit Although he spends a lot of time on the golf course these days, National Maritime Union (NMU) retiree Pete Bartlett, 85, has plenty of memories from his adventurous days at sea. None, however, can rival a chilling and now historic episode which occurred Oct. 19, 1941. "I'll never forget that day," shared Bartlett, who started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards in 1936. "I'll remember it for the rest of my life." On that fateful date, the then24-year-old Bartlett and two of his shipmates aboard the SS Lehigh were wounded during the dawn of World War II. Their vessel, which sailed out of New York and was operated by United States Lines, was torpedoed and sunk by a German submarine some 75 miles northwest of Freetown, Sierra Leone. "I was an ordinary seaman at the time and had been going to sea for about four years," Bartlett recalled. "It was only the second time I had made that particular run. "We were sailing empty down to West Africa," he continued. "We had already taken a full cargo of grain over to Spain and were headed to West Africa to pick up a load of ore to take it back to Philadelphia." The Lehigh departed port for what would be its last time during the week commencing Oct. 12, 1941. "We left port probably in the middle of the week," Bartlett said. "I remember because about three days at sea on a Saturday morning, we were down cleaning the hold. The bosun came down and shouted for us to get out of there because German planes were flying overhead." The next day, the Germans struck the vessel- but not from the air. "We had just finished breakfast and I was on deck pulling the 8 to 12 watch," said Bartlett. "Me and another guy were on the stem just shooting the breeze and all of a sudden we got hit [torpedoed]. "I don't really remember what it felt like," Bartlett noted. "I must have been in some kind of shock because when I finally realized what was happening, the guy that was sitting opposite me was already gone. His reflexes were faster than mine were because he got the hell out of there in a hurry. "Everybody was scurrying all over the ship," he continued. "They knew it was time to grab their valuables and get off the ship." The Lehigh was torpedoed at about 8:55 a.m., Bartlett said. Surprisingly, no lives were lost. The attack, however, left Bartlett devoid of the four smaller toes on his right foot. The vessel's bosun and third engineer also sustained injuries, but not nearly as serious as Bartlett's. 10 Seafarers LOG After the initial pandemonium subsided, crew members scrambled to save themselves and whatever rations they could. "We launched all four of our lifeboats," Bartlett said. "There were about 11 or 12 people in the boat with me; the other crew members were pretty evenly distributed in the rest of the lifeboats. After getting off, we all got roped together just before the ship sunk," Bartlett said. The Lehigh sank at 10: 15 a.m. "It was one hell of an empty feeling to see her go," Bartlett stated. "You just felt like there goes everything .... It was almost like losing your house. It's not there anymore and all of your possessions are gone." The torpedo's impact prevented the crew from sending an SOS. "It was basically us, the ocean and no place to go," Bartlett said. "We pretty much had an idea where we were because we shot the sun earlier to determine our position. But, it did not really matter, because we could not row against the currents. We tried for a while but it did no good. We basically just drifted for three days." The only provisions they had were water and hard flour biscuits called "hard tacks" Bartlett said. "The biscuits were so hard that you could not bite them," he said. "You just sucked on them until your saliva softened them up so you could bite them." The water situation was even worse. "I believe we got maybe a little more than a thimbleful at a time," recalled Bartlett, "you ' d get another thimbleful a little later on in the day." He and his shipmates were picked up the following Tuesday evening. "An observation plane spotted us in the morning three days after our ship sank," he said. "A boat was sent out in the morning, but it did not get to us until late that afternoon. The vessel that picked us was something like a PT or patrol boat." After being rescued, Bartlett and his shipmates were quartered aboard a British hospital ship berthed in Freetown. " I was aboard that ship approximately three weeks. We later were picked up by the Octavia, a coastal passenger ship that usually ran between Boston and New York." Bartlett subsequently was hospitalized for two months, primarily in Baltimore. He had multiple surgeries on his injured foot. Following a long recovery, Bartlett stayed on shore for a while, but soon found himself yearning to rejoin the war effort. "Back in those days, they had those big recruiting posters wherever you went," he said. "They all encouraged people to get involved and support the country. "I especially remember one that had an old merchant seaman on it with the sea bag over his shoulder. It said 'You Bet I'm Going Back to Sea.' They had to be in every bar throughout the country. "Seeing those posters probably had something to do with my going back to sea," he added. "I really did not have to go back because I was classified 4-F after getting my foot injured." Bartlett returned to sea in the late summer of 1942. He contin- ued to sail through World War II. "I finally quit and got married in 1951 ," he said. These days, he spends a lot of time on the golf course when the weather permits. When it rains, he stays indoors and reads. His home in Columbia City, Ore. sits on the shores of the picturesque Columbia River. "I can look out of my kitchen window and see three miles up Pete Bartlett river towards St. Helen's and Portland," he said. My dining room is the same and my living room gives me even more of a view of the river. "The only sad part is that most of the ships I see go by are foreign flagged," he concluded. The Lehigh sinks after being destroyed by a German torpedo as Pete Bartlett and his fellow crew members watch from their lifeboats. Instructor Casey Taylor Dies of Heart Failure at 53 Kenneth "Casey" Taylor, a highly regarded instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, passed away March 11 in Lexington Park, Md. following a long illness. Taylor, who died of heart failure, was 53. A decorated veteran (U.S. Navy) of the Vietnam War, Taylor sailed as an AB and uninspected towboat operator, mainly with Crowley. Beginning in 1987, he taught a wide range of classes at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. A partial list includes oil spill containment and other hazardous-materials classes, bridge management, AB, limited license, and lifeboat/ water survival. Taylor also worked as a technical writer at the school. "He was very well-liked, very dedicated, and he was deck department through and through," stated Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan. "He wants his ashes sprinkled off the back of a Crowley tug, which tells you much he was into this industry." Eric Malzkuhn, engine department instructor at the Paul Hall Center and a very close friend of Taylor's, remembered him as totally committed to whatever task he tackled. "Anything he did in life, he did with gusto and gave it his all," recalled Malzkuhn. "One of the things that made him special here was, he was a former merchant seaman. He connected and bonded with the students so well Casey Taylor (standing at right in both photos) taught at the Paul Hall Center since 1987. because he was one of them." Malzkuhn added a point that anyone who knew Taylor surely realized. " His intellect was awesome. If you looked at his personal library, you'd be astounded at the breadth and depth. Yet, he could have a rapport with anybody." A native of Glen Cove, N.Y., Taylor earned numerous teaching certificates and also was a nationally published writer, on topics ranging from the environment to the internet. He was an ally of the SIU communications staff, and his behind-the-scenes support helped the union establish its on-line presence beginning in 1997. Paul Gelrud, another of Taylor's longtime friends and a steward department instructor in Piney Point, noted that Taylor enjoyed playing golf, following the New York Yankees and reading about the Civil War. "He had that gravelly voice and the big moustache, and he was as ornery as could be when he got into an argument with you," Gelrud recalled with a chuckle. "But everybody loved him. He was an extremely intelligent man, he had a good way of getting lessons across to the students, and he could go from one component of society to another without missing a beat. Really, he was loved throughout the county." In an anonymous evaluation of a course taught by Taylor in 1996, one student summed up the instructor's skill by writing, "If Casey Taylor could teach all small children, we wouldn't have a dumb adult in the world. Personally, I think he's the best." A memorial service took place March 20 at the Paul Hall Center. April 2001 �Mariners sailing aboard deep sea or near-coastal vessels must comply with the amended STCW convention as of Feb. 1. 2002. If a mariner doesn't complete STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) or acquire the 1995 STCW certificate, if required, by Feb. 1, 2002, then that mariner cannot sail aboard ·deeg sea or near-coastal shigs. All SIU members who sail on these types of vessels are asked to contact the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at this toll-free number: 1-800-7322739. Please contact the school even if you already have completed basic safety and you have an STCW certificate. TllB clack ia ticking/ Ban~t/Btit ran oat an yaa! April 2001 Seafarers LOG 11 �Aboard SIU-Crewed Tanken A good mix of seasoned professionals and old friends makes sailing aboard the SIUcrewed tankers HMI Diamond Shoals, Blue Ridge and Coast Range a safe and enjoyable experience, according to crew members. In addition to the pride and professionalism that abounds in all departments of each vessel, the scenic splendor of the great Northwest adds to the experience. The three vessels currently shuttle between the loading port of Cherry Point, Wash. and the discharge port of Portland, Ore. Interocean Ugland Management operates the HMI Diamond Shoals. Both the Blue Ridge and Coast Range are operated by Crowley Petroleum Transport. AB Steve Kastel, left, OMU member Sam Montana, right front, AB Don Deflorio and AB Eddie Martinez enjoy a meal in the galley. Recertified Chief Steward Laura Lee, right, joins Chief Mate Kimberly Borges during a Halloween outing. Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro services a lifeboat during the annual U.S. Coast Guard inspection in Portland, Ore. OMU Michael Snow, left, helps a fellow crew member repair equipment. Chief Cook Bagio S. Wibisono, left, poses for a photo with Dee Poitenien while sailing through the Columbia River. Crew members perform fire fighting drills during an annual U.S. Coast Guard inspection in Portland, Ore. OJpt. Wadord Calls It A Career An SIU tug captain recently came ashore for the last time following nearly 40 years at the helm of inland waterway vessels. Capt. Steve Warford, who began sailing in 1961, called it quits Feb. 28 after spending his entire career with Crowley Towing and Transportation in Wilmington, Calif. A U.S. Army veteran and Arkansas native, he joined the Seafarers Aug. 1, 1978. "There's no way that I won't miss going out on the waterways again," he said. "After doing it every day for 39 years, it becomes a part of your normal routine, a part of you." His first contact with the maritime profession came in the Pacific Northwest while living with his brother. "When I got out of high school in Arkansas, nothing much was happening there so I came out here to visit my brother who lived in Washington State," Warford said. "I liked it up there so I stayed." He worked in various capacities on dredges while living in Washington. "When I came down here [to Wilmington], I worked for about one year on a fishing boat," Warford said. "I decided then that the fishing industry was not for me, but I still wanted to be around the water." Pictured at a party for Capt. Warford in Wilmington Feb. 17 are Engineer Jim Gray, Mate John Zarolli, Engineer Deso Haboka, AB Henry Salles, Engineer Dave Walblom, Engineer Hugh Wain, Capt. Jim McNutt, Mate Ed Brooks, Capt. John Rakyta, Capt. Warford, AB Mike Privette, Capt. Rick Cavallier, Port Agent John Cox, Cook Larry Jamieson, Pilot Levi Levinson, Mate Chad Macauley, Pilot Alan Reid, AB Dragi Odak, AB Hernam Moningka, Engineer Willie Gardner and AB Vladimir Salamon. f2 Seafarer.; LOS Warford became an inland deckhand and sailed on boats that traveled up and down the Pacific Coast from North Alaska to Mexico. As the years passed, Warford honed and expanded his skills. He worked his way up to captain in the late 1960s. "I've had my license for about 30 years now," he said, "so as best I can remember, I became a captain in 1966 or 1967." "I have done all different types of towing during my career," he continued. "I even towed parts and cargoes associated with the production of the stealth bomber. I had to have top-secret clearance to work on the vessel at the time." Warford's final voyage was aboard Crowley's Sea Robin in February. Looking back over his career, he is amazed at how much has changed in his profession. "You can't compare the life of merchant mariner today versus what it is used to be like when I started," he said. "To begin with, vessels have gotten bigger and more powerful than they used to be." Warford said his first vessel had about 1,500 horsepower. Another on which he sailed topped out at 1,600 - and these were the most powerful vessels on the coast at the time, he shared. "The other thing is that training is much easier to come by these days," he said. "Unless you were an able bodied seaman, you got very little work back in them days. "Before the SIU school (Warton attended the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for radar training), you learned Captain Steve Warford, right, retired Feb. 28. Warford was a captain for Crowley Towing for more than 30 years. your skills on your own while you were working," he said. "You either learned it on your own or you did not learn it at all. You either sank or swam if you wanted to go higher." Warton concluded by describing unions as essential for today's mariners. "I don't know what they'd do if it were not for unions .... You've got to have them regardless of where you work or the business you are in. Without them, the companies would do what they dam well please to you. It's [a union is] the only way that workers can get backing and have their voices heard." April 2IJIJ1 �US#S Watkins De ivered to MSC The SIU-crewed USNS Watkins (TAKR 315) was delivered to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) last month-ahead of schedule -from the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego, where it was constructed. Representing the SIU at the March 5 delivery ceremonies were SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President John Fay, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. The 950-foot prepositioning ship, a roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel, was launched July 28, 2000. Seafarers climbed aboard the gangway in December and, following some additional work to the ship, assisted in sea trials. The vessel is named in honor of Army Master Sgt. Travis E. Watkins, A look up the stern ramp of the USNS Watkins is evidence of the large tanks and tractor-trailers it can accommodate. In inset is a display about Army Master Sgt. Travis E. Watkins, for whom the ship is named. Capt. Kurt Kleinschmidt (left) receives a framed photo of the ship from Steve Eckberg, the project manager at NASSCO. who was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions in the Korean War. The Watkins is one of 14 new builds and six converted vessels comprising a government-mandated initiative known as the Strategic Sealift Program. It is the sixth new construction ship completed by NASSCO under the program. The seventh, the USNS Pomeroy was launched March 10. The ships in the prepositioning fleet carry U.S. Army tanks, armored personnel carriers, tractor-trailers and other equipment and supplies to potential areas of conflict around the world. They also provide surge sealift support of remote military actions. Their multi-use capabilities make these cargo ships among the most flexible ever built. Ready for the cutting of the ceremonial cake are (from left) SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Steward/Baker Chris Hale and Capt. Kurt Kleinschmidt. Recertified Bosun Edward Cain meets with SIU President Michael Sacco. Posing on deck are (from left) SIU Exec. VP John Fay, VP Contract Augie Tellez, AB Robert Stenehjem and SIU President Michael Sacco. Notice to SIU Civil Service Mariners In September 2000, representatives of the Afloat Personnel Management Center (APMC) and the union met to discuss a number of items affecting the working conditions of civit service mariners sailing aboard MSC vessels. The agency wanted to implement a new policy concerning -m ariners who report for duty with expired Coast Guard docu;ments. Initially, the APMC intended to implement this policy in November 2000. After lengthy negotiations in which the union $ought a number of protections and certain administrative ~ssistance for mariners, it was determined that beginning July 1) 2001, mariners who report to duty with expired Coast · Guard documents will be ineligible to receive subsistence and quarters payments. Please take the necessary steps to renew your documents early. The ship's purser has all the forms and wiU send your paperwork to the Coast Guard for renewal. Please keep proof of mailing your documents for renewal. Home of record must ,pe the United States. If you renew early enough, your documents should be waiting for you when you complete your tour ;:of duty. The APMC and the union also have information to · help you. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance. Remember to '~r~new early to remain eligible for subsistence and quarter .siPRYr.J1ents. /t;:#f} ·~ Apri/2001 Left: With VP Contracts Augie Tellez (left) and SIU President Michael Sacco is QMED Charles H. Kennedy. Chief Cook Claudia Kammeyer shows off a slice of freshly baked salmon. Membership Approves Tally Committee Report During the March membership meetings, Seafarers approved the report of the rank-and-file tallying committee, which detailed the results of the recently concluded SIU general election. The report noted that there were two or more candidates in each of the following five races for office: president, secretary-treasurer, vice president contacts, vice president West Coast, and vice president Great Lakes and inland waters. In those respective elections, the committee reported the following results from eligible votes cast: • President-Michael Sacco received 91 percent of votes cast. Robert J. Clinton III received 6.5 percent; Charles Burdette Collins received 2.4 percent. • Secretary-Treasurer-David Heindel received 81 percent of votes cast. Michael D. Murphy received 12 percent; William Parker received 7 percent. • Vice president contracts-Augie Tellez received 89 percent of votes cast. Larry Frank Phillips received 11 percent. • Vice president West Coast-Nick Marrone received 88 percent of votes cast. Kevin Bertel received 12 percent. • Vice president Great Lakes and inland waters-Thomas Orzechowski received 82 percent of votes cast. Woodrow Shelton received 18 percent. The committee also reported that the membership approved each of the five proposed constitutional amendments appearing on the ballot. In order, the amendments pertained to a dues increase; an increase in officials' working dues; membership meeting quorums; a name change to reflect the merger of the National Maritime Union (NMU) into the SIU; and the addition of two executive board slots, also in consideration of the SIU-NMU merger. In that same order, the amendments were approved with the majority of eligible votes accounting for 76, 77, 84, 87 and 91 percent, respectively. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, voting took place via secret ballot from Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000. The tallying committee was composed of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the SIU's 10 constitutional halls). Seafarers LOB 13 �PINEYPOIJ T The essential piece to your family vacation puzzle/ Here it is ... already April. The kids will be out of school within the next couple of months, and they are busy thinking of things they would like to do this summer. You are probably thinking of ways you would like to spend your vacation, too. How to solve the problem of satisfying each member of the family? Everyone can do the activities they enjoy most by taking advantage of the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Let the facilities at Piney Point be the final piece to a memorable summer vacation. Ideally situated on the banks of the St. George's Creek in Southern Maryland, all the ingredients for a fun-filled holiday can be found on the grounds or within driving distance of the center. Entertaining day trips throughout historic Maryland and the Washington, DC. metropolitan area can fill time between fishing trips or tennis matches right on the center's facilities. The Paul Hall Center, which houses the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States, is composed of a number of administrative and educational buildings as well as a library and maritime museum and a six-story training and recreation center on more than 60 acres of waterfront property. A number of the rooms in the training and recreation center are set aside during the summer months for vacationing SIU members and their families. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and in the lobby is the Sea Chest, where personal items, magazines, snacks and SIU souvenirs are sold. Your stay at Piney Point, which can last up to two weeks per family, also includes three delicious meals each day. At the center are a picnic area with grills and tables, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a health spa (including Nautilus, free weights, universal gym, sauna and steamroom) and plenty of space for walks or jogs on the beautifully landscaped grounds. This peaceful setting provides the opportunity for both waterand land-based expeditions. The center has a marina where vacationers may take a boat out for the day to sail around the region or look for a good fishing spot. With Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day A drive of less than two hours will bring you into the nation's capital. The Washington Monument reopened late last summer after a 30-month, $9.4 million restoration and affords a great view of the city. And at the National Zoo are two pandas, recently brought over from China, as well as a baby giraffe-not to mention hundreds of other rare animals, living in their natural habitats. Or you can catch an Orioles' ball game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. The choices are unlimited, depending on your interests. And the Paul Hall Center is the link to all of them. To take advantage of this unique benefit to SIU members and their families, send in your reservation form now. 4/01 PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. 400 miles of waterline surrounding St. Mary's County, waterborne activities are abundant. But there is plenty to do outside the gates of the Paul Hall Center as well. In Southern Maryland alone are lots of places of historical significance as well as other attractions, including seafood festivals, art exhibitions, antique and craft shows and theater productions. Name: Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book number: Address: Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. 2nd choice: _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) 3rd choice: _ __ Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. Apri/2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea FEBRUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltiinore Guam TOTAL SHIPPED AJI Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 I 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 8 19 18 4 11 1 3 4 0 8 10 4 0 17 0 3 4 9 4 7 5 5 2 3 3 20 New Orleans 12 25 16 10 3 7 22 3 3 3 19 10 230 11 12 133 '.Alg~ti~c · · o o o. Baltllpore 2 3 .~· J1•,J~Qt Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 0 0 1 fl, 5 18 17 7 2 10 2 2 20 7 5 4 0 3 2 1 0 3 7 4 2 3 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point , PuertO Rico San Francisco St. L-Ouis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Mobile ,New Orleans Ne~York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point . pueop Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port r AtgOJ;laC Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile 30 15 . 4 3 2 6 lo.>· I 8 9 112 68 9 2 8 7 20 21 9 9 2 3 3 3 5 4 0 2 6 5 7 0 0 2 18 2 23 28 179 6 1 8 9 95 2 8 5 41 0 0 3 8 0 8 3 53 z}. 2 0 4 3 8 4 4 10 2 2 2 4 ·10·· · 7 4 2 l 3 'J 3 ·. 12 1 0 1 6 6 77 11 9 40 14 9 96 1 3 4 57 0 0 0 0 0 0 l 0 3 0 3 7 l 1 0 2 2 Piney Point ............. Monday, May 7, June 4 25 15 16 24 22 29 15 4 13 36 5 19 8 14 10 6 4 2 4 4 3 3 8 6 2 46 34 17 13 12 16 414 197 110 0 6 0 7 26 l 25 54 2 0 1 0 0 T 0 1 0 7 5 24 6 0 22 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 6 6 13 2 3 2 0 0 3 11 0 1 12 4 2 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 19 5 2 5 7 9 11 4 6 7 6 2 1 0 0 2 3 1 18 0 19 16 132 1 1 1 0 0 5 40 1 0 0 0 I 3 30 2 (j Q 0 6 4 17 1 15 14 108 5 29 Algonac .................. Friday: May 11, June 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 10, June 7 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: May 16, June 13 Honolulu ................. Friday: May 18, June 15 Houston .................. Monday: May 14, June 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: May 10, June 7 Jersey City ..............Wednesday: May 23, June 20 Mobile ....................Wednesday: May 16, June 13 5 New Bedford -~~ ......;.1)iesday: May 22, June 19 New Orlea~l:.,..... ?:.;Tuesday: May 15, June 12 New York ................Tuesday: May 8, June 5 6 0 3 0 Norfolk ...................Thursday: May 12 4 6 16 7 7 4 0 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: May 9, June 6 10~ June 7 San:Erancisco ...·~....,.Thursday!.May V1, June 14 & San Juan ..................Thursday: May 10, June 7 4 St. Louis .... ~ ............Friday: May 18, June 15 2 3 Tacoma .................. :Fnday: May 25;1'.Jiine 22 1 0 1 0 0 13 2 2 1 3 0 3 4 6 11 3 19 6 188 11 6 5 3 6 6 5 15 11 15 142 8 64 2 5 11 0 4 4 0 3 1 1 0 0 3 0 16 24 23 14 12 30 10 3 8 4 1 2 1 0 0 0 7 3 8 4 10 10 8 24 2 4 0 3 0 4 0 0 3 3 2 4 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 43 I 0 10 7 5 43 27 7 1 5 50 261 72 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 44 0 0 0 9 2 10 I 5 10 0 3 1 163 12 21 7 11 931 Wi~ngton +·w ...,....Monday: May ~li,June 18 Eadl port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personal JACK SWEENY SIU Pensioner Eugene Soyring would like to get in touch with 2nd Cook Jack Sweeny, a friend with whom he worked on the Great Lakes. Anyone with information about Brother Sweeny should contact Eugene Soyring at 1625 Maryland Avenue, Superior, WI 54880. Burial at Sea for Chief Cook Grant ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 l 0 0 0 5 17 10 7 4 1 3 1 0 7 102 6 9 5 5 I 2 0 13 6 10 5 19 18 11 3 4 2 14 1 16 17 3 23 3 8 0 17 5 0 10 2 1 4 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco 2 0 1 5 5 St. Louis 0 6 0 0 4 5 108 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 183 125 1 9 1 7 9 5 1 0 4 9 8 0 2 6 0 6 4 43 131 225 29 1 2 0 13 6 91 517 381 363 412 272 12 19 3 6 3 0 43 20 18 10 14 40 21 2 28 27 2 25 27 6 8 4 27 2 24 19 68 276 46 23 387 687 610 1 5 7 0 7 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. April2DD1 2 1 0 3 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0· 3 0 5 14 New Orleans New York Totals All Departments 9 9 54 55 22 2 3 3 11 18 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 3 6 Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 Mobile ~ew York Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT l 1 I 10 24 26 6 16 16 10 17 13 14 2 2 4 6 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville MARCH 15, 2001 May & June 2001 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 7 3 The remains of Chief Cook Willie Grant were committed to the deep last December from aboard the CSX Hawaii. At latitude 27 degrees 14 minutes north, longitude 69 degrees 22 minutes west, the crew mustered on the stern of the vessel (top photo). Bosun Jim Hassan, far right, sent the photos to the LOG. The Lord's Prayer was read, followed by a moment of silence. His friend and shipmate AB Roberto Feliciano (left) scattered the ashes over the sea. Others of the crew who knew and sailed with Chief Cook Grant, who died Dec. 9, 2000, were Ronald Bleacher, Anthony Rosa and Nevelle Hughes. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Directory FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 2001 Michael Sacco President John Fay Executive Vice President CL - Company/Lakes Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel L-Lakes **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Tom Orzechowski Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram .. .. Vice President Government Services DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 19 9 0 4 2 0 8 3 0 17 31 0 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 3 0 0 19 8 0 1 1 0 7 3 0 14 31 HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 4800 l 41 Totals All Depts 0 48 45 0 7 1 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 43 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC, Anchorage. AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St, Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 FEBRUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St. Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478...()916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328·7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPIDA 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.AndrewsAve., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522· 7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861 -3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 {253) 272-7774 - WILMINGTON SION. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 MARCH 15, 2001 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0, ·-:·.;. 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 0 2 3 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 Q. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~:·f 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 3 0 7 0 Totals All Depts 3 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 5 0 22 27 0 0 0 0 0 Ir " I 0 0 0 0 0 27 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST The photo at right was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Mike Carlin of Ship Bottom, N.J. It was taken in July 1956 aboard the SS Steel Seafarer, an Isthmian Steamship Co. vessel. The ship was en route to Saigon with a full load. "After two weeks we backloaded for Kaohsiung," Carlin wrote in a note accompanying the photo. ''Then to Yokohama and Hawaii to load for North Europe. We were the first 'Steel' ship to enter Antwerp since the old Steel Traveler hit a mine and sank in 1945. We were in Bremerhaven loading for the Persian Gulf when the Suez War broke out, closing the Canal and sending us back to the U.S." From the left are AB Mike Carlin, AB Gunnar Hansen, OS Harold 'Knobby' Eustace, Bosun Horace 'Rudy' Mobley, AB Leo Doucette and (in front) AB Vic Carravello. Brother Carlin joined the SIU in 1949, first sailing on the Liberty Ship Irene Star. He retired in 1997. "Looking back," he wrote, the trip during which this photo was taken ''was the best trip I ever made." Apri/2001 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-jlag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or • Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ive captains are among the 14 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Inland members Percy P. Doucet, James C. Hudgins, Herman L, Ireland Jr., Richard C. Morris, and Ernie E. Watson sailed the inland waterways at the helms of their respective vessels for a combined 134 years. One of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three plied the Great Lakes, and the remaining 10, which include the former captains, navigated the inland waterways. Eleven of the retirees worked in the deck department, two shipped in the engine department and one sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. HOWARD HEROLD, 57, joined the SIU in 1968. Brother Herold first sailed aboard the Huron F DEEP SEA FAGALILO MALIGA, 58 started his SIU career in 1978, joining in the port of San Francisco. . Brother Maliga first sailed aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Magdelena. Born in American Samoa, he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Maliga last worked aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. He lives in Long Beach, Calif. GREAT LAKES KENNETH GLASER, 61, joined the SIU in 1975 in the port of Detroit. Prior to starting his career with the Seafarers, Brother Glaser served in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 to 1959. He was born in Monroe, Mich. and first sailed aboard an H&M Lake Transport vessel. Brother Glaser shipped in the deck department, upgrading his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1978, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1993 and 1994. Brother Glaser last sailed aboard a Luedtke Engineering Co. vessel. He lives in Unionville, Mich. Portland Cement, operated by Inland Lakes Management, Inc. He shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Herold upgraded his skills in 1978 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard American Steamship Co. 's American Republic. Brother Herold calls Evergreen Park, Ill. home. MOHAMED A. OMER, 64, hails from Yemen. Brother Omer joined the SIU in 1987 in the port of Algonac, Mich. He first sailed aboard the Southdown Challenger, operated by Cement Transit Co. Brother Omer shipped as a member of the engine department. He last sailed aboard American Steamship Co. 's Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Omer resides in Dearborn, Mich. INLAND CHARLES COLLINGS, 62, hails from Philadelphia. Boatman Collings started his SIU career in 1960 in New York. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Boatman Collings sailed primarily aboard Crowley Liner Services, Inc. (Crowley TMT) vessels. He lives in Philadelphia. ¥ PERCYP. DOUCET, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1967, joining in Port Arthur, Texas. Born in ...___.....11m..._J Louisiana, Boatman Doucet shipped as a captain. He worked primarily aboard Hvide Marine Towing Co. Politically Active in Virginia Supporting pro-maritime political candidates is a constant endeavor for retired Seafarer Max Simerly (left), an officer in the Hampton Roads, Va. chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. He is pictured during a campaign event last year in Williamsburg, Va. with U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R), whose district includes Newport News Shipbuilding, and U.S. Sen. John Warner (R), who cosponsored the Maritime Security Program. Apri/2001 vessels. Boatman Doucet calls Welsh, La. home. WILLIAM M.HOEY, 68, started his SIU career in 1982, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Amember of the deck department, Boatman Hoey sailed primarily aboard Crowley Liner Services, Inc. vessels. A native of Philadelphia, he now calls Wilmington, Del. home. =----=""'JAMES C. HUDGINS, 62, began his SIU career in 1961, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, Captain Hudgins first sailed aboard the Steel Architect, operated by Isco Inc. He last shipped on an Allied Towing Co. vessel. The captain calls New Point, Va. home. L _ _ _ _ ...................__ __J HERMANL. IRELAND JR., 61, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in Lowland, N.C., Boatman Ireland first sailed aboard an Express Marine Inc. vessel. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a master. He last sailed aboard a Mariner Towing (Maritrans) vessel. Boatman Ireland lives in Bayboro, N.C. in the engine department. Boatman Nguyen sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessels. He lives in Huntington Beach, Calif. ROBERSON F. IRELAND, 45, hails from Fairfield, N.C. Boatman Ireland began his SIU career in 1974 in "' Norfolk, Va. • ERNIE N. WATSON, He frrst sailed aboard a Steuart 62, joined the Transportation Co. vessel. BoatSIU in 1968 in man Ireland shipped as a member the port of of the deck department. He Philadelphia. upgraded his skills at the SIU's Prior to training school in Piney Point, becoming a Md. in 1978 and 1998. Boatman Seafarer, the Ireland last sailed aboard the North Carolina native served in Diplomat, operated by Maritrans. the U.S. Marine Corps from 1956 He resides in Engelhard, N.C. to 1959. A captain, Boatman Watson sailed primarily aboard RICHARD C. Mariner Towing Co. vessels. He MORRIS, 57, resides in Pantego, N.C. was born in Giles County, EARNESTE. Va. He started WYATT, 58, his SIU career hails from in 1966, joinHopewell, Va. ing in the port Boatman of Norfolk, Va . ....___......__..... Wyatt began A captain, Boatman Morris sailed his SIU career primarily aboard Allied Towing in 1960, joinCo. vessels. He upgraded his ing in the port skills in 1993 at the Seafarers of Norfolk, Va. He sailed in the Harry Lundeberg School of deck department, first working Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Captain Morris lives in Corp. vessel. Boatman Wyatt Morehead, N.C. upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, JIMMY NGUYEN, 62, hails Md. in 1992, 1994 and 1997. He from Vietnam. Boatman Nguyen last sailed aboard an Allied joined the SIU in 1989 in the port Towing Co. vessel. Boatman of Wilmington, Calif. He worked Wyatt lives in Prince George, Va. the Peter Larsen Memorial Oinic, drew an audience of more than ·5 00 guests from 1946 ..the industry, various government agencies Voting on the ships of the Isthmian including tile U.S. Public Health Service Steamship Company in the National Labor and the Coast Guard, the medical profesRelations Board election commenced on sion and the trade union movement, plus March 29. The first ship to be voted was Seafarers. The Brooklyn center is the first the SS Mobile City in New Orleans, on of four planned. The other three will be Saturday, Jvlarch rr;:::::==========================~ located in 29. Within a few Baltimore, New days, baHots were Orleans and Mobile. cast on the Wm. N. Byers in Galveston, 1965 the Nicaragua The SIU sharply Victory and the protested another Mandan Victory in by the effort Baltimore, the Secretary of Thomas Cresap in New York and the Agriculture, Orville L Freeman1 to underMarine Fox in Seattle. All reports indicate mine the 50· 50 laws by attempting to a favorable SIU vote. (Editor's note: The end the requirement on the use of NLRB later certified the SIU as the bargainAmerican-flag vessels in the export of ing representative of the company's unlifarm products to Soviet bloc countries. censed mariners.) Under federal regulations in effect since 1957 the first wheat safes to Russia were negotiThe Seafarers Welfare Plan medical cenated by the Kennedy administration in ter, the first seamen's health center in 1963, at least half of these cargoes must maritime, was officially opened in be carried in U.S. ships. SIU's criticism Brooklyn on April 16. The next morning was voiced in a letter signed by SIUNA the center was functioning, giving comPresident Paul Hall, and sent to members plete physical examinations to Seafarers of the President's Maritime Advisory and recommending treatment where necCommittee as well as to the chairmen of essary by private physictans or the Public the appropriate House and Senate comHealth Service. Dedication of the center, mittees. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THIS MONTH IN SIU HISTORY Seafarers LOB 17 - �f' ~nal Departures • DEEP SEA CHESTER ALLEN Pensioner Chester Allen, 81, died Dec. 12, 2000. Brother Allen started his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of Bal'----"-"----.!..4.---- timore. A member of the engine department, he first sailed aboard the Oremar. Brother Allen, a native of Illinois, last shipped aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. 's Bayamon. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1941 to 1942 and began receiving his pension in 1982. Brother Allen lived in Baltimore. PERRY BURNETTE Pensioner Perry Burnette, 78, died Nov. 14, 2000. Brother Burnette started his SIU career in 1969 in Tampa. Born in New Port Richey, ' - - - - - = " " " " " ' L . - - - ' Fla., he sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Burnette first shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He last sailed on Crowley American Transport's Diplomat. Brother Burnette served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1943 and began receiving his pension in 1982. Lake Panasoflkee, Fla. was his home. LESLIE COVERT Pensioner Leslie Covert, 72, passed away Dec. 12, 2000. Brother Covert began his career with the SIU in 1967, joining in the port of L~~~~~'.:_J Seattle. Born in Pennsylvania, he first sailed aboard the Inger, a Reynolds Metals Co. vessel. Brother Covert shipped in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Great Land, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. Brother Covert served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954. He began receiving his pension in 1994. Brother Covert lived in Seattle. LOUIS DURACHER Pensioner Louis Duracher, 66, died Oct. 21, 2000. Brother Duracher began his SIU career in 1951, joining in the port of New Orleans. A '---"""""'""......_-'-"• member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard the Alcoa Partner. The Louisiana native last worked on a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Duracher began receiving his pension in 1984. He resided in Metairie, La. RICHARD GUERIN Pensioner Richard Guerin, 77, passed away Dec. 19, 2000. Brother Guerin began his career with the SIU in 1953, joining in the port of New ::::..__--..i York. The New York native shipped in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Oregon. Brother Guerin served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945 and began receiving his pension in 1991. He lived in Las Vegas. ANTHONY GUILIANO Pensioner Anthony Guiliano, 76, 18 Seafarers LOS died Nov. 21, 2000. Brother Guiliano started his SIU career in 1947 in the port of New York. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he sailed in the deck department. Brother Guiliano served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He began receiving his pension in 1969 at bis home in New Jersey. LUCIEN GUMM Pensioner Lucien Gumm, 65, passed away Dec. 16, 2000. Brother Gumm began his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Seattle. He first sailed aboard the Seatrain New Jersey. Born in Washington state, Brother Gumm shipped in the deck department. Brother Gumm served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1972. He began receiving his pension in 1994. Brother Gumm resided in Tacoma, Wash. FLOYD JENKINS Pensioner Floyd Jenkins, 72, died Dec. 13, 2000. He joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. Born in Florida, Brother Jenkins first shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The engine department member last shipped aboard the Overseas Washington. He began receiving his pension in 1984. Brother Jenkins resided in Shelbyville, Texas. RICHARD KOCH Pensioner Richard Koch, 84, died Nov. 3, 2000. Brother Koch joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. Born in Newark, NJ., he sailed in the engine department. Brother Koch's first ship was the Chiwawa, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. He last sailed on the Connecticut. Brother Koch began receiving his pension in 1978. He called Piney Point, Md. home. ROBERT MACKEEN Pensioner Robert Mackeen, 72, passed away Nov. 11, 2000. Brother Mackeen joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1953 in Portland, Ore. Born in Boston, he shipped as a member of the steward department. He first sailed aboard the President Jefferson, and his last ship was the President Pierce, both American President Lines vessels. Brother Mackeen served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He began receiving his pension in 1989. Brother Mackeen resided in Oregon. DOMINGO MILLA Pensioner Domingo Milla, 77, died Dec. 2, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1968 in the port of Seattle. Brother Milla first sailed on the Enid Victory, operated by Columbia Steamship Co. Born in Hawaii, he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Milla last sailed aboard the SeaLand Express. He started receiving his pension in 1994. Bay Point, Calif. was his home. RUBEN NEGRON Pensioner Ruben Negron, 79, passed away Dec. 16, 2000. Brother Negron joined the SIU in 1951 in Miami. He first sailed aboard the Stonewall Jackson, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Negron worked in the steward department. He last sailed on Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. 's Borinquen. Brother Negron began receiving his pension in 1982. He lived in his native commonwealth. MASAYUKI OHIRA Pensioner Masayuki "Harry" Ohira, died Sept. 27, 2000. Born in Hawaii, Brother Obira began his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of San Francisco. As a member of the steward department, he shipped primarily aboard American President Lines vessels including the President Kennedy and the President Wilson. He began receiving his pension in 1985. Brother Ohira resided in San Francisco. AUBREY RANKIN Pensioner Aubrey Rankin, 78, passed away Dec. 12, 2000. He began his SIU career in 1942,joining in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Alabama, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Rankin first sailed aboard the Alcoa Runner. He last worked on the Cove Navigator. Brother Rankin, who lived in Mobile, began receiving his pension in 1984. WILLIAM SMITH Pensioner William Smith, 88, passed away Nov. 17, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1951,joining in the port of New York. Brother Smith first sailed on the Yorkmar. Born in Apoka, Fla., he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Smith last sailed aboard a Cove Shipping Co. vessel. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945 and started receiving his pension in 1982. Brother Smith lived in Houston. JOHN SULLIVAN Pensioner John Sullivan, 77, passed away Nov. 18, 2000. Brother Sullivan started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. Born in Massachusetts, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Sullivan last worked on the Sea-Land Tacoma. He began receiving his pension in 1986. Brother Sullivan lived in Shelton, Wash. GLENN WINCHESTER Pensioner Glenn Winchester, 65, passed away Aug. 29, 2000. Born in Colorado, he started his SIU career in 1963 in New York. A member of the engine department, he first sailed aboard the Beauregard. Brother Winchester last worked aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. He began receiving his pension in 1994. Brother Winchester lived in San Jose, Calif. NORMAN WROTON Pensioner Norman Wroton, 70, died Jan. 9. He .began his SIU career in 1948, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Wroton shipped as a member of the engine department and sailed primarily aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. vessels. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1952 and began receiving bis pension in 1985. Brother Wroton resided in Chesapeake, Va. FERNANDO ZAVALA Brother Fernando Zavala, 76, died Oct. 15, 2000. He joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Zavala sailed in the steward department. His first ship was an Intercontinental Transportation vessel. Brother Zavala last worked aboard the San Juan, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. He called Bronx, N. Y. home. INLAND JACK CHAPMAN Pensioner Jack Chapman, 84, died Nov. 11, 2000. Born in North Carolina, he joined the SIU in 1957 in Philadelphia. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a tug captain. Boatman Chapman last worked aboard a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1978. Boatman Chapman lived in Kitty Hawk, N.C. IRVIN CUTRES Pensioner Irvin Cutres, 83 passed away Oct. 9, 2000. Boatman Cutres began his career with the SIU in 1958, joining in the port of New ~...____, Orleans. Born in Louisiana, he served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1947. The deck department member worked primarily aboard Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessels. Boatman Cutres began receiving his pension in 1982. He resided in Marnmond, La. WAYNE KNAPP Boatman Wayne Knapp, 74 passed away April 4, 2000. He joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Detroit. Boatman Knapp served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943 to 1947. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard an H&M Lake Transport vessel. Boatman Knapp last worked on a Bigane Vessel Fuel Co. of Chicago vessel. Manitowoc, Wis. was his home. GIOVANNI MENNELLA Pensioner Giovanni Mennella, 71, died Oct. 24, 2000. Boatman Mennella began his career with the SIU in 1980, joining in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He served with the U.S. Army from 1947 to 1951. A member of the steward department, he worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. Boatman Mennella started receiving his pension in 1997. He lived in Fontana, Calif. LOUIS P. ROLLO Pensioner Louis P. Rollo, 77, passed away Oct. 28, 2000. Boatman Rollo joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. A member of the steward department, the New Jersey native worked primarily aboard Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessels. He began receiving his pension in 1992. Boatman Rollo lived in Philadelphia. JOHN SHAW Pensioner John Shaw, 88, died Nov. 18, 2000. He began his career with the SIU in 1961 in Philadelphia. Boatman Shaw shipped as a member of the steward department. The Pennsylvania native sailed primarily aboard Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessels. Boatman Shaw began receiving his pension in 1977. He resided in Tampa, Fla. GREAT LAKES JACOB HAJOSTEK Pensioner Jacob Hajostek, 79, passed away Jan. 31. Brother Hajostek began his career with the SIU in 1962 in Cleveland. A member of the :....-....:s..---.... deck department, he worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. Born in Cleveland, Brother Hajostek served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He started receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Hajostek called Lakewood, Ohio home. JOSEPH KEELAN Pensioner Joseph Keelan, 88, died Jan 22. Brother Keelan started his SIU career in 194 7 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in -i.....-Jo....._~ Pennsylvania, Brother Keelan shipped as a member of the deck department. He started receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in Tampa, Fla. Apl'il 2001 �Digest of ~ipboard n. ~ pnioli 'Meetings The "8eatarenLOG attempts to print as many digests at union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion~ because of space limflallons, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. CONSUMER (CSX Lines), Jan. 24----Chairrnan Redentor G. Borja, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Ray L. Chapman, Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 30 on arrival in Oakland, Calif. He led discussion of company policy against harassment and encouraged crew members to read policy and follow it carefully. Secretary announced vessel going into shipyard in Singapore for approximately 35 days beginning in February. Educational director advised everyone to check expiration dates on seamen's documents and be ready for Feb. 1, 2002 STCW compliance. No beefs reported. Some disputed OT noted by deck and engine delegates. Crew members in engine department listed repairs needed to pumps. Suggestion made for health plan to issue identification cards to family members and improve dental and optical coverage. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland; Honolulu. DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Jan. 31-Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary Jasper Jackson Jr. Ship to pay off Feb. 7 in Long Beach, Cali£, according to chairman. Secretary noted smooth voyage. Educational director reminded crew members to keep STCW and Coast Guard documents up to date. Treasurer announced $260 in ship's fund. Some beefs and disputed OT reported in engine department. Request made for second washing machine and repair of dryer. Suggestion made to check if company will supply summer or lightweight overalls. HM/CAPE LOOKOUT SHOALS (IUM), Jan. 4----Chairman Peter R. Hokenson, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Steward Delegate Christopher Amigable. Chairman noted washer and dryer received on board in Alaska and now waiting to be installed. Two new refrigerators also received and installed in each mess room. He thanked steward department for holding meals for deck department members who were docking vessel. Secretary thanked all engine and deck personnel for help given him since he returned from vacation. He also thanked DEU Amin Ali for fme job. Educational director informed crew about need to have STCW certificate by Feb. 1, 2002. He also suggested upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. as often as possible. Deck delegate reported problems with working hours in Alaska, and engine delegate requested water fountain for lower engine room. Recommendation made to have SA aboard ship to take heavy workload off steward. Suggestions made to increase dental coverage and reduce time needed for retirement. Clarification needed regarding pay raises. Next ports: Anacortes, Wash.; Valdez and Kenai, Alaska. HM/ DEFENDER (Hvide Marine), Jan. 29-Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director George H. Bixby, Deck Delegate Frederick C. April2001 Meier, Engine Delegate Robert Young, Steward Delegate Peter Crum. Chairman announced ship payoff in Lake Charles, La. Everyone advised to use extra precaution on deck where work is being done. Secretary asked for help keeping pantry area clean at night. He also mentioned that crew should leave fresh linens in rooms for reliefs. Educational director stressed importance of going to Piney Point to upgrade skills and ratings. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Effective Jan. 1, 2001, IUM no longer in charge of personnel and transportation. Hvide Marine has their own personnel staff, and payroll will come from Texas. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Lake Charles; Tampa, Fla. /TB JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan Transportation Corp.), Jan. 30Chairman Timothy J. Jackson, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director Stanley M. Sporna, Deck Delegate Allan C. Davis, Engine Delegate Gary Boyd, Steward Delegate Eugene N. Perez Jr. Chairman has copy of Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 for those interested in reading it. He announced payoff scheduled for Feb. 1 in Houston. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall clean and orderly and noted great crew aboard vessel. Educational director advised crew members to keep up with maritime industry by taking courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for prescription and dental coverage for dependents and for one day off or extra day's pay for one month worked. Also requested that cost of living be added to pension benefit. Thanks given to steward department for extra food preparation and baking to help make voyage pleasant. Great job by DEU Boyd for keeping passageways in house spotless. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG), Jan. 2-Chairrnan Ralph G. Broadway, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director William E. Scott, Deck Delegate Richard L. Thomas, Steward Delegate Jack A. Hart. Chairman advised everyone to read LOG to keep updated on union and maritime activities. He also reminded crew to be sure seamen's documents are current and of importance of contributing to SPAD for job security. Payoff scheduled in Long Beach, Calif. Educational director talked about SIU benefits to help individuals improve themselves: the scholarship for seafarers and their dependents and the facility at Piney Point for upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase vacation pay and raise <layman's wages. Crew thanked steward department for barbecues and spectacular holiday meals. Bosun said he had never seen anything like the the great food in all his years at sea. Next ports: Long Beach; Portland, Ore. OVERSEAS JUNEAU (OSG), Jan. 12-Chairman Benedict B. Born, Secretary Charles Atkins, Educational Director Vladimir Babenko. Chairman sent fax regarding transportation policies of OSG. He noted Captain William T. Orr's letters of commendation to crew and to chief cook for excellent jobs. "You have performed in a professional manner and in this you may be proud," the captain wrote. Educational director urged everone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and keep up with STCW rules and regulations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for health plan to provide prescription coverage for family members. Request made for new water fountain for crew mess hall. Next port: Portland, Ore. PETERSBURG (IUM), January 22-Chairman Peter Funk, Secretary George J. Borromeo, Educational Director David Bodah, Deck Delegate Michael R. Merrell, Engine Delegate Jessie U. Ulibas, Steward Delegate Riyadh K. Shabi. Chairman expressed gratitude to VP Contracts Augie Tellez for great contract. "It has fully enriched our lives and pockets." Also thanked Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel for visiting ship in Guam, where it is stationed. Secretary stressed need for crew to meet STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002. Beefs reported in all three departments. Request made for clarifications of vessel's manning scale and shipping rules. Suggestion made to use some of ship's fund to subscribe to several magazines. Crew also asked for status of retroactive pay, if any, and expressed need for new ice machine in crew's mess hall and additional dryer(s). RELIANCE (CSX Lines), Jan. 7Chairrnan Timothy J. Fitzgerald, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Orlando Cancel, Deck Delegate Norman Tourtellot, Engine Delegate Omar Sharif, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman noted new mattress should arrive in Oakland Jan. 16. He asked for cooperation in putting trash in laundry room, not in small bags on deck. He also suggested everyone show consideration for others when doing laundry at night (e.g., items with metal buckles or large snaps create loud noise in washer and dryer). Secretary commended all for teamwork and for helping keep house clean. He requested that anyone departing ship see steward for clean linen for next person. Educational director advised crew members to take advantage of upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce time needed to receive vacation check. Request made for new VCR tape rewinder. Vote of thanks given to steward department for variety of good food and clean house. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Jan. 14----Chairman Mark S. Downey, Secretary Roderick K. Bright, Educational Director Donnell C. Tagart, Deck Delegate Robert Stevenson, Engine Delegate Dominic V. Whitty, Steward Delegate Stanley J. Krystosiak. Chairman noted toaster being replaced and new washer on order. He stated sickness and accident benefit now $25 per day and new name for Seafarers Welfare Plan is Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. He also advised everyone to be sure their sailing documents are updated and that they are STCW compliant by Feb. 1, 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase manpower aboard ship for cargo operations. Suggestion also made for transportation after 180 days and increased vacation. Next ports: Morehead City, N.C.; New Orleans, La. SPIRIT (CSX Lines), Jan. 28Chairman Edward J. Stoetzel, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Deck Delegate Stanley W. Parker, Steward Delegate Blaine R. Amundson. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash., possibly sailing for Oakland, Calif. the next day. Everyone should check sailing board before going ashore. He advised crew not to go out on deck in bad weather. Educational director James D. Palmquist, Engine Delegate Warren H. Wright, Steward Delegate Thomas E. Kleine. Chairman stated ship pulled into Okinawa, Japan Dec. 6 for four days, then again Dec. 24 for one day to put injured crew member ashore and pick up new member as well as fresh vegetables, fruit and ice cream. He recommended that new crew members be instructed at union hall what gear to bring with them- Working on the Prince William Sound Chief Cook Christopher Amigable (left) and Chief Steward Alan W. Bartley take time out to pose for a photo before serving dinner aboard the HM/ Cape Lookout Shoals. The IUM vessel was on a stopover in Kenai, Alaska at the time, where crew members were waiting for a new washer and dryer to be installed. advised crew members to upgrade at Piney Point and check out new courses. Treasurer stated $165 in ship's fund to be used for purchase of movies in Taiwan and new VCR head cleaner. Some beefs reported in deck department. Clarification requested from patrolman on why transportation is taxed. Crew also would like new mattresses, bed sheets, pillows and pillow covers. Steward department given vote of thanks for good food and clean mess hall. USNS ABLE (T-AGOS 20), (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Jan. 14-Cbairman Patrick A. Vandegrift, Secretary William F. Farmer, Educational Director Ken Carter. Chairman led discussion on new contract and answered all questions. Educational director suggested unlicensed crew members take advantage of Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills and better themselves. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All members expressed gratitude for new contract and gave vote of thanks to SIU officials for job well done. USNS BOWDITCH (Dyn Marine Services), Jan 7-Chairman Ed Nelson, Educational Director Rahul Bagcbi, Deck Delegate Donald L. Kelly, Engine Delegate David W. DeHart, Steward Harry Kimble. Chairman announced vessel leaving Singapore for Okinawa, Japan and asked everyone to practice safety at all times. Educational director noted everyone needs STCW certificate by Feb. 1, 2002. Those without STCW basic safety and basic fire fighting endorsements should attend courses at Piney Point as soon as possible. Several beefs reported relating to lack of overtime. Requested clarification on shipping rules. Suggestion made for medical identification cards for members and their families as well as coverage for family members living outside U.S. and territories. USNS EFFECTIVE (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Jan. 6--Chairman Ronald H. Corgey, Secretary Howard G. Williams, Educational Director Paul E. Worthington, Deck Delegate including steel-toed shoes, buck knives, work clothes. Secretary thanked VP Contracts Augie Tellez for great job on contract and wage increase. He noted everyone very happy with results. Everything running smoothly with no beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate stated "you can work all the overtime you like, if you want to." Request made for new gym equipment. Treadmill broken for several years and rest of equipment fairly old. Officers and unlicensed crew very pleased with great job by steward department. USNS KANE (T-AGS 27) (Dyn Marine Services), Jan. 24-Chairman Jay C. Dillon, Secretary Todd Easley, Educational Director Kenneth Koontz, Deck Delegate Kenneth H. Smith, Engine Delegate Curtis Thornton, Steward Delegate Jonn Noel. Chairman announced NavOps should fmish late Jan. 24 or early Jan. 25. Docking will be on the 29th with a draw after money arrives and is counted. Ship's turnover to foreign service still stands as briefed by captain. Educational director reminded everyone of benefits to upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Suggestion made that clarifications on all contracts be sent to company ships, faxed to union halls and printed in LOG. Next ports: Singapore; Istanbul, Turkey. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), Feb. 4-Chairman Russell F. Barrack Jr., Secretary Edward P. Dunn, Educational Director Kevin DeSue, Deck Delegate Charles Wright, Steward Delegate Jorge Mora. Chairman announced Feb. 9 payoff in Philadelphia. Everything running smoothly. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean and orderly. Educational director urged crew members to practice safety at all times, especially on deck and around reefers. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made to increase number of vacation days and raise monthly pension rate. Request made for more light bulbs, and all crew members were asked for ideas for new contract. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Next port: San Juan, P.R. Seafarers LOG 19 • �Ldtars to the Editor (Editor s note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) .. The Makings Of a Seafarer What makes a member pick the sea for a career? Here are my reasons. While growing up on the north side of Brooklyn, I-and others -would go down to the docks two blocks away with my homemade wagon in search of wood and coal for my apartment to burn in a belly stove for heat and cooking. There was no steam heat in those days. In doing so, I'd stop and watch ships of all shapes and sizes pass by with sticks (booms) raised in the air and with foreign flags flying at the rear. Once home, I'd look in an atlas of the world and locate the flags I remembered and see what country they were from and think of how far the ships had come. Sometimes I'd see crew members pass by talking a funny language and I'd wonder what it would be like in their country. There was a long pier in which the Brooklyn Navy Yard could be seen-where Navy ships were built before and after WWII. When the battleship North Carolina was launched before WWII, I saw it and wondered what it would be like to sail on it. Once WWII had started and America joined in, my older Brother, Steve, joined the maritime service and was trained at Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. He gave me and my brother, John, a sweatshirt with a logo of a shield and "U.S.M.S.T.S" - United States Maritime Service Training Station. We were so proud of him and showed it by wearing the shirts and telling everyone about him sailing in dangerous waters aboard the troopship Thomas A. Berry. His letters would describe life aboard the ship and the ports he'd ~ ~ ~ ~ ,• ~ ~ ~ ~ f ~ ~ • •~ ~ , "" •• • ~ """ ~ ~ , ~ • FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters I recently was asked to fill the District makes specific provision for chief steward position aboard the safeguarding the membership's MV Fidelio. It is always a won- money and union finances. The conderful experience to be able to stitution requires a detailed audit by work aboard different types of certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the vessels. I would like to thank Carl Peth membership by the secretary-treasurfor his encouragement during my er. A yearly finance committee of time upgrading at Piney Point. I rank-and-file members, elected by would also like to enclose a poem the membership, each year examines that I wrote while serving on the the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendaFidelio. I have witnessed that tions. The annual financial commitpositive changes always come tee will be elected during the May 7, about when kindness is present. 2001 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2000 records. Members of this committee may Kindness is like a precious make dissenting reports, specific recflower, dripping from the mornommendations and separate findings. ing rain. Kindness Doesn't Cost Anything Kindness is coming a long way from nowhere. Whenever we get lost, kindness is always there. Kindness doesn 1 cost anything. Kindness is daring ourselves to dream, only to find peaches and cream. Kindness is praying for, hoping for, and looking for that rainbow. Kindness doesn 1 cost anything. Every day, there is a broken heart, a tear is cried, a wish is made that never comes true, but kindness will always see us through. The things we do, the things we say, are gentle rays of hope that touch us every day. Kindness is a great big expression of happiness. It is important to keep in our hearts. Kindness doesn 't cost anything. Roslyn Nikita Brooks Norfolk, Va. .. Chief Steward Roslyn Nikita Brooks (center) enjoys working aboard the Fidelio with SA Eric Hernandez (left) and Chief Cook Elizer Saintvil. Indomitable Crew Assists All Denizens of the Sea ~ •~ • • .. been in. Once home, there were all his pictures to look at. He continued sailing and would write from ports all over the world, causing me to decide to sail also. So I went to a city maritime high school (Metropolitan Voe.). My last year before graduating, the school was given the Liberty Ship John W. Brown aboard which we could study. Everyone had a real pride in the ship. We wore a khaki uniform with a logo on the collar-an anchor for the deck department and a propeller for the engine department. The first day aboard, I got the feel of the deck under my feet. Entering the engine room, the smell of steam and oil convinced me that this was the life for me. Graduating in 1948 with my seamen's papers, I'd go to steamship companies only to be refused a job because I had no rating. I tried countless times, going to the SIU at Beaver Street, never able to get past Pete Larson, the doorman. I held odd jobs, but continued to go to the union hall until 1951. I guess Pete got tired of looking at me and sent me to the third floor, where I was given a trip card, meaning it was good for one foreign trip or 60 days coastwise. After the first trip on the Greeley Victory as a wiper going to the Persian Gulf, I was given a permit and sailed on it for eight years before getting a full book. There is no better job in the world than with the SIU-seeing all parts of the world, getting paid for it and enjoying the best benefits. To this day, I often dream of being on an SIU ship again. Walter Karlak Woodside, N.Y.- ~ .., SIU crew members aboard the USNS Indomitable (T-AGOS 7) recently got involved in a couple tasks that were "a litt~e out of the o~dinary," according to the ship's captain, Bruce E. Sonn. In a letter (with accompanymg photo) to the Seafarers LOG, Sonn states, "During an afternoon watch, AB James Hornby spotted what turned out to be a tangled clump of discarded fishing nets. "After maneuvering for a closer look, we noticed a loggerhead sea turtle hopelessly caught in the tangle. Bosun Robert Taylor, AB Adeeb Saleh and OS Clyde Wynne volunteered and launched the rescue boat to free the turtle. It took them about 40 minutes to cut away the nets. . "They mentioned that the turtle seemed to know that they were helping it and was actually cooperatmg. When Clyde unwrapped the last line from around the turtle's neck, it took off in a flash, obviously healthy and, I'm sure, quite happy." The trio also recovered the nets and disposed of them ashore to prevent any similar problems from occurring. This was not the first good deed performed by the Maersk ship's crew, according to Capt. Sann. The day before, the same three men brought MDR Martha "Ellen" Bye over to a Costa Rican fishing boat where she treated the captain for a shark bite. 20 Seafarers LOS Know Your Rights 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: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race creed color, sex, national or ge graphic ori~ gin. 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 egregated 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 bas been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. April2001 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes for the months of April through July 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here wil1 begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made/or Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-00 I 0. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman (including simulator steering assessments) April 7 June 2 June 30 July 28 May4 June 1 June29 July 27 August 24 LifeboatmanJWater Survival April 21 May19 June 16 July 14 Mays June2 June30 July 28 Radar (simulator) April 7 April 20 Radar (one-day renewal) July 6 July 27 Radar (three-day renewal) July3 July 23 July 5 July 26 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (simulator) April 21 June 16 July7 April27 June 22 July 13 Ap,ril 14 Mayl2 June 9 July 7 April 27 May25 June 23 July 21 June 23 July 14 June29 July 20 Mays (*must have radar unlimited) GMDSS (simulator) · ge Resource Management Date of Completion Arrival Date Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May 19 July 14 June 29 August 24 QMED - Any Rating April 30 July 20 Welding April 28 June9 July 21 May 18 June 29 Au.g ust 10 Date of Completion Start Date Course Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 6. Bosun Recertification April 7 May7 Steward Recertification July7 August 6 Safety Specialty Courses ... _ Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting April 14 May12 June9 April 21 May 19 Jone 16 Advanced Fire Fighting (one week) May5 May12 Advanced Fire Fighting - First Aid May 19 Jone2 Government Vessels April 14 April 28 May12 May26 June9 June 23 July 7 July 21 May4 May 18 June 1 June 15 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 10 STCW Basic Safety April 21 May12 April 28 May19 STCW Medical Care Provider May19 June 9 May26 June 16 Basic Fire Figbting/STCW Basic Safety April 14 April 28 May12 May26 June2 June9 June 23 June30 July7 July 21 July 28 April 27 May 11 May25 June8 June8 June 16 June 29 July 6 July 14 July 27 August 3 Ta ker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* pril 28 May26 June 23 July 21 May12 June9 August4 June 16 June 23 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* .. July7 (*must have basicfll'ejighting) Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. q ---~---·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- · -·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z -card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and OMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order onlv. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE Telephone _ __ __ _ __ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member Date of Birth D BEGIN END DATE DATE - - -- - - - - - - Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ Seniority _ _ __ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ __ _ Rating: _ __ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes DNo If yes, class# - - - - -- - - -- - -- - - -- - - -- - -- - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes 0 No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Apri/2001 • Recertification (*must have basic fire fighting) Engine Upgrading Courses Course Steward Upgrading Courses ~----------- Date Off: SIGNATURE - - - -- -- - -- - -- -- DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4/01 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Limited License - Phase ID Unlicensed Apprentices - Unlicensed apprentices from classes 603, 604 and 605 are in the third phase of their training, having completed the government vessels course as well as the DEU and tanker assistant cargo classes in February and March. They are (in alphabetical order) Emilio Abreu, Christopher Dionio, Paul Gohs, Michael Herrera, Jason Hudkins, Kevin Ignacio, Haven lussig, Justin Johnson, Roderic Kelly, Ralph Martin Jr., Jerald Martinez, William Mcintyre, John Rochez, Darren Rollins, Timothy Squire Jr., Damion Straughter, Daryl Thomas and David Vaughn. Captain Brad Wheeler (left) helped prepare students to take the limited license exam. From the left are Wheeler, John Daunoras, William Schuppman and James Anderson Ill. Wheeler graduated from Piney Point and later sailed as a hawsepiper before getting his master's license. Unlicensed Apprentice Class 612 - Completing the CPR portion of their training are members of class 612. The full class roster includes (in no particular order) Kareem Joseph, Ronald Carney Jr. , Jermaine Williams, Machavellia Bagsby, Justin Koger, Jason Frank, Paul Simpson, Tremaine Shamlee, Gary Martin, Melvin Espaillat, Eugene Burke II , Maynor Castro , Lisa Harewood, Juanita Christia, Manolo Cruz, Marlene Cunningham , Angelo Bottoni, Harry Morales and Rafael Costas. . Bridge Resource Management - Captain Herb Walling instructs Cro captains in the new bridge resource management course, which uses the school's full m sion bridge simulator. Completing the course Feb. 16 are (in no specific order) James Tank, Roger Horton, Robert August Sr., Steven Mitchell , William Callahan, John Jackson, Ronnie Harrington and Kenneth Griggs. Chief Cook- Basic Fire Fighting/STCW Basic Safety - Crew members who will be working aboard American Classic Voyages' new cruise ships recently completed the basic fire fighting course required for STCW certification. They are (in alphabetical order) Paulina Bigting, Gustavo Bolanos, Richard Jackson, Cheri Johnstone, Ronnie Kirby, Jason Musmeci, Heidi Pehrson, Kenisha Talbert, Linda VanNieuwenhuyse, Kristi Wickline, Chad Wistey, Melissa Gaskill, Tracy Ciavarelli and Michelle Kavlitzke. Their instructors were Joseph Zienda and Jennifer Lankford . Good food doesn't just happen! The efforts of SIU members like (from left) Marcus Rowe, Chris topher Boronski , Louis Hyde Sr. and Jeanette Higgins, under the direction of the school chef/instructors, account for the healthy and tasty food served in the galley. Galley Operations- Completing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (foreground, from left) Virginia Panocillo, Marlon Flores and Ronaldo Torres. Their instructors are (back, from left) Jeff Nelson , Anitra Mccleod and Chef Ed White. Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. 22 Seafarers LOB Basic Fire Fighting/STCW - This group of Seafarers who sail aboard NY Waterway vessels recently completed the STCW-required fire fighting course at the school. In no particular order are Dawn Burns, Tim Byam , Pepe Carumba , Tony Finn , Gabriel Joza, Keven Lohr, Mike Minnuies, Chris Mitchell, Tony Moyet, Anthony J. Rinkus Ill , Lenny Roman , Anthony Ryan, Mark Summers and Paul Ward . Apri/2001 �• Paul Hall Center Classes ... Breakfast, Anyone? ..... Army Corps of Engineers - Members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently took advantage of the facilities at the Paul Hall Center for training in fire fighting and water survival for STCW compliance. Those attending the course, which ended Jan. 18, include (in no specific order) Peter Sutton, Donald Brown, Wray Sweatt, Larry Watts, Lloyd Stock, Frank Gray, Kevin Combs, Lawrence Williams, Gualberto Salaria, Daniel Mccready, James O'Connor, Douvall Smith, Bob Childs, Bill Birch, John Rank, Arthur Rubolino, Joseph Layden, Andre Black, Don Dilley, George Cruzen Jr., Mark Trepp, Kevin Penrose, Joseph Conlin and Sam March. Unlicensed apprentices and staff members at the Paul Hall Center are the smiling faces who serve hundreds of meals to their SIU brothers and sisters and other staff and guests. The UAs rotate through the galley as part of their training. From the left are Matt Himes (class 613), staff member Chidi J. Ezeakolam and Michael King (class 613). ESL - Instructor Peggy Densford (standing in photo at left) works with unlicensed apprentices and upgraders to significantly improve their English language skills. From the left are Ali Alhaddad and Raul Napoles. ·- Computer Class - Computer literacy is required in all departments on today's modern ships. In photo at right, Alex Aguinaldo (left) and Leon Pulley (right) receive help from instructor Richard Prucha. First Group Completes Medical Training in New STCW Course Nine SIU members on March 2 completed the Paul Hall Center's first-ever medical first aid provider course. Conducted by instructors at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School in Piney Point, Md., the three-day, 21-hour module is the second level of medical training required by the amended STCW convention. It is designed to enhance the medical first aid provider skills of SIU members. "It's a very good course," offered AB Peter N agowski, a graduate. "I have had prior first aid training during my career, but I learned quite a bit more this time around. My skills were especially enhanced in the areas of trauma care, splinting and critical patient care. I definitely think this training will benefit me in the future should the need arise." Nagowski's frrst aid skills previously were put to task while at sea. The Buffalo, N.Y. native came to the aid of a shipmate who sustained major cuts aboard a vessel. "Thanks to my previous first aid training, I was able to stop the bleeding and provide care for him until we got him off the ship," recalled Nagowski, who joined the SIU in 1976. "Now that I have had this course, I will be able to provide better care to injured crew members while on ships. I would definitely recommend it for everyone in the mariner community. April 2001 "The instructor was very good," Nagowski concluded. "She (Jennifer Lankford) always listened to our questions and suggestions. I also think that the course time was adequate for the material presented." Massachusetts native AB Brian Wynn shared a similar assessment of the course. "I have had first aid and CPR training in the past, but I definitely am more knowledgeable now," he said. "This course is perhaps the most informative for mariners where rescuer safety is concerned." In addition to teaching what to do when injuries occur at sea, this training affords instruction on how to perform procedures safely so that victims and providers are not subjected to further injuries, Wynn said. "Injuries are common on ships, but often people don't know what to do from a safety perspective while caring for the injured," he said. "Through this training, I'm now a lot more knowledgeable of what to look out for as well as well as what to do when injuries occur." Wynn joined the SIU in 1987 and currently sails out of San Francisco. "We covered a lot of material in a short time during the course, but I think the instructor did an excellent job," he concluded. QMED Dennis Keenan regards the course as a stepping- stone in his career, and he looks forward to increased responsibility. "My mate is the medical person in charge on my vessel and he needed someone to assist him," the native New Yorker said. "This is one of the reasons why I took the course. I can now help him out as well as render assistance to other people aboard ship on the spot if needed." Keenan began his Seafaring career in 1998, joining in California. "I think it's a very beneficial course," Keenan continued. "Although I previously had EMT, first aid and CPR training, my skills have been greatly improved since taking this course. "Among many other things, I learned how to look up medications and their properties. This is very important if you are not sure about which medications to give," he said. Keenan himself needed immediate medical attention while at sea earlier in his career. "I got hit in the back with a line and block," he said. "No one really knew what to do at the time.u As it turned out, his injuries were not life-threatening. Eventually, he received proper care and now is fine. "When you are on watch and someone gets injured, you're supposed to get the mate before doing anything," Keenan said. "But now I can help someone needing assistance while the mate is getting there. I definitely can use the new skills I have acquired." In addition to Nagowski, Wynn and Keenan, the SCTW medical first aid provider class was completed by ABs Albert Austin, James Hoffman, Jerry Martinsen, David Rankin, Carlton Richardson and Stella Zebrowski. During the course, the nine mariners underwent a comprehensive review of the following topics: • Cardiac and airway management; • Rescuer safety; • Body structure; • Examination of trauma victims and medical patients; • Head and spinal injuries; • Treatment of burns; • Musculoskeletal injuries; • Medical care of rescued persons; • Obtaining radio medical advice; • Medication administration, and e Sterilization techniques. Instructor Lankford was pleased with the efforts put forward by members of the class and expressed pride at their respective accomplishments. "This was the first class, but it seemed to go great from my perspective," she said. "The students were genuinely interested in the materials we presented and they asked some very pointed questions. "As a group, they had many good ideas on things we could do better the next time around, and we 're always receptive to that. We appreciate the feedback," Lankford said. Seafarers LOS 23 �Attention Seafarers: Let the Paul Hall Center solve your vacation needs. See page 14 for additional Information. Based in Baltimore, the Wave Sentinel signifies new shipboard job opportunities for the SIU. The Sill recently gained new shipboard jobs when Seafarers climbed the gangway to the cable ship Wave Sentinel. Built in 1995, the 415-foot vessel is based in Baltimore. It is owned by Global Marine Systems of Chelmsford, England, and flies the British flag. U.S. immigration laws require the ship to utilize American citizens in the unlicensed positions and in some of the officers' posts. "This was a case where the ship was going to carry American mariners in the unlicensed ranks, so we organized it," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "It's a fairly unique situation and it's always gratifying to see a ship sail with a union crew instead of going non-union. We welcome the new jobs." The contract covering wages and benefits on the Wave Sentinel basically parallels the agreements covering other Sill-crewed cable ships. Recertified Bosun Dave Kalm reported smooth operations since Seafarers first signed on to the vessel Dec. 18, including during the ship's most recent cable repair job--a three-week assignment off the Florida coast in February. "The crew has done a tremendous job," stated Kalm. He added that Sill Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz "deserves recognition also, because he's been here quite often to help us make the adjustment to working aboard a newly contracted ship." Kalm noted that the interaction between the vessel's senior officers, who are British, and the SIU crew has been positive. "The officers have been great. They're really pleasant and we've all gotten along well with them." The Wave Sentinel has a top speed of 19 knots and can carry up to 2,600 tons of cable. It has a beam of 69 feet and a maximum draft of 20.6 feet. The steward department includes (from left) SAs Richard Jefferson and Justin Van Pelt along with Chief Cook Harry Galdeira. Right: SIU hawsepiper Matthew Sandy recently began his first assignment as a third mate, on the Wave Sentinel. With Seafaren in Baltimore • • • Recent stops during a drizzly Friday in Baltimore found SIU members typically active aboard commercial ships, military support vessels, and tugboats. Also evident was the membership's continued enthusiasm for the new SIU hall on Essex Street, which opened last summer. These photos were taken March 16. Getting the job done aboard the USNS Fisher are Chief Cook James Kelly (left) and Chief Steward Robert Brown. The Baltimore hall features modern decor (left) blended with historical furnishings from previous SIU halls (right) in that city. Deckhand Joe Schrack (standing) and Engineer Billy Epps are part of the crew on the tug Cape Romain. Right: Storekeeper Joe Tegiacchi (left) welcomes SIU Port Agent Dennis Metz aboard the USNS Fisher. Deckhand Dave Green is pictured on the tug Mora Moran. IT FRIENDLY FACES: Retired Bosun Roland "Snake" Williams (top photo) and Administrative Assistant Lisa Clark (right) help keep the Baltimore hall operating smoothly. SUPER CELEBRATION: Enjoying the spirit of the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl victory are (from left) Bosun Brian Fountain, Retired Bosun Roland "Snake" Williams, Lisa Clark and AB William Thomas. Left: Changing a filter on the tug Cape Romain is Engineer Billy 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 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MEET ‘1ST OFFICER COCKROFT’ PANAMA SELLS PHONY CREDENTIALS ITF FURTHER EXPOSES FOC SCAM YEAR-LONG RESEARCH YIELDS GRIM EVIDENCE SIU-NMU MERGER PACT PRESENTED TACOMA HALL WITHSTANDS EARTHQUAKE NEWARK BAY RENAMED DANGEROUS MEXICAN TRUCKS THREATEN U.S. ROAD SAFETY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED IN HOUSE TO RESCUE U.S. STEEL INDUSTRY STEELWORKERS STEADFAST IN NAFTA COURT BATTLE ON PAPER, MARAD TESTS RRF CREWING MERCHANT MARINE PANEL NAMED SEAFARERS SEEK GOOD-FAITH NEGOTIATIONS WITH ITT NAVY BASE UNIT SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED FOR ASC MARINERS IN SIU’S UNLICENSED APPRENTICE PROGRAM GREAT LAKES 2001 SEASON OFF TO AN EARLY START ‘MYSTERIOUS’ COOK-OFF UNFOLDS AT PINEY POINT LONGTIME SIU MEMBER CREDITS SARC FOR ‘TREMENDOUS BOOST, NEW LIFE’ RED CROSS HONORS HANSON TRIO FROM GUAM ACHIEVES GOALS SMPPP STATEMENTS MAILED IN MARCH CRUSADER SAFETY: 3 YEARS AND COUNTING TORPEDO SANK SS LEHIGH, BUT NOT PETE BARTLETT’S SPIRIT INSTRUCTOR CASEY TAYLOR DIES OF HEART FAILURE AT 53 USNS WATKINS DELIVERED TO MSC INDOMITABLE CREW ASSISTS ALL DENIZENS OF THE SEA FIRST GROUP COMPLETES MEDICAL TRAINING IN NEW STCW COURSE CABLE SHIP WAVE SENTINEL GOES SIU Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2001 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 63, No. 4 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/c426ad3645624cf49da3acc2cc39d68f.pdf 29694104e1aab2c6932d043194801771 PDF Text Text Volume 63, Number 3 March 2001 Message at MTD Meetings Stronger Merchant Marine Stronger United States! Speakers Cite National Defense Role Audience members at last month's meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board applaud pro-maritime comments by U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (center, photo at right). During the Feb. 8-9 gathering in Los Angeles, speakers representing labor, government, domestic shipbuilding and more cited key reasons why America needs a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine. Pictured with Abercrombie are MTD (and SIU) President Michael Sacco (right) and MTD Vice President Jack Stewart. Pages 3, 6, 7. STCW Guide for Seafarers Lott, Breaux Urge _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Pages 12-13 Steward Dept. Seafarers Crew USNS Mendonca The USNS Mendonca officially joined the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet on Jan . 30. SIU members are crewing the steward department. Page 3. President to Back Maritime Industry _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 3 Guam Apprentices on the Job Part of the Paul Hall Center's entry training program involves working aboard SIU-contracted vessels. Refining their skills aboard the LTC Calvin P Titus in Guam are Unlicensed Apprentices Jerald Martinez (left) and Christopher Dionio-both of whom , coincidentally, are part of the first class ever at the school which included citizens of Guam. Page 9. �President's Report . Shipyards' New Era The revitalization of the U.S. merchant marine depends upon many things. Recognizing that our national and economic security requires a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Maintaining a qualified pool of mariners. Sustaining a strong U.S. shipbuilding base. Upgrading America's ports for the challenges of the new century. Working to ensure continued support from Michael Sacco Congress and the administration. Publicizing the merchant marine's vital role throughout the nation's history, right through to the present. The SIU, of course, is concerned primarily with shipboard manpower. We pride ourselves on providing the best-trained, safest and most efficient crews in the world. But, look at the third point listed above. This crucial aspect of our industry's revival was highlighted last month at the winter meetings of the Maritime Trades Department executive board. Namely, domestic shipbuilding. Ron McAlear, president and CEO of the unionized K vaemerPhiladelphia Shipyard, gave an excellent presentation n his yard's rebirth, its strategies and its mission. When the rebuilding of the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard was completed last November, Kvaemer-Philadelphia primarily set its sights on building medium and large commercial vessels for the U.S. trade-containerships, RO/ROs, tankers, car carriers and more. It was a bold step. To its credit, Kvaemer-Philadelphia throughout this rebirth has focused on training local workers in modem shipbuilding methods. Utilizing new equipment both here and abroad, the workers prepared themselves to meet the shipbuilding demands of the new century. This is exactly the type of vision and dedication needed to build America's merchant marine so that it readily can protect the national interest. K vaemer-Philadelphia is using cutting-edge technology and a skilled, motivated work force to build U.S. commercial vessels. At the MTD meetings, McAlear talked about fostering a "partnership" between labor and management to put out a good product. He hit the nail on the head. Cooperation in the U.S. maritime industry-labor, management, government (including the military)-has been central to its survival. Every day, it seems, we're under attack by foreign-flag interests who would love to cripple our fleet. But, by working together, the various maritime components have claimed plenty of victories. All you have to do is look at the unionized shipyards around this country. They are building new cruise ships, dredges, double-hulled tankers, containerships, military support ships, tugs and other vessels. K vaemer-Philadelphia deserves our continued support. Last spring, they started construction on what will be a U.S.-flag containership. The first section was completed in December. The vessel is scheduled for delivery next year. That is music to the ears of U.S. mariners. KvaemerPhiladelphia is proving-as we've known all along-that American yards can be competitive with their foreign counterparts. It is my hope and belief that Kvaemer-Philadelphia represents a new era for U.S. shipyards. They are using a winning formula: teamwork with employees, investment in technology, a commitment to the U.S.-flag commercial fleet. Their example is just one more reason why I'm convinced that our merchant marine is headed toward an even brighter future. Volume 63, Number 3 March 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) i published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Au th Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 520 l Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Mariner Survey Measures Database Accuracy, STCW Compliance, Sealifl Strength Confidentiality Assured for DOT Study By late February, some Seafarers probably began receiving a brief questionnaire from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS). The random poll of U.S. mariners includes 15 questions, all but one of which simply require those surveyed to answer by marking a corresponding square. According to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), which is coordinating the survey for the BTS, the questionnaire is designed to be completed in fewer than 10 minutes. It comes with a postagepaid envelope addressed to the BTS. MarAd pointed out that, as specified in the Privacy Act of 1974, "the. respondents' names will not be released or related to their responses." Additionally, survey recipients who have questions about the poll itself may contact the BTS via the email address or the toll-free telephone number provided. The survey has three main objectives: • Measure the accuracy of key information in the U.S. Coast Guard's merchant mariner licensing and documentation database. • Gauge U.S. mariners' progress toward complying with the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention. • Verify the U.S. merchant marine's capability to respond to sealift needs. The SIU encourages Seafarers who receive the survey to complete and return it in timely fashion. Runaway-Flag Ultra Container Rams SIU-Crewed Liberty Spirit Bosun Gibbs Provides Firsthand Account Bosun Ralph Gibbs already knew about the everyday dangers associated with runaway-flag shipping, but he and the other Seafarers aboard the Liberty Spirit recently got an unwelcome reminder. The bow of the Malteseflagged Ultra Container on Dec. 3 struck the Liberty Spirits starboard side, at the No. 4 hatch, while the ships were in Haifa, Israel. No injuries were reported, but a substantial quantity of cargo was lost. Gibbs provided the following description, along with the photos accompanying this story: "We were coming to the entrance buoy close to starboard when this ship (the Ultra Container) coming from astern on our starboard side tried to squeeze between us and the buoy. When he saw he couldn't make it-no overtaking signal was sounded-he went left as if to go around our stem, as he was doing about eight or nine knots. "He succeeded only in getting the bow on to us. It appeared as if the ship couldn't back down. No one was on the bow of the ramming vessel and no one made an attempt to drop anchor. He struck us amidships, No. 4 hatch, and ripped a hole with his bulbous bow about 18-by- l 0 feet. As a result, the cargo got wet and was a loss, and the incident caused about 18 days' delay getting [repairs]. "We proceeded to the dock and discharged our cargo of soybeans and com and then to a lay dock for temporary repairs, then on to Greece for permanent repairs. "This is just another case of improperly trained people doing the wrong thing in these ftag-ofconvenience ships." A runaway-flag or flag-ofconvenience (FOC) ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. Shipowners who participate in the FOC scam typically do so to avoid taxes and regulations while employing cheap, often unqualified labor. Very often, mariners who sail aboard runaway-flag ships are denied the most basic rights. It is not uncommon for FOC ships to sail with a shortage of stores, and crew members often need ITF assistance just to secure their wages. Unsafe working conditions, inadequate medical attention and very low wages also are prevalent. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated, runs a global campaign against runaway flags. The SIU actively supports that effort. "The ITF believes there should be a genuine link between the real owner of a vessel and the flag the vessel flies in accordance United Nations with the Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," noted the federation. "There is no genuine link in the case of FOC registries. These registers have poor safety and training standards, and place no restriction on the nation- This photo shows one view of the gash on the Liberty Spirit. Bosun Ralph Gibbs says the ramming of the Liberty Spirit by a runaway-flag ship "is just another case of improperly trained people doing the wrong thing in these flag-of-convenience ships." ality of the crew. This results in seafarers not being able to communicate effectively with other crew members, as they do not share a common language. With so many accidents occurring at sea each year, lack of communication can determine whether a ship is lost or saved. "In many cases these registers are not even run from the country concerned. A good example of this is the Liberian register. All its paperwork is done by a private company in the U.S., while the Cambodian registry is based in Singapore." The following countries have been declared FOCs by the ITF's Fair Practices Committee (a joint committee of ITF Seafarers' and Dockers' sections), which runs the campaign against runaway flags: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Canary Islands, Cayman Islands, Cook Islands, Cyprus, Equatorial Guinea, Germany (second register), Gibraltar, Honduras, Lebanon, Liberia, Luxembourg, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Tuvalu. March2001 �Merchant Marine's Role in U.S. Security Underscored to Maritime Trades Dept. Whether supporting United States military operations, carrying commercial cargo or transporting passengers, the U.S. merchant fleet remains crucial to America's national and economic security, said speakers at the winter meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) executive board last month in Los Angeles. Board members, hailing from the 30 unions and 23 port maritime councils that compose the MTD, heard from a wide range of speakers representing labor, government, domestic shipbuilding and more. The board okayed 13 policy statements covering topics such as cabotage laws, shipbuilding, runaway flags, the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and labor issues when it met Feb. 8-9. MTD President Michael Sacco opened the gathering by highlighting recent progress seen throughout the U.S. maritime industry. New ships are being built or are on order in all segments of the trade, he pointed out. Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, told the board members and guests, "The unions of the MTD helped make it happen, by providing skilled workers in the yards and on the vessels, by emphasizing the importance of sealift ... by defeating the constant attacks against this nation's cabotage laws." He added that, as always, the MTD unions will work together to help ensure that Congress and the administration understand the importance of having a strong U.S.-flag sealift capability. "In the coming months, I see great opportunities for our industry," Sacco stated. "As I'm sure you know, President Bush during last year's campaign made a very strong show of support for the U.S.-flag fleet, U.S. shipyards and our national maritime infrastructure. "Several of his cabinet appointments seem to support that position, including those of Chief of Staff Andrew Card, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and Labor Secretary Elaine Chao," he continued. "Part of the national security interests of this country is to see to it that we're able to ship our heavy goods that need to back up our people overseas when they deploy," said Abercrombie. I MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes AFL-CIO President John Sweeney to last month's meeting of the MTD executive board in Los Angeles. Board members and guests (photo below left) heard from speakers representing labor, government, domestic shipbuilding and more. "Overall, I think the new administration will afford a fair amount of stability in terms of our industry's direction." Addressing the executive board were (in alphabetical order) U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii), U.S. Rep. Xavier Beccerra, U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Calif.), BP Regional President Malone, Kvaern erRobert Philadelphia Shipyard President/ CEO Ron McAlear, Federal Maritime Commissioner John Moran, U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor (DAriz.), U.S. Navy Vice Adm. James Perkins (retired), SIU Representative Jessica Smith, AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department President Ed Sullivan, and AFLCIO President John Sweeney. National Defense Many of the speakers emphasized the merchant marine's role in national defense. More coverage on pages 6-7. Perkins, retired head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, who now works for a maritime think-tank, stated, "The maritime industry is critical to our nation's security, and this industry is also critical to our nation's economy .... When it gets down to the heavy lifting and it gets down to sustaining troops in combat, it goes by sea. We must have an effective United States merchant marine, an effective sealift. And every American needs to know this." Sweeney conveyed the labor federation's support for the U.S. maritime industry. He vowed that the AFL-CIO will continue to back the MSP, the cabotage laws, domestic shipbuilding, port development, dredging and more. Moran said that, despite the turnover on Capitol Hill, "In the Congress, there is strong biparti- Continued on page 4 Steward Dept. Seafarers endone a rew Sens. Lott, Breaux Urge Pres. Bush Ta Enhance U.S. Maritime Industry Letter Reflects Bipartisan Support fo r Merchant Marine Two prominent United States senators recently encouraged President Bush to fully support the U.S. maritime industry. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Breaux (D-La.) jointly authored a Jan. 23 letter to the president that reads as follows: "For more than two decades, we have worked with other Senators and Representatives in a bipartisan effort to maintain and grow the U.S.-flag merchant marine and U.S. shipbuilding industry. We were pleased when both the Bush and Gore campaigns put forth strong statements recognizing the value of the maritime industry to our economy and national defense. "Without a vital U.S. merchant marine and shipbuilding capacity, our military power would depend on foreign interests to build and Senator John Breaux (D-La.) Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) March2001 repair our nation's military vessels and provide the sealift required to mobilize its military forces. You've noted the importance of reducing our dependence on foreign sources of energy. Maintaining and independent capability to transport our military equipment overseas is critical to our national security. "We must continue to fully fund the Maritime Security Program and increase funding for the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program to historic levels. We must preserve existing programs such as the Jones Act and cargo preference. We look forward to working with you to develop new ideas to revitalize the industry. We can assure you that ensuring our nation has the port and waterway infrastructure, shipbuilding and ship repair capacity, U.S.-flag ships, and U.S. crews it needs would be a bipartisan effort. "We look forward to working with you to preserve and enhance our maritime and national security." The USNS Mendonca represents new jobs in the steward department for SIU members. The USNS Mendonca officially joined the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet on Jan. 30, with SIU members crewing the steward department. American sealift capability gets a boost with the addition of the 950-foot vessel, built at Avondale in New Orleans. It is part of a surge sealift program that calls for 20 large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) ships-15 new builds and five conversions. According to MSC, the Mendonca carries a crew of 30 civilian mariners in full operating status and 12 in reduced operating status. The ship can travel at 24 knots, has a beam of 106 feet and a 34-foot draft. Its displacement is 62,069 long tons. Like all but one other vessel in the program, the Mendonca is named for a Medal of Honor recipient. U.S. Army Sgt. LeRoy A. Mendonca-at age 19-was killed in action in Korea in 1951. "Sgt. Mendonca's platoon was attacked at night by an overwhelming enemy force," MSC noted. "He voluntarily remained exposed to enemy fire while his platoon withdrew, firing his weapon and hurling grenades into enemy positions. His ammunition eventually exhausted, Sgt. Mendonca fought the enemy in hand-to-hand combat with his bayonet until he was mortally wounded. A report credits Mendonca with an astounding 37 enemy casualties." The LMSR program resulted from a study of U.S. sealift capacity that fol lowed the Persian Gulf War. LMSRs were developed to transport oversized combat materiel. The Mendonca will carry gear for the U.S. Army. Seafarers LOS 3 �Busted! USNS Persistent Makes First Narcotics Seizure The SIU-crewed USNS Persistent recently was involved in a drug bust off the coast of Cuba. The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) issued the following statement: "A high-speed boat chase off the coast of Cuba ended with the U.S. Coast Guard opening fire on a suspected drug runner's boat and the first narcotics seizure for Military Sealift Command ocean surveillance ship USNS Persistent. Persistent, operating as a platform for a U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement detachment, was on joint drug interdiction patrols with three U.S. Coast Guard patrol vessels in the Caribbean. "The interdiction began on Jan. 9 when a Navy P-3 Orion The SIU-crewed USNS Persistent works in counter-drug operations for MSC. The ship is 224 feet long. U.S. Merchant Fleet Crucial To Security of United States Continued from page 3 san understanding of the importance of the maritime industry and strong bipartisan support for efforts to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry." Dicks was one of several speakers who voiced backing for the Jones Act, the law which demands that cargo moving between domestic ports be carried on U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned vessels. "\Vithout the impact of the Jones Act, we simply would not have the stable shipbuilding industrial base, the sealift capability or the cadre of qualified seafarers that we need in the commercial sector," he noted. "An estimated 75 percent of the oceangoing vessels in the Jones Act fleet have military utility under defense department criteria." Many other topics were discussed, including the campaign to organize Gulf Coast mariners, the surge in domestic shipbuilding, the possible exploration and development of the Arctic National \Vildlife Refuge (AN\VR), and more. Altogether, the MTD's member unions (including the SIU) represent approximately 8 million members. 2 Coast Ships Debut this Year The second in a new fleet of SIU-crewed passenger shipsthe cv Cape Cod Light- was christened just five months after the shipyard launch of her sister ship, the cv Cape May Light. Both ships, operated by Delta Queen Coastal Voyages (a subsidiary of American Classic Correction On page 4 of the February issue of the Seafarers LOG, a caption listed the wrong titles for two Seafarers. It should have read, Mate Rob Torres and Captain Sean Taylor. Clarification On page 3 of the February issue of the Seafarers LOG, in the article about the SIU elections, one of the amendments was listed as "payment of dues." This amendment pertains to an increase in officials' working dues. 4 Seafarers LOG Voyages Co.) are named for historic lighthouses and are designed to resemble the classic coastal ships of the late 1800s. The 226-passenger coastal vessels, each of which is 300 feet long, are currently under construction at Atlantic Marine, Inc., in Jacksonville, Fla. The Cape May Light will enter service May 5 on an inaugural series of seven-night journeys between Norfolk, Va. and Philadelphia, and the Cape Cod Light will debut Aug. 4. They also will travel along the East Coast, Great Lakes and Canadian Maritime Provinces. \\Then in service, these two ships will join four other passenger vessels operated by another American Classic Voyages subsidiary, Delta Queen Steamboat Co. Those ships are the American Queen, Columbia Queen, Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen. surveillance aircraft's radar detected a speedboat headed north toward Florida. Coming from the direction of Jamaica, the suspect boat was cruising north in Cuban waters to evade law enforcement in international waters. The P-3 alerted the Coast Guard detachment aboard Persistent which was patrolling the Caribbean area with three 110-foot U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats. The Coast Guard patrol boats positioned themselves north of the speedboat's expected route, and when it emerged from Cuban waters the 'wolf pack' was waiting. "Upon spotting the Coast Guard, the speedboat turned back into Cuban waters, and the drug interdiction team of ships continued tracking and repositioning. \\Then the speedboat emerged again and tried to outrun the patrol boats, Coast Guard law enforcement officials fired warning shots over the bow, and in Photos courtesy MSC U.S. Coast Guard officials load captured contraband aboard USNS Persistent for transport to Miami. one attempt hit and disabled the speedboat's engines with M-16 rounds. "Cornered and disabled, the drug smugglers began throwing their contraband cargo overboard. Persistent s Coast Guard detachment was embarked with two deployable high-speed pursuit boats which they used to retrieve the contraband from the water. "U.S. Coast Guard cutter Tampa apprehended the three drug smugglers. The interdiction yielded a total of 5,000 pounds of marijuana and 300 pounds of hashish oil. Persistent transported the suspects and the cargo back to Miami and has returned to her Caribbean counter-narcotics surveillance operations. "USNS Persistent is one of two of MSC's ocean surveillance ships, formerly used for submarine detection that are now serving as operating platforms for counter-narcotics operations. Sister ship USNS Vindicator operates out of San Diego also supporting the U.S. Coast Guard. "The U.S. Navy has been augmenting the Coast Guard and U.S. Customs Service in drug interdiction since the 1980s. Persistent joined the counter-narcotics mission in early calendar year 2000." 1'.laritime Briefs Cocaine Reportedly Found On Royal Caribbean Vessel A crew member on a Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship was arrested last month on drug-smuggling charges, according to published reports. U.S. customs officers reportedly stated that 27year-old Peter Westman Campbell from Jamaica was caught possessing a laundry bag containing 17.6 kgs of cocaine onboard Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Sea . A further investigation on the vessel revealed an additional 8.5 kgs of cocaine and 3,000 "ecstasy" tablets hidden in the ship's beauty salon. The saga didn't end there. News reports indicated that federal agents found another 60 kgs of cocaine in a later search when the vessel arrived in Miami. Capt., Crew Arrested In Island Tanker Splll The captain and 13 crew members of a tanker which in late January spilled a reported 185,000 gallons of fuel in the Galapagos Islands remained in custody late last month. Captain Tarquino Arevalo and 13 mariners from the Ecuadorian tanker Jessica are detained on a military base on Guayaquil. The captain is awaiting formal charges for his role in the Jessica s accidentally discharging its fuel cargo after running aground Jan. 16 just off San Cristobal Island. The crew's potential liability, if any, is uncertain. The captain has admitted misguiding his entry into the tiny San Cristobal harbor- the result of mistaking a signal buoy for a lighthouse-according to published reports. Some of those same reports indicate the Jessica was not seaworthy even before leaving port. Its cargo, owned by a state-controlled entity, was supposed to be carried by the Ecuadorian Navy tanker Taurus. The Jessica reportedly was substituted even though it had been out of service for 44 days and only recently had obtained a pro- visional monthly permit to sail. The tanker hit bottom about 550 yards off San Cristobal. It began leaking fuel Jan. 19, but released the majority of its cargo in the days that followed as pounding surf caused new ruptures in its hull. The ship was believed to be carrying 243,000 gallons of diesel. Arevalo remained on the vessel for four days after the grounding and was recovering from dehydration prior to being taken to the Ecuador mainland to face charges of damaging the environment. The captain could face up to five years incarceration if convicted. The Jessica is owned by Acotramar, an Ecuadorian company.~ Residence Has Openings For Retired Mariners Several permanent rooms now are available for retired mariners at the Seafarers Safe Haven, Jocated at the Seamen's House inside Brooklyn's Prospect Park YMCA. Those interested in applying for the vacant rooms must meet the following eligibility criteria: • Be retired from active maritime service. • Have at least 10 years of seatime (not including vacation time) documented by discharges. • Must be receiving Social Security and/or pension benefits. Income cannot exceed $28,000 per year. • Must be "clean, sober and able to cope with semi-congregate living." New residents may be eligible for financial assistance, according Seamen's House staff officials. Information on financial aid requirements as well as room application procedures may be obtained by calling Sean Andrews, director of Seamen's House, at (718) 768-7100, extension 122. Written correspondence should be addressed to: Seamen's House, Prospect Park YMCA, 357 9th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215. March2001 �House, Senate Set Subcommittees Two panels affecting the maritime industry were set last month on Capitol Hill. The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee's Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee has expanded from 14 members in the last Congress to 18 members. It is being chaired by Gordon Smith (R-Ore.). The subcommittee includes nine Republicans and nine Democrats, reflect- ing the even political party split in the Senate. Returning to the panel are Republican Senators Ted Stevens (Alaska), Conrad Burns (Mont.), Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas), Olympia Snowe (Maine) and Sam Brownback (Kansas). Newly assigned Republicans to the subcommittee are Senators Trent Lott (Miss.), Peter Fitzgerald (Ill.) and John Ensign (Nev.). Democrats returning to the panel are Senators Daniel Inouye (Hawaii), John Retired SIU Official John Dwyer Dies at 85 Retired SIU official John Dwyer passed away Feb. 18 in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 85. Brother Dwyer worked for the SIU for more than 27 years, from late 1953 through 1980. At various times, he served as the union's business agent in New York, as a representative of the SIU's Welfare and Pension Plans and as an organizer for the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW). He was on the front lines of some of the SIU's most difficult campaigns, including the Robin Line beef, the Chicago Cabdrivers beef and the Hussman beef. "When I first knew John, he did a lot of work with our retirees," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "They couldn't wait to see him. He was a great guy, quiet but very loyal and dedicated." "Johnny was a fine person, very sincere and loyal," said George McCartney, retired SIU vice president West Coast. "He went out of his way to help people, and he was a lot of fun to be around." Retired SIU Vice President Contracts Red Campbell recalled, "Johnny wasn't a big guy, but he was a [gutsy] guy. He was one of the original members of the International Brotherhood of Longshoremen (IBL), and later he did some work with the UIW. He was a good organizer for UIW shops." "I knew him since I was a little kid. Later on he broke me in as a patrolman in New York," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "He took me on my first Staten Island Public Health (Hospital) run .. .. "His partner on the counter was (the late) Pete Loleas. The respect and admiration that the older guys had for them, quickly got transmitted to the younger members," he continued. "John was an easy-going, soft-spoken guy who never really got riled up. There was never a need to, because he never let any situation get out of hand." "Even though he was tough, he had a heart," recalled SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey, who worked with Dwyer for 20 years. "He never took any [stuff] from management. He stood by his people. If there was a fight, you would want Johnny there. "He spent a lot of time handling Welfare Plan business, paying benefits to members at the hospitals," he added. Brother Dwyer began working as a stevedore in 1935, on Manhattan's West Side. He worked his way up to some of the top jobs on the docks. He served in the U.S . Navy during World War II. Later, he helped fo und the IBL in 1953 . "He (Dwyer) was very reticent about his accomplishments and his career with the longshoremen, but he was a very interesting person," observed John Bunker, retired SIU historian. "He was the basis for the Marlon Brando character in the movie 'On the Waterfront.' He and Paul Hall (the late SIU president) worked closely together. Paul supported him by having some of the 'white caps' come out and march." Dwyer is survived by his wife and two sons. Breaux (La.), Byron Dorgan (N.D.), Ron Wyden (Ore.) and Max Cleland (Ga.). Newly assigned Democrats to the panel are Senators John Rockefeller (W. Va.), John Kerry (Mass.), Barbara Boxer (Calif.) and Jean Carnahan. Also receiving assignments last month were members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. Chairing the subcommittee is Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.). Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.) is the panel's ranking member. Rounding out the subcommittee are Republicans Howard Coble (N.C.), Wayne Gilchrest (Md.), Jim DeMint (S.C.) and Rob Simmons (Conn.), along with Democrats James Barcia (Mich.), Gene Taylor (Miss.) and Peter Defazio (Ore.). Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) is chairing the full committee, while Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) returns as its ranking member. AFL-CIO Executive Council: Save U.S. Manufacturing Jobs Federation Points to Big Drop in Last 6 Months The AFL-CIO executive council last month spelled out a list of guidelines aimed at Congress and the administration to reverse the loss of domestic manufacturing jobs. The council, on which SIU President Michael Sacco serves, met Feb. 13-15 in Los Angeles, where it issued 14 policy statements. The declarations covered topics including cross-border trucking as covered by NAFTA; the steel crisis; energy deregulation; the AFL-CIO investment program, and more. Although each of the statements has strong merit, the proclamation on manufacturing proved especially compelling, in part because of these gripping statistics: In January of this year, U.S. manufacturing lost 65 ,000 jobs. Overall , it has lost 254,000 jobs in the last six months "America's manufacturing industry is in a deep and longlasting crisis that threatens the future of American prosperity," reads the executive board statement. "This crisis is not the result of a failure of American manufacturing; it is the result of a failure of economic and trade policy." The council says manufacturing is "the engine of productivity growth for the American economy, and its higher paying jobs have been the ladder to the middle class for millions of Americans. But policy-makers have fallen into the trap of thinking that a job is just a job, and have shown complete and total neglect for manufacturing. Worse than that, they have actively undermined manufacturing by encouraging imports and the transfer of manufacturing jobs offshore. The result has been massive loss of manufacturing jobs, stagnation of wages, a worsening of income distribution, destruction of a vital avenue to prosperity for millions of working Americans, and creation of a record trade deficit that exposes our economy to the destructive forces of international financial turbulence." The council further reports that manufacturing employment during the most recent economic expansion peaked in March 1998 at 18.9 million, but since then it has lost 640,000 jobs and fallen to 18.2 million jobs in January 2001. "This will be the first economic expansion in modern times in which manufacturing employment does not grow," observes the federation group. "At the end of the last recession, in July 1991 , there were 18.4 million manufacturing jobs; today there are 18.2 million manufacturing jobs. Over the same period, total employment rose by 24 mi llion from 108.1 million to 132.1 million." Examining various industries, the council provides some grim data. For instance, 20 years ago, most clothing sold in the U.S. was produced here. Today, approximately 80 percent of all apparel sold in the U.S. is produced outside the country. The statement urges numerous actions by Congress and the administration and offers guide1ines to maintain U.S. manufacturing jobs, including: • Vigorously enforce all U.S. trade laws, and where necessary, amend them to ensure fair trade. • Maintain trade policies that address the concerns of manufacturing workers. • The negotiation of auto trade agreements must focus on the trade balance as the measure of success, setting firm targets to reduce the deficit. • Renegotiate NAFTA in many areas, including cross-border trucking, auto trade, apparel import surges, and investment rules, while strengthening the labor and environmental sideagreements. LOS ANGELES CONVENTION CENTER friday, April 27 12 noon to 8 p.m. John Dwyer is pictured during his early days with the SIU (left) and shortly before his retirement in late 1980. Sat. · Sun. · Mon., April 28·30 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Co eand ee h workers an co panies cooperate to make American pr ducts. Fro steelw rkers to stagehands, computer technicians to automakers, akers to bricklayers, see skilled workers in the jobs that produce the best prod cts and services on earth. LUI ~fe· FREE ADMISSION FAMILY FUN! FREE RAFFLES, PRIZES AND GIFTS! MORE THAN 100 EXHIBITS Produced and managed by the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL·CIO March2001 Seafarers LOG 5 �The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO is composed of 30 international unions and 23 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing 8 million working men and women. The SIU is an MTD affiliate. In fact, SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as president of the MTD. The articles on this page and page 7 are based on remarks presented Feb. 8-9 during the MTD executive board meeting in Los Angeles. ~A1t1 Michael Sacco President, MTD Rep. Neil Abercrombie (0-Hawaii) t Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) Strong Merchant Marine Is Essential for America Labor, Industry and Government Officials Promote Continued Progress for U.S. Fleet Their background differ, but there was no mistaking the unanimous agreement among the guest speakers at last month's MTD meetings concerning the need for a strong U.S. merchant marine. Repre entatives from Congress, the Federal Maritime Commission, Kvaerner-Philadelphia Shipyard and the AFLCIO stated that a strong maritime capability-shipbuilding, port modernization, well-trained mariners and more-is crucial to America's national and economic security. Vice Adm. James Perkins, retired head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), emphatically agreed. MTD President Michael Sacco began the session by citing some of the industry's recent gains. He mentioned domestic construction of vessels for the U.S.-flag crui e hip indu try, MSC, the Ala kan Jone Act trade, the U.S. Navy and the inland indu try. He pointed out that new double-huJled tankers also are on order. "By providing killed worker in the yards and on the ves el , and by emphasizing the importance of sealift, MTD unions helped inspire enough trust and confidence for government and private industry to invest in the American-flag fleet," Sacco tated. The MTD president also discussed the importance of maintaining the cabotage and cargo preference laws, strengthening the Title XI loan guarantee program, opening the coa tal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for exploration and development, and ensuring adequate mean for dredging the nation's ports and waterways, among other key issues. The U.S. maritime industry "also may have an opportunity to provide the only viable alternative to projected gridlock along the coasts," he added. "With an expected doubling of export and imports in the next 15 to 20 years, there's no way the existing highway and railroads in tum can handle the increased freight. They're already near capacity or beyond. But someone ha to move those goods, and coastal shipping can be a big part of the olution." Federation Support 6 Rep. Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.) John Moran FMC Commissioner Vice Adm. James Perkins Retired commander, MSC Ron McAlear, President/CEO Kvaerner-Philadelphia Shipyard Seafarers LOG AFL-CIO Pre ident John Sweeney said the federation of trade unions (to which the SIU is affiliated) will call upon President Bush and the 1Q7th Congre s to fully upport the indu try. "We will insist that they continue to uphold the cabotage laws (the Jones Act and the Passenger Ve sel Services Act) and find new ways to look to the sea to ea e highway and rail conge tion in our country," he stated. "We will expect continuing bipartisan upport for the Maritime Security Program (MSP) .... We will ask them to continue the involvement of the federal government and federal dollar in our national hipbuilding program. We will push them for more tran porta- tion infra tructure fund , o we can do the dredging [the nation requires] and build the ports and roads to ports that we need to build." Congressional Backing Four member of the U.S. House of Repre entatives voiced their continued backing of the U.S. maritime industry: Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Xavier Beccerra (D-Calif.), Norm Dick (D-Wash.) and Ed Pastor (D-Ariz.). Abercrombie aid that the growth in the U.S.-flag cruise ship indu try in Hawaii can extend to the re t of the U.S. "If we can do it in Hawaii, why can't we do it in the whole country?" he asked. "We're trying to [expand] an Americanowned, American-flagged, American-crewed and Americanhome-ported cruise ship industry, like we're doing in Hawaii. We're going to be moving 4,000 pa engers a week through Hawaii tarting in 2003, and we're going to hire 3,000 people. Three thousand people are going to go to work on a crui e hip that's an American crui e hip, and I want to have that for the whole country." Beccerra stated his support for the MSP, which helps ensure that U.S.-flag commercial hip and U.S. mariners are available for military use. "The last thing we need is to not have the preparation and the support in the event that we have to" deploy, he aid. "We have the slogan, 'Buy American.' Well, we should also have the slogan, 'Ship American.' And I think we have to get out there and talk about it as much as we can so we protect the interests of the shipping indu try." Similarly, Dicks stressed the value of the MSP. John Sweeney President, AFL-CIO "At a time of increasing demands on the defense budget, I truly believe the MSP is the greatest bargain the government has," he tated. "The Maritime Security Program clearly saves us billions of dollars that would be required to build and maintain tho e ships by the Navy, not to mention the problem of finding qualified crews to operate them." He called for reauthorization and expansion of the MSP "before it expires in 2005. This should be high on the list of national security priorities of the new administration and for the defense committees in Congress. MSP must be enhanced to respond to the increasing role of the commercial industry in defense sealift." Pastor aid that any proposed tax cuts must not negatively impact the maritime industry, becau e of its crucial role in national security. "Whether it be the Jones Act or MSP or the Title XI loan guarantee program, we need to ensure that this country has fiscal re ponsibility-and it's going to be our re ponsibility to ensure that, not only for our wellbeing, but for the wellbeing of all our children." Continued on page 7 March2001 �ANWR Exploration, Development Offers Numerous Benefits for U.S. California, in the midst of rolling blackouts, seemed an appropriate setting as speakers at the MTD meetings explained the reasons why exploration and development of the coastal plain of Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) will benefit the nation. "It would give the U.S. a large source of domestically produced oil, for several decades to come," observed Ed Sullivan, president of the Building and Construction lnterm.tio11,~ Un10~ ot Mteo N <>nd Product1cr1 Wo(>c1 o,. 'I Dthr.e and Protc;,..m Emplu. _ lntcrnntional lhor ,Lt ITternat1onr1l Urnan ~f Pa1nte:rr. and A rj United Stntes and Canado ,,,, o~ Ed Sullivan, president of the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, says ANWR development will enable the U.S. to be less dependent on foreign oil. Trades Department, AFL-CIO. "Not only would this be good for the country's economy, it also allows us to be less dependent on foreign oil. "Second, oil exploration of ANWR would provide good-paying jobs for American workers," he continued. "Our men and women will build the infrastructure of derricks and pipelines. Your members will build and maintain the ships needed to transport the oil, and crew the vessels. "Third, the U.S. will benefit from the tax revenues generated from this project." Robert Malone, regional president of BP, said developing ANWR "will be done in a manner that will preserve the environment. The industry believes that they can safely explore for oil on the coastal plain ... . At BP, we have 20-plus years of Arctic experience, and we believe that qualifies us to explore. We've been producing oil on the Arctic tundra of Alaska since 1977. We've done a good job. We'll do even better if ANWR is open and we're given the chance." Malone added that U.S. imports of oil recently "have hit as high as 58 percent, and there are projections that that figure will rise to 65 percent in just four years. That's incentive enough to look at all the possibilities for domestic crude oil production." MTD President Michael Sacco said the department "will urge the federal government to allow the exploration and development of oil from ANWR." MTD Meetings Elicit Strong Support for Merchant Marine Continued from page 6 New Administration Commissioner John Moran of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the agency which is responsible for protecting U.S. ocean borne trade and U.S. carriers from discriminatory or otherwise unfavorable treatment by foreign governments, said the early indications are that the new administration appreciates maritime's importance to the nation. "I am fairly optimistic about our future," he stated. "As a candidate, George W. Bush issued a strong maritime policy statement stressing the importance of maritime transportation both to the nation's economy and its national security. In addition to recognizing the need for a U.S.-flag fleet, President Bush highlighted the importance of trained and experienced seafarers, an adequate shipbuilding and repair industry, and a maritime infrastructure capable of handling our commerce." Moran said the appointments of White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, Secretary of Transportation Norm Mineta and Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao --each with a strong maritime background-also bodes well for the industry. Spreading the Word Perkins pointed out the long March2001 history of U.S. merchant mariners delivering the goods in times of conflict. "American-flag ships have always sailed into harm's way, carrying vital war supplies whenever and wherever needed, sometimes when others refused. And sealift is absolutely critical to every overseas military operation. I'm sure you know that 95 percent of the support our troops need for those overseas operations gets there by sea." He also called on everyone involved in the industry "to tell that story again and again and again. We have a great story to tell about the economic importance of our maritime trades .... This is not just a job for the leadership. The rank-and-file needs to shout it out as well- in letters to the editor, in radio call-in shows, at Elks' lodges and Rotary clubs, in the church and at the bar, in pool halls and at parent-teacher meetings." Ron McAlear, president/CEO of Kvaerner-Philadelphia Shipyard, echoed that outlook. "I think we have a total lack of public awareness regarding the importance of a strong, competitive maritime industry," he said. "It's very, very important to the national economy, very important to the national security. That's something that everybody in our industry can help to get the message out." Safe Exploration Despite some concern about potential environmental repercussions associated with ANWR exploration, several factors point to the extreme likelihood of safe development. Malone pointed out that MTD unions for decades have worked with their contracted companies to promote safety and efficiency. "Working together, we've raised safety standards and we've brought work practices that have enhanced the ability to do the projects that were before us." Sullivan observed that the construction and use of the Alaska Pipeline 30 years ago "has shown that oil exploration can be done in an environmentally safe way. Since the construction of the pipeline, nature and technology have coexisted with a minimum of problems." Today's technology is even more environmentally safe, he added. Meanwhile, a coalition based in Anchorage, Alaska that supports ANWR development recently described the coastal plain area proposed for exploration as "flat, windswept and treeless. It is virtually an arctic desert .... If you ever see a picture of ANWR with mountains in the background, you are seeing the (federally) protected area to the south- not the" area proposed for development. The MTD executive board passed a policy statement that described ANWR development as a new source of energy that will provide valuable, good-paying jobs for U.S. citizens. The statement also noted, "America's growing fleet of double-hulled tankers provides jobs for American seafarers who stand ready to answer the nation's call Gulf Mariners Persevere In Bid for Representation Union Campaign Remains Strong; AFL-CIO Vows Continued Support Now in its second year, massive the campaign to orgamze offshore mariners sailing in the Gulf of Mexico oil patch is growing, despite VICIOUS anti-union tactics by some of the targeted companies and thanks in large part to support from the AFL-CIO. During last month's MTD meetings, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney reiterated the federation's continued backing, while SIU Representative Jessica Smith provided an update on the campaign. The organizing effort is a joint mission involving five maritime unions- the American Maritime Officers; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association; National Maritime Union; and the SIU. It is taking place all along the Gulf, from Florida to Texas, and is reaching mariners aboard offshore service vessels and tugboats that pull oil rigs to location. As part of the campaign, and in order to address the needs of the mariners, those unions created an organization called Offshore Mariners United (OMU). "I am delighted with what the Maritime Trades Department and your unions are doing to lead this effort, and I want to commend you for the groundbreaking work your are doing in organizing," Sweeney stated. "The work you're doing, organizing together in the Gulf Coast area, is a dramatic illustration of the kinds of new strategies we need to be trying." Sweeney recalled his most recent visit to the OMU office in Houma, La. He credited the campaign workers for building support in the community and publicizing the mariners' efforts to secure union representation. "And I thought you established a new standard for cooperation across union and even department lines by helping the Operating Engineers organize successfully" at nearby Mc- AFL-CIO President John Sweeney describes the OMU organizing campaign as "a dramatic illustration of the kinds of new strategies we need to be trying." SIU Representative Jessica Smith says that, among many other benefits, maritime unions help bring stability to the industry. Robert Malone, regional president of BP, believes that experience and technology will help ensure safe development of the coastal plain. in case of war or national emergency. With more ships already being built and others on the drawing board, opening ANWR for production would increase the amount of jobs available for the men and women in domestic shipyards as well as the American mariners who will crew the vessels." Dermott Shipyard, he said. "The AFL-CIO and all of our unions in Louisiana are at your command- and that's a commitment," he declared. MTD President Michael Sacco pointed to other organizing wins in that region as harbingers of hope for Gulf mariners. "As the brothers and sisters along the Gulf can verify, if Avondale and E.N. Bisso can sign union contracts, then anything is possible," he stated. Smith, who extensively has worked in the campaign, said that changes in the offshore industry opened many Gulf mariners' eyes to the benefits of union representation, beginning around the midl 990s. As the companies became fewer in number but far greater in individual size, shipboard working conditions steadily deteriorated. And more and more mariners realized that, without a union, they were powerless to improve their situation. "Our unions have a lot to offer non-union mariners in the Gulf of Mexico," she said. "We've got jobs at good pay with good benefits. We've got upgrading opportunities. We've got a legislative program geared to job security. And we bring stability to an industry." Noting the high rate of unionization among U.S. mariners, Smith added, "If deep sea seamen, Great Lakes seafarers, coastal trade seamen, harbor towing mariners and inland boatmen can have these benefits, then so should the mariners in the Gulf of Mexico . ... Unions are good for mariners, but they're also good for companies and for communities and for the industry in general." Sacco thanked the AFL-CIO for its help in the campaign. The federation "has been there with financing, with strategy assistance, with staff, with training and with whatever else has been needed. They've been a major ally in this fight, and they're a major reason why Gulf Coast mariners will win union representation." Seafarers LOG 7 �Crowley Continues Tug Refurbishment Seafarers Say Early Results Are Excellent Deck/Utility Jason Powell (left) and Engineer Trainee Manuel Little are among the first to arrive aboard the renovated tug Patriarch in Jacksonville, Fla. Deck/Utility Powell heads for the wheelhouse. Crowley Maritime Corporation is continuing its multi-million dollar project to refurbish 25 SIU-crewed seagoing tugs. Seafarers aboard one of the newly renovated boats, the Patriarch, said the improvement are substantial. Deck/Utility Jason Powell and Engineer Trainee Manuel Little, upon reporting to the Patriarch Jan. 20 in Jacksonville, Fla. to prepare it for sea trials, said the boat seemed brand new. They particularly were impre sed with the improvements in the galley, wheelhouse and crew's quarters. "We're glad Crowley decided to refurbish these hard-working boats," commented Powell. "The crews working aboard them will be a lot more comfortable." Little said the new interior de ign "reflect the needs of the crew and will help enable us to do a safer, more efficient job all around." The re toration project includes rebuilding the tugs' engines; adding a light above The Patriarch (two photos above) is one of 25 invader-class vessels being overhauled by Crowley. chart tables; replacing stair and ladder tripping with a non-skid coating; installing computer connection expected for use with PC-ba ed Integrated Vessel Management Solution (IVMS) system ; replacing wood panels with lighter colored, more durable paneling; trimming interior portholes with tainless teel to prevent leakage; and redesigning and enlarging wheelhouse control console to enhance visibility. Refurbishment of the invaderclass vessels, each of which is crewed by six Seafarers, began in late 2000. Five tugs thu far have been revamped, with the work performed at North Florida Shipyard in Jacksonville. Double-HuHed Safety • • • The SIU-crewed HM! Nantucket Shoals was designed with safety in mind, and crew members aboard the doublehulled tanker take that mandate to heart. Along the way, they find time for a few lighthearted moments, as shown in some of these photos submitted by AB Roderick Coleman. The dinner menu is a culinary triumph, as indicated by Chief Cook Joseph Brooks (left). At right, Chief Steward Carlos A. Sierra is ready to serve breakfast. I'l'B Jacksonville Crew Memben Applaud Positive Changes in SIU The !TB Jacksonville recently returned to its home port following a bu y few months. During this period, the tug called on the port of Houston (three times); Tampa; Philadelphia; Long Beach, Calif.; Tacoma, Wash. and Jacksonville, Fla. SIU Patrolman Bryan PowelJ visited with the crew during the vessel's most recent top in Jacksonville. While on board, Powell and the crew reviewed rating-specific criteria for compliance with the amended STCW convention, various aspects of z-card renewal, and the recent name change of the Seafarers Welfare Plan to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The crew al o was briefed on the increase (to $25 per day) in the union's ickne and accident benefit. In addition, they were informed that new in urance identification card oon will be issued. Those in attendance voiced their overwhelming approval for the e change , according to Powell. They also ent a vote of thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco and Seafarer Health and Benefits Plan Admini trator Lou Delma for con idering their ugge tion and making some very positive change to the SIU, Powell said. AB Roderick Coleman, left, joins AB Gregory Jenkins (center) and AB Errick Nobles for a snapshot in the galley after dinner. OMU D. McMillian, left, AB Lloyd F. Stock and GVA Farid Zaharan attend a shipboard union meeting. Below: ACU Mila Clark, left, and AB Al Caulder review literature on SCTW compliance and basic safety training requirements. SIU Jacksonville, Fla. Patrolman Bryan Powell briefed crew members on different requirements of the amended STCW convention. Recertified Steward Brenda Kamiya prepares a seafood stir fry for lunch aboard the /TB Jacksonville. Kamiya and fellow members of the steward department constantly work to provide the crew with the best possible food service. 8 Seafarers LOG OMU Andrea Simmons makes her way into the regularly scheduled union meeting. A union meeting recently was conducted aboard the HM/ Nantucket Shoals. Among those participating were (from left) Recertified Bosun J. Jowers, OMU Dennis Swords, AB Peter Luhn, Pumpman Candido Castro and Chief Steward Carlos A. Sierra. March2DD1 �Elfective Crew &plores Okinawa Sharpening Their Skills Crew Gives Thumbs-Up to New T-AGOS Contract Apprentices from Guam Work, Learn Aboard LTC Calvin P. Titus Pictured from left to right on the Effective are OS Louis L. Creekmur, the chief mate and Bosun Ronald H. Corgey. Seafarers sailing aboard the USNS Effective recently were glad to put their feet on dry land when the vessel tied up in Naha, Okinawa for four days. While in port, crew members replenished the ship's stores. When time permitted, they enjoyed many of the attractions available on the South Pacific Island. During their most recent shipboard meeting, crew members discussed the new contract covering the T-AGOS ship. Overall, they were extremely pleased with the agreement, especially with their wage increases. They passed along thanks to SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez for a job well done in Chief Steward Howard G. Williams, left, and AB James o. Palmquist celebrate their Nov. 11 birthdays at sea. Chief Steward Howard G. Williams, left, and SA Ali M. Alhaddad are proud of their New Orleans-style deep fried turkey. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1943 AB James D. Palmquist, left, AB Michael W. Patterson and OS Jose Gonzalez Pita look at the New Orleans skyline from the stern of the Effective. negotiating the new pact. Maersk Line Ltd., headquartered in Norfolk, Va., operates the Effective as well as 12 other SIUcrewed T-AGOS vessels. The Effective normally goes to sea 90 days at a time before returning to its home port. Overall, the vessels support the following U.S. Department of Defense programs: the Navy's Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS); Navy, Atlantic Fleet and U.S. Coast Guard counter-drug initiatives; and the Air Force Electronic Systems Command's radar missile tracking system. QMED Alexander Young helps keep the vessel running smoothly during its 90-day run. Chief Cook Thomas Kleine prepares to carve a deep fried turkey in the galley. of the SIUNA's seagoing affiliates into one larger, stronger unit. Such a move would provide stronger job security and wider job opportunities for all members of the SIU family. Effective March 15, the Recruitment and Manning Organization of the War Shipping Administration formulated new shipping rules governing the amount of time a seaman would 1991 be allowed to stay ashore between voyages. As the United Nations Security Council moves The rules provided that for any voyage of less closer towards approving a resolution that will than three full weeks, officially end the war in the Persian Gulf, a seaman could only American ships and stay ashore four days. American seamen For a voyage of 15 continue to deliver the full weeks or more, a goods - but this time seaman could stay ~r the materiel is about ashore no longer than r~ .f ' « to be brought home. 30 days. The amount of equipIn the event a seaman ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ment shipped to the violated his shore leave, the RMO would noti- Middle East has been staggering. Under the fy his draft board that the seaman was no auspices of the Military Sealift Command, longer an active seaman and he would be sub- more than 3 million short tons of dry cargo ject to induction. had gone by ship to support Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. MSC 1978 reports that some 180 ships are assisting the Voting on the proposed merger of the SIU's sealift effort. This complement of vessels Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters includes 56 from the Ready Reserve Force, District and the Marine Cooks and Stewards eight fast sealift ships, 14 prepositioning vesUnion begins next month at all SIU and sels, and five long-term chartered commercial MC&S union halls. Results of the [vote] will vessels - all of which operate under the U.S. be announced in June .... flag and many of which have Seafarers as crew If the merger takes place, it will represent a giant step forward in the consolidation of some members. THJS MONTH Jlhj SIU HJs·rio 1 March2DD1 Unlicensed apprentices (UA) aboard the SIU-contracted MV LTC Calvin P. Titus recently put a number of the skills they have acquired into practice during stores-loading operations in Guam. Some of the U A were members of the historic Class 603 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. This was the first class ever at the school including citizens of Guam. _ ____. The unlicensed apprentice program AB Rudy Orlanda blends classroom instruction and handsshows off his memberon training. The curriculum is divided ship book. into three phases. During the first segment, which lasts 12 weeks and takes place at the school, students receive classroom and hands-on training that covers basic seamanship and familiarization skills. During the second phase, apprentices serve aboard U.S.flag merchant vessels for a minimum of 90 days. That span is divided into thirds, allowing students to work in all three departments. Finally, students return to the school for the third stage, which involves departmentspecific training. Upon graduation, the Seafarer is shipped out to work as either an ordiUA Kevin Ignacio operates a nary seaman, wiper or steward piece of the Titus' loading equipassistant. ment under the watchful eye of Open since 1967, the school Bosun Evan Bradley. offers not only entry-level training, but also more advanced vocational upgrading courses for experienced mariners. It also provides academic support and features a college degree program. When the photos accompanying this story were taken, the Titus was in port for resupply following a call on Saipan. The Titus is a containership in the U.S. Military Sealift Command's prepositioning fleet. It carries materiel for the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. AB Lydia Dye (left) mixes paint in preparation for a touch-up project while UA Christopher Dionio arrives at the vessel. Scholarship Deadline Is April 15! Next month is the deadline for receipt of scholarship applications from Seafarers as well as from their spouses and children who wish to continue their education at the college level in the fall of 2001 . Three scholarships are being set aside for SIU members-one for $20,000 and two each for $6,000. Additionally, five grants will be awarded to SIU dependents, each for $20,000. Time is running out to take advantage of this SIU benefit. Application booklets (which contain eligibility requirements, application procedures and an application form) are available in any SIU hall. Also, applicants who were not selected for a scholarship in the past may want to consider reapplying this year. Seafarers LOS 9 �Capt. R.J. Becker wishes the entire crew a Merry Christmas and presents each member with a ship's T-shirt. Celebrations Galore On the Endurance ... From Recertified Steward Russell B. Beyschau and his digital camera come these photos of celebrations aboard the Endurance, a USSM vessel. Yet another birthday cake and a smile from Recertified Steward Russell B. Beyschau, this time for Recertified Bosun Romeo Lugtu, who is dressed for the occasion. Above: Bosun Francisco C. Munoz (left) had no idea that dessert would be a surprise birthday cake in his honor. With him are AB David M. Smolen (also seated) and (from left, standing) 1st A/E Peter F. Migliorini and 2nd A/E Peter D. Gamblin. During a shipboard safety meeting, 1st A/E Peter F. Migliorini (seated) is surprised with a birthday cake presented by Recertified Chief Steward Russell B. Beyschau. A Steward Department's Gift • .. Helping crew members aboard the SeaLand Oregon celebrate Christmas Day at sea-with all the familiar home-cooked foods associated with that holiday-was the perfect present from the ship's steward department. The photos and menu were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Khamis Mageed, chief steward aboard the USSM vessel, who also wished all his seafaring brothers and sisters a very happy new year. Crew members were pleased with the delicious food prepared by Chief Cook Hamdi H. Hussein. With the help 10 Chief Steward Khamis I. and support Mageed joins of SA Ricardo C. Ellis, everyone enjoyed themselves on Christmas Day. his steward department gang in wishing everyone a joyful new year. Seafarers LOS March2001 �Working aboard the Kenai, when the ATC vessel was in Tacoma, are Bosun Richard Barnhart (above) and AB Edsel Dearce (right). Chief Steward care of some Tacoma hall. At Sea And Ashore With the Right: This photo of Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly (right) and retired SIU member Hubert Cain was taken at the eighth annual awards dinnerdance of the Greater Mobile Port Maritime Council. SIU In an effort to familiarize administrative personnel at CSX-Sealand with vessel operations and the rigorous atmosphere of shipboard life for merchant mariners, several company officials spent time riding the CSX Challenger .----- - - - - . . , . - - - - - - - - - - --. on a portion of its coastwise run. This photo was taken while the group visited the port of Jacksonville. With SIU Rep Bryan Powell (center) are, from left, Dallas-based Paymaster Janet Sanderson and New Jersey-based Fleet Administrator Carolyn Petit. Voting took place in each port from Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000. Completing their ballots in the New York hall are OMU Allen Van Newgen (above) and Chief Cook Asril Syarbiani (left). John Stout (left), bosun aboard the Innovator, meets with SIU President Michael Sacco in the galley of the USSM ship during a stop in the port of Wilmington , Calif. March2001 SIU President Michael Sacco (second from right) is greeted by some of the crew aboard the USSM vessel Innovator in the port of Wilmington, Calif. From the left are AB Mauro Gutierrez, Steward/Baker Jose Bayani, Sacco and AB Kevin White. While in Hawaii recently, VP Contracts Augie Tellez (standing at right) and VP East Coast Jack Caffey talk with crew members aboard the cable ship Long Lines. Members of the galley gang aboard the USNS Gilliland include Chief Cook Tyrell N. Thabit (left) and SA Breon Lucas.The vessel was in the port of Norfolk, Va . at the time this photo was taken. Chief Cook Toyokazu Gonzales (left) poses with the Johnson brothers aboard the USNS Shughart while in the port of Norfolk, Va They are Chief Steward Thomas Johnson (center) and SA Ronald Johnson. Seafarers LOG 11 �What Seafare rs Need t ESSENTIALS Between now and Feb. 1, 2002-the deadline for meeting all requirements of the amended STCW convention-SIU members sailing aboard deep sea or near-coastal vessels should concern themselves with two things. Those items are, taking a U.S. Coast Guard-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course or being trained and assessed aboard ship with entries made into your training record book (TRB), and, if you are a watchstanding deck or engine department person, obtaining a 1995 STCW certificate. If a mariner doesn't complete STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) or acquire the 1995 STCW certificate, if required, by Feb. 1, 2002, then that mariner cannot sail aboard deep sea or near-coastal ships. Paul Hall Center's Basic Safety Classes United States of America ENDORSEMENT ATTESTING THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAIN ING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978, AS AMENDED IN 1995 Two STCW Basic Safety Training courses are offered, each of which is U.S. Coast Guard-approved. One is a five-day class for all personnel who began sailing after Aug. 1, 1998. The other is a four-day class for all personnel who began sailing before Aug. 1, 1998. Each class meets the five-year STCW Chapter VI basic safety requirements. Subjects include personal survival, fire prevention and fire fighting, first aid/CPR, and social responsibility and personal safety. Classroom training in combination with assessment of proficiency as per STCW tables will be conducted and entries made in the training record book. These classes are limited to 25 students maximum. Basic fire fighting is one of the Chapter VI requirements, and therefore is offered as a lead-in to the STCW classes. The Government d the Untlod Slat• d Amerieo c.1ti1ies !hot Cartilicalo No.(s ) _,., 4 6'-'-'79=21=22=3 _ _ _ _ _ __ who has been fQ.nd ~ ~ned In has been Issued to accordance with the provlsiona ol regulabon(:s) VI / 2 cl U. .txwe Convention, to serve In the capacity a<capaciUos llstod below , subject lo ""Y Hmlt.otions <dcotod untii _: 1-=J=UN=E...::.; 20=03 = - - - - - - -· Ths endcr'sement ts not v8'id l.f'lless accomphed tJoJ a vaid U.S . Merchant Mainet's Bcense or docU'nent. FUNCTION LEVEL LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY) The i.wtu holder d !hos endcrsement may sorve on ll1e following capaoty or capooties specified. CAPACITY LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY) ABLE SEAMAN, ANY WATERS · tIFEBOATMAN BASIC SAE'ETY T RAINING STCW certificates are available through Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs ), a list of which appears with this article. Members should bring the following things when applying for the certificate: your merchant mariner's document (MMD), TRB, BST course certificate and one passport photo. You also can get your certificate through the mail by sending notarized copies of your MMD and BST certificate and the photo to your nearest Coast Guard REC. Please call the REC in advance with your request. Members should not expect same-day service for STCW certificates or document renewals. There is no charge for the STCW certificate. AND INSTRUCTION COMPLETED 11 DECEMBER 1 998. STCW Basic Safety March 17 March 31 April 21 May 12 March 24 April 7 April 28 May 19 Basic Fire Flghtlng/STCW Basic Safety EndcnementNo.: _46_79_21_22_3 _ _ _ _ _ issuedon l7 FEBRUARY 1999 22 NOVEMBER 53 Date d birth of the holder of the certificate Signature of certificate hader DEPT. OF TRANS., CG 5611 (10.96) EJ C J • = HO-"-' US~ TO ~ N _ _ __ BIDWELL Name of duly authorized official (Emboso Official Seal above tl'is i ne. T) March 3 March 31 April 14 April 28 May 12 May 26 June 2 June 9 June 23 March 16 April 13 April 27 May 11 May 25 June 8 June 8 June 16 June 29 Origins STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. It is a treaty under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The original STCW Convention was ratified in 1978. It set minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deepsea mariners worldwide. U.S. Signs On The U.S. didn't sign onto the 1978 convention until 1991 , although our nation easily met the requirements. However, by then the pact was under revision. The STCW amendments were finalized in 1995, with more than 100 signatory nations (again including the U.S.). Why Feb. 1, 2002? The five-year transition period for the amended convention began on Feb. 1, 1997. Some of the new requirements were instituted at that time, while others have been phased in. As of Feb. 1, 2002, the 1978 convention completely is superseded by the amended pact. It becomes null and void. In the interim time between 1997 and 2002, confusion occasionally has arisen because some of the dates for compliance with the 1978 convention and the amended convention overlapped. For instance, that's how the U.S. ended up with two different STCW certificates (1978 and 1995). July 6 July 14 July 27 August 3 August 11 Sept. 1 Sept. 14 Sept. 21 Sept. 28 Sept. 29 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24 Dec.1 Dec. 8 Dec. 15 Oct. 6 Oct. 26 Nov. 3 Nov. 16 Nov. 23 Nov. 30 Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Please Note: sample of a 1995 certificate with space for photo More on STCW June 30 July 7 July 21 July 28 August 4 August 25 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 • STCW Basic Safety Training must be renewed every five years. • Licensed mariners (including engineers) must complete lifeboatman/proficiency in water survival by the 2002 deadline. • Watchstanding deck and engine department members need a 1995 STCW certificate by Feb. 1, 2002. Renew Every 5 Years You may have taken the four elements of BST (basic fire fighting, basic first aid, personal survival and personal safety/social responsibility) by having taken the individual courses, such as basic fire fighting at the Paul Hall Center in, for example, May 1999. But be advised that BST must be renewed every five years and therefore if you piecemeal the four elements, then each one has a different "clock" running on it for the five-year period. Also, personal safety/social responsibility is not acquired by just taking several classes dealing with the course content-it has to be an approved course. In other words, go to the Paul Hall Center and take the five-day Basic Safety Training course and you will be qualified for the next five years. Moreover, an often-asked question is, "What STCW courses must be renewed?" The U.S. Coast Guard has determined that of the various STCW required courses, i.e., ARPA, BRM, advanced fire fighting, GMDSS, BST, etc., only Basic Safety Training must be renewed every five years. STCW basic safety and basic fire fighting are offered at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Another Key Date If you started sailing or training before Aug. 1, 1998, then you have until Feb. 1, 2002 to comply with the revised STCW Convention. However, if you started sailing or began maritime training after Aug. 1, 1998, then you must be in full compliance with the STCW amendments now. Mariners who began sailing or training before Aug. 1, 1998 currently may carry either a 1995 or 1978 STCW certificate, even though the 1995 document isn't required. As of Feb. 1, 2002, though, the 1978 certificate cannot be used. 12 Seafarers LOG March2001 �Know for Compliance by Feb...................... . 1, 2002 _ STCW Requirements for Unlicensed SIU Personnel {Before February 1, 2002) Position Basic Safety Training Steward Dept. (all) STCW Certificate Required Yes No: Non-watchstander Note: Mariner may possess a '78 or '95 certificate for lifeboatman/water survival. But not required (same for other non-watchstanders) Ordinary Seaman/DEU Yes Able-bodied Seaman Yes Bosun Yes No: Non-watchstander Note: Same as above. However, if specially trained, an STCW certificate for rating forming part of a navigational watch is required. Yes Note: A '78 or '95 certificate for rating forming part of a navigational watch is required. If assigned cargo duties, must also have tankerman assistant on certificate and MMD. Yes Note: Same as above. Deck Dept. Engine Dept. U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (Updated as of May 2000) U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm. 109, Coast Guard Isl. Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW. 1st Ave, 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore. MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 96 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 33 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Ofc Regional Examination Center 65 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Inspection Office Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building, Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 Members should not expect same-day service for document renewals or STCW certificates. Please call the REC in advance with your request. Wiper/DEU Yes Fireman/Watertender Oiler/OMU Yes QMED-Watchstander Yes QMED-Dayworker Yes QMED-Pumpman Yes No: Non-watchstander Note: Mariner may possess a certificate for water survival. No Note: Not required until Feb. 1, 2002. However, mariner may possess a certificate for water survival. No Note: Same as above. No: Non-watchstander. Note: Same as above. Yes: A '78 or '95 certificate for tankerman assistant is required. Note: Evidence of meeting compliance with STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) until Jan . 31, 2002 is either evidence of having sailed prior to Aug . 1, 1998, or individual was assessed aboard ship during the relaxed assessment period and has entries in TRB to that effect, or has completed a Coast Guard-approved BST course and is recorded in TRB. Effective Feb. 1, 2002, everyone must have received training and assessment in Basic Safety Training . STCW Requirements for Unlicensed SIU Personnel (Beginning February 1, 2002) Position Basic Safety Training Steward Dept. (all) STCW Certificate Required Yes No: Non-watchstander Note: Mariner may possess a '95 certificate for Chapter V: Special Training for Special Vessels. Ordinary Seaman/DEU Yes Able-Bodied Seaman Yes Bosun Yes No: Non-watchstander Note: Same as above. However, if specially trained, an STCW certificate for rating forming part of a navigational watch is required. Yes Note: A '95 certificate for rating forming part of a navigational watch is required. If assigned cargo duties, must also have tankerman assistant on certificate and MMD. Yes Note: Same as above. Deck Dept. Engine Dept. Wiper/DEU Fireman/Watertender Oiler/OMU Yes Yes QMED-Watchstander Yes QMED-Dayworker Yes QMED-Pumpman Yes No: Non-watchstander Yes Note: A '95 certificate for rating forming part of an engineering watch is required. Yes Note: Same as above. Yes: Non-watchstander (Many SIU-contracted companies have requested that QMED non-watchstanders possess STCW certificates in order to help ensure compliance in special circumstances) Yes: A '95 certificate for tankerman assistant is required. Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2002, all SIU members will have received training and assessment in Basic Safety Training. STCW Requirements for Limited Licenses SIU Personnel (Beginning February 1, 2002) License Tonnage Voyager BST BRM Master <200GRT Foreign Yes Yes Yes Yes Mate <200GRT Foreign Yes Yes Yes • Contact the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education toll-free at 877-235-3275 Chief/ Asst. Engr <200GRT Foreign Yes No No • Visit the U.S. Coast Guard's STCW web site at http://uscg.mil/stcw/ Note: Vessels <200 GRT on domestic voyages are exempt and all vessels greater than 200 GRT on domestic or for eign voyages must meet training requirements listed above. Note: Mariners must obtain this training and assessment (close the gap) before Feb. 1, 2002. GMDSS and ARPA are required for vessels equipped with this equipment. Effective Feb. 1, 2002, all SIU members will have received training and assessment in Basic Safety Training. Addlt lonal Resources: March2001 Radio Observ. ARPA GMDSS Adv. FF Surv. Craft Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Seafarers LOG 13 �Chief Cook Neville Hughes prepares a luncheon plate aboard the CSX Spirit before the vessel sails for Jacksonville. Ready to fly to Honolulu to board the new cruise ship ms Patriot are (from left) SAs Edgar Gonzalez, Raul Morales and Pedro Barbosa. Below: While offloading cargo in the port of San Juan, the galley gang aboard the CSX Crusader posed for this photo. They are (from left) Chief Cook William Blees, SA Antonio Colon and Chief Steward Gwendolyn Shinholster. Standing gangway watch aboard the CSX Crusader is AB Angel Velez. Servicing ships, leading membership meetings, handing out union books, explaining voting procedures, arranging for members to catch a vessel, working with pensioners, signing paperwork - these are but a few of the many different duties of an SIU port official. And, as these photos show, the union officials in the busy port of San Juan, PR. are no exception. Right: AB Hector Cumba (right) is congratulated by SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo after receiving his union book. Chief Cook Rafael Cardenas (left) hands SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez a cheeseburger and fries during a recent visit aboard the CSX Hawaii in San Juan. Receiving their union books from SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo (left in each photo) at the San Juan hall are (clockwise from top left) QMED Keithley Andrew, GUDE Luis Cueva, FOWT Norman Barbosa, AB Jesus Velasquez, AB Eladia Delgado and OMU Reynaldo Roman. 14 Seafarers LOG Among their other duties, SIU port officials also handle voting procedures in the San Juan hall. At right, Safety Director Amancio Crespo (standing) explains the ballot sheet to AB James Thiezen. Directly below, Bosun Joseph Mele (right) signs the roster sheet for Port Agent Victor Nunez prior to voting. Reading through the most recent issue of the Seafarers LOG, which was delivered to the Gus Darnell while at the U.S. Navy base in Roosevelt Roads (in Fajardo, PR.), are Unlicensed Apprentice Elliott T. Johnson (left) and AB Cliff Lattish, who also serves as the ship's deck delegate. The San Juan hall is a place where active Seafarers and pensioners meet and catch up on current events in the maritime industry. From the left are Chief Engineer Albert Garcia, Chief Steward Jose Calls, AB Joseph Osorio, Pensioner Guillermo Grajales, AB Jose Feliciano, OMU Pablo Albino, Pensioner Radames Cosme and SA Jose Jorge. OMU Julio Reyes (left) is happy to get his first pension check, presented by Port Agent Victor Nunez at the San Juan hall. March2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 1 0 0 10 0 3 7 17 5 6 4 2 0 5 1 0 14 34 24 10 23 32 17 6 1 9 27 3 31 24 260 2 2 0 16 11 15 18 24 6 6 20 12 5 9 7 11 I 2 11 14 5 8 13 14 20 4 5 6 5 13 13 148 4 5 2 9 13 94 24 8 1 0 5 22 1 21 18 182 0 0 0 2 10 11 8 6 3 3 5 6 2 1 8 3 0 7 13 102 5 5 I 9 5 80 1 8 0 2 3 3 9 16 25 1 14 6 15 5 3 3 53 61 14 39 44 4 29 28 2 0 1 9 3 7 2 3 13 37 5 0 5 6 54 420 0 9 t 55 37 10 19 18 3 2 Algonac .................. Friday: April 6, May 11 0 2 Baltimore .... ........... .Thursday: April 5, May 10 6 12 7 16 8 10 9 10 21 12 5 4 0 5 3 9 5 140 0 3 0 13 11 16 7 9 24 9 l 5 1 3 0 9 3 13 6 6 14 7 0 2 5 7 0 3 5 2 4 2 10 11 101 0 2 0 5 2 9 1 5 2 9 18 19 5 9 15 2 10 4 4 7 6 113 2 7 7 87 7 8 51 l 0 5 3 1 0 0 3 0 8 5 33 48 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 5 0 5 12 15 3 6 1 6 0 0 5 0 4 9 4 11 13 0 l 15 2 0 4 0 0 0 2 168 42 25 15 0 9 11 112 21 1 2 2 10 0 0 0 1 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 2 2 5 2 0 2 2 29 11 7 10 10 1 6 11 3 4 12 0 3 2 0 2 0 5 2 4 4 0 I 0 0 7 0 2 1 6 3 0 5 0 4 2 2 2 6 0 3 3 6 0 1 0 0 3 4 1 4 2 3 3 4 0 1 2 0 6 2 3 8 44 0 3 0 0 0 1 4 33 0 23 1 6 24 36 12 13 21 11 6 6 8 11 3 24 6 197 0 5 0 17 16 17 10 15 38 7 5 7 4 49 9 2 5 16 12 187 4 14 14 103 4 0 10 7 17 7 13 19 5 6 5 2 7 2 0 5 9 5 1 6 4 0 0 0 7 6 8 0 3 6 1 0 0 5 0 3 9 49 Totals All Departments 617 0 2 0 28 0 1 120 7 18 4 3 0 0 0 3 3 3 2 5 0 2 0 13 8 12 0 l 0 0 0 0 66 0 1 3 22 4 11 0 13 36 16 13 198 27 3 4 2 22 11 259 0 0 0 2 2 0 6 20 7 0 6 2 8 0 2 10 5 2 28 4 101 6 134 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 489 429 435 323 270 146 14 16 6 13 31 3 8 3 3 21 5 1 17 I 3 0 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: April 4, May 9 San Francisco ......... Thursday: April 12, May 17 San Juan .................. Thursday: April 5, May 10 St. Louis ................. Friday: April 13, May 18 14 17 11 4 139 58 0 l 2 0 69 42 0 0 2 0 6 0 2 1 0 0 I 3 4 0 43 21 27 13 19 41 15 0 38 3 16 1 125 9 25 6 8 26 17 1 23 5 10 0 8 26 8 20 69 287 23 314 948 682 517 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Norfolk ................... Thursday: April 5, May IO Wilmington .............. .Monday: April 16, May 21 262 0 New Orleans .. ........ .Tuesday: April 10, May 15 5 43 27 1 0 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: April 17, May 22 Tacoma ........... ..... ... Friday: April 20, May 25 0 10 Mobile .................... Wednesday: April 11, May 16 0 5 1 18 0 7 0 2 4 Jacksonville ... ... ..... .Thursday: April 5, May 10 3 0 1 0 0 7 5 9 Houston .................. Monday: April 9, May 14 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Honolulu ................. Friday: April 13, May 18 New York ................ Tuesday: April 3, May 8 6 4 9 4 6 8 10 0 2 l 6 3 3 6 2 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: April 11, May 16 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: April 18, May 23 ENGINE DEPARTMENT l 6 0 3 20 27 Port 1tfarch2DD1 Piney Point ............. Monday, April 2, May 7 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals FEBRUARY 15, 2001 April & May 2001 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. LOS-A-RHYTHM by Albert W. Austin Jr. To the gallant men of the past Who served our country to the last, From the young to the old These brave me gave their all. Nearly 6,000 was the toll Of the brave and the bold. And if once more a time should come And the job must be done, Just the same as before, A merchant seaman will answer the call. (Deck!Maintenance Albert W. Austin Jr. wrote this poem to the WWII veterans who sailed in the U.S. merchant marine. He penned it while aboard the Cape Jacob in Diego Garcia.) 5 6 Notice ta all Seafarers: 4 If you plan to continue sailing after Feb. 1, 2002, 33 NOW is the time to meet the requirements of the amended STCW convention. Apply to the Paul Hall Center to complete all the U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses required for your STCW certificate compliance. See pages 12-13 for additional information. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Directory JANUARY 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Tom Orzechowski Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice Pre ident West Coast Kennett Mangram Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 4800 I (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., # IC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HOUSTON 122 l Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., ew Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94 l 05 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16\12 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 510 16 WILMINGTON . Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 Seafarers LD6 20 9 0 6 2 0 9 3 0 9 20 NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 2 1 0 0 19 8 0 5 0 9 3 0 7 19 31 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters JANUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 0 L-Lakes 40 0 4 Totals All Depts 34 0 3 44 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St. Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 Company/Lakes FEBRUARY 15, 2001 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 8 FEBRUARY 15, 2001 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 10 2 2 12 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 0 24 29 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 3 2 13 2 2 12 2 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 1 30 PI C -FROM-THE-PAST The photo at right, from the SIU archives, was taken of the crew aboard the Delta Africa in 1978. While in Santa Marta, Colombia, some of the crew members took the opportunity to test a lifeboat. Three of the men have been identified: Pasquale Giorgily, Stanley Miaseck and Frank Bona. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested . March2001 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US-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. wo captains and a recertified bosun are among the 23 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Great Lakes Captain Jam es A. Rider and Inland Captain Bruce C. Gough sailed the Great Lakes and Inland waterways at the helms of their respective vessels for a combined 44 years. Recertified Bosun Charles 0. Herrera graduated from the highest level of training available for members of the deck department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Herrera, 16 of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Four plied the Great Lakes, and the remaining three navigated the inland waterways. Twelve of the retirees worked in the deck department, seven shipped in the engine department and four sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. T DEEP SEA MIGUEL ACEVEDO, 51 , hails from Puerto Rico. Brother Acevedo started his career with the SIU in 1976, joining in his native commonwealth. A member of the deck department, he first shipped from San Juan aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel. Brother Acevedo upgraded his ski I ls at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1991. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Expedition. Brother Acevedo lives in Carolina, P.R. EGLICERO M. BARRACA, 68, began his SIU career in 1989. Born in Hawaii, Brother Barraca shipped as a member of the steward department. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises. Brother Barraca resides in Wahiawa, Hawaii. MARIONC. DALE, 57, hails from Alabama. He started his SIU career in 1965 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Before becoming a Seafarer, Brother Dale served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. A member of the steward department, Brother Dale first shipped aboard the Del Sol, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. He last sailed on the Patriot. Brother Dale calls Montrose, Ala. home. ALFREDJ. FABRE JR. , 60, began his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of New Orleans. Prior to joining the March2001 Seafarers, Brother Fabre served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963. Born in New Roads, La., he first sailed aboard the Steel Direct, operated by ISCO Inc. Brother Fabre shipped in the deck department and earlier this year upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Sam Houston. MARKC. FOLK,47, started his SIU career in l 97 4 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in North Carolina, he first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Folk was a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 197 6 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Folk last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Performance. He resides in Fort McCoy, Fla. DIEGO HATCH, 65, is a native of Puerto Rico. He joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. L--~=:..:::::i~-..Ji._...J Brother Hatch first sailed aboard the Montpelier Victory. A member of the steward department, Brother Hatch last worked aboard the OMI Patriot. He lives in Yabucoa, P.R. DANIEL HEBIOR, 59, started his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Wauhagen, Ill., he served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. Brother Hebior first sailed aboard the Inger, operated by Reynolds Metal Co. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md. in 1966 and again earlier this year. Brother Hebior last shipped aboard NPR, Inc. 's Guayama. He resides in Houston. CHARLES 0. HERRERA, 56, hails from Galveston, Texas. Brother Herrera began his SIU career _.....a..:....__~_..au- in 1968 in the port of New York. Prior to joining the Seafarers, he served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967. Brother Herrera first sailed aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, Bosun Herrera upgraded his skills often at the union's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Herrera is a recertified bosun who last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Express. He calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. HORACE D. JONES, 64, started his SIU career in 1968, joining in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Wisconsin, he first sailed aboard the Overseas Rose. Brother Jones shipped as a member of the engine department and upgraded his skills in 1981 at the SIU's training school. He last worked on the Sea-Land Integrity. Brother Jones lives in New York City. ABDULLAH KARIM, 61, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Arabia, he first sailed aboard Sea-Land Service's Bienville. Brother Karim worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Explorer. Brother Karim resides in Brooklyn, N .Y. JOSE A. MOLINA, 60, hails from Honduras. Brother Molina started his SIU career in l 967 in the ......__..___._......_-"---_......_ _, port of New Orleans. The engine department member first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Topa Topa. Brother Molina upgraded his skills in 1993 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Brother Molina calls Kenner, La. home. HERMUS PATRICK, 64, began his career with the SIU in 1976, joining in the port of New York. Born in the British West Indies, Brother Patrick first sailed aboard Hudson Waterways Corp's Transindiana. A member of the engine department, he upgraded his skills often at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the USNS Denebola. Brother Patrick resides in St. Albans Queens, N.Y. JOSE SOSA, 65, was born in Honduras. He joined the SIU in 1971 in New Orleans. A member of the deck L--___,_ __,,,,_......_...J department, Brother Sosa first shipped aboard ISCO's Steel Voyager. He last sailed on the El Yunque, an Interocean Ugland Management vessel. Brother Sosa lives in Jacksonville, Fla. r--~!l!llll!lii~---i HERBERT H. THROWER, 57, hails from Mobile, Ala. Brother Thrower started his SIU career in 1966, joining in the port of New York. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard the Montpelier Victory. In 1995, Brother Thrower upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He last shipped aboard an NPR, Inc. vessel. Brother Thrower calls Virginia Beach, Va. home. ~~~~~~JE RRYW. WATKINS, 59, hails from Birmingham, Ala. He joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of -""""'-'-.................-=--__J Mobile, Ala. Before becoming a Seafarer, Brother Watkins served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964. The steward department member first shipped aboard an Ocean Cargo Ships vessel. In 1997, Brother Watkins upgraded his skills at Piney Point. He last worked aboard the Delta Mariner. Brother Watkins lives in Wetumpka, Ala. EDWARDL. WHISENHANT, 65, began his SIU career in 1962, joining in the port of Mobile, Ala. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, the Whistler, Ala. native served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961. Brother Whisenhant sailed in the engine department. He first worked aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. In 1978, Brother Whisenhant upgraded his skills at Piney Point. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Chicago. Brother Whisenhant calls Chickasaw, Ala. home. GREAT LAKES KENNETH M. NOILES, 64, was born in Michigan. He joined the SIU in 1963 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, Brother Noiles served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1959. A member of the engine department, he sailed primarily aboard Inland Lakes Management vessels. Brother Noiles last worked on the Lewis G. Harrison. He calls Alpena, Mich. home. JAMES A. RIDER, 62, started his career with the SIU in l 967 in the port of Detroit. Brother Rider was born in Michigan and worked primarily aboard Luedtke Engineering Co. vessels, most recently as a captain. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1992. Captain Rider calls Arcadia, Fla. home. ABDUL S. SHAHTER, 64, joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of Cleveland. Born in Yemen, Brother Shahter first sailed aboard American Steamship's _..___ ___;_____.:.• Consumer Powers. A member of the engine department, he last shipped aboard the H. Lee White, another American Steamship vessel. Brother Shahter lives in Dearborn, Mich. LEONARD H. VALENTINE, 62, began his SIU career in 1962, joining in the port of Detroit. He sailed as a member of the deck department. In 1972 and again earlier this year, Brother Valentine upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He sailed primarily aboard Luedtke Engineering Co. vessels. Brother Valentine served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964. He calls St. Ignace, Mich. home. INLAND KENNETH BARRON, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1977 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Prior to L--............___..__.__..___J joining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1959. Boatman Barron, who was born in Michigan, first sailed aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1996. A member of the deck department, Boatman Barron was last employed aboard a Moran Towing vessel. He calls Clearwater, Fla. home. BRUCEC. GOUGH, 62, hails from Maine. He joined the SIU in 1989. Boatman Gough sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessels, most recently as a captain. Boatman Gough resides in Milton, Fla. LARRYW. HAYES, 51, was born in Florida. Boatman Hayes began his SIU career in 1976, join-Li.---~......- ingintheport of Jacksonville, Fla. He shipped as a member of the engine department and worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessels. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1976. Boatman Hayes lives in Callahan, Fla. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA WILLIAM AUSTIN Pensioner William Austin, 76, died Sept. 7, 2000. Brother Austin graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school. He lived in Carson, Calif. and began receiving his pension in 1976. LORETTA HOBSON Pensioner Loretta Hobson, 86, passed away Aug. 19, 2000. Sister Hobson joined the MC&S in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member first sailed aboard the Miniposa. She began receiving her pension in 1975. Sister Hobson lived in Forestville, Calif. MELVIN H. JONES Pensioner Melvin H. Jones, 77, died Sept. 8, 2000. Brother Jones joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Baltimore. The North Carolina native was a member of the deck department, Brother Jones last sailed aboard the Eagfe Voyage, operated by Sea Transport Corp. He began receiving his pension in 1977. Brother Jones lived in Durham, N.C. DAVID LANTZ Brother David Lantz, 53, passed away Oct. 12, 2000. He joined the Seafarers in 1986 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Lantz served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1966 to 1970. A member of the engine department, the Williamsport, Pa. native first worked on the USNS Contender. He last shipped aboard the USNS Henson. Brother Lantz lived in Honolulu. member sailed primarily aboard Matson Navigation vessels. He first shipped aboard the Mariposa and last sailed aboard the '---------'-' Hawaiian Princess. Brother Ledesma started receiving his pension in 1988. He lived in Honolulu. """"",.......~=-------, ARCIDELEE Pensioner Archie Lee, 89, died Sept. 26, 2000. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1959, joining in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Lee first shipped on the Wang Knight, operated by MAR Bulk Carriers. He last sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Lee began receiving his pension in 1986. He called Houston home. SANTOS LOPEZ Pensioner Santos Lopez, 83, died Sept. 6, 2000. Brother Lopez started his career with the Seafarers in 1962, joining in the port of Seattle. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed as a member of the steward department. He first shipped aboard the Steel Vendor, operated by ISCO lnc. Brother Lopez last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Long Beach. He began receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Lopez lived in his native Puerto Rico. RAFEL MATOS RICHARD LARSEN Brother Richard Larsen, 42, died May 18, 2000. He joined the SIU in 1982 in the port of Piney Point, Md. A member of the engine department, Bother Larsen first sailed aboard the Liberty Wave, operated by Liberty Maritime Corp. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he last worked on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Stonewall Jackson. Brother Larsen called Miami home. GEORGE LAWRENCE .----...,,.--------, Pensioner George Lawrence, 81, passed away Aug. 20, 2000. A charter member, Brother Lawrence joined the Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. in 1938. The Alabama native sailed in the deck department. Early in his career, he shipped aboard the Alcoa Pointer, operated by Alcoa Steamship Co. Brother Lawrence last worked aboard Cove Shipping Co. 's Cove Ranger. He began receiving his pension in 1984. Brother Lawrence lived in Mobile. MARCIASLAWRENCE Brother Marcias Lawrence, 42, died Aug. 7, 2000. The Louisiana native joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of New Orleans. A member of the steward department, he first shipped aboard the Santa Mercedes, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Lawrence last sailed aboard Liberty Maritime Corp. 's Liberty Sea. He resided in New Orleans. MANUEL LEDESMA Pensioner Manuel Ledesma, 77, passed away Sept. 9, 2000. Brother Ledesma joined the MC&S in 1956 in Hawaii. The steward department 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Rafael Matos, 59, died Sept. 15, 2000. He joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of New York. A member of the engine depart'--~---._____, ment, he first shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Matos last worked on the Breton Reef, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. He resided in Toms River, N.J. .----::==------, FRANK PASQUAL! Brother Frank Pasquali, 75, passed away Aug. 8, 2000. He started his career with the SIU in 1952, joining in the port of ......._~"'---"-~""'---''--'----'Gloucester, Mass. Born in Rhode Island, Brother Pasquali sailed in the deck department. He first shipped aboard the Robin Mowbray, operated by Sinclair Oil Corp. Brother Pasquali last worked aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. He lived in the Philippines. Missouri, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1966. Brother Porter resided in Seattle. Tankers Corp. He called Oakland, Calif., home. CIPRIANO SONACO ROBERTO PRINCIPE Pensioner Roberto Principe, 77, died Sept. 28, 2000. Brother Principe started his SIU career in 1944, joining in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Principe fast shipped aboard an Intercontinental Bulk Corp. vessel. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Navigator. Brother Principe began receiving his pension in 1988. He resided in Reno, Nev. JOHN REAMS Pensioner John Reams, 67, passed away Sept. 1, 2000. He began his SIU career in 1969 in the port of New York. Born in .__........._.......__ _--"""____, Lamont, Fla., Brother Reams served in the U.S. Navy from 1953 to 1968. During his career, he sailed in both the steward and deck departments. His first ship was the Penn Ranger, operated by Penn Navigation Co. Brother Reams last worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Stonewall Jackson. He began receiving his pension in 1999. Brother Reams called Louisiana home. ~------,---..., TELESFORO SOTO Pensioner , Telesforo Soto, 68, died Oct. ~ ~ ' 23, 2000. Brother Soto 1 ,_started his SIU ~ career in 1968 ~~·' in the port of New York. L_~~--~·~·~·~-~~!!!!!!!!..::!io....-J Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Soto first shipped aboard MooreMcCormack Lines' Robin Locksley. He last sailed aboard the Long Island, operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. Brother Soto began receiving his pension in 1992. He lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. / \'................_,. .... · £.v/j GEORGE TAYLOR Pensioner George Taylor, 81, passed away Aug. 11, 2000. Brother Taylor graduated from the MC&S training school. Born in Texas, the steward department member began receiving his pension in 1970. Brother Taylor lived in Richmond, Calif. PETER THOMPSON GLEN REID Brother Reid, 76, died Oct. 28, 2000. He joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New York. Born in Alabama, Brother Reid sailed as a member of the steward department. He first shipped aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Philip P Barbour. Brother Reid last worked aboard the Cove Liberty, a Cove Shipping Co. vessel. He resided in Evergreen, Ala. . _ _ _........._ . . . L . . __ Pensioner Cipriano Sonaco, 89, passed away Oct. 28, 2000. Born in Washington state, Brother Sonaco began his SIU career in 1960, joining in the port of Seattle. A member of the steward department, he first shipped aboard the Ocean Deborah. His last ship was the Overseas Aleutian. Brother Sonaco started receiving his pension in 1976. Seattle was his home. __, GUILFORD SCOTT ..----------. Pensioner Guilford Scott, 80, died Aug. 6, 2000. Brother Scott began his SIU career in 1948, joining in the port of Mobile, Ala. '---L--~----' Born in Jamaica, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Scott first shipped aboard a Boston Shipping Co. vessel. He last worked on Delta Steamship Lines' Del Rio. Brother Scott began receiving his pension in 1983. He lived in El Monte, Calif. GEORGE SMITH DANIEL PORTER ..------=.,,,,.,..=------. Brother George Brother Daniel Porter, 55, died Oct. 23, 2000. He began his SIU career in 1988 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Porter sailed in the deck department, first working on the Sea-Land Express. He last sailed aboard the USNS Bartlett, operated by Lavino Steamship Co. Born in Smith, 49, died Oct. 24, 1999. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1971, joining in the port of San Francisco. The i.-__..:...._--'-c.<.&..---. New Orleans native first shipped aboard a Columbia Steamship Co. vessel. A member of the engine department, Brother Smith last sailed aboard the Manhattan, operated by Manhattan Pensioner Peter Thompson, 73, died Sept. 6, 2000. Brother Thompson started his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard the Steel Design, operated by ISCO Inc. The New York native last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Quality. Brother Thompson served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He began receiving his pension in 1991. Brother Thompson resided in New York. FRANCISTOKARCHUK Pensioner Francis Tokarchuk, 84, passed away Oct. 20, 2000 . Brother Tokarchuk began his SIU career in 1951, '--------'-~....;;..:.;;UL..__, joining in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department, first shipping aboard an AH Bull Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Tokarchuk last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. He began receiving his pension in 1978. Brother Tokarchuk called Sea Level, N.C., home. ADRIAN VADER Pensioner Adrian Vader, 98, died Oct. 7, 2000. Brother Vader started his SIU career in 1950, joining in the port of New York. ......~_._...__.. . Born in Holland, the engine department member last sailed on the Longview Victory, operated by Victory Carriers, Inc. He began receiving his pension in 1973. Brother Vader lived in Chesapeake, Va. THOMAS VENTURA Pensioner Thomas Ventura, 74, passed away Aug. 25, 2000. Born in Pittsburgh, Brother Ventura joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member last worked aboard American President Line's President Jefferson. Brother Ventura served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1947. He made his home in Tucson, Ariz. and began receiving his pension in 1991. DONALD VOLLUZ Pensioner Donald Volluz, 66, died Sept. 17, 2000. Brother Volluz started his career with the SIU in 1970 in the port of St. '----~'----1~--L......J Louis. Born in Illinois, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Volluz last worked aboard the Green Island, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955 and began receiving his pension in 1999. Brother Volluz called New Orleans home. GREAT LAKES THOR LOVAAS Pensioner Thor Lovaas, 86, passed away Oct. 31, 2000. He started his career with the SIU in 1956, joining in the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Lovaas served as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Born in Norway, he sailed in the deck department and sailed in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. Brother Lovaas first shipped aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.'s Andrew Jackson. He last sailed aboard the Day Peckinpaugh, operated by Erie Navigation. Brother Lovaas began receiving his pension in 1979. He lived in Pinellas Park, Fla. ~---------. GEORGE ROMONSKI Pensioner George Romonski, passed away Sept. 13, 2000. Brother Romonski started his career with the Seafarers in 1959, joining in the port of Milwaukee. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the engine department, working in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. Brother Romanski first shipped aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel. He last worked aboard a Great Lakes Associates, Inc. vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1986. Brother Romonski lived in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. INLAND JOHN L. O'ROURKE Pensioner John L. O'Rourke, 75, passed away Sept. 30, 2000. Born in Eugene, Ore., Boatman O'Rourke shipped as a member of the ""'--"L.-C--_J deck department. He began receiving his pension in 1987. Florida was his home. March200t �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. ANCHORAGE (CSX Lines), Dec. 10-Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Jeanette T. Montgomery, Educational Director Mohamed Ali, Deck Delegate Tom Schroeder, Engine Delegate Ken Stratton, Steward Delegate Gary Loftin. Chairman announced Dec. 13 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. He advised crew members to vote in SIU election before end of year. Rides to and from hall available. Educational director urged everyone to check expiration dates on z-cards and renew if necessary. He also reminded them of STCW certification required by Feb. 1, 2002 and to attend courses at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., if needed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations for new contract sent to headquarters Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. CRUSADER (CSX Lines), Dec. 2-Chairman Joseph V. Mele, Secretary Gwendolyn Shinholster, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Thomas J. Lynch, Steward Delegate Antonio Colon. Payoff announced by chairman for Dec. 5 in Houston. Educational director encouraged crew members to attend Piney Point and stated Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for STCW compliance o beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to raise pension benefits, increase vacation pay and extend shipyard time for reclaiming job. Crew thanked steward department for great menus and meals. EL YUNQUE (IUM), Dec. 30Chairman Tommie R. Benton, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director James E. Williams, Deck Delegate Ray Shinpoch, Engine Delegate Charles E. Dallas, Steward Delegate Victor I. Jimenez. Chairman noted payoff in San Juan. He reminded everyone that SCTW becomes effective Feb. 1, 2002 and not wait until last minute to register for necessary classes at Paul Hall Center. Educational director agreed, also advising crew members to upgrade skills at the school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce seatime needed for pension. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Bosun also thanked deck department for hard work. Following payoff in San Juan, ship headed to Jacksonville. GUAYAMA (NPR, Inc.), Dec. 24-Chairrnan Glen James, Secretary Ed Haber, Deck Delegate Jose A. Tobio, Steward Delegate John L. Foster. Chairman informed crew of layup Dec. 30 in Charleston, S.C. for about 2 weeks. Crew members reminded of need to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center to be ready for future in maritime industry. Some disputed OT reported in all three departments. Clarification requested from headquarters on day off procedure. Request made for new TV in crew lounge. Also recommended contracts department look into increasing pension benefits and adding prescription plan for dependents. Thanks given to stew- March2001 ard department for excellent food. Next ports: San Juan, P.R.; Jacksonville. HM/ DEFENDER (CUM), Dec. 30 -Chairman Jerry Borucki, Secretary Roderick D. Franklin, Educational Director Tom Odem, Engine Delegate Edward J. Krebs, Steward Delegate Peter L. Crum. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported, although steward delegate noted flooding of his cabin and that of chief cook. Recommendations sent to contracts department to include prescription drug coverage for dependents and increase number of vacation days. Next ports: Tampa, Fla.; Lake Charles, La. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), Dec. 31 -Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Deck Delegate Mott H. Arnold, Engine Delegate Kenneth A. Adamczak, Steward Delegate James C. Wadsworth. Chairman reported end-of-year payoff in San Juan, P.R. There will be a change in the run, adding Philadelphia to the schedule. Educational director reminded members that only one year remains until STCW takes effect. Any required courses should be planned for now. He also noted April 15 deaaiine for scholarship applications. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for reduction in amount of seatime needed for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for outstanding Christmas meal. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Dec. 10-Chairman Paul D. Lewis, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Cleofe B. Castro. Chairman reminded crew of SIU election voting through Dec. 30. He asked that members make their votes count by going to an SIU hall to cast ballots. Secretary announced vessel now storing all food and cabin goods in Houston. Educational director advised everyone to take special notice of expiration dates on z-cards, clinic cards, passports, etc., and allow time for renewal. Treasurer noted nine new movies purchased, leaving $13 in crew fund. All contributions welcome. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations sent to contracts department to raise maintenance/cure rate and increase retirement benefits. Steward thanked for good food and great Thanksgiving Day meal. Next ports: Elizabeth, NJ.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Freeport, Bahamas. /TB GROTON (Sheridan Transportation Co.), Dec. 28Chairman Donald G . Rezendes, Secretary Br ian Bu rchett, Educational Director Carlos A. Perez, Deck Delegate John R. Lam precht, Steward Delegate Linda J. Barb er. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 2 and stressed importance of making sure members are current with STCW requirements. Educational director added that February 1, 2002 is deadline for full implementation of STCW amendments and further noted upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Recommendation made that SIU health plan be amended to allow SIU members living overseas (other than in a U.S. territory) access to medical and dental benefits. Mail received only in Cherry Point, Wash. Crew would like additional mail delivery in Long Beach, Calif. to help cut down on delays in receiving communications. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent holiday meal. Next port: Port Angeles, Calif. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime Corp.), Dec. 10Chairman Inocencio M. Desaville, Secretary Terry J. Smith, Educational Director Trent Sterling, Deck Delegate Charles A. McPherson, Engine Delegate Luis R uiz, Steward Delegate Malcolm L. Holmes. Chairman stated arrival Dec. 17 in Astoria, Wash. from Sri Lanka. Then heading to Kalama, Wash. and Bangladesh. Members were restricted to ship in Sri Lanka. He also announced two unlicensed apprentices aboard this voyage. Educational director stressed importance of knowledge in maritime industry and advised crew members to upgrade at Piney Point and be sure to take courses necessary to comply with STCW amendments and get TRBs signed. Some disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. President's report from LOG read, indicating growth of shipping industry. President Sacco, VP Contracts Augie Tellez and other officials thanked for hard work. Request made for new washing machine, VCR and microwave. Season's greetings to all. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Dec. 3Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Secretary Pablo P. L opez, Educational Director James McParland, Deck Delegate A.J. Nabassin, Engine Delegate Jaime T. Cayonte, Steward Delegate Francisco Aral. Chairman thanked crew for good, safe trip and reminded those members getting off to leave rooms clean. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and be sure all shipping documents are up-to-date. Treasurer announced $275 in ship's fund and noted new movies purchased last month. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on supper relief at sea. Recommendation made to pension plan to increase pension benefits. Requests made for new vacuum cleaner and toaster oven. Thanks given to Chief Cook Aral and GVA Cayonte for jobs well done. Payoff scheduled for Dec. 13 in Newark, N.J. Next ports: Baltimore; Newport News, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Freeport, Bahamas. PACIFIC (CSX Lines), Dec. 10Chairman Lothar G. Reck, Secretary Clancy T. Hennigan, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Jr., Engine Delegate Rhonda Koski, Steward Delegate Joh n L. Gehring. Chairman reminded crew members to vote in SIU election and leave rooms clean when getting off ship. Educational director urged everyone to take advantage of Piney Point facilities as well as safety movies aboard vessel. Treasurer announced $60 in movie fund and $255.50 in ship's fund. Will look into purchasing refrigerators for rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower seatime to 20 years for pension eligibility. Crew advised that when ship lays up, jobs will be called from port of San Francisco. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PHILADELPHIA (OSG Ship Mgmt.), Dec. 17-Chairman Timothy J. Olvany, Secretary Jose A. Rivera, Educational Director Kenneth Spivey, Deck Delegate Robert Pacheco, Engine Delegate Sheldon Greenberg. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 20 in Providence, R.I. He reminded everyone to check that shipping documents are up-to-date. Educational director stressed importance Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Gary L . Dates, Engine Delegate Gregory T. J ohns, Steward Delegate R obert T. Seim . Chairman announced ship paying off Dec. 12 in Houston. Chief mate gave vote of thanks to crew on recent International Safety Management audit. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center to improve skills. He also talked Working on the Prince William Sound Crew members aboard the Prince William Sound, an Alaska Tanker Co. vessel, include (top photo, from left) GSU Larry Angel, Steward/Baker Pat Sloan and Chief Cook Leola Johnson. At right is QMED Marino Callejas. of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $200 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Secretary thanked deck and engine departments for helping keep ship clean. Special thanks also given by bosun to steward department for good food and good service--especially Thanksgiving Day meal. RELIANCE (CSX Lines), Dec. 2-Chairman Tim ot hy J. F itzgerald, Secretary Gene C. Sivley, Educational Director Benny A. Orosco, Engine Delegate Omer A. Sharif, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman noted new mattresses on order. He announced payoff Dec. 8 in Tacoma, Wash . and asked members to wear hard hats while in port and pick up all working tools. He also reminded everyone to vote in SIU election. Educational director talked about value of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for 30-minute coffee break written into next contract. Also suggested that monetary amount for loss of clothing and personal effects be increased. Request made for new TV. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Dec. l 0Chairman Eugene Grantham, Secretary Miguel A. Pabon, Educational Director Michael Rubino, Deck Delegate Donald M. Hood, Engine Delegate Crescencio A. Suazo, Steward Delegate Gery R. Byrd. Chairman reported good trip with no accidents. Payoff scheduled Dec. 18 in New Orleans. Secretary said trip was wonderful and crew worked together like family. Treasurer announced $602 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made for contracts department to look into lowering seatime requirements for full pension benefits. Request made for new TV set for crew mess. Crew gave steward department thanks for job well done, including good sanitation in crew mess area. Next port: Morehead City, N.C. SEALAND ACHIEVER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Dec. 10-Chairman Michael Duggan, Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational about necessity of contributing to SPAD. Treasurer stated $45 in ship's fund. All donations welcome. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussed memorandum of agreement between USS MI and SIU regarding return to port of engagement. A number of suggestions and recommendations made under good and welfare for consideration in next contract negotiations. These included reduction in minimum seatime requirement of 120 days to collect vacation benefits, substantial increase in monthly pension payment and benefits, increase in extra service credit after 3,000 days, seatime served aboard all classes of SIU-contracted vessels should count toward seatime requirements for medical benefits for Seafarers and their dependents, all SIU ships should be outfitted with satellite dish and gyro. New washing machine requested. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excel lent food and service. Next ports after payoff: Savannah, Ga.; Norfolk, Va.; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Bremerhaven, Germany. USNS DAHL (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Dec. 18-Chairman Terry L. Armas, Secretary Christine A. Cassie, Educational Director William Staton, Engine Delegate G. Richardson, Steward Delegate Martin W. Krins. Chairman summarized captain's report for crew members and announced new refrigerators for crew cabins to be installed in Charleston, S.C. Guests will be allowed on board while in port. Educational director expressed thanks for good jobs and for benefit of school at Piney Point for upgrading skills. He reminded everyone to keep z-cards and STCW up-to-date and noted April 15 deadline for scholarship applications. Treasurer stated $518 in ship's fund after purchasing $200 worth of movies before departure from Diego Garcia. Any suggestions for additional purchases should be submitted to chairman. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward suggested crew members be more conscious about separating plastics from regular trash. Ship expected to be part of "Operation Seebreeze," which was canceled due to environmental concerns. Steward department praised for excellent job. Seafarers LOG 19 �Mock Turtle Soup GALLEY CORNER "Wherever the recipe calls for turtle, use pork instead." Yi cup cooking oil Yi cup flour Y2 cup onions, chopped Y2 cup celery, chopped Yi cup green peppers, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound turtle (pork) meat, l" cubed 1 pint potatoes, cubed 16 ounces tomatoes, crushed 2 cups beef stock Yi teaspoon salt 118 teaspoon thyme 118 teaspoon allspice black pepper, to taste 1 bay leaf Yi cup sherry, optional 2 hard cooked eggs, chopped 1 lemon, sliced Combine oil and flour over medium heat to make a roux. Add onions, celery, peppers and garlic. Then add turtle (pork), tomatoes, stock, potatoes and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes. Add sherry, if desired. Use eggs and lemon slices as a garnish. Instructor/Chef Ed White Makes 21h quarts; serves 1O If anyone is looking for a particular recipe or has one of their own that they would like to share, drop Chef Hetmanski a line at the Paul Hall Center, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 or e-mail to: sh/ssvoc@us.hsanet.net. Lettersto the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Ill( Ill( .. Thanks and Praise To SIU Staff Members I am writing in regards to all your staff at the Seafarers Welfare Plan. I want you to know how 20 Seafarers LOG .. Merchant Marine Included In New VFW Memorial SIU Friend Andy Toth Wiii Be Missed Uncle Andy, as he was known and called by hundreds of Seafarers, passed away Jan. 11, 2001. He came to Piney Point for a weekend visit to see his nephew, Frank Toth, and Frank's wife, Jean, owners of the Oakwood Lodge. He never left. Andy was loved by all. No matter what country a seaman was in, they would always say, "When you go to school in Piney Point, stop in and see Uncle Andy at the Oakwood Lodge." The seaman was always his friend. Everyone had a story to tell about the adventures of Uncle Andy. Hundreds crammed the pier at Oakwood to watch as Andy's ashes were scattered into the Potomac River. He will be missed but never forgotten. He was a legend in his own time. Jean Toth Piney Point, Md. a super job for the union as a representative, but also steps up to the task of being compassionate to those who need help. :rvtany, many thanks to the union and all its staff for being there in times of need. Diane Kuvshinikov Thomasville, N.C. Andy Toth on the fishing pier lucky you are to have such wonderful, knowledgeable, caring people, especially Linda Thompson and several others in the insurance office. These people work hard and long to try and resolve so many insurance problems. In the 29 years my husband has been a Seafarer, I can honestly say the staff has been there with their expertise. If I could give these people a raise, I would! Our world today is so full of negatives. I just want to tell you some positive points. A big thank you for all you do for each and every Seafarer every day. I also would like to give praise to [SIU Port Agent] Don Thornton in Algonac, :rvtich. for being there for the members and their dependents. Don is so helpful and caring to everyone. He does Enclosed please find a photo [see below] of a memorial we installed at our VFW post, the Harry T. Clunn Post 9220, located in Bensalem, Pa. The addition of the emblem on the right is the "sixth" service: the United States :rvterchant :rvtarine, joining the traditional five [Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, :rvtarine Corps]. I don't know if this is a "first." I would like to find out if anyone has knowledge of any other VFW posts honoring our profession. Russell G. Hinkel Bensalem, Pa. (Editors Note: Any one wishing to contact Russell Hinkel may write him at 3277 Parkview Drive, Bensalem, PA 19020.) Below: a new VFW monument in Bensalem, Pa . honors the six branches of service. 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 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. lf, 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 SlU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts . NOTIFYING THE UNION- If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. March2001 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes for the months of March through June 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman March 10 April 7 Mays June 2 June 30 April 6 May4 June 1 June 29 July 27 Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 17 March 24 April 21 May 19 June 16 March 31 April 7 Mays June 2 June 30 Radar (simulator) April 7 April 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (simulator) April 21 June 16 April 27 June 22 (including simulator steering assessments) (*must have radar u11limited) GMDSS (simulator) March 17 April 14 May 12 June 9 March 30 April 27 May25 June 23 Limited License March 3 May 11 Bridge Resource Management June 23 June 29 Recertification Bosun Recertification April 7 May7 Steward Recertification July 7 August 6 Safety Specialty Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting March 17 April 14 May 12 June 9 March 24 April 21 May 19 June 16 Advanced Fire Fighting (one week) Mays May 12 Advanced Fire Fighting - First Aid May 19 June 2 Government Vessels March 3 March 24 March 31 April 14 April 28 May 12 May26 June 9 June 23 March 23 April 13 April 20 May4 May 18 June 1 June lS June 29 July 13 STCW Basic Safety March 17 March 31 April 21 May 12 March 24 April 7 April 28 May 19 STCW Medical Care Provider March 24 May 19 June 9 March 31 May26 June 16 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW Basic Safety March 3 March 31 April 14 April 28 May12 May26 June 2 June 9 June 23 June 30 March 16 April 13 April 27 May 11 May2S June 8 June 8 June 16 June 29 July 6 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* March 3 March 31 April 28 May26 June 23 March 17 April 14 Ma 12 June 9 July 7 March 10 June 16 March 17 June 23 Course Engine Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler March 24 May 19 May4 June 29 QMED - Any Rating A~ril July 20 Welding March 3 March 31 April 28 June 9 30 March 23 April 20 May 18 June 29 *must have basic firefighting)_ Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 6. General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -·-~·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date Name - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member Date of Birth D END DATE BEGIN DATE ---------D Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ __ _ Date On: _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes DNo If yes, class# - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- -- - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ March2001 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. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwi e qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, acce s or treatment of students in its programs or activities.2 3101 Seafarel'S LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 605 - Unlicensed apprentices from class 605 who completed the water survival course include those pictured above. The full class roster includes (in alphabetical order) Shawn Alexander, Apolonia Carranza Jr., Paul Gohs, Jason Hudkins, Duvuri Jackson, Erik Kim, Steven Larson, Alfred Norris Jr., Kory Richardson , Timothy Squire Jr., James Stover, Daryl Thomas , Jason Thompson , David Vaughn and Robert Wood . Personal Safety (STCW) - Crew members who will be working aboard American Classic Voyages' new cruise ships recently completed the required personal safety class for STCW compliance . In no specific order, the course roster includes Anthony Dezara, Daryl Reed , Louis Holmes, Floilam Reyes , Wilson Glowacki, Todd Carson , Joseph Grannan IV, Michael Yunes , Humberto Medina , Charles Blue, Rodney Nelson, Kellie Clark, Liesje Cole, Sarah Weitzel, Kevin Carson , Rebecca Setler, Seth Eckroth , Ann Robinson , Shelly Pawelek, Erin Ball, Johnny Scott, Frank Leonardo, Lisa Miller, Kellie Szczypinski and Miriam Chacon . Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 612 - Reporting for training Dec. 18, class 612 recently completed the water survival course . Included in the class are (in alphabetical order) Machavellia Bagsby, Angelo Bottoni , Eugene Burke II , Ronald Carney Jr., Maynor Castro, Juanita Christia , Rafael Costas , Manolo Cruz, Marlene Cunningham , Melvin Espaillat, Jason Frank, Lisa Harewood, Kareem Joseph, Justin Koger, Robert Lavelle, Gary Martin , Kahliff Mohamed, Harry Morales, Tremaine Shamlee, Paul Simpson and Jermaine Williams. Basic Fire Fighting - Crowley - Upgrading Seafarers working aboard Crowley vessels earned their fire fighting endorsements Dec. 8. Under the instruction of Anthony Hammett are (in alphabetical order) Peter Alba no, Mark Bailey, Edward Brooks, Christi Calvert, James Daley, Michael Lydick, Fran k Messick, John Rakyta , Raymond Richardson, Roger Rothschild, Michael Stephens, David Walblom , Gregory Webb and John Zarroli. ARPAUpgrading their deck skills in the ARPA course,which ended Jan. 26 , are (in alphabetical order) John W. Bilich Sr., Douglas K. Buchanan , Freddie A. Cantrell, Noel Camacho, Tracy D. Reed , Richard Shellenbach, Woodrow Shelton Jr. and Brian P. Wynn. Off to Sea After completing the first phase of the Unlicensed Apprentice Program , Phase II involves going to sea and rotating through the deck, engine and steward departments. Holding their first SIU shipping cards and ready to climb aboard their first ships are (from left) Anjwar Brooks, Zachary Toye and Rodney Shaw. In the background are Patrolman (in training) Archie Ware and Port Agent Office Manager Betty Smith. 22 Seafarers LOG Water Survival (STCW) - Completing the water survival portion of the STCW requirements are (in no specific order) Steven Sears, Charles Williams , Edward Wilson , Walter Jeffords, William Martin Jr. , Adry Libra, Ellery Nickerson, Milton Greene Jr. , Jeffery Bull , Mark Vannasdall , Patrick Nauman , Davie Guyton , Joerg Witte, John Walsh, Dennis Keenan , Jose Cariman , Dorothy Pizzuto, Antonio Pizzuto, Ronald Boatwright Sr. , Charles Mull, Raymond Snow, Phillip Walcher, Frederick Shiferdek, John Gator, Robert Venable Jr., John Holland, Roy Dowdell Jr. , Douglas Baker, Leslie O'Hair, Ansel Thompson Jr., Bill Romig , Paul Tyson and Debbie Jeffords. Their instructors were Mitch Oakley and Mark Cates. Basic Safety (STCW) - This group of Seafarers completed the STCW course Jan . 17. Under the instruction of Mitch Oakley, they are (in no specific order) Desmond Baptiste, Miguel Cardero , Emma Porter, LeEsther Jiles, Richard Donlevy, Ivey Brown, Ronald Russell, Phillip Hawes, Michael Knitter, Olson Thorne, Mitchell Roberts, Clarence Jeanette, Milton Haberman, John Byrnes, Chris Dunn , Frank Donaldson, Stephanie Hendrick, Gary Reith , Byron Collins, Freddie Kesire, JoAnn Hicks and Steven Gardiner. March2001 �Paul Hall Center Classes Steward Department Training Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum with Instructor/Chef Ed White (far left) are (from left) lsoline Major, Charles Carrol , Marta Williams, Lloyd Hall Sr., Alex Aguinaldo , John Walsh and Jeff Radcliffe-Nelson (assistant instructor). ChiefCook- Completing this 10-day course on Jan. 19 are (in no particular order) Benjamin Shupp, Leroy Reed , Raymond H. Bitney Ill, Ryan Legario, William S. Schuchardt, Caleb R. Sachs, Joseph Benavente Jr., Alfred Norris, Duvuri Jackson, Kenneth Simon, Lokona Farias , Bill Romig, Edward D. Wilson, Matthew G. Nunez, Adam Lippe, Louis Cappadonna, Sidney Wagner Jr., Jackson Gourgue, Nicholas Jones, Byron Graham, Michael Praslicka, Paul Voisin , Shawn Alexander, Armando I. Garayua, Deshawn L. Stephenson and Felix J. Medina. Radar - Seafarers working aboard New York Waterway vessels recently completed their radar endorsements. They are (in alphabetical order) Michael J. Baranok, Charles E. Bashore, Thomas M. Beckedorff, Timothy E. Byam , Christian A. Mitchell , Adam J , Sciaino, Alan Warren and Eric C. Yordt. Upgrading to chief cook are (from left) Karen Mischel, Jeanette Higgins and Lolita Sanchez. At right is their instructor, Chef John Dobson. Chief Cook- Robert Ramirez's training and expOOBl'lC9-ShOW-as he- gets the griddle going for lunch. Welding - Classroom instruction as well as on-the-job training compose this fourweek course . Certificates of graduation were given to (from left, front row) Glen Barnes, Dennis Keenan , Walter Jeffords, (second row) Marijan Masnov, Don Laframboise, (third row) Guy Hemenger and Calvin Wagner. Buzzy Andrews (last row, right) was their instructor. Chief Cook- The curriculum for Seafarers upgrading to chief cook includes both classroom and culinary lab work. Here in the classroom-with their instructor, Chef John Dobson-are (in no specific order) Wilfredo Perez, Tommy Kleine, Linda McPhetridge, Benjamin Advincula, Louis Hyde Sr. , Leopold Calderon , Marcus Rowe and Jeanette Higgins. Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. March2001 Able Seaman - Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class Feb. 16 are (in alphabetical order) James Bening, Francisco Bravo, Randolph Cash, Patrick Chalmers, Roosevelt Clark, Yamira Colon , Steven Cook, Ian Ferguson , Lafe Fraley, David Jones, Benjamin LaPointe , Jessica LoRusso, Gary Mann, Lee McMillan, Eric Meier, Jesse Osborne, Robert Parker, Chad Partridge, Clovis Pomare, James Poole Jr. , Wayne Simpkins, Walter Sipper Jr., Edward Stanfield , Donald Stickens, Abdulwali Suwaileh, Jason Tucker, David Wardingley, Israel Watson and Gerald Young. Their instructor, Bernabe Pel ingon , is at far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �----~ ---, Don't be left high and dry come Feb. 1, 2002. Find out what you need to know about STCW certification on pages 12 and 13. Tb.e Gus W. DameH: 'Good Run, Good Ship' Awaiting the signal from the linesmen at the Navy TC dock to commence the docking and tie-up of the vessel in Charleston, S.C. are (from left) the chief mate, AB William Hays, GUDE Mark Maduro, Bosun James Martin and AB Cliff Lattish. Below: Another home-cooked meal, compliments of Chief Cook Simone Solomon, is enjoyed by Guw W Darnell crew members (from left) OS David Alexander, AB Chris Green and QMED Andrew Van Bourg. When the Gus W. Darnell tied up at the Navy TC dock in Charleston, S.C. recently, SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Anthony McQuay and Patrolman Bryan Powell found everything running smoothly. Crew members aboard the Ocean Ships, Inc. vessel said they were enjoying their fellow crew mates as well as the ship's run- which takes them from Charleston to Jacksonville to Aruba to Key West to Tampa to Houston and back again. Below: Steward/Baker Bob Easley (left) serves dinner to QMED Andrew Van Bourg in the ship's galley. GSUs Bruce Miangolanza and Sonia Feliz are in high spirits as they clean up in the galley after supper. Both said they like the ship and its crew. With aid from a Moran tug, the Gus W Darnell gets ready to tie up in Charleston, S.C. ... � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MARINER SURVEY MEASURES DATABASE ACCURACY, STCW COMPLIANCE, SEALIFT STRENGTH RUNAWAY-FLAG ULTRA CONTAINER RAMS SIU-CREWED LIBERTY SPIRIT MERCHANT MARINE’S ROLE IN U.S. SECURITY UNDERSCORED TO MARITIME TRADES DEPT. STEWARD DEPT. SEAFARERS CREW USNS MENDONCA SENS. LOTT, BREAUX URGES PRES. BUSH TO ENHANCE MARITIME INDUSTRY USNS PERSISTENT MAKES FIRST NARCOTICS SEIZURE 2 COAST GUARD SHIPS DEBUT THIS YEAR HOUSE, SENATE SET SUBCOMMITTEES RETIRED SIU OFFICIAL JOHN DWYER DIES AT 85 AFL-CIO EXECUTIVE COUNCIL: SAVE U.S. MANUFACTURING JOBS STRONG MERCHANT MARINE IS ESSENTIAL FOR AMERICA ANWR EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT OFFERS NUMEROUS BENEFITS FOR U.S. GULF MARINERS PERSERVERE IN BID FOR REPRESENTATION CROWLEY CONTINUES TUG REFURBISHMENT ITB JACKSONVILLE CREW MEMBERS APPLAUD POSITIVE CHANGES IN SIU EFFECTIVE CREW EXPLORES OKINAWA APPRENTICES FROM GUAM WORK, LEARN ABOARD LTC CALVIN P. TITUS THE GUS W. DARNELL: ‘GOOD RUN, GOOD 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 Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2001 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 63, No. 3 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/67055866d2ab42ca61786791a4a12143.pdf b61109a3146b6237bb7ccf99554474b5 PDF Text Text February 2001 Volume 63, Number 2 Launch of 'Rocket Ship' Signals New Jobs I or SIU From the vessel's run to its cargo to its appearance, the SIU-crewed Delta Mariner is anything but typical. The ship carries space equipment between Alabama, Florida and California. Page 2. Philly Boatmen Crew New Tug SIU boatmen in the Philadelphia area, including Manolo Salinel (right photo), late last year welcomed the new tugboat Z-One to the McAllister fleet. Page 4. SIU Tallying Committee Announces Election Results The SIU's rank-and-file tallying committee last month released its calculation of the ballots cast by Seafarers. Voting for national officers of the union took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000. The ballot also included five proposed constitutional amendments. The committee certified the reelection of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU, along with other results. The tallying committee's report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings next month. Page 3. GMDSS Course Approved - Page 3 Crowley Refurbishes 25 Tugs Restoration of the 25 Crowley tugs includes rebuilding the engines. Page 4. Health ID Cards Planned - Page 3 TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS -Pages12-13 �President's Report STCW Countdown The deadline for full compliance with the amended STCW convention is one year away. To all SIU members who will need an STCW certificate, basic safety training or any other STCW-related endorsements by Feb. 1, 2002, I urge you to take the necessary steps now. If you're still uncertain about the requirements, there are several good sources of information. You can start by calling the toll-free STCW hotline at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education: 1-877-2353275. Please, don't put it off. The deadline is quite Michael Sacco real, as are the potential consequences from port state control officials for mariners who fail to comply with the STCW regulations. Also, if you think you' ll need STCW basic safety training between now and the deadline, please contact the Paul Hall Center's admissions office immediately-even if you don't plan to attend until much later this year. That will help give the school, located in Piney Point, Md., a better handle on how many students to expect for the next 11 months. It also may enlighten any callers who have been putting off their STCW training, because classes are limited. Again, for your own good, please get moving! Protecting Our Interests At monthly membership meetings, shipboard meetings and in the Seafarers LOG, the SIU regularly has been reporting on the STCW 1995 amendments since well before their adoption that summer. But, in conjunction with the Paul Hall Center, we've done a lot more than just report the news about STCW. We've helped make it. The SIU and the school consistently have participated in the international meetings before and after the amendments passed. We have been vigilant in speaking out for the interests of U.S. mariners, beating back attempts by other nations to cut manning levels and reduce mariner training requirements. We also won a significant battle against the suggestion of solo bridge watch at night, among other accomplishments. In 1997, we became the first organization to publish a U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB), a pocket-size document designed to help Seafarers keep track of-and prove-their various STCW certifications. This was an important development, not just because the TRB is a lot more convenient than carrying dozens of certificates, but also because the amended STCW convention heavily relies on practical demonstrations of skills. The TRB aids Seafarers in getting appropriate, needed credit for their shipboard work and safety drills. STCW's impact on the SIU also is very evident at the Paul Hall Center. During the past several years, the school has totally revamped its curriculums to help ensure students' compliance with the new regulations, including an overhaul of the unlicensed apprentice program. Old classes have been restructured, and new ones have been added. Working closely with the Coast Guard, Paul Hall Center personnel have painstakingly taken the steps to enable the school to become a self-certifying facility. And of course, the school has added a pair of world-class facilities in the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and the new simulator building. STCW requirements were a driving force in the opening of both. Suffice it to say, we have not been spectators in this lengthy and sometimes complex scenario. We will continue to help protect U.S. mariners' rights well beyond the arrival of the final STCW deadline. Historic Votes The March membership meetings will mark the next phase of the merger of the National Maritime Union into the SIU-truly an historic occasion. The final stage will take place when the merger agreement itself is negotiated, finalized and then presented to the memberships of both unions for approval during membership meetings. As many of you know, merger talks between our unions date back many decades. For the longest time, it seemed as if the amalgamation never would happen. But, as evidenced by the absolutely overwhelming support nowadays of both the SIU and NMU memberships, the time is right for the merger. I invite SIU members to be part of history at the March meetings by approving the next phase of the unification. Volume 63, Number 2 February 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hines; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor: Copyright© 2001 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOB 'Rocket Ship' Signifies Afore llew Jobs for SIU From its cargo to its design, the SIU-crewed Delta Mariner has a futuristic feel. But the newest addition to the Seafarers-contracted fleet isn't science fiction. The 312-foot vessel, designed to transport rocket boosters and other space hardware, entered service several months ago. The Delta Mariner mainly sails between Alabama, Florida and California. Thanks to a variable ballast design, the vessel operates on rivers as well as oceans. "Out of all my 33 years going to sea with the SIU, this is the most unique ship I have sailed on," stated Recertified Steward Lonnie Gamble. "It's a small ship, but the crew is just like family. It's easy to work together." Bosun Johnny O'Ferrell noted, "I'm excited about being one of the first SIU members to take a ship from one end of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway to the other. ... It's a challenge, helping operate a new vessel and The Delta Mariner transports rocket boosters and other equipment for Boeing's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program. a new concept. I'm glad to be part of it." Built at Halter Marine in Gulfport, Miss. and designed by Foss Maritime, the Delta Mariner's main mission is hauling Boeing's Delta IV flight hardware stowed on a custom secur- ing system. In addition to the rocket boosters, the ship can transport upper-stage rocket motors, satellites and more. Typically, the ship will travel between Decatur, Ala., Cape Canaveral, Fla. and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The dual- Continued on page 8 Dena Mariner At A Glance Welcoming SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (third from left) aboard the vessel are (front row, from left) Seafarers Lonnie Gamble, Joseph Kadak, David Dinnes, Johnny O'Ferrell, Fortune Mccants, (second row) Jerome Smith, J.W. Watkins and Alvin Dinkins. • ••• • • •• Length: 312' -7" Beam: 82' Depth (main deck): 20' Ocean displacement: 5,600 LT River displacement: 3,300 LT Power (total installed): 8,000 HP Speed: 15 knots Maximum cargo DWT capacity: 4,620 ST Source: Foss Maritime Co. Census Data Lead to Changes In U.S. House Representation New numbers from the U .S. Census 2000 released in late December show which states will gain seats in the U.S . House of Representatives and which states likely will lose representatives after redistricting. According to the U.S. Censu Bureau, 18 states will have to add or reduce the number of members in the U.S. House. State legislatures will redraw district lines in the coming year to address these changes. Arizona, Florida, Georgia and Texas will gain two U.S. House seats. California, Colorado, Nevada and North Carolina will gain one. New York and Pennsylvania will lose two seats apiece and Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wisconsin will lose one. All other states have no change in their number of representatives. In all states, legislatures can redraw congressional district lines based upon local census data, which are expected to be released in March. Last year, according to published AFL-CIO reports, unions working with civil rights and community organizations helped build coalitions to make sure an accurate and complete census was conducted. The1990 census missed 4.5 million people, including more than 2 million children. U.S. Census data is used to distribute federal dollars-especially those targeted toward low- and moderate-income families and their communities. Apportionment of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 1oath Congress ,(J, ........ u,crns c sac !t ~ t.u ~ February 2001 �Seafarers Pass Constitutional Amendments Committee Announces Election Results; Michael Sacco Is Reelected President The SIU's tallying committee recently released its tabulation of the ballots cast by union members in the voting for national officers of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District as well as five constitutional amendments, which took place Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000. Composed of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the Sill's IO constitutional halls), the rank-and-file committee certified the reelection of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU; election of John Fay as the union's executive vice president; and election of David Heindel as secretary-treasurer. Fay and Heindel already had served in those respective positions since 1997, shortly after the Sill's 1996 elections. They were appointed in 1997 because of a vacancy created by the death of then-SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco. Meanwhile, the tallying committee's report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings next month (March). The committee reported that each of the five proposed constitutional amendments was approved- by overwhelming majorities. The amendments pertained to a dues increase and payment of dues; membership meeting quorums; a name change to reflect the merger of the National Maritime Union (NMU) into the SIU; and the addition of two executive board slots, also in consider- ation of the SIU-NMU merger. Similarly, none of the races for office was close. In addition to Sacco, Fay and Heindel, the committee reported the election of the following officers, who also will serve four-year terms (2001-2004): • Augie Tellez, contracts and contract enforcement vice president; •Jack Caffey, Atlantic Coast vice president; • Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast vice president; • Thomas Orzechowski, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters vice president; •Nick Marrone, West Coast vice president; • Kennett Mangram, government services and fishing industries vice president; • George Tricker, assistant vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement; • Nick Celona, assistant vice president in charge of the Atlantic Coast; • Ambrose L. Cucinotta, assistant vice president in charge of the Gulf Coast; • Don Anderson, assistant vice president in charge of the West Coast; • James McGee, assistant vice president in charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters; • Robert Hall, assistant vice president in charge of government services and fishing industries; •Leo Bonser, headquarters representa- Members of the tallying committee met last month at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to tabulate ballots cast by union members. Serving on the tallying committee following their election by fellow SIU members are (seated, from left) Louella Sproul, Joe Barry, Charlie Clausen, John Cain, Ernest Hoitt, (second row) David Salentre, Jimmy Simms, Joseph Birke, John Wozunk, Jamie Miller, Gregory Stone, Pat Farley, Joey Gallo, (third row) James Bening, Mike Sutton, Terry Mouton, Walter Harris, Tom Casey, Kendra Savage and Dave Wierschem. tive; • Carl Peth, headquarters representative; • Edward "Edd" Morris, Piney Point port agent; •Robert Selzer, New York port agent; • Joe Soresi, Philadelphia port agent; • Dennis Metz, Baltimore port agent; • Ed Kelley, Mobile port agent; •Steve Judd, New Orleans port agent; • Tony McQuay, Houston port agent; • Vince Coss, San Francisco port agent; •Becky Sleeper, St. Louis port agent; • Don Thornton, Algonac port agent. The committee met during the week of Jan. 2 at the union's headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to receive the ballots from the bank where they were kept, count the votes in the contested races and for the amendments, and determine the status of void or challenged ballots. (In accordance with Article XIII of the union's constitution, unopposed candidates were considered elected to their respective positions once nominations closed and the membership approved the report of the credentials committee, which took place last fall.) The committee also reconvened Jan. 12 at headquarters, after being advised that the post office had failed to deliver to the bank depository 152 ballots. Of those, 139 were eligible to be counted, and they are included in the committee's final tallies. In concluding the report, the committee wrote, "All of the members of the committee wi.sh to express their 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." The committee elected as co-chairmen Recertified Bosun John Cain (from the Port of Houston) and QMED Charlie Clausen (Piney Point). Also serving on the committee from the Gulf Coast were Chief Electrician Joe Barry and AB Mike Sutton from Mobile, Recertified Bosun Kendra Savage from Houston, and Recertified Steward Ernest Hoitt and Chief Steward Joseph Birke from New Orleans. Representing the constitutional ports on the Atlantic Coast were Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller from Piney Point, QMED Terry Mouton and Chief Cook Joey Gallo from New York, FOWT John Wozunk and Mechanic Pat Farley from Philadelphia, and AB Walter Harris and Cook/Baker Jimmy Simms from Baltimore. Elected to the committee from Algonac were AB James Bening and Mate David Salentre. Attending from St. Louis were Bosun Tom Casey and Cook/Baker Dave Wierschem. Recertified Steward Louella Sproul and QMED Gregory Stone served on the committee after being elected from the port of San Francisco. Paul Hall Center's 6MDSS Course Approved by Coast 6uard The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a 70-hour GMDSS course offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The first class is scheduled for this month (see box). This will mark the first time that the Paul Hall Center has offered GMDSS training. GMDSS stands for global marine distress and safety system. Under amendments to the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), all cargo ships and passenger vessels greater than 300 gross tons that ~ail on international voyages must be fitted with GMDSS equipment. Applicants for the course must possess the regular qualifications for upgrading, plus hold a 200 ton or greater license, or show a current U.S. Coast Guard approval letter indicating they are eligible to sit for a license greater than 200 tons. Mariners who currently hold U.$. Coast Guard-Approved Courses ,. Available at Paul Hal Center Atiie seaman·~ urmi~ '~mat!Q Ra$rPiotting Aids (ARPA} i/Sasic Safety 1'ratnlng . Basic safety Tfainlng Refr6$her ,, Bfidge Re$00roe Manag~nt . . , · ¢rlsh; Managemeot & Human Behavior · Crowd Management · ·Fke Fighting Advanced ,J=ire Fighting Basic {16-hour) · Fite l=ighting Basic (30~hour} ·• fire ff9htfng Basic Refresher •,Fll'.e Fighting Combined first Aid {$-hour) · First Aid Refresher fWT/Oller . GMDSS ·.· Me'dicat Care Provider . Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities ·•· Petsenaf 8afety & Social Responsibilities ·". 'Refresher .(Personal Survival Techniq®s February 2001 · Personal Survival Techniques Refresher Proficiency fn Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques .·. QMEO ·My Rating Radar Observer (Unlimited) Radar Observer Recertification Radar Observer Ref!esher Ratings Forming Part of a Navigatfonat Watch/Able Seaman Social Responsibilities SpeciaUy Trained Ordinary Seaman Tani< Barge Dangerous Liquids Tank Ship Famutarization {Dangerous Liquids} Tank Ship Fam!fiaritatiaon {Liquefied Gases) Third Mate Unlicensed Apprentice Program Vessel FamlliariZation Vtsuat Communications {Flashing Light} Weter Survival GMDSS certification but who haven't passed a Coast Guardapproved, 70-hour course, must do so by Feb. 1, 2002 in order to receive GMDSS credentials on their STCW certificate. (Alternatively, they may use a "challenge" course, though that route is considered quite difficult, partly because GMDSS equipment is fairly complex.) "The key for SIU members who take the 70-hour course at Piney Point is that they will be enrolled in a U.S. Coast Guardapproved class that also is STCW compliant," noted J.C. Weigman, assistant director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center. "There is a widespread need for the course to meet the STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002, and this school is prepared to fulfill that need." The course will utilize the new simulator at Piney Point, which was installed last year. It is designed to meet the requirements set forth in Table A-IV/2 of the amended STCW convention. Topics include principles of GMDSS communication, distress alerting and operational proceVHF DSC, dures for INMARSAT-C, MF/HF, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART and VHF (SCT). The course blends classroom instruction and practical exercises. For more information on the class, contact the Paul Hall Center at (301) 994-0010. For more information on GMDSS in general, there are numerous internet sites of interest, including the following U.S. Coast Guard site: http://www.navcen.uscg.mil/marcomms/gmdss/. GMDSS Course Dates • Feb. 17-March 2 • March 17-March 30 • April 14-April 27 • May 12-May 25 SIU Health Plan To Issue ID Cards Participants in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (formerly the Seafarers Welfare Plan) will receive medical identification cards sometime later this year. Plan Administrator Lou Delma last month announced preliminary information about the new ID cards, which will contain routine data such as bearers' names, Social Security numbers, and insurance contacts. Such information typically is required by health care providers in order for them to verify coverage. Last month's announcement coincided with the name change from Seafarers Welfare Plan .to Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Delma said the cards are intended "to better serve the needs of eligible members and their families." The Seafarers LOG will publish more details about the new identification cards as they become available. Seafarers LOG 3 �Crowley Refurbishes 25 SIU-Crewed Tugs Crowley Maritime Corporation late last year launched a multi-million dollar project to refurbish 25 U.S.-flagged, SIUcrewed seagoing tugs. The restoration effort includes rebuilding the tugs' engines, which effectively starts them off at zero hours. Crowley officials say the engine upgrades will provide a marked improvement in the tug fleet's overall performance and reliability. Each vessel's engine will now be capable of generating a powerful 150,000 pounds of bollard pull ahead and 7 ,200 maximum continuous BHP. ln addition to engine restorations, the tugs received numerous other improvements. Many were the result of suggestions from SIU crew members and operations personnel who were interviewed and asked for their input about the tugs' strengths and weaknesses. Even seemingly minor information gathered during this process made a major difference in the overall functionality of the refurbished tugs, officials said. Further, it gave everyone concerned a sense of involvement in the renovation effort. Among improvements which resulted from crew input were: • A small light was added over chart tables. This addition meant that the master would no longer have to tum on the overhead light on the bridge-a problem that previously caused him to lose night visibility. • Stairs and ladder stripping were replaced with a more effective, non-skid coating to reduce the risk of injury. • Ethernet connections were installed in the tug interiors in anticipation of a future LAN sys- Philly Boatmen Welcome Z-One Welcoming guests to a ceremony Dec. 11 in Camden, N.J. marking the new tug's launch are Deckhand Walter Ott, AMO Engineer Sam Shellinger, Captain Rob Torres and Mate Sean Taylor. SIU-contracted McAllister Towing of Philadelphia has added a new Z-drive tugboat to its ship docking services. The Z-One joined McAllister's fleet late last year. "It's nimble and has quick response," noted Captain Guy Del Greco. Mate Dave Steckel pointed out that the modem boat "definitely is different. This is the tug of the future ." The Z-One is 94 feet long, 32 feet wide and has 4,400 hp. "The crews seem happy because the Z-drives can do more than the conventional tugs," said SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi. "They have better maneuverability." The SIU represents captains, mates and deckhands at McAllister in Philadelphia and also represents McAllister crews in Baltimore and Norfolk, Va. Pictured at left, also at the ceremony, are (from left) SIU Representative Joe Mieluchowski, SIU Port ·· Agent Joe Soresi, Shellinger, Torres and Ott. •· Among the first Seafarers to sail aboard the new tug Z-One are (from left) Captain Guy Del Greco, Deckhand Walter Ott and Mate Dave Steckel. 4 Seafarers LOii tern to support PC-based Integrated Vessel Management Solution (IVMS) systems. • Interior portholes were trimmed with stainless steel to prevent water from intruding behind the bulkheads. • Wood panels in the cabins and galleys were replaced with lighter colored, more durable paneling that can be easily removed for access. • Wheelhouse control consoles in pilothouses were redesigned and enlarged. This upgrade affords the operator improved visibility during maneuvering and docking operations. To date, five tugs have been refurbished. Five more are scheduled to undergo the process during the next 11 months. The work is being done at North Florida Shipyard in Jacksonville, Fla., under the supervision of Crowley engineers. "The long-term investment made in the refurbishment of these tugs is of great benefit to our customers because it helps us to maintain the service reliability and schedule integrity they have come to expect," said Tom Crowley Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corporation. These "invader class" vessels, each of which is crewed by six Seafarers, handle a variety of jobs throughout the Crowley system including the ocean towing of the company's triple-deck RO/RO barges between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico. \ ~\ Five of Crowley's 25 SIU-crewed seagoing tugs already have been refurbished. In photo above, the work is being done at North Florida Shipyard in Jacksonville under the watchful eyes of Crowley engineers. Below, an engine, which will be rebuilt, is pulled from one of the tugs. NY Ferry Crew Rescues Man from Icy Water Three Seafarers who sail aboard NY Waterway commuter ferries saved a man from the icy Hudson River on Dec. 20. Captain Mike Baranok and Deckhands Mike Leon and Jermaine Coakley executed the nighttime rescue from the ferry Thomas Jefferson after Queens resident Ron Bertozzi fell overboard from the pleasure boat Mystique. Bertozzi landed in the water approximately a quarter-mile from the Harborside Ferry Terminal in Jersey City, according to news reports. He remained there for about 15 minutes, until the SIU trio arrived in response to a distress call. Coakley told The Jersey Journal that Bertozzi appeared "frantic, scared and losing control. He was so cold that he couldn't hold on (to a life ring from the ferry) ." Leon entered the water and retrieved Bertozzi, who later was treated for hypothermia. "I was only in there for two or three minutes up to my waist, but it felt like needles all over my legs. And the victim was totally stiff, stiff as a board," Leon told the newspaper. More than 100 SIU members sail aboard NY Watson Saves 2 The training of mariners aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Watson paid huge dividends during the early evening hours of Dec. 12 when they saved the lives of two U.S. Navy personnel. The Watson was situated just off shore near Diego Garcia when a crew member noticed a motorized boat doing continuous high speed turns in a lagoon. The lagoon was located about two nautical miles from the USNS Watson. Word immediately was passed to the bridge where Chief Mate Michael Ross was on duty as watch officer. Ross notified Captain G.W. Hynes, who came to the bridge to evaluate the situation. Photo by Kathleen KellylThe Jersey Journal SIU TO THE RESCUE: Seafarers aboard the NY Waterway commuter ferry Thomas Jefferson rescued a local man from the Hudson River in late December. From left to right are Deckhands Mike Leon and Jermaine Coakley and Captain Mike Baranok. Waterway ferries. The company operates 22 boats covering 10 routes between New York and New Jersey. Crew members recently approved a new four-year contract. It appeared that no one was driving the boat, but from their position neither Ross nor Hynes was certain. Therefore, they notified port officials and launched a lifeboat and rescue crew from the Watson to investigate. Ross, Third Assistant Engineer Philip G. Brand and AB William J ohnson comprised the crew. Upon reaching the scene, they saw two Navy personnel in the water some 300 yards away from the pleasure craft. Apparently, they had lost control of the craft and fallen off. Both were suffering from exhaustion and minor shock, and one had minor injuries and was on the verge of drowning. The rescue crew expeditiously recovered both victims and attended to their first aid needs. The two sailors were later transported to port where emergency medical personnel and equipment were on standby. Hynes praised the professionalism displayed by his crew during the entire incident and singled out members of the deck department for "remembering every bit of training we put them through and putting it to work today." Bosun James Marchiano was lauded for his organization on deck which led to the safe and prompt launching and recovery of the lifeboat and rescue crew. "The training and maintenance we conducted in the past proved its worth today when we were called to the task and two lives were saved," the captain said. Feblllary 2001 �Mineta Heads DOT; Chao Tapped for DOL Senate Commerce Committee Finalized The Senate on Jan. 24 unanimously confirmed former U.S. Commerce Secretary Norman Mineta as the new transportation secretary, as President Bush's administration and the 107th Congress continued talcing shape. That same day, Elaine Chao, the president's nominee for U.S. Labor Secretary and a former deputy maritime administrator, fared extremely well during her four-hour confirmation hearing before the Senate Labor Committee. Her confirmation appeared certain as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Earlier in the month, panel assignments were completed for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committeewhich has primary jurisdiction over marine transportation legislation. The committee is composed of 11 Republicans and 11 Democrats, reflecting the Senate's even split (see box). In other moves of interest to the maritime industry, Rep. Don Young CD-Alaska) is chairing the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, while Rep. Bob Stump (R-Ariz.) heads the House Armed Services Committee. Decisions were pending for the leadership of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Armed Services Committee's Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine. SIU President Michael Sacco welcomed the nominations of both Mineta and Chao. In a congratulatory note to the new transportation secretary, he wrote, "The unanimous approval of your nomination by the U.S. Senate reflects the high regard in which you are held by the Congress, the transportation community, and the American people. We appreciate the strong support you gave to the U.S.-flag merchant marine during your many years of service in the U.S . House of Representatives. We now look forward to working with you as you develop initiatives to further strengthen the various tran portation sectors and, in particular, the U.S. maritime industry." The only Democrat to serve in President Bush's cabinet, Mineta during his confirmation hearing faced questions mostly related to air transportation. He answered a few queries concerning maritime and expressed support for "adequate" funding for the U.S. Coast Guard. "Transportation is vital to our national well-being, whether measured as economic growth, as international competitiveness, or as quality of life, and I look forward to working with the Senate in implementing President Bush's agenda for transportation," he stated. Mineta from 1975 to 1995 served as a member of U.S. House of Representatives, representing the heart of California's Silicon Valley. Chao was Bush's second selection for labor secretary. The first, Linda Chavez, withdrew from consideration following the disclosure that she had housed an illegal immigrant. The labor movement strongly oppo ed Chavez's nomination. Chao is a familiar face in maritime. In addition to serving at MarAd, she chaired the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) and subsequently worked as deputy ecretary of transportation. Additionally, she was the director of the Peace Corps from 1991 to 1992 and headed the United Way from 1992 to 1996. Upon learning of Chao's nomination, Sacco on Jan. 11 wrote to Vice President Richard Cheney supporting the selection. When the SIU worked with Chao during her time with MarAd, the FMC and the transportation department, "We found her to be dedicated to a strong U.S. transportation system, knowledgeable of the complex issues facing the various transportation modes, and an innovative leader in carrying out the transportation program of President Bush," the SIU president wrote. "We welcome her addition to the Bush/Cheney Administration." At her confirmation hearing, Chao emphasized the need to train U.S. workers to meet today's job opportunities. "There are tens of thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of high-tech jobs that cannot be filled while, at the same time, there are millions of Americans who cannot currently Union Settles Grievance With MSC After a two-year disagreement, the SIU has settled a major grievance with the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) involving mariners who sailed aboard the USNS Walter Diehl in January 1999. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Government Services Division Representative Chester Wheeler Sr. played crucial roles to ensure victory for civil service mariners. "In the end, both sides deserve credit for keeping the lines of communication open and agreeing to a fair settlement," Tellez stated. "Overall, our union has a great working relationship with MSC, but we differed on this particular situation. Fortunately, because of that excellent relationship, we were able to arrive at a fair conclusion." In January 1999, the Diehl was scheduled for a major overhaul at the Sembawang shipyard in Singapore. Typically, such an operation involves taking apart a ship 's operating systems for maintenance, repair or replacement. Often, the vessel's decks are repaired, sandblasted and repainted. Correction An article on page 4 of the January 2001 Seafarers LOG incorrectly reported that American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA) was awarded a contract to operate the USNS Roy Wheat. The contract has not yet been awarded to any operator. February 2001 The union proposed that crew members stay in shoreside living quarters during the overhaul, strictly due to health considerations. Such arrangements have been made in the past when MSC ships were overhauled. However, in the Diehl case, the agency did not grant the union's request. As a result, the mariners endured very difficult shipboard circumstances with the vessel in a tropical climate. Poor ventilation (because the crew had to close vents to keep out residual sandblasting dust), various sanitation issues, air conditioning and interrupted water services were some of the many concerns. Finally, when the time arrived to shut down the entire electrical panel, MSC allowed the crew to go ashore to other living quarters. The union took a two-pronged approach to protect the crew's rights. Ultimately, those efforts led to an agreement in which each unlicensed mariner receives a substantial monetary settlement and two days of leave. Additionally, MSC agreed that Wheeler will join the agency's Operational and Planning Committee. That group rules on issue regarding maintenance and overhaul work, so the union will have a strong voice to protect the mariners who are aboard vessels slated for shipyard work. As for the leave, in accordance with government regulations, mariners must use this time off within one year or they will lose this part of the award. Eligible mariners are encouraged to use their leave award at the earliest opportunity. The award will be noted on their LES statements. Diehl crew members should send in their LES statements with their request-for-leave form. Crew members may check the "other" box when filling out the leave form. "The union kept in close contact with the members on the Diehl throughout this ordeal, and they provided important information," noted Wheeler. ''This is a great victory for our civil service mariners." Members of u. s. Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation CommHtee Republicans John McCain (Ariz.), Chafrman Ted Stevens (Alaska) Conrad Bums (Mont.) Trent Lott (Miss.) Kay Balley Hutchison {Texas) Olympia Snowe (Maine) Sam Brownback (Kan.) Gordon Smith (Ore.) Peter Fitzgerald (Ill.) John Ensign {Nev.) George Allen (Va.) fill them," she stated. Another familiar figure to the industry is serving as the new White House chief of staff. Andrew Card was the transporta- John Breaux (La.) Byron Dorgan {N.0,} Ron Wyden {Ore.) Max Cleland (Ga.) Barbara Boxer {Calif.) John Edwards (N.C.) Jean Carnahan (Mo.) tion secretary in June 1992 when he introduced legislation for maritime revitalization-a proposal which eventually evolved into the Maritime Security Program. 50 Die in Pali Sinking Vessel Carried Illegal Immigrants A Georgian-flagged cargo vessel carrying illegal immigrants from Turkey to Greece collided with rocks and sank off Turkey's southern coast Jan. 1, killing an estimated 50 of the 83 people on board. Most or all of the 73 passengers reportedly were in the Pati's cargo hold when the vessel ran into rocks near Antalya. Among them were people from Iran, Afghanistan, Palcistan, Morocco and Bangladesh. Thousands of illegal immigrants sneak into Turkey each year, using it as a sort of staging area before attempting to move to promising European countries. One survivor of the Pati sinking told news reporters he had paid $500 before the trip and promised to pay another $1,500 upon arrival in Greece. According to port records, the Pati had registered as carrying neither cargo nor passengers when it left Turkey. After the vessel broke apart, rescuers initially saved 32 people (including the captain and five other crew members). Two days later, they retrieved a refugee who had survived by clinging to a piece of wood. The scene along the coast was gruesome, with body parts washing up on shore. Houston Company Accused of Polluting Federal environmental police in Houston last month delivered a criminal warrant accusing Western Towing and parent company Kirby Corporation with repeatedly polluting the Houston Ship Channel, according to news reports. KHOU-TV in Houston broadcast footage of the 40 police officers simultaneously arriving at the Western Towing and Kirby offices. The federal officials confiscated various records and computer disk drives. According to the television station, members of the Houston Police Department Environmental Unit took four samples of discharges-starting in September 2000-of untreated water from Western Towing barges that had been pumped directly into the channel. The dirty discharges represent violations of the Federal Clean Water Act, according to the warrant. "This is a federal felony. Somebody could go to jail," stated one of the environmental police, KHOU reported. The officer added that the company had been notified of earlier alleged violations. Seamen's House Honors Tellez Augie Tellez, vice president of the SIU's contracts department, recently received a Person of the Year Award from the Seamen's Democrats Ernest Haltings (S.C.) Dan!et Inouye John D. Roekefeller VJ (W.Va,) John Kerry (Mass.) House of the Prospect Park (N.Y.) YMCA. Dozens of officials from throughout the maritime industry SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (third from left) recently was honored in New York City for his efforts in behalf of mariners and the overall maritime industry. Pictured at the Nov. 16 awards ceremony are (from left) Nelson Louis, executive director of the Prospect Park YMCA; Bruce Paulsen of the Seamen's House Committee; Tellez; Robert E. Boyle, co-honoree and executive director the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Frank Duffy of the Seamen's House Committee; and Jacob Shisha, chairman of the Seamen's House Committee. attended the Nov. 16 awards ceremony in New York City. Robert E. Boyle, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, was the other honoree. The organization giving the award noted that the annual tributes "are presented to recognize outstanding efforts to improve the quality of life for seafarers and expand maritime commerce in New York and New Jersey ... As a vice president of the Seafarers International Union, Augie Tellez has been a tireless advocate for seafarer and the maritime indu try." The Seamen's House of the Prospect Park YMCA assists retired mariners in need of housing and also aids crews who are stranded in port or who face other crises. The organization also provides a wide range of services and activities for visiting mariners at the Red Hook Terminal in Brooklyn, N.Y. and at other port locations. Seafarers LOG 5 �- - - -- -------- ITF Secures Back Wages for Crew on FOC Vessel The SIU's inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) recently secured $35,000 in back wages for crew members aboard a Malta-flagged bulk carrier. Although the runaway-flag MIV Grant Carrier is covered by an ITF agreement, the shipowner (based in Kotor, Yugoslavia) was paying less than the amounts stipulated by the contract, and also improperly was charging mariners for medical insurance. "The crew hadn't been paid in two months, and they weren't being paid the [specified] rate," noted Don Thornton, who assist- ed the crew last November while the Grant Carrier was docked in Ashtabula, Ohio. "Plus, the company supposedly was purchasing the crew's insurance, and they had them (the mariners) sign withdrawal slips for money that the crew never received." It took the threat of arresting the ship on Nov. 9 to spur action, but the crew received its back wages early the following morning. "That wasn't the crew's only problem," Thornton added. "They gave me a tour of the ship, and it truly was appalling-very dirty and lacking stores .... " A quick tour of the runaway-flag Grant Carrier shows (clockwise, from top left) dirty living conditions, lack of stores, fire fighting equipment held together by duct tape, and a shortage of running water. Dangerous Foreign-Flag Tankers Ripped By San Francisco Paper Runaway-Flag Ship Fined $2.5 Million The newspaper piece describes certain foreign-flag tankers that sail into San Francisco as "danger on the water . . . rust-bucket tankers ... oil spills waiting to happen." And that's just in the headline. In its Sunday edition of Dec. 31, the San Francisco Chronicle published a lengthy, riveting article identifying many of the safety hazards posed by runaway-flag tankers and other foreign-flag vessels calling on that West Coast port. The report also points out that foreign-flag tankers entering San Francisco Bay outnumbered their U.S. counterparts in 1999 by a 4 to 3 ratio-a big shift from earlier in the 1990s, when 70 percent flew the Stars and Stripes. The writer, Bernadette Tansey, focuses on the runaway-flag Neptune Dorado as one example of the potentially hazardous ships docking in San Francisco. That ship "is owned by a Singapore corporation set up for the sole purpose of owning the vessel. It is operated by a Greek crew on behalf of a Liberian corporation," she writes. When Coast Guard inspectors boarded the ship last year, they discovered "raw sewage oozing from the ship's sanitation system. Leaking oil coated boilers. The main engine was leaking fuel, and blowers designed to vent the volatile fumes didn't work," Tansey reports. The article further describes the Neptune Dorado s contaminated ballast tanks as holding "the equivalent of three bombs. A stray spark could have touched off an explosion and unleashed an environmental disaster that would have lingered in the bay for decades." No such catastrophe occurred, but the captain, shipowner and operator pled guilty Dec. 19 to federal felony charges stemming from the vessel's dozens of safety violations and agreed to pay $2.5 million fines, the newspaper reported. With the percentage increase of foreign-flag tankers arriving in San Francisco, safety advocates "see a rising threat of a major oil spill in San Francisco Bay," the writer asserts. "With more and more foreign-registered tankers -monitored by a shaky network of international regulatorssteaming under the Golden Gate, the bay has become vulnerable to rust buckets loaded with crude." Much of the article examines the complexities of oil-spill liability, including safety inspection procedures. The Neptune Dorado s condition, for instance, reportedly caught U.S. Coast Guard inspectors off-guard because the vessel "had been vouched for" by two reputable classification societies. As Tansey points out, foreign ships' compliance with certain safety provisions "is monitored not (exclusively) by the Coast Guard, but by a network of forprofit companies hired by overseas flag states that have no governmental maritime safety agencies." Federation Pledges $1 Millian Far Mariner Communications ITF's Aim: Easier Connections With Families The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) sees the importance of mariners keeping in touch with their families during ocean voyages. That became quite apparent late last year, when the federation announced it is investing more than $1 million to help crews keep in touch with their loved ones. The ITF's charitable arm, the Seafarers' Trust, in late December "signed an agreement with service providers GN Comtext and Stratos under which it guarantees the investment costs of the [plan]," the federation noted in a prepared statement. "The investment will enable seafarers to buy pre-paid cards at preferential rates that will give them access to genuinely affordable communications, either by voice or e-mail. They will be able to make low cost voice calls using either the ship's Subway Station Opens Near SIU Headquarters Seafarers now have a new option for traveling to SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. The Washington, D.C. area subway system last month opened five new stations along its Green Line, including the Branch Ave. stop next to the SIU building. Known as Metrorail, the Washington subway generally is considered among the nation's safest and cleanest. SIU members traveling to headquarters via Washington's National Airport and then Metrorail should take the Yellow Line subway from the airport, then transfer to the Green Line. The subway fare currently varies from $2.10 to $2.35 (one way), depending on the time of day. Lower rates are available to senior citizens and people with disabilities. The distance from the airport to headquarters is slightly more than 10 miles, and the subway trip takes about half an hour, according to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Rail stations operate every day, opening at 5:30 a.m. on weekdays and at 8 a.m. on weekends. Metrorail closes at midnight during the week and at 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. 6 Seafarers LOG main communications equipment or via a dedicated INMARSAT Mini-M terminal located in the crew quarters. "The e-mail cards will provide access to a dedicated satellite social communications terminal for use by the crew," the statement continued. "This operates independently of the vessel's own communications systems. Combined voice and email units are planned for the near future." ITF General Secretary, David Cockroft, commented, "This is a step towards eliminating isolation among seafarers. It will pro- vide them with facilities that are taken for granted by shore-based workers, and will help owners recruit and retain qualified seafarers." Ocean-Mail was launched by GN Comtext in September. The shipboard facility is a Class 1 INMARSAT C transceiver. Ocean-Mail text messages are automatically delivered, via Stratos satellite earth stations, to dedicated servers. The ITF represents approximately five million members of 570 affiliated transport workers' trade unions in 132 countries worldwide, including the SIU. Transportation Workers Get Increased Protection from Revised Drug, Alcohol Testing Additional safeguards have been included in the revised drug and alcohol regulations for the testing of employees of transportation companies-including marine transportation- who occupy sensitive safety positions. The new rules, issued at the end of last year by U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater, amend the department's regulations, first issued in 1988, to require drug testing of employees in sensitive safety positions in the aviation, motor carrier, rail, transit, maritime and pipeline industries. Alcohol testing was added to the requirements in 1994. Among the changes to existing regulations is a requirement that aims to ensure fairness to all tested employees. A medical review officer (MRO) hired by the employer, who is a physician, will analyze the test results when a laboratory indicates that an employee's specimen may have been adulterated or substituted. In addition, workers will have the right to demand that a second sample of their specimen be tested at a certified laboratory different from the original. Also, to ensure accurate tests, the new rules provide for enhanced training for drug and alcohol testing personnel. Some of the revised drug testing regulations took effect last month, although most of the new rules won ' t be implemented until Aug. 1, 2001 . The Department of Transportation noted that validity testing-a relatively new procedure to determine whether a urine specimen is legitimate- would not become mandatory until next summer, pending further review by the Department of Health and Human Services. February 2001 �Neither Drought nor Ice Deter S..,......... ~o~ Shipping Season on the I . In spite of low water levels on the Lakes this summer and an early winter icing, which caught many by surprise, it was a good season for shipping on the Great Lakes. Heavy ice caused many delays as the final loads were being delivered. SIU Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton noted it was one-way traffic for a time between Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, and Coast Guard cutters were called in to assist with icebreaking operations. With the exception of a few tugs, all the SIU-crewed lakers are now laid up for the winter and are expected to fit out in the spring, when the ice has melted. The photos on this page were taken earlier in the shipping season aboard inland and Great Lakes vessels. AB Bill Hermes works on the engine of the Great Lakes Towing tug Virginia in Milwaukee. SIU Safety Rep. Todd Brdak (right) updates Great Lakes members on union and industry matters at the office of Great Lakes Towing Co. in South Chicago, Ill. From the left are ABs Grant Hult and Stathis Kourtis. Conveyorman Mike Kelley operates the conveyor system controls of the ITB Susan W Hannah/ Conquest while offloading in Detroit. SIU Rep. Lonnie Partridge (right) services the Ed Renshaw. From the left are Cook Paul Christianson and Deckhands Shane Isbell and Michael Cousin. Tied up in Burns Harbor, Ind. are The Great Lakes Towing Co. tugs Massachusetts and Arizona. Right: Prepared for a fire boat drill on the Ed Renshaw are (from left) Utility Robert Jaspers, SIU VP Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski and Deckhand Michael Cousin. Right: Performing maintenance work on the deck of the tug Superior in Milwaukee is Great Lakes Towing Employee Dave Plunkett. Left: OS Robert Parker and OS Cory Johnson prepare the ITB Susan W Hannah/ Conquest for offloading in Detroit, Mich. February 2001 Helping the captain (left) paint the tug Massachusetts while tied up in Burns Harbor, Ind. are AB Grant Hult (center) and AB Joseph Violante. Seafarers LOB 7 �Sen. Ted Stevens Receives Prestigious Maritime Award American Classlc Voyages Relocates to Florida SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages (AMCV), the largest U.S. cruise company, will relocate its New Orleans and Chicago corporate headquarters to Sunrise, Fla., later this year. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new headquarters facility took place Jan. 16. The announcement of the move came Dec. 26 when company officials learned that the state of Florida had approved economic incentives of up to $2.2 million as part of a package deal to persuade the relocation. Upon occupancy of the new headquarters facility, American Classic reportedly will receive the incentives in the form of annual $543,750 tax refunds for four years. The tax refunds, slated to commence in fiscal 2002 and continue through 2003, are part of a total economic incentive package of more than $4.2 million, which includes state job training funds, and cash grants. "The state and local incentives were a key motivation in AMCV's decision to relocate to Florida, and to Sunrise, and will help the company create 725 new jobs in Florida," said Philip C. Calian, AMCV chief executive officer. The new headquarters facility, a six-story, 240,000-square-foot complex, will be located at the comer of NW 136th Avenue and NW gth Street in the Sawgrass Commerce Center in Sunrise. AMCV is the largest owner and operator of U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed passenger vessels. Texas DOT Seeks $1 Mllllon Followlng FOC Accident An estimated $1 million in damages is being sought by the Texas Department of Transportation following a Dec. 21 accident involving a ship's crane and a bridge over the Houston Ship Channel, according to published reports. U.S. Coast Guard officials say a crane on the M/V Rickmers Tianjin, a 574-foot Bahamian-flagged freighter, struck the underside of the Loop 610 of bridge over the channel. The resulting damage, a 30-foot long, 8-foot wide hole in the structure, closed the northbound side of the loop to motor vehicle traffic for two weeks. The southbound side was not affected. Ship channel traffic underneath the structure was also immediately halted. At least seven barges and tows, five harbor tugs, one outbound bulk freight ship and two inbound bulk freight ships were awaiting movement at the time of the incident, the Coast Guard said. Only minor injuries to two motorists who were driving on the bridge at the time of the accident were reported, Texas highway department officials said. The Coast Guard and the U.S. Corps of Engineers are investigating the incident. Crown Lockout Ends After nearly five years, the bitter dispute at Crown Central Petroleum Corp. ended when the 252 members of PACE International Union Local 4-227 in Pasadena, Texas ratified a new agreement with the company Jan. 17. "It is time to put rancor aside and work with Crown to improve the operation of the refinery and its environmental compliance while ensuring long-term job security and fundamental rights for our members," said PACE President Boyd Young. The pact provides wage increases of about 11.5 percent in the first 13 months, protects seniority rights and preserves jobs and the union contract if the refinery is sold. The lockout began Feb. 5, 1996. U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (RAlaska), longtime advocate for the American Merchant Marine, will be the 2001 recipient of the prestigious Maritime Industry Salute to Congress Award, sponsored by the Propeller Club of the United States. Stevens will receive the award May 1 in Bethesda, Md. In announcing Stevens' selection for the honor, the national Propeller Club noted the annual tribute goes to "a member of Congress who has provided outstanding leadership in supporting a strong American-flag Merchant Marine, a United States shipbuilding capability and other allied industries. "Senator Stevens has been an active an ardent supporter of the American Merchant Marine and maritime industries during his long tenure in the Senate," the statement continued. His recent accomplishments include key work in support of the Maritime Security Program, the Title XI shipbuilding program, and legislation leading to contracts for the construction of U.S.-flag cruise ships; overseeing management of scarce marine resources and fisheries; and working to ensure the U.S. Coast Guard "has the resources necessary to perform its vital functions." Stevens also "has long been a proponent of permitting limited, environmentally sound exploration for, and development of, natural resources within the State of Alaska, including with ANWR," noted the Propeller Club. Stevens ranks sixth in seniority in the Senate, having served since 1968. In the 107th Congress, he chairs the Appropriations Committee and serves on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; the Rules and Administration Committee and the Governmental Affairs Committee. Additionally, he chairs the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and is vice-chairman of the Joint Committee on the Library. The past recipients of the award are: 1985 - Speaker of the House Hon. Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill Jr. (D-Mass.) 1986 - Senator Russell B. Long (D-La.) 1987 - Hon. Helen Delich Bentley (R-Md.) 1988 - Hon. Charles E. Bennett (D-Fla.) 1989 - Hon. Walter B. Jones (DN.C.) 1990 - Senator John B. Breaux (D-La.) Sen. Ted Stevens 1991 - Senator Thad Cockran (R-Miss.) 1992 - Hon. John Joseph Moakley (D-Mass.) 1993 - Hon. Jack M. Fields Jr. (R-Texas) 1994 - Hon. Gerry Studds (DMass.) 1995 - Hon. Herbert H. Bateman (R-Va.) 1996 - Hon. Robert L. (Bob) Livingston (R-La.) 1997 - Senator Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) 1998 - Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) 1999 - Hon. Don Young (RAlaska) 2000 - Hon. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) The U.S. Propeller Club was founded in 1927. Today, in addition to the national organization, there are dozens of chapters throughout the nation and its territories. Seal arers Gain Jobs on New 'Rocket Ship' Continued from page 2 mode ballast design enables the vessel to sail with an 8-foot draft in the river and a 12-foot draft in the sea. The Delta Mariner has a l 9person crew. It is equipped with a stem ramp and a helicopter pad. It supports forklift operations in port. OS Fortune Mccants pointed out an unusual, but welcome aspect of sailing aboard the Delta Mariner. "I've been a member of the SIU for 34 years and I've never before had the chance to stay close to home. "Also, when I found out we would be carrying rockets or rocket boosters, I knew I had to take this job!" ~ Lurllne Sinks A vessel that once was part of Matson 's famous White Fleet has sunk. The Lurline (also called Belofin 1) went down off the coast of Cape Town in late October 2000, according to published reports. The old luxury liner once took vacationers back and forth from San Francisco to Hawaii. No one was aboard the 68-year-old vessel when it went down in deep water some 50 nautical miles from the shoreline, port officials in South Africa said. Tim McAteer, a San Francisco developer, had hoped to return the old ship to San Francisco and convert it into a floating hotel. He was negotiating with the vessel's owner, Belfin A.G. Corporation, in an effort to return it to the United States when it sank. The vessel was en route to India where it was to be scrapped, but McAteer reportedly was holding out hope to finalize a deal with another buyer. Multitude of Mannerly Messages Carries Retirees' Thanks for Bonus Older folks sometimes joke about failing memories, but SIU pensioners apparently have no trouble whatsoever remembering to say "thank you." Following the issuance late last year of a $500 bonus to eligible SIU retirees, the Seafarers Pension Plan Board of Trustees received numerous thank-you B Seafarers LOG notes and cards from pensioners and their families. "Thanks so much for the bonus check. It will be a big help in my shopping for my family," wrote Perfecto Amper. "It will certainly come in useful," noted Louis Bunker. As Jutta Miller put it, "Thanks for this wonderful Pictured aboard the newly contracted vessel are (from left) Oiler Kevin Samuels, AB Jamie Hall and Bosun Johnny O'Ferrell. bonus. It makes my holiday much brighter." Joseph Snyder summarized his feelings when he wrote, "It made my day." Similar notes were sent by many other SIU retirees. Seafarers Pension Administrator Lou Delma said the response "truly was tremendous. It's gratifying to know that the bonus helped so many SIU pensioners and their families." Chatting in the galley are (from left) Recertified Steward Lonnie Gamble, Bosun Johnny O'Ferrell, OS Fortune Mccants and SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly. Febmary 2001 �Aboard the Robert E. Lee - The above photo was snapped during a quick coffee break on the Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. From the left are AB William Soto, Deck Maintenance William Edwards, Bosun Cesar A. Gutierrez and DEU Spencer Curtis. Below, left, Curtis repairs the gangway net while , below right, Edwards does some touch-up stenciling. Aboard the Sea-Land Defender While the vessel was tied up in the port of Pusan , South Korea , deck department members (from left) Bosun Jerry Borucki, AB Paul Matson and AB Isa Nasir broke for a quick photo. '-----=i~.....1 Aboard the Sea-Land Endurance - In photo at left, Recertified Steward Russell B. Beyschau (left) and Chief Cook Wiley C. Owens prepare Thanksgiving Day dinner for the ship's crew. Below: Crew members gather on deck with Captain Kevin J. McHugh for burial at sea services for Pensioner Elbert J. Blackburn. Brother Blackburn's ashes were scattered over the sea as the vessel sailed off the coast of Baja, California on a run from the Panama Canal to Long Beach, Calif. With the Tacoma Shoregang - AB Don Rundblad (seated) enjoys a ?Oth birthday luncheon with fellow workers (from left) Chief Cook Woody Woodruff, Bosun Vern Poulsen and AB Gil Manipon. Brother Rundblad, who joined the SIU in 1947 following a stint in the U.S. Navy, came aboard with the SeaLand Tacoma shoregang in 1989. Aboard the Sagamore - Raising Old Glory for the first time on the 300-ft. container/general cargo ship are (from left) Third Mate Dan Parks, AB David A. Miller, Recertified Bosun David J. Garoutte, AB Duane Wallace and (kneeling) Second Mate Marion Kabat. Febmary 2001 Aboard the Cape Isabel - GUDE Jerry Diaz (left) keeps the galley spotless while AB Mark Wain works on deck. Seafarers LOG 9 �West Coast SIU Crews Meet With Sacco, Tellez From Tacoma, Wash. to Southern California, SIU members aboard tankers and containerships welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez during a series of informal shipboard meetings in 2000. The get-togethers took place in late summer and fall. The officials and crew members discussed many important topics, including union and national elections, training opportunities, SIU job growth and more. Of particular interest to numerous Seafarers were the new simulators at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md.; and the debut of the passenger boat Columbia Queen, which sails in the Pacific Northwest. Sacco, Tellez and the crews also discussed the various requirements of the amended STCW convention, the Feb. 1, 2002 deadline for full compliance and the steps that the union and the Paul Hall Center have taken to help Seafarers fulfill their respective prerequisites. For instance, they reviewed the union's Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB) and touched on some of the STCWrelated classes offered in Piney Point, such as STCW basic safety, crowd management, proficiency in survival craft and many others. CSX ANCHORAGE: Pictured from left to right are SIU President Michael Sacco, AB Ken Kramlich and Bosun Dan Fleehearty. OVERSEAS BOSTON: Discussing the recent order for construction of new, SIU-crewed tankers for the Jones Act fleet are (from left) Chief Steward A. Davis, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, AB Mitch French, Chief Cook Dennis Skretta and SIU President Michael Sacco. CSX TACOMA: Reviewing the latest union news are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, Chief Cook Jioia de Leon, QMED M. Bower, Bosun Terry Murphy and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. PATRIOT: Meeting in Wilmington, Calif. are (above left, from left) SA P. Cadiz, Recertified Steward Peter Ciddio, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Port Agent John Cox. Above right, Bosun Shawn Evans welcomes Sacco aboard the U.S. Ship Management, Inc. vessel. PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND: Chatting with the SIU officials in the galley are (from left) Pumpmen Linton Acliese and Clarence Verdun. McAH Helps Retirees Stay in Touch Although he last went to sea more than 15 years ago, SIU Pensioner Richard McAU says the union remains a big part of his life. Since retiring in 1985, he has dedicated much time and effort to retaining some facsimile of the Seafarers camaraderie he came to love during his seagoing days. After joining the SIU in 1947, McAll sailed for 38 years in the deep sea division. Along the way, he shipped in all three departments. Now 71, he heads up a group of SIU retirees who collectively are known as the Association of Retired Merchant Seamen in Mobile, Ala. Founded by McAll and . the late Brother "Big Ed" Morris, the group is an oasis of sorts for Mobile-area SIU retirees. It helps them stay in touch with former shipmates who live in the same region. "When Big Ed and I started the group back in the mid-'80s, we did it so we'd have a reason and a way to get together other than when attending funerals," shared McAll. "Prior to forming the group, most of us saw one another only while paying our respects to departed brothers. Many times, you'd run into someone who you had not seen in years." The group now numbers upwards of 7 5 members. They regularly get together and conduct social functions at least four times a year at the SIU Hall in Mobile. McAll does the groundwork for these events including setting dates and times. He also manages all funds collected by the group to offset the events' costs. The menu was packed with choices at the Mobile Christmas party. Here, guests enjoy their selections. 10 Seafarers LOG cou·;~ ~;{f:: ~~u head of the group because I make most of the decisions," McAll said. "But I get an awful lot of help from a number of other guys and also from my wife of 51 years, Frances," he said. "Frances is my chief baker, but she also helps in many other areas." Mrs. McAll specializes in pies, cakes, and banana pudding. "I have been baking for the group since they got started," she said. "It's a bit time-consuming, but I love baking for them. I also love meeting and Pensioner Richard McAll, left, his wife, being around all the nice people." Frances, and SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly prepare a warmer to keep food piping hot. McAll named Devon Harrison, Ralph Smith, G.W. Williamson, George W. Dean, M.J. Danzy, Bill Robinson, Henry Miller and Leslie Guillot as some void I feel because of not going to sea anymore, but in a way, it makes it easier. of the retired SIU brothers on whom he "Sometimes I think about going back depends to help with the association. again, just one more time," McAll contin"Countless others have also helped me ued. "But I guess I am just dreaming." over the years, but because of health reasons, they aren't able to lend a hand like they once did," he said. "It just makes me feel great to see the guys and members of their families somewhere besides the mortuaries," McAll reiterated. "I admit that it (the association) Pensioner Richard McAll, wearing apron in center, sees how the does not satisfy that food supply is holding up during the SIU Christmas party in Mobile. Febnlary 2001 �SEALAND ACHIEVER With its strategic mid-Atlantic location and natural deepwater harbor, it is no wonder that Norfolk, Va. is one of the country's most diverse ports. These three photos were snapped during a recent stopover in Norfolk by the containership SeaLand Achiever, operated by U.S. Ship Management, Inc. In the above photo are AB Kenneth L. Mclamb (seated) and AB Brad D. Brunette. At top right is Chief Cook Robert T. Seim, and at right are (from left) AB Mark J. Butler and GUDE Tyrone J. Matthews. - - - USNS STALWART--- Taking a quick break on the TAGOS vessel are (from left) OS/ Storekeeper De Gutenberg Poitevien, AB Roderick Hall, OS Centino Angel and Bosun Ray Wilkes. Norfolk is a base of operations for the TAGOS fleet. . - 1st LT. JACK LUMMUS The 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, a prepositioning ship operated by American Overseas Marine, was getting ready to lay up in the Newport News shipyard when these photos were taken. Above, Bosun Richard Hilbert and below, SAs Daniel T. Mergillano and Edward Ellis prepare to leave the vessel. Checking the medical stores are MDRs Edward Levenson (left) and Mark Pearson. The galley gang is comprised of (from left) SA Jose Roman, Chief Steward Rich Wythe and Chief Cook Rudy Catahan. The Sta/wart's engine department members include Hussein Kirkland (left) and Russell English. MARYLAND PILOTS - - - - USNS YANO - - Working in the steward department aboard the USNS Yano, a roll-on/roll-off vessel, are Steward/Baker Gualberto M. Mirador and Chief Cook Marie P. Mitchell. February 2001 - USNS GORDON Launch Operator Joe Rollins (right) works for Maryland Pilots, which comes under the jurisdiction of the port of Norfolk. Below are Station Engineer Rob Beckett (left) and Launch Operator Kevin Pankake. The USNS Gordon is one of several ships crewed by members from the SIU, MFOW and SUP. Above, in the galley, is SIU member Chief Steward Winston E. Marchman. Seafarers LOG 11 �gages or investments is 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. If they do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Oub Dues Deduction: No deduction is permitted for club dues; however, dues paid to professional or public service organizations are deductible for business reasons. Presented on these two pages of the Seafarers LOG are handy tax tips-some of which are intended specifically for mariners. Included are the new deduction amounts for 2000 as well as where to get additional information. HOW TO PREPARE ATAXREI'URN Step 1. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • Real estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 2000 Returns" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form STANDARD DEDUCI10N This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($850 for a married couple or $400 for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemp- tion deduction is $2,800. Filing Status Standard Deduction Single . . . . . . . . . . . .$4, 400 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent children ......... $7 ,350 Married filing separate return .... $3,675 Head of household . .$6,450 12 Seafarers LOG 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, social security number and form number on your check or money order. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the toll-free number 1-800-2729829 or 1-888-255-8299. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 67b, 67c and 67d on their Form 1040. Line 67b is for the bank's routing number. Line 67c indicates the type of account, and line 67d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax return electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount The deduction for each exemption- for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,800 per person. In 2000, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Stmdard Dedwrion Im Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box on this page). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 2000, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mort- Deductions Subject to 2% of Adjusted Gross Income: These include investment advisory fees, trustee's administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. Deducting Work-ReJat.ed Expenses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses-either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 16 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 32.5 cents per mile for all miles driven in 2000. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals When 'Iraveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $38 per day in the continental U.S. and $42 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $34. In some locations it is $42, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Travel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. There has been a recent tax court case (Johnson v. Comm. TC No. 5114-98) where a merchant seaman was denied a full deduction for the full M & IE rates. The court ruled that in situations where meals are provided at no cost, the incidental expense rate allowable as an itemized deduction is limited to $2 (in the continental U.S.) and rates ranging from $1 to $53 in other areas. In lieu of these rates, to the extent you have receipts, a higher deduction amount may be allowed. Limit on Itemized Deductions: WHERE TO GE!' INFORMATION General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS office, look in the phone book under "United States Government, Internal Revenue Service." Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency's taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 is the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the letter "R" or number "7" will repeat the topic and the letter "C" or number "2" will cancel the message. 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 from 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. (local time). Personal Computer: Access the IRS's Internet Web Site at www.irs.ustreas.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, send them comments or requests for help via e-mail; and sign up to receive the latest tax issues and news by e-mail from the IRS Digital Dispatch. Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax form). Include a social security number with the letter. In 2000, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $128,950 of federal adjusted gross income (or $64, 4 75 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 2000, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met. Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $10,380 and no qualifying children- $353 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $2 7, 413 and with 1 qualifying child- $2,353 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $31, 152 and with 2 or more qualifying children- $3,888 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EIC to see if they are eligible for the credit. Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a social security number (SSN). Individuals may get an 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 an SSN. Dependent Child Credit: Effective for tax year 2000, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $500 per child. The credit begins to phase out when modified Adjusted Gross In- come (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for single taxpayers or $5,500 for married taxpayers filing separately. Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Individuals may be able to take the "HOPE" credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after January 1, 2000, taxpayers can take the "Lifetime Learning Credit," that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Also, no credits are available for expenses of a student in any year that tax-free distributions from an education IRA are used to pay the student's expenses. These credits are subject to income limitations. The phaseout of the credits begins for most taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $40,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $50,000. For joint filers, the phaseout range is $80,000 to $100,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,000 of interest paid after December 31, 1999 for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: • Education IRAs- Taxpayers can contribute up to $500 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribu- February 2001 �tion will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary's postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Leaming Credit is claimed. Also, no contribution may be made by any person for the same beneficiary during any year in which a contribution is made to a qualified state tuition program. • Roth IRAs-The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $2,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. • Penalty-Free IRA Distributions-The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a firsttime homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual's lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. OTHER TAX INFORMATION Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, D HL - worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, cash, bank check or money order. wages from accident and health plans (including sick pay and disability pensions) if employer paid for the policy. WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP • Profits from corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts. Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. 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 2000, the taxpayer's personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer's property. • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Endowments. • 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 TAX PLANNING TIPS Selling Your Home? The tax law gives homeowners a special tax break on capital gains realized on the sale of a principal residence. If you have owned and used a home as your principal residence for periods totaling at least two years out of the last five years before selling, you generally can take advantage of this break to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for joint filers). People who fail to meet the ownership or use test or have claimed the exclusion for another home within two years of the sale may qualify for a partial exclusion. Don't forget capital improvements. If you find yourself with unexpected taxable gains on your home sale, check your records for overlooked capital improvement expenses you've paid over the years. The cost.s of capital improvement.s, such as adding another bath, garage or family room, are added to your basis in the home and, thus, reduce your taxable gain. Reinvesting Your Dividends Original Issue Discount. • Distributions from self-employed plans. • Bartering income (fair-market value of goods or services received in return for services). • Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. • Lump-sum distributions. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) or real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). • Accumulation distributions from trust.s. • Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). • Earned income from sources outside the United States. • WHICH INCOME TO REPORT Director's fees. • Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. • Embezzled income. or other illegal WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED The following kinds of income do not need to be reported on the federal tax return: • Benefit.s from government welfare programs. • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffering, medical cost.s. • 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. Make sure you count any reinvested dividends as part of your tax basis when you sell the stock you bought through a dividend reinvestment plan. The dividends were taxed to you when they were originally paid. You don't want to pay tax on them twice. The same holds true for mutual fund dividends you had automatically reinvested. • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. State Tax.es • 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. Many state income tax laws are based on federal tax rules. So, the strategies you use for your federal tax planning may work with your state tax planning as well. Be aware that: Some states allow two-earner couples who file joint federal returns to file eparate state returns when it is advantageous. Check your state's rules. If ou have a choice, calculate your tax both ways and use the method that produces the lower tax. Also, you may be considered a resident of-and owe taxes to--two states if you own two residences in different states. If you sell a property in another state at a profit, generally you owe that state taxes on your gain. College Savings Programs . fany states have established college savings programs to assist families in reparing for the rising cost of post-secondary education. There are terrift. tax advantages in contributing to these programs. Many states provide for an income tax deduction at the state level, tax deferral of the earnings, proional money management and easy, convenient ways to make regular . ayments to the program. Your state may be found at wvvw.collegesavngs.org or telephone 1-877-CSPN-4-YOU. February 2001 TAXES DU.E • Life insurance proceeds received because of a person's death. • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. FILING AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 2001 to file his or her 2000 federal WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibit.s employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108( 11) ] provides that "no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, interstate or non-contiguous trade shall be withheld pursuant to the provisions of the tax laws of any state, territory, possession or commonwealth, or a subdivision of any of them, but nothing in this section shall prohibit any such withholding of the wages of any seaman who is employed in the coastwise trade between ports in the same state if such withholding is pursuant to a voluntary agreement between such seaman and his employer." The law, however, does not exempt seamen from paying state and local taxes. Mariners, just like any other citizens of any given state, must meet their obligations to the government of the area in which they live. Each state has a set of criteria to determine whether an individual is a resident of that state. A seaman should check with a state tax office if he or she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California during the early 1970s, a case before the California State Board of Equalization stated that a merchant seaman-despite the fact that he was on a ship for 210 days of the year--was a resident of the state for tax purposes. The board took into consideration the fact that the seaman owned a home in California and maintained a bank account in a California-based bank. Additionally, each state has established conditions under which non-residents of that state must pay a portion of state tax if such an individual earned income from a source based in that state. Many states allow a credit in the amount an individual must pay the state if that person has already paid taxes in another state. Late last year, 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 pilot.sand 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. tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file a tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due. If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as '~pplication for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's toll-free number which is dedicated to tax form requests (800) 829-3676. Also, the form is available from all main IRS branch offices and from the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. It is im.portant to bear in m.ind that the filing of Form. 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off the hook from. having to pay any taxes due. Form. 4868, when sent in, m.ust be accom.panied by all tax 1n0nies due the U.S. government from. the individual filing the extension. OVERSBASATTAX TIME Should a Seafarer find himself or herself 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 Seafarers LOG 13 �Sea:tarers STCW: The Clock Is Ticking! Scliol.anhips ReacbAllTime High With the recent expansion of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan scholarship program, a record $132,000 in grants will be awarded this year. The breakdown is as follows: • Five scholarships for SIU dependents, for $20,000 apiece; • Three scholarships for SIU members-one for $20,000, two each for $6,000. The deadline for receipt of Seafarers scholarship applications is April 15, 2001. The first step in the application process is obtaining a scholarship program booklet which lists eligibility requirements and application procedures. It includes the application form and is available in any SIU hall. You also may get the booklet by filling out the coupon on this page and mailing it to the SIU Scholarship Program of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to apply. Previous applicants who were not selected for a scholarship remain eligible. r--------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2001 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. P Name Make sure you meet the requirements! After Feb. 1, 2002, your job may be at stake! For more information: • Contact the Paul Hall Center toll-free at 877-235-3275, or • See page 10 of the November 2000 issue of the Seafarers LOG, or • Visit the U.S. Coast Guard's STCW web site at http://uscg.mil/stcw/ If you need STCW training, apply now to the Paul Hall Center. Mariner's Social Security Number Street Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 L-------------------------------------------------- Watkins Crew Spreads Holiday Cheer Sea/arers Volunteer at San Diego Veterans Center FOR A GOOD CAUSE: USNS Watkins crew members pause for a snapshot on Christmas, a day they spent helping others. Pictured from left to right are (seated) OMU Antuan Barnes, Second Mate John Herget, AB Clinton "Brian" Gillins, (standing) Third Mate Stephen Barry1 SA Shelly Womble, AB Trawn Gooch, NMU retiree H. George Diaz, 1sr Asst. Engineer Ted Elmendorf, Storekeeper Gary Bruber and Chief Engineer Gary McGrath. 14 Seafarers LOG Seafarers and officers aboard the USNS Watkins perked up the holiday spirits of some Southern California citizens by volunteering for Christmas activities both at a San Diego rehabilitation center for homeless war veterans and at a separate, nearby homeless shelter. Unlicensed and licensed mariners from the Watkins "helped set up and decorate. We helped feed ... and then we helped clean up," noted Third Mate Stephen Barry, a former SIU Serving meals at a shelter in San Diego are (from left) Storekeeper Gary Bruber, OMU Antuan Barnes and AB representative. Clinton "Brian" Gillins. Barry said the volunteers were compensated with "the reward of giving, the company of others on a special day and a home-cooked meal to warm our bellies. Ironically, the meals preparation was overseen by retired NMU chef of 23 years, H. George Diaz." Afterward, the Watkins' personnel returned to the vessel-<::urrently based at San Diego's NASSCO shipyard- and resumed their task of preparing the new ship for its first assignment, in Diego Garcia. The 950-foot vessel will carry a wide range of equipment for the U.S. Army, including tanks and armored personnel carriers. It's a roll-on/roll-off ship that can travel at 24 knots. February 2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 2000 - JANUARY 15, 2001 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 3 0 I 6 3 12 12 11 2 IO 19 26 3 7 3 12 20 .9 5 2 13. 1 0 2 3' 9 8 1 15 3 3 1 6 6 . 6 28 6 ·,f:i 12 23 229 9 7 107 71 11 22 Honolulu 4 l 3 3 0 IO 13 14 l& Totals 3 28 34 Tacoma Wilmington 2 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 7 6 4 2 Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 2 2 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 11 4 4 0 2 0 9 5· 2 9 4 3 6 2 2 18 13 4 19 5 20 11 3 189 107 47 75 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 l 5 6 1 12 37 5 45 37 404 25 21 5 8 15 . 13 . J7 .··.·. > 7 .. 23 6 3 3 5 2 0 3 5 3 9 4 13 14 169 12 12 20 18 16 10 6 11 2 8 13 7 1 90 54 23 33 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 192 140 47 7 0 0 0 18 5 8 6 12 7 1 6 100 77 28 5 4 5 2 Wednesday: March 14, April 11 Honolulu .................Friday: March 16., April 13 Houston .................•Monday: March 12, April 9 Jackstinville ...... " ...,Thursday: March 8, April 5 . ··._ ··: Jer~e; City :.L:........Wednesday: March 21, April 18 Mobile .............. ¥ ••••• Wednesd?:y: Marc.h 14, April 11 ...... >::· . . New York................Tuesday: March 6, April 3 l 3 ¥ .......... 111 13 24 30 6 Duluth .......... 17 10 0 5 6 3 5 14 18 Port 5 4 7 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 8, April 5 5 6 l 2 0 7 3 2 3 2 1 4 21 2 l 11 5 3 Algonac .................. Friday: March 9~ April 6 19 5 6 6 Piney Point ............. Monday, March 5, April 2 2 16 63 21 32 . 4() 30 waters · 0 51 7 12 9 7 2 6 0 5 10 2 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 5 8 11 10 0 Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs !.tfarch &Apn12001 . . lfl!emljerslJ,'1 Mlidlap . . ·Deep ·&;a, takes; Inland li 5 19 4 () Personal 8 11 18 2 5 o. ···. ,., . , , . , ,. . . ~""'•' WALTER KEANE 9 2 3 l f .:. 5 1 2 15 9 119 5 0 3 i '.'.' . . Totals All Departments 6 5 0 0 6 4 0 4 8 39 0 ·1 7 33 27 241 9 0 0 l l 13 3 4. Q 2· IS .. 7 4 d 4 11 2. 19 3 5 . 5 .· ..• .1$ ,···. l_Q . 2 6 11 l 0 9 17 0 0 5 5 5 0 3 0 8 0 10 0 0 0 8 10 5 29 15 12 5 15 10 38 . < 37 15 13 0 5 8 14 2 19 L3 l 8 0 0 0 3 4 7 5 15 11 7 3 27 61 244 20 28 266 898 631 474 2 8 18 129 178 2 24 109 144 498 361 305 422 300 237 157 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 16 Steward Michael H. Watts (right) and Chief Cook Ramont Jackson are all smiles after a busy day preparing and serving the crew of the Pfc. James Anderson Jr. a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. 5 7 2 0 29 February 2001 A Day of Thanksgiving on the Anderson 22 11 5 Totals 3 l 2· . 2 14 5 3 3 0 0 2H'.ii.' ti%<'Hf:Y''iKJWt":· 3 1 1 30 23 49 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 32 7 14 2 ··· Tacoma Wilmington 3 4 0 Walter Keane shipped out of Brooklyn, N. Y. in 1965. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact his daughter, Doreen Keane, at P.O. Box 176, Palm Harbor, FL 34682; or call (727) 772-1643. Alphonse Thomas (inset), who has sailed as a QMED for more than 25 years, provided a beautiful cake for the Thanksgiving Day holiday at the hall in New Orleans. His generosity was appreciated by all. Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes DECEMBER 16, 2000 - JANUARY 15, 2001 CL - JolinF•y £4ecutive Vice President David !Uilldel Secretary-Treasurer Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Augustin Tellez L-Lakes NP-Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP V,ke President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Tom. OfUC.howski Vice President Lakes and Wand Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nkholas J. M4rro.ne Vice President West Coast KumettM.angram Vice .President Oovemtnent Services . .. Port Algonac Port 0 19 5 Algonac Port 0 8 1 Algonac 0 6 7 Port Algonac 0 13 24 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 2 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 5 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 5 6 0 17 4 0 3 0 0 5 7 19 HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair Rive- Or.• Algonac~ MI 48001 (Sto) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., # 1C, Anehorage.AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Totals All Depts 46 0 37 0 14 0 7 32 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters :BALTIMORE DECEMBER 16, 2000 - JANUARY 15, 2001 2315 Essex St., Baltimore.MD 21224 (410).327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUm 7-05 Medical Arts :Building, Duluth, MN $5802 (218} 7224110 GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 30 l ~E Tun Jesus Crisostorno St. Tamuning. -Ouam 969t 1 · ••·· {~TH647-1350 NEW ORL.EANS <., · · ·· ·· NEWYORK .. , · 635 Fourtb,Me.. Btooklyni NY.: H2l2 (71S)499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Noffolk, VA GulfCoaSt .. 2m 0 o Atlantic·coast o Gulf Coast 0 O . Lake$;ilnJa.tidWaters ,0 0 0 .(} 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 PINEY.POINT Bog 15, Piney 'Point, MD 20674 (301) 994--001-0 f()ltl' 1$\Jf;RGLADES 1221 S.Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL .33316 .· ' (954) 522- 7984 SAN FRANCISCO .. 3.50 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 ·.· . Government Services DMsion (415) 861-3400 SANTuRCE . 1057 Femandez Jimcos Ave., Stop 16Vl Stmturce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.WUIS 4581 Grav<>is Ave., St. Louis, MO 63ll6 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA WILMINGTON 5 l 0 N. Broad Av~., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 5494000 . Seafarers LOB 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 25 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 0 0 Totals All Depts 0 2 7 1 2 15 2 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. (757) 622-1892 16 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C . L$esll Inland vnu~.t;·;:). :\tt:\,f i§J§E!S><iA!\.'>.h/d!iW· J:h:>.)i:JY;;::c.,3~;;.g;;.KQW: .;;,,,. ,ii·••c·•:.•,,.,.y West Coast 0 0 6 Totals 0 2 7 Region 3911 Lapa.loo Blvd.; Harve)i LA 7005& . P~O. TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic:coast West Coast Totals {504) 3zs;..1s4s 30 If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. The photo at left was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Andrew H. Reasko of San Francisco, Calif. It was taken in Baltimore in 1947 while waiting for a ship. From the left are AB Joseph Gaziak, AB Ralph Vall and Messman Reasko. Brother Reasko, 74, sailed with the SIU for 42 years, retiring in 1988 at the age of 62. He upgraded his skills at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md., attaining the rating of recertified steward. In inset, Reasko (second from left) and two retired Seafarers join former SIU West Coast VP George McCartney (right) at the Thanksgiving Day festivities held at the SIU hall in San Francisco. Febnla'I 2001 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US-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. ~ An Inland captain is among the 13 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. James Rider navigated the inland waterways as a captain for nearly 30 years. Along the way, he upgraded his seafaring skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Rider, four of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Four plied the Great Lakes, and the remaining five navigated the inland waterways. Seven of the retirees worked in the deck department, two shipped in the engine department and four sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA SAMUEL CAPRO, 64, ment, he last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. Brother Demourelle resides in Houston. SMAIL HARIRI, 65, joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of Seattle. Born in Yemen, Brother Hariri .__~~~""""---·.....J, shipped as a member of the steward department. He first worked aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Adela. Brother Hariri upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Developer. Brother Hariri lives in Seattle. ~------. JULIO REYES, 65, hails from New Orleans. Brother Capro started his career with the SIU in 1963, joining in the port of New Orleans. A member of the steward dep.iu1ment, he first shipped ard Delta Steam · in es' Del Sol. Brother C last sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Jeb Stuart. He lives in St. Bernard, La. joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of New York. Brother Reyes sailed as a member of the engine department. He first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1976. A native of Puerto Rico, he last shipped aboard the CSX Spirit. Brother Reyes resides in Fajardo, P.R. CHARLESS. DEMOURLLE, 64, is a na · of GREAT LAKES JOHND. APPELT, 65, New Ore He began his career with the SIU in 1965, joining in the port of Houston. Brother Demourelle first shipped aboard a Wall Street Traders, Inc. vessel. A member of the engine depart- joined the SIU in 1989 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Prior to joining the '""""-"'...........---'-' SIU, Brother Appelt served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960. Born in Enjoying Thanksgiving Aboard the Ambrose Channel GILBERTO O.GARCIA, 70, began his SIU career in 1968. He first sailed aboard the Ann Arbor RR Cord, operated by Michigan Interstate Railway. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Garcia shipped as a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard American Steamship Co. 's H. Lee White. Brother Garcia calls Philadelphia home. ----.ABDOL GHANI MOHSSEN, 61, hails from Yemen. Brother Mohssen started his career with the SIU in 1969, joining in the port of Detroit. A member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard the Wacosta, operated by SeaLand Service. Brother Mohssen upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md in 1989. He last shipped aboard American Steamship Co. 's Walter J. McCarthy. Brother Mohssen calls Dearborn, Mich. home. lives in Brush Prairie, Wash. JAMES A RIDER, 62, was born in Benzoma, Mich. He joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Detroit. Sailing as a captain, he worked primarily aboard Luedtke Engineering vessels. Brother Rider upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1992. He lives in Arcadia, Fla. JOHN J. WALSH, 61, started his SIU career m 1961, joining in the port of Cleveland. Born in Ohio, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Boatman Walsh worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge & Dock's Lemmerhirt. He calls Marblehead, Ohio home. RUSSELLF. RHODA, 61, began his career with the SIU in 1972, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Rhoda sailed primarily aboard Interstate Oil Transport Company vessels. The Pennsylvania native shipped as a member of the deck department. Boatman Rhoda calls Cape May Court House, N.J. home. CARMELO SALAMAN, 61, joined the SIU in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. A member of the steward department, Boatman Salaman worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. He lives in Juanita Bay, P.R. PATRICKW. THOMAS JR., 43, hails INLAND FREDERICK C.MOUNTFORD, 62 started his SIU career in 1985. He joined in the port of Wilmington, Calif. and sailed as a member of the deck department. Born in England, Boatman Mountford worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. He Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG · 1946 from Texas. He began his career with the SIU in 1976, joining in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Thomas shipped as a member of the deck department, first sailing aboard a Marine Fueling, Inc. vessel. He last worked for Moran Towing of Texas. Boatman Thomas lives in Vidor, Texas. since Jan. 1, 1951 were rated Class "B" and men who had no time aboard SIU 1~~pf/Qted.~lm!J}gly, · ' . ~~~~:i::~ ~:.~:i: !Cr~:r:e~e~!s fOO'a:resolution that authorized-the efeCtion Pof,~Jf~ommittee to inve41gate\~1Je . p9~sibili~ · · . ties and advisability of establishing an, upgrading school in the Port of New In Orleans. The mem.. bership felt very strongly that the union should establish ·and operate its · owti training schools ratber than have schools controlled and operated by the government. An additional reason is that there is a shortage of qualified ratings in all departments. to cover classes A and B received a ''C'' rating. In the future, seamen with A 11 rat.. ings will receive preference over the ?UJS M0 ,M?t..i I~ I n JN SJU HJSTORY Crew members who were working aboard the Ambrose Channel last Nov. 23 were treated to a Thanksgiving Day feast. In top photo, GVA Marcos Guity, Chief Steward Elena Curley and Chief Cook Jimmy Cordova begin preparations. At left, Bosun Mario Romero starts with the appetizers, while other crew mem"' bers (below) enjoy their meal. Februarr 2001 Detroit, he first sailed aboard Bob-Lo Island Company vessels. Brother Appelt shipped as a member of the deck department, last working aboard American Steamship Co. 's H. Lee White. Brother Appelt calls Croswell, Mich. home. other two categories for job calls and the u9 11 rated seamen will receive prefer~ ence over "C" men. 1970 Members of the SIU, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District have voted overwhelmingly, in a secret (ballot) refer· endum, to adopt proposed amendments to the constitution. This marks the first time in almost 10 years that significant 1955 changes have been made in the union's constitution. Three propositions were on ,. The membei::s~ip of the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic & Gulf the ballot, and each passed. They covered District, ratified a newly negotiated contract the proposed new consdtution itself, clause establishing a seniority hiring provi- changes on initiation fees, and changes in sion with contracted companies. The new the method of paying dues. None of the hiring system involves three classes of changes had any bearing on job rights of seniority. Men sailing before Dec. 31, 19 50 Seafarers. Constitutional changes deal only got "A" ratings; men sailing regularly with [members' rights within the union]. Seafarers LOii 17 �Final Dcpaitura · DEEP SEA KASIMIRS ABARONS Pensioner Kasimirs Abarons, 84, died Oct. 23, 2000. Brother Abarons started his career with the SIU in 1951 in the port of """-"""""""-----·w··.,~. Seattle. A membe! of the engine department, he first sailed aboard ~e Mankato Victory, operated by Victory Carriers, Inc. Brother Abarons last shipped aboard the Sea-Land Philadelphia. He began receiving his pension in 1981 . Brother Abarons lived in Spanaway Wash. ' JAMES BERGSTROM Aug. 31 , 2000. Brother Correll started his career with the SIU in 1960 joining in the port of New York. ' Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he sailed primarily aboard Sea-Land Service vessels. The deck department member last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Cru~a~er. ~rather Correll began rece1vmg his pension in 1999. He lived in his native Brooklyn. VINCENT D' AMELIA Brother Vincent D'Amelia, 39, passed away Oct. 16, 2000. Born in Binghamton, N.Y., Brother D ' Amelia started his SIU career in 1997, joining in the port of Piney Point, Md. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard the Duchess, operated by Ocean Duchess, Inc. He last worked aboard the LNG Capricorn. Brother D' Amelia lived in New York. of New York. Born in Massachusetts, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Gallagher first shipped aboard an Interocean Management vessel. He last sailed aboard the HMI Dync:c_hem .. Brother Gallagher began receivmg his pension in 1989. He called Port Neches, Texas home. DYKE GARDNER Brother Dyke Gardner, 54, died Oct. 2, 2000 and was buried at sea. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1962, joining in the port of Houston . He shipped as a member of the engine department. A native of California, Brother Gardner first sailed aboard the Sea-Land Arizona. He last worked aboard the USNS Algol, operated by Bay Ship Management. He Jived in Derry, N.H. Pensioner James Bergstrom, 72, died Oct. 29, 2000. Born in Davis, W. Va., he joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Bergstrom first shipped aboard an Emerson Steamship Company vessel. A member of the steward department, he last sailed on Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Rosa. Brother Bergstrom served in the U.S. Army from 1951to1953. He beg~n receiving his pension in 1985. He hved in Mt. Storm, W.Va. LEROY DOTY KENNETH HARDER Pensioner Leroy Doty, 79, passed away Oct. 28, 2000. Brother Doty began his SIU career in 1947, joining in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard the Pan Atlantic. A member of the deck department, Brother Doty last sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. The ~on, <?hio native began receiving his pens10n in 1978. Brother Doty lived in Lakewood, N.J. Pensioner Kenneth Harder, 62, passed away Aug. 20, 2000. Brother Harder started his SIU career in 1970, joining in the ·.. port ofNew York. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959. Born in San Francisco, Brother Harder sailed as a member of the engine department. His last ship was the Sea-Land Ente.rP_rise. _Brother Harder began receivmg his pension in 1999. He resided in his native California. PRESTON BRIDGEFORTH THOMAS DOWDELL Pensioner Preston Bridgeforth, 72, passed away Sept. 6, 2000. The Virginia native graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school and joined that union in 1959. Brother Bridgeforth shipped in the steward dep~ent, first sailing aboard an Amencan President Lines vessel. He last worked on a Crowley vessel. B_rother _Bri~geforth began receiving his pension m 1993. He lived in Baltimore. Brother Thomas Dowdell, 41, died Sept. 8, 2000. He began his SIU career in 1978, joining in the port of Piney Point, Md. A member of the dec_k dep~ent, the New York City native shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He first worked aboard a National Marine Service vessel. Brother Dowde11 last shipped aboard the 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman, operated by Maersk Line, Ltd. He lived in New York. WARDELL BROWN Brother Wardell Brown, 33, passed away Nov. 11 , 1999. He began his SIU career in 1988. Born in Norfolk Va., Brother Brown first shipped ' aboard Ocean Ships' Paul Buck. A member of the steward department, he last sailed aboard the Cornhusker State, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. Brother Brown called Chesapeake, Va. home. RONALD CARRAWAY Pensioner Ronald Carraway, 70, died Nov. 1, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1957, joining in the I*port of Seattle. ' A member of the deck department, Brother Carraway first shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He last .worked ab?ard the cable ship Long Lmes. A native of Detroit Brother Carraway served in the'u.s. Army from 1946 to 1951. He also was a member of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1951 to 1954. Brother ~arr~way began receiving his pension m 1990. He lived in Roseville Mich. ' THOMAS CORRELL Pensioner Thomas Correll, 64, died 18 Seafarers LOii LOUIS DURACKER Pensioner Louis Duracker, 66, died Oct. 21, 2000. Brother Duracker began his SIU career in 1951 , joining in the port of New Orleans. A member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard the Alcoa Partner, an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. The Louisiana native last worked aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. B.rother ~ur~cker began receiving his pension m 1984. He resided in Metairie, La. JAMES FLEMING Pensioner James Fleming, 84, passed away Oct. 28, 2000. He began his career with the SIU in 1942. Brother Fleming · shipped as a member of both the deck and steward departments. The Mobile, Ala. native last worked aboard Cove Shipping Co. 's Cove Sailor. Brother Fleming served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. He began receiving his pension in 1982. Brother Fleming lived in Grand Bay, Ala. CHARLES GALLAGHER Pensioner Charles Gallagher, 69, passed away Aug. 31, 2000. Brother Gallagher started his career with the Seafarers in 1960, joining in the port ALBARO HERNANDEZ Pensioner Albaro Hernandez 72 died Oct. 31, 2000. Brother ' ' Hernandez began his career with the SIU in 1952, joining in the port of New Orleans. Born in Texas be served in the U.S. Marine C~rps from 1944 to 1945. Brother Hernandez sailed as a member of the deck department. His first ship was the Transatlantic. Brother Hernandez last worked aboard the Overseas Valdez. He began receiving his pension in 1993. Brother Hernandez resided in Corpus Christi, Texas. REMINGTON HURLSTONE Pensioner Remington Hurlstone, 86, passed away Nov. 5, 2000. He joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in the Cayman Islands, Brother Hurlstone shipped as a member of the deck department. He first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. Brother Hurlstone last worked on the SeaLc:nd Co_nsw.ner. He began receiving his pension m 1979. He lived in Inverness, Fla. HUGO JEFFCOAT Pensioner Hugo Jeffcoat, 85, died Oct. 31, 2000. Brother Jeffcoat started his SIU career in 1950, joining in the port of New York. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard the City ofAlma, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Jeffcoat last sailed aboard the JB. White, another Waterman vessel. Born in Lexington, S.C., he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Bro~er ~effcoat began receiving his pension m 1977. He lived in Livingston, Texas. ARMANDO LUPARI Pensioner Armando Lupari, 77, passed away \'> Oct. 27, 2000. He began his career with the SIU in 1963, . joining in the . · ·•· ·· port of Baltunore. Brother Lupari shipped as a member of the engine department. His last vessel was the SeaLand Consumer. Born in McKeesport, Pa., Brother Lupari served in the U.S. Army from 1948 t? 19.52. He began receiving his pension m 1986. Brother Lupari called Kenner, La. home. ROBERT MICHAEL Pensioner Robert Michael, 70, died Oct. 17, 2000. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1951, joining in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Florida, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Michael last worked aboard Seahawk Management's Falcon Chan:pi~n. He began receiving his pension m 1989. Brother Michael Jived in his native Jacksonville. JOSE ROSS Pensioner Jose Ross, 79, passed away Nov. 10, 2000. Brother Ross started his career with the Seafarers in 1952. A member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel and last shipped aboard Puerto Rico Marine Man_a~eme~t's Mayaquez. He began rece1vmg his pension in 1987. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Ross called Clearwater, Fla. home. away Nov. 20, 2000. Born in Virginia, Boatman White started his career with the Seafarers in 1961, joining in the port of . Norfolk, Va. He sailed as a captain, working primarily aboard Allied Towing Co. vessels. He served in the U.S. Navy from 194~ t_ o 19~5 . Boatman White began rece1vmg his pension in 1985. He lived in his native Virginia. GREAT LAKES SAM DYER Pensioner Sam Dyer, 90, passed away Nov. 23, 2000. Born in Harrisburg, Pa., Brother Dyer began his career with the SIU in 1960, joining in the port of Detroit. A member of the deck department, he sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessels. Brother Dyer served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1945. He began receiving his pension in 1976. Brother Dyer lived in Hampton, Mich. WILLIAM GALLAGHER Pensioner William Gallagher, 74 passed away Nov. &, 2000. He started his SIU career in 1961, joining in the port of '"""--..:;....;._,,;_::.;,,;_.____,'.;..J Cleveland. Brother Gallagher served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Born in Ohio, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Gallagher sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. vessels. His last ship was the Lemmerhirt. He began receiving his pension in 1984. Brother Gallagher lived in Norwalk Ohi~ ' CHARLES WATSON NATHAN HAURING Pensioner Charles Watson, 80, died Oct. 10, 2000. Brother Watson joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Born ,___....;;.;..~--l11. · __i· a ~'· ·113 in Atlanta, he sailed primarily aboard Matson Navigation Co. vessels. Brother ~atson began receiving his pension m 1970. He lived in Riverside, Calif. Pensioner Nathan Hauring, 57, died Nov. 1, 2000. Brother Hauring started his career with the SIU in 1973, joining in the port of Duluth, Minn. A member of the deck department, Brother Hauring first shipped aboard a Great Lakes Associates vessel. Born in Ahmeek Mich., Brother Hauring last worked aboard the Saint Clair. He served in the U.S . Navy from 1960 to 1964 '.lld began receiving his SIU pension m 1997. Brother Hauring lived in Portage, Mich. !!:li '· .. INLAND SAMUEL JACKSON Pensioner Samuel Jackson, 62, passed away Sept. 27, 2000. Born in South Carolina, Boatman Jackson joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Houston. A member of the engi?e department, he worked primanly aboard Marine Contracting & Towing Co. vessels. He began receiving his pension in 2000. Boatman Jackson lived in Awenden, S.C. CLAUDE JACOBS Boatman Claude Jacobs, 45, died Sept. 20, 2000. He joined the Seafarers in the port of Norfolk, Va. He last worked aboard a Maritrans vessel. Boatman Jacobs lived in Virginia Beach, Va. ELWOOD WHITE Pensioner Elwood White, 79, passed ""'* RAILROAD MARINE ARTHUR MARTINI Pensioner Arthur Martini, 85, died Nov. 22, 2000. A native of Brooklyn, he joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. The deck department member first sailed aboard an Erie Lackawanna Railroad Co. vessel. He last worked on New York Dock Railway Co. vessels. Brother Martini began receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in New York. February 2001 �'JJigest of Shil)b9~.,t Union 'JM•t~•r f/h~. S'"afarers LOG attempts to;p(li11 as.infny.dfge~ itiqn{i111§1Jjpboard ,minutes as possible. On occpsi~n, becauiJI o( sf{~c~ limitatitms, so111e wiil be omlltBd~ · '· .· · ··~~ .·; AL Ships minutes first are nvlewed /Jy the anion1s contract department. ;''i/lfJ.ose (ssues requiring attention or resolution are addrsssed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minute$ are then forwarded ';y> to the Seafarers LOG torpublleation. ;\]);iiC AMERICAN MERLIN (OspreyAcomarit Ship Mgmt.), Oct. 12Chairman James V. Triassi Jr., Secretary Steven M. Dickson, Educational Director Jason M. Crist, Deck Delegate Duane R. Costello, Engine Delegate John W. Robinson Jr., Steward Delegate Hamin Sialana. Chairman asked everyone to report any unsafe conditions. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on company policy of holding percentage of income on foreign voyages for repatriation. New movies requested (24 per quarter as per company agreement) as well as news and sports programs. Crew members reminded to separate plastic items from garbage. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Oct. 31--Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Tom dom, Deck Delegate Tan J , Engine Delegate Edwa ebs, Steward Delegate Crum. Chairman ann Cl payoff scheduled Nov. Lake Charles, La. Everything running smoothly in all departments. Crew members reminded to put in for relief several weeks before time up. New chairs and couch purchased for crew lounge. veryone asked to try and keep t · good condition. Secretary asked t etting off to have clean linen for r · Educational director reminded crew members of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to review pension plan to enable Seafarers to retire at any age with full benefits after 20 years seatime. Steward department and rest of crew given vote of thanks. Next ports: Lake Charles; Tampa, Fla. HMI PETROCHEM (IUM), Oct. 31--Chairman Michael E. Brown, Secretary William Perry, Educational Director William H. Day, Engine Delegate C. Foster Jr., Steward Delegate Joseph Jones. Chairman announced ship scheduled for Port Arthur, Texas shipyard in mid-November in preparation for possible Alaska run. No layoff expected. Entire crew looking forward to spending Christmas at home. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center, try new simulators there, and keep all shipping documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to consider reduction of tour of duty from 120 days to 90 to earn transportation, and for relief requests to be sent to manpower in timely fashion. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt), Oct. 29--Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore. Chairman talked about need for bus service to and from main gate in Genoa and Malta. Steward asked crew members to inform cook if they will not be eat- February 2001 ing aboard ship while in port. Educational director reminded crew to leave clean linen in rooms when departing ship. Treasurer announced $113 in ship's movie fund. Thanks given to John Rodriguez for organizing video library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several items discussed from current LOG, including progress made by SIU aboard military ships. Request made for health ID cards for members and dependents to show proof of insurance. Suggestion made for crew members to have transportation provided by company to place of residence. Steward department complimented by crew for culinary skills. Wiper Tony Rosario given vote of thanks for sharing his artistic talents in making crafts from tin cans. Beautiiful work! Bosun thanked entire crew for working well together. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Freeport, Bahamas. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation Corp.), Oct. 28Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Abraham Martinez, Educational Director John Binpong, Deck Delegate Anthony Heinoidt, Engine Delegate Jared Lee, Steward Delegate Ali Muther. Chairman thanked everyone for help in separating plastic items from trash. Educational director advised crew members to check expiration date on STCW and upgrade at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Still no TV reception, not even in port. Suggestion made for next contract to include day off for every 30 worked. Next ports: Lakes Charles, La.; Port Everglades, Fla. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Oct. 29-Chairman Ronald Owens, Secretary Henry E. Manning, Steward Delegate Jorge Bernardez. Chairman talked about STCW requirements and urged everyone to have necessary endorsements. Educational director reminded crew members about training benefits at Paul Hall Center and about importance of contributing to SPAD. Engine delegate brought up some problems in his department; no disputed OT reported. Request made for new TV and VCR in crew lounge. LNG GEMINI (Pronav Ship Mgmt.), Oct. 29-Chairman Charles H. Kahl, Secretary Ronald E. Aubuchon, Educational Director Mark A. Freeman, Deck Delegate David D. Freeman, Engine Delegate Kevin W. Conklin, Steward Delegate John D. Bukowsky. Chairman talked about working together, with each crew member trying to make a better and safer tour for everyone. He noted that if any problems arise, they should first go through proper channels within SIU. Secretary led discussion on relevance of social values. He stated all Seafarers, regardless of gender, should be treated with respect at all times. Educational director reminded crew of importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point facility. "You have to learn more in order to earn more," he stated. He also urged any member who wants to attend college to apply for an SIU scholarship. Treasurer announced several hundred dollars in ship's fund to be used for videos, magazine subscriptions, pool parties, gym equipment, etc. Deck delegate reminded crew of safety factors in their work-wearing ear protection, safety goggles and safety belts. Engine delegate expressed gratitude to deck/maintenance department for assistance tying up ship. Clarification requested on money purchase pension plan, new contract, and Marshall Island discharges. Compliments given to steward department for job well done and for maintaining high standards of SIU. Next port: Osaka, Japan. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG Ship Mgmt.), Oct. 29--Chairman Marco A. Galiano, Secretary Darren C. Weatherspoon, Engine Delegate Guadalupe Campbell, Steward Delegate Stanley C. Washington. Chairman reported ship returning from round-theworld voyage and going into shipyard for a few days before loading cargo for North Korea. Secretary stated it was a long trip, but quite an experience for most of crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to look into obtaining prescription coverage for dependents, reducing eligibility time for vacation benefits and reinstating transportation to port of engagement. Next port: Portland, Ore. PETERSB URG (IUM), Oct. 2Chairman Eddie Hall, Secretary George J. Borromeo, Educational Director Ronald Day, Steward Delegate George Burgos. Vessel reactivated from shipyard in Singapore, now stationed in Guam. One QMED day worker on emergency leave. Chairman reminded crew members about mandatory attendance at fire and boat drills. He said no news yet about pay increase. Educational director and ship's secretary talked about compliance of STCW requirements by Feb. 1, 2002, including need for endorsements in damage control, tankerman assistant/cargo (DL) and fire fighting. Wendy Fearing elected ship's treasurer. She ' ll speak with master regarding balance of ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to try to negotiate reduction of eligibility time for vacation benefits and better insurance coverage. USNS HEEZEN (Dyn Marine), Oct. 15--Chairman Edward Nels on, Secretary Eric Johnson, Educational Director Pat Yarborough, Deck Delegate Shane HilJer, Steward Delegate Julio Arzu. Number of important issues were discussed, including vacation, penalty meal hour, health plan, union dues, holiday and weekend pay, separation of trash and STCW qualifications. Secretary also advised everyone to make sure clinic card is current. Educational director urged crew members to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $200 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Ship heading to New Jersey. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Nov. 5--Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Hardin C. Chancey, Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan, Engine Delegate Jerome E. Dooms, Steward Delegate Angel B. Correa. Chairman read president's report from LOG and informed crew of planned payoff Nov. 14. Ship will be on weekly service between Jacksonville and San Juan at least until shipyard period in midJanuary 2001. Secretary passed on word from master regarding advance notice of travel destination when transportation is due. Discussion held on SIU voting procedures and sample ballot. Educational director led discussion about STCW requirements and basic English testing. He reminded crew to update training skills and not wait until last minute. Treasur- Lines), Nov. 7--Chairman Kevin A. Kellum, Secretary Cirilo S. Centeno, Educational Director David W. King. Secretary reported ship due Nov. 12 in Mombasa, Kenya. Educational director reminded crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point and complete required courses for STCW compliance. Treasurer announced $24 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests made to On the Picket Line Against Verizon Before joining the Cape Jacob in Diego Garcia, Chief Steward Lauren Oram (holding SIU sign) showed her support for striking IBEW Local 2322 members in her hometown of Hyannis, Mass. er announced $40 in ship's fund after purchase of TVs and VCRs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime needed to file for vacation benefits. Ship's committee will discuss with captain feasability of installing radio and TV antennae during shipyard period. Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R. ENTERPRISE (CSX Lines), Nov. 16--Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director Ray L. Chapman, Deck Delegate George D. Vukmir, Engine Delegate Vernon Edwards, Steward Delegate Thomas K. Gingerich . Chairman reminded crew of STCW deadline Feb. 1, 2002. Members will not be able to sai 1 without proper endorsements. Secretary urged everyone to try and recruit new members into school 's unlicensed apprentice program to help keep union and U.S. maritime industry strong. She stressed need to be involved in all safety and fire drills aboard ship. Educational director suggested crew members update fire fighting endorsements early to avoid lastminute rush before STCW deadline. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for heating and air conditioning to be fixed while ship is in yard. KODIAK (CSX Lines), Nov. 6Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Mohamed N. Sani, Educational Director Thomas Hogan. Chairman announced late ship arrival in Tacoma Nov. 8 due to heavy weather. Blanket day off postponed until crew can get maximum time off. He urged all members to vote in SIU election. He also told crew that following recent Coast Guard inspection, USCG remarked that Kodiak crew was most professional and well trained they observed all year. Great job! Educational director recommended attending Paul Hall Center for upgrading skills. Crew also advised to check out scholarship opportunities for themselves and dependents. No beefs or di sputed OT reported. Suggestion made to get prescription coverage for spouses and children. Crew also would like to see more effo rt by rank-and-file to increase input into next contract negotiations. s MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk increase vacation and order another radio for crew 's lounge. Next port: New Orleans. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), Nov. 16--Chairman John 0. Glenn, Secretary Travis R. Jefferson, Educational Director Daniel P. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Stephen W. Grier, Engine Delegate Randall Story. Chairman led discussion on taking care of older members by raising pension benefits. Secretary advised everyone to check expiration date on z-cards and clinic cards. Ship going into dry dock ov. 22. Educational director stressed importance of taking advantage of educational facilities at Piney Point and having necessary endorsements for STCW. No beefs or disputed OT reported . Request made for new radio and TV antenna. Ship 's crew congratulated President Mike Sacco for good job. Thanks also given to steward department for job well done and to entire crew for helping keep clean ship. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. CAPE JACOB (Amsea), Dec. 5 --Chairman Robert Johnson, Secretary Lauren Oram, Educational Director Lawrence T. French III, Deck Delegate John S. Zabielski, Engine Delegate James Van Dyke, Steward Delegate Arturo A. Rodriguez. Chairman noted crew rotations beginning to straighten out and said crew members seem happy with new contract and pay raise. He reminded everyone to call the company about relief 10 days before end of 120-day rotation. Secretary reported $700 in ship's fund to be used for movies, ship's hats, etc. Educational director talked about need to comply with STCW by Feb. 1, 2002 and noted good article in November LOG about it. He also mentioned stateof-the-art simulators for training at the Paul Hall Center and reminded everyone to have TRBs updated and signed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG read and discussed. Members agreed headquarters working hard to get good jobs. Cape Jacob will be 40 years old Jan. 16. Captain thinking about celebration. Crew wishes to send holiday greetings from Diego Garcia to all SIU brothers and sisters . Seafarers LOG 19 �Enchilada Sauce "We have to think fast and be creative when cooking aboard ship, especially when we run out of a specific ingredient. That is how this sauce was created. " Yi chicken (washed and cleaned) SUMMAR'(4NNUAt REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION FlJND This is a summary of the annual report of theSeafarerS'. Vaoatio1t!~Ul1~BlN 135602047, Plan No. 503, for the period January l, 1999 through Dec~lhber3lt1999. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Setviceras required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ElUSA). .. / , The Board of Trustees has committed itself to pay all claims incurred under the terms of the plan. 3 Yi cups water GALLEY CORNER Basic Financial Statement 4 tablespoons chili powder 1 teaspoon cumin 2 tablespoons chicken base 2 teaspoons cilantro, fresh or dried 3 diced tomatoes (or 2 diced tomatillos) 1 cup celery, chopped 1 cup onion, chopped Yi cup green pepper, chopped Yi cup minced garlic. ;,?The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $15~,if~.7S5 as of December 31~ 1999, compared to $14,965,512 as of January 1,J999(asrestated). Dury9g the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its n~t ~~ of $454,273.. ~is increase includes unrealized appreciation and depredatio#:ih the value of pfan assets; th,at is, the difference between the -value of th~ plan's ai$ets at the end of the year and the.value of the assets at the beginning of the year p£.J~e cost of assets acquired duri~th~y~ar'. Puring the plan year, the plan had;t~aJ. P1P~!l!:e;of · $4l,S12,13S including empfo~ei contributions of $41,56(),397, realized (,i<;)ss) of ${78~297) from the sale ofass~earnings from investments of$1,43J.87J a?~\iJ~ alized (depteciation) of assets oU(l,l{)~t,~3,~): ··..\. . . . . X(!;ff.;.> . , \ Plan expenses were $4 l ,3 57,865. ,rtieS:~ ~~~esJncluded $4,418~70liii ~~inij, istrative expenses and $36,939,164 in benefits paig to J.)articipants and benetici~est'. . . . y Your Rights to AddfttO...i}IJifOf-tJOa ., ,. <i?!xi .; /'ii:You pave the right to receive a copy ofth~ttllannual te~rt. ox~yp;ttl(r~~ 011 requ~t+ T~e items listed below are included in that repb!1: .J:1;~ ·. :.;' ,.,. . . · ·< 1) An acco'~t'~ report; << · 2) ' ' ,;3) 4) Combine all the ingredients and boil until soft (about 25 minutes). Strain the ingredients and return to stove. Make paste of flour and water to thicken ingredients. This makes a good Mexican sauce for enchiladas or breakfast burritos. Chief Cook/Chief Steward Saundra Jean Leonard If anyone is looking for a particular recipe or has one of their own that they would like to share, drop Chef Hetmanski a line at the Paul Hall Center, P. 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 or e-mail to: shlssvoc@us.hsanet.net. (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Note of Appreciation For Pension Bonus Just a thanks to all at the SIU Pension Fund for the year-end bonus. It is very much appreciated. A very Merry Christmas to all brothers and sisters in the SIU. Horace Wiltshire Norfolk, VA . ... Just Doing a Job; No Reward Expected I just finished reading an article in the December 2000 LOG that reminded me of something that happened many years ago [page 5, "Lakes Seafarers, Gordon Crew Honored for Dramatic Rescues"]. During the season of 193 5, I was an AB watchman aboard the Frank Billings. The Billings was tied up for the evening, as the grain scoopers did not unload at night. The watchmen stood a ladder watch by the after ladder. Mine was the 8-to-12 watch. It was a dark night, and at 10:00 I saw the headlights of a car coming down to the dock. The car let a man out and then drove away. As soon as the man got out, I knew there was trouble. I could see that the man was loaded and would probably fall in the water. 20 Seafarers LOG I knew there was no time to spare. I grabbed a life ring off the after cabins and hurried down the ladder. When I reached the bottom, the man fell in. I dropped the life ring in the water and jumped in after it. A person drowning will grab anything they can to keep from sinking. Just as he was ready to go down for the second time, I grabbed an arm and pulled it through the life ring. I did not worry anymore as I had him pinned. Someone called the cops, and a short time later they came down with the necessary equipment. I watched as they worked on the man, pumping out booze and polluted water. When he came to, he said "thank you," and that was reward enough. I've heard of people getting medals for saving someone. I did not receive any, nor did I expect any. I had a job to do and I did it. At the time I was 27 years old. Now I am 92. That winter I got married, and we have been together ever since. I don't want to appear a braggart, just saying what happened 65 years ago. Andrew Aspseter Exeland, Wis. 111( ~ Liberty Sea Captain Proud of Shipmate Walker As captain of the vessel MN Liberty Sea, I take great honor and pride in writing this letter regarding SIU member Thomas W. Walker. It has been my pleasure and privilege to sail with Mr. Walker over the past few years. Every day that Mr. Walker is on board, his performance and ability have been outstanding. Mr. Walker has one of the highest work ethics and productivity of any unlicensed-or licensedpersonnel I have sailed with. His comments, actions and lifestyle have always been in a gentlemanly manner. Mr. Walker has always displayed and shown a great pride and respect for his family, shipmates and union affiliation. He brings true meaning to the term "Able Bodied Seaman." During the present voyage to Haifa, Israel, the vessel's boatswain was given a medical repatriation on our last day prior to sailing for the United States. Due to the fact I felt the position of boatswain should be filled for the continuity of operations and continuity of union leadership, Mr. Walker was promoted into this all important billet. Without any hesitation, he filled the void of the missing boatswain, and has completed the task with the highest ability. Mr. Walker led by example and gained a type of respect that few in a position of leadership have ever received. At this time I would like to commend the Seafarers International Union for having Thomas Walker as a rank-and-file member. He is the type of Seafarer that should be made an example of throughout the SIU and throughout the industry. I can only hope that Mr. Walker's experience this voyage will improve his chances within the SIU to become a fully certified boatswain. Mr. Walker will well represent the shipping industry and the SIU into the future. I am Assetsheld forinVestment; . . ' jransactioii in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and < •• ];.§ /' '.''r.1l~i>·. Financial information and ll)f{m:.nation on payments to seNiee pt(i~f~¢rs. ·· ; 'fo obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or cal};~·oard of Trustees Seafar~~,yacati(}n Fund, 5201 AJtt11>.yJ'ay, Camp Springs, ~i~nd 20746 (301) 899--0675i·'Thec4arge to oover copyll)g costs will be $4.50 forthe'. filll annual report, or 15 cents per page for any part thereof. ;.;.;yyY?u. ~1,~,~ay~J.~~.right to receive &Q'w ~e plan adminis~tot~,?n request ~d ~t· · rip diarge¥a'stat®ient of the assets and liabilities of the ·phul al1d accompanying . note~ or a·statement of income and expenses of the plan and aceom~t\p}'ing notes, or 1?g~· Jf you request a copy of the full annual report from the ~fan adt91n!s~~~fr..~se W<> statements apd ~~oin,pay~~~ ,P9~~s{Vill be inyluded as part o{o.ttfe.;iei;9~fih'Th~ charge to cover c<>pying costs given aoov~ dOes rtot include a charge'fotihe ¢0,pying. of these P9£lions g~~e ~eport ~ause these portion$ are ~giished without c&~g~ L YQu al~.g;Jl..av~~*i~~gt!llY protected f~~! t() examine th~~~4~l.r~port at tfofma.in office of tll~iplan (~29l Auth Way, Canip Sprin~&.!\·farylafi~ 2~14<i)~ at the 0,$•. .l?7Partment.,o f ~Pe7. fo Washington D.C., or io,obtai11a- copY.t?in.the u,s. :~1il~~Jttii~~~r~:r:~j~~~::~:~t~~t~:J~~11~•~1, Benefits Administration. U.S. Department of Labot, 200 Con$titu1ioiy'*"'eJ1~..~1~.jii Washington D.C. 20216. ·.·,· >' ·.::,;:.,,.;:)>• i::>i: proud to call Thomas Walker my boatswain, and my shipmate. Captain C.R. Balomenos Master, Liberty Sea ... ... Remembering the War And Help from Union I wish I were 18 years old again and going to sea. I first shipped out Feb. 6, 1942 aboard the SS Republic from the NMU hall in New Orleans. There were no modem simulators back then or any formal training. The ship was torpedoed. It was the start of the coastwise slaughter known as Torpedo Junction. More than 259 ships were sunk on the eastern seaboard. If 20 years makes a generation, we were the fourth arm of defense three generations ago. There has been a big change since then. We were the unarmed and unprotected seamen who kept the ships and cargoes sailing through the wolf packs, delivering the valu- able cargoes wherever needed. There were five fatalities aboard the Republic, and eacl1 subsequent torpedo w0111d take its toll. Like today, the unions were trying to help their own members and still help our nation at war. Marie C. Durand Lydia, La. 'Ill( ... Pfeiffer Crew Salutes Steward Dept. The three-man steward department aboard the MN R.J. Pfeiffer has done an excellent job [see photo below]. From scratch cakes, homemade bagels and pastries to eggs benedict and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, these Seafarers have done a first-rate job. This galley puts out five-star cuisine every meal. On behalf of myself and the entire crew of the Pfeiffer, we salute them. J. W. Bert Master, R.J. Pfeiffer The galley gang on the Pfeiffer consists of (from left) Chief Steward Sonny Moe, Chief Cook Sue Moe and Assistant Cook Henry Wright Jr. February 2001 �Sailing Witla tlae Cnmder Crew When the CSX Crusader paid off in Houston last month, SIU Patrolman Frank Cottongin (second from right) was on hand to meet with the crew. From the left are AB Isaac Vega Mercado, AB Francisco Caceres, Cottongin and AB Angel Velez. Steward Gwendolyn Shinholster ladles out some freshly made soup. Joseph Mele sailed as bosun during this voyage of the Crusader. DEU Eusebio Zapata (left) poses for a photo with Chief Cook Bill Blees on deck. Left: SA Antonio Colon makes sure the juice dispensers aboard the container ship are always full. Awaiting the start of the shipboard union meeting are (from left) AB Francisco Caceres, AB Isaac Vega Mercado, Electrician Kevin Cooper, AB Angel Velez, Steward Gwendolyn Shinholster and DEU Eusebio Zapata. ·- 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 con- February 2001 tracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. · EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive .board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of · the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights m 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 oppor- tunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION- If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes --··--·s ········· · Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 611 Unlicensed apprentices from class 611 who graduated from the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Jason Caylor, Jose Cuevas Rivera, Lance Cutchember, William Devoe, Rodney Dupree, Trent Enoch, David Gulick, James Hall, Miguel Hernandez-Pacheco, Derek Ivory, Aubrey Leon-Guerrero, Brandon Lovejoy, Michael McClendon, Kevini Quitugua, Kelvin Riddick, Brian Rosario, Joshua Rosario, Pete San Nicolas Jr., Jesse Solangon Jr., Richard Striverson, Daniel Thompson and April Tryck. STCW Crew members who will be working aboard American Classic Voyages' new cruise ships recently completed required classes for STCW compliance. In no specific order, the course roster includes Kathleen Cade, Tyrone Bailey, Rondi Bucknot, Matthew Wilson, Jason Francis, Michelle Spinneweber, Giles Kingsley, Lincoln Nixon, Joyce Mason, Craig Ballard, Christopher Love, Paula McGlumphy, Candy Donnelly, Valerie Graham, Keshia McKnight, Maria Smith, Olive Stewart and Catrease Wilson. QMED Working toward their QMED ratings are (in alphabetical order) Moses Adegunwa, Mark Ciciulla, John Conn, Sylvester Crawford Jr., Elvin Fontanmc.. Jean Horne, Scott Lucero, Florencio Marfa Jr., Ronald Miller Jr., Sammy Montana, Adam Nvor and Cle Popperwill. They are scheduled to complete the training next month. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Instructor Chef Ed White, Charles Carroll, Instructor Anitra Mcleod, Lloyd Hall Sr. , Adry Libra and Asst. Instructor Jeff Radcliffe-Nelson. ChiefCookPracticing in the culinary lab with Instructor Chef John Dobson (center) are Lolita Sanchez (left) and Linda McPhetridge. Radar - Under the instruction of Herb Wallen (standing, right), students completing the radar course Jan. 19 work in the classroom and also enjoy using the new simulators. Pictured (in alphabetical order) are Douglas Buchanan, Noel Camacho, Rodney Miller and Woodrow Shelton Jr. Upgraders Lifeboat/Water Survival - Marking the Jan. 19 completion of the upgraders lifeboaUwater survival class are (in no specific order) Wayne Simpkins, Gary Mann, Donald Stickens, Abdulwali Suwaileh, James Bening, Eric Meier, Lee McMillan, Patrick Chalmers, Israel Watson, Benjamin LaPointe, Jason Tucker, Lafe Fraley, Walter Sipper Jr., Gerald Young, James Poole Jr., Clovis Pomare, Yamira Colon , Francisco Bravo, David Wardingley and Frank Donaldson. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon , is standing (with white jacket). Any student who has registered for a class and finds-for whatever reason-that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. 22 Seafarers LOB GED-Taking advantage of the training offered at the Paul Hall Center, Unlicensed Apprentice William Schuchardt earns his GED. Presenting him with his diploma at the membership meeting in Piney Point are SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. February 2001 �·• SEAFARE. PAUL NALL CENTER UP6RADIN6 COURSE SCHEDULE '.fhe·. r~it~~ins ts the.schedulefof classes for the months of February through June 2001 at. th.eJ,la~tifJ_all Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All pro- Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting February 17 March 17 Februaey'U Advanced Fire Fighting February 10 February 24 Governm¢ntVessels February 3 February 24 Marcb3 March24 March 31 February 23 March 16 April 14 May4 April28 May12 May18 Junel 'May 26 June 15 . . J~ne9 >J'une23 . . . June 29 July 13 grams are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. ... Safety Specialty Courses <· March24 .·. ; ·.· Please note that this schedule may change to reflecttheu~d~bfthe membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation'.s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in t~~Saturday beforeth~.ir ~prse,s . . start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on th~pioming ofthe start;~~· JJ'or classes ending on a Friday, departm;~ reserv~~io.ns should 9e made far Saturday. · Seafarers who have any questio~ q~gax:ding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall ;;~::.:.:-;· Center may call the admissions offi~ at(30l) 994-0010, Deck Upgrading Courses Arrival Date · · Course April 6 Able Seaman March 16 · (including simulmor steeringµs.~is~~'1.ts) Special Able Seaman (Inland and Lakes members) · · February3>>>Y··········· · February24 February 23 March 16 February 17 February 24 March 17 March 24 March 3 March 10 March 31 April 7 f\pril 7 April 20 April 21 ? April 27 Lifeboatman/Water Survival Ra4a~Jl11~1(14.tor) Auiii~~~'. ~d~r Plotting Aidst-" J4JIPA) (simulator) t•mnsthave rat!ar unlimited) April 13 April 20 Februaryl7 March 17 February24 March 24 March 31. April 7 ST<;W Medical Febr.uary 24 March 24 March 3 March31 Basic Fire Figbting/STCW February3 February 16 March 2 March 16 April13 S'fCW Basic Safety February 17 February 17 March 17 April 14 GMDSS (simulator) March23 March3 March 31 Aprill4 · · April28 May12 May26 Mayt.i . Mays April 27 Mayll May25 June8 ::::··.,'.'\:·:·. ·Date Of Completion February3 March 24 March 16 May4 April 30 July 20 ebruary 3 March3 March 31 ebruary23 March 23 April 20 Tank~i;iiniliarization/ .·.· February 3 Assistant.•cargo {DL)* · Marcb3 . {*mllSi have JxWc fire jtghting) ~arch . ' April28 May26 arc ankerman (*must hove bask fire fighting) Academic Bepartment Courses ·G;fl~'1!1fffi~~.ns/ Op:~artf)AS ff't,!ftilii Advanced alley start every week beginnipg Ja~uary 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward'. cl•ss~ start every oth~r week beginning January 6. · ·.· · F~bruary3 Steward Recertification General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survivaf,~ourses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -·-~;-·-·-·-·-·-·-··~:·- ·....:.·-·-·-·...:..·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·~·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-· ~·~· ·-· ·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. ALL FOWT. AB and QMED af!.plicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The pavment should he made with a money order onlv. pavahle to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ __ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ Book# - - - - - - - - - - Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ __ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes Date Off: DNo SIGNATURE - - -- - - - - - - - - - DATE If yes, class#----- - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken February 2001 D No CPR: D Yes DNo NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2101 Seafarers LOG 23 �.. - SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT Seafarers Vacation Fund - page 20 SIU- rewed Tugs Assist LST-325 In Fi al Stretch of Historic Voyage Pless, LST-325 Facts • Length: 328 feet • Width: 50 feet • Top speed: 12 knots • Built: 1942 • Early LSTs simply were known by their hull number, which is the case with LST-325. Later versions were named. • Participated in invasions at Normandy, Sicily and Salerno. Also sailed in Korea and Vietnam. • Plans call for refurbishment and use as traveling museum. SIU boatmen who helped dock the LST-325 in Mobile, Ala. included (front row, from left) Joe Tucker, Ricky Shumock, Kyle Tucker, John Wint, Benny Tucker, (second row) SIU Port Agent Ed Kelley, Dan Hanbury, Johnny Johnston, Gerald '-" Beuk and Mike Yarbrough. %. ~ Crew members on the Crescent tug Ervin S. Cooper get into the patriotic spirit as the WWII-era ship arrives in Mobile. Pictured from le~ to right are Benny Tucker, John Wint, Dispatcher Brooks Pate and Ricky Shumock. bregon Crews Meet Veteran Group Overseas Though a very peripheral part of the story, the SIU-on both sides of the Atlantic-played a role in the historic return last month of the LST-325 to the United States. In Crete, Seafarers from the prepositioning ships Maj Stephen W. Pless and Pfc Eguene A. Obregon offered pointers last fall to the veteran, volunteer crew of the 59-year-old ship, and also enjoyed socializing together. On Jan. 10, two SIU-crewed Crescent tugs assisted the LST325 into Mobile, Ala., where more than 4,000 people showed up, including congressional representatives, state officials, national media reporters-and the vessel's original commander. The crowd turned out to cheer the 29 U.S. veterans (average age, 72) who brought home the World War II-era craft. They also witnessed a truly significant artifact, for th LST-325 o art in the invasions at Normandy, Sicily and Salemo and later was utilized in Korea and Vietnam. LST stands for landing ship tank. "The entire harbor knocked off (work) just to watch the ship come up the river," said Captain Mike Yarbrough, who guided the tug Alabama during the LST325 docking. "It was really neat, really festive. "Just seeing those fellas aboard that ship, knowing they crossed the Atlantic Ocean all the way from Greece, shows their patriotism," Yarbrough continued. "It had to be a rough ride." The tugboat captain briefly chatted with some of the LST crew and found them friendly. "Two gentlemen took our line and asked if we had any beer on board," he chuckled. "We shot the bull for a while, asked them how the trip was. They hit some bad weather and also had a little engine trouble, but overall they said it was great. They all had a wonderful sense of humor." Seafarers from the Obregon and Pless found the veterans similarly engaging when they met last year. "We were the only other American ships in the area (around Crete), and we'd talk to them whenever we were off," noted QMED Charles Clackley. "We gave them some technical advice, what it was going to take to meet safety specs." "They're a good bunch of people," stated QMED Bobby Bell. "They were salvaging parts from other LSTs to rebuild one. They deserve all the recognition." The LST-325 's voyage to Mobile covered an estimated 4,350 miles and included stops in Athens and Gibraltar. The journey began Nov. 14. Veterans had begun repair work last August, in Crete's 100plus degree heat. They received some help from active U.S. Navy personnel and other volunteers for the most labor-intensive work. They also got a needed boost from BP, which donated the approximately 40,000 gallons of diesel fuel needed for the trip. Vital to War Effort British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is credited with the idea for LSTs. U.S. yards produced more than 1,000 of the roll-on/roll-off ships during World War II, with an average construction time of around two months. They were designed to deliver troops and materiel close to shore, and could draw 6 feet of water or less. Their RO/RO design employed the same basic concept as that of today's LMSRs, though the LSTs were roughly one-third the size of the modem vessels. Another key difference: The LSTs featured deck guns-18 aboard the LST-325, for instance. The LSTs could transport approximately \ 10 troops, 16 tanks and a smaller lai.<11ng ship. Despite often being descnb1:,...J as "long, slow targets," only 36 were lost during the war (23 to enemy action, the others to accidents or storms). The LST-325 was decommissioned in 1946 but later reactivated. Eventually, the U.S. gave it to the Greek navy in 1964. The Greeks used it !Or about 30 years, then removed it from service. Last year, it took an act of Congress to enable Greece to turn over the LST-325 to a U.S. veterans group. The ship now is owned by the U.S. LST Association, and plans call for a thorough refurbishment and use as a travelling museum. The LST will remain in Mobile at least until September. Its ultimate home port has not been determined. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ‘ROCKET SHIP’ SIGNIFIES MORE NEW JOBS FOR SIU CENSUS DATA LEAD TO CHANGES IN U.S. HOUSE REPRESENTATION SEAFARERS PASS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES ELECTION RESULTS; MICHAEL SACCO IS REELECTED PRESIDENT PAUL HALL CENTER’S GMDSS COURSE APPROVED BY COAST GUARD CROWLEY REFURBISHES 25 SIU-CREWED TUGS PHILLY BOATMEN WELCOME Z-ONE NY FERRY CREW RESCUES MAN FROM ICY WATER WATSON SAVES 2 MINETA HEADS DOT; CHAO TAPPED FOR DOL 50 DIE IN PATI SINKING UNION SETTLES GRIEVANCE WITH MSC SEAMEN’S HOUSE HONORS TELLEZ ITS SECURES BACK WAGES FOR CREW ON FOC VESSEL DANGEROUS FOREIGN-FLAG TANKERS RIPPED BY SAN FRANCISCO PAPER FEDERATION PLEDGES $1 MILLION FOR MARINER COMMUNICATIONS SUBWAY STATION OPENS NEAR SIU HEADQUARTERS TRANSPORTATION WORKERS GET INCREASED PROTECTION FROM REVISED DRUG, ALCOHOL TESTING NEITHER DROUT NOR ICE DETER SEAFARERS FROM GOOD SHIPPING SEASON ON THE GREAT LAKES SEN. TED STEVENS RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MARITIME AWARD MUILTITUDE OF MANNERLY MESSAGES CARRIES RETIREES’ THANKS FOR BONUS WEST COAST SIU CREWS MEET WITH SACCO, TELLEZ MCALL HELPS RETIREES STAY IN TOUCH SAILING WITH THE CRUSADER CREW SIU-CREWED TUGS ASSIST LST-325 IN FINAL STRETCH OF HISTORIC VOYAGE PLESS, OBREGON CREWS MEET VETERAN GROUP OVERSEAS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2001 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 63, No. 2 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/b2165c5460988458a1cf43ed0477ff5a.pdf 29baa35e62a47d59991ad068d77cf856 PDF Text Text Volume 63, Number 1 January 2001 ... Patriot Sails! U.S. Lines Christens Rejlagged Cruise Ship Paul Hall Center Announces 2001 Course Schedule The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, -Md., has set its upgrading schedule for the first half of this year. The school features comprehensive, Coast Guard-approved STCW courses, academic support and much more. It also boasts world-class facilities for fire fighting (top photo) and simulator training (at right). Pages 11-14. The SIU-crewed ms Patriot (inset) entered service last month, offering cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. Seafarers (above) welcomed aboard passengers and other guests for the christening Dec. 8. The ship recently underwent a major refurbishment, following its acquisition by United States Lines. Page 3. SIU Gov't Services Ships Aid USS Cole's Transport ITF, SIU Support Gulf Coast Crews Three vessels crewed by members of the SIU's Government Services Division recently provided operational support as the USS Cole was transported back to the United States. The SIU ships involved in the mission were (from left) the USNS Walter S. Diehl, the USNS Spica and the USNS Catawba. Page 4. Union Takes Big Strides in Y2K -------------1'age24 SIU members and officials, representatives of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and other backers turned out Dec. 7 for a rally in New Orleans supporting Gulf Coast mariners aboard offshore service vessels and tugboats who are trying to secure union representation. Page 2. AMSEA to Operate Soderman, Wheat l'age4 �ITF Backs·Gulf Mariners President's Report Union Wiii Benefit Offshore Supply Boat Crews If ever a group of mariners needed union representation, the offshore crews sailing in the Gulf of Mexico oil patch are the ones. For many mariners aboard offshore supply vessels and tugboats, working conditions are downright frightening. According to firsthand accounts from mariners and organizers all along the Gulf, crews routinely work beyond the hours allowed by the U.S. Coast Guard. As a result, they often suffer from an unsafe lack of rest that jeopardizes their efficiency. Wages for work on these kinds of vessels are too low, and the benefits the boat companies offer are substandard. For instance, they don't provide for full Michael Sacco health coverage or a decent retirement plan. The mariners have little or no voice in the workplace. They're afraid to report safety or labor violations to the Coast Guard because they believe they'll be fired. As previously reported in this newspaper, the SIU and four other U.S. maritime unions, with assistance from the AFL-CIO, are working together to assist oil patch mariners seeking a voice on the job. The campaign began about two years ago, and in recent months it has intensified and gained strong support from overseas unions belonging to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). The fight of Gulf mariners to get a union has been a tough fight and it figures to drag on for quite a while. On paper, Americans have the legally protected right to form a union-without interference from management. Reality says something different. It has become common for companies to ride roughshod over employees who so much as consider joining a union. With little fear of immediate punishment, management bullies its workers and tramples their right to secure union representation. The oil patch mariners face that kind of fight. Gulf boat companies have illegally fired union supporters and forced mariners to attend "captive audience" meetings on board their vessels (a one-sided presentation made by management). They have wasted company funds on union-busting consultants, and they further have disrespected their employees' right to freedom of association by preventing contact with union representatives. In particularly vicious cases, management has tried to turn local law enforcement and port officials against pro-union mariners and our union representatives (even though they hadn't violated any laws). Although the crews face some obstacles that are outright unjust, I believe they will prevail- and they'll win union representation. They have strong support, not only from U.S. unions and the AFL-CIO, but also from other seafaring unions around the globe and their federation, thdTF. That particularly was evident last fall during a worldwide, simultaneous protest concerning the illegal firings of workers who support unionization for Gulf mariners. And it showed again last month in New Orleans, when ITF officials pledged their support. The Gulf crews can take inspiration from a pair of tremendously difficult- but ultimately successful- maritime campaigns. Namely, the ones at E.N. Bisso and Avondale. Bisso crews in 1994 voted to join the SIU, despite a campaign waged by the New Orleans-based company not to do so. They held firm in their desire for union representation even as Bisso spent the next two years in court, unsuccessfully appealing election results. Since then, Bisso management and the union bargaining committees have negotiated two contracts that Bisso crew members have ratified (in 1997 and 2000). Those crews have more say in their jobs than ever before, and they've made respectable gains in wages and benefits. As reported on page 5 of this issue, workers at Avondale last month approved their first union contract. The employees voted to go union in 1993, yet were stalled by Avondale until Litton Industries purchased the shipyard last year. It's not fair that the workers at Bisso and Avondale had to wait so long for their union representation and contracts, but they held firm and now they have something to build on. And it doesn't always take so long to get a contract, once management realizes a partnership can be formed among workers, their union and the company. At McDermott Shipyard, for example, where the work force builds offshore oil rigs and platforms, employees voted last August for union representation. They approved their first contract, which featured sizeable wage increases and other gains, in late November. It's not fair that the oil patch mariners' rights are being abused by the companies, but they have an opportunity to do something about it. They also have backing from the labor movement, not just here but from many other parts of the world. The offshore mariners deserve union representation. I believe it will benefit not only them, but also their employers, because workers who have a voice on the job are more productive. At minimum, the crews at least deserve the chance to decide without their employers interfering. Volume 63, Number 1 SIU Shows Support at New Orleans Rally; Heindel Elected Seafarers Section Vice Chair Gulf Coast mariners aboard offshore service vessels and tugboats who are trying to secure union representation recently received support from the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). ITF officials took part in a Dec. 7 demonstration in New Orleans in behalf of the mariners. The federation- to which the SIU is affiliated-also passed a resolution supporting the Gulf organizing effort. SIU members and officials participated in the event, which included more than 200 supporters. Together, they expressed backing for the mariners as well as the group known as Offshore Mariners United (OMU), which is a federation of five U.S. maritime unions (the SIU; American Maritime Officers; Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association; and National Maritime Union) assisting those who seek a voice in the workplace. Local politicians and community representatives also participated. The demonstration took place outside a convention center Showing their support for Gulf Coast mariners during the Dec. 7 rally in New Orleans are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, AB Richard Grissom and Chief Cook John Hale. where officials from offshore boat companies were meeting. Speaking to rally participants, SIU President Michael Sacco described the need for "a partnership between the companies and the mariners and their unions. A partnership that brings stability to the industry, job security to the mariners, and a steady and trained workforce to the companies. "It's a partnership that works in other parts of the maritime industry. It's a partnership that will work for Gulf mariners, for their families and for the companies!" ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said the Gulf companies which are fighting to deny their employees' right to choose union representation "represent a serious abrogation of human and worker rights. They violate not only American laws but the conventions of the International Labor Organization." He pointed out that two of the companies involved in the OMU campaign- Trico Marine and Tidewater- have unionized workforces in other countries, but have taken vehemently anti-union stances in the Gulf. Continued on page 5 SIU Election Results To Be Announced Voting has been completed and results of the election of officers for the Seafarers International Union's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District will be announced, in accordance with the SIU constitution, upon completion of the work of the tallying committee. Results of balloting on the five proposed constitutional amendments also will be announced. Special membership meetings were conducted late last month in union halls listed in the SIU constitution to elect delegates for a rank-and-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. l in all SIU halls and ended Dec. 30. The February issue of the Seafarers LOG will carry the results of the election. The ballot included candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents, two headquarters representatives and 10 port agents (for a total of 27 positions). Individuals elected in this round of balloting will serve a four-year term lasting from 2001 through 2004. The ballot also included the five proposed constitutional amendments. 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 vote either in person at one of the 21 union halls around the country and overseas or via absentee ballot. Chief Cook Thomas Milovich (top photo) and Chief Steward Manuel Faria secure their respective ballots at the SIU hall in New Bedford, Mass. Addressing Working Families' Issues January 2001 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 200 l Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey (left) addresses the crowd at an early-November rally in behalf of Hillary Rodham Clinton (center), who subsequently won her election as a U.S. senator representing New York. Pictured at right is New York Senator Charles Schumer. More than 1,500 trade unionists and other supporters attended the Nov. 2 rally on Long Island, where Clinton spoke about key issues faced by America's working families. hiring halts will be closed Monday, Feb. 19 forthe observance of the Presidents' Day holiday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. January 2001 �New Beginning for U.S. Cruise Industry Patriot Christened With the new year comes a new way of cruising- American style. The ms Patriot, flying the U.S. flag and staffed with an American crew, was inaugurated last month in Honolulu and began weekly cruises around the Hawaiian islands. The christening ceremony, held Dec. 8, reflected both the heritage of Hawaii and the spirit of America. Maggie Inouye, wife of Senator Daniel Inouye, officially dedicated the ship. During the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the vessel's hull, thousands of orchid and rose blossoms rained from a helicopter onto the ship. Other highlights of the event included the ceremonial blowing of a conch shell, a Hawaiian chant, presentation of colors and rifle salute by the King's Guard, singing of the Hawaiian National Anthem, and entertainment by local dancers and musicians including the Royal Hawaiian Band and Moana Chang. A gala benefiting five Hawaiian charities was held on board. Representing the Seafarers International Union at the ceremony were SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey and SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. "Our members are doing an outstanding job aboard the Patriot," stated Tellez. "Any time you bring a vessel out of the ship- yard, it's a challenge. But the SIU crew has more than met the task." The officials joined other guests on a one-night cruise following the christening. "We made sure the other passengers knew they're in good hands with the Patriot crew," Tellez noted. "We reminded them that this is a well-trained American crew- a crew that's not going to run away if something goes wrong, like some of the multinational crews on foreignflag cruise ships who have been in the news. "But beyond that, the crew really made everyone feel at home," he added. "The service is great all the way around, and the deck and engine gangs are hard at work behind the scenes." The first cruise aboard the Patriot began Dec. 9. The vessel departs Honolulu, Oahu every Saturday evening and stops at five ports on four of the Hawaiian islands: Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; and Kona, Hawaii, before returning to Honolulu. "Choosing from Hawaii's vast number of attractions can be daunting for Hawaii visitors," noted Unted States Lines, the ship operator, in annoucning the christening. ''The tiny chain of islands has it all, from black sand beaches and tropical rainforests to fiery volcanoes and ancient Polynesian sites." In addition, the ship's Island Explorations program will Following a $21 million renovation, the ms Patriot, formerly the Nieuw Amsterdam, sails around the Hawaiian islands with an SIU crew. The 1,212-passenger cruise liner is the first ship for the United States Lines fleet. showcase 80 optional shore excursions, including golf outings, hikes, bikes and more. To complement the island explorations, the ms Patriot's new onboard Destination Learning Center and extensive cultural enrichment program will allow passengers to gain an in-depth understanding of each island before they embark on their adventures. There also is an innovative children's and teen's activity center as well as upgraded conference and meeting facilities. The 1,212-passenger cruise liner is the first ship for the United States Lines fleet and represents a new beginning for the U.S. cruise industry. American Classic Voyages, the parent company of United States Lines, has under construction two 1,900 passenger cruise ships-the largest ever built in an American shipyard and the first in more than 40 years. The ships are scheduled to enter service in Hawaii for United States Lines in 2003 and 2004. The ms Patriot was acquired by American Classic Voyages Oct. 18, 2000 and underwent a $21 million renovation. "The introduction of the ms Patriot to America is an exciting occasion for our company, and one that expands consumers' leisure travel options," said Philip C. Calian, chief executive officer of American Classic Voyages. Calian also credited the SIU for its support on the project that led to the Patriot sailing under the Stars and Stripes. MSC Launches LAfSR Tanker Will Reflag U.S. Crew members aboard the ms Patriot participate in one of the many lifeboat training sessions held before the ship's maiden voyage. Notice Retro Increases Reached for RRF The union last month announced that, after lengthy negotiations with the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), SIU crew members from the Ready Reserve Force vessels will receive retroactive wage increases totaling 7.5 percent for the years 1998-2000. The breakdown is as follows: a 2.5 percent increase effective July 1, 1998; another 2.5 percent increase effective July 1, 1999; and a final 2.5 percent increase effective July 1, 2000. MarAd had been offering 2 percent increases for two years. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, SIU members are crewing 45 RRF ships following the General Accounting Office's decision that upheld earlier contract awards by MarAd. The new fiveyear agreements call for substantial wage increases for SIU members. Other gains include Seafarers Health and Pension Plans benefits at their top levels, increased vacation benefits and inclusion of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan at 5 percent of base wages. Januaf'Y 2001 SIU-contracted Sealift, Inc. recently won a four-year agreement to operate a double-hull tanker for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The 357-foot vessel is slated for delivery in February or March. It is a foreign-flag ship that will reflag under the Stars and Stripes and then replace the Valiant. Built in Turkey in 1999, the ship features 12 cargo tanks. It primarily will sail between South Korea and Japan, transporting jet fuel and other petroleum products. Sealift Co-Owner John Raggio cited the cooperation between the union and the company in securing the operating agreement. "We 're very happy, especially because our competition was a non-union operator," Raggio stated. "With labor and management working together, we attained the business. And we didn't win on the backs of labor, either, because the contract is an increase over the Valiant wages." Sealift has operated vessels on the South Korea-Japan run since 1984. Seafarers will crew the steward department of MSC's newest Bob Hope-class vessel, the USNS Brittin, pictured at a christening ceremony Oct. 21 in New Orleans. The SIU will crew the steward department of the USNS Brittin, the newest of the U.S. Military Sealift Command's (MSC's) large, medium-speed roll-on/rolloff ships. MSC christened the Brittin late last year at union-contracted Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans. The vessel "will join MSC's surge sealift fleet when she delivers, ready on a moment's notice to carry U.S. Army supplies and equipment wherever and whenever needed," said Vice Adm. Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC. Designed for loading and offloading military combat and combat support equipment, the Brittin is 950 feet long with a beam of l 06 feet. It is dieselpowered and is expected to sustain speeds of up to 24 knots. According to MSC, the ship's six-deck interior "has a cargo carrying capacity of approximately 380,000 square feet and her rollon/roll-off design makes her ideal for transporting helicopters, tanks and other wheeled and tracked military vehicles. Two 110-ton twin pedestal cranes allow her to load and unload cargo where shore-side infrastructure is limited or nonexistent. A helicopter deck enables emergency daytime landings." The Brittin is named in memory of Army Sgt. 1st Class Nelson V. Brittin, a Korean War Medal of Honor recipient who distinguished himself as a member of Company I in Yonggong-ni, Korea on March 7, 1951. The vessel's delivery date was .not known at press time. Seafarers LOS 3 �AMSEA to Operate USNS Soderman, Roy Wheat SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA) of Quincy, Mass. recently was awarded a five-year contract by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) to operate the prepositioning ships USNS Soderman and USNS Roy Wheat. Both vessels are undergoing conversions and will resume sailing this year- the Soderman in March, the Wheat in October or November, according to an MSC spokesperson. The Soderman will be renamed the USNS Gunnery Sgt. Fred W. Stockham in honor of the World War I U.S. Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient. Formerly a containership, the Soderman in 1993 was acquired by the U.S. Navy and then converted to a roll-on/roll-off vessel. The Soderman carried U.S. Army equipment, but, following its current conversion, will transport materiel in support of the Marine Corps. Like the Soderman, the Roy Wheat is a former containership that will provide prepositioning support for U.S. forces. U.S.-flag prepositioning ships are strategically located throughout the world. They are fully loaded with combat equipment and supplies, ready to sail at a moment's notice. As MSC pointed out when it announced AMSEA's operating agreement Nov. 22, "Iraq's 1990 invasion of neighboring Kuwait validated the prepositioning concept. A Marine Expeditionary Force was the first heavy U.S. combat force in-theater for Desert Shield/Desert Storm, arriving on the scene just seven days after departing Diego Garcia. This would not have been possible without forward-deployed equipment and supplies aboard the maritime prepositioning ships." SIU-contracted AMSEA will operate the USNS Soderman for the next five years. 6ov1t Services Division Seafarers Assist USS Cole's Retum to U.S. Three vessels crewed by the center for the mobile div- ities involved in the operation, members of the SIU's ing and salvage unit that sur- SIU crews often worked extended Government Services Diviveyed the damage on the hours under heightened levels of sion-the USNS Catawba, Cole-towed the damaged security. destroyer to the MV Blue USNS Spica and USNS Walter Once in position, the Blue Marlin, which was situated Marlin began filling her ballast S. Diehl-played significant some nine miles offshore tanks, which slowly submerged roles in the U.S. Navy's operfrom Aden. ation to return the USS Cole her deck until only the deckhouse to the United States for Meanwhile, another SIU- and two aft towers were visible repairs. crewed vessel, the combat above the waterline. Two tugCole arrived at Litton stores ship USNS Spica, pro- boats and three Navy divers then Ingalls Shipbuilding in The USS Cole is transported to the United States by the MV Blue Marfin. SIU- vided logistics support to the helped position the Cole above Pascagoula, Miss., Dec. 13 crewed vessels assisted in the operation. Navy ships deployed to the the Blue Marlin's submerged aboard the Military Sealift area as part of Operation deck, according to MSC. Command (MSC) chartered With the Cole properly posiDetermined Response, the three times the weight of the To accomplish her m1ss1on, heavy lift ship MV Blue Marlin. tioned and secured, the Blue Navy maneuver to support and the MV Blue Marlin literally Cole. The target of an Oct. 12 terrorreversed the former proMarlin Cole. protect the Subsequently, the Chief of would have to give the destroyer ist attack in the port of Aden, Still another SIU-crewed ves- cedure and continued to de-bala ride aboard her 584.6-foot deck. Naval Operations issued a Yemen, the USS Cole sustained a The destroyer has a draft of 32 sel, the MSC oiler USNS Walter last until her normal draft was 40-foot-by-40-foot bole in her requirement to charter a heavy feet, and the MV Blue Marlin S. Diehl, kept busy supporting the achieved. port side. Seventeen American ship and MSC initiated negotia- draws about 35 feet, meaning that remaining U.S. Navy forces in The entire loading operation sailors died during the incident tions with Offshore Heavy 75 feet of water would be the Persian Gulf. The Diehl also took about 24 hours. The MV Transport, Blue Marlin's operatand dozens of others were Blue Marlin and her cargo departing company. Following an Oct. required to maneuver the Cole provided logistics support to the injured. ed the Gulf of Aden Nov. 5 for Blue Marlin's Navy escort, safely above the Blue Marlin. Within hours of the attack, 14 meeting between representaThe SIU-crewed MSC fleet destroyer USS Donald Cook, the voyage around the southern tives from MSC, the Naval Sea U.S. officials decided to bring the ocean tug USNS Catawba- from the Coast of Aden to the tip tip of Africa and across the heavily damaged vessel home for Command (NAVSEA), and Off- which earlier had been acting as of Africa. Because of the sensitiv- Atlantic to America. repairs. Published reports say shore Heavy Transport that MSC immediately studied the focused on developing plans and heavy transportation market to timelines for the USS Cole lift, ascertain what heavy lift plat- the contract was awarded. The International Maritime endorsement issued by a party to of mariners in international shipNavy designers then worked forms were obtainable and capaOrganization (IMO) last month the convention, the agency point- ping, bad been in doubt, but that to develop blocks and sea fastenble of providing the needed lift. published its so-called "white ed out. nation in fact is included on the By happenstance, the Blue ings to be placed upon the Blue list" of countries deemed to be in Still, the white list will be- list. Marlin, one of the world's largest Marlin's deck. Crews at a ship- compliance with the revised come one of several criteria, STCW stands for International heavy vessels, was already in the yard in Dubai built and placed STCW Convention {STCW '95). including the inspection of facili- Convention on Standards of area and within five sailing days this hardware on the vessel's deck Some 72 countries are on the ties and procedures, that can be Training, Certification and away from the USS Cole. The and the Blue Marlin sailed for the list, scheduled for implementa- applied in the selection of prop- Watcbkeeping for mariners. The Blue Marlin is capable of lifting Gulf of Aden and the USS Cole. tion in 2002. The roll will be used erly trained and qualified mar- original 1978 convention was up to 30,000 tons, more than She arrived on location Oct. 28. to assist flag states' respective iners. updated in 1995, with the amendThe inclusion of the Philip- ments phased in from Feb. 1, determinations when examining foreign certificates. It also is pines, the world's largest supplier 1997 to Feb. l, 2002. intended as a guide for port state Parties Included on IMO's "White Ust" control targeting. Jn ~ptember 2000, representatives of the Afloat Personnel "A position on the white list Argentina Germany Marshall Islands Spain M§nagement Center {APMC) and the union met to discuss a number entitles other parties to accept, in Australia Mexico Sri Lanka Ghana ., _o f jte~s affecting the working conditions -Of cMJ service mariners saif... Bahamas Greece Morocco Sweden principle, that certificates issued Bangladesh Honduras Netherlands Thailand by or on behalf of the parties on tormptement a new poUcy concerning Belgium iceland New Zealand Tonga · marl~rs 't'ho report for duty' with expired Coast Guard documents. the list are in compliance with the Brazil Norway India Trinidad and . lnitiaJlY., ttie APMC intended to implement thts pottcy in November revised STCW Convention," the Bulgaria Indonesia Pakistan Tobago 2000. After lengthy negotiations in which the union sought a number Ireland Panama Turkey Canada IMO noted in a written announcePeru Tuvalu Colombia Israel Of prot.ectfons and certain admtnistrative assistance for mariners, it ment. "It is expected that ships Croatia Italy Philippines Ukraine w~s determined that beginning Jufy 1, 2001. mariners who report to flying flags of countries that are Jamaica Poland United Kingdom*** Cuba · · duty.with expired Coast Guard documents wilt be inetlgibfe to receive not on the white list will be Cyprus Japan Portugal Uruguay subsi$tence and quarters payments. Please take the necessary Kiribati Republic of Korea Chile USA increasingly targeted by port state ·steJ)s1o renew your documents earty. Latvia Romania China Vanuatu control inspectors." ·;+/ Tb~ ·St}jp's ptirser has aUt~ forms and wilt send your paperwork Denmark* Russian Liberia Venezuela The fact that a country isn't ~o.; tne1 poast Guard for .renewal. Ptease keep proof of mailing your Egypt Vietnam Luxembourg Federation listed by IMO does not invalidate documents for renewal. Home of record must be the United States. Jf Estonia Malaysia Samoa Maldives Singapore Hong Kong you·renew early enough. ·your documents should be waiting for you certificates or endorsements Finland Malta South Africa China** France ';.when you complete your tour of duty. The APMC and the union atso issued by that nation. Nothing in · have information to help you~ Do not hesitate to ask for assistance. * Includes Faeroe Islands the STCW Convention prevents . Remember to renew early to remain eligibfe for subsistence and ** Associate Member the employment of any mariner ·- Includes Isle of Man, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar qu~rter payments. who holds a valid certificate or 71 Countries Included on IMO's 'White List' Notice to SIU Civil Service Mariners .'! ~~~r~~; ~e:.:~· 4 Seafarers LOS January 2001 �Runaway-Flag Tanker Spills Half-Million Gallons of Oil Lousy Record Preceded Ship in La. Mishap A runaway-flag tanker spilled half a million gallons of Nigerian crude near New Orleans on Dec. 1. The Liberian-owned Westchester, registered in the Bahamas and crewed by Greeks, ran aground near Port Sulphur, La. after losing power. According to U.S. Coast Guard investigators, the 800-foot tanker sustained a line of six gashes-ranging from 2 to 6 feet long-in the bottom of its hull, releasing the oil. Officials estimated that about one-quarter of the vessel's cargo escaped. At the time of the incident, the Westchester was carrying about 53,000 barrels, or 2.2 million gallons of oil. The Mississippi River's bottom served as a plug and stemmed further loss of the crude. More than 150 federal and state environmental workers and 30 vessels scrambled to the scene to begin the colossal chore of cleanup. Coast Guard officials estimated at the time that cleanup operations could take at least two weeks. The Westchester had received a poor reliability rating for independent tanker monitors before it ran aground, published reports say. One New York-based analyst of the tanker industry said the vessel had logged seven reported problems in the past 15 years. An engine failure at sea in 1996, broken cylinder covers and an engine room fue in 1991, propeller problems in 1990 and an engine failure off the coast of the 1st Avondale Contract Approved By an overwhelming majority, Avondale Shipbuilding employees last month voted to approve the terms of their fust union contract with Litton Industries (Avondale's parent company). The company's 1,500 AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department-represented workers ratified the agreement by a four-to-one margin. Voting took place Dec. 6. The 45-month pact provides an immediate 3 percent wage hike in January as part of an overall 9 percent wage increase paid in three increments. Additionally, the contract sets up a formal skill progression system which will move the majority of employees into higher-paid categories after working 500 hours in any lower classification. Wages under the agreement range from $8.25 per hour for "semi-skilled new · hires" to $16 per hour "at the top of the highest skill level," according to the Metal Trades Department. "These were difficult negotiations, conducted in an amicable atmosphere with an employer who shared our interest in developing a functional agreement which would improve the wages and conditions of Avondale's workers," declared John Meese, president of the national Metal Trades Council. "The negotiating team and Avondale's workers are proud that we opened a new era for Avondale's workers under which they will enjoy the benefits of a unionized work place and a longoverdue sense of dignity and respect. This agreement will also add value to the shipyard by enhancing the quality of its products." The contract establishes joint labor-management committees to address ongoing concerns of the Avondale workforce, with equal representation by union and management. Other highlights include improvements in call-in pay and overtime practices, expanded vacations, non-contributory life insurance and tax-free flexible spending accounts used for day-care and out-of-pocket health care expenses. The parties pledged to continue negotiating for a reformed health insurance program which will reduce employee health care costs with no reduction in benefits. Union negotiators say that process was deferred so that the rest of the agreement would not be delayed. Workers at Avondale won union recognition in August 1999 after nearly a decade of struggle. The employees in June 1993 had voted for union representation, but the election's outcome was stalled until last year when Litton Industries took control of the shipyard in a purchase agreement. "F Supports Sult Coast Mariners Continued from page 2 That same week, at the ITF Seafarers Section Conference, the group unanimously passed a resolution supporting the OMU campaign (see sidebar, page 5). OMU Field Director David Eckstein remarked, "This is another message to the boat companies and to Trico in particular that we aren't going away. This is a human rights issue, a workers' Higldiglds of lfF Resolution rights issue, and the whole SUpportlng Gulf Coast Mariners world is watching." Meanwhile, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David ', THE trF ., . being aware that the United States Heindel last month was maritime affitiates have launched a cafilpaign to elected second vice chair of organtze the unorganized tn the offshore sector and. the ITF's Seafarers Section. to this end, the trade union Offshore Martners "I know I speak for the United (OMO) has been estabfisfled; , ·· BEING ADVISED that Trico Marine Jnc. Is refusSIU in saying that our entire union remains com- . ing to recognize the trade union a9d i~ ~ggres-stvely pun>u1ng anti-union action$, whlch'inctµde the intim~ mitted to lending any and tdatfon and dismissal of seafarers.who join OMU; all help to our brothers and DEPLORES such anti ..trade union, actions~ sisters throughout the ITF," which violate the fnher-en.t and manenallle human right to freedom of association. as established by Heindel stated. the Un1ted Nations Declaration of Human Rights, lLO Conventions 87 and 98. and the 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Prlryciples and Rfgtltt; ·. at Work; ., ENDORSES the decision of the tTF f'ait Practices Committee, taken in Vatencia 19-21 Jilly. for the ITF to support the Gulf of Mexico project. at . the request of lTF afflliate<:l unions in the United States; EXPRESSES solidarity ., wtth the OMU and the offshore workers in the Guff of Mexioo who are struggling to be abte to join a trade union and to be able to enjoy the protection trade union membership brings; Pictured at the ITF's Seafarers Section Conference in New Orleans are (from left) Jon Whitlow, acting secretary of the ITF's Seafarers, Fisheries and Inland Navigation Sections; Brian Orrell, chairman of the Seafarers Section; SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, second vice chair of the Seafarers Section; SIU Executive VP John Fay, former chair of the Seafarers Section; and Stephen Cotton, secretary of the ITF Special Seafarers Department. January 2001 DEMANDS that Trfco Marine Inc. recognize the OMU and reinstate au the workers they have sacked for trade union membership or for trade union actlvfties; RESOLVES to support the OMU in the 'struggle to unionize the offshore workers in the Gulf of Mexico; CALLS UPON all tTF affiliates to take whatever actions they are able lo in support of the OMU and the attempts to unionize the offshore workers in the Gulf of Mexico and, in addition, to bring au possible pressure to bear on Trjco Marine Inc. s-0 that they desist from anti-union activities, recognize the union and reinstate the dismissed workers. United Kingdom in 1985 were among the tanker's documented troubles. The ship's operator, ERMIS Maritime Corp. of Greece, does not have a history of serious oil spills in the United States, according to an O'Brien's Oil Pollution Service official. ERMIS was not operating the vessel when some of its earlier troubles occurred, although the company has had significant reliability problems with other ships. The Westchester was built in 1981 in Brazil. She is registered in Nassau and is owned by Marine Oil Trader 3 Ltd. of Monrovia, Liberia. The cause of the incident is still under investigation, but informed sources point out that the Westchester shared at least one vital trait with other vessels involved in similar accidents. Unlike newer oil tankers with double hulls to protect against the risk of oil spills caused by punctures, the Westchester was built with a single steel skin. Detroit Newspaper Contracts Ratified A strike/lockout that had been ongoing since July 13, 1995 -after two Detroit newspaper publishers imposed new employment conditions on its workers in the midst of bogged down contract talks- finally is over. Members of three units of The Newspaper Guild-Communications Workers of America Local 22 (TNG-CWA) recently ratified final contract offers from Gannett Co. and Knight Ridder Inc. Some 500 newsroom and maintenance workers are represented by the three units. An immediate increase in wages of 2 percent, followed by 2 percent increases in the second and third years, respectively, (for a range of employees) are the key components of the new contracts which run through Jan. 15, 2004. Sources close to the developments said those employees paid over scale at the Detroit News, which comprises the majority of unit members, will not profit from the new wage hikes. They will, however, receive considerations for merit raises. An additional bonus would be in line for employees in the event the newspapers' circulation increases by at least 100,000 over the next year, although the likelihood of such a surge appears dubious. Other provisions of the new pacts include: • Maintenance of previous health coverage, with monthly premiums fully paid by the employer. • Continuance of existing pension plans which also are paid by the employer • Preservation of vacation benefits to a maximum of four weeks a year. • The resumption of dues checkoff. • Restoration of the grievance procedure. • The use of binding arbitration to resolve allegations of contract violations. • The restoration of the justcause provision for discipline and discharge. Not all the news was good, however. According to published reports by The Newspaper Guild, in addition to excluding the majority of unit members from the wage increases, the new agreements eliminate agency shop provisions that were won more than 60 years ago. These provisions will be replaced with open shops that make union membership voluntary. Further, the new pacts suspend free contributions to existing pension plans. (The companies charge that the plan is over-funded.) Bernie Lunzer, secretary-treasurer for TNG, asserted that the companies never intended to make a reasonable agreement. In the wake of the new contracts, he noted in a TNG editorial, "The painful cost to those involved in the strike was substantial, including health problems and even death. It's still not clear that management even now wants the type of relationship that creates a fair and better workplace. Negotiators for both companies took every opportunity to gouge the unions right up to the final agreement." Committees which bargained for the news, editorial and maintenance units had recommended acceptance of the final offers. The Detroit Free Press negotiating group offered no recommendations. Detroit Guild President Lou Mleczko urged ratification, suggesting that "although there are significant concessions in all three contracts, the alternative of having no union is worse." Still unresolved by the contracts are certain issues regarding fired strikers, although both companies have committed to reviewing the dismissals with TNGCWA on an individual basis. Meanwhile, actions by the National Labor Relations Board are to continue. Guild members who were not fired but have not been recalled will remain indefinitely eligible for recall rights (with those rights extinguished for those who decline jobs). TNG-CWA became the third of six striking unions to end the lockout by endorsing the recent offers presented by Gannett and Knight Ridder. Published reports say some 200 press operators who belong to GCIU Local 13N ratified a three-year contract Nov. 5; members of International Typographers Union Local 18 agreed to a contract early last year. The February issue of the Seafarers LOG will contain a special section on tax tips for Seafarers. Be sure to check it out before filing your tax returns for 2000. Seafal'ers LOS 5 �Caps and Gowns Are the Norm For Seafarer's Scholarly FamHy Steward Catahan Puts 5 Kids Through College Any parent who winces at the financial cost of putting a kid through college, needn't look any farther for inspiration than Chief Steward Rodolfo "Rudy" Catahan. A year ago this month, Catahan and his wife, Rosie, celebrated a milestone as their son Rodel became the fifth of the Catahan children to graduate from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va. "All of my children graduated, all five," said Rudy Catahan, who joined the SIU in 1991 following a 27-year career in the U.S. Navy. "Two of them graduated with degrees in business (Rodel and Maria Catahan Morrison), one is an electrical engineer (Rodolfo Jr.), one is a computer engineer (Dennis) and the other is a registered nurse (Rosita Catahan Morrison)." The respective graduations took place during an 11-year span, from 1989 to last year. "We really had to sacrifice a lot," said Catahan, 58, noting the ever-escalating cost of education. "The kids studied hard and they did part-time jobs. They also got Chief Mate John Gomard (far right) says the training he received many years ago at the Paul Hall Center still helps him today. Here, the former SIU member is pictured aboard the Cape Mohican with (standing, from left) Bosun Blair Baker, Chief Steward Louis Morris, DEU Yehya Omar and (kneeling) AB Michael Penkwitz. Rodolfo Catahan (right) began upgrading classes in galley operations last month at the Paul Hall Center. With him is Instructor Ed White. (partial) scholarships. With the help of the SIU, I sent them all to college, and they all made it through." The Seafarer matter-of-factly mentioned that he's not quite finished supporting his kids' educational endeavors. Daughter Maria plans to enroll in medical school this year. "We 're not done with the bills yet," he quipped. Second career Recertified Steward Felipe Orlanda helped Catahan start (Photo by Jo-Ann Clegg, The Virginian-Pilot) GRADUATION x 5: At their home near Norfolk, Va., Chief Steward Rudy Catahan and his wife, Rosie, are surrounded by their collegegraduate children (from left) Rodolfo Jr., Dennis, Rodel, Rosita and Maria. his second career, taking the Navy veteran to the SIU hall in Norfolk. "Felipe helped me a lot and so did (retired SIU Representative) David Jones. After one week, I sailed," recalled Catahan. "Without the union, I probably would have lost my house. The reason I still sail is, it's good for the table, money-wise. Plus my children." Catahan, who most recently sailed aboard the Northern Lights, believes in the union so much so that he has recruited several local high school graduates in the Norfolk area. "I think (SIU President) Mike Sacco has helped create a good situation for everybody," he stated. Having recently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., he also affirms that the entry-level, upgrading and academic curriculums are topnotch. "I've seen the programs, and they're very good," Catahan said. "It's an excellent school and I recommend it to my fellow union members. The practical training is so important. "Personally, I want to thank (Instructor) Ed White and (Executive Chef) Romeo Lupinacci. We have such good instructors, and they provide us with everything necessary to be successful seamen." Congratulating Bosun Bradford When Recertified Bosun Dick Bradford (center) signed off the American Merlin last September, he headed to SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to file for retirement. Congratulating Bradford on his seafaring career are SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. "Overall, it was a good career," stated Bradford. He advised those just entering the industry to "upgrade, learn your job and respect the men that have been out there." For more on Brother Bradford as well as other newly retired Seafarers, turn to page 17. 6 SealaretS LOii Hawsepiper Gama.rd Credits Piney Point For Olreer 'Foundation' SIU hawsepiper John Gomard has spent his whole life learning about the maritime industry. From the youthful times spent hanging around the Marine Firemen's Union hall with his father in San Pedro, Calif., to the studious days in the trainee program at Piney Point, Md., to his latest step of upgrading to chief mate in the mid-1990s, Gomard has gained a broad background within his profession. One important lesson he wants to share with Seafarers is: take advantage of the courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point. "If someone wants to get into this industry, I would highly recommend that they go to Piney Point. It's simply the smartest way to go about it," said the 40-year-old former SIU member. Gomard graduated from the Paul Hall Center's entry training program in 1979. While there, he also completed the GED program and received college credits from Charles County Community College. He later upgraded to FOWT before switching to the deck department. "I still remember my days at Piney Point even now," shared Gomard, "because everything I learned has been so useful and has served me well over the years. The training was very realistic and prepared me well for what was in the real world. It laid a foundation for my career, and I was able to build a house on it." Gomard, who has sailed deep sea and inland, recently visited the school for the first time since 1983."I was very impressed, especially with the fire fighting school and new simulator facility. Without question, your simulator is right up there technologically," he said. "It could well be the best of its kind available anywhere." "It was a great investment," he continued. "You are now able to give students a true hands-on feeling-a bird's eye view of reality. This will help make them understand what's really going on when they graduate and go aboard ships." In some ways, Gomard recalled, his becoming a mariner seemed inevitable. His father, Bob Gomard, was the San Pedro port agent for the Seafarers-affiliated Marine Firemen's Union, so the younger Gomard essentially grew up in the maritime industry. "I used to hang around my dad's union hall a lot," recalled Gomard. "I spent many hours there talking to the guys and listening to their stories. It was really kind of neat." At age 17, he took a summer job with the union-and quickly realized he'd found his calling. His first ship, the Maine, was "an old States Line vessel that served the Asian Rim," Gomard recalled. "I went to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. I learned my geography as well as a number of other things about the world that I never knew before." Most recently, he sailed as chief mate aboard Intrepid Ship Management's Cape Mohican. Gomard sees today's maritime profession as being much more specialized than when he got involved. "It now demands a lot more training, skill and more priority investment on the part of the individual mariner than before," he said. "With manning levels diminishing, today's sailor has to be better equipped and more versatile than before." For that reason alone, frequent upgrading is not just necessary, it's essential, according to Gomard. "It is absolutely crucial to upgrade as often as you can," he said. "Leaming new skills is vital in today's industry, especially in view of changing STCW standards and requirements." Gomard, who worked as an SIU patrolman in Wilmington, Calif. in the early 1990s, has sailed tankers most of his career and has made quite a good living at it. "I have had people ask me why I do what I do and I tell them because I love the time off," he said. "I work hard when I'm working but then I can sit on the beach for three months and do whatever I want. "My whole career has been good," concluded Gomard. "I would not trade it for anything. It's been a great ride so far." January 2001 �Seafaren, Dignitaries Tum Out For Sm Fnmcisco HoHday Feast The annual Thanksgiving dinner at the SIU hall in San Francisco once again proved successful in 2000, as an estimated 400 people gathered for the nutritious and filling event. Seafarers and their families, SIU retirees, friends and guests accounted for most of the crowd at the Nov. 21 assembly. Also attending were U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.); U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.); San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown; Superior Court Judges Ernest Goldsmith, Charlene Mitchell and Donald Mitchell; California Insurance Commissioner Harry Low; retired California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jack Henning and his successor, Art Pulaski; attorney Nath Cohen; and many more officials from unions, shipping company representatives and others. Chief Stewards Burt Richardson, Louella Sproul and Peter Cidio volunteered along with fellow SIU members in overseeing much of the meal preparation and presentation. The menu was loaded with traditional Thanksgiving fare. As the yearly event steadily has grown, local businesses have pitched in to ensure its continued success. For the 2000 celebration, Alioto's Restaurant on Fishermen's Wharf cooked 22 turkeys and nine hams, while desserts were donated by Mimi's Bakery. SIU-contracted Crowley, Matson and Maersk Sealand donated most of the food. The event lasted longer than three hours, noted SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, who once again coordinated the celebration. "It seems like more people attend each year. We almost ran out of plates," he said. January 2001 Chief Stewards Louella Sproul and Burt Richardson donated their time and efforts to help ensure the gathering's success. SIU's Celona Receives Governor's App i en to Agriculture Board SIU Assistant Vice President West Coast Nick Celona last month received a governor's appointment to California's 1a District Agricultural Association. In announcing the appointments, California Gov. Gray Davis' office stated, "The 1a District Agricultural Association holds fairs, expositions and exhibitions for the purpose of exhibiting all of the industries and industrial enterprises, resources and products of every kind or nature of the state with a view toward improving ... encouraging and stimulating them." Celona, 42, will serve on an advisory board for the Cow Palace, an arena perhaps bestknown outside the state as the one-time home of the National Hockey League's San Jose Sharks. His family has "more than 50 years of involvement in agriculture and has been involved in sponsoring the Junior and Grand National Livestock Exposition," observed Gov. Davis' office. Seafal'lll'S LOii 7 �With SIU Members in the Port of Norfolk • • . Aboard tb.e USNS Prevail ••• Aboard tb.e USNS Persistent Working in the vessel's shop is OS Edward Hill Jr. Steward/Baker John Neal is ready for the dinner crowd. Meeting in the mess hall are (from left, standing) OS Louis Holder Jr., QMED Wendell Brown, Bosun Leon Pulley and AB John Birdwell. Seated is QMED Dennis Middleton. • • • Aboard tb.e USNS Bold Stopping their work to pose for a quick snapshot are (from left) QMED Robert Scott, AB Mark "Hollywood" Cooper and Bosun Ronald Cleveland. • • • Aboard tb.e USNS Indomitable Geoffrey Bagley (left) and Manuel Hernandez are two of the vessel's engine department members, ready to attend the shipboard meeting. Reviewing the new collective bargaining agreement are (from left) MOR Jerome Kebbell, Bosun Kenneth Boone, OS Barry Mccaslin and OS I. Ferguson. Chief Steward John Wessels (left} and Chief Cook Frank Washington are ready to serve freshly baked cookies. B Seafarers LOS Taking part in a meeting aboard the Indomitable are (from left, first row) Chief Cook Lyvell Hall, EU Manuel Hernandez, EU Geoffrey Bagley, AB Adeeb Saleh, SA Vincent Knight, (top row) Bosun Robert Taylor and Steward Milton Sivells. �Above: Helping make a cookout aboard the USNS Red Cloud a success are steward department members (from left) Chief Cook Betty Thompson, Chief Steward Waymond H. Watson Ill , SA Shelly Womble and SA Abdulla Saeed. The vessel was in Singapore at the time. Prior to heading for Singapore, however, the Red Cloud (left photo) went into drydock at the Cascade General Shipyard in Portland, Ore. to get the • engine checked out. Watching from aboard the ship as the drydock is drained are OS Steve Davidson and AB Thomas Decarlo. Left: Among the crew members enjoying the Singapore cookout are Second Mate Paula Woodside and AB Steve Dieken. Right: Chief Steward Waymond H. Watson Ill gets the grill sizzling during the shipboard barbecue. All agree the food is delicious. AB Steve Dieken and AB Tom Decarlo are serving themselves, while Chief Cook Betty Thompson and Bosun David Parks wait in line. No crossing of the equator is complete without the requisite ceremony for first-time crossers (also known as polywogs). There were 11 of them this trip as the vessel sailed from Singapore to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Waymond H. Watson Ill temporarily gave up his duties as chief steward to become King Neptune. The role of Neptune's queen was taken by DynCorp Engineer James Wise. Birthday Celebration Aboard the CSX Enterprise July 29 was a special day aboard the CSX Enterprise. During voyage 141-taking the SIUcrewed vessel to its home port of Tacoma, Wash.- a double birthday was celebrated for Captain Kenneth P. Fisher and Chief Steward Franchesca Rose. Food, decorations and entertainment were just part of the festivities. The steward department put on a wonderful 16-entree buffet with eight fresh assorted salads, four appetizer trays and eight baked desserts. Rose, Deck Cadet Jamie Smith (from Kings Point) and Engine Utility Vernon Edwards were the hula dancers, and Chief Cook Arthur Medeiros played the guitar. There was also karaoke and lots and lots of laughter. Chief Steward Rose, who sent the accompanying photos, would like to thank the steward, deck and engine departments as well as the officers for all their extra efforts in making this special occasion possible. "And to Vernon Edwards, we all thank you for the laughter you have given all of us during this voyage." Jan...,2001 Above: Crew members had a great selection of food from which to choose to celebrate the double birthday. Left: Helping make the day a memorable one were (from left) Deck Cadet Jamie Smith, Chief Steward Franchesca Rose, Capt. Kenneth P. Fisher, Engine Utility Vernon Edwards and Chief Cook Arthur Medeiros. Seafarers LOG 9 �Crew members aboard the Crowley tug Pilot get the most recent edition of the Seafarers LOG when SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo makes a service visit to the TMT Terminal in San Juan. From the left are Chief Mate Roger Rothschild, Chief Engineer Michael S. Stephens, AB Frank J. Messick and Capt. William D. Gossett. Crespo also sent the LOG the photos appearing on this page. At the CSX crane department in San Juan are CMEs William Turner (left) and Marvin Moralez. At a job call in San Juan, AB Jorge Adrian is ready to ship out as a 60-day relief on the Perseverance (IUM). Left: Pictured during a recent standby aboard the Challenger (CSX) is SA Wilfredo Miranda. The vessel was at the CSX dock in San Juan. Right: Boat Delegate Michael Stainer shows the latest LOG received aboard the Crowley tug Ensign following a visit to the TMT terminal in San Juan by SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo. AB D. Jordan stands gangway watch aboard the Humacao (NPR). Jordan is also the ship's deck delegate. Above: Kris Hopkins, chief steward on the El Morro (IUM) looks through the latest issue of the LOG. CME Jose Flores receives his SIU membership book from SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo at the union's hall in San Juan. 10 Seafarers LOS Right: SIU pensioner Luis Roman comes to the San Juan hall for the monthly membership meeting . Januat'Y 2001 �This handy version of the Paul Hall Center's catalog is printed in the Seafarel8 IJJC as a convenience to SID members. Please keep it for reference. 2001 Course Guide for Paul Hall Center Installation of new, state-of-the-art simulators for shiphandling, engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures was completed at the Paul Hall Center in 2000. W ith the final compliance date for the 1995 STCW amendments only a year away, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is well-prepared. Located in Piney Point, Md., the school as of January 2001 offers 36 U.S. Coast Guardapproved courses, many of which meet STCW requirements. In fact, a number of the curriculums specifically were written to help enable students to comply with the amended convention. Since its opening in 1967, the Paul Hall Center consistently has improved its courses and its facilities. That was never more evident than in 2000, when the school installed a new, cutting-edge simulator for shiphandling including GMDSS, engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. In 2001, students will have opportunities to benefit from the bridge simulator as it provides teaching support in the following areas: voyage planning and execution; coastal and offshore navigation; collision avoidance; ARPAl radar operation; electronic navigation systems; search and rescue operations; vessel traffic management; high-speed navigation; bridge watchkeeping procedures including tugs and barges, towboats and piloting· GMDSS procedures; oil spill response management:, port development; human factors; and bridge team management. The engine department simulator provides training for engine room watchkeeping, diesel propulsion and electrical power plants. Additionally, the simulator includes an auxiliary system, machinery simulator, plus crane and liquid cargo simulation. The school made other gains in 2000. It opened a Coast Guardapproved safety school at Barber 's Point, Honolulu, Hawaii. This satellite facility will train students for new job opportunities aboard U.S.-flag cruise hips while helping meet the increased demand for trained mariners from Hawaii. The Paul Hall Center last year also received college credit recommendations from the American Council on Education for three additional courses in the deck department: Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman; Able Scaman/ Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch; and Bridge Resource Management. Able Seaman Celestial Navigation This four-week course leads to endorsement as an able seaman (AB). It consists of hands-on training and classroom work covering deck seamanship, rules of the road, marlinespike seamanship, helmsmanship, cargo handling, safety, fire fighting, emergency procedures, first aid, anchoring and mooring, and aids to navigation. The six-week course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by sun, stars and planets, compass error by amplitude and azimuth, star identificaiton, and care and use of the sextant. Studen ts must have a lifeboat endorsement in order to take the AB course. Studen ts completing the AB course must atten d the Governmen t Vessels course immedia tely afterward. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Llfeboat/Water Survival Students in this two-week course can earn lifeboat cetification at the end of the class. Featuring a mix of practical training and classroom instruction, the course covers emergency drills, lifeboat construction, lifeboat launching and recovery, life raft construction, life raft launching and maintenance, and use of all lifeboat and life raft equipment. Additionally, students learn practical survival methods and the use of emergency radio and distress signals. A minimum of three hours per day is spent outdoors in lifeboats conducting practical exercises such as rowing/coxswain training and davit operations. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Bridge Management The U.S. Coast Guard-approved shiphandling imulator course provides realistic bridge watchstanding training for deck personnel aboard both deep sea and inland vessels. Successful completion of 1hjs two-week course is accepted as Coast Guard credit for 60 days of seatime on vessels of unlimited tonnage. Special areas of skills development include general shiphandling and helmsmanship, river and channel transits, entering and departing various ports, coastal navigation, U.S. Navy-related operations such as convoy and underway replenishment, hawser towing, push.boat towing and emergency shiphandling. Students must have a valid radar certificate to enroll. January 2001 Radar Observer/Unlimited The eight-day radar observer/unlimited class leads to a radar observer endorsement that is good on vessels of any tonnage. Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, the course features hands-on training and classroom work, including radar theory, observation, operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidance and navigational exercise. Students operate modem audio-visual and radar simulation gear, as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland waterway and river navigation and piloting. ARPA - Automatic Radar Plotting Aids This c.ourse of instruction incorporates the use of ARPA simulation equipment to operate, observe and utilize the radar plotting aids. Students will gain an understancling of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and will gain a knowledge of tracking capabilities processing, operational warnings and target acquisition. Students must have completed the Radar Observer course in order to enroll in this cl~. Third Mate Upgraders in the third mate course will tudy all ubject areas found on the U.S. Coast Guard license exam for third mate. The 14-week curriculum includes instruction in all areas of terrestrial and celestial navigation, deck seamanship, rules of the road, shipbuilding, ship stability, cargo handling, federal regulations, watchkeeping, ship maneuvering, construction and stability. These are just a few of many examples of how the school continues to offer state-of-the-art training for Seafarers, at a time when vocational schooling for .S. mariners inarguably is more important than ever before. An overview of the courses available at the school is contained in this four-page section. Students should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers sh ould check the latest issue of the Sea/ arers L OG for the most up-todate class listings. Course descriptions and schedules also are available on the Sill's web site, located at http:// www.seafarers.org. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 120 days' seatime in the previous year, one day of seatime in the last ix months prior to the date the class tarts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. H the course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or call (301) 9940010. The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is being used for basic and advanced fire fighting classes as well as the STCW basic safety, lifeboatman/water survival and government vessels courses. Steward Department Unlicensed Apprentice Courses Includes a 20-hour shipboard sanitation clas.s and a 20-hour galley familiarization class. After students complete 90 days' seatime in the apprentice program, those who choose to sail in the steward department will return to the school for a four-week aalley operations clas.s. Galley operations features a pair of two-week modules. Galley Operations Members must have 240 days' seatime to enroll after completing the unlicensed apprentice pr gram. on-m-aduates must have 365 days' seatime as an SA to enroll. The course consi ts of two, two-week modules (for a total of four weeks). Each module includes 35 hours with additional time participating in the school's galley operations. Certified Chief Cook Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing galley operations to enroll. The course consists of six, two-week modules that are stand-alone (for a total of 12 weeks). This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. Advanced Galley Operations Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing certified chief cook to enroll. The course consists f four one-week modules (for a total of four weeks). Chief Steward Members mu t have 180 days' seatime after completing advanced galley operations to enroll. Thi is a 12-week class. Seafarers LOS 11 �Engine Deparlni ent Courses \" Many engine department courses have prereq- uisites. For example, to be acceptedfor Advarum Refrigerotion/Conroiners, students must have suocessfully completed Marine Electrical, Maintenance I (MEM I) and Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations. Fireman/Watertender and Oiler 1bis year, SHlSS offers a six-week FOWT test preparation course leading to the endorsement as fireman/watertender and oiler. Topics covered include the parts of a boiler, engine room equipment, engine room procedures, operating auxiliary equipment, watchstanding, starting and securing main engines, steam and water cycle, fuel oil and Lube oil systems, diesel engines, refrigeration systems and auxiliary machinery. The class prepares students for U.S. Coast Guard general safety, oiler and fireman/watertender tests. Students completing the FOWT course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately afterward. QMED-Any Rating The curriculum for certification and endorsement as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED)-Any Rating consists of a 12-week course leading to the following ratings: pumpman, refrigeration engineer, electrician, machinist, deck engineer and junior engineer. The course of instruction prepares the student to test for the U.S. Coast Guard exams in each of these ratings and includes classroom and practical training. 4Jli QMED Classification Steps Clau QMED 0 SHLSS/PHC QMED- Any Rating certificate or USCG QMEDAny Rating srd Clau QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating successfully completing one mandatory and one or more elective courses 2nd CUua QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating successfully completing two mandatory and two or more elective courses tit Cla88 QMED D QMED-Any Rating successfully completing all mandatory courses and three or more elective courses. Mandatory courses are MEM I, Power Plant equipment, single-speed AC motors and across-the-line starters, and wiring techniques. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Marine Electrical Maintenance II Aimed at providing the more advanced sk.ills required of the shipboard electrician, this six-week course features hands-on training and classroom instruction and leads to certification in Marine Electrical Maintenance II. Among the subjects covered are interpretation of the National Electrical Code, specialized electrical test equipment, advanced application of circuit protection and switching devices, relay logic, complex control circuits, OC and AC generators, voltage regulators, electrical distribution hardware, DC motors and controllers, AC motors and controllers deck machinery, motor generator sets, converters, inverters and rectifiers electric propulsion systems and interior communications systems. Also, the course will include an introduction to solid state electronic controls and their applications, and the general maintenance responsibilities of the electrician, as well as troubleshooting and repair. Course entry requirement is Marine Electrical Maintenance I. Diesel Engine Tudmology This four-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory; two- and four-stroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of low-, medium- and high-speed diesel engines. Also covered are associated auxiliaries including intake and exhaust systems, lubrication and cooling systems, and fuel injection and starting systems. Students receive practical training in the operation and repair of diesel engines on board school training vessels. Course entry requirements are QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience. Maintenance and Diesel_ Technology. Hydraulics No more than two engine department COUI'Ses can be taken per stay at the school. Any member with an engineer's license will be classified as a 4th Class QMED. The curriculum in the four-week hydraulics course blends practical training with classroom work. Fluids, actuators, control devices, pumps, reservoirs, symbols and hydraulic systems in marine equipment are among the subjects covered in this class. Also addressed are principles of electrical control of hydraulic systems, cargo winches, deck cranes, anchor windlasses, ships' steering systems, ramps, fire doors and a wide variety of other shipboard systems. Upon completion of the course, a Paul Hall Center certificate of graduation will be issued. Power Plant Maintenance The majority of this six-week course features hands-on training, covering a variety of topics. Some classroom work also is included. Subjects include pipefitting, thermal insulation, valve repair, pump repair/overhaul, hydraulic system repair, drilling/machine thread fabrication, use of various epoxies and similar compounds for emergency and temporary repairs, maintenance of power transmission equipment (such as flexible couplings), use of proper oils and greases for bearing maintenance and lubrication, reconditioning shell and tube heat exchangers, centrifugal lube oil/fuel oil purifier maintenance, and removal of heavy equipment in the engineroorn. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Marine Electrical Maintenance I The six-week course of instruction leading to certification in Marine Electrical Maintenance I consists of practical training and classroom instruction aimed at providing the basic skills required of shipboard electricians. The range of topics includes basic electrical theory, DC and AC circuits, electrical safety, electrical test equipment and troubleshooting, electrical protective and switching devices, electrical wiring diagrams and schematics., control and power circuits, batteries, AC generation and distribution equipment, transformers, lighting systems and fixtures, galley and miscellaneous heating 12 Seafarers LOG Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Basic Electronics Designed to help Seafarers develop an understanding of what goes on inside the electronic boxes found aboard ship, this four-week course covers principles of analog electronics., active devices and basic digital electronics. The student also will learn all aspects of circuit diagrams, and the instructor will work with each student individually to ensure a working knowledge of all shipboard electronic devices. Marine Electronics Tech I The marine electronics technician program is a four-week course. Topics included in the course are AC and DC circuits, active and passive components, amplifiers, power supplies, antenna systems, satellite and radar systems, microprocessor control systems, digital control systems and systems troubleshooting. Course entry requirement is Basic Electronics. Pumproom Maintenance Leading to certification in pumproom maintenance and operations, this four-week class includes hands-on training and classroom work. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps, loading procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. pon completion of the course, a Paul Hall Center certificate of graduation will be issued. In order to take this class, students must already have taken the Tanker Assistant DL (formerly Tanker Operation/Safety) course (described on next page) and be certified as a QMED-Any Rating or hold endorsement as a pumpman. Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations Now an elective, this six-week class blends practical and classroom instruction leading to rerrification in refrigeration system maintenance and operations. Among the topics covered are theory of mechanical refrigeration, major system components, accessories, cycle controls, refrigerants and oils, and applied electricity. Standard service techniques are emphasized, such as the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of ships' stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers and ice machines. Hands-on shop training includes the complete fabrication of a working refrigeration system from basic system components. An introduction to refrigerated container units also is presented. Students must be renified ~ QMED -Any Raiing or have equivalent inland experienre or hold Ql8St Guanl endorsements~ refrigeraDon engineer and electrician in order to enroll for thS oourse. Refrigerated Containers This four-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of both classroom and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance electrician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases of refrigerated container unit operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration and electrical systems. The course is designed to help students develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting, as well as to acquaint them with specific maintenance procedures. Course entry requirements are Marine Electrical Maintenance I and the basic Refrigeration System course. Welding Classroom instruction and on-the-job training compose this four-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing, welding and cutting. Upon completion of the course, a Paul Hall Center certificate of graduation will be issued. Third Assistant Engineer The course of instruction leading to licensing as a third assistant engineer consists of classroom instruction in such topics as diesel propulsion plants, steam propulsion plants, engineering safety, auxiliary boilers and diesels, water systems, electricity generating plants, electrical distribution and electrical devices. The 12-week course, which meets .S. Coast Guard requirements for licensing, also includes steam turbines, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning and auxiliary systems. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. Inland Deparlni ent Courses Engine Room Familiarization Tankerman {PIC) Barge Designed for prospective tugboat engineers, this two-week class provides instruction in the following areas: engineroom safety, engineering plant nomenclature, piping system hardware, a functional description of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated piping systems, plant operations and watchkeeping, and safe handling of fuels and oil spill prevention. This 40-hour course leads to the endorsement as tankerman (PIC) barge. The object of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills associated with tank barge operations and to supervise the safe and pollution-free transfer of dangerous liquids. (I'his course i.s limited to 25 students maximum.) Engine Room Operations & Maintenance Limited License/ License Prep This course is designed for inland personnel with intermediate sk.ills to Aimed at preparing students to test for any limited tonnage license, this eight-week course consists of classroom instruction in all areas ofterrestrial navigation, deck seamanship, rules of the road, shipbuilding, ship stability, cargo handling, federal regulations, first aid, CPR and firefighting. prepare assistant engineers for all phases of engineroom operations and routine maintenance. Additionally, the two- week curriculum prepares students to assume the duties of the chief engineer. Engine Room Troubleshooting & Casualty Control This two-week course is an advanced skills program designed to upgrade the sk.ills of the chief engineer for handling emergencies and other non-routine operating conditions. Students must have an AB endorsement and 540 days of sea.time on an SIU-contracted vessel OR equivalent inland experience in order to take the limited license/license prep exam. January 2001 �.,,_ All students attending upgrading programs at the Paul Hall Center participate in certain courses as pa.rt of their regularly scheduled program. Government vessels, physical faness, first aid and CPR, industrWl relations and fire fighting either are required or may be taken as elective courses by upgraders in all departments. Government Vessels As part of its ongoing goal of providing the best possible training for Seafarers while staying a step ahead of the industry's needs, this three-week class is open to Seafarers sailing in any department. The course is structured as three one-week, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage contro~ CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenislunent and vertical replenislunent. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (l'his course i.s required of students attending AB or FOWT courses.) Oil Spill Prevention and Containment This one-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics of instruction include types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, hazardous materials training, spill prevention, and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Also covered are selection of absorbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. Hazmat Recertification Available for personnel who have completed 40- or 24-hour hazardous materials (hazmat) courses and who must be annually recertified, this one-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, as well as reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection and monitoring equipment and new technology. First Aid and CPR Students in this three-day class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. Aher successful completion of each phase of this course, students are a warded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) The one-week basic fire fighting course provides students with general knowledge of the chemistry of fire, fire fighting equipment and materials and techniques for using them safely. Students receive 20 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of practical training. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a U.S. Coast Guard-recognized certificate of graduation from the Paul Hall Center. This is a 10-day U.S. Coast Guard-approved, Category 1 course. It is designed to meet the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/Operations Level, ship design and operation, cargo characteristics, enclosed space entry, cargo transfer and shipment, and pollution prevention and emergency operations and response. Advanced Fire Fighting LNG Familiarization Basic Fire Fighting During this two-week course, students learn how to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for fire fighting. The class covers how to give concise orders using the different types of communications with crew members and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad organizing. Students also study how to inspect and service various shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual fire fighting drills. This three-week course consists of a safety program designed to meet STCW requirements for those who have not served on LNG ships. The course of instruction includes LNG fire fighting, confined spare awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pump (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Industrial Relations While attending upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School, all Sill members attend industrial relations courses for one week. Seafarers learn about the maritime industry and the role of U.S. shipping in the economy and in times of crisis. Also, participants review the role of the SIU within the industry and the rights of Seafarers as outlined by the SIU constitution. Students gain an understanding of the various laws and legislative programs which promote a U.S.-flag merchant marine. Courses also are conducted to provide Seafarers with full information on the man benefit plans available to qualifying members through the union's collective bargaining agreements. General Physical Fitness The .S. Coast Guard places certain physical requirements on all mariners. To ensure the U.S.-flag fleet has physically fit crew members, the SIU encourages Seafarers to exercise properly. At the Paul Hall Center, workout programs are individually designed to meet the needs of the student. Students may participate in free weight, Nautilus or Universal weight training, which can be used to gain, lose or maintain body weight. Aerobic and swimming programs also are available. STCW Basic Safety Two courses are offered, each of which is U.S. Coast Guard-approved. One is a five-day class for all personnel who began sailing after August 1, 1998. The other is a four-day class for all personnel who began . . sailing before August . 1, 1998. Each class meets · the five-year STCW Chapter VI basic safety requir& ments. Subjects include personal survival, fire prevention and fire fighting, first aid/CPR, and social responsibility and personal safety. Classroom training in 90mbination with as.5essment of profi~ ciency as per STCW tables will 'be cori~ ducted ai:d entries made jn the training record bOOk. {This class is limited to 25 students maximum.) (This course does not replace the basic fire fig~ing or water survival training courses required for Coast Guard endorsement as lifeboatman.) STCW - Proficiency in Survival Craft This 37-hour, five-day course helps Seafarers develop the required knowledge and applica- tion skills for water survival including launch, use and recovery of survival craft as well as the proper use of survival equipment. Additionally, the student will understand the procedures necessary to take charge of and maintain a survival craft and to protect embarked personnel while on board. STCW - Crowd Management This four-hour course profiles the required knowledge and applicable skills for crowd management including controlling a crowd in an emergency situation, locating safety and emergency equipment on board a vessel, compliance with the ship's emergency procedures, effective communications during an emergency and demonstration of the use of personal life-saving devices STCW - Crisis Management This seven-hour course is designed for any person having responsibility for the safety of passengers in emergency situation on passenger ships. The training includes organizing the safe movement of passengers when embarking and disembarking, organizing shipboard emergency procedures, optimizing the use of resources, controlling responses to emergencies controlling passengers and other personnel during emergency situations, and the establishing and maintaining of effective communications. STCW - Medical Care Provider This 3-day, 21-hour course is designed for SIU members who are employed or may be employed on U.S.-flag ships. It meets STCW requirements. Students successfully completing this course must take a refresher course within five years or provide information to the U. . Coast Guard d ocumenting maintenance of medical skills. Cardiopulmonary (CPR) certification must be renewed annually. Training as a medical first aid provider is the second level of medical training required by STCW. Topics include a review of cardiac and airway management, rescuer safety, body structure, examination of trauma victims and medical patients, head and spinal injuries, treatment of burns, musculoskeletal injuries medical care of rescued persons, obtaining radio medical advice, medication administration and sterilization techniques. Candidates for the course must possess current certification from the American Red Cross for CPR for the Professional Rescuer or an equivalent certification issued through a similar authorizing agency. Academ,ic Departnient Courses The Academic Department has a Long history of providing support and services to members of the Seafarers International. Union. Since the founding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support for students taking vocational programs as well as for those students who require basic skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to the membership. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 9940010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED program is open to all members who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test The school for many years has successfully prepared SIU members to pass the test. For many Seafarers, this is a milestone in their lives (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) ematical skills. Th~ skills help students experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T' ABE benchmark examinations., given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses or may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as a Second Language The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give Seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the Seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Adult Basic Education Basic Vocational Support Program The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and math- The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathemat- January 2001 ic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the members with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Members may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition, the renter offers general education courses required for an as.sociate's degree. The school currently offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. Seafarers LOS 13 �Rau.l lJa;JI ~J3('Jlt~t~ , Upgradllf.. rltf~Sthelttde for " The following is the course schedule for the first half of the new year-January through June 2001-at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the industry or the national interest Seafarers should continue to consult each monthly edition of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date course schedule. For additional information, contact the Paul Hall Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; telephone (301) 994-0010. Please note that students should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. April 14 May12 June 9 April 21 May 19 June 16 Advanced Firefighting January 27 February 10 February 10 February 24 Government Vessels February 3 February 24 March 3 March 24 March 31 April 14 April 28 May12 May26 June9 June 23 July 7 August 4 February 23 March 16 March 23 April 13 April 20 May4 May 18 June 1 June 15 June 29 July 13 July 27 August 24 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* January 6 February 3 March 3 March 31 April 28 May26 January 20 February 17 March 17 April 14 May12 June 9 March 10 March 17 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW January 6 January 20 February 3 February 17 March 3 March 17 March 31 April 14 April 28 May12 May26 January 19 February 2 February 16 March 2 March 16 March 30 April 13 April 27 Mayll May25 June8 STCW Medical Care Provider February 24 March 24 May 19 June 9 March 3 March 31 May26 June 16 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 20 March 10 April 7 May5 June 2 June 30 February 16 April 6 May4 June 1 June 29 July 27 Able Seaman - Inland & Lakes February 3 February 24 February 23 March 16 January 6 January 20 February 17 February 24 March 17 March 24 April 14 April 21 May12 May 19 June 16 January 20 February 3 March 3 March 10 March 31 April 7 April 28 May5 May26 June 2 June 30 Radar January 6 April 7 January 19 April 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* January 20 April 21 January 26 April 27 Limited License January 20 March 16 Lifeboatman/Water Survival (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler February 3 March 24 March 16 May4 Special Oiler January 13 February 2 QMED - Any Rating January 6 April 30 March 30 July 20 Welding January 6 February 3 March 3 March 31 April 28 January 26 February 23 March 23 April 20 May 18 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 8. Safety Specialty Courses Course Basic Firefighting 2091 ~. Academic Department Courses Start Date Date of Completion January 20 February 17 March 17 January 27 February 24 March 24 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - S e e page 23 for an upgrading application - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The new entrance to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (left) is clearly visible from the street. Another new structure at the complex is the building that houses the new stateof-the-art training simulators. January 2001 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT <f" . 25 24 8 15 . 9 .....·.-::;.:· ..,..~· 2 4 4 7 .,.,,~ 1_ 8 13 5 10 8 15 7 4 3 22 5 1l 9 .5 1 8 15 l3 6 1 0 6 0 9 8 -~ 15 3 139 ;. ·:~ ... ·. . :-· DulUth .....................Wednesdayz February 14~ March 14 , 47 59 29 31 }5 28 6 2 2 " 2 14 12 BaJtim~~•u•••h•••••••ThurSday~ Fe.bruary 8~ M~ch 8 ·:· .,:/ 0 5 87 3 7 25 29 19 407 193 103 Personal KENNETH THORPE A shipmate from the late '40s-early '50s, lrven Middlebrooks, would like to get in touch with you to talk 13 21 162 41 33 2 5 34 2 0 1 0 2 9, 0 10 10 about the old SIU days. Please write him at 292 5 BriarcliffRoad, Jackson, GA 30233; or telephone (770) 504-1521 34 28 263 4 2 5 73 4 (} 3 2 0 0 6 7 7 34 7 55 7 3 0 0 38 22 ).· 105 2 JH[o>lllt.<dlay Gireedng§ The following holiday greetings did not arrive in ti.me to be published in the December 2ooo issue of the LOG. To all fellow SIU members May your holidays be joyous, your families be well, and your sailing be safe. Hi to everyone from the "old" days. Hope all is well. I'm BACK!!!! Brian Fountain andfamily <. 11 0 16 19 l 8 2 44 164 22 225 23 108 5 0 22 13 157 606 454 388 419 328 269 I 0 3 Totals All Departments 0 8 9 2 12 8 2 0 0 0 0 5 10 0 . O· 0 0 8 13 0 7 66 17 274 l 16 21 299 290 946 674 509 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Janua17 2001 4 25 2"% To Brian Fountain Glad you'll be home this year, hon. You can help with the Xmas shopping! Dad, come home soon!! Mom is grumpy! We miss you. Rachel, Justin, Cody & Emily Fountain To the deck, navigation and engine departments on the Mississippi Queen Holiday greetings to all my brothers and sisters. Merry Christmas to you and your families. Enjoy your upcoming layup. God bless you one and all! Robert Mclemore To S.J.C., Jr. Merry Christmas. Here's hoping Santa brings you all you deserve and more and that the coming year will bring you inner peace. N.C.A. (aka "Fred") Seafarers LOii 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes NOVEMBER 16 - / ' .i }_0irfltii;'Mii~~c." CL - Company/Lakes Jnb&Fay ~xecutive VJC¢ President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vire President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Tu.m. Or.uehowski Port Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vke President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Ke:rmett M.aogram Vice President GovemmentServices .. ... 0 . Algonac 0 0 0 18' . .,, 7 7 8 13 ·23r« L-Lakes NP-Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT .14 5 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT l 4 DECEMBER 15, 2000 0 4 1 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Oass L Class NP -Q. 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 5 ~ 4 3 2 ~;~~.;: -- HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20146 (361) 899-0675 Totals All Depts 0 42 39 0 29 24 0 13 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr"" Algonac, MI 48001 (81()) 794-4988 ANCllORAGlt 1.21 SesameSt.,#lC,Anchotage.AK 995tl3 {901) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 2315 .&stx St., Baltimore, MD 21224 NOVEMBER 16 - {410) 321-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DUUJTll 705 Medkal Arts Building, Duluth, MN 558@1 (2l8} '?224l10 GUAM J25 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301 ~E "f~unmg;-Oµain 1 - •....· ' DECEMBER 15, 2000 TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region 1Un Jesus Crisostomo St. :r 15 96911 (671) ~1-1350 '))[1i'fft••fi(}iil"tttjg1ilii;t; iA•; 5;J!'. •·· · .·.6<>6 Kiilihi st.; H1JiibtUtii;ttii~819%W {808) 8;4>-5222 '. · HOlJsToN ~~~~: West Coast Totals Region .Adantic c<>asi · 1221 Pierce St., Houston, 1X 17002 .. (713) 659~5152 ~·r_:J\· Gulf Coast ,~~~ ful~ ,:W:aters West Coast JERSE\'.' CITY ~Montgomery St." Jersey City, NJ 0'73£>2 ...·. (2()1) 43$-9414 MOBILE J640 DauphinJsland Mobile~ AL _36605 .Pm. . (334) 478-09 It> NEW :OEl>FORI> ·•, · · 48 UnionSt.,NeW;aedfu~.~ 0214(}, {SO&) 99]~5404 ',. Totals Region 1 Atlantic Coast 0 O Gulf Coast 0 _~JPIOO:ifr:W.at~ o Totals 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 Totals All Depts 2 3 8 1 1 7 4 2 34 West Coast .}. NEW O.lU.EANS .. · 3~ 1l J.Jlp$1c<> Blvd.; lfruvey~ LA. 700SJf (S04) 328-1545 \ .. NEWYQRK 635 Ff.)Urtb Ave., Br00td~ NY .1qn>" .. ; (718) ~99,.()600 . . *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST NORFOLK U5 Third St.., ~otl<tVA 23510 (757)622-1m · · ·.•· ,Z604 S,.·1rlllLAf>~BlA· ·· 4.St; Pbi~phi3, PA 19148 {215} lJ6..3818 • ·• ~· ·:::=:: -·::-.-:-: ·?JNEY:., PolNT . P.O. Box 75~ t>lneyiPnint, MD 20674 (301) 99+00 l(} .,.: Ptlltt EVEitGLADis 1221 S. Andrews Ave,, F'.t Lauderdale, FL ::::::· . =~ 33~16 (954) ?1-2-7984 . -; SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St San.Franeiscq,C.A 94105 z.: . {415)5Al-585S t · ·... G<>Yemment Services Dmsion (415) 8Ql~3400 SANTURCE 1057 Femandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16% Santutce, PR 00907 . . (187)7214033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Orav-Ois Ave•• St. Louis, MO 63116 (314} 752-65<){} TACOMA 3411 Sooth Union Av,e., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253)272~m4 · WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wl1mingten, CA 90144 (310) 5494000 16 Seafarers LOB What's My Line?" was a CBS game show ( 19501967), hosted by John Daly, in which four panelists would try to guess unusual occupations of contestants or a product associated with them. A panelist would ask a question and the contestant would either answer "yes" or "no." If "yes," then the panelist would ask another question until a "no" answer was reached, and play would pass to the next panelist. Throughout the entire show's run, a "no" answer would earn a contestant $5. The game ended when either the occupation was correctly identified, or 10 "no" answers were given. The most a contestant could earn was $50. In this photograph, found in the LOG archives, the contestant was SIU member Pauline Letendre. Unfortunately, we do not know if she stumped the panel. January 2001 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.--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. A recertified bosun is among the 13 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Recertified Bosun Richard Bradford graduated from the highest level of training available to members of the deck department at the SIU's school in Piney Point, Md. He also sailed for more than 30 years. Including Bradford, five of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three plied the Great Lakes and five others navigated the inland waterways. Ten of the retirees were members of the deck department, two shipped in the engine department and one sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA RICHARD BRADFORD, 58, began his career with the SIU in 1966, joining in the portofNew York. A bosun, Brother Bradford first shipped aboard Venore Transportation Co. 's Chi/ore. The Maryland native sailed in the deck department and often upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., attending in 1975, 1999 and again last year. Additionally, Brother Bradford completed the bosun recertification course in 1980. He last shipped aboard the American Merlin, operated by Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management, Inc. Brother Bradford lives in Ocean City, Md. REGELIO CASTELLANOS, 69, hails from Cuba. He joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Castellanos first sailed aboard the Port, an Asbury Steamship Co. vessel. He worked in the deck department. Brother Castellanos last shipped aboard the Maersk Arizona, operated by Maersk Line, Ltd. He resides in New Orleans. JOHNM. PASKO, 81 , began his career with the SIU in 1951, joining in the port of New York. Brother Pasko sailed as a member of the engine department. His first ship was the French Creek, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The Jersey City, NJ. native last sailed aboard Reynolds Metal Co. 's (Marine Division) Inger. Brother Pasko resides in East Brunswick, N.J. SALEHB. SALEH, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1970, joining in the port of Detroit. Born in Arabia, Brother Saleh first sailed aboard the John P: Reiss, operated by American Steamship Co. He shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Saleh last sailed aboard Liberty Maritime Corp. 's Liberty Bell. He resides in Yemen . The annual Marine Cooks & Stewards reunion was a great success. Held last September at a park in San Bruno, Calif., it was attended by many retirees, their friends and families and two active SIU members, Chief Steward David Cunningham and Assistant Cook Mary Lou Lopez. Special thanks go to Virginia Martin and her husband, Chuck Whiteman, as well as to Ann Hall and Betty E. Holloway for making all the arrangements for a fun day. of Detroit. Born in Warren, Minn., Brother Stephens served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955. Brother Stephens shipped in each of the three divisions during his seafaring career. He first sailed aboard the Mt. Evans, a vessel operated by American Tramp Shipping & Development Co. He last sailed aboard an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Brother Stephens lives in Sandstone, Minn. INLAND GREAT LAKES MC&S Picnic January 2001 JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 76, joined the SIU in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Panama, Brother Williams sailed as a member of the steward department. He first shipped aboard the Santa Mariana, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Williams upgraded his skills in 1987 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. Brother Williams lives in San Francisco. MERLE C. DICKENS, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit. Brother Dickens first sailed aboard a Merritt Chapman & Scott vessel. A native of Michigan, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Dickens last sailed aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. He calls Curtice, Ohio home. MICHAELJ. O'DONNELL, 57, began his career with the SIU in 1963, joining in the port of Detroit. He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1966. Born in Cleveland, Brother O'Donnell shipped as a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. Brother O'Donnell lives in Ohio. GLYN H. STEPHENS, 65, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port DONALD A. POWELL, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1979, joining in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Powell served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1958. The deck department member upgraded his skills in 1983 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Powell sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels in Wilmington/Long Beach. He resides in Huntington Beach, Calif. ROBERTL. REDDITT, 64, started his career with the SIU in 1978, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina native served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Redditt sailed in the deck department, primarily aboard McAllister Towing of Virginia vessels. He lives in Norfolk. RICKY J. ROMERO, 51, hails from Texas. He joined the SIU in 1974 in the port of Houston. His first ship was Delta Steamship Lines' Del Brazil. A member of the deck department, Boatman Romero last shipped aboard Moran Towing of Texas vessels. He resides in Groves, Texas. RONNIE L. TRAIL, 65, joined the SIU in 1962. A native of Texas, Boatman Trail worked primarily aboard Galveston Wharves vessels. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Boatman Trail calls Hitchcock, Texas home. JOSEPH ZORBACH JR., 56, started bis career with the SIU in 1956, joining in the port of Baltimore. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1972. The Maryland native sailed primarily aboard McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessels. Boatman Zorbach shipped as a member of the engine department and upgraded his skills earlier this year at the Paul Han Center for Maritime Training and Education. He lives in Baltimore. ·~:::::~!-. iil~¥!~~5!~the whicti tfie.it}etcnanfmanne suffers greater proportional casualties than any of the _ . military services, the Maritime War ;Emergency Board has,proposed a cyt in pay for merchant seamenJAithough the , average wag~ .for. aSeafarer is only $1,6 77. t 4 'a year ; including bonus anCI overtime paywhich breaks down to $32.25 per w~~-the ~oar~ is. benefit claim after he paid off his last ship, Lewis Emery Jr• When the plan began in 1952, SIU offtdais estimated that the rate of benefit payments in any one year would approach the $2 milflon mark. The revolutionary vacation plan, a first in mar,.. itime, provided ·re:==========================:::::st THJS MONTH JN SIU HISTORY ~~~;~:r:;e~rfor ,. tf!ing t0 cut the; •·' the first time. Less pay of the men who risk their lives in t!::::=:=:======================:!J than 1 percent of submarine and bombing attacks for 2 4 SIU members ever received a paid vacahours a day. On receipt of a letter from tion before the Seafarers Vacation Plan the board secretary announcing the gov· was inaugurated. emment's intentions, the officers and 1964 members of the SIU voted to protest to Four SIU-contracted companies have sucall levels of government. cessfully bid for l 3 C.·4 type reserve fteet troop ships broken out by the Maritime 1954 Administration for use in the off-shore and domestic trades. Conversion of these SIU member Robert A. Sipsey last week vessels will provide many millions of dolreceived an SIU Vacation Plan benefit lars tn shipyard work plus completely check. The only thing unusual about this modernized U.S. tonnage that will be ser: check was the fact that it boosted the total monies paid out of the vacation fund vlceable for many years. Seafarers LOS r7 �' I I I i ' I L , JESUS AYALA Pensioner Jesus Ayala, 82, died Oct. 9. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Ayala began his career with the SIU in 1945. He joined in the port of New York. The engine department member first sailed aboard an Edgewater Terminal Corp. vessel. Brother Ayala began receiving his pension in 1974. He last shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. Brother Ayala resided in his native Puerto Rico. -=. . . . . STANLEY CARILES ROBERTO NATAL Pensioner Stanley Cariles, 75, passed away Aug. 24. Brother Cariles began his career with the MC&S in 1958, joining in the port of San Francisco. A native of Newark, N.J., he served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1947. Brother Cariles first sailed aboard American President Lines' President Fillmore. A member of the steward department, he started receiving his pension in 1980. Brother Cariles last shipped aboard the President Cleveland, another American President Lines' vessel. He lived in his native New Jersey. Pensioner Roberto Natal, 92, passed away Sept. 19. He began his career with the SIU in 1947, joining in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Natal first shipped aboard an AH Bull Steamship Company vessel. He sailed as a member of the engine department and began receiving his pension in 1973. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Boston. Brother Natal lived in Puerto Rico. CHARLES PICKREN Pensioner Alfred Hargis, 77, died Sept. 30. The Virginia native started his career with the Seafarers in 1956, joining in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. A member of the steward department, Brother Hargis began receiving his pension in 1988. Prior to retiring, he shipped aboard the Iberville, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Hargis resided in Virginia Beach, Va. Pensioner Charles Pickren, 67, died Aug. 31. Born in Brunswick, Ga., Brother Pickren started his . career with the -~=--.t..-......:i SIU in 1957. He joined in the port of Houston. Brother Pickren served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1953. He first sailed aboard the Tortugas, a TMT Trailer Ferry vessel. A member of the engine department, Brother Pickren began receiving his pension in 1994. Before retiring, he sailed aboard Weschester Marine Corp. 's American Heritage. Brother Pickren resided in Texas. RAFAEL MATOS JAIME RAMIREZ Brother Rafael Matos, 59, died Sept. 9. He started his career with the ~ Seafarers in ~ ~ ,· .,._ 1972, joining in "' the port of New York. Born in ;, San Juan, P.R., Brother Matos first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp.vessel. A member of the engine department, he last worked aboard the Breton Reef, an Interocean Ugland Management Corp. vessel. Brother Matos lived in New Jersey. Brother Jaime Ramirez, 62, passed away Sept. 3. A native of Puerto Rico, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1970. He joined in the port of New York and sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Ramirez first shipped aboard the Transerie, a Hudson Waterways Corp. vessel. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. Brother Ramirez lived in Puerto Rico. GEORGE McALPINE BARNEY E. SWEARINGEN Pensioner George McAlpine, 89, passed away Sept. 9. Brother McAipine began his career with the SIU in 1943, joining in ="'"'--------' the port of New York. Born in Canada, he first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He was a member of the engine department and started receiving his pension in 1976. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Baltimore, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother McAlpine lived in Florida. Pensioner Barney E. Swearingen, 81, died Oct. 11. A charter member of the Seafarers, Brother Swearingen joined the union ..____...........______...______, in 193 9 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He was a native of Florida and served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1946. His first ship was the Santa Emilia, a Liberty Navigator Trading Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, Brother Swearingen started receiving his pension in 1985. Prior ALFRED HARGIS ..... Pensioner Bernard J. McNally, 82, died Nov. 1. A native of Pittsburgh, Brother McNally started his career with __.............:::...~w the Seafarers in 1942. He joined in the port of Baltimore. Brother McNally sailed as a member of the steward department and first shipped aboard an Overseas Carriers Inc. vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1985. Before retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Adventure. Brother McNally called Pittsburgh home. 18 Sealarers LOii to retiring, he sailed aboard the Charleston, operated by Westchester Marine Corporation. Maryland vessels. Boatman Wodka began receiving his pension in 1987. He lived in Baltimore. INLAND JOSEPH BERLANDO r-----,,-----. Pensioner Joseph Berlando, 80, passed away Oct. 20. A native of Illinois, Boatman Berlando began his career with the Seafarers in 1964, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1937 to 1959. A member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Yaka. Boatman Berlando last shipped aboard a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel and began receiving his pension in 1982. He lived in North Carolina. MILAN NORTHROP Pensioner Milan Northrop, 76, died Oct. 1. He started his career with the SIU in 1962, joining in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Alabama, Boatman Northrop also sailed in the deep sea division. He first worked aboard the Overseas Rose, an Overseas Carriers Inc. vessel. A member of the deck department, he began receiving his pension in 1988. Before retiring, he sailed aboard a vessel operated by Alabama Pilot, Inc. Boatman Northrop resided in Alabama. ADAMWODKA Pensioner Adam Wodka, 76, died Oct. 28. Boatman Wodka started his career with the SIU in 1956, joining in the port of Baltimore. A Maryland native, he shipped as a member of the deck department. He sailed primarily aboard Moran Towing of GREAT LAKES GEORGE FINNERTY Pensioner George Finnerty, 73, died Oct. 18. Brother Finnerty started his career with the Seafarers in 1961, joining in the port of Cleveland. The Detroit native served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946. A member of the deck department, Brother Finnerty first shipped aboard a Peter Kiewit Sons Co. vessel. He began receiving his pension in 1988. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Lemmerhirt, a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessel. Brother Finnerty lived in Ohio. JOHN A. LITERSKY Brother John A. Litersky, 50, passed away Oct. 8. He began his career with the SIU in 1974, joining in the port of Duluth, Minn. Born in Two Rivers, Wis., Brother Litersky first sailed aboard the Sharon, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Litersky last worked aboard the Walter J McCarthy, operated by American Steamship Company. He lived in Wisconsin. passed away Sept. 9. The Mansfield, Ohio native began his career with the SIU in 1961. He joined in the port of Detroit and sailed as a _ __._ member of the steward department. Brother Sams served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He worked primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. Brother Sams began receiving his pension in 1982. He resided in River Rouge, Mich. AnANTIC FISHERMEN CECILIO J. CECILIO Pensioner Cecilio J. Cecilio, 77, died Oct. 30. A native of Gloucester, Mass., he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Cecilio was a World War II veteran. He began receiving his pension in 1986. A deck captain, Brother Cecilio last sailed aboard a Global Enterprises, Inc. vessel. He called Massachusetts home. o·H'ii Pen :r Salvatore Frontiero, 86, passed away Sept. 11. Brother Frontiero joined the Atlantic Fish- CONSTANTINE D. SAMS Pensioner Constantine D. Sams, 80, Endurance Crew Members Remember Retiree Seafarers aboard U.S. Ship Management's Endurance recently memorialized the late SIU retiree Edward Blackburn with a burial at sea (right). Brother Blackburn's ashes were scattered at sea while the vessel was 86 miles off the coast of Baja, Calif. en route from Panama to Long Beach, Calif. Brother Blackburn retired in 1985 and passed away Sept. 16, 2000. Participating in the shipboard service were (below, from left) Kevin J. McHugh, Recertified Bosun Francisco C. Munoz, AB Maximo L. Lugtu, AB/Dayman Roberto R. Queliza, Recertified Steward Russell B. Beyschau (who provided these images) and Deck Cadets Beth L. Sharp and James D. McElya. JanuaTJ 2001 �· · s11ips minutes first are reviewed by the union:t contract depattment. Those i#ues requiring attention or resolutiqn are addr8$$ed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. Tile minutes are then lorwallled fl> the Seafarers LOG for publication. BLUE RIDGE (Crowley Petroleum Transport), Sept. 24-Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Ron Malozi, Educational Director William M. Hudson, Deck Delegate James K. Barrett. Payoff scheduled Oct. 1 in Portland, Ore. Chairman said ship will offload plastic garbage there and take on food/sundries. Shoregang will be available. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to look into bringing all ships under standard contract. Also asked that everyone be informed when negotiating new contract. Thanks given to steward department for good job and to deck department for painting work on deck. Steward thanked DEU George Mardones for outstanding sanitary work in crew areas. "A lot has been done in a short amount of time. Thomas B. Crowley would have been proud to see such work!" EL MORRO (!UM), Sept. 27Chairman Steven W. Copeland, Secretary Kris A. Hopkins, Educational Director Joel Trotter, Deck Delegate Curtis B. Dunlap Sr., Engine Delegate Milton Israel II. Chairman stated work being done on satellite system. Educational director stressed importance of taking upgrading classes at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $48 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into decreasing time needed for pension. Bosun thanked everyone for keeping noise down. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R.; Port Everglades, Fla. ITS NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation Corp.), Sept. 24-Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Abraham Martinez, Educational Director John Binpong, Deck Delegate Anthony Heinoidt, Steward Delegate Ali Muther. Secretary urged crew to take advantage of upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center. He also suggested that next contract for Sheridan vessels include return of day off every month. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for good job. Next ports: Lake Charles, La.; Port Everglades, Fla. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime Corp.), Sept. 8-Chairman Inocencio M. Desaville, Secretary Frederick L. Washington Sr., Engine Delegate Danny Walker. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 10 in Houston. Secretary asked everyone to help steward department keep inside house clean. When leaving ship, rooms and reefers should be cleaned and room keys turned in. Educational director reminded crew members of educational opportunities available at Piney Point facility. No beefs reported; some OT noted in deck department. Clarification requested on transportation money from company and launch service in Canadian ports. LNG LEO (Pronav Ship Mgmt.), Sept. 20-Chairman Woodrow Shelton Jr., Secretary Amy K. January 2001 Rippel, Educational Director Stephen T. Stepanski, Deck Delegate Angel L. Perez, Engine Delegate David D. Dinan Jr., Steward Delegate Claudell Blakeley Jr. Chairman stated vessel has been reflagged and copy of contract received. Two loads already successfully carried and discharged. Bosun reminded crew that behavior on board and ashore reflects on SIU and American mariners everywhere. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center, especially STCW safety courses which are needed to renew sailing documents. Treasurer announced $200 in ship's fund and $140 in communication fund. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted by deck department delegate. Steward department thanked for good food and keeping public areas clean. Next ports: Bontang, Indonesia; Osaka, Japan. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lines), Sept. 29-Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director David King, Deck Delegate Joseph LeBeau, Engine Delegate Daniel Avery, Steward Delegate John Caballero. Secretary stated vessel due Oct. 4 in Portland, Ore. Stores to be loaded upon arrival. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $30 in ship's fund. No beefs reported. Engine department delegate noted two crew members not getting proper OT, and deck delegate requested verification of OT for hold cleaning. Several questions brought up including upcoming pay raise, increased pension benefit for retirees and equalization of vacation. Clarification also requested on transportation for crew signing off. Vote of thanks offered to steward department for fine job. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Lines), Sept. 24--Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Edward C. Mancke, Deck Delegate Boyce Wilson. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 24 in Charleston, S.C. Secretary stated everything going well and asked for continued help in keeping house clean. He noted carpeting replaced in crew lounge and requested help in taking care of it. Educational director reminded everyone of new shipping requirements and to be sure all necessary documents and skills are up to date. Treasurer announced $80 in ship's fund. Movies to be purchased in next port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew looking forward to receiving absentee ballots for Nov. 7 presidential election. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reinstating time off on freighters or extra pay. Everyone awaiting new contract July 2001 and recommended raising pay scale. SEALAND COMMITMENT (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Sept. I I-Chairman Leon T. Jekot, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Eric D. Bain, Engine Delegate Jimmy Sabga. Chairman stated name change to Sea/and Commitment from OOCL Inspiration now complete. He noted steward getting off and SA taking one trip relief. Three SIU members added for painting during coastwise trip. Educational director advised members to make sure they have necessary courses to comply with new sailing regulations and to have all documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to look into increasing pension. Also request made to increase taxi fare to airport and grant hotel accommodations for those paid off early in morning or late in evening when no flights available. Steward department thanked for job well done. SEALAND OREGON (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Sept. 3-Chairman Pedro L. Lopez, Secretary Edward C. Winne, Deck Delegate Danny Miller, Engine Delegate Richard H. Surrick. Vessel formerly named OOCL Innovation. Educational director stressed importance of attending courses at Paul Center, especially for those needing to comply with STCW requirements. Beef reported in all departments after being restricted to ship. Clarification requested on medical reliefs and use of computers for email communication. Requests made for new chair and repair of electrician's room vent. USNS 808 HOPE (Maersk Lines), Sept. 26-Chairman Terry L. Evins, Secretary Mohamed B. Kamer, Deck Delegate Eddie Thomas, Steward Delegate Michael Briscoe.Vessel presently in Diego Garcia. Chairman asked everyone to help keep ship clean. He reported possible increase in union dues. Educational director stressed need to upgrade at Piney Point. He also stated ship T-shirts available for sale in captain's office. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward delegate gave special thanks to Michael Briscoe, Charles Collier and Hesham Abdellatif for superb job they did when chief steward left for family emergency. USNS DAHL (Maersk Lines), Sept. 24--Chairman Klaus W. Tankersley, Secretary Kevin Marchand, Educational Director William T. Staton, Steward Delegate Richard Wythe. Vessel currently at port in Diego Garcia. Chairman announced receipt of letter from headquarters regarding payment for transportation home. Also, company cannot be held responsible for schedules or delays of military flights. Educational director noted Maersk standards and procedures available for everyone to read in ship's computer room. Treasurer announced $275 in ship's fund. All departments running smoothly with no beefs or disputed OT. Bosun reminded everyone that this is an election year and to read LOG and report of constitutional committee. He also noted proposal that dues be raised to $400 a year or $100 a quarter. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime needed for vacation. Also, that vacation pay contributions not become mandatory. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. USNS INTEGRITY (IUM), Sept. 24--Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Jeffrey N. Beasley, Deck Delegate Rodney S. Roberson Sr., Steward Delegate Radfan A. Almaklani. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNS Integrity is a lightering vessel and so work is constant-4 months on, 2 months off. Due to demanding workload, request made to have option of 2 months on and 2 months off. Vote of thanks given to entire steward department for great job, including freshly baked bread and pastries and pride in work. "Every meal is a delight, and the crew is happy to have them aboard." Next port: Delaware City. USNS RED CLOUD (Maersk Lines), Sept. 19-Chairman David R. Park, Secretary Waymond H. Watson ill, Educational Director Chester Preston, Deck Delegate Richard L. Gathers, Engine Delegate Hugh J. Haynes, Steward Delegate Betty J. Thompson. Chairman opened meeting with selection of new department dele- adding prescription plan for dependents. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Following payoff in Philadelphia, ship heading to San Juan, P.R. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), Oct. 29-Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Deck Delegate Jeff B. Turkus, Engine Delegate Detricke R. Kelly. Chairman stressed safety With the McAllister Fleet in Norfolk Working aboard the tug Beth M. McAllister in Norfolk, Va. are (from left) Chief Engineer Romey Burney, Capt. Robert Brush and Deckhand Johnny Wright. gates and answered question of delegate pay (as per communication sent by VP Contracts Augie Tellez). He also reminded crew members of value of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Secretary said upright freezers for storage of ice cream in mess halls were purchased. He urged members to take advantage of training opportunities at Piney Point. Educational director spoke to crew about getting new reading material sent to ship. Steve Roquemore elected ship's treasurer. He immediately received $85 from crew to start movie fund. Discussion held about need for shipboard meetings and problem of garbage storage near galley. Upon crossing equator, polywog ceremony held, with 11 first-time crossers becoming "shellbacks." Special vote of thanks given to steward department for outstanding barbecues, picnics and home-baked pies and cakes. Next port: Diego Garcia. CAPE LOOKOUT SHOALS (IUM), Oct. I-Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Nestor Martinez, Deck Delegate Donnie W. Collins, Engine Delegate Jean C. Horne, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Kelly. Chairman noted vessel left Hawaii Sept. 30 bound for Washington and Alaska. Steward thanked everyone for helping keep messhalls and pantry areas clean. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and make sure all documents are current. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Engine department reported dispute in OT. Clarification requested from contracts department on shipping rules for IUM. Chief steward requested additional steward assistant due to increased workload and more people aboard ship. Request made for water cooler to be installed in engine room and larger refrigerators in messhall. CAROLINA (NPR, Inc.), Oct. 24--Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Edward L. Haber, Deck Delegate Charles Wright, Engine Delegate Roderick T. Frazier, Steward Delegate Gerald B. Kirtsey. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 27 in Philadelphia and noted company still uncertain of dates of upcoming shipyard period. He reminded crew members to be sure to have all documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into in upcoming voyages, particularly on ladders and icy decks. Crew urged to fill out repair list. Company alcohol policy discussed with new crew members. Secretary stated movie list compiled and posted and thanked crew for cooperation in making list. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of facilities at Piney Point for upgrading. He also talked about need to renew STCW certification. Treasurer announced $779.09 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on supplemental vacation day for tankers. Crew reminded to uphold rules on light and noise. Vote of thanks given to chief steward and his department for job well done. Next port: Cherry Pt., Wash. TRADER (CSX Lines), Oct. 15Chairman Loren Watson, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Milton E. Sabin, Deck Delegate Joseph Loyal, Engine Delegate M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Alejo Fabia Jr. Chairman noted response from headquarters regarding satellite hookup when AFN radio goes off air. He announced vessel due Oct. 20 in Tacoma, Wash. Schedule will then change to Oakland, Long Beach, Hawaii triangle run and payoff will be every 28 days in Oakland. There will be no allotments, but draws will be available in cash or check form. Treasurer stated $225 in ship's fund following purchase of new exercise equipment. Engine department reported disputed OT. Otherwise, everything running smoothly. After reading of September president's report in LOG, which talked about many powerful people in U.S. military and government calling for a strong merchant marine, discussion ensued. "It's good to have such people on our side, but we hope that their ideas for a strong merchant marine will also include container ships and other non-military commercial vessels. These ships need incentives not to be able to be easily converted to foreign-flag status to avoid U.S. safety standards, taxes and wages to American seamen." Discussion also held about upcoming contract negotiations with CSX. Suggestion made for contracts department to try and increase vacation pay by one day to compensate for possible increase in union dues. Unlicensed Apprentice Jason Hudkins commended for doing good job. Bosun reminded crew to fill out repair list. Seafarers LOB 19 .... - �j I I I i French Bread I ~ Know Your Rights r Makes 3 loaves . .. Chef John Dobson won first place at the St. Marys County Fair with this recipe for French bread . . . GALLEY 3% cups bread flour 2lf.i teaspoons salt 1Yi cups water 2 lf.i teaspoons yeast CORNER Combine water and yeast and stir until the yeast is completely dissolved. Place flour and salt in a mixer with the dough hook attachment. Turn on the mixer and slowly add water and yeast mixture until all the ingredients have been incorporated. Place dough on a flat surface and knead for 5 to 10 minutes. Let the dough sit until it has tripled in size. Punch down the dough and allow it to rise again until it has doubled in size. Shape the loaves, allow to rise for an hour and bake in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Chef John Dobson with two loaves of his prize-winning bread If anyone is looking for a particular recipe or has one of their own that they would like to share, drop Chef Hetmanski a line at the Paul Hall Center, P 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 or e-mail to: shlssvoc@us.hsanet.net. (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Gulf Coast Mariner Tells It Like It Is Bravo! Handshakes, backslaps, kudos and attaboys all around! I am referring to the piece in the November Seafarers LOG concerning "Oil Patch Mariners." Truer words were never spoken. I know the truth; I worked for an offshore outfit for three years. The best description I can come up with is, plantation mentality. Working 18 hours, minimum. Sleep? What's that? Standard staples: baloney and cheese. No benefits, no insurance, substandard wage. Welcome to the "company." Enclosed is a company memo. I suppose when faced with losing "slaves," this type of directive is necessary. (Editor's note: The writer enclosed an anti-union letter from the president of Hornbeck-Leevac Marine Operators Inc., based in Mandeville, La., directed to employees and their families.) As for the LOG piece, it does my heart good to finally read an article about what has been going on for years! I can detail honestto-God accounts of abuses and humiliations that occur daily. I have copies of all my memos concerning conditions, parts shortages, etc. It's a grim tale. Ralph Goff Norfolk, Va. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union doc- uments will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r--------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 1101 (Please Print) Name: Phone No.:~(~~-)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- Social Security No.: _ _ __ Book No.: D Active SIU D Pensioner This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. ~--------------------------------------------------~ 20 Seafarers LOS FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. 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. SffiPPJNG RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should ge to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 2Q746 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 · · · ated against because of race, cree , c , national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or s 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 pu including, but not lim' o, fur· · , social and ecothering the . mterests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. January 2001 �Payd«',OD'. t;'Jfi:~ Jfae.rsk Colorado Once hoisted aboard ship, the load of stores are unhooked by (from left) AB Timothy Girard, AB Ali Abdulgani and (in background) AB Ray Tate. Waiting for the next pallet of food stores to be hoisted to them for loading aboard the Maersk Colorado are (from left) AB Ray Tate, AB Timothy Girard, GVA Osvaldo Montero and AB Ali Abdulgani. "These are good ships, and I like the run. We have a good crew and things always seem to run smoothly here. " -AB Timothy Girard (below, loading food stores) Right: Bosun Mohammed S. Ahmed operates the stores crane aboard the Maersk Colorado. "These are great ships with a great run. " -Chief Cook John Q. Lee (readying the chill box for incoming stores) "The SIU is a great way to make a living. Things just seem to keep improving. " -AB Ali Abdulgani (at>uvQ, loading food stores) Recertified Chief Steward Hugh "Buck" Wildermuth (left) discusses Maersk Line ordering procedures with the port steward, John McDougal, during the inspection and loading of food stores in Charleston, S.C. "The steward department aboard the Maersk Colorado, as well as the rest of her fine crew, make this vessel one of the smoothest running ships in Maersk." -Port Steward John McDougal Don't Let the Scholarship Deadline Pass You By The deadline for receipt of Seafarers scholarship applications is April 15, 2001. That is only three months away- but there still is plenty of time to apply for one of the eight scholarships being awarded this year. First, obtain a scholarship program booklet which spells out eligibility requirements and proce- dures for applying. It also includes a copy of the application form. You may get the booklet in in any SIU hall or by filling out the coupon below and mailing it to the SIU Scholarship Program of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Piaµ. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to apply. If you sent in an application form last year and were not selected for one of the scholarships, you should try again in 2001. A total of$132,000 in scholarship monies will be awarded (five dependent scholarships at $20,000 each, one SIU member award in the amount of $20,000 and two SIU member awards for $6,000 each). Make 2001 a memorable year by investing in your futur~du­ cation is the key! Send in your application for an SIU scholarship before Apri! 15. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2001 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. P Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1101 L----------------------------------------------------------------------------~ January 2001 Seafarers LOS 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes . -'> PAUL HALL CENTER LIFEBOAT . p-~ ~L-~-~H------~--~ M. TE R CLASS LIFEBOAT (~~~;~~~~;~~==~~~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 608 - Unlicensed apprentices from class 608 who graduated from the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Lashawn Allen, Daniel Ball, Peter Ellison, Steven Germac, Romeo Harriell, Darrick Johnson, Uverna Johnson, Timothy Kosiba, Melissa Leon Guerrero, Denny Manns, Chris Marquez, Adrian Moore, Michael Moore Jr., Felix Nunez, Clara Sale and Steve Wilson Jr. Basic Fire Fighting - Earning their fire fighting endorsements Nov. 1O are (in alphabetical order) Cornell Andrews, Juan Baptiste, Brian Bradbury, Robert Feltus, Lee Frazier, Randy Frisby, Edmund Idler, Melvin Nelson, Lamar Parker, Sean Ryan, Scott Seiler, Michael Slemp, Steven Soltysik, Bobby Taylor, Lionel Taylor, Gene Wheelis, Adele Williams and Andrew Shaw. Their instructor, not pictured, was Kathy Battles. CLASS l ·61· ' Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 609 - Completing the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 609. They are (from left, kneeling) Michael Watkins, Joshua O'Connor, (second row) David Johnson, Bradford Webster, Shawn Waring, Robert Stellon, Robert Benson, Christopher Avila, Kevin Nattoo, (third row) Freddie McCreary Jr., Jason Graves, Jeffrey Edwards, Michael Voda, Charles Ford and Lima Valoaga. Basic Fire Fighting - Crowley - Upgrading Seafarers working aboard Crowley vessels recently earned their fire fighting endorsements. They are (from left, kneeling) Henry Scott, George Esponge, Jim Naisium, James Gilson, James Gray, Lesley Stravers, Javier Montano Jr., Robert August Jr., (second row) Bill Privatti, Michael Stravers, Bobby Boone Jr., Michael Perry, Robert Eastwood, Paul Stanford, John Maloney, Andrew Kelly and Edwin Milligan. Their instructor, not pictured, was Jennifer Lankford . . . _ ..- i '' Government Vessels - Graduating from the government vessels course Nov. 24 are (from left) Delsrael Williams, Ruben Rivera, Andrzej Bronkowski, Michael Harvey, Beth Ketah , Otis Reynolds, Charles Fitzpatrick, Stiles Anderson, Bryan Field, Harry Clements IV, Jafar Gordon, Mark Cates (instructor) and Sean Fortner. Engine Utility - Unlicensed apprentices in Phase Ill of their program completed the engine utility course Dec. 8. They are (from left, kneeling) Kenneth Green, Antwar Stafford, Leonard Shuman Jr., Jamal Somerville, Nathaniel Miller, Gilberto Figueroa, (second row) Kenneth Jackson, Eric Malzkuhn (instructor), Peter Pamepinto, Ole Olesen, Nicholas Craddock and Ibrahim Muhammad. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left, front row) Ahmed Ali, Karen Mischel, Jose Garcia, Joseph Oglesby, William Grow, Rodolfo Catahan, (second row) Ed White (instructor) , Jeff Telsoit, Don Pillen, Richard Jones, Evelina Barnes, Christopher Boronski and Lori Mansuy. 22 Seafarers LOS Chief Cook- Upgrading to chief cook are (from left) Jimmy Williams, Thalis Ealy and Fonda Biamonte. Their instructor, Bob Baumgarten, is at right. January 2001 �··:-=·:· Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 6~ Steward Recertification March5 February3 Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting January20 February 17 March 17 January27 February24 Mareb24 Advanced Fire Fighting January 27 February 10 February,%4 February 10 February 23 .M artb.16 March23 Arrival Date January 20 March 10 ~ril February3 February 24 Name --------------------------- Address- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee Q.f $280 with their 4J1J!lication. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv. pavable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone 13 Aprn20 BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D If the following Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: S I G N A T U R E - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: 0 Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - January 2001 NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex.. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 1101 Seafarers LOB 23 �PAUL HALL CENTER COURSE GUIDE FOR 2001 See pages 11-14 for the latest upgrading opportunities. Year In Review SIU-#MU Merger Talks, Job Growth, School Improvements Highlight Y2K Union's Major Contractual Gains Also Stood Out Whether or not the year 2000 actually marked the start of the new millennium is open to argument (some say the true date is 2001), but there's no question "Y2K" saw numerous gains made by the Seafarers International Union. In fact, major stories seemingly broke each month. None was bigger than the overwhelming approval by the SIU and National Maritime Union (NMU) memberships, respectively, to proceed with full merger talks between the two unions. Depending in part on subsequent membership voting during the just-concluded SIU elections, the merger should be finalized sometime in 2001. The SIU in 2000 secured new shipboard job opportunities at a vigorous and steady pace. The union also made substantial gains in new contracts covering SIU crews aboard RRF, surveillance and fast sealift ships, among others. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education finished the year with a flurry, first installing a new simulator, then opening a safety school in Honolulu and finally announcing the planned construction of single-occupancy dorm rooms on the Piney Point, Md. campus. The union opened new halls in Baltimore and Guam and completely refurbished its hall in Wilmington, Calif. The following is a chronological look at some of the SIU highlights from 2000. New.Jobs The New Year began with news that SIUcontracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) ordered two new roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessels to be built in an American yard for the Jones Act trade. The Orea-class ships, expected to sail by late 2002, are the first non-military RO/ROs built in a domestic yard (NASSCO) since 1992. Great Lakes Dredge and Dock announced construction of a hopper dredge (Liberty Island) expected to launch in late 2001. Norfolk, Va.-based Allied Transportation Co. added the ATB Sea Raven to its fleet. Seafarers crewed the new prepositioning ship USNS Red Cloud. The union gained a tanker when Crowley Maritime became the operator of the former ARCO vessel Prudhoe Bay. SIU members climbed the gangway to new jobs aboard the USNS Charlton, another addition to the U.S. Military Sealift Command's (MSC's) prepositioning fleet. Seafarers welcomed new opportunities in the cruise sector as The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. launched the Columbia Queen, which sails in the Pacific Northwest. The SIU gained a pair of ships when two foreign-flag cargo vessels reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, replacing two others (the Newark Bay and OOCL Innovation) that transferred from the Maritime Security Program to the MSC fleet. (The latter two also remained under SIU contract.) Construction began for the first of two new U.S. Lines cruise ships at Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. The union maintained jobs on six LNG tankers. U.S. sealift got a further boost as SIU members crewed the USNS Watkins, an MSC support ship. BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. ordered three new double-hull tankers for the Jones Act trade, with company options for three additional vessels. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in 2003. MSC launched the new surveillance ships USNS Mary Sears and USNS Impeccable. In Texas, SIU members crewed the new Z-drive tug Matthew K, operated by G&H Towing. STCW-related classes at the school (crowd management, along with crisis management and human behavior). More than 100 NMU members completed courses at the Paul Hall Center. The school's deep sea and inland advisory board, with representatives from all segments of the industry, revisited various STCW requirements and other key training issues. RRF contracts. Seafarers approved new, three-year contracts at NATCO, Express Marine, Admiral Towing and Orgulf; and okayed four-year pacts at Crowley Towing and Transportation and NY Waterway. The Seafarers Welfare Plan took a new name--Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan -and expanded its scholarship program for SIU members and dependents to include an additional grant. The total amount awarded each year increased to $13 2, 000 (in the form of scholarships for three Seafarers and five dependents of SIU members). The Plan also increased the sickness and accident benefit by 212 percent. The S a in memory of the late SI sident Leon Hall. At least 20 members of family, along with more than 100 SIU members, officials and other guests, attended the dedication. The union opened a new hall in Guam, a territory where many SIU-crewed vessels are based. The union's health plan also contracted with a nearby medical clinic. In Baltimore, the SIU opened a new hall on Essex Street. The union had operated from th old hall on East Baltimore Streets· 4. images reflect a year of growth for the SIU. From left to right, top to bottom: New hall in Members eagerly welco ove . Baltimore, new simulator in Pine int. _...,_LJ_'!"."'.":J:J~~-~~-~~~a 's address remained Md., one of several1tew sru-crewed RO/ROs, voting in the proposed SIU-NMU merger, rallying against runaway-flag shipping. unchanged, but otherwise the facility took on an entirely new appearance as the buildipg completely was rebuilt. The Norfolk hall underwent comparably minor, but needed, renovations. MoreNews U.S. Lines' cruise ship ms Patriot underwent a major refurbishment and then in December began offering Hawaii-based cruises. Express Marine launched the new barge Domino Sugar in tandem with the tug Express Explorer. Training and Education When it came to generating headlines, the Paul Hall Center more than held its own. Early in the year, the U.S. territory of Guam established a recruitment system designed to facilitate its eligible residents' enrollment in the center's unlicensed apprentice program. The first group of students from Guam soon were headed to Piney Point. The school continued its long tradition of offering company-specific and specialty training both in Piney Point and at Seafarers' job sites. In the fall, the center installed a worldclass simulator for shiphandling, engine room operations, crane operations and liquid cargo transfer. The U.S. Coast Guard approved two more To help meet the increased demand for trained mariners from Hawaii, the center opened a Coast Guard-approved safety school in Honolulu. More than 3,500 Seafarers trained at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, a part of the Paul Hall Center that opened in May 1999. The school announced plans for singleoccupancy dorm rooms and improvements in the existing hotel. Seafarers across the country said the single rooms will enhance upgraders' studies. Contract lmpnM1111811ts & Other Gains The Marine Cooks & Stewards pension benefit increased by 14 percent. The union achieved big gains in separate, five-year contracts covering eight fast sealift ships and 13 surveillance ships. SIU-contracted companies won five-year agreements to operate a total of 45 Ready Reserve Force ships. As with the surveillance and fast sealift vessels, the union achieved substantial wage and benefits increases in the A number of retired SIU officials passed away, as did two active instructors from the Paul Hall Center. The union mourned the losses of Harold Fischer, longtime Mobile port official; Stormie Combs and John Smith, fire fighting instructors at Piney Point; Ed Mooney, headquarters representative; Juan Reinosa, San Juan, P.R. port agent; and Paul Dempster, president of the SIU-affiliated Sailors' Union of the Pacific. Longtime SIU Great Lakes Vice President Byron Kelley retired and was succeeded by Tom Orzechowski. The Overseas Philadelphia, Maersk Arizona and Overseas Vivian became the first SIU-crewed ships to visit North Korea. A coalition of maritime unions, shipowners, operators and associations urged major expansion of the Maritime Security Program. The U.S. Maritime Administration issued a report examining U.S. sealift in the Persian Gulf War. The document praised the job done by U.S. mariners and emphasized the need for a strong American-flag fleet. Balloting took place in the SIU election. The SIU participated in (and helped coordinate) a Capitol Hill rally calling attention to the pitfalls of runaway-flag shipping. Throughout the year, the union also continued supporting the International Transport Workers' campaign against flags of convenience. In conjunction with four other U.S. maritime unions, the SIU backed the ongoing effort of Gulf Coast Mariners working in the offshore service to secure union representation. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2001 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF BACKS GULF MARINERS SIU SHOWS SUPPORT AT NEW ORLEANS RALLY; HEINDEL ELECTED SEAFARERS SECTION VICE CHAIR SIU ELECTION RESULTS TO BE ANNOUNCED PATRIOT CHRISTENED MSC LAUNCHES LMSR TANKER WILL REFLAG U.S. AMSEA TO OPERATE USNS SODERMAN, ROY WHEAT GOV’T SERVICES DIVISION SEAFARERS ASSIST USS COLE’S RETURN TO U.S. 71 COUNTRIES INCLUDED ON IMO’S ‘WHITE LIST’ RUNAWAY-FLAG TANKERS SPILL HALF-MILLION GALLONS OF OIL DETROIT NEWSPAPER CONTRACTS RATIFIED 1ST AVONDALE CONTRACT APPROVED CAPS AND GOWNS ARE THE NORM FOR SEAFARER’S SCHOLARLY FAMILY HAWSEPIPER GOMARD CREDITS PINEY POINT FOR CAREER ‘FOUNDATION’ SEAFARERS, DIGNITARIES TURN OUT FOR SAN FRANCISCO HOLIDAY FEAST SIU’S CELONA RECEIVES GOVERNOR’S AGIRCULTURE BOARD LIFE ABOARD THE USNS RED CLOUD PAYOFF ON THE MAERSK COLORADO SIU-NMU MERGER TALKS, JOB GROWTH, SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS HIGHLIGHT Y2K UNION’S MAJOR CONTRACTUAL GAINS ALSO STOOD OUT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2001 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 63, No. 1 2001 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/4d0e9671aafe55a503919a2da2862822.pdf 2d604010a09a6e3d3187c37eaa2efc6d PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 12 Single-Occupancy , _.,m DlJiftmS Dl~ftfJfJd 11 IJV• ~ Di U rlu For Paul Hall Center 1 1 December 2000 of approximately 1oo single-occupancy dormitory rooms at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The artist's sketch above shows what the building (situated behind the library) is expected to look like upon completion. Page 3. Seafarers To Crew USNS Impeccable The U.S. Military Sealift Command last month ceremonially launched its newest ocean surveillance vessel, the SIUcrewed USNS Impeccable. Finishing touches are being applied to the 281foot vessel at Halter Marine Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. Page 4. New Tug-Barge Joins Express Marine Fleet Union Members Vote in Record Numbers President Signs Bill for Mariner Tax Relief NY Waterway Crews Approve New Contract _ _ _ _ _ Page4 _ _ _ _ _ Page3 _ _ _ _ _ Page2 _ _ _ _ _ Page 24 Beck Notice Page6 �Law Intends Mariner Tax Relief President's Report Electlon Day Lessons As the presidential election dragged on, countless news reports detailed the legal twists and turns that seemingly changed by the hour. Along the way, the nation got a refresher course in the electoral college. In fact, media surveys revealed that a sizeable number of Americans weren't even aware that the U.S. utilizes electoral votes, rather than the "popular" count, to determine the presidency. It's a riveting and historic story, one that stirred up innumerable emotions and opinions even as Election Day gave way to Thanksgiving. Yet, I hope that the complexities surrounding the Florida recount didn't obscure what is perhaps the most important lesson we all should have learned from this episode: Every vote counts. Set aside for a moment all of the legal wrangling-not to mention all of those comedic, pretend ballots that probably showed up at some point on your fax machine or email! The power of a single vote is highlighted by the fact that Florida law mandated the initial recount precisely because the tally was so close. If enough supporters of either leading candidate had voted, then the election would have been determined without all the prolonged activities after November 7. Every vote counts. Your vote counts. That's a lesson that all Seafarers should take to heart, whether it's for a local, state or national election or for an SIU election like the one currently under way. Don't sit on the sidelines in any election and let other voices be heard while you remain silent. Don't assume that your single vote can't make a difference. Study the issues, study the candidates and cast your votes. We work in a heavily regulated industry. Our day-to-day functions and our long-range survival continually will be affected by politicians and the people they appoint. It may be something as routine as upgrading your rating, or something as historic as the construction of new U.S.-flag cruise ships and tankers. In every case, the opportunities for growth are tied to politics, one way or another. Similarly, the Sill's direction starts with you, the individual member. You elect officials to lead the way in strengthening our union. You decide the outcome of proposed constitutional amendments such as those on the current SIU ballot. It must have been a sickening feeling for the people in Florida who wanted a particular presidential candidate to win, yet failed to vote. They probably realized too late that they could have had a positive impact, not only by voting but also by encouraging others to vote. Whomever you support in the SIU election, and however you stand on the proposed amendments, I urge you not to repeat their mistake of remaining silent. For the future of your union, cast your votes and encourage your fellow members to do the same. President Clinton early last month 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 took effect Nov. 9. It amends Chapter 111 of the United States Code, Title 46. The legislation 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. In successfully requesting unanimous consent for the Senate version of the Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act (S. 893), Senator John McCain (RAriz.) on Sept. 28 stated, "Under existing law, water transportation workers, including marine pilots, tow and tugboat workers and others who work aboard vessels are often subjected to filing and tax requirements by states other than their state of residence, leading to possible double taxation. I do not believe that double taxation is what Congress had intended for any transportation worker when it crafted the Interstate Commerce Act." He pointed out that the Interstate Commerce Act exempts truck drivers, airline pilots and railroad employees from being taxed by state and local jurisdictions in which they don't reside. Senator Slade Gorton (R-Wash.), who along with Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) introduced S. 893, stated that the legislation "will rectify this situation by extending the same tax treatment to personnel who work on the navigable waters of more than one state." Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) had introduced a companion bill in the House in March 1999. SIU Pensioners to Get $500 Year-End Bonus Eligible SIU pensioners will receive a year-end bonus check of $500 this month. The Seafarers Pension Plan Board of Trustees recently approved the payment after union representatives to the group recommended the bonus. This bonus check will be sent to all SIU pensioners who currently receive monthly benefit checks for normal, early normal or disability pensions from the Seafarers Pension Plan. The trustees also authorized the plan administrator to issue the January pension checks in December, as has been done for many years. The board of trustees, composed of representatives from the SIU and its contracted companies, decided to issue the bonus after reviewing the plan's successful investment performance. More information about the bonus or the pension plan in general may be obtained by contacting any union hall or by calling a plan representative at 1-800CLAIMS4. Members and pensioners also may write to the plan at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. ':/Please be advised that SIU headquarters and. all SIU hiring ~s .Vfil:}t>e,.~· · .;~qay, Jan.. : ;(~~.fJit;-ObSer· ~~~:f.~ii Solidarity With OPEIU Season's Greetings For many, the holiday season is a reflective time. Looking back on the past year, I am especially grateful for the steady professionalism exhibited by SIU crews in our deep sea, Great Lakes and inland fleets. Your reliable work and your outstanding reputation helped pave the way for the union's continued advancement. I also want to say a special thanks to the staff at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Between the openings of the new simulator building at Piney Point and the new safety school in Hawaii, plus the surge of training required for mariners in the initial crewing of U.S. Lines' cruise ship Patriot, they have had their hands full. And they've done a great job. My thanks also goes to the staff of the Seafarers LOG. They are a dedicated group and they put out a good product, month after month. Finally, I offer warm wishes to all Seafarers and their families for a safe, happy holiday season. Volume 62, Number 12 Seafarers rallied Oct. 15 in Garden City, N.Y. with striking members of the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 153 who are employed at Adelphi University. The OPEIU members' job action began in mid-September. The key issues included health care premiums, wages and pension benefits. Pictured above, from left, are AB William Rackley, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey, OPEIU President Michael Goodwin, AB Edwin Ortega and Recertified Bosun Gus Koutouras. Below, Local 153 members demonstrate in the rain. December 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art. Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reseived. 2 Seafarers LOB December 2aaa �Single-Occupancy Rooms Planned for Paul Hall Center Other Improvements Okayed for School As vocational schooling becomes increasingly vital for Seafarers, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education continues improving its curriculums and its facilities. The latest major announcement from the Piney Point, Md. school came last month during SIU membership meetings throughout the country. Namely, the Paul Hall Center is adding approximately 100 single-occupancy dormitory rooms for upgraders. Meanwhile, approximately half of the school's existing 250 hotel rooms will be renovated. The 100 or so new rooms will be located in the former trainee administration building-scheduled for a complete refurbishment-behind the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum. An additional floor likely will be added to the two-story structure. New furniture also is being ordered for approximately half the rooms in the hotel, while new roofs are being installed on nearly every structure throughout the 65acre campus. Work already has begun on the latter project, expected to last about eight months. The estimated completion date for the new rooms and renovated hotel rooms is not yet known. Nevertheless, Seafarers at SIU halls around the nation look forward to the upgrade. "It'll be a phenomenal improvement," said QMED Tyler Harden in Mobile, Ala. "What it's going to do is cut down on distractions, especially for concentration on your studies. It'll probably also allow members to get better sleep, because of different (individual) schedules for classes. "It makes you feel like the officials are looking out for our best interests," he added. In New Orleans, Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt said, "I think it'll improve people's studies. One person to a room, I think it'll work out fine." "It's an excellent decision," stated Electrician Randy Clark in Houston. "It will increase guys' ability to study and increase privacy. It's a great move." In Baltimore, AB John Salarda cited The above illustration is an artist's rendition of the refurbished building at the Paul Hall Center which will contain nearly 100 single-occupancy rooms. the potentially more conducive atmosphere for studies as a key benefit to the singlestudent rooms. Oiler Stephanie Brown in Jacksonville, Fla. said another plus may be "lifestyle considerations-something as simple as, one person may smoke, while [a roommate] may not." The changes were announced following October meetings of the Trustees of all of the Seafarers Plans. "We have need for single-occupancy rooms, so this will be a big step forward," said Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. "It'll take a lot of work, but it will all be worth it." Other notable additions to the center during the past 18 months have included the openings of the new simulator building and the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Also during that time, the school has added several U.S. Coast Guard-approved, STCW-related courses and secured opportunities for students to earn college credits by successfully completing certain vocational training classes. Balloting·Begins in SIU Election Above, QMED Ralph Thomas emerges from the voting booth in Jacksonville. Below, Jacksonville Port Agent Tony McQuay (left in both photos) checks that SIU members Chief Steward Jerome Jordan (in left photo) and AB Frank Thompson are eligible to vote in the union election. Voting began last month and will continue through Dec. 30 in the election of officers of the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. Balloting is taking place at 21 SIU halls throughout the country. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 2001-2004 term. The ballot also includes five proposed constitutional amendments. Seafarers may obtain their ballot from 9 a.m. until noon, Mondays through Saturdays, except legal holidays, until Dec. 30. Listed on the ballot are the names of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents, two headquarters rep- resentatives and 10 port agents (for a total of 27 positions). It also includes the five proposed constitutional amendments. 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. That 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. New Name, Improved Benefit Affirmed by Seafarers Health Plan The Seafarers Welfare Plan Board of Trustees last month announced an increase in the sickness and accident benefit, plus a new name for the Plan itself. Beginning Jan. 1, 2001, the sickness and accident benefit will be $25 per day. That amount represents an increase of more than 212 percent. Additionally-largely due to member feedback indicating occasional misunderstandings with some health care providers-the Plan's new name is the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The periodic confusion apparently stemmed from some providers mistaking the term "welfare" to mean public assistance, rather than wellbeing. At the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., Seafarers Plans Administrator Lou DecembeT 2000 Delma noted, "Although this change has been approved, both names (Seafarers Welfare Plan and Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan) will be in use for a while, as it will take some time to change all of the Plan documents and to notify the required government agencies." As reported in the November issue of the Seafarers LOG, the Plan also recently announced a major expansion of its annual scholarship program for SIU members and their dependents. The improved program annually will include three scholarships for SIU members and five for spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Altogether, the scholarships' value totals $132,000. For more details on the scholarship program, see page 21. Oiler Michael McClinton (right) presents his book to Jacksonville Port Agent Tony McQuay to receive his ballot. Union Families Mobilize, Vote In Record Numbers Nation Elects Pro-Maritime Congress Union households played a pivotal role on Election Day, accounting for the winning margins in several key elections and ballot initiatives, according to the AFL-CIO. The national federation of trade unions (to which the SIU is affiliated) also reported that union members and their families composed a record high 26 percent of voters Nov. 7. Meanwhile, a solid nucleus of pro-maritime legislators won their respective elections in the House and Senate, said SIU Legislative Affairs Director Terry Turner. "It's very gratifying that so many people were re-elected who believe in a strong U.S.-flag fleet," Turner stated. "At the same time, there are some new faces in both houses of Congress, and the SIU will work hard to familiarize those legislators with the vital role of the U.S. Merchant Marine." The presidential election remained unsettled as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Prior to Nov. 7, Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush each issued a statement expressing support for the U.S.-flag fleet and American mariners. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney noted that union voters helped defeat two "paycheck deception" ballot initiatives that attacked the voice of working families in Oregon. They also were instrumental in turning back voucher initiatives in California and Michigan. "What is striking about all the exit polls is how much a majority of Americans agree with a working families agenda," Sweeney said. "Working families want Social Security protected and Medicare strengthened, not turned over to HMOs. They want prescription drug benefits for seniors, as well as investments in education, health care and infrastructure." According to a post-election survey reported by the federation, union members identified as their most important voting issues (in order) Social Security; economy and jobs; health care including prescription medications; and education. As in previous elections, corporations substantially outspent unions -by 15-to- l--during this voting cycle. That is up from 11-to-1 in the prior two elections. During mid-November party meetings, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) and Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-Texas) were reappointed to their respective positions for the new Congress, as were House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) and Minority Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.). Senate leadership positions were expected to be filled early this month. Seafarers LOG 3 �MSC Christens USNS Impeccable Seafar~rs The USNS Impeccable is covered by a five- year contract. Will Crew New Surveillance Ship The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) last month ceremonially launched its newest ocean surveillance vessel, the SIU-crewed USNS Impeccable. The ship is the only one in its class. SIU members will fill all unlicensed positions aboard the new vessel when it enters the fleet, although that date has not yet been announced. Copies of the new five-year contract covering the Impeccable and 13 other SIU-crewed T-AGOS and SWATH ships were mailed to the vessels in October. As previously reported, Seafarers enthusiastically have reacted to the agreement, which includes substantial wage and benefit increases. For instance, with the new contract, the bosuns, stewards and QMEDs-based on working seven days a week and working three hours of overtime per day-each would earn $6,622.75 per month. The contract also increased the vacation benefit by five days and adds enrollment in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. Also, the pact includes 3 percent wage increases each year, plus boosts the vacation benefit seven days (to a total of 14) by the third year. Meanwhile, finishing touches are being applied to the Impeccable at Halter Marine Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. The Impeccable will join eight other ocean surveillance vessels that use a towedarray sensor system, called SURTASS, to support the Navy's antisubmarine warfare capability. It will gather ocean acoustical data for antisubmarine warfare and rapidly transmit the information to the Navy for prompt analysis. The Impeccable is 281 feet long and can travel at a sustained speed of 12 knots. It is considerably larger and even faster than the 235-foot Victorious-class ships, which are capable of a sustained speed of 9.6 knots. Express Marine Launches New Tug & Barge The SIU welcomed new jobs as Express Marine dedicated the new barge Domino Sugar along with its companion tug Express Explorer. The tug and barge recently entered service, transporting cargo primarily between Baltimore and Brooklyn, N.Y. Express Marine listed several notable aspects of the barge's design. For instance, it is coated with food-grade epoxy paint that meets FDA standards for contact with food-grade products. Ten pumps are situated on the barge, each of which is rated at 400 GPM. They leave minimal residual product after unloading, while enabling a complete offload 10.5 hours. An air filtration system was added to the barge to filter replacement air going into the Sealarer Young Survives Singapore Airlines Disaster Seafarer Warren Lee Young dozed in his seat aboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ006, settling in for an anticipated long flight from Taiwan's Chiang Kaishek International Airport to Los Angeles. Moments later, he struggled to escape the fiery remains of the illfated jet, which mistakenly had traveled down a closed runway. The Boeing 747-400, moving at greater than 150 mph, struck a concrete barrier on the runway and then caromed through a construction site. Eighty-one of the 179 people aboard were killed as the plane erupted into flames and broke apart. Young, a medical department representative (MDR) with the SIU, survived, suffering bums on both arms. He returned to the U.S. one week after the Oct. 31 disaster and, as oflate November, continued receiving daily treatments for his injuries. The crash made headlines worldwide. "I've had all kinds of emotions about it, a little bit of everything," Young, 44, said in a Nov. 15 interview with the Seafarers LOG. "At first, I had some trouble sleeping." The anxious moments continued when he returned to the airport a week later for what proved to be a routine flight home. "But my sisters and brother-in-law came over (to Taipei), along with a nurse from the U.S., and they flew back with me. I was a little nervous about flying at first, but their being there made it a little easier." 'lhe Plane Started Shaking' Young joined the SIU in July 1999 in Norfolk, Va., after spending 11 years in the U.S. Navy. He most recently had sailed aboard the SIU-contracted surveillance ship USNS Bruce Heezen and then briefly went aboard the USNS Bowditch before planning to return home. Having flown overseas and back several times, he wasn't worried as he settled into seat 53K-a window seat near the right wing on flight SQ006. "I heard a little pop. I thought we had a blowout," he recalled. AP Photos/Wally Santana An air safety investigator from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration inspects the wreckage of Singapore Airlines flight SQ006 scattered on the runway of Chiang Kai-shek International Airport. 4 Seafarers LOS tanks as product is pumped off. Additionally, the vessel is equipped with three on-deck tanks that will return residual cane syrup product from one port to another for further processing. The barge was constructed by Halter Marine in Gulfport, Miss. The Express Explorer is a twin engine tug with 3600 horsepower of towing capacity. Its bow fits into the notch at the stem of the barge. The tug utilizes a crew of six and features an upper wheelhouse that is 48 feet above the water level, providing optimum visibility. -~ .~a~~ ~I F~~f'.;, AP Photos/Wally Santana Aviation inspectors view the sheared fuselage of Singapore Airlines jetliner flight SQ006 as it sits on the runway of the international airport in Taipei, Taiwan. The accident killed 81 people. "Then the plane started shaking, jolted two or three times. I saw fire on the right wing, then everything started falling apart. "The next thing I knew, fire was shooting in my window," he continued. "I shielded my face and tried to get down as low as I could. I released the seat belt, then it seemed like I fell up (toward the top of the plane). I must have lost consciousness, because by the time I got up, I could only see three other people. The plane had broken apart and the exit was just ahead of me. That's where I must have slid." As he and other passengers left the wreckage, they took cover in a large drainage ditch. "There must have been 40 or 50 people in there," said Young. "We got in there in case the plane exploded. We stayed there a couple of minutes and then heard an explosion." Despite his injuries-secondand third-degree bums on his right arm, first- and seconddegree bums on his left-Young assisted other passengers out of the ditch. Vans transported them to the terminal; from there, ambulances took them to a hospital. Confined in a foreign facility, Young said he initially didn't realize the large scope of media coverage the crash received, though he was interviewed by CBS Radio and by television personality Bryant Gumbel. "I think I missed out on most of it, and then when I got back, the elections had taken over," he said. Though he lives in Norfolk, Young is staying with family in Texas. He is taking hydrotherapy and likely will not need skin grafts to repair the damage. However, Young said he anticipates undergoing physical therapy for his right hand and arm. According to news reports, the pilot of flight SQ006 (who survived the crash) is being blamed for the wreck. Young said it could have been worse. "It just so happened that part of the plane broke (away) from where the fuel was," he explained. "The open part of the plane was facing away from the fire. The right wing was what hit the (construction) equipment, apparently. That's how I got burned. "I wasn't going to sit in my seat very long," he concluded. "I just wanted to get out of my seat and see if I was still going to be on fire." ;i~2t1~;W~ili~~~~~looo . • Pumping Rate~ 4000GPM • Epoxy Liner: FDA approved for direct con;. tact with food Tug Express Explorer • Length: 116 Feet • .. Draft: 16 Feet a Beam: 32 Feet a Hp:3600 • Crew: 6 Source: Express Marine, Inc. In next month's LOG: Look for the Paul Hal I Center Course Guide - featuring descriptions of all the upgrading courses available to Seafarers in 2001. Also, visit the SIU on the web at www.seafarers.org December 2000 �Merchant Marine Included In World War II Memorial Hart Praises 'Sometimes Overlooked' Service Service anthems and ''Taps" are played at the Nov. 11 event. The U.S. Merchant Marine's vital contribution to the Allied victory in World War II will be honored as part of a new memorial being built in Washington, D.C. President Clinton led a groundbreaking ceremony on Veterans Day for the World War II memorial. James Dooley, who sailed in the U.S. Merchant Marine during the war, also participated, along with other veterans. In an account of the ceremony, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) noted, "The World War II Memorial will be the first ... 'Notice to WWII Mariners · · The BBC has commissioned what it describes as a "landmark series.'1 on the Battie of the Atlantic. It will consist of three SQ-minute programs. As part of its research. the BBC is trying to contact (among others): survivors of the sinking· of the Rueben James; those who served on UJ:;lerty ships; survivors from the tankers Gulfamerica, Atlas or Byron Benson; and "anyone ~ho has a tale to tell relating to the .Battle of the Atlantic.11 · i·· gualified individuals may contact Dominic Sutherland at the BBC yi~(,.:i'llaU {BBC, Room 5433, White City, 201 Wood Lane, London ¥1!12 7TS, United Kingdom), telephone (+44 (0)208 752-6532), fax (0)208 752-6336) or email (dominic.sutherland@bbc.m,uk). H44 Lakes Seafarers, Gordon Crew Honored For Dramatic Rescues national memorial dedicated to all who served in the armed forces and Merchant Marine of the United States during World War II and acknowledging the commitment and achievement of the entire nation. All military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms will be honored." The ceremony concluded with a medley of service anthems, MarAd reported. The first, announced as the song of the Merchant Marine, "Heave Ho! My Lads, Heave Ho!," was sung by Erin Gant, a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Another U.S. Merchant Marine veteran attending the ceremony reported that military veterans, at least one with tears in his eyes, approached him to thank him and the merchant marine for its wartime service, according to MarAd. In his Veterans Day statement, Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart (who recently returned to that post after a temporary assignment elsewhere) stated, "Each year, the nation pauses on November 11 to give thanks to and for all who have served in our armed forces in times of peril. Sometimes overlooked are America's Merchant Mariners who have risked all to support and sustain our servicemen and women. "During World War II, nearly 6, 000 merchant seaman and offi- cers lost their lives in the struggle for freedom. In 1945, General Dwight D. Eisenhower said the members of the merchant marine, 'by their devotion to duty in the face of enemy action, as well as the natural dangers of the sea, have brought us the tools to finish the job. Their contribution to final victory will be long remembered.' "On Veterans Day 2000, ground will be broken on the Nationai Mall in Washington, D.C., for the National World War II memorial. It is appropriate and gratifying that the memorial will be dedicated to all who served in the armed forces and the Merchant Marine of the United States during World War II. "From the birth of the Nation through the epic battles of the 20th Century, our merchant mariners have served whenever and wherever needed, including in Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf. Today we should remember those in the merchant marine who served our nation so gallantly in the past, and we salute those who are prepared to answer the next call, whenever it comes. "With the groundbreaking ceremony on the National Mall, we will especially hold in our hearts those who risked and sacrificed so much serving in the merchant marine during World War II." Labor Applauds OSHA's New Ergonomic Standard up the need for the new ergonomic standard, despite years of research and studies to the contrary, including reports from the National Academy of Sciences, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the dozens of hearings with hundreds of witnesses that OSHA conducted around the country this year. For now, the new rule does not apply to the maritime, construction, railroad or agricultural industries . .· The agency noted, "OSHA recognizes that [musculoskeletal] problems are also serious in the construction, maritime, agricultural and railroad industries. However, the OSHA Act authorizes OSHA to set appropriate rulemaking priorities and to use a phased approach to rulemaking. A primary basis for the Agency's decision to limit the scope of this rulemaking to general industry is that most of the evidence and data relating to ergonomic interventions addresses general industry. Since general industry accounts for more than 90 percent of the musculoskeletal disorders reported each year, OSHA is promulgating a standard that addresses general industry first. This approach ensures that the greatest number of MSD hazards will be eliminated or controlled while OSHA determines appropriate regulatory approaches for the construction, agriculture and maritime industries." For additional information, check the internet site: http:// www.osha.gov/. Worker Safety Rule May Prevent Millions of Injuries AB John Vegh (left) and Deckhand Michael Cushman were recently honored for their rescue of a dockworker in Michigan in January 1999. Seafarers from the USNS Gordon and Cement Transit Company were among the honorees last month at the 31st annual Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) awards ceremony, conducted in New York City. The Gordon crew received a mariner's plaque for its March 1999 rescue of two people in the Persian Gulf from a sinking fishing boat. Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, described the rescue as "a perfect example of seamanship in the finest tradition." AB John Vegh and Deckhand Michael Cushman were honored for their roles in a January 2000 pier-side rescue of a dockworker who had fallen through ice between a tug and barge in Ferrysbug, Mich. Vegh sustained a separated shoulder during the nighttime episode. The primary awards went to David J. Tolan, chairman of the Carriers Container Council and the United States Maritime Alliance Ltd; and to M. Brian Maher, chairman and CEO of Maher Terminals, Inc. The awards are sponsored by the United Seamen's Service. The Honored Seafarer Awards earned by SIU members "recognize the heroism American seafarers who have risked their lives to save others and the outstanding seamanship of officers and crews of vesAn award also went to Seafarers from the sels participating in resUSNS Gordon, who plucked two people from cue operations," noted a sinking fishing boat in the Persian Gulf. the sponsor. December 2000 During groundbreaking ceremonies for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., President Clinton addresses the crowd. Calling it "the most important worker safety action developed" in the 30-year history of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the agency's newly issued ergonomic standard will spare millions of workers from repetitive stress injuries. OSHA issued the new rule Nov. 13. It takes effect Jan. 16, 2001, with varying start-up dates for specific provisions. While applauding the measure, the national federation of trade unions (to which the SIU is affiliated) cautioned in a statement that "the battle over the ergonomic standard is not over, as business groups and their allies in Congress are expected to continue their efforts to kill the worker safety rules. Opponents of the new safety standard are expected to continue their fight to include a ban in the still-pending fiscal year 2001 appropriations legislation that funds OSHA which would prevent the agency from spending any money on implementing the standard. They also may take their fight to the courts." As stated by OSHA in its issuance of the rule, "The purpose of this standard is to reduce the number and severity of musculoskeletal disorders caused by exposure to risk factors in the workplace. This standard does not address -injuries caused by slips, trips, falls, vehicle accidents, or similar accidents." OSHA estimates that some 1.8 million workers a year report such work-related musculoskeletal disorders as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and back injuries- and more than 600,000 of those workers are forced to take time off from work to recover. The safety agency predicts that the new standard will prevent 4.6 million such injuries in the first 10 years. "Workers in poultry plants, meat packing and auto assembly, along with computer operators, nurses' aides, cashiers and others in high-risk jobs, will finally have much-needed protection," Sweeney said. "Since the passage of OSHA in 1970, the job fatality rate has been cut by 75 percent-saving more than 220,000 lives," said AFL-CIO Safety and Health Director Peg Seminario. "Job injury rates have been lowered by 39 percent. This new standard will also help make jobs safer and lower injury rates even more." Business groups have argued that no scientific evidence backs Representing the U.S. Merchant Marine during the ceremony is James Dooley. Seafarers LOS 5 �Working tb.e SIU Ferries Bild Tugs On tb.e Great Lakes The tug Mary Monroe, Mich. Hannah docks in SIU Safety Director Todd Brdak (left) talks with AB Dan Natto aboard the Great Lakes Towing Co. tug Delaware, in Cleveland, Ohio. Left: Working aboard the Great Lakes Towing Co.tug Wyoming in Detroit is AB Mike McCormick. Above: ABffankerman Joseph Wilkens says "hi" from the tanker Hannah (which is pushed by the tug Mary E. Hannah) in Monroe, Mich. Left: Cook Lawrence Wilbanks prepares dinner on board the tug Mary E. Hannah while docked in Monroe, Mich. Right: OS Noel Viger secures the auto ferry South Channel before making a run across the North Channel from Harsens Island, Mich. to Algonac, Mich. Above: The North Channel, operated by Champion Auto Ferry Co., arrives at the Algonac, Mich. dock. The tugs Washington and Delaware arrive at the Great Lakes Towing shipyard on the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio. Making an early morning run across the North Channel near Algonac, Mich. is Champion Auto Ferry's South Channel. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. 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, AGLIWD is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate 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 $300.00 (three hundred dollars) per year or $75.00 (seventy-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 arrange- 6 Seafarers LOG ments, 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 1999 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 65.33 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $195.99 (one hundred ninetyfive dollars and ninety-nine cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2001 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2000 and November 30, 2001 will have this calculation applied to their 2001 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2002, your objection must be received by December 1, 2001. 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, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union's expenses during 1999. 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, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. 6. Filing a challenge - Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer's office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure- Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer December 2000 �Recertified Bosons Cite Positive Growth Seafarers Ascend to Deck Department's Pinnacle The SIU's newest recertified bosuns credited the union and the Paul Hall Center for substantial progress and also encouraged the school's unlicensed apprentices as they embark on their careers. Offering their remarks during the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. were Recertified Bosuns Kendr·a Harmon, Savage, Phillip Michael Hill, Romeo Lugtu, Paul Lucky, Scott Heginbotham, Kyle Schultz, Thomas Driggers, Donald Rezendes, David Zurek, Richard Higgins and Thomas Temple. The recertified dozen completed a four-week course considered the highest program of study available to deck department Seafarers. Combining practical and classroom instruction, they covered topics such as STCW requirements, wire splicing, navi- gation, damage control, forklift handling, Hagglund crane operations, fire fighting, first aid and CPR, anti-terrorism measures, computer skills, and many others. They also met with representatives of the union's contracts department; medical, pension and vacation plans; communications staff; and from the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. Several of the graduates offered poignant accounts concerning their respective beginnings with the SIU and how the union helped them find direction in life. All 12 said the recertification course proved worthwhile. "The class was beyond my expectations," stated Savage, who sails from the port of Houston. "It cleared up misinformation, and it was very informative." Savage, who joined the SIU in 1988, cited as course highlights the review of STCW requirements and the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. "My experiences at Piney Point are always wonderful," said the four-time upgrader. "The classes are helpful, the instructors are great." 'H's Paying Off' Harmon, who graduated from the trainee program in 1978 and who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va., recalled an era when shipping wasn't as rewarding as it is today. "The '80s were pretty tough, and some of the decisions that were made, I dido 't always agree or understand them. But it's paying off now," he said. "We have a lot of ships and a lot of jobs. We're ahead of the game." Hill expressed similar sentiments. A 1991 graduate of the trainee program, he said, "The SIU leadership is taking us in the right direction." Hill, who sails from the port of Tacoma, Wash., said that during the course he had many questions answered about union rules, shipping procedures and the plans. He also encouraged fellow Seafarers to upgrade. "Upgrading is necessary for SIU members to make themselves better Seafarers," he noted. "It also makes my job as a bosun easier when the people who work for me have the proper training." Lugtu credited the union with "changing my life. With the SIU, I'm secure in my job, I'm secure with the future of my family." A Seafarer since 1983, Lugtu's home port is Wilmington, Calif. He is a frequent upgrader and he described the school's various curriculums as "opportunities to improve yourself." Additionally, he encouraged fellow Seafarers to contribute to the union's political activities fund. Finally, in what has become an unofficial tradition for recertified bosuns and stewards alike, Lugtu (like each of bis classmates) directed comments to the unlicensed apprentices at the meeting. "Be proud of our union and help make it the best in the country," he urged. "When you're on a ship, listen to your superiors. Be serious about your work, set your goals and maintain a good attitude." Right Track Like Lugtu, Lucky said the SIU helped him find direction. "Coming out of senior high, it was a dark road. I didn't know where to go," recalled the 18-year Seafarer and trainee graduate. "I heard about the SIU from a friend's dad who was in the union. It has made me mature a lot, and I can support my family. I thank the officials, staff and instructors for educating me." Donald Rezendes Lucky, who sails from Mobile, Ala., described the Paul Hall Center as "the best training school in the world. To fellow Seafarers, I'd say stop waiting for your time and go to Piney Point." Heginbotham graduated from the entry program in 1991 and since then has upgraded three times. "Upgrading is no longer optional. We must continue to hone our skills in order to maintain a competitive edge in this global marketplace," he noted. Heginbotham, who sails from the port of Baltimore, also credited the union with "realizing fabulous growth with the (Mike) Sacco administration. How do we thank them? Be as professional as possible. Make them proud of us." Continued on page 9 Kyle Schultz Savage Sets Precedent As 1st Female Graduate Of Bosun Recertification Thomas Driggers December 2000 Romeo Lugtu Kendra Savage made union history Nov. 6, becoming the first female to graduate from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education's bosun recertification program. The month-long class is considered the top curriculum available to deck-department Seafarers. The bosun recertification program has been offered at the school in Piney Point, Md. since 1973. "It's an incredible honor," said Savage, who joined the SIU 12 years ago. "I would say to any other female Seafarers in the deck department, if you have enough courage to walk aboard ship, then you have enough courage to become a recertified bosun." However, Savage added that she isn't sure how soon another female bosun may follow in her footsteps. She cannot recall sailing with another female member of the deck department (although they definitely exist). However rare it may be to find ladies in the deck department on deep sea ships, Savage felt fairly comfortable from the moment she signed on with the SIU. She comes from a seafaring family-her brother Justin Savage is an SIU member, her brother John Savage is a port captain for G&H Towing who formerly sailed with the SIU, and her father sailed as an unlimited master. "Everybody out there has to prove themselves, man or woman," Kendra Savage stated. "There were some difficult times, but it's a learning process and my shipmates taught me a lot. How you carry yourself is how you'll be treated." Kendra Savage, the SIU's first female recertified bosun, says of sailing, "How you carry yourself is how you'll be treated." She described her "proudest moment" as a time early in her career, when a seasoned bosun repeatedly refused to address her -apparently because he questioned her suitability. Instead, be channeled her assignments through other deck department members. "Finally, one day be said to me, 'Girl, tie off those lines!' That was a great feeling." Seafarers LOG 7 �MTD Maps Plan for Thwarting Runaway Flags Report Urges Cooperative International Efforts Targeting FOCs A detailed report by the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) spells out the problems associated with runawayflag shipping and lists potential remedies. In a recent declaration to the International Commission on Shipping (ICOS), the MTD slammed runaway-flag shipping (also known as flag-of-convenience or FOC shipping), saying the scheme threatens the existence of traditional maritime registries. Runaway-flag shipping is a scam in which the shipowner typically avoids its nation's labor, safety and tax laws-among others-by using another country's flag. Given the importance of the maritime industry, the MTD report said, policymakers around the globe have a vested interest in ensuring that it remains sound. Unfortunately, the proliferation of FOC registries has created a crisis that is evidenced in many ways including: a future potential shortage of suitably skilled mariners; an aging world fleet; a long-term increase in the number of accidents and lives lost at sea; serious and chronic human rights abuses; and the inability or reluctance of some flag states to implement vitally important international standards. The international maritime community must tackle this challenge head-on, stressed the report. Among other actions, the report suggests that the world's maritime population employ the following tactics: • Recognize the important role that the industry plays in the world economy and establish and enact policies that ensure its continued viability and structural soundness. • Confront the environmental, safety and humanitarian crisis at sea. • Establish meaningful incentives and measures to modernize the international fleet while reducing maritime accidents and deaths. • Recognize that mantlme workers are important assets and take steps to improve their wages, working conditions, skills and training. • Participate in international organizations such as the ILO and IMO and strengthen them by enhancing their oversight authority in the enforcement of existing and future rules and regulations and by helping ensure that they receive the proper resources to reach this objective. Once the structural crisis has been addressed, the MTD report recommended specific measurers that would help modernize the world fleet. Among them: • Refuse to accept the culture of secrecy that surrounds the Norwegian-Flag Tanker Charged in Polluting Bankruptcy Action May Foil Oil Spill Accountability United States prosecutors may come up short in their quest to bring the owners, operators and officers of a foreign-flag tanker to justice for deliberately dumping hundreds of thousands of gallons of oily water and for lying to the U.S. Coast Guard, because the companies involved have filed for bankruptcy. Published reports say a federal grand jury earlier this year indicted four people connected to the Norwegian-flagged Freja Jutlandic-the vessel's master, her chief engineer and two supervisors. The four allegedly tried to hide a hole in the hull of the 10,884-dwt vessel. In addition, a seven-count indictment was issued last month against the ship's operator, D/S Progress of Denmark, and her owner, K/S Transport. The companies faced criminal fines of $500,000 for each of the seven counts against them. This is believed to be the first case in which a shoreside "designated person" under the International Safety and Management Code was criminally charged with directing vessel pollution, according to news reports. The chances of holding any of those involved accountable, however, has sharply diminished. Not only have the charged individuals returned home to Europe on bail, but also the two Danish companies are moving into bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the Freja Jutlandic has been put up for auction, without attracting any interest. The indictments stemmed for a routine inspection of the Freja Jutlandic in the port of Baltimore last March. According to federal prosecutors, one of the crew passed a handwritten note to U.S. Coast Guard personnel, alleging a hole in the vessel's hull. Court records indicate that inspectors found "a cascade of water" pour- Wilson Crew Ready for Run to West Africa ing into the ship through a hastily patched hole in its engine room. Failure to report a leak is a felony under U.S. law. In addition, the master and chief engineer allegedly were then ordered to dump 25,000 gallons of fuel mixed with water overboard en route to Mexico. The indictment alleges that the master discharged more than 260,000 gallons of oily water between February and April. They also failed to report that the ship was' pumping out between 100 and 500 gallons of oily water an hour for 10 days as a result of the leak, published sources say. FOC system and take steps to make it more open and transparent. • Require that a genuine link exist between shipowners and the nations under whose registries they document their vessels. • Take appropriate steps to ensure that FOC and other substandard registries implement and adhere to international standards, regulations and norms. • Acknowledge that conditions in the international maritime industry won't improve if owners are permitted to change registries at will. • Restore accountability and establish effective sanctions to all facets of the FOC system, including registries, shipowners, classification societies, charterers, manning agencies, banks and insurance companies. The MTD report lauded civilian mariners as important assets that should be treated with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, the testimony said, labor and civil rights abuses permeate today's FOC culture, and investment in seafarers training and development in many nations is virtually nonexistent. To alter this situation, the MTD urged the international community to: • Pay attention to the human element in shipping. Chronic labor and human rights abuses that exist aboard substandard and FOC vessels should not be tolerated, the report said. • Ratify and rigorously enforce ILO Convention 147, the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (1998). LOG Awarded 1st Prize In Labor Press Contest A four-page center spread in the December 1999 Seafarers LOG earned a first-prize award last month from the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA). The ILCA, an AFL-CIO organization which provides support to international, national, regional and local union publications and web sites, presented the prize for "Decade of Progress," a documentation of the major issues, actions and people that have affected Seafarers and the U.S. merchant fleet during the years 1990 through 1999. The article included highlights from each of the 10 years as well as a reproduction of a front page from one of the monthly LOGs from that year. Altogether, more than 1,500 entries from hundreds of publications vied for awards offered in egory was "best story, profile or editorial using history to explain current events." The "Decade of Progress" piece noted that the Persian Gulf War helped change the thinking of many who previously didn't see the need for a strong U.S. -flag • Make maritime training and strict enforcement of the International Convention on of Training, Standards Certificate and Watchkeeping a priority. While the international maritime community must undertake the lion's share of the actions to combat FOC shipping, the report also itemized vital functions that individual nations ought to embark on. Individual nations can play an important role in eradicating abuses aboard FOC vessels through both their flag state responsibilities and port state control activities, the report suggested. The MTD recommended that as flag states, individual nations should, among other actions: • Provide agencies in charge of overseeing maritime safety, labor and governmental standards with the resources necessary to ensure that these standards are being met. • Ratify, implement and enforce maritime treaties and obligations to which they are party. • Support concerted actions by the B40 FSI Subcommittee to establish mandatory/binding international requirements for the quality of flag states and flag registries. • Support actions by the FSI Subcommittee to establish a "white list" for nations that pass IMO scrutiny in the implementation and enforcement of their conventions. Further, the MTD recommends that individual nations exercise appropriate and strict port state control measures in scrutinizing the movement of substandard and FOC vessels in their waters, including detention and denial of entry into waters ship flying the flag of a chronic offending nation. fleet. The staff of the Seafarers LOG includes Jordan Biscardo, communications director; Deborah A. Hirtes, managing editor/production; Jim Guthrie, associate editor; Bill Brower, art; and Jeanne Textor, administrative support. Hea~ing the department during the time covered by the contest period was Daniel W. Duncan, now serving as executive director of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. 15 different categories. Publicaa Taking a quick break from loading cargo aboard the SS Wilson in Port Jacinto (Texas), some of the deck department members meet with Houston Safety Director Kenneth Moore (second from left). They are (from left) AB Jeff Treadwell, AB Stanley Jandora and Bosun Gene Butson. The Wilson Shipping Co. vessel is bound for two ports in West Africa. B Seafarers LOB tions competed with newspapers and journals of similar circulation and style. The combined per-issue circulation of the ILCA's 900 member publications exceeds 28 million. The LOG s award was in the field of labor history. The subcat- This is a portion of the award-winning article, "Decade of Progress," published in the December 1999 issue of the Seafarers LOG. December 2000 �With Gov1t Services Division Seafarers Members of the SlU's Government Services Division recently reviewed updates to the Civil Marine Personnel Instructions-Customer Service Unit West at the Point Loma U.S. Naval Base in San Diego. Identifications in each photo are from left to right. Above: Supply Dept. Steward Job Victoria, Supply Dept. Steward Rene Pascua, AB Samuel Tumala Left: SIU Government Services Division Representative Chet Wheeler, Customer Service Unit West Director Robert Rosemeyer Right: Chief Steward Enrique Evangelista, Bosun Edward Rasgaitis, Engine-Deck Engineer/Machinist Maurice Cokes ·,_ Update on RRF Vessels Who Are Those Masked Men? They're not camerashy, but Seafarers (from left) Recertified Bosun Michael Hill and AB Abedon Lujan are bundled up for sandblasting operations aboard the /TB Philadelphia. Aboard the Cape Rise in Norfolk, Va., SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (standing) and Seafarers discuss new agreements resulting in the union's contracted companies operating 45 Ready Reserve Force vessels. Confirmed by the U.S. General Accounting Office in late September, the contract awards span the next five years (through April 2005). 12 Bosons Graduate from Recertification Program in Nov. Continued from page 7 Schultz said his time in the SIU "has been a wild, fun, profitable 22 years. I truly have seen the world, I've made some good friends and I'm honored to have been chosen for this program. God bless the SIU!" Likewise, Driggers mentioned his worldwide travels as a career highlight. "I've been to Europe, South America, all kinds of places. It's always been a good life for me." Driggers joined the SIU in 1978 and sails from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He advised the unlicensed apprentices, "Study hard, and remember there are no stupid questions except for the ones you don't ask. Hang out with the good people and avoid the troublemakers." Seizing Opportunity "This is it!" exclaimed an enthusiastic Rezendes, who sails from the port of Tacoma. "I first came to this school in 1969 at 16 years old," he continued. "The SIU changed the direction I was heading and allowed me to live a life of integrity. I was enabled to get some education and set goals for myself that I December 2000 probably never would have achieved otherwise." Rezendes said the recertification class gave him "a much better understanding of [political action] and how our pension and medical benefits work. I look forward to getting back out there and squaring away some misinformation that's going on." He added, "Our President Sacco and his staff have been right on the mark in their visions of the future of the SIU and the ever-changing role we have as U.S. merchant mariners." Zurek said the school's newest training facilities-the simulator building and the fire fighting school-particularly caught his attention. "I was very, very impressed," said the 22-year SIU member, who sails from the port of New York. "People have done a fine job here for us. Now I can go out to the membership and let them know what a good thing we have here." Speaking to the apprentices, Zurek ~aid, "You have an opportunity to make a good, honest liv- ing at this trade. It's done me and my family very well. Ask questions, do the best you can and be proud of the SIU." Symbolic of a growing component of U.S. military veterans in the SIU, Higgins said he appreciated the chance to start a second career following 24 years in the U.S. Navy. "I never thought I'd have another chance to work and advance," stated Higgins, who joined the union in 1990 in Norfolk, Va. "I'm very grateful to be here." Higgins emphasized the need for all Seafarers to upgrade. He also told the apprentices, "Realize the opportunity that lies out there for you. But you also have the responsibility of doing a good job." The final speaker, Temple, has sailed inland and deep sea during his 24 years in the SIU. "I learned a lot in this class and I thank the staff," said Temple, who sails from the port of Mobile, Ala. "To the unlicensed apprentices, the opportunity is there. Keep an open mind and a good attitude." Many of the recertified bosuns said that the Paul Hall Center's new simulator building (left) and Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (right) greatly have enhanced the vocational education opportunities at the Piney Point, Md. campus. Seafarers LOG 9 �tut eds West /Joard tlte lo/Jal Sentinel After the load of fiberoptic cable was completed, the Global Sentinel and its crew were given a Shinto blessing for a safe journey (left). The ship's captain, D.B. Neel (below) also took part in the Japanese ceremony. The cable ship Global Sentinel spent 25 days in the port of Hitachi, Japan recently, loading 3,200 kilometers of fiber-optic cable for a project in South America. While in port, the crew took some time from its round-the-clock loading operation for an American-style barbecue. More than 120 people took part in the cookout, including many of the Hitachi workers and their families. The steward department, under the direction of Recertified Chief Steward Kent Rosiek-and with the help of Chief Cook Charles Atkins and Cook/Bakers Shawn "Fuji" Fujiwara and Landa Bunch-spent the whole day preparing the food. Also helping out with setup and serving the guests were SAs Leroy Jenkins, Hamid Shahbain, Estive Soriano and Brenda Gray. A few Hitachi employees brought some local fare, so everybody had an opportunity to sample both Eastern and Western food. The Japanese were amazed at the sheer amount of food put out by the ship's crew for their tasting pleasure, noted Fujiwara (who sent the LOG the photos appearing on this page). A few days after the barbecue, when the loading had been completed, the ship and its crew were given a Shinto blessing for a safe journey and safe project. The Global Sentinel then set sail for Valparaiso, Chile, with a stop in Hawaii for fuel and stores. Above: Crew members and guests alike enjoy warm weather and great food aboard the Global Sentinel. "What would an American barbecue be without burgers and hot dogs right off the grill?" asks Cook/Baker Shawn "Fuji" Fujiwara. The successful cookout was the result of the combined efforts of the ship's steward department. From left are Brenda Gray, Hamid Shahbain, Estive Soriano, Leroy Jenkins, Landa Bunch, Charles Atkins, Kent Rosiek and Shawn "Fuji" Fujiwara. It took a 28-foot table to contain most of the food presented by the ship's steward department. Left: Some of the workers from the cable factory man one of the grills, serving noodles and chicken yakitore sticks for all to sample. 10 Seafarers LOB Det:elllber2IJIJO �During the October membership meeting at the union hall in San Juan members share a moment of silence for departed SIU brothers and sisters. ' Amancio Crespo, SIU safety director Caribbean region, begins another day at the office, ready to ship a crew member to a waiting vessel. Crespo also sent the LOG the photos appearing on this page. After 72 days of work aboard the Allegience (IUM), AB Joel Gonzalez files for his "B" seniority book at the SIU hall in San Juan. With him are his wife, Flora, and daughter Caren. Right: Chief Steward Kris A. Hopkins (left) and Chief Cook Carlos E. Suazo prepare a meal before heading to the payoff on the El Morro. Ready for some work at the CSX crane department in San Juan are CMEs William Bland (left) and Ray Prim. Right: Kenneth Griggs, second mate on the Pilot, reads a Seafarers Welfare Plan booklet during a recent servicing trip to the tug. Safety Director Amancio Crespo, right, talks to his hometown mayor, Luisito Melendez, during a campaign walk in the neighborhood, about the Seafarers in Puerto Rico and how the union is helping the island's economy. Right: Heading back to work following an Aug. 1 payoff aboard the Perseverance (IUM) at the Sun Oil Terminal in Yabucoa, P.R. are ABs Marshall Turner (left} and Diego Hatch Jr. AB Michael Watson gets some fried chicken for lunch during a service aboard the tug Sentinel at the TMT terminal in San Juan. Above: Putting everything in place following a San Juan payoff on the El Morro (IUM) is SA John Fitzgerald. Right: Ready for the lunch crowd aboard the Perseverance are (from left) Chief Cook Marvin E. James, SA Chancie J. Ransom and Chief Steward Catherine M. Hays. December 200IJ During a pre-payoff meeting on the El Morro, GUDE Sabino Pacheco (left) and Chief Cook Carlos E. Suazo meet in the crew mess. Seafarers LOG 11 �JH[(QJ]LJ[]DA\ 1Y GJRJEJE7f][NfG§ The holida.y greetings appearing on this page were written hy Seafarers, pensioners, friends and fAJnily m.em.hers. They are listed in alpha.hetica.l order hy the nAJne of the individual sending the m.essa.ge. The SeJa.rers LOG joins with those appearing helow in extending season's greetings fo all Seafarers and their fam.ilies. sail with bountiful joy and always find safe harbors. Much love always, Bob & Tracy Davis To all Seafarers My wife, Alice, and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Smooth and safe sailing. May God bless you. Denis Abshire To all active and retired members of the SIU Merry Christmas to all, and a very happy, prosperous New Year 2001-and smooth sailing. Perfecto M Amper and family To Steve Nelson You surprised me last year/with a poem, just for me./Here's one for you/to fill you with glee:/Merry Christmas, my friend/Happy New Year, too/I hope Santa makes/all your wishes come true! Your friend Nancy Avery Gerry Borozan To David House Happy holidays, little brother! Best wishes for health, wealth and happiness in the coming year. Richard J. Fuller Helen P Matsuura To all active and retired Seafarers and their families A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. I am retired with 40 years' seatime. I am 75 years old and going strong. Sidney Garner To all Seafarers and their families Happy are all who fear the Lord and walk in His ways. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. God bless you. Domingo Gordian To Vincent Ratcliff, all SIU officials and Seafarers and their families Merry Christmas and many more Happy New Years-and don't stop believing in Santa Claus. Leonard Grove Nancy Avery To the SIU membership-active and retired Happy holidays. Mr. and Mrs. Archie Beck To all SIU members My heartiest wishes to all Seafarers everywhere--on land, at sea and on the Great Lakes-for a very Merry Christmas and smooth sailing into the year 2001. Gerry Borozan To the SIU Honolulu hall Aloha and Mele Kalikimaka to all my friends. I think about you often. Hope to see you in May. God bless you all! Mike Briscoe Steven, Jimmie, Liz, Miles and Preston Scheck To the SIU Wilmington hall Merry Christmas, Jesse, Lorraine, Frank, John and Eric. Thanks for believing in me. God bless you all. Mike Briscoe To William, Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember all the Christmases we shared as a family. Love you all. Your loving family, Mom (Charlotte E. Canion), Beverly, Tommy, Marylee, Bruce and Rob To Janet in Jacksonville Thanks for being a good friend. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Bueno suerte mi arniga. John Clarke To Dean Corgey and staff Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May you have great luck in the coming year. John Clarke Vilma, William and Tommy Lee Rackley To Kendra, Janice & Celia Season's greetings. May Santa bring you all many gifts. With heartfelt thanks for everything. John Clarke To Steve Crane The greatest gift does not lie under the tree or in the store, but rests quietly in the heart, waiting to be given. ... The greatest gift is love. We miss you so much. Love you, Evelyn and Stephanie Crane To Scott Trester and family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my friend and his family. God bless. Mike Davis To Bosun Ralph Gibbs and all Seafarers Season's greetings to you all! These Santa's helpers have moved to Texas. Find us at 99 Lakeview Village, Montgomery, TX 77356. A safe holiday to you all! lH[ To Rachel, Justin, Cody and Emily Looking forward to another Christmas and New Year together. Hope I don't get coal "again." I sure hope you've been good! Love always, Dad (Brian Fountain) To Jeannette Fountain I' m sure glad I' ll be home with you during the holidays, but I' m really sorry I could not be with you when you really needed me. Love forever, Brian (Fountain) 12 - Seafarers LOG To the crew of the /TB Groton Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Stay safe, and thanks for the great ride. See ya! Brian Fountain To all Seafarers Peace and greetings this holiday season. May you To Mimi and Bob McNellis Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Tom and Frank McNellis To the Doran family, the Pazarecki family, the Reilly family and to Bonnie King and Jamie Lew Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Tommy Mac (Tom McNellis) To all Happy holidays to all at sea and at home. To shoregang members and their families , Merry Xmas. God's blessing to the SIU LOG and my wife, Hattie Minors. Anstey Minors To Duke Bryant It was great sailing with you again. Happy holidays to you and your family. Looking forward to working with you in 200 l. Dave and Jackie Moore and family To Kay, Kenny, Stacie, Tug, Billy Jr., Laura K. and Michael I thank God each day for having such a wonderful wife and kids. I thank you all for your love and support you all give me while I'm away on a ship. Love, Dad (Billy Hill) To CSX Hawaii Crew The Hill family wishes all brothers and sisters a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Give thanks to Jesus for answered prayers. Bosun Billy Hill To Millie, Mary & Bobby I miss you all. Wish all of you a very merry holiday. Call sometime. Willard Huggins Jf To all Seafarers and Janice at the Houston hall Merry Christmas! Lester Moore To all my good friends and shipmates Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Jimmy Moye JR_ To Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley I would like to wish my wife and son, whom I miss every day when I am away, a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Love you, William Rackley To Charlotte Canion and family From the Philippines to Bayonne! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to mom, MaryLee, Bruce, Beverly, Tommy, Bob, Dina and Cashmere. William, Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley To Donley Johnson Dear Donley, as we spend our first Christmas together, may our hearts be filled with love and cheer, and last throughout every New Year. Colleen Johnson 1K To Amir Kasim To my dear husband, Amir. Even though we won't be together for the holidays this year, you are in my mind and in my heart. My best wishes to you and the rest of the SIU. Love always, your wife Irma Kasim To all our shipmates and officials Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. To Vincent Coss and family I would like to wish my old friend and great union man a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Philippines. William and Vilma Rackley To all Seafarers at sea, ashore and retired May the sun be on your face and the wind at your back. And may the holiday spirit shine upon you and your loved ones. William F Reid To Randy Beacham Hope you have a safe and very, very happy holiday season, Randy. Give our love to your family. Carlton Richardson, Tina & Family Percy Kennedy and Dorothy Kennedy To Connie May your holidays be as wonderful as they' ve ever been. With any luck, we can be together. I love you. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. To Alex Morris on the Manhattan Island & Becky Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. Let's plan to get together in spring 200 l. Love to all, Phil Kleinebreil Carlton & Tina Richardson To my three wonderful daughters It's so few Christmases we've had together, but just to let you know you girls are always in my thoughts and prayers. Merry Christmas. To Carlton Dennis Richardson on the Sugar Island Just remember we will be thinking of you on Christmas morning. The holidays won't be the same until you come home. See you soon! Love always, Dad (Phil Kleinebreil) lL Your lady in waiting (Tina Richardson) To Kasandra, Harper and Sam I want to wish my own crew a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Christmas is an important time for us. You all keep me going. Casey, you ' re doing a great job on the home front. I love you all. § To Jimmie Scheck Merry Christmas, daddy. May we have many more happy Christmases. We love you. Steven, Miles, Preston & Liz Scheck Joel (aka the dad of the bunch) Lechel To officers and crew aboard the CSX Producer Happy holidays to all of you onboard and ashore. Thanks for wonderful memories. God be with you. To all active and retired Seafarers Compliments of the season-and one big salute to the best maritime union bar none. Kay Lechel Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Siddons To Boo Lippke, Kitty Lippke, Tori, Cody, Hannah, Judy, puppy Lewis and the kids Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I love y'all. To all former Erie-Lack RR men and their families Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year to all who sail the seven seas. May your God be with you. Robert and Tracy Davis lF To Rod "Bronco" Matsuura Honey, I just want you to know that I'll always love you from the bottom of my heart. Happy holidays. I love you, Guy lewis Ml Orrin D. Smith and family To Bill Wiemers I hope all is going well and that the coming holidays are joyous for you. I would like to hear from you. To Steward Vernon Warren To Vern and all my many friends on the waters. Have the best of the holidays. I miss you all very much. Dick Maley Had to retire because of medical reasons. Smooth sail- To Chad Galt and family Congratulations, fella. I hope you all have a very happy holiday. I would like to hear from you. Harry L. Stockman Dick Maley To George Foley I hope that all is well with you and that you have a terrific holiday. I would like to hear from you. Dick Maley ing. Sincerely, To all Seafarers and their families May you and your loved ones at sea all have the best Xmas and New Year ever. Smile and be happy! Thomas Tobias More holiday greetings on page 13 December 2000 �'Safety First' on Columbia Queen Shipboard Training Enhances Secure Operation As one might imagine, there are seemingly endless details involved in launching a new passenger vessel. But, for the inaugural group of Seafarers who earlier this year signed on aboard the 218-foot Columbia Queen, one element particularly stood out: safety. With that in mind, SIU crew members completed on-site safety training aboard the Columbia Queen prior to the first voyage May 26. Instructors from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education conducted the shipboard classes, which included fire fighting, first aid and CPR, sanitation and more. The early May training sessions took place in Natchez, Miss. Subsequently, the Columbia Queen sailed for the Pacific Northwest, where it offers seven- and eight-night vacations. The riverboat-which can carry 161 passengers-is owned by SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Co. Delta Queen also operates the passenger boats American Queen, Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen, which cruise throughout the nation's heartland and the Old South. Additionally, the company is building coastal cruise vessels scheduled to begin service next year. Deckhand Miles Souder, Porter Wilson Growacki, Deckhand Nate Williams, 1st Cook Bryan Heinrich Deckhand Frank Dykes Seafarers on the Columbia Queen completed safety training before the riverboat's first voyage. Mrnre Holliday G1nee1tll.ng§ Continued from page 12 To Mike Sacco, George McCartney, Jack Caffey, Carl Peth and Red Campbell Wishing you a very Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. 1LJ[ Thomas Tobias To Jack Edwards Best wishes to you and your wife. Jack Utz To Bob Hall Best wishes to you and your staff. Jack Utz To Captain Kucharski I extend good wishes for the holiday season to you and yours. Jack Utz y MltL§<C~ To Pam Remember N.C. More room now! A safe, holy Christmas and holiday season! A great 2001 ! Capt. John To Jeff Stuart on the Gopher State To Becky Sleeper Happiest of holidays to our Orgulf Angel, your staff and your family. Best wishes for prosperity and peace in the coming year. Your Orgulf Gang, Marty, WT., Nancy, Herman and Doug Marsha, Wally, Geebee & Gater To dad and pop-pop (Phil Varos) We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love always, To Marvin Zimbro Through the year, you always try to keep us happy. In return, we would like to say Happy Holidays. We love you. To dad and pop-pop (Phil Varos) We miss you very much and can't wait to see you. Carly says "pop-pop" now. Have a great Christmas! We love you! Your wife and children Jerry, Tracy & Carly To Phillip Varos We all love and miss you. There will be plentry of surprises for you when you come home. Good bless you! Terry, Ed, Eddie, Tommy, Steven &Logan Delivering in Va. 's 1st District Retired Seafarer Max Simerly provides copies of the Seafarers LOG to Jo Ann Davis earlier this year at her campaign kickoff in Hampton, Va. Davis last month became the first Republican congresswoman from Virginia by defeating three other candidates in the 1st District. Simerly, known for many years throughout his region for his tireless work in voter registration drives, is an officer in the Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. December 2000 Deckhands Dan Schrader, Jason Beck and Seth Eckroth Merry Christmas, hon. Love from your family in Key Largo, Lu, Robert and Matthew Oiler Tim Duffin Deckhand Roberto Castillo, Cabin Attendant Tracey Carter Allegiance Crew Brushes Up On Union Election Procedures I Pictured in San Pedro, Calif. following a union meeting on the MN Allegiance are (from left) GUDE Aaron Thomas, SA Larry Bachelor, SIU Patrolman Bryan Powell and Chief Cook Keith Nixon. During a payoff in San Pedro, Calif. in early Octoberweeks before the SIU elections -Seafarers aboard the MIV Allegiance met with SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox and SIU Jacksonville, Fla. Patrolman Bryan Powell. The officials and crew reviewed in detail the balloting procedures for the SIU elections, including the absentee ballot system. They examined the proposed constitutional amendments printed on one side of the ballot. Additionally, among other topics, they discussed recent contractual gains secured by the union as well as overall positive trends in maritime, including the revitalization of the U.S.flag cruise ship industry. Seafarers LOG 13 �Hands-On Training Is Vital Component Of Apprentice Class Program Offers Maritime Careers Many of the new and evolving regulations impacting merchant mariners place unprecedented emphasis on the practical demonstration of job skills. Efficiently documenting such performances of shipboard tasks is a big reason why the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1997 published a U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB). That same year, the schoollocated in Piney Point, Md.restructured its entry-ratings program, placing greater emphasis on hands-on training. The revamped curriculum comprises three segments: an initial 12 weeks at the school, featuring a blend of classroom and practical instruction; a 90-day shipboard assignment on an SIU-contracted vessel, designed to help students Attend Monthly Membership Meetings decide which department they prefer (deck, engine or steward); and department-specific training back in Piney Point. Shipboard learning isn't limited to that second segment, as students utilize various training vessels at the Paul Hall Center. Apprentices also use the worldclass Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting Safety School (part of the Paul Hall Center), which offers practical training in fire fighting, water survival, confined-space safety and more. And soon, they will train in the school's new simulator building, which houses cutting-edge simulators for navigational, engine, crane and liquidcargo operations. For more information about the apprentice program (and other aspects of the school), please call the Paul Hall Center toll-free at 1-877-235-3275, or visit the internet site http://www.seafarers.org. Keeping abreast of news from within the SIU and the maritime industry is the most important reason for attending the monthly membership meetings held on specified dates in each SIU ball around the country. In addition to informing Seafarers about contract talks, maritime legislation and national Aboard the training vessel Osprey, unlicensed apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education begin learning their craft. Continuing Education policies, the meetings provide a forum in which to discuss issues of importance to the rank-and-file members and to the union's officials. Seafarers may refer to the schedule below as well as each issue of the Seafarers LOG, which lists the dates of the next two meetings scheduled for each port. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education primarily focuses on vocational studies, but additionally offers academic curriculums-all aimed at developing well-trained, efficient mariners. Two students in the Piney Point, Md. facility's unlicensed apprentice class 602 recently took advantage of the supplementary courses by earning their GEDs. Receiving the certificates during the November membership meeting in Piney Point are (from left) UAs Charles Fitzpatrick and Michael Harvey, congratulated by SIU Headquarters Representative Carl Peth. Membership Meetings in 2001 Port ~ftney Point ..:;;., Traditional Date January February March April til<>n(fay after f!.rst Su~day 8 5 5 2 New York 9 6 6 3 7 .?...... ~.r~ r\, 4;f)J; ·. · · · . ,., 8 5 Tuesday after first Sunday -~. Vfednesday after !irst Sunday ;f!ltitatlelJbia Baltimore t£1fert9jk Thursday after first Sunday ......,. .... Jacksonville :;Ian Jau Algonac fHouioo·. · ..... ,. :;;:; New Orleans iMobile 1 '. Duluth ·•· ..... 10 ······ 11 ........< 8 ;:;;:· !MY ''~'"' ThurS(iay after fitst sundax!' 11 8 Thursday after first Sunday 11 8 8 8 L···· 8 Thursday after first su,nday 11 Friday after first Sunday 12 Monday after second Sunday Tuesday after second Sunday 16* 'San F-ianC1sco · Thursday after second Sunday ·::::§•' •·•· •''•'/ ·1'2' 12 13 14 17 :--:··· ...• .···"'· 11 14 7 "·' ······ 4 .... .... 8 9 5 ·•··· 5 :~ 6 S. . tr ····/ 9, 10 7 5 9 6 9 H0; 6 ., . . 7 .A;;;e ;:r;'. ? w 'i 8 6 11 '·\ . 9 ·.·: ::=;:·:--: 10 15 12 16 13 .. 13 ··<·;<- ;;'){ '.: <•6 )' . •·•·. 7 ····· •·,/• ?, 10 14 10 13 September October November December ·il1:r. a,;z>iwi! .14~/:!f :~~;;, ,. ·•· ······•· ..:...:;, ••8·' •• 3 7 11 > ? .; ;.~ ;nHlfm~ "%!>'' +g. <P 1(} 6 · • T;,'·G~Jt . Wb;/ ,4' 5 10 .. .. August July ,. 5 5 .. , 4 ·f• 8 ·s·r··-·>· 5 9 _,.. ::=:. :·:·· 16 't8 . i/{. 9 ·Wednesday after s~cond Sunday 17 Wednesday after second Sunday :·;;.;. June 7 .... ······ . May 5 3 9 6 4 10 7 5 11 8 11 ' 7 10 . . ·?'-"''·• 6 8 ,. 6 6 8 6 12 9 7 15 13* 11" '*<it• .·:... 10 10 14 11 16 13 11 11 15 12 17' 14 12 12 •,. .... 14 14 11 16 13 11 15 12 17 14 15 15 12 11. 14 12 16 13 18 15 13 18 15 13 17 14 18 16 14 13 18 15 13 17 14 18 16 14 •C 13 ····· St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 19 16 16 jf.tonolutu · Friday after, second Sunday 19 16 16 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 22 20* 19 16 21 18 16 21* 17 22 19 17 ·i·-{New:Jedfard . . .. Tuesday after thtrd Sunday 23 20 20 17 22 19 17 21 18 23 20 18 Jersey City Wednesday after third Sunday 24 21 21 18 23 20 18 22 19 24 21 19 23 21 ...~~·- . ·;..~ ,t•~a frtd~ after third Su~day .., . ... ·•···· 8 11 ;p· •••. '<.· a 26 23 .., 23 ii ,.. 20 25 .. 22 20 24 21 26 .. ' > *Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday; Philadelphia change created by Independence Day holiday; Houston changes created by Martin Luther King's birthday and Veterans' Day holidays; Wilmington changes created by Presidents' Day and Paul Hall's birthday holidays. 14 Seafarers LOB December 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SIIlPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port · Algonac · 0 3 1 5 0 Baltimore Guam . 10 Honolulu Houston 5 I 0 5 8 11 14 42 6 4 6 9 9 10 23 8 St. Louis Wilmington 255 Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 2 . ff 4 1 0 I 2 6 6 4 11 3 15 11 10 0 5 8 5 3 16 7 12 4 3 13 6 4 1 2 0 1 1 0 6 7 5 1 4 23 19 I . 10 ]() 29 9 2 14 1 10 1 2 1 20 14 s 146 82 18 10 8 3 4 6 9 .,. 8 . . ,.,.;, , ,•:•'i'•{}•' •'·~:.•:•,.)•'·•·•· •c'' ' ' ' ' '·' • }: 2 1 10 2 0 3 6 5 132 92 52 10 3 0 0 1 0 I ·· 3 :-o . ·.~· . ,. 1 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore ..............•.Thursday: January 11, February 8 15 49 21 10 13 27 28 6 5 19 34 14 7 11 26 29 7 9 6 2 3 4 5 2 4 7 2 2 10 6 15 7 7 1 3 2 5 4 8 4 1 6 4 11 193 9 0 2 138 51 8 0 6 24 0 5 5 0 1 0 l . 21 3 2 15 0 6 0 1 159 48 35 2 4 0 Totals All Departments 6 12 130 8 31 0 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT ·.· ( ... i . Houston ..................Tuesday: January 16* Monday: Febru;uy 12 o_. o o 3 0 .• 4 2 2 0 6 72 o 243 2 o· o o 8 15 65 0 12 4 8 5 6 10 4 1 5 1 2 0 {) 7 l 3 3 5 0 0 4 13 13 ·g . 10 5 0 10 4 () .5 ~4 l~ 7 16 4. 1 0 0 4 18 6 11 11 0 0 0 0 0 16 4 3 7 11 l7 25 0 4 3 6 5 0 3 2 14 l 12 6 8 3 13 15 0 19 0 3 6 5 2 0 2 0 6 7 0 0 1 4 0 10 2 11 11 37 12 152 181 34 130 156 0 0 0 0 583 438 350 446 371 272 148 0 1 29 60 "'. 13 8 44 J. 0 Honolulu .................Friday: January 19. February 16 6 4 0 18 4 1 Totals 15 7 . '·· ·· p Wilmington 18 1 l 5 1 1 0 () February 14 4 14 25 11 1 18 3 17~ 4 10 ·•··. 39 13 Dulutb .....................Wednesday: January 5 10 16 . Mobile 2 16 45 17 Houston Jacksonville . Piney Point .............Monday, January 8, February 5 Algonac ..................Friday: January 12. February 9 4 10 4 7 Trip Reliefs 34 19 24 10 7 47 9 0 32 3 25 22 5 50 86 7 19 6. Above, AB Dexton West operates an oceanographic winch aboard the USNS Sumner in the Sea of Japan. The exercise involves lowering an oceanographic package to the bottom of the sea and then recovering it in 2,000 meters of water. In the photo below, QMED Troy Banks controls the winch from the vessel's deck, monitoring operating parameters and ensuring that wire is properly replaced on the drum. Banks built and installed a special device to wash salt from the wire as it returns aboard ship. 14 .48 17 4 12 8 13 34 0 2 8 18 16 64 253 293 891 643 486 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. December 2000 Seafal'el'S LOS 15 �~-------------------------------------------------------~~--~~--~-- - -- - -- -- - Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes OCTOBER 16 - Mithael S.acce<t ' "" .President John Fay . •. Executive Vice President CL - *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 8=~~ ·: : · Auguttin Teltet ·. Vwe .President Co.n~ts .fade Caffey ·. Vice President Atlantic Coast Tum Oruebow.ski Vfoe Pi:esideitt Lakes and Inland Waters ·,. Dean Corgey Vice President Guff Coast NidtoIU J. Marrone Vice President West Coast ·•· ~Ma11gnm Vice President Govemment SeNices Al{ .. Company/Lakes Port Algonac Port Algonac Port 0 NOVEMBER 15, 2000 L-Lakes 9 2 Algonac 0 4 9 Port Algona-c () Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT ":Fi'f\\0 . C' 15 5 . ... ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 7 0 I ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 .... :-;.: '0 NP - ., - 5 10 IJEAl)QUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp $prings. MD 20746 (301) 899..()675 ALGONAC S20 St Clair River Dr,, Algonac, Mr 4800 I ··.. , (810) 794-4988 Totals All Depts 0 46 42 0 26 24 0 20 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 18 ANCHORAGE 72 l Sesame Stj #1 C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE OCTOBER 16 - 231$ &sex St,, Baltiroore,MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C . DULUTH ..... 105 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 5580Z . .. (21$) 722-4110 Region NOVEMBER 15, 2000 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Atlant1~-~Coasr Gulf Coast ·. t'.a~~OLULU Lakes,}ruand Wa~rs 6Q6 Katihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 . {801S) 845-$222 .HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St.~ Houston, TX 17fJ.<Yl {713) 659-5152 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery t., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 43$-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997*5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., lJarvey1 LA 7-0058 (504} 328·7545 NEW YORK 635 F:OUrtb Ave. 1 Btooklyn,.NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757}622-1892 2604 S. 4 St, Phila<telphia, PA 19148 {2JS) 336-3818 PlNEYPOlNT P.O. Box 75.. Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994--0010 Po:R.1' EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andtews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 3.3316 . (954) 522-7984 SAN .FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St San Franeisco, CA 94 l 05 (415) 543-585$ Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 16~ sT.'toms· · 4581 Gravois Ave,, St. Louis, MO Q3116 .. (314) 752~6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 212m14 WJLMJNGfON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wibnington. CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG 4 5 Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 Gulf Coast 0 iaJ<es, In1~d :Waters .... o. West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 .o 0 .::,: 0 0 .•. 2 1 1 4 Totals All Depts 5 1 10 10 2 7 12 1 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 27 PI C-FROM-THE-PAST This photograph, sent to the PHll.ADELPlIIA 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave•• Stop Santurce. PR 00907 (787) 7214033 West Coast Totals Region LOG by Alfred Porcari of Howard Beach, N.Y., was taken at sea in December 1956 on the Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel SS Yaka, a C-2 cargo ship. Porcari notes that "everyone slept back aft below, right over the rudder. When the ship was light and that rudder came out of the water, it just about bounced you out of your bunk. The steward department slept midships. There were three oilers all on different watches in the same room. Same for the three firemen-and they all got along. The ship also carried three wipers and after supper, everyone sat on the #5 hatch shooting the bull (in photo at right). These were the days before VCRs and private rooms." In those days, Porcari adds, Waterman had at least 25 SIUcrewed ships. This particular one was from New York to the Far East and back-about a 95-day trip. Porcari joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1947 and retired in 1991. December 2000 �~------.._.--------------~---~--~~~~~- -~ - -- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their worldng 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. n Inland captain and a recertified steward are among the 18 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Weldon Potts navigated the inland waterways as a captain for nearly 25 years while Recertified Steward Henry Jones Jr. graduated from the highest level of training available to members of the steward department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Jones, 12 of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division and one plied the Great Lakes. Potts and four others navigated the inland waterways. Six of the retirees worked in the deck department, seven shipped in the engine department and four sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA NATHAN ADAMS, 59, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Born in Groesbeck, Texas, Brother Adams served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962. He first sailed for the SIU aboard a Columbia Steamship Co. vessel. A member of the engine department, he upgraded his skills in 1974 and in 1998 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He lives in Houston. SANG TO BAE, 64, started his career with the SIU in 1982 in the port of Honolulu. Born in Japan, Brother Bae first shipped aboard an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Brother Bae sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 1990 at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Achiever. Brother Bae resides in Philadelphia. ROBERTH. CLIFFORD, 63, began his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of Detroit. The Michigan native served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1955 and first shipped aboard a Rockport Steamship Company vessel. Brother Clifford sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1985 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the USNS Washington, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. Brother Clifford calls Tomball, Texas home. JACKV. DIXON, 64, joined the SIU in 1972. A member of the engine department, Brother Decembel' 2000 Dixon first shipped aboard the Sea-Land Los Angeles. He upgraded his skills in 1973, 1974, 1980 and 1984 respectively at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Brother Dixon last sailed aboard the Patriot, an Ocean Carriers, Inc. vessel. He resides in England. ABDULLA HUSSEIN, 50, started his career with the SIU in 1972, joining in the port of San Francisco. Born in Yemen, Brother Hussein first shipped aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Del Sol. A member of the engine department, he upgraded his skills in 1996 and 1997 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brother Hussein last shipped aboard the Overseas Philadelphia. He resides in Dearborn, Mich. HENRY JONES JR., 65, hails from Louisiana. Brother Jones began his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of San Francisco. A member of the steward department, he first shipped aboard the Del Sol. Brother Jones upgraded his skills in 1980 and 1997 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A recertified steward, he last sailed aboard Pronav Ship Management's LNG Leo. Brother Jones lives in Seattle. RUBEN MARTINEZ, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1972 in the port of New York. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Martinez served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958. He first shipped aboard the Eagle Voyage, operated by Sea Transport. Brother Martinez sailed as a member of the engine department and upgraded his skills in 1973 and 197 5 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He last shipped aboard the Mayaguez, operated by NPR, Inc. Brother Martinez lives in his native Puerto Rico. ARTURO MONTENEGRO, 59, hails from the Philippines. He started his career with the SIU in 1977 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Montenegro first shipped aboard the Coastal California. A member of the engine department, he last sailed aboard the Oakland. Brother Montenegro calls Castro Valley, Calif., home. LUISA. NIEVES, 61, began his career with the SIU in 1961, joining in the port of New York. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Nieves first shipped aboard a Sea-Land Service, Inc. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills in 1978, 1985 and 1986 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He last shipped aboard the Sea-Land Elizabeth. Brother Nieves lives in Jersey City, N.J. JUAN ORTIZ, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1979 in the port of Houston. A native of Puerto Rico, he served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. Brother Ortiz first sailed aboard the Connecticut, operated by Connecticut Transport, Inc. A member of the engine department, he upgraded his skills in 1987 and 1996 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brother Ortiz last shipped aboard NPR. Inc. 's Humacao. He resides in Fayetteville, N.C. JOSE A. PADILLA, 57 joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Padilla first sailed aboard the Fanwood, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He worked in the steward department. His last vessel was the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother Padilla calls Hatillo, P.R. home. MOHAMMEDS. SHARIFF, 68, began his career with the SIU in 1966, joining in the port of Detroit. Born in Arabia, Brother Shariff worked in the steward department and frrst sailed aboard a Buckeye Steamship Co. vessel. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the cable ship Global Sentinel. He calls Detroit home. GREAT LAKES MARTIN SZEKELY, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of Detroit. The Painesville, Ohio native first sailed aboard a Falcon Marine Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last shipped aboard a Luedtke Engineering Co. vessel. Brother Szekely resides in Winthrop Harbor, Ill. INLAND ROBERTE. BRANCH, 56, joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, ~----~· Boatman Branch sailed primarily aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Company vessels in the deck department. Boatman Branch resides in his native Louisiana in the city ofNatalbany. WILLIAMG. HOOK, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of Norfolk. He served in the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1953 U.S. Marine Corps from 1960 to 1966 and first sailed aboard a Virginia Pilot Corp. vessel. Boatman Hook was a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard an Association of Maryland Pilots vessel. He calls Vrrginia Beach, Va. home. ROBERTJ. JOHNSON, 60, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. A member of '--~~~-___, the deck department, Boatman Johnson first sailed aboard a PF Martin Co. vessel. The Pennsylvania native last worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transportation Co. vessel. He lives in Myrtle Beach, S.C. JERRYM. MUNSON, 62, hails from Wisconsin. He began his career with the SIU in 1970, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Munson served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1957. A member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Boatman Munson spent part of his career in the deep sea division and last sailed aboard a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. He resides in Gibsonton, Fla. WELDONW. POTTS, 61, started his career with the SIU in 1966 in Port Arthur, Texas. A native of Center, Texas, he served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958. Boatman Potts sailed as a captain. He frrst worked aboard a Higman Barge Lines vessel. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard a Hvide Marine Towing Services vessel. Boatman Potts calls Orange, Texas home. year contract during which the key issue of manpower would be studied by a panel, with recommendations to be made at the condusion of the agreement. The llA has accused the shippers of not bargaining in good faith. In December, the number of babies born under the Seafarers maternity benefit program rose to 1,000. The Welfare Plan provides a $200 maternity bene1990 fit for eligible seamen (Referring to with a $25 bond Operation Desert being given to the Shield) baby. The benefitsr The magnitude of the first established in marine transportation April 1952, have been an important aid u===============================~ operation is evidenced in the amount of to Seafarers in meetpounds of materiel that has been carried from ing the high costs of maternity care. The the United States to the Gulf. As of the third maternity plan is funded by the SIU Welfare week in November, the Military Sealift Plan. Command, the agency in the Anned Forces responsible for waterborne transport of sup1962 plies, reports that over 2.1 birtion pounds of The Seafarers International Union and other unit equipment have been delivered to the member unions of the AFL-ClO Maritime Guff, as well as 3.8 bflrion pounds of fuel. Trades Department are giving full suppon to a Additionally, there have been more than 150 strike by members of the International off-loads at docks in the Middle East. Longshoremen's Association in ports from Many of the vessels carrying supplies to the Maine to Texas. The walkout followed the Persian Gulf are manned by SIU members. shippers' rejection of an ILA offer of a two- THIS MOJ\11H 1/\1 SIU HISTORY Seafal'ers LOG 17 �Santa Maria, Brother Blackburn ~--~--~ served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1944 and began receiving his SIU pension in 1985. He resided in Los Angeles. and first shipped aboard the North Platte Victory, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Edlund last sailed aboard Cove Shipping Co. 's Cove Navigator. He began receiving his pension in 1984. Brother Edlund resided in Alabama. NORWOOD BRYANT TOMAS ESCUDERO Pensioner Norwood Bryant, 71, died Aug. 21. Brother Bryant began his career with the SIU in 1962, joining in the port of Baltimore. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Bryant first shipped aboard a Calmar Steamship Corp. vessel and last sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Sam Houston. Born in Clinton, N.C., he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1946 to 1951. Brother Bryant began receiving his pension in 1993. He resided in his native North Carolina. Pensioner Tomas Escudero, 71, passed away Aug. 23. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Escudero joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard the Robin Trent, operated by MooreMcCormack Lines. Brother Escudero was a member of the engine department and last sailed aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Paula. He served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1959 and began receiving his pension in 1999. Brother Escudero lived in Pennsylvania. JAMES BYERS FLOYD FRITZ operated by Delta Steamship Lines. He last worked aboard Delta's Santa FADEL M. ABDULLA Brother Fadel M. Abdulla, 49, died Aug. 29. Born in Yemen, he joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Seattle. Brother Abdulla first shipped aboard a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. A member of the steward department, he last sailed aboard the Westward Venture, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. Brother Abdulla lived in Seattle. LIONEL ANTOINE Pensioner Lionel Antoine, 80, passed away Aug. 29. He began his career with the SIU in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Antoine was born in Louisiana and first sailed aboard the Alcoa Polaris, operated by Alcoa Steamship Corp. Before retiring in 1982, the steward department member shipped aboard Waterman Steamship's Thomas Nelson. Brother Antoine lived in New Orleans. RAMSEY BAUMGARDNER - Pensioner Ramsey Baumgardner, 68, died Aug. 15. Brother Baumgardner began his career with the Seafarers in 1956, joining in the port of Houston. He first sailed aboard Ore Navigation Corp. 's Marore. A native of Colorado, he last worked aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother Baumgardner served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1949 to 1950. He began receiving his pension in 1996. Brother Baumgardner resided in California. GHAZIR BENDECK Brother Ghazir - Bendeck, 63, passed away Feb. 2. He joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Honduras, he sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Bendeck first sailed aboard the Steel King. He last worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Sam Houston. Brother Bendeck resided in Louisiana. DAVID BETZ .-----,,-----, Brother David Betz, 41, died Aug. 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Philadelphia and sailed in the steward department. He first shipped aboard the USNS Potomac. He last sailed on the cable ship Long Lines. Brother Betz lived in Maryland. REUBENC.BLACKBURN Pensioner Reuben C. Blackburn, 77, passed away Sept, 16. Born in Wilkesboro, N.C., he joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Blackbum shipped as a member of the steward department. His first ship was the 18 Seafarers LOS Magdelena. Pensioner James Byers, 79, passed away Aug. 28. Brother Byers began his career with the Seafarers in 1947, joining in _ ____. the port of Mobile, Ala. A member of the engine department, he first shipped aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. He last sailed on a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Born in Pennsylvania, Brother Byers served in the U.S. Navy from 1939 to 1944 and began receiving his pension in 1976. He called Alabama home. VINCENT J. CALI Pensioner Vincent J. Cali, 89, died Oct. 3. Brother Cali, a charter member of the SIU, joined the union in 1939 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Hammond, La., he sailed in the steward department, first sailing aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. He last sailed aboard the Del Ar, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Cali began receiving his pension in 1975. He lived in New Orleans. THOMAS CORRELL Pensioner Thomas Correll, 64, passed away Aug. 30. Brother Correll joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. ~--~-~- The Brooklyn native sailed as a member of the deck department, first shipping aboard a Sea-Land vessel. He last worked on the Sea-Land Crusader. Brother Correll began receiving his pension in 1999. He resided in New York. JOHN EDLUND Pensioner John Edlund, 73, died Aug. 26. Born in Alabama, Brother Edlund joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He sailed as a member of the engine department •iliiiil~-::;:---, Pensioner Floyd Fritz, 74, died Aug. 25. Brother Fritz was born in Portsmouth, Ohio. He began his career with the Seafarers in ~-~--.J 1946, joining in the port of Baltimore. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Brother Fritz last sailed aboard the USNS Capella. He began receiving his pension in 1988. Brother Fritz resided in Duval, Fla. ORLAISPEN Pensioner Orla Ispen, 72, passed away Sept. 30. A native of Denmark, Brother Ispen joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Bienville, operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc. A member of the deck department, Brother Ispen last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Quality. He began receiving his pension in 1993. Brother Ispen lived in New York. last worked on the Gus W Darnell, operated by Ocean Ships, Inc. Brother Mercier began receiving his pension in 1991. He lived ---"'"------' in Baltimore. EDMUND NICOLAS Pensioner Edmund Nicolas, 65, died April 5. Born in the Philippines, Brother Nicolas joined the MC&S in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member first sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Nicolas last worked on the Mokihana. He began receiving his pension in 1995. Brother Nicolas lived in California. BOBBIE STEARNS Pensioner Bobbie Steams, 68, died April 21. Brother Steams joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. A California native, he first sailed aboard the Loma Victory, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. He worked in the steward department and last workedaboard the USNS Audacious, operated by U.S. Marine Management. Brother Steams began receiving his pension in 1996. He lived in California. EDWARD THOMPSON Pensioner Edward Thompson, 70, passed away Sept. 20. Born in Pennsylvania, Brother Thompson '°'· joined the SIU in 1952 in the port of New York. He first shipped aboard a Sprogue Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Thompson sailed in both the deck and steward departments during his career. His final voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. Brother Thompson served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1951. He began receiving his pension in 1992. Seattle was his home. RICHARD JOHNSON JAMES WOODS Pensioner Richard Johnson, 71, died Aug. 23. Born in Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New .....__ _....__ _~ York. Brother Johnson first sailed aboard the Seamar, operated by Bethlehem Steel Corp. He shipped as a member of the deck department and last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Navigator. Brother Johnson began receiving his pension in 1990. He called San Francisco home. Pensioner James Woods, 76, died July 9. Brother Woods started his career with the SIU in 1959, joining in the · port of Jack" sonville, Fla. The Iowa native sailed as a member of the steward department. He first shipped aboard Suwannee Steamship Co. 's Sampan Knot. Brother Woods last sailed on the Sea-Land Portland. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. Brother Woods started receiving his pension in 1985. He resided in Fredricksburg, Iowa. JOSEPH MERCIER Pensioner Joseph Mercier, 74, passed away Sept. 11. A New Hampshire native, Brother Mercier joined the SIU in 1951. He first sailed aboard the Neva West, operated by Bloomfield Steamship Co. A member of the deck department, he GREAT LAKES JAMES E. SETTERBO Pensioner James E. Setterbo, 74, passed away Aug. 21. Brother Setterbo started his career with the J , SIU in 1963, :> joining in the ..,,- port of Frankfort, Mich. He first sailed aboard a Michigan Interstate Railway vessel. '--"---"" A member of the deck department, he last worked aboard a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. Brother Setterbo served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He began receiving his pension in 1975. Michigan was his home. INLAND JOHN M. PIDLLIPS Pensioner John M. Phillips, 82, died May 15. Boatman Phillips joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A member of the deck department, he primarily sailed aboard Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessels. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. He began receiving his pension in 1982. Boatman Phillips resided in Uriah, Ala. EMIL WERNER Boatman Emil Werner, 60, passed away Oct. 5. He joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Werner was a member of the deck department. He sailed primarily aboard Maritrans vessels. Sharptown, Md. was his home. RAILROAD MARINE FRANK COMUNALE Pensioner Frank Comunale, 92, passed away Aug. 25. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Comunale sailed as a member of the deck department, first sailing aboard a Pennsylvania Railroadoperated vessel out of Norfolk, Va. He last shipped aboard a Penn Central Transportation Co. vessel. Brother Comunale began receiving his pension in 1973. He resided in Florida. Correction The photo that accompanied the biographical sketch of William J. Barnes in the October Final Departures column was published in error. The individual depicted in that photo is still alive and residing in Alabama. The correct photo and obituary follows.The Seafarers LOG regrets the error. Pensioner William Barnes, 79, died July 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of New. York. Born in the Philippines, Brother Barnes first sailed with New York Dock Railway Co. A member of the engine department, he began receiving his pension in 1987. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Marketer. Brother Barnes resided in his native country. December 2000 �JJ pri. many digests of union shipboard it~ On oet;1sion, because of space $, some will be omitted. li1$1 a 'iewed by the union's contract department. uirlng at(ention or resolution are addressed by the union oftbe s1"fps' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the.$ealarers LOG tor publication. AMBROSE CHANNEL (IUM). Aug. 30-Chairman Mario R. Romero, Secretary Elena R. Curley, Educational Director Peter Joseph, Steward Delegate Isabel Miranda. Chairman reminded everyone to be sure zcards are up to date. He read article in LOG about LNG ships and expressed pleasure that SIU brothers and sisters could retain jobs on six of those vessels for five more years. Educational director stated ship will have new satellite system for better TV reception within next few months. He suggested everyone attend Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. to upgrade skills every possible opportunity. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Previous request made for company to provide permanent mailing address. Company has provided two: one for letters, another for packages. Suggestion made for contracts department to negotiate better pay and OT for unlicensed apprentices aboard ship. Everyone pleased to see Chief Steward Curley back on ship after two months off. She has done outstanding job. Next ports: Port Everglades, Fla.; Beaumont, Texas. AMERICAN MERLIN (OspreyAcomarit Ship Mgmt.), Aug. 6-Chairman Sean M. Ryan, Secretary Thomas Wybo, Deck Delegate Duane R. Castello, Engine Delegate John Robinson Jr., Steward Delegate Hamin Sialana. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Houston Aug. 13 before heading to Mombasa, Kenya. Steward asked to submit repair list and crew requested to tum in used linen, keys and uniforms and to clean cabins before signing off. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that allotments be available twice a month via direct deposit on all foreign voyages. Request made for new washers and dryers as well as wall-mounted fans. Also asked for second steward assistant due to extra people on board. CSX HAWAII (CSX Lines), Aug. 13-Chairman Billy G. Hill, Secretary Edward P. Herrera, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Wilfredo Velez, Engine Delegate Samuel Garrett, Steward Delegate David Valle. Chairman stated payoff to take place in port of Jacksonville Aug. 25. He asked that everyone take Coast Guard inspection and all drills seriously. He also reminded crew members to check all sailing documents to make sure they are up to date. Educational director requested more information on STCW. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for clarification of medical benefits for those considered not fit for duty for more than six months. Chairman noted Paul Hall Day Aug. 20. All Seafarers are thankful for his strength and courage and for what he did for the SIU. Steward department thanked for job well done. HM/ DEFENDER (IUM), Aug. 30-Chairman Daniel C. Eckert, December 2000 Secretary Donald GaNung, Educational Director George H. Bixby, Deck Delegate Joseph R. Laine, Steward Delegate Peter L. Crum. Chairman advised everyone to read Seafarers LOG to find out what's going on in industry. He noted new wages have been posted. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new furniture in crew lounge as well as tile in messhall and some rooms. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), Aug. 20-Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director John K. Binpong, Deck Delegate Anthony Heinoldt, Engine Delegate Lane Schroeder, Steward Delegate Ali Muther. Chairman stated ship still waiting for junction box for TV antenna. He said all departments working exceptionally well together. Secretary added everyone very helpful and hardworking. Educational director advised members to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center, check z-cards for expiration dates and be sure to have STCW by January 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into having prescription benefits available for dependents. Request also made to have potable water tanks cleaned and water fountain repaired. Next port: Lake Charles, La. PERSEVERANCE (IUM), Aug. 31-Chairman James E. Bishop, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director Kenneth W. Pinchin, Deck Delegate Diego Hatch, Engine Delegate Milton Israel, Steward Delegate Marvin James. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Marcus Hook, Penn. He thanked deck department for good, efficient job cleaning tanks. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1,100 in ship's fund. Would like to use that money for satellite dish or more powerful TV antenna. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to look into higher daily maintenance and cure benefits and dropping seatime requirements for insurance eligibility as long as member is in good standing. Next ports: Savannah, Ga.; Yabucoa, P.R.; Nederland, Texas. SPC 5 ERIC G. GIBSON (Osprey-Acomarit Ship Mgmt.), Aug. 25--Chairman Thomas E. Minton, Secretary Felipe P. Orlanda, Educational Director Jim Porter, Deck Delegate Robert E. Thompson III, Engine Delegate James B. Porter, Steward Delegate David A. Brown Ill. Chairman reviewed minutes from previous meeting and reminded crew to talk to department delegate if problems arise. He noted unlicensed apprentice doing fine aboard ship. Secretary thanked steward department for job well done. Filipino and oriental dishes are nice change from usual menu. Educational director noted importance of upgrading and getting STCW certificate. He also spoke about new simulator at Piney Point and urged everyone to take advantage of school's state-of-the-art training. Discussion held about OT policy. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun explained new meeting format. Clarification requested on shipping rules and crew relief procedures. Chairman explained value of supporting SPAD. Next port: Guam. PRUDHOE BAY (Crowley), Aug. 27-Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Scott Opsahl, Educational Director Leonel S. Lazu, Deck Delegate Frederick C. Meier, Steward Delegate Sherman Anderson. Chairman stated payoff scheduled on arrival in Seattle. Take any problems with air conditioning to bosun. Patrolman will be present at payoff to address concerns, and captain is available whenever draw is needed. Secretary thanked crew for keeping messhall tidy. Educational director reminded crew members about need for STCWs, TRBs and upgrading at Paul Hall Center and not to wait until last minute. He also noted number of classes to be held on board in next week: CPR; first aid; drug, alcohol and social responsibility. Treasurer announced $695 in ship's safety fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Contract still under negotiations. Everyone advised to be patient during transition. Suggestions made to reduce time needed for vacation and pension and raise pension to reflect standard of living costs. Next port: Seattle. USNS LOYAL (Maersk), Aug. 20-Chairman Christopher E. Brady, Secretary Jose Montero, Educational Director Scott A. Kucharski. Chairman led discussion on new contract and complimented crew on professionalism. Educational director spoke about training requirements for shipping aboard TAGOS vessels. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Those remaining aboard for next mission advised to take special care in rough seas and extreme weather. CAPRICORN (PRONAV), Sept. 23-Chairman Salim Ibrahim, Secretary Zein Achmad, Educational Director Rene R. Rosario, Deck Delegate William Rios, Engine Delegate John G. Knott, Steward Delegate Antonio Perez. Educational director stated STCW certificates required to ship out starting 2002. He reminded crew members to take necessary upgrading courses before it's too late. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested unemployment guide be supplied to vessel to clear up any misunderstandings about collecting unemployment. Request also made for contracts departments to see that availability of e-mail services be included in future contract negotiations as well as lowering seatime required for retirement. Next ports: Tobata, Japan; Bontang, Indonesia. CSX NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), Sept. 17-Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Richard A. Riley, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza, Steward Delegate Dominico Dacua. Chairman read president's report from LOG and led discussion about shipping and future jobs. Secretary noted new movies purchased from ship's fund. Educational director said upgrading at Paul Hall Center is a must to protect your job, your family and your future. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made for contracts department to look into lowering retirement age and raising monthly retirement benefits. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. CSX PRODUCER (CSX Lines), Sept. 26-Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary Peter Ciddio, Educational Director Allan A. Rogers, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Osorio, Engine Delegate Leonard P. Viles, Steward Delegate Pedro J. Laboy. Chairman announced payoff in Oakland, Calif. Sept. 26. Everything going smoothly; e-mail for crew members to be set up soon. Secretary stated all correspondence in order and posted. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade. He has forms available. Treasurer announced ship heading to Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), Sept. 17-Chairman William S. Byrne, Secretary Milton M. Yournett. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville and thanked crew for job well done, especially during Coast Guard inspection. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and contributing to SPAD. "It's your future." Educational director noted Bound for Houston During a gangway watch aboard the CSX Challenger at the CSX dock in San Juan, AB Regina Ewing sets the ship's sailing board. $922.18 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing pension benefits in next contract and lower seatime required for pension. Vote of thanks given to Chief Cook Laboy and his crew for excellent food and barbecues. Steward thanked crew for helping keep public areas clean and tidy. New remote control needed in crew lounge. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu; Oakland. CSX TACOMA (CSX Lines), Sept. 17-Chairman John D. Kelley Jr., Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Lorance D. Pence, Engine Delegate Steven D. Bower, Steward Delegate Jioia deLeon. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Sept. 20. Crew to get blanket day off. Chairman advised everyone to be sure current address and beneficiary cards are current when filing for vacation. He also reminded members to vote in upcoming election. Every vote counts. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Piney Point whenever possible and contribute to SPAD. Treasurer announced $500 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for next contract to include 30minute coffee breaks. "By the time the crew gets to the crew lounge for coffee, it's time to go back to work." Plumbing snake on special order to help stop flooding of laundry rooms. Steward department thanked for great job. CSX TRADER (CSX Lines), Sept. 10-Chairman Dennis Brown, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Milton E. Sabin, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Loyal, Engine Delegate Ahmed Ahmed, Steward Delegate Alejo Fabia. Chairman reported ship due in Tacoma Sept. 15. Payoff scheduled upon arrival. Treasurer announced $216 in crew fund. Crew voted to donate $50 to American Heart Association. Will also purchase additional used equipment for gym. "Our recreation area is now looking real good and is being enjoyed by many of the crew." No beefs or disputed OT noted. Crew members said everyone misses news and sports they used to receive on AFRTS radio. Prices of satellite TV/radio antenna will be checked out. Following payoff in Tacoma, all crew members must comply with STCW and not to wait until last minute to get required training. Treasurer announced $217 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several suggestions made for contracts department to check out, including reducing seatime necessary for retirement, raising monthly pension benefit, fully covering prescription drugs for dependents, increasing optical benefits and raising maintenance and cure. Vote of thanks given to steward department for cleanliness of ship and continued good food. INDEPENDENCE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Sept. 17-Chairman James R. Wilson, Secretary Jill M. Prescott, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Steward Delegate Charles T. Powers. Chairman announced new washing machine due in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary thanked everyone for efforts in keeping house clean since coming out of shipyard. Educational director advised members to keep up to date on all shipping requirements. No beefs reported. Some disputed OT noted in steward department. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime needed to collect pension and increasing pension b_~nefit. General discussion held about money purchase pension plan and about launch service in Panama. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Sept. 18- Chairman David Denizac, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Clay Brown. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Elizabeth, N.J. Sept. 24. Ship currently on new run to Mediterranean. Secretary stated information was distributed to crew regarding allowances for dental and pension benefits as well as information on seamen's documents. Some disputed OT reported in deck department due to delayed sailing; none in other departments. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing rotary shipping tours of duty. Requests also made for launch service provided by company and that transportation should be covered by company due to change in schedule of ship to and from port of engagement. Steward department thanked for good job. Seafarers LOG 19 �Dijon Ham 'n' Swiss Jalapefio Bread Know Your Rights Serves: 25 6 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 teaspoon salt GALLEY ~ 2 cups water Y2 cup dijon mustard ~ CORNER cup yeast, active, dry cup margarine 2 cups flour, all-purpose 3 cups cooked ham, chopped 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese cup j alapefio peppers, canned Mix together flour, sugar, salt. Mix together water, mustard and margarine and heat to 125 degrees. Cool to 105-110 degrees and add yeast. Let bloom and add to flour mixture. Add enough additional flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth and elastic. Roll dough to 14" x 12". Spread ham, cheese and jalapeno peppers down center. Make cuts at 1" intervals down the side. Fold strips over top, alternately, to cover. Brush with egg wash. Set to rise. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until done. Serve warm. Certified Executive Ch John Hetmanski Yields: 2 loaves If anyone is looking for a particular recipe or has one of their own that they would like to share, drop Chef Hetmanski a line at the Paul Hall Center, P 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 or e-mail to: shlssvoc@us.hsanet.net. AFL·CIO NATIONAL BOYCOTTS DIAMOND WALNUT CO. Diamond brand bagged and canned walnuts and walnut pieces .,.. Teamsters FARMLAND DAIRY Milk sold under the Farmland Dairy label in stores in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York .,.. Teamsters MT. OLIVE PICKLE CO. Pickles and relishes sold under the Mt. Olive and other labels, including the Food Lion and Harris Teeter supermarket "house" labels .,.. Farm Labor Organizing Committee FURNITURE STRAITS FURNITURE CO. Jackson, Miss., manufacturer of entertainment centers, dining-room and bedroom furniture. Brands include: Canbrough Oak Collection, Downing Street Collection, Cherry Creek Collection, Hood, Straits .,.. Electronic Workers, Furniture Workers Division ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO. Measuring, cutting and machine tools and pumps .,.. Machinists JET EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, INC. Auburn, Wash., distributor of •JET" brand metal- and wood-working power and hand tools for home and commercial use .,.. Teamsters SOUTHWIRE CO. Commercial and industrial wire and cable; Do-It-Yourself brand homewir.; .,.. Electrical Workers CLOTHING MASTER APPAREL Men's and boys' trousers. Labels include Hills and Archer, and Ivy Hill .,.. Electronic Workers ENTERTAINMENT & RECREATION TRANSPORTATION & TRAVEL ALITALIA AIRLINES Air transport for passengers and freight .,.. Machinists BEST WESTERN-GROSVENOR RESORT Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; located at Disney World, but separately owned and operated .,.. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees CROWN CENTRAL PETROLEUM Gasoline sold at Crown, Fast Fare and Zippy Mart stations and convenience stores .,.. Paper. Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Hotel in Waterbury, Conn. .,.. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE HOTEL Hotel in Kapaa, Hawaii .,.. Longshore & Warehouse Union NEW OTANI HOTEL & GARDEN Hotel in downtown Los Angeles .,.. Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees BLACK ENTERTAINMENTTELEVISION BET cable television, Action payperview, Bet on Jazz .,.. Electrical Workers FOOD & BEVERAGES BASIC VEGETABLE PRODUCTS/ BASIC AMERICAN FOODS Dehydrated garlic, onion, and other vegetable products, chiefly for institutions such as colleges, hospitals and hotels, and for other food processors. Labels include: Snow White gar!ie, Mello Toasted onion, Dial-A-Heat garlic and chilis, High-Flavor onion and garlic, Dehydrolfrozen Vegetables, Potato Pearls, Gok:len Grill hashbrowns and potato pancakes, Santiago Refried Beans, Quick-Start Chili Mix .,.. Teamsters CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPES Table grapes that do not bear the UFW label on their carton or crate .,.. Farm Workers 20 Seafarers LOG OTHERS CF&I STEEL and OREGON STEEL MILLS, INC. Steel, including rod, bar, rail, pipe and steel plate .,.. Steelworkers WELLS FARGO and NORWEST BANKS Wells Fargo has branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington; Norwest has branches in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming .,.. Steelworkers R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO. Cigarettes: Best Value, Camel, Century, Doral, Eclipse, Magna, Monarch, More, Now, Salem, Sterling, Vantage, and Winston; plus all Moonlight Tobacco products .,.. Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers 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 fmdings 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: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, s x, 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 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. December 2000 ; �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS WELFARE FUND -· This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Welfare Fund, EIN 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees 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 $30,224,364 as of December 31 , 1999, compared to $24,272,339 as of January 1, 1999 (as restated). During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $5,952,025. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $49,803,331 including employer contributions of $49,414,547, realized (loss) of $(115,422) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,756,399, other income of $42,318, and unrealized (depreciation) of assets of $(1,294,511 ). Plan expenses were $43,851,306. These expenses included $4,963, 199 in administrative expenses and $38,888,107 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. You 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) Transaction in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.50 for the full annual report, or 15 cents 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 accompa nying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompa nying 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 the 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 (5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) upon payment of copying costs. Request to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N4677, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20216. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, EIN 52-1994914, Plan No. 001 , for the period January 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement There are four more months until applications for the SIU scholarship program are due. That leaves plenty of time to send away for your application, fill it out, collect all the necessary information and mail it in. Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children can make the new year a memorable one by applying for one of eight scholarships being awarded next May. Filling out the coupon (below right) for a copy of the program booklet is the first step toward pursuing your hopes, dreams and goals for a higher level of education. It contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information carefully to make sure that certain conditions are met. Since the completed application form (and other required paperwork) is due no later than April 15, 2001, applicants should start December 2000 collecting the necessary documents as soon as possible. These include transcripts and certificates of graduation, letters of recommendation, a photograph and certified copy of birth certificate. Also, arrangements should be made to take the SAT or ACT tests by February. The 2001 scholarship will consist of eight monetary grants to be awarded to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 for study at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary community college or vocational school. Five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15, 2001. Do it today! Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $201,422. These expenses included $126,572 in administrative expenses and $74,850 in benefit paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 6,968 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 $6,531,592, as of December 31, 1999, compared to $3,961,403 as of January 1, 1999. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,570, 189. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $2,771,611 including employer contributions of $2,150,747, employee contributions of $27 ,310, earnings from investments of $533, 171 and other income of $60,383. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1) An accountant's report; 2) Assets held for investment; 3) Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 4) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.55 for the full annual report or .15 cents 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 w.ill be included as part of that report. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S . Department of Labor in Washington D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N4677, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20216. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, P lease send me the 2001 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street Address City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 This application is 12/00 ~---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Basic Safety Training - Hawaii Basic Safety Training (STCW) - An on-site basic safety training (STCW) class was conducted by instructor Mitch Oakley Oct. 20-22 in Galveston, Texas for G&H boatmen. Completing the class are (in alphabetical order) Chris Bartholmey, Michael Brown, Jimmy Cady, Jeff Fitzgerald, Whitney Hargrave, Matthew Hudnall, Craig King, Carl Kivela, Michael Lynch, Raymond McGuire, Claude Murphy, Marion Peoples, Mundy Ransom, Willard Ransom, Martin Scott, Brandon Taylor, Corey Taylor, Gene Tuttle, Keith Walton, Bruce Williams and Dennis Murphy. (Note: Not all graduates are in photo.) The Seafarers graduating from the first basic safety training class held on Oahu are being dispatched to the new cruise ship, the MS Patriot in all three shipboard departments. They are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Eric Quayle, John Ferreira, Crispulo Orosco, Alejandro Quirolgico, Oscar Luis, Deren Atienza, Dwayne Paishon, (second row) Anwar Muthana, Alan Larson, Eric Silva, Sigfred Erickson, Patrick Mitsuyoshi, Loreto Orosco, Donato Tabag, Jimmy John Kincaid, Dennis Donehoo (instructor), Quirino Bangloy and Steven Soltysik (instructor). Able Seaman - Earning their AB ratings Oct. 27 are (in alphabetical order) Kristopher Anderson, John Brooks, Daniel Buffington, Brookie Davis, Jack Drossos, David Green, Eric Hurt, Adrian Jones, Timothy LaRue, Paulo Leite, Ruben Rivera, Michael Samuels, Cliff Trapp and Delsrael Williams. (Note: Not all graduates are in photo.) Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at left. Water Safety - Crew members who will be working aboard American Classic voyages' new cruise ships completed the required water safety course at Piney Point Oct. 11. From the left (kneeling) are Reni Saldarriaga, Tanya Kennedy, Jocelyn Palacia, (second row) Helene lshizabi, Alexander Rosssinsuiy, Juan Vega, Randy McCalip, John White, Bernarde Pelingon (instructor) Florante Sunega, Ruben Stewart Jr. and Paul Smith. Being dispatched to the MS Patriot as general utility crew are graduates of the second basic safety training class held on Oahu. The members are (from left, kneeling) Mark Villa, Edgardo Bitlon, (second row) Wayne Dimmer, Judyn Martinez, Gerardo Villanueva, lreneo Padilla, Romel Gante, Jose Ayon-Ayon , (third row) Sean Hayes, Hamilton Kaopua, Edgardo DeGuzman, Miguel Palisoc, Constantine Udarbe, Bobby Harris, Roger Casida and Dennis Donehoo (instructor). Some of the graduating Seafarers from the third basic safety training class on Oahu are bound for the new cruise ship. From the left (kneeling) are Romeo Manansala, Ben Cusic (instructor), Edgardo Basye, Noel Comacho, Steven Soltysik (instructor), Jose Bautista Jr., Federico Giray, Deserie Westergard, Artemia Gandeza, (standing) Dennis Donehoo (instructor), Abdul Hasan, Arthur Medeiros, James Leavy, Falefatu Maluina, Edward Ah San, Gregory Rice, Roland Cabasag, Mark Cabasag, Salah Saleh, Hazza Hussein, Justo Flores, Jaime Austria and Editha Barraca. Upgraders Lifeboat Government Vessels - Graduating from the government vessels course Oct. 4 are (front row, from left) Kevin Mcintyre, Efren Villarose, Cheryle Mix, Michael Sherno, (second row) Mark Cates (instructor), Michael DiAngelo, Quinton Washington, Jesus Martinez, Jerramy McNeil, Freddy Traffin and Jerome Wong. 22 Seafarers LOii Completing their lifeboat endorsements Sept. 29 are upgraders (from left, first row) Michael Kachele, Keith Mcintosh, Michael Samuels, Kenneth Adamczak, Michael Doby, Delsrael Williams, Barnabe Pelingon (instructor), (second row) Brookie Davis, Eric Hurt, Ali Akmar, Adrian Jones, Jose Garcia, Timmy LaRue, Lloyd Hall Sr., Isadore Greenberg and John E. Brooks. December 2aaa �Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) December 4, 18; January 8, 22 February S, 19 March5, 19 Safety 's,eaialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion January 19 February 2 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW February16 Marcbl <··· March 16 Start Date Da~of Marcb30 Completion April 13 April 27 May 11 March 16 May25 June8 With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and OMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee Qf $280 with their application. The pqyment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#_________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL:--- - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes DNo If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes DNo Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SIGNATURE Date Off: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 12100 Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Phase III - Graduation is just a short time away for these unlicensed apprentices in the third phase of their training. They are (in alphabetical order) Stiles Anderson, Travis ~\ '4'~, l 0. PAUL HA LL . CENTER December 2DOO Astbury, James Brosher, Joseph Brasher, Harry Clements IV, Kenneth Dyson, Bryan Field, Charles Fitzpatrick, Sean Fortner, Jafar Gordon , Michael Harvey, Beth Ketah, Otis Reynolds and Nathan Young. Seafarers LOB 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS for MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, Seafarers Welfare Fund and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan - page 21 NY Waterway Crews Approve Contract Group Completes Safety Training at Paul Hall Center November was a newsworthy month for 100-plus Seafarers who sail aboard commuter ferries operated by NY Waterway. Their newly approved, four-year contract took effect Nov. 1; and eight Seafarers became the first group from NY Waterway to complete safety training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Additionally, construction in Alaska continued on a new highspeed boat scheduled for February delivery. Its capacity will be 149 passengers. Sailing as captains and deckhands, SIU members crew 22 boats operated by the company. The ferries cover 10 routes between New York and New Jersey. Last year alone they transported more than 7 million passengers. By a ratio of better than two to one, Seafarers recently okayed the new contract. Serving on the SIU negotiating committee were Captains John Clare and A.J. Rinkus, Deckhands Kevin Lohr and George Schumpp, and SIU Representative Jack Caffey Jr. "Compared to the old contract, this one is definitely better. It's a positive step for the future," said Lohr, a shop steward at NY Waterway for the past eight years. "I think it is very fair in terms for retirement benefits and allowances for the future. It offers the best Seafarers plan available to include full medical and dental." The agreement calls for wage increases in each of its four years. It stipulates major gains in the pension benefit and solidifies a seniority system. It also paves the way for members to take courses at the Paul Hall Center. "This is what the members wanted, and we wouldn't stop until we got it," said Caffey. "The improvements in the pension plan are very substantial. The opportunity to train at Piney Point is a major breakthrough. From a modest beginning in 1986, NY Waterway ferries have become a popular alternative for commuters in New York and New Jersey. The SIUcrewed boats transport approximately 20,000 daily commuters and also offer sightseeing tours and lunch cruises. NY Waterway mariners last month completed safety training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Among those Seafarers pictured at the school are (in alphabetical order) Deckhand Adam Ashton, Capt. Thomas Beckedorff, Capt. Robert Capenegro, Deckhand Andrew Galarza, Deckhand Robert Lara, Deckhand Ramon Santiago, Deckhand Wilson Verdesoto and Capt. Frank Virginia. Also pictured are SIU Representative Jack Caffey Jr. and Y Water Operations Manager (and former SIU member) Michael McPhillip . "We built a stepping stone for the next contract," he continued. "The committee worked hard and stood up for their fellow members." Crew members wasted no time taking advantage of the training opportunities. Completing basic fire fighting, water survival, CPR and other components in mid-November were Captains Robert Capenegro, Thomas Beckedorff and Frank Virginia, along with Deckhands Adam Ashton, Andrew Galarza, Ramon Santiago, Wilson Verdesoto and Robert Lara. The school and the company plan to use last month's training as a building block for developing courses specifically tailored for NY Waterway crews. "The fire fighting was useful," noted Ashton. "You don't often get to use a hand-held, mobile extinguisher. Now, the guys know exactly what it feels like to use one, and the same goes with the hoses. "This is a bit of an experiment for the school and the company," he added. "I'm sure when the process is more jo specific for NY Waterway, it'll be much better. But this was good, we got a lot of good information." "It's interesting and it can be a lot of help," said Virginia. "For me, this was all refresher (subject matter). For a deckhand, it probably would be perfec ." Former SIU de - a division member ic ae McPhillips, NY Waterway's operations manager, sat in on some of the training. "The school is really impressive. We can get our guys trained the way we want them trained," he said. "The students were very enthusiastic." Founded in 1986, NY Waterway is the largest private ferry operator in the U.S. In addition to its commuter services, the company offers sightseeing tours around lower Manhattan and up the Hudson River, among others. Its schedule also features ferry service to every home game played by Major League Baseball's New York Yankees and New York Mets. . ' . � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES LAW INTENDS MARINER TAX RELIEF SIU PENSIONERS TO GET $500 YEAR-END BONUS SINGLE-OCCUPANCY ROOMS PLANNED FOR PAUL HALL CENTER BALLOTING BEGINS IN SIU ELECTION UNION FAMILIES MOBILIZE VOTE IN RECORD NUMBERS NEW NAME, IMPROVED BENEFIT AFFIRMED BY SEAFARERS HEALTH PLAN MSC CHRISTENS USNS IMPECCABLE EXPRESS MARINE LAUNCHES NEW TUG AND BARGE SEAFARER YOUNG SURVIVES SINGAPORE AIRLINES DIASTER MERCHANT MARINE INLCLUDED IN WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL LAKES SEAFARERS, GORDON CREW HONORED FOR DRAMATIC RESCUES LABOR APPLAUDS OSHA’S NEW ERGONOMIC STANDARD WORKING THE SIU FERRIES AND TUGS ON THE GREAT LAKES RECERTIFIED BOSUNS CITE POSITIVE GROWTH MTD MAPS PLAN FOR THWARTING RUNAWAY FLAGS REPORT URGES COOPERATIVE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TARGETING FOCS NORWEGIAN-FLAG TANKER CHARGED IN POLLUTING LOG AWARDED 1ST PRIZE IN LABOR PRESS CONTEST EAST MEETS WEST ABOARD THE GLOBAL SENTINEL ‘SAFETY FIRST’ ON COLUMBIA QUEEN HANDS-ON TRAINING IS VITAL COMPONENT OF APPRENTICE CLASS NY WATERWAY CREWS APPROVE CONTRACT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 12 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/daa9b5a23c5e64dd27d5531f6224a44b.pdf 0b85443ffe57b2aab54a6e1b318df192 PDF Text Text Volume 62, umber 11 SIU Job Growth Continues Seafarers Crew Reflagged Cruise Ship In mid-October, SIU members signed on aboard United States Lines' newly acquired cruise ship Patriot in Oregon. Formerly the Nieuw Amsterdam, the vessel is slated to cruise the Hawaiian Islands starting Dec. 9. Bosun Bernie Eda (right) and other crew members climbed the gangway as the vessel was reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. Page 4. Photo by Robert Mihovil S&H Christens Z-Drive Tug Seafarers in the Gulf Coast region recently welcomed a new Z-drive tug to the G&H Towing fleet. The Matthew K, christened in Galveston, Texas in late September, is getting positive reviews from SIU boatmen. Page 4. SIU-Contracted Companies to Operate45 RRFVessels SIU members will crew 45 Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships (including the Cape Washington, pictured here) for the next five years, following a government announcement that upheld earlier contract awards for vessels by the U.S. Maritime Administration. The SIU secured substantial wage increases and benefit gains aboard the 45 ships awarded to six of its contracted operators. Page 3. Safety School Opens in Hawaii The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month opened a new, U.S. Coast Guard-approved basic safety training school in Barbers Point, Honolulu. The facility primarily is intended for use by local residents for new job opportunities aboard U.S.-flag cruise ships as well as to meet the increased demand for trained mariners from Hawaii. Page 3. �President's Report ContlnueCI Progress Doesn't it seem like yesterday when all the talk was about "Y2K" and the millennium bug and epic New Year's Eve celebrations? Well, we're almost through the year 2000. And just like during the 1990s, the SIU is still on a roll. In this union, our top priority is clear: good jobs and job security for the membership. That goal never changes. I'm proud of the SIU's work in consistently achieving that goal. This month alone, for example, we are reporting major contractual gains on the RRF ships; new jobs on the cruise ship Patriot and the Z-drive tug Matthew K; and the launch of MSC's newest SIU-contracted surveillance vessel. We also opened, with the assistance of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, a new basic safety school in Hawaii. It mainly is designed to help the union and its contracted companies meet the increased manpower requirements that go hand-in-hand with the expansion of the U.S.-flag cruise ship fleet as well as the increased demand for trained mariners from Hawaii. Those gains certainly aren't the only ones the SIU has made. As we reported in October, three to six new tankers have been ordered for the Jones Act fleet. Those ships will be crewed by SIU members. Additionally, the Paul Hall Center has opened a first-class simulator building featuring the world's most modem equipment. These successes, along with many others that have been reported throughout the year in the LOG and at membership meetings, don't come easy and they don't happen by accident. Particularly in our industry, we have to scratch and claw for everything we gain. We constantly battle against foreign-flag interests who would love nothing more than to see the U.S. flag wiped off the seas. One way we can win that fight is through the continued good work of the Paul Hall Center's advisory board. Through close examination of the industry and careful planning, the board has been instrumental in helping the SIU provide our contracted companies with the world's best-trained mariners. More information about this key group begins on page 5. Overall, with the year winding down and the holidays approaching, we in the SIU have much to be thankful for. We've worked for-and won-many new jobs and substantial contractual improvements. We've improved our capability to provide state-of-the-art training for any and all Seafarers who want it. We also have our sights set on even bigger gains in the future. And we intend to keep on winning. Job Well Done On a personal note, I extend my most sincere thanks and appreciation to John Graykowski for his terrific work as deputy maritime administrator and (twice) as acting maritime administrator. Mr. Graykowski, as reported on page 7, is stepping down from MarAd. He truly embraced MarAd's cause, and his enthusiasm will be missed. Volume 62, Number 11 November 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU, Other Maritime Unions Unite in Battle to Improve 'Oil Patch Mariners' Conditions Members Asked to Help in Gulf Coast Effort For the last two years, five maritime unions have worked together to organize the offshore mariners sailing in the Gulf of Mexico oil patch. The campaign is reaching mariners aboard offshore service vessels (OSV) and tugboats that pull oil rigs to location. The effort is taking place all along the Gulffrom Florida to Texas-and has the full support of the AFL-CIO. By working together, the unions- which include the American Maritime Officers; the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; the Marine Engineers ' Beneficial Association; the National Maritime Union; and the Seafarers International Union-are consolidating their resources to benefit those seeking a voice at the workplace. Each of the unions had been fielding requests from oil patch mariners to join. Many workers were afraid they would be unable to meet the Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) requirements when they are implemented in 2002. Others described the horrific conditions they experience regularly while at sea and were looking for help. Still others knew from family and friends who are members of the maritime unions about the benefits and job security of having a union contract. The unions assisted a grassroots organization called the Gulf Coast Mariners Association (GCMA), located in Houma, La. The GCMA, founded by men and women who work in the oil patch, were tired of the runaround they were getting from the large companies who took over the momand-pop outfits during the bust times of the 1980s and early 1990s. The founders of the GCMA realized the mariners needed a voice. From its simple start a few years ago, the GCMA now boasts a membership of more than 1,000 mariners in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. As it grew, the GCMA received more and more firsthand accounts of the problems and dangers faced by oil patch mariners. Many of them were direct violations of safety and labor regulations issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Yet, almost all of the reports included a statement that the violations never were given to federal authorities because the mariners feared losing their jobs. Some of these statements reminded the representatives of the five maritime unions of the experiences reported by the organizers 50 and 60 years ago when they were organizing the deep sea industry: Union·-~~,·~ .,Pl,ght·of·OffsbOre''. IVl~rlnersi. ..-rR:'first1Uling !'started hearingtro:if nmttn~,; w&n 1git do~'tiere .~ the · homfll9n. sta~enf/They treat us likes:~-' J Fnow it's not pretty tO hear', but that•s:Wbahtqey say.. And it's no1 Just a~nstttie boat oompantes, but tne oil ccimpanies and vendors. t hate to see mariners treated like they are the bot.~om of!ft~ b~}l'et. Everyone talks Jike that so ygu even hear guys referring foithems.etves as 'boat trash.' t can't believe hbw they get paid for 12 hours and work 18 or 20 nours a day With no overtime. and Jt just seems nor~ mat. Ifs hard to agitate arouml overtime because no one really expects it. People can get fired for anythingat anytime-just because someone doesn't like you or wants to.hire their nephew. And there's nothing they can do about it except pack their bags and start tooking for another job." ' Jimmy O~no, OMU organizer from SIU much, "The mariners in the Gulf today haVe constanttY stated they woukf not want their chftdr~n to ,fu:fl~. theA!; into the industry. They see that their fathers still have to work lf'\t() thetf 10s because they have no pension and need the money, They canoot afforct to retire. They want a better life for their chitdren and this industry does n.o! .provlde it unless they can get some help. That's why they are looking for like the unions to provide job security and long-term benefits." Tim Dragone, OMU organizer from AMO scimeone ~organizing is a much tougher job than I ever imagined. The mariners in tl1e Gulf are treated like second..class citizens whose rights are ignored by the boat companies. They're told they~re not allowed to speak to union organizers or even among themselves about a union. These mariners are routinely ordered to break environmental laws and the rutes of good seamanship. They're slowly getting stronger and I'm proud to help them toss away the chains of slavery that have bound them too long," John Hasson, OMU organizer from MEBA ''The mariners here are getting such a raw deal. When you look at conditions on the boats-pay, benefits. food-it's unbelievable sometimes. The companies treat them tfke a number. The captalns have no authority on the boats~ but the companies want to catr them supervi$0rs to try to keep them out of the union. They are called 'boat trash: When they are on the vessels. it's Uke a prison camp. If anyone needs a union, it's these guys down here." Gary Hensley, OMU organizer from MM&P "We have the working condruons of a Third World country rtght here in our own backyard, and ifs time to clean it up! These mariners can get the job done under the worst condiUons. be it weather, fatigue or poor equipment. They make it happen. So I say it's about time that they get the respect and recognition that they deserve, and the onty way that's going to happen is if the mariners stick together, They need a union: John Ebanks, OMU DFganfzer from NMU The five maritime unions are united in their effort to end the abuse faced by oil patch mariners who work aboard vessels like this one in the Gulf of Mexico. • "The 12-hour rule is ludicrous. It does not make sense when it cannot be enforced. Either run more than 12 hours or turn the wheel over to an ... inexperienced. You close your eyes and pray." • "The whole crew would be up all day shifting barges and chipping and painting. Then the company would call and give us orders to get a material barge and take it offshore. This was a fourman crew doing this job. And this is a continuous cycle." • "I have been working on boats for about 28 years. The number one issue that I see which needs to be addressed at this time for the inland and coastwise mariner is fatigue and hours worked." • "I was the only one [capable] to handle my boat, running my work sometimes beyond 12 hours. Stress is a big part of my life. Keep going to keep the company, and the oil company, happy. I have no choice. It doesn't matter whether I'm tired or not. I'm just a person that has to feed my family and keep a roof over hls head." Others offered actual accounts of dangerous situations: • "I was working as a deckhand with Coastal Towing. Me and the captain were the only crew. We were working with rig Workhorse 4 (a jackup rig), moving it from one location to another in Vermillion Block 31. Many times it would take us 12 to 30 hours to get the rig on location where it could start to work on the well. With just two men on board, we were unable to cook or get any sleep. The captain would complain to our office about the hours and that we were tired and needed some rest, but they told us that the boat was not making enough money to put a third man on to help. Finally I had enough and I quit." • "I have 16 years experience as a tankerman with a grade A document. I worked on the MV San Miguel for Buffalo Marine in Texas. I have worked hitches of 35 days straight. We were work- Continued on page 6 November 2000 �SIU-Contracted Companies to anage 45 RRF Vessels Wages, Benefits Substantially Increased SIU members will crew 45 Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships for the next five years, following the General Accounting Office's announcement in late September that upheld earlier contract awards for 74 vessels by the U.S. Maritime Administration. The SIU secured substantial wage increases and benefit gains aboard the 45 ships awarded to six of its contracted operators. The union also has attained retroactive wage increases totaling at least 4 percent for the years 1999-2000-a period in which the RRF vessels operated under contract extensions because of a 1998 protest concerning the government's bidding procedure. The new five-year agreements call for much larger wage boosts, plus Seafarers Welfare and Pension Plans benefits at their top levels; inclusion of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan at 5 percent of base wages; increased vacation benefits and other gains. The new contracts are retroactive to May 1, 2000. Crew turnover among the 74-ship RRF fleet was scheduled to begin Nov. I on Pacific Gulf Marine's Cape Flattery is one of eight RRF ships the company will manage and operate under a contract with the U.S. Maritime Administ:tion. • • Union EleCllOn Voling Starts November 1 Voting for officers of the Seafarers International Union's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to be conducted by secret ballot, begins Nov. 1 and continues through Dec. 30. This election also includes five proposed constitutional amendments. (See sample ballot, pages 12-13.) Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 20012004 term. Such members may pick up their ballots at any of 21 SIU halls throughout the country. Ballots may be obtained from 9 a.m. until noon, Mondays through Saturdays, except legal holidays, until Dec. 30. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents, two headquarters representatives and I 0 port agents (for a total of 27 positions). It also includes the five proposed constitutional amendments. In accordance with the union's constitution, a credentials committee composed of six rank-andfile Seafarers, elected by their fel- low members, reviewed the nomination applications to ensure each candidate's eligibility. The committee's report was prepared Aug. 18 (after the nominations period closed) and approved by the membership at the September meetings. Subsequent to the September membership meetings, a nominee for the position of vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement appealed his disqualification by the committee. This individual's appeal was presented to the membership at the October membership meetings and the appeal was granted. The secret ballots are accompanied by envelopes marked "Ballot" as well as postage-paid envelopes bearing the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee. Each Seafarer must present his or her book to the port agent or agent's designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked "Ballot" and the mailing envelope. When the member receives the ballot and envelopes, his or Continued on page 7 lli!i,~~s.e be advisee! that SIU headquarters and all li4f!l!JiriTJ!l halls will be closed Monday, Dec. 25 for 1;:::E£:EE:.:::;~ 'frs h(iurs will resume the following workday. ·:·-_;;;ft;: <;:;:._· November 2000 ·,;, most of the vessels, although a few began earlier. The SIU-contracted companies which were awarded contracts are American Overseas Marine Corp. (AMSEA); Crowley Liner Services; Interocean Ugland Management.; Ocean Duchess; Pacific Gulf Marine; and Patriot Contract Services. A list of the SIU-crewed vessels accompanies this article. The vessels in the RRF fleet are used when the nation's armed forces require surge shipping, such as during the Persian Gulf War or more recent operations in Somalia, Haiti and Bosnia. The ships are owned by the government and operated by private shipping companies using American merchant mariners. The fleet is maintained in various states of readiness. Some vessels are ready to sail at a moment's notice as prepositioning vessels. Others stand in reserve or reduced operating status (ROS), ready to be fully crewed and deployed in four days or fewer. The rest of the fleet operates under 10-to-20-day activation status. The fleet includes tankers, RO/ROs, barge carriers, crane ships and breakbulk vessels. '-JIF Sltips;tiJ Be Managed·by SI~. COnt.panie5 American Overseas Marine Corp. (9) Beaver State Cape Jacob Cape John Cape Johnson Cape Juby Cape Nome Curtis Green Mountain State Wright Cr9wley L!ner Se/vices (8} C~pe Inscription , {)~pe lntr~pid . ,Gape lsabei · Gape Island Cape Lambert Gape Lobos Cape Washington Gape Wrath lnlerocean Ugland Mgmt. Corp. (11) Petersburg Potomac Gopher State Flickertail State Cornhusker State Cape Mendocino Gape Fear Cape Mohican Cape May Chesapeake Mount Washington Ocean Duchess (3) Alatna Chattahoochie Nodaway When the awards first were announced in May, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater stated, "These contracts will enable the Ready Reserve Force to continue to perform its vital role in protecting America's national security, one of the Department of Transportation's top strategic priorities." Pacific Gulf Marine (8) Diamond State Equality State Gape Farewell Cape Florida Cape Flattery Keystone State Gem State Grand Canyon State Patriot Contract Services (6) Cape Breton Cape Bover Cape Blanco Cape Borda Gape Gibson Cape Girardeau The awards originally were made in the summer of 1998, but MarAd quickly rescinded them following objections to the bidding procedure. Finally, the new contracts were announced earlier this year- but were followed by more protests, this time apparently concerning the outcome of the awards, rather than the method used to determine them. MSC Launches New Survey Ship USNS Mary Sears Joins The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) last month ceremonially launched the sixth of its Pathfinder T-AGS 60 class of oceanographic survey ships, the USNS Mary Sears. SIU members will crew the new ship sometime in 2001most likely in the spring or summer. Meanwhile, finishing touches are being applied to the vessel at Halter Marine Shipyard in Moss Point, Miss. The Mary Sears will join five other SIU-crewed oceanographic surveillance ships operated by Dyn Marine for MSC. The others are the Pathfinder, Bowditch, Sumner, Henson and Heezen. Like its forerunners, the Mary Sears is 329.5 feet long and can travel at 16 knots. It will join its sister ships in collecting scientific data from coastal as well as deep ocean waters around the world for the Navy Oceanographic Office. s Other Surveillance Vessels Photo Credit: MSC The USNS Mary Sears, pictured during construction in Moss Point, Miss., is the sixth SIU-crewed T-AGS 60 class vessel operated by Dyn Marine for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The ship is the first oceanographic vessel named after a female oceanographer, according to MSC. The late Mary Sears "is widely credited with expanding the role of oceanographic research and data collection," the agency noted. She also helped develop "one of the foremost oceanographic institutions in the world." Safety Training School Opens in Honolulu The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month opened a new, U.S. Coast Guard-approved basic safety training school in Barbers Point, Honolulu. The facility primarily is intended for use by local residents for new job opportunities aboard U.S.-flag passenger ships- such as the newly reflagged Patriot (see story, page 4). Already, three groups of students (58 individuals) have completed STCW basic safety training at the new school. At least a few additional installments of the course will be offered before the end of the year; it is anticipated that consecutive classes will be conducted throughout most or all of 2001. The newly reffagged Patriot sails to Portland. Page 4 Instructors from the Paul Hall Center, which is based in Piney Point, Md., directed last month's classes and also provided lifeboat training on the SIU-crewed SS Independence in Hawaii. The center's health and safety director, Jim Hanson-a key figure in the planning of the acclaimed Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which opened last year in Piney Point-also helped teach the courses, in addition to coordinating much of the setup. "The students did really well. They especially liked the maze," Hanson noted. "The Coast Guard was there also, and they seemed pleased with the safety switches, the gear and the ratio of instructors to students." Hanson added that the other instructors- Dennis Donehoo and Ben Cusic-"did a tremendous job both in helping get the facility open and in teaching the courses. They really went the extra mile." The school is located on a forContinued on page 7 Seafarers LOii 3 �r I' Sealarers Crew New Z-Drive Tug ~ ' I SIU members in the Gulf Coast region are sailing aboard the new Z-drive tug Matthew K, following the boat's christening in Galveston, Texas in late September. "It's really an exceptional boat," said Mate Sean Arbogast. "It's got great maneuverability and it's very comfortable." Bay-Houston Towing Company owns the vessel, while G&H Towing operates it. Built at Main Iron Works in Houma, La., the Matthew K performs docking operations in the Texas ports of Houston, Galveston, Texas City, Corpus Christi and Freeport. The boat also has general towing capabilities. "This is an exciting new addition to the fleet," stated SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. "It shows the type of technological advancement that will keep SIU members in step with the future. It also underscores the value of the new simulators [at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Edu- Seafarers (from left) Sean Arbogast, Thomas Sneed, William Hadley and Jeff Welch welcome the newest addition to G&H fleet. cation] that will be used to train people on these high-tech vessels." Carroll Young, executive vice president of G&H Towing, played a big role in the Matthew K's design. "It was designed with escort capability in mind, but also with consideration for future possibilities," he noted. "It has an extended keel, and in that regard Seafare rs Climb Gangway To Pristine Passenger Ship After many months of anticipation, Seafarers in mid-October signed on aboard United States Lines' newly acquired passenger ship Patriot in Oregon. Following the transfer of ownership Oct. 18 from Holland America Line, the 1,212-passenger vessel-flying the Stars and Stripes-proceeded to Cascade General Shipyard in Portland, Ore. for a multi-million dollar refurbishment. Formerly the Nieuw Amsterdam, the Patriot will cruise the Hawaiian Islands beginning Dec. 9. According to U.S. Lines' parent company, American Classic Voyages, the Patriot will sail every Saturday evening from Honolulu, Oahu. Passengers may select from 80 optional island explorations as the ship cruises to the ports of Nawiliwili, Kauai; Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; and Kona, Hawaii before returning to Honolulu the following Saturday. "This acquisition is great news for the American-flag passenger industry and for the SIU," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "We welcome the new job opportunities. We also look forward to doing our part to help ensure the continued revitalization of the U.S.-flag passenger fleet." Philip C. Calian, American Classic's chief executive officer, noted, "We are within weeks of introducing the Patriot as Hawaii's largest and most contemporary year-round cruise ship. The ship will pioneer United States Lines' return as 'America's cruise line."' Under American Classic's Project America initiative, the company is building a pair of 1,900-passenger vessels slated to begin sailing in 2003 and 2004. They are under construction at union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. and will be the largest ocean-going cruise ships ever built in a U.S. yard. The keel for the first ship was laid Oct. 10. For Patriot reservations, call toll-free 877-330-6600 or visit the web site www.unitedstateslines.com. For job opportunities on the Patriot, contact your port agent or visit the "jobs" section at www.seafarers.org. Admiral Towing Crews Approve First Contract The SIU has negotiated its first-ever contract with Admiral Towing & Barge Company in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. According to Neil Dietz, SIU Port Agent in Honolulu, the agreement is for three years and affects 12 Seafarers who operate three Z-drive tugs. Following unanimous ratification, the pact was signed Sept. 20, ending negotiations which commenced in June. Among the contract's highlights are enrollment in the Seafarers Welfare Plan and the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, wage increases and language for call-out pay. "I think it's a good first contract," said Chuck Seafarers LOG • Length; 100 feet • Beam; 38 feet • Draft: 17.1 feet • Main engines: 2 EMO 12-645 turbo charged engines, 2150 hp each, devetoping a total of 4300 bhp @ 900 rpm • Drive units: 2 Utstein Model #1650 Azimuth Drive Units with 86-lnch stainless steel wheels in Nautican high-performance nozzles a Bollard putr: 110,000 lbs. ahead and 100,000 astern • Deck machinery.: Markey Model #DYSF-52 "Escort" fine winch on bow with 750 ft "Plasma" line rated at 96(),000# working strength; 1 Markey variable speed cap- U.S. Lines' Patriot Debuts December 9 4 All four wheelmen have shown above-average ability to learn the new system." Both Arbogast and Young pointed out that the Matthew K gets high marks for crew comfort. "I've been here 43 years, and this boat is probably one of the best I've ever seen in that regard," Young said. "I absolutely agree," noted Arbogast. "The only person you share a room with is your relief. The galley is large, and there are two air conditioning units on the boat-one especially for the wheelhouse." Matthew K FacfSheet it's not a typical Z-drive tug. The hull and winch is [like that of an] escort tug, which also differs from a typical Z-drive. "It's unique to this area," he continued. "Z-drive tugs aren't common in Texas, but the Matthew K has been really wellaccepted. It does everything and more than we'd hoped." Arbogast said the crews are adjusting well to the new boat. "It's not difficult, just different," he observed. "It doesn't handle like a big boat. You have joysticks like in an airplane, rather than a wheel. There's a bit of a learning curve, but everybody's doing exceptionally well. stan aft • Generators: 2 Detroit Diesef 671 unitsy each producing 75 • Wheelhouse: Designed with 360--degree visibility • Fire fighting: 2000 GPM Aurora ftre pump. driven by Detroit Diesel 8V-71 with "Skum" fire monitor mounted kW on fornard deck 8 Classificati-0n: ABS Inter- national Load line SIU Mate Sean Arbogast greets the boat's namesake, 12-year-old Matthew Evans Kuebler-a great, great grandson of Capt. W.D. Haden, founder of Bay-Houston Towing. • Electronics~ Furuno Radar, 2 VHF radios, PA system, auto pifot with Furuoo OGPS sys- tem · Orgulf Boatman Ratify New Pact A new contract has been hammered out between SIU boatmen in St. Louis and Cincinnati-based Orgulf Transportation. The new agreement, ratified Sept. 18, covers three years and boasts significant upgrades in wages and benefits. Approximately 150 full-time and probationary SIU members who crew 21 Orgulf tugboats will benefit from the fresh accord. Negotiations had been ongoing since early August. Major points of the new contract include: • Wage increases ranging from 6.1 percent to 8.2 percent in the first year • Wage increases of 2 percent in the second and third years • Enhanced welfare benefits that will include prescription coverage for dependents • An increase in optical and death benefits • A one-time $300 signing bonus for SIU members (other than probationary members) • Stand-by pay or free-time Howard, a member of the negotiating committee. The historic contract offers a unique challenge for the SIU, Dietz said. The pact is part of a military bid and marks the first time that Navy tugboats in Pearl Harbor have been replaced with civilian vessels. The Navy has retired its tugboats in Pearl Harbor. The SIU-crewed Admiral Towing tugs are responsible for providing towing, docking and other assistance (including emergency) to various classes of vessels and barges at the U.S. Navy Station in Pearl Harbor. The crews' most delicate duties will involve the docking and undocking of submarines, Dietz said. In addition to Howard, the SIU contract committee consisted of Deron Schade, a tug captain; and Bill Sneed, a deckhand. These individuals did a ter- Continued on page 6 These SIU members recently joined SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski and St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper in the successful negotiation of a new three-year contract with Orgulf Transportation. Pictured are, seated from left, Nancy Avery, Martha Smith and Herman Rowe. Standing are W.T. Bush, Doug Ogle and Sleeper. days (when the company initiates stand-by status) In addition to the foregoing advancements, the SIU contract committee successfully negotiated for the installation of satellite dishes aboard company vessels. Orgulf typically has been tough but fair in negotiations, according to SIU St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper. "Members of both committees [the SIU contract committee and their counterparts representing Orgulf Transportation] worked extremely hard and addressed all the issues on the table," Sleeper said. "We made great strides during the negotiations, especially with respect to up-front wage increases and in the medical plan which now affords prescription coverage for dependents. "The new contract goes a long way to establishing Orgulf as a premier inland employer company. It offers perhaps the most competitive wage scale out there and the medical plan is magnificent," she said. "Hopefully the next time around, and with more member participation, we'll make even greater advances." Martha Smith, a member of the SIU negotiating committee, shared Sleeper's sentiments about the new contract. "The negotiations went very well," she said. "The response we've had from the membership has been very positive. "They (the membership) were ecstatic with what we got for them as well as what we did not lose" she continued. "We were firm in what we needed .... "I thought · getting the 6 to 8 percent wage increases the first year and the 100 percent medical coverage for everybody, including children and spouses, were quite fantastic. Both are unique in day and age," she concluded. Chris Ulmer, labor liaison for Orgulf, was equally pleased Continued on page 5 November 2000 �Advisory Board Revisits STCW Governor Mel Carnahan, 66, Dies in Oct. 16 Plane Crash Simulators Are a Highlight As Industry Group Studies Training Requirements The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education's deep sea and inland advisory board worked through an ambitious agenda last month during its 33rd annual meeting in Piney Point, Md. As has been the case in each of the last few yearly sessions, the group devoted much of its time to STCW-related issues. It reviewed in detail the convention's various requirements for unlicensed mariners (see charts, page 10). It also refined the system for auditing the SIU's U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record books (TRBs )-both the actual documents and the school's database that collectively contains the information found in them. Other topics included the Paul Hall Center's new simulators; strategies for recruiting shipboard personnel; new courses that recently received Coast Guard approval; "distance learning," a term for providing vocational instruction over a secure electronic medium; the school's unlicensed apprentice program; the Coast Guard's interim rule on licensing and manning for officers of towing vessels; and a review of the board's accomplishments during the past year. The meeting took place Sept. 25-26. Participants included representatives of SIU-contracted deep sea, Great Lakes and inland companies; the Coast Guard and its National Maritime Center (NMC); the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd); the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC); the U.S. Army Transportation School (Fort Eustis); the Logistics Management Institute; the U.S. Military Transportation Management Command; the National Transportation Safety Board; and the Paul Hall Center. Opening the meeting, SIU President Michael Sacco credited the board for several noteworthy accomplishments since last year's conference. These include the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School; the formation and work of the TRB auditing committee; and the development of criteria for the new simulators. "When labor, management and government work together to solve our problems, it's not that difficult," Sacco stated. "We can solve them together." The SIU president thanked Paul Hall Center instructors and officials for their efforts in helping secure top-notch simulators for shiphandling, engine room operations, liquid cargo transfer and crane operations- equipment that is expected to significantly enhance dozens of Paul Hall Center courses. He also praised the Coast Guard for working with the school as it developed and updated curriculums to maximize the simulators' instructional value. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez pointed out that the conference "is historic because, for the first time, we have NMU officials and contracted operators participating." Bill Eglinton, the school's director of vocational education, described the advisory board's mission as "a team effort. Together, we come up with solutions. This is a multi-faceted industry, and there's so much going on, we've got to talk about it in order to meet everyone's needs." He added that since the last meeting, the school has obtained Coast Guard approvals for 15 classes, which include a few renewals and a number of new courses. The school also has produced or obtained more than 1,200 training videotapes that are available to SIU-contracted companies. One of the conference's highlights was an in-depth, STCWrelated question-and-answer session moderated by Capt. Myles "Chip" Boothe and Capt. Ernest Fink of the Coast Guard's NMC. Along with Eglinton, they discussed with the other attendees some of the recurring questions about both the original 1978 STCW convention and the 1995 STCW convention as amended. They reviewed the STCW "checklists" developed by the school as well as various Coast Guard regional examination center (REC) procedures including licensing and certification methods. The agenda also featured a hands-on tour of the new simulator building. Upgraders and Conference participants took a hands-on tour of the Paul Hall Center's new simulator building. In photo above and below, Major General Kenneth L. Privratsky, Commanding General of the Military Traffic Management Command, tries the crane simulator and visits the bridge simulator. entry-level students are expected to begin utilizing the new gear this month. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, the bridge simulator is the centerpiece of the new systems. It features a 360-degree viewing sector and three interactive auxiliary bridges. The main bridge includes an integrated ship control console with ARPA/radar, global marine distress system (GMDSS), electronic chart display (ECDIS, with charts from Continued on page 10 Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, a friend of labor who was running for the U.S. Senate, died in a plane crash Oct. 16 near St. Louis. He was 66. Also perishing in the wreck were Carnahan's son and an aide. The plane was a six-seat Cessna 335 which went down in a rocky area. Carnahan consistently supported working families. He fought for collective bargaining rights for state workers and opposed "paycheck deception" legislation similar to California's infamous Proposition 226, which was designed to rob workers of their voice in the political process. The two-term governor's budgets included unprecedented investments in job training and other workforce preparation programs. He strengthened prevailing-wage enforcement and dramatically reduced the time it took to process workers' compensation claims. He also extended health care coverage to thousands of previously uninsured children, and he passed an effective patients' bill of rights. Carnahan also supported the U.S. Merchant Marine. He twice was honored by the St. Louis Port Council of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, including earlier this year. Maryland Governor Parris N. Glendening, chairman of the National Governors' Association, said in a prepared statement, "Mel Carnahan 's career and greatness were marked by his gentle humor and tireless Orgulf Pact Signed Continued from page 3 about the new accord. "We [at Orgulf] were happy with the overall result of the contract," he noted. "We were [especially] happy that we could provide an increase in the overall coverage afforded in their health care plan. I give a lot of credit to your negotiators for that. "We've had a great relation- Gov. Mel Carnahan passion for public service and the people of Missouri." Michigan Governor John Engler, vice chairman of the association, said, "I served with Governor Carnahan for nearly eight years (in the organization). I came to know him as a man with a deep commitment to public service." An editorial in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted, "Among his political peers, including his enemies, Mr. Carnahan was known as an even-keeled, evenhanded and progressive policymaker. Making government work was Carnahan 's legacy .... We will miss him because he was a kind and decent man." Carnahan was running for the Senate against incumbent Republican John Ashcroft. Roger B. Wilson was sworn in Oct. 18 as Missouri's governor. ship with the Seafarers for a long time and we hope to keep it that way," he added. "They've been crewing Orgulf vessels for more than 25 years and have always done a superb job." The SIU negotiating committee consisted of Seafarers Smith, W.T. Bush, Doug Ogle, Nancy Avery and Herman Rowe along with Great Lakes Vice President Tom Orzechowski and Sleeper. Raise Minimum Wage Union members and officials rallied Oct. 12 at the U.S. Capitol along with several prominent legislators in support of increasing the minimum wage. Speakers included (top photo) House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, (below left) House Minority Whip David Bonior and (below right) Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (far right in photo below) also helped lead the call for passage of legislation boosting the minimum wage. In three photos above (from left), Paul Hall Center Vocational Education Director Bill Eglinton, Coast Guard Capt. Myles "Chip" Boothe and Coast Guard Capt. Ernest Fink discuss various requirements of the original and amended STCW conventions. November 2000 Seafarers LOG 5 �,1 Indiana Harbor Crew Welcomes Apprentice Memorializing Mooney Phase II Offers Valuable Hands-On Training When the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education launched its revised trainee program in 1997, perhaps the most noteworthy addition was a 90-day shipboard training segment. Known as Phase II, this portion of the unlicensed apprentice curriculum affords students the ultimate in hands-on training. It consists of 30 days sailing in each of the departments-deck, engine and steward-aboard an SIU-contracted vessel. Great Lakes SIU members aboard the Indiana Harbor recently welcomed Paul Gobs as one of the first Phase II apprentices to sail on an American Steamship Co. vessel-and the Seafarers commended both the student and the program itself. "I think the hands-on experience is important when it comes education," to shipboard observed QMED Todd Buckingham. "Paul is catching on really fast." Second Engineer Gerard Ed Mooney, who passed away in July, often spent long hours on the job as an SIU headquarters representative from 1961 until his retirement in 1977. But, as SIU President Michael Sacco put it, Mooney also found time to be "a great socializer. He had tremendous concern for people, especially members of the SIU." With that in mind, the bar at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. on Sept. 26 was dedicated as the Mooney Pub. A brief ceremony took place featuring remarks by Sacco, retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney, and Mooney's son Stephen Mooney (who sailed with the SIU). A sign was unveiled that reads "Mooney Pub, A Safe Harbor." Pictured at right are Stephen and Julianne Mooney. Unions Unite to Help Gulf Coast Mariners Continued from page 2 ing three men per boat -<:aptain, mate and myself. I would work many positions, as a cook, engineer, deckhand and tankerman. I have seen myself work up to 42 hours at a time due to the lack of crew. I now have a bad back from having to deal with pulling hoses by myself and being overfatigued." • "July 28, 1999, I worked for a company in Dulac called Gulf Pride. I went on the boat thinking I'm making at least $160-$170 a day-a little crewboat. I had to find a deckhand. It took us hours and hours to clean this boat up-it was that messy. The boat hadn't moved in four months from where it was. But I told the man that I could move it.... By 11 p.m. that night, we got the boat moving [and] went to Intracoastal City. On Aug. 1, my wife got the check and she told me I'm only making $103 a day and the man don't even know his math-his adding was also wrong. I called the man. He never answered. My wife called. He was very rude. [He] said ifl don't like it, get off. Well, I did." In order to address the needs of the mariners, the unions created an organization called the Offshore Mariners United (OMU). As its project, the OMU ·::J<L~ ~ Seafarers LOG Anderson-an SIU hawsepiper who graduated from the school in Piney Point, Md. in 1979 and subsequently upgraded therestated, "It's good to see a person who came from the same school that I came from, and his level of participation has been incredible. We've already had him making the rounds. He's catching on fast." Before starting their Phase II training, the center's unlicensed apprentices complete 12 weeks of introductory courses in Piney Point. Later, once they have finished Phase II, they return to the school for department-specific training that completes the program. Gobs, who signed on the Indiana Harbor in September, said he is enthusiastic about the program -particularly the shipboard training. "It has really been a good experience for me," Gohs noted. "I've learned a lot, and when my crew members showed me the SIU union hall from the ship as we passed by in Algonac (Mich.), it made me feel all my time spent preparing for this 90 days was worth it." For more information on the unlicensed apprentice program, contact the Paul Hall Center's admissions office at (301) 9940010, or visit the Paul Hall Center section of the internet site www.seafarers.org. The site includes printable and electronic versions of the apprentice program application. Tying up the vessel (at right) in Saginaw, Mich. are (below, from left) DEUs Larry Kauti, Allan Johnson and Jack Povaser. Oil patch mariners looking to gain the advantages of a union contract work long hours aboard undermanned supply vessels like these tied up in Port Fushion, La. tackled the need for STCW training. Working with the Louisiana AFL-CIO and the U.S. Department of Labor, the OMU obtained a grant for the GCMA in the amount of nearly $4 million to offer classroom and hands-on training for union and non-union mariners to get their STCW endorsements. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney announced the grant to mariners on June 23 during a visit to Houma. The training will be available at various locations along the Gulf Coast. The companies cried foul to the local media, claiming they would have provided the training. The mariners already had seen An offshore supply vessel delivers goods to a rig in the Gulf of Mexico. Mariners working aboard vessels like this are fighting to join a union. 6 QMED Todd Buckingham (left in left photo) and Second Engineer Gerard Anderson (right in top photo), an SIU hawsepiper, welcome Unlicensed Apprentice Paul Gohs aboard the Indiana Harbor. promises of additional crew, better pay, safer working conditions and much more come and go without being met. They knew if they were to get their STCW endorsements, it would have come from their wallets. Now, the OMU is launching its organizing campaign. Members from all five unions are involved. This effort will not be won overnight. It will require the help of the entire memberships of the maritime unions. Your assistance is needed for this drive to be successful. Many maritime union members have family and friends who work and/or live in the oil patch area of the Gulf. Please let them know about this campaign. Ask them to get involved to improve the lives of these overworked mariners . Let these struggling mariners know the advantages of having a union contract, with its work rules, benefits and educational opportunities. Members who would like to assist the effort are urged to contact their port officials. This is the biggest maritime organizing battle since the 1950s. The oil patch is the largest area of unorganized maritime workers in the country. All five unions are devoted to making this drive a success, noting the odds are great but they have been overcome before. Continued from page 4 rifle job during the negotiations, according to Dietz. "Each of them did a wonderful job representing the interests of the members," said Dietz. "Chuck Howard especially was instrumental during the negotiations because he made sure that news was communicated from the union to the members and vice versa. We also had tremendous support from the contracting and legal staffs at headquarters." Deron Schade (top photo) and Bill Sneed (right} served on the negotiating committee, along with Chuck Howard and SIU Port Agent Neil Dietz. November 2000 �-- - -- - - - - - - - - - - -- Graykowski Leaves MarAd Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater last month announced that U.S. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski is resigning as of Nov. 4. At press time, his successor had not been named. Graykowski was named deputy maritime administrator in 1994. He has served as acting administrator since May, when Clyde Hart took an assignment at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. "John Graykowski has been a determined leader and enthusiastic advocate of the Vocational Education Director Receives Public Service Award nation's maritime industries," said Slater. "He has had a tangible positive impact on the U.S. shipbuilding industry by efficiently administering programs and policies resulting in . . . ship construction and shipyard activity." "It has been an honor to serve under President Clinton, and specifically with Secretary Slater," Graykowski said. "The National Shipbuilding Initiative, Maritime Security Program and Maritime Transportation System innovations clearly illustrate their support for our vital American mar- Outgoing Maritime Administrator John Graykowski itime industries." Before his appointment to MarAd, Graykowski was an associate with two law firms based in Washington, D.C. He also was senior counsel on the Merchant Marine Subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. SIU Election Starts Nov. 1 Continued from page 3 her book will be stamped with the word "Voted" and the date. Members who cannot travel to one of the 21 union halls during the voting period may request an absentee ballot. Such requests should be made in writing, by registered or certified mail, to SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel at SIU headquarters: 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Requests for absentee ballots should be postmarked no later than Nov. 15. 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, full reprints of the current constitution and the proposed revised constitution, the tallying committee's report and other related information appears on pages 13-32 of the October 2000 issue of the Seafarers LOG. (Piney Point inadvertently was omitted from the list of voting locations that appeared on page 13. It was included on the sample ballot on page 15.) Moreover, a notice of the election was mailed in September to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. NOTICE OF 2 • ELECTION FOR ELECTION OF 2001-2004 OFFICERS SEAFARERS INTERIAnoNAL UNION Atlantio, Bait, Lakes amllnland WatetS l'h"strlct Elections wm be conducted by secret matt ballot. ,.,i Batlots may be obtained at the foltowing locations from 9:00 a.m. to 12 {i;OQ(>n {focal tfme}, Mondays through Saturdays, exctuding holidays, during ?5!J~vottng period. The voting period shaU commence Nov, 1, 2000 and shalt ;;;:C<)ntinue through Dec. 30, 2000. <J: ..·.-..... VOTING LOCATIONS Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, has received the U.S. Coast Guard's Meritorious Public Service Award for his work as chairman of the agency's Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). Coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert North presented the award to Eglinton, who chaired MERPAC for one term from 1998 through early 2000. (A chairman may not serve consecutive terms.) The committee is composed of unlicensed and licensed mariners, shipping company officials, Coast Guard representatives, maritime training specialists and others from the industry. MERPAC advises the secretary of transportation (via the Coast Guard commandant) on matters concerning the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of U.S. mariners. The award reads in part, "Mr. Eglinton led a diverse group of highly talented experts in providing outstanding recommendations to the Coast Guard.. . . His direct and constant oversight of the performance measures development work groups resulted in vital and timely recommendations to the Coast Guard's efforts to implement the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. "Mr. Eglinton organized 15 work groups comprised of more than 100 committee members and maritime industry volunteers. Each group developed specific performance measures for particular shipboard competencies and forwarded them to the full committee for consideration and approval. That each of these work groups completed their respective tasks on time is a direct reflection on Mr. Eglinton's personal involvement, commitment, and leadership. "In addition to this significant accomplishment," the citation continues, "Mr. Eglinton reassigned committee members who completed their respective performance measures packages to develop additional recommendations on simulator standards for demonstrating competence in cri- Bill Eglinton, vocational education director at the Paul Hall Center, shows the award he received from the U.S. Coast Guard for chairing an advisory committee. sis management and human behavior; and, advice on a Coast Guard proposal to the International Maritime Organization Subcommittee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping on medical standards for seafarers .... His efforts in maintaining positive morale and high productivity during this challenging time are highly commendable." For more information on MERPAC or the Paul Hall Center, visit the site index/links section of www.seafarers.org. Coast Guard-Approved School Opens in Honolulu Continued from page 3 mer Navy base that belongs to the state. It features four different, environmentally safe burn pads which simulate various types of marine fires; a "smoke house" for training with breathing apparatuses; a series of mazes; two classrooms and an office; and a container configured for search-and-rescue training. Plans are in the works to build a newer, expanded facility. Meanwhile, 15 or so SIU members voluntarily joined the Piney Point contingent in preparing the school at Barbers Point. Officials and members of the Honolulu Fire Department put the new school through its paces, inspecting the facility and also training there. Pictured from left to right are Capt. Terry Seeling, Deputy Chief John Clark, Chief Anthony Ramos and Paul Hall Center Health and Safety Director Jim Hanson. fif....~tJMORE .•.. ••..2315 E$s~x St, Saftimore, MO . 21224 ~-~~Ron ... ;~ ....•520 St. Clair River Or., Algonac, MJ 48001 iiOOGJTH .. ~ ....... 705 Medical Arts Bfdg., Duluth, MN 55802 N!~l't~UDERDALE .. 1221 South Andrews Ave., Ft Lauderdalet Fl. 33316 ;:;:·:-; ·:-;.-:;:::::·:·.· -·:: - ~;-,:;;;:·.'.·:;::'.':': il~~AM ;f"i';{:#~;; ... ~ ..:....125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301~E. Tun Jesus . .Crisostomo St. Tamuning, Guam 96911 lil~Br~LU ? ....606 KaUhi St., H~notulu, HJ 96819 ;f.oN . : :..•...1221 Pierce St. Bouston. TX ,nooz . W~SoNVtLi.E ....3315 liberty St., Jacksonville~ Fl 32206 .;:SEY CITY ,.•....99 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302 0 1~E ..~ ........164tfoaupnin ~s~nd Parkway"~obile, AL 36605 SEOfORO .••46 Union St., New Bedford. MA 02740 OE:LPHlA , ..•2604 South Fourth St, PhHa.deJphia, PA 19148 Above: Students practice turning a valve and extinguishing a fire at the new safety school in Honolulu. The building in the background houses classrooms for more instruction. POINT•' ••••.•Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, · ,Piney.f01nt. MD ;20674 Left: Though much of the safety training is hands-on, two large classrooms are available for other segments of the course. #0'1Bmber 2000 Seafarers LOB 7 �ITF Recovers $1.4 Million for Premier Crew Runaway-Flag Campaign Gains Momentum With 'Action Weeks'; Port Canaveral Office Opens The International Transport Workers' Federation's worldwide campaign against runaway-flag shipping has yielded notably strong results since a Sept. 19 rally on Capitol Hill titled "Workers Against Floating Sweatshops." The September event (covered in last month's Seafarers LOG) kicked off a series of "action weeks" both in the U.S. and abroad. It also coincided with the opening of a new ITF office in Port Canaveral, Fla. intended to improve crew conditions in the cruise ship industry. Among the campaign's recent highlights: • ITF officials based at the Port Canaveral facility recovered $1.4 million in back wages for the crew of the defunct Premier Cruise Lines runaway-flag ship SeaBreeze. At press time, they also were assisting more than 1,100 other crew members from Premier ships tied up in the Bahamas. • SIU members and officials voluntarily teamed up with ITF NMU ITF Inspector Enrico Esopa departs from the Viktorio Kodovilja in Carteret, N.J. inspectors and representatives of other U.S. maritime unions for unannounced ship inspections Sept. 20-21 in New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Houston, Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C. and New Orleans. Several of the vessels were cited for violations; one was ordered to pay $5,000 in back wages to the crew. • In late September, actions were conducted in 28 European countries. More than 500 inspections were carried out, and nearly $400,000 in back pay for the crews was recovered, with more expected. • From Oct. 16-20, the federation sponsored an Asia-Pacific action week. Nearly $1 million in back pay was recovered for crews of the various inspected runawayflag ships. In announcing the opening of its Port Canaveral office, the ITF pointed out in a written statement, "Since the 1980s, cruise shipping has grown at an average 9.6 percent per year, racing ahead of other maritime sectors. Port Canaveral is the world's third leading port for this trade, handling 1.35 million passengers per year. "However, the gains have been one-sided. Most vessels fly flags of convenience, which allow unscrupulous operators to pay crews a pittance while demanding they work up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week. "The ITF is opposed to the flag of convenience system, which allows ships to be registered in countries other than that of ownership, and which is directly implicated in the operation of unsafe ships, illegal activities and exploitation of crews," the federation's statement added. "For as long as the system is allowed to continue, the [ITF] TOTE Nets Safety Awards For Design of New RO/ROs SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) last month announced it received the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) Commissioner's Pollution Prevention Award 2000. The award reads, "For the design and construction of the Orea Class vessels to be sailing in Alaska by 2002. Totem Ocean Trailer Express has commissioned ships that carry fuel in double walled tanks, use a diesel electric propulsion system, and numerous other attributes that go beyond what is required by law to protect Alaska's air and water. By doing so, TOTE has set the bar for many other vessels that travel in Alaska's waters." TOTE's new roll-on/roll-off vessels are being built at San Diego's NASSCO shipyard. They will be the first non-military containerships or RO/ROs built in a domestic yard since the R.J. Pfeiffer came out in 1992. ADEC Commissioner Michele Brown, in announcing the award, stated, "We all know that prevention is truly the only way to handle an oil spill. TOTE, though, acted upon that goal by not waiting for regulations, but [taking] the initiative to make the Orea Class vessel safe, efficient and environmentally responsible. TOTE went beyond compliance by thinking through the risks, anticipating potential harms and acting to prevent pollution." Earlier this year, TOTE received the States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force 2000 Legacy Award in recognition of "extraordinary efforts to prevent oil spills demonstrated in the design of their new vessels." B Seafarers LOG Seafarers and members of other U.S. maritime unions teamed up for unannounced FOC ship inspections during the U.S. "action week" in September. Among those participating were (left to right, kneeling) Seafarers Lee Frazier and George Murphy, SIU ITF Inspector Don Thornton, Seafarers Carlos Perez and Harry Galena, (standing) MM&P member Daniel Laurion, Seafarers George Mazzola and Michael DiAngelo, SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz, Seafarers Brandon Purcell, Greg Brandeni and Bill Lough, and Donald Marcus of the MM&P. will attempt to curb its abuses by ensuring that crews are covered by agreements on working hours, wages and conditions." More than 500 transport-related unions-including the SIUare affiliated with the Londonbased ITF. Right: Seafarers Tim Taylor (left) and John Gallagher (right) meet crew members of the Cyprus-flagged CMA CGM Gauguin during an inspection in Port Newark, N.J. Texas Commission Rejects 1 Preauthorization1 Rules AFL-CIO Official Credits SIU's Moore Editors note: The following is reprinted from the Texas AFLCIO daily electronic newsletter. In a resounding victory for working people, the Texas Workers' Compensation Commission on Oct. 19 rejected proposed "preauthorization" rules that would have let the insurance industry decide most of the circumstances under which an injured worker gets treatment. The proposed rules failed on a 3-3 tie vote. The three commissioners representing employers voted to enact the rules, while the three commissioners representing employees voted against the rules. To our knowledge, this was the first 3-3 tie vote since O.D. Kenemore, a ferocious defender of working people and the retired president of the Tideland Central Labor Council, left the agency for retirement. Led by Doctors Council 1199 of AFSCME, the Texas AFL-CIO spent months lobbying against the proposals. The commission staff recently revamped the proposal to relax some of the more onerous sections, but the doctors' union and the Texas AFL-CIO still saw the proposals as onesided attempts to limit medical treatment for injury victims. Texas AFL-CIO President Joe D. Gunn gave the lion's share of credit for today's vote to Commissioner Kenneth Moore, a [representative] of the Seafarers Union. "Today, Kenneth Moore came into his own as a fighter for injured workers in Texas," Gunn said. "Some months ago, in criticizing Gov. Bush's appointments to agencies that have employee representation, I lumped Brother Moore in with other appointees that we believe were not equipped to do the job. I'm glad to be proven wrong on this. Ken Moore today distinguished himself by standing up to a significant amount of pressure in the interests of Texas working people. Ken Moore led the way and helped persuade the other employee representatives, Jack Abla and Rebecca Olivares, that as representatives of employees, they were obligated to protect injured workers from these proposed rules." Upon hearing Gunn's comments, Moore said, "I appreciate the kind words. However, the credit for this victory definitely must be shared among all three of us who voted against the proposal. We wouldn't have won without each of those votes." Gunn noted that the Workers' Compensation Commission staff spent a good part of the meeting trying to persuade the employee representatives to sign off on the proposal, but Moore led the arguments against the proposal during the commission discussion. Workers' Compensation Commissioner Kenneth Moore, an SIU representative, is credited with helping protect the rights of working people in Texas. Gunn said after his criticism of the Bush appointments, he and the Texas AFL-CIO staff held several meetings with Moore and found him to be ready, willing and able to navigate in the complex waters of workers' compensation law. Gunn said Dean Corgey, a member of the Texas AFL-CIO Executive Board, was instrumental in assuring the Texas AFL-CIO that the Seafarers Union, which represents some workers who are covered by workers' comp and some who are covered by other laws, would stand tall for the strongest workers' compensation system that workers can get. November 2DDO �Baltimore-Area Retirees See Bright Future for SIU Four Fondly Reflect on Inland Careers Four retired Seafarers, friends who each navigated the waters in and around Baltimore during their careers with McAllister Towing, recently gathered at that city's SIU hall to exchange pleasantries, reflect on their profession and share their impressions regarding the state of SIU and its benefits programs. Collectively, they have more than 130 years of sea time. Joining the four was a fifth Seafarer, Steve Hardin. Although not yet a retiree (he plans to retire in three years), Hardin, a tug captain, was eager to join his friends and hear their takes on their respective careers. A monthly SIU membership meeting provided the setting for their reunion. Bob Machlinski was the "vet" of the group. Joining the SIU in 1952 in the port of Baltimore, Machlinski sailed as a member of the deck department. He ended his Seafaring career in May 1996. "I live very comfortably as an SIU retiree," Machlinski said, "and I don't think I'll ever work anywhere else again .... I'm very satisfied with the pension and other benefits I receive because they took care of my wife before she died. They're still taking care of me today." Machlinski says he sees a promising future for the SIU. "It looks like the union really is picking up steam in the passenger trade area," he offered. "More passenger ships are sailing under the American flag, and that means more jobs for SIU members. "I do foresee a manpower shortage, though, so the school at Piney Point will become even more important," he noted. "More people will be going through there to get the skills they need in order to fill all of the jobs that soon will become available." Joining the SIU in July 1963 was Gerard Freburger. A member of the engine department, he came ashore in December 1998. "My retirement package is good, very good," Freburger said. "My family and I depend on my pension as well as benefits. Overall, I am very pleased with what I receive." Although he believes a great deal has changed in the maritime industry since he began his career, at least one thing has remained the same: Unions are absolutely necessary for worker protection, he stated. "There definitely is a need for unions today, because so many things are changing in the workplace," Freburger said. "That's especially true in the maritime industry because contracts are getting longer and longer and more people are needed to fill the jobs on a long-term basis. Unions really help and protect people." Jerard Cifarelli retired effective January 1998. A native of Baltimore, Cifarelli was a tug captain. He joined the Seafarers in 1970. During his career, Cifarelli was never one to stand still. He sailed as a cook and later as an engineer. Before retiring, he had worked his way up to the wheelhouse. "I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the SIU, but retirement is good," Cifarelli shared. "I now get a good (retirement) check and basically I'm very pleased. Our pension and benefit system is right on top compared to those offered by other [organizations]. "I can honestly say that if it was not for the union, I wouldn't have anything today," he continued. "The benefits we enjoy as retirees were fought for hard by the union, and I appreciate that. I just hope others behind us get to enjoy the same." Cifarelli sees today's SIU as well organized and headed in the right direction. "The people in the top positions are doing a great job. The union is far better than it was [years ago]," he said. "When I started, I was making $9 per day," Cifarelli continued. "When I retired I was making more than $200 per day. It's really come a long way from what it was when I was working on the water. "I would definitely recommend the SIU to anyone looking for a rewarding career because it's a good organization. The leaders are good people who work for the members, and they will always be there for you." Cifarelli was especially impressed with the new union hall in Baltimore. The facility opened this summer. "The new hall is really nice and I think the union will benefit a great deal from it," he offered. "Besides being great for its members, the hall sends the message to people on the outside that the SIU really cares about its people. That translates into a better image for all of us and I Crew Enjoys Off-Time Angling Chief Cook Jeremy Kelley November 2000 SA Roger Jarrett After a recent membership meeting in Baltimore, the retirees as well as one soon-to-be retiree talked about old times and the future of the SIU. Those who gathered were (front, from left) Jerry Cifarelli, Gerard Freburger, (back) Joe Zorbach, Bob Machlinski and Steve Hardin. Hardin plans to retire in three years. think that's good." Joe Zorbach Jr. was the "rookie" of the group. The Baltimore native retired last month with nearly 30 years of service with the SIU. He joined the union in 1971 in the port of Baltimore and sailed in the engine department. "Now that I'm retired, I plan to take it real easy," Zorbach said. "Who knows, I just might rent beach umbrellas or something to pass the time. "I'm not real concerned about money and that type of thing," he continued, "because the SIU has always taken care of me and my family. My recent pension and medical benefits are good examples of that." Reflecting on his career, the U.S. Navy veteran said, 'The SIU has changed a great deal since I came in. It's more technical now and if you don't upgrade, you definitely will get left behind. I know from experience, because I went to Piney Point earlier this year and took four courses myself. The Coast Guard is making more and more requirements in all phases of the industry, so you have to go to school and learn new things in order to survive out there." Turning to the state of the SIU today, Zorbach offered, "I used to think that the SIU and maritime industry in general would decline in the next 10 years, but I no longer feel that way. It now looks like everything is on the upswing." Zorbach said he had experienced some hard times during his career, but he had no real regrets about his decision to become a mariner. "The waters were not always calm during my career," he said, "but when I look back over it, I don't think I could have done any better anywhere else. I would definitely be a Seafarer again because I thoroughly enjoyed my career. Seafaring was a natural for me," Zorbach concluded. hen Seafarers from the USNS Invincible last summer chartered a fishing boat during their off-time, they made the most of the trip. Chief Steward Beth Leonhard, Chief Cook Jeremy Kelley, QMED Jeffrey Wise, SA Roger Jarrett and MDR Mark Blanchard hauled in 75 pounds of tuna and 60 pounds ofwahoo during their four-hour excursion in Diego Garcia. Leonhard said she suggested the trip because "no one liked the fish we had on board (the Invincible). We brought back the tuna and wahoo and had a cookout for the crew. Altogether it lasted about three meals, and we made various dishes-tuna kabobs, marinated and grilled fish .... " The successful line-casting included one unsavory moment. A shark bit off a wahoo's body while the chief steward was reeling in the doomed fish. "I pulled the bloody head right into my chest. It was gross!" she recalled. "It was a large shark, and it nonchalantly ate the rest of the fish and then kept going." Leonhard, who provided the photos for this article, said that the exceptionally clear water around Diego Garcia helped the SIU anglers' cause. "The water is so beautiful there, you can see the fish swim by. We'll probably try for sailfish next time." The Invincible is a T-AGOS vessel that supports the U.S. Air Force by deploying a mobile surveillance and tracking radar system that can monitor U.S. or foreign space missiles or weapons testing. W Seafarers LOS 9 �STCW Requirements for Unlicensed SIU Personnel (Before February 1, 2002) Position Basic Safety Training Steward Dept. (all) Yes Deck Dept. Ordinary Seaman/DELI Yes Able-bodied Seaman Yes Bosun Yes Engine Dept. Wiper/DELI No: Non-watchstander Note: Mariner may possess a '78 or '95 certificate for lifeboatman/water survival. But not required (same for other non-watchstanders) No: Non-watchstander Note: Same as above. However, if specially trained , an STCW certificate for rating forming part of a navigational watch is required. Yes Note: A '78 or '95 certificate for rating forming part of a navigational watch is required. If assigned cargo duties, must also have tankerman assistant on certificate and MMD. Yes Note: Same as above. Yes Fireman/Watertender Oiler/OMLI Yes QMED-Watchstander Yes QMED-Dayworker Yes QMED-Pumpman Yes STCW Certificate Required Advisory Group Studies Training Continued from page 5 all over the world), a steering console and more. It provides teaching support in the following areas: voyage planning and execution; coastal and offshore navigation; collision avoidance; ARPA/radar operation; electronic navigation systems; search and rescue operations; vessel traffic management; high speed navigation; bridge watchkeeping procedures including tugs and barges, towboats and piloting; GMDSS procedures; oil spill response man- agement; port development; human factors; and bridge team management. The engine room simulator is potentially useful to any rating in that department, from wipers to engineers. It is designed for the training of engine room watchkeeping personnel in the operations of a vessel's diesel propulsion plant and electrical power plant. Additionally, it includes an auxiliary systems and machinery simulator. The crane and liquid cargo simulators are similarly advanced and useful. No: Non-watchstander Note: Mariner may possess a certificate for water survival. No Note: Not required until Feb. 1, 2002. However, mariner may possess a certificate for water survival. No Note: Same as above. No: Non-watchstander. Note: Same as above. Yes: A '78 or '95 certificate for tankerman assistant is required. Note: Evidence of meeting compliance with STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) until Jan. 31, 2002 is either evidence of having sailed prior to Feb. 1, 1997, or individual was assessed aboard ship during the relaxed assessment period and has entries in TRB to that effect, or has completed a Coast Guard-approved BST course and is recorded in TRB. Effective Feb. 1, 2002, everyone must have received training and assessment in Basic Safety Training. STCW Requirements for Unlicensed SIU Personnel (Beginning February 1, 2002) Position Basic Safety Training STCW Certificate Required Steward Dept. (all) Yes No: Non-watchstander Note: Mariner may possess a '95 certificate for Chapter V: Special Training for Special Vessels. Deck Dept. Ordinary Seaman/DEU Yes Able-Bodied Seaman Yes Bosun Yes No: Non-watchstander Note: Same as above. However, if specially trained, an STCW certificate for rating forming part of a navigational watch is required. Yes Note: A '95 certificate for rating forming part of a navigational watch is required. If assigned cargo duties, must also have tankerman assistant on certificate and MMD. Yes Note: Same as above. Engine Dept. Wiper/DEU Fireman/Watertender Oiler/OMU Yes Yes QMED-Watchstander Yes QMED-Dayworker Yes QMED-Pumpman Yes No: Non-watchstander Yes Note: A '95 certificate for rating forming part of an engineering watch is required. Yes Note: Same as above. Yes: Non-watchstander (Many SIU-contracted companies have requested that QMED non-watchstanders possess STCW certificates in order to help ensure compliance in special circumstances) Yes: A '95 certificate for tankerman assistant is required. Note: Effective Feb. 1, 2002, all SIU members will have received training and assessment in Basic Safety Training. STCW Requirements for Limited Licenses SIU Personnel (Beginning February 1, 2002) Radio Observ. Adv. FF Surv. Craft Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes Yes ARPA License Tonnage Voyager BST BRM Master <200GRT Foreign Yes Yes Yes Yes Mate <200GRT Foreign Yes Yes Yes Chief/ Asst. Engr <200GRT Foreign Yes No No GMDSS Note: Vessels <200 GRT on domestic voyages are exempt and all vessels greater than 200 GRT on domestic or for eign voyages must meet training requirements listed above. Note: Mariners must obtain this training and assessment (close the gap) before Feb. 1, 2002. GMDSS and ARPA are required for vessels equipped with this equipment. Effective Feb. 1, 2002, all SIU members will have received training and assessment in Basic Safety Training. 10 Seafarers LOS In photos above and at right, members of the advisory board tour the school's new simulators for shiphandling, engine room operations, liquid cargo transfer and crane operations. November 2000 �"You can't get fresher than this," notes Recertified Steward Luis Escobar (left), as he and AB Mario Baja pull in the catch of the day aboard the Breton Reef The vessel was in Cherry Point, Wash. at the time. The crabs (below) were so large and plentiful that Escobar and the galley gang used them in recipes for steamed crabs, crab Newburg, crab gumbo and crab fritters. Right: Pumpman James McDaniel (right) got two birthday cakes for his special day, both baked by Unlicensed Apprentice Beth Ketha (center) aboard the Breton Reef With them is Recertified Steward Luis Escobar, who notes that Ketha is "the best," happily baking not only cakes, but cookies and much more. The galley gang aboard the Liberty Sea is a real team. Doing whatever it takes to raise morale, provide healthy, hearty fare and keep the vessel in tip-top condition are Chief Steward Thomas Kreis, Chief Cook Christopher Green and GSU Artie Pilgrim. Left: USNS Dahl's bosun, Klaus "Whitey" Tankersley (right), and (former SIU member) Captain Mike Finnigan put the .finishing touches on the ship's life ring. With the motto "USNS Voo Doo Dahl," it recently was presented to the Seaman's Club in Diego Garcia. Recertified Steward Kevin Marchand and Chief Cook Bernadette Yancey begin preparations for the next meal aboard the USNS Dahl. #o'1ember 2000 Seafal'ers LOB 11 �ELECTION NOTICE OF 2000 ELECTION Section 401 (e) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum-Griffin Act) requires the mailing of an election notice to each member entitled to vote at his last known address. This notice is being sent to you in compliance therewith and, in addition, contains information of interest to all candidates and members. SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING LOCATIONS AND PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS OFFICIAL BALLOT No. 00000 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAAtlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District VOTING PERIOD NOVEMBER 1st, 2000 THROUGH DECEMBER 30th, 2000 INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS-In order to vote for a candidate, mark a cross (X) in voting square to the left of name. If you vote for more candidates for office than specified herein, your vote for such office will be invalid. MARK YOUR BALLOT WITH PEN AND INK OR INDELIBLE PENCIL PRESIDS;~ Vote for One VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS ,, 0 Ji " Robert (Bobby) J. Clinton 111 .fC-19~8 2 0 Charles Burdette Collins, C-1652'' 3 D Michael J. Sacco, S-1288 '\._ /J 14,ffiJ ~ .1 (Vote for One) D , 24 lice-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF · 0 Michael D. Murphy, M-2483 7 0 William Parker, P-1067 17 D George Tricker, Larry Frank Phillips, P-1257 9 D Augustin Tellez, T-764 PHILADELPHIA PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 27 D Co~§V (Vote for One) 28 D (Vote for One) (Vote for One) Edward Kelly, Jr., K-5043 NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT (Vote for One) Ambrose L. Cucinotta, C-1795 30 D HOUSTON PORT AGENT (Vote for One) (Vot,Pfor One) Don Anderson, A-5244 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS (Vote for One) D Dean E. Corgey, C-5727 Stephen W. Judd, J-5336 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST 20 D (Vote for One) Dennis Metz, M-3013 Nicholas A. Celona, C-1578 (Vote for One) VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Joseph T. Soresi, S-2658 BALTIMORE PORT AGENT ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Jack Caffey, C-1010 Robert Selzer, S-1258 MOBILE PORT AGENT 18 D VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST 11 26 D (Vote for One) 19 D 10 0 NEW YORK PORT AGENT T-f)J~:r -PRESfO;~t~t~..l- J .i Vote for One D Edward "Edd" W. Morris, M-1358 (Vote for One) ASStSTA.N'f'v1cE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE "bJ?~ONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT '·· VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT 25 D :efP ASSISTANT VIC. CHARGE OF THE AT~TIC 8 Carl Peth, P-755 A,#(Vo.Jlfor One) ifr Vote for One 6 D Gl.00'{,gVRtiME .. NT SERVICES WFISH~G INDUSTRIES J~*"" ,.~~rm~tr~. Mangram, M-2394 David W. Heindel, H-1443 Leo Bonser, B-1193 (Vote for One) SECRETARY-TREASURER D 23 D Thomas Orzechowski, Jr., 0-601 .L. .:. John Fay, F-363 5 (Vote for Two) PINEY POINT PORT AGENT EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT 4 Vote for One HEADQUARTERS REPRESENTATIVE 21 D 32 D ···~:-.~ ~<\. •;;,,_ ST. James P. McGee, M-5945 . ~::.~. /.};' ViQcen.t Frands•Coss, C-8138 ..... l'bu) PORT AGENT (Vote for One) VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Vote for One (Vote for One) 12 0 Kevin Bertel, B-1832 13 D Nicholas J. Marrone, M-2308 22 0 Robert Hall, H-5727 33 0 DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 34 D ); Q 0 c=; r 0 N m ..... )> r r 0 0 _J _J C( -4 _J N 0 m ~ C( 0 u: N 0 0 LL 0 .j:lo voo~ 12 .,,.,, .q0 0 N 0 ....0 - ~oo~ .io11va 1v1:>1:::1:::10 Seafarers LOG Donald A. Thornton, T-5501 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2001 - 2004 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2001 - 2004 .q0 0 N Rebecca J. Sleeper, S-2497 See Reverse Side for Voting Locations and Proposed Constitutional Revisions .,,0.,, c=; ); .... m N ..... )> r r 0 0 _J ..I C( -4 m N 0 _J ~ C( (3 u: N 0 0 LL 0 .j:lo voo~ - ~oo~ .io11va 1v101:::1:::10 November 2000 �ELECTION NOTICE OF 2000 ELECTION FOR ELECTION OF 2001-2004 OFFICERS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Election will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence on November 1st, 2000 and shall continue through December 30th, 2000. VOTING LOCATIONS ALGONAC BALTIMORE DULUTH FT. LAUDERDALE GUAM HONOLULU HOUSTON NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK NORFOLK PHILADELPHIA PINEY POINT 520 St. Clair River Drive, Algonac, Ml 48001 2315 Essex Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 1221 South Andrews Avenue , Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 S-Sanqy Plaza, Tun Jesus Crisostoma St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 0,l:rKaJ.ihf'$.treet, Honolulu, HI 96819 12~1 Pi}rc~"' 'Street, Houston, TX 77002 "!. '~ .ll 15 Libe~"'Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 Mq}ltgomery Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 MOBILE 40 ~auphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 NEW BEDFORD'''~'""'-- 48 J,Jn'ion Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 PUERTO RICO SAN FRANCISCO ST. LOUIS TACOMA WILMINGTON 3911 LaPalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 635 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 2604 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 1057 Fernandez Juncos Avenue, Santurce, PR 00907 350 Fremont Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 4581 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116 3411 South Union Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 510 North Broad Avenue, Wilmington, CA 90744 ""'·::;:;;~_mm;:e-· WHEREAS, the Executive Board of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District met on May 12, 2000 to discuss the current needs and conditions of the Union, its membership and the maritime industry in this country; and _ WHEREAS, among their discussions and deliberations was the subjecf'Cif''prpposed revisions in the Union's Constitution which would enable the Union to function more efficiently and to continue to fulfill its obligations to the membership· and / '\, WHEREAS, a Constitutional Committee was elected ,AtJ9'ust 7, ·~\in ac;t0rdance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. They studied the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution and unanimously concurred on all proposed constitutional revisions; and /l WHEREAS, the report of the Constitutional C \'b y tt\,"membership at the regular membership meetings in September 2000. l NOW,THEREFORE,ITISRESOLVED ~~;~ (~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THE FOLLOWING CONSTIT~JION~LY ADOPTED PROPOSITIONS, TO BE VOTED UPON, IF ADOPTED, WOULD AMEND THE CONSTITUTION AS FOLLOWS: PROPOSITION #1 Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1 (a) of the Constitution of !tiEf•$.eafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows : •section 1. All members' dues shall consist of: "-'p·· ''· (a) Dues annually in the sum of four hundred dollars ($400.00) which shall be paid in equal am ,,,,. n a ~lendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and;" I.~ BOX OF YOUR CHOICE 'so Noo _, 111{,N #2 Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1 (b) of the Constitu;/k '(b) a sum equal to five percent (5%) of the gross amount received for vacation benefits for days wo ment for the earned vacation benefits and shall become effective as to members in the manner design the employ of the Union, its subdivisions and its affiliated organizations, or in any employment at the Un above the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) quarterly on a calendar year basis, no later than the first .;!.~national Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: ted employers. Dues payable under this Sub-section (b) shall be payable on the days that the member receives payrmined by a majority vote of the membership by secret ballot. When so determined by the membership, members in ction as provided in Article XII, Section 1 (a) and (c), shall pay in addition to that provided for in paragraph (a) immediately iness day of each quarter while so loyed.' ·:;-;i;,:. 11 11 PLACE X IN BOX OF YOUR YES 0 NO Are you in favor of amending the following Constitutional provisions to revise the name of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; Title Page Heading Preamble Article I, Name and General Powers Exhibit A Preamble, Section Ill, Section IV, Section V, Section VI, Section VII, Section VIII, Section IX, Section X, Section XI, Section XII and Section XIII so that the name of the Union would reflect the consolidation of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District and t Maritime Union in all of the above referenced sections and headings to read as follows Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District-NMU. PLACE X IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE YESO NOO 11 11 PROPOSITION #4 Are you in favor of amending Article VII, Systems of Organization, Section 2 of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to _tead ·section 2. The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in Camp Springs, Maryland and Piney Point, Maryland or at such places as the Executive Board may determine from time to time. The Hpedquart J consist of a President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast. on~'(1) Vice-Pi'e.sident in';Chai'ge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Gp.vemme..,,. ices and Fi~himJ ' Industries and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.' !{ ~~:?"' Are you in favor of amending Article VIII, Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union''of No'.. , Gulf, Lakes ~-,,,._ and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: 'Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge~· ._ ontracts and Contract Enforcement. a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast. one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1). .~. President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.• ' Are you in favor of amending Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel, Section 1o of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "Section 10. Vice-Presidents at Large. There shall be two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large whose duties shall be as directed by the President with concurrence of the Executive Board. Such duties and responsibilities may be changed from time to time in like manner, as dictated by the needs of the Union.' Are you in favor of amending Article X, Duties of Officers, Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel , Section 14, Executive Board of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: 'Section 14. Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive Vice-President, the Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast Area the Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, the Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries, the Vice-Presidents at Large and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained that membership for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordinate body.· Are you in favor of amending Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel , Section 15 (b) , Delegates of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "Section 15. Delegates. (b) The term "delegates• shall mean those members of the Union and its subordinate bodies or divisions who are elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution to attend the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The following officers and jobholders, upon their election to office or job shall, during the term of their office or job be delegates to all Conventions of the Seafarers International Union of North America in the following order of priority: President; Executive Vice-President; Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Secretary-Treasurer; Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries; Vice-Presidents at Large; Assistant Vice-Presidents; Headquarters Representatives , with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership; and Port Agents, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership.' PLACE X IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE YESO NOD 11 11 PROPOSITION #5 Are you in favor of amending Article XXll , Quorums, Section 2 of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port shall be twenty-five (25) members.' 11 11 PLACE X IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE YESO NOD These amendments, if approved, shall become effective upon the date of certification of the Union Tallying Committee. November 2000 Seafarers LOB 13 �S~ling on tb.e Atlantic . • • Appropriately named, the Atlantic sails from the U.S. ports of Boston; New York; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C., Jacksonville, Fla. and Houston across the Atlantic Ocean to the European ports of Rotterdam, Holland; Bremerhaven, Germany; Felixstowe, England; and LeHarve, France. According to DEU John Cooper (who sent these photos to the LOG), the hard-working crew aboard the U.S. Ship Management vessel enjoys the 42-day run but always looks forward to coming home . . .........__,,_, ··~~..;.-,,..~ The Houston shoregang begins loading the ship's stores for the next trip. Right: Unlicensed Apprentices Nathaniel Miller (right) and Josh Ellerbee are packed and ready to go home after a long trip to Europe. QMED Ehtesham Ahmed checks the schedule for arrival time in New York. He will then return to his home port of Baltimore. Bosun George Perry waits for members of the deck department in the Atlantic's gear locker. Right: SA Jack Jones cleans dishes from lunch. DEU John Cooper takes the helm of the containership. Left: AB Bill Pinkston (right) stands watch with the 8 x 12 mate, Erick Cox. Enjoying a quick break in the crew mess are AB Janaro Jackson and Chief Electrician John Walsh. Chief Steward Edward Porter (right) talks with Patrolman Frank Cottongin Ill at payoff in the port of Houston. APPLY NOW FOR 1OF8 SCHOLARSHIPS TO BE AWARDED IN 1001 r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, P lease send me the 2001 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street Address City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number __________________________ This application is for: 0 Self 0 Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 14 Seafarers LOB 11/00 Filling out the coupon at left is the first step toward pursuing your hopes, dreams and goals for a higher level of education. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college next year are encouraged to send away for the 2001 SIU Scholarship Program booklet. It contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Eight monetary grants will be awarded next year to three SIU members and five dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $20,000 for study at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary community college or vocational school. Five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information carefully to make sure that certain conditions are met. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15, 2001. Do it today! November 2111JO �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 2000 *TOTA"L REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port ·. . Algonac 1 Baltimore 6 :;JjJuam TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 2 0 I 4 2 l 3 l 6 4 7 16 3 4 5 27 9 26 Mobile New Orleans New York 9 27 30 9 3 10 S 21 11 14 7 4 22 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 14 5 4 18 3 6 4 6 2 2 1 2 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville P~rto ·R'.100 :,5;;g.,, ' 8 San Franeisco'ii .21 Seattle . · ':. 25 St. Louis Wilmington Totals Port · Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 4 2 27 220 11 122 0 0 -0 6 0 5 14 15 0 8 4 15 9 2 7 8 Mobile , ···'New Orleans .:. New York .4 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 6 3 2 9 · Puerto Rico 3 San Franc~co: . . · J 1 Seattle 13 St. Louis Wilmington Totals 9 8 8 3 3 1 6 7 2 3 4 5 63 o·,· 2 I 18 2 3 2 3 6 4 6 202 5 14 15 6 3 2 3 11 6 3 3 0 3 5 3 2 1 2 0 1 2 62 22 21 48 21 11 9 0 5 3 5 11 17 7 12 7 21 17 26 4 5 10 15 7 3 5 0 3 7 3 14 5 4 Algonac ..................Friday: December 8, January 12 Baltimore ................ Thursday: December 7, January 11 Duluth .....................Wednesday: December 13, January 17 Honolulu .................Friday: December 151 January 19 Houston .. " ..............Monday: December 11 Tuesday: January 16* •change created by Martin Luther King h<>Jiday Jacksonville .•.....•....Thursday: December 7. January 11 39 14 4~ 4 ~l,, 6 34 2 17 5 7 55 56 391 174 100 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: J>ecember 19, January 23 0 3 0 0 7 0 2 NewOrleans .......~...Tuesd!ty: .December 12, January 16 0 8 l 3 2 0 2 4 6 0 7. 4 3 27 29 5 Jersey City .•~...........Wedpesday:December 20, January 24 Moblle t +.................Wednesdai~; December 13, January 17 New York'. ...............Tuesday: becember 5, January 9 9 27 6 ' ll 18 0 8 4 3 3 8 ' 3.· 7' 17 5 4 4 74 0 1 z 9 3 3 5 12 5 7 '1 2 2 I{) lO 9 14 14 0 9 0 3 41 3 33 4 11 172 13 3 149 49 6 0 0 10 IO 0 4 90 38 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 1 i () 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 7 9 3 9 19 2 1 11 11 5 2 4 6 7 0 6 101 0 12 0 12 39 Piney Point ............. Monday, December 4, January 8 2 1() 1 7 9 ENGINE DEPARTMENT l ' ( 0 0 0 3 3 0 1 3 3 1 0 1 7 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C 8 100 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac· Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile 0 3 0 11 10 0 0 o· 3 0 Seattle St. Louis Wilmington Totals 12 16 21 l 1 2 0 0 17 6 4 140 42 25 2 0 1 l l l 0 3 23 3 0 0 13 2 5 0 0 0 2 1 3 I 0 11 109 2 37 2 33 9 18 5· 0 2 31 0 1 0 6 6 6 5 5 8 9 2 10 1 3 0 3 3 6 0 7 Honolulu Houston Jacksonville 0 6 3 5 M~pile o 4 3 1 0 73 7 9 4 i 4 4 29 Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point 1 0 I 5 Puerto Rico San Francisco · ··Seattle 2 St. Louis Wilmington Totals 0 9 39 500 ii/GU.am , ···Ne'W Orleans · · York • Totals All Departments O 3 4 1 0 2 0 2 0 19 10 0 69 0 0 6 2 9 12 2 6 12 3 10 26 7 10 12 0 l 8 8 11 0 4 2 2 0 38 0 15 20 1 9 2 4 11 21 4 158 9 212 0 4 32 412 338 443 s 0 7 0 1 17 1 0 0 0 2 30 2 12 1 4 255 75 39 l 1 0 16 5 8 1 1 J 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 8 1 0 1 5 7 9 0 11 MUHARAM HUSIN Please contact Isabel Husin at (718) 369-1430 or Maria at (718) 832-7651 at your earliest convenience. Corrections In the October LOG, page 13, Piney Point inadvertently was omitted from the list of_yoting locations. 4 0 Personal i ···· 3& 29 ENTRY DEPARTMENT · 1 1 0 22 9 11 i. 26 4 0 3 0 26 Port i~l~gonac · l\altimore 5 3 . SanFrancisco 5 0 1 1 6 4 I 2 4 3 ·•· J 7 7 13 8 3 0 22 5 New Orleans Q 3 4 0 0 0 2 3 8 0 4 19 0 4 1 7 New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point t Puerto Rico :~ew 6 9 8 Jl 1 7 103 26 0 5 10 3 4 15 21 2 0 2 9 7 2 3 17 2 0 1 15 19 0 Port '% DECK DEPARTMENT 3 l 1 1 0 0 2 2 0 4 Trip Reliefs December 2000 & January ztiiJi;<i Met11bership Meellngs lleep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters In the October LOG, page 37, the obit for SIU Pensioner Charles Rice should have stated that he graduated from the steward recertification program (not bosun recertification). 2. 1 0 1 37 16 30 110 10 17 8 10 n 5' ATTENTION All SEAFARERS CAeckgour Z,, ·Card/ 50 7 56 '/~--·..·,~y 15 2 0 ~~ 49 l 27 23 9 16 37 8 10 17 0 1 3 4 113 146 0 0 0 78 25 288 24 338 327 265 120 896 686 526 22 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. November 2000 Seafarers LOB 15 �- Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes ../ SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 2000 CL - Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port 0 19 12 Algonac 0 8 6 Port Algonac Port 0 4 10 Algonac 0 13 . 21 Algonac Port Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . ,Kermett Mangram Viee President Government Services .. L- Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 11 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 5 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT ·o 11 8 ·····. ·'····· 0 0 8 0 3 0 2 0 5 . lllDADQUART.ERS . . . S201 Auth Way · Camp Springs, MD 20746 ('W . l) 899-067 5 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Alg®ac. MI 48001 . (&to) 794-4988 Totals All Depts 0 44 49 0 26 29 0 18 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 20 ANCllORAGE 121 Sesame St, #lC, Anchorage. Al< 99503 ·.·. (907) 561-49'88 D ispatchers' Report for Inland Wat e rs BALTm.JORE SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 2000 ·2315 &Sex.St., :aattimoi:e, MD 21224 (410) 3274900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C GUAM . , 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 30M<: Tun Jesus Crisostomo St. Tamuning, Guam 9691 l · (671) 647-1350 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 (80&) 845-5222 · ·u;oUSTON .• J 121 Pierce St, Houston. TX 71002 . (713) 659.-5152 ~~,J1tland ~aters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . Lakes, Inland Waters · 0 West Coast 0 Totals 0 Region Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 8 12 0 1 ·· o 0 1 ···•· () 0 0 . 0 0 9 1 0 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 •··.·. > () . 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Gulf Coast . . . < Lakes, Inl~!ld Water~.;tdfg ····· ··.·.·.···.·········· ~l!~~~DVO;~ 4& Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508} 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Hm'Vey, LA 70058 (504)328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave.• Brooklyn, NY 11232 West Coast Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Totals All Depts 1 0 13 2 0 11 3 1 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 1 34 (7 18) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 2.3510 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST (757) 622-1892 PlOLADELPlUA 2604 S. 4 St., P.biJadelphi~ PA l 9148 (215) $36-381& PINEYPOlNT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994~0010 PORT EVERGLADES . · J i21 S. Andrews Ave,, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 . (954) 522...7984 SAN FRANCISCO 35-0 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Divisfon (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE l 057 Fernandez Junc<>S Aile., Stop Santu.rce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 16~ ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Loliis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA .3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 {253) 212m14 WILMINGTON This 36-year-old photo was sent to the LOG by retired Seafarer James W. Krebser of Stuart, Fla. He writes: "Unlike the proverbial 'ships that pass in the night,' they often pass in the daytime, too. This snapshot of two Great Lakes bulk carriers was photographed in July 1964 on Lake Superior from aboard the SIU-contracted SS Frank E. Taplin." Krebser then went on to sail 10 Sea-Land containerships throught the 1970s in the SIU's Atlantic & Gulf District. Broad Ave., Wtlmin8f()n, CA 90744 (310) 5494000 16 Seafarers LOG November 2000 �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. n Inland pilot, a recertified steward and a recertified bosun are among the 17 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Alton Douglas navigated the inland waterways as a pilot for nearly 30 years. Recertified Steward Norman Evans and Recertified Bosun Enrique Velez graduated from the highest levels of training available to members in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Including Evans and Velez, 13 of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division and one plied the Great Lakes. Douglas and two others navigated the inland waterways. Six of the retirees were members of the deck department, four shipped in the engine department and seven sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA AHMED ALGAZZALI, 65, joined the SIU in 1979 in the port of New York. Born in Yemen, Brother Algazzali first sailed aboard Connecticut Transport's Connecticut. A member of the steward department, he upgraded his skills in 1987, 1989 and earlier this year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Algazzali last shipped aboard the Captain Steven L. Bennett, operated by Sealift, Inc. He resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. JOSEPH F. BIL LOTTO JR, 71, hails from Louisiana. He began his career with the SIUin1951, first sailing aboard the Steel Fabricator, operated by ISCO Inc. Brother Billotto shipped as a member of the engine department, last working aboard the Sea-Land Challenger. He calls Mobile, Ala. home. ERNEST BRINKLEY, 62, joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Norfolk. He first sailed aboard the Spitfire, NORMAN EVANS, 63, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of San Francisco. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, Brother Evans served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957. He first sailed aboard the Del Campo, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. A member of the steward department, Brother Evans completed the steward recertification course at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1984. The Alabama native last sailed aboard an American Ship Management vessel. Brother Evans lives in Dallas. AMBROSIO FACHINI, 56, hails from Brazil. He joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of New Orleans and first sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce. A member of the steward department, Brother Fachini upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1993. He last worked aboard the American Merlin, operated by OspreyAcomarit Ship Management, Inc. Brother Fachini resides in Wilmington, Calif. EDWARDJ. HIEL, 61, started his career with the SIU in 1969, joining in the port of Cleveland. He first sailed aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. A native of Michigan, he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Riel upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1990, 1994, and again earlier this year. He last sailed aboard the USNS Sisler, a Maersk Line vessel. Brother Riel calls Saginaw, Mich. home. a General Cargo Corp. vessel. A native of Florida, Brother Brinkley shipped as a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard Bay Ship Management's USNS Yano. Brother Brinkley resides in Norfolk, Va. HAROLD G. CALDEIRA, 64, began his SIU career in 1956, joining in the port of Houston. Born in New York, he shipped as Nortember 2000 a member of the deck department. Brother Caldeira upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1995 and 1998. He last sailed aboard CSX Lines' Newark Bay. Brother Caldeira calls Holiday, Fla. home. PHILLIP C. PARDOVICH, 65, joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of New York. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, he served with the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. A member of the engine department, Brother Pardovich first sailed aboard Boston Towing Boat Company vessels. He upgraded his skills in 1979, 1981 and 1991 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. The New York native last worked aboard the Sea-Land Newark Bay. Brother Pardovich resides in Port Richey, Fla. Salcedo first sailed aboard the Penmar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corporation. A member of the steward department, he hails from Puerto Rico. Brother Salcedo last shipped aboard the USNS Algol. He resides in New Orleans. !.••~~JESUS RODRIGUEZ, 65, began his SIU career in 1981, joining in the port of Wilmington. Born in South America, Brother Rodriguez sailed as a member of the engine department. He first shipped aboard the Santa Mercedes, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. The Columbia native last worked aboard the Overseas Ohio. Brother Rodriguez lives in Whittier, Calif. ENRIQUE VELEZ, 58, hails from Puerto Rico. He began his career with the SIU in 1977, joining in the port of New York. A bosun, Brother Velez first shipped aboard the Robert E. Lee, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He shipped as a member of the deck department and completed the bosun recertification course at the Paul Hall Center for amaritime Training and Education in 1993. Brother Velez last sailed aboard the SeaLand Crusader. He resides in his native Puerto Rico. JULIAN SALAZAR, 64, hails from Texas. He started his career with the SIU in 1970, joining in the port of Houston. Before becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U.S. Army on two occasions; from 1950 to 1952, and from 1952 to 1954. Brother Salazar first shipped aboard the Steel Flyer, operated by ISCO, Inc. A member of the engine department, he upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He attended the institution in 1975, 1978, 1979, 1980 and 1984. Brother Salazar last sailed aboard the LNG Libra, operated by Pronav Ship Management. He calls Houston home. JOSE SALCEDO, 56, started his SIU career in 1964, joining in the port of Puerto Rico. Brother WAYNED. WOODCOCK, 64, started his career with the SIU in 1966. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, Brother Woodcock served with the U.S. Coast Guard from 1956 to 1960. He first sailed aboard the USNS Mt. Vernon, operated by Mt. Vernon Tankers Corporation. A native of Texas, Brother Wookcock shipped as a member of the steward department. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1975. Brother Woodcock last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Explorer. He lives in Waco, Texas. GREAT LAKES MOUSA M. SALEH, 52, joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he first sailed aboard the George D. Globe, operated by Great Lakes Associates. Brother Saleh shipped as a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship. Brother Saleh is a resident of Dearborn, Mich. INLAND DOMENICO CHIODI, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1981, joining in the port of New York. Born in Italy, Boatman Chiodi spent his entire career sailing aboard New York Cross Harbor Railroad vessels. He sailed as a member of the deck department. Boatmen Chiodi resides in the Bronx, N.Y. ALTON DOUGLAS, 65, hails from Louisiana. He began his SIU career in 1962, joining in the port of New Orleans. A pilot, Boatman Douglas first sailed aboard Dixie Carrier vessels. He last sailed aboard Allied Towing vessels. Boatman Douglas calls Slidell, La. home. FRANK D. WHITTINGTON, 73, joined the SIU in 1962. A native of Galveston, Texas, Boatman Whittington sailed aboard Galveston Wharves operated vessels during his career. He resides in Texas City, Texas. amend the U.S. labor laws in order to give the NLRB jurisdiction over aews of foreign-flag 1942 vessels substantially engaged in American comBritish Prime Minister Winston Churchill merce. The SIU president dedared that this offered his thanks and action would prevent the thanks of the disasters such as the Royal Navy to the .. sinking of the aews of two SIU-conI Tl .f ~f I n Yannouth Castle, the tracted ships that A.f •r. American-owned, returned to New York .f~f Panamanian-flagged after 1 t months on 01Jise ship which sank the run to Russia. A in the Caribbean with commendation ~==============================~ a los.s of 89 lives, relayed by Adm. E.S. Land, director of the after being destroyed by fire. War Shipping Administration, from the British 1990 Admiralty said in part~ "Mr. Winston An additional breakout of Seafarers will crew ChurchiR, the British Prime Minister, has paranother 13 ships for the government's Ready ticularly requested that he be associated with this message of congratulations ••.• I should like Reseive Force (RRF) fleet which has been acti· also to offer my congratulations to you and vated by the military to support the massive deployment of supplies and equipment to the your aew for excellent work you all perPersian Guff•••. For the duration of the breakformed during this encounter,, which is a great credit to the United States merchant marine.'' out, SIU President Michael Sacco extended The ships are unnamed for security reasons. until 10 p.m. the hours of the union's man· power center and hiring halls, which have been operating in high gear since August when the 1965 stepped-up shipping demands began. SIU President Paul Hall called on Congress to Reprinted from past issues of the SeJ.farers LOG ,.UJS MQ,A.f..rU J SJU HJ Si ORy Seafarers LOG 17 �Editors note: The Seafarers LOG staff makes every attempt to find and publish pertinent facts regarding the careers of our deceased brothers and sisters. These facts normally include, but are not limited to, date and port joined the SIU, vessels sailed, department worked, and place of residence at the time of death. In some instances, however, significant information simply is not available on their respective careers. When this occurs, we will list the name, age, date of death and division sailed at the end of this column. Photos will be published when available. DEEP SEA NORWOOD BARBOUR Pensioner Norwood Barbour, 73, died July 23. Born in North Carolina, he joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Norfolk. He shipped as a member of the engine department and began receiving his pension in 1969. Brother Barbour served with the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He made his home in Washington, D.C. ROBERT BELVIN Pensioner Robert Belvin, 79, passed away July 26. Brother Belvin joined the MC&S in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. A member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard the President Polk. The Louisiana native began receiving his pension in 1984. He last sailed aboard the President Madison. Brother Belvin lived in San Francisco. .--------~ VIRGILIO COLLAZO Brother Virgilio Collazo, 48, died July 14. Born in Bayamon, P.R., Brother Collazo joined the Seafarers in 1999 and sailed as an AB. He first shipped aboard the Chemical Explorer, operated by Intrepid Ship Management. Brother Collazo last worked aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. He resided in his native Puerto Rico. HELEN DRAGAVON Pensioner Helen Dragavon, 82, passed away May 5. Sister Dragavon joined the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Soudan, Minn., she shipped as a member of the steward department. Sister Dragavon first sailed aboard an Oceanic Steamship operated vessel and last worked aboard the Mariposa. She began receiving her pension in 1969. Sister Dragavon called Hermantown, Minn. home. OLAF KJONBOG Pensioner OlafKjonbog, 98 died July 25. Brother Kjonbogjoined the Seafarers in 1950 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Norway, he sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1969. Brother Kjonbog resided in Kenner, La. .,. Seatann LOB JOHN MERKEL RAYMOND SMITH Pensioner John Merkel, 76, died Aug. 15. Born in Philadelphia, Brother Merkel began his career with the SIU in 1942, joining in the port of Mobile. The Philadelphia native sailed in the deck department and shipped primarily aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. vessels, including the Northern Lights. Brother Merkel began receiving his pension in 1971. He lived in Wadena, Minn. Pensioner Raymond Smith, 72, died May 17. Brother Smith joined the SIU in 1961 and sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing vessels. Born in Cleveland, he sailed as a pilot. Brother Smith began receiving his pension in 1990. He lived in Lakewood, Ohio. CONRADO NAVARRA Pensioner Conrado Navarra, 88, passed away Sept. 8. Brother Navarra was born in the Philippines and sailed with the SIU as a member of the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1969. Brother Navarra lived in New York. AnANTIC FISHERMAN CLYDE PARKER Pensioner Clyde Parker, 82, died July 14. Born in Alabama, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's union in 1940 .........~;;.umo""""-.._..,............., in the port of Savannah, Ga. before it merged with the AGLIWD. He sailed as a member of the deck department and ...---==~....,,.....,.,., began receiving his pension in 1981. A bosun, he resided in Mobile, Ala. BART POWERS Pensioner Bart Powers, 72, passed away Aug. 3. He joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1953 in the port of New York. The New York native sailed as a member of the engine department and began receiving his pension in 1985. He lived in Clearwater, Fla. WILLIAM COUTURE Brother William Couture, 89, died in July. Brother Couture sailed in the deep sea division. WILLIAM MURRAY .,...---.,----.,,,,_.,,...=--. Pensioner William Murray, 86, died July 3. Brother Murray sailed in the deep sea division. Only limited information was available on the careers of the following deceased brothers/sisters: ANTHONY RUSSO LEON GASPERMENT Pensioner Leon Gasperment, 95, passed away July 14. Brother Gasperment sailed in the Railroad Marine division. Pensioner Anthony Russo, 75, died July 11. Brother Russo shipped in the deep sea division. SHEW WONG Pensioner Shew Wong, 77, passed away June 14. Brother Wong sailed in the deep sea division. KUNO SCHOPFER Pensioner Kuno Schopfer, 84, died July 9. Brother Schopfer began his career with the SIU in 1951, joining in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard Victory Carrier's Aimes Victory. Born in Germany, he shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Schopfer began receiving his pension in 1984. He called Summerville, S.C. home. WILLIAM THORNTON Pensioner William Thornton, 84, passed away July 28. Brother Thornton began his career with the SIU in 1940, joining in the port of Philadelphia. A member of the engine department, he was born in Johnston County, N.C. Brother Thornton last shipped aboard the Andrew Jackson, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He served with the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. Brother Thornton began receiving his pension in 1962. He lived in Sea Level, N.C. INLAND EDDIE JONES Boatman Eddie Jones, 41, died May 22. A member of the steward department, he sailed primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamboat Co. vessels. Boatmen Jones resided in Chicago. GREAT LAKES HARVEY LONG Pensioner Harvey Long, 95, passed away June 19. Born in Michigan, Brother Long sailed as a member of the engine department. He worked primarily aboard Viking vessels, including the Ann Arbor. Brother Long began receiving his pension in 1969. He resided in Thompsonville, Mich. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annuat report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed beloW'ke included in that report: 1) An accountant's report; . . . 2) Assets held for investment; . .. ~; i> . .• . ·if,3) transactions in exces~ 9f? per~~nt of the plan as~s; c;;; ·. '.. i .J.) . Actuarial information reg~rdingthe . furiding ofthepl~i ~rid , . · 5).·. Financial information an? inforn:tation on payments to sepdc~ pf9videi:s; · . . . .·· ... . .. . . .. 1'9 6btajfi a copy of the·fu:lla,nnual·repo:rt, or-any part the@~ wtlteor call Board ofTtustees of Seafarers Pe.rtsion:T.rnst; 5201 ~titltWay. Camp Springs, MD2()746, {301) 899~0675. 'fll~ cb.aige to cover copying costs will be $8.85 for the full: annuali:eport or.JS cents per page fm: any part~~f. . · .,.. You also have therigh~to. .tJ;ceive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge,a statement of the assets and liabµlties of the plan and acco~ying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of ~~.f!la:iJ. and accompanying note&, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan adroinistrator~ these ~o $~eµts and accgm:panyjng not~s be wm inCluded as part of that report. . ., . > · tr. t · · . . . .. . }· You also bave the legally pr-0tected right to examine the ~rirtual report at the main' o~~~,'.9f the; pJan (5201 Autb ~ay, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., or t(J ?pbt~m:w c.~py fu>m the U .S, DepartJn,etit'o:f Labor upon payment of copying c~ts..Requests to the Department should be add:r~ t<).;~~~lic Disclosure Room. Room N4677; Pension and Welfare Benefits ~dJliinI~tr.ation. U.~. Department of La:bor, 200 ConstitutfonA\tenue, N.W.; Washington DC 20216. ·:.;· . . ·~~::.::::;-.;:~/)'::; .·.·. ,•:;. : - SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG &DREDGE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, EIN 13-1953878, Plan No. 003, for the period January 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund . Plan expenses were $1,629 ,68 l. These expenses included $213,741 in administrative expenses and $1,415,940 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 305 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 $23,767,126, as of December 31, 1999, compared to $25,004,473 as of January 1, 1999. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $(1,237,347). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $392,334, including employer contributions of $202, 110, realized gains of$1,009,023 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,196,282 and unrealized (depreciation) of assets of$(2,015,08l). Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was con- tributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights To Addftlonal 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) Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; and 5) Financial information and information on payments to service providers; To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $5.25 for the full annual report or 15 cents 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. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N4677, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington D.C. 20216. November 2000 �llfli'~i#fJlrers LOG attemptgto print as many digests of union shipboard ;;ft~ ?t·i :L:· 'minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space s. ll~:inutes ,;::;;r;;m:;~ct"P•~aL 1%i[1Jtl#e.1SS,ues requiting attenlio11, o.r.re,;,lutlon a"' gddressed by the union Hff/ i;Y/it1n receipt of thtt. ~bi/'-s~ minutes:·The minutes are then forwarded ·_•- · - · -~I ·· · , •.•_!_•_•_: .• _•.-.• ,•_._•_•.•.•-·-·-· ·'·-·-·-·-•_!_._._-_•-·-· ;_.•._ --· ,~!~e,Seat;r/lrs LOG for publicalion. ......... XWHffr::·~·; CSX TRADER (CSX Lines), July 2-Chairman Loren Watson, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Milton E. Sabin, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Loyal, Engine Delegate Joseph A. Canlas, Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia Jr. Bosun reported everything going well. He stressed shipboard safety, including wearing proper shoes on deck. He talked about new simulators at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and how SIU is using latest technology to keep its training levels among highest in world. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD, this being major election year, and encouraged members to register to vote. "Our votes could have a major impact on the Jones Act and other issues affecting the future of American shipping." Educational director pointed out new simulators at Piney Point for training by engine department members as well as deck. He also noted that anyone who has not been to the school lately would be very impressed with fire fighting school and culinary lab. Treasurer announced $400 in ship's general fund . Would like to purchase weight lifting and aerobic exercise machines and make nice gym in passenger lounge. Beef reported in deck department. Bosun noted that ship now in last year of five-year contract with Sea-Land (now CSX) and advised crew members to discuss any ideas or suggestions for contract negotiations. He also reminded everyone to separate plastics properly, to rewind and take care of video movies and to know and follow safety rules booklet. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. continue to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and be sure to meet STCW requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. ROVER (Intrepid Shipping), July 9- Chairman Jamie Miller, Secretary Juan B. Gonzalez, Educational Director George Fernandez, Deck Delegate Carey L. Foster. Bosun advised crew to wear hard hats and safety glasses during canal transit and in port. He also reminded them about separating all plastic items from regular trash and said he spoke with captain about getting daily news. Secretary urged unlicensed apprentices to listen to old-timers on ship in order to learn ropes. Educational director reminded brothers and sisters to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and to be sure STCW is current. By 2002, every seaman will need it. Deck delegate reported disputed OT; otherwise, ship running smoothly. Clarification requested from headquarters regarding missing man watch. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Dijbouti, Africa. SMT CHEMICAL TRADER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.) July 31Chairman Anthony Maben, Secretary Gregory Johnson, Educational Director arlton . Stamp. Ship due to arrive in Ukraine Aug. 8 and then head to U.S. in September. Chairman thanked crew for smooth voyage and noted importance of donating to SPAD. He also urged members to read LOG to keep updated on happenings in union and maritime industry. Secretary extended vote of thanks to all hands for helping keep messroom clean. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Piney Point school. EXPLORER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), July 20-Chairman Michael A. Noble, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Kevin DeSue, Deck Delegate Larry D. Thompson, Engine Delegate Steven L. Rollins, Steward Delegate Carlito S. Navarro. Chairman pleased with good trip, good crew and good food. He thanked everyone for their help. New dryer brought aboard this voyage. Need individual crew member to be responsible for upkeep of rental TV. Secretary stated revision of sailing schedule needed. Educational director reminded crew members of upgrading courses available at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1,830 in ship's fund. No beefs reported. Some disputed OT indicated in engine department. Clarification requested on vacation days and retirement. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Panama. USNS DAHL (Maersk Line), July 29-Chairman Klaus W. Tankersley, Secretary Kevin L. Marchand, Educational Director William Staton. Chairman noted previous question on travel was answered and is something to be considered in next contract. Treasurer announced $560 in ship's fund; $300 will go toward Aug. 13 island party (vessel currently in port in Diego Garcia). Additional donations being sought. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that when crew member gets off and has to wait for flight in Diego Garcia, he should be paid daily wages until actual time of departure. The way it is, some have to wait several days without pay. Round of thanks given to steward department for great food and service. Pictures of ship on sale for $5 from steward or captain. OOCL INNOVATION (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), July 23-Chairman Konstantinos Prokovas, Secretary Edward C. Winne, Educational Director Rex E. Bolin, Deck Delegate Daniel W. Miller, Engine Delegate Richard H. Surrick, Steward Delegate Hamdi Hussein. Secretary noted ship to change to Mediterranean run next voyage. Ship also to be renamed SeaLand Oregon. Educational director urged everyone to CSX CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), Aug. 13-Chairman Tommy R. Benton, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Clive A. Steward Sr., Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan, Engine Delegate Larry P. Calixto, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman noted old business pending is cleaning of supply air duct system. He advised crew members of upcoming payoff scheduled Aug. 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. and November 2000 r mmd d m to adh re to Yra te management procedures. Agriculture inspector will not allow any deviations from rules. He also stressed importance of contributions to SPAD and MDL. Secretary suggested everyone read latest issue of LOG and make sure all sailing papers are up to date. Educational director urged all hands to apply for upgrading at Piney Point-and not miss out on this benefit. Discussion held on starting ship's fund. Deck department reported beef and disputed OT for dayworkers. Suggestion made for contracts department to consider reducing requirements for vacation benefits. Steward to check on status of fans for cabins and common areas. Vote of thanks given to all departments for helping keep clean ship. Special mention to DEU Mothana Mothana and UMS Rafael Pagan for extra effort and hard work. "They are without a doubt a credit to the Sill and its membership." Next ports: Houston; New Orleans; Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R. CSX CONSUMER (CSX Lines), Aug. 6- Chairman Rudy A. Santos, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Milton F. Caballero, Engine Delegate Jose E. Villot Jr., Steward Delegate William Muniz. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 8 in Oakland, Calif. He thanked crew for job well done and advised them to be sure endorsements are up to date. Secretary noted ship's first unlicensed apprentice, Mike Harvey, is good shipmate. He reminded those getting off to leave room clean for next person. Educational director advised members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and get necessary endorsements for increased job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several suggestions made for consideration by contracts department: lower seatime required for pension and improve medical plan for dependents. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu. CSX KODIAK (CSX Lines), Aug. 13-Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita Jr., Deck Delegate John S. Habib, Engine Delegate Gebar H. Ogbe, Steward Delegate Rang V. Nguyen. Chairman announced scheduled arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Aug. 15 with payoff next day. Blanket relief for crew available Aug. 16. Educational director advised everyone to check z-cards and STCW for expiration dates and renew them, if necessary. He also noted schedule of upgrading courses listed in monthly LOG. All members urged to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made from crew to have pay<? ff upon arrival of ship in Tacoma in order to have more time to spend with families. Vote of thanks to steward department for keeping ship clean and for excellent food preparation. Next ports: Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska; Tacoma. CSX TACOMA (CSX Lines), Aug. 6-Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Lorance D. Pence, Engine Delegate Steven D. Bower, Steward Delegate Jioia J. deLeon. Chairman stated payoff scheduled in Tacoma, Wash. upon arrival Aug. 8. Educational director recommended crew take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Piney Point. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Treasurer announced $500 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that CSX implement sailing board by phone and also have it posted by 1700 hours. Crew asked to · p laundr) room door closed at all times and lint screens cleaned for fire safety. Everyone also requested to rewind and replace movies when finished viewing. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Aug. 5-Chairman Jerry Borucki, Roger D. Linasan, Educational Director Gerald Payne, Deck Delegate Peter Koucky, Engine Delegate Asher adding extra man in steward department and providing dependents with prescription coverage. Requests made for repair of communications system in crane, purchase of new embarkation ladders and better selection of movies. Also request made for voltage converters in staterooms. Next port: Charleston, S.C. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), Aug. 4--Chairman Anthony J. Sabatini, Secretary William E. Cruising the Panama Canal The Panama Canal is an awe-inspiring engineering achievement. Completed in August 1914, it unites two great oceans-the Atlantic and Pacific-and provides a path between North and South America. Bosun Jerry Borucki (left) sent us this photo of himself and Second Mate Haines Lawrence as the U.S. Ship Management vessel Defender made its way through the canal on its run from San Pedro, Calif. to Freeport, Bahamas. J. Liss, Steward Delegate Barry J. Alviso. Chairman thanked everyone for job well done. Secretary also praised all hands for keeping ship clean. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Piney Point to increase knowledge and financial future. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on emergency trip off ship. Unlicensed laundry room needs two washing machines and two dryers. Request also made for new VCR in crew library. Ship en route to San Pedro, Calif. Then heading to Panama, Mexico and Freeport, Bahamas. INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), Aug. 13-Chairman George D. Vukmir, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate Gerry A. Gianan, Engine Delegate Melvin W. Layner. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 15 following U.S. Coast Guard inspection. He thanked all departments for good job since taking ship out of shipyard in Ulsan, Korea July 13. Secretary thanked chairman and deck department for keeping ship very clean. All unlicensed crew members wished Capt. Garry E. Fleeger good luck on his new job as port captain of Matson ships. Educational director urged all hands to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center for training and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Los Angeles. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line), Aug. 27-Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Steward Delegate Thomas G. McCurdy. Chairman talked about piracy near anchorage in Callao, Peru. He asked crew members to return all movies to gym area and contribute to SPAD. This is an election year, and SPAD donations help keep the union strong. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep house clean. Educational director suggested everyone upgrade skills at Piney Point. He also reminded crew to keep all merchant mariner 's documents, STCW and TRBs current. Treasurer announced $158 in ship 's fund. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Recommendations made for contracts department to look into Bryley, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Engine Delegate Detricke P. Kelly. Chairman announced receipt of new washer. He urged all Seafarers to vote in upcoming SIU election Nov. 1 through Dec. 30. Educational director advised all hands to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for job security and to keep current with STCW requirements. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Treasurer announced $1,500 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into prescription coverage for dependents. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done and to Chief Cook Sam Harris for great meals. Next port: Cherry Point, Wash. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), Aug. 28-Chairman John 0. Glenn, Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Michael W. Phillips, Deck Delegate Rafik A. Shahbin, Steward Delegate Christopher D. Hopkins. Chairman announced layover in Anchorage, Alaska. Secretary stated good voyage with good ship .and good crew. He reminded crew members to check mariner's documents and STCW for expiration dates. Educational director urged everyone to utilize educational opportunities available for SIU members at Piney Point. Crew asked to help keep laundry and lounge areas clean and to close doors to outer decks. Request also made for satellite dish aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to deck and steward department for job well done. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSC Ship Mgmt.), Aug. 27Chairman Daniel N. Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Darrel W. Koonce Jr., Engine Delegate Willie J. Franks, Steward Delegate Sisto DeAnda. Chairman noted payoff in New Orleans Aug. 30. He advised crew to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new ice machine and for new linens and pillows. Thanks given to steward department for great job. Seafarers LOG 19 �Chicken Fried Steak Know Your Rights Serves: 25 . . . serve with chicken gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits ... Ingredients: GALLEY CORNER 4-1/8 pounds cube steak 1-1/2 quarts all purpose flour 4 eggs 1-1/8 quarts buttermilk salt black pepper Season 1/2 cup flour with salt and pepper to taste. Pat cube steaks dry with paper towel and dredge in seasoned flour. Put aside while preparing batter. Beat egg with milk, then gradually add remaining 1 cup flour, beating constantly to make a smooth, thick batter. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a fryer to 370 degrees. Dip steaks into batter and place in hot oil. Fry until golden brown, turning once, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side. Be sure to heat oil back to 370 degrees between batches. Drain on paper towels before serving. a particular recipe or has one of their own that they would like to share, drop Chef Hetmanski a line at the Paul Hall Center, P. 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 or e-mail to: shlssvoc@us. hsanet. net. If anyone is looking for Certified Executive Chef John Hetmanski 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 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Northwest 1\lrlines ..•AU~\. lAM. IBT. TWU Unions Ol~mpic :\lrwa~~ .. .IAM Ontario Kxpl'C$S .•. IAM AH\-A....,gn. of 1'11ght Attendants. AF'lrCIO Pilots Assn.• Afl.rCIO A~\-Allied Pilots Assn. APPA-1\ssn. of Profos.c;lonal Plight Attendants CW\-CommunlcaUons \\brkers of America, Af'L--CIO lAM*-lnlcrnaUonal A.o;.c;n. or \fachlnisL<> & Aerospace Workers, 1\!<1,-CIO IACP-Jndcpcndcnt Assn. of Conllnental Pan :\merfcan Alrwa~s ...Af;\. AW·\ Piedmont Airlines.•. i\fi\. All}\. !AM Pro:\lr...AP:\. UAW PSA Airlines .. .Ml\. ~\J,m. lAM. IITT Reeve AlcuUan Airways ... ALPA S~way Airlines ...AU~\ Southwest Airlines .. .IAM. !UT. 'l'VU Splr I'\. T\\ll ..ALm. nn. TWU 1\l.l.~\-J\lr I.inc Piiots trn•-tntemauonal Brotherhood of Tuamstcrs. AFlrCIO ln\--tndcpendent Pilots A."lSn. PACE-Paper. Allied-Industrial. Chemical & f<:ne©' \forkers lntcniaUonal Union, 1Wr,.c10 'f\\li-Transport Work.Cl'$ Union. AFlrClo - :r. 'IWU Allegheny Commuter lrllnes ..•AFA. ALn\, mr UNION 20 LABEL Seafarers LOS ... ACP. IAM. !UT Lines...ALB\. 1WU Alr AUanUc•.. L-\M Atrnc ... Al.l~\ Air Canada .• JAM Alr Midwest•. .IAM Air Nom .. .ALPt\ Air Ontario...ALn\ Air 'Iran Airlines•..1\FA. IBT, TWU Air Transal. ..ALn\ Air Wlsconsln ...AH\. :.\ U}\, lAM Alaska 1\lrllnt'$ ...Af<i\, ALB\. IAM. IBT. ANO E.xpross I (Nortl1wcst.s\irllnk) .•.Al.f~\. PACE Frontier :\lrllnes ...'f\\iU Great f..akes Avtalton ... fAM. Un Hawaiian Airlines ... AfA. AU~\. IAM. 1'\.'U Horl1.0n Alr...AB\. IBT, 'l'WU Kelo\\11a Fllgbtcran.Air Charter.. .!\I.PA KJ.c\f...'l'WU Labrador 1\lrways .. JAM Mesa Airlines... Af/\, AU}\ Mesaba A'.iaUon ...At/\. ;\J,f}\, TIVU Midway Airlines ...AH\, ALH\, lJ M Mld\\'CSt Express .•. AE\, ALB\ SERVICE TRADES 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 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. con EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained UA\~~!'(j ·.· 't.\!! Air r\lllanr.e...AT.PA 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. • l<'urelgn l-1:1{1 Carriers: The lA\I rtprcsenis rmploytws of lhe follo\\1ng: J\er Ungus. Aero Peru. lltalla lrllnes. Al ~\t, AnUllcan Alrtlnes. 8atmmasa1r. British i\lrwa,)s, BWIA. Continental Micronesia. OOmlnl<'ana. 1-:1 :\I Israel; l.l>\T. f ,u.IUlan.~. MeJi:lc.ana, Pl:tt1111plne Airlines, Swii Air. and Vartg. In addition. the lBT repm;enis emplO)'CCS of (:<JnUnent<JI Mlcnmcsla. DEPARTMENT, AFL·CIO from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force~ job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. November 2000 �During a standby aboard the CSX Hawaii are (from left) Chief Steward Rafael Cardenas, SA Elston Yu and Chief Cook William Blees. AB Tom Grosskurth repairs a canvas in the bosun's locker aboard the El Morro during a recent payoff in . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. San Juan. Ar11111tl fl1e l'ttrf ttf 11111 1111111 Edward Haber, chief steward on the CSX Challenger, is ready to help serve the next meal. Chief Mate John Cates (left) and Capt. William Smith are happy to get the recent LOG during a servicing trip to the tug Sentinal, which took place at TMT Terminal on Isla Grande in San Juan. Right: Prior to payoff of the Perseverance (IUM) in Yabucoa , P.R., AB Diego Hatch Jr. helps with the discharging of cargo at the Sun Oil Terminal. OMU Rod Frazier performs a routine check of the engine room burners on the NPR, Inc. vessel Carolina. Pedro Barbosa (right) receives his first union book from SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo (who sent the LOG the photos on this page) at the San Juan hall. At the TMT terminal in San Juan, Chief Mate Roger M. Rothschild operates the stern winch during preparations for sea operations aboard the tug Pilot. November 2000 At the SIU hall in San Juan are (from left) AB Julio Matos, GUDE Victor Torres, San Juan Safety Director Amancio Crespo, AB Rafael Vega, SA Antonio Colon and SIU Delegate Raymon Ayala. AB Steven Gough serves pizza aboard the tug Pilot while the vessel is being serviced. Seafarers LOG 21 �r, Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes SEAFARERS PAUl HALL CENTER PA UL. HAL L CENTE R LIFEBOAT CLASS Tankerman LIF EBOAT CLASS .. ~:'.'~'"·':';':;~3.'5".~:Q,po,~<;fO:<":;'.'.'.'~;o Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 606 - Unlicensed apprentices from class 606 who graduated from the water survival course are (from left) Elliott Johnson, Skyler South-Sutika, Thomas Hawks and Jason Thompson. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 607 Completing the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 607. They are (from left, kneeling) Jermiel Lawson , William Wak~man , (seco~d row) Brent Fitzgerald, David Provost, Karen Aguilar, Dominque Tarantino , Jesse Toves, (third row) Christopher Offrey, Philip Brown, Justin Grasseth , Jack Slagle, Jefferson Weir and Darnell Slayton. (PIC) Barge - Upgrading Seafarers completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course Oct. 13 are (from left, first row) Kenneth Baker, Damon Johnson, David MacCollister, Mitch Oakley (instructor) , (second row) Spencer Kreger, Tim Keller, Steve Bush and Marvyn Chester. Able_ Seaman - Ta':l_k~r ~ami~arization/Assistant Cargo (DL) Graduating from the tanker fam11tanzat1on/ass1stant cargo (DL) course Oct. 13 are (from left, kneeling) William Howell, Cody Colson, Antwan Stafford, Leonard Shuman 11 , (second row) J.J. Cooper, Jessica LoRusso, Kenneth Green, Harry Oglesby, Arlington Ayoso, Keith Mcintosh, Jim Shaffer (instructor) , (third row) Joshua Ellerbee, Ole Olesen, Kevin George, Archie Ware Jr., Gilberto Figueroa Jr., Ibrahim Muhammad, William Yurick, Nicholas Craddock, Nathaniel Miller, Jamal Somerville, (fourth row) Bryan Hill, Peter Pamepinto and Kenneth Jackson. Earning their AB ratings Sept. 29 are (from left 1rst row) James Hazel.Ip,. ~oel Balaguer, Jose Gamb~a , Mark Edmo_nds, Alberto Rivera , nd row) "dEman V1l1, Ahmed Saleh, Jerry Cassie, Stan Beck (instructor), (third row, virtua den) Jonathan Buffington , Muhiddin Awale, (fourth row) Richard Williamson, Cha Schulz and Peter Wojcikowski. Marine Electrical Maintenance - With their instructor Eric Malzkuhn (far right) are upgrading Seafarers in the Oct. 13 graduating marine electrical maintenance class. From the left are Anatolia Gorit, Leonides Bacal, James Daley, Taylor Watson, Milton Greene Jr. and David Parker. STCW and Water Safety - Crew members who will be working aboard American Classic Voyages' new cruise ships recently completed required classes in STCW and water safety. They are (in alphabetical order) Randall Agpalsa , Stephen Dewey, Joyce Hefley, Wolfgang Herz, Ernest Higa, Matthew Mccombs, Melissa _.Moyers, Neil Reilly, Armin Ruehling, Mark Rumbarger, Roderick Smith, James Somera, Hans Susser and Josef Wilblinger. We Did It! FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements Oct. 6 are (in alphabetical order) Nabil Ahmed, Geoffrey Bagley, Norn~an Barbosa, Chris Chambers, Virgil Craige, Joshua Davenport, Russell English, Edric Hernandez, Richard Kent, Hussein Kirkland, Robert Lee, Keith Ligon , Romuald Marlinski, James McDonald, S~lvatore Migliara, Melvin Nelson, Carlos Ortiz, Jason Paesler, Ryan Palmer, James Porter, Jason Roate, Vincent Sanchez, Kwan Tam, Bobby Taylor, Anthony Thomas, Europa Tuivaiti , Paul Weil and James Williams. Not pictured are James Beaudreau, Shannon Bonefont, William Knox and Bruce Weathers. Their instructor, Mark Jones, is at far left. 22 Seafarers LOS Unlicensed Apprentice Graduation - All the studying pays off for another group of unlicensed apprentice graduates as they complete Phase Ill of their program Oct. 20. From the left (first row) are Andrew Linares, Paul Hagan, Ray Herbert, Todd Curry, Michael Humphrey, Quinton Washington, Jesus Martinez, Norman Arquillano , Michael Logotaeo, (second row) Michael James Jr., Jerramy McNeil, Roland Carter II, Edward Deupree, Freddy Traffin, Michael Sherno Jr., Kevin Mcintyre, Brian Fifer, Patrick McAlpin and David Alexander. November 2000 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER , ~:~JWfiY~~~~~!!!~!~' ;,Maritime Ttafrting and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared . to improve :·the job skills of S~ar;~rs and to promote the American maritime · · Galley op~i-*uonst Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27; Dec. 4, 11, 18 Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward Nov. 6, 20; ,. Dec. 4, 18 (Every other week) :;,, Please note that this sphedule niay change to reflect the needs of the mem't?l?ership, the ~tP!!~f;,, ~ndus~~4 7 inJimes of conflict-the nation'ssecuri:ty.; Safety Specialty CoalSllS 7;i>. Students:~~~~~fariy;oftliese classes should check in the Saturday b.ejore · Start :. ~eir coUl'Se.~§';j~tart date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the Date Course :,;:.,morning of~ 'start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva~ ! iions shoulibe made for Saturday. November6 Basic Fire Fighting Seafarers :wli-0·}!~v~ any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at January22 . tlie Paul f¥!1~.~~!!tt?t'. .piay call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. February5 :.::industry. Date of Completion November 10 January26 February 9 February 23 February 19 November 24 Date of Completion Start Date January 19 January 15 .January29 February 12 February 26 February 2 February 16 March 2 January 15 January 19 (*must have basic fire fighting) Start Date of Completion · Date At:atleJJJiC Departmeld,,.~ourses March 30 January 26 . .. With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and OMED aoglicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a monl?J? order onlv. payable to LMSS. Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Deep Sea Member D END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ Inland Waters Member D Lakes Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Department _ _ _ __ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class#------ -- - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? 0 Yes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes 0 No Firefighting: 0 Yes 0 No CPR: 0 Yes DNo Primary language spoken _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ SIGNATURE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the sched_uling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. ll/OO Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Left: Limited License Completing the limited license course recently are (from left) Bill Block, Jim Cunningham, Guy Butler, Don Langman, Edward Hervias and Mike Smith (instructor). Not pictured is Duane Evans. Right: Chief Cook Upgrading to chief cook are (from left) David Wakeman, Jimmy Williams, Arthur Edwards, Chef John Dobson (instructor), Justo Reyes and Jose Garcia. November 2000 Seafarers LOS 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS for Seafarers Pension Trust and for Great Lakes Tug &Dredge Pension Plan - page18 More than 3,400 Seafaren Train at Fire Fighting School Facility Offers Broad Range of Safety Instruction I ~ I I I ~ ­ I I I I i While the Paul Hall Center's new simulator annex understandably has been a hot topic lately at the Piney Point, Md. campus, the center's Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School quietly has become a vocational education staple for many upgraders and apprentices alike. Since it opened in June 1999, through September of this year, the fire fighting school has trained 3,406 Seafarersan average of about 212 monthly. The breakdown by class is: 897 mariners in basic fire fighting; 243 in advanced fire fighting; 555 in damage control; 532 in the water survival segment of lifeboat; 732 in STCW basic safety; and 44 7 in first aid and CPR. The school, located near the Paul Hall Center's main campus, is composed of three main buildings with several other areas dedicated to educating mariners on how to combat and suppress shipboard fires. Specifically tailored for mariner fire fighting and safety training, it is equipped with the most modem, environmentally and hygienically safe equipment. Its main features include: • a three-story burn building (named the Eternal Flame) designed to replicate in areas a bridge, an engine room, shaft alley and other facilities found aboard ship; • a multi-level maze building used for search-and-rescue training; • outdoor burn areas featuring the kinds of pipes and hoses found on tankers, a helicopter pad like those located aboard some vessels, and an area for training with fire extinguishers; • computer-equipped classrooms; • an indoor pool used for water survival training; • a damage control room with a recessed floor to allow training in rising water. Student reaction to the fire fighting and safety school consistently has been positive, with Seafarers typically describiiig it as first-class and a tremendous asset. Others have been even more lavish in praising the facility. For instance, a high-ranking official with the International Transport Workers' Federation called it "a world-class institution. It is the best, most well-equipped facility of its kind anywhere in the world." For a list of upcoming classes at the Paul Hall Center, see page 23. Also, look for the annual course guide for 2001 in an upcoming issue of the LOG. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU, OTHER MARITIME UNIONS UNITE IN BATTLE TO IMPROVE ‘OIL PATCH MARINERS’ CONDITIONS MEMBERS ASKED TO HELP IN GULF COAST EFFORT SIU-CONTRACTED COMPANIES TO MANAGE 45 RRF VESSELS UNION ELECTION VOTING STARTS NOVEMBER 1 MSC LAUNCHES NEW SURVEY SHIP USNS MARY SEARS JOINS 5 OTHER SURVEILLANCE VESSELS SAFETY TRAINING SCHOOL OPENS IN HONOLULU SEAFARERS CREW NEW Z-DRIVE TUG U.S. LINES’ PATRIOT DEBUTS DECEMBER 9 ORGULF BOATMAN RATIFY NEW PACT ADMIRAL TOWING CREWS APPROVE FIRST CONTRACT ADVISORY BOARD REVISITS STCW SIMULATORS ARE A HIGHLIGHT AS INDUSTRY GROUP STUDIES TRAINING REQUIREMENTS INDIANA HARBOR CREW WELCOMES APPRENTICE GRAYKOWSKI LEAVES MARAD VOCATIONAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR RECEIVES PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD ITF RECOVERS $1.4 MILLION FOR PREMIER CREW TEXAS COMMISSION REJECTS ‘PREAUTHORIZATION’ RULES TOTE NETS SAFETY AWARDS FOR DESIGN OF NEW RO/ROS BALTIMORE-AREA RETIREES SEE BRIGHT FUTURE FOR SIU MORE THAN 3,400 SEAFARERS TRAIN AT FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 11 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/6ecdea4b450488db597926d8ee2c1825.pdf 9498f7b6b677d5345f891635a1bd617c PDF Text Text SIU Scholarship Program Expands ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page3 Volume 62, Number 1O October 2000 Building_ Nlore Jobs for the SIU Alaska Tanker Co. Adding 3 New Ships BP May Order Total of 6 New Tankers The SIU tanker fleet will expand by three to six vessels, following last month's announcement by BP that the company has ordered new double-hull tankers. The initial order is for three tankers (patterned after the illustration below) and is valued at more than $630 million. It includes options to purchase three additional vessels. Page 2 . er • I l'aul Hall Center Unveils Second-to-None Training Aids Installation of new, state-of-the-art simulators for shiphandling (including GMDSS), engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures will be finalized this month at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The top-of-the-line equipment is housed in a new annex to the preexisting simulator building. Upgraders and entry-level students are expected to begin utilizing the new simulators in November. Early reaction to the simulators, sampled last month by numerous upgraders, has been extremely positive. Pages 3, 8. �New Tankers Ordered President's Report Good News In Threes For the SIU, good news in September came in threes. First, the announcement by BP that new tankers have been ordered for the Jones Act trade is a huge statement in more ways than one. It signals broader support for our industry and confidence in the future of the U.S. Merchant Marine. And it means jobs for the SIU, beginning with the first new tanker's delivery in 2003. At minimum, three new ships should be in place by 2005. BP also has an option to build three additional double-hull tankers, meaning as many as six new vessels are possible. I hope SIU members see the connection between BP's announcement and our union's political activity. Because there's no way BP or anyone else would take such a step if the Jones Act did not enjoy solid support on Capitol Hill. The SIU backs the Jones Act because it protects our livelihoodsbut we also support it because it's good for America's economic and national security. This country deserves a strong domestic-flag fleet. BP's new ships will be a welcome addition. Of course, those aren't the only new U.S.-flag ships on the way. As we have reported in previous months, American Classic Voyages is building two large cruise ships and, meanwhile, is preparing to launch the reflagged Patriot in December. Delta Queen just announced that the first two of its five coastal cruise vessels will sail in May 2001. TOTE has ordered two new cargo ships for the domestic fleet. The Military Sealift Command regularly is adding new LMSRs to its prepositioning force, most recently in late July. If that doesn't convince people that there's a solid future for the U.S. Merchant Marine, then I don't know what will. The proof is right there-with new containerships, new tankers, new RO/ROs, new passenger ships. And the SIU is determined to ensure that this is just the beginning of comprehensive maritime revitalization for the U.S. fleet. Another big news item is the opening of the new simulator complex at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. I've been through the whole thing, and all I can say is, Wow! What a tremendous addition for the school. It reminds me of last summer, when the Paul Hall Center opened the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. The new simulators are on par with the fire fighting school. The equipment is the world's finest, the layout is perfect and the overall package is something everyone involved with the school will be proud of. The most important aspect of these new tools is that they will help Seafarers do a better job aboard ship. Some of the upgraders who practiced on the new simulators last month said that the training aids will make other Seafarers feel sharper and yet more relaxed when they're at sea because they'll be so familiar with the equipment. To me, that translates into improved safety and better efficiency. The new simulators and the fire fighting school trace their roots to the yearly meetings of the Paul Hall Center's deep sea and inland advisory board. By the way, that group's 33rd annual conference was scheduled for late September and will be reported in next month's issue of the LOG. The board is an industry group that typically includes representatives from the SIU, the school, SIU-contracted companies, the Coast Guard, MarAd, the Military Sealift Command, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the American Council on Education. Collectively, it has worked hard to identify the training and certification needs of U.S. mariners as well as ship operators. The yearly gatherings have yielded many good, practical ideas. They helped spawn the training record books now carried by SIU members. They have helped the school in creating specially designed courses to meet the unique needs of numerous companies, including on-site training. They have helped create an unprecedented level of industry-wide cooperation- a crucial asset for the growth of the U.S. fleet. For the third bit of good news, the Seafarers Welfare Plan announced a major enhancement of its scholarship program. Now, the program offers a total of eight grants, worth $132,000. This benefit has come a long way since its inception in 1952. But it remains emblematic of the union's long-held commitment to learning. So, I urge all eligible Seafarers and their dependents to take advantage of the scholarship program. It exists to help you further your education. Please make the most of it. Volume 621 Number10 October 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month- ly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, ~ 11 Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved 2 Seafarers LOG SIU Fleet Augmented With BP ·Directive SIU employment opportunities within its tanker fleet received a momentous lift last month when BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc. announced it has ordered three new double-hull tankers for the Jones Act trade. That order is worth more than $630 million-and it includes company options to purchase an additional three vessels. The ships will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tank.er Co. (ATC) to deliver Alaska North Slope crude oil to refineries on the U.S. West Coast. Design work already is under way, with the first ship scheduled for delivery in 2003. Subsequent vessels are due in 2004 and 2005. "This is a major boost for our union and for everyone else who believes in the future of the U.S.flag fleet," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "It's an investment in U.S. Merchant Marine, and the SIU will do its part to protect that investment by continuing to provide the world's besttrained mariners." The "Alaska class" vessels will be constructed at San Diego's NASSCO Shipyard, a facility that is building two new state-of-the-art containerships for ~::£~'1 • Design life: 35 to 50 years • Length: 94Heet a a Beam: 164 feet a OeadWeight :185t000 MT · :• Capacity~ 1 ~3 million barrels TOTE and in recent years also has built several new SIU-crewed LMSRs for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. According to BP, the new tankers "will be built with redundant propulsion and steering systems which include twin diesel electric power systems in segregated engine rooms, twin propellers and twin rudders. Use of diesel electric propulsion systems will also reduce air emissions at sea and in port while reducing maintenance down time. To eliminate accidental oil leaks, the propeller shafts will be cooled and lubricated with seawater instead of lubricating oil. Cargo piping will be installed in the cargo tanks, instead of on deck, to reduce the risk of small spills. The ships will be fitted with stateof-the-art machinery and cargo control systems and an integrated navigation system." "We see a long future on the North Slope," said BP spokesperson Anne Drinkwater. "We expect our net Alaska production to stay at or above the current level for another decade." BP has a net Alaska production of 300,000 barrels per day. The company also stated that the new-build project will keep an estimated 1,000 NASSCO workers employed over the Jife of the agreement. Delivery of these vessels will satisfy the commitment BP made as part of an agreement with the state of Alaska to accelerate-by an average of one year-the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 retirement dates of the non-double hull vessels in BP's chartered Alaska fleet. By 2005, at least three new double-hull tankers will have joined the Overseas Ohio (at left) and other vessels operated by SIUcontracted Alaska Tanker Co. in delivering Alaska crude oil to West Coast refineries. ITF Secures $119,000 in Wages For Filipino Mariners in N.J. International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) inspectors from the SIU and NMU recently joined forces to secure $119,266 in back wages plus full repatriation for a dozen Filipino mariners who had sailed aboard the runaway-flag vessel Father M The vessel, owned by Barclay Shipping of Greece and flying the flag of Malta, has been under ITF contract since November 1999. However, when crew members contacted SIU-ITF Inspector Tim Burns in late May, they reported the contract was not being honored. A few days later, Bums and NMU-ITF Inspector Enrico Esopa met with the crew when the ship docked in Port Newark, N.J. Reportedly acting on orders from the company, the captain refused to produce any wage documents. However, the crew provided their individual receipts, which clearly showed they were receiving only half the pay called for in the contract. Despite the ITF's demands that the agreement be honored, Barclay initially refused. The inspectors then arranged for U.S. marshals to arrest the Father M on May 31. On June 5, the company agreed to pay the back wages and repatriation expenses. A protective order also was put into the settlement to shield the mariners from retaliatory action by the company agents or any other party. Father M crew members wave goodbye from New York's Kennedy Airport, shortly after receiving back pay and repatriation expenses. The crew praised the work of ITF Inspectors Tim Burns and Enrico Esopa, who led their fight. be·aavisea Please !hai,sltl ·1t1illfj ·headquarl:ers and" all SIU hiring halls will be closed ,'."tJ; ·Friday,.Nov. 10, 2000 for the observance of Veteraas~v;~; Day and Thursday, Nott 23 fQ~ Tha'!ksgiving .qety ~:,,~;j¥Ji (unless·an emergency arises). Normal business }]ours<~ will resume the following workday. · October 2000 �School Adds Superlative Simulators Cutting-Edge Systems Enhance Paul Hall Center As they initially tried out the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education's new simulators, the upgraders sounded like kids at a carnival. "Virtual reality!" yelled one. "This is incredible! Unbelievable!" added another. Seemingly everyone who has sampled the high-tech setup in Piney Point, Md. has reacted the same way, including many other students and a group of U.S. Coast Guard inspectors who toured the facility in midSeptember. The modern building-an annex to the preexisting simulator building which will be dedicated next year- houses new simulators for shiphandling (including GMDSS), engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. Installation is supposed to be finalized this month, with upgraders and entry-level students utilizing the simulators beginning in November. Among the first courses that will integrate the new tools are AB, QMED, FOWT, radar and ARPA. Many more will follow. "We often hear terms like 'cutting-edge' or 'state-of-the-art,' but these simulators truly are second to none," noted J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center. "It's an enormous enhancement for the entire school." QMED Taylor Watson stated, "This shows the union is moving with the times, if not ahead of them. It shows an interest in our future." "It's just like being out at sea," said Pete Wojcikowski, a Navy veteran enrolled in the AB course. "To sum it up in one word: awesome! I'm definitely impressed." After trying the full-mission shiphandling simulator, fellow student Chad Schultz agreed. "It's pretty amazing-very realistic," he observed. "This will make you a lot more relaxed at the helm." That simulator is the centerpiece of the new systems. It features a 360-degree viewing sector and three interactive auxiliary bridges. The main bridge includes an integrated ship control console with ARPA/radar, global marine Deep sea, inland and Great Lakes Seafarers in numerous deck and engine department upgrading courses will utilize the new simulators, as will students in the unlicensed apprentice program. Pictured above (from left), upgraders and instructors sample the engine and shiphandling simulators and the multi-function classroom. distress system (GMDSS), electronic chart display (ECDIS, with charts from all over the world), a steering console and more. It provides teaching support in the following areas: voyage planning and execution; coastal and offshore navigation; collision avoidance; ARPA/radar operation; electronic navigation systems; search and rescue operations; vessel traffic management; high speed navigation; bridge New Coastal Ships Debut In May 2001 The SIU-crewed fleet of passenger ships will grow again in May 2001 with the debut of two new vessels operated by Delta Queen Coastal Voyages, a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages. The Cape May Light and the Cape Cod Light-the first of five ships planned for the coastal fleet -will offer their respective inaugural cruises beginning May 5, according to a recent statement by the company. Each vessel is 300 feet long and can carry 226 passengers. The ships will travel along the East Coast, Great Lakes and Canadian Maritime Delta Queen Coastal Voyages' new 226-passenger ships, patterned after this model, are scheduled to sail in May. Provinces. Seafarers already crew four passenger vessels operated by another American Classic Voyages subsidiary, Delta Queen Steamboat Co. Those ships are the American Queen, Columbia Queen, Delta Queen and Mississippi Queen. The coastal ships "are named for historic lighthouses and designed to resemble the classic Patriot Sails in December The SIU-crewed passenger vessel Patriot, operated by United States Lines, remains on schedule to begin weekly cruises from Honolulu on December 9. The former Holland America ship can carry 1,212 passengers, is 704 feet long and 33,930 gross tons. U.S. Lines' parent company American Classic Voyages also is constructing two new passenger vessels, scheduled for completion in 2003 and 2004, respectively. coastal packet ships of the late 1800s," noted a company official. More information about the itineraries and vacation packages is available toll-free at 800-8468000 and on the internet at www.coastalvoyages.com. watchkeeping procedures including tugs and barges, towboats and piloting; GMDSS procedures; oil spill response management; port development; human factors; and bridge team management. "It's like nothing I've ever seen before," said OS Awale Muhiddin. "It is absolutely excellent." "Wow!" said OS Jon Buffington. "It's impressive and it'll be a great training aid." Added OS Andy Williamson, ..I think it's great. It will help us learn to steer a vessel, and it surpasses my expectations." The engine room simulator is potentially useful to any rating in that department, from wipers to engineers. It is designed for the training of engine room watchkeeping personnel in the operations of a vessel's diesel propulsion plant and electrical power Scholarship Program Expands to $132,000 Fifth Dependent Grant Added; Existing Endowments Raised Nearly 48 years to the day since it launched an unprecedented scholarship program for SIU members and their dependents, the Seafarers Welfare Plan (SWP) has announced a huge expansion of the operation. The improved program annually will include three scholarships for SIU members and five for spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Altogether, the scholarships' value equals $132,000-a 52 percent increase from the previous amount. In approving the program's first increase since 1990, the SIU Board of Trustees allowed an additional dependent scholarship and boosted the dependent grants to $20,000 apiece, up from $15,000. The four-year scholar- ship for an active SIU member also was expanded to $20,000. The board acted on a recommendation by the SWP Scholarship Committee. In a memo to the trustees, the committee cited "the increasing number of applicants as well as the quality of the applicants" as motivating its proposal. The $20,000 scholarship for an SIU member is for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. Two other awards-for $6,000 each-go to Seafarers for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The five dependent grants are designated for use at four-year colleges or universities. "Throughout our history, the plant. Additionally, it includes an auxiliary systems and machinery simulator. The crane and liquid cargo simulators are similarly advanced and useful. "I'm very impressed," declared QMED Milton Greene Jr. after using the engine room simulator. "This is something we can really use." "It's fantastic," said QMED James Daley, an NMU member enrolled in the marine electrical maintenance 1 course. "You can learn a lot with this equipment. It's everything they say it is." SWP ScholarshiP Progtam lllgldiglds • • Annual value of grants awarded has increased from $87,000 to $132l000 Dependent schofarshi~ increased trom ·$1s.ooo to $20,000 apiece • The four-year gr.~nt for an active StU member increased from $15,000 to $20,000 • A fifth ·dependent schotarship has· been added, up from four · · SIU always has emphasized the importance of education," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "The expansion of the scholarship program reaffirms that commitment." SWP Administrator Lou Delma said the scholarship committee "is thrilled that our recommendation was approved. It's a great step forward for Seafarers and their dependents, and it's a big boost to an already successful program." Seafa1'81'S LOB 3 �Seafarers, Elected Reps Rally Against 'Floating Sweatshops' Runaway Flags Tagged 'Nothing Short of Criminal' Wearing T-shirts and caps emblazoned with the slogan "Workers Against Floating Sweatshops," more than 100 SIU members rallied Sept. 19 on Capitol Hill to protest the scam that is runaway-flag shipping. Thirteen speakers addressed the demonstration, and each urged an end to runaway flags, also known as flags of convenience (FOCs). In order of appearance, the speakers were U.S. House Minority Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.); AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department President Michael Sacco, who also is president of the SIU; Rep. William Clay (D-Mo.); Marine Engineers 'Beneficial Association President Larry O'Toole; Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.); Thomas Tay, vice chairman of the International Transport Workers' Federation's (ITF's) Seafarers Section and general secretary/ executive director of the Singapore Maritime Officers' Union; Senator Ron Wyden (DOre.); Stephen Cotton, secretary of the ITF Special Seafarers' Department; Remo di Fiore, an ITF executive board member; Air Line Pilots Association President Duane Woerth; International Longshore & Warehouse Union Legislative Director Lindsay McLaughlin; AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; and Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss. ). Additionally, Senator Barbara Mikulski (DMd.) sent a letter of support that Bulletin As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, tTF inspectors were assisting 950 crew members in a massive back~P<!)' ,yase invotving three vessels from the runaway-flag Premier Cruise.·Lines. tn Halifax, Nova Scotlaf the Sea Breeze was arrested and arrangements were being made for 250 represented crew members to receive $460,000 in unpaid wages frorn the company. Jn the Bahamas, crew members ·from the OclJanic and the Big Red Boat JI were due to receive $2.4 million in back pay, thanks to JTF intervention. Premier is based in Port Canaveral~ Fla. .·... ·,. was read to the assembly. The ITF and several of its U.S.-based affiliate maritime unions (including the SIU) hosted the event, which kicked off an "action week" patterned after previous ITF endeavors. Unannounced ship inspections along the East and Gulf coasts were slated for later that week (too late for the Seafarers LOG October deadline). s 21st Century Slavery During the Sept. 19 demonstration in Washington, speaker after speaker likened runawayflag shipping to slavery. (FOC shipping is a scheme in which the shipowner typically avoids its nation's labor, safety and tax laws-among others-by using another country's flag. This escape also often includes hiring multinational crews through an agency based in a country other than that of the shipowner or the flag state.) U.S. Workers Lack Right ta Organize In a report issued August 31, the watchdog group Human Rights Watch (HRW) states that U.S. workers lack the most fundamental internationally recognized human rights at the workplace-the basic freedom to organize, bargain and strike. The 217-page report, titled "Unfair Advantage: Workers' Freedom of Association in the United States Under International Human Rights Standards,H was issued by the nation's premier human rights organization following a year-long investigation that encompassed workers in many industries and occupations in workplaces from coast to coast. "Workers' basic rights are routinely violated in the United States because U.S. labor law is so feebly enforced and so filled with loopholes," the report states. Each year, thousands of workers in the United States are fired from their jobs or suffer other reprisals for trying to organize unions. Millions of workers are excluded from labor laws meant to protect workers• organizing and bargaining rights, and their number is growing, according to the report. The report is based on the examination of workers' rights to organize, to bargain collectively and to strike under international norms. It found widespread labor rights violations across regions, industries and employment status. The group studied many sectors to assess the scope of the problem (services, industry, transportation, agriculture, high tech) and included geographic diversity (cities, suburbs, rural areas). It also looked at a wide range of workers (high and low skill, blue and white collar, resident and migrant, women and men, racial, ethnic and national origins). The cases studied in the report offer a cross-section of workers' attempts to form and join trade unions, to bargain collectively and to strike. To supplement its on-the-ground research and official records, HRW used credible news accounts of instances where workers' rights appear to have been impaired and also relied on National Labor Relations Board records of complaints filed against companies by workers claiming a violation of their rights. Employers often resist union organizing by dragging out legal proceedings for years, the report states. Labor law is so weak that companies often treat the minor penalties as a routine cost of doing business, 4 Seafarers LOG "That kind of exploitation isn't allowed in America anymore, but it's business as usual on the high seas," stated Bonior. "FOC shipping is a menace to public safety and an assault on human rights." He also pointed out that runaway flags are prominent not only on cargo vessels, but also aboard passenger ships-including high-profile, U.S.-based companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival. "I will always stand by you," Bonior concluded. Sacco noted that while FOC shipping is a human-rights issue, "we must recognize that runaway-flag shipping also is a vital national security issue for the United States of America. Runaway-flag shipping is the No. l enemy of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The growth of the runaway-flag fleet unquestionably has weakened American sealift capability, making it more difficult to provide our armed forces with the supplies they need all around the world." He cited two ways to combat FOCs. "One is to go after the runaway-flag shipowner and operator and hold them accountable. The ITF and its affiliate unions are doing that, and, slowly but surely, it's paying off.... "The Seafarers International Union remains committed to the ITF campaign against FOCs. We will do anything and everything to help ensure the campaign's success. "The other step we must take is to build a stronger U.S.-flag merchant marine," Sacco continued. "American-flag ships are the safest in the world, crewed by the world's best-trained mariners. American-flag ships protect our economic and national security. American-flag ships and U.S. Merchant Mariners are this nation's fourth arm of defense. "Revitalizing our fleet must be a top priority in Congress." 'Disgraceful Conditions' Clay said that FOCs often are wrought with "disgraceful and intolerable conditions that we ought to not let exist. These floating sweatshops are a scheme to deny workers their rights. They're all about exploitation. Crews live under the most inhumane circumstances. "This nation not only has the right, but the moral duty" to fight not a deterrent against violations. Some workers have succeeded in organizing new unions in recent years, the report notes, but only after surmounting major obstacles. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney emphasized the historical importance of the report. He agreed with the conclusion of HRW, stating that U.S. labor law is stacked against employees who wish to organize a union, allowing employers to intimidate and coerce workers not to unionize. He further noted that employers routinely delay organizing and bargaining for years, rendering workers' basic rights moot and that the penalties for employer violations of the law are practically meaningless. "Most U.S. workers lack an effective right to strike because their employers simply replace them-permanently," Sweeney said. "Immigrant workers' rights are under particular assault. And millions of citizens lack legal protection altogether, including farm workers, temps, 'independent' contractors who are really dependent on their employers, and state and municipal workers in states lacking collective bargaining rights for public employees. "In case study after case study, the report asks not whether the letter of U.S. law was upheld, but whether our 65-year-old legal system affords workers basic internationally recognized human rights at work. Sadly but not surprisingly, Human Rights Watch concludes that it's not even a close call. The vast majority of American workers-from apple pickers to computer programmers-lack these fundamental freedoms." Sweeney stated that the report will be a helpful tool ''to use with our allies as we continue to make the case about the obstacles that workers face in this country when they try and organize." He concluded, "The policy implication of the Human Rights Watch report are clear. We must fundamentally overhaul our labor laws to bring us into line with basic human rights norms. At the same time, we must continue to raise the flag of workers' rights in the international arena. We cannot protect our own rights or living standards at home or work to build a strong voice for working men and women around the world unless we also help ensure that workers in all countries can exercise their rights." Kenneth Ross, executive director of HRW, said, "The cards are stacked against workers in the United States. The U.S. government cannot effectively press another country to improve labor standards while violating them itself. It should lead by example." Human Rights Watch was formed in 1978 and conducts regular, systematic investigations of human rights abuses in more than 70 countries around the world. Their goal is to hold governments accountable if they transgress the rights of their people. against FOCs. O'Toole said runaway flags ''threaten the very existence of our fleet. The time is now to stop them. "Our U.S. Merchant Marine really acts as a national guard," he added. "We're ready to serve this country." Engel stated the FOC issue is a matter of"basic fairness. If phony foreign flags are flying on vessels, then everyone loses .... We should not tolerate slave wages and working conditions. "Your fight is America's fight. Your cause is just. Keep on fighting. Right is on our side. Victory will come." Tay recounted FOC cases in Singapore with which he has worked. "We've seen how the crews have suffered and been exploited by FOC owners. We are with you in this fight." Wyden led with the New Carissa episode, which began in February 1998. The runaway-flag freighter ran aground at Coos Bay, Ore., spilling 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel. Incredibly, large sections of the ship remain there. .):.;·~ \. · ·"' See page 10 for '· · · •· '.!;· : p(J(Jto~raphs from the ra!lf : cm,. ~ilitoL Hill. ........,.>: .·: .. ."' ....· . ,.:tsr "Reality is, it's easier to register a supertanker in some foreign countries than it is to register an automobile in Oregon," he said. "As long as FOCs continue, it's just a matter of time before the next New Carissa. "It's time to make sure no more oil is spilled and no more coastlines are ruined because this country refuses to get tough." Vftal to America Cotton reiterated Sacco's point that the U.S.-flag fleet is crucial to national and economic security - a fact that demands action against FOCs. "The American flag is vital to the future of American economics," he stated. "It's crucial that all nations with economic power and influence" mobilize against runaway flags. "We have to fight for freedom," asserted di Fiore. "We Continued on page 10 RRF Decision Due Oct.10 October 10 is the date set by the General Accounting Office (GAO) for announcing its decision concerning two remaining challenges to the U.S. Maritime Administration's most recent awards of five-year contracts for the maintenance and operation of74 Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships. The original assignments, announced in May, saw 45 vessels awarded to SIU-contracted companies. For those 45 ships, the SIU secured substantial wage increases, plus an additional pair of wage increases retroactive to 1998 and 1999, respectively. The existing contracts were extended after several companies challenged the awards. Further details will be published in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG. October 2000 �Rep. Bateman Dies at 72 REC Chiefs Meet in Piney Point The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month hosted the annual meeting of the heads of the U.S. Coast Guard's regional examination centers (RECs). The three-day seminar in Piney Point, Md. primarily focused on "policy issues, with heavy emphasis on STCW," noted a Coast Guard spokesman. The group toured the Paul Hall Center's Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (top photo) and the new simulator annex (below). They also received sample training record books (TRBs) like the ones carried by SIU members. "The school and the sample TRB gave [the Coast Guard licensing office chiefs] a feel for what the mariners are being exposed to,'' added the spokesman. U.S. Rep. Herb Bateman (RVa. ), a respected legislator and staunch supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the American shipbuilding industry, passed away in his sleep September 11 in Leesburg, Va. He was 72. Bateman, chairman of the Merchant Marine Oversight Panel on the House Armed Services Committee, served Virginia's 1st District for 18 years. He had battled various health problems for approximately the past decade and, consequently, in January announced he would retire after his current term. "Herb Bateman was a true friend and advocate for the entire U.S. maritime industry," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "He particularly understood the importance of sealift to America's national defense and the need to maintain a pool of trained U.S. citizen mariners. We will miss him." U.S. Rep. Herb Bateman Among many other pro-maritime actions, Bateman in recent years supported the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and initiatives to bolster U.S. sealift capability. The Air Force veteran's district included Newport News Shipbuilding, and he likely was best known for his advocacy for the military. U.S. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski said, "I feel that I have lost a good and true friend of this agency and our His leadership, industry. courage and determination helped strengthen the maritime industry." Philly Seafarers Back AFSCME Unions Welcome New ROS Language SIU civil service mariners (CIVMARS) working directly for the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) recently received good news in the form of a settlement regarding works rules for reduced operating status (ROS). The agreement was reached between the SIU, the other maritime unions representing CIVMARS (National Maritime Union; Masters, Mates and Pilots; Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association) and MSC. As a result, SIU CIVMAR watchstanders will receive the applicable premium pay for work on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays whether the vessel is at sea or in port. Additionally, while a vessel is in port and in long-term ROS, Seafarers will be paid when a watchstander works in excess of eight hours per day. Before the settlement, masters had been authorized to change work schedules when vessels were in ROS or in full operating status but awaiting assignment. The unions contended that this system, though well-intended, caused confusion on the ships and at times was difficult to uniformly administer. Consequently, the ROS language in the Civil Marine Personnel Instructions (a document that guides MSC personnel) has been revised. "It took a while to reach this agreement, but it was worth the wait. It's a significant gain for SIU CIVMARS," stated SIU Government Services Representative Chester Wheeler. The SIU represents unlicensed CIVMARS working aboard MSC vessels operating from the West Coast. Overall, MSC operates a wide range of civiliancrewed military support ships, including many outside the CIVMAR fleet. A substantial number of those vessels-tankers, dry cargo ships, roll-on/rolloff vessels, surveillance ships, ammunition carriers and others-are crewed by SIU members. Exterior Enhanced at Baltimore Hall The SIU's new hall in Baltimore opened July 1, but some cosmetic work continues at the Essex Street facility-including the recent addition of exterior lettering, pictured at left. October 2000 SIU members from the Philadelphia area recently demonstrated downtown in support of fellow trade unionists from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). Among those participating from the SIU were (pictured above) OMU Juma S. Juma, Steward Bill Kelly, AB Paul Wills, QMED Joe Grandinetti, GUDE Lafe Fraley and Steward Jeff Beasley (along with three of his children). The rally focused on contract talks involving AFSCME members and several Philadelphia hospitals. Resolution Honors Merchant Mariners The U.S. House of Representatives on September 14 unanimously approved a resolution honoring U.S. Merchant Marine veterans. The resolution was authored by Rep. Steve Kuykendall (RCalif.), who serves as vice chairman of the Merchant Marine Panel of the House Armed Services Committee. "The United States Merchant Marine has provided critical support to the armed forces of the United States in periods of conflict," Kuykendall said. "The time has come for us to recognize the dedication and contributions of merchant marine veterans and to honor those who sacrificed their lives in defense of the United States." The resolution encourages citizens as well as the government commemorate merchant to mariners ' service through ceremonies and other activities. "Merchant mariners have served the country since the birth of our nation," Kuykendall con- eluded. "They helped form our Continental Navy, they manned the Liberty and Victory ships that helped win World War II, and they delivered the equipment that won the Gulf War. Their contributions have been many, and the nation is grateful for the service and sacrifice of all merchant mariners." Notice: Flu Shots Set For November 15 at Tacoma SIU HaH Vkginia Mason Clinic will again offer free flu shots this year to members, dependents and retirees who qualify under the rules of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The inocu1atlons will be given at the Tacoma hall on Wednesday, Nov. 1-5 from 9 a.rrt unUI noon. The address is 3411 South Union Avenue. Any member, dependent or retiree intending to receive a flu shot is requested to can the half at least one week prtor to Nov. 15. The telephone number ls (253) 272-7774, Seafarers LOG 5 �Training Proves Beneficial for SIU Port Personnel Fifteen SIU administrative assistants from various ports converged on the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Aug. 24-27 for training on a new, longawaited membership dues collection and tracking system. Port agents, vice presidents, patrolmen and SIU headquarters personnel earlier in July and August received the same training. Developed and designed by employees from the Seafarers Management Information System (SMIS), the new approach streamlines the process administrative personnel have for years relied on to collect, track and post dues paid by union members. Under it, administrative assistants at ports now simply collect dues, make appropriate entries into the SIU's mainframe and then provide members with a computergenerated receipt. Upon making the entries into the mainframe, all pertinent information regarding dues payment becomes available on the spot to all authorized parties, regardless of location. Under the old system, dues were collected at respective ports, receipts were manually prepared for members, and notices of payments made were e-mailed to the controllers' office at headquarters. Copies of receipts were then faxed to headquarters and "paid" entries inserted into the union's mainframe in bulk monthly, usually some 30 days after payments initially were received. The fresh plan is a collaborative effort of a number of people on the SMIS staff, according to Wally Schmidt, SMIS director. It was implemented in three phases. Phase one was up and running in January, while phases two and three gradually have been added since then. "The training at Piney Point was conducted to teach our port agents, vice presidents, patrolmen and administrative people at the various ports how to use the new system and related software," Schmidt said. "That training was a success and at this point is pretty much complete. "Some questions will probably surface as time goes on," he continued, "but when they do, people have been instructed to call our help desk for assistance. If questions arise that the help desk can't answer, they will be referred to me," Schmidt said. "I was very proud of the job everyone involved did in developing, designing and training our people on the new system," Schmidt concluded. " And I think over time, the new system will be very well received and appreciated. I think it's something that will be used for a long time." Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan said the training had numerous benefits. "Besides making it easier for the administrative people to do their jobs, it gave them a deeper appreciation of what we do here," Nolan said. "They got to see the school, visit the fire fighting facility and participate in training as well as visit headquarters." Several of the administrative personnel offered feedback on their training, their tour of facilities at Piney Point and SIU headquarters, and their overall experience while in the area. Lisa Clark from the port Baltimore stated, "The entire experience was great. "The training was especially insightful. We participated in various types of exercises at different work stations. They told us what we'd be doing with the new system and gave us a nice manual that explained it. Before the training, ad.min folks did not handle dues that much, but now when members come in we can handle them." "The training was very educaContinued on page 7 Port of Tacoma Administrative Asst. Brenda Delia attempts to board a life raft during an introduction to water survival session at Piney Point. Crowley Maritime Appoints New Vice Chairman/Exec VP Bill Pennella has been promoted to vice chairman and executive vice president for Crowley Maritime Corporation (CMC). Formerly executive vice president with responsibility for human resources> labor relations and purchasing> Pennella also will oversee information technology and finance and accounting functions for the Oakland-based corporation and will continue to report to Tom Crowley Jr., CMC chairman, president and CEO. Pennella has more than 30 years of experience in administration, human resources and labor relations. Prior to joining Crowley, he worked in those fields for two global steamship lines. Since joining Crowley 13 years ago, Pennella has held positions of increasing responsibility including vice president of human resources and senior vice president of human resources/administration. "This is a well deserved promotion," said Crowley. "Bill has been a valued member of our team for many years." 6 Seafarers LOB The administrative assistants took part in a hands-on training session at the Paul Hall Center related to the SIU's new dues collection system, which will streamline the dues collection process in all ports. NMU Members Praise Paul Hall Center Editors note: More than 100 members of the National Maritime Union have attended various courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md A reporter from the Seafarers LOG talked to a sampling of these mariners to get their impressions of the school, its instructors and the curriculum. Following are the comments offour individuals who currently are enrolled in the SCTW basic safety course. "I find it to be a very outstanding school," said Rubun Ruck. "The curriculum is great and the instructors are wonderful. I have never had any training like this before." Ruck, who joined the NMU in New York, hails from Brooklyn and is an electrician. He ships in the engine department and has been sailing for nearly 30 years. "The instructors are great fundamental teachers," he continued. "They really take time with you and make sure that you understand what's being taught before they move on to something else. Although I made some suggested changes in one of the classes, I will definitely go back and tell my port agent to send people down here for the training because it's great. "What I learned here in one week far exceeds what I learned the whole time I have been going to sea. It's very in-depth and extremely realistic. I can now appreciate what firefighters go through in our cities, before I had no concept of what they did. Now I do thanks to what I have learned here." Wiper Andrew Potash shared Ruck's assessment and was particularly impressed with the water survival training he received. "The water survival training was very interesting and stimulating," he noted, "because it offered an abundance of good, hands-on training." Potash also hails from New York and sails in the engine department, but unlike Ruck is a newcomer to the seafaring indus- try. "I've only been a member of the NMU for two months," he said. "Before coming here, I'd NMU members enrolled at the Paul Hall Center as of mid-September included Rubun Ruck, Jose Garcia, Ahmed Saleh, Alberto Rivera, James Daley, Ali Akmar, J.J. Reyes, Earl Woods, Jerry Jones, Andrew Potash, Daniel Ramirez Jr. and Winston Gardner. never had any hands-on training relating to being a mariner. "Besides the water survival training, I was impressed with the fire prevention training," he continued. "It was excellent and I rate the school as well as the instructors very high on that. I learned a great deal about the realities of fires on board ships. Before coming here, I had seen only videos about them. These did not really teach me anything, but the training I received really opened my eyes. "I'd highly recommend the school to fellow NMU members because of the quality of instruction available here at the school," Potash continued. "The instructors are very understanding and patient. They are willing to share their experiences and knowledge other people, they teach you what you really need. Port Arthur, Texas native Jerry Jones was awestruck by the school as well as the SCTW curriculum. An OS, Jones has been a NMU member for four months. "This is my first time at any merchant seaman school," he shared, "and it's been quite informative for me. I am now more aware of a lot of things aboard ships that I was not aware was out there before. "The instructors were great because they took time with us; they did not rush anyone along; they made sure we understood what was being presented before moving on to something else. They were very professional." Earl Woods, a deck engine mechanic, echoed the sentiments of his fellow NMU brothers. Woods has been sailing for more than 30 years, but until now has never had any hands-on training tq hone his seafaring skills. "I grew up in the school of hard knocks, he said. "Everything I knew about being a mariner before corning here was acquired on a do-as-you-go basis. "The school is very impressive and the curriculum is superb," the Mobile, Ala. native said. "You have wonderful instructors here. They take time with you and give you the opportunity to ask questions if you don't understand what's being presented. "I was especially impressed with the hands-on approach that they used during the classes," Woods continued. "Here, I actually climbed into a life raft and got involved in fire fighting just as though it was taking place aboard a ship. I'd never done either before and that makes a big difference because things I took for granted out there were brought to the forefront here. "I for one, and I imagine there are quite a lot of others who feel the same way, learned a lot here. I'd definitely come back again and look forward to doing so," he said. October 2000 �Whitten Brings Caring Touch To Her Work at Piney Point Florence Whitten has spent the last 23 years giving her talents, time and love to make sure the needs of others are met. This comes as no surprise to the thousands of Seafarers and their family members who have entered the gates of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. They know firsthand of the generosity, kindness and thoughtfulness that Whitten exudes. Although her official duties involve handling money and making travel arrangements (she's the center's purser/travel consultant), you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who would not characterize her more as a mother simply because she genuinely cares. She is consumed about every mariner and everything that affects their respective livelihoods and well beings. As purser, Whitten takes in, accounts for, deposits and disperses all funds generated at the center. As travel consultant, she makes travel arrangements for all personnel (entry-level students, upgraders, dependents and family members) coming to or leaving the installation. It is the latter portion of her job that she finds more rewarding. "I love my job and all of the people I meet and help on a daily basis," she said. "When you think of it, we all really do need and depend on one another. We are in a union, and being in a union means you're in a family. Everyone who comes here are members of my family." Whitten said she respects the rigors that Seafarers routinely undergo. "Just think of what they go through," she offered. "They are away from their families so much. They really do sacrifice an awful lot each day; they give up something in order to give something back to others .... While they are here, the least I can do is to help them. That's why I try very hard to make sure they are happy, that their travel arrangements are right, and that their airline, bus or train tickets are not outrageously priced." Whitten's day normally begins early and continues until she feels assured that she has done all she can that day for members in need of her services. "I'm here at about 6 a.m. each day," she said. "I know that's early for some people, but you never know what can go wrong nor at what time. Sometimes, a member may have to leave on short notice and I want to be here to do what I can to help him or her." Many members bring their wives and children with them while attending classes at the school. When this occurs, Whitten says becoming involved with the family members, especially the kids, is comparable to having "heaven here on earth. I really like it when they bring their kids along with them because children are what it's really all about." Aside from the SIU members and their families, Whitten attributes her deep affection for her job to the positive atmosphere in which she works and the people with whom she works. "I love working here now more than ever before because everything is so positive," she shared. "There are so many good people on this base. I have excellent co-workers, a terrific super- Florence Whitten takes care of all the transportation needs at the school for students and their families. visor and a wonderful union president who always puts the needs of others way ahead of his own. How can I not be happy?" she concluded. Whitten's kind gestures have not gone unnoticed over the years. Even after people leave the school, they regularly call, write letters or send cards to acknowledge her deeds, according to Don Nolan, vice president of the school and Whitten's immediate supervisor. "Many of the people don't remember her name," Nolan shared, "but we all know who they are talking about when we receive correspondence thanking us for how well there were taken care while they were here. "Florence is probably one of the most important people we have here at the school," Nolan declared. "I say that because she takes care of the massive transportation needs of our students and their families. Getting people in and out in a timely and efficient fashion is critical to what we do here. "She really goes way out of here way to ~ake people happy and she loves doing what she does. I can't say enough about what she means to us and what she has done for all of us," Nolan concluded. l'orls' AAs Train on New System tional and beneficial," said Romeo Lumanlan, who works in the port of San Francisco. 'Tm glad they came up with new way for collecting dues." Lumanlan has been with the union for some 30 years and is well accustomed to collecting dues under the old system. "I could not wait to get back to my job and put what I learned into practice. And when I did, it really helped me a lot," he said. "I already had the manual, but the training put everything we had done in a classroom environment into perspective." "The new system will make our jobs a lot easier because we won't have to do e-mails everyday," said Linda Kluska, who works in the Philadelphia hall. "All transactions now will now go directly to the controllers' office. It will also make for easier accounting at the end of the week. "I thought the training was pretty easy, very informative and well conducted," she continued. "It's been working pretty smoothly so far . . . this is definitely a much needed change and we really had a nice time while there." Karen Shuford from the port of Jacksonville gained new insights as a result of her visit. "Everything really opened up my eyes as to what Sill members go through," she said "and I'm sure we only touched a tip of the peak of a mountain during our stay. The stuff that we were taught in just the short time we were there was tremendous." Of the dues collection training, Shuford said, "It was tremendous and a welcome change. Without a doubt, the new system has taken a lot of headache out of the job for me. Now when people make their payments, they are keyed in and it's in the system right then. Susan Dersewek is fitted with full gear at the school's fire fighting school. Dersewek works as an administrative assistant in the port of Algonac. "It's the best thing I have seen come along since I have been here and I been in my position for nearly nine years." In addition to Clark, Lumanlan, Kluska and Shuford, others who participated in the training and their respective ports were Sherri Peters - Norfolk; Alicia Lorge - Mobile; Barbara Vicknair - Harvey; Brenda Delia - Tacoma; and Sharon Gongon Rios from Puerto Rico. Remaining participants included Larayne Koide - Honolulu; Janice Hunicke - Houston, Patricia Christian - Alton; Susan Dersewek - Algonac; Paulette Johnson - Duluth; and Elizabeth Weirschem from St Louis. With the assistance of an instructor, Karen Shuford tries her skills at extinguishing a blaze during a hands-on tour of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School in Piney Point. Shuford is the staff administrative assistant in the port of Jacksonville. USCG Approves 2 Additional STCW-Related Classes at PHC The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month received U.S. Coast Guard approval for two courses that fulfill STCW requirements for mariners sailing aboard certain passenger vessels. The newly approved classes are 7-hour crisis management and human behavior, and 4-hour crowd management. In its approval letters, the Coast Guard noted that students who successfully complete the crisis management and human behavior course will satisfy the training requirements of "Table A-V/2 and Paragraph 5 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships; and, the Passenger Safety training requirements of Paragraph 4" of that same section of the code. Those who successfully complete the crowd control class will satisfy "the Crowd Management training requirements of Paragraph 1 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Pasksenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels," along with the safety training requirements of Paragraph 3 of that section. Located in Piney Point, Md., the Paul Hall Center offers a wide range of classes for Seafarers in the deck, engine and steward departments. For a list of upcoming courses, see page 41. Seafarers LOS 7 �State-of-the-Art Simulators Aid Paul Hall Center Training Seafarers at the Paul Hall Center last month raved about the bridge simulator, which includes a 360-degree viewing sector and provides teaching support in GMDSS (among many other areas). It also is interactive with an auxiliary bridge. Without exception, the Paul Hall Center's simulatorhased training is designed to meet all requirements of the amended STCW convention and the U.S. Coast Guard. Numerous engine department courses will utilize the new simulators, including QMED, FOWT, pumproom maintenance and operations, diesel engine technology, marine electrical maintenance and others. The simulators will help upgraders to meet the assessment of competencies for ratings forming part of an engineering watch-an STCW requirement. B Seafarers LOG The annex features a multi-function classroom offering GMDSS support, liquid cargo training, oil spill containment training and much more. October 2000 �Great lakes Season Picks Up witb. Water levels in the Great Lakes early this season were very low, resulting in a need for cargo vessels to lighten their loads in order to avoid running aground in channels and ports. But precipitation over the last couple months has been above average, according to Detroit-Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton, especially on Lakes Superior and Erie, resulting in an increase of cargo movement by U.S.-flag lakers. It also is time for the fall harvest of grain to be transported to various ports, so work aboard the SIU-crewed Great Lakes vessels is in full force. The photos on this page show some of the activities of SIU members in the Great Lakes region. The galley gang on the SIUcrewed Southdown Challenger makes sure crew members eat healthfully and heartily. These photos were snapped when the cement carrier was in Charlevoix, Mich. recently. At left is steward department member Abdullah Samawi. Below left is Recertified Steward Mike Kozak standing before an intricately carved watermelon, and below right is Second Cook Joel Markle carrying a breakfast plate of eggs and pancakes. Capt. Blake Nye ties up the Erich R. Luedtke in Bay City, Mich. The SIU-crewed Adam E. Cornelius steams down the St. Clair River. James Rider is a captain with Luedtke Engineering. Personal Greetings for Holiday Issue of the LOG As has been done in past years, this December,s edition of the Seafarers LOG will include the ever-popular holiday greetings from active and retired Seafarers and their families to other members of the seafaring community and their families. To ensure that your holiday message is published, please follow the instructions below: • PRINT or TYPE (in 25 words or less) the message in the space provided. Photographs also are welcome. (Please print-if we cannot read your message, it will not be included.) • Be sure your greeting is in the holiday spirit. • Do not send more than three entires per person. (This form may be reproduced.) • Be .sure to include your name as well as the name of the person to whom you are sending the greeting. (Your name is necessary since the notices are listed alphabetically by the senders last name.) Include your phone number in case there are any questions. • The holiday greeetings must be received no later than Friday, November 17, 2000. • Send your entries to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 207 46. You also may fax copies directly to the LOG at (301) 702-4407. Vernon Wallen, a steward aboard the Richard J. Reiss, fries up some bacon for breakfast. Seafarers arriving at the SIU hall in Duluth are greeted by SIU Representative Paula Johnson. Additionally, forms may be filled out in any union hall and turned in to the official at the counter-or may be given to the boarding patrolman during a vessel's payoff. The holiday greetings section of the December LOG is a favorite feature for many, so be sure to get your message in on time. .· HOLIDAY MESSAGE Lon Calloway (right) is captain of the Chippewa, one of the SIU-crewed ferries (below) to Mackinac Island, Mich. from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace. Operated by Arnold Transit Co., the ferry line introduced the first catamarans in passenger service on the Great Lakes in 1987. It also operates 10/00 (Please Print) To: --------------------------------------------------------------~ From: ____________________________________________________________ ~ Sender's Telephone Number: _________________________________ Message: seven tugs and a vehicle han- dler. Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D Active Seafarer D Family Member of Active Seafarer D Retired Seafarer D Family Member of Retired Seafarer Other: October 2000 Seafarers LOB 9 �Rally Against FOCs Continued from page 4 Left: ITF Seafarers Section Vice Chairman Thomas Tay must succeed in this campaign." Woerth likened the FOC situation to one that someday may confront the airline industry. "Our fight is your fight. We know what's at stake and we know the same thing can happen to us," he said. "We must bring this to the attention of the American people. Some of your signs (displayed at the rally) say, 'End the FOC scam.' Nothing is more plain than that." Mikulski 's letter warned of the "repugnant practices of FOC ships. They treat workers like slaves. Ending this practice should be a priority for our nation." McLaughlin said FOC might just as well stand for "floating outcast crap vessel. They cause [problems] for everyone who comes into contact with them." Sweeney said he was "proud to add the support of the entire AFL-CIO. Flags of convenience are most often just flags of cruelty. On the high seas, they are nothing short of criminal." He emphasized the need to publicize the battle against runaway flags. "Our job is to draw attention to these horrible conditions and practices, and to support the ITF. As a supposedly moral nation, we should not allow [FOCs] to continue. We stand with the ITF." Taylor said the ITF campaign "is important to America. Unfortunately, [FOCs] can make money with sweatshop labor. We have to remain vigilant." He added that "doing away with the idiotic cruise-tonowhere"-a ploy used by some runaway-flag passenger ships to circumvent U.S. cabotage lawsshould be a national priority. The London-based ITF is composed of more than 500 transportation-related trade unions worldwide. Members at the Washington, D.C. rally show their support for the work of the ITF. Stephen Cotton, secretary of the ITF Special Seafarers' Dept. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) More than 100 Seafarers joined other union members in showing their support for the ITF's campaign against the flag of convenience scam. Right: Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) House Minority Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.) SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco Air Line Pilots Association President Duane Woerth MEBA President Larry O'Toole SUPPORTS F ir ffl'"' 11w1 " fttr Ml H1Jri11cr.~ ILWU Legislative Director Lindsay Mclaughlin 10 Seafarers LOG Those attending the demonstration listen intently as a number of speakers from government and labor urge an end to runaway flags. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Remo di Fiore, ITF executive board �********************************* Independence Day at Bea ********************** Independence Day- the Fourth of July-is a joyful holiday for Americans, often celebrated at home with good old-fashioned backyard barbecues. Just because many SIU members were aboard ship that day doesn't mean the holiday was ignored or went unnoticed. Franchesca Rose, chief steward aboard the CSX Enterprise, and Patrick D. Helton, chief steward on the PFC Eugene A. Obregon, sent photos to the LOG showing how they helped their shipmates celebrate July 4, 2000. For crew members on the Enterprise, Independence Day took the form of a Hawaiian luau; aboard the Obregon, red, white and blue was the color of the day-everything from the bunting and decorations, to the aprons of the steward department, to the strawberry, blueberry and whipped cream cakes. Patriotically adorned in red, white and blue aprons and caps are members of the galley gang aboard the PFC Eugene A. Obregon. From the left are ACU Mauricio Castro, Chief Cook Rudolph Xatruch and SA Arnulfo Lacayo. Left: Recertified Steward Patrick Helton prepares red (strawberries), white (whipped cream) and blue (blueberries) desserts for the Obregon barbecue. Above: Crew members and guests enjoy the Hawaiian luau aboard the Enterprise. Right: The patriotically draped salad and dessert table contains more than enough in the way of accompaniments to the traditional July 4th fare for Obregon crew members. Above: AB Jose Sanchez gives a thumbs-up for the celebration aboard the Obregon, which took place while the ship was anchored in Souda Bay, Crete. Right: Enterprise Captain Ken Fisher enjoys the holiday meal. Left: Enterprise Chief Mate James Franklin is joined by his wife, Joanne, for the luau. Taking a short break before the Obregon's barbecue begins is SA Ali Albaadani. Bosun Henry Bouganim (left) and AB Gary Clark wait for a pallet of stores to be loaded on the Obregon. Chief Cook Rudolph Xatruch is ready to serve his all-American lndepdence Day barbecue. Seafarers LOS 11 �2001: An Education Odyssey Eight Scholarships to Be Awarded Back in 1952, when the Seafarers Welfare Plan established a scholarship program to help qualified members and their dependents finance their college and vocational educations, only four awards were given. Beginning with the fall term of 1953, the four students were to receive full college scholarships of $1,500 a year for four years, good at any recognized college or university in the United States. The yearly $1,500 stipend was more than enough in 1953 to cover all tuition and fees and still leave money over for books and incidentals, even at an Ivy League school. When Cindy Marie Winter won a scholarship (see article at right) in 1998, the Seafarers Welfare Plan was already offering seven scholarships. Three were earmarked for Seafarers (one in the amount of $15,000 and two others for $6,000 each) and four $15,000 awards were for the dependents of SIU members. This year, the odds of being selected for an SIU scholarship have gotten even better. As of July 10, 2000, in addition to the three monetary awards for Seafarers, an additional scholarship has been added to the dependent category, for a total of eight scholarships. The scholarship committee believes this additional award is necessary due to the increasing number of application forms as well as the quality of the applicants. They also increased the amount of the four-year scholarships (both for Seafarers and for dependents) from $15,000 to $20,000-for a total of $132,000. The Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship is now taking applications for the 2001 program, which will award the eight grants. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to complete a scholarship application. The deadline for submission of all required paperwork is April 15, 2001. The first step in the application process is sending away for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. To receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon at the bottom of this page and return it to the address listed on the form. Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should then check the eligibility information and, if they are eligible, should start collecting other paperwork which must be submitted along with the full application by the April 15 deadline. These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the request is made, the better. Another part of the application package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant's character, personality and career goals. A photograph of the applicant as well as a certified copy of his or her birth certificate also need to be included. The selection committee looks at the high school grades of all the applicants and also checks the scores of either their College Entrance Examination Boards or American College Tests. Therefore, arrangements should be made to take these exams no later than February 2001 to ensure the results reach the committee in time to be evaluated. Those Seafarers and dependents who previously have applied for a Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the eligibility requirements. Today, there are more chances than ever to make your dreams for a college education a reality. Start the process now by sending for a copy of the scholarship program booklet. Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 10/00 After delivering a commencement address last May before a crowd of 7,200 people, Cindy Marie Winter (right) is all smiles as she poses with her mother, Clare. From Piney Point to Mayo Clinic 1998 Scholarship Winner Keeps Upgrading Her Skills When Cindy Marie Winter was awarded a $15,000 scholarship in 1998, the 31-year-old chief cook took full advantage of the educational opportunities it afforded her. Following Winter's graduation from trainee class 506 in 1992, she began working aboard LNG tankers and kept returning to Piney Point to upgrade her skills, completing the assistant cook, cook and baker and certified chief cook course as well as receiving her LNG and tanker operations endorsements. During her six-year career as a Seafarer, Winter decided to pursue her formal education. She enrolled in Inver Hills Community College in Minnesota, where she completed classes in chemistry, mathematics and English, receiving top grades in all. She then enrolled in biology, physics, philosophy. and interpersonal speech communications, and maintained an "A" average while tutoring other students in chemistry and mathematics. She was then admitted to Century College in White Bear Lake, Minn. as a student in the medical imaging program, where she worked on her Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiographic Technology. In January 1999, she enrolled full-time nights at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minn. and began working on her Bachelor of Arts degree in Medical Imaging and Health Care Administration. She maintained a very high grade point average at both schools and graduated May 11, 2000 from Metro State with high honors. A week later, she graduated with an Associate of Arts degree and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Century College. In all, it took her two-and-a-half years to complete the three degrees! In a recent letter to the Seafarers LOG, Winter writes, "Century College selected me to be their 'Exemplary Graduate,' which is a combination of valedictorian and student of the year. I cannot even begin to tell you what an honor it was. During the Century College commencement exercises, I was asked to address the graduating class of more than 800 students and all of their families and friends. In total, I spoke to a crowd in excess of 7,200 people. I wrote my address in reference to the similarities of sailing and education. It went over wonderfully, and I got a standing ovation. "Also, thanks to my scholarship, I was able to spend time volunteering for different organizations and causes during my time in school. One of my major projects was designing and presenting a six-hour training session on breast cancer awareness and detection for American Indian women. I created a trainer's manual, participant's manual and culturally specific exercises to promote awareness. I am scheduled to teach this course this summer on both the White Earth Reservation and the Leech Lake Reservation of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. I also have had the chance to work with the American Cancer Society, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Red Cross, and Ramsey County Foster Care. None of these volunteer activities could have been possible without the support of the Seafarers International Union." Where is Winter headed now? She is currently attending St. Mary's University of Minnesota full-time nights for a dual Master of Arts degree in ( 1) health and human services administration and (2) management and expects to graduate in August 2002. She also has been accepted to the Mayo School of Health-Related Sciences at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. to study diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound). The Mayo Clinic is rated the number one school in the world for this program and is a highly competitive school in which to gain admission. Winter concludes her letter with, "Once again, I would like to say that without the support of the SIU and the Seafarers Welfare Plan schol- arship program, I could never have reached my goals of higher education. I encourage everyone to take advantage of all the education they can get. I learned that from all my time upgrading at Piney Point. The resources are out there; it's up to you to make the difference." L---------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Seafarers LOG October 2000 �Balloting Begins Nov. 1 for Union Officers Voting starts Nov. 1 for the election of officers for the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. SIU members will be able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Dec. 30, 2000. Seafarers eligible to vote in this election to determine union officers for the 2001-2004 term are full-book members in good standing. This eligibility criteria is spelled out in the union's governing document, the constitution. The ballot will list the names of all qualified candidates as determined by the credentials committee, a group made up of six rank-and-file Seafarers who reviewed the nominating petitions of all SIU members seeking office in this districtwide election. A sample of this ballot appears on pages 14 and 15. The credentials committee report, which was prepared Aug. 18, and submitted to the member- ship at the September monthly meetings, indicated 33 candidates had qualified to run for 27 positions. (The committee's report was published in the September 2000 Seafarers LOG.) The 27 posts for which Seafarers will cast their ballots are president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, six vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents, two headquarters representatives and 10 port agents. 20 Polling Places The election will be conducted by mail ballot as provided by the union's constitution. Secret ballots, accompanied by envelopes marked "Ballot" and postage-paid envelopes printed with the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be available to full-book members in good standing at 20 union halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on Notice on Unopposed Candidates One part of the article of the SIU constitution covering rules for elections concerns the election of candidates who are unopposed for the office in question. The section states that those candidates who are unopposed for any office or job shall be considered elected to that office or job and that the tallying committee shall not have to count the votes for any such candidate. The entire section, contained in Article XIII, Section 5 of the SIU constitution, reads as follows: "A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee." Procedures for Voting All Seafarers eligible to vote in the union's 2000 election of officers and job holders for the term 2001-2004 may vote by secret ballot from Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000. Secret ballots, together with self-addressed, stamped envelopes for mailing, will be available at union halls to all eligible voters. Seafarers are eligible to vote in the union's election if they are fullbook members in good standing. Details of the election procedure are spelled out in Article XIII of the SIU constitution, which is printed verbatim on pages 16 and 17 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG. In summary, here is the procedure for voting: • Eligible Seafarers may pick up ballot and mailing envelopes from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Monday through Saturday, excluding legal holidays, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000 at designated union halls (see list on this page). • When a full-book member arrives to vote, he or she should present his or her book to the port agent or his duly designated representative. • The member will be asked to sign a roster sheet indicating the date, the number of the ballot given the member and his or her book number. • The member will have his book stamped with the word "Voted" and the date. • At the same time, the member will receive a ballot, together with an envelope marked "Ballot" and a mailing envelope. The mailing envelope has the address of the depository printed on it, making it self-addressed. It also has the postage pre-paid. • The top part of the ballot above the perforated line will be retained by the port agent or his duly designated representative. • In cases where a member does not produce his or her book, or if there is a question about the member's good standing or other eligibility matters, the member will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word "Challenge." His or her book also will be stamped "Voted Challenge" and the date. • After a member has voted, he or she puts the ballot in the mailing envelope which is addressed to the bank depository and stamped. The mailing envelope should then be put in the mail. this page.) Eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots and envelopes marked "Ballot" and mailing envelopes at these halls between 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Monday through Saturday, except legal holidays, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 30. Each member must present his or her book to the port agent or the agent's designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked "Ballot" and the mailing envelope. When the Seafarer receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be stamped with the word "Voted" and the date. If a member does not present his or her book, or if there is a question in regard to his or her eligibility to vote, the Seafarer will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word "Challenge." His or her book will be stamped with the words "Voted Challenge" and the date. For members who believe they will be at sea during this time, the SIU constitution provides for absentee voting procedures. Fullbook members in good standing who need to vote by absentee ballot should direct a request for the ballot to the union's secretarytreasurer at SIU headquarters- 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. NOTICE OF 2 - ELECTION FOR EtECTION OF 2001-2004 OFFICERS SEAFARERS IRTERllATIOIAL UlllOlf OF NORTH AMERICA Aflanllc, llall, Labs anll laland WalelS 0"'1ll:t Secret Ballots Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes, he or she marks the ballot for the candidates of his or her choice and puts it in the envelope marked "Ballot." This envelope is sealed by the member and placed in the mailing envelope and then dispatched in the mail. These steps ensure the integrity of the secret ballot process. The union's constitution, in Article XIII, details the procedures for voting in union elections. (See copy of the constitution, pages 19-25.) All ballots will be counted by the rank-and-file tallying committee consisting of two members elected from each of the union's constitutional ports. These committee members will be elected in December. They will convene as the tallying committee in early Jan. 2001. 350 Fremont St.1 San Francisco, CA 94105 4581 Gravois Ave~~ . $~. Louie, MO 63116 3411 South Union St. Tacomat WA 98409 $10 North Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA · ·00144 ELECTION IN FORMAT/ON CONTINUES ON THE NEXT 19 PAGES. Procedure for Absentee Ballots In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 30, 2000 voting period, absentee ballots are 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: • Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 520 I Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. • Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. • Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. • The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2000 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2000. • The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designed in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked "Ballot" and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2000. • Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, vote by marking the ballot. After voting the ballot, place the ballot in the envelope marked "Ballot." Do not write on the "Ballot" envelope. • 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. • Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper left-hand comer. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. • The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight Dec. 30, 2000 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2001. Seafal'fll'S LOii 13 �ELECTION NOTICE OF 2000 ELECTION Section 401 (e) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum-Griffin Act) requires the mailing of an election notice to each member entitled to vote at his last known address. This notice is being sent to you in compliance therewith and, in addition, contains information of Interest to all candidates and members. SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING LOCATIONS AND PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS OFFICIAL BALLOT No. 00000 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAAtlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District VOTING PERIOD NOVEMBER 1st, 2000 THROUGH DECEMBER 30th, 2000 INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS-In order to vote for a candidate, mark a cross (X) in voting square to the left of name. If you vote for more candidates for office than specified herein, your vote for such office will be invalid. MARK YOUR BALLOT WITH PEN AND INK OR INDELIBLE PENCIL < ~~~;.~~-- -----------------------------------------------------------------·-~ .... _____ D_____ _ PRESIDE . VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS Vote for One ~ D ff Robert (Bobby) J. Clinton lll,~-1)38 2 D Charles Burdette Collins, C-1652 3 D Michael J. Sacco, S-1288 Vote for One D ESl'tlENT IN CHARGE OF N~~NT SERVICES SHfNG INDUSTRIES _;'ate for One) ~ :=;;; ~......... ASSIMANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN_J;ttARGE A OF CONTRACTS AND CO ENFORCEMEN Vote for One 6 D Michael D. Murphy, M-2483 7 D William Parker, P-1067 , 15 ~ K~pnett T. Mangram, M-2394 SECRETARY-TREASURER D Leo Bonser, B-1193 23 D Carl Peth, P-755 PINEY POINT PORT AGENT (Vote for One) of Woodrow Shelton, S-2558 John Fay, F-363 5 22 D 3 ... o"'""h.; Thomas Orzechowski, Jr., 0-601 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT (Vote for One) 4 HEADQUARTERS REPRESENTATIVE (Vote for Two) David W. Heindel, H-1443 24 D NEW YORK PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 25 D 26 D 8 D ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST (Vote for One) D 18 D Jack Caffey, C-101 O 19 20 Vote for One 12 D Nicholas J. Marrone, M-2308 21 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2001 - 2004 ~ 0 'Tl 'Tl -"'"' 0 ;: 0 r- 0 ,..m .... c( rr 0 -c _, 0 0_, _, m N ~ c( 0 u::: N 0 0 l.L 0 ~ tooi - 14 ~ooi Seafarers LOii .l.011ve 1v1~1.:1.:10 D Stephen W. Judd, J-5336 Don Anderson, A-5244 D 0 31 D Robert Hall, H-5727 See Reverse Side for Voting Locations and Proposed Constitutional Revisions NOTE: For the position of vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement, the final ballot may look different from this sample ballot. Larry Frank Phillips, P-1257, has appealed his disqualification by the credentials committee to run for this position . If his appeal to the membership is successful, then his name will appear on the final ballot. The final version of the ballot will be reprinted in the November issue of the Seafarers LOG. Virfac~f"€rancis Coss, C-8138 ST. LO S PORT AGENT (Vote for One) James P. McGee, M-5945 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES (Vote for One) Kevin Bertel, B-1832 0 0 NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT (Vote for One) Ambrose L. Cucinotta, C-1795 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS (Vote for One) Dean E. Corgey, C-5727 VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST 11 D Edward Kelly, Jr., K-5043 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST (Vote for One) VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST (Vote for One) 10 D Dennis Metz, M-3013 MOBILE PORT AGENT (Vote for One) Nicholas A. Celona, C-1578 D Augustin Tellez, T-764 VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST (Vote for One) 9 (Vote for One) D Joseph T. Soresi, S-2658 BALTIMORE PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 27 D 17 Robert Selzer, S-1258 PHILADELPHIA PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 16 D VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT (Vote for One) Edward "Edd" W. Morris, M-1358 32 D Rebecca J. Sleeper, S-2497 DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 33 D Donald A. Thornton, T-5501 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2001 - 2004 • 0 "' 0 0 0 'Tl 'Tl ;: 00 r- ,.. m N .... 0_, _, rr 0 -4 c( m _, !lo) 0 ~ 4( 0 u::: !lo) 0 0 u. 0 tooi - ~ooz "'" .l.011ve iv1:>1.:1.:10 Ot:tober 20llO �ELECTION NOTICE OF 2000 ELECTION FOR ELECTION OF 2001-2004 OFFICERS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Election will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence on November 1st, 2000 and shall continue through December 30th, 2000. VOTING LOCATIONS ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Drive, Algonac, Ml 48001 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 FT. LAUDERDALE 1221 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 GUAM ~~ Plaza, Tun Jesus Crisostoma St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK NORFOLK PHILADELPHIA PINEY POINT HONOLUL~ U60fl<~~treet, Honolulu, HI 96819 12~ · 1 '..i.e' e ~reet, Houston, TX 77002 HOUSTON 31 Libe~treet, Jacksonville, FL 32206 JACKSONV · · M · ntgomery Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 JERSEY Cl~ MOBILE . 0 i auphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 NEW BEDFORD · 48 Ion Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 PUERTO RICO SAN FRANCISCO ST. LOUIS TACOMA WILMINGTON 3911 LaPalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 635 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 2604 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 1057 Fernandez Juncos Avenue, Santurce, PR 00907 350 Fremont Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 4581 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116 3411 South Union Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 510 North Broad Avenue, Wilmington, CA 90744 WHEREAS, the Executive Board of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District met on May 12, 2000 to discuss the current needs and conditions of the Union, its membership and the maritime industry in this country; and oposed revisions in the Union's Constitution which would enable the Union to function more efficiently and to continue to fulfill its obligations to the memberWHEREAS, among their discussions and deliberations was the su · ship; and 7 ordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. They studied the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution and unanimously concurred on all WHEREAS, a Constitutional Committee was elected Q proposed constitutional revisions; and ' membership at the regular membership meetings in September 2000. . WHEREAS, the report of the Constitutional C NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED Y ADOPTED PROPOSITIONS, TO BE VOTED UPON, IF ADOPTED, WOULD AMEND THE CONSTITUTION AS FOLLOWS: PROPOSITION #1 Are you in favor of amending Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, "Section 1. All members' dues shall consist of: (a) Dues annually in the sum of four hundred dollars ($400.00) which shall be paid in equal a eafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows : lendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and;" Are you in favor of amending Article v, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1 (b) of the Constituti .. I · rnational Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "(b) a sum equal to five percent (5%) of the gross amount received for vacation benefits for days worke "cted employers. Dues payable under this Sub-section (b) shall be payable on the days that the member receives payment for the earned vacation benefits and shall become effective as to members in the manner design ., termined by a majority vote of the membership by secret ballot. When so determined by the membership, members in the employ of the Union, its subdivisions and its affiliated organizations, or in any employment at the Uni · 's ection as provided in Article XII, Section 1 (a) and (c), shall pay in addition to that provided for in paragraph (a) immediately loyed." above the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) quarterly on a calendar year basis, no later than the first o · iness day of each quarter while so . PLACE 11 X 11 IN BOX OF YOUR YESD NO Are you in favor of amending the following Constitutional provisions to revise the name of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Attantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; Title Page Heading Preamble Article I, Name and General Powers Exhibit A Preamble, Section Ill, Section IV, Section V, Section VI, Section VII, Section VIII, Section IX, Section X, Section XI, Section XII and Section XIII so that the name of the Union would reflect the consolidation of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Attantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District and and headings to read as follows Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Dlstrict-NMU. PLACE 11 X 11 IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE YESD NOD PROPOSITION #4 Are you in favor of amending Article VII, Systems of Organization, Section 2 of the ConstiMion of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to "Section 2. The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in camp Springs, Maryland and Piney Point, Maryland or at such places as the Executive Board may determine from time to time. The H ua 1) Vi a President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, one (1) V1C9-President in Charge of G . ~t.Niir.k Industries and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.• Are you in favor of amending Article VIII, Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents, Section 1 of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge Cd acts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large.• Are you in favor of amending Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel, Section 10 of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "Section 10. Vice-Presidents at Large . There shall be two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large whose duties shall be as directed by the President with concurrence of the Executive Board. Such duties and responsibilities may be changed from time to time in like manner, as dictated by the needs of the Union.• Are you in favor of amending Article X, Duties of Officers, Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel, Section 14, Executive Board of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "Section 14. Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive Vice-President, the Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast Area the Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, the Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries, the Vice-Presidents at Large and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained that membership for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordinate body.• Are you in favor of amending Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel, Section 15 (b), Delegates of the ConstiMion of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "Section 15. Delegates. (b) The term "delegates• shall mean those members of the Union and its subordinate bodies or divisions who are elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution to attend the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The following officers and jobholders, upon their election to office or job shall, during the term of their offlC9 or job be delegates to all Conventions of the Seafarers International Union of North America in the following order of priority: President; Executive Vice-President; Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Secretary-Treasurer; Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast; VIC9-President in Charge of the West Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries; Vice-Presidents at Large; Assistant Vice-Presidents; Headquarters Representatives, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership; and Port Agents, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership.· PLACE 11 X 11 IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE NOD YES r:J PROPOSITION #5 Are you in favor of amending Article XXll, Quorums, Section 2 of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, to read as follows: "Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port shall be twenty-five (25) members." PLACE 11 X 11 IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE YESD NOD These amendments, If approved, shall become effective upon the date of certification of the Union Tallying Committee. Seafa1'81'S LOB 15 �SIU Constitution Spells Out Rules On 2000 Elections The section of the union s constitution outlining voting procedures in the SIU's elections, which are held every four years, appears here and on page 17 in its entirety. Article 1111 Elections for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2 (b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: "I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum-Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes." Dated ......................................... . Signature of member Book No . .................................... .. Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. 16 Seafarers LOG Any full book member may nominate any other full book member, in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self-nomination provision, the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall tum them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter's request. Section 2. Credentials Committee. (a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at the regular meeting in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located. It shall consist of six ( 6) full book members in attendance at the meeting with two (2) members to be elected from each of the Deck, Engine and Steward departments. No officer, Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, or candidate for office of the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In the event any Committee member is unable to serve, the Committee shall suspend until the President or Executive Vice-President or the Secretary-Treasurer, in that order, calls a special meeting at the Port where Headquarters is located in order to elect a replacement. The Committee's results shall be by majority vote with any tie vote being resolved by a majority of the membership at a special meeting called for that purpose at that Port. (b) After its election, the Committee shall immediately go into session. It shall determine whether the person has submitted his application correctly and possesses the necessary qualifications. The Committee shall prepare a report listing each applicant and his book number under the office or job he is seeking. Each applicant shall be marked "qualified" or "disqualified" according to the findings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been marked "disqualified," the reasons therefore must be stated in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a special meeting of the membership, that fact shall also be noted with sufficient detail. The report shall be signed by all of the Committee members and be completed and submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meeting after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read and incorporated in the minutes and then posted on the bulletin board in each Port. On the last day of nominations, one member of the Committee shall stand by in Headquarters to accept delivery of credentials. All credentials must be in Headquarters by midnight of closing day. ( c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram at the addresses listed by him pursuant to Section 1 of this Article. He shall also be sent a letter containing their reasons for such disqualification by air mail, special delivery, registered or certified, to the mailing address designated pursuant to Section 1 (b) of this Article. A disqualified applicant shall have the right to take an appeal to the membership from the decision of the Committee. He shall forward copies of such appeal to each Port where the appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular meeting no later than the meeting after the second Committee's election. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two days after the day on which the telegram is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification. The committee's report shall be prepared early enough to allow the applicant to appear before it within the time set forth in this Constitution and still reach the Ports in time for the first regular meeting after its election. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the case of such appeals, be sufficient to overrule any disqualification by the Credentials Committee in which even the one so previously classified shall then be deemed qualified. (e) The Credentials Committee, in passing upon the qualifications of candidates, shall have the right to conclusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified in previous elections for candidacy for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, has met all the requirements of Section 1 (a) of Article XII. Section 3. Balloting Procedures. (a) Balloting in the manner hereafter provided shall commence on Nov. 1 of the election year and shall continue through Dec. 31, exclusive of Sundays and (for each individual Port) holidays legally recognized in the City of which the Port affected is located. IfNov. 1 or Dec. 31 falls on a holiday legally recognized in a Port in the City in which that Port is located, the balloting period in such Port shall commence or terminate, as the case may be, on the next succeeding business day. Subject to the foregoing, for the purpose of full book members securing their ballots, the Ports shall be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. (b) Balloting shall be by mail. The Secretary-Treasurer shall insure the proper and timely preparation of ballots without partiality as to candidates or Ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive comments not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified candidates shall be listed thereon alphabetically within each category with book number and job seniority classification status. The listing of the Ports shall first set forth Headquarters and then shall follow a geographical pattern commencing with the most northerly Port of the Atlantic Coast, following the Atlantic Coast down to the most southerly Port on that coast, then westerly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of Ports is exhausted. Any Port outside the Continental United States shall then be added. There shall be no write-in voting and no provisions for the same shall appear on the ballot. Each ballot shall be so prepared as to have the number thereon placed at the top thereof and shall be so perforated as to enable that potion containing the said number to be easily removed to insure secrecy of the ballot. On this removable portion shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature of the ballot and the voting date thereof. ( c) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the SecretaryTreasurer shall be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered as indicated in the preceding paragraphs and shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A sufficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, sent thereto, shall be maintained by the Secretary-Treasurer, who shall also send each Port Agent a verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers of the ballots sent. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send to each Port Agent a sufficient amount of blank opaque envelopes containing the word "Ballot" on the face of the envelope, as well as a sufficient amount of opaque mailing envelopes, first class postage prepaid and printed on the face thereon as the addressee shall be the name and address of the depository for the receipt of such ballots as designated by the President in the manner provided by Article X, Section 1, of this Constitution. In the upper left-hand comer of such mailing envelope, there shall be printed thereon, as a top line, provision for the voter's signature and on another line immediately thereunder, provision for the printing of the voter's name and book number. In addition, the Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of mailing envelopes identical with the mailing envelopes mentioned above, except that they shall be of different color, and shall contain on the face of such envelope, in bold letters, the word "Challenge." The Secretary-Treasurer shall further furnish a sufficient amount of "Roster Sheets" which shall have printed thereon, at the top thereof, the year of the election, and immediately thereunder, five (5) vertical columns designated date, ballot number, signature full book member's name, book number and comments, and such roster sheets shall contain horizontal lines immediately under the captions of each of the above five columns. The SecretaryTreasurer shall also 3end a sufficient amount of envelopes with the printed name and address of the depository on the face thereof, and in the upper left-hand corner, the name of the Port and address, and on the face of such envelope should be printed the words "Roster Sheets and Ballot Stubs." Each Port Agent shall maintain separate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and count the ballots when received to insure that the amount sent, as well as the number thereon, conform to the amount and numbers listed by the SecretaryTreasurer as having been sent to that Port. The Port Agent shall immediately execute and return to the Secretary-Treasurer a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the amount and the numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrepancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the voting period. In any event, receipts shall be forwarded for all the aforementioned election material actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall at all times be available to any member asking for inspection of the same at the office of the SecretaryTreasurer and shall be turned over to the Union Tallying Committee. (d) Balloting shall be secret. Only full book members in good standing may vote. Each full book member may secure his ballot at Port offices from the Port Agent or his duly designated representative at such Port. Each Port Agent shall designate an area at the Port office over which should be posted the legend "Voting Ballots Secured Here." When a full book member appears to vote, he shall present his book to the Port Agent or his aforementioned duly designated representative. The Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall insert on the roster sheet under the appropriate column the date, the number of the ballot given to such member and his full book number, and the member shall then sign his name on such roster sheet under the appropriate column. Such member shall have his book stamped with the word "Voted" and the date, and shall be given a ballot, and simultaneously the perforation on the top of the ballot shall be removed at the same time the member shall be given the envelope marked "Ballot" together with the pre-paid postage mailing envelope addressed to the depository. The member shall take such ballot and envelopes and in secret thereafter, mark his ballot, fold the same, insert it in the blank envelope marked "Ballot," seal the same, then insert such "Ballot" envelope into the mailing envelope, seal such mailing envelope, sign his name on the upper left-hand comer on the first line of such mailing envelope and on the second line in the upper left-hand comer print his name and book number, after which he shall mail or cause the same to be mailed. In the event a full book member appears to vote and is not in good standing or does not have his membership book with him or it appears for other valid reasons he is not eligible to vote, the same procedure as provided above shall apply to him, except that on the roster sheet under the column "Comments," notation should be made that the member voted a challenged ballot and the reason for his challenge. Such member's membership book shall be stamped "voted challenge," and the date, and such member instead of the above-mentioned mailing envelope, shall be given the mailing envelope of a different color marked on the face thereof with the word "Challenge." At the end of each day, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall enclose in the envelope addressed to the depository and marked "Roster Sheets and Ballot Stubs," the roster sheet or sheets executed by the members that day together with the numbered perforated slips Continued on page 17 October 2000 �Info ation for the 2000 Election of Officers SW Atlanti.c, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waten D. Article XIII Constitutional Rules Continued from page 16 removed from the ballots which had been given to the members, and then mail the same to such depository. To insure that an adequate supply of all balloting material is maintained in all Ports at all times, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative, simultaneously with mailing of the roster sheets and ballot stubs to the depository at the end of each day, shall also make a copy of the roster sheet for that day and mail the same to the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters. The Port Agent shall be responsible for the proper safeguarding of all election material and shall not release any of it until duly called for and shall insure that no one tampers with the material placed in his custody. (e) Full book members may request and vote an absentee ballot under the following circumstances: while such member is employed on a Union-contracted vessel and which vessel's schedule does not provide for it to be at a Port in which a ballot can be secured during the time and period provided for in Section 3 (a) of this article or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first ten (10) days of the month of November of the election year. The member shall make a request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing device at the location from which such request is made, if such be the case. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee ballot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. on the 15th day of November of the election year, shall be directed to the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters and must be delivered no later than the 25th of such November. The SecretaryTreasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The Secretary-Treasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address so designated by such member, a "Ballot," after removing the perforated numbered stub, together with the hereinbefore mentioned "Ballot" envelope, and mailing envelope addressed to the depository, except that printed on the face of such mailing envelope shall be the words "Absentee Ballot," and appropriate voting instructions shall accompany such mailing to the member. If the Secretary-Treasurer determines that such member is ineligible to receive such absentee ballot, he shall nevertheless send such member the aforementioned ballot with accompanying material except that the mailing envelope addressed to the depository shall have printed on the face thereof the words "Challenged Absentee Ballot." The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep records of all of the foregoing, including the reasons for determining such member's ineligibility, which records shall be open for inspection by full book members and upon the convening of the Union Tallying Committee, presented to them. The SecretaryTreasurer shall send to all Ports the names and book numbers of the October 2000 members to whom absentee ballots were sent. (f) All ballots to be counted must be received by the depository no later than the Jan. 5 immediately subsequent to the election year and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight Dec. 31 of the election year. Section 4. (a) At the close of the last day of the period for securing ballots, the Port Agent in each Port, in addition to his duties set forth above, shall deliver or mail to Headquarters by registered or certified mail, attention Union Tallying Committee, all unused ballots and shall specifically set forth by serial number and amount the unused ballots so forwarded. (b) The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of 20 full book members. Two shall be selected from each of the 10 Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Detroit-Algonac, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point. The election shall be held at the regular meeting in December of the election year or, if the Executive Board otherwise determines prior thereto, at a special meeting held in the aforesaid Ports on the first business day of the last week of said month. No officer, Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, Port Agent, or candidate for office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In addition to its duties herein set forth, the Union Tallying Committee shall be charged with the tallying of all the ballots and the preparation of a closing report setting forth, in complete detail, the results of the election, including a complete accounting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the same with the rosters and receipts of the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial numbers and amounts and with each total broken down into Port totals. The Union Tallying Committee shall have access to all election records and files for their inspection, examination and verification. The report shall clearly detail all discrepancies discovered and shall contain recommendations for the treatment of these discrepancies. All members of the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, however, to the right of any member thereof to submit a dissenting report as to the accuracy of the count and the validity of the ballots, with pertinent details.In connection with the tally of ballots, there shall be no counting of ballots until all mailing envelopes containing valid ballots have first been opened, the ballot envelopes removed intact and then all of such ballot envelopes mixed together, after which such ballot envelopes shall be opened and counted in such multiples as the Committee may deem expedient and manageable. The Committee shall resolve all issues on challenged ballots and then tally those found valid utilizing the same procedure as provided in the preceding sentence either jointly or separately. (c) The members of the Union Tallying Committee shall, after their election, proceed to the Port in which Headquarters is located, to arrive at that Port no later than Jan. 5 of the year immediately after the election year. Each member of the Committee not elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be reimbursed for transportation, meals and lodging expenses occasioned by their traveling to and returning from that Port. Committee members elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be similarly reimbursed, except for transportation. All members of the Committee shall also be paid at the prevailing standby rate of pay from the day subsequent to their election to the day they return, in normal course, to the Port from which they were elected. The Union Tallying Committee shall elect a chairman from among themselves and, subject to the express terms of this Constitution, adopt its own procedures. All decisions of such Committee and the contents of their report shall be valid if made by a majority vote, provided there be a quorum in attendance, which quorum is hereby fixed at ten ( 10). The Committee, but not less than a quorum thereof, shall have the sole right and duty to obtain all mailed ballots and the other mailed election material from the depository and to insure their safe custody during the course of the Committee's proceedings. The proceedings of the Committee, except for their organizational meeting and their actual preparation of the closing report and dissents therefrom, if any, shall be open to any member provided he observes decorum. Any candidate may act as an observer and/or designate another member to act as his observer at the counting of the ballots. In no event shall issuance of the above referred to closing report of the Committee be delayed beyond Jan. 31 immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. In the discharge of its duties, the Committee may call upon and utilize the services of clerical employees of the Union. The Committee shall be discharged upon the completion of the issuance and dispatch of its report as required in this Article. In the event a recheck and recount is ordered pursuant to this Article, the Committee shall be reconstituted, except that if any member thereof is not available, a substitute therefor shall be elected from the appropriate Port at a special meeting held for that purpose as soon as possible. of the (d) The report Committee shall be made up in sufficient copies to comply with the following requirements: two copies shall be mailed by the Committee to each Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer no later than Jan. 31 immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. As soon as these copies are received, each Port Agent shall post one copy of the report on the bulletin board in a conspicuous manner and notify the Secretary-Treasurer, in writing, as to the date of such posting. This copy shall be kept posted until after the Election Report Meeting which shall be the March regular membership meeting immediately following the close of the election year. At the Election Report Meeting, the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. (e) Any full book member claiming a violation of the election and balloting procedure or the conduct of the same, shall within 72 hours of the occurrence of the claimed violation notify the Secretary-Treasurer at Head- quarters, in writing by certified mail, of the same, setting forth his name, book number and the details so that appropriate corrective action, if warranted, may be taken. The Secretary-Treasurer shall expeditiously investigate the facts concerning the claimed violation, take such action as may be necessary, if any, and make a report and recommendation, if necessary, a copy of which shall be sent to the member and the original shall be filed for the Union Tallying Committee for their appropriate action, report and recommendation, if any. The foregoing shall not be applicable to matters involving the Credentials Committee's action or report, the provisions of Article XIII, Sections 1 and 2 being the pertinent provisions applicable to such matters. All protests as to any and all aspects of the election and balloting procedures or the conduct of the same not passed upon by the Union Tallying Committee in its report, excluding therefrom matters involving the Credentials Committee's action or report as provided in the last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph, but including the procedure and report of the Union Tallying Committee, shall be filed in writing by certified mail with the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters to be received no later than the Feb. 25 immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. It shall be the responsibility of the member to insure that his written protest is received by the Secretary-Treasurer no later than such Feb. 25. The SecretaryTreasurer shall forward copies of such written protest to all Ports in sufficient time to be read at the Election Report Meeting. The written protest shall contain the full book member's name, book number, and all details constituting the protest. (f) At the Election Report Meeting, the report and recommendation of the Union Tallying Committee, including but not limited to discrepancies, protests passed upon by them, as well as protests filed with the Secretary-Treasurer as provided for in Section (e) immediately above shall be acted upon by the meeting. A majority vote of the membership shall decide what action, if any, in accordance with the Constitution, shall be taken thereon, which action, however, shall not include the ordering of a special vote, unless reported discrepancies or protested procedure or conduct found to have occurred and to be violative of the Constitution affected the results of the vote for any office or job, in which event the special vote shall be restricted to such office, offices and/or job or jobs, as the case may be. A majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings may order a recheck and recount when a dissent to the closing report has been issued by three (3) or more members of the Union Tallying Committee. Except for the contingencies provided for in this Section 4 (f), the closing report shall be accepted as final. There shall be no further protest or appeal from the action of the majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings. (g) Any special vote ordered pursuant to Section 4 (f) shall be commenced within ninety (90) days after the first day of the month immediately subsequent to the Election Report Meetings men- •ct tioned above. The depository shall be the same as designated for the election from which the special vote is ordered. And the procedures shall be the same as provided for in Section 3, except where specific dates are provided for, the days shall be the dates applicable which provide for the identical time and days originally provided for in Section 3. The Election Report Meeting for the aforesaid special vote shall be that meeting immediately subsequent to the report of the Union Tallying Committee separated by one calendar month. Section 5. Elected Officers and Jobholders. A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee without change. Section 6. Installation into Office and the Job of Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent. (a) The person elected shall be that person having the largest number of votes cast for the particular office or job involved. Where more than one person is to be elected for a particular office or job, the proper number of candidates receiving the successively highest number of votes shall be declared elected. These determinations shall be made only from the results deemed final and accepted as provided in this Article. It shall be the duty of the President to notify each individual elected. (b) The duly elected officers and other job holders shall take over their respective offices and jobs and assume the duties thereof at midnight of the night of the Election Report Meeting, or the next regular meeting, depending upon which meeting the results as to each of the foregoing are deemed final and accepted, as provided in this Article. The term of their predecessors shall continue up to, and expire at that time, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article XI, Section 1. This shall not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority vote of the membership may grant additional time for the assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure of the newly-elected President to assume office, the provisions of Article X, Section 12 shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as decided by a majority vote of the membership. Section 7. The Secretary-Treasurer is specifically charged with the preservation and retention of all election records, including the ballots, as required by law, and is directed and authorized to issue such other and further directives as to the election procedures as are required by law, which directives shall be part of the election procedures of this Union. Seafarers LOG 17 �- -- - - - - We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at the Headquarters membership meeting, on August 7, 2000, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied, the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution submitted by our Executive Board. This Resolution, containing the proposed amendments, prior to its submission to us, was adopted by a majority vote of the membership at Headquarters and all ports. The provisions of the Resolution including its "WHEREAS" clauses, are attached so that all members will have available to them its full text for their review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendation. As all individuals involved in the maritime industry are aware, the industry has changed substantially over the last several years. Legislation has been repealed and enacted affecting this industry and the trade union movement in general. We, in this Union, must seriously consider what can be done to strengthen our institutional structure to enable the Union to function more efficiently while continuing to fulfill its obligations to our membership. To this end, one of the things that our membership has already approved is the merger/consolidation of the National Maritime Union into our Union. As a result of the previously held referendum and our awareness of these changing times, certain Constitutional Amendments have been proposed to clarify and update our Constitution. It is to be noted that where feasible, this Committee recommends that the proposed constitutional changes, the new material, be underlined with the nonunderlined words representing the language of the present Constitution. A. Name Chanee for Union To implement and effectuate the desires of this membership, as expressed in the referendum held in November and December, 1999, it is being proposed that the name of our Union be changed to reflect the consolidation/merger of the National Maritime Union into the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. We concur with the Resolution and recommend the following amendments be adopted to effectuate it. Amend the following Constitutional provisions to revise the name of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; l. Title Page 2. Heading, Page 2 3. Preamble 4. Article I, Name and General Powers S. ExhibitA Preamble, Section III, Section IV, Section V, Section VI, Section VII, Section VIII, Section IX, Section X, Section XI, Section XII and Section XIII so that the name of the Union would reflect the consolidation of these two unions in all of the above- referenced sections and headings. The above-referenced amendments would become effective at the time of, and not before, the final consolidation of these entities. A. Dues As the Resolution states, it is proposed that the annual regular dues amount to be paid shall be four hundred dollars ($400.00) per year and that in addition the working dues to be paid by officers and members who are employed by the Union shall be increased to one hundred dollars ($100.00) per quarter. Your Committee, to carry out these changes, recommends that: Amend Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Sections 1 (a) and (b) to read as follows: "Section 1. All members' dues shall consist of: (a) Dues annually in the sum of fQyr hundred dollars ($400.00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and; (b) a sum equal to five percent (5%) of the gross amount received for vacation benefits for days worked for contracted employers. Dues payable under this Subsection (b) shall be payable on the days that the member receives payment for the earned vacation benefits and shall become effective as to members in the manner designated and determined by a majority vote of the membership by secret ballot. When so determined by the membership, members in the employ of the Union, its subdivisions and its affiliated organizations, or in any employment at the Union's direction as provided in Article XII, Section l (a) and (c), shall pay in addition to that provided for in paragraph (a) immediately above the sum 18 Seafarers LOG of one hundred dollars ($100.00) quarterly on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each quarter while so employed." B. Vice-Presidents at Larve As the Resolution states, it is also proposed that the office of "Vice-President at Large" be created and that two (2) such positions be added to the Executive Board to reflect the changing and growing needs of the Union. Your Committee, to carry out this change recommends that: Amend Article VII, System of Organization, Section 2 to read as follows: "Section 2. The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in Camp Springs, Maryland and Piney Point, Maryland or at such places as the Executive Board may determine from time to time. The Headquarters officers shall consist of a President, an Executive Vice-President, one (I) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one ( l) VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) VicePresident in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two C2) Vice-Presidents at ~-" Amend Article VIII, Officer, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents, Section 1 to read as follows: "Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive VicePresident, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (I) Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (I) VicePresident in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing lndustries and two (2) VicePresidents at Large." Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice- Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel by adding a new Section to read as follows: "Section 10 Vice-Presidents at Large There shall be two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large whose duties shall be as directed by the President with concurrence of the Executive Board. Such duties and responsibilities may be changed from time to time in like manner as dictated by the needs of the Union." Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel by renumbering the existing Sections 10 through 15 to become 11 through 16. Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel existing Section 13 which when renumbered shall be Section 14, Executive Board to read as follows: "Section li. Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive VicePresident, the Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast Area the Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, the VicePresident in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries, the VicePresidents at Large and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained that membership for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordinate body." Amend Article X, Duties of Oj]icers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous - - -- - Personnel existing Section 14 which when renumbered shall be Section 15, Delegates to read as follows: "Section 15. Delegates. (a) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of the Union and its subordinate bodies or divisions who are elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution to attend the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The following officers and jobholders, upon their election to office or job shall, during the term of their office or job be delegates to all Conventions of the Seafarers International Union of North America in the following order of priority: President; Executive Vice-President; Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Secretary-Treasurer; Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; VicePresident in Charge of the Gulf Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries; Vice-Presidents at Large; Assistant Vice-Presidents; Headquarters Representatives, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership; and Port Agents, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership." D.Qruu:mn As the Resolution states, it is being proposed that the quorum for a regular meeting of a port be changed from fifty (SO) to twenty-five (25) members to enable effective action to be taken at membership meetings. Your Committee, to carry out this change, recommends that: Amend Article XXII, Quorums. Section 2 to read as follows: "Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port shall be twenty-five (25) members." E. Definitions and Mjscellaneous Provjsjons Thereto To further effectuate all of the above, it is proposed that Section 8 be amended to read as follows: "Section 8. The terms "this Constitution" and "this amended Constitution" shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the Constitution as amended which takes the place of the one adopted by the Union in 1939, as amended up through Al2ti1 2.QQQ." This Committee has been directed to fashion the procedure for a secret ballot referendum vote upon these amendments and to recommend effective dates for the proposed amendments. Your Committee concurs with the Resolution recommending that the amendments, if voted upon affirmatively in accordance with the following voting procedures, become effective upon their passage. We, further recommend that, if the position of VicePresident at Large is created by Constitutional Amendment, the President be given the authority, subject to the concurrence of the Executive Board, to determine when to fill these two (2) positions and to then so fill them for a first term of office. In addition, we recommend that the secret ballot referendum vote upon these proposed amendments, including the time, manner and procedure for voting on the amendments and the tallying and certification of the voting results, be the same as constitutionally provided for the election of officers and jobholders and be held as part of the secret ballot mail referendum for the election of officers and jobholders commencing November 1, 2000 and ending December 31, 2000. We further recommend: (a) That part of the ballot that applies to the recommended change in the regular dues payment read as follows: Amend Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1. "Section 1. All members' dues shall consist of: (a) Dues annually in the sum of fuYr hundred dollars ($400 00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and;" Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendment? YES [] NO [] (b) That the part of the ballot that applies to the recommended change in working dues payable by union officers and members read as follows: "(b) a sum equal to five percent (5%) of the gross amount received for vacation benefits for days worked for contracted employers. Dues payable under this Sub- section (b) shall be payable on the days that the member receives payment for the earned vacation benefits and shall become effective as to members in the manner designated and determined by a majority vote of the membership by secret ballot. When so determined by the membership, members in the employ of the Union, its subdivisions and its affiliated organizations, or in any employment at the Union's direction as provided in Article XII, Section 1 (a) and (c), shall pay in addition to that provided for in paragraph (a) immediately above the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) quarterly on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each quarter while so employed." Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendment? YES [ ] NO [ ] (c) That the part of the ballot that applies to the recommended name change read as follows: Amend the following Constitutional provisions to revise the name of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; 1. Title Page 2. Heading 3. Preamble 4. Article I, Name and General Powers 5. Exhibit A Preamble, Section III, Section IV, Section V, Section VI, Section VII, Section VIII, Section IX, Section X, Section XI, Section XII and Section XIII so that the name of the Union would reflect the consolidation of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District and the National Maritime Union in all of the above referenced sections and headings. Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendment? YES [ ] NO [ ] (d) that the part of the ballot that applies to the recommended creation of two (2) Vice-President at Large positions read as follows: Amend Article VII, System of Organization. "Section 2. The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in Camp Springs, Maryland and Piney Point, Maryland or at such places as the Executive Board may determine from time to time. The Headquarters officers shall consist of a President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one ( l) VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (I) VicePresident in Charge of the Southern Region. Great Lakes and Inland Waters, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large" Amend Article VIII, Officer, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents, Section 1. "Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive VicePresident, one ( l) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one ( 1) VicePresident in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) VicePresidents at Large." Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice- Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel: "Section 10. Vice-Presidents at Large. There shall be two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large whose duties shall be as directed by the President with concurrence of the Executive Board. Such duties and responsibilities may be changed from time to time in like manner as dictated by the nee<ls of the Union " Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel, Section 14. "Section 14. Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive VicePresident, the Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast Area the Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, the VicePresident in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries, the VicePresidents at Large and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained that membership for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordinate body." Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous, Personnel, Section 15, Delegates. "Section ll. Delegates. (b) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of the Union and its subordinate bodies or divisions who are elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution to attend the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The following officers and jobholders, upon their election to office or job shall, during the term of their office or job be delegates to all Conventions of the Seafarers International Union of North America in the following order of priority: President; Executive Vice-President; Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Secretary-Treasurer; Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; VicePresident in Charge of the Gulf Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries; Vice-Presidents at Large; Assistant Vice-Presidents; Headquarters Representatives, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership; and Port Agents, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership." Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendments? YES [ ] NO [ ] (e) that the part of the ballot that applies to the change in the number of members required to constitute a quorum at a regular meeting of a port read as follows. Amend Article XXIl, Section 2. Quorums, "Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port shall be twenty-five (25) members." Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendment? YES [ ] NO [ ] We further recommend, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee's Report, together with a copy of the proposed Resolution and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, October 2000 issue so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts at this time and 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 2000. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolution will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. Fraternally submitted, Constitutional Committee August 18, 2000 October 2000 �PRESENT CONSTITUTION THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAARANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT AFFILIATED WITH SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR CONGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS PREAMBLE As maritime and allied workers and realizing the value and necessity of a thorough organization, we are dedicated to the forming of one Union for our people, the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, based upon the following principles: All members shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges and guarantees as set forth in this Constitution, and such rights, privileges and guarantees shall be preserved in accordance with its terms. We declare that American seamen are entitled to receive their employment without interference of crimps, shipowners, fink halls or any shipping bureaus maintained by the Government. We affirm that every worker has the right to receive fair and just remuneration for his labor and gain sufficient leisure for mental cultivation and physical recreation. We proclaim the right of all seamen to receive healthful and sufficient food and proper forecastles in which to rest. We defend the right of all seamen to be treated in a decent and respectful manner by those in command, and We hold that the above rights belong to all workers alike, irrespective of nationality or creed. Recognizing the foregoing as our inalienable rights, we are conscious of corresponding duties to those in command, our employers, our craft and our country. We will, therefore, try by all just means to promote harmonious relations with those in command by exercising due care and diligence in the performance of the duties of our profession and by giving all possible assistance to our employers in caring for their gear and property. Based upon these principles, it is among our objects: To use our influence individually and collectively for the purpose of maintaining and developing skill in seamanship and effecting a change in the maritime law of the United States so as to render it more equitable and to make it an aid instead of a hindrance to the development of a merchant marine and a body of American seamen. To support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of maritime workers and through its columns seek to maintain their knowledge of, and interest in, maritime affairs. To assist the seamen of other countries in the work of organization and federation to the end of establishing the Brotherhood of the Sea. To form and to assist by legal means other bonafide labor organizations whenever possible in the attainment of their just demands. To regulate our conduct as a Union and as individuals so as to make seamanship what it rightly isan honorable and useful calling. And bearing in mind that we are migratory, that our work takes us away in different directions from any place where the majority might otherwise meet to act, that meetings can be attended by only a fraction of the membership, that the absent members who cannot be present must have their interests guarded from what might be the results of excitement and passions aroused by persons or conditions, and that those who are present may act for and in the interest of all, we have adopted this Constitution. Statement of Principles and Declaration of Rights In order to form a more perfect Union, we workers in the maritime and allied industries, realizing the value and necessity of uniting in pursuit of our improved economic and social welfare, have determined to bind ourselves together in the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, and hereby dedicate ourselves to the following principles: In promoting our economic and social welfare, we shall ever be mindful, not only of our rights, but also of our duties and obligations as members of the community, our duties as citizens, and our duty to combat the menace of communism and any other enemies of freedom and the democratic principles to which we seafaring men dedicate ourselves in this Union. We shall affiliate and work with other free labor organizations; we shall support a journal to give additional voice to our views; we shall assist our brothers of the sea and other workers of all countries in these obligations to the fullest extent consistent with our duties, obligations and law. We shall seek to exert our individual and collective influence in the fight for the enactment of labor and other legislations and policies which look to the attainment of a free and happy society without distinction based on race, creed or color. To govern our conduct as a Union and bearing in mind that most of our members are migratory, that their duties carry them all over the world, that their rights must and shall be protected, we hereby declare these rights as members of the Union to be inalienable. No member shall be deprived of any of the rights or privileges guaranteed him under the Constitution of the Union. II Every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected, or appointed, to hold office in this Union. Ill No member shall be deprived of his membership without due process of the law of this Union. No member shall be compelled to be a witness against himself in the trial of any proceeding in which he may be charged with failure to observe the law of this Union. Every official and jobholder shall be bound to uphold and protect the rights of every member in accordance with the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union. IV Every member shall have the right to be confronted by his accuser whenever he is charged with violating the law of this Union. In all such cases, the accused shall be guaranteed a fair and speedy trial by an impartial committee of his brother Union members. v No member shall be denied the right to express himself freely on the floor of any Union meeting or in committee. VI A militant membership being necessary to the security of a free union, the members shall at all times stand ready to defend this Union and the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union. VII The powers not delegated to the officers, job holders, and Executive Board by the Constitution of the Union shall be reserved to the members. CONSTITUTION Article I Name and General Powers This Union shall be known as the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. Its powers shall be legislative, judicial, and executive, and shall include the formation of, and/or issuance of charters to, subordinate bodies and divisions, corporate or otherwise, the formation of funds and participation in funds, the establishment of enterprises for the benefit of the Union and similar ventures. This Union shall exercise all of its powers in aid of subordinate bodies and divisions created or chartered by it. For convenience of administration and in furtherance of its policies of aid and assistance, the Union may make its property, facilities and personnel available for the use and on behalf of such subordinate bodies and divisions. A majority vote of the membership shall be authorization for any Union action, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution or by law. This Union shall at all times protect and maintain its jurisdiction. Article II Affiliation Section 1. This Union shall be affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America and the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations. All other affiliations by the Union or its subordinate bodies or divisions shall be made or withdrawn as determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Section 2. In addition to such other provisions as are contained herein, all subordinate bodies and divisions seeking a charter from and/or affiliation with this Union, shall be required to adopt, within a time period set by the Executive Board, a Constitution containing provisions as set forth in Exhibit A, annexed to this Constitution and made a part hereof. All other provisions adopted by such subordinate bodies and divisions as part of their Constitution shall not be inconsistent therewith. No such Constitution or amendments thereto shall be deemed to be effective without the approval of the Executive Board of this Union, which shall be executed in writing, on its behalf, by the President or, in his absence, by any other officer designated by it. Such approval shall be deemed to be recognition of compliance herewith by such subordinate body or division. Where a subordinate body or division violates any of the foregoing, and, in particular, seeks to effectuate any constitutional provision not so authorized and approved, or commits acts in violation of its approved constitution, or fails to act in accordance therewith, this Union, through its Executive Board, may withdraw its charter and/or sever its affiliation forthwith, or on such terms as it may impose not inconsistent with law, in addition to exercising any and all rights it may have pursuant to any applicable agreements or understandings. Section 3. This Union shall also have the power, acting through its Executive Board, and after a fair hearing, to impose a trusteeship upon any subordinate body or divisions chartered by an affiliated with it, for the reasons and to the extent provided by law. Article Ill Membership Section 1. There shall be two classes of membership, to wit, full book members and probationary members. Candidates for membership shall be admitted to membership in accordance with such rules as may be adopted from time to time by a majority vote of the membership and which rules shall not be inconsistent with the provlSlons of this Constitution. All candidates with two hundred and sixty (260) days or more seatime in a consecutive twenty-four (24) calendar month period commencing from January l, 1968, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels, covered by contract with this Union, shaH be eligible for full membership. All persons with less than the foregoing seatime but at least thirty (30) days of such seatime, shall be eligible for probationary membership. Only full book members shall be entitled to vote and to hold any office or elective job, except as otherwise specified herein. All probationary members shall have a voice in Union proceedings and shall be entitled to vote on Union contracts. Section 2. No candidate shall be granted membership who is a member of any dual organization hostile to the aims, principles and policies of this Union. The members, by majority vote, shall at all times have the right to determine the membership status of pensioners. Section 3. Members more than one ( 1) quarter in arrears in dues shall be automatically suspended and shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. They shall be automatically dismissed if they are more than two (2) quarters in arrears in dues. An arrearage in dues shall be computed from the first day of the applicable quarter, but this time shall not run: Continued on page 20 Seafarers LOB 19 �g r ; - Present Constitution - SIUNA - AGLIWD Continued from page 19 (a) While a member is actually participating in a strike or lockout. (b) While a member is an inpatient in an accredited hospital. (c) While a member is under an incapacity due to activity in behalf of the Union. (d) While a member is in the armed services of the United States, provided the member was in good standing at the time of entry into the armed forces, and further provided he applies for reinstatement within ninety (90) days after discharge from the armed forces. (e) While a member has no opportunity to pay dues because of employment aboard an Americanflag merchant vessel. The provision of this Sub-section (e) shall be inapplicable when such merchant vessel is operating upon the Great Lakes or upon the harbors, rivers or territorial waters of the United States. Section 4. A majority vote of the membership shall be sufficient to designate additional circumstances during which the time specified in Section 3 shall not run. It shall be the right of any member to present, in writing, to any Port at any regular meeting any question with regard to the application of Section 3, in accordance with procedures established by a majority vote of the membership. A majority vote of the membership shall be necessary to decide such questions. Section 5. The membership shall be empowered to establish, from time to time, by majority vote, rules under which dues and assessments may be excused where a member has been unable to pay dues and assessments for the reasons provided in Sections 3 and 4. Section 6. To preserve unity, and to promote the common welfare of the membership, all members of the Union shall uphold and defend this Constitution and shall be governed by the provisions of this Constitution and all policies, rulings, orders and decisions duly made. Section 7. Any member who gives aid to the principles and policies of any hostile or dual organization shall be denied further membership in this Union to the full extent permitted by law. A majority vote of the membership shall decide which organizations are dual or hostile. Section 8. Evidence of membership or other affiliation with the Union shall be in such form or forms as determined by the Executive Board and shall at all times remain the property of the Union. Members may be required to show their evidence of membership in order to be admitted to Union meetings, or into, or on Union property. Article IV Reinstatement Members dismissed from the Union may be reinstated in accordance with such rules and under such conditions as are adopted, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership. Article V Dues and lnftiation Fee Section 1. All members' dues shall consist of: (a) Dues annually in the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and; (b) A sum equal to five percent (5%) of the gross amount received for vacation benefits for days worked for contracted employers. Dues payable under this Sub-section (b) shall be payable on the days that the member receives payment for the earned vacation benefits and shall become effective as to members in the manner designated and deter- 20 Seafarers LOG mined by a majority vote of the membership by secret ballot. When so determined by the membership, members in the employ of the Union, its subdivisions and its affiliated organizations, or in any employment at the Union's direction as provided for in Article XII, Section 1 (a) and (c), shall pay in addition to that provided for in paragraph (a) immediately above the sum of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) quarterly on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each quarter while so employed. Section 2. No candidate for full book membership shall be admitted into such membership without having paid an initiation fee of six hundred dollars ($600.00), except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. In addition, the candidate shall pay a ten dollar ($10.00) "service fee" for the issuance of his full book. Each candidate for probationary membership and each probationary member shall, with the payment of each of his first quarterly dues, as required by Section 1, pay at each such time the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) as partial initiation fee. The total of such initiation monies so paid shall be credited to his above required initiation fee for a full book member upon completion of the required seatime as provided for in Article III, Section 1. Section 3. Payment of dues and initiation fee may be waived for organizational purposes in accordance with such rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Section 4. All members shall be and remain in good standing. Article VI Reti ment from Membersh p Section 1. Members may retire from membership by surrendering their Union books or other evidence of affiliation and paying all unpaid dues for the quarter in which they retire, assessments, fines and other monies due and owing the Union. When the member surrenders his book or other evidence of affiliation in connection with his application for retirement he shall be given a receipt therefore. An official retirement card shall be issued by Headquarters, upon request, dated as of the day that such member accomplishes these payments and shall be given to the member upon presenting the aforesaid receipt. Section 2. All the rights, privileges, duties and obligations of membership shall be suspended during the period of retirement, except that a retired member shall not be disloyal to the Union nor join or remain in any dual or hostile organization, upon penalty or forfeiture of his right to reinstatement. Section 3. Any person in retirement for a period of two (2) quarters or more shall be restored to membership, except as herein indicated, by paying dues for the current quarter, as well as all assessment accruing and newly levied during the period of retirement. If the period of retirement is less than two (2) quarters, the required payment shall consist of all dues accruing during the said period of retirement, including those levied during that period. Upon such payment, the person in retirement shall be restored to membership, and his membership book, appropriately stamped, shall be returned to him. Section 4. A member in retirement may be restored to membership after a one (1) year period of retirement consisting of four (4) full quarters only by a majority vote of the membership. Section 5. The period of retirement shall be computed from the first day of the quarter following the one in which the retirement card was issued. Section 6. No member may retire his membership during the period of a strike or lockout. Article VII Systems of Organization Section 1. This Union and all officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, and members shall be governed in this order by: (a) The Constitution (b) The Executive Board (c) Majority vote of the membership Section 2. The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in Camp Springs, Maryland and Piney Point, Maryland or at such places as the Executive Board may determine from time to time. The Headquarters officers shall consist of a President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. Section 3. The staff of each Port shall consist of such personnel as is provided for herein and the Port shall bear the name of the city in which the Union's Port Offices are located. Article VIII Officers, Assistant VicePresidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one ( 1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. Section 2. Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents shall be elected, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. Article IX Other Electlve Jobs Section 1. In addition to the elective jobs provided for in Article VIII, the following jobs in the Union shall be voted upon in the manner prescribed by this Constitution: Committee members of: ( 1) Trial Committees (2) Annual Financial Committees (3) Appeals Committees (4) Strike Committees (5) Credentials Committees (6) Union Tallying Committees (7) Constitutional Committees Section 2. Additional committees may be formed as provided by a majority vote of the membership. Committees may also be appointed as permitted by this Constitution. Artlcle I Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, H dq rters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel Section 1. (a) The President shall be the executive officer of the Union and shall represent, and act for and in behalf of the Union in all matters except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Constitution. (b) He shall be a member ex-officio of all committees, except as otherwise herein expressly provided. (c) The President shall be in charge of, and responsible for, all Union property, and shall be in charge of Headquarters and Port offices. Wherever there are time restrictions or other considerations affecting Union action, the President shall take appropriate action to insure observance thereof. (d) In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ any help he deems necessary, be it legal, accounting or otherwise. (e) Subject to approval by a majority vote of the membership and the Executive Board, the President shall designate the number and location of all Ports, the jurisdiction, status and activities thereof, and may reduce and/or relocate such Ports, and may reassign Vice-Presidents, Assistant Vice-Presidents and the Secretary-Treasurer without reduction in wages. He may also reassign Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents to other duties without reduction in wages. Where Ports are opened between elections, the President shall designate the Union personnel thereof The President may designate, in the event of the incapacity of any Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, or any officer other than the President, a replacement to act as such during the period of incapacity, provided such replacement is qualified under Article XII of the Constitution to fill such job. At the regular meeting in May of every election year, the President shall submit to the membership a preballoting report. In his report he shall recommend the number and location of Ports and the number of Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents who are to be elected. He shall also recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, a regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, except that the President may, in his discretion, postpone the recommendations as to the depository until no later than the first regular meeting in October. The report shall be subject to approval or modification by a majority vote of the membership. (t) The President shall be chairman of the Executive Board and may cast one ( 1) vote in that body. (g) He shall be responsible, within the limits of his powers, for the enforcement of this Constitution, the policies of the Union, and all rules and rulings adopted by the Executive Board, and those duly adopted by a majority vote of the membership. Within these limits, he shall strive to enhance the strength, position, and prestige of the Union. (h) The foregoing duties shall be in addition to those other duties lawfully imposed upon him. (i) The responsibility of the President may not be delegated, but the President may delegate to a person or persons the execution of such of his duties as he may in his discretion decide, subject to the limitations set forth in this Constitution. (j) Any vacancy in any office or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent shall be filled by the President by temporary appointment of a member qualified for the office or job under Article XII of this Constitution except in those cases where the filling of such vacancy is otherwise provided for by this Constitution (k) The President is directed to take any and all measures and employ such means which he deems necessary or advisable to protect the interests and further the welfare of the Union and its members in all matters involving national, state or local legislation issues and public affairs. (1) The President shall have the authority to require any officer or Union representative to attend any regular or special meeting if, in his opinion, it is deemed necessary. Section 2. Executive VicePresident. The Executive Vice-President shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. The Executive VicePresident shall be a member of the Executive Board and may cast one ( 1) vote in that body. Section 3. Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement. The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. In addition, he shall be responsible for all contract negotiations, the formulation of bargaining demands, and the submission of proposed collective bargaining agreements to the membership for ratification. He shall also be responsible, except as otherwise provided in Article X, Section 15(d) ( 1), for strike authorization, signing of new contracts and contract enforcement. He shall also act for Headquarters in executing the administrative fi.mctions assigned to Headquarters by this Constitution with respect to trials and appeals except if he is a witness or party thereto, in which event the Secretary-Treasurer shall act in his place. In order that he may properly execute these responsibilities he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ such help as he deems necessary, be it legal, or otherwise, subject to approval of the Executive Board. The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement shall be a member of the Executive Board and may cast one ( l) vote in that body. Section 4. Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. He shall be responsible for the organization and maintenance of the correspondence, files, and records of the Union; setting up, and maintenance of, sound accounting and bookkeeping systems; the setting up, and maintenance of, proper office and other administrative Union procedures; the proper collection, safeguarding, and expenditure of all Union funds, Port or otherwise. He shall submit to the membership, for each annual period, a detailed report of the entire Union's financial operations and shall submit the Annual Financial Committee report for the same period. The Secretary-Treasurer's report shall be prepared by an independent certified public accountant. He shall also work with all duly elected finance committees. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for the timely filing of any and all reports on the operations of the Union, financial or otherwise, that may be required by any Federal or state laws. The SecretaryTreasurer with the approval of the President shall employ a person who by profession and/or employment shall qualify to perform the functions and duties of a Comptroller. Such person shall be responsible for the maintenance, safeguard and verification of the Union's financial affairs and records under the supervision and direction of the SecretaryTreasurer. The responsibility for such functions shall be that of the Secretary-Treasurer notwithstanding the delegation to such Comptroller. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ any help he deems necessary, be it legal, accounting, or otherwise, subject to approval of the Executive Board. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a Continued on page 21 October 2000 �Present Constitution - SIUNA - AGLIWD Continued from page 20 member of the Executive Board and may cast one (1) vote in that body. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a member ex-officio of the Credentials and Union Tallying Committees. In addition, he shall make himself and the records of his office available to the Annual Financial Committee. Section S. Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast. The Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the Ports and the personnel thereof on the Atlantic Coast including their organizing activities. The Atlantic Coast area is deemed to mean that area from and including Georgia through Maine and shall also include the Islands in the Caribbean. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities he is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive Board. Section 6. Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast. The Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast shall be a member of the Executive Board and sha11 be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the Ports and the personnel thereof on the Gulf Coast including their organizing activities. The Gulf Coast area is deemed to mean the State of Florida, all through the Gulf, including Texas. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities he is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive Board. Section 7. Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast. The Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the Ports and the personnel thereof on the West Coast including their organizing activities. The West Coast area is deemed to mean the States of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he deems necessary, subject to the approval of the Executive Board. Section 8. Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters. The Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the Ports and the personnel thereof in the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters including their organizing activities. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive Board. Section 9. Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. The Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one (1} vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of the Union in the representation of individuals Ot:lobel' 2IJIJIJ employed in fishing industries and civilian seamen employed by the federal government including but not limited to the negotiation of the collective bargaining agreements, processing grievances and the administration of collective bargaining agreements and shall direct the activities of the Union personnel assigned to him by the President and carry out such other functions as the President may assign to him from time to time. Section 10. Assistant VicePresidents. There shall be six (6) Assistant Vice-Presidents as follows: Assistant Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; Assistant Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast; Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast; Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; and Assistant VicePresident in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. Each Assistant Vice-President shall work with and under the direction of the appropriate Vice-President. He shall assist, as directed, in all activities of the appropriate Vice-President and shall be responsible to such VicePresident. Section 11. Headquarters Representatives. The Headquarters Representatives shall perform any and all duties assigned them or delegated to them by the President or the Executive Board. Section 12. Port Agents. (a) The Port Agent shall be in direct charge of the administration of Union affairs in the Port of his jurisdiction subject to the direction of the Area Vice-President. (b) He shall, within the jurisdiction of his Port, be responsible for the enforcement and execution of the Constitution, the policies of the Union, and the rules adopted by the Executive Board, and by a majority vote of the membership. Wherever there are time restrictions or other considerations affecting Port action, the Port Agent shall take appropriate action to insure observance thereof. (c) He shall be prepare to account, financially or otherwise for the activities of his Port, whenever demanded by the President, the VicePresident of the area in which his Port is located, or by the SecretaryTreasurer. ( d) In any event, he shall prepare and forward to the SecretaryTreasurer a weekly financial report showing, in detail, weekly income and expenses and complying with all other accounting directions issued by the Secretary-Treasurer. ( e) The Port Agent shall designate which members at the Port may serve as representatives to other organizations, affiliation with which has been properly authorized. Section 13. Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive VicePresident, the Vice- President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, the SecretaryTreasurer, the Vice- President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, the Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries, and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained that membership for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordinate body. The Executive Board shall meet no less than twice each year and at such times as the President and/or a majority of the Executive Board may direct. The President shall be chairman of all Executive Board meetings unless absent, in which case the Executive Board shall designate the chairman. Each member of the Executive Board shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. Its decision shall be determined by majority vote of those voting, providing a quorum of three (3) is present. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to develop policies, strategies and rules which will advance and protect the interests and welfare of the Union and the members. It shall be the duty of the SecretaryTreasurer or in his absence, an appointee of the Executive Board, to keep accurate minutes of all Executive Board meetings. The Executive Board shall determine per capita tax to be levied and other terms and conditions of affiliation for any group of workers desiring affiliation. The Executive Board may direct the administration of all Union affairs, properties, policies and personnel in any and all areas not otherwise specifically provided for in this Constitution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive Board may act without holding a formal meeting provided all members are sent notice of the proposed action or actions and the decision thereon is reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the Executive Board. In the event that death, resignation or removal from office for any reason should occur to the President, the Executive Board by majority vote shall name a successor from its own membership who shall fill that vacancy until the next general election. In the event the President is incapacitated for a period of more than thirty (30) days, and the Executive Board by majority vote thereafter determines that such incapacity prevent the President from carrying out his duties, the Executive Board by majority vote may appoint from among its own membership the officer to fill the office of President. This appointment shall terminate upon the President's recovery from such incapacity or upon the expiration of the President's term of office, whichever occurs first. The Executive Board by majority vote may grant requests for leaves of absence with or without pay to officers. In the event that a leave is granted to the President, the Executive Board by a majority vote shall designate from among its own membership who shall exercise the duties of the President during such period of leave. Notwithstanding the provision of Section lG) of this Article X, the Executive Board, by majority vote, may determine not to fill any vacancy in any office or job for any part of an unexpired term. Section 14. Delegates. (a) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of the Union and its subordinate bodies or divisions who are elected in accordance with the prov1s1ons of this Constitution to attend the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The following officers and jobholders, upon their election to office or job shall, during the term of their office or job be delegates to all Conventions of the Seafarers International Union of North America in the following order of priority: President, Executive Vice-President; Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Secretary-Treasurer; Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast; VicePresident in Charge of the West Coast; Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries; Assistant VicePresidents; Headquarters Representatives, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership; and Port Agents, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership. (b) Each delegate shall, by his vote and otherwise, support those polices agreed upon by the majority of the delegates to the Convention. (c) The President shall assign to each subordinate body or division that number of delegates to which this Union would have been entitled, if its membership had been increased by the number of members of the subordinate body or division, in accordance with the formula set forth in the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, except that this provision shall not be applied so as to reduce the number of delegates to which this Union would otherwise had been entitled. Section 15. Committees. (a) Trial Committee. The Trial Committee shall conduct the trials of a person charged and shall submit findings and recommendations as prescribed in this Constitution. It shall be the special obligation of the Trial Committee to observe all the requirements of this Constitution with regard to charges and trials and their findings and recommendations must specifically state whether or not, in the opinion of the Trial Committee, the rights of any accused, under this Constitution, were properly safeguarded. (b) Appeals Committee. 1. The Appeals Committee shall hear all appeals from trial judgments, in accordance with such procedures as are set forth in this Constitution and such rules as may be adopted by a majority vote of the membership not inconsistent therewith. 2. The Appeals Committee shall, within not later than one (1) week after the close of the said hearing, make and submit findings and recommendations in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and such rules as may be adopted by a majority vote of the membership not inconsistent therewith. (c) Annual Financial Committee. 1. The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations. Members of this Committee may make dissenting reports, separate recommendations and separate findings. 2. The findings and recommendations of this Committee shall be completed within a reasonable time and after the election of the members thereof, and shall be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer who shall cause the same to be read in all Ports, as set forth herein. 3 All officers, Union personnel and members are responsible for complying with all demands made for records, bills, vouchers, receipts, etc., by the said Annual Financial Committee. The Committee shall also have available to it the services of the independent certified public accountants retained by the Union. 4. Any action on the said report shall be as determined by a majority vote of the membership. 5. The Annual Financial Committee shall consist of seven (7) full book members in good standing to be elected at Headquarters. No Officer, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent shall be eligible for election to this Committee. Committee members shall be elected at the regular Headquarters' meeting designated by the Secretary-Treasurer. In the event such regular meeting cannot be held for lack of a quorum, Headquarters' Port Agent shall call a special meeting as early as possible for the election of Committee members to serve on the Annual Financial Committee. On the day following these elections and continuing until the Committee has completed its report, each Committee member shall be paid for hours worked at the existing AB Seaman standby rate of pay, but in no event shall they be paid less than eight (8) hours per day. They shall be furnished room and board during the period they are performing their duties. In the event a Committee member ceases to act, no replacement need to be elected unless there are less than three (3) Committee members, in which event they shall suspend their work until a special election for Committee members shall be held as provided above for such number of Committee members as shall be necessary to constitute a Committee of not less than three (3) members in good standing. (d) Strike Committee. 1 In no event shall a general strike take place unless approved by a majority vote of the membership or segment of the Union, whichever applies. 2 In the event a general strike has been approved by the membership the Port Agents in all affected Ports shall call a timely special meeting for the purpose of electing a Strike Committee. This Committee shall be composed of three (3) full book members and their duties shall consist of assisting the Port Agent to effectuate all strike policies and strategies. Article XI wages and Term of Office of Officers and Other Elective Jobholders, Union Employees, and Others Section 1. The following elected officers and jobs shall be held for a term of four ( 4) years; except the term of officers and jobs elected in balloting conducted in 197 5 shall be for five (5) years: President Executive Vice-President Secretary-Treasurer Vice-Presidents Assistant Vice-Presidents Headquarters Representatives Port Agents The term of years set forth here is expressly subject to the provisions for assumption of office as contained in Article XIII, Section 6(b) of this Constitution. Section 2. The term of any elective jobs other than those indicated in Section 1 of this Article shall continue for so long as is necessary to complete the functions thereof, unless sooner terminated by a majority vote of the membership or segment of the Union, whichever applies, whose vote was originally necessary to elect the one or ones serving. Section 3. The compensation to be paid the holder of any office or other elective job shall be determined from time to time by the Executive Board subject to approval of the membership. Section 4. The foregoing provisions of this Article do not apply to any corporation, business, or other venture in which this Union participates, or which it organizes or creates. In such situations, instructions conveyed by the Executive Board shall be followed. Article XII Qualifications for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, and Other Elective Jobs Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a candidate Continued on page 22 Seafarers LOB 21 �Present Constitution - SIUNA - AGLIWD Continued from page 21 for, and hold, any office or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent provided: (a) He has at least three (3) years of seatime in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. In computing time, time spent in the employ of the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction, shall count the same as seatime. Union records, Welfare Plan records and/or company records can be used to determine eligibility; and (b) He has been a full book member in continuous good standing in the Union for at least three (3) years immediately prior to his nomination; and (c) He has at least one hundred (100) days of seatime, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag vessel or vessels covered by contract with this Union or one hundred (100) days of employment with, or in any office or job of, the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction or a combination of these, between January 1 and the time of nomination in the election year, except if such seatime is wholly aboard such merchant vessels operating solely upon the Great Lakes or, if such seatime is wholly aboard tugboats, towboats or dredges and contractual employment thereon is for fixed days with equal amount of days off, he shall have at least sixty five (65) days of such seatime instead of the foregoing one hundred ( 100) days; and (d) He is a citizen of the United States of America; and (e) He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union's Pension Fund, if any, or from a Union-Management Fund to which Fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union. (f) He has not sailed in a licensed capacity aboard an American flag merchant vessel or vessels within twenty four (24) consecutive months immediately prior to the opening of nominations. Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall be full book members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for, and holders of elective offices and jobs, whether elected or appointed in accordance with this Constitution, shall maintain full book memberships in good standing. Article XIII Elections for Offlcel'S, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is 22 Seafarers LOG that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: "I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes." Dated ............................................... . Signature of Member. ...................... . Book No .......................................... . Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter's request. Section 2. Credentials Committee (a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at the regular meeting in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located. It shall consist of six (6) full book members in attendance at the meeting with two (2) members to be elected from each of the Deck, Engine and Steward Departments. No officer, Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent, or candidate for office of the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent, shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In the event any Committee member is unable to serve, the Committee shall suspend until the President or Executive Vice-President or the Secretary-Treasurer, in that order, calls a special meeting at the Port where Headquarters is located in order to elect a replacement. The Committee's results shall be by majority vote with any tie vote being resolved by a majority of the membership at a special meeting called for that purpose at that Port. (b) After its election, the Committee shall immediately go into session. It shall determine whether the person has submitted his application correctly and possesses the nee- essary qualifications. The Committee shall prepare a report listing each applicant and his book number under the office or job he is seeking. Each applicant shall be marked "qualified" or "disqualified" according to the findings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been marked "disqualified," the reason therefore must be stated in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a special meeting of the membership, that fact shall also be noted with sufficient detail. The report shall be signed by all of the Committee members and be completed and submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meeting after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read and incorporated in the minutes and then posted on the bulletin board in each Port. On the last day of nominations, one (1) member of the Committee shall stand by in Headquarters to accept delivery of credentials. All credentials must be in Headquarters by midnight of closing day. (c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram at the address listed by him pursuant to Section I of this Article. He shall also be sent a letter containing their reasons for such disqualification by airmail, special delivery, registered or certified, to the mailing address designated pursuant to Section 1(b) of this Article. A disqualified applicant shall have the right to take an appeal to the membership from the decision of the Committee. He shall forward copies of such appeal to each Port where the appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular meeting no later than the second meeting after the Committee's election. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two (2) days after the day on which the telegram is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification. The Committee's report shall be prepared early enough to allow the applicant to appear before it within the time set forth in this Constitution and still reach the Ports in time for the first regular meeting after its election. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the case of such appeals, be sufficient to overrule any disqualification by the Credentials Committee in which event the one so previously classified shall then be deemed qualified. (e) The Credentials Committee, in passing upon the qualifications of candidates, shall have the right to conclusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified in previous elections for candidacy for any office, or the job of Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent has met all the requirements of Section l(a) of Article XII. Section 3. Balloting Procedures. (a) Balloting in the manner hereafter provided shall commence on November 1st of the election year and shall continue through December 31st, exclusive of Sundays and (for each individual Port) holidays legally recognized in the City of which the Port affected is located. If November 1st and December 31st falls on a holiday legally recognized in a Port in the City in which that Port is located, the balloting period in such Port shall commence or terminate, as the case may be, on the next succeeding business day. Subject to the foregoing, for the purpose of full book members securing their ballots, the Ports shall be open from 9:00 AM. to 12 Noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. (b) Balloting shall be by mail. The Secretary-Treasurer shall insure the proper and timely preparation of ballots without partiality as to candidates or Ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive comments not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified candidates shall be listed thereon alphabetically within each category with book number and job seniority classification status. The listing of the Ports shall first set forth Headquarters and then shall follow a geographical pattern commencing with the most northerly Port of the Atlantic Coast, following the Atlantic Coast down to the most southerly Port on that coast, then westerly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of Ports is exhausted. Any Port outside the Continental United States shall then be added. There shall be no write-in voting and no provisions for the same shall appear on the ballot. Each ballot shall be so prepared as to have the number thereon place at the top thereof and shall be so perforated as to enable that portion containing the said number to be easily removed to insure secrecy of the ballot. On this removable portion shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature of the ballot and the voting date thereof. (c) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the Secretary-Treasurer shall be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered as indicated in the preceding paragraphs and shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A sufficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, sent thereto, shall be maintained by the Secretary-Treasurer who shall also send each Port Agent a verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers of the ballots sent. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send to each Port Agent a sufficient amount of blank opaque envelopes containing the word, "Ballot" on the face of the envelope, as well as a sufficient amount of opaque mailing envelopes, first. class postage prepaid and printed on the face thereon as the addressee shall be the name and address of the depository for the receipt of such ballots as designated by the President in the manner provided by Article X, Section I, of this Constitution. In the upper left-hand comer of such mailing envelope, there shall be printed thereon, as a top line, provision for the voter's signature and on another line immediately thereunder, provision for the printing of the voter's name and book number. In addition, the Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of mailing envelopes identical with the mailing envelopes mentioned above, except that they shall be of different color, and shall contain on the face of such envelope, in bold letters, the word, "Challenge." The SecretaryTreasurer shall further furnish a sufficient amount of "Roster Sheets" which shall have printed thereon, at the top thereof, the year of the election, and immediately thereunder, five (5) vertical columns designated date, ballot number, signature full book member's name, book number and comments, and such roster sheets shall contain horizontal lines immediately under the captions of each of the above five (5) columns. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of envelopes with the printed name and address of the depository on the face thereof, and in the upper left-hand corner, the name of the Port and address, and on the face of such envelope, should be printed the words, "Roster Sheets and Ballot Stubs". Each Port Agent shall maintain separate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and count the ballots when received to insure that the amount sent, as well as the number thereon, conform to the amount and numbers listed by the Secretary-Treasurer as having been sent to that Port. The Port Agent shall immediately execute and return to the Secretary-Treasurer a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the amount and the numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrepancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the voting period. In any event, receipts shall be forwarded for all the aforementioned election material actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall at all times be available to any member asking for inspection of the same at the office of the SecretaryTreasurer and shall be turned over to the Union Tallying Committee. (d) Balloting shall be secret. Only full book members in good standing may vote. Each full book member may secure his ballot at Port offices from the Port Agent or his duly designated representative at such Port. Each Port Agent shall designate an area at the Port office over which should be posted the legend "Voting Ballots Secured Here." When a full book member appears to vote he shall present his book to the Port Agent or his aforementioned duly designated representative. The Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall insert on the roster sheet under the appropriate column the date, the number of the ballot given to such member and his full book number, and the member shall then sign his name on such roster sheet under the appropriate column. Such member shall have his book stamped with the word, "Voted" and the date, and shall be given a ballot, and simultaneously the perforation on the top of the ballot shall be removed. At the same time the member shall be given the envelope marked "Ballot" together with the prepaid postage-mailing envelope addressed to the depository. The member shall take such ballot and envelopes and in secret thereafter, mark his ballot, fold the same, insert it in the blank envelope marked "Ballot", seal the same, then insert such "Ballot" envelope into the mailing envelope, seal such mailing envelope, sign his name on the upper lefthand corner on the first line of such mailing envelope and on the second line in the upper left-hand corner print his name and book number, after which he shall mail or cause the same to be mailed. In the event a full book member appears to vote and is not in good standing or does not have his membership book with him or it appears for other valid reasons he is not eligible to vote, the same procedure as provided above shall apply to him, except that on the roster sheet under the column "Comments", notation should be made that the member voted a challenged ballot and the reason for his challenge. Such member's membership book shall be stamped "Voted Challenge", and the date, and such member instead of the abovementioned mailing envelope, shall be given the mailing envelope of a different color marked on the face thereof with the word, "Challenge". At the end of each day, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall enclose in the envelope addressed to the depository and marked "Roster Sheets and Ballots Stubs", the roster sheet or sheets executed by the members that day together with the numbered perforated slips removed from the ballots which had been given to the members, and then mail the same to such depository. To insure that an adequate supply of all balloting material is maintained in all Ports at all times, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative, simultaneously with mailing of the roster sheets and ballot stubs to the depository at the end of each day, shall also make a Continued on page 23 October 2000 �Present Constitution - SIUNA - AGLIWD Continued from page 22 copy of the roster sheet for that day and mail the same to the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters. The Port Agent shall be responsible for the proper safeguarding of all election material and shall not release any of it until duly called for and shall insure that no one tampers with the material placed in his custody. (e) Full book members may request and vote an absentee ballot under the following circumstances: while such member is employed on a Union contracted vessel and which vessel's schedule does not provide for it to be at a Port in which a ballot can be secured during the time and period provided for in Section 3(a) of this Article or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first ten (10) days of the month of November of the election year. The member shall make a request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing device at the location from which such request is made, if such be the case. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee ballot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 P.M. on the 15th day of November of the election year, shall be directed to the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters and must be delivered no later than the 25th of such November. The SecretaryTreasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The SecretaryTreasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address so designated by such member, a "Ballot", after removing the perforated numbered stub, together with the hereinbefore mentioned "Ballot" envelope, and mailing envelope addressed to the depository, except that printed on the face of such mailing envelope shall be the words "Absentee Ballot" and appropriate voting instructions shall accompany such mailing to the member. If the Secretary-Treasurer determines that such member is ineligible to receive such absentee ballot, he shall nevertheless send such member the aforementioned ballot with accompanying material except that the mailing envelope addressed to the depository shall have printed on the face thereof the words "Challenged Absentee Ballot." The SecretaryTreasurer shall keep records of all of the foregoing, including the reasons for determining such member's ineligibility, which records shall be open for inspection by full book members and upon the convening of the Union Tallying Committee, presented to them. The Secretary-Treasurer shall send to all Ports the names and book numbers of the members to whom absentee ballots were sent. (f) All ballots to be counted must be received by the depository no later than the January 5th immediately subsequent to the election year and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight December 31st of the election year. Section 4. (a) At the close of the last day of the period for securing ballots, the Port Agent in each Port, in addition to his duties set forth above, shall deliver or mail to Headquarters by registered or certified mail, attention Union Tallying Committee, all unused ballots and shall specifically set forth by serial number and amount the unused ballots so forwarded. (b) The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of twenty (20) full book members. Two (2) shall be elected from each of the ten (10) Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Detroit-Algonac, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point. The election shall be held at the reg- October 2000 ular meeting in December of the election year or, if the Executive Board otherwise determines prior thereto, at a special meeting held in the aforesaid Ports, on the first business day of the last week of said month. No offiVice-President, cer, Assistant Headquarters Representative, Port Agent, or candidate for office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In addition to the duties herein set forth, the Union Tallying Committee shall be charged with the tallying of all the ballots and the preparation of a closing report setting forth, in complete detail, the results of the election, including a complete accounting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the same with the rosters and receipts of the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial numbers and amount and with each total broken down into Port totals. The Union Tallying Committee shall have access to all election records and files for their inspection, examination and verification. The report shall clearly detail all discrepancies discovered and shall contain recommendations for the treatment of these discrepancies. All members of the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, however, to the right of any member thereof to submit a dissenting report as to the accuracy of the count and the validity of the ballots, with pertinent details. In connection with the tally of ballots there shall be no counting of ballots until all mailing envelopes containing valid ballots have first been opened, the ballot envelopes removed intact and then all of such ballot envelopes mixed together, after which such ballot envelopes shall be opened and counted in such multiples as the Committee may deem expedient and manageable. The Committee shall resolve all issues on challenged ballots and then tally those found valid utilizing the same procedure as provided in the preceding sentence either jointly or separately. (c) The members of the Union Tallying Committee shall, after their election, proceed to the Port in which Headquarters is located, to arrive at that Port no later than January 5th of the year immediately after the election year. Each member of the Committee not elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be reimbursed for transportation, meals, and lodging expenses occasioned by their traveling to and returning from that Port. Committee members elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be similarly reimbursed, except for transportation. All members of the Committee shall also be paid at the prevailing standby rate of pay from the day subsequent to their election to the day they return, in normal course, to the Port from which they were elected. The Union TaJlying Committee shall elect a chairman from among themselves and, subject to the express terms of this Constitution, adopt its own procedures. All decisions of such Committee and the contents of their report shall be valid if made by a majority vote, provided there be a quorum in attendance, which quorum is hereby fixed at ten (10). The Committee, but not less than a quorum thereof, shall have the sole right and duty to obtain all mailed ballots and the other mailed election material from the depository and to insure their safe custody during the course of the Committee's proceedings. The proceedings of the Committee, except for their organizational meeting and their actual preparation of the closing report and dissent therefrom, if any, shall be open to any member provided he observes decorum. Any candidate may act as an observer and/or designate another member to act as his observer at the counting of the ballots. In no event shall issuance of the above referred to closing report of the Committee be delayed beyond January 31st immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. In the discharge of its duties, the Committee may call upon and utilize the services of clerical employees of the Union. The Committee shall be discharged upon the completion of the issuance and dispatch of its report as required in this Article. In the event a recheck and recount is ordered pursuant to this Article, the Committee shall be reconstituted, except that if any member thereof is not available, a substitute therefore shall be elected from the appropriate Port at a special meeting held for that purpose as soon as possible ( d) The report of the committee shall be made up in sufficient copies to comply with the following requirements: two (2) copies shall be mailed by the Committee to each Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer no later than January 31st immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. As soon a these copies are received, each Port Agent shall post one (1) copy of the report on the bulletin board in a conspicuous manner and notify the Secretary-Treasurer, in writing, as to the date of such posting. This copy shall be kept posted until after the Election Report Meeting which shall be the March regular membership meeting immediately following the close of the election year. At the Election Report Meeting, the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. (e) Any full book member claiming a violation of the election and balloting procedure or the conduct of the same, shall within seventy two (72) hours of the occurrence of the claimed violation notify the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, in writing by certified mail, of the same, setting forth his name, book number and the details so that appropriate corrective action, if warranted, may be taken. The SecretaryTreasurer shall expeditiously investigate the facts concerning the claimed violation, take such action as may be necessary, if any, and make a report and recommendation, if necessary, a copy of which shall be sent to the member and the original shall be filed for the Union Tallying Committee for their appropriate action, report and recommendation, if any. The foregoing shall not be applicable to matters involving the Credentials Committee's action or report, the provisions of Article XIII, Sections 1 and 2 being the pertinent provisions applicable to such matters. All protests as to any and all aspects of the election and balloting procedures or the conduct of the same not passed upon by the Union Tallying Committee in its report, excluding therefrom matters involving the Credentials Committee's action or report as provided in the last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph, but including the procedure and report of the Union Tallying Committee, shall be filed in writing by certified mail with the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters to be received no later than the February 25th immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. It shall be the responsibility of the member to insure that his written protest is received by the SecretaryTreasurer no later than such February 25th. The Secretary-Treasurer shall forward copies of such written protest to all Ports in sufficient time to be read at the Election Report Meeting. The written protest shall contain the full book member's name, book number, and all details constituting the protest. (f) At the Election Report Meeting the report and recommendation of the Union Tallying Committee, including but not limited to discrepancies, protests passed upon by them, as well as protests filed with the Secretary-Treasurer as provided for in Section (e) immediately above shall be acted upon by the meeting. A majority vote of the membership shall decide what action, if any, in accordance with the Constitution shall be taken thereon, which action, however, shall not include the ordering of a special vote, unless reported discrepancies or protested procedure or conduct found to have occurred and to be violative of the Constitution affected the results of the vote for any office or job, in which event the special vote shall be restricted to such office, offices and/or job or jobs, as the case may be. A majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings may order a recheck and recount when a dissent to the closing report has been issued by three (3) or more members of the Union Tallying Committee. Except for the contingencies provided for in this Section 4(f), the closing report shall be accepted as final. There shall be no further protest or appeal from the action of the majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings. (g) Any special vote ordered pursuant to Section 4(f) shall be commenced within ninety (90) days after the first day of the month immediately subsequent to the Election Report Meetings mentioned above. The depository shall be the same as designated for the election from which the special vote is ordered. And the procedures shall be the same as provided for in Section 3, except where specific dates are provided for, the days shall be the dates applicable which provide for the identical time and days originally provided for in Section 3. The Election Report Meeting for the aforesaid special vote shall be that meeting immediately subsequent to the report of the Union Tallying Committee separated by one (1) calendar month. Section S. Elected Officers and Jobholders. A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee without change. Section 6. Installation into Office and the Job of Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent. (a) The person elected shall be that person having the largest number of votes cast for the particular office or job involved. Where more than one ( 1) person is to be elected for a particular office or job, the proper number of candidates receiving the successively highest number of votes shall be declared elected. These determinations shall be made only from the results deemed final and accepted as provided in this Article. It shall be the duty of the President to notify each individual elected. (b) The duly elected officers and other job holders shall take over their respective offices and jobs and assume the duties thereof at midnight of the night of the Election Report Meeting, or the next regular meeting, depending upon which meeting the results as to each of the foregoing are deemed final and accepted, as provided in this Article. The term of their predecessors shall continue up to, and expire at that time, not withstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article XI, Section 1. This shall not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority vote of the membership may grant additional time for the assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure of the newly-elected President to assume office the provisions of Article X, Section 12 shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as decided by a majority vote of the membership. Section 7. The Secretary-Treasurer is specifically charged with the preservation and retention of all election records, including the ballots, as required by law, and is directed and authorized to issue such other and further directives as to the election procedures as are required by law, which directives shall be part of the election procedures of this Union. Article XIV Other Elections Section 1. Trial Committee A Trial Committee shall be elected at a special meeting, held at 10:00 A.M. the next business day following the regular meeting of the Port where the trial is to take place. It shall consist of five (5) full book members, three (3) of which shall constitute a quorum. No officer, Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or other Union personnel may be elected to serve on a Trial Committee. No member who intends to be a witness in the pending trial may serve, nor may any member who cannot for any reason, render an honest decision. It shall be the duty of every member to decline nomination if he knows, or has reason to believe, any of the foregoing disqualifications apply to him. The members of this Committee shall be elected under such generally applicable rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the membership. Section 2. Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee shall consist of seven (7) full book members, five (5) of whom shall constitute a quorum, elected at the Port where Headquarters is located. The same disqualifications and duties of members shall apply with regard to this Committee as apply to the Trial Committee. In addition, no member may serve on an Appeals Committee in the hearing of an appeal from a Trial Committee decision if the said member was a member of the Trial Committee. Article XV Trials and Appeals Section 1. Any member may bring charges against any other member for the commission of an offense as set forth in this Constitution. These charges shall be in writing and signed by the accuser who shall also include his book number. The accuser shall deliver these charges to the Port Agent of the Port nearest the place of the offense, or the Port of pay-off, if the offense took place aboard ship. He shall also request the Port Agent to present these charges at the next regular meeting. The accuser may withdraw his charges before the meeting takes place. Section 2. After presentation of the charges and the request to the Port Agent, the Port Agent shall cause those charges to be read at the said meeting. If the charges are rejected by a majority vote of the Port, no further action may be taken thereon, unless ruled otherwise by a majority vote of the membership of the Union within ninety (90) days thereafter. If the charges are accepted, and the accused is present, he shall be automatically on notice that he will be tried the following morning. At his request, the trial shall be postponed until the morning following the next regular meeting at which time the Trial Committee will then be elected. He shall also be handed a written copy of Continued on page 24 Seafarers LOG 23 - �Present Constitution - SIUllA -AGLIWD Continued from page 23 the charges made against him. If the accused is not present, the Port Agent shall immediately cause to be sent to him, by registered mail addressed to his last known mailing address on file with the Union, a copy of the charges, the names and book numbers of the accusers, and a notification that he must appear with his witnesses ready for trial the morning after the next regular meeting, at which meeting the Trial Committee will be elected. In the event a majority of the membership of the Union shall vote to accept charges after their rejection by a Port, the trial shall take place in the Port where Headquarters is located. Due notice thereof shall be given to the accused who shall be informed of the name of his accusers and who shall receive a written statement of the charges. At the request of the accused, transportation and subsistence shall be provided the accused and his witnesses. Section 3. The Trial Committee shall hear all pertinent evidence and shall not be bound by the rules of evidence required by courts of law but may receive all relevant testimony. The Trial Committee may grant adjournments, at the request of the accused, to enable him to make a proper defense. In the event the Trial Committee falls beneath the quorum, it shall adjourn until a quorum does exist. Section 4. No trial shall be conducted unless all the accusers are present. The Trial Committee shall conduct the trial except that the accused shall have the right to cross-examine the accuser, or accusers and the witnesses, as well as to conduct his own defense. The accused may select any member to assist him in his defense at the trial, provided (a) the said member is available at the time of the trial, and (b) the said member agrees to render such assistance. If the accused challenges the qualifications of the members of the Trial Committee, or states that the charges do not adequately inform him of what wrong he allegedly committed, or the time and place of such commission, such matters shall be ruled upon and disposed of prior to proceeding on the merits of their defense. The guilt of an accused shall be found only if proven by the weight of the evidence, and the burden of such proof shall be upon the accuser. Every finding shall be based on the quality of the evidence and not solely on the number of witnesses produced. Section S. The Trial Committee shall make findings as to guilt or innocence, and recommendations as to punishment and/or other Union action deemed desirable in the light of the proceedings. hese findings and recommendations shall be those of a majority of the Committee, and shall be in writing, as shall be any dissent. The Committee shall forward its findings and recommendations, along with any dissent to the Port Agent of the Port where the trial took place, while a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the accused and the accuser, either in person or by mail addressed to their last known addresses. The findings shall include a statement that the rights of the accused under this Constitution were properly safeguarded. The findings also must contain the charges made, the date of the trial, the name and address of the accused, the accuser, and each witness; shall describe each document used at the trial; shall contain a fair summary of the proceedings; and shall state the findings as to guilt or innocence. If possible, all documents used at the trial shall be kept. All findings and recommendations shall be made a part of the regular files. Section 6. The Port Agent of the Port of Trial shall, upon receipt of the findings and recommendations of the 24 Seafarers LOG Trial Committee, cause the findings and recommendations to be presented and entered into the minutes at the next regular meeting. Section 7. The Port Agent shall send the record of the entire proceedings to Headquarters, which shall cause sufficient copies thereof to be made and sent to each port in time for the next regularly scheduled meeting. Section 8. At the latter meeting, the proceedings shall be discussed. The meeting shall then vote. A majority vote of the membership of the Union shall: (a) Accept the findings and recommendations, or (b) Reject the findings and recommendations, or (c) Accept the findings but modify the recommendations, or (d) Order a new trial after finding that substantial justice has not been done with regard to the charges. In this event, a new trial shall take place at the Port where Headquarters is located and upon application, the accused, the accusers, and their witnesses shall be furnished transportation and subsistence. Section 9. After the vote set forth in Section 8, any punishment so decided upon shall become effective. Headquarters shall cause notice of the results thereof to be sent to each accused and accuser. Section 10. An accused who has been found guilty or who is under effective punishment may appeal in the following manner: He may send or deliver a notice of appeal to Headquarters within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice of the decision of the membership. Section 11. At the next regular meeting of the Port where Headquarters is located, after receipt of the notice of appeal, the notice shall be presented and shall then become part of the minutes. An Appeals Committee shall then be elected. The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement is charged with the duty of presenting the before-mentioned proceedings and all available documents used as evidence at the trial to the Appeals Committee, as well as any written statement or argument submitted by the accused. The accused may argue his appeal in person, if he so desires. The appeal shall be heard at Union Headquarters on the night the committee is elected. It shall be the responsibility of the accused to insure that his written statement or argument arrives at Headquarters in time for such presentation. Section 12. The Appeals Committee shall decide the appeal as soon as possible, consistent with fair consideration of the evidence and arguments before it. It may grant adjournments and may request the accused or accusers to present arguments whenever necessary for such fair consideration. Section 13. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be by majority vote and shall be in the form of findings and recommendations. Dissents will be allowed. Decisions and dissents shall be in writing and signed by those participating in such decision or dissent. In making its findings and recommendations, the Committee shall be governed by the following: (a) No finding of guilt shall be reversed if there is substantial evidence to support such a finding and, in such case, the Appeals Committee shall not make its own findings as to the weight of evidence. (b) In no event shall increased punishment be recommended. (c) A new trial shall be recommended if the Appeals Committee finds: (a) that any member of the Trial Committee should have been disqualified, or (b) that the accused was not adequately informed of the details of the charged offense, which resulted in his not having been given a fair trial, or (c) that for any other reason, the accused was not given a fair trial. (d) If there is not substantial evidence to support a finding of guilt, the Appeals Committee shall recommend that the charge on which the finding was based be dismissed. (e) The Appeals Committee may recommend lesser punishment. Section 14. The Appeals Committee shall deliver its decision and dissent, if any, to Headquarters, which shall cause sufficient copies to be published and shall have them sent to each Port in time to reach there before the next regular scheduled meeting. Headquarters shall also send a copy to each accused and accuser at their last known address, or notify them in person. Section 15. At the meeting indicated in Section 14 of this Article, the membership, by a majority vote, shall accept, the decision of the Appeals Committee, or the dissent therein. If there is no dissent, the decision of the Appeals Committee shall stand. If a new trial is ordered, that trial shall be held in the Port where Headquarters is located in the manner provided for in Section 2 of this Article. Any decision so providing for a new trial shall contain such directions as will insure a fair hearing to the accused. Section 16. Headquarters shall notify the accused and each accuser, either in person or in writing addressed to their last known address, of the results of the appeal. A further appeal shall be allowed as set forth in Section 17 of this Article. Section 17. Each member is charged with knowledge of the provisions of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, and the rights of, and procedure as to, further appeal as provided for therein. Decisions reached thereunder shall be binding on all members of the Union. Section 18. It shall be the duty of all members of the Union to take all steps within their constitutional power to carry out the terms of any effective decisions. Section 19. Every accused shall receive a written copy of the charges preferred against him and shall be given a reasonable time to prepare his defense, but he may thereafter plead guilty and waive any or all of the other rights and privileges granted to him by this Article. If an accused has been properly notified of his trial and fails to attend without properly requesting a postponement, the Trial Committee may hold its trial without his presence. Article XVI Offenses and Penanies Section 1. Upon proof of the commission of the following offenses, the member shall be expelled from membership: (a) Proof of membership in any organization advocating the overthrow of the Government of the United States by force; (b) Acting as an informer against the interest of the Union or the membership in any organizational campaign; (c) Acting as an informer for, or agent of, the company against the interest of the membership or the Union; (d) The commission of any act as part of a conspiracy to destroy the Union. Section 2. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following offenses, the member shall be penalized up to and including a penalty of expulsion from the Union. In the event the penalty of expulsion is not invoked or recommended, the penalty shall not exceed suspension from the rights and privileges of membership for more than two (2) years, or a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) or both: (a) Willfully misappropriating or misusing Union property of the value in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00). (b) Unauthorized use of Union property, records, stamps, seals, etc., for the purpose of personal gain; (c) Willful misuse of any office or job, elective or not, within the Union for the purpose of personal gain, financial or otherwise, or the willful refusal or failure to execute the duties or functions of the said office or job, or gross neglect or abuse in executing such duties or functions or other serious misconduct or breach of trust. The President may, during the pendency of disciplinary proceedings under this subsection, suspend the officer or jobholder from exercising the functions of the office or job, with or without pay, and designate his temporary replacement; (d) Unauthorized voting, or unauthorized handling of ballots, stubs, rosters, verification lists, ballot boxes, or election files, or election material of any sort; (e) Preferring charges with knowledge that such charges are false; (t) Making or transmitting, with intent to deceive, false reports or communications which fall within the scope of Union business; (g) Deliberate failure or refusal to join one's ship or misconduct or neglect of duty aboard ship, to the detriment of the Union or its agreements; (h) Deliberate and unauthorized interference, or deliberate and malicious vilification, with regard to the execution of the duties of any office or job; (i) Paying for, or receiving money for, employment aboard a vessel, exclusive of proper earnings and Union payments; (j) Willful refusal to submit evidence of affiliation for the purpose of avoiding or delaying money payments to the Union, or unauthorized transferring or receiving evidence of Union affiliation, with intent to deceive; (k) Willful failure or refusal to carry out the order of those duly authorized to make such orders during time of strike; · (I) Failure or refusal to pay a fine or assessment within the time limit set therefore either by the Constitution or by action taken in accordance with the Constitution. Section 3. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following offenses, members shall be penalized up to and including a suspension from the rights and privileges of membership for two (2) years, or a of fifty dollars fine ($50.00) or both: (a) Willfully misappropriating or misusing Union property of the value under fifty dollars ($50.00); (b) Assuming any office or job, whether elective or not with knowledge of the lack of possession of the qualifications required therefore; (c) Misconduct during any meeting or other official Union proceeding, or bringing the Union into disrepute by conduct not provided for elsewhere in this Article; (d) Refusal or negligent failure to carry out orders of those duly authorized to make such orders at any time. Section 4. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following offenses, members shall be penalized up to and including suspension from the rights and privileges of membership for one ( 1) year or a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) or both: (a) Crossing a picket line sanctioned by the Union; (b) Failure to perform picket duty in strikes. Section S. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following offenses, members shall be penalized up to and including a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00): (a) Refusal or willful failure to be present at sign-ons or payoffs; (b) Willful failure to submit his Union book to Union representatives at pay-off; (c) Disorderly conduct at pay-off or sign-on; (d) Refusal to cooperate with Union representatives in discharging their duties; (e) Disorderly conduct in the Union ball; (t) Gambling in the Union ball; (g) Negligent failure to join ship. Section 6. Any member who has committed an offense penalized by no more than a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) may elect to waive his rights under this Constitution subject to the provision of Article XV, Section 19 and to pay the maximum fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) to the duly authorized representative of the Union. Section 7. This Union, and its members, shall not be deemed to waive any claim of personal or property rights to which it or its members are entitled by bringing the member to trial or enforcing a penalty as provided in this Constitution. Section 8. Any member under suspension for an offense under this Article shall continue to pay all dues and assessments and must observe his duties to the Union, members, officials, and jobholders. Article XVI Publications This Union may publish such pamphlets, journals, newspapers, magazines, periodicals and general literature, in such manner as may be determined, from time to time, by the Executive Board. Article DI Bonds Officers and jobholders, whether elected or appointed as well as all other employees handling monies of the Union shall be bonded as required by law. Article XIX Expenditures Section 1. In the event no contrary policies or instructions are in existence, the President may authorize, make, or incur such expenditures and expenses as are normally encompassed within the authority conferred upon him by Article X of this Constitution. Section 2. The prov1s1ons of Section 1 shall similarly apply to the routine accounting and administrative procedures of the Union except those primarily concerned with trials, appeals, negotiations, strikes, and elections. Section 3. The provisions of this Article shall supersede to the extent applicable, the provisions of Article X of this Constitution. Article XX Income Section 1. The income of this Union shall include dues, initiation fees, fines, assessments, contributions, loans, interest, dividends as well as income derived from any other legitimate business operation or other legitimate source. Section 2. An official Union receipt, properly filled out, shall be given to anyone paying money to the Union or to any person authorized by the Union to receive money. It shall be the duty of every person affiliated with the Union who makes such payments to demand such receipt. Section 3. No assessments shall be levied except after a ballot conducted under such general rules as may be decided upon by a majority vote of the membership, provided that: (a) The ballot must be secret. (b) The assessment must be approved by a majority of the valid ballots cast. Section 4. Except as otherwise Continued on page 25 �Present Constitution - SIUNA -AGLIWD Continued from page 24 provided by law, all payments by members or other affiliates of this Union shall be applied successively to the monetary obligations owed the Union commencing with the oldest in point of time, as measured from the date of accrual of such obligation. The period of arrears shall be calculated accordingly. Section 5. To the extent deemed appropriate by the majority of the Executive Board, funds and assets of the Union may be kept in an account or accounts without separation as to purpose and expended for all Union purposes and objects. Article XII Other Types of Union Affiliation To the extent permitted by law, this Union, by majority vote of the membership, may provide for affiliation with it by individuals in a lesser capacity than membership, or in a capacity other than membership. By majority vote of the membership the Union may provide for the rights and obligations incident to such capacities or affiliations. These rights and obligations may include, but are not limited to (a) the applicability or nonapplicability of all or any part of the Constitution; (b) the terms of such affiliation; (c) the right of the Union to peremptory termination of such affiliation and, (d) the fees required for such affiliation. In no event may anyone not a member receive evidence of affiliation equivalent to that of members, receive priority or rights over members, or be termed a member. Article XIII Quorums Section 1. Unless elsewhere herein otherwise specifically provided, the quorum for a special meeting of a Port shall be six (6) full book members. Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port shall be fifty (50) members. Section 3. Unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, the decisions, reports, recommendations, or other functions of any segment of the Union requiring a quorum to act officially, shall be a majority of those voting, and shall not be official or effective unless the quorum requirements are met. Section 4. Unless otherwise indicated herein, where the requirements for a quorum are not specifically set forth, a quorum shall be deemed to be a majority of those composing the applicable segment of the Union. Article XXlll Meetings Section 1. Regular membership meetings shall be held monthly only in the following constitutional Ports at the following times: During the week following the first Sunday of every month a meeting shall be held on Monday- at Piney Point; on Tuesday-at New York; on Wednesday-at Philadelphia; on Thursday-at Baltimore; and on Friday-at Detroit-Algonac. During the next week, meetings shall be held on Monday-at Houston; on Tuesday-at New Orleans; on Wednesday-at Mobile; on Thursday-at San Francisco; and on Friday-at St. Louis. All regular membership meetings shall commence at 10:30 A.M. local time. Where a meeting day falls on a Holiday officially designated as such by the authorities of the state or municipality in which a Port is located, the Port meeting shall take place on the following business day. Saturday and Sunday shall not be deemed business days. The Area Vice-Presidents shall be the chairmen of all regular meetings Ot:tober 2000 in Ports in their respective areas. In the event the Area Vice-Presidents are unable to attend a regular meeting of a Port, they shall instruct the Port Agents, or other elected jobholders, to act as chairmen of the meetings. In the event a quorum is not present at 10:30 A.M. the chairman of the meeting at the pertinent Port shall postpone the opening of the meeting but in no event later than 11 :00 A.M. Section 2. A special meeting at a Port may be called only at the direction of the Area Vice-President, Area Assistant Vice-President or Port Agent. No special meeting may be held, except between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Notice of such meeting shall be posted at least two (2) hours in advance on the Port bulletin board. The Area Vice-Presidents shall be the chairmen of all special meetings in Ports in their respective areas. In the event the Area Vice-Presidents are unable to attend a special meeting of a Port, they shall instruct the Area Assistant Vice-Presidents, Port Agents, or other elected jobholders, to act as chairmen of the meetings. Section 3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, all regular meetings shall be governed by the following: l The Union Constitution. 2. Majority vote of the members assembled. Article XXIV DeflnHlons and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating lhereto Section 1. Incapacity. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with herein, the term "incapacity," shall mean any illness or situation preventing the affected person from carrying out his duties for more than thirty (30) days, provided that this does not result in a vacancy. However, nothing contained in this Article shall be deemed to prohibit the execution of the functions of more than one (1) job and/or office in which event no incapacity shall be deemed to exist with regard to the regular job or office of the one taking over the duties and functions of the one incapacitated. The period of incapacity shall be the time during which the circumstances exist. Section 2. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with herein the term "vacancy" shall include failure to perform the functions of any office or job by reason of death, or resignation, or suspension from membership or expulsion from the Union with no further right to appeal in accordance with the provisions of Article XV of this Constitution. Section 3. When applicable to the Union as a whole, the term "majority vote of the membership" shall mean the majority of all the valid votes cast by full book members at an official meeting of those Ports holding meetings. This definition shall prevail notwithstanding that one ( 1) or more Ports cannot hold meetings because of no quorum, For the purpose of this Section, the term "meeting" shall refer to those meetings to be held during the time period within which a vote must be taken in accordance with the Constitution and the custom and usage of the Union in the indicated priority. Section 4. When applicable solely to Port action and not concerned with or related to the Union as a whole, and not forming part of a Union-wide vote. the term "majority vote of the membership" shall refer to the majority of the valid votes cast by the full book members at any meeting of the Port, regular or special. Section 5. The term "membership action," or reference thereto, shall mean the same as the term "majority vote of the membership.•• Section 6. Where the title of any officer or job, or the holder thereof, is set forth in this Constitution, all ref- erences thereto and the provisions concerned therewith shall be deemed to be equally applicable to whomever is duly acting in such office or job. Section 7. The term "election year" shall be deemed to mean that calendar year prior to the calendar year in which elected officials and other elected jobholders are required to assume office. Section 8. The terms "this Constitution" and "this amended Constitution" shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the Constitution as amended which takes the place of the one adopted by the Union in 1939, as amended up through July, 1989. Section 9. The term "member in good standing" shall mean a member whose monetary obligations to the Union are not in arrears for thirty (30) days or more, or who is not under suspension or expulsion effective in accordance with this Constitution. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the term "member" shall mean a member in good standing. Section 10. Unless plainly otherwise required by the context of their use, the terms "Union book," "membership book" and "book," shall mean official evidence of Union membership. Section 11. The term "full book" or "full Union book" shall mean only an official certificate issued as evidence of Union membership which carries with it complete rights and privileges of membership except as may be specifically constitutionally otherwise provided. Section 12. The term "full book member" shall mean a member to whom a full book has been duly issued and who is entitled to retain it in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. Section 13. The term "seatime" shall include employment upon any navigable waters or days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. Section 14. The term "in an unlicensed capacity aboard an Americanflag merchant vessel or vessels" shall include persons employed in an unlicensed or licensed capacity aboard dredges, tugboats, towboats and similar vessels used to tow, propel, or push barges or other conveyances or assist merchant vessels in docking or undocking, or persons otherwise employed in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. Artlcle XIV Amendments This Constitution shall be amended in the following manner: Section 1. Any full book member may submit at any regular meeting of any Port proposed amendments to this Constitution in resolution form. If a majority vote of the membership of the Port approves it, the proposed amendment shall be forwarded to all Ports for further action. Section 2. When a proposed amendment is accepted by a majority vote of the membership, it shall be referred to a Constitutional Committee in the Port where Headquarters is located. This Committee shall be composed of six (6) full book members, two (2) from each department and shall be elected in accordance with such rules as are established by a majority vote of that Port. The Committee will act on all proposed amendments referred to it. The Committee may receive whatever advice and assistance, legal or otherwise. it deems necessary. It shall prepare a report on the amendment together with any proposed changes or substitutions or recommendations and the reasons for such recommendations. The latter shall then be submitted to the membership. If a majority vote of the membership approves the amendment as recommended, it shall then be voted upon in a yes or no vote by the membership of the Union by secret ballot in accordance with the procedure directed by the majority vote of the membership at the time it gives the approval necessary to put the referendum to a vote. The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of six ( 6) full book members two (2) from each of the three (3) departments of the Union, elected from Headquarters Port. The amendment shall either be printed on the ballot, or if too lengthy, shall be referred to on the ballot. Copies of the amendment shall be posted on the bulletin boards of all Ports and made available at the voting site in all Ports. Section 3. If approved by a majority of the valid ballots cast, the amendment shall become effective immediately upon notification by the aforesaid Union Tallying Committee to the Secretary-Treasurer that the amendment has been so approved, unless otherwise specified in the amendment. The Secretary-Treasurer shall immediately notify all Ports of the results of the vote on the amendment. EXHIBIT A Minimal requirements to be contained in Constitution of subordinate bodies and divisions chartered by or affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. All members shall have equal rights and privileges, subject to reasonable rules and regulations. contained in this Constitution, including secret election, freedom of speech, the right to hold office and the right of secret votes on assessment and dues increases, all in accordance with the law. II No member may be automatically suspended from membership except for non-payment of dues, and all members shall be afforded a fair hearing upon written charges, with a reasonable time to prepare defense, when accused of an offense under the Constitution. Ill This Union is chartered by (and/or affiliated with), the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, and this Constitution and any amendments thereto, shall not take effect unless and until approved as set forth in the Constitution of that Union. IV An object of this Union is, within its reasonable capacity, to promote the welfare of, and assist, the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. v The charter (and/or affiliation) relationship between this Union and the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District shall not be dissolved so long as at least ten (10) members of this Union, and the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District acting through its Executive Board wish to continue such relationship. VI No amendment to this Constitution shall be effective unless and until approved by at least twothirds vote of the membership in a secret referendum conducted for that purpose. In any event, the adoption of this Constitution and any amendments thereto, will not be effective unless and until compliance with Article II of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District is first made. VII The Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District shall have the right to check, inspect and make copies of all the books and records of this Union upon demand. VIII This Union shall not take any action which will have the effect of reducing its net assets, calculated through recognized accounting procedures, below the amount of its indebtedness to the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, unless approved by that Union through its Executive Board. IX So Long as there exists any indebtedness by this Union to the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, that Union shall have the right to appoint a representative or representatives to this Union who shall have the power to attend all meetings of this Union or its sub-divisions, or governing boards, if any, and who shall have access to all books and records of this Union on demand. This representative, or these representatives, shall be charged with the duty of assisting this Union and its membership, and acting as a liaison between the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District and this Union. X So long as any unpaid per capita tax, or any other indebtedness of any sort is owed by this Union to the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, such indebtedness shall constitute a first lien on the assets of this Union, which lien shall not be impaired without the written approval of the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District acting through its Executive Board. XI The per capita tax payable by this Union to the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District shall be that which is fixed in accordance with the terms of the Constitution of that Union. XII This Constitution and actions by this Union pursuant thereto are subject to those provisions of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District pertaining to affiliation, disaffiliation, trusteeships, and the granting and removal of charters. XIII This Union shall be affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America through the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. It shall share in, and participate as part of the delegation of that District to the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. Seafarers LOii 25 . �AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR CONGRESS OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATIONS *'nle proposed changes from the present constitution have been highlighted to make comparisons between Ille two lllOl'e easily ldenlllled• ... PREAMBLE As maritime and allied workers and realizing the value and necessity of a thorough organization, we are dedicated to the forming of one Union for our people, the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gult: Lakes and Inland Waters District-NMU, based - upon the following principles: All members shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges and guarantees as set forth in this Constitution, and such rights, privileges and guarantees shall be preserved in accordance with its terms. We declare that American seamen are entitled to receive their employment without interference of crimps, shipowners, fink halls or any shipping bureaus maintained by the Government. We affirm that every worker has the right to receive fair and just remuneration for his labor and gain sufficient leisure for mental cultivation and physical recreation. We proclaim the right of all seamen to receive healthful and sufficient food and proper forecastles in which to rest. We defend the right of all seamen to be treated in a decent and respectful manner by those in command, and We hold that the above rights belong to all workers alike, irrespective of nationality or creed. Recognizing the foregoing as our inalienable rights, we are conscious of corresponding duties to those in command, our employers, our craft and our country. We will, therefore, try by all just means to promote harmonious relations with those in command by exercising due care and diligence in the performance of the duties of our profession and by giving all possible assistance to our employers in caring for their gear and property. Based upon these principles, it is among our objects: To use our influence individually and collectively for the purpose of maintaining and developing skill in seamanship and effecting a change in the maritime law of the United States so as to render it more equitable and to make it an aid instead of a hindrance to the development of a merchant marine and a body of American seamen. To support a journal which shall voice the sentiments of maritime workers and through its columns seek to maintain their knowledge of, and interest in, maritime affairs. To assist the seamen of other countries in the work of organization and federation to the end of establishing the Brotherhood of the Sea. To form and to assist by legal means other bonafide labor organizations whenever possible in the attainment of their just demands. To regulate our conduct as a Union and as individuals so as to make seamanship what it rightly is- 26 Sealal'fll'S LOS an honorable and useful calling. And bearing in mind that we are migratory, that our work takes us away in different directions from any place where the majority might otherwise meet to act, that meetings can be attended by only a fraction of the membership, that the absent members who cannot be present must have their interests guarded from what might be the results of excitement and passions aroused by persons or conditions, and that those who are present may act for and in the interest of all, we have adopted this Constitution. Statement of Principles and Declaration of Rights In order to form a more perfect Union, we workers in the maritime and allied industries, realizing the value and necessity of uniting in pursuit of our improved economic and social welfare, have determined to bind ourselves together in the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District-NMU, and hereby dedicate ourselves to the following principles: In promoting our economic and social welfare, we shall ever be mindful, not only of our rights, but also of our duties and obligations as members of the community, our duties as citizens, and our duty to combat the menace of communism and any other enemies of freedom and the democratic principles to which we seafaring men dedicate ourselves in this Union. We shall affiliate and work with other free labor organizations; we shall support a journal to give additional voice to our views; we shall assist our brothers of the sea and other workers of all countries in these obligations to the fullest extent consistent with our duties, obligations and law. We shall seek to exert our individual and collective influence in the fight for the enactment of labor and other legislations and policies which look to the attainment of a free and happy society without distinction based on race, creed or color. To govern our conduct as a Union and bearing in mind that most of our members are migratory, that their duties carry them all over the world, that their rights must and shall be protected, we hereby declare these rights as members of the Union to be inalienable. No member shall be deprived of any of the rights or privileges guaranteed him under the Constitution of the Union. II Every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected, or appointed, to hold office in this Union. Ill No member shall be deprived of his membership without due process of the law of this Union. No member shall be compelled to be a witness against himself in the trial of any proceeding in which he may be charged with failure to observe the law of this Union. Every official and jobholder shall be bound to uphold and protect the rights of every member in accordance with the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union. IV Every member shall have the right to be confronted by his accuser whenever he is charged with violating the law of this Union. In all such cases, the accused shall be guaranteed a fair and speedy trial by an impartial committee of his brother Union members. v No member shall be denied the right to express himself freely on the floor of any Union meeting or in committee. VI A militant membership being necessary to the security of a free union, the members shall at all times stand ready to defend this Union and the principles set forth in the Constitution of the Union. VII The powers not delegated to the officers, job holders, and Executive Board by the Constitution of the Union shall be reserved to the members. CONSTITUTION Article I Name and General Powers This Union shall be known as the Seafarers International-. Union. of North America-Atlantic,·Gutt Lakes and .Inland Waters District#NMU. Its powers shall be legislative, judicial, and executive, and shall include the formation of, and/or issuance of charters to, subordinate bodies and divisions, corporate or otherwise, the formation of funds and participation in funds, the establishment of enterprises for the benefit of the Union and similar ventures. This Union shall exercise all of its powers in aid of subordinate bodies and divisions created or chartered by it. For convenience of administration and in furtherance of its policies of aid and assistance, the Union may make its property, facilities and personnel available for the use and on behalf of such subordinate bodies and divisions. A majority vote of the membership shall be authorization for any Union action, unless otherwise specified in the Constitution or by law. This Union shall at all times protect and maintain its jurisdiction. Article II Affiliation Section 1. This Union shall be affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America and the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations. All other affiliations by the Union or its subordinate bodies or divisions shall be made or withdrawn as determined by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Section 2. In addition to such other provisions as are contained herein, all subordinate bodies and divisions seeking a charter from and/or affiliation with this Union, shall be required to adopt, within a time period set by the Executive Board, a Constitution containing provisions as set forth in Exhibit A, annexed to this Constitution and made a part hereof. All other provisions adopted by such subordinate bodies and divisions as part of their Constitution shall not be inconsistent therewith. No such Constitution or amendments thereto shall be deemed to be effective without the approval of the Executive Board of this Union, which shall be executed in writing, on its behalf, by the President or, in his absence, by any other officer designated by it. Such approval shall be deemed to be recognition of compliance herewith by such subordinate body or division. Where a subordinate body or division violates any of the foregoing, and, in particular, seeks to effectuate any constitutional provision not so authorized and approved, or commits acts in violation of its approved constitution, or fails to act in accordance therewith, this Union, through its Executive Board, may withdraw its charter and/or sever its affiliation forthwith, or on such terms as it may impose not inconsistent with law, in addition to exercising any and all rights it may have pursuant to any applicable agreements or understandings. Section 3. This Union shall also have the power, acting through its Executive Board, and after a fair hearing, to impose a trusteeship upon any subordinate body or divisions chartered by an affiliated with it, for the reasons and to the extent provided by law. Article Ill Membership Section 1. There shall be two classes of membership, to wit, full book members and probationary members. Candidates for membership shall be admitted to membership in accordance with such rules as may be adopted from time to time by a majority vote of the membership and which rules shall not be inconsistent with the prov1s1ons of this Constitution. All candidates with two hundred and sixty (260) days or more seatime in a consecutive twenty-four (24) calendar month period commencing from January 1, 1968, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels, covered by contract with this Union, shall be eligible for full membership. All persons with less than the foregoing seatime but at least thirty (30) days of such seatime, shall be eligible for probationary membership. Only full book members shall be entitled to vote and to bold any office or elective job, except as otherwise specified herein. All probationary members shall have a voice in Union proceedings and shall be entitled to vote on Union contracts. Section 2. No candidate shall be granted membership who is a member of any dual organization hostile to the aims, principles and policies of this Union. The members, by majority vote, shall at all times have the right to determine the membership status of pensioners. Section 3. Members more than one (1) quarter in arrears in dues shall be automatically suspended and shall forfeit all benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. They shall be automatically dismissed if they are more than two (2) quarters in arrears in dues. An arrearage in dues shall be computed from the first day of the applicable quarter, but this time shall not run: (a) While a member is actually participating in a strike or lockout. (b) While a member is an inpatient in an accredited hospital. (c) While a member is under an incapacity due to activity in behalf of the Union. (d) While a member is in the armed services of the United States, provided the member was in good standing at the time of entry into the armed forces, and further provided he applies for reinstatement within ninety (90) days after discharge from the armed forces. (e) While a member has no opportunity to pay dues because of employment aboard an Americanflag merchant vessel. The provision of this Sub-section (e) shall be inapplicable when such merchant vessel is operating upon the Great Lakes or upon the harbors, rivers or territorial waters of the United States. Section 4. A majority vote of the membership shall be sufficient to designate additional circumstances during which the time specified in Section 3 shall not run. It shall be the right of any member to present, in writing, to any Port at any regular meeting any question with regard to Continued on page 27 �Proposed Constitution - SIUllA - AGLIWD-llMU Continued from page 26 the application of Section 3, in accordance with procedures established by a majority vote of the membership. A majority vote of the membership shall be necessary to decide such questions. Section 5. The membership shall be empowered to establish, from time to time, by majority vote, rules under which dues and assessments may be excused where a member has been unable to pay dues and assessments for the reasons provided in Sections 3 and 4. Section 6. To preserve unity, and to promote the common welfare of the membership, all members of the Union shall uphold and defend this Constitution and shall be governed by the provisions of this Constitution and all policies, rulings, orders and decisions duly made. Section 7. Any member who gives aid to the principles and policies of any hostile or dual organization shall be denied further membership in this Union to the full extent permitted by law. A majority vote of the membership shall decide which organizations are dual or hostile. Section 8. Evidence of membership or other affiliation with the Union shall be in such form or forms as determined by the Executive Board and shall at all times remain the property of the Union. Members may be required to show their evidence of membership in order to be admitted to Union meetings, or into, or on Union property. Article IV Reinstatement Members dismissed from the Union may be reinstated in accordance with such rules and under such conditions as are adopted, from time to time, by a majority vote of the membership. Article V Dues and Initiation Fee Section 1. All members' dues shall consist of: (a) Dues annually in the sum of ~f(}ft#l)yq9t~d ~follars ($4-00.00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and; (b) A sum equal to five percent (5%) of the gross amount received for vacation benefits for days worked for contracted employers. Dues payable under this Sub-section (b) shall be payable on the days that the member receives payment for the earned vacation benefits and shall become effective as to members in the manner designated and determined by a majority vote of the membership by secret ballot. When so determined by the membership, members in the employ of the Union, its subdivisions and its affiliated organizations, or in any employment at the Union's direction as provided for in Article XII, Section 1 (a) and (c), shall pay in addition to that provided for in paragraph (a) immediately above the sum of one hundred dol: !~$':($l00,00) quarterly on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each quarter while so employed. Section 2. No candidate for full book membership shall be admitted into such membership without having paid an initiation fee of six hundred dollars ($600.00), except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. In addition, the candidate shall pay a ten dollar ($10.00) "service fee" for the issuance of his full book. Each candidate for probationary membership and each probationary member shall, with the payment of each of his first quarterly dues, as required by Section 1, pay at each such time the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars ($150.00) as partial initiation fee. The total of such initia- October 2000 tion monies so paid shall be credited to his above required initiation fee for a full book member upon completion of the required seatime as provided for in Article III, Section 1. Section 3. Payment of dues and initiation fee may be waived for organizational purposes in accordance with such rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the Executive Board. Section 4. All members shall be and remain in good standing. Article VI Retirement from Membership Section 1. Members may retire from membership by surrendering their Union books or other evidence of affiliation and paying all unpaid dues for the quarter in which they retire, assessments, fines and other monies due and owing the Union. When the member surrenders his book or other evidence of affiliation in connection with his application for retirement he shall be given a receipt therefore. An official retirement card shall be issued by Headquarters, upon request, dated as of the day that such member accomplishes these payments and shall be given to the member upon presenting the aforesaid receipt. Section 2. All the rights, privileges, duties and obligations of membership shall be suspended during the period of retirement, except that a retired member shall not be disloyal to the Union nor join or remain in any dual or hostile organization, upon penalty or forfeiture of his right to reinstatement. Section 3. Any person in retirement for a period of two (2) quarters or more shall be restored to membership, except as herein indicated, by paying dues for the current quarter, as well as all assessment accruing and newly levied during the period of retirement. If the period of retirement is less than two (2) quarters, the required payment shall consist of all dues accruing during the said period of retirement, including those levied during that period. Upon such payment, the person in retirement shall be restored to membership, and his membership book, appropriately stamped, shall be returned to him. Section 4. A member in retirement may be restored to membership after a one (1) year period of retirement consisting of four (4) full quarters only by a majority vote of the membership. Section S. The period of retirement shall be computed from the first day of the quarter following the one in which the retirement card was issued. Section 6. No member may retire his membership during the period of a strike or lockout. Article VII Systems of Organization Section 1. This Union and all officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, and members shall be governed in this order by: (a) The Constitution (b) The Executive Board (c) Majority vote of the membership Section 2. The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in Camp Springs, Maryland and Piney Point, Maryland or at such places as the Executive Board may determine from time to time. The Headquarters officers shall consist of a President, an Executive Vice-President, one ( 1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) VicePresidents at Large. Section 3. The staff of each Port shall consist of such personnel as is provided for herein and the Port shall bear the name of the city in which the Union's Port Offices are located. Article VIII Officers, Assistant VicePresidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, and one ( 1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing ~:~1:.~~1il~~~g}Jj){{~/i;iifiiii£i'.i Section 2. Assistant VicePresidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents shall be elected, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. Article IX Other Elective Jobs Section 1. In addition to the elective jobs provided for in Article VIII, the following jobs in the Union shall be voted upon in the manner prescribed by this Constitution: Committee members of: ( 1) Trial Committees (2) Annual Financial Committees (3) Appeals Committees (4) Strike Committees (5) Credentials Committees (6) Union Tallying Committees (7) Constitutional Committees Section 2. Additional committees may be formed as provided by a majority vote of the membership. Committees may also be appointed as permitted by this Constitution. Article X Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Mlscellaneous Personnel Section 1. (a) The President shall be the executive officer of the Union and shall represent, and act for and in behalf of the Union in all matters except as otherwise specifically provided for in the Constitution. (b) He shall be a member ex-officio of all committees, except as otherwise herein expressly provided. (c) The President shall be in charge of, and responsible for, all Union property, and shall be in charge of Headquarters and Port offices. Wherever there are time restrictions or other considerations affecting Union action, the President shall take appropriate action to insure observance thereof. (d) In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ any help he deems necessary, be it legal, accounting or otherwise. (e) Subject to approval by a majority vote of the membership and the Executive Board, the President shall designate the number and location of all Ports, the jurisdiction, status and activities thereof, and may reduce and/or relocate such Ports, and may reassign Vice-Presidents, Assistant Vice-Presidents and the Secretary-Treasurer without reduc- tion in wages. He may also reassign Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents to other duties without reduction in wages. Where Ports are opened between elections, the President shall designate the Union personnel thereof. The President may designate, in the event of the incapacity of any Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, or any officer other than the President, a replacement to act as such during the period of incapacity, provided such replacement is qualified under Article XII of the Constitution to fill such job. At the regular meeting in May of every election year, the President shall submit to the membership a preballoting report. In his report he shall recommend the number and location of Ports and the number of Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents who are to be elected. He shall also recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, a regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, except that the President may, in his discretion, postpone the recommendations as to the depository until no later than the first regular meeting in October. The report shall be subject to approval or modification by a majority vote of the membership. (f) The President shall be chairman of the Executive Board and may cast one ( 1) vote in that body. (g) He shall be responsible, within the limits of his powers, for the enforcement of this Constitution, the policies of the Union, and all rules and rulings adopted by the Executive Board, and those duly adopted by a majority vote of the membership. Within these limits, he shall strive to enhance the strength, position, and prestige of the Union. (h) The foregoing duties shall be in addition to those other duties lawfully imposed upon him. (i) The responsibility of the President may not be delegated, but the President may delegate to a person or persons the execution of such of his duties as he may in his discretion decide, subject to the limitations set forth in this Constitution. (j) Any vacancy in any office or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent shall be filled by the President by temporary appointment of a member qualified for the office or job under Article XII of this Constitution except in those cases where the filling of such vacancy is otherwise provided for by this Constitution (k) The President is directed to take any and all measures and employ such means which he deems necessary or advisable to protect the interests and further the welfare of the Union and its members in all matters involving national, state or local legislation issues and public affairs. (1) The President shall have the authority to require any officer or Union representative to attend any regular or special meeting if, in his opinion, it is deemed necessary. Section 2 Executive VicePresident. The Executive Vice-President shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. The Executive VicePresident shall be a member of the Executive Board and may cast one ( 1) vote in that body. Section 3. Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement. The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. In addition, he shall be responsible for all contract negotiations, the formulation of bargaining demands, and the submission of proposed collective bargaining agreements to the membership for ratification. He shall also be responsible, except as otherwise provided in Article X, Section 15(d) ( 1), for strike authorization, signing of new contracts and contract enforcement. He shall also act for Headquarters in executing the administrative functions assigned to Headquarters by this Constitution with respect to trials and appeals except if he is a witness or party thereto, in which event the Secretary-Treasurer shall act in his place. In order that he may properly execute these responsibilities he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ such help as he deems necessary, be it legal, or otherwise, subject to approval of the Executive Board. The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement shall be a member of the Executive Board and may cast one (1) vote in that body. Section 4. Secretary-Treasurer. The Secretary-Treasurer shall perform any and all duties assigned him or delegated to him by the President. He shall be responsible for the organization and maintenance of the correspondence, files, and records of the Union; setting up, and maintenance of, sound accounting and bookkeeping systems; the setting up, and maintenance of, proper office and other administrative Union procedures; the proper collection, safeguarding, and expenditure of all Union funds, Port or otherwise. He shall submit to the membership, for each annual period, a detailed report of the entire Union's financial operations and shall submit the Annual Financial Committee report for the same period. The Secretary-Treasurer's report shall be prepared by an independent certified public accountant. He shall also work with all duly elected finance committees. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be responsible for the timely filing of any and all reports on the operations of the Union, financial or otherwise, that may be required by any Federal or state laws. The SecretaryTreasurer with the approval of the President shall employ a person who by profession and/or employment shall qualify to perform the functions and duties of a Comptroller. Such person shall be responsible for the maintenance, safeguard and verification of the Union's financial affairs and records under the supervision and direction of the SecretaryTreasurer. The responsibility for such functions shall be that of the Secretary-Treasurer notwithstanding the delegation to such Comptroller. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is hereby instructed and authorized to employ any help he deems necessary, be it legal, accounting, or otherwise, subject to approval of the Executive Board. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a member of the Executive Board and may cast one ( 1) vote in that body. The Secretary-Treasurer shall be a member ex-officio of the Credentials and Union Tallying Committees. In addition, he shall make himself and the records of his office available to the Annual Financial Committee. Section 5. Vice-President m Charge of the Atlantic Coast. The Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the Ports and the personnel thereof on the Atlantic Coast including their organizing activities. The Atlantic Coast area is deemed to mean that area from and including Georgia through Maine and shall also include the Islands in the Caribbean. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities he is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Continued on page 28 Seafarers LOG 27 �Proposed Constitution- SIUNA - AGLIWD-NlfU Continued from page 27 - Executive Board. m Section 6. Vice-President Charge of the Gulf Coast. The Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the Ports and the personnel thereof on the Gulf Coast including their organizing activities. The Gulf Coast area is deemed to mean the State of Florida, all through the Gulf, including Texas. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities he is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive Board. Section 7. Vice-President m Charge of the West Coast. The Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one ( 1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the Ports and the personnel thereof on the West Coast including their organizing activities. The West Coast area is deemed to mean the States of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he deems necessary, subject to the approval of the Executive Board. Section 8. Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters. The Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of all the Ports and the personnel thereof in the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters including their organizing activities. In order that he may properly execute his responsibilities, he is empowered and authorized to retain any technical or professional assistance he deems necessary, subject to approval of the Executive Board. Section 9. Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. The Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries shall be a member of the Executive Board and shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. He shall supervise and be responsible for the activities of the Union in the representation of individuals employed in fishing industries and civilian seamen employed by the federal government including but not limited to the negotiation of the collective bargaining agreements, processing grievances and the administration of collective bargaining agreements and shall direct the activities of the Union personnel assigned to him by the President and carry out such other functions as the President may assign to him from time to time. Seclion 10. Vfce--l>tesidents at Large. There shall be two (2) Vice- Presid~µts at Large.·whose duties sh~ll be as directed by the President with concurrence of the Executive Board.. $uch duties and responsibilities may be changed from time to time in like manner, as dictated by tlie needs of the Union. · .Section 11. Assistant VicePresidents. There shall be six (6) Assistant Vice-Presidents as follows: Assistant Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; Assistant Vice 28 Seafarers LOG President in Charge of the Gulf Coast; Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast; Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; and Assistant VicePresident in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. Each Assistant Vice-President shall work with and under the direction of the appropriate Vice-President. He shall assist, as directed, in all activities of the appropriate Vice-President and shall be responsible to such VicePresident. Secti-on 12. Headquarters Representatives. The Headquarters Representatives shall perform any and all duties assigned them or delegated to them by the President or the Executive Board. Section 13. Port Agents. (a) The Port Agent shall be in direct charge of the administration of Union affairs in the Port of his jurisdiction subject to the direction of the Area Vice-President. (b) He shall, within the jurisdiction of his Port, be responsible for the enforcement and execution of the Constitution, the policies of the Union, and the rules adopted by the Executive Board, and by a majority vote of the membership. Wherever there are time restrictions or other considerations affecting Port action, the Port Agent shall take appropriate action to insure observance thereof. (c) He shall be prepare to account, financially or otherwise for the activities of his Port, whenever demanded by the President, the VicePresident of the area in which his Port is located, or by the SecretaryTreasurer. (d) In any event, he shall prepare and forward to the SecretaryTreasurer a weekly financial report showing, in detail, weekly income and expenses and complying with all other accounting directions issued by the Secretary-Treasurer. (e) The Port Agent shall designate which members at the Port may serve as representatives to other organizations, affiliation with which has been properly authorized. Section 14. Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive VicePresident, the Vice- President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, the SecretaryTreasurer, the Vice- President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, the Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries, the VicePresidents at Large and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained that membership for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordinate body. The Executive Board shall meet no less than twice each year and at such times as the President and/or a majority of the Executive Board may direct. The President shall be chairman of all Executive Board meetings unless absent, in which case the Executive Board shall designate the chairman. Each member of the Executive Board shall be entitled to cast one (1) vote in that body. Its decision shall be determined by majority vote of those voting, providing a quorum of three (3) is present. It shall be the duty of the Executive Board to develop policies, strategies and rules which will advance and protect the interests and welfare of the Union and the members. It shall be the duty of the SecretaryTreasurer or in his absence, an appointee of the Executive Board, to keep accurate minutes of all Executive Board meetings. The Executive Board shall determine per capita tax to be levied and other terms and conditions of affiliation for any group of workers desiring affiliation. The Executive Board may direct the administration of all Union affairs, properties, policies and personnel in any and all areas not otherwise specifically provided for in this Constitution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive Board may act without holding a formal meeting provided all members are sent notice of the proposed action or actions and the decision thereon is reduced to writing and signed by a majority of the Executive Board. In the event that death, resignation or removal from office for any reason should occur to the President, the Executive Board by majority vote shall name a successor from its own membership who shall fill that vacancy until the next general election. In the event the President is incapacitated for a period of more than thirty (30) days, and the Executive Board by majority vote thereafter determines that such incapacity prevent the President from carrying out his duties, the Executive Board by majority vote may appoint from among its own membership the officer to fill the office of President. This appointment shall terminate upon the President's recovery from such incapacity or upon the expiration of the President's term of office, whichever occurs first. The Executive Board by majority vote may grant requests for leaves d absence with or without pay to officers. In the event that a leave is granted to the President, the Executive Board by a majority vote shall designate from among its own membership who shall exercise the duties of the President during such period of leave. Notwithstanding the provision of Section 1(j) of this Article X, the Executive Board, by majority vote, may determine not to fill any vacancy in any office or job for any part of an unexR~;~ t.;rm. S~.;~))jf.f~~ Delegates. (a) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of the Union and its subordinate bodies or divisions who are elected in accordance with the prov1s10ns of this Constitution to attend the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The following officers and jobholders, upon their election to office or job shall, during the term of their office or job be delegates to all Conventions of the Seafarers International Union of North America in the following order of priority: President, Executive Vice-President; Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Secretary-Treasurer; Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast; VicePresident in Charge of the West Coast; Vice President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries; Vi~e-Presidents at Large; Assistant Vice-Presidents; Headquarters Representatives, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership; and Port Agents, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership. (b) Each delegate shall, by his vote and otherwise, support those polices agreed upon by the majority of the delegates to the Convention. ( c) The President shall assign to each subordinate body or division that number of delegates to which this Union would have been entitled, if its membership had been increased by the number of members of the subordinate body or division, m accordance with the formula set forth in the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, except that this provision shall not be applied so as to reduce the number of delegates to which this Union would otherwise had been entitled. Section 16. Committees. (a) Trial Committee. The Trial Committee shall conduct the trials of a person charged and shall submit findings and recommendations as prescribed in this Constitution. It shall be the special obligation of the Trial Committee to observe all the requirements of this Constitution with regard to charges and trials and their findings and recommendations must specifically state whether or not, in the opinion of the Trial Committee, the rights of any accused, under this Constitution, were properly safeguarded. (b) Appeals Committee. 1. The Appeals Committee shall hear all appeals from trial judgments, in accordance with such procedures as are set forth in this Constitution and such rules as may be adopted by a majority vote of the membership not inconsistent therewith. 2. The Appeals Committee shall, within not later than one (1) week after the close of the ·said hearing, make and submit findings and recommendations in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution and such rules as may be adopted by a majority vote of the membership not inconsistent therewith. (c) Annual Financial Committee. 1. The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations. Members of this Committee may make dissenting reports, separate recommendations and separate findings. 2. The findings and recommendations of this Committee shall be completed within a reasonable time and after the election of the members thereof, and shall be submitted to the Secretary-Treasurer who shall cause the same to be read in all Ports, as set forth herein. 3. All officers, Union personnel and members are responsible for complying with all demands made for records, bills, vouchers, receipts, etc., by the said Annual Financial Committee. The Committee shall also have available to it the services of the independent certified public accountants retained by the Union. 4. Any action on the said report shall be as determined by a majority vote of the membership. 5. The Annual Financial Committee shall consist of seven (7) full book members in good standing to be elected at Headquarters. No Officer, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent shall be eligible for election to this Committee. Committee members shall be elected at the regular Headquarters' meeting designated by the SecretaryTreasurer. In the event such regular meeting cannot be held for lack of a quorum, Headquarters' Port Agent shall call a special meeting as early as possible for the election of Committee members to serve on the Annual Financial Committee. On the day following these elections and continuing until the Committee has completed its report, each Committee member shall be paid for hours worked at the existing AB Seaman standby rate of pay, but in no event shall they be paid less than eight (8) hours per day. They shall be furnished room and board during the period they are performing their duties. In the event a Committee member ceases to act, no replacement need to be elected unless there are less than three (3) Committee members, in which event they shall suspend their work until a special election for Committee members shall be held as provided above for such number of Committee members as shall be necessary to constitute a Committee of not less than three (3) members in good standing. (d) Strike Committee. 1. In no event shall a general strike take place unless approved by a majority vote of the membership or segment of the Union, whichever applies. 2. In the event a general strike has been approved by the membership the Port Agents in all affected Ports shall call a timely special meeting for the purpose of electing a Strike Committee. This Committee shall be composed of three (3) full book members and their duties shall consist of assisting the Port Agent to effectuate all strike policies and strategies. Article XI Wages and Terms of Office of Officers and Other Elective Jobholders, Union Employees, and Others Section 1. The following elected officers and jobs shall be held for a term of four (4) years; except the term of officers and jobs elected in balloting conducted in 197 5 shall be for five (5) years: President Executive Vice-President Secretary-Treasurer Vice-Presidents Assistant Vice-Presidents Headquarters Representatives Port Agents The term of years set forth here is expressly subject to the provisions for assumption of office as contained in Article XIII, Section 6(b) of this Constitution. Section 2. The term of any elective jobs other than those indicated in Section 1 of this Article shall continue for so long as is necessary to complete the functions thereof, unless sooner terminated by a majority vote of the membership or segment of the Union, whichever applies, whose vote was originally necessary to elect the one or ones serving. Section 3. The compensation to be paid the holder of any office or other elective job shall be determined from time to time by the Executive Board subject to approval of the membership. Section 4. The foregoing provisions of this Article do not apply to any corporation, business, or other venture in which this Union participates, or which it organizes or creates. In such situations, instructions conveyed by the Executive Board shall be followed. Article XII Qualifications for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, and Other Elective Jobs Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a candidate for, and hold, any office or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent provided: (a) He has at least three (3) years of seatime in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. In computing time, time spent in the employ of the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Continued on page 29 October 2000 �Proposed Constitution - SIUNA - AGLIWD-NllU Continued from page 28 Union's direction, shall count the same as seatime. Union records, Welfare Plan records and/or company records can be used to determine eligibility; and (b) He has been a full book member in continuous good standing in the Union for at least three (3) years immediately prior to his nomination; and (c) He has at least one hundred (100) days of seatime, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag vessel or vessels covered by contract with this Union or one hundred (100) days of employment with, or in any office or job of, the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction or a combination of these, between January 1 and the time of nomination in the election year, except if such seatime is wholly aboard such merchant vessels operating solely upon the Great Lakes or, if such seatime is wholly aboard tugboats, towboats or dredges and contractual employment thereon is for fixed days with equal amount of days off, he shall have at least sixty five (65) days of such seatirne instead of the foregoing one hundred ( 100) days; and (d) He is a citizen of the United States of America; and (e) He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union's Pension Fund, if any, or from a Union-Management Fund to which Fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union. (f) He has not sailed in a licensed capacity aboard an American flag merchant vessel or vessels within twenty four (24) consecutive months immediately prior to the opening of nominations. Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall be full book members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for, and holders of elective offices and jobs, whether elected or appointed in accordance with this Constitution, shall maintain full book memberships in good standing. Article XIII Elections for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent October 2000 to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: "I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes." Dated ............................................... . Signature of Member. ...................... . Book No ................. ... ...................... . Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter 's request. Section 2. Credentials Committee (a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at the regular meeting in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located. It shall consist of six (6) full book members in attendance at the meeting with two (2) members to be elected from each of the Deck, Engine and Steward Departments. No officer, Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent, or candidate for office of the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent, shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In the event any Committee member is unable to serve, the Committee shall suspend until the President or Executive Vice-President or the Secretary-Treasurer, in that order, calls a special meeting at the Port where Headquarters is located in order to elect a replacement. The Committee's results shall be by majority vote with any tie vote being resolved by a majority of the membership at a special meeting called for that purpose at that Port. (b) After its election, the Committee shall immediately go into session. It shall determine whether the person has submitted his application correctly and possesses the necessary qualifications. The Committee shall prepare a report listing each applicant and his book number under the office or job he is seeking. Each applicant shall be marked "qualified" or "disqualified" according to the findings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been marked "disquali- fied," the reason therefore must be stated in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a special meeting of the membership, that fact shall also be noted with sufficient detail. The report shall be signed by all of the Committee members and be completed and submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meeting after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read and incorporated in the minutes and then posted on the bulletin board in each Port. On the last day of nominations, one (I) member of the Committee shall stand by in Headquarters to accept delivery of credentials. All credentials must be in Headquarters by midnight of closing day. (c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram at the address listed by him pursuant to Section I of this Article. He shall also be sent a letter containing their reasons for such disqualification by airmail, special delivery, registered or certified, to the mailing address designated pursuant to Section 1(b) of this Article. A disqualified applicant shall have the right to take an appeal to the membership from the decision of the Committee. He shall forward copies of such appeal to each Port where the appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular meeting no later than the second meeting after the Committee's election. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two (2) days after the day on which the telegram is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification. The Committee's report shall be prepared early enough to allow the applicant to appear before it within the time set forth in this Constitution and still reach the Ports in time for the first regular meeting after its election. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the case of such appeals, be sufficient to overrule any disqualification by the Credentials Committee in which event the one so previously classified shall then be deemed qualified. (e) The Credentials Committee, in passing upon the qualifications of candidates, shall have the right to conclusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified in previous elections for candidacy for any office, or the job of Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent has met all the requirements of Section l(a) of Article XII. Section 3. Balloting Procedures. (a) Balloting in the manner hereafter provided shall commence on November I st of the election year and shall continue through December 31st, exclusive of Sundays and (for each individual Port) holidays legally recognized in the City of which the Port affected is located. If November 1st and December 3 lst falls on a holiday legally recognized in a Port in the City in which that Port is located, the balloting period in such Port shall commence or terminate, as the case may be, on the next succeeding business day. Subject to the foregoing, for the purpose of full book members securing their ballots, the Ports shall be open from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. (b) Balloting shall be by mail. The Secretary-Treasurer shall insure the proper and timely preparation of ballots without partiality as to candidates or Ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive comments not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified candidates shall be listed thereon alphabetically within each category with book number and job seniority classification status. The listing of the Ports shall first set forth Headquarters and then shall follow a geographical pattern commencing with the most northerly Port of the Atlantic Coast, following the Atlantic Coast down to the most southerly Port on that coast, then westerly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of Ports is exhausted. Any Port outside the Continental United States shall then be added. There shall be no write-in voting and no provisions for the same shall appear on the ballot. Each ballot shall be so prepared as to have the number thereon place at the top thereof and shall be so perforated as to enable that portion containing the said number to be easily removed to insure secrecy of the ballot. On this removable portion shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature of the ballot and the voting date thereof. (c) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the Secretary-Treasurer shall be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered as indicated in the preceding paragraphs and shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A sufficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, sent thereto, shall be maintained by the Secretary-Treasurer who shall also send each Port Agent a verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers of the ballots sent. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send to each Port Agent a sufficient amount of blank opaque envelopes containing the word, "Ballot" on the face of the envelope, as well as a sufficient amount of opaque mailing envelopes, first class postage prepaid and printed on the face thereon as the addressee shall be the name and address of the depository for the receipt of such ballots as designated by the President in the manner provided by Article X, Section 1, of this Constitution. In the upper left-hand corner of such mailing envelope, there shall be printed thereon, as a top line, provision for the voter's signature and on another line immediately thereunder, provision for the printing of the voter's name and book number. In addition, the Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of mailing envelopes identical with the mailing envelopes mentioned above, except that they shall be of different color, and shall contain on the face of such envelope, in bold letters, the word, "Challenge." The SecretaryTreasurer shall further furnish a sufficient amount of "Roster Sheets" which shall have printed thereon, at the top thereof, the year of the election, and immediately thereunder, five (5) vertical columns designated date, ballot number, signature full book member's name, book number and comments, and such roster sheets shall contain horizontal lines immediately under the captions of each of the above five (5) columns. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of envelopes with the printed name and address of the depository on the face thereof, and in the upper left-hand comer, the name of the Port and address, and on the face of such envelope, should be printed the words, "Roster Sheets and Ballot Stubs". Each Port Agent shall maintain separate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and count the ballots when received to insure that the amount sent, as well as the number thereon, conform to the amount and numbers listed by the Secretary-Treasurer as having been sent to that Port. The Port Agent shall immediately execute and return to the Secretary-Treasurer a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the amount and the numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrepancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the voting period. In any event, receipts shall be forwarded for all the aforementioned election material actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall at all times be available to any member asking for inspection of the same at the office of the SecretaryTreasurer and shall be turned over to the Union Tallying Committee. ( d) Balloting shall be secret. Only full book members in good standing may vote. Each full book member may secure his ballot at Port offices from the Port Agent or his duly designated representative at such Port. Each Port Agent shall designate an area at the Port office over which should be posted the legend "Voting Ballots Secured Here." When a full book member appears to vote he shall present his book to the Port Agent or his aforementioned duly designated representative. The Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall insert on the roster sheet under the appropriate column the date, the number of the ballot given to such member and his full book number, and the member shall then sign his name on such roster sheet under the appropriate column. Such member shall have his book stamped with the word, "Voted" and the date, and shall be given a ballot, and simultaneously the perforation on the top of the ballot shall be removed. At the same time the member shall be given the envelope marked "Ballot" together with the prepaid postage-mailing envelope addressed to the depository. The member shall take such ballot and envelopes and in secret thereafter, mark his ballot, fold the same, insert it in the blank envelope marked "Ballot", seal the same, then insert such "Ballot" envelope into the mailing envelope, seal such mailing envelope, sign his name on the upper lefthand comer on the first line of such mailing envelope and on the second line in the upper left-hand comer print his name and book number, after which he shall mail or cause the same to be mailed. ln the event a full book member appears to vote and is not in good standing or does not have his membership book with him or it appears for other valid reasons he is not eligible to vote, the same procedure as provided above shall apply to him, except that on the roster sheet under the column "Comments'', notation should be made that the member voted a c~allenged ballot and the reason for his challenge. Such member's membership book shall be stamped "Voted Challenge", and the date, and such member instead of the abovementioned mailing envelope, shall be given the mailing envelope of a different color marked on the face thereof with the word, "Challenge". At the end of each day, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall enclose in the envelope addressed to the depository and marked "Roster Sheets and Ballots Stubs", the roster sheet or sheets executed by the members that day together with the numbered perforated slips removed from the ballots which had been given to the members, and then mail the same to such depository. To insure that an adequate supply of all balloting material is maintained in all Ports at all times, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative, simultaneously with mailing of the roster sheets and ballot stubs to the depository at the end of each day, shall also make a copy of the roster sheet for that day and mail the same to the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters. The Port Agent shall be responsible for the proper safeguarding of all election Continued on page 30 Seafarers LOG 29 �Proposed Constitution- SIUNA - AGLIWD-NMU Continued from page 29 material and shall not release any of it until duly called for and shall insure that no one tampers with the material placed in his custody. (e) Full book members may request and vote an absentee ballot under the following circumstances: while such member is employed on a Union contracted vessel and which vessel's schedule does not provide for it to be at a Port in which a ballot can be secured during the time and period provided for in Section 3(a) of this Article or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first ten (10) days of the month of November of the election year. The member shall make a request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing device at the location from which such request is made, if such be the case. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee ballot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 P.M. on the 15th day of November of the election year, shall be directed to the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters and must be delivered no later than the 25th of such November. The SecretaryTreasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The SecretaryTreasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address so designated by such member, a "Ballot", after removing the perforated numbered stub, together with the hereinbefore mentioned "Ballot" envelope, and mailing envelope addressed to the depository, except that printed on the face of such mailing envelope shall be the words "Absentee Ballot" and appropriate voting instructions shall accompany such mailing to the member. If the Secretary-Treasurer determines that such member is ineligible to receive such absentee ballot, he shall nevertheless send such member the aforementioned ballot with accompanying material except that the mailing envelope addressed to the depository shall have printed on the face thereof the words "Challenged Absentee Ballot." The SecretaryTreasurer shall keep records of all of the foregoing, including the reasons for determining such member's ineligibility, which records shall be open for inspection by full book members and upon the convening of the Union Tallying Committee, presented to them. The Secretary-Treasurer shall send to all Ports the names and book numbers of the members to whom absentee ballots were sent. (f) All ballots to be counted must be received by the depository no later than the January 5th immediately subsequent to the election year and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight December 31st of the election year. Section 4. (a) At the close of the last day of the period for securing ballots, the Port Agent in each Port, in addition to his duties set forth above, shall deliver or mail to Headquarters by registered or certified mail, attention Union Tallying Committee, all unused ballots and shall specifically set forth by serial number and amount the unused ballots so forwarded. (b) The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of twenty (20) full book members. Two (2) shall be elected from each of the ten (10) Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Detroit-Algonac, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point. The election shall be held at the regular meeting in December of the election year or, if the Executive Board otherwise determines prior thereto, at a special meeting held in the aforesaid Ports, on the first business day of 30 Seafarers LOB the last week of said month. No officer, Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, Port Agent, or candidate for office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In addition to the duties herein set forth, the Union Tallying Committee shall be charged with the tallying of all the ballots and the preparation of a closing report setting forth, in complete detail, the results of the election, including a complete accounting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the same with the rosters and receipts of the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial numbers and amount and with each total broken down into Port totals. The Union Tallying Committee shall have access to all election records and files for their inspection, examination and verification. The report shall clearly detail all discrepancies discovered and shall contain recommendations for the treatment of these discrepancies. All members of the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, however, to the right of any member thereof to submit a dissenting report as to the accuracy of the count and the validity of the ballots, with pertinent details. In connection with the tally of ballots there shall be no counting of ballots until all mailing envelopes containing valid ballots have first been opened, the ballot envelopes removed intact and then all of such ballot envelopes mixed together, after which such ballot envelopes shall be opened and counted in such multiples as the Committee may deem expedient and manageable. The Committee shall resolve all issues on challenged ballots and then tally those found valid utilizing the same procedure as provided in the preceding sentence either jointly or separately. (c) The members of the Union Tallying Committee shall, after their election, proceed to the Port in which Headquarters is located, to arrive at that Port no later than January 5th of the year immediately after the election year. Each member of the Committee not elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be reimbursed for transportation, meals, and lodging expenses occasioned by their traveling to and returning from that Port. Committee members elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be similarly reimbursed, except for transportation. All members of the Committee shall also be paid at the prevailing standby rate of pay from the day subsequent to their election to the day they return, in normal course, to the Port from which they were elected. The Union Tallying Committee shall elect a chairman from among themselves and, subject to the express terms of this Constitution, adopt its own procedures. All decisions of such Committee and the contents of their report shall be valid if made by a majority vote, provided there be a quorum in attendance, which quorum is hereby fixed at ten (10). The Committee, but not less than a quorum thereof, shall have the sole right and duty to obtain all mailed ballots and the other mailed election material from the depository and to insure their safe custody during the course of the Committee's proceedings. The proceedings of the Committee, except for their organizational meeting and their actual preparation of the closing report and dissent therefrom, if any, shall be open to any member provided he observes decorum. Any candidate may act as an observer and/or designate another member to act as his observer at the counting of the ballots. In no event shall issuance of the above referred to closing report of the Committee be delayed beyond January 31st imme- diately subsequent to the close of the election year. In the discharge of its duties, the Committee may call upon and utilize the services of clerical employees of the Union. The Committee shall be discharged upon the completion of the issuance and dispatch of its report as required in this Article. In the event a recheck and recount is ordered pursuant to this Article, the Committee shall be reconstituted, except that if any member thereof is not available, a substitute therefore shall be elected from the appropriate Port at a special meeting held for that purpose as soon as possible (d) The report of the committee shall be made up in sufficient copies to comply with the following requirements: two (2) copies shall be mailed by the Committee to each Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer no later than January 31st immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. As soon a these copies are received, each Port Agent shall post one (1) copy of the report on the bulletin board in a conspicuous manner and notify the Secretary-Treasurer, in writing, as to the date of such posting. This copy shall be kept posted until after the Election Report Meeting which shall be the March regular membership meeting immediately following the close of the election year. At the Election Report Meeting, the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. (e) Any full book member claiming a violation of the election and balloting procedure or the conduct of the same, shall within seventy two (72) hours of the occurrence of the claimed violation notify the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, in writing by certified mail, of the same, setting forth his name, book number and the details so that appropriate corrective action, if warranted, may be taken. The SecretaryTreasurer shall expeditiously investigate the facts concerning the claimed violation, take such action as may be necessary, if any, and make a report and recommendation, if necessary, a copy of which shall be sent to the member and the original shall be filed for the Union Tallying Committee for their appropriate action, report and recommendation, if any. The foregoing shall not be applicable to matters involving the Credentials Committee's action or report, the provisions of Article XIII, Sections I and 2 being the pertinent provisions applicable to such matters. All protests as to any and all aspects of the election and balloting procedures or the conduct of the same not passed upon by the Union Tallying Committee in its report, excluding therefrom matters involving the Credentials Committee's action or report as provided in the last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph, but including the procedure and report of the Union Tallying Committee, shall be filed in writing by certified mail with the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters to be received no later than the February 25th immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. It shall be the responsibility of the member to insure that his written protest is received by the SecretaryTreasurer no later than such February 25th. The Secretary-Treasurer shall forward copies of such written protest to all Ports in sufficient time to be read at the Election Report Meeting. The written protest shall contain the full book member's name, book number, and all details constituting the protest. (f) At the Election Report Meeting the report and recommendation of the Union Tallying Committee, including but not limited to discrepancies, protests passed upon by them, as well as protests filed with the Secretary-Treasurer as provided for in Section (e) immediately above shall be acted upon by the meeting. A majority vote of the membership shall decide what action, if any, in accordance with the Constitution shall be taken thereon, which action, however, shall not include the ordering of a special vote, unless reported discrepancies or protested procedure or conduct found to have occurred and to be violative of the Constitution affected the results of the vote for any office or job, in which event the special vote shall be restricted to such office, offices and/or job or jobs, as the case may be. A majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings may order a recheck and recount when a dissent to the closing report has been issued by three (3) or more members of the Union Tallying Committee. Except for the contingencies provided for in this Section 4(f), the closing report shall be accepted as final. There shall be no further protest or appeal from the action of the majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings. (g) Any special vote ordered pursuant to Section 4( f) shall be commenced within ninety (90) days after the first day of the month immediately subsequent to the Election Report Meetings mentioned above. The depository shall be the same as designated for the election from which the special vote is ordered. And the procedures shall be the same as provided for in Section 3, except where specific dates are provided for, the days shall be the dates applicable which provide for the identical time and days originally provided for in Section 3. The Election Report Meeting for the aforesaid special vote shall be that meeting immediately subsequent to the report of the Union Tallying Committee separated by one (1) calendar month. Section S. Elected Officers and Jobholders. A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee without change. Section 6. Installation into Office and the Job of Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent. (a) The person elected shall be that person having the largest number of votes cast for the particular office or job involved. Where more than one ( 1) person is to be elected for a particular office or job, the proper number of candidates receiving the successively highest number of votes shall be declared elected. These determinations shall be made only from the results deemed final and accepted as provided in this Article. It shall be the duty of the President to notify each individual elected. (b) The duly elected officers and other job holders shall take over their respective offices and jobs and assume the duties thereof at midnight of the night of the Election Report Meeting, or the next regular meeting, depending upon which meeting the results as to each of the foregoing are deemed final and accepted, as provided in this Article. The term of their predecessors shall continue up to, and expire at that time, not withstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article XI, Section 1. This shall not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority vote of the membership may grant additional time for the assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure of the newly-elected President to assume office the provisions of Article X, Section 12 shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as decided by a majority vote of the membership. Section 7. The Secretary-Treasurer is specifically charged with the preservation and retention of all election records, including the ballots, as required by law, and is directed and authorized to issue such other and further directives as to the election procedures as are required by law, which directives shall be part of the election procedures of this Union. Article XIV Other Elections Section 1. Trial Committee A Trial Committee shall be elected at a special meeting, held at 10:00 A.M. the next business day following the regular meeting of the Port where the trial is to take place. It shall consist of five (5) full book members, three (3) of which shall constitute a quorum. No officer, Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative, Port Agent or other Union personnel may be elected to serve on a Trial Committee. No member who intends to be a witness in the pending trial may serve, nor may any member who cannot for any reason, render an honest decision. It shall be the duty of every member to decline nomination if he knows, or has reason to believe, any of the foregoing disqualifications apply to him. The members of this Committee shall be elected under such generally applicable rules as are adopted by a majority vote of the membership. Section 2. Appeals Committee. The Appeals Committee shall consist of seven (7) full book members, five (5) of whom shall constitute a quorum, elected at the Port where Headquarters is located. The same disqualifications and duties of members shall apply with regard to this Committee as apply to the Trial Committee. In addition, no member may serve on an Appeals Committee in the hearing of an appeal from a Trial Committee decision if the said member was a member of the Trial Committee. ArtlcleD Trials and Appeals Section 1. Any member may bring charges against any other member for the commission of an offense as set forth in this Constitution. These charges shall be in writing and signed by the accuser who shall also include his book number. The accuser shall deliver these charges to the Port Agent of the Port nearest the place of the offense, or the Port of pay-off, if the offense took place aboard ship. He shall also request the Port Agent to present these charges at the next regular meeting. The accuser may withdraw his charges before the meeting takes place. Section 2. After presentation of the charges and the request to the Port Agent, the Port Agent shall cause those charges to be read at the said meeting. If the charges are rejected by a majority vote of the Port, no further action may be taken thereon, unless ruled otherwise by a majority vote of the membership of the Union within ninety (90) days thereafter. If the charges are accepted, and the accused is present, he shall be automatically on notice that he will be tried the following morning. At his request, the trial shall be postponed until the morning following the next regular meeting at which time the Trial Committee will then be elected. He shall also be handed a written copy of the charges made against him. If the accused is not present, the Port Agent shall immediately cause to be sent to him, by registered mail Continued on page 31 October 2000 �Proposed Constitution - SIUllA - AGLIWD-llMU Continued from page 30 addressed to his last known mailing address on file with the Union, a copy of the charges, the names and book numbers of the accusers, and a notification that he must appear with his witnesses ready for trial the morning after the next regular meeting, at which meeting the Trial Committee will be elected. In the event a majority of the membership of the Union shall vote to accept charges after their rejection by a Port, the trial shall take place in the Port where Headquarters is located. Due notice thereof shall be given to the accused who shall be informed of the name of his accusers and who shall receive a written statement of the charges. At the request of the accused, transportation and subsistence shall be provided the accused and his witnesses. Section 3. The Trial Committee shall hear all pertinent evidence and shall not be bound by the rules of evidence required by courts of law but may receive all relevant testimony. The Trial Committee may grant adjournments, at the request of the accused, to enable him to make a proper defense. In the event the Trial Committee falls beneath the quorum, it shall adjourn until a quorum does exist. Section 4. No trial shall be conducted unless all the accusers are present. The Trial Committee shall conduct the trial except that the accused shall have the right to cross-examine the accuser, or accusers and the witnesses, as well as to conduct his own defense. The accused may select any member to assist him in his defense at the trial, provided (a) the said member is available at the time of the ·al, and (b) the said member agrees to render such assistance. If the accused challenges the qualifications of the members o{ the Trial Committee, or states that the charges do not adequately inform him of what wrong he allegedly committed, or the time and place of such commission, such matters shall be ruled upon and disposed of prior to proceeding on the merits of their defense. The guilt of an accused shall be found only if proven by the weight of the evidence, and the burden of such proof shall be upon the accuser. Every finding shall be based on the quality of the evidence and not solely on the number of witnesses produced. Section S. The Trial Committee shall make findings as to guilt or innocence, and recommendations as to punishment and/or other Union action deemed desirable in the light of the proceedings. hese findings and recommendations shall be those of a majority of the Committee, and shall be in writing, as shall be any dissent. The Committee shall forward its findings and recommendations, along with any dissent to the Port Agent of the Port where the trial took place, while a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the accused and the accuser, either in person or by mail addressed to their last known addresses. The findings shall include a statement that the rights of the accused under this Constitution were properly safeguarded. The findings also must contain the charges made, the date of the trial, the name and address of the accused, the accuser, and each witness; shall describe each document used at the trial; shall contain a fair summary of the proceedings; and shall state the findings as to guilt or innocence. If possible, all documents used at the trial shall be kept. All findings and recommendations shall be made a part of the regular files. Section 6. The Port Agent of the Port of Trial shall, upon receipt of the findings and recommendations of the Trial Committee, cause the findings and recommendations to be presented and entered into the minutes at the Ot:lober 2000 next regular meeting. Section 7. The Port Agent shall send the record of the entire proceedings to Headquarters, which shall cause sufficient copies thereof to be made and sent to each port in time for the next regularly scheduled meeting. Section 8. At the latter meeting, the proceedings shall be discussed. The meeting shall then vote. A majority vote of the membership of the Union shall: (a) Accept the findings and recommendations, or (b) Reject the findings and recommendations, or (c) Accept the findings but modify the recommendations, or (d) Order a new trial after finding that substantial justice has not been done with regard to the charges. In this event, a new trial shall take place at the Port where Headquarters is located and upon application, the accused, the accusers, and their witnesses shall be furnished transportation and subsistence. Section 9. After the vote set forth in Section 8, any punishment so decided upon shall become effective. Headquarters shall cause notice of the results thereof to be sent to each accused and accuser. Section 10. An accused who has been found guilty or who is under effective punishment may appeal in the following manner: He may send or deliver a notice of appeal to Headquarters within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice of the decision of the membership. Section 11. At the next regular meeting of the Port where Headquarters is located, after receipt of the notice of appeal, the notice shall be presented and shall then become part of the minutes. An Appeals Committee shall then be elected. The Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement is charged with the duty of presenting the before-mentioned proceedings and all available documents used as evidence at the trial to the Appeals Committee, as well as any written statement or argument submitted by the accused. The accused may argue his appeal in person, if he so desires. The appeal shall be heard at Union Headquarters on the night the committee is elected. It shall be the responsibility of the accused to insure that his written statement or argument arrives at Headquarters in time for such presentation. Section 12. The Appeals Committee shall decide the appeal as soon as possible, consistent with fair consideration of the evidence and arguments before it. It may grant adjournments and may request the accused or accusers to present arguments whenever necessary for such fair consideration. Section 13. The decision of the Appeals Committee shall be by majority vote and shall be in the form of findings and recommendations. Dissents will be allowed. Decisions and dissents shall be in writing and signed by those participating in such decision or dissent. In making its findings and recommendations, the Committee shall be governed by the following: (a) No finding of guilt shall be reversed if there is substantial evidence to support such a finding and, in such case, the Appeals Committee shall not make its own findings as to the weight of evidence. (b) In no event shall increased punishment be recommended. (c) A new trial shall be recommended if the Appeals Committee finds: (a) that any member of the Trial Committee should have been disqualified, or (b) that the accused was not adequately informed of the details of the charged offense, which resulted in his not having been given a fair trial, or (c) that for any other reason, the accused was not given a fair trial. (d) If there is not substantial evi- dence to support a finding of guilt, the Appeals Committee shall recommend that the charge on which the finding was based be dismissed. (e) The Appeals Committee may recommend lesser punishment. Section 14. The Appeals Committee shall deliver its decision and dissent, if any, to Headquarters, which shall cause sufficient copies to be published and shall have them sent to each Port in time to reach there before the next regular scheduled meeting. Headquarters shall also send a copy to each accused and accuser at their last known address, or notify them in person. Section 15. At the meeting indicated in Section 14 of this Article, the membership, by a majority vote, shall accept, the decision of the Appeals Committee, or the dissent therein. If there is no dissent, the decision of the Appeals Committee shall stand. If a new trial is ordered, that trial shall be held in the Port where Headquarters is located in the manner provided for in Section 2 of this Article. Any decision so providing for a new trial shall contain such directions as will insure a fair hearing to the accused. Section 16. Headquarters shall notify the accused and each accuser, either in person or in writing addressed to their last known address, of the results of the appeal. A further appeal shall be allowed as set forth in Section 17 of this Article. Section 17. Each member is charged with knowledge of the provisions of the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, and the rights of, and procedure as to, further appeal as provided for therein. Decisions reached thereunder shall be binding on all members of the Union. Section 18. It shall be the duty of all members of the Union to take all steps within their constitutional power to carry out the terms of any effective decisions. Section 19. Every accused shall receive a written copy of the charges preferred against him and shall be given a reasonable time to prepare his defense, but he may thereafter plead guilty and waive any or all of the other rights and privileges granted to him by this Article. If an accused has been properly notified of his trial and fails to attend without properly requesting a postponement, the Trial Committee may hold its trial without his presence. Article XVI Offenses and Penafties Section 1. Upon proof of the commission of the following offenses, the member shall be expelled from membership: (a) Proof of membership in any organization advocating the overthrow of the Government of the United States by force; (b) Acting as an informer against the interest of the Union or the membership in any organizational campaign; (c) Acting as an informer for, or agent of, the company against the interest of the membership or the Union; (d) The commission of any act as part of a conspiracy to destroy the Union. Section 2. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following offenses, the member shall be penalized up to and including a penalty of expulsion from the Union. In the event the penalty of expulsion is not invoked or recommended, the penalty shall not exceed suspension from the rights and privileges of membership for more than two (2) years, or a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) or both: (a) Willfully misappropriating or misusing Union property of the value in excess of fifty dollars ($50.00). (b) Unauthorized use of Union property, records, stamps, seals, etc., for the purpose of personal gain; (c) Willful misuse of any office or job, elective or not, within the Union for the purpose of personal gain, financial or otherwise, or the willful refusal or failure to execute the duties or functions of the said office or job, or gross neglect or abuse in executing such duties or functions or other serious misconduct or breach of trust. The President may, during the pendency of disciplinary proceedings under this subsection, suspend the officer or jobholder from exercising the functions of the office or job, with or without pay, and designate his temporary replacement; (d) Unauthorized voting, or unauthorized handling of ballots, stubs, rosters, verification lists, ballot boxes, or election files, or election material of any sort; (e) Preferring charges with knowledge that such charges are false; ( f) Making or transmitting, with intent to deceive, false reports or communications which fall within the scope of Union business; (g) Deliberate failure or refusal to join one's ship or misconduct or neglect of duty aboard ship, to the detriment of the Union or its agreements; (h) Deliberate and unauthorized interference, or deliberate and malicious vilification, with regard to the execution of the duties of any office or job; (i) Paying for, or receiving money for, employment aboard a vessel, exclusive of proper earnings and Union payments; (j) Willful refusal to submit evidence of affiliation for the purpose of avoiding or delaying money payments to the Union, or unauthorized transferring or receiving evidence of Union affiliation, with intent to deceive; (k) Willful failure or refusal to carry out the order of those duly authorized to make such orders during time of strike; (l) Failure or refusal to pay a fine or assessment within the time limit set therefore either by the Constitution or by action taken in accordance with the Constitution. Section 3. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following offenses, members shall be penalized up to and including a suspension from the rights and privileges of membership for two (2) years, or a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) or both: (a) Willfully misappropriating or misusing Union property of the value under fifty dollars ($50.00); (b) Assuming any office or job, whether elective or not with knowledge of the lack of possession of the qualifications required therefore; (c) Misconduct during any meeting or other official Union proceeding, or bringing the Union into disrepute by conduct not provided for elsewhere in this Article; (d) Refusal or negligent failure to carry out orders of those duly authorized to make such orders at any time. Section 4. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following offenses, members shall be penalized up to and including suspension from the rights and privileges of membership for one ( 1) year or a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) or both: (a) Crossing a picket line sanctioned by the Union; (b) Failure to perform picket duty in strikes. Section S. Upon proof of the commission of any of the following offenses, members shall be penalized up to and including a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00): (a) Refusal or willful failure to be present at sign-ons or payoffs; (b) Willful failure to submit his Union book to Union representatives at pay-off; ( c) Disorderly conduct at pay-off or sign-on; ( d) Refusal to cooperate with Union representatives in discharging their duties; ( e) Disorderly conduct in the Union hall; (f) Gambling in the Union hall; (g) Negligent failure to join ship. Section 6. Any member who has committed an offense penalized by no more than a fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) may elect to waive his rights under this Constitution subject to the provision of Article XV, Section 19 and to pay the maximum fine of three hundred dollars ($300.00) to the duly authorized representative of the Union. Section 7. This Union, and its members, shall not be deemed to waive any claim of personal or property rights to which it or its members are entitled by bringing the member to trial or enforcing a penalty as provided in this Constitution. Section 8. Any member under suspension for an offense under this Article shall continue to pay all dues and assessments and must observe his duties to the Union, members, officials, and jobholders. Article XVII Publications This Union may publish such pamphlets, journals, newspapers, magazines, periodicals and general literature, in such manner as may be determined, from time to time, by the Executive Board. Article XVIII Bonds Officers and jobholders, whether elected or appointed as well as all other employees handling monies of the Union shall be bonded as required by law. Article XIX Expenditures Section 1. In the event no contrary policies or instructions are in existence, the President may authorize, make, or incur such expenditures and expenses as are normally encompassed within the authority conferred upon him by Article X of this Constitution. Section 2. The provlSlons of Section 1 shall similarly apply to the routine accounting and administrative procedures of the Union except those primarily concerned with trials, appeals, negotiations, strikes, and elections. Section 3. The provisions of this Article shall supersede to the extent applicable; the provisions of Article X of this Constitution. Article XX Income Section 1. The income of this Union shall include dues, initiation fees, fines, assessments, contributions, loans, interest, dividends as well as income derived from any other legitimate business operation or other legitimate source. Section 2. An official Union receipt, properly filled out, shall be given to anyone paying money to the Union or to any person authorized by the Union to receive money. It shall be the duty of every person affiliated with the Union who makes such payments to demand such receipt. Section 3. No assessments shall be levied except after a ballot conducted under such general rules as may be decided upon by a majority vote of the membership, provided that: (a) The ballot must be secret. (b) The assessment must be approved by a majority of the valid ballots cast. Section 4. Except as otherwise Continued on page 32 Seafarel'S LOS 31 �Proposed Constitution - SIUllA - AGLIWD-llMU Continued from page 31 provided by law, all payments by members or other affiliates of this Union shall be applied successively to the monetary obligations owed the Union commencing with the oldest in point of time, as measured from the date of accrual of such obligation. The period of arrears shall be calculated accordingly. Section 5. To the extent deemed appropriate by the majority of the Executive Board, funds and assets of the Union may be kept in an account or accounts without separation as to purpose and expended for all Union purposes and objects. Article XXI Other Types of Union Afflllation To the extent permitted by law, this Union, by majority vote of the membership, may provide for affiliation with it by individuals in a lesser capacity than membership, or in a capacity other than membership. By majority vote of the membership the Union may provide for the rights and obligations incident to such capacities or affiliations. These rights and obligations may include, but are not limited to (a) the applicability or non-applicability of all or any part of the Constitution; (b) the terms of such affiliation; (c) the right of the Union to peremptory termination of such affiliation and, (d) the fees required for such affiliation. In no event may anyone not a member receive evidence of affiliation equivalent to that of members, receive priority or rights over members, or be termed a member. Article XIII Quorums Section 1. Unless elsewhere herein otherwise specifically provided, the quorum for a special meeting of a Port shall be six (6) full book members. Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port shall be t\X~n­ fy'!five (25) ri:tembent Section 3. Unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, the decisions, reports, recommendations, or other functions of any segment of the Union requiring a quorum to act officially, shall be a majority of those voting, and shall not be official or effective unless the quorum requirements are met. Section 4. Unless otherwise indicated herein, where the requirements for a quorum are not specifically set forth, a quorum shall be deemed to be a majority of those composing the applicable segment of the Union. Article XXlll Meetings { - Section 1. Regular membership meetings shall be held monthly only in the following constitutional Ports at the following times: During the week following the first Sunday of every month a meeting shall be held on Monday-at Piney Point; on Tuesday-at New York; on Wednesday-at Philadelphia; on Thursday-at Baltimore; and on Friday-at Detroit-Algonac. During the next week, meetings shall be held on Monday-at Houston; on Tuesday-at New Orleans; on Wednesday-at Mobile; on Thursday-at San Francisco; and on Friday-at St. Louis. All regular membership meetings shall commence at 10:30 A.M. local time. Where a meeting day falls on a Holiday officially designated as such by the authorities of the state or municipality in which a Port is located, the Port meeting shall take place on the following business day. Saturday and Sunday shall not be deemed business days. The Area Vice-Presidents shall be the chairmen of all regular meetings 32 Sealarers LOB in Ports in their respective areas. In the event the Area Vice-Presidents are unable to attend a regular meeting of a Port, they shall instruct the Port Agents, or other elected jobholders, to act as chairmen of the meetings. In the event a quorum is not present at 10:30 AM. the chairman of the meeting at the pertinent Port shall postpone the opening of the meeting but in no event later than 11 :00 A.M. Section 2. A special meeting at a Port may be called only at the direction of the Area Vice-President, Area Assistant Vice-President or Port Agent. No special meeting may be held, except between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. Notice of such meeting shall be posted at least two (2) hours in advance on the Port bulletin board. The Area Vice-Presidents shall be the chairmen of all special meetings in Ports in their respective areas. In the event the Area Vice-Presidents are unable to attend a special meeting of a Port, they shall instruct the Area Assistant Vice-Presidents, Port Agents, or other elected jobholders, to act as chairmen of the meetings. Section 3. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, all regular meetings shall be governed by the following: 1 The Union Constitution. 2. Majority vote of the members assembled. Article XXIV Definttions and Miscellaneous Provisions Relating Thereto Section 1. Incapacity. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with herein, the term "incapacity," shall mean any illness or situation preventing the affected person from carrying out his duties for more than thirty (30) days, provided that this does not result in a vacancy. However, nothing contained in this Article shall be deemed to prohibit the execution of the functions of more than one (1) job and/or office in which event no incapacity shall be deemed to exist with regard to the regular job or office of the one taking over the duties and functions of the one incapacitated. The period of incapacity shall be the time during which the circumstances exist. Section 2. Unless otherwise set forth or dealt with herein the term ''vacancy" shall include failure to perform the functions of any office or job by reason of death, or resignation, or suspension from membership or expulsion from the Union with no further right to appeal in accordance with the provisions of Article XV of this Constitution. Section 3. When applicable to the Union as a whole, the term "majority vote of the membership" shall mean the majority of all the valid votes cast by full book members at an official meeting of those Ports holding meetings. This definition shall prevail notwithstanding that one ( 1) or more Ports cannot hold meetings because of no quorum, For the purpose of this Section, the term "meeting" shall refer to those meetings to be held during the time period within which a vote must be taken in accordance with the Constitution and the custom and usage of the Union in the indicated priority. Section 4. When applicable solely to Port action and not concerned with or related to the Union as a whole, and not forming part of a Union-wide vote, the term "majority vote of the membership" shall refer to the majority of the valid votes cast by the full book members at any meeting of the Port, regular or special. Section 5. The term "membership action," or reference thereto, shall mean the same as the term "majority vote of the membership." Section 6. Where the title of any officer or job, or the holder thereof, is set forth in this Constitution, all references thereto and the provisions concerned therewith shall be deemed to be equally applicable to whomever is duly acting in such office or job. Section 7. The term "election year" shall be deemed to mean that calendar year prior to the calendar year in which elected officials and other elected jobholders are required to assume office. Section 8. The terms "this Constitution" and "this amended Constitution" shall be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the Constitution as amended which takes the place of the one adopted by the Uni oil . in . 1939, ..~ amended up through M~h> Ji~~:;~~;fi;; Section 9. The term "member in good standing" shall mean a member whose monetary obligations to the Union are not in arrears for thirty (30) days or more, or who is not under suspension or expulsion effective in accordance with this Constitution. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the term "member" shall mean a member in good standing. Section 10. Unless plainly otherwise required by the context of their use, the terms "Union book," "membership book" and "book," shall mean official evidence of Union membership. Section 11. The term "full book" or "full Union book" shall mean only an official certificate issued as evidence of Union membership which carries with it complete rights and privileges of membership except as may be specifically constitutionally otherwise provided. Section 12. The term "full book member" shall mean a member to whom a full book has been duly issued and who is entitled to retain it in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. Section 13. The term "seatime" shall include employment upon any navigable waters or days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. Section 14. The term "in an unlicensed capacity aboard an Americanflag merchant vessel or vessels" shall include persons employed in an unlicensed or licensed capacity aboard dredges, tugboats, towboats and similar vessels used to tow, propel, or push barges or other conveyances or assist merchant vessels in docking or undocking, or persons otherwise employed in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. Article XIV Amendments This Constitution shall be amended in the following manner: Section 1. Any full book member may submit at any regular meeting of any Port proposed amendments to this Constitution in resolution form. If a majority vote of the membership of the Port approves it, the proposed amendment shall be forwarded to all Ports for further action. Section 2. When a proposed amendment is accepted by a majority vote of the membership, it shall be referred to a Constitutional Committee in the Port where Headquarters is located. This Committee shall be composed of six (6) full book members, two (2) from each department and shall be elected in accordance with such rules as are established by a majority vote of that Port. The Committee will act on all proposed amendments referred to it. The Committee may receive whatever advice and assistance, legal or otherwise, it deems necessary. It shall prepare a report on the amendment together with any proposed changes or substitutions or recommendations and the reasons for such recommendations. The latter shall then be submitted to the membership. If a majority vote of the membership approves the amendment as recommended, it shall then be voted upon in a yes or no vote by the membership of the Union by secret ballot in accordance with the procedure directed by the majority vote of the membership at the time it gives the approval necessary to put the referendum to a vote. The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of six (6) full book members two (2) from each of the three (3) departments of the Union, elected from Headquarters Port. The amendment shall either be printed on the ballot, or if too lengthy, shall be referred to on the ballot. Copies of the amendment shall be posted on the bulletin boards of all Ports and made available at the voting site in all Ports. Section 3. If approved by a majority of the valid ballots cast, the amendment shall become effective immediately upon notification by the aforesaid Union Tallying Committee to the Secretary-Treasurer that the amendment has been so approved, unless otherwise specified in the amendment. The Secretary-Treasurer shall immediately notify all Ports of the results of the vote on the amendment. EXHIBIT A Minimal requirements to be contained in Constitution of subordinate bodies and divisions chartered by or iiilii5 I All members shall have equal rights and privileges, subject to reasonable rules and regulations, contained in this Constitution, including secret election, freedom of speech, the right to hold office and the right of secret votes on assessment and dues increases, all in accordance with the law. Seafarers International , Upi9n 0..( North America-Atlantic,. OulfJ;~~~$; and Inland Waters District-N.M.U is first made. ··. VII The Seafarers lntemationallJrudn; of North America-Atlantic,; Oulf; Lakes and Inland Waters UiStd~ttil NMU shall have the nght to .check,' inspect and make copies of all the books and records of this Union upon demand. VIII This Union shall not take any action which will have the effect of reducing its net assets, calculated through recognized accounting procedures, below the amount of its indebtedness to the S.CafateiSi ~~~~~ approved by that Union through its Executive Board. IX So long as there exists any indebtedness by this Union to the :s~~ 2 ~==x~!n~~t,1~1:; ~~~ Jnl~d Wat¢ts P.istrict'."NM.U, that Union shall have the right to appoint a representative or representatives to this Union who shall have the power to attend all meetings of this Union or its sub-divisions, or governing boards, if any, and who shall have access to all books and records of this Union on demand. This representative, or these representatives, shall be charged with the duty of assisting this Union and its membership, and acting as a liaison between the §~faretS! :e~:~r;~~r~;Ji1lli&&~ lnlapdWate:rs Dimtet.:-NMU and this Union. II No member may be automatically suspended from membership except for non-payment of dues, and all members shall be afforded a fair hearing upon written charges, with a reasonable time to prepare defense, when accused of an offense under the Constitution. Ill This Union is chartered by (and/or affiliated with), the Seafarers ~fent~~oiiar Uni-On of North ~merica-Atlantie. Gulf!> Lakes and hlland Waters Distri~NW~ and this Constitution and any amendments thereto, shall not take effect unless and until approved as set forth in the Constitution of that Union. IV An object of this Union is, within its reasonable capacity, to promote the welfare of, and assist, the Seafarers International 'Unionr! of ~~ar~~~t1&1fe$ v The charter (and/or affiliation) relationship between this Union and the Seafarer$ Intemau0naf Unfortrof Nnrth America,w~tl~e. Oulf .U.keS &ll4 ltdand _,l\Tater$/_DisJnQt'.'.NMO 1 shall not be dissolved so long as at least ten (10) members of this Union, and the Si?atarerS'JfitemationalUnfon pf:'Noih .A:meriei-Atlantic. Qµlf~ ~+iilia Article II of the Constitution of the lillaild '· waters' ntsttiCiJ. NMl.1 · a.Ciiilg ··through ·iis '·'Executive Board wish to continue such relationship. VI No amendment to this Constitution shall be effective unless and until approved by at least twothirds vote of the membership in a secret referendum conducted for that purpose. In any event, the adoption of this Constitution and any amendments thereto, will not be effective unless and until compliance with x So long as any unpaid per capita tax, or any other indebtedness of any sort is owed by this Union to the - s uch indebtedness shall constitute a first lien on the assets of this Union, which lien shall not be impaired without the written approval of the !:~~~B!I! ing through its Executive Board. XI The per capita tax payable by this l]nion ·. to ..th~. Se~f~ .Inienfati-0nat tTnioii 'of Norttl'.{'iAm~nca-Atlantic;z Gul:fi Lak~~ . aii~ ln~Md Waters'. Pistti~t:NMJY shall be that which is fixed in accordance with the terms of the Constitution of that Union. XII This Constitution and actions by this Union pursuant thereto are subject to those provisions of the Constitution of the Seafarer& =~~,!n~~~~~~ ·~~:J 1!~4.W'~_, D!sttj<if-~ pertaining to affiliation, disaffiliation, trusteeships, and the granting and removal of charters. XIII This Union shall be affiliated with the :s&ifarers ·Iniet:nationat uiifonol l'fri Amer,ica tbiQugp 'the S~f~ lntern:ational .· Union of , No~ ft\metf,ca-Atlantic!J. , Gulf1 Lak.~ ,,@M J.nlal)A W~~. Ui.$kiGl·NM'O.~ It shall share in, and participate as part of the delegation of that District to the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Sear~en liitima.tfonaf ·uu1snr·:o1; North America-Atlantic# Oul~ ta\~1 l\ndJB.13n4. Pla~;D.Im~1NM.t1,i �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea AUGUST 16 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port 1 5 0 Norfolk 8 2 2 3 5 3 l1 14 8 16 11 11 15 I 6 9 13 4 7 10 4 8 5 6 0 6 3 10 23 1 3 4 Wilmington Totals St. Louis Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston New Orleans New York Norfolk 249 11 8 147 80 102 34 9 3 13 3 13 8 12 4 .·· 2 IO 8 4 6 2 () 5 5 7 60 101 21 42 STEWARD DEPARTMENT r· l 4 0 6 9 12 5 ..o o 0 l 0 0 0 2 6 3 6 11 1 6 2 5 1 0 17 10 19 7 8 4 15 4 11 2 196 155 62 (} 3 I ·3 0 20 23 35 8 16 21 13 0 8 5 8 I . Q 0 16 1 6 4 1 10 11 4 1 2 2 1 4 1 5 20 2 0 0 0 7 3 27 2 9 4 24 17 61 257 92 46 . I <) 1 1 3 3 0 14 0 40 2 122 l 5 50 3 30 4 0 1 12 127 2 0 15 6 0 -0 0 0 0 40 0 3 8 6 0 8 · ·s 4 3 0 0 5 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 16 16 0 5 50 175 179 29 81 98 0 0 0 588 474 323 441 260 182 182 15 1 .. 6 Thoughts ofyoung men dying Ships swallowed up by the sea Too few huddled close in lifeboats Memories still painful to me Across the slate gray Atlantic Countless dramas would nightly unfold Merchantmen unprotected and helpless German U-boats increasingly bold 21 0 7 1-0 40 4 26 339 558 703 by Harry T. Scholer Survivors who came home stayed briefly Then back to battle they'd go The tide when it turned did so swiftly War was brought home to the foe 11 956 Veterans 10 31 II 0 6 83 LOG-A-RHYTHMS The prey was slow allied convoys Tanker, freighter, none left unscathed Toll on the crewmen was frightening Thousands went to the grave 2 2 . .20 24 4 20 280 .11 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. October 2000 15 8 12 15 1 0 0 Totals All Departments 33 56 26 15 12 . 21 0 12 5 ENTRY DEPARTMENT St. Louis Wilmington Totals 27 20 26 4 5 155 62 , *change created by Veterans Day holiday 4 18 2 17 44 Friday: December 8 0 9 5 4 2 0 5 0 22 ·. o 0 3 0 2 Membership Meetings .··_:· oeep. Sea;·· ~1ces, Inland Waters 22 10 134 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 2 0 0 18 25 7 5 8 Trip Reliefs November & December 2• Brave sailors now long since retired Their sacrifice earned our respect Whose spirits still live on the ocean An example we try to reflect. (Harry T. Scholer of Orlando, Fla., sails as a second mate aboard the MT. Independence/Ocean 211 (Maritrans Inc.). He dedicates this poem to all the brothers and sisters of the WWII generation for their sacrifices and notes that "we who sail today owe them all a debt of gratitude.") Seafarers LOG 33 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes AUGUST 16 CL - Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port ··Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Totals All Depts ALGONAC Clair RiverDr.1' Alg<>nac, MT 48001 (810) 794-4988 .. 0 16 13 0 l~ 6 0 5 13 Q . . lA . . . Z(io 0 47 58 SEPTEMBER 15, 2000 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 13 · · 'tf?' ..• 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 8 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 .0, 10 ENTRY DEPARTMENT ··=~··· ....2.B 0 30 0 5 0 4 . " .0 :!4 t '"9 40 0 "" 2 6, 17 12 18 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St.,#IC; Anchorage. AK 99503 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters {907) 561-49$8 BALTIMORE AUGUST 16 - 2315 Essex St., Baltimore; MD 21224 ' {410) 327~4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medi-031 Arts Building. Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 7~-4110 ,, .G UAM . 125 SuueyPl~ Suitt 301{~ Tun Jesus Cris0$t~o.SLc/; Region (611) 647-1350 . yf;~!l~fifaf~~t 0 5 i;l f"}~o > . · ~. ~. v ···as ;:f}i ·;111ts~~z;~~'>:W.ited];'. '.~ .P.NP:n1:JJs£f;KJ l.i~rrtsW!h ·.·.;·'. ·o ··.······u· .. HONOLULU (808) 845-5222 1221 Pierce St., Houston. TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St., Jersey City, NJ 07302 (2.0l) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin lsiand PkWJ1 Mobile, At 36605 (334},47~~0916 ... _;-;,··:·:-·:· NE\Y.BEUFORD \,,)?·.;:;· · Gulf Coast 33 l 5 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353.-0987 - .. Totals Region Atlantic Coast HOUSTON ·:_;::: ·.·.·.·.:.•.•.!.'..'.' West Coast 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, lU. 96819 •·.· $.: ;. ii 48 Union St., New Bedfordf MA OZ740 . . {50~ .997~5404 NEW ORLEANS 391} Lapaloo Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058, (504)328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave,, Brotild~ NY U232 . . (71&) 499--6600 Lakes, Inland Waters 2 8 9 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 West Coast 0 0 Totals Region 1 0 Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 1 1 3 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT O" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 2 2 10 4 3 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 9 0 1 0 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 <~.·.. . . Ta:rnuning, Guam 969tlXJ;' SEPTEMBER 15, 2000 3 3 1 15 1 25 () . o,. . ,. 0 {) 0 0 () 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 /J Of . 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 3 1 26 ~·o•o•" • •" ""'''"""""•"·•·••• 'l.J ·""'';"'".""••"·"·•· *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. . NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 621-1892 PBlLAJ>ELPBlA 2604 S. 4 St, Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336·3818 PJN£Y POINT P.O. Box 75, Piney Point. MD 20674 (3-01) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522~7984 PI C-FROM-THE-PAST In earlier years, the SIU apparently was involved in various sporting events, among them a horse race and soap box derby. The horse race photo (right) is from the LOG archives. All that is known about it is what is printed on the picture. "Andrea Gomez, International Vice President of SIUNA, accompanied by Ann Olmen, awards the Paul Hall Trophy to the owners, and driver, John Quinn of Con Brio, winner of the Seafarers SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Fr~isco, CA 94105 (415) 543·5855 Government Sel."Vi<:es Division (415) 861~3400 SANTURCE l057FemandezJuncos Ave., Stop 16!4 Santurce, PR. 00907 (787) 7214033 Sl'. LOUIS ·4581-0ravois Ave., St. Louis. MO 63ll6 (314} 752-65-00 TACOMA ~41 l South Uni<>n Ave., Taeoma, WA 98409 \253) 212~m4 . •<·.. f WllMJN~N SlON.Br:OadAve.., Wilmington. CA 90744 (310) 54~:4000 J\, 34 Seafarers LOB International Union Purse at Rosecroft (Md.) Raceway Friday, May 10, 1963." The soap box derby photograph (left) was sent to the LOG by Antoinette Warren, the wife of Pensioner and charter member Paul A. Warren, 87, of Mandeville, La. Warren, pictured with the young driver, was an official in the union for 32 years. He worked as a patrolman in the port of New Orleans, where this race took place. October 2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-fiag 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. recertified among the announcing ments this month. Thomas J. Maley graduated from the highest level of training available to members of the steward department at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Including Maley, five of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Five others navigated the inland waterways, five plied the Great Lakes and one worked in the railroad marine division. Nine of the retirees were members of the deck department, four shipped in the engine department and three sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA · ROBERTL. BIRMINGHAM, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1965, joining in the port of New ···"'·· York. Born in Asheville, N.C., he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957. Brother Birmingham first sailed aboard the Cabins, operated by Texas City Refining, Inc. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Northern Lights, an lnterocean Ugland Management Corp. vessel. He resides in New Orleans. DONALDJ. GIFFORD, 64, hails from New York. He joined the SIU in his native state in 1971 and first sailed aboard the Transchamplain, operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. Brother Gifford served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1957. A member of the deck department, he upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1979. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the LNG Libra. Brother Gifford lives in Chaumont, N.Y. THOMASJ. MALEY,64, began his career with the SIU in 1959 in the port of New York. A member of the steward department, Brother Maley first sailed aboard Boston Towing Company vessels. He upgraded his skills and completed the steward recertification course at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1983. Brother Maley last sailed in 1993. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Franklin J. Phillips, operated by Maersk Line Ltd. Brother Maley calls Pine City, N.Y. home. Ot:lober 2DIJIJ GARYC. MITCHELL, 62, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Seattle after having served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1960. A native of Ohio, Brother Mitchell first sailed aboard the Brooklyn, operated by Bay Tankers. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1975, 1995, 1997 and again earlier this year. Brother Mitchell worked in the engine department. He last sailed aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, operated by American Overseas Marine. He resides in Alliance, Ohio. JOHNE. THOMAS, 62, was born in Baltimore. He began his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A member of the steward department, Brother Thomas first shipped aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Hurricane. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1997. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard Waterman's Stonewall Jackson. Brother Thomas calls Portsmouth, Va. home. INLAND EDWIN J. BLACK, 61, hails from Pennsylvania. A member of the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1964, Boatman Black joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of Baltimore. He first sailed aboard Berg Towing Company vessels. He shipped as a member of the deck department. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard Interstate Oil Transport Company vessels. Boatman Black lives in Rock Hall, Md. LEANDER BOURGEOIS, 63, joined the SIU in 1967 in Port Arthur, Texas. The Louisiana native had two tours of duty in the U.S. Army, serving from 1955 to 1958 and from 1960 to 1963. He first sailed with the SIU aboard Southern Towing, Inc. vessels. A member of the deck department, Boatman Bourgeois sailed aboard H vide Marine vessels prior to his retirement. He calls Lafayette, La. home. JOHNNIE RAY BROWN,63, is a native of Tennessee. He began his career with the SIU in 1988 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman Brown served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1960. A member of the steward department, he worked primarily aboard Red Circle Transport Co. vessels. He last sailed in 1999. Brother Brown calls Hollister, Fla. home. JOHNA. FURMAN SR., 61, began his SIU career in 1966, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of · Currituck, N.C., Boatman Furman served in the U.S. Army. He first sailed for the SIU aboard Southern Carriers Corp. vessels. A member of the deck department, Boatman Furman was last employed on SIUcontracted boats in 1984. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard Allied Towing's Mohawk. Brother Furman resides in Portsmouth, Va. JOHNRUSSEFF, 71, joined the SIU · in 1993 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The North Dakota native is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1944 to 1945. A member of the engine department, Boatman Russeff sailed primarily aboard Brusco Tug & Barge Co. vessels. He resides in Oxnard, Calif. GREAT LAKES RAUL BARRERA, 44, joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of Detroit. A member of the deck department, Brother Barrera first sailed aboard Erie Sand Steamship's Schoellkojf. He was born in Wayne County, Mich. and served in the U.S. Army from 1973 to 1975. Brother Barrera upgraded his skills several times at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard American Steamship Co. 's M!V Buffalo. Brother Barrera calls Port Huron, Mich. home. MOHNSEN AHMED ELMATIDL, 63, began his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, Brother Elmathil first sailed aboard American Steamship Co. 's American Sea Ocean. A member of the engine department, Brother Elmathil last sailed earlier this year aboard American Steamship's John Boland. He calls Detroit home. CHARLES A. HOLTREY, 55, was born in Michigan. He joined the SIU in 1966 in .... Frankfort, Mich. A member of the deck department, Brother Holtrey first sailed aboard the American Sea Ocean, operated by American Steamship Co. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1979. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard American Steamship's Indiana Harbor. He still resides in his native Michigan. THIS MONTH IN SIU HISTORY JOHNT. OSTWALD, 65, joined the SIU in 1977 in Duluth, Minn. The Oakland, Mich. native first sailed aboard the S. T. Crapo, operated by Inland Lakes Management, Inc. A member of the engine department, Brother Ostwald was last employed in 1999. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship. Brother Ostwald lives in Cheboygan, Mich. KAID A. TAIRI, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1967, joining in the port of Detroit. Originally from Yemen, the deck department member first sailed aboard the Reiss Brothers, operated by American Steamship Co. Prior to retiring, Brother Tairi shipped aboard Bob-Lo Island's Columbia. He lives in New York. RAILROAD MARINE WILLIARD V.BYRNS JR., 62, hails from Matthews, Va. He joined the Seafarers in 1970 and first sailed the same year as a member of the deck department. Brother Byrns served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960. He was last employed in 1985 with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Brother Byrns currently resides in Hudgins, Va. . o~ ~ctoh~ at;'~ . 1?10; P~dent . NiiOn siped · th~ Merchant Mai'fne'Aa . 'ijf.\1970.;:. Ttiis A.et, 'ff!it.;~~~=-==~:;::;;::;:::;;==::::::=:========~ which incorporated : many provisions backed by the Seafarers International Union, had .paSsed b(>th hOuses of Congress by substandal majorities before it was sent to President Nixon for his·· signaDuring the two-and-a-half years in whtch the SIU dinic program has been operating; a sharp decline in the inddence of tuberculosis among Seafarers has been noted. The clinics, Which stress preventive medidne, offer phys-. ture. President Nixon said the bill marked ,. and the U.S. Public Health Setvlce Hospital$ will go to SIU-contracted co~nies. the beginning of a new era for the troubled maritime industry and opened the prospect of revitalization of the flag maritime . fleet. icaf examinations to atl members. . The bill will benefit SIU men more than oth· The major requirements for c0ntrolling . ers by means of its proviSton to construct tuberculosis are early detection and effective · 300 new ships for the foreign trade in the treatment. The SIU's cfmics suppfy the first next 10 years. The bulk of those 300 ships u.s... .... Seafarers LOB 35 �Pensioner Henry Armstrong, 79, died July 15. Brother Armstrong began his career with the SIU in 1953. The steward department member first sailed aboard Ore Navigation Corp. 's Export Leader. A native of North Carolina, Brother Armstrong began receiving his pension in 1979. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Venture. Brother Armstrong lived in Charlotte, N.C. HANSM.BANG Pensioner Hans M. Bang, 62, passed away Aug. 11. Brother Bang started his career with the SIU in 1965. A member of the engine department, the Denmark native first sailed aboard the Transhudson, operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. several times and began receiving his pension in 1999. Before retiring, he sailed aboard CSX Lines' Voyager. Brother Bang called Monte Rio, Calif. home. HERBERT CLARITY Pensioner Roberto Bosco, 73, passed away July 26. He began his career with the SIU in 1951, joining in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Bosco first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Wild Ranger. The steward department member started receiving his pension in 1989. Prior to retiring, Brother Bosco sailed aboard the American Heritage, operated by Westchester Marine Corp. He called Carolina, P.R. home. Pensioner Herbert Clarity, 80, died July 1. The La Cygne, Kan. native started his career with the MC&S in 1945. He first sailed aboard the Hibbing Victory. A member of the steward department, Brother Clarity last sailed aboard American President Lines' President Lincoln. He resided in Ft. Scott, Kan. EDWARD BOGGUESS Pensioner Edward Bogguess, 74, passed away June 13. Born in Iowa, Brother Bogguess joined the MC&S in 1966 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU. The steward department member started receiving his pension in 1983. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the President Pierce, operated by American President Lines. Brother Bogguess resided in Seattle. DOMINICK BRANCOCCIO Pensioner William Barnes, 79 died July 10. He joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of New York. Born in the Philippines, Brother Barnes first sailed with New York Dock Railway Co. A member of the engine department, he began receiving his pension in 1987. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the SeaLand Marketer. Brother Barnes resided in his native country. Pensioner Dominik Brancoccio, 69, died June 8. A native of New York, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. Brother Brancoccio began his career with the SIU in 1953,joining in the port of New York. A member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard an AH Bull Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Brancoccio started receiving bis pension in 1988. Before retiring, he sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Brancaccio was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. FRANK BARTLETT PAT BUCCI Pensioner Frank Bartlett, 80, passed away July 14. Born in Alabama, Brother Bartlett started his career with the Seafarers in 1948, joining in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Bartlett served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. The steward department member began receiving his pension in 1985. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Fa/con Princess, operated by Seahawk Management. Brother Bartlett lived in Mobile, Ala. Pensioner Pat Bucci, 81, died July 27. Brother Bucci started his career with the SIU in 1966, joining in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Utah, he served with the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He sailed in the deck department. Brother Bucci began receiving his pension in 1984. Before retiring, be worked aboard the Santa Magdalena, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Bucci lived in San Diego. WILLIAM BARNES - ROBERTO BOSCO FELIX BATARA Pensioner Felix Batara, 87, died May 23. Born in the Philippines, he graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school and joined that union in 1944 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Batara was a member of the steward department. He first sailed aboard the Robert G. Cousins, operated by Hammond Shipping. Brother Batara began receiving his pension in 1972. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the President Taylor, operated by American President Lines. Brother Batara called Hercules, Calif. home. 36 Seafarers LOB ALVIN BURROUGHS Brother Alvin Burroughs, 51, passed away July 19. Born in Alabama, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lunde berg School's entry level training program in 1969 and joined the SIU in Piney Point, Md. Brother Burroughs was a member of the engine department. He last shipped aboard Interocean Ugland Management Corp. 's Diamond Shoals. Brother Burroughs lived in Mobile, Ala. OREN DOWD Pensioner Oren Dowd, 78, passed away July 22. Brother Dowd began his career with the Seafarers in 1958, joining in the port of Mobile. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. The deck department member first shipped aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. 's Morning Light. Brother Dowd began receiving bis pension in 1986. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessels. He lived in Chickasaw, Ala. USNS Potomac, operated by Bay Ship Management, Inc. Brother Guillory lived in Fulshear, Texas. FOOKHAU Pensioner Fook Hau, 93, passed away May 22. A native of China, Brother Hau started his career with the MC&S in 1957. He first sailed aboard the Golden Mariner. A member of the steward department, he began receiving his pension in 1973. Prior to retiring, Brother Hau sailed aboard the President Cleveland. He resided in San Francisco. Pensioner Nolan Hurtt, 67, died Aug. 14. Brother Hurtt started his career with the ..\ SIU in 1951, :~ joining in the port of Baltimore. He first sailed aboard the Oremar, operated by Ore Navigation Corp. A member of the deck department, be began receiving bis pension in 1990. Prior to retiring, Brother Hurtt sailed aboard the cable ship Global Link. He resided in Parkville, Md. ARTHUR JACOBS WING MAH Pensioner Arthur Jacobs, 77, passed away July 26. He began his career with the SIU in 1952, joining in the port of Boston. A native of Waterville, Maine, Brother Jacobs first sailed aboard Isbrandtsen Company NSA-operated vessels. A member of the engine department, he started receiving his pension in 1988. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard NPR Inc. 's Bayamon. Brother Jacobs called West Palm Beach, Fla. home. Pensioner Wing Mah, 91, died March 11. Brother Mah joined the MC&S in 1945 and sailed in the steward department. Born in China, his first vessel was the William H. Prescott, operated by American President Lines. Brother Mah began receiving his pension in 197 . Before retiring, he sailed aboard the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Mah called San Francisco home. HARUNOBU ENOMOTO Pensioner Harunobu Enomoto, 81 died June 12. Born in Hawaii, Brother Enomoto joined the MC&S in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member began receiving bis pension in 1986. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the President Fillmore. Brother Enomoto resided in Kanoehe, Haiwaii. LUIS FRANCO Pensioner Luis Franco, 90, passed away June 14. A charter member of the SIU, Brother Franco started his career with the union in 1939 in the port of Baltimore. The Ponce, P.R. native first sailed aboard the Cape Corwin in the steward department. Brother Franco began receiving his pension in 1965. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Del Aires. Brother Franco lived in Miami. RICHARD GUILLORY Brother Richard Guillory, 45, died June 8. Born in Texas, he began his career with the SIU in 1973, joining in the port of Houston. Brother Guillory first sailed aboard the Overseas Arctic, operated by Overseas Bulk Tank Corporation. His last voyage was aboard the JULIUS M. MAGNO Pensioner Julius M. Magno, 80, passed away July 29. Born in the Philippines, Brother Magno began his career with the Seafarers in 1962. A memher of the deck department, be first shipped aboard a Merchantile Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Magno began receiving his pension in 1985. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Explorer. Brother Magno lived in National City, Calif. NOLAN HURTT JOHN DUNN Pensioner John Dunn, 75 passed away June 10. He served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. Brother Dunn started his Seafarers career in 1947, joining in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland native was a member of the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1983. Prior to retiring, Brother Dunn sailed aboard the Santa Lucia, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. He called Silver Spring, Md. home. Interocean Ugland Management Corp.'s Chiwawa. A member of the deck department, Brother Lester began receiving his pension in 1988. Prior to retiring, he shipped aboard the Sea-Land Venture. Brother Lester resided in Reeves, La. JOE LEWIS JOHNSON Pensioner Joe Lewis Johnson, 63, died Aug. 4. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1960. He first sailed aboard the Twin Falls, operated by Swannee Steamship Co. A member of the steward department, Brother Johnson began receiving bis pension in 1996. Before retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Johnson lived in Vallejo, Calif. SAMUEL JOHNSON Pensioner Samuel Johnson, 78, passed away Aug. 8. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1951, joining in the port of New Orleans. The Florida native first shipped aboard a Sprogue Steamship Co. vessel. A member of the engine department, he began receiving his pension in 1991. Prior to his retirement, Brother Johnson sailed aboard the cable ship Global Link. He lived in Baltimore. CHARLES LESTER Pensioner Charles Lester, 62, died July 11. The Louisiana native began his career with the Seafarers in 1958,joining in the port ofNew Orleans. He first sailed aboard WILLIAM MARTINI Pensioner William Martini, 84, died April 29. A native of New York, he joined the MC&S in 1939. Brother Martini first sailed aboard the President Taft. The steward department member began receiving his pension in 1975. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Oregon Mail. Brother Martini lived in Seattle. THEODORE R. MARTINEZ Pensioner Theodore R. Martinez, 74, passed away June 22. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947. Brother Martinez began his career with the Seafarers in 19 51. A member of the engine department, he first sailed aboard Southhail Company of Florida vessels. Brother Martinez started receiving his pension in 1981. Before retiring, he sailed aboard the Inger, operated by Reynolds Metal Company. Galveston, Texas was his home. HILARIO MIRANDA Brother Hilario Miranda, 66, died May 17. The Galveston, Texas native began his career with the SIU in 1961. A member of the engine department, he first shipped aboard Cape Waterways, Inc. vessels. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Washington. Brother Miranda called Houston home. RODOLFO MOREIRA Brother Rodolfo Moreira, 71, passed away July 31. A native of Honduras, he joined the SIU in 1991 in the port of Honolulu. A member of the steward department, he first shipped Continued on page 3 7 October 2000 �Continued from page 36 aboard American Hawaii Cruises vessels. Brother Moreira upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. and last sailed aboard the USNS Yano, operated by Bay Ship Management, Inc. He lived in the Bronx, N.Y. BLAISE PANICHO Pensioner Blaise Panicho, 84, died Aug. 16. Born in Maryland, Brother Panicho started his career with the Seafarers in 1951, joining in the port of New York. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Brother Pancio first sailed aboard the Robin Trent, operated by Sinclair Oil Corporation. A member of the steward department, Brother Panicho started receiving his pension in 1981. Prior to retiring, he shipped aboard the cable ship Long Lines. Brother Panicho resided in Baltimore. NORRIS PERKINS Pensioner Norris Perkins, 78, passed away June 4. Brother Perkins began his career with the MC&S in 1958, joining in the port of Seattle. A native of Missouri and a member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard American President Lines' President Adams. Brother Perkins started receiving his pension in 1992. Before retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Tacoma. Brother Perkins lived in Seattle. CHARLES RICE Pensioner Charles Rice, 77, died July 11. He began his career with the SIU in 1945,joining in the port of Gloucester, · Mass. A member of the steward department, Brother Rice graduated from the bosun recertification course at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in 1979. He began receiving is pension in 1986. Prior to his retirement, Brother Rice shipped aboard the Osprey, operated by NPR, Inc. He called Ormond Beach, Fla. home. in the port of New York. Born in Trinidad, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Rooks began receiving his pension in 1994. Before retiring, he sailed aboard the Sam Houston, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Rooks lived in Kenner, La. EDWARD STANKIEWICZ Pensioner Edward Stankiewicz, 74, passed away June 24. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. The Pennsylvania native began his career with the SIU in 1951, joining in the port of Philadelphia. A member of the deck department, Brother Stankiewicz first sailed aboard the Transatlantic. He began receiving his pension in 1991. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Tam Gui/den, operated by Transport Commercial. Brother Stankiewicz resided in Philadelphia. RAMON THOMAS Brother Ramon Thomas, 21, died July 27. Born in Mobile, Ala. Brother Thomas began his SIU career in 1999, joining in the port of Piney Point. He last sailed aboard the USNS Bob Hope, operated by Maersk Lines, Ltd. Brother Thomas resided in his native Mobile. THEODORE WEEMS Pensioner Theodore Weems, 75, passed away July 20. Born in Ohio, Brother Weems began his career with the Seafarers in ;;.......;;,;.....__~""----' 1949,joining in the port of New York. He served with the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. Brother Weems was a member of the dec:.C department. He began receiving his pension in 1986. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Samuel L. Cobb. Jacksonville, Fla. was his home. GEORGE WHITE JR. Pensioner George White, Jr., 80 died July 29. He began his career with the MC&S in 1954, joining in the port of San Francisco. L----~~~:.....o:...___, Brother White was a veteran of the U.S. Army. The steward department member began receiving his pension in 1991. Prior to retiring, Brother White worked aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. He resided in Los Angeles. ROBERTO RODRIGUEZ Brother Roberto Rodriguez, 51, passed away June 16. Born in New York, he served in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1970. Brother Rodriguez joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Council Grove, operated by Interocean Ugland Management, Corporation. A member of the engine department, Brother Rodriguez upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in 1974. He last sailed aboard the USNS Gilliand. He resided in Brooklyn, N. Y. COURTNEY ROOKS Pensioner Courtney Rooks, 75, died Aug. 14. Brother Rooks started his career with the SIU in 1951,joining October 2000 INLAND RAYMOND DIXON Pensioner Raymond Dixon, 81, passed away June 11. A native of Louisiana, Captain Dixon began his L--~~L.i:1~__J career with the SIU in 1957, joining in the port of New Orleans. He navigated the inland waterways throughout his career, sailing primarily aboard Dixie Carrier vessels. He last sailed in 1981. Brother Dixon began receiving his pension in 1982. He resided in Marrero, La. ROBERT FREEMAN Boatman Robert Freeman, 58 died April 17. He began his SIU career in 1988 joining in the port of Philadelphia. A member of the deck department, Boatman Freeman first shipped aboard a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel and last sailed aboard a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1963. He called Boynton Beach, Fla. home. JOSEPH LANDRY Pensioner Joseph Landry, 69 passed away July 28. Boatman Landry began his SIU career in 1963, joining in Port Arthur, Texas. He served in the U.S. Army from 1948 to 1955. A member of the deck department, Boatman Landry sailed primarily aboard Hvide Marine Towing Co. vessels. He began receiving his pension in 1988. Brother Landry Landry called Groves, Texas home. BRUNO LEWANDOWSKI Pensioner Bruno Lewandowski, 65, died June 29. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps · from 1953 to 1956. Boatman Lewandowski began his career with the SIU in 1976, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, he worked primarily aboard McAllister Towing Co. vessels, last sailing in 1986. A member of the steward department, Boatman Lewandowski began receiving his pension in 1996. He resided in Philadelphia. FRANCIS LUKOWSKI Boatman Francis Lukowski, 55, died June 13. Captain Lukowski served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969. Born in Massachusetts, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1969, joining in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Lukowski sailed primarily aboard McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessels. He lived in Huntington Beach, Calif. EUGENE R. LUTTRELL Pensioner Eugene R. Luttrell, 79, passed away July 15. Boatman Luttrell began his career with the SIU in 1961, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946. The Virginia native sailed primarily aboard Moran Towing of Virginia vessels. Boatman Luttrell began receiving his pension in 1985. He called Reedville, Va. home. JOHN LYNCH Pensioner John Lynch, 73, died June 12. A native of Pennsylvania, he served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1946. Captain Lynch started his career with the SIU in 1957, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Lynch first navigated the inland waterways aboard Taylor Marine Towing Company vessels. He began receiving his pension in 1996. Prior to retiring, Captain Lynch piloted Turecamo Maritime vessels. Philadelphia was his home. ARTHUR E. MAIER SR. Pensioner Arthur E. Maier Sr.,78, passed away June 8. Boatman Maier served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. A deck department member, he started his career with the SIU in 1957, joining in the port of Houston. The Ocean Springs, Miss. native began receiving his pension in 1985. Boatman Maier worked aboard Dixie Carriers vessels throughout his career, last sailing in 1983. Brother Maier resided in Biloxi, Miss. CHARLES NORTON Boatman Charles Norton, 56, died June 27. He started his career with the SIU in 1977, joining in the port ofNorfolk, Va. A native of Virginia, Boatman Norton sailed in the deck department. He worked primarily aboard McAllister Towing of Virginia vessels until he came ashore in 1990. Chesapeake, Va. was his home. DAVID STILES Pensioner David Stiles, 70, passed away May 27. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1948. Captain Stiles began his career with the SIU in 1973, joining in the port of Norfolk. A native of Virginia, he first sailed aboard Norfolk & Baltimore vessels. Brother Stiles began receiving his pension in 1992. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard Northeast Towing vessels. Brother Stiles resided in Cape Charles, Va. GREAT LAKES GEORGE HARRISON Brother George Harrison, 57, died July 28. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1966. The West Virginia native served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. He first sailed for the SIU aboard the American Sea Ocean, operated by the American Steamship Co. A member of the steward department, he last sailed aboard the John Boland, another American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Harrison lived in Ivydale, W. Va. GORDON LUCKETT Pensioner Gordon Luckett, 77, passed away Aug. 12. Brother Luckett began his career with the SIU in 1967, joining in the port of Detroit. A member of the deck department, he first shipped aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessel. Brother Luckett began receiving his pension in 1988. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard a Falcon Marine Company vessel. He resided in Clearwater, Fla. JOSEPH W. McKENNA Pensioner Joseph W. McKenna, 67 died July 1. He began his seafaring career in 1963, joining in the port of New York. He sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. Brother McKenna began receiving his pension in 1995. Brother McKenna served with the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. He resided in Cleveland. FRANK W. RYDELL ___....,,....,,,_...... Pensioner Frank W. Rydell, 93, passed away July 3. Brother Rydell began his career with the SIU in 1963, joining in the port of Chicago. The Wisconsin native sailed primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Company vessels. He began receiving his pension in 1976. Mokena , Ill. was his home. Tuesday, lov. 7 is Election Day 2000. This year, the American people will select those legislators who will sene them in Congress. In addition to choosing a new president and vice president, one-third of the 100 senatorial seats are up for grabs as are all 435 positions In the House of Representatives. Remember, you can't vote unless you are registered. Participate ••• Register • • • VOTE/ Seafarers LOG 37 �The SS Ceveland: Still Going Strong .. The following article and accompanying photos were sent to the LOG by Bosun David J. Garoutte. The SS Cleveland was launched in October 1969 as the SS American Mail. After nearly 31 years, but under a different name and company, this Sealift, Inc. break-bulk, 'tween deck freighter is still delivering cargo worldwide under the U.S. flag. She is truly unique as there are less than a handful in the American fleet. Our two most recent trips took us to Puerto Cortes, Honduras, with containerized foodstuffs; then to Matarani, Peru, via the Panama Canal, with bagged cargo. Needless to say, it was a pretty fine trip but not without its fair share of hard work. Changing the rigging from lifting 20-ton containers to the 5-ton yard and stay rig for the bags and then back again is no cakewalk. Just the basic maintenance on the ship is considerable. Anyone who has sailed on an old freighter knows exactly what I mean. There are 25 booms on the ship, counting the heavy lift jumbo. After loading more bagged cargo in Houston, we went to Wilmington, N.C. for assorted general cargo, including nine heavy lifts as well as a fair amount of ordnance. Being June, it was a pleasant trip across the Atlantic, through the Mediterranean and Aegean seas to Thessaloniki, Greece, then down to Piraeus for the discharge of the remaining cargo. With a wistful farewell to Greece, we steamed north to Durres, Albania. None of us having been there before, we didn't know what to expect, but were pleasantly surprised at the amenities and friendliness offered us. As an emerging third-world nation, there were some things to be desired by some Americans, but from a sailor's point of view, our week-long stay was a pleasant one. It is a beautiful mountainous country with sprawling valleys of farmland and a proud and ancient history. From top to bottom, we all worked hard. I've personally been on this ship eight years and hope to be here when she drops her anchors on the beach after her final voyage ...providing she is retired before I am. GSU Alice Poree (left) and Chief Steward Mike Vinca provide good cheer as well as good food. From left to right: Bosun David Garoutte works on a swivel atop one of the 25 booms aboard the Cleveland; cargo operations in Matarani, Peru; crew members work the hoses during a fire and boat drill. Sailing :tram Holbmd to Florida From U.S. Ship Management, Inc. comes word that as of Aug. 10, 2000, the Ned/loyd Holland has been renamed the SeaLand Florida. The photos snapped aboard the newly renamed ship were sent to the LOG by AB Linnell B. Coleman. Bosun William Card adjusts a valve on the deck of the SeaLand Florida. 38 Sllafarers LOB Right: ABs Linnell Coleman (left) and Rodney Jimenez mix some paint before tackling the job ahead of them. Above: After a hard day's work and with the tool room neatly organized, QMED Charles Kirksey (left) and DEU Roosevelt Clark are ready to clean up for dinner. .4 Left: Serving lunch aboard the SeaLand Florida are (from left) SA Richard Jones, Steward Ernest Dooms and Chief Cook Robert Wilcox. �>The se~lar,1'LOG a1tf1mpts t~;prtnt ~. many digests oianion shipboard · · ·. · 11!l1JJ!lff a~p,qnlb{l(~·h9fl occasion~ because of spate · · 1im.ffl!tionss some will be omitted. , Shi~f!zl1tate$ t;rst are reviewed by the unio11's contract depadment. if\Those Issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union ·upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then lorwanled to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), July 1~hairman David Garoutte, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Edward Shamburger, Deck Delegate Peter A. Poree, Steward Delegate Othello Dansley. Captain and chief mate thanked all departments for good trip. Chairman announced three days at berth in New Orleans and then on to Ethiopia. He also noted 3 percent COLA effective July 1, 2000. Secretary thanked everyone for keeping mess hall clean. Educational director reminded crew members of opportunities available at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT. Discussion held about safety issues aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, especially great barbecue, and for cleanliness of house. Next port: New Orleans. DIAMOND SHOALS (IUM), July 25--Chairman Richard E. Barnes, Secretary Laura L. Cates, Educational Director Ronald Celious, Deck Delegate Albert E. Mensah Jr., Engine Delegate Leportre L. Jasper, Steward Delegate Subagio Wibisono. Chairman stated coveralls will be provided by company. He also noted copies of new contract and merger information, provided by boarding patrolman, now in crew lounge and smoking room. Crew members expressed concern about cold temperatures in staterooms. Suggestion made for company to purchase heaters. Educational director said many jobs now available, so members should sign up for courses at Piney Point to be better prepared. Treasurer announced $2,000 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for written clarifications from union to ship's officers. Steward department praised for job well done. Special thanks to chief mate for delicious baked goods. ENDURANCE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), July 10--Chairman Daniel M. Ticer Jr., Secretary Russell B. Beyschau, Educational Director George Evosevich, Steward Delegate Wiley C. Owens. Chairman noted changes coming in 2002, particularly with new STCW agreement. He reminded crew members to get necessary endorsements. He also stated wages are up on Ready Reserve ships. Bosun announced captain pleased with condition of crew staterooms during sanitary inspection. He wished everyone smooth voyage and pleasant and safe vacation. Secretary urged members contribute to SPAD. He thanked all hands for cooperation and patience during cleaning and waxing of decks. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $100 in ship's movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for chair for ABs standing wheel watch. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for excellent job. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. INTEGRITY(U.S. Ship Mgmt.), July 2--Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Michael F. Hammock, Educational Director Robert J. Hamil, Deck Delegate Paul D. Lewis, Steward Delegate October 2000 Ali S. Hydera. Chairman announced good trip with payoff July 6 in Elizabeth, N .J. Vessel will then start new, longer run. Secretary thanked crew members for keeping messhall clean. Educational director suggested attending upgrading classes in Piney Point and making sure all seamen's papers and necessary endorsements are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on working rules for three-man steward department and on riding gang supervision. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing pension and for health plan to include additional companies. Also suggested that more benefits be extended to dependents. Steward department thanked for job well done. Next port: Boston, Mass. KODIAK (CSX Lines), July 1Chairman Roger Reinke, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita Jr., Deck Delegate John Habib, Engine Delegate Phillip Greenwell, Steward Delegate Michael Linus. Chairman announced ship scheduled for payoff July 4 in Tacoma, Wash. Blanket relief for all crew July 5. Educational director reminded members to check expiration dates on z-cards and STCW endorsement to avoid hassles when shipping out. Seafarers LOG lists upcoming upgrading courses; everyone urged to attend. Some disputed OT reported in steward department. Numerous suggestions and recommendations made, including: (1) members be able to collect vacation pay every 60 days, (2) Piney Point implement basic woodworking course and refresher wire-splicing course to take while attending upgrading classes, (3) SIU print up guideline of members' rights concerning Family Medical Leave Act. Thanks given to chief electrician for running wire for extra dryer and to steward department for keeping ship clean and for excellent food preparation. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. LNG ARIES (Pronav), July 24Chairman Jack J. Cooper, Secretary Doyle E. Cornelius, Educational Director Jeffrey Yarmola, Deck Delegate Richard L. Lewis, Engine Delegate Michael J. Brennan, Steward Delegate Donna D. Moore. Bosun thanked everyone for job well done during uncertainty of vessel reflagging. Crew did professional job, "as would be expected for SIU brothers and sisters." Secretary thanked members for help keeping lounge clean. Educational director noted importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and advised crew to check LOG for schedule of classes. Disputed penalty time in all departments; no beefs reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. LNG GEMINI (Pronav), July 20Chairman John Thompson, Secretary Georg G. Kenny, Educational Director Donald Lumpkins, Engine Delegate Dasril Panko, Steward Delegate Sukirman Suraredjo. Chairman stated union adequately responded to issues addressed at previous meeting. He stressed need for safety at all times and not take anything for granted. Scuttlebutt has vessel being reflagged and recrewed by AMO officers on or about Sept. 5. Educational director stressed need to upgrade skills at Piney Point. New simulator building soon ready for classroom instruction. Treasurer announced $2,800 in general ship's fund. Refrigerators and television purchased for all unlicensed crew staterooms as well as microwave oven for galley. Additional funds to be spent on improving satellite TV system. Crew members reminded that refrigerators and TV sets to be stenciled and secured to bulkheads and not to be transferred when changing watches. Chairman read and discussed president's report from May issue of LOG, stressing vital role played by Seafarers as part of America's defense system. Suggestion made for contracts department to consider making Maritime Day, May 22, paid holiday in future contract negotiations, in memory of all Seafarers who gave their lives for this country. Discussion held on difficulties with travel agency used by Pronav. Steward thanked crew for cooperation in maintaining clean ship and for returning movies to library. Video library is outdated; bosun informed crew members that anyone purchasing new videos or books can be reimbursed from ship's fund. Next port: Nagoya, Japan. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Lines), July 23--Chairman Andrew B. Barrows, Educational Director Robert J. Flesey Jr., Secretary David Joseph. Chairman complimented crew members on their professionalism. He announced payoff Aug. 2. Educational director reminded members that fire fighting certification needs renewal every five years. Everyone should check to see theirs are updated. Treasurer announced $600 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that spouses and dependents be issued medical cards and receive coverage for prescriptions. Also that new weight machine be added to gym. OOCL INSPIRATION (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), July 30--Chairman Leon T. Jekot, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Eric D. Bain, Deck Delegate Hans Gottschlick. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Houston. This is last voyage for ship with name OOCL Inspiration. Name being changed to Commitment, its original name. Colors currently being painted on house, decks and hatches. Educational director suggested crew members upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested about days off in steward department. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into increasing pension in next contract. Old dryer needs repair or replacement. Next ports: Bahamas; Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Management), July 2-Chairman Clyde C. Smith, Secretary Mark A. Flores, Deck Delegate Hernando M. Bansuelo, Engine Delegate William E. Cassel ID, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Vessel to pay off in Lake Charles, La. after traversing Panama Canal July 8. Educational director noted delay in repair of certain galley items. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to look into dependent prescription coverage and increased dental benefits. More communication requested with ship's captain and licensed officers. Crew members also would like company to donate computer to unlicensed crew. Additional request made for more fresh fruit and vegetables for long voyages. Steward department thanked for job well done. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (ATC), July 25--Chairman Jack Walker, Secretary Jeffrey L. Smith, Edu- cational Director Edward H. Self, Deck Delegate Donald Rezendos, Engine Delegate Sean Walker, Steward Delegate Norm Cox. Chairman announced payoff July 27. He noted coveralls available from chief mate and reminded crew that no more than two movies should be taken at a time. Educational director stressed importance of utilizing Paul Hall Center facilities for upgrading skills and noted ATC safety course not yet in effect. He also advised members to fill out garbage, dry garbage and tin cans. Aluminum cans also separated for collection by shoregang bosun in Oakland. He reminded everyone about renewal of STCW, passports and z-cards. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for better paying jobs. Treasurer announced $800 in ship's fund. Money to be used to fix satellite system. Some disputed OT reported in engine department; no beefs noted by all three department delegates. Communications read by On-Call on the Red Cloud No sooner does Bosun Gary White sit down for a quick break aboard the USNS Red Cloud (Maersk Lines) when he is paged on his walkie-talkie. forms for extra day's vacation pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters read and posted regarding vacation pay during current contract and signing off on TRBs. Requests made for new movies, new crew lounge furniture and exercise room for crew. Thanks given to steward department for good job. PERSEVERANCE (Maritrans ), July 21--Chairman Thomas W. Lasater, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director Kenneth W. Pinchin, Deck Delegate Diego Hatch, Engine Delegate Milton Israel, Steward Delegate Marvin James. Chairman announced payoff in Puerto Rico July 31. He advised everyone to read article in recent LOG about renewing STCW by Feb. 1, 2002. He also noted this is big election year and that Seafarers should stay involved, vote for those who are on maritime's side, and vote in union elections-don't let others decide for you. Dedication and hard work of SIU members and officials have paid off; several companies have agreed to increase wages and benefits aboard ship. Secretary stated contract extended another year. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point and make sure seamen's papers are up to date. Treasurer announced $1, 100 in entertainment fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for parts to fix crew bikes or purchase new ones. Suggestion made that Seafarers get paid from day they start traveling to ship and that vacation benefits be payable after 60 days. Also requested better prescription plan for dependents, including coverage for periodontal work and more optical benefits. Request made for tank and oil spill lockers to be kept more orderly. Thanks given to steward department for good food and to all crew members for keeping house clean and helping with soogie job in meat and chill boxes. Next ports: Puerto Rico; Nederland, Texas; Tampa, Fla.; Marcus Hook, Penn. PRODUCER (CSX Lines), July 2--Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Alan A. Rogers II, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Osorio, Engine Delegate Owen J. Duffy Jr., Steward Delegate Pedro J. Laboy. Chairman announced payoff July 4 in Oakland, Calif. He commended crew for good job separating plastic, wet bosun regarding increased wages aboard MarAd vessels. Suggestion made regarding company-paid transportation when vessel changes run to completely new area. Steward department welcomed aboard Eddy Ramirez as new utility/ pantryman, a seasoned pro from San Francisco. Steward also thanked Chief Cook Laboy for delicious meals and keeping galley very clean. "Everyone is real happy about the food on this vessel." Next ports: Honolulu; Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. QUALITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), July 9--Chairman Jim Hassan, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Director Brian Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Bennie Spencer, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefont, Steward Delegate Evans Verveniotis. Chairman noted receipt of new microwave oven. He thanked all departments for safe trip. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep house, messhalls and lounges clean and reminded all members to have STCW updated before 2002 deadline. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point and requested crew to follow rules for separating plastic items from rest of garbage and trash. He also cautioned that safety is everyone's business. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New LOGs received on board. Crew advised that reading LOG is best way to keep abreast of changes in industry. Steward department given vote of thanks for good job. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship Corp.), July 23Chairman Cesar A. Gutierrez, Secretary James A. Jackson Jr., Educational Director Isadore J. Greenberg, Deck Delegate Bernard I. Blunt, Steward Delegate Nadine Butler. Chairman noted that after being at anchor 13 days for boiler repair, ship once again en route to Suez Canal and then to U.S., with next port Morehead City, N.C. and payoff in New Orleans. Educational director advised everyone to take advantage of union facility in Piney Point for upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for contracts department to look into raising maintenance and cureg. Repairs needed to VCR and ice machine. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Seafarers LOB 39 �Baked Turkey Croquettes Know Your Rights Serves: 25 ... a good way to use up leftover turkey, chicken or ham. If using ham, put through a meat grinder and use 1-112 cups ground ham .. . GALLEY 1/2 cups butter 3/4 cup flour 1-112 pints milk 8-1/3 cups turkey, chopped CORNER 4-1/8 teaspoons salt 1-1/8 teaspoons celery salt 5 eggs 2-3/4 tablespoons water 2-1/8 cups bread crumbs 1-1/8 teaspooons ground sage 112 cup butter, melted Melt 2 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir until well blended. Cook one minute. Slowly add milk and cook, stirring constantly, until boiling. Let sauce cool; add chopped turkey, egg yolk, salt and celery salt. Form into 25 small cones. Mix bread crumbs with ground sage. Beat egg in water. Roll cones in crumbs. Dip each cone in egg and roll again in crumbs. Place on greased baking pan and drizzle with melted butter. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. If anyone is looking for a particular recipe or has one of their own that they would like to share, drop Chef Hetmanski a line at the Paul Hall Center, P. 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 or e-mail to: shlssvoc@us.hsanet.net. tetten to the Editor I (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) 4 )Ii Captain Praises Steward Department I just wanted to drop a note to let you know of the incredible job done by Chief Steward Brandon Maeda and our SIU steward gang here aboard the Cable Ship Global Link. Alongside the dock, as the ship is now, provides crew members the opportunity to eat at a variety of restaurants. However, a majority of the crew as well as the office staff remain aboard for the meals so as not to miss the great chow. The variety of meals prepared by Chief Cook James Tran ranges from the standard ChiliMac to Beef Wellington and lobster. The menu changes so often, one looks forward to seeing what there is to offer each day. The baker, Ed Tully, continues to amaze us with his preparations of sweets, some topped with chocolate sculptures that he prepares at night on his own time. Brandon and his gang always manage to keep the morale of the crew and officers up while at sea and also strive to maintain the same good feeling while alongside the dock. The monthly birthday parties with cakes and special meals have become the norm which everyone looks forward to as much as Brandon's holiday specials. 40 Seafarers LOG I This ship has months of waiting for a cable break or a project but must maintain a 24-hour callout mode of readiness. This means all 118 bunks must be kept ready, stores loaded for at least 45 days for 90 men, and above all, the ship must be kept in a constant state of cleanliness. The vessel hosts all manner of company personnel as well as the weekly functions by our PR people. In all, 1,500 linear feet of passageway are kept clean and waxed, ready to receive the unknown visitor as well as provide a sense of pride to those who sail aboard her. Suffice it to say, the steward department has a lot to do with the professionalism witnessed by our customers every day. Our morale, comfort and needed rest are taken care of for us by these guys. As for myself, Brandon takes one more worry off my mind as I know the stewards are always ready to go to sea and that we won't even notice the difference. Captain William H. Dowd Master, CS Global Link • days ( 1945), the old Libertys were not really equipped for shipto-shi p refueling at sea while underway. The bosun and deck crew did the best they could using the standard cargo booms to keep oil hoses out of the water. The hoses were in sections of 20 or 40 feet with quick couplings at each end. The ships had to be very close alongside. The skippers tried to take advantage of good weather. The mariners on the ship's wheel had to be on their toes, and we in the engine room had to hold that old triple expansion engine at constant revs and the boiler pressure constant all the while a ship was fueling alongside. I guess we did a good job-no collisions or scrapes. Joseph R Legere West Palm Beach, Fla. )II Reading Good News; Remembering the Past I look forward to getting my copy of the LOG. It's mostly always good news, not like our daily newspapers. I especially enjoy reading the stories like "Voyage to India" [April, July, August 2000]. That brought back memories of being a fireman/ watertender on a Liberty tanker when I was 16. The ship's job was to refuel the convoy escort ships to the Mediterranean and back. In those • )II' Getting the Facts Straight on Islam I read the article "Voyage to India." The article was good and informative. But Mr. Smith misinformed your readers about the Islam religion when he wrote that "the muezzins, or priests, have the 'good fortune' to be blinded while still young babies 'so that they may see no evil."' The statement is completely false. In Islam, there is no priest system. Islam just has religious teachers, scholars and professors. They are paid for teaching, not for performing religious activities, or they are paid for the upkeep of mosques or schools. The actual practice to which Smith referred was that whenever a baby boy was born blind naturally, the parents would send him to religous school to memorize the holy book, the Koran, and get some religious knowledge so he could earn his living by teaching. Zarif A. Qazi Ontario, Canada 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 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Con eque 1 , no member may be discriminated a · because of race, creed, color, sex, n · al 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 purpo es including, but not limite to, furthering the politica , social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. October 2000 �With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date Name - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Address - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED agplicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee qf $280 with their agplication. The payment should be made with a money order only. gqyable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security#_________ B o o k # - - - - - - - - - Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port ------------ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Yes D No Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE -------------- DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Upgrade your skills at the Paul Hall Center Seafarers LOS 41 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes ARPA - Standing outside the entrance to the Paul Hall Center's new simulator building are graduates of the ARPA class, held in July. They are (from left, first row) Bill Cliett, Douglas Jones, Susan Galka, Mike Smith (instructor), (second row) Jim Boyce, Carl Brachear and Jerry Martinsen. Tankerman (PIC) Barge - Completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course July 28 are (from left, kneeling) Michael Bedney, Michael Knighton, (second row) Jason Foster, Barry Schuffels, Laurence Gilley, Ronnie Harrington, Marijan Masnov, Gerry Davis, Demetrius Simmons, Randy Diaz, Ben Cusic (instructor), Greg Scott, (third row) Norman Tourtellot, Maurice Martin, Todd Moreland and Samuel Porchea. Upgraders Water Survival - Completing the water survival course Aug. 4 are Seafarers (from left, kneeling) Mario Morante, Cheryle Mix, Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Edita Miguel, Franz Schnell, (second row) David MacCollister, Bryan Chase, Scott Wilson, Ede Sinette Jr., Faleh Saleh, (third row) Roger Noah, Mark Poor and Wayne Smiley. AB - Upgrading Seafarers earning their AB endorsements Sept. 1 are (fro feft, kneeling) Cheryle Mix, Bernabe Pelington (instructor), (second row) · ael Bowers, David MacCollister, Luis Martinez, Scott Wilson, Mario Morante, Ede Sinette Jr., Noel Balaguer, (third row) Emani Viii, Mark Poor, Wayne Smiley, Damon Parker, Roger Noah, (fourth row) Chad Warren and Patrick Maldonado. STCW Basic Safety Successfully completing the STCW basic safety class July 28 are (from left, kneeling) Juan Green, Gary Torres, Niko Monsales, Antonio Libo-on, Armando Bermudez, Rudy Antonio, ln-ocenio Desaville, Edward Hopeau, (second row) Russ Levin (instructor), Milton Flynn, Pablo Bermudez, Darren Barrett, Bartow Bridges, John Phillips, Rossel Lino, Gerald Evans, Michael Cascio, Curtis Thornton, Abdul Munassar, (third row) William Watterson, Nicholas Joyce, Rick Metcalf, Dan McDonald, Mike Kifle, Louis Gracia, Ken Grose and John Turner Ill. HAZWOPER - Boatmen sailing aboard Crowley vessels recently completed an 8-hour HAZWOPER renewal class. They are (front row, kneeling) Richard Hollis, Richard Workman, Craige Terry, James Tank, Ede Sinette Jr., Willie Rose, Ben Guillot, Wade Wansley Ill, (second row) Chester Stephens Jr., Robert August Sr., John Jackson, Andrew Smith, Barry Lincourt, Ronnie Harrington, Larry Belcher, Peter Gottschalk, Steven Williams, Gilberto Chamorro, W.B. Callahan, Barry Schuffels, Lawrence Holbert, Jim Larkin, Elijah Seals and John O'Neal. �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes DEU - Unlicensed apprentices completing the DEU course Aug. 18 are (from left, kneeling) John Lightfoot, (second row) Maurice Chambers (instructor), Robert Gambill, Matthew Redlinger, Justin Baker, Jerome Luckett, Brian Spears, Edmund Livings, (third row) Ian Hemba and Robert O'Neal. Phase III - Graduation is just a short time away for these unlicensed apprentices.in their third phase of study. From left, kneeling are Roger Berger, Michael Bull, Timothy Manes, Earle Shakes, (second row) Jose Rivera, Donna Sylvia, Terry Blade, John Collins Jr., Jared Lee, (third row) Caleb Sachs, Lovell Hyman, Dominic Whitty, Elijah Huff and Ryan Humphrys. Phase > m Graduation - Charles Walker, Christopher Todd, Eli Smith, Marquel Sapp, Justin Rodgers, Ronel Guerzon, Ian Ferguson, Raymond Elsner, Janan Driggers, Randolph Cash and Robert Brown conclude the last stage of the unlicensed apprentice program . Water Survival - Members of the unlicensed apprentice program who completed the water survival portion of their training in August are (from left, first row) Ben Cusic (instructor), Anthony Rodriguez, Phillip Jones, Skyler South Sutika, Keni Smith, Lewis McCray, Reggie Arvelo, (second row) Darren Barrett, Khari Harris, James Summers, Thomas Hawks, Elliott Johnson and Jason Thompson. Chief Steward Under the supervision of Chef/Instructor John Dobson (stirring soup), Seafarers upgrade their steward department skills. Not all the class members are in the photograph at right. The class roster included (in alphabetical order) Jose Garcia, Patricia Geras, David Camacho, Lara Evans, Franz Schnell, John Stephen, Herman Stith and David Wakeman. Vessel Operations - Working their way through the Unlicensed Apprentice Program, the following students completed the vessel operations class in August: (from left, first row) Matthew Nunez, Emilio Abreu, Damon Straughter, Justin Johnson, (second row) Maurice Chambers (instructor), Michael Praslicka, Paul Voisin, Darren Rollins and John Rochez. QMED - This is the last QMED class until next year. Completing the course are (from left, kneeling) Lewis O'Neal, Jaime Hernandez, Antonio Libo-on, Robert McMurray, James Tyson, Richard Abbott, George Murphy Jr., (second row) Edward Fore, Courtney Price, Mike Price, Mike Kifle, Lamar Parker, Brandon Purcell, Gregory Brandani, Carlos Perez, Trinity Ippolito and David Ayou . October 2000 Seafarers LOS 43 �Election lnfonnatlon See special section on pages 13-32 regarding the upcoming SIUNA-AGLIWD election. Sealilt Training: A Vital Resource For America's 4th Aim ofDefense During flight operations aboard the Sgt. William R. Button en route from Guam to Saipan, AB Jamie Dalasio (above and inset) attaches cargo to a U.S. Navy helicopters hoisting cables. Above and at right: Forklift training and crane operations are but a few of the components in the sealift preparedness course offered at the Paul Hall Center. Thousands of Seafarers crew ships that collectively constitute America's fourth arm of defense. During times of war, those vessels carry 95 percent of all equipment and supplies needed to sustain the U.S. military, according to government data. Manning vessels that are operated for the Department of Defense by SIU-contracted companies, Seafarers help provide vital ocean transportation of fuel, ammunition and other materiel to sustain U.S. forces worldwide during military operations. They do so for as long as requirements dictate, at any location around the globe and under all imaginable conditions. As one might suspect, working aboard such vessels demands skills that are compatible with military operations. Thanks largely to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., SIU crews are well prepared to meet the challenges posed by these unique requirements. Since 1984, the school has conducted a sealift preparedness course that has equipped Seafarers with the expertise needed to function aboard ships while in military operations modes. The course has been updated on several occas1 eep pace with changing military needs. These skills currently inclu , are not limited to: underway and vertical replenishment, crane operations, forklift training, refueling, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological and radiological defense), search and rescue, MSC familiarization and helicopter operations. SIU crews utilize their sealift training while working aboard prepositioning ships, tankers, oceanographic and surveillance vessels, aircraft tenance shi ast sealift ships. Seafarers also use sealift skills while manning vessels from the nation's Ready Reserve Force (RRF). SIU members further hone their sealift skills by participating in military exercises at Ferrero takes a break after standing watch on the bow of the MV Cape Trinity. Right: AB Mike Riley pulls lookout duty on the � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW TANKERS ORDERED ITF SECURES $119, 000 IN WAGES FOR FILIPINO MARINERS IN N.J. SCHOOL ADDS SUPERLATIVE SIMULATORS SEAFARERS, ELECTED REPS RALLY AGAINST ‘FLOATING SWEATSHOPS’ U.S. WORKERS LACK RIGHT TO ORGANIZE REP. BATEMEN, DIES AT 72 UNIONS WELCOME NEW ROS LANGUAGE RESOLUTION HONORS MERCHANT MARINERS TRAINING PROVES BENEFICIAL FOR SIU PORT PERSONNEL WHITTEN BRINGS CARING TOUCH TO HER WORK AT PINEY POINT STATE-OF-THE-ART SIMULATORS AID PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING GREAT LAKES SEASON PICKS UP WITH RAIN RALLY AGAINST FOC’S INFORMATION FOR THE 2000 ELECTION OF OFFICERS , SIU ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT. SIU CONSTITUTION SPELLS OUF RULES FOR 2000 ELECTIONS PRESENT CONSTITUTION-SIUNA- AGLIWD THE SS CLEVELAND: STILL GOING STRONG SAILING FROM HOLLAND TO FLORIDA SEALIFT TRAINING: A VITAL RESOURCE FOR AMERICA’S 4TH ARM OF DEFENSE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 10 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/c47c38b74da9372259a1cb5cd25a186f.pdf d850bc00f48c1bd94e3a5794ede89e15 PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 9 September 2000 New T-AGOS P ct Yields Major Gains In Wages, Benetits I' Maersk Line Ltd. Wins 5-Year Contract SIU members aboard the USNS Stalwart as well as 12 other T-AGOS ships operated by Maersk Line Ltd. will receive substantial wage and benefits increases as part of a new five-year contract awarded by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Page 3. SIU Backs CWA, IBEW Seafarers last month demonstrated with striking members of the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers near Washington, D.C. By Aug. 24, the 87,000 striking workers had returned to their jobs at Bell AtlanticNerizon after reaching tentative accords. Page 2. 10 Years Alter Persian Gulf War, MarAd Reflects on Sealift El fort Page5 Signaling new jobs for the SIU, the USNS Watkins (above and inset) was launched July 28 at NASSCO. Seafarers are crewing the U.S. Military Sealift Command's newest prepositioning ship, which tentatively is slated to sail in October. Page 3. Wilmington Union Hall's Renovation Nearly Done Page3 �I President's Report Heeding Strong Words During the last few months, many authoritative figures from throughout our industry have emphasized this country,s need for a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Their comments are powerful and not to be taken lightly. Some examples: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Henry H. Shelton stated, "Our national security and strategy depends on a vital merchant marine, and the Joint Chiefs and I know it and so do our leaders in Washington.'' Navy Admiral Al Herberger, former U.S. Maritime Administrator, said, "The commercial merchant marine represents a cost-effective way of providing logistics supplies. Ifs a bargain.', Rear Admiral John R. Fisher, president of the U.S. Navy League, observed, "In all future wars threatening U.S. interests overseas, 95 percent or more of the supplies and equipment needed by our air and ground forces in the combat zone will have to come by sea. We cannot depend on foreign-flag ships to carry that cargo." Those are not isolated remarks. U.S. Rep. Herb Bateman, chairman of the House Merchant Marine Panel, called for the extension and expansion of the Maritime Security Program and the prepositioned ship program. Admiral James B. Perkins, former commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, pointed out, "The history of the merchant marine in military service is characterized by high heroism and noble sacrifice .... As former commander of the Navy's Military Sealift Command1 I saw it every day, up dose and personal: The U.S. Merchant Marine is absolutely vital to sustain U.S. troops overseas." Most recently. in a 10th anniversary reflection on the Persian Gulf War, Maritime Administrator John Graykowski declared, .. Sealift is absolutely essential to protect freedom and project America's interests anywhere, anytime in an imperfect world. Crewing those ships will be America's citizen mariners, ready and willing to answer their nation's call as they have since 1775." Brothers and sisters, we in the SIU should feel proud that our industry enjoys that kind of support from such well-respected, knowledgeable people. But we also must not miss the urgency in their statements. Their common message is two-fold; America needs a U.S.-flag fleet to protect national and economic security, and we had better take steps to ensure that fleet exists! The U.S. maritime industry needs much more than a reproduction of the current 10-year Maritime Security Program. The MSP must be extended for at least 15 to 20 years, and its fleet must be expanded. Cargo preference laws must strictly be enforced. Tax reform for U.S. mariners and commercial vessels must be implemented. Additionally, our industry must capitalize on new opportunities in the coastwise trades. With a projected doubling of waterborne commercial vessel traffic in the U.S. during the next 20 years, there is great potential for expansion in the domestic fleet. As always, your union is working closely with our allies throughout the industry to achieve these goals. It's not easy. But, as we demonstrated during the long, hard fight to enact the MSP, we will commit every resource necessary to win. Of course, our greatest resource is you, the rank-and-file member. When you participate in grassroots activities, you help protect your job and your industry. And, believe me, even a fairly quick action such as writing to your senator or congressman carries a lot of weight. In the coming months, the SIU will call upon the entire membership to get involved in the next stage of our nationwide drive for the newest phase of U.S. maritime revitalization. Together, we will get the job done. Volume 62, Number 9 Unions Win Key Demands At Bell Atlantic/Verizon Some 87,000 striking members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) returned to their jobs at Bell AtlanticNerizon Aug. 21 and 24 after hammering out tentative accords. The temporary contracts, subject to membership ratification, cover three years and provide a 12 percent wage increase plus better pension benefits to the Verizon workers, among other gains. Representatives for both unions said the agreements address key concerns that were at the heart of the strike that began Aug. 6. The contracts cover union members in New York, New Jersey, New England, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. SIU members and officials supported CWA members on picket lines every day of the strike. The SIU donated food and also marched with fellow trade unionists at a demonstration site in Leonardtown, Md. and in Washington. CWA Growth Areas The CWA reported that the new contract package "substantially curbs forced overtime for customer service employees and technicians- a key issue in the walkout- and achieves the union's major job security goals, including sharp limits on the transfer of work as the result of the GTE-Bell Atlantic merger that created Verizon_ "Another breakthrough provision opens the door to unionization for thousands of Verizon Wireless workers in the old Bell Atlantic portion of Verizon by extending card-check recognition and neutrality rights for gaining representation." CWA President Morton Bahr Striking members of the Communications Workers of America thank SIU members for supporting them on the picket lines. stated, "This settlement secures the future for our members at this company and it also helps sharpen Verizon 's competitive edge. The men and women we represent are the human face of Verizon, the people who deal directly with the customers every day. This agreement assures Verizon the advantage of a stable workforce of the most highly skilled and experienced people, and in many ways it gives our members the ability to do their jobs even better." CWA members had sought job ~ecurity and member access to the company's growth areas- wireless, data network integration. Internet and more--as well as limits on contracting out. According to the union, Bell Atlantic's unwarranted use of contractors had jeopardlled not only the company's reputation for customer service, but also its move into high-speed Internet access. Excessive stress and forced overtime were additional concerns. Workers at call centers, CWA charges, have been subjected to continuing speedups and excessive monitoring, and were not given time for the training they need to market Verizon 's newest products. Workers also regularly had been subjected to The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Eclltor!Production. Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. 2 Seafarers LOG forced overtime, restrictions on vacations and days off. Some were denied time off the job for family emergencies, the union says. The CWA and IBEW workers "have taken a stand for justice that echoes throughout workplaces across America," said AFL-CIO President John S. Sweeney in a prepared statement August 7 after the strike began. "These workers' high-road vision for Bell Atlantic/ Verizon 's growth reflects the kind of future which working families need in the new economy. They have called for Bell Atlantic/ Verizon to make sure that the company's new jobs are good jobs-jobs that pay a family-supporting wage with benefits and a say on the job." McDermott Goes Union September 2000 Copyright© 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Recertified Stewards George Borromeo and Kathy Shaner operate a grill to help feed the striking communications workers. Joining CWA members on the picket line are Seafarers Jason Hudkins, Paul Gohs, Timothy Squire Jr., David Vaughn and Justin VanPelt. A majority of workers at J. Ray McDermott Shipyard in Amelia, La. last month voted to join the International Union of Operating Engineers. Following an intense campaign, 404 employees voted for union representation while 319 voted against it. That represented an 87 percent turnout of the 830 eligible voters. The SIU and other maritime unions assisted in the campaign. "Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for these workers, while at the same time helping McDermott excel, which is also good for the entire community," said Operating Engineers Local 406 Business Manager Pete Babin. J. Ray McDermott is a subsidiary of New Orleans-based McDermott International, Inc. Its employees construct offshore oil rigs and platforms. September 2000 �Seal arers' Wages, Benefits Increase Under New Five-Year T-AGOS Pact Seafarers working aboard 13 T-AGOS ships operated by Maersk Line Limited will receive significant gains in wages and other benefits over the next five years. The increases were realized Aug. 16 after the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) awarded a new contract to the Norfolk, Va.-based company. The USNS Effective, a SWATH vessel, is one of the 13 ships whose SIU crew members are the recipients of a new five-year contract. In addition to wage increases, the agreement also provides for improved dental benefits for members and dependents, outpatient dependent care, inclusion in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and other gains. "The SIU not only retains our jobs on the 13 T-AGOS ships, but also achieves major improvements throughout the contract," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "This is very similar to what transpired earlier this year with the fast sealift contract and last year with a separate T-AGOS contract. Once again it proves the union's point that the hardest thing is to get that first contract and, once we're in, things will improve." The ships covered by the agreement are the USNS vessels Able, Assertive, Bold, Capable, Effective, Indomitable, Invincible, Loyal, Persistent, Prevail, Stalwart, Victorious~ Vindicator and Impeccable. The Impeccable is scheduled to join MSC's Maersk-contracted T-AGOS fleet next year. SIU Welcomes USNS Watkins New RO/RO Crewing Begins This Month Seafarers this month will crew the U.S. Military Scalift Command's (MSC's) newest prepositioning ship in San Diego. The USNS Watkins, a roll-on/rolloff (RO/RO) vessel, was launched July 28 and tentatively is slated to sail in October. Representing new jobs for SIU members, the Watkins will carry a wide range of equipment for the U.S. Army, including tanks and armored personnel carriers. It was built at NASSCO Shipyard in San Diego. A "nucleus crew" will climb the gangway this month, followed soon thereafter by the remaining members. The 950-foot Watkins is equipped with port and starboard sideport ramp systems, two single-pedestal twin cranes and cargo hatches in three holds. It has a combination of fixed and hinged RO/RO ramps. The vessel also features environmental control for its cargo September 2000 Shown at anchor in Monterey, Calif., the SIU-crewed USNS Assertive supports the U.S. Navy's surveillance capabilities. According to MSC, the 13 ships already in operation support the following U.S. Department of Defense programs: the Navy's Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS); Navy, Atlantic Fleet and U.S. Coast Guard counter-drug initiatives; and the Air Force Electronic Systems Command's radar missile tracking system. In announcing the $108 million contract, MSC noted that the seven ships involved in SURTASS (Able, Assertive, Bold, Effective, Loyal, Prevail and Victorious) "collect acoustic data using an array of hydrophonesunderwater listening devicesdep loyed on a tow cable. Acoustic data is gathered by civilian technicians and passed via satellite to fleet commanders to support anti-submarine warfare .... " Three of the other ships (Stalwart, Indomitable and Capable) detect and monitor drug trafficking activities in the Caribbean and northern Pacific. Two more (Vindicator and Persistent) involved in that effort sail with Coast Guard law enforcement detachments and are equipped with 38-foot deployable pursuit boats. The other vessel (Invincible) supports the Air Force by deploying a mobile surveillance and tracking radar system "that can monitor U.S. or foreign space missiles or weapons testing.H Wilmington SIU Hall's Renovation Nearly Done The SIU-contracted USNS Watkins and USNS Charlton are the newest additions to MSC's fleet of LMSRs. Seafarers this month begin crewing the Watkins and already are sailing on the Charlton. holds, foam fire fighting and dewatering system for the holds, and bow thruster units. SIU members and officials were among the thousands of people who attended the vessel's ceremonial launch. Christening the ship with ceremonial bottles of champagne were co-sponsors Dianne Watkins Branch, daughter of Master Sgt. Travis E. Watkins, for whom the ship is named, and Anne Sullivan de Leon, wife of Rudy de Leon, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense. Master Sergeant Watkins was posthumously awarded the U.S. Army Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Korea in September 1950. Speakers at the launch included U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha (DPa. ), ranking minority member on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee; Vice Admiral George P. Nanos Jr., commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC; and U.S. Army Major General Mario F. Montero Jr., assistant deputy chief of staff for Army logistics. The Watkins is one of 14 new builds and six converted vessels comprising a government-mandated initiative known as the strategic sealift program. Earlier this summer, SIU members crewed another new prepositioning ship built at NASSCO, the USNS Charlton. Outside, it looks the same. Inside, the SIU hall in Wilmington, Calif. is undergoing a complete upgrade and expansion, scheduled for completion sometime this month. "It's basically a complete retrofit and a major improvement. Anyone who hasn't been here in a while won't recognize the inside of the hall, once all the work is finished," noted SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. The Southern California hall is located at 510 North Broad Avenue, near the Los Angeles-Long Beach Harbor. The SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers operates a union hall in the same building, separat-· ed by a lobby. Despite the renovation's scope, all union services have remained available for Seafarers at the SIU hall. The Wilmington refurbishment, which began in late June, is the latest of several fairly recent stories involving SIU halls. Earlier this year, the union opened new halls in Baltimore and Guam, while the halls in Norfolk, Va. and Algonac, Mich. have undergone renovations. Refurbishment of the SIU's hall in Wilmington, Calif. began in late June and is scheduled for completion this month. Seafarers LOG 3 �Committee Reviews Nomination Petitions For Union Election The credentials committee, composed of six rank-and-file SIU members, has reviewed all nominating petitions of SIU members seeking office in the 2000 districtwide elections in the union's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. After meeting last month and studying the nomination applications to ensure each candidate had complied with the criteria spelled out in the SIU's constitution, the credentials committee issued its report, which will be presented to the membership for its approval at the September meetings. Thirty-three candidates for 27 ballot positions qualified to run in the election, which takes place Nov. 1 through Dec.31, the committee reported. Members of the committee were elected at the August head- quarters membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Voted to the committee by their fellow Seafarers were Recertified Steward John Bukowsky, Deckhand John Gallagher, OMU Decarlo Harris, Steward Bill Kelly, AB George Mazzola and Electrician Allan Rogers II. Gallagher was selected by the committee to serve as chairman. During the Aug. 7 membership meeting, Seafarers had to present their union books in order to be nominated to the committee. After the voting took place, results immediately were made known. The union constitution establishes guidelines for the credentials committee in Article XIII, Section 2. According to those rules, the committee must be elected at the port where head- quarters is located (Piney Point). The credentials committee must comprise six full-book members, including two members from each of the three shipboard departments: deck, engine and steward. Additionally, no elected official or candidate for union office is permitted to serve on the committee. Members seeking the position of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, vice president, assistant vice president, one of two headquarters representative positions or one of 10 portagent posts had to submit nominating papers between July 15 and Aug. 15. The Seafarers who served on the credentials committee also were elected by their fellow members to serve on the constitutional committee, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of the union's constitution. They issued a separate report detailing the proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot. SIU Tugs Help 'Op Sail' Succeed in Baltimore In photos above, SIU-crewed Moran tugs assisted in docking and undocking services for many of the tall ships that sailed into the port of Baltimore as part of "Op Sail 2000." Above'. Serving on the rank-andfile credentials committee as well as the constitutional committee are (from left) SIU memb~rs George Mazzola. Decarlo Harris. Bill Kelly, John Bukowsky, John Gallagher and Allan Rogers II. Left: The committee reviews applications submitted by SIU members seeking office in the upcoming AGLIWD election. "Op Sail 2000," a maritime millennium event that promoted the use of tall ships as centers of learning to ports around America, was a huge success June 23-29 during its call on the Port of Baltimore. Some 35 tall ships of various classes participated in the affair, which attracted more than one million people over seven days. Aside from the lure of the tall ships themselves, much of the event's triumph was directly attributable to the first-rate marine operation efforts of Moran Towing. The tug operations company, which has been under contract with the SIU for more than 50 years, provided free docking and undocking services for the majority of the larger tall ships that came to Baltimore for the outing. In addition to Baltimore, Moran operates vessels in Philadelphia and Texas. Paul Swenson, vice president of Moran Towing, had high praise for the tug crews who went above any beyond the call of duty prior to as well as during the tall ship event. "They put in two weeks prior to the event getting our vessels in pristine condition," he noted. "They really did a fantastic job and our boats looked great." ITF Gains $65,000 in Back /lay For Crew of Runaway-Flag Ship Once again demonstrating that runaway-flag shipowners will be held accountable, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) recently secured $65,000 in back pay plus other assistance for the multinational crew of the cargo ship Epic. Tim Burns, one of the SIU's ITF inspectors, led the monthlong assistance that culminated in mid-July. He reported that the Greek shipowner (Success Shipping) outright threatened to abandon the crew and vessel, but eventually complied with the ITF's demands. The ITF had the ship detained near Philadelphia. The photos above reflect the lack of stores and unclean conditions found aboard the Epic. 4 Seafarers LOG Unpaid wages were not the only problem plaguing the Epic, which flies the flag of St. Vmcent and the Grenadines and is managed by the Philippine agency InterOrient Maritime Enterprises. According to Bums as well as press accounts, the Greek, Russian and Filipino crew members had no fresh water and therefore drank dirty water out of buckets. The ship was infested with roaches and mice, and crew members were malnourished because of a severe shortage of stores. "But the worst part may have been the nonpayment of wages," Burns noted. "The mariners produced letters from their spouses saying they were losing their homes to the banks, their children did not have food and milk and they were selling their children's bicycles to pay the bills." The shipowner agreed to the ITF's lawful insistence that none SIU ITF Inspector Tim Burns (fourth from right) and attorney Jack Bernstein (center, wearing jacket) helped secure $65,000 in back wages for crew members of the runaway-flag Epic. of the crew be blacklisted for contacting the federation. The company also paid the crew's legal expenses and reimbursed the ITF for other costs associated with this case. Additionally, the settlement included repatriation for the crew and properly supplying and sanitizing the Epic. Runaway-flag shipping is a scam in which the shipowner typically avoids its nation's labor, safety and tax laws (among others) by using another country's flag. This escape also often includes-as with the Epic-hiring multinational crews through an agency based in a country other than that of the shipowner or the flag state. The London-based ITF is composed of more than 500 transportation-related trade unions worldwide, including the SIU. September 2000 �Gulf War Report Lauds U.S. Mariners, Calls for Strong American-Flag Fleet 10 Years After Desert Storm, MarAd Examines Sealift Role A new report by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) examines the U.S. sealift effort during the Persian Gulf War and emphasizes the need to maintain a strong American-flag fleet. Maritime Administrator John Graykowski last month issued a detailed, three-page statement in which he praises the U.S. Merchant Marine for its role in Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. The account coincides with the 1oth anniversary of Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. "During World War II, the merchant marine earned recognition as the nation's 'fourth ann of defense,"' Graykowski stated. "Their actions in delivering equipment, ordinance and supplies in Desert Shield/Desert Storm demonstrated how much the merchant marine continues to merit that badge." While the report primarily focuses on specifics of the Persian Gulf War sealift operation, Graykowski underscores that the conflict highlights the ongoing need for a powerful U.S. merchant marine. "The need to crew our reserve sealift ships during national emergencies also emphasizes the need to maintain an adequate peacetime merchant fleet and maritime workforce," he said. "As we relive the events of those troubled times ( 10 years ago), I hope that more and more of us will see the wisdom that this conflict offers those willing to grasp it. Sealift is absolutely essential to protect freedom and project America's interests anywhere, anytime in an imperfect world. Crewing those ships will be America's citizen merchant mariners, ready and willing to answer their nation's call as they have since 177 5." Excerpts from the report follow. "This is an appropriate time for Americans to pay tribute to our armed forces-the world's finest-who stood and delivered when diplomacy failed. As we marvel at their heroism and sacrifice, we would do well to remember that our fme men and women in unifonn had help from a timeproven source- the U.S. Merchant Marine and the American maritime industry .... "Did the performance of the Ready Reserve Force and U.S. merchant seafarers meet expectations? The statistics speak for themselves. Activation times at the onset were slower than anticipated; however, operational relia- bility was very good with performance rated well over 90 percent. Once ships were up and running, there were few major difficulties. "The reason for the delayspropulsion or auxiliary machinery in almost every case-could be traced to failure to fund routine maintenance. A valuable 'lesson learned' for the Maritime Administration, the Defense Department and the Congress was the critical importance of funding maintenance and systematic seatrials, followed by readiness tests through unscheduled activations .... "People are the strongest or weakest link in a crisis. In Desert Shield/Desert Storm nearly 10,000 American merchant mariners serving on RRF ships, the Military Sealift Command's Afloat Prepositioning Force and its Fast Sealift Ships, and with commercial U.S.-flagged ships, proved their value. Grizzled 'salts' worked alongside ordinary seafarers, imparting the hard wisdom of seafaring; the job is not complete when the sun goes down. In port or on the seas, workdays were long with little time left for anything but sleep. "U.S.-flagged ships (commercial and military) with civilian crews carried 79 percent of the Setting the Record Straight: Foreign-Flag Ships in Gulf War Myth Reality Cost Less Avg. $50 more per ton than U.S. ships More Efficient 150 FF carried only 21 % of dry cargo for America's military forces in the desert war. Nearly 9,800 American merchant mariners served during the Gulf War, and roughly half participated in theater. These men and women put patriotism above safety in sailing into troubled waters. Like many of those in the Armed Forces they supported, they were subject to lethal scenariosfloating mines, chemical warfare and missile attacks .... "Too few Americans outside the defense sealift community wiJI likely remember the loadouts at ports that stretched round-theclock. They may overlook the contributions of merchant seafarers working 16 hours a day to get badly needed vessels up and running after months of inactivity. Those of us who have seen close up the decidedly unglamorous yet undeniably vital work of America's merchant marine and maritime industry performed before, during and after the Gulf War will never underestimate their role in a crisis. "America's merchant mariners earned the respect of U.S. sol- Maritime Administrator John Graykowski diers, sailors, airmen and marines who recognize professionals by accomplishments under pressure. The only civilians invited to join the military in the National Victory Parade in our nation's capital after the war were those who earned the U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal for service during Desert Shield and Storm." cargo/103 U.S. carried 79% As Reliable 13 FF hesitated or refused to enter Gulf As Safe 40% of FF were from registries on USCG "blacklist" for safety Source: U.S. National Defense Transportation Association ARA 1s Steinberg /lasses Away Bill Steinberg, president emeritus of the American Radio Association, AFL-CIO, passed away Aug. 1. He was 87. Steinberg served as president of the ARA- affiliated with the International Longshoremen's Association-from 1948 until 1984. He remained active in union affairs until his death. ARA President William Schuman described Steinberg as a warrior for the maritime trade union movement. Steinberg sailed as a radio officer aboard U.S. merchant ships during World War II. He took part in the negotiations leading to the 1955 merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. In chronicling Steinberg's life, the ARA noted, "For over September 20DD ARA President Emeritus Bill Steinberg five decades, he was a man of clear principles and broad vision who was articulate in defense of all men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine. He was both a stalwart patriot and a dedicated trade unionist." ITF Takes Campaign To Nation's Capital The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is taking a key crusade to a town that knows all about campaigns. On September 19, the ITF is conducting a rally in Washington, D.C. against runawayflag shipping. The event tentatively is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. near the Capitol. Featured speakers include John AFL-CIO President Sweeney. The SIU and other U.S. maritime unions are scheduled to take part in the demonstration, which carries the theme "Workers Against Floating Sweatshops." For more information, contact the ITF's Washington, D.C. office at (202) 955-834 7 or call the SIU at (301) 899-0675. Struck by Cyprus-Flag Ship, ITF Global Mariner Sinks The International Transport Workers' Federation last month reported that its fonner training ship ITF Global Mariner sank in the Port of Matanzas, Venezuela on the Orinocco River. No injuries resulted from the Aug. 2 incident. The Global Mariner reportedly was struck by the Cyprus-flag general cargo ship Atlantic Crusader. Northern Marine, operator of the Global Mariner, stated, "Following the collision, the Global Mariner, which was struck portside by way of No. 2 hold and then No. 3 hold, flooded and sank. All personnel were evacuated from aft by pilot boat. All personnel were accounted for and there were no injuries. At the time of the incident, the Global Mariner had three pilots on board, one tug attached forward and a further tug standing by. Initial reports from the port indicate that the Global Mariner moved off berth and turned into the channel under the con of the harbor pilot and with one tug attached, when she was struck by the Atlantic Crusader." David Cockroft, ITF GeneralSecretary, .· commented, "The Global Mariner won a place in the affections of everyone interested in the well-being and basic rights of seafarers. Although hearing this news was a little like finding out that a friend had been hurt, our overriding feeling is relief that no one was injured." The Global Mariner in February concluded a 20-month, worldwide voyage that spotlighted the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping. SIU members on the East, West and Gulf Coasts participated in the ship's U.S. port calls. Overall, the vessel visited 86 ports in 51 countries and attracted nearly three-quarters of a million visitors to its shipboard exhibition. Subsequently, it served as a training vessel. When the collision occurred, the Global Mariners 22-member regular crew was comprised of British officers and predominantly British unlicensed personnel with some Polish ratings. Also on board were nine United Kingdom cadets. Seafarers LOB 5 �Credentials Approved for Candidates to 27 Union Offices Rank-and-file Seafarers, elected during the August membership meeting to serve as the credentials committee, met last month to review the credentials of SIU members seeking to run for union office. What follows is the complete text of the credentials committee report which is being submitted for approval by the sru membership during this month's meetings. Report of Cndentlals Commtttee On Candidates for 2000 Election of Officers, 2001-2004 SIUllA-A&LIWD We, the undersigned members of the Credentials Committee, were duly elected at the regular membership meeting held in Headquarters-Port of Piney Point on August 7, 2000. We have examined the credentials of candidates for elective office or job in the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District for the years 2001-2004, in accordance with Article XI, Section I , and submit the following report. Your Committee qualified or disqualified those members who submitted for office based upon the Union Constitution, particularly those provisions contained in Articles XII and XIII. The applicable constitutional provisions are as follows : ARTICLE XII, Qualifications for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, and Other Elective Jobs. Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a candidate for, and hold, any office or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent provided: (a) He has at least three (3) years of seatime in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. In computing time, time spent in the employ of the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union~ direction, shall count the same as seatime. Union records, Welfare Plan records and/or company records can be used to determine eligibility,' and (b) He has been a fall book member in continuous good standing in the Union for at least three (3) years immediately prior to his nomination" and (c) He has at least one hundred (100) days of seatime, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag vessel or vessels covered by contract with this Union or one hundred (100) days of employment with, or in any office or job of, the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates. or in any employment at the Unions direction or a combination ofthese, between January 1 and the time of nomination in the election year, except if such seatime is wholly aboard such merchant vessels operaring solely upon the Great Laus or, if such seatime is wholly aboard tugboats, towboats or dredges and contractual employment thereon is for fixed days with equal amount of days off, he shall have at least sixty-five (65) days of such seatime instead of the foregoing one hundred (100) days; and {d) He is a citizen ofthe United States of America; and (e) He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Unions Pension Fund, if any, or from a UnionManagement Fund to which Fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union. (/) He has not sailed in a licensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels within 24 consecutive months immediately prior to the opening of nominations. Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall be fall book members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for. and holders of elective offices and jobs, whether elected or appointed in accordance with this Constitution, shall maintain fall book membership in good standing. ARTICLE XIII, Election for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents. Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) ofthis Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent, b)I delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters, or sending, a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer. at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title ofthe office or other job for which he is a candidate including the name of the Pon in thl! event thll position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proo/of citizenship. (/) Proof ofsentime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee whar vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: "I hereby certifY that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years Last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or 6 Seafarers LOG convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum-Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes. " Dated .... ..... ....... .................................... .... Signature of Member ............. ......... .... ......... . Book No..................... ........ ..... ................... .. Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department ofJustice. 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 fall book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein, relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above selfnomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifYing a nominee of his nomination to office, shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall tum them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter s request. In order to ascertain the meaning of the term "member in good standing" which is used in Article XII, Subsection I (b), the Committee referred to Article XXIY, Section 9 of our Constitution which reads as follows : "Section 9. The term 'member in good standing ' shall mean a member whose monetary obligations to the Union are not in arrears for thirty days or more, or who is not under suspension or expulsion effective in accordance with this Constitution. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the term 'member ' shall mean a member in good standing." Your Committee sought guidance from the Union's General Counsel and the Secretary-Treasurer as to whether this section would apply to a member who is unable to pay dues because of employment aboard an American flag merchant vessel as stated in Article III, Section 3(e). Your Committee was advised that, in keeping with past practice and constitutional interpretation, the same thirty (30) day grace period should be applied in these situations. Accordingly, when a member who is working on foreign articles leaves the vessel, the dues for the applicable quarter must be paid within thirty (30) days from the date of discharge in order to maintain good standing. Your Committee also referred to Article Ust of Persons Who Submitted Credentials to Ute Credentials Committee PRESIDENT Robert J.Clinton UI, C-1938 ...................... Qualified Credentials in order. Charles Burdette Collins, C- 1652 .............. Disqualified-Was not in continuous good standing for (3) years prior to time of nomination. Qualified: on basis of appeal. Michael J. Sacco, S-1288 ............................ Qualified Credentials in order. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Joseph P. Allum, A-1275 ... ......................... Disqualified-Did not have at least (100) days of seatime or Union employment between Jan. 1 and time of nomination. John Fay, F-363 ..........................................Qualified Credentials in order. Anthony Leo, L-685 .................................... Nomination withdrawn. SECRETARY.TREASURER David Heindel, H-1443 ......... ..................... Qualified Credentials in order. Michael D. Murphy, M-2483 ......................Qualified Credentials in order. William Parker, P-1067 .............................. Qualified Credentials in order. VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT Larry Frank Phillips, P-1257 ......................Disqualified-Was not in continuou.s good standing for (3) years prior to time of nomination. Augustin Tellez, T-764 ................................ Qualified Credentials in order. VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST Jack Caffey, C-1010 .................................... Qualified Credentials in order. VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Dean E. Corgey, C-5727 ............................ Qualified Credentials in order. VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Kevin Bertel, B-1832 .................................. Qualified Credentials in order. Nicholas J. Marrone, M-2308 .................... Qualified Credentials in order. VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS Thomas Orzechowski, Jr., 0-601 ........... ..... Qualified Credentials in order. Woodrow Shelton, S-2558 ..... ..................... Qualified Credentials in order. VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Kermett Mangram, M-2394 ........................ Qualified Credentials in order. ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT George Tricker, T-919 ................................Qualified Credentials in order. Roy W. Dunaway ........................................ Disqualified-Was not within the time frame for submission of credentials. ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST Nicholas A. Celona, C-1578 .............. ..... ..... Qualified Credentials in order. ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Ambrose Cucinotta, C-1795 ........................ Qualified Credentials in order. ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Don Anderson, A-5244 ................................ Qualified Credentials in order. ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS James P. McGee, M-5945 .......................... Qualified Credentials in order. ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Dana Cella. C-1600 .................................... Disqualified-Was not in continuous good standing for (3) years prior to time of nomination. Did not have at least (100) days of seatime or Union employment between Jan. 1 and time of nomination. Robert Hall, H-5727 ............................ ........ Qualified Credentials in order. HEADQUARTERS REPRESENTATIVE Leo Bonser, B-1193 ............ ........................ Qualified Credentials in order. Cart Peth, P-755 ..........................................Qualified Credentials in order. PINEY POINT PORT AGENT Edward "Edd" W. Morris, M-1358 ............ Qualified Credentials in order. NEW YORK PORT AGENT Robert Selzer, S-1258 .................................. Qualified Credentials in order. PHILADELPHIA PORT AGENT Joseph Soresi, S-2658 ................................ Qualified Credentials in order. BALTIMORE PORT AGENT Dennis Metz, M-3013 ..... ...........................Qualified Credentials in order. MOBILE PORT AGENT Edward Kelly, Jr. K-5043 ...................... ...... Qualified Credentials in order. NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT Steve Judd, J-5336 ........................... ........... Qualified Credentials in order. HOUSTON PORT AGENT Anthony McQuay, M-2735 ........................Qualified Credentials in order. SAN FRANCISCO PORT AGENT Vincent Coss, C-8138 .................................. Qualified Credentials in order. ST. LOUIS PORT AGENT Rebecca Sleeper, S-2497 ............................ Qualified Credentials in order. DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT Donald A. Thornton, T-5501 ......................Qualified Credentials in order. XXIV, Section 13 for the definition of the term "seatime". This section reads as follows: "Section 13. The term 'seatime ' shall include employment upon any navigable waters, or days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. " We also noted in Article XXTV, Section 14, the meaning of the term "in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. " This portion of the Constitution reads as follows : "Section 14. The term 'in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels ' shall include persons employed in an unlicensed or licensed capacity aboard dredges, tugboats, towboats and similar vessels used to tow, propel, or push barges or other conveyances or assist merchant vessels in docking or undocking, or persons otherwise employed in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union. " After full and careful deliberations, the Committee made its decisions and sent appropriate notification to candidates. The ultimate decisions of this Committee are later set forth. In arriving at these ultimate decisions, the Committee was most concerned with carrying out a stated principle of our Union which is that "every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected or appointed, to hold office in this Union. " In connection with the foregoing, we have also consulted with rhe SecretaryTreasurer who, under our Constitution, has the obligation to insure appropriate election procedures as legally required (Article XIII, Section 7). Our Secretary-Treasurer has further consulted with the Unions Counsel as to the law applicable in Union nominations and elections. The following is a complete listing of all men who submitted their credentials to the Committee. Their names and the office or job for which they submitted such credentials are listed in the order in which this Committee feels they should be placed on the general ballot, that is, in alphabetical order under the office or job for which they run, and that the Ports, following the Headquarrers offices, beginning with Piney Point, be arranged on the ba/101 geographically, as has been done in the past. After each mans name and book number is his qualification or disqualification, followed by the reason for that decision. As you will note in the foregoing sections of the Committee's Report, the provisions of the SIU Constitution governing election procedures made it mandatory that some of the nominees be disqualified. In light of these circumstances, the Committee wishes to call to the attention of all members the necessity of following all requirements and procedures which are established by our Constitution to govern eligibility to candidacy to Union office. However, at this time, the Committee particularly desires to point out the provisions of Article XIII, Section 2(c) of the Constitution, which spell out in detail the right of a disqualified candidate to appeal from the decision of the Credentials Committee and how he does it. In compliance with Article XITJ, Section 2(b) of our Constitution, and in an attempt to give every nominee every consideration and to try to prevent any disqualifications by this Committee, John Gallagher, Book No. G5475, of the Credentials Committee, remained at the entrance of the Headquarters building of the Union until midnight of Tuesday, August 15, 2000, to receive any credentials that might have been delivered either by mail or by hand after the closing of business hours by the Union. The Committee points out that in the President's Pre-Balloting Report approved by the membership as per the Constitution and published in the May Seafarers LOG the exact offices and jobs for which nominations were to be made was set forth. In passing upon the credentials for certain of the nominees, this Committee had to make six disqualifications, and the following are the details relative to each of those disqualifications: 1. Joseph P. Allum, A-1275--Candidate for Executive Vice President. Your Committee noted the receipt of a letter dated August 3, 2000, addressed to David Heindel in which Brother Allum requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the position of Executive Vice President. Union records indicate that Brother Allum did not acquire any days of seatime or union employment in the year of 2000, whereas at least one hundred (I 00) days of seatime or one hundred ( 100) days of union employment between January I and time of nomination are needed to qualify for an elective job. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section I, (c) the Committee disqualified Brother Allum for the job of Executive Vice President. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the Committee informed Brother Allum of his disqualification by Mailgram sent on August 16, 2000 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. Moreover, the Mailgram was followed by a Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested letter dated August 16, 2000 from the Committee to Brother Allum that set forth the reason for his disqualification. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Allum would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualifica- ti on decision of the Committee. On August 18, 2000 at approximately 12:40 p.m., I returned a telephone call to Brother Allum as he had telephoned Dave Heindel 's office inquiring as to the reason why he was disqualified to run for the office of Executive Vice-President as per a Mailgram received on August 17, 2000. I informed Brother Allum that the records indicated that he did not acquire any seatime in the year 2000 and the Committee based his disqualification as per the provisions in the Constitution. Brother Allum informed me that he had been Unfit for Duty since July of 1999 and had been unable to ship. I reiterated to Brother Allum the basis of the Committee's decision and informed him that a letter had been mailed to him that fully detailed the reasons for his disqualification. A copy of the Constitution was enclosed in the letter and if he wished to appeal the decision of the Credentials Committee he should follow the appeal procedure listed in the Constitution. 2. Dana Cella, C-1600--Candidate for Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. Your Committee noted the receipt of a letter dated August 1, 2000, addressed to the Credentials Committee in which Brother Cella requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the position of Port Agent of Tacoma, Washington. Your Committee noted that SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, by letter dated August 3, 2000, advised Brother Cella that the position of Port Agent of the Port of Tacoma is not a position which will appear on the ballot. Your Committee also noted that Brother Cella, by letter dated August 1, 2000, also submitted his name for the position of Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. We have been advised by SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, that, in a telephone conversation with Brother Cella, Brother Cella agreed to withdraw his nomination for Port Agent in Tacoma and instead to submit only his nomination letter for Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries to the Credentials Committee. Your Committee noted that Union records show that Brother Cella paid his dues for the Second Quarter of 1998 on May l l 1998, whereas they should have been paid no later than April 30, 1998. His dues for the Fourth Quarter of 1998 were paid on December 10, 1998, whereas they should have been paid no later than October 31, 1998. Brother Cella paid his dues for the Second Quarter of 1999 on June 16, 1999, whereas they should have been paid no later than April 30, 1999. Brother Cella paid his dues for the Fourth Quarter of 1999 on November 3, 1999, whereas they should have been pa.id no later than October 31, 1999. Also, his dues for the First Quarter of 2000 were paid on February 14, 2000, whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 2000. Your Committee agreed to waive the lateness of these dues payments due to the fact that Brother Cella was aboard the SL Developer during this time frame and the dues were paid each time within one month of his discharge. Your Committee further noted that Brother Cella paid his dues for the Third Quarter of 1997 on October 12, 1997, whereas they should have been paid on July 31, 1997. Union records indicate that Brother Cella paid his dues for the Third Quarter of 1998 on September 29, 1998, whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 1998. Brother Cella paid his dues for the First Quarter of 1999 on March 8, 1999 whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 1999. Brother Cella paid his due~ for the Third Quarter of2000 on August I, 2000, whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 2000. Your Committee found no grounds in the Constitution to waive these late payments. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section I (b ), and further supported by Article III, Section 3; Article V and Article XXIV, Section 9, previously carried herein, the Committee disqualified Brother Cella for the job of Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. In addition the above Union records indicate that Brother Cella had acquired only fifty-six (56) days of seatime in the year 2000, whereas at least 100 days of seatime or Union employment between January l and time of nomination are needed to qualify for an elective job. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section 1, (c) the Committee further disqualified Brother Cella for the job of Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the Committee informed Brother Cella of his disqualification by Mailgram sent on August 16, 2000 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. Moreover, the Mailgram was followed by a Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested letter dated August 16, 2000 from the Committee to Brother Cella that set forth the reason for his disqualification. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Cella would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. Continued on page 14 September 2000 �We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at the Headquarters membership meeting, on August 7, 2000, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied, the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution submitted by our Executive Board. This Resolution, containing the proposed amendments, prior to its submission to us, was adopted by a majority vote of the membership at Headquarters and all ports. The provisions of the Resolution including its "WHEREAS" clauses, are attached so that all members will have available to them its full text for their review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendation. As all individuals involved in the maritime industry are aware, the industry has changed substantially over the last several years. Legislation has been repealed and enacted affecting this industry and the trade union movement in general. We, in this Union, must seriously consider what can be done to strengthen our institutional structure to enable the Union to function more efficiently while continuing to fulfill its obligations to our membership. To this end, one of the things that our membership has already approved is the merger/consolidation of the National Maritime Union into our Union. As a result of the previously held referendum and our awareness of these changing times, certain Constitutional Amendments have been proposed to clarify and update our Constitution. It is to be noted that where feasible, this Committee recommends that the proposed constitutional changes, the new material, be underlined with the nonunderlined words representing the language of the present Constitution. A. Name Change for Union To implement and effectuate the desires of this membership, as expressed in the referendum held in November and December, 1999, it is being proposed that the name of our Union be changed to reflect the consolidation/merger of the National Maritime Union into the Seafarers International Union of North America. Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. We concur with the Resolution and recommend the following amendments be adopted to effectuate it. Amend the following Cons1i1u1ional provisions to revise the name of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; 1. Title Page 2. Heading, Page 2 3. Preamble 4. Article I, Name and General Powers 5. Exhibit A Preamble, Section III, Section IV, Section V, Section VI, Section VII, Section VIll, Section IX, Section X, Section XI, Section XII and Section XIII so that the name of the Union would reflect the consolidation of these two unions in all of the above- referenced sections and headings. The above-referenced amendments would become effective at the time of, and not before, the final consolidation of these entities. A.D..gn As the Resolution states, it is proposed that the annual regular dues amount to be paid shall be four hundred dollars ($400.00) per year and that in addition the working dues to be paid by officers and members who are employed by the Union shall be increased to one hundred dollars ($100.00) per quarter. Your Committee, to carry out these changes, recommends that: Amend Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Sections 1 (a) and (b) to read as follows: "Section 1. All members' dues shall consist of: (a) Dues annually in the sum of .fi:rnr hundred dollars ($400.00) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and; (b) a sum equal to five percent (5%) of the gross amount received for vacation benefits for days worked for contracted employers. Dues payable under this Subsection (b) shall be payable on the days that the member receives payment for the earned vacation benefits and shall become effective as to members in the manner designated and determined by a majority vote of the membership by secret ballot. When so determined by the membership, members in the employ of the Union, its subdivisions and its affiliated organizations, or in any employment at the Union's direction as provided in Article XII, Section 1 (a) and (c), shall pay in provided for in addition to that paragraph (a) immediately above the sum September 2000 of one hundred dollars ($100.00) quarterly on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each quarter while so employed." B. Vice-Presidents at Lar1:e As the Resolution states, it is also proposed that the office of"Vice-President at Large" be created and that two (2) such positions be added to the Executive Board to reflect the changing and growing needs of the Union. Your Committee, to carry out this change recommends that: Amend Article Vil, System of Organization, Section 2 to read as follows: "Section 2. The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in Camp Springs, Maryland and Piney Point, Maryland or at such places as the Executive Board may determine from time to time. The Headquarters officers shall consist of a President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one ( 1) VicePresident in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, one ( 1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large." Amend Article VIII, Officer, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents, Section 1 to read as follows: "Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive VicePresident, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) VicePresident in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) VicePresidents at Lare;e." Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice- Presidents, Headqu11rters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel by adding a new Section to read as follows: "Section 10. Vice-Presidents at Laree. There shall be two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large whose duties shall be as directed by the President with concurrence of the Executive Board. Such duties and responsibilities may be changed from time to time in like manner as dictated by the needs of the Union." Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representalilles, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel by renumbering the existing Sections 10 through 15 to become 11 through 16. Amend Article X, Du/ks of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel existing Section 13 which when renumbered shall be Section 14, Executive Board to read as follows: Personnel existing Section 14 which when renumbered shall be Section 15, Delegates to read as follows: "Section "· Delegates. (a) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of the Union and its subordinate bodies or divisions who are elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution to attend the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The following officers and jobholders, upon their election to office or job shall, during the term of their office or job be delegates to all Conventions of the Seafarers International Union of North America in the following order of priority: President; Executive Vice-President; Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Secretary-Treasurer; Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; VicePresident in Charge of the Gulf Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries; Vice-Presidents at Large; Assistant Vice-Presidents; Headquarters Representatives, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership; and Port Agents, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership." D.Qru!.rnm As the Resolution states, it is being proposed that the quorum for a regular meeting of a port be changed from fifty (50) to twenty-five (25) members to enable effective action to be taken at membership meetings. Your Committee, to carry out this change, recommends that: Amend Article XXII, Quorums. Section 2 to read as follows: "Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port shall be twenty-five (25) members." E. Definitions and Miscellaneous Provisions Thereto To further effectuate all of the above, it is proposed that Section 8 be amended to read as follows: "Section 8. The terms "this Constitution" and "this amended Constitution" sh al I be deemed to have the same meaning and shall refer to the Constitution as amended which takes the place of the one adopted by the Union in 1939, as amended up through A1?rl1 2000." This Committee has been directed to fashion the procedure for a secret ballot referendum vote upon these amendments and to recommend effective dates for the proposed amendments. Your Committee concurs with the Resolution recommending that the amendments, if voted upon affirmatively in accordance with the following voting procedures, become effective upon their passage. We, further recommend that, if the position of VicePresident at Large is created by Constitutional Amendment, the President be given the authority, subject to the concurrence of the Executive Board, to determine when to fill these two (2) positions and to then so fill them for a first term of office. In addition, we recommend that the secret ballot referendum vote upon these proposed amendments, including the time, manner and procedure for voting on the amendments and the tallying and certification of the voting results, be the same as constitutionally provided for the election of officers and jobholders and be held as part of the secret ballot mail referendum for the election of officers and jobholders commencing November 1, 2000 and ending December 31, 2000. We further recommend: (a) That part of the ballot that applies to the recommended change in the regular dues payment read as follows: "Section 14. Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive VicePresident, the Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast Area the Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, the VicePresident in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries, ~ Presjdents at Large and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained that membership for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordinate body." (b) That the part of the ballot that applies to the recommended change in working dues payable by union officers and members read as follows: Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous "(b) a sum equal to five percent (5%) of the gross amount received for vacation benefits for days worked for contracted employers. Dues payable under this Sub- Amend Article V, Dues and Initiation Fee, Section 1. "Section 1. All members' dues shall consist of: (a) Dues annually in the sum of .fm!r hundred dollars ($400 OQ) which shall be paid in equal amounts on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each calendar quarter, and;" Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendment? YES [ ] NO [ ] section (b) shall be payable on the days that the member receives payment for the earned vacation benefits and shall become effective as to members in the manner designated and determined by a majority vote of the membership by secret ballot. When so determined by the membership, members in the employ of the Union, its subdivisions and its affiliated organizations, or in any employment at the Union's direction as provided in Article XII, Section 1 (a) and (c), shall pay in addition to that provided for in paragraph (a) immediately above the sum of one hundred dollars ($100.00) quarterly on a calendar year basis, no later than the first business day of each quarter while so employed." Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendment? YES [] NO [ ] (c) That the part of the ballot that applies to the recommended name change read as follows: Amend the following Constitutional provisions to revise the name of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; 1. Title Page 2. Heading 3. Preamble 4. Article I, Name and General Powers 5. Exhibit A Preamble, Section III, Section IV, Section V, Section Vl, Section VII, Section VIII, Section IX, Section X, Section XI, Section XII and Section XIII so that the name of the Union would reflect the consolidation of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District and the National Maritime Union in all of the above referenced sections and headings. Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendment? YES [ ] NO [ ] (d) that the part of the ballot that applies to the recommended creation of two (2) Vice-President at Large positions read as follows: Amend Article Organization. VII, System of "Section 2. The Headquarters of the Union shall be located in Camp Springs, Maryland and Piney Point, Maryland or at such places as the Executive Board may determine from time to time. The Headquarters officers shall consist of a President, an Executive Vice-President, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (I) VicePresident in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) VicePresident in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large." Amend Article VIII, Officer, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatilles and Port Agents, Section 1. "Section 1. The officers of the Union shall be elected as otherwise provided in this Constitution. These officers shall be the President, an Executive VicePresident, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, a Secretary-Treasurer, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast, one ( 1) VicePresident in Charge of the West Coast, one (1) Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, and one (1) Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries and two (2) VjcePresidents at Large." Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel: "Section 10 Vice-Presidents at Large. There shall be two (2) Vice-Presidents at Large whose duties shall be as directed by the President with concurrence of the Executive Board. Such duties and responsibilities may be changed from time to time in like manuer as dictated by the needs of the Union " Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous Personnel, Section 14. "Section H_. Executive Board. The Executive Board shall consist of the President, the Executive VicePresident, the Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement, the Secretary-Treasurer, the Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast Area, the Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast Area the Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters, the VicePresident in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries, ~ Presidents at Large and the National Director (or chief executive officer) of each subordinate body or division created or chartered by the Union whenever such subordinate body or division has attained a membership of 3,200 members and has maintained that membership for not less than three (3) months. Such National Director (or chief executive officer) shall be a member of the respective subordinate body or division and must be qualified to hold office under the terms of the Constitution of such division or subordinate body." Amend Article X, Duties of Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, Other Elected Jobholders and Miscellaneous, Personnel, Section 15, Delegates. "Section "· Delegates. (b) The term "delegates" shall mean those members of the Union and its sub· ordinate bodies or divisions who are elected in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution to attend the Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America. The following officers and jobholders, upon their election to office or job shall, during the term of their office or job be delegates to all Conventions of the Seafarers International Union of North America in the following order of priority: President; Executive Vice-President; Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement; Secretary-Treasurer; Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast; VicePresident in Charge of the Gulf Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast; Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters; Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries; vice-Presidents at Large; Assistant Vice-Presidents; Headquarters Representatives, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership; and Port Agents, with priority to those most senior in full book Union membership." Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendments? YES [ ] NO [] (e) that the part of the ballot that applies to the change in the number of members required to constitute a quorum at a regular meeting of a port read as follows. Amend Article XXII, Quorums, Section 1. "Section 2. The quorum for a regular meeting of a Port shall be twentv-fiye (25) members." Are you in favor of the above Constitutional Amendment? YES [ ] NO [ ] We further recommend, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee's Report, together with a copy of the proposed Resolution and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, October 2000 issue so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts at this time and 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 2000. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolution will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. Fraternally submitted, Constitutional Committee August 18, 2000 Seafarers LOG 7 �Bosun Isenstadt Retires Thanks SIU for Handing Him 'the World' After a 22-year career with the SIU, Bosun Brian Isenstadt has retired his book, but not his love of the sea. The following autobiographical letter from Isenstadt and the accompanying photographs were sent to the LOG by Brandon Maeda, chief steward aboard the Global Link. I had heard stories of the sea all my life. My great, great, great, great grandfather and my great, great grandfather went to sea very early in their teens, both sailing as carpenter apprentices. My father also went to sea, giving up an education at M.LT. to do so. He came up through the hawsepipe and sailed as master for more than 24 years, only to retire a few years ago. So in the summer of 1977, off I went to see the world. I joined the NMU in New York and tried to get on any ship going anywhere. After two months and still no ship, I heard about anoth- er maritime union, the Seafarers International Union. The next morning, I was on my way to Brooklyn. I found the hall and joined up. In just a matter of weeks, I was flying down to Trinidad as an OS to join the tanker Overseas Juneau. We shuttled for months between Nigeria and Louisiana carrying crude. We were then sent to the U.S. West Coast to run North Slope crude from Valdez to Long Beach and Panama. I even got to brave a voyage 'round Cape Hom that trip. I couldn't believe I was actually getting paid to do this. As a "C" card, I got almost seven months that trip. My next ship was an old C3 containership, the Sea-Land Charleston. Again, as a "C" card, I sailed six months on her. It was an around-the-world voyage starting in New Jersey and stopping in ports, some of which I had never even heard of: Felixstowe, Bremerhaven, The farewell dessert prepared by Steward/Baker Edward Tully was a chocolate brownie cake with white cream cheese filling. It was topped with a chocolate ganache and homemade truffles shaped like shells and starfish, made with white and dark cMcolate and filled with fruit jelly_ A well-fed crew Cartagena, Genoa, Suez Canal, Jiddah, Dubai, Singapore and Kobe. Then on to Seattle, California, through the Panama Canal and ports in the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast, finally ending up back in Port Elizabeth. It was an adventure of a lifetime, and I was still getting paid. How could I not keep doing this? My friends at home were still working at their everyday jobs completely oblivious to the world around them. I wanted more of this. I now had enough time to upgrade, so down to Piney Point I went. That was back in the days of the old motel, the Bull Shepard and before the new library. I took lifeboat, AB and LNG classes. After that, there was no stopping me. I took any and every ship I could, never turned down a ship and never met a ship I didn't like. I sailed them all: stick ships, tankers, containers, RO/ROs, bulkers and LNGs, commercial charters, military charters and tramps. I loved the work and I had a passion for traveling_ As the years went by, I fell in love, got married and started a family. It became more difficult to leave home, but leave I did. In 1987, I caught a six-week fly-out to Guam to join the Cable Ship Long Lines. I've been working with the company, Transoceanic, ever since. That ~ix-week job turned into 12 years. I was lucky enough to join the Global Link on her maiden voyage from Singapore. I've sailed on her as a splicer/joiner, bosunmate and bosun. And for the past nine years, I've called her home. When the Global Link ended up being home ported in Baltimore, I packed up the family, moved down to Maryland and bought a house. The ship spends a lot of time in port, so I was able to see my family more often. I also returned to the Paul Hall Center to complete the bosun recertification course, which was quite informative, educational and fun. Earlier this year, I retired my book after 22 years with the union. I took a job with the cable ships' parent company, Tyco, working as a cable splicer/supervisor. I am able to go home at 5 p.m. and have weekends offeven more like a normal life. I work in the office at their Baltimore depot and still get out to sea as a cable splicer/supervisor on a variety of cable projects. I do want to thank the Seafarers Union for the opportunities they've given me. They lit- Edward Tully, steward/baker aboard the Global Link, credits the bakeshop and instructors at the Paul Hall Center for giving him the inspiration to challenge himself in the culinary field. Brandon Maeda, chief steward on the Global Link, sent these photographs to the LOG to show what an accomplished craftsman Tully is, and stated, "He is a real pleasure to work with and a welcome addition to any galley gang. Tully doesn't mind going the extra few steps it takes to turn a routine meal or dessert into an extraordinary delight for the benefit of the crew." These photos show some of Tully's spectacular edible creations. crew. Register to upgrade now at the Paul Hall Center. For further At right: lsenstadt shows off the mariner's clock in a walnut casing he received as a parting gift from the crew of the cable ship. erally handed me the world. The ability to travel and have a career that you enjoy, to me, is priceless. rd also like to thank the "oldtimers" out there with whom I have sailed because they're the ones who kept me on course and steaming full ahead. How could I forget my wife, Carole? Thanks for standing by me all these years. So to all of you out there whom I've had the pleasure of working with, and to all of you out there who didn't have the pleasure of working with me, thanks for all the great yearsand smooth sailing to you. A Dessert Lover's Dream Aboard the Global Link is a happy STEWARD DEPARTMENT UPGRADING COURSES Above: Captain William Dowd (right) congratulates Bosun lsenstadt during a retirement party aboard the Global Link. . .. in honor of Father's Day, a three-tier chocolate rum cake with white buttercream frosting ... Steward/Baker Tully with a freshly-baked raspberry chocolate charlotte ... ... assorted French petits fours (bitesized cake with fruit filling and marzipan and fondant frosting) ... ... a chocolate and cream cheese cake to celebrate Maritime Day 2000 .. _ ... in celebration of spring, a golden cake with fruit filling topped with buttercream and assorted marzipan fruits ... ... French eel airs and cream puffs... ... strawberry fantasy cake with homemade truffles for those crew members with birthdays in May... B Seafarers LOG ___ ban voyage cake with spiced rum and mango fruit meringue... September 2000 �13 Recertified Stewards Become Role Models for Future Seafarers "Learning and improving ourselves-that's what the Paul Hall Center is all about," stated SIU President Michael Sacco in introducing the graduating members of the recertified steward class at the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Eleven students (two additional classmates shipped out prior to the meeting) were on hand to receive certificates of graduation from the highest level of vocational education the union offers for members of the steward department. They were Manuel Basas, Jeffrey Beasley, George Borromeo, Susan Bowman, John Bukowsky, Ronald Davis, Wilfredo DeLeon, Albert Fretta, Gary Mizer, Miguel Robles and Kathy Shaner. (The two not present were Oscar Angeles and Hugh Wildermuth.) Throughout the four-week program, the recertified stewards became a close-knit group as they learned more about the union in which they now play an increased leadership role. They toured Capitol Hill together as well as the union headquarters in Camp Springs, Md., where they met with representatives of the SIU's various departments. These meetings were designed to enhance their understanding of the union's operations and provide them with the latest information from each department so they, in tum, can relay it to their fellow crew members aboard their next ship. As the new recertified stewards were called to the podium individually to accept their graduation certificates, each spoke a few words from the heart, thanking all those who helped them advance. They also encouraged Jeffrey Beasley graduated from the trainee program in Piney Point in 1981 . Now at the top of the steward department, he thanked the SIU for giving inner city kids the chance for a rewarding future. George Borromeo, along with his partner Al Fretta (not pictured), took first place in a recertified steward chili cookoff. Following an intensive four-week course, the newly graduated recertified stewards pose for a group photo. They are (from left) Wilfredo Deleon, George Borromeo, Susan Bowman, Ronald Davis, Kathy Shaner, Jeffrey Beasley, Miguel Robles, Albert Fretta, Gary Mizer, John Bukowsky and Manuel Basas. the unlicensed apprentices to study and work hard, in the hopes that one day they, too, will make it to the top. First to the podium was Susan Bowman, 42, who joined the union in Norfolk, Va. in 1988 and now sails from Guam. She extended her thanks to the staff and employees at the Paul Hall Center as well as to the membership. This is the third time Bowman has upgraded at the school, and she was extremely impressed by how the union functions "like a well-oiled machine." She also was appreciative for the time she spent with her peers, "bouncing a lot of shipboard ideas off each other." This was the third time back at Piney Point for Ronald Davis as well. The 49-year-old member sails from the port of New Orleans, where he joined the union in 1991. He thanked everyone at the school, the union and all the officials for helping fight to keep the SIU strong. He also singled out his wife, Crystal, and thanked her for sharing this time with him and for her belief in his ethic of working hard toward the attainment of high goals and standards. Davis believes the leadership skills he acquired in the past four weeks will help him do a better job aboard ship and advised the unlicensed apprentices to "work hard, for you are the future of this union." Wilfredo DeLeon, 41 , joined the SIU in 1985 in the port of Honolulu, working aboard the SS Independence. Now sailing from Wilmington, Calif., he noted that members in this union have an opportunity to advance themselves. DeLeon said that meeting with representatives from the various union departments and with his fellow Seafarers was very helpful in his training. He also thanked the union for the opportunity of bringing his family to the Paul Hall Center to enjoy the facilities while he was studying. Manuel Basas, who sails from the port of Jacksonville, gave his heartfelt thanks to everyone at the school. The 52-year-old joined the SIU in Seattle in 1980. He said he found the steward recertification program very informative and rewarding and encouraged his fellow Seafarers to upgrade their skills as well. In accepting her graduation certificate, Kathy Shaner expressed her thanks in a poem. The 50-year-old Shaner, who joined the union in San Francisco in 1991 and has returned to upgrade at the school four times, recited: 1 thought I would go out to sea, Not knowing what all that would be. At.first it was tough, Not knowing much stuff But now J 'm recertified ... see. I came to the Seafarers school To learn everything that I could. And year after year It became quite clear The Lundeberg School ... it roles. Courses at the school's fire fighting facility were a requirement for completion of the recertification program. September 2aaa Thanks to the mass of teachers and staff, The officials of SIU. Without them to help me I surely would not be Reciting this limerick to you. She also turned to the unlicensed apprentices and reminded them to make excellence their standard. Gary Mizer, 47, also sails from San Francisco. He expressed his gratitude to the staff at Piney Point and urged the unlicensed apprentices to continue to return to the school for upgrading. "It's the best thing you can do.,, Miguel Robles was pleased with some of the new and improved skills he learned that will help him in his shipboard duties. The 54-year-old Robles joined the SIU in 1968 in New York and now sails from San Juan. Robles thanked everyone at the school for their help and expertise and stated, "We have the best union in all of maritime." "Respect" was the key word in Albert Fretta's address. The 44year-old, who sails from Jacksonville, advised the unlicensed apprentices to save their money, respect themselves and their jobs and love and respect their families, also noting that the SIU "is one, big family." John Bukowsky, 46, said he has a lot to be thankful for. He singled out the Paul Hall Center staff for teaching him discipline and helping him better learn his job. This is the sixth time that Bukowsky, who sails from the port of Baltimore, has returned to the school since joining in Piney Point in 1980. He thanked the other members of the steward recertification class for "sharing the experience of their probably 120 years combined seatime," and noted that he tries to learn from everyone he sails with, from captain on down, and appreciates any chance to learn even more. After learning more about the inner workings of the SIU, Jeffrey Beasley said he is glad he is where he is- in the steward department, trying to please only about 40 crew members at a time - and that the union's leaders are where they are-trying to please all the members all the time. Beasley, 38, graduated from the trainee program in 1981 and has returned to the school three times for upgrading. He now sails from Philadelphia. He thanked the SIU for taking kids out of the inner city and giving them a chance--a future. He singled out personal thanks to Carl Peth and Ken Conk.I in for helping him through some of his early hard times and expressed appreciation to Romeo Lupinacci, Don Nolan, Ed White and the other instructors for teaching him the basics of his craft- and imparting their wisdom. He advised the unlicensed apprentices to go aboard a ship and learn by listening. "The other crew members will help you through the tough times." The last of the speakers was George Borromeo, 42, a member of trainee class 341 who joined the union in 1981. He, too, has returned to the school a number of times since his trainee days to upgrade his skills and is proud that his dedication, perseverance and commitment to hard work have paid off. Borromeo, who sails from New York, stated that the Paul Hall Center continues to be the key element in upgrading one's skills and broadening one's knowledge of this ever-changing fascinating industry. To the trainees, Borromeo said that this period in their lives is an opportunity for enrichment through travel, experiencing different people and cultures and by acquiring the skills necessary to achieve their goals. Recertified Steward Albert Fretta advised the unlicensed apprentices to respect themselves, their families and their jobs. Seafarers LOG 9 �Do you have a family-related photo you would like to share with fellow Seafarers? If so, this is the place. Please send submissions to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. 10 Seafarers LOS September 2000 �Ship Seizure in Canada HI lllights Need for Strong U.S.-Flag leet The critical importance of The Katie was en route to maintaining a U.S.-flag mer- Becancour, Quebec when her chant marine available to meet owners, Third Ocean Marine national security requirements Navigation of Annapolis, Md., for sealift capacity was ampli- reportedly ordered her to stop fied Aug. 3 when an American- short of her destination and owned, foreign-flag freighter anchor in international waters was boarded and seized by off Newfoundland. At issue was armed Canadian sailors as part a pay dispute with the charter company, Andromeda Navigaof a pay dispute. The runaway-flag vessel, the tion, which allegedly owed GTS Katie, was carrying mili- Third Ocean some $228,000 for tary vehicles, containers and services previously rendered. other equipment-property of Katie owners refused to send the Canadian government- the freighter to port and unload being transported from Kosovo its cargo until the debt was settled. The Canadian National De"Canada -S dilemma fense initially agreed with SDV Logistics of Montreal to ship the equipment because its miliis a classic example tary did not have a vessel large enough to do the job. SDV subcontracted the job to Androof the danger of meda Navigation, which in tum retained the services of the GTS Katie from Third Ocean. becoming militarily After two weeks of fruitless negotiations, two Canadian war dependent on ships ships (the frigate HMCS Montreal and the destroyer HMCS Athabaskan), equipped registered in other with torpedoes and deck guns, were dispatched to the 36,000ton cargo ship's position. countries. " Canadian officials say the war ships' mission was to monitor - Vice Admiral James B. Perkins the Katie and attempt to force Fonner Military Sealift Cornman er her toward Canadian waters. Ship owners, however, refused to comply, and negotiations in the wake of a peacekeeping eventually broke off. With no resolution to the mission. The ship was sailing under the flag of St. Vincent and standoff imminent, the Canadian government secured perthe Grenadines. While accounts on the actual mission from St. Vmcent and number of vehicles and contain- the Grenadines to board the vesers aboard the vessel vary, sel and resolve the situation. Canadian National Defense Under international law, a vesofficials say the cargo is valued sel can only be boarded after at a quarter-billion dollars and either the captain or the country represents about 10 percent of of registry gives consent. the country's military might. The Katie weighed anchor at Reminiscing Old Times about I a.m. Aug. 3 and began moving toward Canada, but shipowners again announced plans to stop short of Canadian waters until money was received for the former debt. At about 1 p.m. that same day, the Canadian government launched its plan to seize the ship, and soldiers were ordered to move in. A helicopter was subsequently launched, flown to the Katie s location and maneuvered into position. Armed sailors were lowered onto the vessel to redirect it toward the Canadian mainland. No shots were fired during the incursion. Published reports quoted Canadian Defense Minister Art Eggleton as saying, "No responsible government can allow interference with military capabilities," during a briefmg in Quebec in the wake of the boarding. "We had to take action," he said. Two Canadian tugboats have since hauled the Katie from Rimouski, Quebec to Becancour, and eventually to Montreal where the military cargo was unloaded. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, the Katie was moored at Montreal and the Canadian government had filed suit against its owners for undisclosed damages associated with breach of contract. Third Ocean also may be the target of legal action by the 24member crew who argue that they have not been paid for nearly one year and are owed more than $200,000. According to an International Transport Workers' Federation representative, the crew could impound the vessel if talks on the back pay issue fail. Good Start for Guam Group Members of Unlicensed Apprentice Class 603 on July 7 completed part one of the three-phase entrylevel curriculum at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The students, all citizens of Guam, were congratulated by their territory's lieutenant governor (Madeleine Bordallo, center), who toured the school after tending to unrelated business in Washington, D.C. Pictured from left to right are Mike Herrera, Gerald Martinez, Ryan Legario, Bordallo, Kevin Ignacio, Christopher Dinio and Joe Benvente. See page 13 for more information on the apprentice program. Seafarers on the MIV 1st Lt. Alex Bonny man reported smooth sailing after a recent exercise in Diego Garcia, with special credit given to the steward department. "The department deserves a vote of thanks, Ten retired Seafarers recently met at the SIU Hall in Philadelphia to reminisce about old times. The group, pictured above, included ( left to right, standing) Butch Zemeck, Bert Smith, Pat Devine, Joe Varano, Harry Smith, John Gallagher, Jack Pierce and Harry McCullough. Kneeling are Dan Dogherty and Vince Stankiewicz. "Canada's dilemma is a classic example of the danger of becoming militarily dependent on ships registered in other countries," commented former Military Sealift Commander Vice Admiral James B. Perkins. "Even if foreign ships are available, it's unwise now or ever for any country to rely on foreign tonnage and foreign seamen to carry out its defense or foreign policy missions. "The United States should remember this lesson well, and realize once again that it cannot function militarily without a robust maritime fleet grounded on a thriving U.S. merchant Marine," the admiral continued. "We simply can't do without ships under the American flag, and manned by American crews as a vital part of our national defense arsenal." especially for all the hard work and improvements we've seen over the last couple of months," the crew reported in ship's minutes dated July 9. Chief Steward Howard Williams, during a recent stop at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md., said the Bonnyman "is a good ship. Everybody gets along-military and civilian, licensed and unlicensed. We go out every two weeks on trial runs, and overall things run smoothly." Fellow crew members praised the work of the Bonnyman's galley gang, which includes Third Cook Ali Nasser (far left}, Chief Steward Howard Williams (center), Chief Cook Rafael Cardenas (second from right) and SA Marco Cayetano (far right) along with SAs Reynaldo Lacayo, Kolly Patty and Rossell Mena. Seafarers LOB 11 �Liberty on the Lakes Orgulf Talks Begin Retired Seafarers Crew John W. Brown Above, the past and present intersect as SIU-crewed tugboats operated by Great Lakes Towing dock the John W Brown in Buffalo, N.Y. Contract negotiations began last month in St Louis for SIU boatmen who navigate Orgulf Transportation tugboats along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Representatives for the SIU and the Cincinnati-based company conducted three negotiating sessions in early August, with more on the way. Overall, Seafarers crew 21 Orgulf tugboats. Above, pictured aboard the MN Dick Conerly, (from left) Cook Nancy Avery, Utility William Bowers, Lead Man Marty Watson and Deckhand Scott McQuade discuss suggestions for the new contract. At right, Watson and McQuade work on deck. A number of retired SIU members have been sailing as part of the volunteer crew aboard the Liberty ship John W Brown during the historic vessel's recent voyage throughout the Great Lakes. Usually based in Baltimore, the Brown is operated by Project Liberty Ship, a nonprofit group. The World War II-era vessel in late May kicked off its "Living History Voyage" to U.S. and Canadian Lakes ports; it was scheduled to return to Baltimore late last month. The Brown is a floating museum- albeit a fully functional shipand the main purpose of its recent voyage was to attract guests who otherwise probably never would see it. Visitor turnout reportedly has been very strong throughout the voyage, and the guests have seemed pleased with their tours. In fact, a spokesperson for the project said the turnout at times has been overwhelming. More information about the tour, including photos, is available on the internet at http://www.liberty-ship.com/. Personal Greetings for Holiday Issue of the LOG As has been done in past years, this December's edition of the Seafarers LOG will include the ever-popular holiday greetings from active and retired Seafarers and their families to other members of the seafaring community and their families. To ensure that your holiday message is published, please follow the instructions below: • PRINT or TYPE (in 25 words or less) the message in the space provided. Photographs also are welcome. {Please print-if we cannot read your message, it will not be included.) • Be sure your greeting is in the holiday spirit. • Do not send more than three entires per person. (This form may be reproduced.) • Be sure to include your name as well as the name of the person to whom you are sending the greeting. (Your name is necessary since the notices are listed alphabetically by the senders last name.) Include your phone number in case there are any questions. • The holiday greeetings must be received no later than Friday, November 17, 2000. • Send your entries to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 207 46. You also may fax copies directly to the LOG at (301) 702-4407. Above and below, retired SIU members Barry Malpas, Richard Hill and Dick Orgel work aboard the Brown in Toledo, Ohio. QMED Malpas joined the SIU in 1944, QMED Hill joined in 1942 and OS Orgel (who later sailed as master) also joined in 1942. Additionally, forms may be filled out in any union hall and turned in to the official at the counter-or may be given to the boarding patrolman during a vessel's payoff. The holiday greetings section of the December LOG is a favorite feature for many, so be sure to get your message in on time. HOLIDAY MESSAGE 9100 (Please Print) To: ~------------------------------------------------------------~ From:~------------------------------------------------------------Sende~~lephone Numbe~--------------------------------------------~ Message: Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D Active Seafarer D Family Member of Active Seafarer D Retired Seafarer D Family Member of Retired Seafarer Other: 12 Seafarers LOG September 2000 �Paul Ball Center: Apprentices Wanted! . .=-a ~ fi l la tl The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in C: 9 ~ tfj Jl Piney Point, Md., offers a wide range of vocational studies as well as aca&¥S ~ ~ M ~e~-;;, demic courses. One highlight of the curriculum is the unlicensed apprentice pro.· ~~~ ii~~·~~~~ gram- a three-phase course that fully prepares entry-level men and ·---;>~ women for careers as mariners. The apprentice program blends hands-on training with classroom studies. It includes an initial 12-week segment at Piney Point, followed by a 90-day shipboard assignment designed to help students select which department-deck, engine or steward- they prefer. Finally, students return to the Paul Hall Center for department-specific training. Staffed by knowledgeable, dedicated instructors, the school also is equipped with topnotch training equipment. This includes a maritime fire fighting and safety school (adjacent to the main campus) that is second-to-none. Additionally, the school this month is set to unveil a new simulator building that will house cutting-edge simulators for navigational, engine, crane and liquid-cargo operations. For more information about the apprentice program and other aspects of the Paul Hall Center, please call the school toll-free at 1-877-235-3275, or visit the internet site at http://www.seafarers.org. :;; ~ Basic and advanced fire fighting, water survival and confined-space safety are some of the classes conducted at the Paul Hall Center's Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which opened last year. Aboard the training vessel Osprey, members of Unlicensed Apprentice Class 604 take part in a fire drill. Pictured above (from foreground to back) are Instructor Maurice Chambers, Louis Cappadonna, Damion Straughter, Roderic Kelly and Armando Gonzalez. Below is Michael Praslicka. Right: Hands-on training is a key component of the apprentice program. Here, Larry Tribby {left) and Louis Cappadonna practice their navigation skills. Below: Pausing for lunch before their afternoon class on the Osprey are (from left) Darren Rollins, Paul Voisin, Roderic Kelly, Larry Tribby, Damion Straughter, Matthew Nunez and Armando Gonzalez. Below Right: Armando Gonzalez helps prepare the training boat Osprey for docking. September 2000 Seafarers LOG 13 �Delta Queen Makes Surprise Stop In Clarksville, Tenn. Passengers aboard the SIUcrewed Delta Queen were surprised when the steamboat pulled into Clarksville, Tenn. because Clarksville was not on the 7-day cruise itinerary. Then again, there was nothing on the itinerary except for embarkation in St. Louis on day one (July 5) and debarkation in Nashville, Tenn. on day seven (July 12). Everything in between intentionally was a mystery. This meandering cruise is just one of Delta Queen Steamboat Company's growing attractions. It is known as Capt. Gabe's Tramping Cruise, because Capt. Gabe Chengery, a 33-year veteran in the steamboating business, said patrons needed a change from the ordinary. And just like on riverboats in the 1800s, the day-to-day itineraries were at the captain's whim. "Repeat cruisers are looking The Delta Queen jazz band sets up its instruments for a pierside ~re­ mony in which the captain is made an honorary citizen of Clarksville, Tenn. for a different kind of cruise," Chengery said. "So I came up with this mystery cruise idea about three years ago." For many years, the paddlewheeler has sailed past Clarks- ville (known as the Queen City) as it made its way up and down the Cumberland River, but this was the first time the boat docked there since 1986. The passengers were allowed off the boat to visit the local museum and tour the city on trolleys during their three-hour excursion. Ken Conklin, former commandant of the Paul Hall Training Center in Piney Point, Md., now lives in Clarksville and sent the LOG the accompanying photos. The Delta Queen is a beautiful example of the thousands of paddlewheel steamers that once plied the great American waterways. Built in 1926, it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1989. A second mystery cruise will Ken Conklin stands at the pier in Clarksville, Tenn. where the Delta Queen ties up for the first time since 1986. take place this month, starting in St. Louis and ending in Chattanooga, Tenn. ATTENTION ALL SEAFARERS The Committee was infonned that after Brother Cella received his Mailgram, he contacted the Secretary-Treasurer by phone who then referred him to the Credentials Committee to appeal his disqualification. The Credentials Committee infonned Brother Cella that a letter had been mailed to him that fully detailed the reasons for his disqualification. A copy of the Constitution was enclosed in the letter and if be wished to appeal the decision of the Credentials Committee he should follow the appeal procedure listed in the Constitution. 3. Charles Burdette Collins, C1652--{::andidate for President. Your Committee noted the receipt of a certified letter dated July 15, 2000, addressed to the Credentials Committee in which Brother Collins submitted his name for nomination to the office of President. Union records indicate that Brother Collins paid his dues for the Second Quarter of 2000 on May 7, 2000, whereas they should have been paid no later than April 30, 2000. The records also indicate that even though Brother Collins was employed aboard the Galveston Bay the vessel paid-off in Blount Island, Jacksonville, Florida on April I, 2000 and _Brother Co~ins had ~ opportunity to pay his dues on a timely basis. Your Committee could not waive the lateness on this dues payment and disqualified Brother Collins for the job of President. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section 1 (b), and further supported by Article III, Section 3; Article V and Article XXIV, Section 9, previously carried herein, the Committee disqualified Brother Collins for the job of President. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the Committee informed Brother Collins of his disqualification by Mailgram sent on August 16, 2000 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. Moreover, the Mailgram was followed by a Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested letter dated August 16, 2000 from the Committee to Brother Collins that set forth the reason for his disqualification. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Collins would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. The Committee was informed that after Brother Collins received his Mailgram, he contacted the Secretary-Treasurer by phone to appeal his disqualification. He stated that, while the Galveston Bay did pay off in Jacksonville on April 1, 2000, he did not have the opportunity to pay his dues for the Second Quarter 2000 at that time because the Union official present at the pay-off had to leave to open the Union Hall. Brother Collins stated be paid his dues for the Second Quarter at the first date that that was feasible to do so. The committee contacted the Union official present at the pay-off and obtained from him a statement concerning his recollection of the events of April I, 2000 aboard the Galveston Bay. .... -.. - YouR. JoB MAY BE AT S1AKE 14 Seafarers LOB Upon reviewing the statement provided by the Union official, it was unclear to the Committee whether Brother ColJins had an opportunity to meet his monetary obligations. The Committee contacted Brother Collins by phone and he informed the Committee Chairman that another crewmember aboard the Galveston Bay was also unable to pay his dues at the pay-off. The Committee attempted to contact the crewmember but were unable to do so as he was at sea. However, the crewmembers dues records were reviewed and they indicated that he paid his Second Quarter 2000 dues on May 7, which is the same date as Brother Collins. The Committee decided that based on the known facts provided to SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and your Committee, Brother Collins appeal did in fact have merit. The Committee agreed that Brother Collins was qualified to run for the office of President. Brother Collins was notified on the Committee's decision by a Mailgram dated August 18, 2000. 4. Roy W. Dunaway-Candidate for Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement. Your Committee noted the receipt of an undated letter addressed to President Michael Sacco received June 26, 2000, in which Brother Dunaway requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the office of Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement. Your Committee noted that SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, by letter dated June 26, 2000, advised Brother Dunaway that the nominating period is between July 15 and August 15, 2000 and enclosed a copy of the Constitution referencing Article Xlll, Section 1, which explains the nominating procedure. Your Committee no~ that no timely nomination has been received. Based upon the provisions of Article XlII, Section 1, the Committee disqualified Brother Dunaway for the job of Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the Committee informed Brother Dunaway of his Disqualification by a Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested letter dated August 17, 2000 from the Committee to Brother Dunaway that set forth the reason for his disqualification. A copy of the Union constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Dunaway would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. 5. Anthony Leo, L-685-Candidate for Executive Vice President Your Committee noted the receipt of a letter dated August l, 2000, ad<lre$ed to the Credential Committee in which Brother Leo requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the office of Executive Vice President. Your Committee also noted the receipt of a certified letter dated August 11, 2000 addressed to David Heindel in which Brother Leo withdrew his nomination for Executive Vice President. Accordingly, the Committee agreed that no further action is needed on Brother Leo's nomination. 6. Larry Frank Phillips, P1257-Candidate for Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement. Your Committee noted the receipt of a fax dated August 14, 2000 in which Brother Phillips requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the office of Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement Your Committee also noted that Brother PhiJJips in submitting his nomination did not include the Certificate, that according to the Constitution, Article XIIl, Section 1, is necessary to qualify a person for office. Your Committee noted that SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, via facsimile dated August 15, 2000, advised Brother Phillips to send to his office a signed and dated Certificate as soon as possible, but no later than September 15. 2000. The Committee was informed that Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, on August 15, 2000, via facsimile received the signed and dated Certificate from Brother Phillips. The Committee agreed f:bat Brot~er Phillips had fulfilled the nominanon requrrements set down in the Constitution. Your Committee noted that Union records show that Brother Phillips paid his dues for the Second Quarter of 2000 on May 4, 2000. whereas they should have been paid no later than April 30, 2000. However, Brother Phillips was aboard the Overseas Ohio from March l, 2000 through June 1, 2000. On these grounds and due to the fact that the dues were paid within one month of his discharge your Committee agreed to waive the lateness of this dues payment. Your Committee also noted that Brother Phillips paid his dues for the First Quarter of 1999 on February 25, 1999, whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 1999. The records reflect that Brother Phillips was aboard the SS Cape Lookout Shoals from January l, 1999 through February 26, 1999. The vessel paid-off in Jacksonville on February 3, 1999 and Brother Phillips had an opportunity to pay his dues at that time. Your Committee found no grounds in the Constitution to waive this late dues payment. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section l (b), and further supported by Article III, Section 3; Article V and Article XXIY, Section 9, previously carried herein, the Committee disqualified Brother Phillips for the job of Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the committee informed Brother Phillips of his disqualification by Mailgram sent on August 16, 2000 to the address stated in his Jetter of nomination. Moreover, the Mailgram was followed by a Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested letter dated August 16, 2000 from the Committee to Brother Phillips that set forth the reason for his disqualification. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Phillips would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the committee. All credentials received as of August 15, 2000, were turned over to the Committee in good order, and those received by mail subsequently, but not later than August 15, 2000, have similarly been furnished to the Committee in good order. All credentials have been examined in strict accordance with the Constitution. Any defect in the credentials disposed of by the Committee has been the sole responsibility of the sender and no person adversely affected by such defect has denied this to the Committee. Fraternally Committee submitted, Credentials August 18, 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JULY 16 -AUGUST 15, 2000 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port o· . g: ' 3 o- () 11 5 4 28 16 18 8 11 ... 8 :: 7 1 1 I 0 7 22 25 8 14 4 15 8 7 11 5 5 1 Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville · . Mobile ·:: ·. ·.s 7 NewOtleans · New)!'ork Norfolk 17 2 Wilmington Totals o 26 246 Port 4 0 3 5 7 ' 5.. 5 2 "9 7 2 11 117 3 3 78 20 26 2 19 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 7 0 0 2 8 14 9 16 8 4 4 4 2 10 l 8 7 1 4 0 4 7 5 2 12 3. 8 2 2 12 50 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C i 0 2 ~ 7 5 · . ;7 .o 9 16 44 11 55 3 21 30 1 s 4 5 1 3 54 26 7 19 25 11 9 12 11 18 8 6 408 152 5 7 6 l 4 4 8 14 0 11 20 .I : 13 4 7 l 8 5 Duluth .....................Wednesday: October 11, November 15 Honolulu .................Friday: October 13, November 17 Houston ......•.•... ,.....Monday; October 9, November 13 5 90 52 4 6 Baltimore ................Thursday; October 57 November 9 0 11 85 0 3 16 15 •change created by Veterans. Day holiday 5 10 16: ·: 0 3 Monday: November 13* 14 o· 3 7 Algonac .........,.........Friday: October 6; 2 0 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: QCtober lO:t November 14. ' New York .................Tuesday; October 3, November 7 ~ 3 ' l() ~ 4 2 4 2 9 10 9 0 7 0 2 4 9 2 7 6 1 0 0 8 2 4 0 0 2 0 0 7 ·. s .; · 3 '. 6 11 1 5 ~t 7 0 3 . 24 2~ St. Louis ·-~,.....,.<;,,nwm 2 2 18 6 0 0 161 57 29 25 21 3 3 4 28 3 10 5 13 7 2 26 9 0 0 0 0 2· 17 16 0 17 2 9 4 10 3 8 JO 12 0 5 Personals 1 8 l 3 0 3 0 SIU-MSC ANNUAL PICNIC The annual SIU-Marine Cooks & Stewards picnic is scheduled for Sunday, September 10, from noon until 5 p.m. at the barbecue area (site #7) at San Bruno City Park. This is a pot luck, BYOB picnic. DEREK MACKEY Please contact the SIU hall in the port ofJacksonville (904) 353-0987 4 29 268 19 102 2 9 3 39 80 New Pensioner Soto 3 27 10 17 12 2 8 9 3 ' "i7 12 .1 l 3 6 2 ::9:·://:.:::. J·~.": .:· . . 24.:::.-.. 1 7 18 1 1 0 0 29 4 .>r : 19 St. Louis Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 0 2 1 5 13 49 174 6 211 567 446 370 2.. 2 7 ·16 0 0 6 0 0 8 6 ... 332 0 () ···: o 8 () 1 24 240 ....... 9 4 4 -- 1 2 t6 .... l~ 11 3 0 3 3· "" 17 . ... 3 3 8 11 0 0 0 5 8 6 28 99 131 412 0 .. " 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 13 0 11 0 0 0 7 183 105 15 28 12 19 . 31 . " . 13 18 2 0 21 2 21 11 1s 22 3 30 3 73 14 248 16 310 938 607 496 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. September 2000 36 18 n - AB Jose Soto (right) receives his first pension check from SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez at the hall in Santurce, P.R. Seafarers LOS 15 �- Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes JULY 16 -AUGUST 15, 2000 CL - Company/Lakes DeanCorgey Vice .President Gulf Coast Nichobs J. Marre>ne Viee J>r.e$ident West Coast ' . . . Algonac 13 0 16 8 0 .. DECK DEPARTMENT 0 25 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 13 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT .. s . ..·..._-.w.: ··· 4 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 7 1 0 3 5 0 0 0 :;···· 19 ."BEADQUARTERS . SWlAuth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 ·. (101) 89~-0675 ALGONAC - 32 Port Algonac . 510 St. Clair River l)r., A1g-0nac, Ml .48001 · 0 NP-Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port Algonac Port Algonac Port L-Lakes ·........ om}) 7944988 Totals All Depts 0 74 44 0 62 32 0 12 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port . 12 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters JULY 16 - AUGUST 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region . Atlantic Coast ::·...::(j:""ifd: : .:·:: i ... ·: u . . -0as " :· . ~~~ Ihlarid Wat~rs 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 7· West Coast Totals Region I 2 0 5 2 12 Atlantic Coast 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 3 2 12 2 0 8 8 3 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 2 33 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23$1Q ·(7$7) 622-i892 J>H&ADELPIDA 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 (21S) 336-3818 PlN.&.Y..POlN'f '. i>:o.. Box 75? Piney Point; MD 20674 (~01.) :994..001(} .. ..OllT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave,, Ft. Lauderdale, FL :33316 (954) s22~7984 ·· · ... · SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 ... (415) 5:43-.5.8$$. . · Go~e~nt ~tvi~ DiVision· · (415) 861~3400 . "" · SANTURCE lOS1 Femande.z Juuco$ Ave., Stop 16¥2 Santurce, PR 00907 - "(787) 721-4033 ' ' ST. LOUJS TACO.MA, 3411 South Union Ave .• Tacoma. WA 98409 (253) 212-1n4 WILMINGTON .. 510 N. BroadAve., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 5494000 16 Seafarers LOG This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Antoinette Warren, the wife of Pensioner Paul A. Warren of Mandeville, La. The picture was snapped in New Orleans during an organizing drive aboard the Mobile City. Warren is kneeling at left. Also in the photo is former SIU Vice President Lindsey Williams (standing fourth from left). Brother Warren, now 87, is a charter member of the SIU, having joined in 1938 in Alabama. He sailed in the deck department with the SIU as well as during WWII in all theaters of operation . An official in the union tor 32 years, Warren was active in all SIU beefs and served as an organizer on the Great Lakes and with Cities Service and Isthmian. Additionally, he worked as a patrolman in the port of New Orleans. Holding Book No. W-3, Warren may well be the seniormost SIU official. September 2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US-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. n inland captain and a member of the engine department who upgraded his skills on five separate occasions are among the eight Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captain Richard N. Roel Sr. navigated the waterways for nearly three decades, yet found time to upgrade his skills at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. And speaking of upgrading, Paul R. Wolf did it often. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native visited the union's school in 1979, 1981, 1984, 1992 and 1994, each time improving his skills as a member of the engine department. Four of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division, three navigated the inland waterways, and one plied the Great Lakes. Two of the new pensioners were members of the steward department, four others sailed in the deck department and two shipped in the engine department. On this page, the Sea/arers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers• careers. A DEEP SEA - - - - - - - - . ALBERT HENDRICKS, 58, began his career with the SIU in 1962, joining in New York. The Mobile Ala. native first navigated the waterways aboard the Elizabeth, operated by the AH Bull Steamship Company. A member of the steward department, Brother Hendricks last sailed in March. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the PFC Eugene A. Obregon, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Hendricks resides in Mobile. FAGALILO MALIGA, 59, was born in American Samoa. Brother Maliga started his career with the SIU in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed aboard Pensioner Makes SPAD Donation in Mooney's Memory Joe Morrison knew Ed Mooney for 40 years, so the retired recertified bosun understood how deeply Mooney cared about the SIU. With that in mind, Morrison last month made a $300 contribution in Mooney's memory to the Seafarers Political Action Donation (SPAD). "It's the best remembrance I possibly could give Ed," stated Morrison, who sailed with the SIU from 1960 to 1992. "SPAD helps make sure the union gets good jobs and benefits in the future, and that's what Ed was all about." Mooney, a popular and effective SIU official, passed away July 4, at age 84. He first sailed with the SIU in 1944, and later worked as a headquarters September 2000 the Santa Magdalena, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. A member of the steward department, Brother Maliga last navigated the waterways in 1999. His final voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. Brother Maliga lives in Long Beach, Calif. WILLIAMF. MURPHY, 70, sailed as a member of the deck department. He joined the SIU in 1974 in New York. His first ship was the Erna Elizabeth, an Albatross Tanker Company vessel. The Worcester, Mass. native served 20 years with the U.S. Marine Corps before becoming a Seafarer. Brother Murphy upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Before retiring he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Express. Brother Murphy resides in Okinawa, Japan. PAUL R. WOLF, 60, hails from Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Wolf began his career with the SIU in 1962, joining in the port of New York. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, Brother Wolf served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1960. A member of the engine department, he first sailed aboard the Capri, operated by Peninsular Navigation Corporation. A frequent upgrader, Brother Wolf attended the union's school in 1979, 1981, 1984, 1992 and 1994. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the LNG Gemini, operated by Pronav Ship Management. Brother Wolf resides in West Melbourne, Fla. INLAND SAMUEL T. JACKSON JR., representative from 1961 until retiring in 1977. Morrison said he met Mooney during an organizing campaign in Buffalo in 1960. The two remained friends thereafter. "Ed worked very, very hard explaining what a union would mean, and he was talking to people who weren't used to the idea of a union," noted Morrison. "He impressed me right away. He was a gentlemen to everyone around him, always had time to hear any kind of complaint or beef-and there were plenty of them at that time." Morrison added that he stays up-to-date on the latest SIU news and that the union "has done so many things for people who wouldn't have had a chance if it weren't for the SIU. It still does that today- gives a chance to people who want to make something of themselves." 61, hails from Charleston S.C. Brother Jackson joined the SIU in 1976 in Houston. A member of the engine department, he sailed primarily aboard Marine Contracting & Towing vessels. His first voyage occurred in 1976; his last, in 1988. Brother Jackson still calls Charleston home. ed his career with the SIU in 1962, joining in Duluth, Minn.A member of the deck department, Brother Walsh spent his entire career sailing aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1995. Brother Walsh resides in South Range, Wis. SIU Joins 'Bloody Thursday' Remembrance RICHARD N. ROEL SR., 63, began his SIU career in 1961 in Philadelphia. Born in Camden, N.J., Captain Roel first navigated the inland waterways aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Company vessel. The captain upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education earlier this year. Prior to his retirement, he sailed at the helm of McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessels. Brother Roel resides in Westville, N.J. PAUL VON BODUNGEN, 38, hails from New Orleans. Brother Von Bodungen started his Sill career in 1980. The Port Sulphur, La. resident spent his entire career navigating the inland waterways aboard Crescent Towing Salvage Company, Inc., vessels. A member of the deck department, Brother Von Bodungen 's most recent voyage was in 1998. GREAT LAKES JAMES P. M. WALSH JR, 59, was born in Wisconsin. He start- Retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney carried a message of solidarity to the recent ceremony conducted in San Francisco by the International Longshore & Warehouse Union (ILWU) commemorating the ssth anniversary of the General Strike of 1934. "What was true then, remains fact today. Namely, we are strongest when we stand and work together," stated McCartney at the large gathering of union members, politicians and other citizens. The 1934 strike involved thousands of union members-including mariners and longshore workers-along with more than a thousand police and eventually the National Guard. It turned tragic on "Bloody Thursday" (July 5) when a policeman fired fatal shots into the crowd, killing two workers. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG the. fttan~m' . ~4'1~ry ~omm,,i~~e to . denounce the use·by''.Aijlertcan com~nles of ships registered irr Panama, Liberia·and upon jlfl19i?~~~HE:; ::!:::::;;~~:~:~:::~rz~ Street ·~ftihbits~ ·506-\ ~lr Ne~pYqH<' Br~nch action against these runaway flags. and the Attan~6:J~ ·<fiulfJ~~tj¢.~, Q.:f-fif~: '(~~,,. ~~,The runaway operatorJ''-- the SIU asserted,. union occupies the · · · ''is a predatory para.... top five floors with site, roaming the seas . the shipping hall takMQ,MTU in search of profit.. ing the entire second I '1 l n gate profits, mean. . floor. The lounge, while preying upon complete with. card /. I '1 l ' ~ the more poorly paid and writing tables, peoples of other takes the third floor. lands in the worst .Efh~. stewards' offices . traditions of ofd.. fash· ~nd the baggage room, which offers fr.ee joned dollar imperialism and economic cofobaggage chettdng ·for' members·in·gooa nialism.. /1 standing,.. artr-otf:.t.he. fourth .:floor).and 1984'. branch offices, indudJng the office of the Seafarers LOG take up the fifth floor. The Pfc. Eugene A Obregon, the second ·Of 'TUJS 'n JM SJU HJSYiC)iAY Atlantic & Gulf District headquarters com.. three vessels that have been converted for prise the top floor. military charter under the TAKX program, "The reaction of the·membershijfto 'tJ1eir . · was christened on September a in San new home has been very favorable. · Diego. She was preceded by the Sgt. MJtej Commenting on the new building, one Kocak, which was christened in August, and Seafarer said, ''from now on we don't have will be followed by the Maj. Stephen W. to take off our hat to nobody." Pless. The work is being performed for Watennan Steamship Corp. and wlll be 1964 operated under charter by the M11h:ary The Seafarers International Union has called Sealift Command. Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA EDMUND BURNETT =,--,....,=,,...-------,Pensioner Edmund Burnett, 72, died May 26. Brother Burnett ' began his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Houston and first sailed aboard the Steel Architect, operated by Isco Inc. A native of Hawaii, he was a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1990. Brother Burnett returned to sea in 1991 during the Persian Gulf War, working aboard Seahawk Management's Falcon Leader. Galveston, Texas was his home. CALVIN DeSILVA Pensioner Calvin DeSilva, 73, passed away June 6. A member of the deck department, Brother DeSilva joined the SIU in 1947 in the pan of New York. Born in Trinidad, West Indies, Brother DeSilva first sailed aboard the Steel Maker, operated by Isco Inc. He last sailed aboard the SeaLand Crusader and began receiving his pension in 1989. Brother DeSilva resided in Orlando, Fla. ALBERT ESTRADA Pensioner Albert Estrada, 77, died May 17. Born in New Orleans, Brother Estrada began his SIU career in 1947 in the port of New Orleans. He first sailed aboard an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. A member of the steward department, Brother Estrada served with the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1981. In 1989, he sailed aboard the Waterman Steamship-operated Sam Houston and began receiving his pension that same year. Chalmette, La. was his home. CLAUDE H. GILLIAM Pensioner Claude H. Gilliam, 74, passed away May 30. A native of Tennessee, Brother Gilliam began his career with the SIU in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. A member of the steward department, Brother Gilliam first sailed on Metro Steamship Corporation's Atlantic Water. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1947. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel Stonewall Jackson. Brother Gilliam began receiving his pension in 1991 and resided in Gretna, La. KENNETH GILLIAM Brother Kenneth Gilliam, 53, died May 30. Born in Galveston, Texas, Brother Gilliam started his SIU career in 1991,joining in the port of Houston. He first sailed aboard the Cape Edmont, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corporation. A member of the deck department, Brother Gilliam last sailed on the Liberty Star. operated by Liberty Maritime Corporation. Galveston was his home. HEBER GUYMON - - - - . Pensioner Heber Guymon, 74, died Nov. 11, 1999. Brother Guymon joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of Baltimore and first sailed aboard a Sinclair Oil Corporationoperated vessel. Born in Hunnington, Utah, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Guymon upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg ThaLasacy Of Two Seafarers Two dedicated union members, later to become officials, were taken from us recently, only weeks apart. The legacy and contributions provided by these men remain intact. Edward Mooney and Juan Reinosa were a big part of my life as an active seaman. I shipped out of Brooklyn from the time Ed was first elected a patrolman until he was appointed headquarters representative and everything in between. His position toward the rank-and-file members never changed. He was always there for anyone with a reasonable concern. Ed, along with John Dwyer, were instrumental in handling a delicate Brooklyn waterfront problem that might otherwise have gotten out of hand. I was a shipmate of Juan's. When he was chosen to work ashore, I personally was skeptical. Are we going to trade a great steward, great cook and even greater shipmate for a three-piece suit, cluttered desk and typewriter (remember them?)? Time allayed those fears. It is common knowledge that Juan played a large role in making the food and stewards' program the overwhelming success that it is today. My next protracted stay other than New York was in San Francisco. As fate would have it, Juan was elected port patrolman there. My stay in San Francisco suddenly became a pleasant experience. I was blessed. I could never have picked this exacta. Memories are reward enough. If someone should ask if I knew Ed or Juan, I can proudly answer in the affirmative. To both families, I send my sincere condolences. Anthony Notturno Villas, N .J. 18 Seafarers LOS School of Seamanship in 1974 and began receiving his pension in 1981. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Commerce. El Paso, Texas was Brother Guymon's home. WILLIAM R. HORNE Pensioner William R. Home, 73, passed away May 17. Born in New Jersey, Captain Home began his career with the SIU in 1947, first sailing aboard the Council Grove, operated by Cities Service. Brother Home began receiving his pension in 1988. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Transpacific. He resided in San Francisco. IRA R. JESSE JR. Pensioner Ira R. Jesse Jr., 65, died June 5. Born in Texas, Brother Jesse began his SIU career in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. A member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard the Andrew Jackson, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Bother Jesse served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957 and began receiving his SIU pension in 1988. Prior to retiring, he shipped aboard Westchester Marine's Beaver State. Brother Jesse resided in Las Vegas. FREDERICK JOHNSON Pensioner Frederick Johnson, 78, passed away May 5. Bosun Johnson joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of New York. Born in Massachusetts, he first sailed aboard the Charles Warfield, an Alcoa Steamship Company vessel. A member of the deck department, Bosun Johnson upgraded his skills by completing the bosun recertification course at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1974. He began receiving his pension in 1986. Prior to his retirement, Bosun Johnson sailed aboard the OM! Missouri. Mobile, Ala., was his home. TOM MARSHALL Pensioner Tom Marshall, 76, passed away June 2. Brother Marshall began his career with the SIU in 1955, joining in San Francisco. t.:.---'l..--'----__...., A native of Louisiana, he was a member of the steward department and first sailed aboard the North PLT Victory, operated by Sheppay Steamship. Brother Marshall began receiving his pension in 1991. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Pacific. New Orleans was his home. CONLIN M. MURPHY Pensioner Conlin M. Murphy, 77, ~ passed away ·· June 2. Brother Murphy began his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of San Francisco. A member of the steward department, he first sailed aboard the Del Oro, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Prior to joining the SIU, Brother Murphy was in the U.S. Army, serving from 1941 to 1944. He began receiving his pension in 1988. Prior to his retirement, Brother Murphy sailed aboard Mokihana. He called San Francisco home. SIU in 1969 in the port of New Orleans sailing in the deck department. His first ship was the Steel Advocate, operated by lsco Inc. He later transferred to the inland division. Brother Davidson began receiving his pension in 1999. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. Cypress, Texas was his home. DEAN PRINDLE Pensioner Harold A. Deich, 81, died April 18. A Maryland native, Brother Deich started his career with the SIU in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. A member of the deck department who also sailed as a captain, he first worked aboard Wheeling Steel Corporation vessels. Brother Deich served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. Prior to his retirement in 1981, he sailed aboard Charles H. Harper & Associates vessels. Glen Burnie, Md. was his home. Pensioner Dean Prindle, 75, died May 5. Born in California, Brother Prindle began his SIU career in 1956. He first sailed aboard the Fair Port, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. A member of the deck department, Brother Prindle served with the U.S. Air Force from 1946 to 1948. He began receiving his pension in 1990. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the SeaLand Pacific. Brother Prindle resided in Oakland. RICARDO RISBECK Brother Ricardo Risbeck, 60, passed away May 16.A native of Pennsylvania, Brother Risbeck started his career with the SIU in 1966, joining in Seattle. His first voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. A member of the engine department, Brother Risbeck upgraded his skills in 1973 and 1987 respectively at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Risbeck resided in Bellingham, Wash. EDWARD RULEY Pensioner Edward Ruley, 76, died May 12. Bosun Ruley started his career with the Seafarers in 1943, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. A member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship vessel. Brother Ruley began receiving his pension in 1990. Prior to his retirement, the Maryland native sailed aboard the SS Point Susan, operated by Point Venture Corporation. Baltimore was his home. ALEJANDRO SERRANO Pensioner Alejandro Serrano, 73, died June 6. Brother Serrano joined the Seafarers in , 1961 in the port ofNewYork. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Serrano first sailed aboard the Pisces, operated by Balton Shipping. He worked as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1995. Prior to his retirement, Brother Serrano sailed aboard the Mayaguez, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management Inc. Brother Serrano resided in his native Puerto Rico. INLAND BYRON DAVIDSON Pensioner Byron D. Davidson, 57, died May 2. Brother Davidson served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964. The Colorado native launched his career with the HAROLD DEICH CYRUS GUSSMAN Pensioner Cyrus Gussman, 79, passed away April 23. A native of Morgan City, La. Boatman Gussman began his career with the SIU in 1964 joining in Port Arthur, Texas. He served with the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1946. A member of the engine department, Brother Gussman began receiving his pension in 1985. During his career, he sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. Brother Gussman resided in Louisiana. GREAT LAKES PAUL MONAHAN Pensioner Paul Monahan, 77, died Nov. 30, 1999. Born in Pennsylvania, Brother Monahan began his career with the Seafarers in 1968, joining in Chicago. A member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard the Southdown Challenger, operated by Cement Transit Company. Brother Monahan served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941 to 1947 and began receiving his SIU pension in 1991. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the American Steamship Company-operated Charles E. Wilson. Brother Monahan resided in Albany, N .Y. AnANTIC FISHERMEN SALVATORE LoPICCOLO ..,,,,.,.,,.,.,,,,..,,,..,,.._..,...,...,.,,,.,.,....,,...... Pensioner Salvatore LoPiccolo, 81, died June 1. A native of Massachusetts, hejoind the Atlantic Fishermen's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. During his career, he also sailed aboard deep sea vessels as a member of the deck department. LoPiccolo was a resident of Gloucester, Mass. He began receiving his pension in 1981. September 2000 �•, ·. ·.•. :.:. Ships ~ihu~'firlt are 'reviewed by Ille union's contract depattment \. Those Issue~ reqtiiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union . . ·.· UfHJn tetelJlf t1f the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded >to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. LNG GEMINI (Pronav Ship Mgmt.), May 21-Chairman Zan al A. Sirigar, Secretary Georg G. Kenny, Educational Director Mark Freeman, Deck Delegate Scott J. Seiler, Engine Delegate Dasril Panko, Steward Delegate Sukirman Suraredjo. Chairman reported new mattresses received. Educational director advised members to take advantage of training facilities at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations for next contract include adding prescription coverage for dependents and issuing insurance cards. Question sent to contracts department concerning injury reports. Recommendation made for union to look into transportation to and from ship and for status of contract negotiations with Pronav. Discussion held on how to spend ship's fund. Suggestions included new microwave, refrigerators for all staterooms and upgraded satellite TV system. Steward thanked crew for help maintaining clean ship. Crew, in tum, expressed gratitude for having "one of best cooks in union onboard." MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Line), May 19--Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Grant H. Acmstead, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Delegate Joseph LeBeau, Engine Delegate Daniel F. Avery, Steward Delegate Raford C. Nixon. Chairman announced new washers and dryers due on arrival in Houston or New Orleans. Vessel then heading for Mombasa, Kenya. Educational director urged all members to upgrade at Piney Point, Md. Clarification requested by deck department on overtime. Request made for repair of antenna. At present, ship not able to pick up news broadcasts. Crew members also requested verification of company policy regarding monetary advances. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great chow. OVERSEAS VIVIAN (OSG), May 18---Chairman Doyle W. Ellette, Secretary Claude C. Hollings Ill, Educational Director Murray W. Robertson, Engine Delegate Andrew Lopez III. Chairman announced ship en route to Durban, South Africa. Captain to get van so crew can go ashore. He thanked crew for cooperation and asked everybody to be aware of safety issues and report unsafe items to department heads. Fresh vegetables and fruits to be brought aboard in Durban. Educational director stated upgrading skills at Piney Point is road to higher wages. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All communications read and posted. Chairman told crew that LOG gives members information on maritime news both at sea and ashore. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. PRODUCER (CSX Lines), May 21--Chairman William J. Card, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Alan A. Rogers II, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Osorio, Steward Delegate Pedro Laboy. Chairman announced payoff in Oakland, Calif. upon arrival. Vessel now on regular 14-day run to Long Beach and Honolulu. Bosun reminded everyone to separate plastic items from regular trash and to keep messhalls locked in port. Crew September 2000 members also advised to check expiration date on z-card and make sure other documents (passports, STCW, TRBs) are up-to-date. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade ratings in department. Treasurer stated $848 in ship's fund. Clarification on reliefs requested in engine department. Suggestion made to ask contracts department to consider doubling pension and reducing seatime required. Bosun thanked steward department for good food and for keeping areas clean and well stocked. Steward thanked relief bosun for help with garbage during voyage and Chief Cook Laboy for keeping galley spotless. Request made by member for meals made with no beef, pork, lamb, cheese and pasta; also that pork not be added to beans and soup. WASHINGTON (ATC), May 7Chairman Rudy Santos, Secretary Scott Opsahl, Educational Director Charles W. Dahlhaus, Deck Delegate Gavino A. Octaviano, Engine Delegate Patrick Lynch, Steward Delegate Samuel Harris. Chairman announced payoff in Cherry Point, Wash. Vessel may anchor prior to docking; if so, ship will pay off at anchor. Secretary reminded members to leave clean room for next person. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade and keep endorsements current, check expiration date on z-card and have TRB signed. He also suggested donating a little extra to SPAD to help keep SIU interests known on Capitol Hill. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for electronic money transfer capability and for company-supplied DVD player. Crew radio antenna requires repair. Crew baggage locker, now used as weather gear locker by officers needs to be reclaimed. Next ports: Ferndale, Wash. and Valdez, Alaska. CAPE JACOB (Amsea), June 3Chairman Robert W. Johnson, Secretary James M. Kasha, Deck Delegate Kelvin W. Johnson, Engine Delegate Lawrence T. French, Educational Director Lawrence T. French III, Steward Delegate Arturo A. Rodriguez. Chairman talked about retroactive pay increase resulting from resolution in contractual agreement. Captain discussed repatriation flights and answered questions from crew. Secretary spoke more about new Amsea contract and how it benefits everyone in SIU. Educational director stressed need for keeping STCW endorsement and TRBs up to date and of upgrading at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $100 in ship's fund to be used for purchase of movies. Donation made to American Diabetes Association on behalf of crew member aboard ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report read from most recent LOG and discussion ensued on past and future of SIU. Voyage completed to Maldives with 22 Navy personnel aboard. Also took part in British operations mission. All went well; vessel to depart for Singapore July 10. Everyone reminded to be safety conscious at all times. This includes wearing goggles or other eye protection and safety shoes. Vote of thanks given to Steward Kasha and his department for job well done. CAPE LOOKOUT SHOALS (IUM), June 22--Chairman Steven L. Bush, Secretary Jose A. Rivera. Chairman confirmed vessel has new charter for next several years, begging early July. Run will be from Valdez to Nikolski, Alaska with occasional trips to Anacortes, Wash. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications are slow aboard ship, with no LOGs received recently. This expected to change with change ofroute and new P.O. box in Nikolski. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into negotiating with company for various improvements, which will help attract relief crew members. GREEN ISLAND (Waterman Steamship Corp.), June 4--Chairman Bennie Freeland, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director James Laratta, Deck Delegate Desiree M. Crockett, Engine Delegate Philip W. Zalewski. Chairman talked about need for coffee makers in pantry and increase in provisions. Secretary reminded everyone getting off to strip beds and obtain fresh linens for next person; also to return any movies to video library. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade skills at Piney Point and to ensure STCW and other documents in order. He also mentioned help is available for anyone with alcohol or drug problems. Check with patrolman at any SIU hall. Beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT noted by department delegates. Request made that satellite dish be included in next contract for all SIU ships and that vacation time and overtime be counted toward seatime. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent job with limited stores. GUAYAMA (NPR, Inc.), June 11Chairman Roan Lightfoot, Secretary Gina G. Lightfoot, Steward Delegate Jerry S. Gant. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. June 16. He noted safety pamphlets posted in messhalls and for everyone to become familiar with material, especially in light of upcoming Coa t Guard inspection. Secretary suggested crew members anend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Educational director reminded members about SCTW cutoff date (Feb. 2002) and not to wait until last minute. Some disputed OT brought up in deck department; no beefs reported by department delegates. Steward department given vote of thanks for fine job. Next ports: San Juan, P.R. and Jacksonville. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), June 4--Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point to secure brighter future and noted that new simulator building with state-of-the-art equipment to be ready soon. He also reminded crew members getting off to supply rooms with clean linens. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New dryer for crew on order. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing maintenance and cure and extend medical benefits to dependents. Thanks given to steward department for excellent food. Next port: Boston, Mass. and Elizabeth, NJ. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), June 18--Chairman Robert B. Lindsay Jr., Secretary Joseph C. Birke, Educational Director Junious Williams Jr., Deck Delegate James E. Sullivan, Engine Delegate Joseph Williams, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman announced Haifa, Israel as next port of call. Crew members should be aware that Liberty Star works from bell to bell. No word from company on June 15 pay increase. Educational director stated STCW requirements need to be fulfilled; he encouraged members to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $238 in ship's fund. Clarification requested by deck delegate on mandatory overtime for day workers Saturdays and Sundays in port or at sea. Beefreported in engine department regarding no weekend nighttime overtime. New microwave requested for crew on mess decks. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), June 11--Chairman Joseph W. Moore, Secretary John B. McGill Jr., Educational Director Lorie duties. Suggestion made for membership to receive Christmas bonus. Steward expressed interest in having union forms put on CDs for shipboard computer use. Movies purchased in El Segundo, Calif. Some members expressed desire for exercise area. Vote of thanks to steward department, especially T. M. Curley. "Good food is the standard and not the exception." Next port: Honolulu. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (ATC), June 11--Chairman Carlos Old Friends Meet Again Third Mate Mark Holman (left), who sent this photo to the LOG, and Bosun Dave Garoutte recently made a trip to South America on the SS Cleveland. The two graduated from the same bosun recertification class at Piney Point in 1988. Both also joined the union immediately after completing the entry-level training program: Holman in 1980 and Garoutte in 1972. Christmas Jr., Deck Delegate Abraham M. Murray, Engine Delegate Robert L. Stevenson, Steward Delegate Henry Greene Jr. Chairman announced payoff in New Orleans June 12. Both he and secretary gave words of encouragement to unlicensed apprentices aboard vessel. Educational director pointed out positive results of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in engine department; no beefs or disputed OT in deck or steward departments. Requests made for new VCR and typewriter. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), June 11-Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary James F. Dunne, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Fred L. Collins, Engine Delegate Carlos Ortiz, Steward Delegate John F. Huyett. Educational director advised crew members to attend necessary courses at Paul Hall Center to comply with STCW. Chairman noted weights and dartboard approved for purchase and additionally requested two new trash containers--one for plastics and one for biodegradable items. Treasurer announced $1,509 available in fund for purchase of dartboard and weights and $250 in emergency fund. Disputed OT reported in engine department. Everyone asked to help keep noise down in passageways. Extra launch requested but not approved. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Suggestions sent to contracts department for negotiation of new contract. OVERSEAS CHICAGO (ATC), June 12-Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Miguel Callazo. Chairman thanked everyone for hard work. He said payoffs would take place monthly as soon as company gets payroll plan installed on ship. Secretary discussed union's money purchase pension plan (SMPPP). Educational director announced new ATC class at Piney Point being developed and encouraged all members to upgrade skills at the school, particularly to be up to industry standards for STCW. Movie fund to be created; donations accepted by GSU T. M. Curley. No beefs or disputed OT reported; clarification requested on coffee making Loureiro, Secretary Jeffrey L. Smith, Educational Director Edward H. Self, Steward Delegate Saeed Saeed. Chairman announced payoff in Ferndale, Wash. June 13. Educational director stressed upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and noted ATC safety course not yet scheduled. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from contracts department concerning vacation pay and current agreement. Clarification requested on interest rate for money purchase pension plan. Requests made for new crew lounge furniture and room for exercise equipment. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. RELIANCE (CSX Lines), June l 0--Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Gene C. Sivley, Educational Director Michael A. Rubino, Deck Delegate Russell Haynes, Steward Delegate Mose Peacock Jr. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash. June 16 and thanked crew for smooth voyage. Educational director reminded crew memb{'.rs of importance of contributing.to SPAD, particularly in this election year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for great job. R.G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding Inc.), June 24--Chairman Robert G. Bell, Secretary Lovell McElroy Sr., Educational Director Moses Micken Jr., Deck Delegate Brian Matthiesen, Engine Delegate Todd Moreland, Steward Delegate Elhussieny Elnaggar. Chairman announced annual inspection by Lloyds of London insurance group to take place while at anchor in Manchester, Wash. Secretary noted fresh produce taken on with 90-days stores in Hawaii also due for contamination inspection in Manchester due to federal codes. Educational director reminded everyone to check expiration date on z-card before shipping out. He also suggested attending upgrading courses at Piney Point for job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for great meals. Next ports: San Francisco and Crockett, Calif. and Manchester and Ferndale, Wash. Seafarers LOG 19 - �Know Your Rights Gazpacho Serves: 25 Preparation Time: 2 hours 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. . . . a great way to use up your gardenfres h vegetables . .. GALLEY CORNER 1 1/s gallons red ripe tomatoes, chopped 1 1/s quarts cucumber, chopped 1 1/s quarts large bell peppers, chopped 11/s pints onion, chopped 41/g cloves garlic l1/s quarts bread crumbs 1 1/s cups olive oil l/4 cup balsamic vinegar !1/s teaspoons salt 11/s teaspoons white pepper Puree vegetables in blender or food processor. Press - through sieve to remove seeds. Puree bread crumbs with olive oil and vinegar. Blend into vegetable puree and season with salt and pepper. Chill well. If anyone is looking for loi..~.. ~ertified Executive Ch~ . .·:y . .John Hetmanski · l \.':. ~ ....::·· "·'· . i/: .. ' a particular recipe or has one of their own that they would like to share, drop Chef Hetmanski a line at the Paul Hall Center, P. 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674 or e-mail to: shlssvoc@us.hsanet.net. ~;::~l!fllB&'it:~••~~1: .· Etripfoyee Retl!'¢tnent Income ~Urify'Acf of J'9?4 '(ERJSA)." ··· ·. . ··:···· ··· :· ··· . .. Basic financial Statement . ..... Tue value ofthe plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan. was $4,490A36 as ofJuty 31, 1999,. compared to :$3.143,615 as ofluly 31, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of$5SJ 79. During :.:1h.e pfari .year, the plan:bad a total incom~ of $5,780,303, .including employer contributions of $5,610.854 and earnings from ·· investments 6f $169,449_In addition. the plan restated its beginning net assets to appropriately reflect the ptovisions of , 1ICPA Sta~~entofPositi.vn 9f~1es~pg ir\,~djus~~nts . ~? bep~fit 09~~gatio~ . ()f$J~40S,t00. .... ·.· . .... ·. . .•. ..... ·../ ~1~~t;~:•f¢i.W~~k~~i~T~%:·'~p.#.n$~§Ji,l:9~µ4e~:t:.~~74.;(>:45m•adfuinistrati\f~expenses,•~<l:$S~$64i~3o/iiit>~n;;;; ' ' . YOUr Bights to Addltlomil Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report. or any part thereof~ on request. The items listed below ;~eiIT8I"aig~~~i~~~Q£1Jt;,;iJ~;Ji~~L"'"''0<49/t&,$U%:,,,,,,,%j% 0''' can 4 To obtam a copy of the full annual xeport; or any.part:thereof; write or M;lf: <:;ft.'.ice of;the. a.dmmts~tot o~i9le .S.1'i;t Pacific District Suppletnental a~efits flan, In~.• at 522 Harrison St;reet, §an Fran~~e~~. £6 . ~~lp?~~l 04.< ~~l~phQ*~ nill.11t:· · her (415) 495~6882. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 fort4e futl::aniiu~lir~i'iii §t".$.;<V2.Sp¢f pageif()r . part thereof. . ·.· . u• <} ., · x · ·•+ ' aliY · also have the right to receive from the plan administrator; .on. ~ue5}. ~a .~tp9 ~b~gp;.}~)S~~tgf:~~t~~.s~~> · and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement ofincome ·~fridexpensesQf!'thepl~µ 'and_;#cCptJiP.lWY~!V ·notes, {)r bQtb. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrat-O}\ the~ tw<> .&pitem.~ts .a.nqaccofrt,., · ...·panyiug note,s. will pe indµded !lS part of lliat!ermrt· ~e -~~arge .to covet copyjng costs giv¢ii !!bO,V:~. d~~ . nQtjn.clude a .•charge for the copying Qf tb~s~ portions of tbe report.t?eeaiise t.h~s~. P.Q#.i§ris ·;:ire :~i.Shed Without ·charge; · · · · · ·· Y-0u also have the legally protected right to examine the annualreport at the main -office ofthe plan, 522 Hamson Stree4 ; San Francisco, CA .941Q$·3104 and at th~ U.S ..Dept. ofLabQr(DQL) in Washington, D.C.. or to obtain a copy .from the DOL · upriil"payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be address.ed to: Public Disclosure Room NS638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration; U.S, Department of LabQr~ 200 Constituti<m Avenue, N .w. Washington. DC 20216. . :: ·. Y\'>U Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 .--------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 9100 (Please Print) Name: Phone No.:~----------------------------~ Address:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- Social Security No.: ____ ~~~~'~~~~ Book No.: D Other _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Active SIU D Pensioner This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. L--------------------------------------------------~ 20 Seafarers LOB 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. SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU hal1s. 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 purp ses including, but not limi ed to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. September 2DDD �Sept 11, 25; Oct. 9, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 20; Dec. 4, 18 General education and ~ollege courses are available as needed. In acfditlOn; ·, . basic vocational support program courses are offered tbrough-0ut the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker·Assistant-.and Water .Survival courses. An introduction to. compu~rs· be self-stUdy. course will lflliJl'rf1*11ii~i;i,i~·;); Name --------------------------~ Address - -------------------------- With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days sea time for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED 4J1.Plicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their apulication. The uavment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member Date of Birth D BEGIN END DATE DATE --------- Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Book#---------Department _ __ _ _ _ _ __ Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ __ __ _ __ __ Have you attended any SHLSSIPHC upgrading courses? DYes ONo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: 0 Yes ONo Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ September 2000 LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ Date On: - - - - - -- -- - -- Rating: _ _ _ __ Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 9100 Seafarers LOB 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes --r Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 598 - Unlicensed apprentices from class 598 who graduated from the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Malachi Albertie Jr., David Alexander Ill, John Barrington, Roger Berger, Terry Blade, Earnesto Brandon, John Collins Jr., Edward Deupree Ill, Jose Echeverria Jr., Patrick Edwards, Lovell Hyman, Jared Lee, John Lightfoot, Edmund Livings, Timothy Manes, Kevin Mcintyre, Jose Rivera, John Rochez, Earle Shakes Jr. and Dominic Whitty. Their instructor was Bernabe Pelingon. SEAFARERS f•Ul HALL CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS ::=:";:~~·~.9.l.;~_;.::=.=.;-~~~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 604 Completing the water survival course are unlicensed apprentices from class 604. They are (from left, front row) Louis Cappadonna, Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Paul Voisin, (second row) Justin Johnson, Roderic Kelly, Larry Tribby, John Rochez, Darren Rollins. (in boat) Matthew Nunez, Damon Straughter, Emilio Abreu and Michael Praslicka. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 603 - Class 603 unlicensed apprentices who successfully completed the water survival course are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Benavente Jr., Christopher Dionio, Lokona Farias, Jackson Gourgue, Byron Graham, Michael Harvey, Michael Herrera, Kevin Ignacio, Haven lussig, Nicholas Jones, Ryan Legario, Charles Lewis, Adam Lippe, Samuel Lloyd, Ralph Martin Jr., Jerald Martinez, William Mcintyre, Felix Medina, Allyson Pangelinan, Kenneth Simon and Sidney Wagner Jr. (Note: Charles Lewis is not in the photo.) Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) - Completing the designated duty engineer course July 7 are (in no specific order) John Knott, George Murphy Jr., Donald Lumpkins, Monty Dunphy, Richard Robertson, Laurence Gilley and Rene Vazquez. Their instructor, not pictured, was Barney Kane. We Did It! FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements July 21 are (from left, first row) Manuel Oliveras, William Rozier, Fahd Alsoofi, Paul Flores, Armando Bermudez, Curtis Thornton, Brent Morris, (second row) Mark Jones (instructor), James Brown, Pati Taototo, Pedro Ortiz Jr., Gary Torres, Edward Hopeau, William Watterson, Milton Flynn, Pablo Bermudez, Nicholas Joyce, (third row) Carey Foster Jr., Abdul Munassar, Niko Monsales, Juan Green, (fourth row) Gerald Evans, Ray Avie, Darryl White, John Turner 111, Victor Harvey, Rossel Lino and Louis Gracia. 22 Seafarers LOB Unlicensed Apprentice Graduation -All the studying pays off for another group of unlicensed apprentice graduates as they receive their certificates June 23. Posing with "Momma" Theresa Price are (in alphabetical order) Gregorio Abalos, Kyle Bailey, Tyrone Brown, Carlos Castillo, Christophre Cummings, Sherrod Frazier, Brian Guiry, Michael McErlean , Benny Perez, Karl Roy, Shauntay Shavies and Guy Todd. (Note: two of the graduates are not in the photo.) September 2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Steward Department Skills Chief Cook - Leaming specific culinary skills which will prepare them to sail as a chief cook are (in no particular order) Erni Lizada, David Camacho, Natividad Zapata, Herman Stith, Harry Kimble, Gerry Querubin, Tanja Pfizenmaier, George Burgos, Michael Harris, Marcus Nicholas and Vern Andrews. With them are instructors Chef John Hetmanski and Chef John Dobson as well as assistant instructor Chef Phyllis Rand. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Completing the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course June 16 are (from left, kneeling) Ian Ferguson, Eli Smith, Ronel Guerzon, Charles Walker, Randolph Cash Jr., Marque! Sapp, Raymond Elsner, Chris Todd, (second row) Jim Shaffer (instructor) Chuck Thompson, Janan Driggers, Thomas Odem, Ehtesham Ahmed, Sammy Montana, Kevin Conklin, Melvin Stegall, Justin Rodgers, (third row) Dave Rankin, Riley Donahue, John Gilston and Tom Woerner. Able Seaman - Completing the AB course August 4 are (from left, first row) Enrique Brown, Melvin Hill, Veronica Miller, Gwynne Turkington, (second row) Willie Johnson, David Pratt, Curtis Newman, Rizalino Aldana, Thomas Skubinna, Christopher Green, Timothy Beuk, (third row) William Maggio II, Jeffrey Smith, James Miller, Agustin Miranda, Joshua Weir, Jack Swain, Joel Patzer, Dustin Macomber, Randy Pasquarella, Thomas Morgan, Stan Beck (instructor) and Travis Jarvis. Galley Operations - The galley operations course teaches students baking skills. From the left (front row) are Angelo Camacho, Rocel Caballero, Leopold Calderon, Adele George, Kaipo Cornwell. Julio Ciliezar, Juan Rios, (second row) Chef Ed White (instructor), Gary Dottino, Jimmy Williams and Darren Barrett. Academic Department English as a Second Language (ESL) College Math Prep Instructor Peggy Densford (left) works with Pete Malone (Unlicensed Apprentice Class 575) to prepare for college math courses. September20IJIJ William Mcintyre, a native of Pattaya, Thailand , studies English with Instructor Peggy Densford. Right: Computer Class - Fateh Saleh, from the port of Wilmington, Calif., practices using the computer with help from Instructor Richard Prucha. Seafarers LOB 23 �Volume 62, Number 9 Septe ber 2000 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. -page20- SIU-Crewed Sbip Becomes Tourist Attraction hydrographers. While visitors in Alexandria toured the vessel, SIU Headquarters Rep. Carl Peth conducted a union meeting and answered questions posed by the crew members, mostly pertaining to the new contract. With him was Christine Short, who soon will help out in the port of Honolulu as a patrolman. This is the first ship for OS David Jones of Houston, who graduated from the Unlicensed Apprentice Program at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. in May. While still in training, Jones worked aboard the class 295 and joined the SIU in 1979. The vessel's mission scientists and technicians from the Naval Oceanographic Office perform surveys aboard the ship to collect data for charting that portion of the world's coastlines that are not adequately charted. The data are utilized in both war and peacetime missions. The oceanographic ships operate in potential hot spots of the world-such as the Sea of Japan, the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean coastal waters-wherever the U.S. Navy may be called upon to operate or fight. Survey ships also are used for spe- Chief Steward Warren Lombard (left) and Chief Cook Julio Arzu have everything under control in the galley. I t's not often that ordinary residents get a chance to climb aboard a military vessel, but hundreds of people took advantage of just that opportunity when the SIU-crewed USNS Bruce C. Heezen (pronounced HAY-zin) docked in the port of Alexandria, Va. recently and was available for tours. The ship, launched March 25, 1999 and delivered to the Military Sealift Command (MSC) January 2000, is the fifth of the Pathfinder T-AGS 60 class of oceanographic survey ships that are designed to gather underwater data in either coastal or deep ocean waters. In order to perform its mission, the Heezen is equipped with the latest survey technology, including a dynamic positioning system, which automatica11y controls the ship's speed and heading and enables it to maintain its position and follow a track line. Survey ships are ambassadors for the United States, stopping at foreign and domestic ports that rarely see U.S. Navy vessels and creating goodwill by helping train other nations' oceanographers and Liberty Sun, but he considers the Heezen his first ship. It is also the first voyage for GVA Ann Mensior of Indiana, one of two women aboard ship, and she loves it. The mother of four (and grandmother) recently made a complete career change. And while she noted that it is sometimes difficult to be away from home, she keeps in touch with her family by e-mail and now has an opportunity to see things she has never seen before in Indiana: whales, jellyfish, dolphins, flying fish, a sunset at sea. She hopes to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point as soon as possible. OS Alvin Clark, who helped greet visitors as they climbed the gangway onto the Heezen , graduated from the Unlicensed Apprentice Program in 1998 and spent one month with the vessel in Gulfport, Miss. prior to sailing first to Norfolk, Va. and then to Alexandria. For Chief Steward Warren Lombard, however, this is old hat-his fifth time aboard an oceanographic ship. He graduated from the union's trainee program in situations, such as locating aircraft that have crashed or charting wrecks that may be hazardous to shipping. The scientific data collected by the Navy's oceanographic survey fleet are necessary to all U.S. military forces operating on or above the seas who must be prepared to sail or fly at a moment's notice. The Heezen, which is 329.5 feet long and can travel at a speed of 16 knots, was named for Bruce C. Heezen, a 20th century oceanographer best known for his pioneering work mapping the ocean floors. He died in 1977 of natural causes aboard a submarine that was about to explore the submerged mid-Atlantic mountains that he had studied throughout his 30-plus years as an oceanographer. During the shipboard union meeting, GVA Joseph A. Gierbolini listens intently to clarification on the current contract. The USNS Bruce C. Heezen was named by a group of fifth graders from Cranston, R.I. The students' entry was chosen from among 2,000 entries from American school children in a 1998 Navy-authorized ship-naming contest, which was held to coincide with the International Year of the Ocean. The contest encouraged students to learn about the maritime sciences, naVa:J'.'"0-e>eaitio~rr, phy and the use of the Internet as a research tool. Following a return trip to Norfolk, the vessel, operated by Dyn Marine for the MSC, will head for operations off the coast of Iceland. Above: While tourists were busy roaming the decks of the Heezen, SIU members gathered for a union meeting in the messroom. From the left are Storekeeper Earl Thomas, Chief Cook Julio Arzu, Chief Steward Warren Lombard, OS David Jones and Oiler Jonas Bocaya. OS David Jones (right) shows Headquarters Rep. Carl Peth his TRB, indicating he was properly credited for steering aboard the vessel. Left: Honolulu Patrolman (in training) Christine Short (left) talks with GVA Ann Mensior about life aboard ship. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNIONS WIN KEY DEMANDS AT BELL ATLANTIC/VERIZON SEAFARERS’ WAGES, BENEFITS INCREASE UNDER NEW FIVE-YEAR T-AGOS PACT SIU WELCOMES USNS WATKINS WILMINGTON SIU HALL’S RENOVATION NEARLY DONE COMMITTEE REVIEWS NOMINATION PETITIONS FOR UNION ELECTION ITF GAINS $65,000 IN BACK PAY FOR CREW OF RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP GULF WAR REPORT LAUDS U.S. MARINERS, CALLS FOR STRONG AMERICAN-FLAG FLEET 10 YEARS AFTER DESERT STORM, MARAD EXAMINES SEALIFT ROLE STRUCK BY CYPRUS-FLAG SHIP, ITF GLOBAL MARINER SINKS ARA’S STEINBERG PASSES AWAY CREDENTIALS APPROVED FOR CANDIDATES TO 27 UNION OFFICES BOSUN ISENSTADT RETIRES SHIP SEIZURE IN CANADA HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR STRONG U.S.-FLAG FLEET SIU-CREWED SHIP BECOMES TOURIST ATTRACTION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 9 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/fca465180ee65bef665e01bfb653aedf.pdf d366969973229d1f718993ff62e35af3 PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 8 August 2000 Baltimore Hall Opens; Wilmington Undergoes Major Refurbishment The SIU was on the move last month as the union's newest hall opened in Baltimore (top right photo). Seafarers enthusiastically welcomed the change in location. Meanwhile, major renovations are taking place at the hall in Wilmington, Calif. (upper left). This continues a steady upgrade in the SIU's facilities-the Baltimore building is the second new SIU hall to open this year and the sixth since 1994. Others, including the hall in Norfolk, Va. (directly above), have been improved during the past year. Pictured at the immediate left and right, respectively, are SIU members at the Baltimore hall. Pages 12-13. .Rescue at Sea Union Gains 2 Ships ------------~~~~Page3 The SIU-crewed Sea-Land Quality recently saved a ., French sailboat racer whose vessel capsized in rough Atlantic seas. Page 7. Coalition Urges MSP Expansion Passenger Vessel Construction Starts ~~~~~~~~~~Page3 �Prtsident's Report Resolvlng Differences Even in this era of remarkable cooperation between maritime labor, management and government, occasional disagreements are inevitable. Such is the case in a long-running dispute between the United States Military Sealift Command (MSC) and several U.S.-flag carriers including Sea-Land, Crowley and TOTE, among others. The short of it is this: MSC and the carriers disagree about the amount of money the Michael Sacco government contractually is obligated to pay for cenain services that were provided during Operation Desert Storm. More specifically, the question concerns the application of the McCumber Amendment to the 1904 Cargo Preference Act. That amendment prohibits U.S. carriers from charging higher rates to the military than to private shippers for transporting "like goods." As one might expect of a case that has lasted nine years and involves more than $18 million, the details are complex. But it boils down to Sea-Land contending that its rates are legally justified by differences in the respective services it provided for the military and for commercial shippers during the same period. MSC doesn't see it that way, and argues that the rates should have mirrored those charged to the commercial segment. A few months ago, the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. ruled in Sea-Land's favor. A key part of the ruling stated that the company "cannot be held liable for pricing its contract according to the kinds of goods it agreed to carry, rather than the kinds of goods that MSC actually shipped." I think that Last sentence underscores this case·s complications. If it were a cut-and-dry issue, it wcmldn 't have taken this long to litigate. Along those lines, there are no "bad guys" in this situation. Each side has a different interpretation of the law and believes it i~ Mrrect. People are simply doing their jobs. trying to do what they think is right. That said; it's time to put this issue to rest. The court sent SeaLand and MSC ba~k to the Arm«! Service Board of Contract Appeals to pursue what it describes as more "facrual determinations" aimed at finally resolving the case (consistent with the court's ruling). Whether the resolution is done via the board or through a settlement, I hope it happens soon. I also want to emphasize that, so far, this dispute hasn't spoiled the productive working relationships that have been forged across all components of the U.S.-flag maritime industry. Such cooperation isn't just talk-it's a very reaJ commodity that has helped generate and maintain support for the U.S. fleet. In the long run, that collaboration is critical for America's national security and for maintaining a manpower pool of trained, loyal, U.S.-citizen mariners. That is the "bigger picture," and all concerned would be wise to level their focus on it. Maintaining Professlonal Standards As reported on page 3, the fleet of SIU-crewed LNG vessels has begun reflagging. To the Seafarers remaining on the six ships that will stay under SIU contract, I know you will maintain the same top-notch professional standards that you always have demonstrated. Your excellent work enabled the SIU to retain those ships, and your continued dedication undoubtedly will strengthen your union. Volume 621 Number 8 August 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The &afarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production. Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved 2 Seafarers LOB Sen. Inouye Honored for WWII Heroism U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye (DHawaii), for decades a leading proponent of the U.S. merchant marine, was awarded the Medal of Honor on June 21 for heroism during World War II. Inouye and 19 fellow members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team received the nation's top military decoration from President Clinton during a White House ceremony. The senator served as a medic with an all Japanese-American unit in Europe during the war. He lost his right arm during combat in Italy, yet, moments later, used his left arm to toss away a German grenade that had landed nearby. That action saved numerous Allied I ives. In a letter congratulating Inouye for his award, SIU President Michael Sacco wrote, "Your service to the United States during World War II is a shining example for all Americans." He also thanked the senator for "all the hard work you have accomplished to preserve and strengthen the U.S.-flag commercial fleet. The men and women of the SIU applaud your receiving the recognition you justly deserve. We remain proud to calJ you our friend and brother." Inouye, an honorary member of the SIU, deflected credit for his achievement, citing the positive influence of his family and fellow servicemen. "An honor of this nature should be shared with many others," he stated in a communication to the SIU president. A longtime backer of the U.S.-flag fleet, Sen. Daniel Inouye recently received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in WWII. "This Medal of Honor belongs to my grandparents, parents and the men of my platoon. I accept this great honor in their behalr' Among many other actions in behalf of the U.S. fleet, Inouye was an outspoken and effective advocate of the Maritime Security Program, enacted in 1996. He also played a key role in clearing the way for construction of the two deep sea cruise ships being built for U.S. Lines by Ingalls Shipbuilding. New York-Area Seafarers Rally In Support of ILA Local 1814 SIU members and officials joined hundreds of fellow trade unionists June 22 in New York for a demonstration supporting the striking members of International Longshoremen 's Association (ILA) Local 1814. Some 300 ILA members have been on strike for a year against Domino Sugar's Broolclyn, N.Y. refinery. Because Domino is owned by the Britain-based company Tate & Lyle, the recent protest took place outside the British Consulate in New York. In a flyer summarizing its plight, Local 1814 pointed out, "The strike action was the workers' last resort given the fact that they tried for nine months past the expiration date to get a (new) contract." Indeed, a partial list of the company's demands illuminates the union's position. Among other things, Domino calls for: cutting the workforce by about one-third; eliminating the seniority system; slashing overtime; abolishing personal and sick days; unlimited subcontracting; and reopening the contract whenever Domino deems it necessary. "In short, they slashed a 59page contract book to about five pages," the union noted. The International Transport Workers' Federation, to which both the Sill and the ILA are affiliated, accused Domino of "highjacking the negotiations and submitting a series of unreasonable demands for concessions." Photo courtesy of Miller Photography Participating in the recent rally in New York for ILA Local 1814 are (from left} SIU Representative Jack Caffey Jr., SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey, Local 1814 Representative Tom Scalla, Local 1814 President Frank "Red" Scollo, New York Central Labor Council Public Policy Director Ed Ott, New York State AFL-CIO Special Projects Director Ed Panarello and Local 1814 Secretary-Treasurer Lou Pernice. Pensioners and Dependents Try Pilot Benetns Program The Seafarers Welfare Plan (SWP) last month announced the start of a one-year pilot program allowing for payment of home health and hospice benefits for eligible SIU pensioners and their dependents. Upon recommendation of the SWP administrator, the board of trustees authorized the trial program, effective July 10. This test benefit is modeled after the program currently in place for active Seafarers and their dependents. A brief description of these benefits follows: • The SWP will pay 100 percent of the actual home health care costs, up to the maximum daily rate set forth in the rules, and subject to certain limitations. •The SWP will pay 80 percent of the reasonable and customary cost of hospice care, subject to cer- tain limitations set forth in the rules. • The benefits for home health and hospice care combined are subject to a lifetime maximum of $10,000 per participant. • Private duty nursing care is subject to an annual cap of $2,000 per participant and is included in the lifetime maximum cap of $10,000. Questions about these benefits should be directed to the claims department at 1-800-252-4674. The trustees directed the administrator to review this program after one year to determine its effectiveness. At that point, the trustees will determine whether or not the program becomes a permanent part of the rules and regulations. Augusf 2000 �Union Gains 2 Ships M aersk Line Ltd. to Operate Converted Ammunition Ships The recent award of a fiveyear operating agreement to SIUcontracted Maersk Line Ltd. by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) will result in Seafarers getting new job opportunities aboard two additional ships. Two foreign-flag cargo vessels are reflagging under the Stars and Stripes. They will replace two others that are transferring from the Maritime Security Program (MSP) to MSC. The latter two ships are the SIU-crewed Newark Bay and OOCL Innovation. They will be converted for use as ammunition carriers. For the SIU, these developments mean a net gain of two vessels. SIU members will continue crewing the ships that are transferring to MSC's flee~ plus they will climb the gangways to the two vessels that are reflagging. The first reflagging tentatively is scheduled to take place by the end of this year, as is the start of conversion work on one of the current MSP ships. The second will take place some time in 2001. "The SIU welcomes this opportunity and will, as always, provide the best-trained mariners in the world," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Maersk Line Limited, based in Norfolk, Va., operates about two dozen SIU-crewed vessels for MSC and in the Maritime Security Program. Its Seafarerscrewed fleet includes containerships, roll-on/roll-off prepositioning vessels and T-AGOS ships. The OOCL Innovation, tying up earlier this year in Port Elizabeth, N.J., will be converted for use by MSC, as will the Newark Bay. SIU crews will remain aboard both ships and will sign onto two others that are reflagging under the Stars and Stripes. Construction Launched for U.S. Lines' Vessel Rep. Abercrombie Says Project Provides 'Foothold' in Foreign-Dominated Industry Photo oourtm;y of Amoriaan Glaoaie Voyages Co. The patriotic theme was impossible to miss during the ceremonial launel"I of eon~truetion on tl"le lergest U.S.-flag cruise ship. Amid fireworks, American flags, red, white and blue confetti and an Uncle Sam lookalike, the building commenced during Independence Day weekend at Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. The vessel is slated for completion in 2003 and will be crewed by SIU members. Amid colorful, patriotic fanfare, constructfon recently was launched on what is planned as the largest cruise ship ever built in the United States. American Classic Voyages and its subsidiary U.S. Lines, along with the U.S. Maritime Administration and Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding, ceremonially kicked off production during Independence Day weekend at the unionized shipyard in Pascagoula. Miss. The steel used in the ceremony will be part of a 1,900-passenger vessel--crewed by SIU members -slated for completion in 2003 . That vessel will sail exclusively in the Hawaiian Islands, while an SIU-crewed sister ship (also operated by U.S. Lines) is scheduled for completion in 2004. Both those vessels-as well as the former Holland America ship Patriot, which in December will sail under the U.S. flag with an SIU crew-resulted from passage of the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project three years ago. That legislation is expected to help revitalize domestic shipbuilding, create thousands of American jobs and increase U.S. tax revenues, among other benefits. The construction contract for the two new 72.000-ton ships has a potential value of up to $1.4 billion, according to American Classic Voyages. It also includes an option for a third ship. At least one legislator who supports the U.S. merchant marine hailed the construction's launch as the start of America's full-scale entry into the thriving cruise market. U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii). in remarks July 17 on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, stated, "The cruise SIU Maintains Jobs on 6 LNG Tankers Following a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals which cleared the way, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) on July 12 reaffirmed its approval for the reflagging of eight liquefied natural gas vessels to foreign registry. As reported in previous editions of the Seafarers LOG, SIU members will continue sailing aboard six of the vessels-the LNG Capricorn, LNG Taurus, LNG Libra, LNG Gemini, LNG Leo and LNG Virgo. The economic provisions (including benefits) of the SIU Standard Tanker Agreement will apply to those ships once the reflagging to the Marshall Islands registry takes place. The LNG Aquarius reflagged with a foreign crew last month and the LNG Aries was August 2000 scheduled to follow by month's end. Seafarers sailing aboard those two ships at the time of reflagging will receive a severance package. The schedule for reflagging the remaining vessels was not available at press time. PRONAV Ship Management applied to reflag the ships in August 1999. When MarAd approved the request in November, the Department of Transportation agency emphasized that its decision "should not be taken as a precedent for any other situation." Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart said he ·~reluctantly.. issued the ruling and also stressed that a key condition to the approval .. helps to ensure the continued availability of American mariners for commercial operations and military readiness/' because all the unlicensed jobs for six of the ships will be held by Americans for at least the next five years. MarAd also has authority over any further changes in foreign "ownership, registry or operation." The agency last month confirmed its original stance following an appeal of the reflagging. SIU President Michael Sacco stated, "Our position always has been that the eight ships should remain under the American flag. The union is disappointed in MarAd's ruling. "However, our crewing of six of the LNG vessels will help provided a continued manpower pool of trained American mariners for U.S. national defense purposes," he continued. Sacco added that the application of the SIU's Standard Tanker Agreement wages and benefits will, for the first time, apply American labor standards on foreign-flag ships. In written communications sent during the past 11 months to the SIU LNG crews-and during shipboard meetings between Seafarers and SIU officials-the union noted that its decision to accept continued employment on the reflagged ships was made only after painstaking analysis. Further, the reflagging originally was scheduled to begin in 1998 (under a previous application by the ship operator); and the SIU had negotiated a conditional phase-out agreement ending in 2003 whereby it would not, in fact, sail on the reflagged vessels.s. The union reconsidered its position last year due to unforeseen circumstances involving contract negotiations between a U.S. officers union and PRONAV. Those conditions threatened the Sill's severance agreement and made it possible that all eight ships quickly would reflag, leaving SIU crews without any opportunity for continued employment on those vessels. As noted in a memo from SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez to the LNG crews, "When weighed against the alternatives, the final decision (to sail on the six reflagged ships) was based on the ultimate benefit to our members and their families .... [The agreement] maintains our benefits and will provide jobs and job security for five more years while preserving our severance agreement." Rep. Neil Abercrombie industry is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel and leisure industry, growing at a pace of about nine percent annually. Loopholes in U.S. laws and regulations have essentially ceded this burgeoning vacation business to companies operating cruise ships under flags of convenience.... The U.S.-flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project ... will change that and will give Americans a foothold in a cruise industry now dominated by foreign cruise lines." Abercrombie also pointed out that the new U.S.-flag vessels "will help maintain the manpower necessary for building and crewing ships in times of national emergencies. The Department of Defense has also expressed interest in utilizing the hull designs for cruise ships for command and control vessels in the future." Finally~ he declared that the new builds "demonstrate that America can build ships competitively on the world market. At a fixed price of $440 million apiece, the ships are only slightly above the price being charged for cruise ship construction in European yards, where nearly all new cruise ships are built. The price of American ships would be even more competitive in the world market if the worldwide ship construction subsidies were eliminated." Sllatal'fll'S LOS 3 �Union Official and Friend to All Advocate for Maritime Labor, Ed Mooney Dies at 84 Edward X. Mooney, a member of the SIU since 1944 and headquarters representative from 1961 until his retirement in 1977, died July 4 at his daughter's home in Goodyear, Ariz. He was 84. Known affectionately as "the Monsignor," Mooney was a strong and constant advocate for U.S. mariners. He was born in New York in 1916 and left a job as a bar manager to catch his first SIU ship in 1944. After the war, he sailed on several of the old Alcoa and Bull Line passenger ships- as a bartender and smoking room steward on the SS Alcoa Cavalier and as chief steward on the SS Alcoa Corsair. He also worked as a steward on Bull Line's SS Puerto Rico. "Ed was a very loyal, caring man for bis family and his union," stated SIU President Michael Sacco, who knew Mooney for nearly 40 years. "He broke me in on the waterfront as a patrolman. "Ed was a good organizer, a good teacher and was very wellliked by the membership. He was very active in the community, too." One of his friends from the Mooney talks with members in the NewYork union hall during the early 1970s. early years was John Gallagher, an SIU member from 1942 to 1985 and now living in Pennsylvania. "It is a sad day," he stated, upon hearing of Mooney's passing. "He went out of his way to be helpful and was good to all Seafarers. We sailed together during World War II and were in Italy when the war ended," Gallagher reminisced. (They were both serving as ABs aboard the Cranston Victory, which was taking war cargo to the Italian front.) "I consider him a very close, personal friend, and I will miss a real good man," Gallagher stated. From the very start of his maritime career, Mooney was active in union programs and played an important role in the SIU's early organizing beefs. He served as ship's delegate on a number of vessels and participated in the Wall Street Strike, the General Strike of 1946, the Canadian beef and the Puerto Rico longshore beef. George McCartney, retired Vice President West Coast and pallbearer at his funeral, said Mooney "was like a big brother to me." They sailed together in 1949 on the SS Puerto Rico and also worked in organizing the SS Atlantic in 1958 . McCartney noted the saying, ''A friend in need is a friend in deed" fit Mooney to the letter. "He was truly a friend in deed." Retired Vice President "Red" Campbell worked on the waterfront with Mooney. He said he was extremely likeable and an excellent official. "Mooney was very pleasant and had a good attitude. No beef was too small for him to deal with, and he maintained a good relationship with the members." In 1951, Mooney ran for union office for the first time and was elected joint patrolman for the port of New York. Two years later, he became assistant secretary treasurer. He also served as manager of the union's Port O'Call Bar and Nightclub in SIU at Fishermen's Memorial Service The SIU on May 29 took part in the annual Fishermen's Memorial Service conducted by the New Bedford (Mass.) Port Society. Above, SIU New Bedford Port Agent Henri Francois (right) and Howard Nickerson, retired director of the Offshore Mariners Association, carry a wreath of flowers to the water. The yearly event is intended to recognize the "contribution and sacrifice of those men who serve aboard our fishing vessels," noted the port society. 4 Seafarers LOil 1951-52. Retired SIU Business Agent John Dwyer worked with Mooney in New York. The pair kept in touch and saw each other every year. "He was a great guy," Dwyer added. In 1961 , Brother Mooney was named headquarters representative by then-SIU President Paul Hall, a post he held until his retirement. In the same year, AFL-CIO President George Meany nominated Mooney to represent the labor movement on the Puerto Rico Wage and Hour Committee. During his years as an SIU official, Mooney mainly worked out of the port of New York. He did, however, spend two years in the port of Buffalo and also taught a union education course at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Mooney helped represent the SIU in the Maritime Trades Department New York Port Council, as well as in the National Maritime Council. He also was very active in promoting the union's political interests in New York on both the local and state levels. When Mooney retired, he was serving as a union trustee for the Seafarers Pension and Welfare Plans and had served as a delegate representing the SIU A&G District at every SIUNA convention since 1953. Following his retirement in 1977 and looking back on his life in the SIU, Mooney said, "The union and this membership have come a long, long way since I joined. And I'm happy and proud to have been a part of it. But as far as we have come as a successful organization, we still have a long way to go." Mooney added, "We have a lot of work left to do, but the SIU has always come out on top, and I don't think that's about to change." Even though poor health forced him to retire, he moved to Seattle and continued to improve the lives of others. This dedication of service to organized labor, the maritime industry and the community did not go unnoticed, and in 1989, Mooney was recognized at a luncheon of the Puget Sound District Council of the Maritime Trades Department, where he was presented with a lifetime achievement award. In his brief remarks following the honor, Brother Mooney said he would continue to fight on behalf of working people and the maritime industry. "Just because I'm retired," he noted, "doesn't mean I've stopped working." Honolulu Port Agent Neil Deitz worked with Mooney in Seattle and remembers "Ed Mooney as someone to whom you could ask any question. He would share every contact and resource with you to get the job done. The first thing he told people was, 'Nothing is too good for the members, so never go to the janitor when you can go to the Edward X. Mooney landlord."' Mooney's wife, Wilma, died in 1991. He is survived by three sons: Edward, Robert and Stephen X. Mooney (who sailed for many years with the SIU); two daughters: Carol Frawley and Patricia Lodico; daughter-in-law Julianne Mooney; son-in-law Carmine Lodico; two sisters and numerous grandchildren. A funeral mass took place July 10 in Bothell, Wash. 0 Edward X. Mooney was known for his ability to get along with everyone-from fellow Seafarers to political dignitaries. In this photo (originally printed in the November 1986 LOG and titled "Kennedy and the 'Monsignor'"), Mooney, already retired but working part-time out of the Seattle hall during the congressional elections, was on hand to greet Congressman-elect Joseph P. Kennedy (D-Mass.). San Fran Rep Meets DOT Head San-Francisco-based SIU Representative Chet Wheeler Jr. (right) recently met U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater during an event hosted by the port of Oakland, Calif. (photo at right). Slater visited the port June 23 to review a major expansion program (dubbed Vision 2000) that is under way. The $700 million project is expected to help the local economy and the environment, said Port of Oakland Executive Director Charles Foster. August 2000 �Coalition Urges MSP Expansion Industry Group Details Recommendations For Improving U.S. Fleet, National Security Answering the U.S. Maritime Administration's (MarAd's) request for an assessment of the Maritime Security Program (MSP), a coalition of unions (including the SIU), shipowners, operators and associations last month offered a detailed analysis of the 10-year plan along with several key recommendations for improving it. "In order to continue to contribute to [America's] national maritime policy goals and objectives, the Maritime Security Program must be extended, expanded and upgraded," stated the group. "It must become a vehicle for the growth of the United States-flag merchant marine and not simply a means to preserve an existing core fleet. "We also believe very strongly that the Maritime Security Program cannot by itself solve America's maritime manpower and commercial sealift problems. Rather, it must not only be modified to better assist in improving the competitiveness of the United States-flag foreign commerce fleet, but must also be accompanied by meaningful maritimerelated tax and regulatory reform and by the full implementation of existing cargo reservation programs." Among the coalition's proposals: •Extend the MSP "for a period of at least 15-20 years. This change would give investors and lending institutions more confidence to provide the funds necessary for the replacement of vessels and the expansion of the U.S.-flag fleet." • Expand the MSP fleet. This will bolster U.S. sealift capability while providing "a greater, much- needed base of employment for American merchant mariners .... It is important to remember that the U.S. Navy is facing recruiting shortfalls and dropping retention rates.... Consequently, predicating a sealift strategy on government personnel to crew commercial sealift shipping is simply not a viable option." • Supplement the MSP via "strict compliance with existing cargo preference laws that require a percentage of military and nonmilitary U.S.-government impelled cargoes be shipped on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels." • Tax reform for U.S. mariners and commercial vessels. Without it, "the American merchant fleet will have to continue to try to compete against foreignflag vessels and crews that receive much more favorable tax treatment from their nations." The group endorsed the pending National Security Sealift Enhancement Act (H.R. 3225, S.1858), which includes tax incentives. Additionally, the coalition claimed the existing MSP and its associated Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) have delivered on their expected goals. They include maintaining both a cost-effective, viable U.S.-flag commercial fleet that strengthens America's sealift capabilities and a trained manpower pool of U.S. citizen manners. The group pointed out that the MSP and VISA programs "have strong, bipartisan support in the Congress and the executive branch. As President Bill Clinton stated when he signed the Maritime Security Act of 1996 into law, 'The American flag must always sail in the sea lanes of the world."' Further, they noted, "Without a sufficient number of militarily useful, privately owned ships operating under the U.S. flag, and without a sufficient cadre of trained, loyal American citizen merchant mariners, our country will be at the mercy of those whose economic, political and military interests may be contrary to our own." The comments were submitted by a group which includes the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department and four of its member unions (the SIU, NMU, MM&P and MEBA), the Transportation Institute, the American Maritime Congress, American President Lines, American Ship Management, Automar International Car Carrier, Maersk Sealand, the Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development, Central Gulf Lines, Farrell Lines, First American Bulk Carrier Corp., First Ocean Bulk Carriers, the Labor Management Maritime Committee, Lykes Lines, OSG Car Carriers, U.S. Ship Management and Waterman Steamship Corp. Union Mourns Loss of Retired Port Agent Reinosa Juan J. Reinosa, retired SIU port agent in Puerto Rico who also served as a patrolman in San Francisco, passed away July 22 in Freemont, Calif. He was 79. Brother Reinosa joined the SIU in 1944 in New York. He was a career Seafarer with more than 25 years of sea time in the steward department. Because of his expertise as a chief steward, Brother Reinosa was among the first mariners assigned to the industry's food pl~n undi;;r thi;; maritime advam;ement program. The late Paul Hall, former SW president, personally assigned him. In this capacity, Brother Reinosa helped to pioneer the art of properly provisioning seagoing vessels based on crew size, duration of voyage and distance between ports. His input on standards for cleanliness and sanitation in galley/dining operations was pivotal in establishing today's norm. Brother Reinosa began sailing in 1936. He came ashore in 1965 as a patrolman in San Francisco, after signing off the Steel Scientist. In 1975, he was elected port agent in San Juan, P.R. He kept that position until his retire- ment in 1984. "He was a proud Seafarer who was devoted to the job and to the SIU membership," said Juan Reinosa Jr. of his late father. "His dedication to the union always came to the forefront of whatever he did. He worked very closely with all the early SIU officials." George McCartney, retired SIU Vice President West Coast, was a longtime friend and former shipmate of Brother Reinosa. McCartney was among the last (c;i;;cluding immediate family) to converse with Brother Reinosa prior to his death. "I called his daughter Marghuerite to see how Juan was doing," said McCartney. "She put the phone up to his ear and I said a few words to him in Spanish reminiscing about our time at sea together on the Bull Line, otherwise known as the Puerto Rican Navy. His daughter told me that I must have said something funny to him because he smiled. He could understand you, but he could not talk. "I sailed with him in the '50s," McCartney continued. "He was chief steward and I was an oilier. Juan was one of the best chief stewards that I have ever sailed with. He was a very competent, responsibk and capabk guy, a great shipmate, a great union brother and a very good friend. He helped a lot of people." "Juan was a good old buddy of mine, a World War II veteran" offered Red Campbell, retired SIU vice president contracts. "You never had any food complaints when Reinosa was aboard a vessel. He was not a cookbook steward. He learned it all the way from ground up--from messman to galkyman to cook and baki;;r to chief cook. He served in all the capacities. When needed, he could jump right into the galley and do whatever was needed to be done. He was an all around quality guy." "I knew him for many years," said Bob Selzer, SIU port agent in Brooklyn, N.Y "He was one of the original charter members. He was on Beaver Street when the hall was there in 1944. I did not sail with him, but I did work with him for a while. I remember him as being a real nice guy and one of the very knowledgeable oldtimers." Steve Ruiz, port agent in San Juan from 1991-1999, remembers Brother Reinosa as one of the most giving union officials he has ever met. "I knew him for about 20 years," Ruiz said. "I knew him when he was port agent in San Juan. Also, he sailed on some of the same ships as I did. "He was kind enough to come down and familiarize me with the port and introduce me to the right people when I became port agent in San Juan," Ruiz continued. "Juan was a great guy, always willing to give a hand and answer your questions. He did so much for so many people." Brother Reinosa is survived by his wife, seven children, 22 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren. His children, all of whom reside in California, are: Juan J. Reinosa Jr. of Newark; Rose Marie Reinosa of Hayward; Raymond Reinosa of Oakland; As port agent in San Juan, P.R., Juan Reinosa chaired the monthly informational meetings. Linda Reinosa and Marghuerite Reinosa Johnson of Union City; Antonio Reinosa of Tracey and Iris Reinosa of Hayward. GCMA Wins Grant for Mariner Training Training, Legislation Discussed SIU officials met with representatives of the union's contracted Great Lakes operators to discuss the latest issues impacting the industry. A key topic at the June 28 conference (which took place at the SIU hall in Algonac, Mich.) was the specialized training available to Great Lakes mariners at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Proposed legislation that may impact the Lakes also was a prime issue. At left, SIU President Michael Sacco (standing) updates the group on the new simulators being installed at the Paul Hall Center. Also pictured are SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski {center) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Below, the discussion continues. August 2000 The Gulf Coast Mariners Association (GCMA) recently announced it has secured-with backing from U.S. maritime unions including the SIU-a $4 million grant from the U.S. Labor Department to provide STCW certification training to mariners of the Gulf Coast. Pictured at the June 30 press conference in New Orleans announcing the grant are (from left) Masters, Mates and Pilots President Tim Brown; GCMA President Penny Adams; Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association President Larry O'Toole; Louisiana State AFL-CIO President John "Red" Bourg; AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; and SIU President Michael Sacco. Others in attendance included New Orleans Mayor Mark Mariole, Louisiana Secretary of Labor Garey Forster and American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay. The grant is available to both union and unrepresented workers alike, but is intended to provide financial assistance only to those mariners whose company or union is not already paying for the STCW training. Seafarers LOG 5 �Left: Before loading provisions on board the tug Gauntlet, (from left) OS Jason Powell, Engineer Steve Williams and OS Mario Morrante take inventory. Right: Operating the forklift on the Crowley dock during cargo operations is AB Kyle Sweep. Jacksonville, Fla. is home to Crowley's 63acre shipping terminal, encompassing that company's containership, barge and tug operations. Seafarers working at the terminal, located on Talleyrand Ave., are involved in many of the activities there. They load barges for the coastal, Caribbean and Puerto Rico trade routes and also work aboard the tugs that haul the barges and help with harbor work, including vessel docking and undocking. Additionally, SIU members assist with the maintenance and repair of Crowley equipment. The photos appearing on this page were taken recently at the Crowley terminal by SIU Patrolman Bryan Powell. AB Ed Sinette helps load cargo onto the tug Pilot. Assisting in unloading waste and lube oils from the tug Pilot is OS Jason Powell. Engineer Apprentice Manuel Little works to repair a portable pump on board the tug Pioneer. Teamwork and safety are essential at the Crowley dock and aboard the tugs, whether the work involves loading, offloading, cleaning or getting underway. 6 Seafarers LOii Augusf 2000 �........'tyCrew Saves Racer In Dramatic Rescue at Sea AB Bill H@nd@rson (l@ft) and oth@r members of the Quality crew speM time witn LaLou Roucayrol (right) shortly after his rescue. Bosun Jim Hassan gets a close-up view of the Frenchman's heavily damaged vessel. Augusf 2000 A French sailor with a fondness for racing today is back home with his family and out of harm's way, thanks to the SIU crew aboard the Sea-Land Quality. The aquatic daredevil had a brush with death on the high seas during the early morning hours of June 10. Fortunately for the Frenchman, the Quality was in the same area near the time of his encounter at sea, making its way to the port of Boston from LeHavre, France. "LaLou Roucayrol was navigating his $2-million dollar trimaran (sponsored by the Banque Populaire of France) from Plymouth, England to Newport, R.I. in a race," said Quality Chief Cook Tom Milovich. Heavy seas severely damaged one pontoon of Roucayrol 's vessel, causing it to capsize, according to Milovich. The Frenchman was thrown overboard and--except for a life vest and the remaining two intact pontoons of his boat-was completely at the mercy of the ocean at 5;30 a.m. Members of the Quality crew spotted him some 12 hours later. The U.S. Ship Management Co. vessel maneuvered alongside the wreckage of the sailboat at about 6 p.m. and picked up the sailor. "At that time, we were located at a position 45 degrees 43 .6 minutes north latitude and 0.38 degrees 29.3 minutes west longitude," recalled the chief cook. "He was cold and a bit shaken, but for the most part was in good shape and good spirits." Quality crew members helped the Frenchman aboard and did what they could to make him comfortable. A tanker arrived on the scene a little later and salvaged his vessel. With Roucayrol aboard and his vessel secured, the Quality resumed its course to Boston. Along the way, several of the Frenchman's race competitors were observed in full sail heading for Newport. Roucayrol filled in Milovich and the remainder of the crew on the details of the competition as well as his brush with death. The Quality docked in Boston three days later on the morning of June 16. Once in Boston, Roucayrol departed for Logan Airport where he boarded a flight to New York. There he was reunited with his wife for their return trip to France. s Lalou Roucayrol (on ladder) makes his way to safety aboard the Sea-Land Quality. Watching the rescue operations is Chief Cook Tom Milovich, who provided the photos on this page. Wiper Carlos Bonefonte takes a look at the $2 million racing boat just prior to it being salvaged by the crew of a nearby tanker. Seafarers LOG 7 �Lessons ed at Sea Still Serve CWA President Bahr Began Union Career as WWII Mariner On his first ship as a radio operator sailing the North Atlantic in 1944, Morton Bahr learned an invaluable lesson that he still takes with him today as the president of the 630,000-member Communications Workers of America (CWA). Bahr, a member of Local 2 of the American Communications Association (ACA), was invited to a meeting in the chief mate's fo'c's'le with other officers aboard the Liberty Ship Thorstein Veblen. The group was talking about negotiations between the unions (Bahr's ACA, MEBA and MM&P) and the War Shipping Administration. Unknown to the group, the ship's captain was standing outside, listening to the discussion. The captain kicked in the door and announced, "There will be no union talk aboard my vessel." At that moment, Bahr said he learned the value of having union protection on the job. He also learned that there are those individuals and companies who are not interested in allowing workers to organize or to have a say as to how things work. That episode. which occurred shortly after he turned 18, has stayed with him for more than half a century. He remembers that hatred toward unions every time he prepares for an organizing effon or c0t1.tract 11egotiation. Bahr sailed for two-and-a-half years before coming ashore in late 1946 to work as a radio operator, which led to his involvement with the CWA. He recently recalled his experiences at sea for a. reporter from the Seafarers LOG. Born in Brooklyn, Bahr had never been aboard any vessel larger than the Staten Island Ferry prior to ~igning on to the Veblen. He had completed one year of college, but realized he was near draft age. He heard about the U.S. Coast Guard's radio officers school on the lower east side of Manhattan and enrolled. Bahr learned how to type and to take Morse code. He earned his FCC license and immediately registered at the ACA union hall-and then was sent to the ship without any nautical training. "My first voyage was one of ignorance," Bahr stated. After meeting the chief mate, who showed Bahr where his quarters were, he realized he knew very little about the ship. He reported on a Saturday, but was told he was not needed until Monday. "I figured out where the gangway was by holding the rail and found dockside." Being new as a radio officer, the union assured him that another radio officer would be aboard to show him the ropes. There was another operator, but he had not sailed since before World War IL "This was Mackay Radio equipment. Fortunately, the instruction books were extraordinary," Bahr remembered. The Veblen left New York just after DDay as part of a 68-ship convoy. The vessel was loaded with high octane aviation fuel and jeeps. Bahr had a fo'c's'le to himself. He was unaware of how others handled life aboard ship, so when he sacked out, he put on his pajamas and slept soundly. After about 30 days at sea, "I grew up very quickly." General alarm sounded. The convoy was being attacked. When Bahr reported to the deck with a life jacket over his pajamas, he learned the rest of the crew slept with their clothes on. The Veblen was sent with others in the convoy to North Africa to assist in the invasion of southern France. During the month there. the captain would not allow mail to be picked up. The vessels left for Toulon where the French had scuttled the port and its fleet when the war started. Bahr said his vessel tied up to two lamp posts and oftloaded the jeeps. The ships then sailed for Marseilles where the captain went ashore. Officials ordered the Veblen to sail with five other ships to another port 25 mites a.way. Without the captain aboard, the crew would not sail. So the Veblen stayed in port, while the five set sail and ended up being sunk. The return trip to the States also was eventful. A load of boxcars for North Africa carried the wrong gauge wheels, so they were loaded into a hold on the Liberty ship. High seas caused the wheels to shift from side to side. The crew feared they would puncture the vessel and cause it to sink. ''No one volunteered to go into the hold. But we threw mattresses, pillows, wood, whatever we had when the load shifted to pack it." The Veblen made it home safely in Morton Bahr is pictured in uniform, shortly after marrying Florence Slobodow in 1945. B Seafarers LOG November 1944. "After that first trip, everything else was downhill," Bahr noted. He sailed aboard two other vessels, taking two trips aboard each. He learned that the captain and conditions on the Veblen were not typical of the U.S. merchant fleet. Bahr's second trip again took him across the Atlantic, but instead of staying in the Mediterranean, the vessel sailed to India to deliver- as the crew discovered later-Post Toastees and cosmetics to the British citizens of that colony. Bahr noticed no other vessels from the convoy were headed in the same direction as his ship, the George Chafee, when they departed Gibraltar. Few were aware of the real cargo within the holds because airplanes covered the deck. The ship was ordered to stay close to the North African shore as it made its way to the Suez Canal. Off the coast of Libya, the captain called for Bahr when a vessel in the distance started signaling. It was nighttime and the vessel was using lights. "It was ordering us to stop. Do not drop anchor. We are by ourselves in waters with enemy subs and we're being told to stop." The vessel was a Briti~h patrol boat and we had strayed into a minefield. We stayed overnight and the boat led us out in daylight." While sailing through the Suez, Bahr experienced something he thought only occurred in Biblical times-a locust attack. "It looked like a thunderstorm. We closed all the portholes and they started hitting the ship." While he took precautions within his fo'c's'le, Bahr forgot about the porthole and intake fan in the radio shack. "That was some mess." The Chafee stay in India stunned Bahr with another lesson he never forgot. For the return trip, the vessel would take on manganese. needed for producing steel. He saw railroad cars loaded with the powder on the dock beside the ship and two 4-x-8 boards leading from the cars to the vessel. "Six women were in the cars, loading the manganese into the top of garbage can covers. They placed the covers on their heads and walked across the boards to dump them in the holds. They did this for 12 hours for 35 days. "I couldn't believe it. I still remember my outrage at how they mistreated and degraded women." V-E Day took place as the Chafee was coming home. "We tied up beside a British hospital ship and celebrated." The vessel was in the last convoy to sail through the Mediterranean to Gibraltar. He recalled seeing all the German U-boats sailing in to surrender and thinking all of them had been in the Mediterranean looking for vessels like his. Before joining the merchant marine, Bahr met Florence Slobodow and visited with her whenever he came home. After the war in Europe ended, Bahr signed on the Abraham Clark, which loaded 2,000 tons of phosphate in Boca Grande, Fla., then sailed to Galveston, Texas to take on food for Europe. However, the ship was overloaded and scraped bottom, causing a leak. When the phosphate got wet, it formed a sealant that s CWA President Morton Bahr reflects on his years at sea. forced the ship to limp back to New York for repairs. While home, Bahr eloped with Florence. The pair has been together ever smce. Bahr made two runs on the Clark. During the second voyage, he received word that his son was born. He got home six weeks later to meet the newest addition to the family. Bahr only knew the sea for a livelihood and told his wife he was going to make one more trip. She had other ideas: "Go ahead. But the baby and I won't be here when you return." She had a stack of ads for land-based radio operators so he applied and landed a job with Mackay in March 1947. Bahr joined ACA Local I 0 and started to work shoreside, until a strike in January 1948. This was the first major strike in the country after the Republican Congress had passed the Taft-Hartley Act, which banned closed shops. The strike lasted three months during which time the union was decertified. Bahr returned to work without a contract and "found out what it is like to be in a big company without a union .. " The company dictated when and how people would do their jobs. The ACA tried to return to Mackay, but was not successful. Bahr met an organizer for the CWA in December 1950 and started working to bring the CWA into the company. Despite tremendous company opposition, the CWA won the organizing fight in April 1954. Bahr became the first president of his local. Three years later, he joined the union's international staff as the lead organizer in the campaign to bring 24,000 workers at New York Telephone into the CWA. After holding several other union positions, he was elected CWA District l vice president in 1969. He became the third president in CWA history in 1985. He followed through on his college education and received his bachelor's degree from Empire State College in 1983. Today, he also serves with SIU President Michael Sacco as a vice president on the AFL-CIO executive council. Bahr has one more sea story he likes to tell. In 1974, while attending a New York state union convention, he was in a room with Paul Hall, then the president of the SIU. They were waiting to meet with the state's governor when they started talking about their backgrounds. It was then that Hall discovered Bahr's maritime roots. "'I knew there was areason I liked you,"' Hall told Bahr. Years after Hall's death, Bahr received the New York Port Council's Paul Hall Award. He is extremely proud of the recognition, which hangs in his private office. 1 Augusf 2000 �Hail to the Chef. • • Culinary Lab Named In Honor of Lupinacci Since 1980, Chef Romeo Lupinacci has dedicated himself to the instruction and professional development of steward department upgraders at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Last month, the school said "thank you" by dedicating its galley training building as the Romeo Lupinacci Culinary Lab. Among those attending the July 10 ceremony were Lupinacci 's family, SIU members and officials, Paul Hall Center staff members and 20 or so members of the Three Rivers Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV), to which Lupinacci belongs. "I'm thrilled. I can't put it into words, but it's a real honor," said Lupinacci, who retired last year but still works for the school as a consultant. SIU President Michael Sacco credited Lupinacci for ''the way he puts his heart and soul into this school. When someone loves their work, it's easy to spot. It comes across in everything they do. That's exactly the case with Romeo. "From the beginning, his love for the school and union has been evident. It shows in his passion for detail, his commitment to training and his pride in the students and the campus." Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan, who helped interview Lupinacci 20 years ago, said the Sewickely, Pa. native "has been a real blessing for this school. His knowledge and experience have benefited everyone who's ever met him, especially the students." SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma pointed out that Lupinacci's tutoring has had a positive impact throughout the union. "It is a fact that morale aboard ship is greatly influenced by the steward department-how it prepares and presents nutritionally balanced yet varied meals and how it adheres to strict sanitation regulations," Delma stated. "It is to Romeo's credit that many of today's Seafarers reap the benefits of his instruction." Lupinacci sailed in the merchant marine (engine department) during World War II, although he almost didn't survive his inaugural voyage. In May 1943, his first ship was torpedoed off the North Carolina coast. Lupinacci later received an award for rescuing several shipmates from the wreckage; they spent nearly four days in a life raft before a destroyer's escort picked them up. He primarily sailed on troop ships, and made the invasions at France and Sicily. After developing a distinguished post-war culinary career, he arrived at Piney Point specifically to help prepare for the initial crewing of the passenger ship SS Independence. He quickly discovered it was a good fit, and has remained there. A certified executive chef, Lupinacci is a member of many associations, among them the Academy of Chefs and the Golden Toque. He was one of the first 13 chefs in the world to be certified as an executive chef with distinction by the American Culinary Federation. He also has won numerous other awards throughout his career. Welcoming the Newest 'Queen' Romeo Lupinacci (left} and SIU President Michael Sacco stand in front of the new sign designating the Paul Hall Center's primary galley instruction facility as the Romeo Lupinacci Culinary Lab. Comparing today's mariners with those of prior eras, Lupinacci said, "The people today are more educated- more into computers, nutrition, counting calories. They realize what type of diet the seamen need to keep them going and prolong their lives. "I also think the school has improved a lot over the years," he continued. "It's a more dignified educational institute. When the recertified stewards come back here, everyone can see they're great, great chefs. It does my heart good." What made him stay at Piney Point for 20 years? "It goes back to a feeling I had when I first came here," he recalled. "It really wasn't the money, but the people impressed me. They were downto-earth. I was a seaman and I related to them. "I love it down here. The challenge was to teach young people who are very grateful for the education. It's fun doing that." SIU VP WAst CMst Nick Marre>ne (right photo, at left) and American Classic Voyages Co. President and CEO Roderick McLeod applauded the recent christening {below) of the newest Seafarers-crewed passenger boat, the Columbia Queen. Launched in June, the vessel is 218 feet long and can carry 161 guests. It offers cruises in the Pacific Northwest. Leo Bebout (background), president of the Three Rivers Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, and chapter member Ed Trapp present a lifetime achievement award to Romeo Lupinacci, who also belongs to the chapter. Experience Gained on CSX Hawaii Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District 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, 2000 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find them5elve5 in thi5 situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot; 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. S~md thA request for an absentee ballot by rAgistered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, August 2000 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 2000 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2000. 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, 2000. 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. 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. 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. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight Dec. 31, 2000 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2001. Roslyn Nikita Brooks recently completed a tour as chief cook aboard the Hawaii (CSX). "This has been a learning experience for me," wrote Brooks in a brief note accompanying these photos. 'The knowledge that I have gained here has been overwhelming, and I am grateful to have such good stewards to assist me in advancing my cooking and communications skills." She also thanked the union officials in Norfolk, Va. for "always giving me encouragement." Some of Brooks' fellow shipmates in the galley include {above left} Relief Steward Michael Baker. Chief Cook Roslyn Nikita Brooks and SA Natalie Norrie. Also aboard the Hawaii (above right) are Chief Steward Edward Herrera, Unlicensed Apprentice Brad Lowry and Brooks. Seafarers LOS 9 �Simulator Complex Almost Ready Liquid Cargo Training Featured in New Facility The cutting-edge simulator complex at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point Md. is only about one month from completion. When finished in midSeptember, the complex will house arguably the finest teaching equipment of its kind and provide maximum training flexibility for Seafarers in a PC-based simulation environment. "All is on track for us to meet our target date for the facility's grand opening and dedication," said J.C. Wiegman, the center's assistant director of vocational education. Besides his normal duties, Wiegman in recent months has been the center's watchdog over the entire simulator venture. He has stayed in close contact with school and union officials, attended frequent meetings, and persistently monitored the project's evolution. "It's been quite an adventure," reflected Wiegman. "Collectively, we have experienced some bumps and bruises along the way, but I'm confident that the final results will be well worth the energies cind resources we have expended." In addition to simulators for training ·in shiphandling, engine room operations and the Global Marine Distress Sequencing System, the pristine complex also will accommodate an apparatus for training in liquid cargo handling. This equipment, christened the Liquid Cargo Handlirig Simulator (LCHS), will be used for the training and assessment of Seafarers responsible for handling liquid cargoes (crude oil as well as LPG ga5) abQard ~hips. The LCHS conforms to all amended STCW, MARPOL, IMO and ICS requirements as well as to other international conventions and regulations, according to Jim Shaffer, an instructor at center. Pursuant to these direc- The simulator building (exterior view in inset) is still under construction but is slated to open next month. It will be equipped with the world's finest simulators and will host a broad range of classes. tives, Shaffer explained, the LCHS is realized as modular software for personal computers that is integrated into a network server. "Training on this equipment is a requirement for anyone who is going to be a tankerma.n person in charge (PlC) or a tankerma.n PIC aboard a barge," Shaffer added. The simulator's nucleus or brain is a mathematical model that imitates the activities of machinery and ship systems in real time. This model has the capability of distinguishing control actions as well as changes in environmental conditions. What1s more, explained Shaffer, it can react to these changes while allowing for the physical characteristics of the elements found in ship systems and machinery. All processes are reproduced and correlated as they actually happen. Output parameters from the model are displayed by a monitoring system. These parameters are checked for abnormal conditions that are indicated by alarms and a logging system. The LCHS features multiple workstations-two for instructors and 10 for students. The instructor workstations will be used for creating exercises, realizing studies and analyzing training outcomes. Trainee workstations will ex pose students to replications of a cargo control room and auxiliary operations. These replications will include remote control of machinery, monitoring of parameters and current conditions of tanks, alarms and load calculators. All student training activity is conducted under instructor supervision, individually or in a Rock-Solid Makeover at School group. All modem tankers are computer-operated, according to Shaffer. "By that I mean they have computer-operated loading and discharging systems that control the handling of all cargo. So what we are doing through simulators is providing our [students] with the expertise they need to be successful in their futures. That expertise must necessarily include the ability to cope and perform in an environment saturated with 21st century technology. "To be in charge of a loading operation. you must have actual time at a console, you must actually on-load and off-load products," he continued. "With the simulator, our trainees learn to do that without putting any oil in the water. It's the closest thing to being there without actually being there." ATTENTION ALL SEAFARERS Check Your Z-Canl; Your Job May Be at Stake A new sign constructed of brick and stone (see detail in inset) now signals the location of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. The marker bears the names of several of the center's key compl)nents, including the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. The center's front gate, around the corner from the aforementioned sign, also recently underwent refurbishment. 10 Seafarers LOii According to a law that took effect in 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all merchant mariners to renew their merchant mariner's documents (z-cards) in order to continue sailing. As of December 1999, all mariners must have renewed their z-card in order to continue sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels. That means that as of January 1, 2000, all active z-cards should have been issued no earlier than January 1, 1995. You may renew your z-card beginning one year before its expiration date. No merchant mariner is allowed to ship with an expired document. (Mariners may renew their z-cards up to one year after the expiration date. However, mariners lose their endorsements if they renew beyond that one-year extension.) The expiration date is five years to the day after the card was issued. Z-cards list the expiration date in two different locations: (1) near the mariner's photo on the front and (2) near the mariner's fingerprint on the back. For those z-cards without an expiration date, the date of issuance is located on the back of the document beside the fingerprint. However, any z-cards that do not have an expiration date printed on them will be considered void as of January 1, 2000. If you have any questions concerning the status of your z-card, contact your port agent or patrolman. August 2000 �'Tanks to Tents, Band-Aids to Bullets' Seafarers-Crewed Phillips Deli11ers In 11/larine Corps Cargo Exercise ACU Raymond Alexander prepares a meal in the galley of the Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips while the vessel is tied up in Jacksonville. In addition to the crew, 103 Navy personnel were served during cargo operations aboard the ship. The Pvt. Franklin J Phillips ties up at the Blount Island Marine Corps Terminal for scheduled MPS cargo backload operations. Chief Steward James Kidd carves roast beef for the evening meal. The SIU-crewed prepositioning ship Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips docked at the Blount Marine Corps Terminal in Island Jacksonville, Fla., June 16 for its scheduled MPS cargo back.load operations. The vessel remained in port through June 28. Basically a freight ofiloading maneuver, MPS cargo back.loads normally take place every two years. During such operations, a vessel's entire shipment is oftloaded. It is then repositioned, stored or parked (vehicles) in appropriate land-based facilities. In the case of the Phillips, this cargo consisted of enough equipment and supplies to sustain personnel who compose one-fifth of a U.S. Marine Corps expeditionary brigade, according to Bryan Powell, an SIU patrolman in Jacksonville. "The Phillips ' cargo consists of everything from tanks to tents and bandaids to bullets," Powell said, "H you need anything in the way of supplies for the U.S. Marines, the Phillips has it." Crane operations came to the forefront during the operations, as many items in the ship's payload had to be hoisted from one position to another. Taking advantage of this opportunity for training, 103 U.S. Navy personnel boarded the vessel when it docked. Under the watchful eyes of the Marines who actually did the offload, they took part in the operations. The training lasted for about 10 days, according to Powell. "They went almost around the clock for about a week. They usually broke from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. each day, but then resumed their training." SIU steward department crew members figured prominently during the operation. They had to support the additional Navy personnel. To accommodate the increased popu- All cranes aboard the Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips were rigged with adjustable spreaders in preparation for cargo operations in Jacksonville. lation, the SIU crew was enlarged from 12 to 15 people, Powell said. Once the Phillips ' cargo had been ofiloaded, the vessel made its way to the shipyard in Newport News, Va. for routine repairs. Altogether, it was out of the water for about two weeks. After repairs had been e ffected, the vessel departed Jacksonville on June 28 en route to Durban. Its next destination was its homeport, Diego Garcia. B Ken Cooper plugs in extra deck ights under the vessel's lashing rods. Bosun Ernest Lee (left) and AB Richard Lee work on the deck of the Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips while the vessel is tied up at the Blount Island Marine Corps Terminal in Jacksonville. Great Lakes Crews Greet New VP Ready to meet aboard the Hannah D. Hannah in South Chicago are (from left) SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski, Deckhand James Bening, Port Agent Don Thornton, Safety Director Todd Brdak and Captain Bill MielickL Hannah Marine Deckhands Steve Nemeth (right) and James Bening (center) welcome SI Li VP Tom Orzechowski to their boat. Augusf 2000 Several SIU tugboat crews met recent- . ly with the union's new vice president "" Great Lakes and Inland Waters District, Tom Orzechowski. Last month and in June, Orzechowski along with Algonac, Mich. Port Agent Don Thornton and Safety Director Todd Brdak conducted shipboard meetings with Seafarers employed by Bigane Four ABs who sail with Great Lakes Towing greeted SIU VP Tom Vessel Fueling, Great Lakes Towing and Orzechowski during a recent conference in South Chicago. Hannah Marine. The sessions took place Pictured from left to right are Stathis Kourtis, Tim Barnaby, Juan in the Chicago area. Sanchez, Orzechowski and Grant Hult. Meetings with SIU crews on vessels AB Juan Sanchez operated by American Steamship, Kins{far left) of Great man, Southdown and others tentatively Lakes Towing disare planned for this month and cusses an issue September. · with SIU VP Tom The inland crews welcomed OrzeOrzechowski chowski and discussed issues including (directly across the Jones Act and the Seafarers Political table) and Safety Activity Donation (SPAD). Director Todd Brdak (center). Listening Meanwhile, cargo movement on the in is SIU Lakes-much of it transported by SIU Headquarters vessels-has been augmented by increased water levels, though it still Representative Leo Bonser (standing). remains behind last year's pace. Seafarers LOS 11 �Members Welcome Move to New Facility Baltimore-area SIU members last month enthusiastically endorsed the opening of the union's newest hall-a completely refurbished facility that opened July 1. Located at 2315 Essex Street, the Baltimore building is the second new SIU hall to open this year and the sixth since 1994 (see box). The finishing touches still were being applied as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press-including installation of the shipping board and an SIU sign adorning the exterior. A ceremonial inauguration was planned for mid-August, but the hall has been fully functional since it opened. Members' initial reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. "I've seen more guys in this hall today than I saw at the old hall in the last six months," observed QMED Bob Oppel on July 21. "People are hanging out more, socializing more. "It's a clean building and it's easy to get to coming off (Interstates) 95 or 83," he added. William "Smitty" Smith, who joined the SIU in 1960 and retired as a QMED in 1997, said the opening "is the best thing that's happened since we moved (to the previous hall on East Baltimore Street) in 1954. It's great for the membership." Eight-year Seafarer AB Steve Keville pointed out that the Essex Street facility, located in Canton near Fells Point, is closer to the waterfront than the old hall. "It looks great and it's in a better neighborhood," he stated. "I feel better coming here and waiting for a job than I would at the old place." AB Eddie King, a member since 1972, said he has "a lot of memories of the old hall, but I think this is a great move. It's convenient and clean, it's in a nice neighborhood and it feels like a new home." Wiper Mike Wroten, a two-year SIU member who is very familiar with the area, described the new hall as "more modem-looking. This entire neighborhood has been fixed up a lot, and the SIU has added to that. It's smaller than the old hall, but it should work." Electrician Peter Stein, who joined the union in 1990, agreed. "It's smaller, but the other place was kind of a bummer. This is an improvement," he said. AB Terrence Carmody echoed the sentiments of his fellow members. A Seafarer since 1992, he said the new location "is safer. This is a lot nicer building to come to, and I don't mind hanging around.'' The hall includes a lounge area with cable television; a member-accessible microwave oven, refrigerator and sink; a large counter area; separate restrooms; two first-floor offices plus a computer room; a loft office and conference room; and storage space. The mostly brick and marble decor blends with the neighborhood, while the hall's air vents and some of the light fixtures are patterned after those found aboard ship. This is the third location for the SIU in Baltimore. From 1939 to 1954, the Baltimore hall was located on North Gay Street. The hall on East Baltimore Street opened in November 1954. Readily accessible to members at the hall are a microwave oven, sink and refrigerator. A conference table is housed in the loft office at the rear of the hall. 12 Seafarers LOS The union hall's brick and marble decoration is consistent with other build revitalized Canton area. �•t With Seafaren ike Wroten drops by the SIU's all. Since opening July 1, the hall has been bustling with membership activity. Port Agent Dennis Metz, Retired QMED William Smith OS Patricia Hausner, AB Pete Woodward AB Frederick Wood Electrician Peter Stein QMED C.A. Long, Retired Bosun RJ. LeRoy AB Eddie King, QMED Bob Oppel AB Terrence Carmody Pictured above and at right are SIU members who visited the new Baltimore hall July 20. Augusf 2000 AB Steve Keville (right) is assisted by Lisa Clark and "Snake" Williams. Seafarers LOB 13 �A VOYAGETOINDIA-1940 This is the conclusion to Pensioner and SIU charter member James Melford Smith sjournal of his trip to India in 1940 as an ordinary seaman on board the SS Steel Age. The first segment, printed in the April 2000 edition ofthe Seafarers LOG, told of his voyage past the Rock of Gibraltar, through the Suez Canal and arriving in Jidda, Saudi Arabia. The second part, in last months LOG, saw the ship sailing to the Persian Gulf and Bombay and ended in Ceylon. ing around the Chinese and native Burmese quarters. Met an English engineer and a couple Anglo-Indian girls with a bit of Chinese mixed in. Really exotic looking. Drank and danced 'til 2 a.m. at Cliftons and Maxims. Uptown are shops, a sou- venir hunter's paradise. Ebony elephants (I bought two), semi-precious stones etc. I hired a rickshaw and went sightseeing in the native village. A curving road beside the sea lined with palms, Ceylonese and Singbalese shopkeepers hawking their wares. The area was very odorous-about the same as any Far East slum district. My rickshaw boy, like a race horse, never stopped running. The sweat was pouring down his brown face, and acting in that capacity, he permitted himself all the gastronomic privileges of a horse, making it rather unpleasant at times. The inland countryside of Ceylon is very beautiful but, unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to make a trip inland. Returned to the ship about midnight and got called out at 0300 to batten down the hatches and get ready for sea. Underway at dawn for Rangoon, Burma. A British mine-sweeper with paravanes streamed preceded us out of the harbor, guiding our way through a mine field. Today we are cruising through the Bay of Bengal. The sea is a very deep blue and there are white fluffy clouds floating lazily along the horizon. A beautiful spring day but what a contrast to yesterday! We had our first real rain since leaving the New England coast of America. The water came down in sheets and was as hot as the wind that was driving it. In the oppressive heat and humidity, I had a hard time keeping awake on my wheel watch last night. For the past three days, I have been reading the sea story, "Capt. Horatio Hornblower," by C. S. Forester, an interesting book about the British navy in 1810. The author knows his seamanship, and the story is full of action and human drama. Tuesday, April 9-0n arrival in Rangoon, it was pleasant cruising up the Irrawaddy River to our berth past the pagodas, the Mayo Marine Club and the Strand Hotel. There were many small boats in the river, their white sails flashing in the early morning sunlight. There were also many brightly colored rowboats of the Venetian style with their high bow and pronged stem; the boatman standing precariously on the stem pushing forward on the oars. Although it was extremely hot and sticky, I went ashore at noon. Had a scotch and soda at the Marine Club, then went to Cliftons, went swimming, then got a rickshaw and went sightsee- 14 Seafarers LO& Waltzed and jitterbugged until I was silly. Had a swell time and a horrible hangover. Got underway for Calcutta at 0800. Off Watch I am writing from notes on "Dorian Gray." It expresses my sentiments almost exactly: "Youth! Nothing else is worth having in the world. And I have it, completely and abundantly. Should I let it slip by in a commonplace quest for riches and respectability, then lament the price that has to be paid for these futile ideals? Let those who wish that sort of life have it. I want freedom. Freedom to do whatever strikes my fancy. Freedom to search the farthermost comers of the earth for the beautiful, the joyous, the romantic. "I must have the freedom of the sea, foreign ports, foreign smiles. I shall continue to follow the prow of a ship-any ship-and sail, Spain, China, India. I shall lie on a beach in the South Seas doing nothing but pleasant and romantic things all day and throw monkeys at the coconuts. I am yielding to temptation before increasing years and responsibilities rob me of the courage!" Saturday, April 13-lt took all day to come up the Hooghly River to the Kidderpore docks which is the terminus of this Far East run for Isthmian Line ships. The Bengal countryside was very picturesque as was the traffic on the river. Low rolling hills and sand dunes. Bengal villages nestled on the banks of the river among groves of trees. What appeared to be floating haystacks drifting with the current turned out to be native houses on floats. Arriving at the dock, we secured the ship and went ashore to the Marine Club for some refreshing drinks as the climate here is hot and sticky. Kidderpore is a suburb of Calcutta, which is a 15-minute ride on the tram. New sights and sounds. Dalhousie Square, The Esplanade, Chowringhe Road and the Grand Hotel (a first-class place with a fifth-rate floor show and orchestra). Not up to our western ideas of entertainment. A tea house on Watgunge Road with Japanese girls serving tea. Cute! During the following week, I went ashore almost every night and went swimming in the afternoon. There were dances at the Marine Club on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but the girls-although exotic lookingmost emphatically cannot dance. Felt a bit ill on Thursday-just a slight cold, so stayed aboard. Horrible climate-it takes the zip right out of one. Saturday, April 20-Awoke with chills and fever. Capt. Jones called a doctor who sent me to the Presidency General Hospital in a gharrey (a horse-drawn carriage). On arrival, I was immediately put to bed and soon went to sleep. I woke up Saturday, April 27 for about 10 minutes. A shot in the arm put me back to sleep and I woke up on Wednesday, May 1. Learned from my nurse that I had been hanging on to life by a hair for a whole week. Rather a surprise. Very groggy for several days after waking up. I have lost 32 pounds. It was lobar pneumonia. I expect to get out of the hospital tomorrow, May 18. One whole bloody month in this place. The food here is insufficient in quantity and inferior in quality, but the service is excellent. Very typical of India. Every morning, as soon as I awake, my servant boy brings me bread and butter with my tea. Being a "European," I find I am entitled to special privileges. I have a private room and two nurses besides my personal servant. One of my nurses is a beautiful Anglo-Indian girl; the other is a large woman about 40 who takes no guff from anyone. She is very tough. When she is not around, I call her "The Battle Ax," much to the merriment of the staff. Capt. Jones came up to see me and brought some supplies from the ship before they sailed-canned milk, fruit and cigarettes. A fine man to sail with. I understand from the young British doctor who saved my life by drawing fluid out of my lungs with a large syringe that I was very fortunate. The first shipment of sulfanilamide had just arrived in India from the May & Baker Co. in London where it was first developed last year. I could not have survived without it. (Other notes: The screeching of the Mynah birds on the hospital grounds was extremely irritating. When I was only half conscious, they put an Indian man on a stretcher in the hallway just outside my room. The poor guy moaned and screamed for hours before he died. I was kind of glad when he died-for both our sakes.) I had expected to be in resi- by J. Melford Smith dence at the Marine Club until getting a ship, but Rockley Boothroyd, whom I met in the hospital, invited me to stay at his home in Cossipore. He is the manager of the jute factory here. I have my own personal servants (four of them for mere pennies a day). We usually go to the Grand Hotel on Chowringhe Road every afternoon for "tea time." Almost every night there is a dinner and dance. Britain is at war and the social life seems to be a bit hectic. Roddey is a real popular guy and some of it rubs off on me. Of course being an American with money in my pocket is fascinating to the girls who think all Americans are rich. Notes on Calcutta Dreams of sweet sandalwood, rich brocades and luxuriant gardens which one ordinarily associates with the "romance of the east" theme are quickly dissipated when one walks down a street in Calcutta. Instead, you are almost overcome by the stench of garbage, multitudes of unwashed Hindus, Moslems, etc. There are hundreds of sacred cows which wander about the streets, lie down in the middle of the shopping district and tie up traffic. Their droppings are everywhere. A rather interesting sight is an occasional bull-fight in Clive Row, the Wall Street of India. Moreover, no one will interfere with the animals, and all the might of the British Empire could not induce one of the Hindu policemen to touch them. The poorest class of Hindus in India have no housing problems to worry about. They may or may not possess a straw mat. Wherever darkness finds them, they lie down on the sidewalk and promptly fall asleep. I marvel at their ability to sleep so soundly on hard concrete and withstand the kicking and scufiling of hundreds of pedestrians. Their life span is about 35 years, especially the rickshaw boys who run constantly. One blazing hot afternoon, Boothroyd and I were returning to Cossipore in two rickshaws when his boy suddenly fell on his face, throwing Rockley out into the dirt road. Boothroyd got up swearing and dusting himself off, then lifted the boy's shoulder with the toe of his boot. "Blighter's dead" he said, then gave a whistle for another rickshaw, and we continued on our way. Due to the extreme heat, dead bodies in Calcutta are disposed of in the burning ghats along the Hooghly River within 12 hours. The river is a tributary of the Ganges and sacred to the Hindus. One of the regulars at afternoon tea at the Grand was a delightful old gal whose husband was on duty up at the Khyber Pass in northern India. We were discussing the American efforts to aid Britain in their fight with Germany. I was amazed when she said, "Well, you're still just one of the colonies, ya know." Her favorite drink was gin and tonic. One afternoon she joined our table singing some little ditty about "two old maids and a bottle of gin." When I asked, "Where's the other old maid?" she said, with a wave of her hand, "Oh, she fell down outside." My time in Calcutta after leaving the hospital was very enjoyable. It was the beginning of the monsoon season and, though it rained a great part of the time, the weather was just as hot. I took the opportunity to further my acquaintance with the Carter girls, Gladys, Lulu, Joyce and Rita. Also with Diana, a dancing instructress at the club, and my very good friend, Miss Margaret Chenery, from the inland city of Simla who is at present a nurse at the P.G. Hospital and to my notion the most beautiful and thoughtful girl in India. I am at present aboard the SS Steel Traveler on the way to Singapore. After my months in Calcutta, I left that city with regret, having made many friends there, among them a Danish lad named Eric Hendricksen, who is stranded there by the war, and a Czechoslovakian chap who was interned in a British concentration camp two days before I sailed. I also left with the memories of a month spent in the hospital and a pair of wrecked lungs. So-farewell to India. The past week at sea has been spent reading and sleeping. I am a non-paying passenger so do no work. The weather has been very hot. For the first three days the sea was choppy with frequent rain storms (the southeast monsoon), but due to the speed of the ship and the direction of the wind, these soon pass. Today we are in the Strait of Malacca. Small islands dot the horizon. The jungle-covered Malay Peninsula is to port and the island of Sumatra lies unseen under heavy clouds to starboard. It is night time and the sea is a smooth unruffled blue with white clouds drifting slowly through the star filled sky. A thin scimitar of a moon sheds a pale gleam of light over this Eastern sea, giving a promise of fulfillment to this horizon-chaser's past dreams of the most romantic city of the Far East. On the morrow, my ship arrives in Singapore! Singapore In order to describe my stay here in the right perspective, I must start by saying that Singapore is a very large and consequently a very expensive city. Lying in the narrow part of the Strait of Malacca, surrounded by small green islands and low jungle-covered hills, Singapore is known as the Gibraltar of the East. It is well fortified and has been a British colony since 1826, guarding the only short route to China. The island is connected to the Malay peninsula by a causeway and bridge across the Johor Strait, which carries both road and rail traffic. The architecture is Continued on page 20 August 20IJIJ �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JUNE 16 - JULY 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Personal 10 Honolulu 3 17 17 12 7 6 4 2 Wilmington Totals 18 148 50 19 12 I 18 28 8 2 4 26 3 0 0 13·· .. 1 8 11 10 2 10 0 0 9 36 10 4 254 82 41 5 0 3 1 5 13 . 2 .. 19 12 .. 9 27 -~ ll 25 3 27 11 3 21 69 236 294 945 612 480 0 3 8 2 10 4 3 7 0 4 0 0 0 7 44 118 200 43 123 135 0 531 392 347 434 338 263 188 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. August 2DlllJ 13 12 32 0 4 3 11 3. 3 0 0 3 St. Louis Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 12 2 3 0 IN SEARCH OF A PHOTO Raymond Keevins is looking for a photo of his Lifeboat Class #171from1975. Anyone who has a photo of Lifeboat Class # 171 is asked to mail it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4275. We will have copies made and return the photo to you. Burial at Sea for OEE Risbeck On Sunday, June 18, 2000, the officers and crew of the Westward Venture committed the remains of Electrician Richard W. Risbeck to the Pacific Ocean in the Gulf of Alaska (latitude 56 degrees 41 .24 minutes north, longitude 143 degrees 10.41 minutes west). The TOTE vessel's bosun, James H. Lewis (far right in left photo above), said Risbeck, who died May 19 at age 60, was a good friend and well thought of by everyone with whom he sailed. He also enjoyed collecting model trains. "As your closest friend," Lewis said, "may you rest in peace." Captain Mark Daly (right in inset) conducted the burial service at 1520 hours, Alaska Daylight Time. Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes JUNE 16-JULY 15, 2000 CL - Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Totals All Depts 0 60 L - Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 45 0 47 23 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 13 22 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters JUNE 16-JULY 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 1 7 Totals 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 3 1 7 9 0 0 6 12 1 33 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Gene Lachappelle of Big Bay, Mich. The picture was snapped in 1955 aboard the dredge Chester Harding, which was heading to Venezuela for a year to help with the dredging of a new channel into Lake Maracaibo. Some of the crew members decided to shave their heads for the voyage. LaChappelle is at left (without hair) and in inset (with hair). Brother LaChappelle, 72 this month, joined the SIU in 1945 in New Orleans. He sailed in the deck department, most recently in 1991 aboard the Gopher State during the Persian Gulf War. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Spring MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. 16 Seafarers LOS Augusf 2000 �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. wo recertified stewards and one recertified bosun are among the 15 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Recertified Stewards Raffaele Ascione and Paul C. Stubblefield and Recertified Bosun Giovanni A. Vargas graduated from the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck department, respectively, at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 12 of the retirees sailed in the deep sea division and three navigated the inland waterways. Six of the retirees were members of the steward department, three shipped in the engine department and six sailed in the deck department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers' careers. T DEEP SEA RAFFAELE ASCIONE, 58, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of New York. A member of the steward department, Brother Ascione first sailed aboard the Crest Overseas Shipping Company's Ne:w York. Born in Italy, he upgraded his skills on several occasions at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Most recently, he completed steward recertification training there in 1995. Brother Ascione last sailed in 1998 aboard the Overseas Marilyn. He calls New Orleans home. JUAN CANALES, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1976 in the port of San Juan, P.R. Brother Canales sailed in the inland division during most of his career; however, his most recent years were spent in the deep sea division. He first worked aboard the Eagle Traveler, operated by Sea Transport Corporation. Born in Santurce, P.R., Brother Canales sailed as a member of the steward department. He was last on the USNS Soderman, a Bay Ship Management vessel, in 1998. Brother Canales currently resides in Rio Piedras, P.R. CHINHUA CHANG, 69, joined the SIU in 1987 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in China, Brother Chang first sailed aboard the Altair, operated by Bay Tankers. A member of the steward department, he last worked in 1998 aboard the Sea- August2000 Land Atlantic. Brother Chang currently resides in Keelung, Taiwan. RAYMOND G.CONNOL- ment, Brother New last sailed in 1997 aboard Interocean Ugland Management's Agathonissos. He resides in Toano, Va. PAULC. LY, 65, hails from Ohio. Brother Connolly served in the U.S. Anny from 1952 to 1954 and joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Detroit. A member of the steward department, he last worked earlier this year aboard the Overseas Vivian. Brother Connolly currently resides in Highlands, Texas. DOMINGO DeCOSTA, 64, began his career with the SIU in 1992 in the port of New York. A member of the steward department, Brother DeCosta first sailed aboard the SS Constitution, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. He updated his skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Decosta last worked in 1999 aboard the USNS Gilliand, a Bay Ship Management vessel. Brother Decosta was born in the Philippines but now calls Elmhurst, N .Y. 1 home. JOSEPH DUNN, 65, hails from Brooklyn. N .Y. Brother Dunn served with the U.S. Anny from 1952 to 1955. He joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of New York and first sailed aboard the Steel Artisan. A member of the deck department, Brother Dunn last sailed in 1994 aboard the Sea-Land D.efender. He lives in Redmond, Wash. PEDRO FLORES, 71 , joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he first sailed aboard the SS Antinous, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He upgraded his deck department skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1978. Brother Flores last shipped out in 1993 aboard the Sea-Land Value. He cwnntly resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. STUBBLEFIELD, 65, hails from Woodford County, Ky. A member of the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1957, Brother Stubblefield joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard the Bradford Island, operated by Steuart Tanker Co. A member of the steward department, Brother Stubblefield upgraded his skills several times at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and, in 1984, completed the steward recertification program. He most recently sailed last year aboard the Liberty Spirit, a Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel. Jacksonville, Fla., is his home. FREDERICK T. TIERNEY, 55, began his career with the SIU in 1968, joining in the port of New York. Born in New York, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Tierney's first ship was the SS Manhattan, operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. He last sailed in 1999 aboard the Gopher State. Brother Tierney resides in Brooklyn, N .Y. GIOVANNI A. VARGAS, 64, hails from Puerto Rico. Bosun Vargas joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Vargas first sailed in the deck department aboard the Ponce. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center, completing the bosun recertification program in 1993. He last sailed in 1997 aboard the Mayaguez, operated by NPR, Inc. Brother Vargas resides in Bayshore, N. Y. ROLFED. WELCH, 70, joined the SIU in 1991 in the port of San Francisco. A native of Rome, Ga., Brother Welch is a member of the engine department. He first sailed aboard the Cape Mohican, operated by OMI C<'.>rp. His last VQyage took place earlier this year when be sailed aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Welch lives in Bremerton, Wash. INLAND GEORGEH. CHAMPION, 65, joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of Houston. A member of the deck depart- ment, Brother Champion spent his entire career navigating the inland waterways aboard G&H Towing-operated vessels. He last sa iled earlier this year. Brother Champion, who was born in London, resides in Houston. LOUIEB. PAYNE, 66, joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Wanchese, N.C., Brother Payne served in the U.S. Air Force from 1954 to 1974. He spent his entire SIU career aboard Allied Transportation-operated vessels. A member of the engine department, he last navigated the waterways earlier this year aboard the Sea Eagle. Brother Payne upgraded his skills at the Paul Han Center in 1993. He still resides in North Carolina. JAMESR. WILKINS, 62, hails from North Carolina. He joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A captain1 Brother Wilkins first worked aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp. (formerly Gulf Atlantic Towing Corp.) vessel. He last sailed in 1984 aboard a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. Brother Wilkins calls Chesapeake, Va. home. THIS MONTH JN SIU HISTORY CLAUDE NEW, 70, began his career with the SIU in 1965, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native served in the U.S. Anny from 1948 to 1950. He first shipped aboard the Sparrows Pt., operated by Curtis Bay Towing. A member of the deck depart- Seafarers LOG f7 �Pensioner Jay Beavers, 72, passed away March 2. He joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Baltimore, sailing in the deck department. His first ship was the Marore, operated by Ore Navigation Corp. A native of West Virginia, he served in the U.S. Anny from 1950 to 1952. Brother Beavers began receiving his pension in 1988. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the cableship Charles L. Brown. Brother Beavers resided in Baltimore. MARION BEECHING Pensioner Marion Beeching, 74, died May 16. The Missouri native began his career with the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of Baltimore. A recertified bosun and a member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard the Calmar. Prior to retiring in 1987, he sailed aboard the Champion. Brother Beeching served in the U.S. Anny from 1951to1953. Houston was his home_ FRANK BOLTON Pensioner Frank Bolton, 68, died May 5. An honorably discharged veteran of the u_s_ Army, Brother Bolton began his career with the SIU in 1970 in the port of Seattle. He first sailed aboard a Colonial Steamship Co. vessel in the engine department. The Anacoco, La. native upgraded his skills several times at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School and began receiving his pension in 1997. Prior to his retirement, Brother Bolton sailed aboard the Overseas Chicago. He last resided in Groves, Texas. BRENT CHICHESTER Pensioner Brent Chichester, 71 passed away May 2. A member of the steward department, he began his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Seattle. Brother Chichester was a native of Nevada and first sailed aboard the President Cleveland, operated by American President Lines. He began receiving his pension in 1989, after sailing aboard the Chief Gadao, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Chichester resided in Seattle. WINFIELD S. DOWNS Pensioner Winfield S. Downs, 79, died April 26. Born in New Jersey, Brother Downs began his career with the SIU in 1945 in the port of New York. A member of the engine department, he first sailed aboard the Calmar. Brother Downs began receiving his pension in 1986. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the USNS Altair. He made his home in New Gretna, N.J. 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Thomas Fields, 87 passed away April 24. A native of Georgia, he was a charter memer of the SIU, having joined in 1939 in the port of Savannah, Ga. He sailed in the steward department, first working aboard the Del Compo, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Prior to his retirement in 1983, Brother Fields sailed aboard the HM/ Petrachem. He lived in Richmond, Va. REYNALD GABAYLO Reynald Gabaylo, 42, died March 3. He began sailing with the SIU in 1983 in the port of Honolulu. A native of Hawaii, Brother Gabay lo was a member of the steward department and worked aboard American Hawaii Cruises vessels throughout his career. The SS Independence was his first as well as his last ship. Brother Gabaylo made his home in Ewa, Hawaii. member of the steward department and first sailed aboard a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother LaMonthe served in the U.S. Army from 1951to1953. Prior to retiring in 1983, he sailed aboard Delta Steamship Lines' Santa Adela. Brother LaMonthe resided in Livermore, Calif. DUANE PETERSON Pensioner Duane Peterson, 83, died April 22. Brother Peterson began his SIU career in 1962 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Canada, he was a member of the engine department, first sailing aboard the Globe Carrier. Prior to retiring in 1981, his final voyage was aboard the SeaLand Newark. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Brother Peterson made his home in Napa, Calif. EARL W. PIPPENS Pensioner John C. Griffith, 75 , passed away May 10. He hailed from Pennsylvania and began his career with the SIU in 1968 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Griffith was a member of the engine department, first sailing aboard the Robin Hood. a Sinclair Oil Company vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1986. he sailed aboard OMI Corporation's Cap e Clear. Houston was his home. Pensioner Earl W. Pippens, 83, passed away May 5. A native of Mississippi, Brother Pippens began his career with the sru in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1938 to 1959. Brother Pippens first sailed as a Seafarer aboard the cableship Long Lines. A member of the steward department, Brother Pippens began receiving his pension in 1991. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. His home was in San Francisco. MICHAEL KALKIS ARCANGEL SAAVEDRA Pensioner Michael J. Kalk.is, 82, died May 5. A native of Shenandoah, Pa., Brother Kalk.is served in the U.S . Army from 1943 to 1946. He began his career with the SIU in 1947, joining in the port of New York. Brother Kalkis was a member of the engine department and first sailed aboard the Steel Advocate. He began receiving his pension in 1981. Prior to retiring, Brother Kalk.is worked aboard the Santa Mercedes, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. He lived in San Francisco. Pensioner Arcangel Saavedra, 84, died May 5. Born in Puerto Rico, he was a charter member of the SIU, having joined in 1939 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Brother Saavedra was a member of the steward department and first sailed aboard the Wild Ranger, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Prior to retiring in 1980, he sailed aboard the Jacksonville. Brother Saavedra resided in Bronx, N.Y. JOHN E. KENNEDY Pensioner Richard Schaeffer, 74, passed away April 4. A native of West Palm Beach, Fla., he began his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Seattle. A member of the deck department, Brother Schaeffer first sailed aboard the Sea Monitor, operated by Lykes Brothers Steamship Co. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 and began receiving his SIU pension in 1990. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Explorer. Brother Schaeffer called Reno, Nev. home. JOHN C. GRIFFITH Pensioner John E. Kennedy, 95, died March 29. A native of Louisiana, he was a charter member of the SIU, having joined in 1939 in the port of New Orleans. A member of the deck department, he first sailed aboard the Alcoa Cavalier. Prior to his retirement in 1968, Brother Kennedy worked aboard the Alcoa Explorer. He made his home in Metairie, La. ADOLPH LaMONTHE Pensioner Adolph LaMonthe, 79, died April 18. Brother LaMonthe began his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. A native of New Orleans, he was a RICHARD SCHAEFFER LEE SCOTT Pensioner Lee Scott, 84, died April 6. He joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. A California native, Brother Scott was a member of the deck department and first sailed aboard the Western Clipper. He started receiving his pension in 1981. Prior to his retirement, Brother Scott sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers, Inc. vessel. He resided in San Anselmo, Calif. EDWARD SPOONER Pensioner Edward Spooner, 75, died April 20. A Pennsylvania native, Brother Spooner began his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of Baltimore. A member of the deck department. he first sailed aboard the Malden Victory, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Prior to retiring in 1989, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Brother Spooner served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He resided in Smock, Pa. JOHN A. TINSLEY John A. Tinsley, 67, died May 7. Born in Kansas City, Mo., Brother Tinsley's seafarrng career began in 1962 when he joined the union in the port of Seattle. He first sailed aboard the Sea-Land Commerce as a member of the steward department. Brother Tinsley's last voyage was aboard the Northern Ligh1. He served in the U .S. Army from 1950 to 1953. He resided in Seattle. LESTER WINETEER Pensioner Lester Wineteer, 80, died April 14. He joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Wineteer sailed in the steward department. His first ship was the Santa Mariana, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Prior to h is retirement in 1986, he sailed aboard Matson Navigation Co. 's Hawaiian Citizen. Brother Wineteer served in the U .S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. He resided in Yountville, Calif. ROBERT D.WOODSON Robert D. Woodson, 38 passed away April 28. A native of Richmond, Va., Bother Woodson joined the SIU in 1990 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard the Flickertail State as a member of the deck department. He last worked as a bosun on the USNS Watson. Brother Woodson lived in Roanoke, Va. INLAND ROBERT ANGLIN Pensioner Robert Anglin, 80 died March 6. A native of Saltillo, Tenn., he began sailing with the SIU in 1971 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Anglin was a member of the deck department and served in the U.S. Navy from 1939 to 1970. He sailed as a captain during most of his career, the bulk of which was spent aboard Moran Towing of Virginia vessels. Boatman Anglin began receiving his pension in 1988. Haymarket, Va., was his home. WILLIAM E. DIGGS Pensioner Willian E. Diggs, 77, passed away April 13. Born in Labon, Va., Brother Diggs started sailing with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Norfolk. He was amember of the engine department and L.......~--------J worked aboard Virginian Pilot Corporation vessels throughout his career. Brother Diggs began receiving his pension in 1985. He resided in Onemo, Va. THOMAS McCAUSEY Pensioner Thomas McCausey, 64, died May 5. A native of Detroit, Brother McCausey started sailing with the SIU in 1972 from the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member first worked aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp. vessel. Brother McCausey served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959. Prior to retiring from the SIU in 1998, he sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. Brother McCausey lived in Lakewood, Calif. GREAT LAKES VERNON BELONGA Pensioner Vernon Belonga, 62, died April 24. Born in Ontonagen, Mich., Brother Belonga joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Detroit. The deck department member first sailed aboard a Bo operated vessel. He was a residen Bay City, Mich. Prior to retiring in 1996, Brother Belonga worked aboard the Walter J. McCarthy. ROY LYNCH Pensioner Roy Lynch, 64, passed awa Apri . he Tennessee native began his career with the SIU in 1971 in the port of Detroit. A member of the steward department, Brother Lynch first sailed aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. He had significant time as a captain as well. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Merle McCurdy, operated by Great Lakes Associates. Brother Lynch called LaF ollette, Tenn. home. LAWRENCE OBERLE Pensioner Lawrence Oberle, 73, passed away April 23. Born in Strongs, Mich., Brother Oberle joined the SIU in 1956. He worked in the deck department during his career and began receiving his pension in 1989. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard a vessel operated by Luedtke Engineering Company. Brother Oberle resided in Saulte Ste. Marie, Mich. THOMAS J. SMITH Pensioner Thomas J. Smith, 73, died May 11. He ., began his SIU career in 1950 in the port of Milwaukee. The deck depart~"""""'"-=~- ment member first sailed aboard a Penn Dixie Cement Corp. vessel. Prior to his retirement in 1988, he worked aboard Cement Transit Company's Southdown Challenger. Brother Smith lived in Petoskey, Mich. Augusf 2000 �ATLANTIC (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), April 30--Chairman William E. Stoltz, Secretary Milton M. Yournett. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville and thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Secretary urged crew members to read LOG and attend union meetings in order to be better informed of latest maritime industry news. Educational director stated upgrading at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. is best way to ensure job security. He also stressed importance of donating to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made for contracts department to consider lowering sea time requirements for retirement and pension, and to secure 100 percent medical and prescription benefits for family members. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports~ Charleston, S.C.; Port Everglades, Fla.; Houston and J acksonvi lie. BLUE RIDGE (Crowley Petroleum), April 28-Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Ron Malozi, Educational Director William M. Hudson. Deck Delegate Joe Caruso, Steward Delegate Steve Johnson. Chairman read president's report from latest LOG and urged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point to better skills. He also noted importance of donating to SPAD. Secretary thanked everyone for good job. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center: "The school is great!" No beefs or disputt:d OT reported. Suggestion made to ask contrn.cts department to look into possibility of retiring at 55 with 20 years' sea time. Next ports: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Texas City, Texas. CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), April 24--Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Oliver L. Celestial, Deck Delegate Cleveland West, Steward Delegate Otello Dansley. Chairman praised crew members for job well done, particularly deck department for good job cleaning cargo hold. Secretary added his thanks to everyone for helping keep mess hall clean. He reminded those leaving ship to pick up clean linen for replacement crew and discussed importance of voting in this year's elections. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made to get new movies on board. Videotapes must be checked out from chief engineer. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Next port: Lake Charles, La. DISCOVERY (CSX Lines), April 30-Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary Donald C. Spangler, Educational Director Roger M. Wasserman, Eng1ne Delegate Joseph R. Perry, Steward Delegate Mark V. Cabasag. Chairman discussed president's report in LOG, reflecting on past decade of shipping and how upgrading is essential to job security. Educational director reminded crew members to check zcards for expiration date and to keep up-to-date on drug tests and physical exams. Disputed OT reported by deck delegate and beef concerning overtime in steward August2000 department. Requests made for radio for crew lounge and new chairs in crew mess. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and cookouts. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. and Honolulu. GALVESTON BAY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), April 22-Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Willie Grant. Chairman noted this is election year and contributions to SPAD help put those people in office who are for strong maritime industry. Educational director stated Paul Hall Center available to all Seafarers to upgrade skills and help them earn more money. Treasurer announced $22 in ship's movie fund. Beefreported by deck department; no disputed OT in any department. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into allowing crew members to apply for vacation checks after 60days' sea time. Vote of thanks given to everyone for job well done. Next ports: Charleston. S.C.: Port Everglades. Fla.; Houston and Jacksonville. GREAT LAND (lUM), April 30Chairman Ernest J. Duhon, Secretary Antoinette M. Spangler, Educational Director Michael W. Phillips. Deck Delegate Michael R. Hester, Engine Delegate Joseph I. Laguana, Steward Delegate Kassem Saleh. Chairman reminded crew members to remain current in their dues. Educational director advised everyone to have training record books (TRBs) filled out by chief mate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for Paul Hall Center to establish optional course for advanced seamanship, including carpentry and splicing. Ship's crew requested greater access to movies provided by company. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. blasting operations. He thanked everyone for good jolr-steward department for good food and deck department for helping him become familiar with vessel. Secretary reported new stores due in next port. Educational director urged crew members to utilize facilities at Paul Hall Center, keep up with STCW requirements and keep abreast of union rules. No beefs or disputed OT noted. Request for contracts department to consider requiring 90 days' sea time for vacation benefits. New TV, VCR and antenna needed. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. KENAI (ATC), April 10---Chairman James R. Wilson, Secretary Dorothy Odoms, Educational Director Dale Graham, Deck Delegate Joshua A. Mensah, Engine Delegate Kevin Sullivan. Chairman passed along captain's thanks for practicing safe work habits and pointed out that all should be familiar with and use safety equipment on board vessel. Chairman said all standard forms (union meetings, crew lists, repair logs, etc.) to be sent directly to ship. Educational director suggested possible use of educational books and films for upgrading information be ordered from internet. Funds received from safety awards total about $12,000 and are available for crew's use. No beefs reported. Some disputed OT noted in steward department regarding extra meals. Question raised as to where NMU members ship out from San Francisco and Hawaii now that NMU halls there have closed. Solid vote of thanks to Chief Steward Odoms and her department. Next port: Richmond, Calif. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG). April 23--Chairman Daniel N. Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate John W. Yates, Steward Delegate Alberto Falcon. Chairman reported crew dryer fixed and announced payoflf April 28 in Houston, Texas. He advised everyone to upgrade at Piney Point every chance possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members read president's report in LOG and expressed appreciation for work union is doing in keeping jobs for membership. Next ports: Tampa, Fla. and Houston. PACIFIC (CSX Lines), April 10Chairrnan Ray J. Ramirez, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Seller T. Brooks, Deck Delegate Theodore Doi, Steward Delegate J. I. JaFar. help SA by taking dirty linen to 03 level and leaving rooms clean. Secretary reminded everyone to make sure they're eligible to vote in upcoming SIU elections and registered to vote in national elections. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point and contributing to SPAD for job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing sea time needed for vacation. Vote of thanks given to stew- on extra vacation benefits for completing tour with no illness. He thanked everyone for keeping noise down in passageways. Educational director explained process of getting STCW renewed. Treasurer announced $33 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to have contracts department look into raising pension benefits and have company pay for work shoes. Thanks to steward department for job well done, espe- Must Be Doing Something Right ... • It was all smiles when the Developer (U.S. Ship Mgmt.) put into port recently in the Los Angeles area. Above (from left) are AB David Cordero. Bosun Roger Reinke and Steward/Baker Ruben Casin. At right are AB Mark Brenner and QMED Clifford Miles. ard department for job well done. Next ports: Elizabeth; Portsmouth, Va. and Rotterdam, Netherlands. cially for great barbecues. Next ports: Port Everglades and Jacksonville, Fla. HM/ BRENTON REEF (IUM), May 31-Chairman Thomas P. Banks, Secretary Luis A. Escobar, Educational Director James L. McDaniel, Deck Delegate Pedro V. Ramos, Engine Delegate Mark Roman, Steward Delegate Randy A. Stephens. Bosun conveyed chief mate's compliments on job well done by deck department on return voyage from West Coast. He announced payoff June 2 followed by big clean-up job and Coast Guard inspection while vessel still in Gulf Coast. Secretary urged everyone to upgrade at union's facilities in Piney Point. Some beefs reported in deck and steward departments. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering sea time requirements for collecting vacation checks. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great work. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.) May 28Chairrnan David I. Murray, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Angel Hernandez, Deck Delegate Terry L. McKee, Engine Delegate Terrow T. Franks, Steward Delegate Pedro Rodriguez. Chairman announced payoff in Puerto Rico June 2 and encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Secretary asked crew to keep laundry room clean and trash-free. Treasurer noted $313 in ship's movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several suggestions made, including for contracts department to look into allowing crew members to bring spouses aboard for one round-trip voyage on coastwise vessels, having union pay for dependents' prescription drugs, extending shipyard time for reclaiming job from 30 to 60 days and lowering sea time requirements for collecting vacation checks. Vote of thanks given to steward department for cleaning ship after.shipyard period and also for continued delicious meals. HM/ DEFENDER (IUM), April 25-Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Charles J. Brockhaus, Deck Delegate Pedro Lopez, Engine Delegate Roderick I. Frazier, Steward Delegate Isabel Sabio. Chairman announced ship to discharge in Corpus Christi, Texas or Lake Charles, La., then take load of gasoline to Florida. After that, vessel scheduled to go on Corpus Christi to Tampa run. Shipyard period planned for June. Secretary stated new mattresses to be ordered which will properly fit bed insert. Educational director urged everyone to take advantage of Piney Point educational facilities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new dryer in crew laundry. Suggestion made that contracts department look into reducing amount of sea time needed to call for relief. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Chairman thanked VP Nick Marrone and Port Agent Vince Coss for visiting ship and updating crew on recent changes. Bosun asked that everyone be on time for customs and immigration, make sure z-cards are up-to-date, and support SPAD. Secretary and educational director urged crew members to take advantage of facilities and upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $40 in movie fund, $60 in ship's fund and $147 in cookout fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Following reading of president's report in LOG, crew expressed gratitude to President Sacco for work he and union officials are doing for Seafarers. Clarification requested on vacation and overtime rates. Vote of thanks to Stewards Larry W. Ballard and Robert Mosley for jobs well done. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam and Hong Kong. DEVELOPER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), May 4-Chairman Dana M. Cella, Secretary Robert A. Castillo, Educational Director Lawoo S. Shete, Deck Delegate George Mazzola, Engine Delegate Julio Paminiano. Chairman talked about shipyard preparations and threeweek layoff. He suggested crew members contribute to SPAD to help union be heard on Capitol Hill. Everything going well, according to secretary, and educational director urged all to attend Piney Point upgrading classes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from VP Augie Tellez regarding issues from last shipboard meeting. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering sea time and age requirements for pensions. Job well done by steward department, and crew welcomed aboard new chief cook, Ray Mohamed. Next ports: Yokohama and Nagoya, Japan; and Pusan, South Korea. /TB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation Corp.), April 28Chairman Michael D. Hill, Secretary Thurman C. Johnson, Educational Director Jose M. Ramirez, Deck Delegate Walter Harris, Engine Delegate Ahmed S. Salim, Steward Delegate Cesar Santos. Chairman cautioned crew to be extra careful around sand- PERFORMANCE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), April 23-Chairrnan Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Patrick J. Corless, Educational Director John J. Walsh, Deck Delegate Bennie Spencer, Steward Delegate Luis M. Caballero. Chairman announced payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. April 27. He asked those crew members getting off to EL MORRO (IUM), May 1Chairman Steven W. Copeland, Secretary Kris A. Hopkins, Educational Director Frederick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Homar Linefield, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman, Steward Delegate Robert G. Maschmeier. Chairman announced clarification INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), May 7-Chairman James V. Triassi Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Clay V. Brown, Engine Delegate Michael McNally, Steward Delegate John A. Padilla. Secretary stated new TV antenna to be installed next trip. Six new mattresses purchased and distributed to members listed on repair list. Educational director led discussion on LOG article about STCW. Crew requested more clarification. Movies purchased last trip with donations from crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made that company furnish seamen transportation home from foreign ports due to death of immediate family member. Contributions of $250 collected for Relief Bosun F. Santiago on news of his daughter's death. Clarification needed for relief trip time off. Special thanks to steward department for Easter meal, especially to steward for home-baked goods. Voyage was good and crew worked well together. Next ports: Boston, Mass.; Elizabeth, N.J. and Norfolk, Va. Seafarers LOG 19 �(Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) .. . N ma Ship For Hawaiian Senator As a fitting memorial to the 19 newly awarded Asian Medal of Honor recipients, I request that the SIU lobby on behalf of Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) for an Anny prepositioning ship to be named in his honor and to honor all Nisei warriors of the 442nd regimental combat team. Sen. Inouye has been a friend of labor throughout his 38-year tenure as a Democratic senator. He exemplifies courage, integrity and dedication, and has never failed the SIU or the maritime industry. I am proud to be a member of the merchant marine, an American Legion member and Marine Corps Veteran. I hope we can lobby for a fitting memorial to the service and commitment of the brave senator from Hawaii. JMtpb J. Gallo Jr. Jersey City, N.J. . . . . and a second letter from Brother Gallo . .. .. Condolences to Haller Famlly Please accept my sincerest gesture of sympathy for the passing of Brother Chuck Haller earlier this year. I was shocked and saddened when I learned of his passing in the Seafarers LOG. Please take comfort in knowing that Chuck was the finest union brother that I have ever sailed with, and he will never be forgotten by the brothers of the SIU. God bless the Haller family; and if I can ever be of service to you, don't hesitate to contact me. With deep regret, Brother Joseph J. Gallo Jr. Jersey City, N.J. Brown Deserves To Lead Parade As I watched the July 4 telecast of "Ops Sail 2000," the announcer used the word "maritime" a few times. describing the tall ships. If I'm correct in my thinking. I didn't see any merchant ships in the parade, and my thoughts went to the Liberty ship John W , Brown, which is now a museum in Baltimore. If ever a ship deserved to lead this parade, it was the John W Brown. Built in 1942, it brought supplies to the troops wherever needing during World War II, through enemy waters. It was a miracle the ship survived. Life wasn't over for the Libery ship after the war. While other merchant ships and military vessels were put into mothballs, to be scrapped in later years, the Brown was given to the Metropolitan High School in New York in 1948, the year I graduated from there. My class was the first to attend classes on her, to learn what the life of a seaman was really about. Once aboard a real ship, there wasn't any cutting classes or playing hooky because we had pride in the ship and in ourselves. As old as she is now, I believe the John W. Brown still could get under way and should have led the parade. If she were to lead the next Ops Sail, people will see her and start asking questions. And they will learn that the Brown and ships like her helped us win the war. Only then will the public realize how important the merchant marine is to them, both in war and in peace. Pensioner Walter Karlak Woodside Queens, N.Y. Conclusion to Smith's 1940 India Voyage Continued from page 14 is modem in the conventional tropical style, with large windows and doorways. In buildings in the tropics there is usually no glass in the windows. In place of glass, they have wooden shutters which keep out the frequent rain showers. The walls are about two feet thick and composed of what we at home call adobe. The designs on these buildings are usually very intricate and beautiful after the fashion of the Eastern artists. All in all, I seem to derive a great deal of comfort and tranquility while living in these cool, simply furnished buildings among the quiet Oriental people who dwell here. The population of Singapore is a conglomeration of Malayans, Chinese, Filipinos and every other race, religion and nationality. The city is, by virtue of its reputation, a paradise for sailors. There is no end of women, liquor stores and cabarets where a sailor ashore can spend his hard-earned money lavishly in the accustomed manner. As for entertainment, there is the great Raffles Hotel. They have an excellent orchestra for dancing, and good food. Most of the people you meet there are Europeans of the international society set. Soon after arriving, I was introduced to Miss Dorothy Barbara Barlow and immediately fell in love-again. Dorothy's father is a major in the British army and her mother is Cantonese. She is very intelligent and lovely and also very funny. We spend most of our time together and through Dorothy, I have access to the country club and private parties and dances. There are some fine beaches where one can swim in an enclosure which is erected as a protection against sharks. There is also an interesting zoo which is situated some distance from the city. It is reached by a twisting, wellpaved road through dense green jungle and coconut groves. At the zoo, the people are closed in, not the animals. We find it very enjoyable to 20 Seafarers LOii .,. sit at a table on the veranda of the cafe, drinking a cold beer while observing the wild animals and the beautiful scenery. Now it is time to leave Singapore and the good friends I have made. It is tempting to just say "to hell with it" and stay here. In the Marines we have a saying about men who do that: "He went Asiatic," sounding a bit derogatory. Recently, a stuffy official of the U.S. State Department told me I had overstayed my welcome and that I should leave on the next available ship. I mentioned this to a British friend who is fairly high up in the Foreign Service. He said, "Tell that bloody blighter to mind his own business, you may stay as long as you like." I don't know if that consular officer hated Americans or if he was just jealous of Dorothy and me, though I had noticed him staring hard at us at the Raffles one evening during a dinner dance. Anyway, it's about time to go back to work and replenish my finances, but I hope to get another Far East run on my next ship. THE END Notes: The next year, the Steel Age was sunk in the Indian Ocean by the German submarine U129. All hands perished, including Capt. Jones and my two watch partners, Able Seamen Bill Marks and Bud O'Conner. Since the British commander had failed to secure the back door to the island, the Japanese attack on Singapore in 1942 obliterated the area near the Jahor Strait bridge. Major Barlow s house, which was near the bridge, took a direct hit from Japanese artillery. According to the Red Cross report, Dorothy, her mother and a maid died there along with some neighbors. Twenty years later, when I visited the area, I could not recognize anything. The last time I was in Singapore, I didn't even go ashore. JMS 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 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (On 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 o 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 pu s o, furincluding, but not Jim· thering the politi , social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. August2aaa �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE ~ The following is the schedule for classes beginning between August through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva- 'S tart Date ..July3, 10,17, 2.f, 31; Aug.. 7, 14, 21, 28; :· Sept.4, 11; 18, 25; Oct; 2, 9, 16, 23, 3'0; . Nov. 6, 13., lO, 27; Dec. 4, 11, 18 . July 3, 17, 31; ~ug. 14, 28; Sept. 11, 25; Oct. 9, 23, 30; Nov. 6;.26; Dec. 4, 18 · tions should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. ·· Dateof · ;: .CoQJpleti~ll Course · Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman August 7 September 4 October 2 September 1 September 29 October 27 Lifeboatman August 21 September 18 September 1 September 29 Radar Unlimited August 7 October 2 August 17 October 13 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* October 16 October 20 Course (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Electronics August 21 September 15 Fireman/Watertender & Oiler August 28 October 6 M;uioe Ele,trical Maintenance I Seprember 4 October 13 Marine Electronics Teebnician I September 1 October 13 Welding September 18 October 16 October 6 November 3 Academic Department Courses Recertification Programs Start Course Date Date of Completion Bosun Recertification October 9 November 6 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self- -·-~· - ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- · - · - ·- · - · - ·- -- · - · - · - · - · - ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·-·-·-·- ·-·- ·-·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- -- -- · - · - ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·- ·With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime-for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWX AB and OMED lllJlllicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee qf $180 with their 4.11plication, The pq,vment should be made with a monev order onlv. pqyable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE Telephone BEGIN END DA.TE DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security# Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ __ _ __ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Augusf 2000 SIGNATURE Date Off: -------------------- DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Poinl, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 8100 Seafarel'S LOB 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes . ~~-0>.ki:;,::,. ..... PAUL HALL CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS = -=IL~ E=::::-~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 602- Unlicensed apprentice class 602 recently graduated from the water survival course. They are (in alphabetical order) Lewis Amundson, Kenneth Dyson Jr., Bryan Field, Charles Fitzpatrick, Sean Fortener, Jafar Gordon, Kenneth Jackson, Nathan Jarmon, Beth Ketah, Ibrahim Muhammad, Jacob Soeteber, Antwan Stafford and Nathan Young. Government Vessels - Students who completed the government vessels course June 9 are (from left, kneeling) Benny Perez, Gregorio Abalos Jr., Carlos J. Castillo, (standing) Tyrone Brown, John Holmes, Karl Roy Jr., Guy Todd II, Kyle Bailey, Shauntay Shavies, Greg Thompson (instructor) Sherrod Frazier, Christopher Cummings, Brian Guiry, Louis Champ Jr., Byron Harris, Louis Nickerson Sr. and Charles Billips. Advanced Fire Fighting - Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements May 19 are (kneeling) Michael Kaye, (from left, standing) Robert Scott, Mark Wain, Anthony Hammet (instructor) and Joe Walker Jr. Not pictured is Andre Frazier. An End ... and a Beginning Able Seaman - With the help of instructor Barnabe Pelingon and Bill Saul serving as engineer, the May 26 graduates of the able seaman class ready to head out on the MN Osprey to learn proper techniques in standing a bridge watch and steering a vessel. Included in the class are (in alphabetical order) Adel Alameri, Robert Arneel, Benjamin Barnes, Ronald Burris Jr., Jimmie Casey, Antony Cruzvergara, Carey Hatch, David Heindel Jr., Ausberto Laspinas, Lito Mariano, Brian McLarnon, Royal Mobley, Nestor Montoya Jr., Lawrence Richardson Jr., Russell Roberts and Ziting Xu. Unlicensed Apprentice Graduation - After all the hard work, unlicensed apprentices Donald Davis, Larry Hogan, David Jones Jr., Rashad King and Steven Lamb Jr. complete their third and final phase of study and are ready to become SIU members. Above, the graduating students share their special moment with "Momma" Theresa Price. Below, some of them work with instructors Eric Malzkuhn and Maurice Chambers in the deck engine utility class. Limited License for Mate or Master - Graduating from the limited license course July 14 are (from left, kneeling) Michael Cascio, Troy Gros, Gregory Jarvis, Victor DiGiorgio, Blaine Tompson, (standing) Robert Boudreaux, Billy Barletta, William Bruce, Scott Morton and Shane Boudreaux. They are posing in front a a new mural at the school which was painted by Christy Holloway, daughter of the school's commandant, Don Hollaway. Z2 Seafarers LOii AugllSf 2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Steward Department Skills Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course - Graduating from the tankerman (PIG) barge course May 26 are (from left, front row) Richard Chamnes, Ronnie Jackson, Liberato Viray, Raymond Samaria, (seond row) Mitch Oakley (instructor), Matthew Sandy, Eddie Harrison, Thomas Flanagan, Paul Moss, James Reily, Eric Bridges. Manuel Little and Richard Lee. Chief Cook - Learning specific culinary skills which will prepare them to sail as a chief cook are (from left) Natividad Zapata, Instructor/Chef John Dobson, Sixta Batiz, Donnie Cabanizas, Michael D. Harris, Michael Todman, William Daly, Breon Lucas and Jonathan Gibson. On this particular day in the culinary lab, the students learned the art of making pizza with low-fat, fresh ingredients. The results were delicious. Chief Cook - Additional upgraders in the chief cook course are (from left, front row) Tanja Pfi:zenmaier, Scott Burgess, (standing) George Burgos, Mike Kozak, Vern Andrews and Chef/Instructor John Hetmanski. Galley Operations - Radar Observer - Standing at the construction site of the new simulator building are Seafarers completing the radar observer course April 14. From the left are Steve Ruiz, Brock Booker, David Hinson, Mike Smith (instructor) and Richard Roel. The galley operations course teaches students baking skills. Freshly baked breads, rolls, pies, cakes and sweet rolls have a positive effect on crew morale aboard ship. Here, Elida Miguel, who completed the galley operations course May 19, restocks the dessert section in the Paul Hall Center's lunchroom. ~ Unlicensed Apprentice Program - Part of the first phase of the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center involves galley familiarization-including galley skills, sanitation, basic food preparation and good nutrition. Instructor Roy Fairfield (at far right in photo above) helps class 603 with that aspect of their training. It also is a time when the young meh and women learn that healthy bodies as well as healthy minds help keep the number of injuries aboard ship to a minimum. In photo at right, the class enjoys some good old-fashioned calisthenics. Included in unlicensed apprentice class 603 are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Benavente Jr., Christopher Dionio, Lokona Farias, Jackson Gourgue, Byron Graham, Michael Harvey, Michael Herrera, Kevin Ignacio, Haven lussig, Robert Johnson, Nicholas Jones, Ryan Legario, Charles Lewis, Adam Lippe, Samuel Lloyd, Ralph Martin Jr., Jerald Martinez, William Mcintyre, Allyson Pangelinan, Kenneth Simon, Jack Slagle and Sidney Wagner Jr. Augusf 2000 Seafarers LOii 23 �m.seafarers.org Volume 62, Number 8 Balllmon Hall Moves to Eaex Street See pages 12-13 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEN. INOUYE HONORED FOR WWII HEROISM NEW YORK-AREA SEAFARERS RALLY IN SUPPORT OF ILA LOCAL 1814 UNION GAINS 2 SHIPS MAERSK LINE LTD. TO OPERATE CONVERTED AMMUNITION SHIPS CONSTRUCTION LAUNCED FOR U.S. LINES’ VESSEL SIU MAINTAINS JOBS ON 6 LNG TANKERS ADVOCATE FOR MARITIME LABOR, ED MOONEY DIES AT 84 COALITION URGES MSP EXPANSION INDUSTRY GROUP DETAILS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR IMPROVING U.S. FLEET, NATIONAL SECURITY UNION MOURNS LOSS OF RETIRED PORT AGENT REINOSA WITH CROWLEY SEAFARERS QUALITY CREW SAVES RACER IN DRAMATIC RESCUE AT SEA LESSONS LEARNED AT SEA STILL SERVCE CWA PRESIDENT BAHR BEGAN UNION CAREER AS WWII MARINER HAIL TO THE CHEF… CULINARY LAB NAMED IN HONOR OF LUPINACCI SIMULATOR COMPLEXT ALMOST READY LIQUID CARGO TRAINING FEATURED IN NEW FACILITY SEAFARERS-CREWED PHILLIPS DELIVERS IN MARINE CORPS CARGO EXERCISE GREAT LAKES CREWS GREET NEW VP MEMBERS WELCOME MOVE TO NEW FACILITY A VOYAGE TO INDIA-1940 BY J. MELFORD SMITH SCENES FROM THE PORT OF SAN JUAN Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 8 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/00271cd06898f5acf2fde3190a479b21.pdf be056884637c439827949f8d9e7da69f PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 7 SIU Active in Maritime Day Remembrances July 2000 SIU members recently welcomed new job opportunities aboard the Military Sealift Command's latest vessel, the USNS Charlton (top photo). The prepositioning ship was delivered in May. Pictured above are some of the Seafarers composing the Charlton's first full crew. Page 3. New SIU Hall Opens In Baltimore Construction of the union's new hall in Baltimore was ongoing when this photo was snapped in mid-June, but the facility remained on schedule for a July 1 opening. Page 3. STCW 'In Plain English' -------------Page 6 Crews React to SL-7 Pact _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page7 �President's Report Progress In Y2K As we enter the second half of the year 2000, it already has been a fantastic year for the SIU. Consider what we've accomplished during the past six months. New jobs on prepositioning ships, car carriers, tankers and passenger vessels-with many more on the horizon. The ~ · opening of new SIU halls in Guam and Baltimore. Excellent new contracts for the fast sealift and Ready Reserve Force vessels, Michael Sacco the latter of which should come to fruition soon. At the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, new simulators are being installed. They are the best of their kind, and will provide new and experienced Seafarers alike the opportunity to fine-tune their trade. Additionally, members continue to express their strong endorsement of the historic merger of the National Maritime Union into the SIU. There is no doubt the merger will benefit both unions, and I appreciate the overwhelming support you have given. All of these developments begin with you, the rank-and-file member. The pride you take in your work, and the safe, professional way you go about your job, bring consistently positive feedback about SIU members from all segments of the industry. In fact, everywhere I go to represent the SIU, I am heart- ened by what others say about our members. But, like a sports team that's riding an impressive winning streak, we can't afford to let down or coast. Because the challenges and the competition do not end. Our industry is heavily regulated by the government, and so we depend on electing representatives who understand the U.S. fleet's vital role in national security. So much of our livelihoods are tied to politics. That's why we all must participate in the upcoming elections. We must throw all of our support behind the candidates who will work to ensure a strong, viable U.S. merchant marine. As we prepare to elect a new president, a new Congress and a third of the Senate, I urge you to be involved. This also is an election year for the SIU. Once again, it's important to participate. Every vote counts, so don't sit back and let others choose the leadership of your union. Get the facts, make an informed decision and cast your ballot. The more members get involved, the stronger the SIU will be. As for gaining even more shipboard jobs for the future, our union prides itself on providing the best-trained mariners in the world- and so we rely on each Seafarer to work safe, work hard and upgrade whenever possible. The best ammunition the SIU possesses when it comes to getting new jobs and keeping the ones we already have, is the reliable performance of Seafarers throughout the industry. The Paul Hall Center is the perfect tool to ensure that the SIU never runs out of that ammunition. Please take advantage of it. · I am proud of the SIU's accomplishments so far this year and, going back further~ throughout the 1990s. We have come a long way. With your continued support and good work, I know we're headed for even better things in the months and years ahead. Uolume 62, Number 7 July 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Glllf: Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Au th Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Former MSC Commander Urges New Maritime Policy Adm. Perkins Cites Merchant Marine's Essential Role in U.S. National Defense Editors note: U.S. Navy Vice Admiral James B. Perkins, former head of the Military Sealift Command (MSC), stated last month that the nation must take immediate steps to ensure the survival and growth of the American Merchant Marine. Perkins released a paper titled, "Game, Set, Match: The U.S. Merchant Marine and National Defense." In it, he emphasizes the U.S. Merchant Marines crucial role in national security. He also urges continued support for the Maritime Security Program and cargo preference laws, plus various tax incentives, among other steps. Perkins retired in February 1999 after a two-year stint as commander of MSC. Here is his report from last month. The first Independence Day of the new millennium is a good time to remember how much this country's freedom depends on the U.S. Merchant Marine. One major reason: In times of war or international crises, 95 percent of the weapons, supplies and equipment needed by our forces overseas are carried by ships-usually over thousands of miles of ocean. To accomplish this mission, the military uses privately owned commercial vessels, flying the United States flag, and the U.S. Merchant Marine to supplement its own transportation assets. And it's been this way for a long time. The history of the merchant marine in military service is characterized by high heroism and noble sacrifice. Merchant mariners have served in all of America's wars, enduring their finest, but most tragic hour during World War II with a per capita casualty rate second only to the Marines. There is very good reason why the U.S. Merchant Marine is called "the vital fourth arm of national defense." What if our Merchant Marine weren't there? The answer is more important than ever, and as former Commander of the Navy's Military Sealift Command, I saw it every day, up close, and personal: The U.S. Merchant Marine is absolutely vital to sustain U.S. troops overseas. Today, many merchant mariners are on duty crewing over 100 auxiliary vessels for the Navy, while others stand by for the day when they will be called forward to support military operations abroad. And they most assuredly will be. But the real question is: Will the U.S. commercial fleet and manpower be there in sufficient numbers when the call comes? My crystal ball is a bit cloudy. In recent years, no economic sector has ebbed so dramatically as the U.S. maritime industry. It wasn't always so. In 1945, twothirds of the world's merchant ships flew the U.S. flag. These vessels not only fulfilled crucial wartime missions, but dominated the sea-lanes of international commerce for decades afterward. Those days are over. Except in a few niche markets, the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine has been done U.S. Navy Vice Adm. James B. Perkins, who headed the Military Sealift Command for two years, says the nation cannot do without a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. in by the unlevel playing field of international competition. As a result, our merchant fleet is shrinking rapidly, down more than half since 1981 and facing extinction in international shipping trades. The oceangoing fleet now numbers only 203 ships with military utility-including 114 cargo ships, 86 tankers and one passenger vessel. Meanwhile, the great American economic powerhouse booms to the point where the world catches pneumonia if the U.S. sneezes. This country now generates an astounding 25-30 percent of all international commerce, but less than 3 percent arrives on or leaves our shores aboard U.S.flag ships. Continued on page 5 Another Take on FOC Cruise Ships: LA Times Bares 'Sweatshops at Sea' Runaway-flag cruise lines continue to take a pounding in the U.S. commercial press. The latest piece exposing the conditions on runaway-flag cruise vessels (also called flag-of-convenience or FOC ships) appeared May 30 in the Los Angeles Times and subsequently was reprinted in several affiliated newspapers, including The Tampa Tribune-Times. Written by Christopher Reynolds and Dan Weikel, the 2,500-word article explores some of the difficult and often unsafe conditions faced by crews on FOC cruise ships-such as those operated by Miami-based Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. The authors cited crews who have sued for millions of dollars in back wages; described questionable medical practices including one scenario in which a crew member lost a hand; and recalled the tragic tale of 31 mariners who died in 1998 when their vessel was ordered to sea "despite an approaching hurricane." They also interviewed crew members who asserted that many of them "plunge into debt" to secure jobs on the vessels. This often involves not only the legitimate job-related expenses, but also illegal payments to recruiters who otherwise may block an individual's employment. Additionally, Reynolds and Weikel pointed out that many of the crews "are recruited from some of the world's poorest nations," and they face "a wage scale that often begins at less than $2 an hour." A minister interviewed for the story described runaway-flag passenger ships as "sweatshops at sea" and "ocean-going maquiladoras." Several anonymous cruise ship workers said they do not complain because they're afraid they will be fired. One said he suffered severe burns because he didn't understand orders given to him in English. Along those lines, the.·writers point out that the language barrier potentially places passengers in harm's way. "Because companies recruit in many countries, plaintiffs' lawyers and U.S. transportation investigators question whether crew members can communicate with crewmates and passengers, especially in emergencies," they noted. Those concerns have been borne out more than once in recent years, beginning with the much-publicized Ecstasy fire in 1998. In fact, that accident touched off an unprecedented flurry of media coverage about runaway-flag shipping that has included a 60 Minutes report, at least two front-page stories in The New York Times and numerous other press accounts. Runaway-flag ships (passenger and cargo vessels alike) are registered in a nation other than the one of ownership. Very often, they carry Third World, multinational crews-some of dubious qualifications. By using the runaway-flag scam, shipowners can avoid paying taxes and hide from labor and environmental laws. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and SIU hiring halls will be closed on · · · Monday, August 21, 2000 for the ob~rvanee of Paul Hell's birthday (unless ,. an ema1gency.arises): Normal business·hot;;rs will resume the following worl<da~ · an July 20DD �Seafarers Crew MSC's Newest RO/RO USNS Charlton Strengthens Prepositioning Fleet U.S. sealift capacity increased with the recent delivery of the SIUcrewed USNS Charlton in San Diego. The U.S. Military Sealift Command's newest prepositioning ship has been delivered, and with it comes new jobs for the SIU. Seafarers are sailing aboard the USNS Charlton, a 950-foot roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel that is scheduled to receive its first assignment early this month. Bosun T.C. Oneyear said on June 21 that the crew is anxious to begin its next task. "The ship seems to be very soun~ but right now we have no indication where it's going," he noted. "But no matter what, we '11 be ready." AB Laurentis Colbert said, "It's a huge ship and it's brand new. Overall, everything has been fine so far." Constructed at San Diego's NASSCO shipyard, the Charlton is one of 14 new builds scheduled as part of a government-mandated initiative to improve America's sealift capability. Six converted vessels round out that fleet, known as the strategic sealift program. The next new ship due out is the USNS Watkins, probably in October. It also will be crewed by SIU members. Seafarers composing the initial crew of the Charlton include Bosun Oneyear, ABs Colbert, Johnny Birdwell, Nathaniel Carr, Peri Drew, Michael Mayo and Ferdinand Viniegra, OSs Stephen Gallegos, Greg Baker and Isaac Diaz, Electrician Timothy Pillsworth, QMEDs Alan Nelson and Steven Campbell, OMUs Jeffrey Bukey, Gualberto Salaria and Sergio Ayala, GUDE Ellis Clayborn, Chief Steward Christopher Hale, • • Length: 950 feet Beam: 106 feet • Draft: 34 feet • Displacement: 62)644 long tons • • Speed: 24 knots Cargo space: 390,000 square feet Source: Military Sealift. Command Chief Cook Claudia Kammeyer, SAs Tawnia Stucker and George Gauggel, and Storekeeper Kevin Wortman. The Charlton is operated by Maersk Line Limited of Norfolk, Va. and is named in memory of U.S. Army Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton, a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during battle in Korea in 1952. New Hall Opens in Baltimore Fallowing nominal delays in construction last month, the SIU's new hall in Baltimore was scheduled to open July 1, after this edition of the Seafarers LOG went to press. It is located at 2315 Essex Street. .. It's going to be the most beautiful hall in the SIU. I love it," stated Chief Steward Jose Luaces shortly after seeing the near-finished product. "It's close to the waterfront and it's in a good neighborhood. It's going to have everything we need. Every member should be proud of it." QMED Teddy Wallace and Oiler Loring Callwood also welcomed the move from the old facility on East Baltimore Street, where the hall had been located since November 1954. "The SIU couldn't have picked a better location for the new hall," observed Wallace. "] know the area well and J'm very happy with the change." Callwood noted there is a bus stop directly in front of the hall and said the close access will benefit area members like him by providing transportation options. "I'm happy about that and I'm looking forward to the move," he said. The Essex Street facility is a former art studio that has been completely refurbished inside and substantially modified outside. It is located in Canton near Fell's Point, considered an attractively burgeoning area. The Washington Post, in a major story about Canton in its real estate section of June 10, described the area as "Baltimore's hottest neighborhood these days, the city's own example of gentrification in these times of good housing markets across the country." In its heyday, the expansive hall on East Baltimore Street was considered among the best of its kind. Before that building opened, the SIU's Baltimore hall was located on North Gay Street. Columbia Queen Sails; Patriot Launches Dec. 9 The new SJU-crewed Columbia Queen riverboat made its inaugural voyage last month following a June 3 christening in Portland, Ore. Owned by The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., a New Orleansbased subsidiary of American Classic Voyages, the vessel is 218 feet long and can carry up to 161 passengers. It is scheduled to offer cruises in the Pacific Northwest. Also last month, the first hull for American Classic Voyages' new fleet of coastal passenger The Columbia Queen debuted last month in Portland, Ore. It will offer cruises in the Pacific Northwest (right). July2000 How To Get There The new Baltimore hall is roughly a five-minute drive from the old one on East Baltimore Street. Seafarers going to the new hall from East Baltimore Street can turn right on Patterson Park Avenue, then left on Eastern Avenue, right on Montford and right on Essex. If going to the new hall from the inner harbor, take Pratt Street, turn right on S. Broadway, left on Eastern Avenue, right on S. Chester Street, slightly left on Boston Street, left on Leakin Street and right on Essex. The new hall: 2315 Essex Street Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 ships was successfully launched in Jacksonville, Fla. The Cape May Light is on target to begin sailing in spring 2001. Additionally, United States Lines recently announced that the deep sea cruise ship MS Patriot will debut Dec. 9 in the Hawaiian Formerly Holland Islands. America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam, the Patriot 1,212 passengers. This issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press more than a week before the Baltimore hall's scheduled July 1 opening. The two photos above, showing parts of the exterior and interior, were taken in midJune while refurbishment of the Essex Street facility was ongoing. Photos of the finished product will be printed in next month's LOG. QMED Teddy Wallace (left) and Oiler Loring Callwood (right) both say the new hall is a positive move for the SIU. Seafarers LOB 3 �Indy Crew to the Rescue Seafare rs' Swift Reactions Save Lives SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi (left) discusses the new contract with Captain Melvin Braddy. Express Marine Crews Approve New Contract SIU members who sail aboard Express Marine tugboats and barges have approved a new three-year contract that includes numerous gains. Approved in early May, the agreement is retroactive to March 16, 2000. It calls for wage increases in each year of the pact and also features a one-time bonus of $1,000 per member. Other highlights include: • Prescription benefits for dependents. • 100-percent coverage of outpatient care for dependents. • Increased optical benefits. • A doubling of the death benefit. • Work-rule improvements. • A pension-credit increase. Serving on the negotiating committee were SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi, Captain James Dixon, Mate Riley Johnson Jr. and AB/Cook Hilton Foster. Seafarers ratified the contract via a mail-in secret ballot. The votes were counted May 2 on the tug Russell B. Murray by Captain Miles Ireland, Mate Guy Pruitt Sr. and AB/Cook Jesse Gardner. Express Marine is based in Pennsauken, N.J. near Camden. The company operates five tugs and barges that move coal along the East Coast. They are the Guardian, Russell B. Murray, Baltimore, Consort and Escort. SIU crew members aboard the SS Independence rescued several people recently in two separate occurrences while underway in the Hawaiian Islands. The actions of Seafarers in both events prevented potential loss of life. In the first incident, SIU Waiter George Dezafra performed the Heimlich Maneuver on Kaye Spargur. Spargur, a passenger on the Independence from Tucson, Ariz., was having dinner in the vessel's dinning room May 15. Her otherwise delightful meal was ruined when food lodged in her throat and cut off her air supply. Luckily for her, Dezafra was close by and hastened to her rescue. The Pearle City, Hawaii native had learned the emergency-response procedure during a shipboard training session earlier this year. Rick Redmond, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., conducted Dezafra's class (and provided the photos accompanying this story). Independence Head Waiter Christyn Nawrot, an SIU member who calls Michigan home, comforted the choking victim once Dezafra bad ensured her air passages were clear. The second episode occurred during the evening of June 5 some five miles south of Oahu. At approximately 10:30 p.m., the vigilant eyes of AB Jessie Bongolan and 3rd Officer Kawika Lucas caught glimpses of what they deemed an emergency situation. By interpreting light signals and flares, they ascertained that a sailboat they saw had no means of power or other communications. What concerned the duo more, however, was the fact that the vessel was pitching and rolling, and continually drifting farther away from the islands. They advised the Independences captain of the situation and ensured notification of the Coast Guard. The Independence then maneuvered within close proximity of the vessel and stood by until the Coast Guard arrived. No lives were lost. The Independence is operated by American Hawaii Cruises. (Editors Note: The foregoing are just two examples of situations encountered by SIU members in the performance of their daily duties. Should you or any SIU member you know have similar experiences, please notify the staffofthe Seafarers LOG at (301) 899-0675; by mail at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; or by email at jbiscardo@worldweb.net) Head Waiter Christyn Nawrot (left) and Waiter George Dezafra (right) join Perry and Kaye Spargur in the dining room of the Independence. The Spargurs, a couple from Tucson, Ariz., were the center of attention recently aboard the vessel when Kaye became ill after having food lodge in her airways. Both waiters, members of the SIU, assisted the victim in her recovery. Training Aboard the Independence-- Above: Pictured aboard the Russell B. Murray are (from left} AB/Cook Jesse Gardner, Captain Miles Ireland, SIU Port Agent Joe Soresi and Mate Guy Pruitt Sr. The three boatmen counted the secret ballots which confirmed ratification of a new three-year contract. Crew members aboard the Independence recently underwent onboard emergency squad firefighting training. Completing the exercise were (left to right) Engine Storekeeper Jonathan Barraca , OS Awadh Abdulla and AB Dave Horton. Left: Mate Guy Pruitt Sr. (left) and AB/Cook Jesse Gardner count the ballots. Steward Maiello Memorialized On May 12, the cremated remains of Chief Steward Robert James Maiello were committed at sea, approximately 50 nautical miles south of Cape Hatteras, N.C. The ceremony took place aboard the Cape Johnson, pictured at right. Brother Maiello passed away Dec. 22, 1999. He was 53 and had been an active SIU member for 10 years. 4 Seafarers LOG July 2000 �Merger Discussed in New York In separate meetings May 9 in Brooklyn, N.Y., members of the SIU (below) and the NMU (left) discussed the merger of the two unions. SIU President Michael Sacco (center) addressed both gatherings. He is joined by NMU President Rene Lioeanjie (right) and NMU VP Charlie Stewart (left). By overwhelming majorities and in separate votes lasting from Dec. 1, 1999 through Jan. 31, 2000, Seafarers and NMU members approved a referendum to proceed with merging the two unions. Next, SIU members will vote during the NovemberDecember SIU general election whether to approve needed constitutional changes. After that, another vote will take place for SIU members to approve or reject many of the specific terms of the merger. Adm. Perkins States U.S. Needs Merchant Marine Continued from page 2 At the same time, the U.S. Navy has also shrunk dramatically. Since the end of the Cold War, the active duty fleet has been cut almost in half, and is now just over 300 ships- the lowest number since the early 1930s. Current (inadequate) shipbuilding budgets are drawing the fleet down further. This will, of course, make things tougher for the remaining ships and sailors wM provide vital U .S. forwru-d presence around the world . With operating tempo at an unprecedented peacetime high, the Navy faces very difficult recruiting and retention challenges. Still, the Navy must be there when the country calls, and is adapting to the quiet revolution taking place in the way we support America's men and women in uniform overseas. Military logistics strategy is changing from "just in case" to "just in time"-an approach dependent upon rapid, reliable delivery of essential supplies. Massive warehouses are giving way to a transportation-based system constantly on the move through state-of-the-art private sector ports and other transit facilities which speed military supplies from factory to foxhole. The mountains of stock on-hand are gone. The Armed Services now purchase and deploy supplies nearly simultaneously with force movement, synchronized to support maximum momentum for the troops. In other words, essential materiel is flowing through the pipeline to the right place, at the right time, and in the right amount. Continued success depends on the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, both to carry cargo and petroleum, and to provide crews for ships held in reserve status. While the new logistics strategy is both more efficient and necessary, there is less margin for error. With that in mind, the next president and Congress must adopt maritime policies which ensure a U.S.-flag fleet fully capable of providing crucial com- July2000 mercial shipping assets. Without such action, maintaining smaller inventories and moving more supplies via merchant ships exposes military distribution channels to critical shortfallswhich could cost lives. "We simply can't do without ships under the American flag, built in American shipyards, and manned by American crews as a vital part of our national defense" To avoid such an unacceptable possibility, a comprehensive program must be developed to ensure survival and encourage growth of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The economic benefits and enhanced defense capabilities far outweigh incidental and non-recurring costs. I recommend a balance of government promotional programs and private sector competitiveness initiatives that will help level the maritime playing field. As it is, U.S.-flag vessels must compete against foreign stateowned ships, subsidized shippers and shipyards, and the industrial cartels of America's strongest economic competitors. At home, our Merchant Marine operates under the most demanding regulatory regime in the world-which costs more, but assures safety-while foreign shipping interests are subject to minimal regulation, enforcement and taxes. We need a blend of tax incentives, regulatory relief, capital modernization and increased competitiveness, while maintaining the support provided by traditional maritime programs and laws. The most important include: • sustained funding for the Maritime Security Program (MSP). Launched in 1996, MSP underwrites a partnership between the federal government [and ship] operators in which U.S.-flag, U.S. citizen-crewed ships, equipment, terminals and management services are available to the Department of Defense during national emergencies. With 47 vessels currently enrolled, the program is authorized until 2005 and deserves strong support thereafter. • strict compliance with existing cargo preference laws which require that certain U.S. government-impelled cargoes be shipped on U.S.-flag vessels . Preference cargoes are the single most important incentive for American operators in the international trades to remain under the U.S. flag, providing a vital base of guaranteed cargo to offset foreign-flag advantages. Without these cargoes, virtually every U.S.-flag vessel in the international markets would be forced either out of business or out of U.S. registry, [which is] obviously unacceptable; and • a range of corporate tax incentives to grow the fleet and narrow the cost disparity between doing business under the U.S. flag and that of other nations. Like most enterprises, international shipping is an industry where capital pursues the greatest return for the least expense, with a maximum degree of freedom. It must become attractive to investors once more. In this brave new world of just-in-time logistics, we cannot function militarily without a robust marine transportation capability, and it must be grounded on a thriving U.S. Merchant Marine. A solid partnership with the commercial U.S.-flag fleet is not just the best way, it is the only way to get the job done and answer the bell when the next crisis arises- as it will. We simply can't do without ships under the American flag, built in American shipyards, and manned by American crews as a vital part of our national defense arsenal. They need our helir-and quickly. IMO Revising SOLAS Chapter Group Formed to Enhance Passenger-Ship Safety The year 2002 already stands out in the maritime industry because it is a compliance date for the amended STCW convention. Now, another revised treaty is targeted for implementation that year. During a recent meeting of its Maritime Safety Committee in London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) began updating Chapter V of the International Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention. IMO aims to consider "the complete revised draft text" of Chapter V this December and then apply the final version beginning in July 2002. Chapter V concerns shipboard navigational equipment and systems. The proposed revisions include mandates for voyage data recorders ("black boxes"), automatic ship identification systems and ARPA, among others. "Most of the deep sea fleet will easily meet the new requirements, but it may impact heavily on the offshore supply industry," noted Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training, who attended the IM 0 meeting May 15-26. During the same session, IMO Secretary-General William O'Neil called for "global consideration of safety issues pertaining to passenger ships, with particular emphasis on large cruise ships." The safety committee formed a working group that is scheduled to convene later this year, when it will address passenger vessel construction and equipment; crisis and crowd management; crew and passenger training; personnel evacuation; and potential risks large passenger vessels may face in the next few years. O 'Neil said that while the structural integrity of recently built large cruise ships isn't in doubt, it is questionable whether or not maritime treaties including SOLAS and STCW "duly address all the safety aspects of their operation- in particular, in emergency situations.•• SIU Present at Ratings Task Force Meeting The SIU took part in a meeting of the International Transport Workers' Federation's (ITF's) ratings task' force May 23-24 in Auckland, New Zealand. The agenda included examination of a detailed report concerning the worldwide supply of "suitably trained" merchant mariners. Above, SIU Executive VP John Fay (center), who chairs the ITF's Seafarers' Section, hears a breakdown of the report. Below (from left), Fay and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, a guest at the task force session, are pictured with Dave Morgan, national president of the New Zealand Seafarers' Union. Seafarers LOG 5 �STCW in Plain English Vocational Education Director Tackles Segments of Amended '95 Convention Editors note: Bill Eglinton, together in 1978, but the U.S. did director of vocational education not sign onto it until 1991. I at the Paul Hall Center and a won't bore you with the details of regular participant in interna- why we waited so long, but in tional forums pertaining to STCW 1992 we started letting everyone and other regulations impacting know that we were now on board the maritime industry, wrote the with this convention, the requirefollowing article. This is the first ments of which we easily met. in an occasional series intended However, that 1978 convento keep Seafarers updated on the tion was under revision, and we roles governing their trade. stayed tuned for further news Most of the U-8. maritime because who knew what might be industry is familiar with our in store for us. Oh boy, what an nation's rules and regulations understatement! stemming from the U.S. Coast The heart of the 1995 revised Guard which impact our daily STCW Convention puts its lives- anything from pollution emphasis on the training and prevention, to getting our AB or assessment of mariner practical QMED endorsement, to our per- skills (proficiencies). In short, sonal lives ashore (driving, med- taking a multiple-choice examination to become an electrician, ical issues, etc.). But, where did the newest AB, Third Mate/Engineer, won't international treaties and conven- cut it anymore. You must demonstrate that you can do your job. tions come from? Hey, isn't this what we have SIU members most certainly have heard of the STCW Con- been saying for years? Don't ask vention by now. The Seafarers me a bunch of theoretical multiLOG must have published 50 ple-choice questions, give me related articles or more over the that piece of equipment and I'll past several years, but I want to show you how it works! Now~ whom does it affect and put it in everyday terms-language that hopefully will give when does it take place? First, the you both a sense of understanding STCW Convention applies to all mariners working aboard seagoand a sense of urgency. The United Nations has an ing merchant vessels, whether on entity that deals with maritime domestic or international voyissues, the International Maritime ages. Inland and Great Lakes vesOrganization (IMO), which i~ sels are not under the STCW headquartered in London. Mari- Convention. So, if you sail time nations that belong to the aboard near-coastal or deep sea IMO (about 133) agree to fotlow ships, listen up! To better undervarious international agreements, stand when these changes kick in, called treaties or conventions. you should be aware of three Over the year~, the IMO ha.s pro- important dates. February 1, 1997: Various conventions duced several including the Safety of Life a.t requirements of the amended Sea Convention (SOLAS), the 1995 STCW Convention entered Marine Pollution Convention into force, namely: Basic Safety Training (BST); special training (MARPOL) and others. Almost all of these conven- for certain types of ships (tankers tions deal with equipment, con- and RO/RO passenger ships); and struction or operational proce- familiarization instruction when dures. Only one IMO convention joining a new ship. This marks deals with people- the Standards the beginning of what is called of Training, Certification and the transitional period, which Watchkeeping (STCW) Con- means we have five years to put in place all the new requirements vention. This convention was put -that is until Feb. 1, 2002. August 1, 1998: If you started your seagoing career (sailing) before this date, you have until Feb. l, 2002 to comply with the revised 1995 STCW Convention. However, if you started sailing or began maritime training after this date, you must be in full compliance with STCW now. February 1, 2002: The implementation period ends and all seafarers must meet all the requirements of the revised 1995 STCW Convention. The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education saw these new changes coming. In fact, we got involved by sending people to the IMO meetings as part of the U.S. delegations. Immediately we wrote articles in the LOG so the membership could know what was taking place, and practically every month the LOG updated the developments occurring in our industry. So, with that history lesson out of the way, what do YOU have to do? Unlicensed Seafarers must concern themselves with two things: having taken a Coast Guard-approved Basic Safety Training (BST) course or being trained and assessed aboard ship with entries made into your Training Record Book (TRB) and if you are a watchstanding deck or engine department person, you need to have a 1995 STCW certificate. If you do not have Ba.sic Safety Training or the 199 5 STCW certificate, if required, by February 1, 2002, YOU CANNOT SAIL ABOARD DEEP SEA OR NEAR-COASTAL SHIPS! The Paul Hall Center at Piney Point, Md. has been offering the BST classes for some time now. We have many classes scheduled through the end of this year, and next year we will run these classes continuously. So, get scheduled for this course! Here's another incentive to take the BST course as soon as Construction Continues On Simulator Complex GMDSS Component to Augment Training Construction on the simulator complex addition at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., began in mid-April. The facility's exterior has been completed . Construction crews will soon move to the inside to begin finishing the structure's interior. 6 Seafarers LOG U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (Updated as of May 2000) U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm. 109, Coast Guard Isl. Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW 1st Ave, 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Inspection Office Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle. WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane. Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Ofc Regional Examination center 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach. CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building, Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 Members should not expect same-day service for document renewals or STCW certificates. Please call the REC in advance with your request. possible. If you hold an endorsement for lifeboatman that was issued before August 1, 1998 and you try to renew your MMD before Feb. 1, 2002. then the only way you can keep that lifeboat endorsement when renewing is by providing proof of complying with the Basic Safety requirements of STCW. If you sail as AB, Boatswain's Mate, FOWT or QMED watchstander, you must have a 1995 STCW certificate by Feb. 1, 2002. To get this certificate, go to any U.S. Coast Guard Regional The infrastructure for a new state-ofthe-art simulator complex continues to take shape at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. In addition to the existing Lindsey Williams Building, which has been refurbished, the aggregate structure will feature a five-classroom addition. Construction on the addition began about eight weeks ago, according to J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the center. The building's exterior has been completed, and construction crews will soon move to the inside to begin finishing the structure's interior. "Once completed, the addition will contain five classrooms," Wiegman said. "Three of the rooms will be for general purpose use, a fourth for multi-functional applications and the fifth for our crane simulator." The Global Marine Distress Sequencing System simulator (GMDSS) is one of the many training tools that will be housed in the complex (articles were published on the shiphandling and engine room simulators in the May and June editions of the Seafarers LOG, respectively). It will be utilized by Seafarers who seek General Operator Certificates (GOC) or Restricted Examination Center (REC) with the following things: your merchant mariner's document (MMD); Training Record Book (TRB); BST course certificate, and one (1) passport photo. There is no charge for the 1995 STCW certificate. You can also get your certificate through the mail by sending notarized copies of your MMD and BST certificate and the photo to your nearest Coast Guard REC (see listing above of all Regional Examination Centers). Don't wait till the last minute on _this: the clock is ticking! Operator Certificates (ROC). Fully compliant with IMO resolutions and the latest STCW code requirements, the simulator can also be used as a component of the mariner's training and examination for the First Class or Second Class Radio Electronics Certificate. The system will have the capability to accommodate two instructors and 10 students simultaneously in a multi-functional classroom. It also will have the capacity to accurately imitate communication between ships, and among ships and co-stations using terrestrial satellite communications systems. Both types of communication can be accomplished with a high degree of realism. Additionally, unlicensed apprentices can be familiarized with the correct operation of GMDSS equipment for distress and general communication. "We will be training able bodied seamen, the limited license people and the licensed people who need GMDSS," said Russell Levin, an instructor at the center. "We also have quite a few people within the SIU who already have licenses and who will be training on this equipment." Continued on page 11 July2000 �'Vote of ·Thanks' Buoyed by big gains in a new five-year contract covering fast sealift ships, SIU members last month expressed strong satisfaction with the agreement. During three separate shipboard meetings June 8 in Baltimore with SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU crews on the USNS Wright, Cape Washington and Cape May enthusiastically offered votes of thanks for the union's work in securing major improvements in the fast sealift contract. That agreement covers eight vessels which also are known as SL7s. They are the USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Denebola, USNS Pollux and USNS Regulus. As reported last month, the contract keeps the jobs on the eight ships with the SIU. Highlights include substantial wage increases both in full operating status and reduced operating status; Seafarers Welfare and Pension Plans benefits at their top levels; and inclusion of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan at 5 percent of base wages. SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) won the pact with the U.S. Military Sealift Command to operate the ships. The new contract "is well-deserved. It's great news/' said Bosun John Toomey aboard the Cape May. On the Wright, Bosun Thomas Moore described the contractual gains as "incredible. This is a big step forward." Several Seafarers stAted that the new agreement is part1cularly satisfying to the numerous members who have spent considerable time working aboard the fast sealift ships. Telle~ reminded them that the union "always has said the hardest thing is to get that first contract, and once we we 're in, things will improve. It doesn't happen overnight, but this contract proves our point." Also last month, Seafarers were cautiously optimistic about the recent contract awards by the U.S. Maritime Administration for operation of 74 Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels. Although several companies protested the awards- resulting in a stopgap extension of the existing contract- the SIU secured substantial wage increases and benefit gains aboard the 45 RRF ships awarded to its contracted operators. The union strongly anticipates that when the challenged bids are resolved (tentatively expected by late September), the SIU will end up with a very similar number of ships and an equal or better contract compared to the one used in the original award. 1------ Pictured aboard the USNS Wright are (from left) Bosun Thomas Moore. GUDE Mark Canada, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, (sitting) Chief Steward Richard Mata, SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and QMED/Electrician James Weismore. The USNS Denebola is one of eight fast sealift ships covered by the new five-year contract. Pictured on the vessel after reviewing contract highlights are (seated, from left) SA John Weber, Chief Cook Dante Black, Chief Steward Gary Lackey, Bosun Willie Reynolds, AB Donald Gearhart, (standing) Wiper Carlos Perez, AB Ben Shupp, Electrician Ronald Kitlas, Wiper Enrique Nunez and OS C. Salim. Chief Steward Michelle Hopper (left) and QMED Taylor Clear (right) Besides the new contract, Seafarers on the Cape Washington also discussed the expanding U.S.-flag passenger fleet, the Jones Act and other issues. Pictured from the left are Bosun Rick James, Electrician Steve Kafka, QMED Taylor Clear, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Chief Steward Michelle Hopper and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Above: Seafarers meet aboard the Cape May. Left: Pictured from the left are Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz, (rear) AB Billy Ray Hanbury, First Engineer William Camacho, Chief Engineer James Wingate, Second Engineer Jim Van Pelt, Bosun John Toomey, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and Steward/Baker John Reid. The officers all are SIU hawsepipers. July2DOO Seafarers LOG 7 �r------.-.----- ------- -~- - - -- - National Maritime Day Nation Honors Merchant Mariners SIU Participates in Several Ceremonies Americans across the nation paid tribute last month to the bravery and sacrifices of the thousands of U.S. merchant mariners who so honorably have served our country, especially those who gave their lives during armed conflict. The occasion was National Maritime Day-an annual observance dating back to 1933 that acknowledges this often forgotten group's contributions. The SIU participated in several ceremonies, including three in Washington, D.C. on May 25 and two West Coast observances earlier that week. The events in and near the nation's capital were conducted by, respectively, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), the Port of Washington Propeller Club and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). MarAd Memorial MarAd's event in Washington, called the Merchant Marine Memorial Service 2000, took plact: at the U.S. Navy Memorial. In his operting remarks, Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart dubbed the gathering as ..a day set aside ti'.'.) hDnor the brave American civilia.ns a.nd merchant mariners who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we cherish. "It i5 al5o a day for rejoicing~" Hart continued, "rejoicing not only for their courage and self· tessness. but for their exuberance and innovation." Noting that th~ event's purpose was to focus on the contributions of seamen, principally those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Hart said, "Their passing is reason for sorrow, their presence reason for joy. We honor them with praise for their maritime skills honed by tough physical work in the seas' unforgiving environment." Keynote speaker Rodney Slater called the nation's merchant fleet "the United States' first Navy." Recounting their contributions during the Revolutionary War, the Secretary of Transportation said, "The U.S. merchant marine, which defeated the British navy to gain America's independence, has served our country- and served it well-in every war since 177 5. There is no more devoted community of professionals than those who serve the nation's marine transportation system." Former U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley presents remarks in behalf of Rep. Herb Bateman. Both are strong supporters of the U.S. merchant fleet. B Seafarers LOS After noting that more than 6,000 merchant mariners lost their lives "for the cause of freedom during World War II," Slater reflected on the admiration President Franklin D. Roosevelt possessed for the men who composed the U.S. fleet. He quoted the late commander-in-chief as having stated: "(Mariners) have written one of its most brilliant chapters. They have delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and dangerous job ever undertaken. As time goes on, there will be greater public understanding of our merchant's fleet record during this war (World War II)." He further illustrated the vital importance of the maritime industry today to America, noting that it annually accounts for some threefourths of a trillion dollars of America's gross national product "Our domestic fleet is one of our most productive and costeffective modes of transportation," Slater said, ••moving 24 percent of the nation's cargo at less than 2 percent of America's total freight cost. U.S. commercial ports handle 95 percent of the nation's international trade." He concluded, "Despite the challenges, the future is bright" SIU President Michel Sacco associated the plight of merchant mariners during World War II to that of front line soldier. "The seafarers of World War II were attacked from every angle," Sacco explained. "They were bombed from enemy airplanes, fired upon by enemy ships, torpedoed by enemy submarines. Many did not survive. They died in blazing explosions, in icy waters, in lifeboats that drifted into oblivion. They burned and drowned and starved. "But there has never been any quit in the American merchant marine," the SIU president asserted. "That's why leaders of that era, from Roosevelt to Eisenhower on down, emphatically stated that the merchant marine made all the difference m wmning the war." Representing the Seafarers at the annual wreath-laying ceremony aboard the Jeremiah O'Brien in San Francisco are retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney (right) and SIU Representative Chester Wheeler (second from right). Left and below: Guests observe the presentation of colors at last month's Maritime Day ceremony conducted in Washington, D.C. by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Sacco said that white ceremonies such as the memorial service are important, there is another way we as Americans can pay tribute to the thousands who gave their lives during World War II as well as those who served during other conflicts. "The best way we can honor them and confinn that they did not die in vain is to keep the American flag flying on the high seas, .. Sacco said. Sacco reminded those in attendance (including Seafarers from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.) that America depends on the sealift provided by a strong merchant marine whenever involved in conflict. "I wholeheartedly believe that the young men and women now entering the industry can look forward to a bright future and a National Maritime Memorial Day Proclamation May 22, 2000 Americans have always looked to the sea as a source of prosperity and security. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, with the Great Lakes, the ~int Lawrence Seaway, scores of harbors, ports, and Inlets, and thousands of miles of inland river shorelines, our Nation has been blessed with an unparalleled means of moving passengers and freight, protecting our freedom, and linking our citizens with the world. Today, 95 percent of our imports and exports are moved by water - more than one billion metric tons of cargo - and our waterways currently handle 140 million passengers a year. Our domestic fleet ls one of our most productive and cost-effective modes of transportation, moving 24 percent of the Nation's cargo at less than 2 percent of America's total freight cost. The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime industry have made Immeasurable contributions to our economic strength, standard of living, and leadership in the global marketplace. The U.S. Merchant Marine plays an equally important role in maintaining our national security. In times of con· flict or crisis, the Armed Forces rely upon the Merchant Marine's sealift capability to transport critically needed equipment and supplies. Time and again, American mariners have demonstrated their willingness and ablllty to meet ohen daunting challenges. From World War II to Korea to Vietnam, from Desert Storm to the Balkans and in numerous incidents in between, the U.S. Merchant Marine has responded with courage, patriotism, and a steadfast devotion to duty. The 21st century wlll hold new challenges for our maritime industry, including an anticipated doubling of cargo and jUllenger traffic In the next cwo decades. If we are to meet those challenges, we must maintain a robust U.S.flag fleet, crewed by American mariners. Last September, the Secretary of Transportation presented to the Congress a blueprint for modernizing our Marine Transportation System - the wate1Ways, ports, railways, and roads that move people and goods to, from, and on the water. We must build more and better ships, modernize our shipyards, create d@@per ports for today's ever larger containerships and ocean liners, and maintain a skilled maritime workforce. We must also ensure that local, State, and Federal agencies, the U.S. military, the maritime industry, shippers, labor unions, environmental groups, and other concerned organlzatlonJ work in partnership to carry out this blueprint. As we celebrate National Maritime Day this year, we also mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Maritime Administration. Throughout the past five decades, the dedicated men and women of this agency have worked to improve the competitiveness of our maritime Industry in world markets and to strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and effectively in time1 of crisis. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I salute these outstanding public servants for their commitment to the U.S. Merchant Marine and to the shipbuilding, repair services, ports, and intennodal water and land transportation systems they need to function efficiently. In recognition of the Importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine to our Nation's prosperity and security, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved Hay 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as ~atlonal Maritime Day·" and has authorized and requested the President to Issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. Now, therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2000, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities and by displaying the flag of the United States in their homes and in their communities. I also request that all merchant ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. William J. Clinton lifetime career in the U.S. merchant marine," he concluded. Two other speakers were featured at the MarAd ceremony. Raymond Ebeling, president and chairman, American RollOn/Roll-Off Carriers, urged support for the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program. He also called for ..a new comprehensive and aggressive maritime policy." Ebeling said that the beginning point of that new policy must be an agreement by all key stakeholders on the future role of the U.S. merchant marine and of U.S. flag carriers in terms of support of national defense policy. Edward Kelly, vice president, American Maritime Officers, who had just returned from the meeting of the International Maritime Organization in London, reflected on his trip and shared his impressions on how the world views our maritime industry. "At the meetings, the United States is still recognized as a global leader in almost everything," he said. "Included are maritime safety, quality and standards. However we do not measure up in the number of ships we have or in the number of mariners at sea, and certainly not in the number of ships we have under construction." Kelly said that the IMO and the world look to the United States for leadership, and it is essential that we present a stronger maritime trade commitment to them. "In order to live up to our calling," Kelly suggested, "we must have a national maritime policy that promotes the U.S.-flag merchant marine adequate to meet out national and economic security needs." He concluded his remarks by suggesting that "a most fitting memorial for those who have given their lives would be a merchant marine fleet of over 500 ships, a maritime program and more ships capable of functioning as a Navy auxiliary in times of national emergency. In this man- Continued on next page July2000 �Vice Presidential Salute Continued from previous page ~~·~- ner, we would honor those who have gone before us." and supported by the Gulfo] Mexico; AmenCa. ·ts :literally encircled by waters t1w.t reqµ~re us to rnair,itai~ our ~m- , petitive edge. The U.S. Merchant Marine, a fleet that is U.S. built, U.S~ owned, and U.S# crewed, is helping to ensure that success in the 21st century. · A strong America requires a strong merchant marine. I am proud of our administration's record in promoting the development and maintenance of a modem, efficient Backing from Bateman Congressman Herbert H. Bateman (R-Va.), chairman of the Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine of the House Armed Services Committee, was scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Propeller Club's annual Maritime Day luncheon. The congressman, however, was unable to attend due to a death in his family. Helen Delich Bentley, former member of Congress from Maryland and former chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, read his prepared speech at the U.S. Navy Yard. In part, Rep. Bateman's remarks were as follows: "We in the Congress are committed to providing the necessary resources and support for the maritime community so that you can continue to perform the outstanding work that has proven so beneficial to our nation. To that end, we share a set of common goals: we must have a strong maritime industry, including a viable and economically competitive U.S.-flag fleet; a strong shipbuilding industrial base; and an economically viable nationwide infrastructure of serviceable SIU President Michael Sacco discusses the MarAd ceremony with students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. harbors on the Great Lakes, inland waterways and seacoasts of the United States .... "The maritime industry, the Congress and the administration must continue to plead our case with the American people. An informed public will allow us to provide the necessary funding to preserve maritime power as the underpinning of our national security .... "I would be remiss if I did not mention several other pillars of our maritime security. The Jones Act, the Passenger Vessel Services Act, and the America's cargo preference laws are keeping our merchant marine afloat. Ships would not be under construction in the U.S. today if it were not for these laws. And ships would not be flying the United States flag for employing American citizen mariners if it were not for these laws. "We must all vigorously enforce the letter and spirit of these statues while bringing new ideas to the table to expand the U.S. fleet by stimulating growth in each pillar of our merchant marine." MSC Ceremony "Today, National Maritime Day, we take time to remember and celebrate the heroic feats of the men and women who have served this nation as merchant mariners . Established in 1933, this special day recognizes the service and sacrifice of those who have served ashore and afloat, going in harm's way when necessary." So stated Adm. Donald Pillingt vice chief of naval operations, during his keynote address at the MSC ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard. A wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the American merchant mariners lost to hostile action followed the admiral's address. The event, which attracted merchant fleet, capable of helping our expanding world trade. and meeting the needs of the military in times of conflict, or national emergency. The Jones Act is thefoundation of our American.maritime·ind.tlstry a,nd an essen- . ··tial· part of· the fabric . or our . n,atjO.tt':s . . gcon.q@ic, . an~,;. national security. I am committed to ensutin{f'f°he pres·< more than 300 participants and spectators, was hosted by Vice Adm. Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC. Posting the colors and providing music were members of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and the U.S. Navy Band, respectively. Also on hand were the master and crew of the ocean-going tug USNS Mohawk who represented MSC ships and America's merchant mariners around the world. Seafarers from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., were also in attendance. Admiral Pilling noted that although the Washington Navy Yard was a fitting place to acknowledge the mammoth contributions of America's men;hant mariners to our nation's very existence, the yard's history isn't as long as that registered by the merchant mariners. "While the yard contains 200 years of history, that number falls 25 years short of the service given by these gallant men and women," the admiral said. "Their history is full of courageous deeds and selfless sacrifice." After tracing their record from the Revolutionary War to the present, Admiral Pilling commented on the historically close relationship merchant seamen have always shared with their uniformed comrades. "It is vital that the partnership between the U.S. merchant marine and the U.S. Navy remains strong, especially in these days of 'rightsizing' and shrinking budgets," Admiral Pilling offered. "At the same time, the modem global market requires a powerful maritime force to protect our interests and prevent hostilities. Our maritime forces must be able to prevail in conflict. "As we move into a new millennium, I have complete faith in the men and women of our merchant marine," he continued. "I know they will be there, whenever the nation calls, a crucial part of our maritime force." Admiral Pilling concluded his remarks with a statement of gratitude to all merchant mariners who paid the ultimate sacrifice for this nation. "I extend a heartfelt thanks and the appreciation of the nation to the men and women of America's merchant marine, for your heroism, your sacrifices, your undaunted service." July2000 SIU President Michael Sacco Seafarers LOS 9 �Maersk Sealand Opens New Houston Terminal New York's 30-Year Lease Approved Maersk Sealand has expanded its operations in Houston with the recent opening of a 71-acre terminal. The Terminal Six facility, ceremonially opened by the company and the port of Houston May 17, includes four cranes. a dozen receiving/delivering lanes, six scales plus an additional 16 acres being developed. It features 2000-foot berths and dockside rail. A number of SIU members and officials attended the kickoff at the Barbours Cut Container Terminal. Two weeks later, Maersk Sealand welcomed news from the northeast that the governors of New York and New Jersey finally cleared the way for implementa- tion of a 30-year lease between the port and the company. New Jersey's Christie Whitman and New York's George Pataki ended a 17-month stalemate that had delayed the shipping line's expansion at Port Elizabeth, N.J. According to press reports, the governors had been at odds regarding which state benefits more from its Port Authority revenues. They approved the lease after agreeing to earmark $250 million for New York transportation projects, allow privatization of the World Trade Center and study a possible increase in fares for the commuter rail linking the two states. Attending the ceremonial opening at the Barbours Cut facility are (from left) Recertified Steward Fernando Urias, AB Travis Corgey, Bosun John Cain, SIU Safety Director Kenneth Moore, Bosun's Mate Gilbert Rodriguez, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee and Electrician Randy Clark. Allied Tug Falcon Awaits New Charter Seafarers met with SIU officials aboard the Allied Towing tug Falcon (below) recently in the port of Norfolk, Va. The vessel was in the shipyard getting prepared for a new charter. In addition to distributing copies of the most recent Seafarers LOG and other union forms, officials also discussed the new contract, pensions and the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Chief Cook Donald Lee Jones The new terminal already spans 71 acres and will expand by another 16 currently being developed. USNS Soderman Ties Up In Norfolk Captain R. C. Morris and Port Captain Andy Higbee Chief Engineer Hugh L Gibbs Jr. and Utility Man Richard E. Hamilton. Mate Thomas B. Mercer and Port Engineer SIU officials recently greeted the crew of the USNS Soderman as it tied up in the Port of Norfolk, Va. Officials passed out the latest edition of the Seafarers LOG as well as other SIU forms to crew members. Pictured above (from left) are Chief Steward Ron Jones, SA Herman Stith and Chief Cook Thomas Johnson. Pictured below (from left) are AB Tim Kacer, SIU Representative Pat Vandergrift, Bosun Jeff Saxon and OS Paul Hennessey. Wiggins to Seafarers LOG July2000 �Front-Gate Facelift Almost Finished Dredging With the Manhattan Island Two NATCO dredges-the Dodge Island and the Manhattan Island-currently are working in San Juan Bay, P.R. on a nearly year-long project to deepen the shipping channel. At left is the dredging process in operation and (below) the Manhattan Island enters San Juan bay for its first week of work. The front gate at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is being refurbished. It is scheduled for completion this month. The center is located in Piney Point, Md. Hart Goes to New Department; Graykowsld Fiiis MarAd Post Simulator Complex Under Construction Continued from page 6 Levin said the center's original GMDSS system was radiooperator Morse Code-based, or ship-to-ship. However, things have changed tremendously where communications are concerned, he added. With the advent of satellite communications and the ability of satellites to detect signals, communications developers decided that rather than retaining a ship-to-ship-based system, a better approach would be to go ship-to-shore. "They decided on this approach because the shore folks could manage communication input much better by using a rescue coordinating center," Levin offered. "As a result, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), an IMO subcommittee, and other working groups in various countries developed the GMDSS. They also developed equipment requirements, operating procedures and examinations." Levin said GMDSS training in the United States, and in most other countries today, is standardized. Signatory nations must comply with Standards of Training Certification and Watcbkeeping (STCW) laws. These prerequisites, the same that exist for other countries, presently are satisfied in the U.S. through a 70-hour course. One requirement in that course is the demonstrated ability (for assessment) of actually operating the equipment. The instructor concluded that the GMDSS simulators should help students at the Paul Hall Center learn communications systems quicker and hone their ability to interact with them. When completed, the simulator complex addition will contain five classrooms. Three of the rooms will be for general purpose use, a fourth for multi-functional applications and the fifth for a crane simulator. July2000 The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced that Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart will serve as the acting deputy administrator of the new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). During Hart's leave of absence from MarAd, Deputy Administrator John Graykowski will be its acting administrator. The FMCSA was established Jan. 1. Its mission is to improve roadway safety by preventing commercial motor vehicle-related injuries and fatalities. Graykowski previously served as acting head of MarAd from 1997 to 1998. Port Waives Rent For Lane Victory Los Angeles harbor commissioners last month approved a five-year rent-free agreement with the group operating the historic vessel SS Lane Victory. The lease is expected to save an estimated $270,000 for the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans of World War II, the volunteer association in charge of the ship. The Lane Victory-which served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War- has been berthed in Los Angeles for the past 11 years. It is a floating memorial but remains fully operational, offering a half-dozen or so one-day cruises to Catalina during the summer. Maintenance and operation of the vessel costs an estimated $200,000 even without any rent, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. ITF Dellvers For Crews On Runaway-Flag Ships The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) recently reported that in 1999 it recovered more than $23 million in back pay owed to crews on 551 runaway-flag and other substandard ships. The ITF is composed of 570 affiliate unionsincluding the SIU-in more than 130 countries. Those unions represent more than five million members. In addition to securing back wages for the crews, the ITF through its 100-plus inspectors last year arrested numerous unsafe ships and ensured that proper repairs were made. With St. Louis AMMV Chapter SIU President Michael Sacco (fourth from right) and Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan (fifth from right) greet members of the Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans during this year's St. Louis Port Council dinner. The event took place April 8. Pictured from left to right are Donald Adams, SIU St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper, Edward Dierkes, George Ward, Donald Witte, Mike Congardi, Carnahan, Sacco, Michael Buckley, John Ludwig and Jack Grothe. Seafarers LOG 11 �With th At the llall In and Right: Port Agent Anthony McQuay conducts a membership meeting at the Jacksonville hall with the help of VP Dean Corgey (left) and Patrolman Bryan Powell. Catching up on union news during a monthly membership meeting are (from left) OMU Gary Doyen, OMU Patrick McPherson, Chief Cook Jack Hart, Steward/Baker Floyd Bishop and OMU Milton Israel Jr. During a recent union meeting at the Jacksonvil Chief Cook Rob Seim, QEE Hardin Chancey Payne review the Seafarers LOG and discuss t trends in the maritime industry. Recertified Bosun David Campbell addresses the membership at a recent union meeting. Brother Campbell stressed the importance of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center and the need to bring new recruits into the union. (Campbell completed the bosun recertification course at the school in May.) Port Agent Anthony McQuay presides over the voting booths while Recertified Bosun William "Scotty" Byrne receives his ballot. Brother Byrne cast the first vote at the Jacksonville hall in the SIU-NMU proposed merger. Left: Full book members raise their hands to be counted at the Jacksonville membership meeting. 12 Seafarers LOG July2000 �,Memben: ~()UDdthe ri\'llle liall Recertified Steward Milton Yournett reads about new and upcoming SIU job opportunities while aboard the Atlantic. The Jacksonville hall has the largest jurisdictional area as well as the largest coastal area of any of the SIU ports-spanning the region from the North Carolina border to Key West, Fla. to Panama City. Needless to say, shipping is very good in Jacksonville1 making many job calls quite competi· tive and action at the counter fast and furious. Serving the membership throughout the region are Port Agent Anthony McQuay along with Patrolmen Bryan Powell (who provided the photos on these two pages) and Harmando Salazar. They meet the ships, tugs and dredges that hit port any· where In their jurlsdlaion and also help the members with any business they need to take care of in the hall. Deckhand Derek Dragon unpacks and mixes paint for maintenance work at the docks of Crescent Towing and Salvage in Savannah, Ga. SIU Patrolman Bryan Powell (center) meets with two unlicensed apprentices-Ryan Smith {left) and Randolph Cash-aboard the Atlantic, a U.S. Ship Management Co. vessel. Since December, the port of Jacksonville has taken delivery of four new contrainer cranes (like the one at left), for a total of 14. The new cranes help the port keep pace with the growing container trade and are part of a $150 million investment in terminal improvements over the past three years. Two members of the dock crew at Crowley are OSs Mario Morante and Jason Powell. Also at Crowley. Port Agent Anthony McQuay (left) stops to chat with AB Gilberto Chamorro. any of the SIU-contracted ships, tugs and dredges come through or are stationed in the port of Jacksonville. The above vessels are just four of a larger number serviced by port officials ecently. From the left are the El Mo"o (Sea Star}; the dredge Dodge Island on the job in Georgetown, S.C.; the PFC William B. Baugh offloading at Blount Island Marine Terminal; and the tug enera/ Oglethorpe of Crescent Towing & Salvage in Savannah, Ga. July2000 Seafarers LOS 13 . J �A VOYAGETOINDIA-1940 Last April, the Seafarers LOG published part of Pensioner James M. Smith's journal of his trip to India in 1940 as an ordinary seaman aboard the SS Steel Age. The vessel had steamed past the Rock of Gibraltar, through the Suez Canal and called on the ports of Alexandria, Egypt and Jidda, Saudi Arabia. This second segment continues in Jidda. This evening, Bud, Bill and I went ashore ($5 for round-trip in launch) and were escorted around the city by an Arabian government official who could speak fairly good English. Jidda has no electric lights, using gas as its means of illumination. There are no paved streets and no sidewalks. The streets are hardpacked dirt, even in the "shopping district." There is an abundance of goats, donkeys (which are painted all colors of the rainbow), dirty dogs, cats and camels. The Arabs, however, are most kindly and not at all aggressive. I much prefer them to my late Egyptian fiends, er, friends. My guide and interpreter was well dressed in the native garb of flowing silken robes, leather sandals and a blue silk sash. His headdress was the customary turban with a one-inch diameter black cord wrapped twice around. It is the badge of authority for government officials. We walked through the dark streets flanked by buildings that were ornate but centuries old _ There was a distinctly oriental odor that I could Mt define, and I saw no women except two or three shrouded black creatures that somehow didn't resemble in any way the female of the species. From a minaret came the wail of a muezzin: plaintive, lonesome and searchingly thin, calling the faithful to evening prayer. The Moslems pray five times a day, and the muezzins, or priests, have the "good fortune" to be blinded while still young babies "so that they may see no evil." We went through the east gate in the walled city and were on the road to Mecca for about 100 yards. There was a camel caravan camped alongside the road with the camels tethered nearby. Being an old farm boy from the midwest, I couldn't resist trying to make friends with one of the animals. When I went to pat him (her?) on the nose, the beast made a swipe at me with huge yellow teeth, and I fell over backward, much to the merriment of the bedouins, who were rolling on the ground with laughter. Returning to the center of the town, the government chap invited us to his house for tea. More dark alleys. On the floor in the entrance hall lay about a dozen ragged pilgrims, one of whom had a dangerous looking dagger. I stepped over them all very carefully. Up five short flights of stairs and into a well-furnished room with a platform bed built around two sides. There were about two dozen pillows of varying and beautiful design and a 14 Seafarers LOG by J. Melford Smith thick rug on the floor that would harbor. Had a drink with a couple Somewhere east of Suez cost a fortune in the States. British soldiers, then the three of Where the best is like the The windows were of wood us went to the cinema. worst The movie was in an ancient Where there ain 't no ten comand pointed at the top. On the wall was a picture of King Farouk amphitheater open to the starry mandments And a man can raise a thirst and his Egyptian queen. There night sky. I asked one of my comwas a small table of teak or panions about not having a roof. mahogany on which were small He said, "What for? It hasn't Saturday, March 23glasses, ash trays that were never rained here for 105 years!" In Underway at dawn yesterday for meant for use and similar articles Aden, I used five kinds of money Karachi, India. The Arabs in of beautiful but useless design. -American, English, Arabian, Rastanura stole everything that wasn't bolted to the deck. They The tea was thick, very sweet Egyptian and Indian. Wednesday, March 13- even stole the flag halyard! Today and very good. We chatted about Arabia and Egypt and T. E. Underway at 1700 for Rastanura the weather is warm with calm Lawrence before leaving to visit in the Persian Gulf. At sunset we seas as we cross the Gulf of the Americans' residence. were pushing our bow into the Oman. I am drawing 100 rupees, There are seven Americans East Indian Ocean, a flat lazy sea which I hope will last until here working for Standard Oil of turned to blue and gold by the set- Calcutta. Sunday, March 24--Easter California. We were welcomed ting sun. In the east, the first of with open arms (and scotch and the evening stars was twinkling in Sunday. Fine weather and calm sodas). We blue seas. There were the first is a full moon Americans to these nights, making it very visit them, and they were genbeautiful on the uinely glad to midwatch. While off watch, if I'm see us. Everyone got slightly not working with tipsy, and we the deck gang under superviarrived at the dock at midsion of the bonight in a Ford sun, I lie on deck touring sedan and read. At prein high humor sent am reading "History of the and noisy song. Saturday, United States" March 9by Emerson Fite. Woke up this ,.........."":-Am surprised at how much I still morning with a hangover. and -~~11".a• have to learn my mouth felt about American like the Russian ~....-:o~-------------~~:...__.~:::::J history. Army had been marching through a deep blue sky. Tuesday, Macch 26-Arrivcd it in their stocking feet _Too many Thursday, March 14--Was in Karachi, which is at the mouth scotch and sodas, no doubt. really warm on deck today. of the Indus River. Went ashore in Blistering hot today. Underway Didn't get up 'til noon. This is the afternoon. Found the place really splendid cruising compared very interesting and the prices for Aden at 1600. Sunday, March 10--Got up to my two years as a Marine on lDw. Underway for Bombay on at noon. Have been reading the USS Houston. There has been Wednesday. "Beau Geste" by P.C. Wren. a ship in sight all day with guns Friday, March 29- We which I finished after getting off mounted aft and no flag. We arrived in Bombay about noon. Went to a movie in the evening. watch. Very good story. Played ~hanged course just in case. "quoits" this afternoon. It's like Friday, March l~Fish on Saw "Balalaika," then had dinner horseshoes but with eight-inch the menu today. Nothing of inter- at the Taj Mahal Hotel-"The rings made of rope. The sea is est to write about. 1380 miles to Gateway to India." smooth as glass and it's hotter our next port of call. Weather than hell. We pass a ship every very hot-am getting a good tan. Bombay Nights two or three hours. ETA at Aden Tuesday, March 19-For the Englishmen and ladies in is Tuesday morning. past three days we have been evening clothes, beggars everyMonday, March. 11-The cruising steadily northeast at 10 where crying "Bakshish, Sahib," weather is very hot but we have a knots through the Indian Ocean. gharreys (horse-drawn carriages) strong wind and a choppy sea. Today we entered the Persian and rickshaws, Indian girl prostiThis wind is called a "khamsin," Gulf from the Gulf of Oman. tutes, some not more than chilwhich means "50" in Arabic, Both countries are in sight. On dren, Anglo-Indians called because it blows 50 days a year. the port side, the high, desolate "Chichi's," and some of the most Passed two islands near the and rugged mountains of the beautiful architecture in the entrance to the Red Sea. We stand Arabian Peninsula; to starboard, world. The locals wear class watches only since it's too hot to the low rolling coastal plain of marks on their foreheads and in work on deck. Persia (Iran). We will be arriving their noses. Colorful saris on the in Rastanura Thursday morning. women. And people, people GuH of Aden This evening there is a yellow everywhere. Tuesday, March 12-Entered moon lying low over the East The weather was bot and the the Gulf of Aden this morning. Indian Sea, reminding me of nights beautiful. Sitting on the Raised land at 1400 and tied up to more romantic moments. Just one veranda with my British friends buoys in Aden harbor at 1600. year since Palm Beach. Ah, and a lovely Chichi girl named Went ashore after dinner. There romance! Perhaps things will Terry. Thought of "The Romance isn't much of interest here work out better in the future. of the East" Can't remember the although Aden is the fueling port Read "Half a Loaf' by Grace author: for all ships going to and from the A. Lewis, a tenderly romantic The lilt of liquid Malay tunes Far East. This is a British military novel of the trials and tribulations Azure tropic skies post where duty should be avoid- of a young author and his wife. The warmth of sunlight on ed if possible. It is incredibly barThursday, March 21lagoons ren, consisting of huge rugged- Arrived at Rastanura this momLaughter in dark eyes. looking mountains of volcanic ing. A most desolate place with From distant lands these magrock and, incidentally, one of the nothing to signify its existence ics come hottest places on earth, with tem- but a few oil tanks. Flat desert, no Where love and fragrance peratures running to 130 degrees. trees. The British pilot who meet There are a few Allied mer- brought the ship in said, "When The lute and zithers gentle chant ships in the harbor, all the wind isn't blowing like hell strum armed. While ashore, I walked from the north, it's blowing like Is stilled by desert heat. around the English settlement. hell from the south." It is so hot From many a visioned then down through the native and dry we are thirsty all the unknown land quarter and back to the Crescent, time. I wonder if Kipling was in a A mystic world afar which is a tree-lined street run- situation like this in northern Mongolia, Tibet, Samarkand ning along the shoreline of the India when he wrote: And fabled 'Zanzibar! On Sunday I went to the race track with my British friends, dressed in my new khaki shorts and pith helmet. Won a whole bunch of rupees but didn't realize how much until I returned to the hotel, emptied all my pockets and the ones I had stuffed in my shirt. Almost $500 ! The most money I have ever had! On Monday I stopped at the bank and changed it to American dollars before returning to the ship and had Capt. Jones put it in the ship's safe. We left Bombay this morning at dawn. As we made our way across the harbor through the heavy traffic, the sun rose out of the ocean to touch the rounded, pointed domes of the Taj Mahal Hotel and slowly flood the city with light, chasing the early morning mist before it. And so farewell to this great city of the East, where east is east and west is also east. We are now bound for Columbo, Ceylon with an ETA for Thursday. There is a rumor going around that we will go to Singapore from Calcutta and back to the States via Honolulu. Around the world cruise! Columbo, Ceylon Friday, April S-Arrived in Columbo early Wednesday evening. We moored the ship to a buoy in the polluted harbor. My watch partner, Bill Marks, had bought a tailored white sharkskin suit in Bombay and was wearing it for the first time. There were three bum.boats tied up at the foot of the gangway. Bill went tripping merrily down the gangway. He jumped into the first boat, which tipped dangerously. Off balance, he jumped into the second boat with the same result. The third boat was a complete miss, and poor Bill wound up in the oily harbor water with his white sharkskin suit A comical performance but a real loss for Bill. I went ashore in a bumboat at a cost of one-half rupee. Columbo is a singularly beautiful town and has a fine European-style business district, elegant English tea rooms and the Grand Oriental hotel. The city is clean, and the native housing districts are a mile or more from the main shopping area. The native Ceylonese are not so ragged as elsewhere in the East. Transportation is by rickshaw or trams and also fast motor buses. The dock where I landed is a very modem one with a moneychanging place at the entrance. Opposite the dock is the Grand Oriental, so I stopped in. There was dancing in the ballroom with some rather bored-looking British colonials dressed in evening clothes and their very, very snobbish women. The atmosphere was a bit dull so I left. Perhaps Kipling had it right when he wrote about some girls back home in merry old England: Beefy face and grubby hand Law, what do they understand? I've a sweeter, neater maiden In a cleaner, greener land On the road to Mandalay. To·be continued in a future issue of the Seafare-rs LOG. . July 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MAY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C · Baltimore Norfolk Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Tuesday: September 5* DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York : Philadelphia JUNE 15, 2000 29 7 .. 6 21 IO 4 5 3 4 2 1 9 11 7 12 5 12 24 10 17 9 12 13 12 2 0 11 11 8 9 7 6 s 3 .} 6 4 11 17 4 5 7 2 1 254 2 143 87 6 Mobile New Orleans s 23 25 3 0 6 1 l I 0 0 8 · o ..... 0 2 0 26 4 4 120 22 18 32 59 . : :·:::.·: ..43 10 26 11 39 18 23 3 43 11 108 420 3 8 2 184 . 20 12 4 10 3 0 6 17 5 10 7 2 5 4 2 . 5 8 7 7 3 ··.29 3 6 ·7 5 10 13 ••••••••••••••• .Friday: August 11, September S Baltimore .......-.o.....Tuursday: August 10, September 7 Duluth .......• + •••••••••••• Honolulu .•. n ••• ~~; Wednesday; August 16, September 13 ...... Friday: AriguSt 18,. Septembet lS 2 1 71 4 0 2 4 5 2 2 0 0 3 3 9 . . '13 0 4 1 7 8 12 0 3 1 6 12 2 5 7 2 4 1 1 32 6 10 10 11 4 35 3 4 0 0 12 38 42 8 I Personals FRIENDS OF JAMES E. HILL James E. Hill would like to hear from shipmates who served with him aboard the Penn Vanguard or the Keva Ideal. His address is 410 East Oak Ave., Apt. 7, Tampa, FL 33602. 6 Crusader Pays Off in New York 0 5 0 112 2 58 0 259 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 20 .. ,. . 16'' 0 0 0 2 0 10 0 1 10 0 0 0 21 38 0 .. 0 77 43 .2 .3. :·:. l4 17 16 4 5 38 43 .... 2 . Totals All Departments 8 7 18 u 3 8 6 3 ll 18 Algonac 9 6 5 7 19 5 10 3 2 . *change created by Labor Day holiday 2 15 2 2 These photos were snapped aboard the Crusader (CSX) during a recent stop in New York. Above (from left) Electrician Kevin Cooper and AB John Walsh enjoy a late dinner. Below (left) Bosun Roberto Diaz meets with SIU New York Safety Director Jack Sheehan, and (right) Steward Joe Emidy finishes up his galley duties for the evening . 19 3 21 0 0 0 0 2 41 199 171 25 109 126 0 85 290 290 608 493 337 434 356 258 224 970 655 504 0 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. July2000 Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 2000 CL - Company/Lakes **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Port 0 . Algonac 0 A~gonac NP-Non Priority TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port L-Lakes 0 17 4 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT ·: 0 .:7~.:. . ·: ·:· . °() . 0 : .: .:!:,,,.::. ::s·.·.;:x·}:x•:r:.f Port Algonae Totals All Depts 0 53 48 0 32 18 0 19 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 21 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals 0 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 11 7 2 7 12 0 Totals All Depts 4 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 5 31 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PfilLAl>ELPIDA .. 2604 S. 4 St., Philadelphia, PA 19'148' {215). 336-3818 . . · P,INB.Y llO~T eo. Bmc 1s. Piriey Point. MD ...'. . :.:· ....: {'.!PD t)94-00l~ 16 Seafarers LOS . . 20674 This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Arthur Longuet of Carson City, Nev. The picture was snapped in the summer of 1947 aboard the Governor Graves, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel, which was en route to France. Longuet is in the second row, fourth from right (marked with an "X"). He sent this photo to the LOG. hoping someone might recognize himself. Brother Longuet, now 72, joined the SIU in 1945 in his native New York. He sailed in the deck department and retired in 1991. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she sould like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. July2000 �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. recertified bosun who upgraded his skills several times at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., is among the six Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Brother Walter W. LeClair has some 30 years of service with the SIU in addition to his tenure with the U.S. Army. In addition to Brother LeClair, each of the five other retirees sailed in the deep sea division. Three of the retirees were members of the steward department, two shipped in the engine department and one sailed in the deck department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA PEDRO A. ALICEA, 66, joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of New York and first sailed aboard the Westchesteroperated Charle,ston. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Alicea worked in the steward department. He last sailed this year aboard the Producer, operated by CSX Lines. Brother Alicea resides in Ponce, P.R. PAULT. BABBIN, 62, hails from Jacksonville, Fla. A native of Boston, Brother Babbin joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of Seattle. He worked as a member of the Steamship Lines, Inc. Brother Rosich last sailed in 1999 aboard the Cape Gibson, operated by Patriot. He currently resides in San Bruno, Calif. engine department, first sailing aboard the Transyork, a Trans Western Associates vessel. The Jacksonville resident last sailed this year aboard the NPR Inc.operated Mayaguez. CLIFFORD A MELROSE, 75, began his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Seattle. A member of the steward department, Brother Melrose 's first ship was the Sea-Land Galloway. The Deadwood, S.D. native last sailed in 1984 aboard the Weschester-operated Arcon. Brother Melrose currently resides in Rapid City, S.D. FRANCISCO M. ROSICH, 59, joined the MC&S in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Rosich is a native of Peuto Rico. His first ship was the Santa Mariana, operated by Delta YUSEF SALAHI, 71, hails from Astoria, N. Y. Brother Salahi joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. A native of Yemen, his first ship was the Noon Day, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He was a member of the engine department, last sailing this year aboard the Green Island, also operated by Waterman. Brother Salahi calls Lackawanna, N. Y. home. WALTERW. Le CLAIR, 64, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. A native of New Hampshire, Brother LeClair was a member of the deck department. He first sailed aboard an Interocean Ugland-Management Corp.vessel. An honorably discharged veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1960. Brother LeClair upgraded his skills several times at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. and completed the bosun recertification program there in 1974. The Chatham, Mass. resident last sailed in 1976 aboard the Anchorage, operated by Sea-Land Services. Mayaguez Incident Recalled In Television Shaw, Letter The 1975 ordeal of the SS Mayaguez, one of the most famous SIUcrewed ships ever, recently was recalled in a one-hour feature on the Discovery Channel. "Seized at Sea" aired May 14. The show focused mainly on rescue efforts by the U.S. Marine Corps. Navy and Air Force that followed the Mayaguez capture by Cambodian rebels (the Khmer Rouge) off that country's coast. It featured recently declassified film footage of the mission and included interviews with President Gerald F Drd, Mayagui!z crew members and military personnel. Additionally, Charles G. Raymond, president of CSX Lines (formerly Sea-Land, which operated the Mayaguez), sent a letter to the U.S. Ambassador in Cambodia concerning the 25-year anniversary of the incident and a related ceremony. The letter is reprinted here: s The Honorable Kent Wiedemann Ambassador Embassy of the United States of America 27 EO Street 240 Phnom Penh Cambodia Re: Ceremony Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Mayaguez incident l!~~-J~~~~··' Dear Ambassador Wiedemann: ·,;.itJ~!fng ·ai heati(fuaitil-$;J~i.,g4ent Paul Hall -~~~~!r··ia~;::tnt=~=an ..pdj~i:·.(i.q-i:·;~ij~i;::;. . =a~\~ " · ·: .Pf . ·. POint':· ~d·....;.,. . at . . ney . " ·~• ...•. ·:;_:.~9. ~tain yo~ng' l;nei(·.··y fJQi.:. entf'Y#-vid. JOb.s . . . . cation,, training ~nd... THJS MONTH JN SJU HISTORY :::0~· . uu __..minated ra~ ~loo ·: flionth at a diplomat• ..·i.(:.(Onf~rtPC.e. ..CQn.- . , : . :aucte<I J~ . ~dii.d6~·:;\. : :-: : ·. ;:ships;"'; ,D ts<Wlll . .be·:1n·. . . · . ..... wJth the ·adop&n·of : : '. :~a4.1ij;«;~!f.' ·YP8r~~i~$:. .!rainia,~· ~· en~bl~· . :: i.:i:.: .>~;·:,:•.; ~·; ~~~~r:. ~f. $lgnifkant:· ~eviiio11s. .ai~~d ~· . ·. . <~~~?lm~(t~q~™g .:wot!dfil<~~ameri:w ·:qualifY· f0r promotions <. . ,. :·: . .·Improving shipboard safet)t. · ·. ~ft!!i';;$~@fit•:<f ·training.....:· ;.;f~~j;,;;·'.~.jfk!·•••• ! ; ···••;\;cj:J;.;·y; ;_;;/· ;'.•·;• J;::i{:~; ~e~wa:~~~ ~.:U':n· L~#!~~~;·o.µ.·"the. $1\.P~J>rand .>stol!:·: ~~'°arters. buildlnr".in ·new. siX· . .. . that the safety'.:.of seamen was the primari. camp Springs, consideration .in the updating of the .:.: M4~/~/~~tf.~g::. c,Omi>t.e.tio'-1· · The buildfitr.ls ... lntematk>nal. Con\fei1don of the Standards of ·Training#' Certification and Watchkeeping ·':W.~J~~@1:. .Q~C. All of.Jhe ~erior wo~k (STCW),. a 17-year-old pact that has t 13 :. J\~· tiien.:completed; "and·interior·work is signatory countries whose fleets represent tld~~·'-~:aJ(.!1Jg· rapidly. nearly 95 percent of the world's merchant'i:;Xi!i;:5~J14irir ·should be ready for occupation ~Ip tonnage.. · IObted just' minutes by car from downtown July2DOO Twenty-five years ago this morning, the United States Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps launched a military rescue effort against the forces of the Cambodian Khmer Rouge. Their sole mission was to free the forty officers and crew members of the U.S.-flag merchant vessel Mayaguez. The ship, operated by our company, Sea-Land Service, had been seized by a Cambodian gunboat four days earlier while on a routine commercial voyage from Hong Kong to Thailand . The crew was taken forcibly from the ship and held in an unknown location. This action represented a direct attack by the Khmer Rouge on the sovereign territory of the United States of America and the illegal detention of its citizens . Tragically, forty-one American servicemen lost their lives during the successful completion of the mission . As a result of the courage and sacrifice of the members of the rescue team, the Mayaguez's crew was released by their captors, reunited with their ship and returned safely to their voyage. The statement made by the United States on May 15, 1975 was heard loud and clear around the world. U.S.-flag merchant ships and American seamen will be protected on the high seas with the same vigor and determination as our borders and citizens would be defended at home. The brave men who died during this mission left a legacy which has and will continue to instill pride in the men and women who choose to go to sea on our ships. The American merchant marine will always be grateful. Mr. Ambassador, please pass on our thanks and lasting gratitude to the members of the United States' armed forces attending your ceremony today for their service to our country and for the ultimate sacrifice of their comrades twenty-five years ago. They gave their lives to protect not just the men of the Mayaguez, but the American merchant marine and its crews wherever they sail. Sincerely, Charles G. Raymond President Seafarers LOB ., 7 �DEEP SEA BLEWETT DAVIS ~~= Pensioner Blewett Davis, 76, passed away April 13. Born in Texas, he began his SIU career in 1965 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first ship was the Sreel Flyer. Brother Davis worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in October 1988, he sailed aboard the Overseas Juneau. The Abernathy, Texas resident was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945. JEROME J. FAHEY Jerome J. Fahey, 58, died November 10, 1999. A native of New York, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1986 aboard the USNS Assurance, operated by Sea Mobility, Inc. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. From 1958 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Fahey last sailed in 1997 aboard the Cpl. Louis J Hauge Jr., operated by Maersk Line. He was a resident of Ingleside, Texas. NORMAN L. FERGUSON Pensioner N6rman L Fergu~(')t1, 82, passed away February 27. Brother Ferguson joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1943. Born in Mississippi, he sailed as a chief steward and began receiving his pens.Qn in May 1973. H., made his home in Suison City, Calif passed away April 9. He began his career with the MC&S in 1942 aboard the Oliver Wendell Holmes. Born in Idaho, he worked as a chief steward, last sailing aboard the President Roosevelt, an American President Lines vessel. Brother Johnston was a ·resident of Manzanita, Ore. and retired in May 1983 . DAVID KNIGHT Pensioner David Knight, 89, died April 6. Brother Knight joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in October 1972. He made his home in Jacksonville Beach, Fla. JOSEPH J. KUNDRAT Pensioner Joseph J. Kundrat, 84, passed away March 22. Born in Pennsylvania, be began his career in 1944. Brother ~~;;;;.;;;.;;;.;;;..;;;;;;;;;;.:;;.:.;;;;;i Kundrat worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. Prior to retiring in December 1982, he sailed as a chief steward aboard the Osprey. Westminster, Md. was his home. sru KANE K. LEETEG Pensioner Kane PETER GONSALVES Pensioner Peter Gonsalves, 68, died April 9. He started his ~areer with th~ MC&S in 1961 aboard the Sierra, an Oceanic Steamship Co. vessel. The Hawaii native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1986. Prior to retiring in June 1994, he sailed as a chief steward aboard the Manulani, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Gonsalves was a resident of Honolulu. ALEXANDER N. GONZALES Pensioner Alexander N. Gonzales, 85, passed away April 8. Born in the Philippine Islands, he joined the MC&S, sailing as a member of the steward department. A resident of Daly City, Calif., he started receiving his pension in July 1974. JOHN L. HUBBARD Pensioner John L. Hubbard, 80, died March 31 . A rtative of . Canada, he .Jr joined the Sea·'% farers in 1949 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in June 1982, he worked aboard the Baltimore, operated by Sea-Land Service. Linwood, Mass. was his home. ROBERT W. JOHNSTON Pensioner Robert W. Johnston, 87, 18 Seafarers LOG L.J. MAY Pensioner L.J. May, 72, died February 27. He started his career with the MC&S in 1945, sailing aboard the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother May worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in February 1969. He was a resident of San Jose, Calif. WILLIAM NEAL Pensioner William Neal, 83, died March 17. After a 20year career in the U.S. Navy, he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of --"-"-' Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Andrew Jackson, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Kentucky, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the SIU 's training center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Neal last sailed aboard the Santa Lucia, operated by Delta Steamship Lines and began receiving his pension in September 1983. He made his home in Chesapeake, Va. SAMUEL PAPPAS Pensioner Samuel Pappas, 72, passed away recently. Born in Illinois, he started his career with the Seafarers in 194 7 in the pon of Mobile, Ala. Brother Pappas worked in the deck K. Leeteg, 67, department, last sailing aboard a died February 22. Brother Leeteg joined the Seafarers in Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. A resident of New Orleans, he stan@d r@c@iving his pension in June 1993. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. 1952. A native of Washington, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Joyce and began receiving his pension in July 1997. Tacoma, Wash. was his home. CHARLES F. LONG · to 1945, he served in the U.S. Navy. Mobile, Ala. was his home. Pensioner Charles F. Long, 87, passed away February 7. A native of Montana, he joined the SIU in 1962. Brother Long worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in October 1977, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He made his home in Okeechobee, Fla. ~-· MORTIMER T. MORRIS Pensioner Mortimer T. Morris, 72, passed away March 30. A native of Alabama, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1948. He sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in June 1988, Brother Morris worked aboard the Aurora, operated by Westchester Marine. From 1944 ANGEL PEDROSA Pensioner Angel Pedrosa, 77, died March 20. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his SIU career in 1948 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring in June 1984, he worked aboard the Ponce, a Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. vessel. Brother Pedrosa lived in Orlando, Fla. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1939 to 1942. JUAN RIOS Pensioner Juan Rios, 86, passed away March 23 . A charter mem~ ber of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the engine department and was active in union affairs and organizing drives. Brother Rios last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel and started receiving his pension in May 1980. He was a resident of San Juan, P.R. JAMES L. SANDERS Pensioner James L. Sanders, 70, died April 12. Brother Sanders started his career with the SIU in 1968 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Overseas Joyce. Born in Kentucky, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1982. His last ship was the Samuel L. Cobb. A resident of Camden, NJ., he retired in May 1991. EDWARD J. SMITH Pensioner Edward J. Smith, 89, passed away March 14. He joined the MC&S, sailing as a member of the steward department. Brother Smith resided in Weymouth, Mass. and started receiving his pension in October 1973. TERRELL J. STAFFORD Pensioner Terrell J. Stafford, 87, died April 6. A native of Louisiana, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 194 7 from the port of Galveston, Texas. Brother Stafford worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Jefferson Davis , a Waterman Steam.ship Corp. vessel. A resident of Lecompte, La., he retired in September 1978. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. STEVE SZANTO Pensioner Steve Szanto, 73, passed away March 5. Brother Szanto joined the in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in West Virginia, he sailed in the deck departn1ent and began receiving his pension in August 1980. Virginia Beach, Va. was his home. sru RALPH G. TURNER Pensi<mer Ralph G. Turner, 71, died recently. Born in Nebraska, he graduated from theMC&S training School in 1966 and joined that union in the port of San Francisco. Brother Turner worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard an American President Lines vessel. He made his home in Oakland, Calif. and retired in May 1982. DAVID W. VELANDRA Pensioner David W. Velandra, 70, passed away March 25. He joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Losmar, a Calmar Steamship Corp. vessel. A native of Michigan, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1984. Prior to retiring in January 1993, Brother Velandra sailed aboard the Liberty Star. From 1946 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. He resided in Las Vegas. ALAN F. WEESE Alan F. Weese, 53, died March 18. Brother Weese started his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Seattle. A native of California, he sailed as an electrician and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. His first and last vessels were operated by Sea-Land Service. From 1963 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy. Puyallup, Wash. was his home. GILBERT T. WOLFE ! Pensioner · Gilbert T. Wolfe, 70, passed away March 16. A native of Maryland, he :.. began his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Wolfe sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in July 1984. Towson, Md. was his home. SAUL F. ZAMBRANO Pensioner Saul F. Zambrano, 87, died recent.. ly. Born in · · Ecuador, he started his career with the SIU in 1969, sailing aboard the Beatrice Victory. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to retiring in September 1980, Brother Zambrano worked aboard the Arecibo, a Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. vessel. He made his home in Manta Manabi, Ecuador. ROBERT E. ZIMMERMAN Pensioner RobertE. , Zimmerman, 87, passed away March 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of San Francisco. A native of Indiana, Brother Zimmerman worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the SeaLand Portland. He was a resident of Bremen, Ind. and started receiving his pension in October 1980. INLAND GEORGE T. LEMAIRE Pensioner George T. Lemaire, 61, passed away March 4. Born in Pennsylvania, he began his career in 1956 in the port of with the Baltimore, sailing aboard a Baker Whiteley Co. vessel. Boatman Lemaire worked in the deck department and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel and began receiving his pension in July 1993. He was a resident of Edgewood, Md . sru JOSEPH S. SIMONE Pensioner Joseph S. Simone, 74, died March 14. · He started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Philadelphia, Continued on page 20 July2000 �~~, DiEfllllll~lr~ ·,iiffh11,St1afaretS LOG attemji~{tiijrliJI '$Jnifnt digasts ol anlOR shlpboanl !Jii "' minute8·a&/J0$8ibl~...'{!nt~~~tlt1h; ;becausa ttl $/Ja" ..\\ft)/. ,. .,.,. ····p1Jmltatto11f.' · $iiiii11;wlllbe'omltted. "" · .,.,,. . . I · ,.. · , .; "10,ffsbi,,, minutes 11rs1:are 'le;;sweit by the union'S contract department. ffi!Ji11se Issues requifing afhlntjlJn or resolution are addressed by the union 1 +lff;~;;ttpon receipt o~t/Jeshlps minutes. The minutes gre then forwarded >;@~/!!: . . . . :.: . :.:: t'1.the.S.eafarers LOG tor publication. . . ·.· . . '" . ... .. ·:-·.. :: ·, ·;';', --~·' " .' ,, "·. SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship Corp.). March 26Chairman Mark S. Downey, Secretary Roderick K. Bright, Educational Director Michael L. Mefferd, Deck Delegate Gregory Hickman, Engine Delegate Prentiss R. Smith, Steward Delegate Ovidio Crespo. Chairman expressed thanks from captain for putting out engine room fire in Charleston before shoreside help arrived. Job well done. Treasurer announced $450 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate requested clarification on pay for daymen standing watch. Suggestion made to form credit union. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. AMBROSE CHANNEL (IUM), April 2-Chairman Mario M. Romero, Secretary Elena R. Curley, Educational Din;ctor Stephen R. Treece, Deck Delegate R@jlinnld A. Watkins, Engine Deltgate Jerome • Dooms, Steward Delegate Jimmy White Jr. Recently recertified bosun Romero s.aid h~ is aboard ship to help solve problems in all three depanments. but crew should first talce complaints to department delega.te. Education diri:ctor encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for better wages and job securicy. Sug2estion made for crew to donate money for purchase of videotapes. Crew members requested ship address for receipt of mail and LOGs. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. ATC OHIO (ATC), April 23Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Deck Delegate Jess F. Chalker, Steward Delegate Tommy E. Belvin. Chairman spoke about new direct deposit option in place and said he would inform crew members when ATC course to be offered at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification received from headquarters regarding weekend shift work. Suggestion made for contracts department to negotiate with ATC to return to option of receiving cash for transportation after successful completion of work tour. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska and Ferndale, Wash. EL YUNQUE (IUM), April 28Chairman Ronald Mena, Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp Jr., Deck Delegate Blair C. Baker, Engine Delegate Jimmie R. Graydon. Chairman announced payoff in Puerto Rico at 1O a.m. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported . Seafarers informed of dock change in Jacksonville. Next port: San Juan, P.R. HM/ DEFENDER (IUM), April 9--Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Charles J. Brockhaus, Deck Delegate Robert July2000 C. Hoppenworth, Engine Delegate Roderick Frazier, Steward Delegate Isabel Sabio. Payoff set for Corpus Christi, Texas. Ship to load gasoline for Perth Amboy, N.J. and then return on Citgo charter to Florida. Secretary reminded crew members leaving ship to get clean linen for reliefs. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received stating company headquarters moving to old Kirby/Sabine location in Port Arthur, Texas. New dryer requested for crew laundry as well as stationary bike in exercise room (or access to officers' exercise room). Microwave in crew mess also needed. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into being able to call for relief after 90 days instead of 120 and receiving vacation after completing 60-da.y relief job. Insurance cards requested. Vote of thanks given to steward department. HM/ DYNACHEM (IUM). April L9-Chnirman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Engine Delegate Victor Quloto. Chairman went over old business, noting receipt of new washer dryer and TV, thllllk to Capt. Jose Leonard. He announced payoff May l in Lake Charles, La. and reminded crew members to check expiration date on z-cards and other documents before it's too late. Secretary advised everyone to check pay vouchers and see captain or delegate as soon as possible for changes. Treasurer welcomes donations of all amounts for movie, satellite and gym equipment funds. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into raising vacation pay and including extra incentives in next contract. Also requested cost of living increases for pensioners and coverage for prescription drugs for dependents. Everyone asked to help keep lounge and crew laundry clean and separate plastic items from regular trash. After Lake Charles, ship heading to Port Everglades, Fla. INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), April 16-Chairman John E. Stout, Secretary Louis Nicoud, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Klaus E. Tammler, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward Delegate Andy N. Campollo. Chainnan announced ship going into yard in Korea in June for about three weeks. He thanked everyone for keeping ship clean and separating garbage. Educa.tion.al director urged crew members to take advantage of educational and upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $709 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing time needed for vacation from 120 days to 90 days. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Panama Canal; Manzanillo, P.R.; and Freeport, Bahamas. INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), April 9-Chairman Felix A. -· Santiago, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Clay Brown, Engine Delegate· Michael C. McNally, Steward Delegate John Padilla. Chairman thanked crew for working together and maintaining ship's lounge. Educational director advised everyone to check expiration dates on documents. Renewals can take several days to weeks. Treasurer announced $40 in movie fund. Three movies purchased last trip; all contributions welcomed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to raise maintenance and cure rates and furnish prescription coverage for dependents. Vote of thanks given to steward department for delicious baked goods and menu variety. Suggestion made for company to supply refrigerators to all crew members. Request made for LOG to publish addresses of senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill (see page 20~ June issue). Next ports: Boston, Mass. and Elizabeth, N.J. KODIAK (CSX Lines), April 9Chainnan Garry D. Walker, Secretary Michael F. Meany. Payoff scheduled April 11 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Day off for all hands April 12; check with boarding patrolman. Old business taken care of. including heat in rooms and condition of linen locker. Treasurer announced $4,300 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter of thanks received from company regarding securing of 7,000-gallon propane tank that broke loose in a storm. Special meals (lobster and t-bone steak) provided by company a.s thank you for avoiding disaster with no injuries. Vote of thanks given to bosun's wife, Letty Jo Walker1 for dona.ting homemade jams and jellies to crew. Thanks also given to chief steward and his department for job very well done. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), April 23-Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Frederick L. Washington Sr., Educational Director Jeffery T. Field, Engine Delegate Carl L. Turner. Bosun announced payoff in New Orleans April 25. Vessel will then return to Haifa, Israel. Secretary asked crew members to clean rooms and reefer boxes and turn in keys before leaving ship. Educational director suggested everyone take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification needed on DEU's cleaning of lounge and laundry areas. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk), April 16-Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director James T. McParland, Deck Delegate Dirk W. Adams, Steward Delegate Ivan R. Salis. Chairman noted. AB James Rose taken ill April 15 in Panama Canal. Will be gone at least until ship arrives in Charleston, S.C. April 19. Treasurer Jeffrey A. Lagana announced $728 in ship's fund. Two new vacuum cleaners purchased in Peru. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing seatime needed for pension. Another suggestion made to have one person to a room when upgrading at Piney Point. Sincere thanks given to steward department for job well done and to deck department for wire change on crane. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk), April 16-Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Ray A. Garcia, Deck Delegate David J. Joseph, Engine Delegate Ray Avie Jr., Steward Delegate Allan D. Bright. Chairman reported payoff April 20 in Long Beach, Calif. Coast Guard inspection to take place at that time. He noted safe voyage with good crew and read schedule of courses available at Paul Hall Center. Relief steward I 1 dental program and prescription coverage for dependents. New toaster needed in crew messhall as well as first-aid kits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Next port: Portland, Ore. OVERSEAS VIVIAN (OSG Ship Mgmt.), April 9--Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Pablo P. Lopez, Educational Director Murray W. Roberson. Everything going well, according to chairman. Stopover in South America While at anchor in the port of Guayaquil, Ecuador recently, crew members aboard the Maersk Tennessee wait at the bow for bunkers to be loaded . From the left are Chief Mate Kurt Breitfeller, Bosun Jerry Borucki. ABM John Wagner and Second Mate Deborah Hennen. The vessel is on a San Antonio, Texas to Guayaquil to Long Beach, Calif. run. stated regular steward to return in Long Beach. This was his first time on Maersk ship and he enjoyed trip. He reminded crew members to check seamen's documents and STCW for expiration and suggested upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Educ~tional director advised crew to think and practice safety at all times. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for refrigerators for crew rooms. Vote of thanks given to steward department, especially Chief Cook Bright. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk), April 16-Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Edward C. Mancke, Steward Delegate Clancy T. Hennigan. Chairman noted repair of ice machine, but part still on order for washer. Ship will dock on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. April 10. Everything running smoothly. Secretary thanked his department members, especially Chief Cook Hennigan, for excellent job. Educational director urged all to upgrade at Piney Point and to be aware of z-card expiration (every five years). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to reinstate time off on freighters. Request information as to Money Purchase Pension Plan. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Mgmt.), April 9-Chairman Gary L. Dates, Secretary Mark A. Flores, Deck Delegate Joseph Carrillo, Engine Delegate Michael Gay, Steward Delegate Marco Guity. Chairman thanked everyone for job well done. Separate pay vouchers to be issued for Saturday and OT work due to lack of cash on board ship. Secretary noted trip to North Korea very educational. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to look into being able to leave ship after six months and receive transportation and unemployment. Also suggested upgraded Payoff scheduled in New Orleans after clearing immigration and customs. Galley gang to have cookout/barbecue every Sunday. Secretary suggested crew members upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and get necessary endorsements for higher jobs. Better ratings mean more money. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to chief cook and his crew for job well done. PRODUCER (CSX Lines), April 11-Chairman William J. Card, Secretary David A. Cuningham, Educational Director Alan A. Rogers II, Deck Delegate William D. Brinson Jr., Engine Delegate Terry J. Mouton, Steward Delegate Cecilio E. Suarez. Chairman stated payoff to take place in Elizabeth, NJ. April 14. Vessel stores to be delivered at that time. Chairman also noted captain put out revised schedule of vessel's arrival on West Coast but is subject to change. He reminded crew members to check STCWs and zcards for expiration dates. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. He will check class offerings for those getting off and wanting to attend courses there. Treasurer stated $750 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read several articles from LOG and reminded everyone to keep updated on new information about union and maritime industry. Recommendations made for contracts department to look into increasing pension due to rising cost of living, and lowering seatime and age requirement for pension. Bosun thanked steward department for great food and keeping areas clean. Chief steward commented to bosun and deck gang about great new paint job on aft house. New mattresses to be ordered for everyone by end of month. Entire crew thanked Messman Suarez for keeping messhalls spotlessly clean and well stocked. Next ports: Elizabeth; San Juan, P.R.; Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOG 19 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for SID Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the plan. Plan expenses were $13,560,893. These expenses included $892,001 in administrative expenses and $12,668,892 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 4,560 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $147,907,172 as of July 31, 1999, compared to $156,888, l 93 as of July 31, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $8,981,021. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets, which 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 a total income of $4,579,872, including employer contributions of $29,212, and earnings from investments of $4,549,539, and other income of $1,121. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to Additional Information - You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of the administrator of the SID Pacific District Pension Plan, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.50 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104 and the U.S. Dept. of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5507, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Thailand in Seattle 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. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District 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. 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. SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Steward department members on the APL Thailand recently met with SIU Tacoma Safety Director Jamie Overby aboard the vessel in Seattle. They discussed the latest union news including the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Pictured from left to right are ACU Tim Ellis, Chief Cook Enrique Garrido and Chief Steward Cynthia Caster. FRANCIS X. THOMAS ltiJ!~I Dep~rtures· . .· ·:co~tbi~~d ftom p~ge i a sailing aboard the P.F. Martin, a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Simone worked in the deck departmertt and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. The Pennsylvania native last sailed as a pilot aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Dover, Tenn., he retired in August 1988. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943 to 1946. HERBERT I. SWARTZ Pensioner Herbert I. Swartz, 71, passed away January 25. A native of New Jersey, he joined the SIU irt 1972 in the port of Philadelphia. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training center in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring in March 1990, Brother Swartz sailed aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. from 1942 to 1947. He was a resident of Clifton, Heights, Pa. 20 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Francis X. Thomas, 72, died February 18. After 22 years in the U.S. Navy, he began his Seafarers career in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Thomas sailed as a captain and attended an education conference at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. The Pennsylvania native last worked aboard an Atlantic Towing Co. vessel and began receiving his pension in October 1989. Portsmouth, Va. was his home. ROBERT A. WATSON Pensioner Rohen A. Watson, 70, passed away February 25. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Watson sailed primarily aboard Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessels as a member of the deck department. A resident of Philadelphia, he started receiving his pension in February 1992. PAULG. WEST Paul G. West, 58, died February 3. A native of Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1979. Boatman West worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A resident of Chesapeake, Va., he sailed primarily aboard Allied Towing Co. vessels. GREAT LAKES RAYMONDE. SALMI Pensioner Raymond E. Salmi, 79, died March 28. The Ohio native joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. Brother Salmi worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. A resident of Parma, Ohio, he began receiving his pension in June 1982. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1945. 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 (On on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. July2000 �With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: Documents proving 120 days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of you_.r union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED anlicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their allJllication. The payment should be made with a money order only. oavable to UPGRADING APPLICATION LMSS. Telephone END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security#_________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department - - - - - - - - U.S. Citizen: Yes D No [J Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? [J Yes D No If yes, ~lass#-----------------------­ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken --~--------~-~------- Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - July2000 - - - - - - - - -- - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul HaU Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex.. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Able Seaman Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 601 - Unlicensed apprentices in class 601 graduating from the water survival course are (from left, kneeling) Nathaniel Miller, Malik Hunt, Bryan Hill, Ole Olesen, David Provost, Kenneth Green, (second row) Deshawn Stephenson, Patrick McAlpin, Stiles Anderson, Gilberto Figueroa Jr., William Yurick, Joshua Ellerbee, Jerramy McNeil and Bryan Mccallum Jr. SIU members successfully completing the AB curriculum May 26 are (in alphabetical order) Adel Alameri, Robert Arneel, Benjamin Barnes, Ronald Burris Jr., Jimmie Casey, Deronja Clark, Antony Cruzvergara, Carey Hatch, David Heindel Jr., Ausberto Laspinas, Lito Mariano, Brian McLamon, Royal Mobley, Nestor Montoya Jr., Lawrence Richardson Jr., Russell Roberts and Ziting Xu. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is in the back row, fifth from left. Liillittd L -CtDH - Graduate5 of the 6-week limitecJ licen$e ¢:0urs~ ar~ (in alphaMtieal l'.lrder) Billy Barletto, Robert Boudreaux, Shane Boudreaux, William Bruce, Michael Cascio, Victor DiGiorgio, Troy Gros. Gregory Jarvis. s~ott Morton and Blaine Tompson. This course includes inland and international rules of the road, piloting in coastal waters, weather observations and forecasting, among other topics. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course May 19 are (from left, kneeling) Michael McErlean, Benny Perez, Carlos Castillo, Dorothy Carter, Kameron Kamaunu, Elpidio Toyco, (second row) Guy Todd II, Brian Guiry, Gregorio Abalos Jr., Karl Roy Jr. Angel Perez, Crista Arnold, James Reily, Thomas Powe, Cuthbert Forbes, (third row) Chris Todd, Tyrone Brown, Christopher Cummings, Lawrence Rose, Clinton Gillins, Timothy Kotsis, Shauntay Shavies, Sherrod Frazier, Steven Ruiz, William Harris, Kyle Bailey, Michael Repko, Bernard Baker, Eric Bridges and Charles James. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Unlicensed Apprentice Graduation - After all the hard work and studying, unlicensed apprentices completing their third and final phase of study are (in no particular order) Dwayne Brock, Roderick French, Phillip Hartline, Richard Huffman, L.G. Johnson, Charles Joswiak, Travis Kirchhofer, Steven Pollard, Chad Reynolds and Joseph Rutter. 22 Seafarers LOB Upgraders Water Survival - SIU members graduating from the water survival class April 28 are (from left, kneeling) Radfan Alkamlani. Joseph Ashworth, Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Ziting Xu, Ausberto Laspinas, (second row) Michael Joel, Faustino Onato, Alberto lnsong, Jimmie Casey, Joel Rosete, Lito Mariano, Carey Hatch, Russell Roberts, Bakr Elbana, (third row) Benjamin Barnes, Gregory Baker, Gerry Querubin, Michael Repko, Royal Mobley and Scott Brady. July2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements May 12 (and giving the thumbs-up sign) are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Ahmed, John Alicea, Charles Billips, Daniel Borden, Michael Bragdon, Louis Champa Jr., Christopher Corpuz, Byron Harris, Thomas Hawkins, Orlando Herrera, Michael Jarvi, Robert Kane, Cornell Knox, Paul Kucan II, Louis Nickerson, Rocky Olds, Ramon Sanchez, Joseph Schrack, Al Seay, Edgar Shrode, Dana Thomas, Jason Tracey, Donald Tye, Jevon Vontoure and David Watkins. Their instructor (not pictured) was Mark Jones. ,) Steward Department Skills Guvernment Vessels - With instructor Greg Thompson (standing, fourth from right) are students who completed the government vessels \;Ourse April 14. ln\;luded in the group are Corinthis Thomas, Dulip Sookhiram, Michael Davis, Clinton Gillins, Joao Cordeiro. John Kolodziej, Gerry Querubin, Bakr Elbana, Adeeb Saleh, Joel Rosete, Luis Lopez and Jacob Scott. Learning specific culinary skills which will prepare them to sail as a chief cook are (left) Chef/Instructor John Dobson with Simone Solomon, (above) Dana Washington and Chris Amlgable, and (below) Breon Lucas and Jonathan Gibson. CPR/First Aid - Instructor Jennifer Langford (kneeling, left) joins graduates of the CPR/first aid course, including Dorothy Carter, Jioia deLeon, Heather Frizzelle, Romeo Rivera. Faustino Onato. Wendelyn Sugui, (second row) Bill Churney, J.D. Berger, Greg Baker, Tom Woerner, Kameron Kamaunu, Scott Brady and Derrick Sullivan. Advanced Galley Operations Able Seaman - Instructor Larry Malone (standing, right) works closely with AB students in the April 28 graduating class. They include Efrain Collazo, Alvin Clark, Nathaniel Salter, Bernard Beof, Cornelio Villaflor, Dionisio Baldevia and Clifton Doon is. July2000 Ready to cook aboard any ship following completion of the advanced galley operations course are (from left, front row) Gregory Blaylock, Elida Miguel, Joel Ramos, Jack Savin, Dulip Sookhiram, Vincente Molina, (second row) Instructor Ed White, Gerry Querubin, Radfan Alkamlani, Bianca Bennett, Robert Dillinger and John Leahey. Seafarers LOB 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT SIU Pacific District Pension Plan -page20 Seafarers Welcome MSC Commander Admiral Holder Visits SIU-Crewed Gopher Stat.e SIU members aboard the prepositioning ship Gopher State recently welcomed a trio of special visitors, led by U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC). Holder toured the ship in Guam. He was accompanied by Rear Admiral Tom Fellin, base commander of U.S. Navy Forces Marianas in Guam; and Captain Philip Briscoe, commander of MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron (MPSRON) Three. The Gopher State is a crane ship owned by the U.S. Maritime Administration and operated by Interocean Ugland Management. It is one of eight ships currently serving in MPSRON Three. The others are the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, Sgt. William R. Button, 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, Pfc. Dewayne T. Williams. SP5 Eric G. Gibson, Ltc. Calvin P. Titus and the SS Petersburg. "The squadron's mission is to provide swift and effective sea transportation of vital equipment and supplies to a designated area of operations," notes MSC. The vessels "can leave port and sail literally anywhere in the world and bring combat support and equipment the U.S. Marines and Army need to accomplish their missions .... Since its inception, the squadron has operated in support of operations Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf and Restore Hope in Somalia, as well as other numerous exercises and operations from California to Korea." AB Jonathan Davis OS Rodolfo Zena, OS Louis Anderson Left: OS Dionce Bright Bosun Nathaniel Leary '% AB Ronald Makowiecki Left: Seafarers also welcomed aboard Rear Admiral Tom Fellin, base commander of U.S. Navy Forces Marianas in Guam (fourth from left); and Captain Philip Briscoe, commander of MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Three (third from left). Pictured from left to right are Chief Steward Herbert Davis (rear), AB Philip Perry, Capt. Briscoe, Radm. Fellin, AB James McCarthy, Gopher State Capt. Tim McGeein, OS Dionce Bright, AB Jonathan Davis and AB Jesus Olbes. Admiral Gordon s. Holder, MSC commander (fifth from left), recently was welcomed aboard the Gopher State in Guam. Pictured on the ship (from left) are A6 Roncild Makowiecki, AB Jonathan Davis, SA Adele George, OS Louis Anderson, Adm. Holder, AB Jesus Olbes, Bosun Nathaniel Leary, AB Charles Corley, AB Philip Perry and OS Dionce Bright. "· Keeping their fellow crew members well fed are (from left) Chief Steward Herbert Davis, SA Adele George, SA Jeffrey Mitchell, Chief Cook Wayne Webb and SA Anthony Grant. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES FORMER MSC COMMANDER URGES NEW MARITIME POLICY ADM. PERKINS CITES MERCHANT MARINE’S ESSENTIAL ROLE IN U.S. NATIONAL DEFENSE ANOTHER TAKE ON FOC CRUISE SHIPS: LA TIMES BARES ‘SWEATSHOPS AT SEA’ SEAFARERS CREW MSC’S NEWEST RO/RO USNS CHARLTON STRENGTHENS PREPOSITIONING FLEET NEW HALL OPENS IN BALTIMORE COLUMBIA QUEEN SAILS; PATRIOT LAUNCHES DEC. 9 INDY CREW TO THE RESCUE SEAFARERS’ SWIFT REACTIONS SAVE LIVES EXPRESS MARINE CREWS APPROVE NEW CONTRACT IMO REVISING SOLAS CHAPTER STCW IN PLAIN ENGLISH VOCATIONAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR TACKLES SEGMENTS OF AMENDED ’95 CONVENTION CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES ON SIMULATOR COMPLEX ‘VOTE OF THANKS’ CREWS COMMEND CONTRACT IMPROVEMENTS NATION HONORS MERCHANT MARINERS MAERSK SEALAND OPENS NEW HOUSTON TERMINAL NEW YORK’S 30-YEAR LEASE APPROVED WITH THE MEMBERS IN AND AROUND THE JACKSON HALL A VOYAGE TO INDIA-1940 BY J. MELFORD SMITH SEAFARERS WELCOME MSC COMMANDER ADMIRAL HOLDER VISITS SIU-CREWED GOPHER STATE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 7 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/e21d25ac95fa37f6bd1d08da538caa2c.pdf efd0ba25f064cee28b5157d9851c007c PDF Text Text SIU Makes Big Gains In Fast eaI if t Pact Seafarers on Pictured May AB Robinson "Mack" Ward, the USNS Altair are happy with the new contract. 24 aboard the vessel in New Orleans are (from left) Crusoe, AB Tyrone Benjamin, Chief Steward Harold Bosun Morris Foster and OS Edwin Fuller. The USNS Capella is one of eight fast sealift ships being operated by SIU-contracted AMSEA following last month's contract award by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The SIU made substantial gains in the five-year agreement. Page 3 New Baltimore Hall Opening This Month Joining Forces With Mine Workers Page4 Navy League President Praises 'Vital 4th Arm' During a demon~tration la~t month on Capitol Hill, Seafarer5 5howed their support Pages for tens of thousands of Mine Workers who are fighting to preserve the health care benefits they lonQ aQo were promised by the government. Page 2 3 Seafarers, 4 Dependents Win SWP Scholarships Seafarer Victor G_ Frazi9r Seafarer Dana Seafarer Neonito D. Cunningham S. Sodusta Chevone C. Hall Daughter of Carlton P Hall John J. Macom Hyacinth Padua Son of Earl M. Ma com Stepdaughter of Stephen Avallone Elizabeth Heath Daughter of Donald w. Heath A panel of educators named three Seafarers and four dependent children of SIU members as winners of the 2000 Seafarers Welfare Plan Scholarships, totaling $87,000. �. President's Report (.. U.S. Maritime'• History - and Future Fittingly, the Maritime Day ceremonies conducted last month by the U.S. Maritime Administration in Washington were dedicated to the memory of those mariners who lost their lives while serving their country. The long and proud history of the U.S. merchant marine, particularly the extraordinary sealift effort that made the Allied victory in World War II possible, remains a vital part of our fabric today. More than 1,200 Sill members perished in Michael Sacco World War II. Their names are engraved in a sobering, handsome monument at the Paul Hall Memorial Library in Piney Point, Md. Those men-and thousands more-braved often-horrific conditions to deliver the goods. From North Africa to Sicily, from Murmansk to the Pacific, from Anzio to Normandy, they voluntarily answered the call--every step of the way. Overall, more than 200,000 U.S. mariners helped move some 300 million tons of materiel to support the cause. Estimates of their fatalities range as high as 8,000-plus-a casualty percentage second only to that of the Marine Corps. Of course, their courageous legacy cannot be fully conveyed by statistics. The essence of their contribution and their heroism is better reflected by the survivors' accounts of fiery sinkings, weeks spent in lifeboats, mustering the will to ship out again. Their stories and their role in history must never be forgotten. As General Dwight D. Eisenhower put it after the war, "Every man in this Allied Command is quick to express his admiration for the loyalty, courage and fortitude of the officers and men of the merchant marine.'' But, ceremonies are only one method by which we remember the U.S. merchant marine's contributions to America's national and economic security. Today, the best way we can honor our predecessors is by continuing the revitalization of the U.S.-flag fleet. Along those lines, there i5 an excellent column by retired Rear Admiral John R. Fisher, president of the U.S. Navy League, on page 5 of this issue of the; Srnfarers LOG. I urge you to read it and closely examine his advice. As Fisher points out, the history of the merchant marine is something from which we, as a nation, must take valuable lessons. Foremost among them is that in all future conflicts, sealift will be; the dominant means of transport. Equally important, as Fisher write5, We ~annot depend on foreign-flag ships to carry that 0 cargo_" In part, that is why we must build on the momentum that has boosted the U.S. fleet since the mid-19905. Consider some of the many positivc developments in that time: the enactment of the Maritime Security Program, construction of the Double Eagle and millennium-class tankers, new builds and conversions for the civilian-crewed prepositioning ships of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, and containerships and car carriers reflagging under the Stars and Stripes. That's not all. The U.S.-flag passenger fleet is primed for major expansion. That growth includes new deep sea and coastal cruise ships being built in American shipyard5, plus the reflagging of a modem deep sea passenger vessel from foreign to U.S. flag. ThMe success stories and others didn "t happen by accident. It has taken hard work and unprecedented cooperation from all segments of the ittdustry_ It will take more of the same to sustain our momentum. I'm confident we'll get the job done_ I wholeheartedly believe that the young men and women now entering the industry can look forward to a bright future and a lifetime career in the U.S. merchant marine_ Just as the mariners of World War 11 overcame tall challenges, today's Seafarers are proving the nay-sayers wrong. We're proving that not all of the U.S. merchant marine's finest moments arc; in the pa.st, because we intend to remain an indispensable part of America's security well into the next century and beyond. The U.S. merchant marine has been a crucial component ofthis nation since Revolutionary rimes. And in all the years since then, one thing ha~m~t changed and never will: Give us the cargo, and we'll deliver. Volume 62, Number 6 June 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~16 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs. MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices.:. POSTMASTER'. Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Bi.scardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor. Jim Guthrte; Art, Bill Brower: Administrative Support. Jeanne Texror. Copyright (0 2000 Seafarers International Union. AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers Back U•WA In Health Care Battle Rally's Focus: 'Save the Coal Act' Seafarers joined forces with some 12,000 United Mine Workers May 17 during a Capitol Hill rally. The gathering, staged on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. marked the latest step in the UMWA's ongoing campaign to protect the lifetime health care benefits of retired coal miners and widows. The Seafarers• contingent, hailing from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney · Point, Md., complemented supporters from across the country who jointly chanted "Keep the Promise, Save the Act" during the course of the proceedings. Clad in white shirts and blue baseball caps bearing the SIU logo, they brandished their signs, which boldly proclaimed, "The Seafarers International Union, Maritime Trades DepartmentAFL-CIO Supports The United Mine Workers and The Coal Act." More than 50 years ago, an historic agreement was signed between the Mine Workers and the federal government that created the UMWA Health and Retirement Funds_ That pact, known as the KrugLewis Agreement, laid the foundation for decades of medical improvements in America's coal fields. Since then, hundreds of thousands of coal-mining families have enjoyed the promise of lifetime medical care for themselves and their dependents. But today, that pledge is in danger of being broken. Because of a series of court decisions, the self-sustaining financial support for the UMWA Combined Fund that Congress put into place in the l 992 Coal Act has been jeopardized. And unless Congress steps in and once again ensures that the act is saved, nearly 70,000 retirees and widows could lose their benefits. "We're here to make sure Congress keeps its promise to America's coal miners," UMWA International President Cecil Roberts told the ra1ly participants, many of whom traveled by bus from a dozen states as far as away as Utah and Nevada. "It was very necessary for you to make this trip to make sure that 68,000 persons are not cut off from their benefits_" Several other speakers took turns at the microphone to buttress the sentiments affirmed by Roberts. Among them was AFL-CIO Secretary- Representing the SIU at the rally were Jafar Gordon, Kenneth Jackson, Antwan Stafford, Beth Ketah, Ibrahim Muhammad, Nathan Jarmon, Sean Fortener, Lewis Amundson, Jacob Soeteber, Kris Fitzpatrick and Kenneth Dyson. Treasurer and former UMWA President Richard Trumka, who pledged labor's full support. "We're here today to rally to remind Congress during this election year that we need help, and we need it because our friends are in danger and 70,000 retired miners and their widows are in danger," he said. "We rally to remind our elected officials that the Coal Act is a sacred trust forged on the field of battle, and we will fight to save it," Trumka continued. "And we rally to remind our nation that we will win the fight because we are more than just coal miners and our families, we"re workers from all walks of life and we're standing together, 40 million strong, Connnuedonpagel4 Welfare Plan Awards Scholarships to Seven The Seafarers Welfare Plan has announced this year's scholarship recipients. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. Victor G. Frazier, who sails as an AB, was awarded a $15,000 Reviewing the scholarship appli· cations are (top photo, from left) Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Trevor Carpenter, (bottom photo, from left) Dr. Charles D. O'Connell Jr.. Dr. Michael Glaser and Or_ Charles Lyons Jr. scholarship. He plans to study finance and international business and possibly earn a law degree as well. Two scholarships in the amount of $6,000 each were awarded to deep sea members Dana D. Cunningham and Neonito "Dacu" S. Sodusta. Cunningham is a graduate of the entry-level training at the Paul Hall Center and completed the steward recertification program there. A member of the Associated Locksmiths of America, he hopes to continue in this field and specialize in safe and bank vault work. Sodusta already has a Bachelor of Science degree in maritime transportation from the Philippines and is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy. A member of the SIU since 1994, he would like to study photography at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, Va. Four graduating high school seniors each were selected to receive $15,000, four-year scholarships for dependents of SIU members. They are Chevone C. Hall. daughter of Bosun Carlton P. Hall; John J. Macom, son of QMED Earl M. Macom; Hyacinth V Padua, stepdaughter of Chief Steward Stephen Avallone; and Elizabeth E. Heath, daughter of inland member Donald W. Heath. This year's selection committee, as in the past. was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The panel was composed of Dr. Michael Glaser, St_ Mary's College of Maryland; Dr. Charles D. O'Connell Jr., University of Chicago; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County [Md.] Community College; and Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of College and Universities. (Unable to attend the meeting in Sedona, Ariz. were Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; and Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio.) For a more in-depth look at each of the scholarship winners, see page 9. June2000 �SIU Achieves Big Gains in Fast SeaHf t Contract AMSEA Wins 5-Year Pact/or 8 Vessels The SIU achieved substantial gains in the new contract for eight fast sealift ships awarded last month by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) won the five-year pact with MSC to operate the USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Denebola, USNS Pollux and USNS Regulus. The transfer of the vessels from Bay Ship Management to AMSEA was expected to be completed late last month. "The award keeps the jobs on the eight ships with the SIU membership and will continue to provide employment for the next five years," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "The contract also provides for excellent gains for the crews, both in full operating status (FOS) and reduced operating status (ROS)." The agreement calls for significant wage increases. Details were presented to Seafarers during last month's membership meetings and during shipboard meetings with SIU officials. The contract also provides for Seafarers Welfare and Pension Plans benefits at their top levels, and includes the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan at 5 percent of base wages. Aboard the Altair, Chief Steward Harold Ward, a 30-year member of the SIU, said the new agreement "is a good deal. The benefits are excellent and the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan sounds fantastic. And the wages, of course, are fabulous. It's been well worth the wait." Ward also cited the revised work schedule and wage categories as highlights. On the Pollux, AB William Talbert mentioned "better benefits" and the increased wages as two focal points of the pact. Similarly, Bosun Walter Loveless on the Algol said, "I'm tickled to death with the new contract. It's a whole lot better pay and excellent benefits. I'm sure I'm speaking for every SIU member on this ship." The fast sealift ships (also called SL-7s) are roll-on/roll-off and lift-on/lift-off vessels equipped with cranes and ramps. They are specially suited to transport heavy or bulky materiel such as tanks, helicopters and large-wheeled vehicles. All were built as container ships for SeaLand Service and later were acquired and converted by MSC. They can sail at speeds greater than 30 knots. According to MSC, "Ninety-three percent of a U.S. Anny mechanized division can be lifkd using all eight ships. Seven of the class moved 13 percent of all the cargo transported between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia during and after the Persian Gulf War. Six were activated for the Somalian operation in December 1992 and all have been used in various operations and exercises since then." SIU crews remain aboard the eight fast sealift ships now operated by AMSEA, including the USNS Bellatrix (top) and the USNS Algol (below and at left). APNJide World Photos Herberger Outlines Goals to Strengthen U.S. Fleet Past MarAd Administrators Urge Action to Promote Merchant Marine The immediate past head of the Maritime Administration put forward a three-point outline to focus governmental and commercial attention to strengthen the U.S.-flag merchant fleet in the 21st century. Retired Navy Admiral Albert Herberger was one of five former U.S . Maritime Administrators to speak before the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club during a Capitol Hill luncheon May 9. Each- including Andrew Gibson who served from 1969 to 1972;' Samuel Nemirow~ 1979 to 1981; John Gaughan, 1985 to 1989; and Captain Warren Leback. 19891993- spoke about his term in the office and offered a brief look a.head. The quintet was introduced by the present administratC>r1 Ctyde Hart. Herherger who was at the helm when the Maritime Security Program became law in 1996. devoted his remarks ~o whr;n; the fleet a11d the industry must go in the coming years. The Kings Point graduat<; and former merchant marine officer stakd there is an increasing national defense role for the commercial industry there are new opportunities for domestic coastwise trade and there must be stronger federal as i~tance for the fleet. 1 1 National SecurHy "The commercial merchant marine represents a cost-effective way of providing logistic supp1i es," Herberger pointed out ~bout the U .S.-flag merchant fleet carrying needed military good~ to U.S. troops around the wor1d. June2000 Five previous U.S. Maritime Administrators join the present head of the Maritime Administration, Clyde Hert (third from left), at a Capitol Hill luncheon to discuss the future of the U.S.-flag fleet. From the left are John Gaughan. Warren Leback, Hart, Albert Herberger, Andrew Gibson and Sam Nemirow. He added that investment must be brought into the industry so new ships will be built. One of the key components for that investment is the ever-growing role of the merchant fleet in national security. .. Look at it objectively. There i5 not a more cost·effective way. It's a bargain! Any support that can be given to the commercial sector for national security reasons is valid!" Coa~twise Development Herberger then told the audience that the coastwise trades could see a major resurgence as the nation's highways and railroads get more and more crowded. He noted America started as a waterborne nation and could return to its roots if predictions hold true that there could be an additional 10,000 trucks deliver· ing cargo daily in 10 years. "The waterborne alternative is the only viable way to start look- ing at it." He stated truckers, rail and shipping could all benefit by working together. Federal Assistance Finally. the administrator from 1993 to 1997 cited the need for the maritime industry to emphasize what it does for national security to acquire more government anention and federal assistance. He noted the merchant fleet is needed to maintain America's role as the world's greatest trading nation. "I the maintenance of a U.S. maritime capability as a key component also important?" Herberger asked. He informed the Propeller Club that the Defense Department provided a subsidy of $855 million to ease the merger of defense contractors Lockheed and Martin Marietta. The figure is almost the same amount authorized for the 10-year Maritime Security Program. "How important is it-as the result of government assistance - that U.S.-flag vessels are crewed by skilled U.S. mariners who are available in emergencies to man not only the commercial fleet, but also the govemmentowned strategic sealift vessels?" Herberger urged the audience to work hard to promote the U.S.flag fleet so it will continue to grow to meet the new challenges of the coming years. Other Administrators Andrew Gibson, who served as administrator when the 1970 Merchant Marine Act was enacted, called the present fight for the U.S.-flag fleet "a critical moment ... worthy of more than a passing interest." Sam Nemirow said the industry must be placed on a sound basis in order to compete with international competition. He added Congress and the administration must work to pass legislation with a longer commitment to the fleet than the 10 years authorized in the Maritime Security Program. Citing section 101 of the 1936 Merchant Marine Act, which called for the U.S. to foster the development of a U.S.-flag fleet, John Gaughan stated, "We need to find a solution. We need to hold government accountable. This can't be done on the cheap." ln conclusion, Warren Leback reminded the group of the time it took to pass previous maritime measures and that action for new legislation must get under way. .v~nc~ oflndependence . Day (unless an errjer-·=. .gency arises). Nor.ma/ . · business hours will resume the following wQrkday. RRFAward Challenged The U.S . Maritime Administration (MarAd) last month awarded five-year contracts for the maintenance and operation of 74 Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships, but several companies subsequently challenged the awards. As a result, the existing contracts have been extended for 90 days. MarAd announced May 16. A MarAd spokesman said the agency "received notification that . . . bid protests were filed with the General Accounting Office." The original assignments saw 45 vessels awarded to SIUcontracted companies. For those 45 ships, the sru secured substantial wage increases, plus an additional pair of wage increases retroactive to 1998 and 1999, respectively. Further details will be published in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Names Lakes VP: T. Orzechowski The SIU executive board last month named Tom Orzechowski as vice president of the union's Lakes and Inland Waters District. Orzechowski succeeds Byron Kelley, who retired (see page 5). A native of Camden, N.J., Orzechowski graduated from the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1991. He sailed in the deck department, both in the deep sea and inland divisions. In 1996, he was elected SIU port agent in St. Louis. Two years later, he was elected vice president of the SIUNA-affiliated Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union. Orzechowski has extensive experience as an organizer, Tom Orzechowski including sailing aboard organizational-status vessels. SIU Makes It to the Show The new Baltimore hall, slated to open by month's end, is located at 2315 Essex Street. Renovations to the former art studio will include (top left) replacement of the bay door with glass panels and a double front door. The brick. building is situated in Canton. New Hall to Open in Baltimore SIU's Guam Office Is Fully Operational The SIU plans to open its new hall in Baltimore by the end of the month. Refurbishment of the facil- ity, located at 231.5 Essex Street in the Canton section of town~ is expected to be finished by midmonth. The union will complete transfer of its operations from 1216 East Baltimore Street during the following week or so. The telephone number for the new Baltimore hall will remain the same; (410) 327-4900. Seafarers who utilize this hall are asked to stay in touch with the staff for an exact opening date. Formerly an art studio, the Essex Street building represents a significant improvement compared to the hall on East Baltimore Street. "It will be very user-friendly for the membership," noted SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. "It's in a better area of town and it's something everyone in the SIU can be proud of." Baltimore•s will be the second new hall opened this year by the SIU_ In April, the union opened an office in the U.S. territory of Guam. SIU Guam Port Agent Matt Holley reports that the hat I there "is fully up and running and already has been used by a lot of members. The feedback has been very positive." The Guam hall is located at Sunny Plaza, 125 Tunjesus Crisostona Street, Suite 301-E. The SIU and one of its affiliated unions, the United Industrial Wor1<ers (UIW). shared a booth last month at the annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show_ This year's event took place May 5-8 in Milwaukee and attracted hundreds of thousands of guests. Above, pictured at the SIU-UIW booth are (from left) AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Exec. Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex, UIW National Director Steve Edney, Glass and Pottery Workers President James Rankin, SIU President Michael Sacco, UIW Great Lakes Region VP Bill Dobbins and SIU Headquarters Representative Leo Bonser. Below, visiting the SIU-UIW display are (from left) AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, Dobbins, Pecquex, AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charlie Mercer and Edney. Bottom, guests check out the numerous displays of unionmade goods and services. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel greeted Seafarers last month at the SIU hall in Guam. Prospective unlicensed apprentices Jesse Anthony (right) and Pua Crisostomo-Kaaihue apply for the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Trainino and Education's entry program at the Guam hall. 4 Seafarers L06 June2000 �Navy League President Cites Need For Strong U.S. Merchant Marine John R. Fisher Editors note: In the May issue of Sea Power magazine, Rear Admiral John R. Fisher, national president of the Navy League of the United States, describes Americas need for a strong US.flag merchant marine. His column is reprinted here. The Vital Fourth Arm In the Foreword to our January 2000 "Almanac" issue of Sea Power, I noted that "Very few Americans realize how dependent the United States is on the U_S _flag Merchant Marine for national defense and its continued economic well-being." That comment is worth repeating. and expanding upon. as Navy Leaguers and other supporters of a strong U.S.-flag fleet observe "Maritime Month" this May in numerous special events both in Washington, D.C. and elsewhere throughout the country. From the Revolutionary War to and through Desert Storm, SIU America's Merchant Marine served as an essential partner of the U.S. Navy, earning the unofficial but well-deserved title of "the vital fourth arm of national defense." As has been the case with the nation's armed services that it served so well and so gallantly, however, the Merchant Marine is almost always neglected in times of peace_ Our grateful but perennially forgetful nation always talces for granted that in times of future conflict there will be enough time to rebuild the Merchant Marine to the number of ships needed, and enough trained American seafarers to man those ships. Those careless and militarily dangerous assumptions may have been partially valid even as late as the beginning of World War II, but not since then, and are demonstrably not true today. Consider the following: • German submarines sank more than 20 million tons of U.S. and Allied shipping in World War II, and came within a hair of winning the Battle of the Atlanticand, therefore, the war- for Adolf Hitler_ The US_ Merchant Marine had a higher per capita casualty rate than any of the nation's armed services in the first two years of fighting. • Less than 10 years ago it took the greatest sealift effort in all history for the United States and its coalition partners to defeat Iraq, a third-rate military power. In that conflict the United States possessed almost total control of the sea and was able to safely offload almost 10 million tons of cargo in the modem ports of Saudi Arabia- but had to charter foreign-flag ships to transport more than 20 percent of that cargo. Of much greater importance: Many of the U.S. seafarers, including some WWII veterans who manned the U.S.-flag ships in the Gulf War, had to come out of retirement to answer their country's call. Appropriately, they were the only civilians to march in the Desert Storm victory parade in Washington. • If the U.S./NATO air war against Serbia last year had required the commitment of ground forces, Navy officials have stated. the result might well have been a "logistics nightmare" and, rather than total victory, a total debacle instead_ A careful reading of history shows that there are several lessons to be learned from the preceding and other conflicts. The first is that in all future wars threatening U.S. interests overseas, 95 percent or more of the supplies and equipment needed by our air and ground forces in the combat zone will have to come by sea. The second is that we cannot depend on foreign-flag ships to carry that cargo. The third is that, because of the pace of modem warfare, the U.S.-flag sealift ships and American seafarMaritime Day activities in Washington, DC took place too late for the Seafarers LOG's June printing deadline. Full coverage of those ceremonies will be included in the July issue. ers available at the start of conflict cannot be substantially augmented in any way. What can, and should, we as a nation do to ensure the availability of enough sealift ships and crews for the foreseeable future? Several things, as Rep. Herbert H. Bateman, chairman of the House Merchant Marine Panel, points out in an interview in this issue of Sea Power: (1) Extend and probably expand both the maritime security program and the prepositioned ship program; (2) Significantly increase the funding available for shipbui1ding under the Title XI loan-guarantee program; and (3) Develop. promote, and implement policies that make it possible to once again build ships "of every variety"-commercial as well as naval-in American shipyards. "If we lose our ability to build ships," Chairman Bateman further points out, "we lose our capability to sustain ourselves as a maritime power." I concur wholeheartedly in that appraisal, and in his assessment of what should be our immediate maritime priorities. After these crucially important short-term actions are taken, though, we also should develop, and quickly implement, longerterm plans and policies to ensure that the U.S.-flag merchant fleet is no longer what it now is, the Achilles' Heel of national defense -but once again resumes its rightful role as the Vital Fourth Arm. In the long run, of course, it will be up to the American people, in a very real sense, to determine whether we want to be-or even deserve to be-a true maritime power in the brave new world of the 21st century. John R. Fisher National President This article is reprinted courtesy of Sea Power magazine, the official publication of the Navy League of the United States, which retains all rights of ownership, including copyright restrictions. es VP Kelley Retires Former Tug Capt. Logged Half-Century of Service After 50 years of making his living in the maritime industry, SIU Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Byron Kelley has retired. The son of a tugboat captain, Kelley started sailing in 1951. He served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard (1953-57) before rejoining the ranks of the merchant marine, where he earned licenses as a tugboat captain and pilot. Kelley, 67, often saih:d on ves~ sels operated by Great Lakes Towing or Dunbar and Sullivan Dredging. The Michigan native came ashore in 1973 to work for the SIU and became a fixture in the Great Lakes region. He served the last 11 years as vice president of the SIU's Greal Lakes and Irtlartd Water~ Di~trict Earlier, he worked as an SIU representative, safety director ( 1983-89) and assistant vice president (1989). "Byron took his work very seriously, and that benefited the membership. He was a dedicated official," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. Kelley cited the overall progress of the U.S. merchant marine as his career highlight. "It sounds cornball. but what I enjoyed the most was seeing the comfort of the working guy improve to the point where they make a damn good living," Kelley recalled_ "When I started sailing, if you got a 2-cents-an-hour raise, that was something. Today, it has evolved and become a job to be proud of. Here on the Lakes, the money and the benefits through the SIU are such that the members don't want to give them up. So, my ability to help through the negotinting process is probably my greatest source of pride." George McCartney, retired SIU vice president West At a recent gathering in Allen Park, Mich., House Minority Whip David Bonier {left) and his wife, Judy, congratulate retiring SIU Lakes and Inland Waters VP Byron Kelley on his career. June20DO After more than 20 years sailing in the deck department, Kelley came astiore in 1973 to work for the SIU. Above, Kelley (left) chats with Seafarer W. Adamek in 1978 at the old SIU hall in Detroit. Below, Kelley surveys the icy conditions outside the hall in Algonac, Mich _ Coa~t, credited Kelley with being Hvery reliable and accurate. He was always well-informed and on the ball." Ed Hogan, vice president of Sill-contracted Hannah Marine, said Kelley "always did a good job for his people. really hustled for them. But he was decent for us to work with. too." Ed Coffey. business representative for the Greater Detroit AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Council, said Kelley is "a he11 of a good trade unionist. He got involved with us through the Michig'1n Maritime Trades Port Council, and we're proud of our association with the Seafarers __ .. You knew when he was talking, it was time to listen." More than 200 well-wishersincluding dozens of political figures-joined Kelley for a combination birthday-retirement party April 16 in Allen Park, Mich. Among those attending were U.S. House of Representatives Minority Whip David Bonior (DMich.), U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and numerous state officials. Also participating were Richard Cordtz, president emeritus of the Service Employees International Union; Edgar Scribner, retiring president of the See related story, page 4 Detroit Metropolitan AFL-CIO; Patrick Devlin, head of the Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council; and others. Despite retiring, Kelley said he will remain active in the labor movement. He is vice chairman of the Detroit and Wayne County Port Authority, president of the AFLCIO Labor's International Hall of Fame, and serves as a consultant to the Detroit Metropolitan AFLCIO, among other endeavors. "I can be of service to the movement in several capacities," he noted. "I'm not going to get bored, by any means." Seafarers LOG 5 �Crowley Seafarers Complete Tailor-Made STCW Training School Helps Licensed Mariners Meet Requirements ofAmended Convention Although many of the courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are geared toward helping unlicensed mariners meet the requirements of the amended STCW convention, the school also provides similar instruction for licensed Seafarers. With that in mind, nine licensed SIU members who sail with Crowley Maritime Services recently completed two weeks of U.S. Coast Guard-approved, STCW-related courses at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. Their curriculum included advanced fire fighting, hazardous materials (HAZMAT) recertification, STCW basic safety, CPR and first aid. Finishing the classes April 28 were SIU members Homer Roberson, Anthony Morgan, Miguel Vasquez, Roger Horton, For instance, according to the Coast Guard, the requirement for a master's license for 500 or 1,600 gross tonnage on ocean or near-coastal waters may include automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA), global maritime distress systems (GMDSS), bridge team- John Salmon, Bruce Brumback, Bill Smith, Willie Gardner and Paul Fuller. These STCW Info. on the Web Seafarers sail from the Gulf Coast region, primarily Lake Charles, La. and Houston. The two-week session at Piney Point was crafted following meetings between Crowley representatives and school officials. The Paul Hall Center honored the company's request to help its crews fulfill multiple STCW requirements in one uninterrupted stretch of training. "We understandably have concentrated most of our efforts the last few years on unlicensed (training), but many SIU members sail licensed on limited tonnage vessels," said Bill Eglinton. director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center. "In some cases they have to meet additional STCW requirements." The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a comprehensive web site covering STCW. It can be found at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ That site and others of potential interest to Seafarers are linked at the SIU's web site: http://www.seafarers.org work. advanced fire fighting. STCW basic safety. and survival craft and rescue boat. The requirement for engineering officers' licenses- including designated duty engineer (unlimited hp), chief engineer (limited oceans) and assistant engineer (limited oceans)--comprises first aid and CPR, advanced fire fighting, STCW basic safety, and survival craft and rescue hMt The Crowley crews-and other SIU-contracted companies that traditionally operate in coastal waters- are subject to STCW regulations once they go beyond the 12-mile U.S. boundary line. " We may sail on tugboats, but we're not just inland. I recently made a trip to Africa," noted Gardner, who sails as a chief engmeer. SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker (left) and Crowley Maritime Services Director of Marine Operations Ed McCain discuss STCW requirements with crews from the Gulf Coast region. He said the Paul Hall Center trammg, including hands-on instruction at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, proved worthwhile, "especially water survival. We also fought all kinds of fires, different types. I never had done that before, so it was an experience." Students said the fire fighting training proved very worthwhile. Smith, a captain, said he appreciated the chance to meet numerous STCW requirements in a fairly short time. "I'd recommend to other members who need this training~ to come up here and do it-get [the requirements] out of the way," he said. "Just be senous about it, because it's a serious school. Don't think you're going to come here and party. Nobody's going to give you anything." Smith added that the fire fighting and water survival components were particularly useful. Getting Lots of Practical Experience No Beefs Between Steward, Captain · Whci says unlicensed mariners and officers can't get along? Chief Steward Michael Kozak {right) and his wife, Kimberly Borges-who sails as a captain with the American Maritime Officers-report smooth sailing since their marriage in February 1999. SIU President Michael Sacco chatted with them after the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. 6 Seafarers LOG Maxwell Hassell-El, a student in the chief cook course at the Paul Hall Center, enjoys the hands-on approach to cooking. The upgrader, who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va., believes "the instructors at the school are truly interested in the students' welfare." June2000 �14 Bosuns Earn Recertification Many Commend Paul Hall Center for Progress A seasoned group of SIU members last month became the union's newest recertified bosuns, following their completion of the top curriculum available to deck department Seafarers at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Graduating at the Piney Point, Md. school May 8 were Rickie Burgess, David Campbell, Arthur Cross, Bernard Hutcherson, David Kalm, Steven Ledermann, Jeffrey Libby, Robert Lindsay, Paul "Blackie" Matsos, Thomas Minton, John Mossbarger, Johnny O'Ferrell, Daniel Ticer and Robert Wilson. (O'Ferrell successfully completed the class but left to catch a ship before the graduation ceremony.) In remarks at the meeting, the bosuns commented on variou5 aspects of the school and the union. 0 1 was overwhelmed to find out just how many people work in the political Menn to kc;i;p thi5 industry alive," observed Minton, The union's newest recertified bosuns are congratulated by SIU officials following last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) Daniel Ticer, Rickie Burgess, (standing) SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Bernard Hutcherson, David Campbell, SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker, Robert Lindsay, Arthur Cross, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Steven Ledermann, John Mossbarger, David Kalm, Paul Matsos, Robert Wilson, Jeffrey Libby, SIU President Michael Sacco, Thomas Minton and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. who joined the SIU in 1968. "I now know more about the industry, so I can answer questions and do my job as ship's chairman much better than before. "I feel that with the hard work (SIU President) Mike Sacco and (SIU VP Contracts) Augie Tellez and. for that matter, everyone in the Washington political (field) are doing~ we are in for exciting times and a bright future." Campbell, an SIU member for 26 years. encouraged his fellow members to "stick with it and good things will happen to you. The SIU has always been a good deal." He also pointed out that in this federal dcdion year, "Whoever 's going to hdp U5 in maritime, that's who to vote for. Remember also to contribute to SPAD." Lindsay complimented his classmates, Paul Hall Center staff and SIU headquarters officials for helping provide a valuable course. A 10-year member of the SIU, he listed contract issues, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department's role, the operation of the Seafarers benefits plans and the importance of SPAD as some of the highlights. "It was a good experience and I met a lot of nice and helpful people:," Lind~ny ~nid. "There; arc; a lot of opportunities in this union .... rd also like to thank the SIU staff in Norfolk (Va.) for being so helpful." Wilson said he hadn •t attended the school since 1979. and he was pleasantly surprised at its progress. "I wasn't impressed in 1979. Now, I am," he ~aid. "The teachers care, they want each student to achieve high kveb of knowledge in each course. We had fun, David Campbell June2000 Daniel Ticer too. I recommend all members upgrade." He added, "The progress of the SIU is not by chance. A plan has been set to assure all SIU members employment with better benefits and pay on the horizon." A frequent upgrader who joined the union in 1978, Hutcherson identified computer training as a course highlight. "I would recommend to any Seafarer to upgrade.'' he stated. "Upgrading is advancing yourself. I've always enjoyed this school. Ifs very rewarding!' In a brief but emotional address, Ticer emphasized his feelings about the Brotherhood of the Sea. ''I'm talking to you from my heart. This is my family, my house," he said, gesturing toward the audience. "Support this thing and it'll keep working." For Ledermann, bosun recertification marked his eighth time upgrading at Piney Point. "I joined in 1969 as a trainee, and every time I come here, it gets a tittle better," he said. "Mike Sacco and (Paul Hall Center VP) Don Nolan make it better, and I thank them for giving us this opportunity.h ed the chance to interact with his classmates. "That was a highlight, rubbing shoulders with the other bosuns," he noted. "We usually don't get to see each other. because we're at sea.·· He also credited the union ·s officials for "great leadership. Our officials stay on top of the industry and instigate change in the industry. It's to our benefit." Matsos said that, through the SIU, "I've always had a job and always done well. I thank the SIU and the whole staff, from the president down. It's nice to be here, but I'm ready to go back to work!" Addressing the unlicensed apprentices in the audience, he added, "Ask questions. I joined in 1956 and I still ask questions." Burgess also spoke to the apprentices. "You can get anything you want, as long as you work at it. And when it comes to politics, remember we're all about maritime." A Seafarer since 1979, Kalm noted the improvements in the Paul Hall Center•s facilities and curriculum. ..The school's been really great and it's come a long way. It's something for all of us to be proud of," he said. "There are a lot of unions. but none can match us with this school." Both Cross and Libby thanked the school staff and encouraged the apprentices in their studies. Because the bosuns also completed the school's STCW basic safety course, they finished a total of seven weeks of studies at Piney Point. Combining practical and classroom instruction, they covered topics such as wire splicing, navigation. damage control. forklift handling, Hagglund crane operations, fire fighting, first aid and CPR, and many others. Additionally, they were updated by Sacco and Tellez on the union's latest efforts to ensure job security for all Seafarers. They also met with representatives from the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department and the union's communications staff. Rickie Burgess Robert Lindsay Steven Ledermann Arthur Cross Mossbarger said he appreciat- Seafarers LOS 7 �Engine Simulator Will Aid Paul Hall Center's Training New Tools to Help With STCW Compliance The schooling of engine department personnel at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. will receive a boost beginning this fall, thanks to the addition of a state-of-the-art engine room simulator (ERS). Slated to be housed in the center's completely refurbished Lindsey Williams Building, the ERS is one of four new simulators that will be installed in the school's classrooms. The ERS will consist of a two-stroke and four-stroke slow speed and medium speed propulsion diesel, a 600-psi main propulsion steam and turbine simulator, and a gas turbine simulator. It will be utilized for teaching engine room watchkeeping personnel how to properly operate a ship's propulsion and electrical power plants. The other simulators will be for training in shiphandling, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. Energized about the new equipment and its array of appli- Construction continues on the new Paul Hall Center building that will house simul~tors for shiph~ndling 1 engine room ations and liquid cargo procedures. op~ration~ 1 eran~ op~r­ cations, J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the center, said the learning tools will help provide unprecedented realism. "Up until now, (some) students have had to rely exclusively on classroom lectures for training," he continued. "With the addition of this simulator, we can now provide them with hands-on experience which ultimately translates into a better trained student." In compliance with revised STCW 95 Convention and Code requirements, the new ERS will allow Paul Hall Center instructors to conduct three-level training for new personnel. These levels are: • Entry level-familiarization. This level is designed for the study of the structure and operating principles on the machinery and related systems. •Standard level (for FOWT/ QMED ratings)--standard operation and watchkeeping. • High level (for licensed engineers)-advanced operation and troubleshooting. The engine simulator features the most modern technology. In addition to making the three-level training available for instructors, a milestone in the center's curriculum, this cutting-edge technology will facilitate assessment of student competence. This feature is deemed particularly beneficial during certifications and the recruitment of new engine department personnel. As an example, the ERS can simulate operations during emergencies. This capability will permit training in troubleshooting to be conducted. A malfunction scenario, prepared in advance by instructors, can be included in the exercise. From the instructor workplace, the scenario can be edited on-line for each trainee. Similarly, failures of machinery can be entered, levels in the tanks changed and orders given from the bridge imitated. Instructors also can prepare arbitrary start situations, assign each student an individual exercise, or give the same exercise to the entire class. Twelve students can be put through simulated exercise paces at the same time. The simulator will make it possible for instructors to: • Freeze situations at any juncture for the purpose of additional discussion, • Record the sequence of actions and events of each trainee, and • Replay recorded classes on real, fast and slow time or in a step-by-step mode. The ERS can also be used in conjunction with bridge resource management and engine room resource management. Apprentice Program Gives 'Second Chance' Shavies Grateful for Opportunity at Paul Hall Center Five years ago, Shauntay Shavies Mula Mly ~ttvi~iM hi~ rurur~ tlmmgh dream~ arid make-believe itttage~. He wa~ uncertain about where he was going as well as h6w he W<">Uld get there. At that juncrure, he was repaying society for a wrong tum he had made as a youth. Life had not been especially kind to the then troubled and misguided 15-yearold. He had not experienced the security that normally correlates with happiness during childhood. His sense of worth was fictional. His aspirations for success were clouded by an absence of purpose. Desperate to replace these voids with closeness and a feeling of belonging, he rumed tc street gangs. Change or Lne That was then. Nowadays, life is very different for the 21-year-old Tacoma, Wash. native. His demeanor. values and entire approach to existence have undergone a dramatic reformation. Currently enrolled in the third and final phase of the unlicen5ed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Shavies looks forward to being a productive part of society and earning a respectable tiving. "I look at being here (the school in Piney Point, Md.) as being given a second chance, and I plan to make the most of it," he said. "I now have a future and no longer have to worry about living day to day." Perhaps his day-to-day Jiving conditiOrt~ led hitn towa.rd hi~ itt.di~cretioM a_~ a_ minor. Sha.vies is the second of four siblings who was raised entirely by his mother. A single parent, Tamra Shavies spent her days Md ttJghts wofkihg to provide for hi:r ~hildm1. ..My mother did everything she could for me and my brothers," Shavies recalled. "She worked two jobs and basically gave us what we needed to survive. We never got anything fancy like some kids did. And that really made me mad because for some reason, that was not enough for me. I always wanted more. Like every good parent, though, my 0 B Seafarers LOB mom tried to keep us out of trouble," he cottt1nued. She taught an of us the ditlerente between right an.d wrong, but I was the kind of kid that had to learn the hard way .. . from experience. I never believed anything until I experienced it on my own. r had to prove things to myself." Such "proof• often was gained at the expense of others. He became involved in gangs at an early age. By joining a gang, he sought to secure those things that he longed for yet never realized he already had in his family life. In his estimation at that time, the gang afforded such things as caring, sharing, unity, guidance and-perhaps most importantly- loyalty. HI got involved with the street and gangs earty in my life, because I had no father figure around," Shavies said. "I joined because it made me feel like I belonged and could be myself. I thought that the gang would give me all of the things I did Mt ha eat home." All of his expectations were met and 0 surpassed initially, but the gang's appeal i;vi;ntually subsidi;d. As a result, Shavies sometimes reassessed his involvement. "In gangs, everybody has a job to do based on what they do best. They (gangs) are not just made up of young people and teenagers; you also have older people who run things, they are almost like parents" Shavies said. "And I understood that part of it. But I had a hard time handling how someone could say that they loved you on the one hand and beat the hell out of you at the same time for whatever reason. "I guess the part that hurt me most, though, was when I discovered how quickly the people that I used to hang out with in the streets would desert me/' Shavies said. ((lt's not a good sensation to feel deserted, forgotten about, or to have people who you think are your friends turn their backs on you. I guess they were not really my friends and they did not really care about me that much either." Through it all however, there was at least one constant in Shavies' life which remained loyal and unshakable-his mother. She never gave up on her son or compromised her faith in him . ..My mom was my only real friend. She always supported me and gave me encouragement," Shavies said. "She was always there for me and I thank God for her. "People say that it takes something dramatic or significant to wake someone up," he continued. "When I looked at people around me and thought about them and their futures, I didn't like what I saw. "I found out that a close friend of mine would never get out of jail and it scared me to think that I could end up just like him if I didn't change. I now know that through faith and belief in yourself, anything is possible." Shavies' newfound hope and belief in himelf paid dividends in 1996 when he earned his GED. Two years later, he regained his freedom. Life had new meaning and purpose. He could now assertively let go of his past and get on with his future. For the next six months, he worked in various capacities under a work release program. After completing the work release program in March 1998, he sought the advice and guidance of counselors who helped him maintain his focus. Over the next 12 months. Shavies contacted more than a few agencies. He sought employment opportunities and any "breaks" along the way that would aid him as he traveled the long road back to a normal existence. He worked at a food processing plant, drove a forklift and was employed as a janitor. Getting a Break Then came the break he had been awaiting. He entered the first phase of the SIU's unlicensed apprentice program Sept. 1, 1999. Some 12 weeks later, he began phase 2 and was off to sea for his first voyage. He spent 90 days aboard the Totem Ocean Trailer Express vessel Northern Lights. The ship made weekly calls at ports between Tacoma and Anchorage. During this part of his training, Shavies achieved superior ratings in all required departments. Shauntay Shavies, scheduled to graduate this month from the Unlicensed Apprentice Program at the Paul Hall Center, credits the school with helping him turn his life around. Upon graduation, Shavies will ship out for 120 days and work as an OS. Ile then will return to the school to upgrade to AB. Currently, he serves as the chief bosun for the Unlicensed Apprentice Program. In this role, he works dosely with the school's commandant in the daily supervision of unlicensed apprentices in phases one and two. Shavies openly credits the Paul Hall Center and its staff for both the impact that it has had on his life and also the role it has played in the reformation of his values. "When I first came here, I thought that I had made another big mistake because I viewed it like being in the military ... too many rules to deal with," he said. "But I stuck with it and it all began to make sense to me. Everything really came out while I was at sea because all that they (instructors) had been telling me fell into place. "Before, I really did not care about much of anything, but now I understand that I have responsibilities and that other people depend on me," Shavies concluded. "Now I can hold a conversation with my mom and tell her how good I'm doing and what I plan to do in the future:· June2000 �Scholarships Awarded to Seven in 2000 ince the Seafarers Welfare Plan issued its first scholarships in 1953, nearly 300 SIU members and their spouses and dependent children have used the award monies to further their educations. In introducing the program, the union wanted to make sure that Seafarers and their family members who were qualified to attend a college, university or technical school would have the financial means available to do so. That philosophy continues today as seven more people-three Seafarers and four children of SIU members-were selected recipients of the Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarships totaling $87, 000. Last month, a panel of educators, making up the Seafarers Welfare Plans scholarship committee, met to select the scholarship winners for 2000. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and career goals of the seven college-bound students. S SEAFARERS ICTOR G. FRAZIER, 39, was awarded a four-year scholarship in the amount of $15,000. The deep sea member looks forward to obtaining a degree in finance and international business and is seriously considering pursuing a degree in law as V we1L follc.wing his 1978 graduation from high school in Albuquerque N_M_ Frazier worked various jobs to help support his mother and three siblings, putting off dreruns 1 1 of continuing his education. It was not until 1982 that Fra'.lier returned to academics, attending classes at various colleges 1n CaHfom1a and working toward a degree in aeronautics. It was then that he also joined the Air Force Reserve. Eleven years later, in 1993, and not happy with the direction his life was leading, he joined the Seafarers International Union. He thanks the SIU West Coast offic;:iab for hdping "a mlrtd young man transition into becoming a merchant seaman. He has continua11y upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and EducatJon in Piney Point, Md. a.nd i~ c;:urr~ntly ~ailing as an AB aboard the Liberty Spirit. The deck department member has a.ppli~d to the University of California in Berketey Calif., Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif'., Iloward University in Washington, D.C. and Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Ga. H 1 D , ANA D. C I G- HAM, 3 7, has been a merchant sailor for 17 years_ He completed his junior year at Oakton High School in Oakton, Va. and went to sea. Brother Cunningham completed the entry-level training at the Paul Hall Center in 1984 and earned hi~ QED at that time:, as well. Since then, the steward department member has returned to the school on many occasions 1 advancing from cook/baker to chief cook to chi f steward. In 1992, he graduated from the steward recertification program-the highest curriculum available to JuneZOOO members of the steward department. But Cunningham also has other interests. In 1995, he began working as a locksmith apprentice and after two years, received his memthe Associated bership to Locksmiths of America. While continuing to sail with the SIU, presently aboard the LNG Capricorn, the recertified steward has been practicing as a full service locksmith. He hopes to specialize in safe and bank vault work and believes he will excel in this field. With the $6,000 scholarship award, Brother Cunningham plans to attend the Master's Safe and Vault School in Nicholasville, Ky, considered one of the best schools in this field. EONITO "DACU" S. SODUSTA has already accomplished much in his 42 years. Following graduation in 1974 from high school in the Philippines. he went on to get a Bachelor of Science degree in maritime transportation from Visayan Maritime Academy, also in the Philippines. He then shipped out aboard foreign-flag ships until 1985, when he went shoresidc and took a marketing position. But seafaring was in his blood, and Sodusta enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Ht was a vtttran of th~ Persian Gulf War and received many medals and commendations during his four years of military service. With an honorable discharge from the Navy. Brother Sodusta then joined the SIU in 1994, first working aboard the S.S. Ittdependente. He has taken a number of upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center and is presently an AB aboard the N Courier. In his scholarship application 1 Sodusta noted that much of his time as a mariner has taken him away from his parents and his wife and three sc.ns, but that phc.tography has helped him keep busy and gives him much pleasure. While in rhe Navy, he enrolled in a photography home study program from which he received a certificate of graduation in 1993, and he now would like to improve in this field and concentrate on commercial photography. With his two-year, $6,000 scholarship from the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Sodusta hopes to realize his educational dreams at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach, Va. or another trade school specializing in photography. ber since 1978, presently sailing as a bosun aboard the Quality. While in school, Hall participated in a number of athletic, academic and musical activities, among them junior varsity volleyball, the Latin-American Society, the Deerfield Black Student Coalition, and as a member of the chorus, chamber singers and an a cappella group. She also has been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and at several nursing homes. "Drawing and writing are my hobbies," Hall wrote in her application form, "and music is certainly my passion, but life-science enthralls me . . . . I feel it is very important that we understand as much as we can about ourselves. With this knowledge, I hope to one day contribute to society as much as I can by helping as many people as l can." OHN J. MACOM, 18, is another student with ambitions of being a doctor. He is graduating this month from Belfast Area High School in Belfast, Maine, and will use his $15,000 scholarship award to follow a pre-med curriculum at Villanova University, Boston University, Fairfield University or Dickinson College. He is the son of Rebecca and Earl M. Ma,om. His father. a deep sea member who joined the SIU in 1965, sails in the engine department, currently aboard the Potomac. Macom has been an excellent student and has challenged himself by taking as many advanced placement courses as possible. He stayed on top of his studies, maintained honors and ranked in the top 20 percent of his class while still participating in many organizations throughout his school and community. He is a mentor for elementary and middle school students, has participated in his town's voluntary fire department, taken the position of treasurer of his high school newspaper and been elected treasurer of the Future Business Leaders of America- among other activities. He also has found time to manage the school's champion swim team and has been a member of the tennis team for our years. With all these activities, Macom also earned a little money while working as a pizza delivery boy; dishwasher; newspaper deliverer and camp counselor. 0 My goal is to become a doctor," Macom wrote in his scholarship application. "Just the thought of helping others makes it all worthwhik. I also plan to use my knowledge in medicine to help poverty stricken areas." J DEPENDENTS HEVONE C. HALL is graduating this month from Deerfield Academy in Deerfield, Mass. With her fouryear, $15,000 scholarship, she plans to pursue a career in medicine at any one of 10 schools to which she has been accepted, including Cornell University, C Dartmouth College, Wellesley College and Tufts University. The 17-year-old is the daughter of Colleen and Carlton P. Hall. Her father has been an SIU mem- H YACINTH V. PADUA hopes to become the first doctor in her family. The 17-year-old immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1997 and the family relocated to New Mexico. Her parents are Julieta and Stephen Avallone. Her step-dad joined the union in 1988 and currently sails as a chief steward aboard the Jack Lummus. As she graduates this month from Manzano High School in Albuquerque, N.M., Padua has overcome cultural challenges to become a remarkable student. She quickly mastered English and became a first-rate writer, and has been published in the school literary magazine. She excels in both mathematics and English and has taken honors classes in both subjects, maintaining a 3.9 grade point average and ranking in the top 11 percent of her class. Padua's other activities include working part time and doing volunteer work for her church. "I want achievements that I can be proud of," Padua wrote in her scholarship application, "so that when I look back from the future, I know that I have made a small difference in the world. I want to be an example to other children that education is the trail out of poverty. I want to make my family proud so when I go back to the Philippines, others will be empowered to pursue higher a academic excellent." Padua will use her $15,000 scholarship money to begin premed studies at the University of New Mexico in August. W hen ELIZABETH E. HEATH was in the first grade, she wanted to be an engineer and then an astronaut. Since the second grade, she wrote in her scholarship application, her plans have changed slightly. She decided then that she no longer wanted to be an astronaut but still wanted to pursue a career in mechanical. civil or industrial engineering. The 18-year-old can now realize her dreams. With the help of her $15,000 schoJarship, she plans to attend Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. next fall. Graduating this month from Kecoughtan High School in Hampton, Va., Heath is ranked number 10 in a class of384. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society and high school academic team. She was selected in a highly competitive field as a delegate to the Virginia Girls State and "Who's Who of American High School Students." Heath also has been enrolled in advanced placement physics and is involved in several civic, church and other school organizations such as the science club, Keyettes and Latin club. Additionally, she has performed as a percussionist in the school's marching band, concert band, symphonic band and winter drum line. Heath also is an active member of her church, where she sings in the adult choir and the Virginia youth choir. While she has not determined exactly what she wants to do with her engineering degree, she hopes that by furthering her education, "I will determine exactly what field I want to enter because the job market is changing so rapidly these days. More education will be my key to determining how I want to spend the rest of my life." Heath's parents are Connie and Victor G. Frazier Dana D. Cunningham Neonito S. Sodusta Chevone C. Hall John J. Macom Hyacinth V. Padua Donald W. Heath. Her father, a member of the inland division since 1983, is presently a launch operator with the Virginia Pilot Association. Elizabeth E. Heath Seafarers LOG 9 �Left The tugs Cleo J. Brisco and Ronald Brisco tie up in Port Hueneme. Above; AB Richard Volkart poses in front of the Maersk Tennessee, which just tied up in port In and Around tb.e Port al Los Angeles A photo feature on activities around the port of Los Angeles-including the SIV hall in Wilmington-appeared in last month's Seafarers LO(/. SIV Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, who met with some of the crew members aboard the incoming SIVcrewed vessels, provided additional photos this month . Ships and boats of all types and sizes call on the port of Los Angeles which, together with Long Beach and Port Hueneme, is one of the 10 Ssafarers LOii June2000 �-- 1 Adai'&omS A rousing "hafa adai" (welcome) was given to SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel during his recent visit to Guam. Heindel was in the U.S. territory to meet with Seafarers aboard several of the large number of SIU-contracted ships based in the area-including the MV Lt. Col. Calvin P Titus, USNS Petersburg and Gopher State- and to check out the new hall and SWP-contracted clinic (see related story on page 4). Feedback about the union facility was quite positive. The crew members he talked with seemed pleased with the addition of a local ball where they can register, file for benefits, acquire upgrading forms and beneficiary cards and take care of other related union business. The photos appearing on this page were sent to the LOG by the secretary-treasurer. Thi~ view of the harbor was taken from Nimitl Hill, named after Admiral Nimitz. who was in charge or the U.S. Navy forces during WWII and led the invasion to free Guam from Japanese control. The beach is where the U.S. Marines landed. and the port and Navy base are also visibl~ - TM v~ss~I in tM baci<ground is the Sgt_ William R. Button. Above; Whomping up a great meal for his fellow crew members on the Calvin P Titus is Chief Cook Mark Stevenson _ At left AB Carl Larson finishes a task aboard the Gopher State_ The Cdlvin P. Titus i~ fortunate to have a number of unlicensed apprentices (UA) on board. From the left, following a shipboard meeting, are UA Jerramy McNeil, Bosun Evan Bradl~y, SIU SecretaryTrg;;u;umr D~vid HQindel, UA William Howell and UA Stiles Anderson. Remembering Brother Chuck Haller Working together on the Petersburg's deck are AB John Favero (left) and AB/DM John Barnard. .. Above; Nathaniel Leary is the bosun aboard the Gopher State_ At left: 803un Eddie Hall (left) joins Pef'Jrsburg 5teward department members tor a photo. They are Steward Oscar Angeles, Chief Cook Wendy Fearing, SA Fisal Zain and SA Nasser Hasson_ This is believed to be one of the last photos of longtime Seafarer Chuck Haller (far right), who passed away February 26. It was taken under sunny skies but in frigid temperatures early in the new year at the Crowley Petty's Island facility in Pennsauken, N_J_Pictured with Haller are (from left) fellow SIU members John Wozunk, John Gallagher, John Haller (Chuck's brother) and Mike Kirby. The Hallers are one of many families with more than one member sailing with the SIU. In addition to Electricians Chuck and John , QMED Robert Haller and OMU Mike Haller are part of the Brotherhood of the Sea. Chuck Haller's obituary appears on page 18. Seafarers LOS ff �•• San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean, so it is no wonder that the SIU hall, located in suburban Santurce, is a hub of activity. SIU-contracted ships are a common sight as they arrive in San Juan and other Puerto Rican ports such as Guayanilla, Yabucoa and Guayama. The vessels are offloaded with goods for the nearly four million people living on the island. A small percentage of this merchandise is then shipped out again to smaller islands such as St. Thomas and St. John in the Shipping Virgin Islands. During a recent tour of the various ports, SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez and Safety Director Amancio Crespo met with crew members aboard a variety of vessels, including those operated by NPR, Inc.; CSX Lines; U.S. Ship Management; and lnterocean Ugland Management. Jn addition, two NATCO dredges-the Dodge Island and the Manhattan Island- are presently working in San Juan harbor on a 10- to 12-month project to dredge the shipping channel. Above: While the Producer was in San Juan recently, this photo was taken of (from left) AB William D. Brinson Jr., Chief Steward Gregory N _ M~lvin and Bcsun JC~I A _ L~CML At l~ft'. Chief Pumpman Alex S. Dunlop assists in a di3charge operation aboard the Patriot in Guayanilla, P.R. /;:/: Above right Samuel Porchea, bosun aboard the Allegiance, is : '' pleased with what he reads in the Seafarers LOG. At left: This was ·' the fir~t time in Puerto Rico for' the Cdtolina after time in the shipyard_ !=rom the left are Bosun Stewart V Dixon, Chief Cook Jorge R. Salazar and Chief Steward Eva M. Mayers. While the Chemical Explorer was in Guayam recently, Chief Steward Dadang R Rashi receives his full membership book from SI Safety Director Amancio Crespo. Abovs:Bosun Luis Ramirez and Chief Steward Francis The AllfJgianofJ stopped off in Yabucoa, PR during a recent run _From tne left are 6A Mo~leh C:athQrim~ 6. Mo~leh, Chief Steward M_ Hays and Chigf Cook. Larry Jolla. 12 Seafarers LOB E_Ostendarp Jr_ take a coffee break aboard the El Yunque, along with (left) GUDE Pedro C. Gago and OMU Jimmie R. Graydon. Chief Cook Loicy M _Jones watches over the deep fryer on board the Chemical Explorer. June2000 �Solidarity . SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo (left) marches with UNITE Assistant to President Wilfredo Medina. Seafarers joined scores of other union members and officials recently in a rally and picket line in front of the Capitol building in San Juan to support their brothers and sisters in the Puerto Rican Police Federation. Marching with members from UNITE, the MTD and other unions and organizations April 4, the group voiced its concerns to legislators to create afand to compensate members of the police force for overtime already worked, but for which the government says it doesn ~ have the funds. GIMl<wise from far left: Dredging operations contin- ue aboard the Dodge Island in San Juan Bay • A happy crew on board the dredge Manhattan Island are (from left) Oiler Keith E. Neathery, AB Kevin Hamilton, Chief Steward Harold Kinney, SA William Brainard. AB Jimmy G. Saloom and Mate George Hofmann • Dr~gt9nd9r Torrimy Davi~ worll~ in tne "pit" inside the wheelhous~ cf thA Dodg~ Island during operation$ in San Juan Bay • On break aboard the Dodge fa/and are (from left} SA Miriam Merluzzo, Chief Steward Steven Talucci , Dragtender Tommy Davis and AB Charles G. Troutwine Jr. Halping with cargo operations on tne Allegiance are ABs Michael M. Edwards and Eddie L. Major. JuneZOOO Maintaining watch aMard tne Carolina is OMU Charles L Whar on. Wharton also serves as the engine delegate. Shewing ~upport for the Puerto Rican Police Federation are (from left) Pumpman Angel Ortiz, GUDE Luis Carrion, AB Jose Canales and AB Richard Wheat. AbovQ left: SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo (left) and SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez (right) talk over the situation with legislator Anibal Vega Borges. Above right: Bosun Eric Perez joins in the rally. Seafarers LOG 13 �Seafarers Rally With Mine Workers Continued from page 2 fighting." U.S. senators and representatives from six coal-field states, and from both sides of the aisle, also addressed members at the highly spirited rally. They pledged their support for legislation that would restore the fmancial integrity of the UMWA's Combined Benefit Fund (CBF). Congressional speakers included: Sens. Robert C. Byrd CDW. Va.), Jay Rockefeller (DW.Va.), Charles Robb (D-Va.), John Warner (R-Va.), Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), Arlen Specter (R-Pa. ), and Reps Bob Wise (DW. Va.), Bob Ney (R-Ohio), Spencer Bacas (R-Ala.), Ron Klink (R-Pa.), Rick Boucher (D- Va.), Frank B. Mascara (D-Pa.), Alan B. Mollohan (D-W.Va.), Ted Strickland (D-Ohio) Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), and Edward Whitfield (R-Ky.). Others who spoke were National Council of Senior Citizens President George Kourpis; Bituminous Coal Operators Association President David Young; UMWA International Vice President Jerry D. Jones; and UMWA International Secretary-Treasurer Carlo Tarley. Seafarers who participated in the rally included JaFar Gordon, Kenneth Jackson, Antwan Stafford, Beth Ketah, Ibrahim Muhammad, Nathan Jarmon, Sean Fortener, Lewis Amundson, Jacob Soeteber, Kris Fitzpatrick and Kenneth Dyson. An estimated 12,000 union members join in the May 17 demon~tration M Capitol Hill. Each was impressed with the tremendous turnout and show of solidarity. Several offered their impressions. "I think the rally was very effective," said Ketah. "It shows that union members are a proud people, united, they are like a big family. It's good that so many of them came out to support something as meaningful and worthwhile as this." "Today's is a very strong rally because other unions are here supporting the coal miners," Fortener offered, "and that's good because they (the UMWA) are a hard-working group. They need to have what they are asking for in this rally. I'm glad I had the opportunity to be here and show my support." "Coming together like this helps to build stronger unions," Mohammed suggested. "Groups of people should unite for common causes. As far as politics are concerned, when politicians see this many people gather for one cause, they should take notice because they are supposed to be representing the people. They should give them what they want." Soeteber praised the UMWA stance and all of the supporters who turned out to rally in their behalf. ..I understand totally Vian a Viney Vuint VacatiC>n Bchools soon w111 t7B ou-i for r.ne ki~~-iiilnd t-hat- means only one thin~: &i Gummer vaca1'iio11 i~ ~rQ1.m~ th~ Gorner. SIU members anti -their familie~ who want to do somethin~ different- t:hi& year wit-hoU1~ blowin~ -Che family bud-ae-i ml(jl'lt. mn5ider 't.ak- UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. MAmber $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Note: There ;s no charge for children 11 yQa~ of ~ge or youngfi!fr. The pricris listed above include all meals Dur do not inolude tax. In~ .adv.a11t:age of :a benefit unique vacationing at the Paul Hall Center for M21ritime Troining trnd Educl'ltion in Piney Poittt, Md. Everythin~ yDu could :a~~ for in 1l su111111er VL'lca-tion c.-an be found 21t Pi11ey Point. Bee;ide~ c:omfort:~ble .accommodation~ for the whole family, a5 well ag, three dedic:iou~ me.als .a day, the Paul HJtll Center 21fforde; plenty of opportunities to fish, go boating, pl;;;iy tenni& ~nd swim. Also .av.ail.able for uBe are a Bauna and exercise facili-Cies. Piney Point. in S~. M~ry's County, is ideally situated to .allow for d~y trips throughau-c -che historic: ~outhern Maryland and Washington. D.C. me'tropolit.a11 areas. The loc.at.iD11 provides ~ grcn:rt chzmcc to vi~it ~uch l.:::1ndmt.1 rks £15 t.he home of George w.ash111~'t011 at Mt. Vernon, Arlington Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol. Children will love w wur to SMfarer~: ~uw? the FE31 l?uilding or see where U.S. money i~ made a"t the Bureau of f'rintintJ and En~ravin~. And waitchlntJ t,he sharks at the Baltimore acquarium is a real tre;;it. But: if sight-seeing is 1101i your idea of .a v.-ac.-ation, there i!3 alw~y~ something going on in St. Mary'B County, it~elf. Se.>ifood fe&tivGil&, art exhibit;ions. antique and craft shows, concerts and theater product.ions .are but a few of the offerin(3S. A vilcation stay at the Paul H21ll Center is limited to two weeks per family, and the rates are very rea~onal?le Bill Yockey (white cap), a Mine Worker from Booneville, Ind., thanks Seafarers for participating in the demonstration. Yockey asked the SIU contingent to autograph one of the Seafarers· support signs and said he would keep it as a souvenir and share it with fellow UMWA members. UMWA International President Cecil Roberts calls on Congress to honor its commitment providing health benefits for Mine Workers and their families. where they (members of the UMWA) are coming from," he said. "The coal miners just want the respect and benefits that they have been promised and I think it's long overdue:· shared Gordon. "Being here and supporting them fits into what we are learning about in school. People coming together and backing one another for a common cause . . . that's really what it's all about." The UMWA supports several bipartisan measures introduced recently on Capitol Hill to help shore up the dwindling CBF: • H.R. 4144, the Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act for the 21st Century (CARE 21) drafted by Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), which would authorize the transfer of $1 72 million in the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Reclamation Fund interest money to the CBF. • S. 2538, the Coal Miners and Widows Health Protection Act of 2000, proposed by Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W. VA.), which would annually transfer a portion of the $346 million allocated by the Clinton-Gore Administration in its 2000 budget from the U.S. Treasury into the CBF. • S. 2584, the Coal Accountability and Retired Employee Act, introduced by Sen. Charles Robb (D-Va.) as the Senate companion bill to Rahall 's Care 21. SIU Shipping Scenes in Port Elizabeth (Bee box at left). Give yourself a11d your family an unforgettable vacation at f'iney Poin't. Ge11d the completed applict:rtion form to the Seafarers & Recreation Center, P.O. E3ox 75, f'iney Point, MD 20674. You won't regret it. PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Port Elizabeth, N.J. typically is a busy place for SIU members. Such was the case on the recent day when these photos were taken. Above: Pictured on the Crusader are (from left) Chief Staward Jo~ Emidy, Wiper J. Vega Mercado and OMU Allen Newgen. Below: Seafarers tie up the OOCL lnncvatian . Name; Social Security number: _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Book number: Address;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Telephone number: Number in party I ages of cn11aren, If applicable: - - - - - - - - - - 2nd choice: _ __ 3rd choice: ___ Date of arrival: 1st choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure:------------Send 1hi~ compluUJd application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674--0075. ' 6100 I L--------------••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••------------------------------------- 14 SeafalYllS LO& June 20IJIJ �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea APRIL 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C MAY 15, 2000 TOTAL SIDPPED ALI Groups Class A Class B Class C Port July & August 2000 •embers/lip Meetings Trip Reliefs .,,eep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney ·Point .. ~ .......... Monday: July 3; August 7 DECK DEPARTMENT 6 New York Philadelphia Baltimore 30 4 5 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 13 11 14 13 4 :. )~cksonyille San .F a11.;:~sco .32 i\4 ' 14 Wilmington. 24 11 Seattle 26 5 Puerto Rico Honolulu 13 13 27 4 . Houston St. Louis Piney Pofot. · 3 2 11 ' 9 O· 4 8 14 12 7 6 2 4 4 4 7 7 10 17 31 10 12 3 9 7 22 26 16 51 2 8 22 22 7 0 4 19 11 12 4 7 7 1 1 3 3 11 2 3 0 0 14 2 l 4 0 12 3 14 ·. .Baltiiµore 4 4 Norfolk 5 4 12 3 0 J 3 Port Mobile New Orleans 3 2 ·.·.ja~~~n~i·u~ · 22 · Seattle 19 10 6 0 103 195 6 0 56 5 0 1 4 10 3 1 11 5 7 7 Baltimore ................ Thursday: July 6, August l 0 20 7 17 23 . 5 15 12 Honolulu ....... ..........Friday: July 14, August 18 7 7 12 41 45 42 2 l 19 20 39 8 7 2 l I 2 7 14 12 13 4 9 23 2 6 0 1 116 2 0 397 179 25 6 6 13 5 0 10 2 10 3 2 2 2 6 9 7 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday; July 19, August 23 Mobile .................... Wednesday~ July 12, August 16 New Bedford ......... .Tuesday: July 18> August 22 New Orlean.s >..•.~ .; , , .. TUe$d~y:July lhAugust 15 . New York................ Wednesday: July 5* Tuesday: August 8 •chapge Cri:t{it~dhy Independence Day holiday Norfolk ................... Thursday: July 6? August 10 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: July S~ August 9 San.: f~~S~~~ .:"~: :·· ~:<Th~ay: July 13, August 17 . $a,n Jµan.~:" ..·:.:.;:;··::··:·;Thursday:July 6, August 10 .. '. ·. ··· ·. ·:·.;,..·..; '·'.•• ' ··.· ........ . .·•· ;: si;.:; L,6~1~<.·;~;.:/'.:.·~~;.:, ....Friday; Jt1l:y14~ August 18 . Tacoma ...... ·.......... .'.. Friday: July 21. August 25 ........ Wilmingtoo .. :, ............ Monday: July 17; Tuesday, August 22* 16 13 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 6, August 10 7 14 7 Houston ......... .........Monday: July l 0, August 14 4 l 8 9 9 Duluth .... ................. Wednesday: July 12, August 16 2 8 12 83 2 Algonac ..................Friday: July 7, August 11 8 2 5 10 20 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 8 l 3 0 2 I 4 : ....Stii;t::F.:r!lri"isco ·. .40 ..:, 'wnfiiil{i6n '"' .... ' Jl . . ·: ' !2 " Puerto Rico 3 2 0 72 ·Philad~lphia 11 15 2 0 108 ", NeW'' Yotk 17 6 8 3 0 247 Algonac Totals 50 5 17 3 2 8 4 3 11 1 6 6 4 2 5 , 6 .. , . .. . *cha'f!ff:C ¢r(lt/tfld by Plmf .Rall birthday haliday Honolulu : Hous~on ... : :..".. :: .............·.. Sb: L9'!.:l(~:::! . ·:::!.;:;·:·:: . : ::~fo~y·; Poim . · · Personals Algonac Totals Port . :N.~w rork .. EDWARD CALLAWAY (or anyone knowing his whereabouts) l 4 .. Please call Marthalyn at (904) 733-0274 . . .:Phi.i~d~lph~~: ·:. ·;... :; : ..i .: :.;: ·; . "J,la.ltft'nore HUBERT CHARLES · · ·I Norfolk Mobile New Orleans :· )i\c~g~pviHfi! 8 1 11 · .San F'rancisco .Wihniugton . Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu : "':. :f!o.uswn · St. Louis : ·Piney Point · · · Algonac Totals 7· 16 6 2 4 4 8 JC) 8 10 16 2 15 3 8 I 2 1 . .:· Bait1m~re Norfolk Moblle New Orleans 2 .. 2 40 7 2 5 37 9 4 31 4 2 2 4 2 0 16 5 15 ANYONE WHO KNEW WES TRACY 18 . 3. .. ,2 ' 2 l l 9 2 40 Shannon Grady, daughter of the late Wesley Tracy, is seeking information about him "to enable me to pass a few stories of him on to his grandchildren. " Tracy reportedly sailed out of West CQast ports in the early 1960s. Anyone who knew him may write to Shannon Grady at P.O. Box 972, Fall River Mills, CA 960280972. 8 5 3 0 0 o· 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 35 22 47 247 2 82 8 48 41 1 3 2 14 3 2 18 0 131 51 2 26 1 30 118 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 7 15 3 0 0 0 2 0 o· o 0 0 2 11 11 4 9 11 0 1 1 3 0 0 3 9 9 1 0 8 10 14 0 .· 27 20 23 0 4 14 8 0 s 1:5 22 0 0 12 5 12 2 23 32 5 40 18 11 112 20 ·8 3 : ·SP.n f'rahci~co . 7 t5 lO 5 6 ll' 11 ::.with1.ihet.~n.... ". 3 '' :. 12 9 3 7 Seattle 7 Pueno Rico j Honolulu 9 Houston 1 0 0 2 0 0 Total~ 8 2 IO Total!i 0 3 7 9 12 ..' .:: ~t. J..9~~~ ' ' :· :.Pihcy Point ·. ·· · · Algonac · 1 0 11 2 4' YJackS(}riville·· .: 7 6 4 Port ::: ,Now .Y<>tk ·;:·:·pfril~de1 .... . . .... P'hia". ..· 7 10 5 11 . 35 · 8 2 4 S 17 10 I 9 3 6 3 0 19 3 4 40 0 4 0 12 13 (912) 284-9922 or (904) 384-5404. THEODORE HENKLE Please contact David C Williams at (662) 568-2291. SEAFARERS ABOARD COLUMBIA EAGLE IN 1970 Were you aboard the Columbia Eagle in March 1970 when it was hijacked to Cambodia? If so, a researcher would be interested in talking with you. Write to Don Charleston, 8118 Heacock Lane, Wyncote, PA 19095 or e-mail: oldtar@home.com. A New Beginning 12 0 4 I 0 0 3 17 0 42 165 189 25 103 llS 0 79 263 319 549 422 330 439 312 231 159 921 650 542 0 CHARLES DAVIS Please contact your daughter, Teresa Carreon, at 0 0 22 l Please get in touch with your old shipmate. Jim Rose, al (412) 795-1017. All Departments 111 "Total Registered.. means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. June2000 AB Antonio Rodriguez happily receives his first pension check in March from Amancio Crespo, safety director at the SIU hall in Santurce, P.R. Rodriguez worked in the CSX shoregang in San Juan. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes APRIL 16 CL - *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP AugllStin Tellez Vice President Contracts . J~kCaffey · Vice President Atlantk Coast . Tom Orzechowski Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters . , Qt;.a n Co.rgey Vke President Gulf C<la& ' .~klV1,IJUI J, Mam>,n,e " ' ~t¢ idcnt West C<iASt Pre .. . · Ktrmett Mangram · Y;.c;e Pr~sident Gov-emment Services Company/Lakes Port 0 16 ·9· Algonac 0 9 8 Port Algonac . Port 0 5 Algonac Port Algonac IO '" .7 ' 20: MAY 15, 2000 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 12 0 2 ENGINE DEPARTMENT ". 0 . 6 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT .. ·3 . .... 0 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 5 6 ' **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 0 5 HEADQUARTERS 520t Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair ruver Dr., Algonac, MT 48001 Totals All Depts 0 40 44 0 23 14 0 16 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 30 (810) 7944988 -- ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St,, #lC, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE APRIL 16 - . 1216 E. Baltimore St., &Jtimore, MD 21202 ' (410) 327-490-0 . *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 MAY 15, 2000 TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 Total§ All Depts 5 1 19 12 0 9 12 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 5 32 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Salvatore A. (Joe) DiMaggio of Scranton, Pa. The larger photo is of the deck gang aboard the Robin Locksley in the summer of 1957. The ship, which was on the Baltic run, was in drydcck in the port of Baltimore at the time this photo was snapped. Brother DiMaggio is second from left, sitting on the bitt. The inset photo shows two Sais-DiMaggio on the left and BMun Salvatore Frank on the right-aboard the Stratport in 1953. Pen$ioner DiMaggio jcined tne SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Before retiring in 1975, he sailed as a bosun aboard Sea Transport's !Eagle Traveler. Brother DiMaggio, now 74, is a U.S. Navy veteran of World War IL He would like to hear from some of his old shipmates. They may call him at (717) 346- 8119. If anyone has a vintag~ union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. 16 Seafarers LDG June2111JO �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. member of the deck department who also sailed as an inland captain is among the 17 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month . Brother Richard G. Montalvo has some 26 years with the SIU in addilion to his service in the u_s. Anny. He upgraded his skills several times during his career, most recently in 1994 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. In addition to Brother Montalvo, three other retirees navigated the inland waters, nine sailed in the deep sea division, three plied the Great Lakes and one worked in the railroad marine division. Ten of the retirees were in the deck department, six shipped in the engine department, and one sailed in al I three departments. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA .---=:----------. LARRY W. COMBS, 61, is a native of Charleston, S.C. Ile first sailed in 1955 aboard the Alcoa Puritan and upgraded his skills in 19.59 at the Andrew Furus~th Trnining School in Baltimore. A member of the deck department, Brother Combs last sailed in 1999 aboard the SetaLund Atlantir;. He is an honorably discharged veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1965. Combs now resides in Reno) Nev. JERRYW. DELLINGER. 61, graduated frcm the JAMES V. HIGGINS, 67,joined the Seafarers in 1967 and sailed from the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Oceanic Wave, an Oceanic Pioneer Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the deck department. Brother Higgins last sailed in 1995 aboard the Sea-Land Galveston. He is a military veteran, having served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1956 and the U.S . Air Force from 1956 to 1960. He now calls Savannah, Ga. home. AHMED HUSSAIN, 60) began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in Seattle. Pim sailing aboard the lngqr, operated by Reynolds Metal Co. 's Marine Division, Brother Hussain worked in all three departments during his career. He was a native of Yemen and bcr;amc an American citizen. Hussain last sailed in 1999 aboard Interocean Ugland Management's Westward Venture. He resides in Tacoma, Wash. WILLIE L. c;nlry•lcvd training pro- gram at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1967 and jcined the SIU in the port of New Ycrk. He first sailed aboard the Seatrain Savannah as a member of the engine department. Brother Dellinger upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point) Md. in 1970 and a.ga.1n in 1986. The Ncrth Carolina native last sailed in 1999 aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. GARIN DOYLE, 59, hails from New Orleans. A mi;!mber of the deck depa.rtment, Brother Doyle first sailed in 1978 from Freepon, Texas. His first vessel was the Co ve Navigator. operated by Cove Shipping Company. Doyle last shipped in 1999 aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak, a Waterman Steamship Com. vessel. He lives in Rover Ridge) La. MELVIN H. FERGUSON, 61, began his career with the SIU in June2000 1968. First sailing from the port of Tacoma, Wash., he worked in the deck department aboard the Sea-Land Fairland. A native of Colorado, Ferguson last sailed in 1999 aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. Brother Ferguson served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 to 1963. He calls Port Orchard, Wash. home. LINDSEY, 50, joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Mississippi, he first sailed aboard the Hastings , operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Lindsey sailed as a member of the engine department during his career, most recently working in New Orlcan:s as 11 r;rane maintenance electrician. He last sailed aboard American Steamship Company's Sgt. William R. Button. He now calls Natalbany, La., home. MOHSIN MOHAMED, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1968, first sailing as a member of the engine department aboard the Alcoa Commander. Brother Mohamed upgrad~d hi~ ;,kill:s at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He rnake:s his home in Brooklyn1 N.Y. CARLOS THOMAS, 76, began his career with the Seafarers in 1990. Born in Trinidad , he first sailed aboard the Ameri~an Cormorant. This vessel was operated by Pacific Gulf Marine. A .---,...,.,.,,.==---- member of the deck department, Brother Thomas last sailed earlier this year aboard Interocean Ugland Management's Petersburg. He now makes his home in Italy. INLAND RICHARDG. MONTALVO, 48, first sailed in 1977 aboard the Vulcan, operated by Sabine Towing. A native of Texas, Boatman Montalvo sailed in the deck department, most recently as a captain. He was last employed in 1998 with Sabine· Hvi de. An honorably discharged veteran, Montalvo served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972. He calls Groves, Texas home. SIDNEVD. PELASJR., 62. is a naLi v~ of Buras, La., who sailed as a member of the deck department. . . .: Joining the Seafarers in 1971 , he first sailed aboard Dixie Carriers vessels out of the port of New Orleans. He lad ~ailed aboard Barge #St-85 in New Orleans 1 a vessel also operated by Dixie Carriers . Brother Pelas still resides in Buras. GEORGE W. STEWART, 62, began his career with the Seafarers in 1981 and first sailed aboard the Manhattan Island. Operated by North American Trailing Company (NATCO) ~ this ve~~el sa.iled out of New Castle. Reprinte~ fr~m Canada. A member of the engine department, Brother Stewart last sailed in 1999 aboard the Dodge Is land, aNATCOLtd. Partnership-operated vessel. Born in Key West, he now calls Seffner, Fla. home. Stewart is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Air Force. .--~~=:----, STOUDEN- MIRE, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, Boatman Stoudenmire worked as a member of the engine department during his seafaring career. He last sailed in 1987 aboard Cape Fear Towing Company's Fort Fisher. Stoudenmire calls Wilmington, N .C. home. GREAT LAKES ROBERT C. CHARTERS, 61, hails from Frankfort, Mich. A member of the deck department during his career, he joined the Seafarers in 1961. Charters first sailed aboard the Ben W Calvin, 11 vessel operated by American Steamship Company. The same company last employed him in January of this year. At that juncture, he sailed aboard the Sam Laud. Brother Charters is an honorably discharged veteran who served in the U.S. Army. WILLIAM COCHENET, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1960. A member of the engine department, he first sailed aboard an American Steamship vessel from the port of p;i,st issues of ~he Seafarers LOG 1941' The SS Robin Moor1 an SIU ship, was the first U.S.-flag vessel to.be sunk by the Germans. On May 21, the crew was given 20 minutes by the Gennan submarine commander to leave the vessel. After the crew launched the lifeboats1 and were approximat~ly one mile from the ship, ·the Gemia'1 subma- .'·. rine torpedoed the ship, ~inking tt. This action led to a · ., demand, eventually carried out, that all .---____,,_ ...-------. RAMZEY A. NASSER,49, first sailed with the Seafarers in I 971 from the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1988. Brother Nasser last sailed in 1997 aboard the Saint Clair, operated by the American Steamship Co. He now makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. RAILROAD MARINE FRANK J. OTTOFARO, 66, hails from Richmond, Va. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1962 in the deck department. An honorably discharged military veteran, Brother Ottofaro served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1957. He was last employed in 1999 with the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Ottofaro currently resides in Hampton, Va. S ea£are i.-s : Remember to contribute to SPAD for job security. soon as the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the NLRB gave their approval to the plan. Under the terms of the welfare plan as agreed to by the shipowners committee, Seafarers will receive $500 in death benefits and $7 per week in hospital benefits. The plan provides for the trustees to set up additional benefits as the fund grows. The plan will be supervised by a six-man board of trustees, three from the union and three from the companies. THIS MONTH Jl'I SJU HISTORY 1991 Sixty-five SIU mem· ~~~~~~======s;:;;:;;;;;;;;:;:;:;;;;;;:;~~::;::;:~ bers were part of a American .. flag ships be armed and supplied with gun crews. lt led to the union's dem4nd also for higher bonuses and insurance. 1950 On June 15, the SIU Atlantic and Gulf District signed an agreement with the bulk of st~arnship <:ompan1es und~r contract to the union, the terms under which the Seafarers Welfare Plan would operatf. The signing paved the way for the plan DALLAS E. Detroit. Brother Cochenet is a native of Wisconsin. He last sailed in 1999 aboard the Southdown Challenger, operated by Cement Transit Co. to begin functioning as contingent of civilian mariners who -0n June 8 marched rlown the streets of Washington, D.C. and past President George Bush in the National Victory Celebration Parade to honor Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans. The military invited civilian mariners to participate because of the major role they ptay~d in getting materiel to the troops, marking the first time they were invited to march in a parade. An estimated 200,000 parade viewers were on hand. Seafarers LOG 17 �•. SIU in 1951 in Lake Charles, La. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the BIN AHMAD Pensioner Bin Ahmad, 70, died February 22. Brother Ahmad started sailing with the STU in 1967. Born in Malaysia, he worked in the de~k department and frequently upgraded at the Seafarers Harry L~ndeberg School of Seamanship in Pmey Point, Md. He graduated from the ho.s un recertification program there 1.0 1982 and last sailed aboard the LNG Aries. A resident of Ne"'. ~ork, .Brother Ahmad began rece1vmg his pension in October 1988. FELIX P. AMORA Pensioner Felix P. Amora, 76, passed away April 6. Born in the Philippines, he be&an his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port =~~ ofN~w Orleans. He worked in the engine di::pamm:m. last sailing ~bo~d n Sea-Land Service vessel. During his career, he also sailed in the steward department. Brother Amara was a resident of Daly City. Calif. ~~----' Star of Texas. He was a veteran of World War II having served in the U.S. Army ' from 1941 to 1945. Brother Fontenot made hi heme in Lake Charles and retired in December 1982. JAMES J. GORMAN Pensioner James J. Gorman, 69, died April 9. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1956 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first vessel was the West Trader Born in New York, he worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1947 to _1952, he served in the U.S. Navy. Pnor to retiring in March 1994 he sailed aboard the Ambassador, 'operated by Crow lc;y American Transport. Brother Gorman was a resident of Sarasota, Fla. CHARLES W _HALLER Daniel G. Brady, 59, died Mfil'th 20. A native of Chicago, he began his sailing career in 1977 when he joined the Military SMHft Command. Brother Brady worked in the deck department, ln:st :sailing aboard tho Lawrence Gianella, an Ocean Ships, Inc. vessel. Fort Meyers, Fla. was his home. RICHARD C. BUSBY Pensioner . " Richard c. Bu~by, 74, passed away March 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. ' . , The Mississippi nuhn:; worked 1fi the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. A veteran of World War II he served in the U .S. N~vy from ig43 to 1946. Brother Busby last sailed aboard the Del None, opernted by Delta Steamship Lines. He was a resident of Mobile and began receiving his pension in December 1984. MICHAEL D. FLOOD Michael B. Floml, 71, died January 8. Born in Pennsylvania, he started his career with the SIU in 1950 in the port of Ph11ade1phia. .:· Brother Flood wo_rked in the deck department and retrred in Decembet 1959. He was a resident of Holmes, Pa. From 1945 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Navy. CLARENCE FONTENOT Pensioner Clarence Fontenot, 82, passed away March l l . Brother Fontenot began his career with the - 18 Seafarers LDG Charles W. Haller, 46, passed away February 26. He graduated from the Se11farers Harry Lundeberg School's entry-level training program in 1970 and joined the union in Piney Point, Md. The Thetis was his first vessel. A native of New Jer~ey, Brcther Haller sailed in the engine department and upgraded hi$ skilb at the school. Housten was his home. JOSEPH KLONDYKE Pensioner Jo~eph Klondyke, 72, died February 5. Born in Michigfill, he ~taned his career with the Seafarers m 1952 in the port of New York. Brother Klondyke worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Green Valley, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. A resident of Spartanburg, S.C., he began receiving his pension in June 1990. From 1946 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. JACK J. "JACKIE" PARSLEY Pensioner Jack J. "Jackie" Parsley, 65, passed away March 26. A native of West Virginia, he joined the SIU . in 1966. Brother Parsley worked ·: ·. in the engine department and upgraded hi~ ~kill~ at the School of Marine n.ngineering in :Brooklyn, N. Y. Dunng his career, he also sailed in the inland division as a member of ~e deck department. Prior to retiring m March 1992, Brother Parsley worked aboard the Sea-Land Crui5ader. Jacksonville Beach, Fla. was his home. From 1951to1955 he served in the U.S . Navy. ' CATALINO R. RAMOS · . Pensioner Catalino R. Ramos, 92, died April 3. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Ramos was a resident of Beachwood, N.J. He retired in November 1975. RICHARD SHEEHAN Richard Sheehan, 31, passed away February 6. Brother Sheehan started his career with the SIU in 1999 in the port of New York. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Global Sentinel. He was a resident of the Bronx, N.Y. RICHARD F. SWEETING Richard F. Sweeting, 42, died January 3. Born in Maryland, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lunde berg School's entrylevel training program in 1978 and jo~ed the ~nion in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Allegiance, operated by Interocean Management. He sailed in the deck department and returned to the school to upgrade his skills. From 1995 to 1997, he worked in the inland division, last sailing aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Brother Sweeting made his home in B11ltimore. JAMES H. COLBERT Pensioner James H. Colbert, 77, died March 20. Boatman Colbert joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of World War II. having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Prior to retiring in September 1981, he worked for Dravo Basic Materials. Atmore, Ala. was his home. ROBERT M. CROFT Pensioner Robert M. Croft, 40, passed away March 30. A native of Texas, he began his career with the .. ;, SIU in 1976, sailing aboard the C.H. M_asterson. operated by G&H Towmg Co. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Croft last sailed aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Hitchcock 1:exa~, he began receiving his p~n­ ston in January 2000. CHARLES YOUNG Pensioner Charles Young, 76, died March 8. Born in Louisiana he first sailed with the Seafarers in '1959 aboard the Del Sud. Brother Young worked in the steward department. His last ship wns the Dd Caribc. Both his first and last vessels were operated by Delta Steamship Co. From 1948 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of New Orleans and retired in June 1988. INLAND MILTON H. ATHERTON Pensioner MHton H. Atherton, 74, passed away March 7. Boatman Atherton joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native worked in the;: deck department, last sailing aboard a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Cobbs Creek, Va., he bcg11n receiving his pension in April 1988. From 1949 to 1950, be served in the U.S. Army. WILLIAM P. CAMPBELL William P. Campbell, 52, died April 5. Bomin Louisiana, he began his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of New Orlcan:;. Boatman Campbell worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing Co. Gretna, La. was his home. JOSEPHS. CHUPKA Joseph S. Chupka, 46, passed away February 3. He graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School 's entry level training program in 1974 and joi_ned the union in Piney Point, Md. His first vessel was the tug Mary Ann, operated by Marine Towing 0'1. Boatman Chupka w~~ked in lhe deck department, last sa1hng aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. He was a resident of Philadelphia. BENJAMIN FITTE Pensioner Benjamin Fitte, 78, died February 29. Born in Louisiana, he began sailing with the Seafarers in ,___ ___..m:.:::.....___ _ 1 l 957 from the port of Houston. Boatman Fitte worked as a captain, primarily aboard G&H Towing Co. vessels. A yeteran of World War 11, he served m the U.S . Coast Guard from 1940 to 1946. He made his home in Mt. Pleasant, Utah and started receiving his pension in February 1987. CLARENCE R. HAYES. Pensioner Clarence R. Hayes, 95, passed away February 6. Boatman Hayes started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Nonh Carolina native sailed as an engineer and began receiving his pension in May 1970. He was a resident of Wanchese, N.C. THO MAS C. HUTCHINS Thomas C. Hutchins, 62, died February 23. A native of Texas he first sailed with the Seafarers i~ 1969, aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Hutchins sailed as a member of the deck department. Rockport, Texas was his home. FLOYD H. McGOWAN Pensioner Floyd H. McGowan 71 passed away F cbruary 19. Aft~r a ' 27-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard, he joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the pon of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina he sailed in the engine department ~nd upgraded ~is ~kills at the SIU's trnining school ~n Pmey Point, Md . Prior to retiring in March 1993, he sailed aboard an Atlantic Towing Co. vessel. Boat· man McGowan lived in Chesapeake, Va. GREAT LAKES RALPH J. GOOD Pensioner Ralph J. Good, 82, passed away April 4. Born in Ohio, he began his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. Brother Good worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946. He was a resident of Avon Lake, Ohio. EDWARD KASZUBINSKI Pensioner Edward Kaszubinski, 73, died January 20. A native of Michigan, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit. Brother Kaszubinski worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Detroit, he retired in November 1988. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. VICTOR W. KNECHTEL Pensioner VictorW. Knechtel, 79, passed away February 28. Brother Knechtel joined the SIU in 1960 in the pore of Detroit. Born in Michigan , he sailed in the deck department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U .S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. Prior to .retiring in February 1986, he satled aboard the Sam Laud an American Steamship Co. v;ssel. Alpena, Mich. was his home. WILBERT L. PINNEY Pensioner Wilbert L. Pinney, 78, died January IO. Brother Pinney began his career with the Seafarers in 1961 . in the port of "· Duluth, Minn. The Minnesota native worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing Co. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Anny from 1942 to 1946. He was a resident of Two Harbor, Minn. and began receiving his pension in 1984. ALVER V. STENMAN Pensioner Alver V. Stenman, 90, passed away March 2. A native of Wisconsin. he joined the SIU ' in 1960 in the port of Detroit. ,___ _ _ _ _ _--1 Brother Stenman worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the JE. Ferris. He made his home in Ashland, Wis . and retired in October 1974. WILLIAM E. WILCOX Pensioner William E. Wilcox, 67, died February 16. He first sailed with the SIU in 1957. A native of Michigan, he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in July 1994, he sailed aboard a Luedtke Engineering Co. vessel. Brother Wilcox. who was a resident of Sault Saint Marie, Mich., began receiving his pension in July 1994. June2DOO �·Digest of ~flipboard . .· g~i!PJ1'fetinss The Slatare'fS:. l,o.fl:attemp'tf.:tt(prf6ta1 mtJny digerl$ of union shipboard · · · . ·: :"· miiiclt~"S.·: 'is:jiiJSiiblilJlfn.ifccasion, because ot space .. limitations, some will be omitted. Shipsmli1l!fi[s ilrst are reviewed by the unions contract department Those i"sues iequlrfiig attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon fBCf:if!L°'t the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded · · · : / :F:.t:... to :the Se.atarers LOG for publication. TRADER (CSX Lines), February 1:3 hnirm.nn Loren E. Watson, Secretary Ktvin M. Doughtrty, Educational Dirc.;;tor Robert D. Mayer, Deck Delegate Ervin T. Davis 1 Engine Delegate Joseph A. Canlas, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Chairman reported all going well this voyage. Treasurer announced $250 from ship's fund used to purchase ping pong table and equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Message received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding outcome of proposed merger vote. Also received communications regarding use of outside companies for shoregang work. President's report from Seafarers LOG revkwtd. Everyeine encouraged about new U.S.-flag ships, noting, "H's good to see tangible results of our potitical efforts and hard work.,. Bosun reminded crew to separat~ pladic items from regular ti'Mh, fill L>Ut repair list and keep vessel clean. He thanked engineers for quickly fi~ing broken dryer. Ncxl ports: Tncomn, Wnsh. and Oakland> Cati f. USNS HENSON (Dyn Marine Services}, Fobruary 12--Chairrrnm John R.. Wolft, Secretary Harry Brvwvr, Deck Dii!legate Dnvid Koory, Stewnd Delegate Kevilt M. Brown. chainnan stated vessel due in mid-March to sa· o coast of we~t Africa (Ivory coast) for 12 yenr voynze for oManographic survey work. He said he is trying to introduce faster and t\'J~fe efficient way for seamen to receive money at payo ff. Some disputed OT reported in steward depart· ment. Chairman read president's report from recent Saafarars LOG and explained why merging of SIU and NMU would be good for both unions- more jobs and greater variety of ships. (CSX Lines), March l 2-Chnirm1m Roy L. William!il, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Allen D. Park@r, Deck Delegate Charles A. Mull, Engine Delegate Robert D. Feltus Jr., Steward Delegate Clenn A. Taan. Chairman read president's report from latest LOG. He stated still no official word as to ship's renssignmcnt to EMt Coast, possible toward end of April. Payoff s:cheduled for Mnch 28 in Oakland, Calif. Secretary read cover letter and directive from W@d Cmid VP N icK. Marrone and applauded effort to bener inform meni.bers:hip aboard contracted ~HALLENGER ve!:!:el!: . Di!:CU!:!:ion hell1 abOut srarrine ship·s fund: all agreed it would be good idea. Steward t.o begin accepting donations at rtext payQff ruid b~gin ~ooount ledg@r. o beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made to reduce in-pon evening meal service by half-hovr due to reduced crews, since most nlrcndy n.rc ashore. Steward requested help keeping ship clean, nnd crow was asked for patience during completion of repairs. Next ports'. Oakland and Long Beach. Calif; Honolulu. DEVELOPER (U.S. Ship Mnnngcmcnt ). March 19-Chairmnn Roger J. Rtinkt, Sooretary Ruben Casin Jr., Educational Director Gary M. Dahl, Deck Juno2000 Delegate Jo~eph A. Loyal, Engine Delegate Julio R. Paminiano, Steward Delegate Ali A. Ghalib. Chairman announced ship docking ·n Long Beach, Calif. March 22. Standbys to be on dock when ship clears customs and immigration. Payoff scheduled upon arrival. Crew members to remain aboard ship until completion of Coast Guard fire and boat drill. Vessel will sail following day for Cristobal, Panama and then to the Freeport, Bahamas. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point. and to complete course work necessary for STCW endorsement. Course schedule listed in Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT Several suggestions made: to collect pension after 20 years seatime, to get update on proposed NMU merger, to be allowed to collect vacation checks every 60 days or on discharge from vessel on foreign voyages of 70 days. Lener sent to union regarding condition of cargo stncking :frrunes and expanded metal catwalks. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. DISCOVERY (CSX Lines), March 19-Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary Jo~@ph A. Laureta, Educational Director Roger M. Wasserman, Deck Delegate Allan R Cimpb~U, Sttward. Deltgatt Mark V. Cabasag. Chairman announced payoff in Long Beach, Cnlif. on March 25. He thnnked officials for great job informing crew members about SIU activi· ties. Secretary urged everyone to continue to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT. Crew pleased with arrival of new VCR and thanked steward department for top-of-the-line menu. Next ports; Long Beach and Honolulu. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), March 19-Chairman Norberto Prats. Secretary Edear Vazquez, Deck Delegate Efrain Alvarez, Ensine Delegate Jose Ramos, Steward Delegate Charles N. Ratcliff. Chairman announced everything running smoothly with no beefs or disputed OT. Educational director advised crew members to take advantage of upgrading courses available at Piney PMrtt. Chairman. read president's report from recent Seafarers LOG and talked about proposed merger of SIU and NMU. Sugstgtiort made to receive 365-day pension credit for 180 days seatime per year. Anorher recommendation was for contracts department to look into prescription covernge for dependents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer announced $4, 109 in ship's fund and secretary noted approval from captain for purchase of games for crew use. Two memos on NMU-SIU merger vote read and posted. Satellite dish to be repaired in Portland, Ore. Everything being set up for departing crew to clear Canadian customs. Special vote of thanks given to steward department for fine meals 24 hours a day and for keeping house clean--even with crew of 99. Next ports: Victoria, Canada; Portland. GREEN ISLAND (Waterman Steamship), March 5-Chairman Michael Borders, Secretary McKinley Jones Jr., Educational Director Thomu P_ Arthur, Deck Delegate Domingo Contreras, Engine Delegate Philip W. Zalewski, Steward Delegate Lataysha L. Roberson. Educational director reminded crew members to check STCW and zcards for expiration dates and also bring TRBs up to date. He also stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in steward department; no beefs noted. Chairman acknowledged receipt of letter from headquarters regarding new pay scale and manning. Suggestions made to have vacation days recognized as seatime for pension purposes and to separate living quarters of dayman and watchstander. Steward department given vote of thanks for outstanding barbecue. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk), March 19--Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Everett Snow, Deck Delegate David Joseph, Engine Delegate Ray Avie, Steward Delegate Allan D. Bright. Chairman a.Mounced payoff in Long Beach, Calif. upon arrival. He thanked crew for job well done and reminded them to check expiration dates on endorsements and to wear hard hats when loading and unloading cargo. Educational director recommended taking advantage of upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $498 in ship's movie fund. No beefa or di:Jputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great meals and service, and steward thanked crew for support and helping keep ship clean. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk), March 8-Chnirman J(')hlt M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare. Chairman stated Coast Guard inspection went well. Ship looks great and everyone performed well. Repairs still needed on large washing machine, ice machine and left upper dryer. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep house clean. Educational director stressed need to upgrade at Piney Point and be sure STCW certificates are current. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate; no beefs or disputed OT in engine or steward departments. Everyone reminded to clean room~ thcroughly before payoff. Stand-bys available at halls. Clarifkation requested from company regarding money purchase pension plan. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Transoceanic Cable Ship), March 22-Chairman Joseph J. Olson. Secretary Kent D. Rosiek, Educational Director Ronald J. Za~h. Chainnan thanked crew for job well done. Capt. Perez also thanked everyone for professional attitude and top performance on recent cable project. Delegates given room inspection sheets fer room repairs. Educational director stated road to advancement is by upgrading at Paul Hall Center and reminded everyone of necessity of holding valid STCW certificate. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), March 31-Chairman Anthony J. S11b11tini, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Emilio Madara, Deck Delegate Jeff D. Turkus, Engine Delegate Detricke P. Kelly. Chairman emphasized safety during upcoming work in Barbers Pt., Hawaii. He reminded crew to be especially careful while embarking/disembarking launch boat. Educational director emphasized importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and making use of facilities there to further educate and enhance careers. Treasurer announced $1,300 in ship's fund. Approval given for purchase of new weights for crew gym. New curtains also ordered for all living and public spaces. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing time needed to collect vacation pay from 120 days to 90 days. Request also made for new washing machine, furniture for PACIFIC (CSX Lines), March 5Chairman Edward C. DeSoucey, Secretary Robert Mosley, Educational Director Carmine Barbati, Deck Delegate Theodore E. Doi, Engine Delegate Carlito V. Episioco, Steward Delegate Cecil R. Husted. Chairman read and led discussion on president's report from latest Seafarers LOG about new ships being built. All crew members strongly welcomed news of modem fleet. Secretary advised Innovation Comes to Port Elizabeth SIU officials were on hand to greet crew members aboard the OOCL Innovation when it sailed into the port of Elizabeth, N.J. recently. They updated the Seafarers aboard the U.S. Ship Management vessel on union and maritime news and handed out, among other things, copies of the latest Seafarers LOG. At right, AB Thomas J. Kilbride readies the gangway, while at left (from left), GUDE Simeon Rivas, Electrician Brian J. Sengelaub and SA Richard F. Oliva check out the headlines in the LOG. crew lounge, room keys and dart board. Next ports'. Honolulu; Valdez. Alaska; El Segundo, Calif. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), March 26-Chairman Edward J. Stoetzel. Secretary Susano C. Cortez, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Joseph Dallas. Engine Delegate Ross Himebuch, Steward Delegate Dominico N. Dacua. Chairman read response from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding suggestion on vacation pay. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. He also noted $240 collected for movie fund. Treasurer announced $167 remaining in tuna fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for great job. especially excellent meal of black· ened tuna, sushi and sashimi prepared by Chief Steward Cortez and Chief Cook Dacua. OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA (OSG Ship Management), March 14--Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Dorothy Carter, Educational Director Kenneth Spivey, Deck Delegate Norman Tourtellot, Engine Delegate Apolinario S. Aguirre. Steward Delegate Mariano M. Martinez. Chairman related "job well done" from captain and announced ship heading to Alaska from Korea. Secretary going on vacation; new steward coming aboard. She stressed upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center and reminded members to register and vote in November congressional and presidential elections. Educational director reminded everyone to check z-cards, STCW and other endorsements to make sure they're up to date. Treasurer announced $1,500 in ship's fund. Deck delegate noted presence of gas fumes which needs to be checked. Suggestion made to receive vacation with at least 30 days aboard vessel and cut seatime from 120 to 90 days. This would put more jobs in halls. Thanks given for all good work aboard ship and for good food. everyone to take advantage cf upgrading facilities at Piney Point and make sure z-cards are current. Educational director also spoke about new fire fighting school at Paul Hall Center and reminded crew to be sure STCW certificates are kept current. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Treasurer announced $40 in movie fund, $65 in ship's fund and $147 in cookout fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members offered suggestions for future contract. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done, especially cookouts. Thanks also given to chief electrician. for his help. Next ports; Tacoma, Wash., Oakland, Calif.; Hawaiibefore heading to Guam and Hong Kong. PAUL BUCK (Ocean Shipholding), March 12-Chairman William H. Bubrig III, Secretary Paul Sullivan, Educational Director Jimmie E. Thomas, Deck Delegate K.evin O'Callaghan, Engine Delegate Scott A. Lucero, Steward Delegate Adolphus C. Young. Chairman thanked crew members for their hard work. Steward echoed thanks, singling out Chief Cook Tammy Bingisser for exceptional job. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Repairs needed on starboard dryer and basketball hoop. Next ports: Selby, Calif.; Portland, Ore.; Ferndale, Wash. USNS LITTLEHALES (Dyn Marine), March 5-Chairman John J. Bluitt, Secretary Willie T(')omer, Educational Director John M. Valle. Chairman informed crew of completion of voting on NMU merger. Secretary strongly urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in order to stay competitive. Educational director noted all applications and information on courses available aboard vessel. Ship's fund to be started soon. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to lower minimum retirement age. Crew requested access to computer e-mail, separate from captain and officers. Next port: Aqaba, Jordan. Seafarers LOG 19 �Know Your Rights r. .. .·.· · · (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) s Penaloner Karlak Gives Back to Union It seems to me t at people today only know one thing -take, take, take. Seldom do I read of the few that gi vc back. I have the SIU to thank for everything I own-for sailing their [contracted] ships at a good salary and under good conditions-and most of all for the excellent medical benefits. Shortly after retiring in 1986, I was hospitalized for six weeks -and the union paid everything. Once I became entitled to Medicare, which covers 80 percent of the costs, the union continued paying the remaining 20 percent. If I were to have paid what the union paid, I'd be wiped out of all my years of savings. A number of times, I received a Christmas bonus from the union-something I never received ashore before joining the SIU. To show my appreciation for everything the union has done for me, I am enclosing a donation to SPAD so the officials can continue their good work in Washington. Walter Karlak Woodside Queens, N. Y. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SID 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. Crew members from the MIV lnt~grity recently asked that the Seafarers LOG publish mailing addresses for U.S. Senators and Congressmen. Here they are; The Honorable (Name) United States Senate W~~hington, DC 20510 The Honorable (Name) United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 Additionally, mo$t members of Congress may be contacted by em~il. To locat~ ~n address, go to www.senate.gov or www.house.gov. The SIU's web site (www.seafarer5.org) provides links to those sites and to the Whit@ Hcw~e under our ulegislation" section. When writing to members of Congress, whether via letter or email, remember to be concise_ State your purpose, be factual and explain how legislation probably will impact you and others_ If writing about a specific bill. include its name and number (House bills begin with H.R., Senate bills with S_)_ Also be sure to include your name and return address. The telephone number for the Capitol ~witchboard is (202) 224-3121. Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for me SIU Atlantic, (;ulf, Lakes and Inland Wat~rg District are scheduled for later this year_ As in past SIU election years. a comprehen· sive guide will be published in the Seafarers LOG prior to the balloting. In the c~~e of members eligible to vcte WM believl!! th~y will M at s~a during the Nov_ 1 through Dec. 31, 2000 voting period, absentee ballots will be available_ The SIU constitution gnsures that memb~rs WhO ar~ ~ligibl~ tc vet~ and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are est~bli~hed in the SIU constitution to $~feg1,1ard the seeret ballot election, including tl'I~ ~M~nt~~ Miiot process_ Here i5 the procedure to fallow when requesting an aosentee ballot: 1. Make the reque~l in writing to the SIU offioe of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2_ Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be m~iled. 3. Send the request for ~n ?bsentee ballet by r~g­ istered or certified mail. 4. The r9gi~ten;id or certified mail ~nv~lop~ must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, .ZO Seafarers LOii 2000 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2000. 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 rnarkgd "B;;illot" and a mailing envelope no later than Nov_ 30, 2000_ 6. Upon receiving the ballot and envelope, vote by marking the ballot After voting the ballet, place the ballot in the envelope marked "Ballot." Do not write on the ~Ballar 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 ccrner_ 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, 2000 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2001_ SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers_ Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts arc posted and available in all union ha.Us_ If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority righb a.s contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union er 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 i;;ontractual 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 SID. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU Constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers_ Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. lf any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. P OLITICAL DONATION SEAFARERS ACTIVITY 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 ~olicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June2000 �June 5, 19; July 3, 17, 31; August 14, 18; Sept. 11, 25; Oct. 9, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 20 Start Date July 10 August7 September4 October2 LiiD·t~;;::,;ff{tr;,!t%U1;(fJ;i:fJ/:§:]ftfiil'f>g@">J..f.;t!tiffiJ~41ii'{;·;f:Ji;.t'}Xtl~ With th1r applicatton, COPIES of the following must be sent · One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts. USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indi- Name _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Address - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - cating y our department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee Qf $280 with their uoolicution. The pavment should be made with a money order only. pavahle to LMSS. END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Te1ephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Dup Sea Member D Date of Birth - - - - - - - - Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following inftJrmatton is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# ----------Seniority _ _ __ __ _ _ _ __ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSSIPHC trainee program? DYe~ DNo If yes, class# ~----------------------­ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo If yes, course(s) taken----------~--------­ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Cuard Lifeboatman Bndorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR; D Yes ONo Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - June2DOD -~--~--~---- Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Ojficu, po_ Rox 75, Piney Point, MD 10674-0075; or Jax to (301) !J!J4-2180. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6100 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Welding - Members of the engine department earning their certificates of achievement from the welding course on March 31 are (from left) Francis Yapching, Gustavo Osorio. Roy Matteson. Ali Rhoufiry. Buzzy Andrews (instructor), James Oling and Sjamsidar MadjidjL ARPA - Completing the course in automatic radar and plotting aids on March 24 are (from left) John Arnold, Kenneth Boone, Daniel Cruz, Mark Klecz, R. Mark Cobb, James Watson and Mike Smith (instructor) Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course on April 14 are (from left, kneeling) Lisa Kitashima, Mike Frampton, Eduardo Ramos, Gregory Douglas, Ali Ali, Abdul Hassan, Donna Jacob-Scott, Malika Brown, David Jones, (standing) Albert Tircuit, Corinthis Thomas, Ali Rhoufiry. Keith O'Bryan. Shelia Lewis. Pedro Valdez, Donald Davis, Peter Kulyk, Rashad King, Steven Lamb, Larry Hogan, Shirley Winbush, Steven Kroner, Frank Bakun, Jay Linx and Jim Shaff~r (instructor) . Detk Engine Utility - In their final phase of the unlicensed apprentice program are (from left) Larry Hogan. Rashad King. Steven Lamb. David Jones and Donald Davis. Marine Electronic~ LNG Familiarization - Graduating from the LNG familiarization course on March 24 are (in alphabetical order) Andre Bennett, Brock Booker, Larry Crawford, Ede DeOliveira, Miguel Guity, Maxwell Hci55ell-EI, Donna Jacob-Scott, John Kolodziej, Luis Martinez, Curtis Nicholson, Jerome North, John P:;}lughi, Dinh Thong and William TMma~ - ThAir instructor was John Thompson _ Technician Instructor Russ Levin (riatit) congratulates QMED Mohamed Alsinai for passing the exCim given by the FCC in global marine distress systems with radar endorsement. Alsinai completed the Marine Electronics Technici~n course ~t the Paul Hall Center on March 31. 22 Seafarers LOG Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (in alphabetical order) Kaid Adam, Monamed Ahmed, Terry Allen, Malika Brown, Donnie Cabanizas, Jonathan Gibson, Johanny Gonzalez and John PalughL Chef/Instructor Ed White is third from left and Assistant Instructor Scott Burgess is fifth from left. (Note: not all the course participants are pictured.) June2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Advanced Fire Fighting Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements on April 14 are (in alphabetical order) Gregory Baker, Andre Bennett, Jeanmarie Berger, Scott Brady, Dorothy Carter, William Churney, Jioia De Leon, Heather Frizzelle, Alberto lnsong, Kameron Kamaunu, Faustino Onato, Gustavo Osorio, Romeo Rivera, Wendelyn Sugui, Derrick Sullivan and Tom Woerner. Their instructor, John Smith. is at far right. This was the last class taught by Smith prior to his death last month from cancer GED - JH~n FMt~r and Elijah Huff (second and third from left) worked hard and tM academic d~partm~nt t~ ~arn th~ir high school equivalency degree (GED)_Congratulating tti~ pair ar~ P~ggy D$Mford (left) and Joan Mile5, both in5tructori;; at the Paul Hall Genter_ mMe use ~f Able Seaman - SIU members enrolled in the AB currieulum in April included (in alphabetical order) Abdulaziz Ahmed, Mary Bado. Dionisio Baldevia, Bernard Beof, Jonathan Brown. Alvin Clark, Efrain Collazo, John Davis, Clifton Doonis, Jason Foster, Kathleen Holden. Reginald Johnson Jr.. Benjamin Okazaki. Kenneth Salgado, Nathaniel Salter, Jeremy Thigpen, Eddie Thomas, Cornelio Villaflor and Adam Walls. Their instructor was Barnabe Pelingon. ChiefCook Learning some of the finer points in cooking from their instructors are (from left) Donnie Cabanizas, Chef Instructor Phyllis Rand, Crista Arnold. Susan Radar Observer - Standing on the construction site for the new radar simulator Moe, Thalis Ealy building are graduates of the radar observer class. which ended April 14. From the left ~r'Q SkMm Ruiz, Brock Booker, David Hin~on, Mike Smith (instructor) and Richard Roel. and Richard Mata. GED - Peter Pameointo recently earned his hiOh schOol diplo- ma while training for his career in the merchant marine (unlicensed apprentice class 598)_ He stands beside a portrait of Paul Hall, previous pr~sidMt of the SIU who firmly believed that yo1.1ng peopl9 ;;ir9 th9 futurn of the SIU and th~t the SIU has the best-trained seamen in the world_ .June2aatJ STCW Personal Safety - One component of the bosun recertification program is completion of the STCW per5onal safety class. From the left (front row) are Instructor Ben Cusic, Robert Lindsay Jr., John Mossbarger, David Kalm, Robert Wilson, Bernard Hutcherson (seated), Johnny O'Ferrell and Daniel Ticer. In the second row are Steven Ledermann, Rickie Burgess, David Campbell, Jeffrey Libby, Thomas Minton, Arthur Cross and Paul Matsos. Seafarers LOS 23 �Number 6 Vacation at Piney Point Enjoy a summer vacation with your family at the Paul Hall Center. See page 14 for information and rates. Overseas Philadelphia Calls on North Korea Historic Voyage Takes SIU Ship to Two Ports in Communist Nation Deep sea mariners often cite the "chance to see the world" as an appealing part of their profes- sion. For Seafarers aboard the tanker Overseas Philadelphia, that opportunity extended to new territory earlier this year, as the vessel delivered grain to the North Korean ports ofNampo and Hungnam. That is believed to be the first time an SIU ship visited the communist country. Several other U.S.-flag vesselsincluding the SIU-crewed Maersk Artzona and Overseas Vivian-also went there at the ~umc time. "It was an experience," noted Rtctrtifitd Steward Don1thy Cart~r, who provided the photos The photos above and at right of the port of Hungnam, North Korea were taken March 7 aboard the SIU-crewed Overseas Philadf?/phia. accompruiying thi3 article. "We ml cd quik u bit ubout the hi~­ toric a3ped of the trip, und it wn3 kind of neut to go 3ome· where we hndn't been bdore." Cruttr and st:>mt M htr ship- Taking advantage of a rare opportunity to tour North Korea are SIU members from the Overseas Philadelphia along with three shipping agents and three officers from the vessel. The SIU members in the photo are Recertified Steward Dorothy Carter (front row, second from left), and (back row, left to right) GSU Majed Alsunbahi, OS Ali Nasser, AB Larry Toston. Bosun Larry Kunc, AB Norman Tourtellot, (second from right) DEU Apolinario Aguirre and AB Anecito Lim boy. mates went ashOre in Nam.po in early February. Among those venturing throu&h the three-hour t~rnr (dire~ted by Kumm military personnel) were Bosun Larry Kunc AB Norman Tourtellot~ AB Anei:itv Limbvy, OS Ali Nasser. OS Larry Toston. DEU Apolinario Aguirre. Carter and GSU Majed Alsunbahi. Other than during the super1 vised sightseeing- the t:>nly kind permitted in North Korea-crew members "could leave the ship. but only stay around the port/' Carter recalled. "To any other S lU members who happen to go then;. pkasc do as the authorities tell you. Because you'll be arrested if you don't." Tight security notwithstanding, the Nampo tour proved enjoyable for the Seafarers. The guides spoke English and assisted the crew members in commu- The Future of the SIU nicating with other North Koreans. "We saw sports arenas and monuments the burial sire of a political leader, and we went on a shopping expedition," said Carter, a 20-year member of the SIU. Fox hats, hand-made swca.tcrs and a North Kortlln ~tamp i;;olkction were (lmong the good~ purchn~cd by SIU mem- bers. "My overaJl impression is that it's very regimented there," she continued. "There s security everywhere. armed guards. 1 There's poverty in some areas. We could see kids trying to steal the wheat (nt the port); you Mt1 tell they're hungry. ..It was a worthwhile experience~ but I wouldn't do it again." The words printed at the bottom of this sign say it all: "Through this N orlh Korea is located in ea~tem As;a. ;n the northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering the Korea Bay and the Sea of Japan. China, South Korea and Russia are its border countrie~. Loaded with grain, the Overseas Philadelphia sails through ice en route to the port of Nam po. North Korea on February 7. door walks the future of the SIU." Eight young people arrived in April at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md. to enroll in the unlicensed apprentice program. These trainees, all citizens of Guam, are the first residents from that U.S. territory to sign up for the three-phase curriculum which will prepare them for a career at sea. Beginning the first phase training session are (in no particular order) Samuel Lloyd, Ryan Legario, Michael Herrera, Kevin Ignacio, Joseph Benavente Jr., Jerald Martinez, Christopher Dionio and Allyson Pangelinan. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS BACK UMWA IN HEALTH CARE BATTLE RALLY’S FOCUS: ‘SAVE THE COAL ACT’ WELFARE PLAN AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS TO SEVEN SIU ACHIEVES BIG GAINS IN FAST SEALIFT CONTRACT HERBERGER OUTLINES GOALS TO STRENGTHEN U.S. FLEET UNION NAMES LAKES VP: T. ORZECHOWSKI NEW HALL TO OPEN IN BALTIMORE SIU’S GUAM OFFICE IS FULLY OPERATIONAL NAVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT CITES NEED FOR STRONG U.S. MERCHANT MARINE SIU LAKES VP KELLEY RETIRES CROWLEY SEAFARERS COMPLETE TAILOR-MADE STCW TRAINING ENGINE SIMULATOR WILL AID PAUL HALL CENTER’S TRAINING APPRENTICE PROGRAM GIVES ‘SECOND CHANCE’ SHAVIES GRATEFUL FOR OPPORTUNITY AT PAUL HALL CENTER PUERTO RICO: CARIBBEAN HUB OF ACTIVITY OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA CALLS ON NORTH KOREA HISTORIC VOYAGE TAKES SIU SHIP TO TWO PORTS IN COMMUNIST NATION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 6 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/ca8cbda27269aa3443977fb652072553.pdf 7f7bd310e1742008c9a00ed98a694cf2 PDF Text Text • • • imulator laildin School Will Add World's Most Modern Systems Groundbreaking for the new simulator building at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took place last month. The school, based in Piney Point, Md., is adding new simulators for shiphandling (insets), engine room functions, crane operations and liquid cargo procedures. Pages 12-13. Local Clinic Contracted on Island The union last month opened a new hall in Guam, a U.S. territory where many SIU-crewed vessels are based. It is located on the third floor of Sunny Plaza in Tamuning. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan contracted with a nearby medical clinic in Harmon, Guam. At right (from left), SIU Representative Matt Holly, AB/Dayman Mike Merrell, AB Bruce Bussert, AB John Favero and Recertified Bosun Peter Funk arrive outside the hall. Page 3. Jobs Gained Joining Call for Global Debt Relief Seafarers Crew Tanker Prudhoe Bay The SIU tanker fleet grew last month as Seafarers crewed the Prudhoe Bay from the hall in Tacoma, Wash. The vessel's run includes three different stops in Washington as part of the Jones Act fleet. Page 3. At a rally April 9 in Washington, D.C., Seafarers and other union members joined fellow activists in calling for global debt relief for developing nations. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (center) delivered a powerful message at the event when he pointed out that Third World debt is forcing American workers to "compete for jobs with workers in countries who are making 1O cents an hour." Greeting Sweeney are (from left) Recertified Bosun Dan Ticer, SIU Representative Steve Ruiz and Unlicensed Apprentices Patrick McAlpin and William Yurick. Pages 2, 11. �President's Report Bulldlng for the Future As you can see on the front page of this issue, we have another project under way at the Paul Hall Center designed to further improve the quality of the training Seafarers receive. The center is expanding and upgrading its simulator facility. In a big way. When the Lindsey Williams Building opened 15 years ago, the equipment inside was considered cutting-edge technology. Members could come to the school to upgrade their shiphanMichael Sacco dling skills using computers rather than actually being on the water. Fifteen years ago, the shiphandling simulator was the most effective way of training. It has been upgraded to the best of its capabilities. However, it has reached its limits. All the information stored in the separate computer room in the Williams Building to operate the simulator now can fit inside a laptop computer. The new simulator building-scheduled to open this fall-will continue to provide shiphandling training. The facility is designed to better prepare deck department members to become ABs. The new equipment will allow upgraders to have a full 360 degree view from the virtual bridge. It will have electronic chart displays in a fully integrated bridge. Like the old simulator, it will have several auxiliary bridges along with the main bridge. The difference will be that the separate bridges will be interactive. This means a Seafarer training to operate a docking tug can work with another upgrader learning to bring a containership to port. The technology will allow them to work together to experience this situation. This is just one of many new training situations that can be experienced. Seafarers working aboard tankers and tank barges will benefit from the new technology. The center will be installing a liquid cargo handling tanker simulator which can be used by inland and deep sea upgraders. The new system incorporates the latest technology aboard today's tankers, including computerized loading and discharge. Engine department upgraders will have their own simulator courses. The new equipment will greatly expand the automation training for QMEDs as the center will have the capability to train in any propulsion mode. This includes diesel propulsion, steam propulsion, gas turbine propulsion and all auxiliary support systems. The new building will feature multi-functional classrooms that will allow for all kinds of training. And, best of all, the whole system is designed to upgrade and expand to include the technology needs of the future. The SIU is proud of the fact that we have the best trained, safest mariners in the world. This new s ·mulator complex is the latest proof we intend to keep that distinction. The Paul Hall Center has continually grown and changed to meet and exceed the needs of Seafarers since its gates opened more than 30 years ago. Those of you who have been to Piney Point know of the many changes that have taken place just during the last couple of years. The culinary lab and the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are the most obvious. But, the range of new classes and the modem way that old standards are taught highlight the school's ability to change with the times. The Seafarers LOG will keep you updated on the progress of the new simulator building. The new facility is the latest example of how the SIU is moving ahead with the times-new ships, new jobs, new technology and new training for the new century. Volume 62, Number 5 May 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOS Seafarers Join In Call For Global Debt Relief Approximately 50 SIU members took part in an April 9 rally in front of the U.S. Capitol-a demonstration described by the AFL-CIO as "a symbolic call to the world's industrialized nations and global financial institutions to break the staggering chain of debt afflicting the world's developing nations." Union members were prominent among the estimated 4,000 people who participated in the four-hour event, culminating with demonstrators forming a human chain around the Capitol. Organized by Jubilee 2000/ USA, which bills itself as "part of a worldwide movement of people of conscience and people of faith, including trade union members, environmentalists, human rights and other activists," the rally kicked off a week of mobilizations aimed at making the global economy work for working families. "High debt levels force developing countries to lower labor standards and wages in order to attract corporate investment," AFL-CIO President John Sweeney told the Jubilee 2000 crowd. "That means American workers must compete for jobs with workers in countries who are making 10 cents an hour. It pits worker AFL-CIO President John Sweeney calls on Congress to cancel the debt owed by some nations. against worker and nation against nation in a race to the bottom, and it's a race we must stop with debt relief." OS Joao Cordeiro, interviewed by a television reporter during the event, said that canceling the debts of the most heavily indebted nations "is the right thing to do." That will help enable them to boost spending on education, health care and job creation, he stated. According to rally organizers, 40 such nations owe other governments and financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, some $220 billion, with little realistic hope of repayment. One result is that these countries cannot afford the most basic social needs. In Mozambique, recent floods killing more than 600 people and displacing a million more added to already crushing poverty, said Eufrigina dos Reis Manoela, a member of that nation's parliament. Yet Mozambique must spend most of its few resources on servicing its debt. "That money should be used for long-term development to Continued on page 11 Many of the Seafarers who took part in the demonstration show off part of the chain held by participants around the U.S. Capitol to symbolize the chain of debt incurred by developing nations. St. Louis Port Council Honors 3 The St. Louis Port Council f;'!JIT2Wi'!777~ of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO last month honored three individuals during its annual dinner event. Pictured at the April 8 affair are (from left) Dick Mantia, port council president; Jack Martorelli, port council VP: Michael Sacco, MTD and SIU president; Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan, recipient of the Joseph Sacco Friend of Labor award (named in memory of the late SIU VP); Jimmy Hathman, president of the Iron Workers District Council of St. Louis and winner of the Labor Man of the Year award; Ken Behlmann, president of the Behlmann Automotive Group and honoree as the Management Man of the Year; and Jerry Feldhaus, executive secretary-treasurer of the Building and Construction Trades Council of St. Louis. May 2000 �Prudhoe Bay Signals New SIU Jobs The union last month gained new jobs in its Jones Act tanker fleet as SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime became the operator of the former ARCO vessel Prudhoe Bay. After the first SIU crew signed onto the ship, the vessel began lightering operations in Puget Sound, Wash. The Prudhoe Bay usually loads several grades of gasoline, jet fuel and diesel at the Cherry Point refinery and then lighters to Crowley barges in Anacortes, Wash. Built in 1971 in Baltimore, the tanker is 810 feet long and has a 105-foot beam. It can carry approximately 443 ,000 barrels. SIU Tacoma Safety Director Jamie Overby met with Seafarers as they boarded the tanker late last month. He reported they were excited at the prospect of new jobs for SIU members. In the engine room of the former ARCO tanker are (from left) GUDE J. Israel, OMU Earl Olson, Safety Director Jamie Overby, OMU John Lange and OMU Casey Barber. Helping keep the galley operating smoothly is Chief Cook Gary Loftin. Formerly part of the ARCO ··· . 'fleet, the Prudhoe Bay now by SIU members. Pictured aboard the newly contracted tanker Prudhoe Bay are (from left) AB Alula Teferi. ABT. Ingersol. Safety Director Jamie Overby and Bosun Lewis FitzjearL On 'Z' Job in Pearl Harbor SIU Opens Hall in Guam Welfare Plan Contracts With Clinic With the opening last month of a new SIU hall in Guam, Seafarers now have an additional location where they can register, file for benefits, acquire upgrading forms and beneficiary cards and take care of other related business with the union. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan has contracted with Harmon Doctors' Clinic in Guam, so members may utilize that facil- ity to meet their medical requirements for shipping. "Considering the large number of SIU-contracted ships that are based in Guam, this is a logical move that should prove very convenient for the membership," observed SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. He added that in addition to the SIU halls in the continental United States, the union now operates Earlier this year, SIU-crewed tractor tugs accomplished their task of docking an aircraft carrier at the Naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii as these photos were taken. Seafarers first crewed the new "Z-class" boats in early 1999. Operated by Admiral Towing and Barge Company. the tugs feature a Z-drive-an integrated unit which replaces conventional propellers and rudders. It performs propulsion as well as steering, thereby enabling the tug to push or pull in any direction. Each of the Hawaii-based tugs-named Z- Three, Z-Four and Z-Five-is 95 feet long. Seafarers in Guam may utilize the new SIU hall at Sunny Plaza (left) and the new clinic in Harmon (right). SIU Hall in Guam Sunny Plaza 125 Tunjesus Crisostona St. Suite 301-E Tamuning, Guam 96911 Telephone: (671) 647-1351 or 1350 Fax: (671) 647-1359 SWP-Contracted Clinic Harmon Doctors' Clinic 2214 Route 16 Harmon, Guam 96912 halls in Guam, Hawaii, Alaska and Puerto Rico. The Guam hall is located at Sunny Plaza (third floor), 125 Tunjesus Crisostona Street in Tamuning. The clinic is in nearby Harmon, located at 2214 Route 16 (see box above). Meanwhile, progress continues in the modification of the building on Essex Street that will serve as the SIU's Baltimore hall. The union anticipates transferring its Baltimore operations from the current facility on East Baltimore Street to the newer building in the near future. Taking advantage of the newly contracted clinic in Guam are SIU members (from left) AB/Dayman Mike Merrell, AB Bruce Bussert and AB John Favero, each with Tesh Caole of the Harmon Doctors' Clinic. May 2000 Seafarers LOG 3 �Membership Receives President's Pre-Balloting Report SIU President Michael Sacco has issued the pre-balloting report to the membership announcing general elections for the union's officers will take place this year. The releasing of this report is called for in Article X, Section 1( e) of the SIU constitution. The report lists the various offices that will appear on the will begin ballot. Voting November 1 and continue through December 31. Those elected will serve a four-year term from 2001 through 2004. A total of27 positions from president to port agent will appear on the ballot. In presenting the report, Sacco noted he has worked with the union's executive board and port officials to appraise the needs of the SIU for the next four years and beyond, while considering changes that have occurred in the industry. Printed below is the full text of the 2000 pre-balloting report. May 8, 2000 Pursuant to Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am submitting at this regular May membership meeting of this election year, my Pre-Balloting Report The balloting for our General Election of Officers for the term 2001-2004 will commence on November 1 and continue through December 31, 2000. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our Constitution, as amended and effective July 13, 1989, and such other voting procedures as our SecretaryTreasurer may direct I have, in consultation with our Executive Board and Port Representatives, made a careful appraisal of the needs of this union, its membership and its currently existing constitutional ports. We have carefully considered the changes that have taken place in the maritime industry over the last few years, with a view toward the ever-changing meeting demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our Constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2000 General Election of Officers for the term 2001 through 2004. HEADQUARTERS President Executive Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Contract Enforcement 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters Seamen's Missions Offer Aid Centers Assist Mariners Throughout U.S. Editor s Mte.· Sinclair Oubre, an SIU member and diocesan director of the Apostleship of the Sea, wrote the following article. A Catholic priest, Oubre joined the SIU in 1990. This year, he has sailed as an AB aboard the HMI Dynachem and the ocean-going tug Doris Moran. You finish the last gulp of coffee before going below to relieve the watch. It is 1945 hours, and you finish the story with your crew mates. Going below, you relieve the watch. As you look at the clock in the control room, it is 2000 hours. A tremendous shudder rattles the ship to her keel, and at the next moment of consciousness you are on the deck, wondering how you traveled the last 15 feet. As you come to your feet, and head to the main deck, you see the ravaged deckand then come upon one of your friends who only a moment before was sharing your story. He is pinned and dying, crushed by equipment that came loose in the explosion. • • • A clear night meets the watch and the ITB slowly moves out of the channel. Up ahead, a ship is heading into port. The two vessels are positioning themselves to pass port-to-port. This pmcedure has happened thousands of times before, but this time something is different. The alignment is not right. Closing at more than 20 knots, it's too late to avoid collision once you realize this will not be a standard passing situation. A tearing sound rings from ahead, the vibration of two vessels sliding past each other. It is followed by the bright light of igniting fuel. You had read of things like this happening, but you thought it only happens to other people. You ring the emergency alarm, and the crew tries to go to their emergency stations. However, the flames already have engulfed the barge, and the fire's intensity prevents the mate from reaching the life raft canister. Can't stay, can't get to the life raft, so there's only one choice left. You grab your life jacket, and you and the rest of the crew jump into the black abyss. As you rise to the surface, the acrid smells of petroleum fumes fill you lungs, and you do not know if you will make it. • • • The above stories are true, but they are not unique. When a maritime casualty hap- 4 seatarers LOB pens, damage occurs. There is one type of damage to the ship-but there are two types of damage to the crew members. The first type of crew injury is the physical trauma: broken limbs, lacerations, bums. These conditions need immediate attention. Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of Contracts and Enforcement 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Gulf Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters 1 Assistant Vice-President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 2 Headquarters Representatives 10 Port Agents There shall be one port agent in each of the ten Constitutional ports; namely: Piney Point, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Though they are terribly painful, they can be treated, splinted and bandaged. The healing takes time, but each week, progress can be seen until the bones and flesh heal. Once healed, the mariner can physically return to his or her profession. The second type of damage is much less obvious, and may take much longer to heal. This is the psychological hurt that each mariner suffers in his or her own unique way. Often, one is not aware of the depth of the psychological damage until the physi- San Francisco, Detroit-Algonac and St. Louis. In accordance with the abovementioned Article X, Section 1(e) of our Constitution, I am required to recommend a bank, a bonded warehouse, regular office thereof, or any similar depository, to which the ballots are to be mailed, no later than the first regular meeting in October of this year. I will make such recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open on July 15, 2000 and close on August 15, 2000. The foregoing constitutes your President's Pre-Balloting Report and subject to my further recommendation as to the depository to be made hereafter, I recommend its adoption. Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco cal healing is completed, and one prepares to board the next ship. This happened to one of the crew members of the SS Texaco Oklahoma. He did not realize the degree of his injuries until he attempted to board the plane to meet his next ship. At that point, he realized he could never go back. The pain was too great, the hurt too deep. A friend recently said to me, "The company was very good about getting help. Continued on page 8 Fire Fighting Instructors Smith, Combs Pass Away The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education are mourning the loss of two fire fighting instructors-John Smith and Richard "Stormie" Combswho passed away recently in unrelated cases. Smith, 71, worked at the school in Piney Point, Md. smce 1988. He died April 16 ~----~ after battling John Smith cancer-a disease which he refused to let keep him off the job, right until his final days. Combs, . .rm......_,.__, 55, started teaching at the Paul Hall Center in He 1996. died March 26, apparent- ~"­ ly from com- ·ifw.w.'.!"'''''' p 1i cat i on s Stormie Combs after what was expected to be fairly minor surgery. Both men helped plan and build the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (pan of the Paul Hall Center), which is the premier marine fire fighting facility in the U.S. It opened last year. "It's a shame. I don't know how you replace either one of them, because they both did such a great job," said Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. "We extend our condolences to, both fami- lies, but I know that everyone here at the school also feels as if we've lost two members of our family." Jim Hanson, safety director at the center, knew both instructors well. "When we hired John, he told me that he never dreamed he would get paid for doing something he loved so much," Instructors John Smith (left) and Stormie Combs (center), picHanson recalled. "It didn't tured at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School with take long for him to prove that. fellow teacher Rick Redmond, brought dedication and expertise Whenever you gave him a to their jobs. class, a project or anything else to do, he was on it right A Florida native, Smith Mechanicsville (Md.) Volunaway. I learned in a very short served in the U.S. Navy from teer Fire Department and was time that I didn't have to check 1950 to 1973. He remained an a familiar face at local schools, on him to see if a task was active member of the Bay where he annually instructed d(')ne, because it always was. District Volunteer Fire Depart- children on fire safety during "I have known Stormie ment, located in Lexington "Fire Prevention Week." since we joined the county's Both made numerous trips volunteer (fire fighting) com- Park, Md. and was to have been inducted this month into to the SIU-contracted passenpanies," Hanson continued. "I Southern Maryland ger boats Delta Queen, Misstook him on his first trip on the the Delta Queen to show him the Volunteer Fire Department issippi Queen and American different classes we do for Association Hall of Fame. (His Queen, where they provided those crews, and I immediate- posthumous induction took on-site safety training for ly knew he was going to love it place at Smith's memorial ser- Seafarers. In various remembrances, and do a great job for us. vice on April 22.) He instructed an estimated they were praised as extremely People on the boats looked forward to his return. He had a 7 ,000 students throughout reliable and diligent. way with people; you just had Southern Maryland, not only "They're a credit to this to love him." at the Paul Hall Center but also school," stated Bobby Dean, Fellow instructor Anthony at local colleges and emer- another fire fighting instructor Hammett also knew both men gency-services organizations. at the Paul Hall Center. for many years. During most of his years at the "Stormie never had an enemy. 0 Stormie would give you Seafarers school, he was the John, once you got through the the shirt off his back in a primary fire fighting instructor rough exterior, you saw that he snowstorm," Hammett said. "I had a love for the fire fighters for the trainees. never saw him upset. He was and Seafarers he trained." born in LeonardCombs, always trying to help someRecertified Steward Dorotown, Md., was a veteran of body. the U.S. Air Force (1963thy Carter described Combs "John was a good instructor, too," he continued. "I hope 1969). He worked as a fire and Smith as "very supportive. I'm (working) that hard when fighter for the Department of They were always there for the I'm that age, because he'd Defense for 23 years before students. and we needed that wear me out. He really put a joining the Paul Hall Center more than anything else. They staff. He was an officer for the meant a lot to us." lot of energy into his job." May2000 �Military 'Depends' on Merchant Marine Joint Chiefs Chair Shelton Reaffirms Support for U.S.-Flag Fleet The nation's highest ranking military officer told cadets at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. that the military "depends" on the U .S.-flag merchant fleet. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Henry H. Shelton (U.S. Army), addressed the students during the academy's 12th Battle Standard Dinner on April 5. His remarks covered several topics, but he opened with his emphatic support for the U.S.flag fleet. "Quite simply stated, our national security strategy depends on a vital merchant marine, and the Joint Chiefs and I know it and so do our leaders in Washington," Shelton stated. "Ask any officer from any of the services who has had the opportunity to serve on a joint task force in the myriad of hot spots around the globe- just ask any of them if the U.S. merchant marine is important to their operations," noted the general. "You will not only get a 'yes,' Georgine Retires as President Of the Building Trades Dept. Robert A. Georgine retired last month as the president of the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, (BCTD) a position he has held more than 25 years. "The trade union movement is losing one of its giants," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "Bob Georgine has always been a fighter for building trades members. He has done a lot to improve the lives of a.11 working people_ We are all going to miss our friend," added Sacco, who also is president of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. The BCTD board elected Edward C. Sullivan, president of the International Union of Elevator Constructors, to finish Georgine's unexpired term. The board also selected Joseph Maloney, who had been the executive director for the Canadian office of the BCTD, to be the department's secretary-treasurer. Georgine, 67, started his career in his native Chicago catching hot rivets as .an Iron Worker helper. After serving in the Army, be began an apprentice program as a lather. He later was elected business agent of Lathers Union Local 74 before becoming president of the International Union of Wood, Wire and Metal Lathers_ He was elected to the BCTD post in December 1974. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney called Georgine "a strong and effective leader_ His supp6rt for the programs of the AFL-CIO has been a critical factor in our rebound in organizing and political power." New York Bill Aims to Include Mariners in Civil Service Exam Law New York legislators are considering a bill that would provide men and women who sail in the U.S. merchant marine with the same status as members of the U.S. armed forces when they apply to take a state competitive civil service exam. State senate bill 1710 was introduced earlier this year by 12 members of the upper body of the New York State Legislature. It is being considered by the Senate's Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs. May2DDO and Construction Trades Dept. He is pictured with SIU Pres_ Michael Sacco after addressing the 1998 Mart meat department workers earlier this year voted to join the UFCW. Since that mid-February vote in Jacksonville, Texas, the company's union-busting lawyers have used red tape in attempts to stall and subvert the exercise of employee rights. Armstrong, who works at Crown Cork & Seal in Abilene, Texas, pointed out that several UIW members at the plant have family members who are employed at Wal-Mart_ "So, we've had an inside look at some of the tactics the compa- ny is using to prevent this election from being successful," be noted. "The UFCW has one representative in town for these [ 1OJ meat cutters; the company bas 20. The company is bringing in each employee one at a time and then in groups, telling them that unions are just 'big business that wants their dues.' Then they tell them the union won't get them Gen. Henry H. Shelton ed all U.S. forces during the Persian Gulf War also has been vocal in his backing. "Since I became chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I have come to appreciate first-hand why our merchant marine has long been called the nation's fourth arm of defense .... The American seafarer provides an essential service to the well-being of the nation, as was demonstrated so clearly during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm," noted Gen. Colin Powell in 1992. MarAd's Hart Visits SIU Vessels Maritime Trades winter executive board meeting. Like the Maritime Trades, the BCTD is one of seven trade and industrial departments within the AFL-CIO. The BCTD is composed of 15 international unions representing 3 million construction workers in the U.S. and Canada. The measure would amend the present state law to allow merchant mariners to take the same makeup civil service exams as permitted members of the armed forces when they are not available on the regular testing day because they are on active duty. Civil service tests are required for some jobs in the Empire State. The position goes to the person with the highest score. The law provides for military personnel who are forced to miss an exam they have qualified to take, to have a special test administered later. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey saluted the legislators introducing the bill. He said recent actions to include mariners who sailed in World War II as veterans made the elected officials aware of the problem with the state's civil service exam process. SIU Affiliate Backs Wal-Mart Campaign On the heels of the first prounion vote by Wal-Mart employees~ the AFL-CIO and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) have launched a joint nationwide educational campaign to spotlight the harmful impact the huge retail chain is having on working families and their communities across the nation. "Regardless of industry, occupation, trade or craft, Wal-Mart is destroying jobs, lowering wages, eliminating health benefits and busting unions" wherever it situates, said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and UFCW President Douglas Dority in a letter to all AFL-CIO state federations and central labor councils. During the campaign's early stages, two members of the SIUUnited Industrial affiliated Worker (UIW}-Mike Armstrong and Glenda Copelin-recently participated in a rally in Tyler, Texas, near the town where Wal- Robert Georgine (left) retired last month as president of the Building but a resounding 'yes-and-canwe-have-more! '" This is not the first time the Battle Standard Dinner has been used by a chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to declare support for the U.S.-flag commercial fleet and its American citizen mariners. Three years ago, Shelton's predecessor, Gen. John M. Shalikashvili, told the cadets, "Today, after two centuries, our merchant marine is every bit as important and every bit as vital to the commerce and defense of our nation as it ever has been. "We simply cannot overstate the vital contributions of our U.S. merchant marine. Our national security depends on its vitality," Shalikashvili stated. These two chairmen are not alone in their support. The man who served in the post immediately prior to both and command- anything (through collective bargaining) or represent them." Armstrong is president of the AFL-CIO Abilene/Big Country Central Labor Council, which supported the Tyler rally. Sweeney and Dority took part in that event, which may be a springboard to union representation for other workers at WalMart's 2,485 stores in the U.S. "We won't stand by and let Wal-Mart take our money at the cash registers as consumers, then stab us in the back as workers," said Sweeney. "As a movement, we must take steps to respond to Wal-Mart's attack on our living and working standards." Meanwhile, the UFCW welcomed a ruling in late March by the National Labor Relations Board ordering a union representation election for meat and seafood department employees at the Wal-Mart "Supercenter" in Palestine, Texas. Labor's initial reports in ·its nationwide educational campaign concerning Wal-Mart pointed out that, among other facts, Wal-Mart is the largest outlet for imported goods in the United States, buying many products from countries Seafarers aboard the Gopher State and the Petersburg recently welcomed U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart (far right) aboard the respective vessels in Guam. Recertified Steward George Borromeo aboard the Petersburg said Hart complimented the SIU for its reliability. Recertified Bosun Peter Funk told Hart that the crews "extend our gratitude for the opportunity to serve MarAd and our country in the most professional manner possible." Pictured with Hart aboard the Petersburg are (from left) Captain Jay Parker, Guam Rep. Robert Underwood, Funk and Borromeo. Both ships are operated for MarAd by lnterocean Ugland Management where child labor, slave labor and human rights suppression are commonplace. Additionally, an average WalMart employee earns about $11,700 per year (working 30hour weeks), while only 38 percent of Wal-Mart employees have company-provided health cover- age (the national average is more than 60 percent). And qespite the company's "Buy American" and "Bring it Home to the USA" slogans, a pair of 1998 studies revealed that 80 percent and sometimes more than 90 percent of clothing sold in Wal-Mart is foreign-made. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (left} and Mike Armstrong, a member of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers, discuss labor's efforts to protect Wal-Mart workers' legal right to choose union representation. The two met at a rally in Tyler, Texas. Seafarers LOG 5 �With 29 diversified facilities for handling all types ; of cargo, the port of Los Angeles-including Long Beach · and Port Hueneme-is one of the busiest in the nation. In recent weeks, SIV Wilmington Port Agent John Cox met some of the incoming SIV-crewed vessels in those ports f\fq'~,;0··;r1·,<W{;%''J!:ti-1'.~;(t1\?2t.;1)1)fi>'I to update the members on recent activities within the union and the maritime industry and to clarify or respond to any questions raised during their voyages. Cox also provided the photos appearing on this page. More of these pictures will be included in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOQ. Susan Galka (above) is an AB aboard the USNS Effective (below), a SWATH vessel operated by Maersk for special missions of the Military Sealift Command. Aboard the Developer, AB Jerry Borucki loads barrels with the help of a deck crane. In the Wilmington Hall When the Overseas New York tied up in Long Beach, the camaraderie among crew members was evident. Pictured above are QMED Stanley Golden and Recertified Steward Nancy Heyden. 6 Seafarers LOG Working on deck are Overseas New York crew members (from left) Bosun Carlos Loureiro. Chief Engineer Jeremy McCartney and Chief Pumpman Dencio cayan. Chief Cook Carlita Navarro AB Ron J. Sagadraca May2000 �Work Starts Aboard Lakers Despite Low Water Levels Low water levels in the Great Lakes-the fastest decline in nearly 150 years-is not only affecting shoreline property owners and marina operators, it also is forcing cargo vessels-like the SIU-crewed American Republic -to lighten their loads in order to avoid running aground in channels and ports. Lakes Huron, Michigan and Erie each have fallen 312 feet over the past three yearsbetween 11 and 13 inches below last year's levels. (The waters on Superior and Ontario have remained fairly constant because they are regulated by locks and dams.) Some of the marinas and channels can be dredged to avoid boat damage, but freighters and barges have resorted to cutting their loads-some by as much as 6,000 tons-to reduce their drafts by two feet in order to stay clear of running aground in narrow waterways and ports. According to Glen Nekvasil, spokesman for the Clevelandbased Lake Carriers' Association, "When you light-load your vc:ssd by 6,000 tons, you 're leaving more than $200,000 on the dock. This is not really a positive development, but there's nothing we can do about it." Nekvasil further noted that if it took an average of 50 voyages to meet a customer's coal or iron ore requirements in 1997, it now would take 52 trips with a lightened load. The low water levels could mean additional runs during this season for SIU-crewed vessels. Sometimes a laker can run more routes to make up the shortfall, but those that must traverse the Sault Ste. Marie locks are limited since the locks are closed from January 15 to March 25 due to winter ice. Vessels that don't have to pass through the locks have taken advantage of the lack of winter ice to stretch the shipping season and get in more runs. This year, for example, the SIU-crewed Medusa Conquest started the new season by sailing from Chicago to Charlevoix on February 7-just 13 days after its last voyage from the prior season. That meant that some Great Lakes mariners, who usually have ab.:>ut twl'.'.l ml'.'.lnths off during the winter seas.:>n, this year had only about two weeks. Scenes like these are not uncommon on the Great Lakes this year. Above: the lake bed is clearly visible where the American Mariner is tied up. Below: four additional feet of water usually pound against this dock. Nekvasil confirmed that in such cases, shipping on the Great Lakes "is becoming a year-round industry." The reason for the low water levels this year is two warmerthan-average winters. Snowpack runoff, rain and winter temperatures affect the water levels on the Great Lakes. This year has seen much less snow, lower-than-average rainfall and increased evaporation of surface water due to the mild winter. Higher temperatures mean less ice to protect the lakes from early evaporation and less melting snow to replenish tributaries and groundwater. And if the lack of rain continues, the Illinois Natural Resources Water Survey Division believes a drought-and therefore water shortages-are possible this summer. Dealing with this whim of Mother Nature is especially difficult since only three years ago, the water levels were at a nearrecord high. In spite of the low water levels, Seafarers are hard at work, carrying the cargoes so vital to the economy of this nation: iron ore, stone, coal, cement, sand, grain, salt and liquid bulk products. Fitout on t.IJe Alpena Cleveland, Ohio While the American Mariner was docked at Drummond Island, OS Justin Von Sprecken did some work from the landing chair, as did (inset) OS Robert Crosby. Mark LaFrance Cook Norbert Hinrichs Wheelsman Taking part in a lifeboat drill aboard the John J. Boland in Sandusky, Ohio are (clockwise from top) Wheelsman Kelly DeVine, Bosun Michael Keogh and Wheelsman Larry Skowronek. James Werda Wheelsman May2000 Seafarers LOG 7 �r NATCO Crews in the News lnq1irin9 Seatarer Question: Which port was your favorite to sail into and why? (Asked of SIU members in the union hall in New Orleans.) Norman Jackson, Steward• Recife, ' Brazil. It was a pleasant place. I loved the beach and enjoyed being there. Terrence Ford,DEU - I've only been to one port outside the country and that was Haifa, Israel. It is nice, the climate is good and the people are good. March proved noteworthy for Seafarers sailing aboard NATCO dredges, for at least two reasons. First, as reported on page 4 of the April St:1afarers LOG, SIU crews overwhelmingly approved a new threeyear contract. Participating in negotiations were (top photo, from left) NATCO VP Bill Pagendarm; SIU Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Port Agent Ambrose Cucinotta; Seafarer Dale McKelvie; SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker; Seafarers Ray Maddock, Mike Horn and Jeff McCranie; NATCO Project Manager Bill Murchison and NATCO Operations Manager George Strawn. The agreement includes wage and benefit increases and was extremely well-received by the membership. In the next two photos, Seafarers on the Padre Island meet with SIU Mobile. Ala. Port Agent Ed Kelly (left photo, standing) before casting their Vl".'.ltes. Meanwhile, Captain Steve Taylor provided the two photos at bottom. which illustrate another newsworthy happening involving NATCO crews (also reported last month). SIU member Dennis Johnston (right) helped rescue a local sport fisherman whose boat otherwise would have smashed into either these rocks (left) in San Juan Harbor or the grounded runaway-flag ship nearby. ...,......~--==---___, Jimmy Dea no, BREC Perth, Australia. It really was five women to every people were nice there to me. I sailed a majority of my time between India and Puerto Rico. When I kit I t1eeded tounseling, they sent me to a good family counselor. The counselor was very good and very qualified, but she could not understand the life of a seaman, or life on board a ship. "I went to the sessions, but they really did not help," the friend continued. Lilt was only when I talked to my uncle who had been a seamen during World War II. He had his ship torpedoed out from under him. He experienced being in the dark water, the stench of oil, and the loss of his shipmates. He understood what I had gone through and the ways of the sea. Because he knew, he could teach me how I could heal and sail again." My friend then said, "Father, could you tell the mariners that if they are in the same type of situation that I faced, they can come to the seamen 's mission. There, they can find a priest or minister who knows the life of the mariner and can be a listening ear as he B seatarers LOG tries to heal his mind and spirit." I promised to do so, and that j~ the purpose of this article. • • • All along the coasts of North America are seamen •s missions that are at the service of mariners. Often, these places are thought of as a location for a ride to the store, a place to call home or a port-o call for a cheap beer. However, and most importantly, they are the mariner's place for spiritual ministry of mind and soul. As a port chaplain and as an active mariner, I invite you to visit the seamen's mission near you for help in healing your mental or spiritual pains. These may be the result of a casualty, or other causes. Very recently, a brother mariner shared with me how much a local seamen 's mission helped him to overcome his addiction to alcohol. He confessed that he wouldn't be working today if he had not been given some tough love, and loving up- port at the local seamen's miss1on. If you are unsure where the closest seamen's mission is to you, I invite you to check at your union hall, or contact the Rev. Paul Chapman at the North American Maritime Ministry Association. Rev. Chapman works in coordination will all the centers in North America. His phone number is (212) 533-6945. You also may contact him by email at PKCMAN@aol.com or by writing to him at 23 7 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012. Another contact is Rev. Bob Balderas at the Apostleship of the Sea: telephone (202) 541-3226; email aos·usa@nccbuscc.org; mailing address 3211 4th Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20017. Also, feel free to contact me at (409) 838-0451 extension 137. As my friend said, "If I would have known more about the seamen's mission, I would have gone there earlier." Chief StewardAntofagasta, Chile. Nice and tropical with beautiful scenery. The people greet you nice. The beach is beautiful. Birke, QMED Mombasa, Kenya. I went on a safari, saw elephants and other animals in the wild. I had a good time. Lawrence man. Calcutta, India. The Continued from page 4 ....---,....._--...,...__..,..,..,......, Howard Williams, Everybody told me that. I went and I said, 'They weren't lying.' J ohnny Young, retired Chief Cook- Seamen's Missions and Centers Areat~eServWeof Marinen Stacey Bernard, OS - Singapore. It is a nice place for shopping for clothing and souvenirs. It is beautiful for sightseeing. Laurie Christmas, QMED I've been around the · world many : times - I used to be a Delta Lines stiff - and any place in Brazil would be my favorite. ~ Wright, retired QMEDMombasa, Kenya. It felt just like home. The people were very friendly. Frank Cotton gin, AB/Dayman - I guess Estonia, in the Baltic Sea. Everything about it. The scenery was nice, plus it was my first ship (Liberty Sea), so it was exciting. Michael Devalle, L ChiefSteward · . - Any place ~ in South . America. · The people ~ were nice. It was a paradise run for members back then on Delta Lines. Bosun Mixon Commended By Overseas Chicago Capt~ Recertified Bosun Jesse Mixon recently was credited by Captain William Gould for his outstanding work aboard the tanker Overseas Chicago. In a letter to Mixon, which was forwarded to the SIU, Gould noted the "very fine job you have done during this past shipyard period aboard the Overseas Chicago. Both the chief mate and myself have been impressed not only with your competence and ability to get the job done, but also by the way you worked so well with shipyard and contract employees." The letter continued, "Thanks in large part to your determination and dedication the Overseas Chicago has come a long way .... Whether it was setting up the rigging to paint the undersides of the bridge wings, or insuring the airless paint sprayer kept running, you continually made sure things happened. "You are a credit to both your profession and the SIU." Mixon has been an SIU member for 26 years. May2DOD �New Orleans Members Meet With HQ Officials Active and retired Seafarers at the New Orleans hall got together April 11 with officials from SIU headquarters during the monthly membership meeting. SIU President Michael Sacco, Exec. VP John Fay and Sec.-Treas. David Heindel participated in the assembly, along with more than 50 members. Sacco provided updates on the potential merger of the NMU into the SIU; the importance of doing a good job and working safely aboard ship; new job opportunities in the SIU; donating to SPAD, and more. Attending the membership meeting in New Orleans last month are (from left) SIU Patrolman James Brown, President Michael Sacco, New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and VP John Fay. President Sacco (above) updates members (top right) on the latest happenings within the SIU and the U.S. maritime industry. Group from Guam Begins Curriculum At Paul Hall Center Eight citizens of Guam arrived ship. Finally, students return to last month at the Paul Hall Center the center for department-specific training that prepares them to begin sailing aboard SIU-contracted vessels. for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., where they are enrolled in the unlicensed apprentice program. They are the first residents from the westernmost United States territory to sign up for the three-phase curriculum, which r pares students for a career at SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) greets Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt, who gave a vote of thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco and his staff. Alaskans Tackle Apprentice Program sea. Arriving from Guam were Samuel Lloyd, Ryan Legario, Michael Herrera, Kevin Ignacio, Joseph Benavente Jr., Jerald Martinez, Christopher Dionio and Allyson Pangelinan. The unlicensed apprentice program includes an initial 12week training session in Piney Point covering the basics, followed by a 90-day practical training and assessment period that takes place aboard a U.S.-flag Welcoming the first group from Guam to enroll in the unlicensed apprentice program are Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (fifth from left) and Recruiting Director Bart Rogers (far right). The newest apprentices are {from left, front row) Christopher Dionio, Michael Herrera, (second row) Samuel Lloyd. Ryan Legario, Allyson Pangelinan, Joseph Benavente Jr., (third row) Kevin Ignacio and Jerald Martinez. Assisted by a career-placement program run by the state, four Alaska residents are enrolled in the entry training program at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. They chatted with school and SIU officials following last month's membership meeting. Pictured from left to right are Patrick McAlpin, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Beth Ketah, SIU President Michael Sacco, Lewis Amundson, Jacob Soeteber and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. New Bedford Patrolman Retires More Apprentices Earn GEDs A familiar face at the SIU hall in New Bedford, Mass., Patrolman Eugenio DeSou:sa (left, with Port Agent Henri Francois) retired April 28. Desousa worked at the New Bedford hall for 13 years. Previously, he worked in various jobs in the fishing industry, both in the U.S. and in his native Portugal. DeSousa's plans for retirement include spending time with his children and grandchildren. working around his New Bedford-area house and-despite decades of doing this for a living-fishing. "He did a great job and will be missed," noted Francois, who presented Desousa with a commemorative plaque. In recent months, a number of unlicensed apprentices have taken advantage of the GED program offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. During last month's membership meeting at the Piney Point, Md. facility, apprentices Quinton Washington and Elijah Huff (fourth and fifth from left, respectively) were congratulated by SIU officials for earning their high school equivalency diplomas. Pictured from left to right are Seafarers Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker, SIU President Michael Sacco, Washington, Huff, SIU Sec.-Treas. David Heindel, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Also earning his GED was apprentice Donald Davis, who was unable to attend the meeting. May2000 Seafarers LOG 9 �On SW Ships in San Francisco SIU members aboard the Sea-Land ships Challenger, Pacific and Trader and on Matson's R.J. Pfeiffer and Lurline met recently with officials from the union's San Francisco hall. Pictured on this page with the SIU crews are SIU West Coast VP Nick Marrone, Asst. VP Nick Celona and Safety Director Vince Coss. During the shipboard meetings, crews and officials discussed (among other news) the maritime industry's latest training requirements, construction of new SIU-contracted ships, and the importance of political action. Sea-Ltmd Trader VP Nick Marrone, Recertified Bosun Dennis Brown Sea-Land Challenger VP Nick Marrone, Chief Steward Bill Bragg Lurline Chief Cook Jon Blasquez, VP Nick Marrone, Chief Cook John Stein, Safety Director Vince Coss, QMED Ed Rynberg, Recertified Steward Louella Sproul R.J. Pfeiffer Asst. Cook Marcus Rowe, Chief Steward John Bulawan, Chief Cook Ronnie Richardson, Asst. VP Nick Celona ·:.; il<l«jw~·:.iti~·3~rt,¢1(::ari<l ·:support manttme tabor's ... 'fight to .t>resefv~ American jfJips, manned by ·. : :t95:s·:··.: ; ·:· . . ··. Lurline (Sitting) VP Nick M~rrone, Chief Steward Lucille Aguilar (Standing) Matson's James Mann, Chief Cook Steven Sun, Asst. VP Nick Celona Federation Promotes Savings Bonds American seamen at ':Arilerican·wage levels. He .:· lald the.responsibility for the decline of U.s.· . m~ri.dme:·af the door.of ~he Departments of .· · Agricuftu·re, Defense and State, whose polkie$ : weaken rather than help American shipping. , ~h~ . irimrqye~'t .we~f~e ·and··. bospitaU~tton pack- · Sen~tors v ance. Hartke, T~d Kennedy and · /·~g¢·'. :Were··.ri~gO,tia,t¢d: :Wit~ the s~.!P O\.Vn~rs :on . ·. o·aniel IJ'touye also ·Called for a stronger .: the advke·of the . Americaii~flag· mer~ ·S~afare..S W~lfare Plan.:· , chant fleet in speeches A v~~tpe~: plan to indud~ hospi~I an~ su~gicar·pe~¢fl.t5;;; ..(p.~usJ ~Ii incruse in ·disahUitY:.: . .· benefits,·. hOspltal benefits and death ·benefits.. will go .into effect on June 1. The provisions of The provisions . . ·include: Jiospitat bene~ The AFL-CIO is endorsing this year's national campaign overseen by ' the U.S. government encouraging citizens to "save for a more secure :·. fits fofWives of..:· ·: :s~afarerfarid unmar~ .: :;, future" by investing in savings bonds. In announcing its backing, the federation (to which the SIU is affiliated) noted, "Even though we are in the midst of the best economic times in history, as a nation we have a very low savings rate . ... Savings bonds provide Americans, young and old, a safe and convenient way to save. Whether buying the familiar series EE or the inflation-protected series I, savers receive competitive interest rates, exemption from state and local income taxes on earnings, and under certain circumstances exclusion from federal income tax if the bonds are used to pay the tuition and fees of higher education." The new series I bond is currently earning 6.98 percent interest, and the series EE was earning 5 .19 percent as of April. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, labor chairman on the national volunteer committee promoting the campaign, said, "The labor movement's long history of endorsement for the savings bonds program has been based on our concern for assuring that union members and their families know about and have access to this opportunity of saving for a sound financial future. For many working Americans ... savings bonds can offer an easy and relatively high-yielding method to save for their future needs." More information is available on the internet at: www.savingsbonds.gov. 10 Seafarers LOB THIS MONTH 'M .... Ht rTo ,:f~ ~--V :· .· ~( ~· =' · ._ .; · beforetheconven- · · 1 tiQn~ . . v ..,·· ried children under 19; provisions .for . home visits by a fami- rn:=~~~====~~============~ Ending nearly 72 . hours of uncertain ly physician; surgical benefits up to a maxicaptivity by the new Communist Cambodia mum of $300; death benefits are raised from the entire 39-m.an crew, 28 of them $1,000 to $3,500 and the disabflity pension · regime, SIU members, of the seized containership ·is. increased .by .·$ lO per wee~ tq $~5 pet M~yaguer were safely rescued tare· Wednesday week. · · evening, May 14, by the naval destroyer USS·, Wilson shortly after military action was carried out by combined U.S. Marine and Air Force · ' 1965 · .. . The 12th biennial convention of the Seafarers units against the Cambodians~~.. The Mayaguez, en route from Hong Kong to ·. International Union of North Alnerka was Sattahip, Thailand loaded with 225 containers held in Washington from May 26 through 1 of cargo, was reportedly seized in intern9tional · J~ne l. The highlight of the conventlon s first waters off the coast of Cambodia in one of the day' came when Aft-CIO President George most traveled trade routes in Southeast Asia. ,Meany pledged that, the federation would go May2000 �ISeat arers Participate in Jubilee 2000/USA: Breaking the Chains of Debt I Continued from page 2 cure social ills," she said during the rally. As one union member put it, "If they could get the debt canceled it would mean their governments wouldn't be so easy to exploit by corporations that are just looking for the cheapest way to make the bigger profits. They don't care about the people in these countries." Among those shals were (kneeling) L.G. Johnson, (standing, from left) Josh Ellerbee, Jerramy McNeil, Jessy Lorusso and Thomas Minton. OS Joao Cordeiro (left) is interviewed by a television reporter. Left: Blake Horton (left) answers a visitor's question about the rally. Ready to lend a hand to rally organizers are (top photo, from left) Seafarers DeShawn Stephenson, Dave Campbell, Mike James and Ole Olsen, along with (bottom photo, from left) Dan Ticer, Brad Lowry, David Jones, Travis Kirchhofer and Todd Curry. Low temperatures and a daylong wind advisory didn't deter SIU members from taking part in last month's rally in Washington, D.C. supporting debt relief for developing nations. At right (from left), Bob Wilson and Blake Horton join thousands of other supporters near the Capitol. Below (from left), Seafarers John Mossbarger, Jioia de Leon, Heather Frizzelle, Steve Ledermann, Dorothy Carter and Joao Cordeiro arrive early for the April 9 event. Why Global Debt Relief Matters to Working Families Editors note: The following is reprinted with permission, from the AFL-CIO. Saddled with enormous debt owed to international financial institutions and rich countries, the governments of many developing nations ex.pose their citizens to exploitation by multinational corporations and are unable to spend money on critical health and education needs. This overwhelming debt helps speed the global "race to the bottom," lowering wages, living standards and workers' rights not only in poor nations, but in the United States as well. Relieving that debt would help create a global economy that works for working families in all nations. Because they lack their own resources, poor governments have to borrow billions of dollars from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to finance their economic development. But these institutions often require poor countries to reduce spending on social programs, cut wages, eliminate job security and privatize public enterprises. These moves can be devastating. leading to massive job losses, which in tum May2000 make it hard for governments to afford to pay back their debts. The pressure to repay their debt prevents governments of developing nations from meeting their citizens' basic needs. For example, Zambia spends $3 on debt payments for every $1 it spends on basic social services. This in a country where, according to the Harvard University Center for International Development, 20 percent of the population is HIV positive, 30 percent of children have no vaccinations and half of the population has no access to safe drinking water. Meanwhile, in their efforts to augment international loans with private investments, governments of developing nations often lower labor standards and wages to attract corporations-undercutting jobs here and abroad by forcing competition with workers who earn as little as 10 cents an hour. Because the debt owed to the United Sates is a ver.y small proportion of our overall budget, relieving developing nations' debts would barely impact the United States- but it would make a huge difference to the countries affected. Seafarers LOS 11 �Paul Hall Center A L The engine room simulator includes diesel propulsion plant consoles (upper left), the electric power plant main switchboard (upper right) and electric power plant consoles (right). It is designed for the training of engine room watchkeeping personnel in the operations of a vessels diesel propulsion plant and electrical power plant and includes an auxiliary systems and machinery simulator. ast summer, the Paul Hall Center for M marine-oriented fire fighting and safe of its kind. The center, located in Piney Point, Md., i mier this fall when it is scheduled to open ne simulator in the world. Altogether, the refu addition will feature new simulators for ship tions and liquid cargo procedures. Deep sea, inland and Great Lakes Seafar upgrading courses will utilize the new simula tice program. Without exception, the simulat with the amended STCW convention. These new simulators will go a long way trained in the latest shipboard technology," s help SIU crews prepare for the challenges of "It's going to be a huge boost to the stu added J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of v "Several years of research went into this, incl ulators overseas. Because of the thoroughne the best equipment for the best-trained, safes The centerpiece of the expansion w'ill 360~degree viewing sector and three interac include an integrated ship control console wi (GMDSS), electronic chart display (ECDIS, console and more. Graphically, it is believed to be as power The simulated "views" from the bridge are re wide variations in weather, time of day and c It provides teaching support in the follo coastal and offshore navigation; collision avo · igation systems; search and rescue operation igation; bridge watchkeeping procedures incl GMDSS procedures; oil spill response manag bridge team management. The engine room simulator is potentially wipers to engineers. It is designed for the trai in the operations of a vessel's diesel pr Additionally, it includes an auxiliary systems The crane and liquid cargo simulators are The simulators are designed by Transas M Further details about the simulators and t upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. 0 Adding to the realistic feel of the simulators is an integrated ship control console with tools such as Furuno radar (lower left) and electronic chart displays ECDIS (left and below). Thousands of navigational charts from around the world are included Some Classes That Will Utilize New Simulators AB Bridge management Third mate/limited license Unlicensed apprentice Inland courses QMED FOWT Pumproom maintenance and operations Crane maintenance electrician Tankerman-PIC (barge) (DL) Tankerman familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) Diesel engine technology Marine electrical maintenance Gr, Ql 12 Seafarers LOB May2000 �• Qing 4 Simulators Instructors can select from a wide variety in weather, time of day, location and class of vessels for the full-mission shiphandling simulator (above and two photos directly below). aritime Training and Education opened a new, school now considered by many as the best looking forward to another blockbuster preclassrooms equipped with the most modem bished Lindsey Williams Building and new andling, engine room functions, crane opera- rs in nurutf(")U~ deck and eng;ne department ors, as will students in tht unlicensed apprenr~bascd training in those cour es ill cDmply oward helping ensure that Seafarers arc fully id SIU President Michael Sacco. "They will the new century." ems, the instructors and our entire school," cational education at the Paul Hall Center. ding evaluation of some of the high-tech sims of that research, we know we' re installing -working mariners in the world." fu11-mission shiphandling simulator with a ive auxiliary bridges. The main bridge will h ARPA/radar, global marine distress system ith charts from all over the world), a steering u] a system as exists anywhere in the world. arkably realistic, and the programs allow for ing areas: voyage planning and execution; dance; ARPA/radar operation; electronic nav; vessel traffic management; high speed rtavding tugs and barges, towboats and pilottttg; ment; port dcvdopmcnt; human factors; and seful to any rating in that department, from · g of engine room watchkeeping personnel pu1sion plant and electrical power plant. and mat;hinc,ry simulator. imilarly advanced and useful. nne. t; classroom expansion will be published in With state-of-the-art equipment and unparalleled graphics (two photos directly above, right and below)J the bridge simulator will bolster numerous classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. It includes a 360-degree viewing sector. undbreaking for the new simulator classrooms the Paul Hall Center took place la.st month. May 2000 Seafarers LOB 13 �Each summer, the Paul Hall Center fot Maritime ·.: Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. opens its :-. :·doors to vacationing Seafarers and their families. ·: · There is ·much to take advantage of at the center - com.·f?rtable accommodations, three delicious meals each day, a ·• . libtaty, !'ealth spa, te~s courts, ~lympic-size swimming :· ··· .pool, .s~ilb()ats and mtles of beautiful landscape for peaceful ::· walks or picnics. · In historic southern Maryland, where the facility is located, are ~any fam~us la1!dmarks and ~actions-something for everyone in the family- like seafood festivals, arts and crafts fairs, antique shows, country auctions and acres of unspoiled parkland. The center also is just a short drive front Washingto~ D.C., Arlington.1 Va. and Baltiinoi'e.1 · Md.t each offering many histori... "'" .~V. cal and educational sights as well ·· • as recreational pursuits lik~ baseball 11111m1i1.-,,,., at Camden Yards.. A vacation stay at Piney Point is limited to two weeks pe' family. . ..... f t:· PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: Social Security number'.----~------­ Book number: - - -- - -- UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES Address'. A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: 0 ate of arrival: 1st choice: t I ----------~------ 2nd choice: - - - - 3rd choice: _ _ __ •r Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day I I I I • I (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) two weeks per family. I I I • Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ I I I I Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P 0. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. age or younger. The prices listed above include all ' meals but do not include tax. ~ - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . I I 5100 ----- ~~-~~-----~~--~-~--~--------------------------------------------------------------------! f4 Seafarers LOG May 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia B~ltimor~, •.. Norfolk Mobile 19 . 4 17 5 4 6 11 15 7 9 5 9 5 3 9 10 3 4 9 7 7 15 9 11 7 6 8 10 9 Houston .. St Louis ·:Piney Po.in,t . Algonac Totals DECK DEPARTMENT l7 5 i4 ...... () 5 8 8 30 12 .~ 0 5 ell 3 .o 235 0 148 12 9 2 3 6.•. 3 10 0 S. 6 2 4 Trip Reliefs 29 " 18 17 27 .'i .·.·, 2· l .o 2 3 7 2 5 21 17 3 11 8 8 17 13 19 9 5 24 31 10 10 6() . 24 0 4 5 41 8 48 21 18 4 2 12 4 0 39 18 16 11 7 11 4 10 4 0 11 10 31 2 l 4 0 2 " 8 0 193 0 106 5 .2 3 406 196 124 22 11 7 5 4 9. 5 9 l 2 67 3 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT } 2 5 0 3 2 0 3 1 ......J .:. . 8 3 4 4 2 7 8 4 0 4 7 19 7 15 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 8~ July 6 Duluth .....................Wednesday: June 14, July 12 Honolulu .................Friday: June 16, July 14 Houston ................. .Monday: June 12, July 10 • .,., 20 ···· Mobile ..... ~ ..... ~ ........ Wedn~y: . Juri~. 14.. July 12 9 4 I Algonac ..................Friday: June 9, July 7 H 20 51 ·Piney Point .·........... :Monday: June 5, July 3 Jacksonville ........ .,Thursday: June 8,. July 6 6 7 2 73 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 7 · .. Puerto Rico Honolulu TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C .· Jua.a & •.J•1Y 2001J .MelilbBrsbJP . ,' .. Meelin .· . rgs ;Dtiejj:Sea; .Lakes,.Inland'Waters New Bedford ......... .Tuesday: June 20, July 18 6 21 8 Personal Mobile New Orleans 0 2 6 2 6 1.ac'ksonville Puerto Rico 8 4 .·J.3 . 1 l~ · ':l 2 14 2 2 2 0 6 12 8 8 38. 9 8 40 35 6 .6 . ·2 2 3 2 1 0 ". 31 3 1 1 ROBERT B. HYLAND Please contact William H. Hyland at 7143 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21224; or call (410) 282-0595. Discussing STCW Requirements 2 47 35 0 91 0 1 0 1 1 27 25 257 78 37 4 3 38 18 88 , ()°, . 7 4 o· 0 0 0 () l 19 ' 23·. 0 0 0 ' 0 AlgM.M 202 Totals Totals All Departments SS4 422 359 26 396 108 304 124 230 14 0 0 5 1 0 73 254 308 138 934 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 2000 10 657 540 After last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., SIU President Michael Sacco and SA Shirley Winbush discussed some of the requirements of the amended STCW convention and how they impact Seafarers' training. Winbush is enrolled in the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes MARCH 16 · '""''. ,., ......... ·. ,., ....... Mkltad Sacco President . John Fay .. ·q . · · ·executive Vfo.e Presidenf;.;· ·· CL - Company/Lakes Secretary-Treasurer L-Lakes NP- Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel APRIL 15, 2000 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts .; Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Bytiln Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nfchotas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kennett Mang.ram Vice President Government Services 4 .. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 207% (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. DECK DEPARTMENT ] 8 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 9 0 l Port 0 17 6 0 9 3 Algonac 0 5 6 Port Algonac 0 18 16 Algonac Port Algonac Port 0 8 5 0 6 3 0 5 6 9 14 0 . .. _.-. ~ - .... 28 1 0 49 31 0 20 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Totals All Depts 28 tair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCllORAG.E 721 Sesame St., #IC, An<:horage, AK 99503 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters (907} 561-4988 MARCH 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore SL, l3altirot)re, MD 212-02 (4WH27-49<?'J *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B o· 0 0 Class C ,: : · ah:it:e<;a~t:<:;r:;::<:.:;;s+::::· . . · 1 ::E~~~~$S:.1m.~~:; W,~j~f.S:: · .:· q West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B 0 0 0 0 Lake8, lfilana. warers ·o · 0 0 0 I 0 4 S Gulf Coast 0 ;pa,~~.s~JP:l~g ,~a~~:: : · .0.·... Wc~t Coast 0 Totals 0 Region ·:· : ~~~t~~:: ~~~:~J::i:.:·:>YT:·:::::::::::.:°' . . '(:folf Coast···':· ....:::\:.:: ..... :.:.....0: .... 3 8 9 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 Q. ... 0 1 ... 0 14 11 1 1 24 2 2 27 10 0 '' 0 0 1 . 0 0 Totals 0 0 0 2 1 1 4 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 5 1 10 10 2 7 12 1 West Coast Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Region Atlantic·: C9.a$t,.:.: · APRIL 15, 2000 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This copy of an old photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner John M. Clarke of Houston, Texas. It was taken at "Joe Palooka's" in Mobile, Ala. in 1953 at a moment of relaxation during the Atlantic organizing drive. Pictured are some crew members from the Royal Oak, a Cities Service vessel, as well as members from Atlantic 16 Seafarers LOG Refining. Clarke, then a steward assistant, is the one in the cowboy hat. John M. Clarke joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York and sailed in the steward department. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950-1952 and retired in 1994. May2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified bosun is among the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 50 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Thomas H. Hawkins graduated from the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the recertified graduate, 12 of the retiring mariners sailed in the deep sea division , four shipped on inland vessels and five plied the Great Lakes. Fifteen of the retirees worked in the deck department, four shipped in the engine department and two sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. O DEEP SEA LUIS R. CENTENO, 66. first sailc;d with the Seafarers in 1959 aboard the Beauregard. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department. During his career. he also sailed in the engine dcpartrnr;nt, Brother Centeno last worked aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He makes his home in San Francisco. THOMASH. HAWKINS, 73, began his career with the Seafarers in 1949 from the port of New YMk. A native ofWashingt1:m, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification cours.e in 197 5. Brother Hawkins last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. He calh Hoodsport, Wash. home. LO, 70, started his career with the STU in 1986, sailing aboard the USNS Hess , operated by May 2000 port of San Francisco. A native of California, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Lawrence H Gianella, operated by Ocean Ships. Inc. From 1956 to 1960, he served in the U.S . Air Force. Brother Lacunza makes his home in Sparks, Nev. THOMASN. LUKETICH, 65, firs.t ~ailed with the SIU in 1978 aboard the Potomac. operated by Ogden Marine. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. From 1951 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Luketich has retired to Ardenvoir, Wash. OLIVEIRA, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1962 in Santa Rosa. Calif. and joined the MC&S in the port of San Ft'ttt'lti~tl">. Bmii in Ecuador, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Galdos worked in the steward department. last sailing aboard the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. He has retired to Cloverdale, Calif. JARAMIL- ERNEST LACUNZA, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the in China, he worked in the steward department. He participated in several Thanksgiving events at the San Francisco hall. Brother Siu last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Bay Shore, Calif. ROBERTL. SMITH, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York after graduating from the Andrew Furuseth Training School. His first ship was the Alcoa Pioneer. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Anny, Brother Smith calls San Francisco home. JOSE SOTO, 61, began his career with the SIU in 1969, first sailing aboard the Joplin Victory. A native of Puerto Rico. he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Mayaguez , an NPR, Inc. vessel. Brother Soto makes his home in Carolina, P.R. MANUELM. VIRGILIO GALDOS, 65, ROMAN LSC Marine, Inc. Born in Ecuador, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Jaramillo worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the USNS Denebola, a Bay Ship Management vessel. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. He resides in Brigantine, N .J. 66, began his career with the Seafarers in 1992, first sailing aboard the Antarctic. He worked in the deck department and upgraded hi~ ~kill~ a.t the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md. Brother Oliveira last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. San Diego is his home. ANGELR. SANTANA. 67, graduated from the Andrew LEONARD STEINHARDT, 57, graduated from tbe Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The Steel Seafarer was his. first ship. Bl">rn in New York, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brother Steinhardt has retired to Toms River, N.J. ated by Radcliff Materials. Mendenhall, Miss. is where he calls home. FREDDIE R. RICE, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1969 from the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina native worked as a mate/pilot, last sailing aboard a Maritrans vessel. Boatman Rice makes his home in Lowland, N.C. WILLIAML. SMITH, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1973 aboard the tug Mariner. Born in Mississippi, he worked as an OS/Cook, last sailing aboard the Honour, operated by Maritrans. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Smith calls New York home. GREAT LAKES FRANCIS J. BELLANT, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1957 working aboard the tug Mojave, operated by Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. A native of Michigan, he sa~led as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Before retiring, Brother Bellant worked aboard the tug Carl Luedtke, operated by Luedtke Engineering Co. St. Ignace, Mich. is where he calls home. CLARENCE B. CASEY, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit, working aboard the tug Hardwick, operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. Born in Kentucky, he sailed in the deck department. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Anny. Brother Casey has retired to Fort Gratiot, Mich. JAMES CORBRAN, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1960 from the port of Buffalo, N.Y, sailing aboard the Edmund P. Smith, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Corbran worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S . Air Force. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship. The New York native makes his home in Hamburg. KENNETH w. DeGRAFF, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1967. Born in Illinois, he worked as a deck engineer and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. A resident of South Holland, Ill., Brother DeGraff last worked aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. MARVIN A. SCHMITZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Chicago. The FredA Manske was his first vessel. A native of Wisconsin, he worked as a conveyorma11, last sailing aboard the St. Clair, operated by Amerfoan Steamship Co. From 1957 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Schmitz has retired to Glenbeulah, Wis. INLAND Furusdh Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. The Puerto Rico native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Santana makes his home in Caguas., P.R. KWAN JOY SIU, 62, graduated from the MC&S training school in 1969 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Wilson , operated by American President Lines. Born CHRISTOPHERS. LUPTON, 64, started his. career with the SIU in 1954. Boatman Lupton worked as a tugboat captain, last sailing aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. A native of North Carolina, he makes his home in New Bern. HENRYR. RAINEY, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi native worked in the deck department. Boatman Rainey last sailed in 1990 aboard the Avocet, oper- ...... Re$tonttiQU of the historic. ~1P 4meripaf1. f.icto,Y . co.~tin~~~ju·· . ·:. Tampal ~cording to the groil:P.oveiseeing.th.e projeer:·. . , ·· · J'~~Vic~oty S4ip. I~c. last .rnQnth. repo~~d-that tlfo: ves.seF-s -bµ~l,;. . deck and superstructure ''have been sand blasted and have' a new ·. coat of paint. The ship is out of dry-qock and back in the wet slip." .'. A loca.t television station planned to air a feature late last month about yolunteers who are helping restore the American Victory. .o"I'he project also has received newspaper coverage. .... . FQr tnot~ information about the American Victory~ restorai)on, · · or to volunteer, sen<l email to AmVic@aol.com, ·telephone"(Sl3) · 228r8766 or write to The Victory Ship, Inc., 705 Channelside Dr., Tampa, FL 33609. . ". . . Built in 1945, the American Victory had been part of th~ U.S. Re erve Fleet on Virginia~s James River since after the Vietnam War. Formerly crewed by SIU members the 454-foot vessel was one of more than 500 Victory ships that debuted near the end of World War Il During Vietnam, it was operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. · Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA LORENZO BENNETT Pensioner Lorenzo Bennett, 73, passed away February 3. A native of Mobile, Ala., he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1947 from the port of New Orleans. The steward department member later graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in Mobile and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1945 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Bennett last sailed aboard the SeaLand Galveston as a chief steward and began receiving his pension in February 1992. He was a resident of Los Angeles. ZEEY.CIDNG Pensioner Zee Y. Ching, 78, died December 22, 1999. Born in China, he started his career with the SIU in 1948 in the port of N cw York. Brother Ching worked in the steward depart· ment, last sailing aboard an inland VMMI operated by Dixie Carriers. A resident of Violet, L;i., he started receiving his pttlSiM in November 1976. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. JOSEPH L. FORNIS Pensioner Joseph L. Fomis, 71, pMsed away January 19. Brother Fomis joined the Marine Cooks & Stewa.rd:J (MC&S) in 1945, first sailing aboard the Edwin H. Du.ff: He worked in the steward department and retired in January 1975. Los Angeles was his home. CESAR S. LAGO Cesar S. Lago, 60, passed away February I 0. A native of the Philippine ldand~, he begcli\ his SIU career in 1984 from the port of ="'-"-"--' Wilmington, Calif., first sailing aboard the SS Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Brother Lago worked as a chief cook. A resident of Wil· mington, he last sailed aboard the Sga-Land Enlerprist:. WALLYW.LAU ···.,,: . . Pensioner Wally .: W_ Lau, 78 died February 19. He joined the MC&S in 1944 in the port of StUl Frattcisco_ Born in China, he worked in =-=-=--'--~~ the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1989. Prior to retiring in April 1997, he sailed aboard the Overseas New York_ Brother Lau wa~ a resident of San Francisco. the Cubore, an Ore Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Long worked in the engine department and retired in December 1979. Sea Level, N.C. was his home. ALEJANDRO S. MARTINEZ Pensioner Alejandro S. Martinez, 66, died February 13. A native of Puerto Rico, he graduated from the Andrew , "' Furuseth ;~l'\\ 1 Training School in 1964 and joined the union in the port of Baltimore. The Transeastern was his first vessel. Brother Martinez sailed in the deck department. Before he retired in June 1999, he worked aboard the Golden Monarch, a Westchester Marine vessel. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. His home wa:J in Ponce, P.R. EDWARD MERCHANT Pensioner EdwMd Merchant, 87, passed away March 5. He joined the MC&S in the 1940s. Brother Merchant sailed itl the steward department and began receiving his pension in April 1977. OLIVER P. OAKLEY Pensioner Oliver P. Oakley, 71, died December 8, 1999. Born in Pennsylvania, he first sailed with the Seafa.rer:J in 1946 aboard the B/uq Ridgq Victory) a Calmar Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Oakley worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in December 1997, he sailed aboard the Denebola, operated by Bay Tankers. He was a resident of Olyphant, Pa. CALVIN T. PRICE Pensioner Calvin T. Price, 76, passed away MMch 10. A native of North Carolina, he joitled the SIU in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va_ Brother Price worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Van HorizQn, opernted by Vancor Steamship Co_ During h1s ca.rter, he also worked in the engine department. The Tarboro, N.C. resident started receiving his pension in April 1983 . KIM SIN QUAN Pensioner Kim Sin Quan, 67, died February 15. Brother Quan began his career with the MC&S in 1958 from the port of San Francisco_ ~..........- - Born in China, he worked as a chief cook. Prior to retiring in January 1995, he sailed aboard the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. San Francisco was home to Brother Quan. HENRY D. LONG - Pensioner Henry D. Long, 83, passed away February 6. Born in North Carolina. he started his career with the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was 18 Seafarers LOG OTIS L. SESSIONS Pensioner Otis L. Sessions, 72, passed away February 14. He joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Houston. The Mississippi native worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the SIU's training center in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was .___ _ _ ___..._"""-..;..;:oi active in union affairs and organizing drives. His last ship was the LNG Capricorn. A resident of Bay Minette, Ala., he began receiving his pension in May 1997. From 1950 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. RAYMOND J. THOMAS Pensioner Raymond J. " Thomas, 79, died December 4, 1999. Born in Alabama, he -- started sailing '" with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of New York. Brother Thomas worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Cove Trader. A resident of Mobile, Ala., he started receiving his pension in July 1986. RICARDO M. VENZON Pensioner Ricardo M. Venzon, 72, died January 25. Brother Venzon joined the Seafarers in 197 5 in the port of Wilmitlgton, Calif., first sailing aboMd the Council Grove. A native of the Philippines. he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in March 1992, he sailed aboard the Over$eas Alice. From 1945 to 1972, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Venzon lived in Honolulu. STEVE WEST Pensioner Steve West, 79, passed away February 11. He began his career with the SIU in 1963 from the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Pioneer Mist_Born in Poland, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother West ~ailed in the engine department and upgraded to a licensed officer. A resident of Bergenfield, N.J., he started receiving his pension in March 1988. WILLIAM M. WEST Pensioner WilliamM. West, 85, died January 2. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1938 in the port of Norfolk. Va. Born in Panama, he sailed in the engine department. He was active in union affairs and organizing drives during his maritime career. Brother West last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Newark. A resident of Seattle, he retired in January 1981. Mobile, Ala. Brother Whitten worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He was a resident of Mobile and started receiving his pension in February 1985. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Army from 1949 to 1950. JAMES H. RATHBONE AHSAIWONG Pensioner Ah Sai Wong, 89, died January 27. Born in China, he began sailing as a steward with the Seafarers in 1948 from the port of San Francisco. He started receiving his pension in July 1975. Brother Wong was a resident of San Francisco. Pensioner Walter H. Whitten, 72, passed away January 14. He started his career with the SIU in 1945 from the port of James H. Rathbone, 52, passed away February 8. Born in North Carolina, he first sailed with the SIU in 1990 aboard deep sea vessel Cape Farewell. Boatman Rathbone later transferred to the inland division, sailing primarily aboard McAllister Towing Co. vessels as a mate. Poquoson, Va. was his home. HARRY WOO SR. Pensioner Harry Woo Sr., 78, passed away January 31. A native of Hawaii, he joitled the MC&S. Brother Woo sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in January 1970. Kaneohe, Hawaii was his home. RONALD L. REEVES HILAND Ronald L. Reeves, 50, died December 30, 1999. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1994 aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Reeves sailed as a member of the deck department. Born in Indiana, he was a resident of GainesviHe, Ga _ LESLIE W. COLLIER HUGH L. STEWART Pensioner Leslie W. Collier, 69. died March 6. A native of Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman ColHer worked as a captain and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Coinjock, N.C., he started receiving his pension in March 1993. Pensioner Hugh .: L. Stewart, 69, passed away January 2 7. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1952, first sailing in the deep sea division aboard the Oremar. He later transferred to inland vessels. Boatman Stewart worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. He was a resident of Baltimore and started receiving his pension in December 1987. From 1948 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Navy. JOHNNIE W. FELDMAN Johnnie W. Feldman, 62, passed away January 2. Born in Arkansas, he began his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Houston. Boatman Ftldm.an last sailed as a captain aboard a Marine Towing Co. vesseL From 1955 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Air Force. DONALD G. HUDDLESTON Pensioner Donald G. Huddleston, 71 , passed away January 20. He started sailing with the SIU in 1960 in the port ofNorfolk, Va. Boatman Huddleston worked as a tankerman, last sailing aboard a Maritrans vessel. A resident of Supply, N.C., he retired in September 1993. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Air Force. BENNIE J. LANDRY Pensioner Bennie J. Landry, 68, WALTER H. WHITTEN ated from the diesel scholarship program in 1982. During his career, he also worked in the deck department. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Lufkin, Texas, he began receiving his pension in August 1988. passed away February 21. Boatman Landry began his SIU career in 1963 from Port Arthur, Texas. The Texas native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he gradu- GREAT LAKES REINO E. SALO Pensioner Reino E. Salo, 85, died November 12, 1999. Born in Wisconsin, he began his SIU career in 1960 from the port of Detroit. Brother Salo sailed in the engine department and began receiving his pension in April 1979. He was a resident of Superior, Wis. THOMAS KARL SCHULTZ Thomas Karl Schultz, 56, passed away January 15. A native of Michigan, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit. Brother Schultz worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. DANIEL A. STORCE Daniel A. Storce, 62, passed away February 4. Brother Storce first sailed with the Se ...Jrers in 1968 aboard the Reiss Brothers, operated by American Steamship Co. Born in Illinois, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1985 aboard the Presque Isle. Cloquet, Minn. was his home. May2000 �fa wwwawwww crew members to keep current with upgrading/training and Coast Guard requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department, with special thanks to Chief Cook Arthur Medeiros for excellent meals and great barbecues. EL MORRO (IUM), January 31-Chairman Steve Copeland, Secretary Kris Hopkins, Educational Director Fred Dougherty, Engine Delegate Teki Williams, Steward Delegate Marvin E. James. Bosun stressed importance of keeping all beefs routed through department heads. He asked crew members to lower noise on crew deck, take care while smoking in cabins and return movies promptly and put in order. Secretary advised everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and check expiration dates on necessary shipping documents. Treasurer announced $152.28 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew van provided at Blcunt Island seems to be working well. Inquiry made into increasing pensicn benefits. Clarification requesced on STCW deadline. Vote of thanks given to steward department for jcb well done. Ne'.l{t ports~ Port Everglades and Jacksonville. Fla. HM/ CAP/i LOOKOUT SHOALS (IUM), Jatmary 31 ChAirma.n Steven t,. Bush. Secretary Alan W. Bartl~y, Edu<;atiomtl Director Salom~ CHtr6, Deck Dele ate.Zimmnc Qn, ngine Delegate Wilbert J. Mil~& Jr., Steward Delegate Ralph F. Morgan. Prior to leaving port of Seattle, chairman requtsttd absentee ballots for mercer vote. EdLicational diri;dor ,minded crew members to check STCW and z-cards for expiration dates. Treasurer announced $900 in ship's movie fund. Some disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Inquiries made on improving mail service and obtaining refrigerators for crew rooms. Steward asked crew to help keep linen locker clean. Recommendation made to keep door closed during meal times to keep people out of galley other than steward d~partment memberi. Vole of thanks givett tc steward depa.rtment for job well done, to deck department and DEU for help provided to :o;teward. Ship heading to New York. Hou~ton und Philadelphia. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime Corp.), January 24Chairman Rodney Jimenez, Secretary Normnn EYnns, Educational Director Trent R. Sterling. Chairman noted payoff scheduled January 28 in Beaumont, Texas. All crew member!; ~hould return movies, ~trip bunks and cleaft rMms before getting off ship. Trip was good. Educational director advised those members who have time to consider upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for weekly cookouts. MARINE COLUMBIA (Intrepid Ship Mgmt), January 24Chuim1un Greg()ry Hamilton, Secretary Jamu F. Dunne, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Engine Delegate Detricke R. K~lly, Steward Delegate Kathleen Lanah~n. Chairman noted shipyard work finished and vessel ready to sail. Payoff to take place in El Scgun- May2000 do, Calif. and will then sail to Richmond, Calif. and Valdez, Alaska for cargo. Secretary said holidays enjoyed by all and wished good health and happiness from ship's crew to officers and staff at Piney Point and headquarters. Educational director urged everyone to use facilities and upgrading programs at Paul Hall Center and be aware of new regulations and requirements needed for future sailing. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into ability of receiving vacation pay after 90 days. Several items needed to be purchased, including new set of exercise weights, furniture in crew lounge, curtains in living and dining areas and cabins and new jacket for steward department for work in reefer boxes. NAVIGATOR (CSX Lines), January 16-Chairman Werner H. Reeher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Edui;ational Director Robert E. Bruckmall, Dock Delegate Joseph Dallas, Engine Delegate Ross Himebauch, Steward Delegate Terry R. MaKno. Chairman announced payoff January 22 in port of Tacoma. He thanked i;rew for helping keep ship in order and reminded them to get clean set of linen for relief b@for@ leaving. He also urged everycne to take time to vote in SIU-NMU merger. He noted pro· gress made in last 10 year~. Trtasurer stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have vacation pay incorporated into gross pay, which later will determine pension benefits. Vote of thanks to steward department for well-prepared meals. 2nd LT. JOHN P. BOBO (AMSEA), January 26-Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Kristin Krause, Educational Director Ch~rles J. Betz, Steward Delegate haat Newsome. Chairman announced arrival of across-the-board EPA, which is posted en bulletin board. Anyone int@rested in voting ~hClUld check with union patrolman when returning to States. He also advised crew to make sure all shipping documents are updated. Educational director suggested crew members take advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. TteMurer announced $1.355.85 in ship's fund, of which $942 allocat· ed for purchase cf T-shirts in Pa.lma 1 Spain. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Satellite system still in the worh. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), February 13--Chairman Mauro Gutierrez, Secretary William E. Bragg. Educational Director Marvin D. Wells. Chairman stated rumors regarding vessel being transferred to East Coast are firming up as fact. No official notice yet, but preparations being made. He announced payoff in Oakland, Calif. on February 15. Crew awaiting response from headquarters regarding tanlc/cargo hold cleaning. Secretary read fax from headquarters informing crew of preliminary results on SIU-NMU merger vote. Educational director urged GUAYA MA (NPR, Inc.), February 6-Chairman Ray Gorju, Secretary Richard Hicks, Educational Director Ronald C. Smith, Deck Delegate James R. Blitch. Chairman thanked all hands for good trip and announced payoff upon arrival in Jacksonville. He asked that all movies be returned and that plastic refuse be separated from regular trash. Educational director recommended crew members upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. GUS DARNELL (OSI), February 21-Chairman Salvatore G. Ciciulla, Secretary Robert L. Easley, Educational Director Lawrence A. Banks II, Deck Delegate Efrain N. Santana. Chairman led discussion on new shipping company and encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary warned crew to watch cut for use of alcohol at sea and ashore. Educational director advised members to upgrade at Piney Point, particularly the tanker operations course. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request for satellite to be brought up to captain and company. Request made to provide additional cold drinks while in Caribbean and other hot areas. Next port: Charlestont S.C. HM/ DEFENDER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), February I-Chairman Bradley L. Seibel. Secretary Steven R. W agner , Educational Director harles J. Brockhaus\ Deck Delegate Arnold R. Neff, Engine Delegate Kenneth Stratton, Steward Delegate Isabel Sabio. Chairman announced payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas on February 3. Educational director recommended everyone take upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing number of days needed to receive vacation check from 120 to 60 and increase fine for missing ship from $100 Lo $500. Discussion held regarding medical attention for crew members; Chairman noted regular charter from Corpus Christi to be changed after two more discharges in Tampa. INNOVATOR (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), February 6-Chairma.n John E. Stout, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educaticnal Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate William G. Burke, Engine Delegate William D. Parker, Steward Delegate Yahya S. Ali. Chairman thanked crew for good voyage and reminded those getting off to clean cabin for next person and leave key. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep mess hall and crew lounge clean, with special thanks to bosun and daymen for great job painting galley storeroom. He pointed out importance of donating to SPAD for job security. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point and stay on top of new rules and regulations needed to ship <'.>Ut, including STCW. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into cutting vacation pay from 120 to 90 days. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), February 21Chairman Michael A. Presser, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Walter R. Ferrero, Deck Delegate Daniel P. Seymour, Engine Delegate John D. Lewis, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman announced payoff in New Orleans on February 25. He posted communications for all to read regarding SIU-NMU merger vote. Hill, Engine Delegate Cary Pratts, Steward Delegate Alberto Falcon. Chairman thanked deck department for good job while ship was in co1d north. He announced payoff in Corpus Christi, Texas and urged those getting off to go to Piney Point to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's Report from Seafarers Great to Be Home It was all smiles for the crew aboard the Developer, when it put into the port of Long Beach, Calif. last month, fresh from a Far East run. From the left are DEU Jose Garcia, Relief Steward/Baker Ruben Casin and AB Dante Cruz. For additional photos taken aboard this U.S. Ship Management vessel and other ships calling on the busy California port, turn to page 6. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director stated importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for contracts department to look into 100 percent dental insurance coverage for members and dependents. Repairs needed to meat box. Vote of thanks given to steward department in helping make good trip and keeping morale high. Next port: Haifa, Israel. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk), February 6-Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Educational Director James T. McParla11d, Deck Delegate Donnie Collins II. Steward Delegate Edward F. Fuller. Chairman stated ship locks good and asked for help keeping it that way. Educational director advised crew members to advance learning skills by upgrading at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $850 in ship's fund. Discussion held about safety factors related to working on watch and everyone stated they would like to work more overtime. Clarification requested on overtime for steward department. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing pension fund. New vacuum cleaners and coffee pots needed as well as new mattresses. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.: Freeport, Bahamas; Miami; and Panama. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk), February 4-Chairman William C. Dowzicky 1 Secretary Khamis Mageed. Chairman stressed importunce of having STCW endorsement by 2002. Secretary stated that best way to clear air among shipmates is to hold union meetings on reg-ular basis. Educational director reminded crew to keep eye on new courses available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ice cream freezer for crew mess hall needed as well as TV antenna and e-mail service. Request made for company to inform crew members of death in family. Better health insurance requested as well as dental coverage for family members. Ship heading to Japan and South Korea. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Mgmt.), February 20-Chairman Daniel N. Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Michael LOG read, and discussion ensued regarding new ships, importance of contributing to SPAD and SIUNMU merger vote. Suggestion made for contracts department to consider being able to file for vacation pay after 90-day tours. Steward department given vote of thanks. OVERSEA S OHIO (ATC), February 22-Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Jeffery L. Smith, Educational Director Larry F. Phillips, Deck Delegate J ess Chalker, Steward Delegate Tommy Belvin. Chairman reported that captain will attempt to pay off ship every 30 days. Electronic transfer draws will be availagle twice a month (15th and 3ot ). Educational director will keep in touch with Paul Hall Center regarding schedule of proposed ATC courses. Chairman read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez addressing questions about riding gangs and 90-day vacation. Requests made to have periodontal treatments covered by health plan for members and dependents. Discussion held about money purchase pension plan. Forms being printed to deal with pre-payoff room checks which will be conducted and signed off by steward or bosun. Next ports: Los Angeles, Ferndale and Richmond, Calif. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (ATC), February 22-Chairman Jack Walker, Secretary Alphonso Davis, Educational Director Charles W. Dahlhaus. Chairman announced payoff scheduled at anchor in next port. He mentioned STCW requirements need to be fulfilled. Secretary said deck department doing good job with separating trash and plastic items and in keeping house in good shape. He advised members to read Seafarers LOG to be informed on issues, especially SIU-NMU merger vote. Educational director encouraged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point, especially for tankerman certificate. Disputed penalty . OT in deck department; none in engine or steward departments. Request made for tape rewinder in crew lounge. It was reported that there was a lot of snow in Valdez, Alaska this past winter and that anyone taking a job aboard a tanker in that region should be sure to bring along lots of cold weather gear and safety shoes. Ship heading to Anacortes, Wash. Seafarers LOG 19 �~ I ·· · ·.- ,~ was retired, but that's not the end .• :~1:~n~fe10Ii~;: ~~0a':.,~0!i~infi ·,·_-._.,-_. 1 •_:~.· ·. thi~, and sailed on ships such as a ._. . _ floating museum, if you will ..........:..=..................""""'"...............__..'""'"-~~-----.....;.;.'----........_ _ . . . - - -...............-............. She's probably nothing com(Editor s note: the Seafarers LOG ment of U.S. seamen; pared to the ships being built and reserves the right to edit letters •Armed Guard who served on sailed these days, but she wasfor grammar as well as space U.S. merchant marine ves- and still is-something real speprovisions without changing the sels; cial to those who had her as part writers intent. The LOG we!• members of any uniformed of their Jives way back when. comes letters from members, penU.S. armed services with a Want to see the ship? She's sioners, their families and shipDD-214; and berthed at Pier 1 Clinton Street in mates and will publish them on a •widows of veterans who have Baltimore. She's open to the pubtimely basis.) received their DD-214. lie Wednesdays and Saturdays. To receive an application for She's scheduled to leave May 15 Seafarers Welfare Plan membership, please call or write: for a trip to Toledo and ports of Has No Comparisons American Merchant Marine call on the Great Lakes, which Veterans will keep her away for about four I've heard people tell of the months. c/o Gene Delong medical plans their unions give Hudson Valley Chapter The old students? Some of us and, believe me, there's no comP.O. Box 284 are among the volunteer crew that parison: the Seafarers Welfare Pleasantville, NY 10570 will man her for the trip. Now Plan is the best. (914) 769-3539 that's a far cry from the school No matter what type of meddays when we heard the boilers ical attention I needed in the past When your completed applica- constantly but never dreamed of (before Medicare), the SWP paid tion and copy of proof of eligibil- sailing with her. To some of us, it everything. I am very, very fortunate in ity are returned, they will be for- is a second chance at an unfulhaving been a member of the warded to an AMMV chapter filled dream of a lifetime. Whether our dreams were fulSIU. And, speaking as the voice near your residence. filled or not, what remains is that of experience, I hope all members Albert M. Antaki the John W Brown was somerealize what a good union they Chapter President thing very special to those of us belong to. privileged to have gone to school Walter Karlak aboard her. Queens, N.Y. Llllarty Ship John Brown George P. Whitney Now a Living Memorial Glenside, Pa. September 7, 1942 at Beth· AMMV Looking lehem-Fairfax Shipyard in Balt(Editors note: George P Far New Membere imore, Md.: the Liberty ship John Whitney ;s a graduate of the W Brown slides down the way The American Merchant schoolship John W Brown, part Marine Veterans (AMMV) i5 a and into the Chesapeake. Her life of Metropolitan Vocational High young, growing organization has begun. School in New York City. He curShe was one of only 2, 700 s.eeking new members. rently is secretary of the alumni It is a non-profit pro-American Liberty ships to be built and one association that was formed three organization whose purpose is to of 344 built at the Bethkhcmyears ago. He is looking for other Fairfax yard. gain recognition for what the me i 1f she had made but one cross- past tudents of the schoolship. of the merchant marine have Anyone intersted in joining the accomplished for our country in ing during the war, it was figured alumni assocation should contact times of war and pence. It abo that her construction was a sucthe SS John W Brown Alumni aims to educate the American cess. But thi$ old girl, s.he's someAssociation by mail at P. 0. Box thing clsc. She made 13 crossings public as to the importance of 343, Wading River, NY 11792 or having a strong Amtrican-ftag as a lim ·tcd troop s.hip, taking our by e-mail at jwba/um@aol.com.) merchant purine at all times and men over and sometimes German to help the cause c.f American POWs back. Once the war was won, she SIU Gains Strengtll seapower and the American seadidn't stop there; she went on to man. Through the Years To be eligible, applicants must serve as a schoolship in New This letter is dedicated to the submit proof of service in the York City, training thousands of men and women who-in the past, American merchant marine at young men for merchant careers. any time, or on allied countries' Thousands of young men like present and future-strive daily to ships carrying American cargo in myself walked her decks and hit retain a strong hold on our wartime. Acceptable proof of ser- the books in preparation for a life nation's defense. Through the strength of the at sea. I wonder how many of vice includes: • certificate of discharge from you were among those young American merchant marine, we m;can voyages (foreign or mi:n. If you are, we're looking to live in peace today. The courage speak with yc.u, as. we have start- of these men and women is awecot'\stal) or inland waters;. •members M U.S. maritime ed an alurtttli association and are some. Through the visionary leaderservice (active or inactive, trying to locate as many of the old students as possible in an attempt ship and the strong unity of the including Academy cadets); membership and the Paul Hall •members of U.S. Health to reunite aboard our proud ghip. In 1982 the John W BMwn Center, the union continues to Service who cngaged in treatgrow. I am proud to be one of its members for 38 years- from 1947 to 1985, and then reclaiming my book in 1987 for a last voyage. Paul Hall was the head of the union when I joined. He left a legacy-now the Paul Hall The U.S. merchant marine, so long ignori;d, unappreciated and Center-where everyone could i:veu orgollen by the nation it served during World War IT gets a have the opportunity io educate just and long-overdue tribute in a new book, "Pntriofa and Heroes: themselves and make life meanTrue Stories of the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II." ingful. His vision went far and The author. Gerald Reminick, became acutely aware that 50 beyond even his expectations, years after the end of thi; war, many of the old-timers were dying. and the Paul Hall Center is no He determined to gather together and publish as many first-person doubt the greatest technical vocadiaries and remembrances as possible tc remind the nation of its tional school to assist seafarers in debt to the merchant seamen. being all that they ~an be. SIU Pensioner Peter Salvo of McKeesport, Pa. is one of the Carrying on Hall's tradition mariners foatured in the book. His sailing ex.pi;ricnccs during the and adding a stronger emphasis 1940s are included in chapter 5. to training was Frank Drozak. ((Patriots and Heroes" is being published by Glencannon Press The gavel then fell to a third and will be available late this month. Anyone wishing to order the great man, one with whom I am book (320 pages with more than 50 photos and illustrations) should proud to asso~iaic, Mike Sacco. contact: The Glencannon Press, Maritime Books, P.O. Box 644, May the Scafarcr5' leadership Benicia, CA 94510. The toll free number is (800) 711-8985 and the continue to have God's blessings. f~x is (707) 747-0311. The price for the book is $21.95 plus $4 shipRobert C. Goodrun pmg. • • SIU Pensioner Pete Salvo Featured in New Boak an WWII Merchant Mariners Eufaula, Ala. 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts arc posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under "no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as weJl as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. lf any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. [n connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. May2000 �----------------------------------~--~~~~~- -- ~- ~~- .•' The foUowing·is the schedule for classes beginning between May through November at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. AU pro- - Course ~gtams are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's Start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the - start dates. For clllSses ending on a Friday:t departure reservations should be made for .:Saturday. · Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul .:::·. ~~~ ·.S91~:. ~:~Y. ~~~-~e admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ May 1 May29 June 16 ·. · Assistant Cargo (DL)* May19 July 14 August 11 July3 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date July 31 September 4 Date of Completion May26 August4 September 1 September 29 Odober27 Mayl July 10 August7 September4 October 2 September 15 October 13 November3 October 2 October 23 May26 Basie Fire Fighting. July 21 August 18 September 22 October 20 November 10 .July7 · June 26 ~Tuly 24 August 4 A~ust21 September l September 29 September 18 With this application, COPIES of lhfl following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in 1he lasl six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicaring your department and seniority, and qualifying seat_ime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested All FOWT. AB and QMED aaalicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard &e of $180 with thgir applicqtiofL The pavment should be made with a monev order onlv. aavable m LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone ------~---­ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakc:s Member DateofBirth _ _ _ __ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is noi filled out completely, your application will not be processed. S6~1AI Seturity # - - - - - - - - - Seniority~----------- Departmtttt _ _ _ __ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port ----~~~~~~-- Ettdorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - LAST VESSEL; _ __ _ __ __ __ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On; Ari; yQ\l ~ graduate af the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? [J Yes SIGNATURE Jfyes 1 class# - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Da ycu hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No -----~--~-~- CPR: D Yes Date Off: [J No D No Primary language spoken~~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~-~-~ ~----------~-~ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATJON TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit. equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified. of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 5100 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes - Unlicensed Apprentice Class Graduation Welding - Members of the engine department earning their certificates of achievement from the welding course on January 28 are (in no particular order) Michael Blue, David Heavey and Jean Horn. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at the back. Headquarters Representative Carl Peth (left) administers the union pledge to the unlicensed apprentices who completed the third and final stage of their training program. The proud new book members are (in alphabetical order) Shannon Bonefont, Steven Cook, Jason Dew, Reggie Donaldson, Bobby Ellis Jr., David Green, Blaine Harkins, Romel Holland, Kenneth Jones, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat, Erik Nappier, Robert Parker, Brandon Scalzo, Europa Tuivaiti and Adam Williams. QMED - Graduating from the QMED course on April 14 are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Ashworth, Eugene Bedard. George Bixby, Philip Curtis, Robert Flesey, Roy Frett, William Harris, Antonie Jennings, Asher Liss, Dennis Middleton, Vincent Mull , Michael Repko, Daniel Rodriguez. Carlos Sanchez., Gregory Stone. Kim Tye, Benjamin Vernon and Hiawatha Williams. Chief Cook - Learning some of th@ finer points in cooking from Chc;if/lndructor John DOMM (center) are (from left) Susan Mos, Louis Morri~. Dobson, Jam~~ Wadswonh and Christa Arnold. Government Vessels - Completing the government vessels course on February 18 are (from left, seated) Blaine Harkins. Romel Holland, Reggie Donaldson, Bobby Ellis Jr.. (second row) Mark Cates (instructor), Thomas Broberg, Sarah Hansen, David Green, Steven Cook. Shannon Bonefont, Kaid Adam and Jason Dew. Train the Trainer - To teach ~ny STCW ccurse at the Paul Hall Center, the U.S. Coast Guard requires instructors to complete this w@@k-lor'lg ~curse _ Conducted by Beth Wroblewski (Mad of the curriculum development department at Piney Point) last December, the participants learned and discussed different aspects of training. Completing the train the trainer cours@ are (in no particular order) Mitch Oakley, Tami Accardo-Jones, Gregory Thompson, Francis Russell, Robert Russell, Robert Dean Jr., Buzzy Andrews. Jody Sch'11rf@nstein, Penny Adams. Ray Adams Sr., Sam Meyers, John Smith, Bernabe Pelingon, Stan Beck. Bill Saul, Joyce Raum and John Hetmanski. 22 Seafarers LOS S CW Personal Survival - Upgrading Seafarers recently completing the personal survival requirements for their STCW certificates are (in no particular order) Alvin Moore, Deborah Tate, Edward Wallace. Clifton Washington, Larry Bradley, Edward Pace, Doug Gantenbein, Sidney Jenkins, Cesar Johnson, Joseph Ayeo, Herberd Adolph, Carlos Ebanks, Wilfred Lambey, Ronald Tremble, Carlos Julio, Miguel Rivera, Gary Lamp and Steven Hoskins. Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. May2000 �Pa uI Ha II Ce nter Graduat in9 CIass.es Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Ahmed, Terry Allen, Malika Brown, Daniel Dillabough, Roy Jerue, Lisa Kitashima and Thomas Medardo. Their instructor, not pictured, was Chef Ed White. Welding - Completing the welding course on March 3 are (in alphabetical order) Sotero Berame, Marino Callejas, David Kloss, Rhonda Koski, Conrado Martinez, Faustino Pereira, Lino Remorin and Peter Sternberg. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back, at left. Jones, GarloS' Majao. Nelson Martin, Calvin McField, John Miracle, Jason Mixson, Alex Oliva. Eldon Palmer, Eric Rodgers, Mark Savage, Lawrence Sherinski, Hector Solis, Samuel Taylor, Mark Vidal, Alexander Williams, Dawn Williams and Jeffrey Wise_ Advanced. Fire Fighting Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements on March 17 are (from left. Kneeling) Luis Martinez, Donna Jacob-Scott, (second row) William Thomas, Ede DeOliveira . Paul Grant. Austin Howard. Albert Haarmann, Richard Durance, David Heavey, John Wong. Curtis Nicholson Sr., Joel Rosete, (third row) Sarah HM$en, Tim Keller. Antnony Hammett (instructor), Norman Smith, David Campbell, Tommy Cyru5, Bart Bookman , (fourth row) Sen Shi.ipp ~no Nicholds ViQira _ May2000 Seafarers LOG 23 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Ahmed, Terry Allen, Malika Brown, Daniel Dillabough, Roy Jerue, Lisa Kitashima and Thomas Medardo. Their instructor, not pictured, was Chef Ed White. Welding - Completing the welding course on March 3 are (in alphabetical order) Sotero Berame, Marino Callejas, David Kloss, Rhonda Koski, Conrado Martinez, Faustino Pereira, Lino Remorin and Peter Sternberg. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back, at left. Jone , Carlmr Majao. Nelson Martin, Calvin McField, John Miracle, Jason Mixson, Alex Oliva, Eldon Palmer, Eric Rodgers, Mark Savage, Lawrence Sherinski, Hector Solis, Samuel Taylor, Mark Vidal, Alexander Williams, Dawn Williams and Jeffrey Wise. Advanced Fire Fighting - Earnin!J their advanced fire fighting endorsements on March 17 are (from 1en. Kneeling) Luis Martinez, Donna Jacob-Scott, (second row) William Thomas, Ede DeOliveira. Paul Grant. Austin Howard. Albert Haarmann, Richard Durance, David Heavey, John Wong, Curtis Nicholson Sr., Joel Rosete, (third row) Sarah HM$en, Tim Keller, AnthOny Hammett (instructor), Norman Smith, David Campbell, Tommy Cyrus, Bart Bookman , (fourth row) e~n Shupp ~no Nicholds ViQira . May2000 Seafarers LOS 23 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS JOIN IN CALL FOR GLOBAL DEBT RELIEF PRUDHOE BAY SIGNALS NEW SIU JOBS SIU OPENS HALL IN GUAM MEMBERSHIP RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT SEAMEN’S MISSIONS OFFER AID FIRE FIGHTING INSTRUCTORS SMITH, COMBS PASS AWAY MILITARY ‘DEPENDS’ ON MERCHANT MARINE GEORGINE RETIRES AS PRESIDENT OF THE BUILDING TRADES DEPT. NEW YORK BILL AIMS TO INCLUDE MARINERS IN CIVIL SERVICE EXAM LAW SIU AFFILIATE BACKS WAL-MART CAMPAIGN WORK STARTS ABOARD LAKERS DESPITE LOW WATER LEVELS BOSUN MIXON COMMENDED BY OVERSEAS CHICAGO CAPT. NEW ORLEANS MEMBERS MEET WITH HQ OFFICIALS SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN JUBILEE 2000/USA: BREAKING THE CHAINS OF DEBT MAJOR UPGRADE PAUL HALL CENTER ADDING 4 SIMULATORS SIU PENSIONER PETE SALVO FEATURED IN NEW BOOK ON WWII MERCHANT MARINERS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 5 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/0433b5608cd6267104cdaade2a811105.pdf ae0416fdaf854bc2032fcca0e6a56bcf PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 4 Hull Completed For 1st Coastal Cruise Vessel New Delta Queen Ships Slated to Sail Next Year The hull has been completed for the first 226-passenger coastal cruise ship in the SIU-contracted Delta Queen Coastal Voyages fleet (above). Construction of the second hull is under way. Delta Queen's parent company, American Classic Voyages, also recently announced news concerning the first of two 1,900-passenger deep sea cruise vessels it is building. Page 3. Tampa Ne Of Stranded Crew SUNDAY. FllUWAU 27. '!000 Seafarers Honor late VP By Dedicating Mobile Hall Stranded sailors languish in limbo ITF, Others Gain Back Pay, Repatriation for Mariners More than 150 active and retired Seafarers and their families recently gathered at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. to celebrate the memory of Leon Hall, the late Atlantic Coast VP. Hall began his career in Mobile. As the building was dedicated in his memory, a photo of Hall and a plaque were unveiled (top photo). Applauding at the ceremony are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, Clyde Hall (nephew of Leon Hall) and Port Agent Ed Kelly. In bottom photo, members of Leon Hall's family are welcomed to the building by SIU officials, led by Sacco (front, third from right). Among those in attendance were Hall's sisters, Isabella Singleton and Alberta Hall (front, third and fifth from left). Page 4. A front-page story in the Tampa Tribune chronicled the saga of Lithuanian and Russian mariners who were stuck aboard their rusting , disabled runaway-flag freighter for more than a year and a half in the Gulf Coast port. Immediately after the original story ran, authorities cleared the red tape, allowing crew members finally to return home with back pay. Page 2. �Stranded Crew Finally Goes Home Presidnt'1 Report Our Next Generation When you are doing something right, the word spreads. That has got to be the case concerning the Paul Hall Center's unli.-------...,,.._.... censed apprentice program. From Alaska to Hawaii to Guam to Florida, special efforts are in place to promote this nine-month curriculum to young men and women looking for a career. Last month, I took part in a ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. where the local Propeller Club offered a scholarship to a young lady, Dusti Arrowood, who is headed to Piney Point. Executive Vice President John Fay, Fort Lauderdale Port Michael Sacco Agent Ambrose Cucinotta and I were proud to represent the SIU at the event where we could meet one of the people who will be carrying the banner oftbe union and the U.S. merchant marine in this new century. The unlicensed apprentice program has been turning out mariners ready to meet the challenges of the sea since the curriculum was changed in 1997. At that time, the center expanded its basic training for those entering the industry. Previously, newcomers studied for three months in classroom situations while receiving hands-on training at the Piney Point campus. Now, they receive nine months of preparation-with three months of actual sea duty in between the education received at the school. These young people are the future of the SIU. They are the ones who will be aboard the U.S.-flag vessels that are on the drawing boards today. Their future is bright because of the work all of you have done to secure a strong U.S.-flag fleet. I'm sure you have noticed 11ll the new vessels we have announced in the Seafarers LOG the last several years. Some of them already are sailing, others will he coming on line soon. It does not do any of us any good to contract for these new ships, then not recruit new people to join our ranks. Like most of you, I look in the back of each issue to see who has retired. But I also make the point of looking to see who's coming on board. Those great young faces photographed in the unlicensed apprentice water survival classes are the next generation of Seafarers. Their efforts have caught the eyes of many. Alaska Congressman Don Young devoted one of his half-hour television shows aired to his constituents to the unlicensed apprentice program. He interviewed two of the graduates who came from that state during the telecast. Government officials in Hawaii are working with the union to recruit young people from the Aloha State. After touring the center in December, the governor of Guam, Carl T.C. Gutierrez, launched a recruitment program for the residents of his territory. And this is just the beginning. Each of you can play a role in this effort. Promote what it means to be a Seafarer to young people. Explain how they can gain a profession and see the world at the same time. Let them know what is coming, like the new cruise ships. Put them in touch with the admissions office at the Paul Hall Center. Remember, others watched out for you and taught you the ropes when you joined. Now you can return that favor to a young man or woman just starting his or her venture in life. Our next generation of Seafarers have tremendous opportunities ahead of them. Let's do all we can to help them meet those challenges. ITF Aids Mariners on Runaway-Flag Ship; Tampa Tribune Articles Bare FOC 'Prison' The headline said it all: "Stranded sailors languish rn limbo." It applies to any number of mariners aboard runaway-flag ships throughout the world. But in this instance, the Tampa Tribune front-page article focused on the awful case of Lithuanian and Russian crew members stuck aboard the Golden Star for more than a year. In its edition of Sunday, February 27, the newspaper published three articles related to the case, beginning on page one and occupying a full page inside. Attracting such publicity is part of the campaign against runaway-flag shipping that is waged by the London-based International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), to which the A front-page article in the February 27 Tampa Tribune exposes the SIU is affiliated. Besides general· plight of Lithuanian and Russian crew members stuck aboard the ly increasing people's awareness Golden Star, a Panamanian-flag freighter in need of repairs. about the runaway-flag scam, exposure can help pressure the last six without getting paid. unscrupulous shipowners to give They survived with the help of a crew members their due-usually local minister and the monthly back wages and repatriation, and food stipend provided by the perhaps medical attention. shipowner, alternately listed as With the Golden Star, efforts Tamboril Properties Inc. or The Miami Herald last by the ITF and the Immigration Caribbean Ship Management. month reported that the runand Naturalization Service were After surveying the rusting augmented by the Tribune s ship and meeting the crew, away-flag Carnival Cruise aggressive coverage. Tribune reporter Elizabeth Bettendorf Lines opposes a cruise ship reporter Jim Sloan, one of two wrote, "Their vessel has become ticket tax- $4 per person, per who covered the Golden Star, their prison. They share it with day-that would generate said the paper fielded numerous cockroaches and sweltering heat." $320 million for construction phone calls and emails from local In an overview of the runwayof a baseball stadium downcitizens responding to the stories, flag scam, Sloan described "a town. "saying the situation is really dis- worldwide fleet of derelict hulks Carnival Chairman Micky gt'.isting and wanting to help." rusting in ports around the world, Arison's basketball team, the After the stories ran, the manned by sailors left to rot Miami Heat, plays in a new mariners received back wages while shipowners squabble over and were flown home. arena "operated through a tax Coast Guard fines and port fees, The relief was long overdue. or simply battle bankruptcy. They on hotel visits," the newspaper The Panamanian-flagged Golden are most often flag-of-convenoted. However, a Carnival Star, a 490-foot freighter, limped nience ships, registered with spokesman told the Herald into Tampa in September 1998 Third World countries that prothat the proposed cruise ticket after sustaining damage from a vide little regulation. Some call tax is "absolutely preposterhurricane. them 'runaway flags.' Others ous." It's still there and still needs bluntly label them ' Dogs of the The levy would partially repairs. Sea."' fund a ballpark for the Florida Many of the mariners who The scheme usually involves recently departed the vessel had multiple parties from runawayMarlins, with the club paying spent more than 17 consecutive an estimated $80 million. Continued on page 4 months aboard the Golden Star, Stranded sailors languish in limbo Carnival Taxed By Proposal Rank-and-File Financial Committee Approves Union's Records for 1999 A committee of rank-and-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during last month's union meeting in Piney Point, Md., has reviewed the SIU's financial records for 1999 and found them in good order. Each department was represented on the committee. Serving were Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, AB Joseph Riccio, QMED John H. Smith, FOWT Melvin Grayson, OMU Decarlo Harris, Chief Steward Donald Mann and SA SIU officials welcome a new recruit for the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program during last month's meeting of the Port Everglades, Fla. Propeller Club. From the left are Fort Lauderdale Port Agent Ambrose Cucinotta, SIU President Michael Sacco, Dusti Arrowood and SIU Executive VP John Fay. Volume 62, Number 4 April 2000 Jam es Simms. The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~76 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOB Serving on the committee were (from left) OMU Decarlo Harris, Chief Steward Donald Mann, FOWT Melvin Grayson, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, SA James Simms, QMED John Smith and AB Joseph Riccio. Pictured with them is SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel (far right). "We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possible to safeguard union funds and to see that the disbursements of the union are in accordance with the authority delegated to them and that, at the same time, there is a striving effort to increase day-to-day efficiency of our operation," the committee noted in its report. The use of an annual financial committee is required by Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution. It reads: "The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations." Apri/2000 �American Classic Announces 'Milestones' In Revitalization of U.S. Passenger Fleet 1st Hull Complete for Coastal Cruise Ship; Expansion Means New SIU Jobs On Horizon SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages last month announced what it described as "several milestones in (the company's) plan to introduce six new vessels over the next four years," augmenting its position as the largest owner and operator of U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed passenger vessels. For Seafarers, the news bodes well for job opportunitiesbeginning next month, with the scheduled start of Columbia Queen riverboat vacations in the Pacific Northwest. The new 161passenger vessel, slated to sail on May 26, is part of the fleet operated by American Classic sub· sidiary Delta Queen Steamboat, also rui SIU-ccntracted company. Meanwhile, the hull has been completed in Jacksonville, Fla. for the first 226-passenger ship in Delta Queen's new "coastal voy- ages" fleet, and construction of the second hull is under way. The line--ultimately to include five vessels-will begin operations next year. American Classic also announced that Independence Day weekend ''will mark the start of fabrication of the first of two 1,900-passenger vessels (the company) is building under the historic Project America initiative to help revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry, create more than 5,000 American jobs, increase U.S. tax revenues and expand consumers' leisure travel options." These two deep-sea vessels are being built in union-contracted Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascaguola, Miss. The ships (operating under the banner of United States Lines) are scheduled to sail around Hawaii beginning in 2003 and 2004, respectively. As part of that same program, the Patriot (formerly Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam and acquired last year by U.S. Lines) is expected to begin Hawaiian Island cruises in December. The ship can transport more than 1,200 passengers. Finally, American Classic reported that November 11 has been scheduled as the fust departure of the SIU-crewed SS Independence from its new home port of Kahului, Maui. Currently, the Independence utilizes Honolulu as its home port. "American Classic Voyages remains committed to the U.S.:flag fleet," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. •This company is another example that the maritime revitalization program initiated in the mid- l 990s is paying dividends in new vessels and new jobs for American mariners." The first hull is complete for Delta Queen's new fleet of coastal passenger ships, which will sail along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts. First Orea-Class RO/RO Expected by Summer 2002 TOTE Provides More Information on New Jones Act Vessels Seafarers may see the first of two Orea-class roll-on/roll-off vessels operated by Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) as early as the summer of 2002, according to the company's president and CEO, Robert P. Magee. Speaking before the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on February 29, Magee updated maritime industry and government officials on the progress of the new vessels, announced in the January issue of the Seafarers LOG. TOTE plans to build at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego two RO/ROs for the Jones Act fleet. They will sail between the Pacific Northwest and Anchorage, Alaska. The ships will be the first non-military containerships or RO/ROs built in an American yard since the R. J Pfeiffer came out in 1992. Magee told the audience the company is fully involved in the engineering phase of design. He expects the first steel to be cut by spring 2001. "We look forward to these vessels serving the people of Alaska soon," Magee stated. He revealed more details about the vessels during his address, including several planned "redundancies." With this, maintenance can be performed on one unit while another is working. He added TOTE is doing this because the ships operate more like a cruise vessel as they are never shut down in order to keep the seven-day round-trip schedule. Each will be powered by diesel electric plants, with four main engines and two auxiliary units. Each will have two electric motors, dual rudders and twin propellers. The power plants are designed to be the cleanest burning available in today's market. The two RO/ROs will be 839 feet long and have beams of 118 feet. The three vessels already in the TOTE fleet are 790 feet long with 105-foot beams. One of the necessary design features for the new ships is they must fit the terminals already being used by TOTE. The ships will incorporate other environmentally secure systems, including a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant and double-hulled fuel tanks that are not adjacent to the skin. The Orea-class vessels will be able to hold more than 600 trail- TOTE Pres. and CEO Robert Magee (left) updates SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker on the progress of the two new Jones Act RO/ROs planned for Alaskan service. Apri/2000 ers/containers and 200 automobiles as opposed to the nearly 400 and 110 respectively on TOTE 's present ships. The new RO/R.Os will feature 12 internal ramps compared with five on the three that are sailing. The deck configuration will allow the new ships to handle trailers ranging from 30 to 70 feet. The bows will feature a "whaleback" design to protect containers on the deck from high seas. The hulls will be ice-belted to provide additional protection in Cook Inlet during winter. Magee pointed out TOTE is the first of several shipping companies considering an update of their Jones Act fleets. He said this points to an even stronger U.S.flag merchant fleet for the new century. (The Jones Act, part of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, is the nation's freight cabotage law. It states that any cargo moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built and U.S.-flagged vessels.) TOTE operates three SIUcrewed vessels-the Great Land, the Northern Lights and the Westward Venture. TOTE is a subsidiary of Saltchuk Resources, Inc. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on · Monday, Mai 29i' 2000 for the observance of MemofieFDay {unless. an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Administrative Task Force Finds USCG Missions Vital for New Century An interagency task force assigned to look into the needs of the U.S. Coast Guard into the 21st century has found "that the nation has an enduring need for a Coast Guard, specifically for a Coast Guard in the deepwater environment, that there is a near term requirement for re-capitalization and that the Coast Guard's Deepwater Capabilities Replacement Project should continue to be pursued." Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater issued the report in late February in conjunction with a speech by Coast Guard Commandant James Loy to the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on February 24. Admiral Loy updated the media and others from the maritime industry on the role of the Department of Transportation agency and how it is being prepared for the future. Deputy Secretary of Transportation Mort Downey served as chair for the 16-member task force composed of representatives from various federal departments and agencies as well as the White House. The group, appointed by President Clinton in 1999, was charged with answering if the nation requires a Coast Guard to operate in the deepwater environment. It analyzed the agency's missions through the year 2020. This was the first administrative-level survey of the agency in almost 20 years. In the summary of his task force's report, Downey stated, "Our findings reinforced the value of a multi-missioned Coast Guard with regulatory, law enforcement, and humanitarian-focused emergency response authority, and military capability that offer this and future administrations a highly motivated, cost-effective service with the demonstrated competence to meet changing national priorities." The task force agreed to a series of conclusions that underscore the need for the Coast Guard and the support the agency will require to meet the challenges of 2020: •the Coast Guard's roles and missions support national policies and objectives that will endure into the 21st century; • the United States will continue to need a flexible, adaptable, multi-mission, military Coast Guard to meet national maritime interests and requirements well into the next century; •in order to hedge against tomorrow's uncertainties, the Coast Guard should be rebuilt so as to make it more adaptable; • the Coast Guard should continue to pursue new methods and technologies to enhance its ability to perform its vital missions; •the re-capitalization of the Coast Guard's deepwater capability is a near-term national priority; and • the deepwater acquisition project is a sound approach to that end and the interagency task force strongly endorses its process and timeline. Seafarers LOG 3 �1 ----'He Earned the Respect of All' Building Named in Leon Hall's Memory Among the more than 150 people attending the ceremony are (from left) OMU Percy Payton, Jacksonville, Fla . Port Agent Tony McQuay and retired Steward Tobe Dansley. Pictured at the counter are (from left) SIU employee Alicia Lorge, Recertified Steward Albert Coale and retired Steward Herbert Scypes Sr. SIU Boat Operator Rescues Fisherman Editors note: SIU member Richard Williams, second assistant engineer on the NATCO dredge Manhattan Is land, submitted the following article. On the morning of March 10, the crew boat Columbia River -operated by Seafarer Dennis Johnston-was doing a routine survey of the San Juan, P.R. entrance channel. The Columbia River is working with the SIU-crewed hopper dredge Manhattan Island, which is contracted to deepen and widen the entrance channel. San Juan is well known for its onshore swells and heavy surf. Aboard the Columbia River, Johnston and Don Smith, a field engineer for NATCO, sighted a sport fisherman caught in the trough and waving frantically. Initially the fisherman was moving in and out of sight due to the heavy swell. It appeared his engine lost power and he was rapidly heading toward the rocks. Captain Johnston immediately suspended the survey to investigate. Sea conditions made it impossible to go full speed; by 4 Seafarers LOB the time the Columbia River arrived, the fisherman was only about 25 to 50 feet from the rocks. Now the crew boat was in danger of going aground; but Smith threw a line to the boat-aptly named Hijo Afortunado or Fortunate Son-and safely towed it to a nearby marina. Approximately one-half mile away was a runaway-flag vessel that had been aground for several months. If the crew boat had arrived a minute later, the allfiberglass Hijo Afortunado would have suffered the same fate. The fisherman praised Johnston and Smith for their assistance and courage. Captain Steve Taylor saw the rescue from the Manhattan Island. "If he had gone up on the rocks, there's no telling if anyone would have found him," he said. "His boat would have crunched like potato chips. "He's lucky, because we don't survey there every day and (Johnston and Smith) were the only guys around for miles." More than 150 active and retired Seafarers and their families recently gathered at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. to celebrate the memory of Leon Hall, former vice president of the union's Atlantic Coast region. In what is believed to have been an unprecedented ceremony, the building was named in memory of Hall, a charter member of the union, who passed away in 1992 at age 72. No other SIU hall has been dedicated in someone's memory. The hall now features a large photo of Leon Hall and a plaque of remembrance. "Leon was a mentor to the next generation of union officials," said SIU President Michael Sacco during the February 25 ceremony. "He reminded all of us who worked with him to always respect the brothers and sisters who make up this union. He drilled into us the need to do our homework and always be prepared when we boarded a ship, because the members were counting on us." At least 20 members of Hall's family attended the assembly, including his two sisters. "The comments from everyone who attended were so positive," noted Ed Kelly, the SIU port agent in Mobile. "It couldn't have gone any better." Hall, always an extremely popular union brother. worked every shipboard job in the galley, becoming a chief steward. In the early 1960s he came ashore to work with the union's Maritime Advancement Program, the SIU 's early upgrading and refresher training operation. From there, he served the membership in various posts including San Francisco port agent, New York port agent and headquarters representative. In 1979 he became Atlantic Coast vice president, a position to which he was re-elected in every union balloting until his retirement in 1988. Never short of conversation, he affectionately was nicknamed "Radio" by his union brothers and sisters. "Leon truly cared about his fellow Seafarers," observed Sacco. "He earned the respect of all." AB Herbert Scypes Jr. provided four photos accompanying this article along with two on the front page. The memorial plaque reads as follows; "Leon Hall was a true believer in helping others. He was an advocate, teacher, listener, mentor, supporter-in other words, a union brother in every sense of the word. While he fought to improve the working I Leon Hall served the membership in many union posts, including Atlantic Coast vice president. conditions for all Seafarers, his heart always remained in Mobile. Brother Hall charted the course that many others followed in the SIU." SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) is pictured with retirees (front, from left) Sonny Rankin, Sacco, Y. C. McMillan, Herbert Scypes Sr., Herbert Hollings, (back) Nick Juzang and Eddie Bowers. 1 NATCO Crews Ratify 3-Year Contract By a vast majority, SIU members sailing aboard NATCO dredges have approved a new three-year contract featuring numerous gains. "We're all pretty excited about it," said Captain Steve Taylor aboard the Manhattan Is land. "Everybody's happy with it," observed AB/Dragtender Ray Maddock, who served on the negotiating committee. "Primarily, what the guys were asking for were more benefits for their dependents, a higher pension and pay raise. We achieved all of those goals, along with others. We got everything the members asked for, plus a few other gains they (initially) weren't even aware of." Also serving on the committee, which negotiated the contract in early March, were Mike Horn, Dale McKelvie, Jeff Mccranie, SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Port Agent Ambrose Cucinotta. Captain Phil Kleinebreil said everyone on the Northerly Island approved the contract. "Everybody is very satisfied," he noted. Among other gains, the pact calls for a 3-percent wage increase each year of the contract; doubles the optical benefit for members and their dependents; doubles the death benefit; and adds prescription coverage for dependents. It also stipulates additional pension credits; increases vacation benefits; and adds NATCO crews to the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. "I think it's a good one. I was happy with it," said Hom. "I've been through this procedure a few times now, and every time it's been an education. We tried really hard this time to educate the crews about all the gains that were made, because some of the background information isn't necessarily incorporated into the printed version of the contract." Both Hom and Maddock credited Tricker and Cucinotta for their efforts. "This was my first time on the bargaining committee, and it was a worthwhile experience," stated Maddock, whose wife is a shop steward for the Office and Professional Employees International Union. "Both George and Ambrose were invaluable. They're professionals and they're good guys." He added that both the SIU crews and the company are work- ing to ensure NATCO crews may take advantage of the curriculums available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, including various classes based at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. ITFAssists Stranded Mariners Continued from page 2 flag nations. More than a halfcentury ago, U.S. maritime unions called them runaways because of their use as a device for shipowners to pay a fairly nominal fee to the government of a non-maritime nation seeking to raise revenue. The shipowners then escape from a maritime nation's safety regulations, procedures and inspections, tax laws and higher wages-mostly by insulating themselves with often unscrupulous managers and registries. The ITF comprises more than 500 unions from approximately 130 countries. April20DO �Houston Seafarers Meet With Rep. Green U.S. Rep. Gene Green (top photo, standing) earlier this year attended a membership meeting at the SIU hall in Houston, where he emphasized to Seafarers his strong support of the U.S. merchant marine. Green-pictured with (from left) SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Asst. VP Jim McGee and SIU Representative Kenny Moore-reiterated his backing of the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program. He also encouraged members to register and vote in the November elections. Supreme Court Rules State Oversteps Jurisdiction Regarding Tanker Regs By a unanimous vote, the U.S. Supreme Court declared the state of Washington had overstepped its jurisdiction in imposing stricter tanker regulations than those implemented by the federal government. Justice Anthony M. Kennedy delivered the decision in the case of United States v. Locke on March 6. In his statement, Justice Kennedy wrote, "Washington's regulations regarding general navigation watch procedures, crew English skills and training, and maritime casualty reporting are preempted by the comprehensive federal regulatory scheme governing tankers." Kennedy added, "The state has enacted legislation in an area where the federal interest has been manifest since the beginning of the republic and is now well established.... Only the federal government may regulate the design, construction, alteration, repair, maintenance, operation, equipping, personnel qualification and manning of tankers. Congress has left no room for state regulations of these matters." The case was remanded to the lower courts to consider whether other standards, such as lookouts in times of restricted visibility, may be allowed because of "peculiarities" within Washington state's waterways. It was brought to the U.S. District Court in 1996 by the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) after the Pacific Northwest state passed laws requiring tankers entering the state's waterways to meet its stricter regulations than those implemented by the federal Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Those regulations dealt with watch policy, English-speaking requirements, spill reporting and additional training and drills. INTERTANKO challenged the legislation as unconstitutional because it superceded federal law. After the district court ruled in favor of the state, INTERTANKO appealed. The United States intervened on the side of INTERTANKO, claiming the district court failed to give sufficient weight to the foreign affairs interests of the federal government. Despite the involvement of the government, the appeals court found in favor of the state. The case moved to the Supreme Court and was heard December 7, 1999. AFL-CIO Continues Push for Global Economic Fairness Following its peaceful march through the streets of Seattle last December to call attention to the needs of workers in the global economy, the AFL-CIO is pushing forward with its campaign for global fairness. The national labor federation's executive board endorsed a state- Amsea Offers Retroactive Adjustments for RRF Crew Members Amsea has joined the list of Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel operators providing EPA wage adjustments to Seafarers working aboard its contracted ships. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez reported the company will provide the adjustment retroactive, in some cases, to July 1998. Tellez noted the problems concerning the EPA pay scales go back to complaints filed in July 1998 about the bidding procedure used by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in awarding new three-year contracts for RRF ships. When MarAd rescinded the awards announced the previous month, it extended the contracts for those companies already managing the vessels. Since that time, MarAd has been working to correct the problems discovered within its bidding procedures. New awards are expected to be announced later this year. The SIU-contracted vessels covered under the Amsea announcement include the Cape Jacob, Cape John, Cape Johnson, Cape Juby, Cape Lambert, Cape Lobos, Cape Nome, Cape Washington, Cape Wrath, USNS Curtiss and USNS Wright. The RRF fleet provides surge shipping for the U.S. armed forces. The ships are owned by the government but operated by private companies that employ U.S. merchant mariners. The vessels, which are kept in various states of readiness, include tankers, roll-on/roll-offs, breakbulk and auxiliary crane ships. Pres. Jackson Crew Discusses Merger ment during its meeting in February to educate both union members and the general public on how the global economy affects everyone, to push for stronger human rights and worker rights language in trade agreements, to establish international solidarity with workers in emerging nations and to hold multinational corporations accountable for their e:fforts to speed the race to the bottom. One of the AFL-CIO's immediate objectives is to stop legislation that would grant permanent normal trade relations to China. Congress is considering a measure that would end the yearly review for such trade status for China. The measure has the support of the White House. In its effort to show why China should not be granted permanent normal trade relations, the AFL-CIO referred to a U.S. State Department report issued February 25 that stated the Asian nation's "poor human rights record deteriorated markedly throughout the year, as the government intensified efforts to suppress dissent." The report detailed extensive human rights abuses, including AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney updates the Maritime Trades Dept. executive board on the labor federation's campaign for fairness in the global economy. continued or further tightened restrictions on freedom of religion, association, movement, speech and the press. Among the facts listed by the State Department to support its contention were: • extrajudicial killings, torture and mistreatment of prisoners, forced confessions and denial of due process; •by the end of 1999, almost all key leaders of the opposition China Democracy Party were in prison or custody; • thousands of members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement were detained after the movement was banned in July; and • violence against women which included forced abortions and forced sterilization as well as trafficking of women and children. After the State Department report was released, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, "Year after year, report after report shows that China has no intention of abiding by the most basic rules of the international community. Our growing trade relationship with China has not encouraged China to clean up its act, despite what supporters of permanent free trade status claim." Polling conducted by the AFL-CIO since the first of the year revealed nearly 70 percent of American voters reject the idea that "the best way to improve human rights is not to restrict trade, but to engage China and include it in important international bodies, such as the World Trade Organization." The polls also showed Americans dismiss the idea that permanent trading status for China would expand exports and create good jobs in the U.S. Sweeney further noted, "China-which has not yet ratified the two United Nations covenants on human rights it agreed to sign before President Clinton's-·trip to China in 1998has broken every trade agreement it has signed with the United States over the past 10 years." The affiliated unions of the AFL-CIO, which includes the SIU, represent more than 13 million workers. Hvide Marine Founder Dies Earlier this year, Seafarers aboard the President Jackson in San Francisco discussed the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Pictured in the galley are (from left) SIU San Francisco Port Agent Nick Celona, Recertified Steward Terry Allen, Assistant Cook/Utility Mary Lou Lopez and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. As reported in last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG, members from both unions overwhelmingly voted in favor of full merger talks. April2000 Hans J. Hvide, founder of Hvide Marine Incorporated, passed away March 16 after a 10month fight with heart disease. He was 83. Hvide Marine owns the five SIU-crewed "Double Eagle" tankers-the HM! Ambrose Channel, HMI Diamond Shoals, HM! Cape Lookout Shoals, HM! Nantucket Shoals and the HM! Brenton Reef Hans Hvide had a long and distinguished career in the maritime industry, retiring in 1994. He is credited with initiating the first roll-on/rolloff operation in the United States, in the early 1950s. He founded several maritime companies, including American Overseas and Chartering Corp. (1945), and Port Everglades Towing Co. (1958), the forerunner to Hvide Marine. The Miami Herald described Hvide as a "maritime pioneer" who "helped mold Port Everglades with his inventiveness, will and philanthropy." His son, Erik, who served as president of Hvide Marine for five years, told the newspaper, "Whether it was a deckhand or a cook, a captain or a manager, he always had time for people and a sincere interest for them. He believed in people and was very idealistic." Hans Hvide was born in 1916 in Bergen, Norway to a ship-owning family. He graduated from Bergen Commercial College in 1935 and immigrated to the United States five years later. During World War II, Hvide was an executive with the Norwegian Shipping and Trading Mission in New York, which was charged with the operation of the Norwegian merchant fleet. Seafarers LOG 5 �Wheelsman Joseph Boyer Richard Reiss QMED Eugene Hayes J.A. W Iglehart After a fairly mild winter, Great Lakes Seafarers are getting an early start the 2000 navigation season. The Southdown Conquest was the first laker to fit out; the cement carrier departed February 7 from Chicago bound for Charlevoix. Mich. Full crews also reported aboard the JA. W Iglehart and Alpena in mid-March to inspect their boats and get them in tip-top condition for the heavy loads ahead. The opening of the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.-traditionally marking the beginning of a new sailing sea.son-took place at the end of last month~ and most of the other SIUcrewed lakes vessels began their routes at that time as well. SIU representatives met with Seafarers aboard many of the vessels at fit-out and provided the photographs on this page. They noted that whil.e no ice remains on the lakes, the water levels are still very low. on The dredge Luedtke gets to work. Porter Gary Lipczynski American Mariner Wheelsman Kenneth Bluitt American Mariner Right: AB Watchman Jeff Laland Richard Reiss A Great Lakes tug in Toledo helps break ice for the American Republic. Bosun Herb Shiller J.A. W Iglehart Deckhand Lorry Wilcox Luetdke Engineering Co. 6 Seafarers LOB AB Vladislav Pitsenko J.A. W Iglehart Right: QMED Tracy Ribble J.A. W Iglehart Second Cook Raymond Maynord American Mariner April 2000 �Recertified Stewards Encourage Apprentices The message may not be new, but its tremendous importance to SIU members also is intact. In what has become an unofficial tradition, 10 graduating members of the recertified steward class last month urged unlicensed apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to take full advantage of the opportunities available through the school and the SIU. The stewards-Robert Hag- gerty, Martin Buck, Abraham Martinez, Anthony St. Clair, William McGee, Charles Roldan, Randy Stephens, Richard Riley, Jeanette Montgomery then," said the 38-year-old Seafarer. "Today, the unlicensed apprentices have a wonderful program here. I encourage you to ask questions and be careful in foreign ports. Good luck!" Haggerty, 36, whose home port is Tacoma, Wash., told the apprentices that this shouldn't be their only trip to the Paul Hall Center. "I can't urge you enough to keep upgrading. Keep current and you'll have no problem shipping," he stated. St. Clair, McGee and Stephens each reminded the apprentices that their safe, productive work aboard ship will help determine and Kevin Marchandaddressed the apprentices and fellow Seafarers during the March membership meeting in Piney future continued employment opportunities for Seafarers. "It's important to do a good job when you're out there," Point, Md. observed Stephens, 45, who sails from the; port of Houston. Thi; recertified stc;w~ds also complimented the school's in· structors and staff, crediting them with maintaining a comfortable but professional atmosphere that promotes learning. Recertification, a five-week curriculum, is considered the top class offered to members of the steward department. Head Start Marchand, who sails from Port Everglades, Fla., let the apprentices know "what a head start your have." He recalled that his first deep-sea voyage ( 1978) occurred only because an · officer literally shanghaied him to a nonunion ship. . "Things were very different "When you get to sea, work hard and do your job," said the 46-year-old McGee, whose home port is Jacksonville, Fla. "Stick with the course and come back to Piney Point to upgrade as soon as possible." "It may seem obvious, but the best thing you can do for yourself and your union is to do a good job/' explained St. Clair, 43, who sails from the port of Houston. "And come back ~o upgrade. The staff here works hard for our benefit." 'Holding ~ Future' Riley, 49, emphasized, the impact the apprentices can have. "You hold the future of our Part of the class took place at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located near the Paul Hall Center's main campus. Several stewards said they were impressed by the facility's very modern and maritime-specific equipment. The fire fighting school opened last summer. The SIU's newest recertified stewards are pictured with SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (top photo, fourth from left) and (bottom photo) SIU Director of Legislative Affairs Terry Turner (right, standing). Completing the fiveweek curriculum were Richard Riley, Anthony St. Clair, Abraham Martinez, Robert Haggerty, Kevin Marchand, Jeanette Montgomery, William McGee, Charles Roldan, Randy Stephens and Martin Buck. union in your hands," declared Riley, who sails from the port of Honolulu. "Please don't drop the ball. We have the best educators here at the school; take advantage of it. There are more and more (industry) regulations to come, so stay current by upgrading. "And remember this; 'Safety First' will protect you and your family." Others in the recertification class mentioned various aspects of the curriculum, with several pointing to the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School as an invaluable addition to the Paul Hall Center. Montgomery, 35, praised the Paul Hall Center's culinary staff, whom she described as "outstanding." She said the recertification students enjoyed a natural camaraderie and "good communication" throughout the class. Montgomery, whose home port is Tacoma, Wash., also said she enjoyed the upgraders' meeting with SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Assistant Vice President Contracts George Tricker at the union's headquarters, located in Camp Springs, Md. Martinez, 43, credited the union and the school for offering a worthwhile class and a solid career path. "I'm proud to be an SIU member and I thank (SIU President) Mike Sacco and his staff," noted Martinez, who sails from the port of Jacksonville. Buck, 42, who also sails from Jacksonville, commended "the Apprentices Earn GEDs Because academic studies can help Seafarers be more proficient in their work at sea, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers such instruction in addition to vocational courses. Two unlicensed apprentices recently took advantage of the center's GED program, and they received diplomas during the March membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. GED graduates Steve Pollard (second from left) and Phillip Hartline (right) are pictured with SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel (left) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Apri/2000 officials at headquarters and at Piney Point. I can't thank you enough. Keep up the good work." Roldan, 30, whose home port is New York, described the course as "very rewarding. I thank everyone involved." Among other studies, the course included various lessons in the galley labs, training at the new fire fighting and safety school, a trip to AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. and a visit to SIU headquarters. Boeing Strike Ends Workers Approve 3-Year Pacts Union engineers and technical workers at Boeing Corp. declared "a huge victory" as they returned to work last month in Puget Sound, Wash., following what is believed to be the largest whitecollar strike in U.S. history. The workers on March 19 approved separate three-year contracts covering 22,352 members of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA). SPEEA is an affiliate of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. The contracts, each approved by more than 70 percent of those voting, call for annual wage increases and health benefits for dependents, among other gains. The union also triumphed when Boeing dropped its demand that workers pay part of their health insurance premiums. "We plan to march back in just as we left- as a group together," the union said in a statement. "This is a huge victory for SPEEA. We thank every person who played a part in making our strike work-the members on the picket line, the volunteers, the staff, other labor unions and the community at large." AFL-CI 0 Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, who led the crucial final days of bargaining before the settlement, stated that because of this outcome, "Millions of white-collar and professional workers in our country now know they can build a better future for their families by joining and forming unions." An estimated 17 ,000 workers walked off their jobs on February 8, following nine months of contract negotiations. In a resolution supporting the workers, the AFLCIO pointed out that Boeing "refused to engage in meaningful negotiations on economic items despite the company's record profits and aggressive acquisition strategy. Boeing (also) threatened to retaliate against employees who engage in their right to strike .... Boeing disciplined the engineers' bargaining chairman for expressing the employees' point of view to the press." The company's penultimate contract offer included major concessions on employees' benefits and was rejected by a nearly unanimous vote. A subsequent offer was rejected, largely because of wages. Days before the strike began, federal mediators intervened and brought the parties back to the bargaining table. However, the company flatly refused to improve its offer and the mediator halted negotiations. Under terms of the settlement agreement, union members will return to the same jobs they held prior to the strike. Boeing and SPEEA "mutually pledge to return all operations back to normal at the earliest possible time," the union noted. The new contract also includes a "partnership agreement" aimed at "rebuilding the relationship" between Boeing and the workers. Seafarers LOG 7 �ITF: Stop Blacklisting Filipinos SIU Backs Mariners at Manila Demonstration More than 1,000 mariners along with 118 International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) inspectors marched through Manila to protest the blacklisting of Filipino seafarers who report ill treatment, dangerous working conditions and unpaid wages. The late-February rally coincided with the biennial seminar for ITF inspectors from around the world. Don Thornton, the Sill's ITF inspector on the Great Lakes, represented the union at the five-day session. The protest against the practice of blacklisting highlighted the ITF assembly. Despite sweltering temperatures, it lasted five hours and covered three miles, including a lengthy stop at the Philippines Overseas Employment Agency (POEA-often the lone official source for seagoing jobs). Several Filipino mariners told the crowd about the severe and unjust treatment they have endured because of blacklisting. lTF officials pointed out that the disreputable practice is widespread, but particularly acute in the Philippines. A global federation of more than 500 transport-related unions (including the SIU), the ITF reported that the Philippines "is the world's largest supplier of Among the participants in the ITF meeting were (from left) Arthur Petipas, Don Thornton, Rick Esopa and Jose Ybarra. Thornton is the SIU's ITF inspector on the Great Lakes; the other three men are ITF inspectors for the NMU. labor to the global merchant fleet, with some 200,000 individuals. Every year, ITF inspectors assist many thousands of Filipino mariners in recovering millions of dollars in unpaid wages, ensuring that the vessels they sail on are safe and that they are being fairly treated. "However, more often than not those who contact the ITF for help are labeled as 'troublemakers.' Their names are added to blacklists held by manning agencies and watch-lists held by the POEA. As a consequence, many frightened mariners keep silent, leaving the way clear for unscrupulous shipowners to ignore even their most basic rights." As one ITF representative put it, "When seafarers rightfully complain about safety standards, poor working conditions or unpaid wages, they should not be punished for life. Yet if a seafarer appears on a blacklist, their maritime car~er, often the only job open to them, is over. "This immoral and illegal practice must be stamped out." The ITF further charges that such blacklisting violates not only the rules of the International Labor Organization, of whlch the Philippines is a member, but also the Philippines Constitution itself. According to press reports, Philippines Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, who spoke at the seminar, promised to investigate the ITF's complaints about blacklisting. Crewing agents also pledged their cooperation. Upon learning of a strike by workers at the Manila Hotel-originally scheduled to host the five-day gathering-the ITF moved its seminar to a different location in the city. Above, Abdulgani Serang, a member of the National Union of Seafarers of India, blocks a truck from approaching the Manila Hotel. Some of the U.S.-based ITF inspectors who attended the seminar gather for the rally. · Crew Member Confirms Threat of Blacklisting More than 1,000 mariners marched through Manila to protest the blacklisting of Filipino mariners. The lateFebruary event, conducted by the ITF, elicited promises from the local government and manning agencies to cooperate in solving the problem. Lucio Degal knows all about the fear of being blacklisted. He was part of the Filipino crew aboard the runaway-flag Evangelos late last year when the ship delivered foreign steel to Cleveland. The crew sought ITF assistance when the ship arrived in Ohio in October. Inspectors quickly discovered that the mariners were owed more than $100,000 in unpaid wages and were suffering from a severe lack of stores. But the crew members, reportedly afraid of being blacklisted, rescinded their initial complaints asking for the ship's arrest. In fact, ITF inspectors Don Thornton and Jim Given were told the captain of the Panamanian-flagged, Greekowned ship ordered the mariners to sign papers indicating they already had been paid "if they wanted to continue sailing." Only Degal refused to back down. He received $5,000 in back wages, plus repatriation. At the ITF rally in Manila, Degal recognized Thornton and shared new details about the Evangelos case. Degal, who repeatedly thanked the ITF for its assistance, insisted that the others withdrew their grievances because they were worried about blacklisting. Lucio Degal (right) , received his back wages, thanks to help from ITF · inspectors Don Thornton (left), Jim Given and others. But the rest of the Evangelos crew members, afraid of being blacklisted, withdrew their complaints. B Seafarers LOG Apri/2000 �When representatives from the Paul Hall Center were in Guam last January to run a seminar aimed at establishing a system to boost enrollment by Chamorros (the people of Guam) in the unlicensed apprentice program at Piney Point, Md., they also took time to visit SIU-contracted ships stationed nearby-both on Guam and Saipan, two U.S. territories in the Western Pacific. Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and Bart Rogers, the center's admissions coordinator, updated crew members on the latest union news, including the SIU-NMU elections and brought them recent copies of the Seafarers LOG. The photos on this page show some of the meetings held aboard the 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo, SPC5 Eric G. Gibson, PFC Dewayne T Williams and the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. Above: Seafarers " discuss Uf~aboard the Bobo in Saipan with VP Don Nolan. Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan poses with (above left) SA Richard Gegenheimer and (above right) Bosun John Davis on Right: Chief Steward Robert Firth (right) gets the latest union news when the Wifliams in Saipan. Admisstons Coordinator Bart Rogers visited the GUDE AU Mohamed, left, and QE Kenneth Couture, right) Hsten to SIU representatives 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo. aboard the Williams. Left: Two of the crew members on board the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus in Saipan are Chief Cook Eric Loret and AB Robert Butler. Right Preparing lunch for Bobo crew members is Cook/Baker Danelle Harvey. Apri/2000 Seafarers LOB 9 �Global J,ink Finishes Flurry of Five Repain The SIU-crewed Global Link recently concluded a busy stretch of five consecutive cable repairs lasting three weeks apiece. Chief Steward Willie Crear reports that the vessel completed jobs near Florida, New York, the Bahamas and the mid-Atlantic shelf, "with more than 90 people on board for each trip. Whew! That was a lot of work." The ship returned to its home port of Baltimore in late January - just in time for a spate of snow and ice that paralyzed the region. Meanwhile, crew members in early March congratulated OS Mary Bado on successfully concluding her first voyage. A graduate of the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Bado signed off the Global Link and headed back to the school in Piney Point, Md. to upgrade to AB. "We all love Mary and she has come a long way from apprentice to OS," noted Crear. "She is furthering her career by continuing the union tradition of improving oneself." The steward department gave Bado a warm sendoff, preparing a banana-chocolate ganache cake with kirschwasser and chocolatedipped strawberries. The Global Link is operated by Transoceanic Cableship Co. VIEWS FROM ABOVE: The SIU-crewed Sea-Land Explorer and SeaLand Voyager tie up in Long Beach, Calif. while Electricians Daran Ragucci and Allen Pasik work on a head block and bar. On tlieJob in Long Beach Seafarers in Long Beach, Calif. recently met with the SIU's Wilmington, Calif. port agent, John Cox, to discuss the proposed SIU-NMU merger and other union news. The camera-toting port agent provided these photos. The Global Link's steward department had its hands full but got the job done during a recent stretch of five consecutive cable repairs. The ship carried more than 90 people for those voyages. Pictured from left to right (standing) are Chief Steward Willie Crear, SA Ali Akmar, SA Marcial Avila, Above: Electricians Van Phan (left) and Jim Dryden are pictured at the end of a boom. (kneeling) Cook/Baker Radames Toro and SA Mauricio Martinez. Photo right: On behalf of the entire crew, Chief Steward Willie Crear (left) presents OS Mary Bado with a cake to commemorate her first voyage. "She has come a long way from apprentice to OS," Crear observed. ATTENTION: SEAFARERS ',, ,,, ,,, '~ \ ' Being in California in January has its advantages-such as riding with the top down. Shown here returning to the Sea-Land Express are AB Dan Porter, SA Ali Mohamed, QMED Alfred Lane and DEU Aguilo Llorente. SA Ali Mohamed heads to the galley on the Sea-Land Express. \ CQNfKllUTF 'ta TllE SEAFA~E~S POL.tTICA'AOTroN OONAT\ON 10 Seafarers LOB Apri/2000 �Stories Won't End Because Bosun Cain's Come Ashore Mobile Member Calls It a Career After Nearly 50 Years With the SIU Anyone who has spent any time with recent pensioner Hubert Cain knows he is a man who likes to pass along stories. Not your typical sea stories, which he can do as well as anyone else, but real life stories about his nearly 50-year career as a Seafarer. Perhaps the most well known is the one immortalized by an old "Ripley's Believe It or Not" cartoon about an eel plugging a leak in a cargo ship_ "That really happened because I was on the ship when it happened," recalled the retired recertified bosun in an interview with the Seafarers LOG. "I still have the cartoon." (A copy is reprinted with this article.) The vessel was the Alcoa Pioneer. Cain and shipmates were trying to bring the vessel to Mobile, Ala. because it was taking on water. When the cargo ship came into drydock, the eel was discovered in the hole where water had been seeping. "I never saw anytlllng like it before or since." Cain received his mariner's document while he was in the eighth grade_He said that was a normal thing to do in Mobile, the southern Alabama community 4·8-MOBILE PRESS BELIEVE IT OR NOT By Ripl~y .....~-~ .' ."... . . ..... . ..,, . · -~· . TlfAT HAD I\ LEAIC D UP BY AN EEL! The S.S. ALCOA PIONEER, 'TAlaMG ON WATER IN ITS HOO>, LWffD INlt>- ORYDOQ( AT tl()BIL;, ALABAMA, NBElrMU~ 711AT A HOLE IN TUE '801'7tM1 OF 11/E $11/P NAO BEEN EFFECTIVELY BY AN EEL·! • rtl/G661> ._............ ".... ~ ..... : !. DR~ THOMAS MAHTON '"20.-.n>" DELIVIPEO $0 SflfMON$ OIJ : THE .SUBJECT OF 'P.Slfl./rf I/SJ . , HIS PUBLISHED SERMONS ON PSAlM-'19 COMPRISE .A eooK OF UOQOOO ~ - NEARLY ·~Cf THE ~U"'f. ·:· . OF THE &NTfR& 8181;1 ···~• •·· 1 This reprint from 1961 tells about the eel that plugged a hole on the Alcoa Pioneer while Hubert Cain was aboard_ where he and his brother John (another SIU bosun) grew up. They stayed in school but would sail during the summers Being one of the biggest kids in the neighborhood, he played center on his high school football team and earned all-city honors. Also on that team was his next door neighbor, Vince Dooley, who eventually became the head football coach at the University of Georgia. When graduation time came, Cain recounted his teammates saying what colleges they were headed for_"I'm going to the union hall" was Cain's reply, where he caught the Fort Jackson. " Sailing really is my life. I'm retired, but I'm still SIU!" He started in the deck department and worked his way up to recertified bosun in 1975 _Over the years, not only did his job change, but so did the working conditions for Seafarers_ When asked what was the biggest change he had witnessed. he could not list one because he believed there were several. Cain said many of the changes regarding the shipment of cargo can be traced to Malcolm McLean for introducing containers. Prior to the arrival of the boxes, cargo was handled as best as possible. Cain remembered being aboard a C-2 Waterman vessel with five hatches, 22 booms and one jumbo boom in the days before containers. "It was fun to rig, but we don't do that now," he noted . When he started sailing, fo ' c's'les could have as many as five mariners occupying them and no air conditioning. "Conditions kept getting better. We went to two in a fo ' c's' le with a shower at the end of the hall. Then, private rooms with baths and phones_ " I call them floating condominiums" he added with a chuckle. ing without a wait to allow them to build up 90 days' sea time. 1963 Under the arrangement with the Coast Guard, The SIU-manned Floridian became the first Seafarers who pass the examination at the end American merchant ship fired on by Cuban of their lifeboat training will be automatically MIG jet airplanes when she was attacked last given their lifeboat tickets after they have Thursday, March 28, sailed for the required rr.:===============================:;i 90 days to gain certiby two Russian-built fication. aircraft about 50 miles north of Cuba. The jets first circled 1980 the ship for 20 minMembers of the SIU utes before opening joined picket lines in up with their machine San Francisco recent· guns. u==:::::::::::::=::=::==::::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=:::!l ly, to show solidarity The attack came in with unions striking the same waters between Cuba and Florida local TV station KRON. Local unions belongwhere Cuban MIGs attacked the American ing to the American Federation of Television shrimp boat Ala with rockets and machine and Radio Artists {AFTRA} and the guns on February 20. Seafarer Jack Nelson, an International Brotherhood of Electrical AB, took pictures of the attack from the deck, Workers (IBEW) have been on strike for nearly which he handed over to U.S. intelligence three months, seeking improved wages and sources when the ship docked in Miami. working conditions. The management of the TV station had pub1967 The United States Coast Guard recently grant- licly claimed that the striking unions did not have the support of organized labor in San ed approval of the lifeboat certification trainFrancisco. The SIU's response was to publicly ing at the Harry Lundeberg School of demonstrate that the IBEW and AFTRA cerSeamanship: In the future, examinations for tainly did have labor's support by joining the lifeboat certification will be given to seamen who attend the school after their lifeboat train- picket line. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG Marking Hubert Cain's retirement recently are (from left) his brother John (an SIU bosun) , SIU President Michael Sacco. Cain and Bosun Tom Soresi. But Cain quickly pointed out these better conditions were gained by the SIU through negotiations . "Union leaders got these conditions. The companies didn't offer them! " The Mobile native also listed automation of the wheel house and engine room among the alterations that influenced all manners. Even after 50 years of sailing, the bosun is proud of the facts "I never met a seaman I didn't like, and I never brought a beef into port We always settled it before tying up." Cain provided some advice for those entering the SIU: "The union is not offering a job, it's offering you the opportunity to be somebody. You can go places and be what you want to be." He urged all members to keep upgrading and learning because the industry will continue to change. Cain plans to stay active in union causes. He still attends membership meetings in Mobile and is involved politically for candidates that support maritime issues_ He said he may not be making ships, but he has no intention of slowing down. Credit Chief Cook, Too The steward department aboard the President Jackson went the extra mile to provide special meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas days, as noted on page 10 of the March issue of the Seafarers LOG. However, in a recent note to the LOG, Assistant Cook/Utility Mary Lou Lopez said the department overlooked one thing: a photo of Chief Cook John Bennett (pictured here). "His photo inadvertently got left out, but he did a great job on his holiday relief trip," wrote Lopez. "Everyone enjoyed his great personality and cooking skills_" Doubling Up at Paul Hall Center 1 . JS C> · I . JU HJSTC> April2000 Other students at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education may have thought they were seeing double when, in fact, they saw identical twins Shannon (left) and Shaun Bonefont at the school in Piney Point, Md. Shannon is upgrading to FOWT, while Shaun is completing the third and final phase of the unlicensed apprentice program. Numerous other members of the Bonefont family also sail with the SIU. Seafarers LOG 11 �Vacati()n at the Vaul llall tenter As many Seafarers, pensioners and their families have already discovered, the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. offers just about everything one could possibly want to help make a memorable summer vacation-and at a great value. Just ask the people pictured on this page. They were among the many vacationers who took advantage of this SIU benefit last summer-and had a great time! For up to two weeks this summer, SIU members and their families can enjoy a dream vacation of their own, spending their hard-earned time off doing exactly what they want. The center offers affordable accommodations and three meals a day plus a health spa, tennis courts, Olympic-size swimming pool, a maritime museum and beautifully landscaped grounds. There also are plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, jogging and sunbathing at nearby beaches. The summer months in Southern Maryland are filled with festivals, celebrations, fairs and Cl'aft show5, and that doesn't even begin to take in all the museums, historic sites, haseha.11 games and other activities in Washington, D.C., Alexandria and Arlington, Va., and Baltimore and Annapolis, Md.-all within an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Piney Point. As a benefit of membership in the SIU, Joe Vazquez, who works on the shoregang in Philadelphia, took advantage of the summer vacation opportunities for himself and his family at the P11ul H11ll Center. Enjoying th~ pool 11rea are members of his family-Kathryn, J ~nnif "r and Kothy Vazquez-as well as Anna, Jessica, David and George Marusiak and Roy Erdman. While QMED Rand . summer, his wife y McKenzie was attendin . him at the schooi Deb, a~d daughter, Shawn~ upgrading courses last and still be on vacation. , were able to stay with Retired Bosun John Aversa and his wife, Shirley, spent part of last summer's vacation at Piney Point. John now has his own embroidery business-Ship's Wheel Nautical Crafts. He made the caps that both he and Shirley are wearing. If you missed out on the Paul Hall Center in 1999, then don't let your summer holiday be a repeat of last year's. Start a new tradition ... in Piney Point. Everyone in your family will love it and want to keep coming back. The first step is to decide when you want to arrive. Then, fill out the reservation form at right and mail it to the Paul Hall Center. That's all there is to it. Happy vacation! PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Book number: Address: Telephone number: Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ _ __ 3rd choice: _ _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. 12 Seafarers LOG Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 4100 Apri/2000 �What You Need to Know About STCW Certificates The information on this page is reprinted from previous issues of the Seafarers LOG in order to clarify which unlicensed mariners need an STCW certificate, the differences between 1978 and 1995 certificates, and how to obtain them _ Who is required to carry an STCW certificate right now? Any mariner sailing in international waters who is required to hold a lifeboatman 's endorsement Any rating forming part of a navigational watch. All tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties (such as ABs and pumpmen, for instance). Whether they carry a 1978 certificate or a 1995 certificate depends on when they entered the industry and when they may have upgraded. _ _ _ _ _u_n_i_te_d_S_t_a_te_s_o_f_Am_e_r_ic_a__ ENDORSEMENT ATI1!SI1NG THB ISSUB OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER 1HE PROVISIONS OF THE INTI!RNAnONAL CONVENI10N ON STANDARDS OF TRA1NINO, CERTIFlCATlON AND WATOIX1!l!PINO JIOll SJ!AJIAJU!RS, 1978 ~~":~of the Uniled Stalel of America catiliel that Certificate No-,!=..::6:.=:!_.!.:.7.~::,:::6..:::.:6!...oo~3:.__dul_y_qualificd_ . _in UMlJ'A'IlONS APPLYING 1" ANY) CAPAoTr consider timing their application for the 1995 certificate so it coincides with renewal of their z-card. By doing so, the 1995 certificate will be valid for five years. Rating forming part of tl navigationa1 watch Proficient in the use of aurvi val. craft What if I am an AB sailing on a tanker in international waters, but currently don't have an STCW certificate? "THIS CERTIFICATE EXPIRES 31 JANUARY 2002." No one fitting that description is supposed to sail. If you were unaware ot the requirement (which dates to 1996) and somehow "slipped through the cracks," then you should immediately make arrangements to acquire your STCW certificate. What's the difference between the two certificates? Date of isaue ofthW endonement Who is required to cany an STCW certificate as af February 1, 20027 Th@ mi!!in chi!lng@ i!IS of that dat«:! i$ that vvatch$tand· ing members of the engine department are required to carry a 1995 STCW .;;ertificate (as of February 1, 2002) . So, the requirements apply to all watchstanding personnel (including engine department members), all tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties, and all lifeboatmen on passenger vessels (that is. those crew members who are required to hold a lif@boat !!!!ndor~'='m~nt). Also, the 1978 certificate is obsolete as of February 1, 2002. If I currently must carry an STCW certificate, which one should I possess? It depends on when you began sailing and when you may have upgraded your rating. Mariners who started their sea service or training before August 1, 1998 must meet the requirements of the 1978 convention. Those individuals may carry ex ires on February 1, the 1978 certificate, hi 2002 (regardless of when it was issued). Mariners who began their sea time or training after August 1, 1998 must meet the requirements of the 1995 STCW amendments-and , therefore, must carry a 1995 certificate. One potentially confusing issue is that it is permissible for mariners who began sailing or training before August 1, 1998 to carry a 1995 certificate, even though it's not presently required. For those individuals, the 1995 certificate supersedes the 1978 document. In other words, there is no reason to carry both. However, the 1995 document is not considered superior or more desirable for those mariners. Either one satisfies current regulations for affected ratings. Keep in mind that the 1978 certificate cannot be used on or after February 1, 2002. What if I upgraded after August 1, 1998? If you began both the required sea time for the upgrade and also the training itself after August 1, 1998, then you need a 1995 certificate. If any of the required sea time or training took place prior to August 1, 1998, then you only are required to have a 1978 certificate (though, again, you may apply for a 1995 document, provided you meet the Chapter VI requirements). What if I applied for my first z-card after August 1, 1998 and had no prior sea time or training? You need a 1995 certificate, which would have been issued when you acquired your z-card if you satisfied the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. How do I get an STCW certificate? Through Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs). To get a 1995 certificate, Seafarers must present evidence of meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. These requirements are for documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibility. Mariners also may apply by mail to the REC that issued their license or document. The 1995 certificate expires on the same date as the individual's z-card, regardless of when the certificate is issued. With that in mind, mariners may want to Apri/2000 of the a1xwe c..m:ntion, '°-in :-::::;·;.th~~~ ilM~Jion. illdiCaiedO Thia cndoracmcat ii DOI valid wilC8 ICCOlllpOilicd by a Yl1id US Merclwlt Marinen' lic:cmc or doc:umellt. The lawful bok!Dr of this cndoracmcnt may ltrVC in the following capacity or capKitica apecified. The main differences are that the 1995 certificate has a space for a passport-size photo (the 1978 certificate does not): and the 1995 certificate uses d@scriptions thi!!t are germane to particular coun· tries. instead of wider-ranging terminology from the International Maritime Organization . An example of the terminology differences'. Under the "capacity" description, the 1995 certificate may say, WAble seaman, any waters, lifeboatman," whereas the 1978 document says "Rating forming part of a navigational watch" and "Proficient in the use of 18 APR 1997 25 AUG 1945 L. M. HYMAN (O.. ........ I0..1) sample of a 1978 certificate surviv~I cr~ft." It's also worth noting that the 1995 certificate features spaces marked "function," "level" and "limitations applying (if any)." However, these areas intentionally are left blank. They were added to the certificate solely to aid port state control officials by providing some uniformity between U.S. certificates and those used in other signatory nations. United States of America ENDORSEMENT ATTESTING THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAi. CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAJNING, ceRTIFICAnON AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978, AS AMENDED IN 1995 The Gov.,.,,,ent ol the U"ted States of Amaica cettiftes Iha! Cer!ificata No.(s) _,,,,46"-'-7"-"92-""12"""23 "--------has " - Issued lo _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ___,whoho> be<n ""'1d dtJy~ollod in accaaancew1111111eprovismsolragu:atlor(s)_,_,VI'"-'/Z,,___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ o1111eaoovecooventim, to serve In the How did this all start? And why is it so confusing? This casiaeil\I or capacities fisted below. endors.,,,.,,t is not vajid unJess The lawful - ABLE SE.AMAN, ANY WATERS LIFEBOATHAN BASIC SAE"ETY TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION COMPLETED 11 DECEMBER 1998. Endo<semontNo.: 467921223 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center iHued"' ll FEBRUARY 1999 ot~HO~US~TO:::.:,:N_ _ _ __ 2 2 NOVEMBER 5 3 Oatootbffthollhoholdo'otlhoccrtlllGoto photo DEPT. OF TRANS .. CG 5611 (1Q.!16) Contact your nearest REC, your port agent or the Paul Hall Center. You also may check the Coast Guard's STCW web site, located at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 """""ed. LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY) S1gnot1nolcertitlcate- U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY} of this onlarsamant may servo In the following capacity or capocitles CAPACITY I have more questions. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm. 109, Coast Guard Isl. Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 _.l'-'J'-"'UN,,_,,E.....!!2""-'00;.:.3_ _ _ _ _~ LEVEL FUNCTION STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original STCW convention, ratified in 1978, is a multi-national agreement which sets minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide. The U.S. didn't sign onto the original convention until 1991. At that time, the U.S. was given five years to reach total compliance. Here's where things became more complicated: In 1995, more than 100 nations-including the U.S.ratified amendments to the original convention. In some cases, the dates for compliance with the original pact and the amendments overlapped. Essentially, that is how the U.S. ended up with two different STCW certificates (not to mention other requirements). subject lo '"'Y limitations indiealod '-"til accompanied by a valid U.S. M#chant Mariner's license er docu'nanl sample of a 1995 certificate with space for photo U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (Updated as of 9/30/99) 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane. Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Ofc Regional Examination Center 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach, CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Memphis Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave. , Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW. 1st Ave. 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 U.S. Coast Guard Activities New York Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building, Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 Seafarers LOG 13 �- A VOYAGE TO INDIA-1940 Pensioner James M. Smith joined the SIU in Baltimore as a charter member, first sailing in 1939 following a four-year stint in the US. Marine Corps. After having spent a cold and hungry winter in the port of Savannah, Ga., he shipped as an ordinary seaman on Isthmian Line's SS Steel Age, an old Hog Islander built during the First World War. During a voyage to India, the 21-year-old Smith kept a journal of his observations and impres- course to escape enemy submarines. At 1600 we raised land off the starboard bow with the mist shrouding the mountainous coast of North Africa. At 1800 we entered the Strait of Gibraltar with the city of Tangier on our starboard side. We were through the strait at 2200 and received a signal from a British warship to heave to and prepare for a boarding party. As stood by f o r the kling off the port quarter and the lights of Ceuta, Spanish Morocco off the starboard quarter. East to Suez Sun and wind and beat of sea Great lands stretching endlessly Where be bonds to bind the free All the world was made for me. Author? by J. Melford Smith and lives as he pleases with no gold braid around to dampen his enthusiasm for his chosen profession. Tuesday, February 27Rigged cargo booms and stood wheel watch. Got haircut from my watch partner last night, my first in two months. Wrote letters this evening. Am drawing $10 from my $55 a month pay but will endeavor to save part of it. Last year I was mak- sions. This is the first of several installments of that journal. W e sailed from the port of New York about the middle of February 1940 bound for Gibraltar. The war in Europe had started in September of the previous year with the German iltta~k l'.'ln Pt'.'>land1 but as we were a socalled uneutral" country1 we painted a big American flag on the side of the ship and sailed with all our lights on. Our captain was from Denmark and was worried about his family there. He said he knew the Germans would invade his country sooner or later. As it turned out, his worst fears had been realized before the voyage was over. At Sea Monday, February 19-1 am the ordinary seaman on the 12 to 4 watch along with two able seamen. We share a room with three bunks. It is spartan but comfortable. During the day we each stand an 80-minute wheel watch while the other two do routine ship maintenance under the supervision of the bosun. On the night watch, it is another 80minute wheel watch, the same on lookout and the same on standby. The lookout stands his watch on the bow and is required to report any lights he sees by ringing the ship's bell: one ring for port, two for starboard and three for dead ahead. He also checks every 30 minutes to see if the running lights are all working, then shouts at the bridge through cupped hands, "Lights are bright, sir." At sea aboard a merchant ship, the routine is eat, work and sleep. On the mid-watch you go to bed at 0400 and get up at 1130, so your breakfast is the same as lunch for the rest of the crew. Soup, meat and vegetables for breakfast take some getting used to! Tuesday, February 20--Sure will be glad to go ashore when we arrive in Alexandria, Egypt, our first port. Maybe find me a Cleopatra! Hope to take a trip to Cairo if we have enough time in port. The weather was warm today and the sea smooth. Passed a ship on the morning watch- the first since leaving New York. I am enjoying this. Wednesday, February 21Steaming steadily toward Gibraltar at the magnificent speed of 10 knots (quite a change from last year on a 33-knot Navy cruiser). The weather is fair and warm. We passed an Allied ship about noon that was making a zig-zag 14 Seafarers LOB inspection party, the light of a brilliant full rtlOt'.'>Il revealed the majestic rt'.'>ck rising abruptly from the water, entirely devoid, to my great disappointment, of the Prudential Life Insurance advertisement I had always seen emblazoned upon it. Gibraltar: the ancients' "Pillars of Hercules," the impregnable lord of the Mediterranean, the universal symbol of indomitability. Gibraltar: the romantic place where Tarik, the frrst Moorish chieftain, launched his invasion of Spain, and the place from which the last of his race returned to Africa 700 years later. The scene of 14 long sieges dating from Phoenician times to the Napoleonic wars. Gibraltar is a British colony and the headquarters of the Ninth Army Corps. There is an indifferent harbor with the town of Gibraltar plastered on the side of the rock, perched expectantly above the sea. The rock itself soars 1,300 feet above the Mediterranean and consists of Jurassic limestone overgrown with cactus and infested with monkeys. There are no lights to indicate that here is the greatest and most significant fortress in the world, but any student with military experience knows that, in keeping with its grim appearance, the rock is studded with heavily camouflaged guns such as the nineinch fieldpiece on Rock Gun Point, the northernmost peak. This is the British "Mount Olympus," this corner of two continents (Africa and Europe) and two oceans (the Atlantic and Mediterranean). At 2300 the armed boarding party comes alongside in a launch-two officers and six men. They proceed to inspect the ship's papers concerning cargo. They were very courteous. I asked a British sailor how he was enjoying the war. "What war?" was the answer. Until now there has not been much action on either side. As the moonlight turns the Strait of Gibraltar to silver, the boarding party leaves the ship and we begin creeping out into the star-studded Mediterranean night. Bright moonlight with the lights of Algeciras, Spain twin- Thursday, February 22Windy and cool. Routine day at sea. Passed several ships. Didn't get up until noon. George Washington's birthday. Friday, February 23-1,450 miles to Alexandria. Our position is just off the island of Sardinia. I asked the 2nd mate if this was where sardines come from. He must have thought I was serious and just about choked laughing. This afternoon I stood watch, washed clothes and went to bed. Read "The First Hundred Thousand" by Ian Hay-an interesting history of the Scottish Highlanders during the war. Most seafarers are voracious readers. It's been said that we will read anything with printing on it. Fortunately, the Seamen's Church Institute runs an exchange library so we can exchange our reading material in almost any port. Saturday, February 24-The blue Mediterranean, warm weather, smooth seas and a clear blue sky. A really enjoyable life. Haven't had a thing to do all day except for watches, so a siesta is indicated. Just lying about the deck and reading. There is a full moon these nights; it is so brilliant it seems to flood the ocean with a white ethereal light. Last night on my 12-4 watch, the lost love of my teenage years was haunting me for the fust time in many months. It must be the romance of the Mediterranean. Fire and boat drill today. Sunday, February 25-0ff the coast of Sicily today. In 1912 there was a disastrous earthquake here in which many thousands died. The weather is hot with a wind blowing off the African desert. It is called a "sirocco." Norman Douglas, in his novel "South Wind," describes the effect it has on people. I see what he meant because I have been in a black mood all day. Four more days to port. Monday, February 26Weather warm, wind shifted to northeast. Routine watches and maintenance. On a freighter (unlike on a passenger ship or Navy cruiser), a man's life is his own. The ship belongs to him: its decks, its bridge, its holds. He brooks no repression. He dresses $42 a month as a corporal, USMC. Progress. \Vednesday, February 28-Routine day at sea. More wind. water and stars. Expect to arrive in port in the morning. Passed a British destroyer squadron at about 0200. They were really making knots, and l wondered about their mission. Thursday, February 29And so we sailed for eight days on to the land of Egypt. Sunny days and starry nights with a full moon. What vagabond could ask for more-the ship almost to myself, good quarters, excellent food and balmy weather. As the white walls of Alexandria begin to peep over the horizon, I realize that Egypt is only 10 miles away. Alexandria, Egypt Arrived in port at I 000. Customs and immigration officials came aboard. We were cleared for entry at about 1130. Went ashore with my watch partners Bill Marks and Bud O'Conner at 1700. Five piasters for the boatman. Searched by police three times before leaving the dock-a blatant shakedown for bribes. They seem to have one price for the natives, one for Europeans and one about 500 percent higher for Americans. Left Bud and Bill and shoved off alone through the narrow streets of Alexandria past dark alleys, evil-looking natives and a horrible stench. Soon met two Coldstream Guardsmen, Morton Hinds and George Hesse, who were out on the town. Had a good time. Back to the ship at 0300. Friday, March 1-Woke up with a bad hangover (can't imagine having a good one). Worked all day. Went ashore at 1800 in the dress blues uniform of a U.S. Marine corporal. Entertained at dinner at the Coldstream Guards' mess. Drank a considerable amount of wine and got lost in the narrow streets of a native quarter on the way back to the ship. Saturday, March 2-Got underway for Port Said about 1400. Set sea watches. Arrived early Sunday morning and tied up to buoy at entrance to Suez Canal. Numerous British merchant ships mounting one five-inch and one three-inch gun aft. Battery on shore fired 21-gun salute for someone. City looks interesting but can't go ashore. At 1800 we were underway to transit the canal. Unlike the Panama Canal, the Suez Canal is just a ditch. There are no locks throughout its 90-mile lengthjust sand dunes on both sides. We passed nine ships during our transit and had to tie up to the bank each time. Turned in at 0400. Monday, March 4--Got up at 1030. We are anchored at the town of Suez at the southeastern end of the canal. We are anchored about three miles from shore, discharging some cargo on to a barge. Can't go ashore--broke anyway! The scenery here is a remarkable blend of subtle colors: high blue mountains of barren rock, plains of dazzling white sand reaching from the mountains to the sea, and the light blue waters of the harbor sparkling in the blazing sunlight. It was very hot today but is cold enough for an overcoat tonight. Expect to get underway by noon tomorrow. Tuesday, March 5-Able Seaman Jack Hollrock's 22nd birthday today. We played the victrola and drank Scotch in lieu of a celebration. We are now cruising slowly through the Red Sea to Jidda, Arabia, about 600 miles down the coast. The sea is like a mirror this evening and the sunset very beautiful. Wednesday, March 6---Calm sea and very hot weather. Just came off 12 to 4 watch. Have been feeling rather ill todaychills and fever. Didn't do any work but read "The Complete Mariner" by Nason. Thursday, March 7-Feeling much better today. Weather is beastly hot with absolutely no breeze. Last night I had the fust wheel (midnight to 0120). The wheelhouse was hot and the smoke from the stack was going straight up. There is very little current in the Red Sea and the desultory clicking of the autopilot along with the heat caused old Morpheus to take over and I suddenly found myself on the deck. The third mate said, "What the hell happened?" I said, "I don't know, I guess I went to sleep." The old saying "asleep on his feet" is not true. When you go to sleep, your knees buckle and you fall down. Jidda, Saudi Arabia Friday, March 8-Arrived in Jidda this morning. The harbor here is very shallow with many sand bars. Three hundred yards from us is an old Turkish freighter lying partly on her port side, hard aground on a sand bar. Her superstructure and decks have been charred by fue and are rusting away with age. She has been lying here for 15 years, according to the customs officer. The view from our ship is very good-low rugged mountains and heat-burnished plains making a fine setting for the gray walls and minarets of Jidda. This port city is the gateway to Mecca, the "Forbidden City," which lies about 40 miles inland and which Christians are not allowed to enter under penalty of death. To be continued in future issues of the Seafarers LOG. April 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonvi1le San Francisco ~ilm,~gt~~": Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston . S.t.. L9'1h·. · .Piney :P~int Algonac Totals 25 8 6 8 14 17 40 20 21 24 7 14 23 4 2 2 235 16 5 3 9 7 3 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 20 2 8 2 l 10 4 10 7 14 3 7 3 17 10 13 IO 12 15 3 28 12 16 8 9 5 27 23 6 6 7 6 4 13 8 2 4 24 14 3 2 0 l 1 1 0 94 198 85 11 6 7 2 5 16 l 5 0 122 Trip Reliefs 7 0 51 10 8 3 2 22 19 5 30 61 2 5 4 6 7 14 2 0 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 22 10 8 5 17 1 4 10 17 18 11 6 10 24 18 11 13 7 8 5 12 3 3 23 IO 6 9 9 6 1 12 43 36 37 13 15 45 3 2 8 0 4 I 0 54 0 0 I 2 2 7 0 74 401 180 5 3 4 10 0 115 May & June 2000 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point .............Monday: May 8, June 5 Algonac .................. Friday: May I 2, June 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 1I, June 8 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: May 17, June 14 Honolulu ................. Friday: May 19, June 16 Houston .................. Monday: May 15, June 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: May 11, June 8 Jersey City ...... ~ .......Wt'dn,es~y: May 24, June 21 Mobile ........... ;....... ~Wednesday; May 17, June 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: May 23t June 20 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 16, June 13 New York. ...........·....Tuesday: May 9 June 6 1 Port ·: : N¢:W·Y9rk · . · ·. "Philadelphia · ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 u 9 2 2 14 5 .9 2 1 0 0 5 .Z 3 2 Norfolk 6 4 6 10 12 3 I 7 2 0 1 Mobile 5 1 6 4 12 1 0 Saltirpore 14 New Orleans 9 ·:. ")a'bksb"vtlle · 19 S~n Fr~ncisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston . St. Louis Piney Poi.pt I o ac 6 .4 " ·..... to:L:·: . 15 3 3 15 1 3 1 4 11 ' 5 '·.·:.: ·" 7 4 4 8 ' 4 11 7 14 2 2 2 . ''• .. ?.: 4 ' 4 0 1 1 120 86 47 13 6 4 0 12 6 8 2 1 4 4 6 0 0 Jacksonville 16 4 Totals Port e Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 6 2 Ho-qston St. Louis Piney Point 11 0 3 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 0 9 2 0 4 1 l 0 140 0 50 28 6 26 14 0 1 2 0 28 8 2 7 3 1 4 1 14 8 7 6 11 3 4 10 24 45 8 5 6 33 29 6 1 2 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 6 2 1 57 0 0 2 2 1 5 I 3 2 0 243 68 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 7 8 0 0 0 0 9 50 37 0 2 2 15 11 15 2 I 15 21 18 20 20 7 1 7 0 4 0 4 5 11 12 6 9 13 1 15 14 11 2 20 3 4 0 4 0 71 14 10 0 0 9 6 7 9 5 0 8 0 0 6 0 18 4 l 21 17 0 10 1 155 0 176 0 0 82 268 2 3 8 3 5 4 6 46 6 0 19 0 119 228 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 148 l 0 0 6 3 15 7 7 3 12 4 30 8 36 24 0 3 0 0 0 68 899 Please contact Edwin H. Hagedorn at 615 Braeside Road, Baltimore, MD 21229-2113. PETER CZECH Please get in touch with Wayne Hardesty at Box 3692, Erie, PA 16508; or telephone (814) 454-7852. 9 45 0 Personals LEONARD PAUL *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Apri/2000 4 7 23 4 5 St. Louis · .':~·.. .'::·: ~:.::;·::.: :Friday: May 19, June 16 . · Wilmington ...............Monday: May 22, June 19 31 2 May 11, June 8 5 2 2 '6 2 0 29 0 0 453 1 2 0 0 6 I SanJuan~-.~ ............... Thursday; Tacoma ....... ~ .. :.· .~:... :.Frid.~y: May 26, June 23 0 6 4 0 124 28 0 4 San Francisco .........Thursday: May 18, June 15 '' (;'' 0 0 0 345 0 29 0 0 12 413 0 32 2 0 1 527 129 1 l 8 6 8 32 187 70 2 1 0 0 12 0 0 5 5 2 0 0 0 7 0 1 2 19 17 0 4 0 0 5 0 ., 5. ' 4 5 2 0 15 ? 0 1 0 9 2 "8 ' 9 9 3 .2 1 12 1 13 20 1 11 '7 .0 2 3 Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 18 ' 9 7 19 19 2 4 -·-------- 5 12 4 3 11 26 0 4 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore 7 15 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 9 5 1 3 2 20 4 8 15 6 2 4 14 0 20 0 0 103 '6 6 5 8 3 ·o San Francisco Algonac Totals 19 :· 1 I ..o Wilmington 1 7 2 5 5 11. 7 8 9 8 4 16 2 268 645 11 2 1 2 16 21 19 6 101 13 3 19 0 280 481 AUTHOR SEEKS INTERVIEWS WITH FORMER MARINERS Did you work on the America or United States? I am a writer looking for information on these great ships. Please contact me: Larry Driscoll P.O. Box 676 Seneca Falls, NY 13148-0679 or e-mail elaurensl@yahoo.com. LOG-A-RHYTHMS Nikita's Journey at Sea by Roslyn Nikita Brooks With the sea in mind, things are not as bad as they seem. With the sea in mind, I can fill my wildest dreams. With the sea in mind, I can do anything, I know I can. The stars above speak to me as though they are aware of the most inner secrets of my heart. I can look for the best in life. I shall not be dismayed by the wickedness around me, because the angels of the sea surround me. With the sea in mind, I can find the shape of my soul. I shall not flee, I shall continue ... to be a sailor of the sea. (This poem came in a dream to Chief Cook Roslyn Nikita Brooks while sailing aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. She hopes it will be an inspiration to her fellow shipmates.) Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Sealal'IN'S lntemallonal Union Oireototy FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 2000 Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay :E-x~c:Utive Vice President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast . Nicholas J. Marrone · .· Vice President. West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice Prei:iident Government Services .. . lIEADQUARTERS S20 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Al..CO~AC 520 St. Clair Ri"er Dr. Algonac, Ml 4800 I (810) 794-4988 L-Lakes NP - *TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups All Groups Class CL Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Company/Lakes Class L Class CL Class NP 0 19 7 0 7 1 0 4 3 0 19 Class L Non Priority **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP 0 19 3 0 6 0 0 3 3 DECK DEPARTMENT 4 0 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 l ENTRY DEPARTMENT ·o 3 0 L Totals All Depts 0 49 24 0 3 4 0 46 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 9 ANCHORAGE Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters 721 Sesame St.. #lC Anchorage. AK 99503 (907) 56 r-4988 FEBRUARY 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 B. Baltimore St. *TOTAL REGISTERED A.II Group~ Class A Class B Class C Ilaltirt'lorc, MD 21202 (41 O} 32H~UU J:>ui.•tra ' 70~ Medical Arts .Buil<11ng MARCH 15, 2000 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C DuJuth, MN 55802 .. ' (218) 722-4110 Region HONOLULU Atl~tl.ti~ : Go~$t~· . 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845~5222 .• . HOUSTON J221 ·eierce·st ;:: ·· · Houston, TX 77002 (713} 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 331S.Liberty St. · Jacksonville, FL 32206 {904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY ~9 Montgomery St Jersey Cify, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 164() Dauphin Island Pk;wy. . Mobile, AL 36605 . (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 391 l Lapako Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St Nor.folk, VA 23510 (7$7) 622-1892 :PHILADELPIDA 2604 S.4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301} 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division - (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop l 61h Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 - ST. LOUIS 45&1 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 5l0 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4-000 16 Seafarers LOS . Gulf.Coast .....· .3 .2 Lake$, Inland Waters 0 2 5 0 0 2 0 4 0 2 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Cdast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 0 DECK DEPARTMENT .:: O•··. ·.<) 2 . 2 "· ·. o · ff 0 6 10 ENGINE 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 4 DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 .o 0 0 0 0 0 o .,o .· 0' 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT :·,. o D 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 ()··· ..,: 0 0 1 1 1 Totals All Depts 5 3 10 10 3 5 9 3 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 2 1 29 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST This copy of an old photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by H. Pensioner Hubert "Red" House of Mobile, Ala. It was taken in the late 1950s aboard the SS Alcoa Clipper, and from the looks of it, fishing was pretty good. House, who was a dayman on this voyage, is pictured fourth from left. Others he identified in the photo are Dayman Frank Cotchot (left) and OS Berry Hill (second from left). Brother House, now 72, worked in the deck department, both inland and deepsea. He began sailing with the SIU in 1945 and retired in 1987 (interrupted by a twoyear stint in the U.S. Army from 1952-54). April 2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-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. hree recertified bosuns are among the 25 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 86 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns T Luis E. Guadamud, Vagn T. Nielsen and Ramon L. Quiles graduated from the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 16 of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division, eight sailed the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. DEEP SEA JOSEG. last worked aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. A native of Canada, he has retired to Montreal. ABRAHAM CARBAJAL, 63, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969 aboard the Overseas Explorer. A native of Honduras, he became a U.S. citizen and worked in the engine department. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Arabi, La. is home to Brother Carbajal. LONDON CURRY, 65, with the Seafarers in 1970. His first ship was the Steel Rover, operated by Isthmian Lines. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Sea~ farers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Challenger. Brother Bagat makes . e-in s-te ' graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1972 and joined the MC&S in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Curry worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1997 as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Defender. From 1955 to 1957, the Oklahoma native served in the US. Army. He makes his home in Los Angeles. HANSM. BANG, 62, joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. The Transhudson, a Hudson Waterways vessel, was his first ship. Born in Denmark, Brother Bang sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Voyager. He has retired to Monte Rio, Calif. FUfil,65, first sailed with the SIU in 1966 aboard the Overseas Rose. A native _....-::c..___._ _ of Oregon, he started working in the engine department and later transferred to the deck department. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Fujii last sailed in 1980 aboard the Stuyvesant, operated by Bay Tankers. He has retired to Woodland, Calif. BAGAT, 64 1 began sailing HUSSAIN A. BUBAKR, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Detroit. Brother Bubakr began working in the Great Lakes division. He later transferred to deep sea vessels and upgraded his steward department skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Great Land. Born in Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen. He makes his home in Seattle. WILLIAM H.BURKE, 68, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Detroit. He first sailed aboard the J.A. Kling, a Great Lakes vessel, and later transferred to the deep sea division. Brother Burke sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He April2000 TADATO LUISE. GUADAMUD, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Del Mar. Born in Ecuador, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification class in 1975. A resident ofMetairie, La., he last sailed in 1978 aboard the Overseas Vivian. WILLIAMD. HATCHEL, 62, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the SIU in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Michael, a Mayflower Steamship Corp. vessel. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to retiring, Brother Hatchel sailed aboard the Sea-Land Tacoma. He has retired to Starks, La. MOHAMED M.HUSSEIN, 59, began his SIU career in 1971 in the port of New York. Born in Yemen, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hussein last worked aboard the !TB Philadelphia, operated by Sheridan Transportation Co. Dearborn, Mich. is where he calls home. GEORGEO. KHULAGI, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. The Ames Victory, operated by Victory Carriers, was his first ship. Brother Khulagi worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1986 aboard the Sea-Land Venture. Born in Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen and makes his home in Buffalo, N.Y. VAGNT. NIELSEN, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1962 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Kathryn, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. A native of Denmark, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Nielsen last worked aboard the JTB Philadelphia. --~ JAMES A. PEACOCK, 60, graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1968 and joined the union in the port of New Orleans. Born in Georgia, he first shipped aboard the Pecos. Brother Peacock worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school. A resident of Jacksonville, Fla., he last sailed aboard the Nuevo R, Inc. San Juan, operated by From 1957 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. RAMON L. QUILES, 55, graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The Steel Recorder was his first vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the SIU's training school, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard an NPR vessel. Brother Quiles has retired to Cliffwood, N.J. ANTONIO M.RODRIGUEZ, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Elizabethport, a SeaLand Service Vessel. Born in Cuba, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Rodriquez makes his home in Santurce, P.R. JEAN R. SAVOIE, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va., after a 20-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard. The Massachusetts native began working in the inland division, sailing as a member of the deck department. He later transferred to deep sea vessels and worked in the steward department. During his career, Brother Savoie upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. His last ship, before retiring, was the Cornhusker State, operated by Interocean Ugland Management. Portsmouth, Va. is where he calls home. INLAND ROBERTM. CROFT,40, first sailed with the SIU in 1976 aboard the C.H. Masterson, operated byG&HTowing Co. A native of Texas, he worked in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Croft last sailed aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Hitchcock, Texas. VICTOR V. DANIELS, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he worked in the deck department. Boatman Daniels last sailed aboard the tug Roanoke, operated by Maritrans, Inc. He has retired to Wanchese, N.C. ISAIAH JENKINS, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1975 in the port of New Orleans. The South Carolina native worked as an engineer and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Whiteman Towing. Boatman Jen.kins makes his home in Harvey, La. JAMESR. LUPTON, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1970. Born in North Carolina, he worked as a captain, most recently aboard a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. Oriental, N.C. is where Boatman Lupton calls home. JOHN H. OTTINGER, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. The New Jersey native worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard an Interstate Oil Co. vessel. From 1955 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Boatman Ottinger has retired to King of Prussia, Pa. STEPHEN M.PLASH III, 41, joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Houston, sailing aboard the tug Atlas. A native of Texas, he worked as a tugboat captain. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Francis E. Haden, operated by G&H Towing Co. Boatman Plash makes his home in League City, Texas. HERBERTP. THOMPSON, 63, started his career with the SIU in 1975 in the port of Houston. Boatman Thompson worked as a captain and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Houston, he last sailed aboard the Scout, operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. HOLLISR. WILSON, 59, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1961. The Alabama native worked as a captain, last sailing aboard a Crowley Marine Service vessel. Boatman Wilson makes his home in Perkinston, Miss. GREAT LAKES ALI A. MUSLEH, 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Musleh worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the J.A. W. Iglehart, operated by Inland Lakes Management. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Seafarers LOG 17 �final DeN~ures DEEP SEA VALENTIN ACABEO Pensioner Valentin Acabeo, 83, passed away December 12, 1999. A native of Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in 1940 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in February 1978, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. Brother Acabeo was a resident of Bayamon, P.R. WILLIE H. CHESTNUTT Willie H. Chestnutt, 61, died February 20. Born in Arkansas, he started his career with the SIU in 1970 ifi the pon of New Orleans. His fll1lt '--.........::'---'~---' HALIM Y. HAMBOUZ - Pensioner HalimY. Hambouz, 73, passed away February 10. He began sailing with the SIU in 1949. Born in Egypt, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in March 1995, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Value. Brother Hambouz was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. ALLISON I. HEBERT Pensioner Allison I. ship was me Kyska, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Chestnutt sailed in the deck depanment and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1955 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Gretna, La., he last worked aboard the Liberty Star. ROBERT J. DAWSON Pensioner Robert J. Dawson, 73, passed away January 7. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1958. The California native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Prior to retiring in March 1994, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Kodiak. Brother Dawson made his home in Seattle. JEREMIAH W. DONOVAN Pensioner Jeremiah W. Donovan, 72, died October 22, 1999. Brother Donovan joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1945. The California native sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in July 1974. From 1951 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Donovan made his home in Mesa, Ariz. BERNARD F. FIMOVICZ Pensioner Bernard F. Fimovicz, 77, passed away February 22. Born in Ohio, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of San Francisco, sailing in the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring in April 1979, he worked aboard the Ultramax, operated by Westchester Marine. Wheeling, W.Va. was his home. NILS E. GRONBERG Pensioner Nils E. Gronberg, 84, died January 30. A native of Finland, he first sailed with the SIU in 1942. 18 Seafarers LOS Brother Gronberg worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in June 1972. He made his home in Sea Level, N. C. Hebert, 75, died February 3. Brother Hebert joined the - Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the engine depart· ment and upgraded his skiJls at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the OM! Pla11e, a Titan Navigation vessel. A resident of Abbeville, La., he started receiving his pension in July 1985. BERNARD R. HIREEN Pensioner Bernard R. Hireen, 67, passed away December 16, 1999. Born in Canada, he began his SIU career in 1964 ..................:s............__.,,___Llili>i!I from the port of New York. His first vessel was the Robin Locksley. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Walter Rice, operated by Reynolds Metal Co. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Hireen lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and retired in August 1997. TONY E. INSON Pensioner Tony E. Inson, 94, died January 8. He joined the MC&S in 1944 in the port of San Francisco. Born in the Philippines, he sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in July 1968. Brother Inson made his home in San Francisco. CHOCK S. JONG Pensioner Chock S. Jong, 75, passed away November 6, 1999. Brother Jong began his career with the MC&S in 1947 from the port of San Francisco. A native of California, Brother Jong sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in November 1978. San Francisco was his home. SANFORD KEMP Pensioner Sanford Kemp, 73, died August 18, 1999. A native of Georgia, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951. Brother Kemp worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook. A resident of Register, Ga., he retired in May 1980. From 1948 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Navy. of New York. Brother Nuttal sailed in the steward department and retired in May 1974. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. San Francisco was his home. JOHN A. KICSAK EDDIE A. PARR John A. Kicsak, 37, passed away December 20, 1999. Brother Kicsak graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry-level training program in 1984 and joined the union in Piney Point, Md. His first vessel was the LNG Virgo, an Energy Transportation Co. vessel. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the school. He was a resident of Norfolk, Va. Pensioner Eddie A. Parr, 89, passed away February 3. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in 1939 in the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed as a bosun in the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Parr was a resident of Wells, Maine and started receiving his pen· sion in January 1973. JOSEPH LAN ISAAC ROWEL Pensioner Joseph Lan, 88, died December 27, 1999. Born in China, he joined the MC&S in 1942 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward dep~ent and began receiving his pension in September, 1974. Brother Lan made his home in San Francisco. Isaac Rowel, 50 died December 2, 1999. A native of Louisiana, he began his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Rowel worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1994 aboard the Carolina, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. He was a resident of New Orleans. EDWARD E. LINDBERG Pensioner Edward E. Lindberg, 76, passed away December 5, 1999. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port ...,..;..:.__~ of New Orleans. A native of Iowa, he sailed as a member of tlie deck department. Brother Lindberg was a resident of Long Beach, Calif and started receiving his pension in December 1986. PAUL D. MARRA Paul D. Marra, 42, died Jan 22. A native of California, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lunde berg School's entrylevel training program in 1974 andjoined the union in Piney Point, Md. The Potomac, operated by Ogden Marine, was his first vessel. Brother Marra sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the school. Sacramento, Calif. was his home. EDWARD G. MORALES Pensioner Edward G. Morales, 87, · passed away February 15. , Brother Morales · first sailed with the SIU in 1952 : aboard the Wacosta, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Hawaii, he worked in the engine department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He was a resident of Winter Haven, Fla. and started receiving his pension in January 1977. WILLIAM NUTTAL Pensioner William Nutttal, 94, died January 19. Born in the Philippines, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port ARTHUR W. RUMMEL Pensioner ArthurW. Rummel, 86, passed away • December 11, 1999. He first sailed with the , · Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New ~York. Born in Germany, he worked in the steward department. During his career, he was active in union orga1 nizing drives and attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. Brother Rummel resided in Sea Level, N.C. and began receiving his pension in August 1976. THOMAS S. SCRUGGS Pensioner Thomas S. Scruggs, 86, died January 13. Born in Oklahoma, he joined the MC&S in 1954 1 in Portland, ~L.J.JLl-~~~:::J...11 Ore. Brother Scruggs sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Seattle, he retired in July 1979. JOHN A. SMITH Pensioner John A. Smith, 75, passed away January 27. A native of West Virginia, he began his career with the Seafarers in '-----"'""-------' 1949 from the port of Tampa, Fla. Brother Smith sailed in the engine department. Prior to retiring in February 1988, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Oakland as a chief electrician. He made his home in Elkton, Md. INLAND LOYD G. ARMANTROUT Pensioner Loyd G. Armantrout, 77, passed away January 30. Born in Florida, he joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Houston. L..._~---"""""":..bL=-----1 Boatman Armantrout worked as a chief engineer, last sailing aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. A resident of Galveston, he started receiving his pension in August 1987. ANTONIO ATILES - - - . Pensioner Antonio Atiles, 72, died Jariuaryr l9~ He started his career with the SIU in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. Boatman Atiles sailed in the deck department and attended an education conference at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring in June 1991, he worked aboard a vessel operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. Carolina, P.R. was his home. ARANTIC FISHERMEN SANTO G. FARINA Pensioner Santo G. Farina, 87, passed away January 31. Born in Italy, - he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD. A resident of Gloucester, Mass., he started receiving his pension in April 1979. CORRECTION RAYMONDE. SHARP Raymond E. Sharp, 66, passed away October 19, 1999. Brother Sharp joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Indiana, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1978 aboard the Cape Washington. LEROY SIMMONS Pensioner Leroy Simmons, 75 , died December 3, 1999. He joined the MC&S in 1955 -~) in the port of San Francisco. Born in South Carolina, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Simmons was a resident of Daly City, Calif. and began receiving his pension in July 1976. The biographical sketch of inland member Robert F. Hudgins that appeared in the February Final Departures was incomplete. It should have read: ROBERT F. HUDGINS Robert F. Hudgins, 54, died December 3, 1999. Boatman Hudgins started his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port · of Norfolk, Va. '----'""'-'-~"""""""""---"-'-' For many years, the Virginia native worked as a captain, sailing from Norfolk to Texas aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing Co., Interstate Oil Transport, Sonat and Maritrans. He also attended an education conference at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Mathews, Va., he last sailed in 1985 aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. April2000 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests ()f union shipboard minutes as possiblel On occasion, because of space limitations, some wlll 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. CHALLENGER (CSX Lines), December 19-Chainnan Roy L. Williams, Secretary James E. Harper, Educational Director Lowell R. Lemm, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter. Chainnan discussed president's report in LOG reflecting on past decade. He reminded everyone that upgrading skills is vital to maritime industry. Clarification requested on cleaning cargo holds and tanks and on number of hours needed for sanitation by DEU; also on water blasting for deck department, which is not in current contract. Secretary urged crew members to participate in upcoming merger vote and advised tMm t6 check expiration dates on STCW and z-cards. Educaticinal director dre~~~d need to stay current with all issues concerning uruQn. Crew asked for text of Jones Act. V6tt of thanks given to stew· ard department for job well done. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. EL YUNOUE (IUM), December 31-Chairman Paul J. Latorre, Secretary Milton M. Yournett. ' Educational Dir~ctor Orlando Cancel, Deck Delegate Ronald Mena, Engine Delegate Jimmie R. Graydon, Steward Charles B. Collier Jr. Chairman announced He reminded crew members to vote for merger of SIU and NMU, noting strength in unity and better bargainin osition. He also . stresse 1mpo nee o co · uting to SPAD for preservation of Jones Act and job security. Secretary echoed sentiments and urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for better future. Recommendations made to ask contracts department to consider lowering seatime required for retirement and pension and fully fund medical and prescription plans for dependent family members. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Jacksonville. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), December 5--Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgardo M. Vazquez, Educational Director Oswald N. Bermeo, Engine Delegate Pablo Albino, Steward Delegate Michael A. Harris. Chairman announced everything running smoothly with no beefs or disputed OT. Secretary advised crew members to upgrade skills and help union by contributing to SPAD. Educational director spoke about benefits of upgrading at Piney Point. Discussion held on upcoming SIU-NMU merger vote. Vote of thanks given to SA Luis Rivera for maintaining clean ship and to steward department for delicious Thanksgiving Day dinner. HAWAII (CSX Lines), December 19-Chairman Billy G. Hill, Secretary Edward P. Herrera, Educational Director Tracy J. Hill, Deck Delegate Evan J. Bradley, Engine Delegate Mark E. McNabb, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced payoff in Oakland, Calif. He thanked all crew members for successful Russia-aid shuttle. He also reminded everyone to fill out paperwork for coll).pleting tour of duty. Educational director asked that crew members have mate sign TRBs. Beef reported by engine Apri/2000 delegate regarding no day's pay for those flying to Far East. Suggestion made to lower age of retirement. Job well done in all departments. Bosun asked crew to take care of videotaped movies. AB watchstanders thanked Capt. Barry for chair on bridge during long periods of hand steering. OHIO (ATC). December 13Chairrnan Gregory A. Agren, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Rudolph Lopez, Deck Delegate Winston D. Thompson, Engine Delegate Marvin Lambeth. Chairman reminded crew members to vote on SIUNMU mtrger by January 3 L Educational director suggested everyone take advantage of educational opportw1itits at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT repcrt~d. Communication received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding changes when daymen become watchstanders. Suggestions made to lower eligibility for vacation pay and increase benefits for dental care. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. OVERSEAS JUNEAU (OSG Ship Mgmt.), December 5--Chairman Benedict B. Born, Secretary Thomas Wybo, Educational Director Christopher J. Kirchhofer, Deck Delegate Steve Brown, Engine Dele ate ona Lucas, Steward Delegate Vickie Haggerty. Chairman led discussion of SIU-NMU merger. Many questions brought up regarding merger, for which clarification requested. He also talked about money purchase pension plan and told everyone to keep abreast of personal statements. He requested crew members turn in keys and leave rooms clean at end of voyage. Secretary reminded members to check shipping documents for expiration dates. Educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to look into direct deposit of allotments twice a month. Mail service needs to be checked and new curtains and crew lounge/mess hall furniture ordered. Chairman gave vote of thanks to all for hard work throughout voyage and keeping house clean. Deck gang also thanked for smooth operation of tank cleaning, and steward department given A+ for food and sanitation. Steward, in turn, thanked bosun and deck department for help with barbecue, Steve Brown for extra help and master for providing specialty items for holiday meals. Emergency relief supplies given to crew aboard foreign-flag ship (Panamanian flag, Greekowned, Ukrainian-crewed), Delos #1, who have been without pay for months. Next port: Portland, Ore. OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA (OSG Ship Mgmt.), December 12-Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Dorothy S. Carter, Educational Director Kenneth Spivey, Engine Delegate Adrian Davis, Steward Delegate Jasper Jackson. Chairman noted ship out of yard and will load jet fuel in Singapore for delivery to West Coast. Secretary advised crew that captain is checking on whether crew members can call families from ship during holidays. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills and keeping STCW endorsements updated. TRBs to be filled out by chief mate. No beefs reported in deck or engine departments. During safety meeting, crew members reminded to secure all work areas and rooms, to stay off deck during bad weather and heavy seas, and to always wear hard hats and overalls. Anyone needing goggles, earplugs or safety belt should see mate or bosun. Next ports: Honolulu and Los Angeles. 2nd LT. JOHN P. BOBO (AMSEA), December 6--Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Kristin Krause, Educational Director Charles J. Betz, Deck Delegate Darryl S. Atwood. Discussion held about SIU-NMU merger. Chairman asked that anyone with problems see department delegate. If problem remains unresolved, take it to ship's committee, which meets weekly. Secretary noted cola machine not working; will be repaired soon. Volunteers needed to help with Christmas decorations. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Piney Point He ncited that with possible NMU merger, classes may be mere crowded, so get in early. Treasurer announced $1,955 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Money purchase pension plan discussed. Satellite system is on the way. Contract for . upcoming year to be published soon. Steward department given vote of thanks for enjoyable Thanksgiving Day dinner. Next ports: Barcelona. Spain; Haifa, Israel. SPIRIT (CSX Lines), December 26-Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Angel B. Correa, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Frederick C. Me· er, Engine De egate J · Reyes, Steward Delegate Miguel A. Robles. Chairman talked about SIU-NMU merger vote and asked everyone to participate. Secretary spoke about benefits of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Treasurer announced $60 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to lower seatime needed for vacation and retirement. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: San Juan, P.R. DEVELOPER (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), January 9-Chairman James L. Carter, Secretary Robert A. Castillo, Educational Director David B. Hamilton. Chairman said trip went well with good crew. He stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and announced arrival in Long Beach, Calif. January 14 with payoff following day. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep vessel clean. Educational director reminded everyone of necessity of obtaining TRBs in order to register. Crew members also need to have STCW endorsements by 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for next contract to have same vacation time as MMP and MEBA. Vote of well deserved thanks given to steward department. EXPLORER (U.S. Ship Mgmt), January 30--Chairman Edward M. Cain, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Ernest Gibson, Deck Delegate Horst Baetjer, Engine Delegate Larry D. Thompson, Steward Delegate Michael R. Briscoe. Chairman announced arrival in Long Beach, Calif. February 2. U.S. Coast Guard inspection drill to take place there. Chief mate sent out notice of time off for unlicensed crew. Suggestion made to send letters to union and company regarding Coast Guard inspections and drills taking place on only full day in port (day off). Request that drills and inspections be held on sailing day, when all crew members are aboard. Secretary noted that any issues concerning food quality or service should be addressed to him. Educational members of upgrading at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on shipping rule violations and equalization of overtime. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk), January 10--Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Theodore E. Gilliland in the Gulf While the USNS Gilliland was in the Persian Gulf recently, SIU members continued to perform their jobs in a professional manner. At right aboard the Bay Ship Management Co. vessel are QMED Octovianus Pariama (left) and GUDE Ezell Jordan. Below, Roberto Rodriguez works on the diesel generator from above. director urged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1,500 in ship's fund. Everyone enjoying new video rewinder, thanks to chief cook. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GOPHER STATE (IUM), January 27--Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Winston E. Marchman, Steward Delegate Wayne D. Webb. Chairman announced payoff on January 31 in Guam and urged crew members to continue attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center when time permits. Everything running well with no beefs or disputed OT reported. HM/ DIAMOND SHOALS (IUM), January 29-Chairman Ramon Castro, Secretary Leticia Perales, Educational Director Nestor V. Martinez, Deck Delegate Randall R. Shearer, Steward Delegate Isabel Miranda. Chairman announced ship arriving January 30 in El Segundo, Calif. to anchor. Payoff scheduled next day. He thanked deck department for good, safe job. Secretary stated linen always available. If anything else needed, let steward department know. Educational director spoke of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced movie fund of $150/ month. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Two suggestions made and forwarded to contracts department. First, that crew receive one hour weekly for sanitary and delegates, chairman and secretary get one hour weekly for union business. Second, that crew members be allowed to collect vacation pay after 80 days employment. Thanks given to all department for job well done. MAERSK COLORADO (Maersk), January 23-Chairman Andrew B. Barrows, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Floyd J. Acord, Steward Delegate Allan D. Bright. Chairman discussed upcoming SIU-NMU merger vote and misinformation being spread via internet about merger. Educational director reminded crew Quammie. Chairman announced everything running smoothly with arrival in Charleston, S.C. January 11. Still awaiting arrival of lounge furniture and new motor for washing machine. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or .disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done . PFC EUGENE A. OBREGON (Waterman Steamship), January 13--Chairman Henry Bouganim, Secretary Patrick D. Helton, Educational Director Robert A. Farmer, Deck Delegate Juan Torres, Engine Delegate Maximo D. Dising, Steward Delegate Rudolph A. Xatruch. Educational director stressed benefits of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to make sure STCW certificates are up to date. Request made to look into availability ofreliefs and also to be sure hiring halls let Seafarers know of pay scale on this vessel. Thanks given to steward department for great voyage, especially holiday meals. Port of expected payoff: Souda Bay, Crete. ROBERT E. LEE (Watennan Steamship), January 23Chairman Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Miguel A. Pabon, Deck Delegate Quintin S. Herrera, Steward Delegate Fernando R. Guity. Chairman announced watchstanding changes in deck department. Educational director noted those crew members who took hazmat test this trip should receive validation card from chief mate. Treasurer reported $602 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on penalty rate OT. Job well done given to Capt. William Dunford, engine department and ABs for safe operation after ship hit bad weather while entering port of Morehead City, N.C. Damage was done to bridge and other places in house. Port of expected payoff: New Orleans. Seafarers LOG 19 �I lctlcn to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Remembering The Good Times lam writing to let you know my dear friend of nearly 30 years, Wally Lau, passed awaym February. Steward/Baker Wally Lau aboard the Gus W oamelf in 1987. He was 78. We met on the Martposa in San Francisco. He was a great tMk/bilker and got along well ith illl the ~hipmates . Wally made very attractive ornaments for the passenger tables, which pleased the guests very much. He is survived by a daughter, Elaine. Jeanie L. Sartup Rochester, Wash. (Pensioner Jeanie Sartup first sailed aboard the Monterey in November 1969. She retired in 1983.) Remembering The Good Times II Once an SIU member retires after countless years with the best union ever, and the excitement dies down after fishing, vacationing and doing all the other things you couldn't do when you were sailing, you' 11 start thinking of all the amazing sights you've seensome good and some bad. As an oiler aboard the Robin Kirk on the South African run, I remember seeing Tabletop Mountain and Lion Head Mountain as we neared the port of Capetown-both ef which I had read of in geography and history books in my grade school days. Two wipers and I went to the top of Tabletop by cable car and could watch the city getting smaller and smaller. Once on top, it was a. beautiful sight, and I haven 't forgotten it to this date. Then there was the time on the Steel Surveyor as we were heading toward Hawaii for a full load of sugar after discharging military cargo in Saigon. As we neared the Hawaiian coast, I saw the most beautiful sunset everpicture-perfect. Another memory: as a second electrician aboard the Cosmo Trader, we were going to Saigon with military cargo, but due to an emergency, we had to pull into Manila, in the Philippines, for repairs. A company gangway man told us of an unusual sight at a cemetery there. The man was right. After entering through a gate, the chief electrician and I noticed a stone wall encircling the place. As we went in deeper, it was truly a sight to behold. Every deceased person was interred in a marble monument above ground, each one with a huge painting of him- or herself enclosed in glass. One of the monuments was huge and must have housed many generations. The entire cemetery was spotless and a sight to be seen. I have tried to find the pictures I took, but can't locate them. I was an SIU member from 1951 until 1986, and I owe everything I have to the SIU. Members will never realize what a great union they are with until they retire or go somewhere else. Walter Karlak Woodside, Queens, N.Y. Remambarlng The Good Timas Ill Russians have told me that everybody in Russia has read Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Around 1953, I spent a month in Russia. I sailed aboard a cadet training stiip in Talin, Estonia and on a Russian ship out of Odessa1 then l l days aboard the Alexander Pushkin from Rostov on the Don to Kazan. With this experience, I wrote a short story, "Bernard Overall, The Russian Tom Sawyer." Rev. Charles H. McTague Harrison, N.J. (Charles McTague joined the S!UonFebruary2, 1939andlater studied for the priesthood at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada. He has been a priest for the past 53 years.) Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District 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 November 1 through December 31, 2000 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 207 46. 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, FREE 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. AD~ISSION November 15, 2000 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than November 25, 2000. 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 November 30, 2000. 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. 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. 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. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight December 31, 2000 and received by the bank depository no later than January 5, 2001. • F.AA&ILY FUN! ~D:i[]~ @D~~ D [])!]10~~ [].QJ@)G8~~l][]@)G8~ ~©we3 ~ D@B []m80IBDlS0 cu:Dl:18l~~~ Friday, May 5 -12 111• t• • 1-•. lat. - 1u11. - Man.• May 1-1 11 •••• ,. , ,_._ 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expendihrres and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chainnan Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods. such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or sheis denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has .been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. April 2000 �-~;.: Start Date Date of. Completiop April 3 Mayt · May29 April21 May19 June 16 Basic Fire Fighting April 24 May22 April 28 May26 morning Advanced Fire Fighting April 3 May29 April 14 June 9 Seafarers who have .MY questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at th~:.,r~. . :· ....~J.: m~~~!·: ~y- cail the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Government Vessels May8 May22 May26 June9 x-~r h: \~~ _ -: .;_ _ . ; ;·. -~::. · - .;, : . <.~-.;;:_._.}( , .{. , S}A :··. ·\.-:,. .'~ _ ./~: - ~hefQJt~~itJ,gi~. ~b~.·~gli,~9ul~ fo('das~~~~~~niting between April through Tanker Familiarization/ ~sistant <;;argo (DL)* June ZOQ()jlfthe ~,aulHa~fCenter fQr Marii1me training and Education in Piney ,' Poirit, :Nld._AlLprdgrafus ate geared to improv~ thejob skills of Seafarers' an4 to . (*fnusthave basic fue fighting) promote the American maritime industry. · Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the iµatjtime inuustry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students atte11ding any of these classes should check in the Saturday before · theit course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the Qf the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva,· :"#oits· sh~uid be made for Saturday. oeok Upgrading Courses . April 7 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) \ Date of Completion Start Date ". April 28 Mayl6 April 7 ::.May26 . :. Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (~must l1gve b«Sic ./irf!.flghliflg) .: · . April 28 (pre-AB) General educati~rl iij·~J:::;~~lli!~'. :¢~....r:§.~: ~~ j\f~ll~lite· ~i~~~fle~~ Iniddition, ·:.:<ba,;c .v~cational support progra.1rFcoqrses are otfererl throughout the year, ].1~:·:.W.~·ek prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Th.i rd Mate, Tanker Assistant :: :: ::"· : ~~: .. :: J.',.'. Su~~i,:Y.~l ~~µ_rs~; ·:.~P J'1.~9:~.~~p9.~ : :t~:. ~O.:ipll.~~ers .coµrse .will be . · /' . ;!@~:,;n 3; io;'11, ~· _ Mayl, 8, 15, 22, 29 June 5, 12, 19, 26 April 3; 17 May 1, 15, 29 June 12, 26 Check next, month's LOG for·; additionf!I Paul Hall Cent~r co4PseS Tor the second half of the year. ·, ...::.·-~·-·-·-·-·- .....:~·.-. .·..:.:·:_.;:..., ___ ___ ·-·-·-·-·-·- · -·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- ~-·-·--··-·-·-·-·-·;._·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·, UPGRADING APPLICATION With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime'for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime .for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _- - ' - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held ----'---- - - - - - - - - - - - -- - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes 0 No Firefighting: 0 Yes 0 No CPR: 0 Yes 0 No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ Apri/2000 Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P 0 Box 75. Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (30 I) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4100 Seafarers L06 21 - �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes - ARPA - Completing the course in automatic radar and plotting aids on February 4 are (from left) Jeff Lagana, Bill Hough, Edgard Martinez, Tim Johnston, Chris Edyvean, Raymond Henderson, John Astad, Dennis Hurley and Mike Smith (instructor). Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 599 - Unlicensed apprentice class 599 graduating from the water survial course are (from left, kneeling) Peter Pamepinto, Normar'I ArquillaM, Ryan Humphreys, Quinton Washington, Elijah Huff, (st~nding) Brian Fifer, Jesus Martinez, Ray Hebert. James Brosher, Donna Sylvia and Jam~I Somerville. Welding Marine Electronics Technician - Members of the engine department earning their certificates of achievement from the welding course on March 3 are (in no particular order) Conrado Martinez, Peter Sternberg, Lino Remorin, David Kloss, Marino Callejas, Sotero Berame, Rhonda Koski and Faustino Pereira. Thei~ instructor was Buzzy Andrews. Graduating from the marine electronics technician course on March 31 are (from left) Frank Bakun, Mohamed Alsinai, George Collier, Douglas Felton and (seated) Jay Linx. Their instructor, not shown, was Russell Levin. At left are the same students on a tour of high tech exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. The museum displays helped the upgraders understand the rapid changes that have occurred in technology. Recertified Stewards - Students completing the steward recertification program on March 6 learn the art of ice carving as part of their requirements for graduation. Members of the class (not all in the photograph) are (in no particular order) Richard Riley, Anthony St. Clair, Robert Haggerty, Kevin Marchand, Randy Stephens, Abraham Martinez, Martin Buck, William McGee, Jeanette Montgomery and William Bryley. Able" Seaman - Upgrading Seafarers earning their AB endorsements on February 18 are (in alphabetical order) Ronald Ammar, Arvell Brown, Michael Brown, David Burnham, Paul Cuevas, Randy Diaz, John Durfee, Miguel Guity, Frank Hall, Douglas Hemphill, Mark Hummel, Walter Lichota, Patricia McNulty, Nelson Montoya, Michael Moore, Chad Noda, Phillip Noto, James Stimage and Justin Vonsprecken. 22 Seafarers LOG Aprl/2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL) - Among those completing the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on January 28 with instructor Jim Shaffer are (in no particular order) Shannon Bonefont, Alfred Mcintyre, Europa Tuivati, Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat, David Green, Blaine Harkins, Randy McKenzie, Adam Williams, Brandon Scalzo, Robert Parker, Charles Larson, Secundino Arzu, Romel Holand, Kenneth Jones, Michael Mayo, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Erik Nappier, Reggie Donaldson, Thomas Komenda, Lino Remorin, Barry Verbois, John Astad, Enrique Crespo, Roy Williams, Steven Cook, Abdulla Saeed, Jason Dew, Bobby Ellis Jr. , Frank Iverson and John Palughi. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL} - on February 25. another group gradu~ted from thA tanker assistant cargo (DL) cour~e with instructor Jim Shaffer (far right). They are (in no sp@· eifie order) Roy Jerue Jr., Brock Booker, Carlton Hendley, Vincent Sanchez Ill, Fr@d McGauley IV, Derrin Juul, M~rk P@sola , Hectcr Frederick. Judith MJ::rwin, St@v@n Kniola , Miehael Kachele, Jo$eph Saeger', Antheny Brown. William Lough, Donovan Christie, Edgardo Ong, Johnie Chavis, Maxw911 HassQll-EI, John WMg, David Fricker, Kenji Hoffman, Ernie Gay, Jerome Wong, Adel Shahter, Bernard Hutching and David Heavey. •\:. ' SEAFARERS P!»t-HA.U~. !EKTER LIFEBOAT CLASS 6Q.0_ ' "" ·'·~ ~ .. .. :(t~}· ~-·, Unlicensed Apprentice Class 600 - Completing the water survival course are members of unlicensed apprentice class 600. They are (in alphabetical order) Travis Astbury, Joseph Brasher, Shannon Berry, William Colson, Todd Curry, Paul Hagan, Blake Horton, Michael James Jr., Andrew Linares, Michael-Shawn Logotaeao, Jessica Lorusso, Bradford Lowry, Harry Oglesby, William Schuchardt and Leonard Shuman II. FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements on February 18 are (in no particular order) Calvin Mcfield, John Miracle, Jason Mixson, Alex Oliva, Eldon Palmer, Eric Rodgers, Mark Savage, Lawrence Sherinski, Hector Solis, Samuel Taylor, Mark Vidal, Antuan Barnes, Shaun Bonefont, Cole Bridwell, Kevin Bullen, Elvin Fontanilla, Timothy Apri/2000 Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left, front row) Kameron Kamaunu, Lisa Marie Kitashima, Daniel Dillabough, (second row) Chef Ed White (instructor), Larry Jolla, Terry Allen, Richard P. Mata and Roy Fairfield (assistant instructor). Flynn, Manuel Hernandez, Mohamed Jamsheedi, Anthony Jones, Carlos Majao, Nelson Martin, Alexander Williams, Dawn Williams and Jeffrey Wise. Their instructor was Mark Jones (far left). Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 62 Number 4 Vacation at Piney Point Now is the time to start thinking_ about a summer vacation. The Paul Hall Center can provide you and]OUT family with all the ingredients for a memorable summer holiday. For additional information and_rates, see page 12. NATCO Crews 'Always Picking Up' Safety Stressed in Round-the-Clock Assignments Captain Phil Kleinebreil describes dredging as "probably the most dangerous part of the maritime industry. There's a lot of moving equipment and the work is nonstop. There are a lot of overhead dangers." SIU crews on NATCO dredges meet the challenge by constantly emphasizing safety. From basic precautions such as wearing hardhats and steel-toed shoes, to more elaborate protective measures like meticulously rigging equipment for dredging and beach-replenishment jobs, the mariners work safely. "I'd say that the union, the company and the crews are well-equipped for doing safe work," says Kleinebreil, who has spent 13 years on NATCO's SIU-crewed dredges. Adds Captain Mike Horn, a 17-year veteran of the industry, "It's fa ·r1y specialized work. In order to do it properly and safely. you can't put just anybody out there." SIU members crew the NATCO hopper dredges Dodge Island, Sugar Island, Padre Island, Manhattan Island and Northerly Island, plus another dredge (the Long Island) operated by NATCO parent company Great Lakes Dredge & Dock. And, as reported in the January issue of the Seafarers LOG, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is building a new 315-foot dredge at a union yard in Sturgeon Bay, Wis.-the Liberty Island, tentatively slated to sail in 2001. "We work all over the place:· notes Hom. "We work most of the major ports on the East Coast and some of the lesser ones. I've also worked jobs in Oregon and California." Routine dredging, channel maintenance and beach renourishment are the most common jobs for NATCO 's fleet. Last month, the five Seafarers-crewed dredges handled assignments in Florida, South Carolina, Alabama and Puerto Rico. No matter the task, the vessels operate 24 hours day, seven days a week. Despite that relentlessly demanding schedule, Kleinebreil says the NATCO mariners have found their niche. "I like dredging. The work is hard, but the time goes by fast when you're out here," he observed last month while aboard the Northerly Island. "You get quality time at home, and the money's not bad, either." The crews also keep a sense of humor about their industry. They jokingly describe their work with slogans such as, "Dredging is always picking up," or "Dig it." "And there are a few others, too, but we don't want to go there," Kleinebreil chuckles. Chief Steward Sidney Guidry whips up a delicious lunch for fellow crew members aboard the Northerly Island. Ready to meet with Pat Vandergrift, SIU safety director from the port of Norfolk, Va., are (from left) Asst. Engineer William Quick, AB Brad Brunette and Steward/Cook David Strickland on the Sugar Island. A visiting photographer is the only thing that briefly slows (from left) QMED Brett Sallee, QMED Rickey Pettaway, AB Joe Conlin and Chief Engineer Joseph Kadak aboard the Northerly Island. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES STRANDED CREW FINALLY GOES HOME ITF AIDS MARINERS ON RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP; TAMPA TRIBUNE ARTICLES BARE FOC ‘PRISON’ CARNIVAL TAXED BY PROPOSAL RANK-AND-FILE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVVES UNION RECORDS FOR 1999 AMERICAN CLASSIC ANNOUCES ‘MILESTONES’ IN REVITALIZATION OF U.S. PASSENGER FLEET FIRST ORCS- CLASS RO/RO EXPECTED BY SUMMER 2002. ADMINISTRAIVE TASK FORCE FINDS USCG MISSIONS VITAL FOR COUNTRY. BUILDING NAMES IN LEONA HALL’S MEMORY. NATCO CREWS RATIFY 3-YEAR CONTRACT SIU BOAT OPERATOR RESCUES FISHERMAN SUPREME COURT RULES STATE OVERTSTEPS JURISDICTION REGARDING TANKER REGS AFL-CIO CONTINUES TO PUSH FOR GLOBAL ECONOMIC FAIRNESS HVIDE MARINE FOUNDER DIES RECERTIFIED STEWARDS ENCOURAGE APPRENTICES BOEING STRIKE ENDS WORKERS APPROVE 3-YEAR PACT ITF: STOP BLACKLISTING FILIPINOS SIU BACKS MARINERS AT MANILA DEMONSTRATION CREW MEMBER CONFIRMS THREAT OF BLACKLISTING GLOBAL LINK FINISHES FLURRY OF FIVE REPAIRS ON THE JOB IN LONG BEACH STORIES WON’T END BECAUSE BOSUN CAIN’S COME ASHORE MOBILE MEMBER CALLS IT A CAREER AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS WITH THE SIU A VOYAGE TO INDIA- 1940 BY MELFRD SMITH Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 4 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/9cfe61e5a2b85e39d7590e44b271995f.pdf 9d603b6d8fe9cb9b729963be32404c90 PDF Text Text Volume 62, Number 3 March 2000 ' • verw e min Back-Full Merger Talks Members of the SIU tallying committee sort ballots last month at union headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. Pictured from left are OMU Decarlo Harris, Chief Steward Donald Mann and Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus. In separate votes, members of the two unions approved continuation of the process that began last year to bring the NMU into the SIU. Page 3. MTD Board Sets Goals For Stronger U.S. Fleet Lakes Activities Abound Labor, Industry and Government Officials Promote New Ships, More Jobs, Modern Ports Talking about construction plans for new U.S.-flag passenger vessels are (from left) Jerry St. Pe', chief operating officer for Litton's shipbuilding division; SIU and Maritime Trades Department President Michael Sacco; and House Democratic Whip David Bonior. Pages 3, 4, 5. This year's layup included the successful rescue of one Seafarer and a dockworker caught in icy waters, plus an on-site hazmat course for SIU members at Luedtke Engineering. To ready for tying up for the winter, crew members like QMED Jennifer Cronin (pictured aboard the American Republic) thoroughly secured their vessels. Page 7. �President's Report The Vision Ahead Last month, we got a clear vision of what the future will hold for our union and our industry. During a seven-day stretch in mid-February at the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO winter executive board meeting, shipping industry representatives announced the status of several major vessel construction projects, and the SIU and NMU reported mem. bers of bo~h unions voted overwhelmingly to proceed with bringing the NMU mto the Seafarers. These two events show the positive steps being taken to continue the strengthening of the U.S.-flag fleet. Among the speakers at the MTD meeting were Jerry St. Pe', chief . operating officer for Litton Shipbuilding, and Stan Barer, CEO and Michael Sacco co-chairman of Saltchuck Resources. Both oversee projects of tremendous importance to the SIU and the industry. Litton is building the two passenger vessels ordered by SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages for its Hawaii trade. The ships will sail under the U.S. Lines banner. St. Pe' informed the MTD board the shipyard will begin cutting steel in July. He added the company is on schedule to deliver the first 1,900-passenger ship by January 2003, with the other to come a year later. It's hard to believe that only one year ago the contract to build these new vessels was signed within the U.S. Capitol. In a matter of months, we will see the actual construction taking place. Barer spoke on how important his company considers the Jones Act. Saltchuck so firmly believes in the freight cabotage law that it signed a contract late last year to build in an American yard the first two commercial U.S.-flag RO/ROs in 10 years. These vessels witl sail for a Saltchuck affiliate, Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE)~ which has an SIU contract. He noted his company is setting the example for other U.S.-flag carriers to follow. That's at least four new ships coming on line during this decade. Four very important ships that will be crewed by Seafarers. They are the latest proof that all the hard work during the 1990s is paying off. All the phone calls, letters and visits to elected officials advising them why we need a strong U.S.-flag fleet made a difference. All the votes for pro-maritime candidates, no matter what party, helped secure the Jones Act and allowed passage of the Maritime Security Act, which is taking us into the 21st century. For more than a year, the Seafarers LOG has run story after story about the new ships, tugs, barges and dredges that Seafarers are or will be crewing. They show that revitalization has begun. That was an important part of the MTD meetings last month. Another important issue addressed by the group was, "Where do we go from here?" Retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger set the stage with his insight. He stated the U.S.-flag fleet will remain a vital component in the nation's defense for the foreseeable future. He called on all elements of the U.S.-flag industry to continue to work as one because that is when Congress and the White House pay attention. He urged modernizing the nation's port facilities, including channel dredging so the larger vessels can navigate America's harbors. Herberger discussed a future in which domestic shipping works with surface transportation networks to relieve stress on the nation's highways and railroads. Such a vision would mean new ships-thus new jobs for Seafarers- within the Jones Act trade. Yes, the future looks bright. But, there is much that still has to be done. This leads me into the other vision for the future--the proposed merger of the NMU into the sru. I appreciate your confidence as shown by your votes for this important effort. I realize for some of you this was a difficult ballot to cast. As many of you know, resources were drained and blood was spilled over the years as our two unions fought for the same jobs. I still have a few lumps on my head from those days. But times change. The U.S.-flag fleet is moving forward, and we must continue to move with it. New ships are being built. New jobs are being created. We cannot be tied to the ways of the past. As I have said many times, we have to commit our resources to bringing these new jobs to all of our members. We cannot afford to be deterred. We have seen members from both unions studying side-by-side in upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center. Both unions worked together to implement the agreement with the Alaska Tanker Company. Now, both unions can continue the work toward the merger-and a stronger U.S.-flag merchant fleet. We are at the threshold of tremendous opportunities within the maritime industry. We have worked hard to get to this point. And that hard work will not have been in vain. ITF Campaign Vessel Concludes World Tour Pitfalls of Runaway-Flag Shipping Revealed to Nearly 750,000 Visitors The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) campaign ship Global Mariner last month finished its world tour, docking in London after an ambitious 20-month voyage. Beginning July 1, 1998, the Global Mariner called on 86 ports in 51 countries as part of the ITF's campaign against runawayflag shipping, also called flag-ofconvenience (FOC) shipping. Almost 750,000 visitors toured the vessel's exhibition-a mesmerizing demonstration of the risky and often inhuman nature of runway-flag operations. "Many of the visitors, including transport and labor ministers and other leading politicians, were shocked to see the level of exploitation and abuse endemic in the world of shipping," the ITF said in reviewing the Global Mariners voyage. SIU members visited the ship when it came to the East and Gulf coasts in 1998 and the Pacific coast last year. They and the other guests experienced what the ITF described as the Global Mariners "giant images, videos, computer games and animation that tell true-life stories of seafarers working in appalling conditions. Poorly paid or unpaid, under-fed, sometimes injured and often abandoned overseas with no money to get home, the catalogue of abuse and exploitation has been an eye-opener to thousands who thought life at sea was a romantic adventure." Based in London, the ITF comprises more than 500 unions from approximately 130 countries. The ITF has fought against runaway-flag shipping for 51 years, and the SIU has aided that campaign virtually since its start. In FOC shipping, a vessel owner (often from a traditional maritime nation) registers his ship in a non-traditional country such as Liberia, Panama, Belize, Vanuatu and others. This is done to avoid his home nation's laws involving safety, wages, taxes and more. Crews for these runaway-flag Volume 62, Number 3 March 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899- 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The Global Mariner (above and below) recently completed a 20-month voyage to 51 countries as part of the ITF's campaign to educate people about the exploitation of mariners aboard flag-of-convenience vessels. ships typically come from still other nations (like Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka) where they receive a minimum of training, if any at all. The crews often are refused wages for months at a time and receive substandard food allotments, among other problems. While the Global Mariners world tour spotlighted numerous cases of abuse in runaway-flag shipping, publicity wasn't the journey's only benefit. The federation reported that in France, Portugal, Chile, Canada, Russia and Africa "the ship encountered (and the ITF subsequently aided) crews abandoned and relying for their survival on the kindness of locals. In the Philippines the ship's visit increased pressure on the government and manning agencies to stop the practice of 'blacklisting' seafarers who dare to complain about ill-treatment-denying them future work .... "The 20-month voyage was eventful in other ways too--early on. The ITF, long a staunch critic of unreliable shipowners, received some lessons itself in the realities of shipboard industrial relations. Despite the excellent union negotiated wages and con- ditions offered to the (mainly British) crew, it proved harder than expected to recruit and retain seafarers who were both technically qualified and committed to the cause of global trade unionism." The ITF also reported a wide variance in the number of visitors per port, ranging from "less than 1,000 to a staggering 70,000 in the port of Karachi. In smaller ports the impact was usually much greater than in large cities. In Dutch Harbor, Alaska, 25 percent of the population went on board. Among the most enthusiastic visitors were schoolchildren~ many of them experiencing their first taste not only of life at sea but also of the role which trade unions can play in defending workers' rights." The vessel may be converted into a training ship or resold into the commercial market. Man:h2000 �SIU, N•U Back •erger Talks By overwhelming majorities, members of the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (SIU), and members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) have approved a referendum to proceed with merging the two unions. "This is a great step forward SIU members approved the resolution with 86 percent voting for the SIU. I congratulate our in favor of full merger talks for membership," said SIU President bringing the NMU into the SIU. Michael Sacco. "In the long run, Balloting took place from a merger ~f the NMU into the December 1, 1999 through ~benefit the entire U.S.flag fleet." January 31, 2000. "We are very pleased with the A similar election took place at the same time in the NMU, faith shown by our members to where 93 percent of those voting continue this process," stated NMU President Rene Lioeanjie. approved the resolution. The complete report of the "We look forward to continuing SIU tallying committee-a group the effort toward a merger." As indicated in several recent composed of six rank-and-file members elected by their peers at issues of the Seafarers LOG and the February membership meet- in communications from the SIU ing in Piney Point, Md.-will be executive board to the memberavailable at this month's member- ship, based on the first votes, the ship meetings and will be posted SIU and NMU officials serving in the SIU halls. Serving on the on the merger committee will committee were Oiler Thomas address specific details of the Burns, OMV Decarlo Harris, merger. (The committee first met AB Jeff Lagana, Recertified in June 1999 to examine whether Bosun Dan Marcus, Chief a merger will be feasible and benSteward Donald Mann and SA eficial to members of both unions.) James Simms. Members Cite Added Strength As Key Benefit of Unification SIU members from coast to coast said they approved full merger talks between the SIU and the NMU because they see such unification as strengthening all concerned. "It'll make us a stronger union," said Recertified Bosun Larry Zepeda, a 29-year Seafarer, at the SIU hall in Houston. "I was always for it. I think we should have done it way back." An SIU member since 1974, QMED Darrell Camp (also at the Houston hall) stated, "It makes sense for unlicensed personnel to be in one union instead of two or three." Seafarers further indicated through their votes that the need to focus on the U.S.-flag fleet's survival and growth outweighs the often contentious history between the SIU and NMU. "We're stronger as one than as two," noted QMED Bob Oppel at the Baltimore hall. "I've been in the union since 1968 and I've always talked about a merger. We'll have more leverage when we negotiate contracts." Bosun Joseph Moore, contacted at the New Orleans hall, agreed. "We've been competing for these contracts for as long as I can remember, and the companies play the unions against each other. With a merger, they can't run back and forth between the unions, trying to get it lower and lower. That's why I think it's a great thing," said Moore, who joined the SIU in 1963. At the hall in Wilmington, Calif., QMED Stanley Golden and Bosun Frank Hedge each expressed support for the proposed merger. "The more ships you have, the more members you take in, the more control you have," explained Golden, who joined the union in 1991. "I'm for it all the way," said Hedge, a Seafarer since 1986. "In fact, get all mariners into one union is how I feel. It'll strengthen us, being under one umbrella." In Jacksonville, Chief Cook Michael A. Harris pointed out the proposed merger is proceeding under the safety of a three-step voting process. He also mentioned that the shipping rules will continue to apply, with Seafarers maintaining priority aboard ships currently sailing under an SIU contract. "Plus with one union, we'll have more ships and we can keep all the scabs from trying to take our jobs," added Harris, who joined the Seafarers in 1979. Other members reiterated the potential benefits of merging the NMU into the SIU. "It should help our union out, make it stronger," declared AB Phillip Milam at the hall in Norfolk, Va. "I think it'll give us more ships, more opportunities and different kinds of ships." QMED Alan Nelson in Baltimore said the merger "is good for us. With one union, the companies won't be able to split us. And we're not going to lose any jobs, so it's perfect." Nelson, who joined the SIU in 1968, added, "The union's only as strong as the weakest link, and the weakest link has been that split with the other (unlicensed) union." In New Orleans, 35-year Seafarer Frank Kraemer cited "eliminating the competition and sticking together'' as positive aspects of an SIU-NMU merger. "It should help new people starting out in this industry," the QMED stated. "Over the long haul, it's a good idea." March 2000 Next, SIU members will vote during the November-December SIU general election whether to approve needed constitutional changes (such as adding vice presidents and the NMU in the union's name). NMU members are not eligible to vote in the SIU general election because the merger will not be complete by then. After the general election, a third vote will take place for SIU members to approve or reject many of the specific terms of the merger. Before that vote, SIU members will be given detailed information on what the merger would mean and what changes would occur. The process contemplated is similar to the one implemented during 1977-78 when the Marine Cooks & Stewards merged into the SIU. Members of the tallying committee meet with SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (center) after last month's membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Pictured from left are OMU Decarlo Harris, Chief Steward Donald Mann, AB Jeff Lagana, Heindel, Oiler Thomas Burns, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus and SA James Simms. New Ships, Modern Ports, Stronger Fleet Are Goals Stressed at MTD Board Meeting With new ships and port modernization plans on the drawing board, speakers at the winter meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) executive board outlined a broadbased agenda for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet in the new century. Board members, who come from the 30 unions and 23 port maritime councils that compose the MTD, heard from government representatives, shipping executives, union officials and legislators. The board approved a series of policy statements on such subjects as cabotage, shipbuilding, dredging, ocean shipping regulations and labor issues when it met February 10 and 11. MTD President Michael Sacco set the tone for the two-day meeting in New Orleans in his opening remarks. Sacco, who also serves as SIU president, told the board members and guests, "We've worked together to make sure every Congress and every administration understands the importance of having a strong U.S.-flag sealift capability. "We're going to keep working together to increase domestic shipbuilding, both in the commercial and military sectors. I'm talking about American-flag ships carrying American crews, built in unionized American yards! "We'll keep fighting to maintain the Jones Act and other laws that protect the interests of working families. And we'll continue to seek new labor laws that give workers a fair and reasonable system when they consider union representation." New Ships Update Of particular interest to many in the room were progress reports on two U.S.-flag passenger vessels and two U.S.-flag rollon/roll-off ships announced last year. Jerry St. Pe', who as executive vice president of Litton Industries oversees its shipbuilding division, announced the first steel would be cut for the SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages' U.S. Lines passenger ships Saltchuck Co-Chair and CEO Stan Barer tells MTD President Michael Sacco and the rest of the MTD executive board that his company is taking the lead by building two new RO/ROs for the Jones Act trade. in July. He noted delivery of the first ship is set for January 2003 with the second coming a year later. Saltchuck Resources Cochairman and CEO Stan Barer said his company showed its commitment to U.S.-flag shipping and the Jones Act when its SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) affiliate signed a contract to build two commercial RO/ROs late last year. "I hope what we're doing gives confidence to other operators to do the same," Barer stated. Looking Ahead Setting forth a vision that others could follow was retired Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger, who called on the U.S. government to work with the U.S.-flag industry to devise a maritime policy. "When you consider this nation a maritime nation, the greatest trading nation in the world, an economic giant by every measure with a highly successful maritime industry in peace and war, with a significant national security need that requires strong operating companies, dedicated professional maritime labor with experience, skills and high standards in the operating unions, in the shipyards, in the ports and terminals, in the longshoremen ranks- to have this off-again, on-again policy pattern is contrary to common sense," Herberger declared. He outlined areas where growth can take place domestically and internationally. (See story on page 5.) AFL-CIO President John Sweeney .·noted how everyone benefits when labor and management work together. He congratulated the workers at nearby Avondale Shipyard for sticking together during their six-year fight to gain union recognition. He also saluted St. Pe' and Litton Industries for their efforts to bring labor peace to the Louisiana yard after acquiring Avondale last year. Continued Support House Democratic Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.)-as well as House colleagues William Jefferson (D-La.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) and Robert Weygand (D-R.I.}-recommitted their support for the U.S.-flag fleet. Bonior, the second highest ranking Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, pointed out "the Jones Act is in our national interest" and called port modernization "one of the best, single investments this country can make." Continued on page 4 Seafarers LOS 3 �Avondale Focuses Unions' Resolve to Fight for Better Working Conditions AFL-CIO Pres. Sweeney Reminds MTD Board Of Value in Grassroots Campaign Efforts The recent union recognition for Avondale (La.) Shipyard workers highlighted the discussion of labor issues before the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) winter executive board meeting in New Orleans last month. Words of encouragement came from AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, elected officials and others during the two-day meeting. "I congratulate you on your long overdue win at Avondale," stated Sweeney. "So many of the people in this room fought so long and so hard for that tremendous victory." In 1993, Avondale workers voted by a 3-to-2 margin to be organized. However, executives at the privately owned shipyard did everything they could to evade the outcome. Litton Industries purchased the yard in August 1999. Three months later, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department and the new shipyard management signed an agreement to end the strife. Litton also owns the unionized shipyard in Pascaguola, Miss., where the two new SIU-crewed U.S. Lines passenger ships will be built. Sweeney recognized the head of Litton's shipbuilding division, Jerry St. Pe', and thanked him for his efforts in bringing peace to Avondale. "Labor and management-we can build stronger lives, stronger companies, stronger communities and, most important, stronger ships," the head of the national labor federation added. The president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO, John "Red" Bourg, also thanked those who helped the Avondale workers during their struggle. He noted the fight to gain a union at the Louisiana yard began 30 years ago. "We would not have won it without the support of the AFLCIO around the country. I want to thank you for what you have done for us and the mariners," Bourg said. Sweeney did not limit himself to the subject of Avondale. He reminded the board members that 2000 is an important election year in which a new president, the full House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate will be elected. He said early predictions show anti-labor forces may outspend unions by a 15-to-l ratio during MTD Speakers Stress Goals For U.S.-Flag Industry Continued from page 3 The vice commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, Vice Admiral James Card, noted all predictions he has seen call for America's trade with other nations to grow substantially. "This inevitable growth means we need to be very serious about preserving America's maritime strength while refining and enforcing safety and environmental standards," Card said. this year's balloting cycle to get their candidates elected. "These guys are terrified, terrified of the progress we've been making," Sweeney stated. He pointed out that some of the issues for which trade unions will be fighting in this election are fair trade policies, better public schools, securing Medicare and Social Security, affordable health care for all and labor law reform. He added the AFL-CIO gets its power "from engaging and mobilizing our rank-and-file members-the people who make this country what it is. And getting them to hold elected officials accountable every day. That's what I see us doing, and it makes me hopeful." One of those elected officials, Louisiana State Sen. Michael Robichaux, thanked the MTD board for the grassroots efforts their members have performed to elect him. He said he views the battle for better working conditions as being between "sweaters and nonsweaters"-people who sweat on the job as opposed to those who work in plush offices and have others do their duties. "We need to insist in some Hal Creel, chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, added, "One of the commission's mandates is to encourage the development of an economically sound U.S.-flag liner fleet capable of meeting national security needs." The member unions of the MTD, of which the SIU is one, represent approximately 8 million workers. 4 Seafarers LOG ITF's Jon Whitlow way, shape, manner or form that they [the sweaters] receive decent wages and improved wages!" declared Robichaux. Also pointing out the need for better wages and working conditions, but in this case for the world's mariners, was Jon Whitlow, the assistant secretary of the International Transport Workers' Federation's (ITF) Seafarers' and Fisheries' Sections. He reminded the board of the work performed by the ITF during the last 51 years to fight runaway-flag shipping "to try to protect those crews." Whitlow noted the cruise ship industry is one of the biggest challenges, but recent stories about breakdowns, fires, pollution and other unpleasant conditions have brought these ships under public scrutiny. "It is about time the cruise ship industry is brought to task," Whitlow added. The MTD is made up of 30 unions and 23 port maritime councils in the U.S. and Canada. Its member unions represent around 8 million workers. SIU President Michael Sacco also serves as MTD president. Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Crowley Seafarers Approve Contract Seafarers employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation recently approved a four-year contract that includes numerous gains. Among the agreement's highlights is a new medical benefit: prescription coverage for dependents. The pact also calls for wage increases, additional optical benefits, amplified pension credits, additional vacation benefits, an increased death benefit and contract language making it easier to advance one's rating. With Crowley having recently commenced operations in San Diego, the contract was appended to include that area. This means new employment opportunities for Seafarers in Southern California. The agreement also stipulates that the union and Crowley jointly will develop galley training for the company's new four-person tractor tugs. Retroactive to July 1, 1999, the contract covers members who also are part of Crowley's operations in Jacksonville, Fla.; Lake Charles, La.; Philadelphia; San Diego; and Wilmington, Calif. "We've always made good money, and these new benefits put it right over the top," said Nicholas Conway, who served on the negotiating committee. Also representing the SIU during a pair of weeklong bargaining meetings in Piney Point, Md. were Seafarers Wayne Berry, David Verschoor, Peter Albano, Robert August Sr., Rick Cristofano, Darrel Koonce Jr. and James Adaway along with SIU Assistant VP Contracts George Tricker, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Jacksonville Port Agent Tony McQuay and Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Soresi. La. AFL-CIO Pres. Red Bourg Collecting contract suggestion forms and meeting with Seafarers at the Crowley facilities in Wilmington, Calif. is SIU Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker. Pictured with him are members (from left) George Cox, Tom Humphry, Mike Stravers, John Tipich, Bob Bouton, Bruno Kameta, Dragi Odak and Mike Restivo. When Crowley recently began operations in San Diego, Engine Utility Jasper McGrit (left) and Captain William Stevens (pictured aboard the tug Spartan) helped ensure a smooth and safe start. Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District 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 November 1 through December 31, 2000 voting period, absentee ballots will be available. The SIU constitution ensures that members who are eligible to vote and who find themselves in this situation may vote. Procedures are established in the SIU constitution to safeguard the secret ballot election, including the absentee ballot process. Here is the procedure to follow when requesting an absentee ballot: 1. Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 2. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. 3. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. 4. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than mid- 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. night, November 15, 2000 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 207 46 no later than November 25, 2000. 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 November 30, 2000. 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. 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. Sign the mailing envelope on the first line of the upper lefthand corner. Print name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is self-addressed and stamped. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight December 31 , 2000 and received by the bank depository no later than January 5, 2001. Man:h2000 �1 ) MTD Board Hears Plans to Promote U.S.-Flag Fleet Herberger, Barer Outline Their Ideas for Moving Industry into the New Century The former head of the U.S. Maritime Administration and a top executive of a U.S.-flag shipping company presented their visions for the future of the U.S.flag commercial fleet when they spoke before the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) executive board last month in New Orleans. Vice Admiral Albert Herberger (USN-retired) served as the Maritime Administrator from 1993 to 1997. During his term, he worked with the U.S.-flag industry to steer the Maritime Security Program through Congress and the Clinton administration. He rejuvenated the Title XI Shipbuilding Loan Guarantee Program, which helped domestic shipyards convert from military to commercial construction. He was instrumental in the development of the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), which ensured that the nation's intermodal transportation systems be available to the military in times of emergency or crisis. Herberger began his maritime career as a merchant ship officer Ret. Maritime Administrator Albert Herberger lays out his plans for strengthening the U.S.-flag fleet in the new century during his address to the MTD executive board. after graduating from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He joined the Navy and served 32 years-including a tour as deputy commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Comman4 which oversees the logistics for all U.S. armed forces worldwide---before retiring in 1990. In opening his address, Herberger reminded the executive board that America always has been a maritime nation, but the U.S.-flag industry has ebbed and flowed depending on the immediate needs of the country. He called on government leaders to work with the maritime industry to develop a policy that would make America a stronger commercial maritime power. "The question of investment in new ships must be the key to any policy initiative," Herberger stated. "The U.S. maritime industry will continue to play a significant role in the nation's economic growth if corrective action is taken. Both international and domestic fleets along with revitalized ports and waterways can be vital components of our transportation system and indispensable elements of our national security capability." He noted, "The industry's challenges and opportunities are many, but must be aggressively pursued." In order to move forward, Herberger said three things need to be done: "There must be, one, commercial development and investment in new services and shipping opportunities which will, in turn, bring additional mariner jobs, new shipbuilding and port operations; "Two, a strong partnership with the Defense Department to fulfill the ever-critical national security requirements; and "Three, hold the line against changes to U.S. cabotage and trade laws." He pointed out changing patterns involving trade, new technological developments and increased marketplace demands in the U.S. and around the world will create opportunities for waterborne transportation. One particular change he sees happening is the increased use of domestic and coastwise shipping as the nation's railways and highways become more congested. "I see waterborne transport of trucks, freight, automobiles and passengers in a complementary Legislators Real firm Support for Merchant Shipping Four members of Congress told the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO (MTD) executive board that the U.S.-flag fleet continues to have strong support on Capitol Hill. Speaking before the group during its winter meeting February 10 and 11 in New Orleans were House Democratic Whip David Bonior (D-Mich.) and Reps. William Jefferson (D--La.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) and Robert Weygand (D-R.I.). Boni or, the House of Representatives' second highest ranking Democrat, started his address by thanking the board members for all that they have done to support him and other pro-maritime, pro-labor legislators. "Thank you for standing with me through all my toughest battles. "But, let me thank you for something else, too. Thank you for standing up and speaking out for an America that a lot of people in Washington find it easy to ignore these days. I'm talking about the America that works with its hands," he said. "I'm not talking about folks you'd find pushing paper in some plush office tower, but the men and women on board lakers hauling taconite pellets through port towns with names like Algonac. "It's the longshoremen who bust their backs every day moving cargo in Boston, New York, Baltimore and right here in New Orleans. It's the engineers living in a world where it always smells like diesel fuel ... men and women who've made the world's sea lanes their home." Bonior called a U.S. flag flying from a vessel "the only guarantee there is that ship is properly maintained with a trained, professional crew." He added the Jones Act is in America's economic and defense interests. Commitment, Modernization, Funding In welcoming the board members to his home district, Jefferson also affirmed his commitment to the Jones Act. "I will continue to support the Jones Act and will work with you to fight off any effort to undermine it." He pointed out that every member of the March2000 Rep. Robert Weygand Rep. Nick Rahall Louisiana delegation signed the resolution supporting the freight cabotage law during the previous Congress. Jefferson updated the board on legislation he introduced in the House with Rep. Jim McCrery (R--La.) to make the U.S.--flag fleet more competitive internationally-the National Security Sealift Enhancement Act (H.R. 3225). Jefferson said part of the decline in U.S.flag shipping overseas is due to the industry being overburdened with taxes. H.R. 3225 -and its companion in the Senate, S. 1858-would allow the owner of a U.S.flag vessel operating in international trade to fully deduct that vessel in the year in which it was acquired and documented under the American flag. The measure would extend an existing income tax exclusion for Americans working overseas to U.S. mariners. It also would include alternative minimum tax relief on shipping income and expand the expense deductions coming from conferences or other meetings aboard U.S.-flag vessels. "We came to the conclusion it is time for Congress to act in this important area and it is time for Congress to act now to level the playing field," declared the Louisiana representative. Rahall told the MTD board action needs to be taken to modernize America's ports. Rep. William Jefferson "We have a national interest in maintaining and improving these navigational channels," noted the West Virginia official. "Maintaining a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine is critical to our nation's economic and security requirements. That is something I've always supported in my 24 years in Congress," Rahall remarked. Weygand reminded the audience his home state of Rhode Island has a history of shipbuilding. He proclaimed the cutbacks in funds for ship construction during the 1970s and 1980s "devastating." He called on Congress to fully fund the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program because of the success shown during the 1990s in constructing double-hull tankers and other vessels. "We believe it is important that we have the money to rebuild our fleet, to build new ships, because by doing that, not only do we have a better port, a better facility, better ships to come into there, we have a better environment. A good clean environment with good clean jobs-high-paying jobs-is what we want and that's what we must strive for," Weygand stated. The MTD executive board is made up of officials from its 30 unions, including the SIU, and 23 port maritime councils. The unions in the MTD represent approximately 8 million workers. partnership with trucking and railroads-not an open competition." He urged the maritime interests in the audience to maintain the nation's freight and passenger cabotage laws. He called for a renewed effort to rebuild the nation's ports and their infrastructures. He reminded everyone that the U.S.--flag fleet continues to be and will remain vital to the national security. He called for maintaining cargo preference laws. Finally, Herberger urged the nation's lawmakers to review the tax laws that affect the merchant fleet. "The bottom line is U.S. companies need policy changes to stay alive. The tax burden-the U.S. tax environment under which the American shipowner must compete, but from which foreign competitors are largely exempt- impacts the day-to--day operation competitiveness and the ability to acquire new replacement tonnage for the American fleet." Following up on Herberger's theme of looking ahead was Stan Barer, co-chairman and CEO of Saltchuck Resources. Barer announced the company is determined to prepare for the new century by building the first two commercial roll-on/roll-off vessels for the Jones Act trade in 10 years for its SIU-contracted affiliate Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE). "The way to win on the Jones Act is simply build because if you make the investment, I don't think Congress is going to take it away from you," Barer told the MTD executive board. He noted the nation's cabotage laws (of which the Jones Act is one) are part of a "four-legged stool" that supports American domestic transportation systems and its workers. He said any effort that would take away just one of those legs would affect all others, which include rail, trucks and airlines. "If you change the Jones Act and said you can bring in foreign labor and foreign ships immune from taxation, immune from labor laws, immune from the civil rights laws-you just come in and do the work in America and take your money home, what's a trucker going to say? You will upset the balance here." He stated the trucking companies would succumb to thirdworld wages and workers, then the railroads, followed by the airlines. "This would wipe out millions of workers! "Is there something wrong with employing our own workers inside our own country?! I want U.S. citizens working for me!" Barer declared. He added labor and management have to work together to keep the industry moving forward. The MTD is composed of 30 unions and 23 maritime port councils in the U.S. and Canada. The unions within the MTD represent approximately 8 million workers. Seafarers LOG 5 �---- - ~ -- ----~ ---- - - - -- -- Home on the (Gun) Range Petersburg Crew Keeps Terrorism in Crosshairs; Course Aims at Strengthening National Defense Since its chartering in 1938, the SIU continually has cooperated with American shipowners and the U.S. military to help ensure a strong national defense. Seafarers on the USNS Petersburg recently displayed such teamwork again when they participated in anti-terrorism firearms training in Guam. Overseen by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the training took place at a gun range on the island's U.S. Naval base. The Petersburg crew is far in more training with U.S. Marines. AB J.J. Arnold provided the photos accompanying this story. Under the professional instruction of U.S. Navy personnel, SIU crew members from the Petersburg take aim with 9 millimeter handguns (top photo) and M-14 rifles (below). from alone in learning the safe operation of handguns and rifles. All of the MSC ships stationed in Guam (many of which are SIUcrewed) are provided with this anti-terrorism training. The course is offered four to six times per year, depending on the availability of the gun range. Meanwhile, the Petersburg was scheduled to travel to Okinawa last month and take part Recertified Bosun Peter Funk (right) is ready for the start of the course in Guam. Above: Operating the stores crane is AB Carlos Thomas. Left: Back aboard ship, AB Miles Copeland loads stores. ABs Roman Genetiano and Eddie Ponteres, part of the Petersburg crew, help with loading stores. Quick Response Douses Fire Aboard Sea-Land Developer The captain of the SIU-crewed Sea-Land Developer credited all hands for a timely, effective response in extinguishing a shipboard fire January 14. Captain Robert Lamb provided the following account. No injuries were reported. "The Sea-Land Developer arrived in Long Beach (Calif.) on January 14 in the early morning hours. After a very hectic day of ABS safety inspections, she sailed at 1830, taking departure at the pilot station at 2130. The entire crew was looking forward to the long, peaceful trip to Balboa down the Mexican coast. "Two hours later the chief engineer called me to say he had an economizer fire. I went immediately to the bridge to find flames shooting 10 feet out of the stack! "We rang the general alarm for emergency stations at 2248. While the chief mate assessed the situation with the engineers, Bosun Dana Cella and two other men were fully suited in turnout gear and ready to apply boundary cooling by 2300. He reported in at that time and I informed him to 6 Seafarers LOG You Towed My Battleship! stand by. "The chief engineer and I had by then decided to use the fixed C02 system for the economizer (a device that pre-heats fuel or water for greater efficiency m 'This proficiency . . . is a tribute to the training that is given to each member of the SIU.' - Capt. Robert Lamb engineering plants). This had the effect of knocking down the flames and the stack was now clear. "It was determined that the boundary cooling was not necessary because the fire did not appear to be in danger of spreading. Charged hoses were left in place, a fire watch was set, and the crew stood down at about 0100. "At 0600 on January 15, a second set of bottles was rigged from the main bank to the economizer co 2 station, no small feat by any means. Before we were towed back to the dock and applying C02 from a tank truck on the pier, this evolution was accomplished three times and C02 was released four times into the economizer. "Throughout this period the crew handled themselves in the best traditions of the sea. Their performance was exemplary and is commended. "In addition to Dana Cella, the unlicensed crew consisted of ABs Eric Lund, George Mazzola, Robert Crooks, Thomas Arnold and David Cordero, Electrician Gary Dahl, QMED Keith Manzano, DEU Jose Garcia, Chief Steward Ruben Casin, Chief Cook John Gehring and GSU Ali Ghalib. "Once again this proficiency in the ability to act in dangerous circumstances is a tribute to the training that is given to each member of the SIU. It is indeed a pleasure sailing with such professionals." SIU tugboat crews played a key role last year in a Veterans' Day celebration in Philadelphia. SIU-crewed boats from Crowley and Moran moved the battleship USS New Jersey along the Delaware River as part of the ceremonies. Seafarers from the McAllister fleet also were on hand. Above, SIU members (from left) Deckhand Dave MacCollister, Deckhand Wallace Duffield and Mate Robert Van Blunk aboard the Iona McA/ister join in the festivities. Meanwhile, the Grace Moran (directly below) and the Explorer (bottom) team up. Man:h2000 �Luedtke Crews Complete On-Site Hazmat Training Great Lakes Crews Eye Fitout AMERICAN MARIN£ OS Mohamed Mohsin Safety gear comes in various sizes and varieties, as shown by (from left) Luedtke foreman Shannon Jensen, AB Dale Leonard and QMED Ed Carlson. Preparing for a spring assignment that likely will involve the dredging lllld transport of contaminated substances, SIU members employed by Luedtke Engineering recently completed a 40-hour course on hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Mark Jones, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., conducted the class January 31Febroary 4 in Frankfurt, Mich. (near Luedtke's offices). "All the guys thought it was a good course," noted Captain Marty Szekely. "For about half of us, the hazmat training was completely new material. I'll tell you one thing, that instructor was A-1. He was right to the point and he made everything clear." In addition to Szekely, the other SIU members who completed the class were Ken Glaser, John Shaski, Bert Adams, Dale Leonard, Charlie Wallace, Les Morr, William West, Rieb Arnold, Kevin Hollenbeck, Ed Carlson, Lorry Wilcox. Jason Beyette, Randy Johnson, Joe Kane, Jim Rider, Larry Hilton, Don Mills, Mike Niehus and Albert Cropek. Luedtke officials and a few members of the International Union of Operating Engineers also completed the class. "Everything came together quite well," said Jones. "It was cold and snowing all week, but everyone in the class showed up every day. There was a lot of effort put into it." Jones and the students covered numerous topics, including terminology, rights and responsibilities, personal protective equipment, decontamination operations, field survey instruments and sampling, medical surveillance, first aid and CPR and more. The class ended with an exam. The Paul Hall Center routinely offers on-site training to meet the unique needs of Seafarers throughout the country. QMED Ed Carlson dons a safety suit in class, aided by Captain Marty Szekely. Seafarers are asked to keep in touch with the SIU halls in Algonac, Mich. or Duluth, Minn. this month as Great Lakes fitout information becomes available. Meanwhile, these photos provide a glance back at the 1999 season-one in which U.S.-flag ships transported nearly 116 million tons of cargo on the Lakes. Captain Kenny Glaser Kurt R. Luedtke Bosun Tim Johnson Chief Steward Kris Setterington Buffalo Iglehart Unlicensed Apprentice Steven Cook, Kinsman Independent Lakes Seafarers Make Icy Rescue Left: Instructor Mark Jones (left) and Captain Les Morr demonstrate using protective equipment. Below: Students covered many subjects in the 40hour course, which blended classroom instruction with hands-on training. March2000 American Mariner Crew members on the Southdown Challenger began the new year with an unusual pier-side rescue in Ferrysburg, Mich. AB John Vegh, trying to aid a dockworker who had fallen through ice between a tug and barge notch, suffered a separated shoulder during the January 1 nighttime episode. Deckhand Michael Cushman helped lead a group that pulled Vegh from the frigid water. The dockworker, Bruce Groeneveld, also assisted after he was retrieved. The incident began as the Southdown Challenger, a freighter hauling cement, went to tie up. "We didn't have a clear dock because of the tug and barge, so extra people were sent out to help us," recalled Vegh. "One of the (shoreside) workers went up on the barge to catch a heaving line. There's a notch cut out for the tug to attach to it. All the ones I'd seen have a railing or some other barrier around it, but this one didn't-just a notch cut out in the deck. "The tug was in there, but there was probably 20 feet of open area," he continued. "It was very dark, and the shadow from the bow of the tug on the barge made it look like no gap. "I heard somebody yell, 'Help, I'm in the water!' I followed this guy's footsteps in the snow, jumped down on the barge, took three steps and fell on top of him. I couldn't even tell there was a [gap] there." With Vegh unable to swim due to his injury, and Groeneveld powerless to help him under the circumstances, Groeneveld crawled onto an ice floe, J~·- After a mishap while trying to aid a dockworker who fell into icy water, AB John Vegh (left photo) got help from Southdown Challenger shipmates, including Deckhand Michael Cushman (right and inset). from where he was pulled onto the deck. Meanwhile, Cushman retrieved a ladder and positioned it so that he, Grueneveld and another person could reach Vegh (who was wearing a lifejacket). "I'm not sure exactly how long it took. Probably eight minutes, but that was long enough because it was cold," said Vegh, who added that he and Groeneveld have kept in touch since then. Seafarers LOG 7 �r 1st Group from Guam Heads to Piney Point 10 Slated for Apprentice Program Ten people from Guam are scheduled to enroll this month in the Paul Hall Center 's unlicensed apprentice program. They are the first Guamanians to begin the threephase curriculum since the signing late last year of a cooperative agreement between the Piney Point, Md.-based school, the SIU and the government of the U.S . territory. That pact calls for establishment of a recruitment system aimed at boosting Guamanians' enrollment in the unlicensed apprentice program. It is structured the same as the one in which Alaska has participated since 1997. In mid-January. as many as 1,000 residents of Guam attended a seminar on the island about the entry-level trn.ining. Representatives from the Paul Hall Center described the program in depth and met throughout the day with prospective applicants. Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez (who along with several other Guam officials extensively toured the Paul Hall Center in late December) attended the seminar. Speaking to local reporters, he described the Paul Hall Center as "state-of-the-art" and said the unlicensed apprentice program is a good fit for "people who are committed to a drug-free workplace and challenging work to find a responsible place in society." Guam is the westernmost United States territory, situated between Hawaii and the Philippines in the Western Pacific. Its population last year was approximately 163,000. The unlicensed apprentice program blends classroom instruction and hands-on training, including a 90-day stint aboard U.S.-flag merchant vessels. Upon graduation, the Seafarer is shipped out to work as either an ordinary seaman, wiper or steward assistant. SIU crew members from the USNS Petersburg enthusiastically volunteered to help spread the word about the apprentice program during off-time. The ship was stationed in Guam during the seminar but has since sailed to Okinawa (see story, page 6). In these three photos, interested residents of Guam learn more about the Paul Hall Center's entry-level training program. Chatting during a break at the mid-January seminar are (from left) Chief Steward George J. Borromeo (who provided the photos accompanying this story), Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan. SIU Supports ILA at Dredging Rally Seafarers participated in a late-January rally and public hearing in Fort Monmouth, N.J. concerning a proposed dredging project at the port of New York/ New Jersey. SIU members joined with an estimated 2,200 fellow trade unionists, most of them members of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), in urging public officials to support dredging of terminals at Brooklyn and Queens, N.Y. Failure to do so, they warned, will threaten hundreds of thousands of local jobs and damage the economy. At issue is whether or not the mud samples from the terminals contained unacceptable toxicity levels. Apparently, at least one environmental group thinks so. and hyperbole." A high-ranking port official stated at the hearing that the Army Corps of Engineers itself has acknowledged that mud samples from Brooklyn and Queens met the "clean" standard. The official further asserted that the samples satisfy the 1997 accord overseen by Vice President Al Gore and signed by the Army, two federal agencies and environmental groups to restrict an old dump site to categorically clean material. During the January hearing, Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) stated that those who support dredging "care just as much about the environment as anyone else. We understand that water quality and habitat are important, but 180,000 jobs and a $20 billion economy generated by the port also are important." Two weeks following the hearing, ILA Executive Vice President Al Cernadas addressed the winter executive board meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. He thanked the MTD board for passing a statement to allow the needed dredging to get started so large commercial vessels may continue to call on the port. Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan is interviewed by Stephanie Lum for a local television station, KUAM Channel 8. Others are challenging the project based on a questionable interpretation of other rules governing the dumping of dredged material. As an official from the New York Shipping Association put it, environmental "extremists want to bring the shipping industry to its knees" by using "scare tactics B Seafarers LOG AB J.J. Arnold (right) answers a question about the shipboard training. SIU members join thousands of fellow trade unionists at a public hearing in Fort Monmouth, N.J. addressing a dredging project for the port of New York/New Jersey. March2000 �Crew members on the El Yunque had a special guest recently, when the vessel carried the Ringling Brothers Circus from Jacksonville, Fla. to San Juan, P.R. Posing with one of the elephants are AB Carlos Suazo. AB Ron Mena. SA Blair Baker, DEU John Cooper and Bosun Luis Ramirez. Douglas Burch, steward/ baker on board the USNS Cape Isabel, prepares a tasty meal for the crew. The vessel is on ROS status in the old Long Beach (Calif.) naval shipyard . From the left are Chief Cook Mariano Norales, AB Carlos Parilla, AB Thomas Lasater and SA Elston Yumateo. i WITH THE SIU The Sea-Land Expedition is loaded up and ready to go. From the left are AB John Alberti, Electrician Joe Corr and AB George Darley. The crew aboard : the /TB Groton enjoyed a cookout, which was prepared with pride by Chief Steward Charlie Roldan (left) and Chief Cook Joel Molinas. Right: San Juan Port Agent Victor Nunez (left) shows unlicensed apprentice Brett Parkins around the SIU hall. Participating in a membership meeting aboard the USNS Pathfinder in San Juan are San Juan Port Agent Victor Nunez, GVAs Richard Jensen, Jonathan Gibson and Celso Ordonez, Chief Cook Francisco Aguillar, Storekeepers Gary Hanson and Luther Jesord, ABs John Soares, Rafael Lopez and Kenneth Gross, OSs Victor Velez and Joseph Gierbolini, Oilers Oswaldo Lopez and Bryce Gritten and QMEDThomas Hooper. Second Pumpman Mario Cruzat is ready to go ashore. His vessel , the Overseas Ohio, was at the moorings in El Segundo, Calif. The entire unlicensed crew on the USNS Dahl poses for a group shot while the vessel was in a San Diego, Calif. shipyard. Man:h2000 When the Sea-Land Expedition was in Elizabeth, N.J. recently, steward department members Tom Vanyi (left) and Charlie DiCanio show it takes teamwork to get the job done. Seafarers LOG 9 �CelebraJing a New Year On tb.e El Yunque While much of the rest of the world was getting ready to celebrate the year 2000 in excessive fashion, crew members aboard the El Yunque also took note of the new year, but in their usual, professional manner. The vessel, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Co. spent New Year's eve at sea, heading for a payoff in San Juan on January 2. Members of the engine department on the El Yunque include (from left) DEU Orlando Herrera, OMU Hiawatha J. Williams and Oiler Reginald Abrams. Chief Cook Joey Gallo (left) and Recertified Steward Louis Nicoud 111 are a great team aboard the Sea-Land Liberator. Here, they pose on deck as the vessel navigates the Panama Canal. East Coast Meets West Coast Aboard Sea-Land Liberator Steward Dept. Team Stresses Education Along with Fine Food and Service Ready to usher in the new year are deck department members (from left) AB Blair C. Baker, OS Pedro C. Gago, Bosun Luis Ramirez, AB Carson Jordan and (kneeling) AB/Ship's Chairman Paul J. LaTorre. Delicious, home-style meals are prepared and served by (from left) Chief Steward Milton Yournett, SA Charles B. Collier Jr. and Chief Cook David Camacho. A real sense of camaraderie is evident among the El Yunque's crew members, including AB Ronald Mena, OS Pedro C. Gago, Chief Steward Milton Yournett, Chief Cook David Camacho, AB Blair C. Baker, Oiler Hiawatha J. Williams, Bosun Luis Ramirez, AB Carson Jordan, SA Charles B. Collier Jr. and DEU Orlando Herrera. When Recertified Steward Louis Nicoud III from Las Vegas met up with Chief Cook Joey Gallo from Brooklyn aboard the Sea-Land Liberator, everything fell into place. The two professionally trained chefs were of one mindset: a commitment to provide a superior level of service to the unlicensed crew and officers. Everything from daily meetings on menu development to an emphasis on sanitation went toward fulfilling that goal. Both men also believe in professional development as the key to a thriving U.S. merchant marine, and stress to their fellow crew members that upgrading their skills at the Paul Hall Center is the way to go. Nicoud, a 19-year member of the SIU and graduate of the union's entry-level training program at Piney Point, emphasizes a clean galley and house, galley economy, fine food and service and a sense of humor. According to his shipmate Gallo, Nicoud (who has completed the steward recertification program at Piney Point-the highest curriculum available to members of the steward department) is a quality-driven food service professional with a flair for marketing, which is reflected in his menu text and design. Gallo has been a member of the SIU for 10 years. A professional chef and Culinary Institute graduate, the former U.S. Marine Corps cook/baker has the philosophy, "If we can do it in a restaurant, we can do it on a ship." Menu diversity and preparation are Gallo's strong points, and he is a stalwart proponent of the Paul Hall Center. He has upgraded to certified steward and hopes to attend the union's recertification program as well. He also plans to enroll at Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey to complete requirements for a bachelor's degree in hospitality management. Nicoud and Gallo are almost like a bicoastal vaudeville act, always seeking to surprise, entertain and please their audiences. Whether it comes in the form of high quality international cuisine or a simple good morning, the two Seafarers are always on the job-living and working the credo, "Brotherhood of the Sea." HoHday Highlights .tram tb.e PresidentJachon Those crew members who found themselves aboard the President Jackson on Thanksgiving and Christmas days were in for something special. Mary Lou Lopez, assistant cook/utility and steward department delegate on the vessel, noted that the President Jackson was in the Far East. "Being it was the last Thanksgiving and Christmas before the new millennium," she wrote in a letter accompanying these photos, "we went the extra mile." Clockwise from left: Nothing says Christmas like festive decorations-and freshly baked cookies, brought into the crew lounge by Assistant Cook/Utility Mary Lou Lopez. Ron Peterson, chief mate aboard the President Jackson, is the first crew member to sample the elegant Christmas appetizers. Just to make sure the Thanksgiving Day treats are as delicious as they look, Recertified Steward Terry Allen and Assistant Cook/Utility Mary Lou Lopez do a quick taste-test. An assortment of pies and cakes topped off a perfect Christmas dinner. 10 Seafarers LOG Man:h2000 �he seafaring life agreed with Matt Harrison from the moment he joined he SIU in 1982. "It's the best thing that ever happened to me. I've gone around the world because of the SIU," stated the 38-year-old AB. Harrison graduated from the trainee program at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. A few years into his sail- 71 ing career, he took up photography-expressly to "capture the feel of shipping," he recalled. "I didn't have any background with photography, but it interested me," he continued. "I started for artistic reasons. but it was all trial and error. As the years went by, I got better." Approximately eight years of flashbulbs Man:h2000 and film fulfilled the AB 's pictorial aspirations. He sold his camera gear in the mid1990s. But during his time behind the lens, Harrison accumulated a compelling collection of photos, with subjects such as shipmates, vessels and foreign lands. And although he's had his fill of taking pictures, he's eager to continue sailing. "I wanted to see the world, and that's why I joined the union," noted Harrison, who most recently sailed aboard the Northern Lights. "It was either Piney Point or join the (military) service, but I'm glad I ended up with the SIU. "(SIU President) Mike Sacco got me started, I met him at the school. To me, we're family. That brotherhood means a lot." Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers Crew New The delivery ceremony featured a tribute to the vessel's namesake, Cpl. Mitchell Red Cloud Jr. Taking part in the service are (from left) AB Johnny Birdwell, AB Omar Muhammad, SIU Port Agent John Cox, Misty Elk (Red Clt>ud's grMddeughter). OS Lenerd Madison and Recertified Bosun David Parl<. U e new year began with new SIU jobs, as Seafarers crewed the USNS Red Cloud in San Diego. A Watson-class vessel assigned to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Red Cloud began its inaugural voyage in January, shortly after delivery. For the union, the 950-foot ship represents job opportunities. But it also signifies a commitment by the U.S. government to a strong American sealift capability. The Red Cloud is part of a 19-ship program (14 new builds, five conversions) designed to ensure sufficient U.S. sealift resources. Built at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), the Red Cloud joins MSC's prepositioning fleet. Vessels in that armada are fully loaded with U.S. military supplies and equipment and are stationed near potential areas of conflict around • fc I, the world. Their tanks, tractor-trailers and high-mobility military vehicles, just to name a few. Like the others in its class, the Red Cloud includes 390,000 square feet of cargo space. It is named in memory of Army Cpl. Mitchell Red Cloud Jr. ( 1925-1950), a posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor. Red Cloud perished from enemy fire while defending a ridge in front of his company command post in Korea in 1950. "His heroic actions prevented his company from being overrun," noted the U.S. Navy in a press release. The first SIU crew aboard the USNS Red Cloud consisted of Recertified Bosun David Park, ABs Omar Muhammad, Thomas Ellington, Andre Frazier, Edward Miller and Johnny Birdwell, OSs Jerry Fanning, Lenard Madison and Willie Harrington, QMEDs Timothy Pillsworth, Sylvester Crawford, Nunzio Ciciulla, Anthony McNeil, Dwight Ward and Michael Gott, Storekeeper Alex Davis, Steward/Baker Christopher Hale, Chief Cook Bernardo Jordan and SAs Claudia Kamm eyer and Tanja Pfizenmaier. A walk through the engine room shows all the latest equipment. 12 Seafarers LOG Man:h2000 �Prepositioning Ship Crew members take a short break in the galley. Greeting a visitor is the watchstanding AB, Edward Miller. SAs Tanja PHzenmaier (left) and Claudia Kammeyer sign on for the Red Cloud's first voyage. A specially decorated cake helps mark delivery ceremonies for the new MSC-operated vessel. USNS Red Cloud By the numbers Length: 950' Beam: 105'-9" Displacement at design draft: 62,700 tons Cargo area: 393,000 sq. feet Design speed: 24 knots Miscellaneous Berthing, living, mess, recreation and office spaces for as many as 13 officers and 32 unlicensed personnel. Similar facilities available for 'supercargo crew' of 50 military personnel. Additional features include leisure and community facilities, hospital complex, laundry and workshops. Propulsion plant Two GE LM-2500 gas turbines with an output of 32,000 BHP each Two 24' -0" controllable pitch propellers - 95 RPM at full power Man:h2000 12,500 KW total ship's service generating capability 2,000 KW emergency generating capacity Cargo system & equipment Self-sustaining roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) capabilities Self-sustaining lift-on/lift-off (LO/LO) capabilities Centerline stern slewing ramp Port and starboard sideport ramp system Two single pedestal twin cranes Cargo hatches in three holds All RO/RO decks fixed Combination of fixed and hinged RO/RO ramps Special features Environmental control for cargo holds Foam firefighting and de-watering system for cargo holds Bow thruster units List control system Source: NASSCO The ship's delivery ceremony kept the steward department busy and in good spirits. Pictured from left to right are Steward/Baker Chris Hale, Chief Cook Bernardo Jordan and SA Claudia Kammeyer. Seafarers LOB 13 �- Port Agent Anthony McQuay (center) congratulates certified chief cooks Jimmie Reddick (left) and Willie Grant for their hard work in preparing the holiday fare. More than 100 Seafarers and their families and friends gathered at the festively decorated Jacksonville hall last December 22 for a memorable holiday party. Port Agent Anthony McQuay set the tone for the celebration in his welcoming remarks, which were then followed by a delicious luncheon. Certified Chief Cooks Jimmie Reddick and Willie Grant took advantage of the hall's full galley to prepare the meal, while messmen Almus Allen and Brian Wilder assisted in helping serve the holiday fare, consisting of everything from turkey and ham with all the trimmings to an endless variety of freshly baked pies and cakes. The photos of the party on this page were taken by Patrolman Bryan Powell and Recertified Bosun Roan Lightfoot. Enjoying the festivities are (from left) Retired Bosun Paul Butterworth, Port Secretary Karen Shuford, Mrs. Butterworth and Carolyn Shuford. IP®rn! ®i!J]~®mwfillil@ M@~ &.b@ Ifil®Ifil®~~ > • >J ' I '•'•· • ,·, Left: Messmen Alm us Allen (left) and Brian Wilder help serve lunch to Seafarers and their guests. Partaking in good food and holiday cheer at the Jacksonville party are (from left) ABs Rubin Mitchell, Lydell Grant and Charles Whitehead. The party at the Jacksonville hall helps (from left) AB James Blitch, Recertified Bosun Roan Lightfoot and QEE Angel Hernandez get in the holiday spirit. Bosun John Micklos (left) gets a chance to share in the festive occasion with AB Tom Gruber and his wife. Having a great time are (from left) OMU Stephanie Brown, DENU Jerry Miller and Mrs. Charles Whitehead. Patrolman Harmando Salazar (left) welcomes retired Recertified Bosun Billy Darley to the Jacksonville hall. Right: It's all smiles at the table of (from right) OMU Ramon Calazo, his wife and their niece Stephanie. AB Tom Driggers (left) and his wife enjoy a soda and some good conversation with AB John Gatton. Posing for a photo during the festivities are (from left) Patrolman Harmando Salazar, Port Agent Anthony McQuay, Crowley VP of Labor Relations Mike DePrisco and Patrolman Bryan Powell. 14 Seafarers LOS Retired Recertified Steward Joe Miller (left) reminisces about "the good old days" and the bright future of the SIU with retired SA Frank Sirignano. Port Agent Anthony McQuay and his family enjoy the culinary delights served at the holiday luncheon. llarch 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 - FEBRUARY 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San . Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu 32 5 4 15 19 18 34 31 26 26 6 10 Houston 26 St. Louis 3 0 · Piney Point Algonac Totals Port Ne~~\Tork P~iladelphia Baltnnf.?re Norfolk Mobile New Orleans JackSonville San Francisco _ Wih;nington "" Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 3 23 4 8 2 3 5 1 7 5 12 1 7 2 6 11 12 4 12 3 14 5 3 30 10 3 8 5 14 5 13 15 11 9 12 5 10 20 1 4 5 6 5 6 3 3 Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans H6 137 8 10 6 2 10 3 5 0 5 3 13 8 7 2 3 2 1 3 11 3 l9 1 11 9 3 14 13 4 3 4 7 2 3 8 z .,. .. 5 10 12 3 15 5 9 19 4 9 3 5 2 3 125 0 106 0 16 7 3 3 2 8 17 2 7 9 13 41 14 9 18 4 ll 46 9 5 17 5 13 1 1 10 53 9 25 9 .... .1 -.. . 3 u 4 () 4 88 1 418 0 173 3 16 0 0 ·3 15 ·- '3 10 3 11 5 14 0 5 3 21 8 6 12 6 4 0 15 3 3 6 0 98 1 1 2 0 2 1 5 11 19 14 24 14 15 15 10 11 29 2 · 3 San Francisco ......... Thursday: April 13, May 18 San Juan ..................Thursday: April 6, May 11 4 3 55 2 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. 3 5 1 0 8 9 11 2 4 2 EKOWDOFFOH 26 4 7 4 4 0 2 6 13 IO 10 17 6 7 3 2 2 2 0 9 2 0 2 0 0 15 0 24 100 16 0 l 9 2 10 14 3 0 1 0 1 4 0 1 6 3 11 5 0 2 7r 0 0 54 47 37 30 3 24 20 TERRY GILLILAND 2 3 Please get in touch with Pammy Gilliland at 21168 Winding Way, Lexington Park, MD 20653; or call (240) 728-0777. 5 0 5 7 0 9 2 1 2 0 0 0 263 59 27 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 16 7 0 0 0 5 0 41 35 0 0 2 1 9 3 8 12 29 1 7 0 2 15 1 11 17 13 68 8 1 3 6 I 8 3 10 1 0 0 34 0 0 2 6 189 308 3 6 9 0 38 4 St. Louis 0 Piney Point Algonac 0 0 36 5 I 139 205 39 0 119 558 420 344 464 354 2 8 6 7 115 0 0 19 0 0 0 3 4 15 0 I 11 0 5 0 0 10 17 8 11 16 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 12 1 24 17 25 3 38 18 l 12 5 ESTEBAN B. LUKE Please contact Reyna Roman at P.O. Box 216, Hampton Bays, NY 11946; or telephone (631) 3691682. Job Call in the New Orleans Hall 13 20 11 11 18 8 86 13 3 10 22 0 0 0 0 0 75 247 258 185 949 606 437 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. William Coffy (Bob Louis ' nephew) saw your picture in the February LOG and would like to hear from you. Please call him at (973) 485-3487. 1 0 42 Personals JAMES ROY AMBROSE 44 0 6 3 0 9 0 0 2 7 -PhlladeJpbia.. :......... Wedn~day: Apn1 5, May 10 11 2 12 14 New York ............... :Tue§day; April 4, May 9 1 2 4 17 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 11, May 16 2 30 0 0 5 0 2 1 12 New Bedford ..... :.... Tuesday; April 18, May 23 6 4 0 71 0 2 4 0 2 0 6 7 3 10 2 4 0 1 3 3 8 3 10 0 4 0 141 0 Mobile .................... Wednesday: April 12, May 17 Please contct Tammy Ambrose Bullock at 2703 South Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, VA 23322; or call (757) 421-7233 or FAX (757) 421-4320. 6 7 0 3 8 5 10 14 Jersey City ..............Wednesday: April 19, May 24 2 0 5 0 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 6, May l l 9 0 1 Houston .................. Monday: April I0, May 15 29 3 25 Honolulu ................. Friday: April 14, May 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 11 3. 1 3 0 3 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: April 12, May 17 193 3 4 0 38 9 2 Baltimore ................ Thursday: April 6, May 11 ~No~folk ..........~.'. ...... Thursday~_April 6, May 11 2 4 4 1 4 Algonac .................. Friday: April 7, May 12 53 0 121 12 0 5 6 3 March20DO 17 1 6 7 Piney Point ............ Monday: April 3, May 8 4 0 127 1 0 4 0 0 37 4 3 2 2 6 1 s 2 0 l9 15 Totals All Departments 4 1 0 9 8 8 l 5 0 2 San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Totals 8 14 22 22 3 60 24 26 59 41 2 14 7 2 2 13 55 lO 7 12 6 2 18 5 6 16 6 0 2 6 16 9 3 4 3 6 ~ 6 Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston 16 8 12 10 ·- 8 Port New York 2 4 204 14 10 18 Totals 12 7 9 5 3 2 U2 9 19 8 Jacksonville Piney Point Algonac Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 2 3 Houston St. Louis 21 18 30 4 12 19 1 78 0 Port New York **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Trip Reliefs April & May 2 • Memlletship Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 0 These three Seafarers were spotted recently in the New Orleans hall waiting for a job call. From the left are Chief Cook Gerardo Frederick, DEU Cirilo S. Centeno and Chief Cook Pedro Ramos. Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Dlridory JANUARY 16 - Michael Sac<:o President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services " .... - lttADQtJAl'UERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (~01) 89M675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair Rivt:r Dr. - Algonac, MI 48001 Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 14 0 4 0 0 4 5 0 11 15 FEBRUARY 15, 2000 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 2 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 4 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT o· 6 I **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 21 6 0 5 2 0 3 4 0 _9_ 9 Totals All Depts 42 34 0 0 8 17 0 38 *'Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 21 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE SQoam~ St.J if l C 721 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Anchorage~ AK 99503 (907) ~61-4988 JANUARY 16 - BALTIMORE FEBRUARY 15, 2000 1216 E. Baltimore St *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802. (11~) 12~-4110 HONOLULU 0 606 Kalihi St Honolulu, HI 968 i9 (808) 845"'.?222 3 ,.·' JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. JacksonviIJe, FL 32206 (904} 353-0987 JEllSEY CITY ,,, ,.•.• , •• ,,.,, "'· c:,,,. 9~l M'ontgom~efY-·.St,.j\: ..... ,_, ., .,. . ,. ""''". . . ,. . . . ,. Jersey City, NJ 01302 (201) 435-9424 ''" MOBILE i64o Datiphin1stand.P~. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union -St. New Bedford1 MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 upalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (sp.t) 3,28-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk,. VA 23510 aA<l Waters 0 2 5 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 ~~' f!ll~{i }Va~~t . ::''·Q West Coast 0 Totals 0 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters 0 West Coast 0 Totals 0 0 1 . ~L 0 6 10 8 1 0 10 3 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 1 1 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 0 0 6 8 ·O 1 16 2 28 0 1 ·~ ~-_ ~:o ,;" 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Totals All Depts 10 9 5 3 10 3 5 3 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 29 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604S.4St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY J>OINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point1 MD 2067:f (301)994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division {415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16% Santurce, PR 00907 - (787) 721-4033 ST.WUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, "\NA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington. CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG This copy of an old photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by John E. Helman of Fremantle, Western Australia. It was taken August 15, 1944 aboard the SS Edwin L. Godkin. The Luckenbach Lines vessel was offloading allied equipment for the war effort in St. Tropez in the south of France. AB Helman (standing center) identifies his shipmates as "AB Charles Lucas from Queens, N.Y., Felix (a carpenter) from Baltimore, Md. and AB Frenchy Cyr from Maine." Now 80, Helman still enjoys reading the Seafarers LOG and wonders where his old shipmates are today. Man:h2000 �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. nland Captain John E. Long is among the 14 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 38 years of active union membership, Brother Long graduated from the towboat operator program offered at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. This program was designed to prepare qualified mariners for licenses under U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring such documentation for all operators of uninspected towboats and tugboats. Jncluding Brother Long, four of the retirees navigated the inland waterways and l 0 sailed in the deep sea division. Six of the retiring pensioners were members of the steward department, five shipped in the engine department, and three worked in the deck department This month's pensioners are scattered across the country: five have retired to the East Coast, three make their homes in the Gulf states, three live on the West Coast, two reside in the Midwest and one person calls Puerto Rico home. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. I DEEP SEA HAMEEDK. ALI, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the San Francisco, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Born in Yemen, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. Brother Ali makes his home in New York. ERNESTOR. AVILA, 65, joined the SIU in 1973, first sailing in the inland division aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He later transferred to deep sea vessels. A native of Honduras, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Avila last worked aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. Hawthorne, Calif. is where he calls home. WILLIAM H. BRIMIIALL, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. His first ship was the Vantage Venture, operated by Vancor Steamship Co. Born in California, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. March2000 Brother Brimhall last sailed in 1982 aboard the Overseas Juneau. He has retired to Santa Rosa, Calif. CHARLESH. .--~-=-~--, DAVIS, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1966. His first ship was the Ocean Cloud, operated by Ocean Ore Carriers. The Ohio native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, h worked aboard the SP5 Eric G. Gibson, a Maersk Line Ltd. vessel. Brother Davis makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. VIRGILIO GALDOS, 65, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1962 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Ecuador, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Galdos worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. He has retired to Cloverdale, Calif. JOE HARRIS, 61, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Bradford Is land, operated by Cities Service Oil Co. He worked in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Anny from 1956 to 1958. Brother Harris last sailed aboard the Guayama, an NPR, Inc. vessel. Jacksonville, Fla. is where he calls home. LLOYDT. PALMER, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1987 from the port of Mobile, Ala. He first sailed aboard the USNS Dutton. The Alabama native worked in the steward department as a chief cook. Brother Palmer last sailed aboard the Newark Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Mobile. DONALDE. PETERSON, 65, joined the SIU in 1978 in the port of New Orleans after a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. Brother Peterson's first SIU ship was the Sea-Land Economy. Born in Minnesota, he sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He has retired to Foley, Ala. VIRGILIO RIVERA, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1972 aboard the Longview Victory. The Puerto Rico native worked in the steward department and frequently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. Brother Rivera makes his home in Vega ~aja, P.R. JACKA. SINGLE- CHARLES M. GAUTIER, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965 from the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, he worked in the deck department. Boatman Gautier last sailed as a barge captain in 1984 aboard a Maritrans vessel. He has retired to Mt. Olive, N.C. JOHNE. LONG, 60, joined the sru in 1961 in the •" port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he completed the towboat operator course in 1973. Prior to retiring, he sailed as a captain aboard a Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessel. New Orleans is where he calls home. STELLAM. PAYNE, 62, started her career with the SIUin 1986 in the port of St. Louis. Born in Missouri, she worked in the steward department Sister Payne last sailed aboard a vessel operated by Midland Enterprises, Orgulf Division. She makes her home in Poplar Bluff, Mo. Worth 1, 000 Words TARY, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1967, first sailing aboard the Burbank Victory. Born in Oregon, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1954 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Singletary last worked aboard the Cape Trinity. Santa Fe, Texas is where he calls home. INLAND GEORGE W. DIXON, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of Philadelphia. He worked in the engine department. The Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard an Interstate Oil Co. vessel. Boatman Dixon makes his home in Philadelphia. SIU retirees Eddie Craddock and Jerry Brown recently stopped by the hall in Mobile, Ala. to check out the growing collection of framed photos of SIU-contracted ships. While there on January 24, they chatted with SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly and others. Pictured from left to right are Kelly, Brown, Craddock, retiree Clarence Pryor, QMED Hannable Smith and retiree Jerry Carl. Reprinted from past issues of the Sea(arers LOG aboard SIU ships before January 1, 1955 or had not shipped r~gularly during the peri· 1941 ods to cover classes A and B received a "C" More than 2,500 members of the Atlantic rating. ln the future, seamen with "A" ratings and Gulf District participated in the election of will receive preference over the other two catofficers of the SIU, Atlantic & Gulf District egories for job calls and the "B" rated seamen for 1941. This was rr.=:========~====================::::;:n will receive preference the first election conover ''C" men. ducted since the two districts were amalga1963 mated into the one The SIU will represent district. The election the crew of the new covered the Atlantic cable ship SS Long District representative, Lines. Crewmen have the Gulf District reprebeen flown to sentative, and port agents and patrolmen in all Hamburg, Germany to sail the ship, the ports from Boston to Texas City and including world's largest cable ship, out of the shipyard where she was built and take her on sea trials. San Juan, Puerto Rico. Her initial job will be to complete an all cable 1955 underwater network throughout the The membership of the Seafarers International Caribbean, connecting Florida, Jamaica, Union, Atlantic & Gulf District, ratified a Panama and South American points. Since newly negotiated contract clause establishing a there is no other large cable ship sailing under seniority hiring provision with contracted com- the U.S.-flag, the SIU negotiated a special panies. The new hiring system involves three manning scale to cover the crew. When the classes of seniority. Men sailing before ship arrives in the United States, SIU crew December 31, 1950 got" A" ratings; men members will take part in a training period for sailing regularly since January 1, 1951 were several weeks to prepare them for cable laying rated class "8'' and men who had no time operations. who 1HlS MO " TH lN SlU HISTORY Seafarers LOS 17 �DEEP SEA HARRY JESSE BARRICK Pensioner Harry Jesse Barrick, 75 , passed away December 23, 1999. Born in Washington, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards ~~__J (MC&S) in 1956 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Barrick worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Kauai, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. He was a resident of Bullhead City, Ariz. and started receiving his pension in February 1987. HOWARD G. BRADSHAW tification program in 1982. Prior to retiring in October 1984, he sailed aboard the Golden Monarch, operated by Westchester Marine. He was a resident of Savannah. retiring in November 1987, he sailed aboard the Inger, operated by Reynolds Metal Co. He made his home in Galveston, Texas. ROBERT JAMES MAIELLO Robert James Maiello, 53, passed away December 22, 1999. Born in New York, he first sailed with the SIU in 1989, aboard _ ____, the USNS Harkness. The steward department member upgraded his skills to chief steward at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Maiello last worh!d aboard the JQb Stuart. Wilmington, N.C. was his home. Pensioner Edward Charles Ryan, 72, passed away December 14, 1999. Born in Oregon, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1964. He first sailed aboard the Yorkmar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. Brother Ryan worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Philadelphia, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Seattle, he began receiving his pension in August 1992. EDWARD CHARLES RYAN Pensioner Howard Gilbert Bradshaw, 68, ctiea January 2. He fust sailed with the Sea· farers in 19 51 as a member of the engine department. The Virginia native upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1948 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Bradshaw last sailed aboard the Charleston, a Westchester Marine vessel. A resident of Chesapeake, Va., he retired in August 1990. JAMES LUDWIG MILLER GEORGE A. SILVA Pensioner James Ludwig Miller, 79, died December 22, 1999. A native of Washington, he joined the MC&S in 1942. · Brother Miller worked in the steward department, last sailing on the President Grant, an American President Lines vessel. A resident of Oregon City, Ore., he began receiving his pension in April 1991. , . - - - - - - - - . Pensioner George A. Silva, 74, died December 5, 1999. A native of Massachusetts, he began sailing with the SIU in 1952 from the port of Boston. Brother Silva worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the ITB Jacksonville. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. The Sykesville, Md. resident retired in August 1986. DAVID BRONSTEIN JOSEPH P. PETRUSEWICZ Pensioner David Bronstein, 70, passed away January 16, 1997. He started his career with the SIU in 1965 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Henry, operated by American Bullc Carriers. During his career, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1981. Prior to retiring in September 1991, he sailed aboard the Cape Hudson. The Texas native served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946. Brother Bronstein lived in Houston. Pensioner Joseph P. Petrusewicz, 67, passed away December 20, 1999. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1951. His first ship was the Ann Marie, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. The Massachusetts native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in December 1989, Brother Petrusewicz sailed aboard the Falcon Princess, operated by Seahawk Management. Quincy, Mass. was his home. DANIEL JOE CHERRY Pensioner Daniel Joe Cherry, 84, died December 30, 1999. Brother Cherry began sailing with the Seafarers in 1943 from the port of Tampa, Fla. Born in Florida, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Bayamon, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. A resident of Baltimore, he began receiving his pension in May 1984. THOMAS C. HANKINS Pensioner Thomas Cranston Hankins, 70, passed away December 21, 1999. A native of Florida, he · joined the SIU * ' in 1945 in Savannah, Ga. Brother Hankins sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recer- 18 Seafarers LOB RUDOLFO "RUDY" RAMIREZ Pensioner Rudolfo "Rudy" Ramirez, 73 died December 24, 1999. A native of Texas, he joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Brother Ramirez worked in the steward department and upgraded bis skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Sea-Land Consumer. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in December 1991. JOSEPH RAPOZA Pensioner Joseph Rapoza, 82, passed away November 29, 1999. Born in Hawaii, he joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of Seattle. Brother Rapoza sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in January 1980. He was a resident of Lynwood, Wash. JOHN W. RIELLY Pensioner John W. Rielly, 77, died November 25, 1999. Brother Rielly began his SIU career in 1943 from the port of New York. The Minnesota native worked in the steward depart- ERIK P. SMITH Pensioner Erik P. Smith, 79, passed away November 18, 1999. He joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Finland, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to retiring in August 1985, he sailed aboard the Pittsburgh, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He made his home in Lantana, Fla. WILLIAM C. SMITH Pensioner William C. Smith, 93, passed away June 1, 1999. Brother Smith was a member of the MC&S, and a resident of Daly City, Calif. He started receiving his pension in February 1973. JAMES STATHIS Pensioner James Stathis, 73, died March 1, 1997. Brother Stathis began sailing with the SIU in 1953. His first ship was the Dorothy, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. The New York native sailed as a member of the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and attended an education conference in 1970 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring in June 1988, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. Brother Stathis was a resident of San Francisco. NICHOLAS SWOKLA Pensioner Nicholas Swokla, 73, passed away November 10, 1999. Born in Connecticut, he joined the Seafarers in ' - - - - = - - " " " ' ' - - - - ' 1946 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Swokla sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in December 1982. He was a resident of Hayward, Calif. - PERCY THOMPSON Pensioner Percy Thompson, 94, died November 30, 1999. Brother Thompson first sailed with the SIU in 1947 from the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of New Orleans, he retired in October 1972. RAYMOND J. VAUGHT Pensioner · Raymond J. Vaught, 80, passed away October 10, 1999. A native of California, he joined the MC&S in 1952 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the MC&S training school. He last worked aboard the Manu/ani, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Vaught made his home in Sacramento, Calif. He began receiving his pension in February 1984. RONALD E. WARRIOR Ronald E. Warrior, 48, died December 4, 1999. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Seattle. Born in Oklahoma, he sailed in the deck department. From 1969 to 1971, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Warrior was a resident of Federal Way, Wash. VAN WHITNEY Pensioner Van Whitney, 78, passed away November 9, 1999. Born in Trinidad, he started his career with the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Del Sud. Brother Whitney sailed in the engine department and upgraded bis skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of St. Petersburg, Fla., he began receiving his pension in January 1978. INLAND PIDLIP E. AYERS Pensioner Philip E. Ayers, 63, passed away December 26, 1999. Born in North Carolina, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1961. Boatman Ayers worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat operator program in 1973. A resident of Mullica Hill, NJ., he began receiving his pension in December 1998. From 1955 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Air Force. ERNEST FELIX FABRE Pensioner Ernest Felix Fabre, 79, died December 16, 1999. He started his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief engineer aboard a vessel operated by Dixie Carriers. Boatman Fabre began receiving his pension in 1983. He was a resident of Harvey, La. JAMES THOMAS GASKILL Pensioner James Thomas Gaskill, 86, passed away December 26, 1999. A native of North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Gaskill sailed as a tugboat captain and retired in December 1975. Arapahoe, N.C. was his home. DERWOOD D. KENT Pensioner Derwood Downing Kent, 84, died December 25, 1999. Boatman Kent began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Baltimore. The Virginia native worked as a chief engineer. A resident of Round Rock, Texas, he started receiving his pension in May 1979. GREAT LAKES THOMAS HOLT FORG Pensioner Thomas Holt Forgrave, 85, passed away January 9. Brother Forgrave joined the Seafarers in 1961 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., where he made his home. He sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in 1976. MICHAEL J. MARTINAC Pensioner Michael John Martinac, 80, died January 15. Born in Michigan, he started his career with the SIU in 1957 in the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Martinac worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, operated by American Steamship Co. A resident of Gladstone, Mich., he started receiving his pension in February 1982. RAILROAD MARINE OTTO CONRAD SCHWARZ Pensioner Otto Conrad Schwarz, &7, passed away December 18, 1999. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. Brother Schwarz sailed in the deck department and retired in January 1975. He was a resident of Hoboken, NJ. March 2000 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts ta print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Sh/ps_1piiifttis first are reviewed by the union's- contract department. Thoss fss{jes tei/uiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union l)/itfif. · to/the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded ·: !o.the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lines, Ltd.). November 29Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Joseph S. Henby, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Dekgate Joseph LeBeau, Engine Delegate Ricky Carter, Steward Delegate Rayford Nixon. Meeting held while at anchor in Gdansk, Poland. Chairman stated vessel probably not entering drydock next day as planned. Deck watches set. Secretary noted lack of stores, including milk. Every effort being made to obtain supplies in Gdansk. Educational director stressed upgrading program at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Beefs reported in deck and steward departments. Chairman read communications on EPA wage adjustment and led discussion on impending NMU merger. He urged all members to vote. Clarification requested on reliefs after 120 days while outside continental U.S. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (CSX), November 19--Chairman Hayden W. Gifford, Secretary Franchesca ose, Educational Director Ray L. Chapman. Chairmah noted portside gangway motor fixed and crew did great job in annual Coast Guard inspection in Oakland, Calif. He informed all crew members ·o f importance of being aware of all existing emergency procedures regarding safety of vessels and crew members while at sea and ashore. Secretary encouraged everyone to take advantage of new fire fighting school in Piney Point and keep in mind importance of participating in safety meetings and fire and boat drills. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and make sure fire fighting endorsements are up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vessel going on new run to Russia. All hands advised to bring warm clothing. STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship Corp.), November 21--Chairman Carl T. Lineberry, Secretary Claude C. Hollings III, Educational Director Michael L. Mefferd, Deck Delegate Larry Martin, Engine Delegate Dennis C. Bennett, Steward Delegate Thomas G. Mccurdy. Chairman announced arrival in Morehead City, N.C. on Thanksgiving and then to payoff in New Orleans. Of two washing machines ordered, one arrived. Educational director reminded crew members to obtain TRBs, upgrade skills at Piney Point and contribute to SPAD. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. No beefs noted by all three delegates. Steward department given vote of thanks on job well done. AMERICAN MERLIN (Osprey Acomarit Ship Mgmt.), December 11--Chairman James R. Wilson, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Jeffrey L. Murray, Deck Delegate Robert E. Thompson Ill, Steward Delegate Ambrosio Fachini. Chairman informed crew of ship's arrival at sea buoy in Orange, March2000 Texas and stated vessel would probably go in on low tide with some ballast changes. Educational director recommended members take advantage of course offerings at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on issue of missing seaman's wages pertaining to deck department. Wholehearted thanks given to Chief Steward Goggins and his gang for job well done. CAPt= JACOEJ (American Overseas Marine Corp.), December 13-Chairman Robert W. Johnson, Secretary Salvatore E. Torneo. Chairman asked mem- bers to read communications regarding SIU-NMU merger. Secretary stated SIU President Mike Sacco's view on merger, urging each member to think long and hard about direction of our union and this industry as we head into next century and how this union can only build a brighter future for all. Educational director stressed union's school in Piney Point offers training and potential to better each member. Treasurer announced $220 in ship's fund. Request made to assign specific area for smoking in crew lounge. Voyage made with Royal Overseas Police Officers to reconnoiter outer islands of Chagos Archipelago (in Indian Ocean). Several crew members ferried ashore to islands that not many people have ever visited. GALVESTON BAY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), December 12--Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Robert H. Brown Jr., Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Engine Delegate Randell G. Porter. Chairman reminded crew members to check z-cards for renewal date. Educational director noted importance of SPAD contributions, especially with upcoming presidential election. He also advised crew of courses available at Paul Hall Center for compliance with STCW. Treasurer announced $110 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT reported in steward department. Suggestions made and forwarded to headquarters for 100 percent health care coverage for Seafarers and for option of buying seatime with vacation pay. Food reefer containers don't work properly and should be replaced. Vote of thanks given to steward department for wonderful Thanksgiving Day dinner. Next ports: Houston and Jacksonville. LNG ARIES (PRONAV), December 27--Chairman Jack J. Cooper, Secretary Robert A. Brown, Educational Director Allen W. Scott, Deck Delegate Angel L. Perez, Engine Delegate Paul P. Pagano, Steward Delegate William F. Smalley. Chairman noted good crew and said he enjoyed sailing with them. Discussion held about reflagging of LNG fleet. SIU Rep. Steve Ruiz visited ship December 13 to answer questions about reflagging issue. Secretary reminded crew members to continue jobs in same professional manner as always. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade as much as possi- ble. Treasurer announced $1,905 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters read and posted in crew messhall. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to include dependents in current prescription plan and to give ID cards to members and dependents similar to those issued by other insurance carriers. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine holiday meals. MAERSK TENNESSEE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), December 26Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director Peter G. Murtagh, Engine Delegate Herbert Daniels, Steward Delegate John Q. Lee. Chairman announced payoff in Charleston, S.C. and led discussion of possible SIU-NMU merger. He noted new dishwasher installed and old gym equipment repaired. Still awaiting new exercise equipment and repair of galley exhaust fan. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Forms available aboard ship. He also reminded those getting off in Charleston to have TRBs signed. Treasurer announced $171 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on pay increase and contract changes due to MaerskSeaLand merger. Crew also requested improved allotment distribution, comfortable coveralls for tropical climates and replenishment or purchase of first aid kits for control room. Helmsman asked for wheel reliefs when necessary. After payoff in Charleston, ship heading to Freeport, Bahamas. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG), December 7--Chairman John O'Ferrell, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director Antonio N. Libo-on, Deck Delegate amon uimba, Steward Delegate Russell B. Beyschau. Payoff scheduled for December 12 in Portland, Ore. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Bosun gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done, especially Thanksgiving Day meals. Following payoff in Portland, ship heading to Long Beach, Calif. and Japan. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG), December 10--Chairman Marco A. Galliano, Secretary Carlos Sierra, Deck Delegate Don Ackerman, Engine Delegate Conrado D. Martinez, Steward Delegate Pablo Alvarez. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Portland, Ore. After fast turnaround, vessel headed to Indonesia. He thanked deck department for very good job on long trip and to rest of crew for smooth voyage. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG read pertaining to SIU-NMU merger. Crew requested additional information. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to extend prescription coverage for dependents. All crew members' mattresses need to be checked and replaced if necessary. Request also made for sheets and blankets that fit bunks. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), December 19Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Nick Andrews, Educational Director Clive A. Steward. Chairman requested specifications for shortwave radio for crew lounge. He noted no beefs or disputed OT this voyage and stated voyage was pleasant and crew well-trained. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Communications received from headquarters regarding possible merger of SIU and NMU. Suggestions made and forwarded to contracts department to raise maintenance and cure according to cost of living, upgrade medical benefits and continue to keep skills sharp by upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to headquarters to have board of trustees look into raising pension and equalize vacation days for members aboard all SIU-contract- Liberty in Israel Recertified Bosun Cesar A. Gutierrez (far right) recently sent these photos taken aboard the MN Liberty Wave in December. The ship was headed for Haifa, Israel. Joining the bosun on deck are AB Burlin Pinion (left) and AB Jim Nixon. Pictured below are AB Lester Hoffman (left) and Pinion (in bosun's chair). extend them to dependents and have all pension and welfare contributions made by company forwarded to seafarers upon retiring. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. Final thought from crew: "With the millennium knocking at our door, may all our brothers near and far have a healthy and prosperous new beginning. The future is ours." SEA-LAND PACIFIC (CSX), December 25--Chairman Dominic L. Brunamonti, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Carmine Barbati, Deck Delegate Theodore E. Doi, Engine Delegate Gregory Howard, Steward Delegate Cecil R. Husted. Chairman recommended crew members read report about SIU-NMU merger in Seafarers LOG, keep informed of contract and contribute to SPAD. He also suggested everyone be ready for customs and immigration - on arrival in U.S. Secretary reminded crew to take advantage of upgrading and educational benefits of Paul Hall Center. Educational director spoke of complying with STCW, attending courses at Piney Point, if necessary. Treasurer announced $110 in cook-out fund and $170 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. On order are two VCRs and a dryer. Crew members reminded that lounge and messroom are no-smoking areas. Question raised as to lack of unlicensed apprentices aboard ship. Most recent one was almost a year ago. Vote of thanks given to steward and his crew and to Captain Smith for wonderful Christmas party. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii, Guam and Hong Kong. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (U.S. Ship Mgmt.), December 12--Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Irwin J. Rousseau, Engine Delegate Darrell C. McDonald, Steward Delegate Larry Bachelor. Chairman stressed safety while on deck and in house. He also led discussion of possible SIU-NMU merger. Secretary noted importance of contributing to SPAD. Educational director advised crew members to ed ships. Since Maersk bought Sea-Land, clarification requested on whether Maersk also participates in money purchase pension plan. Hats off to steward department for great job. Next port: Jacksonville. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (CSX), December 27--Chairrnan Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Benny A. Orosco, Deck Delegate Norman Adler, Engine Delegate William E. Cassel, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Curley. Chairman stated vessel in shipyard in Pusan, South Korea. Crew to be laid off December 31 for three weeks. He reminded crew members to register to get jobs back. Educational director stressed need for everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and contribute to SPAD. Some beefs reported in deck department; no beefs or disputed OT noted by engine or steward department delegates. Requests made for new TV and antenna for crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great Christmas dinner. LNG LEO (PRONAV), January 2--Chairman Woodrow Shelton Jr., Secretary Amy K. Rippel, Educational Director Michael L. Brown, Deck Delegate Raphael S. Vargas, Engine Delegate Endang Abidin, Steward Delegate Claudell Blakely Jr. Chairman spoke about shipboard visit by SIU Rep. Steve Ruiz, who answered questions about proposed SIUNMU merger. He noted importance of sending in absentee ballots in order to be counted. Educational director reminded crew to take advantage of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. With potential for many new jobs in upcoming years, everyone should be ready. Treasurer announced $346 in ship's funds. All communications read and posted regarding merger and MarAd's decision to reflag LNGs. Steward department given thanks for hard work during holidays and for preparation of extra special meals for officers and crew. Next port: Nagoya, Japan. Seafarers LOS 19 . ;I �1941: The Defense of Wake &land by J. Melford Smith Pensioner James M. Smith joined the SIU in Baltimore as a charter member, first sailing aboard the SS Cornelia (Bull Line) in 1939. Previously, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He sailed during World War II the Korean conflict and Vietnam, accumulating 30 years' sea time with the SIU and the American Maritime Officers. This article describes events preceding the attack on Pearl Harbor. T he Hindus call it karma. In the west they call it fate. In the Marines we called it just plain dumb luck:_ At one time or another, everyone who has been in combat has probably thought about it "Why me? Why was I spared when so many of the people I knew were either killed in action or wounded?" . Call it karma, fate or whatever-whether or not you become a casualty seems largely to depend on a decision you made sometime in the past. In the summer of 1941, I was working at Kaneohe on the windward side of Oahu. I was an electrician for the "Contractors, Pacific Naval Air Bases," a consortium of construction companies that were building air bases in Hawaii, Midway, Johnston, Palmyra and far to the westward, Wake Island. When we started at Kaneohe there was nothing there but sand and coral. In three months beginning in May we put up barracks, a mess hall, a hospital building and finished the runway and the No. l hangar. During our lunch breaks Auto~atic Rifleman) in the 1st ner to which she was accustomed. the talk was about the war in Bn. 5t Marines at Quantico, Va. How true. Europe and how long it would be Around the middle of October, Several of the married men I before we were in it. worked with decided to go since the diplomatic negotiations with I had been sailing with the SIU they needed the extra money. Japan reached an impasse and the for two years since being dis- Against all my Marine training war tension grew. I was wiring up charged as a corporal from the (never volunteer for anything!), I the pumps along the runway that Marine Corp and wa enjoying practically had decided to go with were to be used for fueling the my work ashore, especially since them. However, Aunt Grace and aircraft when another SIU seaI was living with my man, Oneal "Sparky" Aunt Grace and her .-------------------~ Sykes, who was working mother in Lanikai, just with the plumbing gang, five mile from my job. joined me for lunch. Aunt Grace, a retired As we sat in the sunschool teacher, had inshine on the edge of a troduced me to a lovely refueling pit eating our Chinese-American girl sandwiches, Sparky said, whom I considered very "You know, this place is - \\ . I exotic and romantic. going to get clobbered ! \ I -. Being just 22, I was pretty soon." looking for romance and I said, "I've been a possible Jong-term thinking the same thing. I relationship. It didn't What do you say we get l d hurt that her father was a the hell out of here?" We // very wealthy businessboth knew that if anyman and had just bought thing happened we her a new Oldsmobile would probably be while I was still driving frozen in our jobs. an old clunker. Our We didn't waste any wages were barely adetime. That weekend we quate but our standard of got our final paychecks living was gradually and registered at the improving after the long union hall in Honolulu dark years of the for shipping. The followDepression. ing week we were on a In September 1941, Waterman Line ship the superintendent of ~-~--~-------~~---~ heading for Panama and construction a ked for The raising of the U.S. flag at Wake Island in 1945. the Gulf port of Mobile, volunteers to go out to Ala. As we steamed out Wake Island to rush that of the harbor toward base to completion. They wanted my girlfriend were being very Diamond Head, it was early carpenters, plumbers and electri- persuasive in insisting that I evening. cians and the pay would be time- should stay and finish the job at Looking back at the area and-a-half, "seven tens" (seven Kaneohe. where Hickam Field and Pearl days a week, 10 hours a day). To I decided to stay on Oahu for Harbor were located, an anti-airus "wire-jerkers," that sounded the time being. Since she had craft battery was having firing like big money! talked me into staying, I ugge t- practice. The shells were bursting I knew that Maj. James P.S. ed to my beautiful Chinese girl- high in the air against the backDevereux had just taken over as friend that because we got along drop of the Koolau range in a commanding officer of the so well, we should think about prophetic farewell salute. Marine Detachment on Wake. He getting married. Much to my chaIt was only six weeks later on, had been my battalion CO when I grin, she laughed and said that I December 7, that the Japanese was a BAR man (Browning could not support her in the man- attacked. The base at Kaneohe ~\ ,. . I -\ ,'\. i There are Thousands of Reasons to Apply for an SllJ Scholarship . . . . \ ... anywhere between 6,000 and 15,000, to be exact. For these are the dollar amounts of individual scholarships being awarded this year to Seafarers and their dependents. In all, seven scholarships are being offered by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. One Seafarer will be eligible to receive a $15,000 grant for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. Two other Seafarers will have r---------------------------------------------------------------------., I I I please send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. I I I : Name - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I' I Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ __ _ __ __ _ __ _ ________ I < I : Street Address II City, Deadline State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ April15,2000isthe date by which all completed applications for this year's scholarships must be mailed. Some of the items that I : Telephone Number 1 1 This application is for: D Self D Dependent I I I Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 3100 the opportunity to be awarded $6,000 grants for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining four scholarships will be presented to the spouses and dependent children of SIU members. Each of these $15,000 awards is for use at a four-year college or university. Because the Welfare Plan receives many applications for the scholarships, it is often quite difficult to determine the seven recipients. Therefore, all applicants should fill out the application form as thoroughly as possible and provide all the requested information by the due date. was hit hard, and the next day Wake Island was attacked. Major Devereux and his Marines put up a magnificent fight until December 23, causing the enemy more than 381 dead and many wounded. They sank two ships and shot down seven planes, but with no reinforcements or supplies, the end was inevitable. The surviving Marines and Navy personnel and some of the construction crews (70 were killed and 12 wounded) were sent to POW camps in China and Japan, though five Marines were beheaded on board the Nitta Maru, chosen at random from the survivors_ Nearly 100 of the construction men, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, plus the foreman of each group, were kept on the island as slave labor for the Japanese military. Rear Admiral Shigematsu Sakaibara was the officer commanding. By October of the following year, the work on the island was completed. At that time the men were marched down to the beach in formation and machine-gunned to death_ The U.S. recovered Wake Island after the Japanese surrender in 1945. For his atrocity, RADM. Sakaibara was hanged as a war criminal. Although the U.S. merchant marine suffered a higher rate of casualties than any of the services except the Marine Corps in that war, where I served during the battles of Guadalcanal, Saipan, Guam and Linguyan Gul , the defense of Wake Island is one operation that I'm glad I missed! J. Melford "Jim" Smith, Ch.Engr. USMM (Ret.) (Major Devereux was awarded the Navy Cross for his leadership of the Marines at Wake Island.) need to accompany the written application form are transcripts and certificates of graduation, letters of recommendation, scores from college entrance examination tests, a photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Also, those who have previously applied for a Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. (Eligibility requirements are spelled out in a booklet which also contains an application form. To receive a copy of this booklet, fill out the coupon below and mail it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The program booklets also are available at the SIU halls.) April 15 is only one month away! But there still is time to send in your application. Good luck! 1 L.------------ -----------------------------------------------------------J 20 Seafarers LOG Mart:h20DO �Letters to the EdhOr Artlcl• in LOG Venore. After 58 years as an old ore line stiff, I'd heard this story in almost the same language. "Come closer, identify yourself." Rugged old tub took four or five to do her in. I was on the new SS Lenore and SS Fe/tore in deck maintenance, F.W.T., etc. But my favorite was the SS Mangore, ex-SS Oremar. For 13 months, we were armed with two 30caliber land-based machine guns, which only the crew rnessrnan knew how to operate. From March 1942 until November 1942, we were armed in Belfast with a 4-inch off an old American four-stack destroyer, which was useless against high level and dive bombers off the Norwegian coast The 20-millimeter were 60 rounds per drum with tension put carefully on them while loading them with various rounds of tracer and armor piercing shells. The latest edition of the LOG was great~ even saw an old shipmate of mine, Jimmy Tucker. Bring• Back Memories Jack Gardner I was surprised by the accuracy of the story on the sinking of the SS New (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Jan. LOG Great; Keep It Up I always enjoy reading the LOG and finding out about what's going on in the union. The latest [January] issue was great. I especially liked all the old-timers' stories of their early days in the union. I would appreciate more of the same as well as human interest stories about members and their experiences at sea. Willard C. Thayer St. Petenburg7 Fla. c )Is Orlean~, La. Labor Briefs UFCW Wins at Wal-Mart 'Fair' Vote Postponed The AFL-CIO last month reported that 12 employees at Wal-Mart's Jacksonville, Texas "Supercenter's" meat department "stood up to the company's intense anti-union campaign and became tbe fi st employees at the wor 's largest retailer to join a union, voting to become members of Food and Commercial Workers Local 540." UFCW President Douglas H. Dority called it "the vote heard 'round the world," adding, "This victory could open the floodgates ent-up worker frustration at the a ·ve treatment, low pay and lousy benefits at Wal-Mart." The U.S. House of Representatives has postponed indefinitely consideration of the Fair Access to Indemnity and Reimbursement Act, which threatens to ruin the enforcement powers of the National Labor Relations Board and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration by requiring the agencies to pay fees and expenses of companies that win any administrative or judicial proceedings before them. According to published reports, anti-worker representatives did not have enough votes to pass the bill. An'N: SEAFARERS 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. SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls, If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. / PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify Sru President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 l A'-:lth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices- a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r---------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 3100 (Please Print) Name: Phone No.:---'-~~---'-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Address: -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Social Security No.: D Active SIU / ____ I _ _ __ Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- L---------------------------------------------------~ Seafarers LOS 21 -- .- �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes HAZMAT - Basic Fire F. ghting - Seafarers working aboard the Mississippi Queen and Delta Queen steamboats recently graduated from a basic fire fighting class at the Joseph Secco Fire Fighting School. Presenting them with their certificates of course completion are Steve Ruiz (far left) and Paul Hall Center Health and Safety Director Jim Hanson (far right) . Th@ stud@nts ar@ (in no particular ord@r) Sigmund Tomczak, Johnny Speed, Mike Swigert. Ronnie Jackson. Charles Meers and Michael Knighton_ Advanced Fire Fighting - Graduating from the advanced fire fighting course on January 21 are (from left, first row) Robert Hagood, Robert Flesey, James Donohue, (second row) Frank Bakun, Mario Cruzat, John Miller, (third row) Robert Bell, Bernard Hutching, Rick Redmond (instructor), (fourth row) John Schafer, Roman Kasparyan, Monty Smith, (fifth row) Charles Thompson, Johnny Johnston and Robert DesMarteau. Boatmen sailing aboard Luedtke Engineering Co. vessels recently participated in an on-site hazardous materials class. They are (in no particular order) James Holtrey, Shannon Jensen, William Frary, Tim Kibby, Mike Schmeltzer, Kenneth Glaser, John Shaski Jr., Bert Adams, Dale Leonard, Charles Wallace, Lester Morr, William West, Richard Arnold, Kevin Hollenbeck, Edward Carlson, Lorry Wilcox, Jason Beyette, Randall Johnson, Joseph Kane, James Rider, Martin Seekley and Larry Hilton. Completing their HAZMET recertification are Don Mills, Tom Zatkovic, G_ Lamerson, Mike Niehus and Albert Cropek. Basic Electronics - Completing the basic electronics course on January 28 are (from left) Mohamed Alsinai, Jay Linx, Douglas Felton and George Collier. Their instructor, not shown, is Russ Levin. Radar Observer Earning their radar observer endorsement recently are (first row) Joseph Riccio, (from left) Mingta Yuen, Ben Shupp, Marc Liebig, Jerome Wong, Daniel Marino and Lance Armstrong. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is standing. Phase 3, Unlicensed Apprentice Program- Completing the third phase of their unlicensed apprentice program are (kneeling, from left) Robert Parker, Reggie Donaldson, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Brandon Scalzo, Bobby Ellis Jr., Jason Dew, Europa Tuivaiti, (standing) Erik Nappier, Shannon Bonefont, Adam Williams, Steven Cook, David Green, Blaine Harkins, Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat, Kenneth Jones and Romel Holland. 22 Seafarers LOS March 2000 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Safety Specialty Courses The following is the schedule for classes pegirining between March through June 2000 at file Paul:.HallCentetfor Marithne.Trafuing and Education in Piney are geared to hnprove the job skills of Seafarers and to Point, Md. All promote the American maritime industry. Please npie that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the rnembet$bip; the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Stuae]its attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their coufse's $tart date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reserva- programs nons shi>uld be made for Saturday. Seafar~.rs .who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* March6 Apri13 March24 Mayl May29 May19 June 16 March27 April24 March31 April 28 May26 (*must have basic fire fighting) Basic Fire Fighting April 21 May22 April 3 March 17 April 14 May29 June9 March6 Advanced Fire Fighting the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. April 14 Marcb27 Government Vessels Deck Upgrading Courses May26 May8 . MaY: 22 Date of Completion Start Date April 3 s1'cw Bisif Safety (refresher). ,., ................ ; ................ . ..·.·.. ;:;:' .;. ... :..~. . . . . May I June9 March10 March30 April 7 Mafch6 March 27 April 3 March 20 March 17 April 17 .: April 7 .J: .. :May 26 March24 Academic Department Courses . ~neral educatio~ and. ~:9:P~~ :~()!f.l.;S~S . ?.r~11v11il~ble as needed. In addltion, · ·. basic vo~a(ional support ptograni CPU~ a17e 9tlered throughout the year, one week prior .to .the AB, QMED, FOWT~ Thlr4~:M~!~, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to com.pot~~ 4.19~r~, will be self-study~ .• April3 June 12 May12 July 21 · March 13 April 17 May22 March 31 Mays June9 Ma 1;5~,....,,,..,-..,~-- Steward Upgrading Courses Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward (Every other week) March 6, 13, 20, 27 April J,, 10, 17, 24 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 March6, 20 April 3', 17 May 1, 15, 29 ----~ -- -- - --- - ---- ---------·----- ---- --- - --- ------- ------- - ----- --- - ----- --·- -- ------- -- --------- -- -- --- ---- - ------ -- -- -- - ---- -- --- -- -- ----- ----With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page.,of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their awlication. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN END DATE DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#_________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes 0 No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. REI'URN COMPI.ETED APPUCATION 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. No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Man:h2000 Seafarers LOS 23 �Volume 62 Number 3 March 2000 Attention Seafaren: One month remains until the April 15 deadline for scholarship applications. See page 20 for additional information. Mike Dillard, Newport News Shipbuilding The HM/ Ambrose Channel, crewed by SIU members since its launch early last year, features individual pumps and valves for each tank, controlled from a central location. Ambrose Channel Makes 1st NY Harbor Call SIU-Crewed 'Double Eagle' Enters Second Year of Operation The SIU-crewed HMJ Ambrose Channel last month made its first visit to the port of New York/New Jersey. The "double eagle" tanker traversed its namesake to deliver 155,000 barrels of diesel oil from a refinery in Baton Rouge, La. Operated by Interocean Ugland Management for H vi de Marine, the Ambrose Channel is part of a new five-ship fleet crewed by Seafarers. The other double-eagle tankers are the HMI Diamond Shoals, HM/ Cape Lookout Shoals, HM/ Nantucket Shoals and the HM/ Brenton Reef All were constructed at unionized Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. They were built with double hulls to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. The Ambrose Channel entered service in February 1999. Named after on old U.S. Coast Guard light ship, it can carry a wide variety of chemica products in 14 specially coated tanks. HMI Ambrose Channel Length: 619'-09" Beam: 105'-08" Speed: 16 knots Cargo capacity: 341,459 gross barrels Tanks: 7 pairs of tanks port and starboard SIU members sailing aboard the Ambrose Channel when the photos on this page were taken included the following: Recertified Bosun Carmine Bova ABs Walter Taulman, Bartow Bridges, Patrick Rankin, Maurice Hetri~k and Reginald Watkins, QMED Peter Joseph, OMUs Hilario Martinez, Charles Jones and Jamie Hernandez, Chief Steward Lonnie Jones, Chief Cook Obencio Espinoza and GVA Juan Rochez. The photos were submitted by SIU Wilmington (Calif.) Port Agent John Cox. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF CAMPAIGN VESSEL CONCLUDES WORLD TOUR SIU, NMU BACK MERGER TALKS NEW SHIPS, MODERN PORTS, STRONGER FLEET ARE GOALS STRESSED AT MTD BOARD MEETING AVONDALE FOCUSES UNIONS’ RESOLVE TO FIGHT FOR BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS AFL-CIO PRES. SWEENEY REMINDS MTD BOARD OF VALUE IN GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN EFFORTS CROWLEY SEAFARERS APPROVE CONTRACT MTD BOARD HEARS PLAN TO PROMOTE U.S.-FLAG FLEET LEGISLATORS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR MERCHANT SHIPPING HOME ON THE (GUN) RANGE PETERSBURG CREW KEEPS TERRORISM IN CROSSHAIRS; COURSE AIMS AT STRENGTHENING NATIONAL DEFENSE QUICK RESPONSE DOUSES FIRE ABOARD SEA-LAND DEVELOPER LUEDTKE CREWS COMPLETE ON-SITE HAZMAT TRAINING LAKES SEAFARERS MAKE ICY RESCUE 1ST GROUP FROM GUAM HEADS TO PINEY POINT SIU SUPPORTS ILA AT DREDGING RALLY A SEAFARERS SCRAPBOOK AB MATT HARRISON AIMS LENS AT SHIPPING AND SIGHTS RED CLOUD ROLLS IN SEAFARERS CREW NEW PREPOSITION SHIP 1941: THE DEFENSE OF WAKE ISLAND BY J. MELFORD SMITH AMBROSE CHANNEL MAKES 1ST NY HARBOR CALL Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 3 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/9acc6cfc2ddbe18af2378b1002ef1ace.pdf 1a1cbf507965f5981391da5662e13a96 PDF Text Text American Sealif t, SIU Jobs Expand With New RO/RO Seafarers Will Crew USNS Charlton, MSC1s Latest Prepositioning Ship SIU members soon will sail aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command's newest prepositioning ship, the USNS Charlton (pictured at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Co.). Christened in San Diego, the 950- foot ship is almost complete and is slated for sea trials in April. Page 3. Allied Adds Sea Raven Allied Transportation Co.'s Sea Raven is running, signaling additional opportunities for Seafarers. The articulated tug and barge, recently launched after refurbishment, transports chemicals to and from ports between the Gulf Coast and New York. Among the first Seafarers to sign on the Sea Raven are Captain G.W. Urban (left photo) and Chief Engineer Walter Jarvis (right). Page 3. Merger Voting Ends Voting ended as scheduled on January 31 in the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union. Balloting began on December 1. Among the Seafarers casting a vote were inland Cook James Runaway-Flag Cruise Lines: Another Fine, More Mishaps Neuner, pictured at the SIU hall in St. Louis. Page 2. Tax Tips for Mariners -----------Page 3 Voter Registration Data _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page14 �Voting Ends on SIU-#MU Merger President's Report Tallying Committee Will Report to Membership Register and Vote This new year has so much potential and possibility for all of us. New ships-with their new jobs for Seafarers-will come on line throughout 2000. As we all know, the addition of these vessels did not appear overnight. For years, the SIU and the rest of labor worked with the maritime industry, government officials and members of Congress to make this happen. Many of you know how long it took for the Maritime Security Program to go from an idea to a law. Original legislation was proposed to the Michael Sacco Senate in 1992. Committee hearings were held. SIU officials met with industry representatives and legislators to craft a measure. The proposal was modified and amended several times before the House of Representatives and the Senate passed the act, then President Clinton signed it in 1996. During that time, one presidential election and two congressional elections were held. The White House went from Republican to Democrat, while the Congress changed from a Democratic majority to one led by Republicans. We kept the Maritime Security Program alive during those five years, thanks to your voluntary donations to SPAD. Those donations helped open doors so SIU officials could meet with members of Congress to discuss the need for maritime legislation and its importance to the citizens of their districts as well as for the whole country. SPAD is just one important factor in this procedure. The other is your participation in the election process. The year 2000 is a presidential and congressional election year. Americans now are deciding whom they want to lead the country over the next four years. The presidential primaries are under way, while races for other elective positions are just getting started. Seafarers, pensioners and their families have always been active in all aspects of politics. They meet with their elected officials, write them, call their offices and get involved in the campaigns of those who stand up for our issues. Seafarers, pensioners and their families also register and vote. Post-election surveys taken in the last couple of years have shown a greater percentage of union households voting than the general population. Union members know the importance of electing men and women who understand their needs and concerns and will fight for them. Concerning this upcoming election, just look at some of the issues already being debated among the presidential candidates: Social Security, education, Medicare, health care and the minimum wage. These are topics that affect all of us. While these issues are making the nightly news shows, Seafarers continue to ask candidates what they think about the vital role the U.S.-flag merchant fleet plays in national defense and the economy. Thanks to you, our concerns continue to be heard. And, because of you, new ships are being built with Seafarers climbing the gangways. Now is the time to make sure your voice is heard. Make sure you are registered to vote. On page 14 in this issue of the Seafarers LOG is a chart with a state-by-state breakdown of when registration ends, when primaries are held and when polls are open. Don't wait until the last minute; check your status now. If you aren't registered, do it now. If you are registered, make sure family members and friends are, too. If not, take them to the voter registration office and get them on the rolls. Let them know their vote counts. If they don't believe an individual vote makes a difference, tell them about the pro-labor candidate who was elected to the Virginia state senate last year by fewer than 40 votes out of thousands upon thousands cast. Or recount how union members worked together in California in 1998 to tell their friends and neighbors how Proposition 226's "paycheck deception" wouJd limit the voice of working people in the political process. That measure went from 70 percent of the population in favor of Proposition 226 in February to a 54-46 defeat of the measure in June. The stakes are too high to sit at home (or on ship) and say "my vote doesn't matter." If Seafarers followed that feeling, we wouldn't have the Maritime Security Program and all of these new jobs. I thank those of you for your continued involvement-for voting, writing letters, calling, talking with your elected officials and donating to SPAD. Let's keep up the good work and stay active in 2000. Volume 62, Number 2 February 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Edward Tully (left) is ready to vote at the SIU hall in Piney Point, Md., after receiving materials from SIU Port Agent Edd Morris. Voting ended as scheduled on January 31 in the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union (NMU). Balloting began December 1. The next step is the eJection of an SIU tallying committee consisting of six full book members (two from each of the three departments). They will be elected at the membership meeting February 7 in Piney Point, Md. The committee members then will count the ballots and prepare a report to the rest of the membership. A similar election took place during the same time period in the NMU. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, if the members of both unions accept the resolution, then a merger committee (consisting of officials from the SIU and NMU) will continue its work to draft the specifics regarding seniority, job security, training and other topics. Additionally, as noted on the ballot, the merger would require changes in the SIU constitution. Those amendments would be presented to the membership during the regularly scheduled officers' election in late 2000. SIU members at the New Orleans hall said the mechanics of the balloting went well. "It was very smooth," stated Chief Steward Joseph Birke. "I was given the paperwork to vote with, and the envelopes. I put my vote in one envelope, then sealed it in the other and mailed it myself. It was a good process." Recertified Bosun Hugo Dermody described voting as "easy going. I hope everybody voted. Everything here was well-marked and easy to understand. The decision should be easy, too." MarAd Increases U.S. Vessel Count Change More Accurately Assesses Size of U.S.-Flag Fleet The official U.S.-flag vessel count will better reflect the number of crafts available to handle commerce because the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) will include tugs, barges, ferries and other work vessels. "It is time to reflect in our numbers the true size diversity of the U.S. fleet," MarAd Administrator Clyde Hart told the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club last month in announcing the Department of Transportation agency's new system for figuring the number of vessels sailing under the American flag. In the past, MarAd's "U.S. Merchant Marine Data Sheet" listed only the number of large, self-propelled, deep-draft ships within the U.S.-flag fleet. Effective immediately, the report -which will be issued at least twice a year-will continue to include what had been counted and add many other vessel types, from large oceangoing barges to riverboats and ferries, as long as they are active. The new calculations reflect the changing nature of the industry, including the use of integrated tug/barges in place of cargo vessels. "The new product we are introducing today is more comprehensive, more illuminating and will provide a sounder base for businessmen and analysts to determine trends and act accordingly," Hart noted during his January 13 presentation. The head of MarAd pointed out the U.S.-flag fleet is composed of "about 38,000 vessels that Americans can depend upon to deliver the goods they need and want. The diversity in this fleet is no less amazing. Nearly 37,000 of these vessels are cargo carriers actively engaged on our nation's waterways." The updated figures which reflect the fleet's size as of January 1, 1999 include: l ',~. W,m•rburu .. Ii ;uh: bv \:•·"5~~ frp•· anJ IC\11..L", t->•.Ht MarAd Administrator Clyde Hart explains a chart showing how the Department of Transportation agency will include more vessels and barges in tallying the size of the U.S.-flag fleet. • • • • • • • • 29,545 cargo-carrying vessels of which 2,948 are larger than 1,000 gross tons; 1,491 passenger vessels (including ferries) with the combined capability of carrying more than 410,000 people; 5,446 tugs and towboats; 1,424 crewboats, including oil industry supply and utility vessels; 25,698 barges and 613 powered vessels moving cargo on inland waterways; 409 vessels sailing in foreign trade; 2,443 ships and barges in the domestic coastal trade; and 206 ships and barges operating on the Great Lakes. Jones Act Support While announcing the new system for calculating the fleet's size, Hart touched on several other issues during his 30-minute address. He reaffirmed the agency's strong support for the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act-the nation's cabotage laws. "The Jones Act has been a corner of the U.S. maritime policy in every administration since its passage 80 years ago. In these days of the new century-here, now- it remains relevant for _A merica's economic health and its national security." Hart noted critics of the cabotage laws always ask if the measures are necessary and fair. He answered by pointing out more than 40 nations, including the major economic powers of Europe and Asia, have similar laws to protect the interests of their citizens. "Let me quote [U.S. Air Force] General Charles Robertson, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command. He said, 'Without the laws requiring the use of U.S.owned, -built and ~rewed vessels for cargo movement between U.S. ports, the U.S. maritime industry-a critical member of our defense transportation system-would wither. And maritime readiness would be severely degraded, if not crippled.' "The Jones Act protects U.S. interests and that's ethical enough for me," Hart stated. Continued on page 4 February 2000 �Maritime Agenda Awaits Congress Efforts Being Considered to Strengthen U.S.-Flag Fleet/or New Century Maritime issues are among the many topics on the agenda as legislators return to Capitol Hill for the second session of the 106th Congress. Along with bills dealing with raising the minimum wage, strengthening Social Security and Medicare, providing funds for public school construction and looking at more affordable health care for all Americans will be measures seeking to strengthen the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Late last year, a bipartisan team from the House of Representatives and the Senate proposed legislation to make the U.S.-flag fleet more competitive in international commerce. "The elected officials want to make sure American-flag ships can compete worldwide," noted Terry Turner, SIU director of government relations. "They are looking for a way to level the playing field between U.S.-flag shipping and foreign-flag operations." That measure, known as the National Security Sealift En- hancement Act, addresses several tax issues. One part of the bill would extend the existing income tax exclusion for Americans working overseas to U.S. merchant mariners. Another calls for the owner of a U.S.-flag vessel operating in international trade to be able to fully deduct that ship in the year in which the vessel is acquired and documented under the American flag. Other components would include "alternative minimum tax relief' on shipping income and expand the expense For Runaway-Flag Cruise Workers, It's Anything But Smooth Sailing NY Times Spotlights Crews' Hardships; 2 FOC Lines Make Other Unwanted News Two Miami-based, runawayflag cruise lines seemingly cannot stay out of the news. Since late December, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have racked up more negative publicity, continuing a fairly constant pattern that started with the Ecstasy fire in 1998. The latest fiascoes: • On Christmas Eve, The New York Times published a front-page article examining the working conditions of crew members on runaway-flag passenger ships. The lengthy article-reprinted in several affiliated newspapersdetailed how some of the mariners pay for jobs that often consist of long hours, low wages and little to no recourse. • In mid-January, Royal Caribbean agreed to pay $3 .5 million to Alaska in a settlement to a civil lawsuit. The settlement stemmed from Royal Caribbean's dumping of hazardous materials in Alaskan waters, and it is in addition to the record $18 million in pollution fines that the company last year agreed to pay. • Shortly after midnight on January 12, the Carnival ship Celebration caught fire and drifted for six hours in the Caribbean. According to press reports, the more than 1,500 passengers were told remain in place, due to limited lighting. • Several passengers are threatening legal action in the wake of Carnival's pricey "millennium cruise" aboard the Paradise. Engine problems reportedly forced the ship to change its itinerary, and as a result, many disgusted passengers flew home to the U.S. from the Bahamas. Some of them have posted complaints on the internet, at http://www.starshiptravel.com/co mplaints.htm. One described the Paradise trip as a "floating nightmare." While many news reports in the past 12 months have focused on how runaway-flag cruise lines in the U.S. avoid paying taxes or adhering to this nation's labor or environmental laws, last month's Times piece (written by Douglas Frantz) concentrates on the crews. "Long hours and subsistence wages are part of their contracts, as is the threat of being fired without notice or cause," he wrote. The story mentions that "record number of passengers are packing bigger and grander ships," and the runaway-flag companies are raking in huge financial rewards. Carnival, for instance, pockets $2.8 million per day in profits. Crew members aren't sharing in that windfall. Frantz reported that the mariners, often from Third World nations, "routinely work 80 to 90 hours a week without extra pay" for hours exceeding the contracted amount. Some earn as little as $50 per month, though they can earn more through tips. Inadequate medical treatment is another key issue: "Crew mem- ROIR01s Sea Trials Scheduled for April deductions arisir1g from conferences or other meetings aboard U.S.-flag cruise ships. In introducing the National Security Sealift Enhancement Act (S. 1858) to his colleagues, Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) said he did not want to exempt the owners of U.S.-tlag ships from paying U.S. income taxes. Rather, he was seeking to "alleviate the tax burden on the U.S.-flag fleet. "The Congress must take aggressive action to preserve our fleet of U.S.-flag vessels, while bers sometimes find themselves shipped home or living on a few dollars a day in sick wages while waiting for care." Another concern Frantz noted, is mariners paying for their jobs, such as the Norwegian Cruise Line kitchen worker who paid a month's wages (about $400). "Those at the bottom of the heap are most likely to have paid a fee to get their job, to have paid their own air fare, to know the least about their rights and to have little chance for advancement," Frantz wrote. The writer added that the runaway-flag cruise line issues have caught the attention of some members of Congress. They have described the companies as operating "inside our waters and outside our laws." creating incentives for new, modem ships to be registered under the U.S. flag," added Breaux. The measure also was introduced in the House as H.R. 3225 by Reps. Jim McCrery (R-La.) and William Jefferson (D-La.). While hearings are expected to be held on the bills during 2000, none had been scheduled in either the House or the Senate as the Sea/arers LOG went to press. Another matter of concern to the American maritime industry is the need to find a funding formula that will permit the continued dredging of America's harbors and shipping channels. Congress has been considering how to fund harbor and waterway maintenance projects that will be fair to all who use the nation's waterways. This debate has been going on since the Harbor Maintenance Tax was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1998. Maritime interests will be trying to gain more funds for the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program, which was used throughout the last decade to construct in U.S. yards commercial vessels sailing under American and foreign registries. In the mid- l 990s, the governContinued on page 4 Union Welcomes Allied's Sea Raven The SIU recently gained new jobs when Norfolk, Va.-based Allied Transportation Co. added the articulated tug and barge Sea Raven to its fleet. The unit carries a crew of eight. It transports chemicals to and from ports between the Gulf Coast and New York. Allied acquired the vessel approximately one year ago. The tug underwent "mostly cosmetic" repairs in Norfolk, while the barge "was rebuilt in Baltimore," noted Jeffrey Parker, vessel operations manager at Allied. The Sea Raven has a 24,000-ton carrying capacity. It is 530 feet long, with a 76-foot beam and a 7,200 hp engine. USNS Charlton Signals New Jobs for Seafarers The USNS Charlton, a new roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ship which soon will be crewed by SIU members, is slated for sea trials in April. The 950-foot vessel was approximately 85 percent complete as of late January. San Diego-based National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in December conducted a ceremony during which the vessel was released into the harbor. One of 14 new builds scheduled as part of an initiative to bolster U.S. sealift capability, the USNS Charlton has 390,000 square feet of cargo space. It will be assigned to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), carrying prepositioned U.S. Army equipment, vehicles and supplies to key locations worldwide. As with most of the other recent new builds in the strategic sealift program, the USNS Charlton is named in memory of a Medal of Honor recipient. U.S. Army Sergeant Cornelius H. Charlton is a posthumous recipient of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during battle in Korea in 1952. The keynote speaker at the christening was Major General Mario F. Montero Jr., U.S. Army assistant deputy chief of staff for logistics. Other speakers included Rep. Brian Bilbray, (R-Calif.); Vice Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC; Rear. Admiral Dennis Gilbert Morral, U.S. Navy program executive officer for expeditionary warfare; and Richard H. Vortmann, president of NASSCO. February 2000 Among those crewing the 530foot unit are (above) AB/ Tankerman Gary Reynolds, (below) AB William Hudgins Jr. and (bottom) Cook/OS Robert Mathews. Seafarers will crew the USNS Charlton later this year. The prepositioning ship is the newest vessel in MSC's fleet. The articulated tug and barge Sea Raven, a chemical carrier, represents new employment opportunities for Seafarers. Seafarers LOB 3 �SIU1s Baltimore Nall Relocating to Essex St. Sea-Land Seafarers Welcome Sacco, Tellez Seafarers in Baltimore can look forward to a new SIU hall opening there sometime this spring. The facility, located on Essex Street, will replace the current hall, located on East Baltimore Street. It is a one-story buiJding with a loft office in the back. Most recentJy used as an art studio, the structure is 2,400 square feet. It is situated in a more modem and generally more appealing area than the existing hall. Modifications to the newly acquired property are needed to facilitate efficient operations. They are being scheduled through the Baltimore Building Trades, AFL-CIO. SIU members aboard the Sea-Land Express (top photo) and the Sea-Land Quality (two photos below) recently welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez aboard the ships in Port Elizabeth, N.J. The union officials and crew members discussed the proposed SIUNMU merger and other issues affecting Seafarers' livelihoods. Sacco is pictured fourth from the left in photo above. Tellez second from left. SMPPP Administrator Provides Plan Update Editors note: The following article was written by Lou Delma, administrator of the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. It is an update for plan participants. As we begin the new century, the SMPPP is taking steps necessary to send year-end account summaries to all participants. As always, these summaries will be in the mail before the end of March. Meanwhile, we thought it would be a good time to recap exactly how the plan works and, in the process, hopefully answer any questions that still might remain on this plan. As you probably know, the plan has only been around since June 1996. Since its inception, the number of participants has jumped to nearly 5,400 participants at year-end. Plan assets, including both realized and unrealized income, are over $6.2 million. During the 3.5 years that have passed, the plan has received more than $5.8 million in employer contributions with another $52,000 in participant contributions. The plan is pleased to announce once again that our investment manager, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, has reported that annualized earnings on the account are 12.86 percent with a total return from inception through December 31, 1999 of 34.36 percent. Although those numbers are unaudited, they reflect an accurate representation of how the account is doing. While the plan continues to grow, we have been successful in keeping expenses in check as operating expenses directly attributable to the plan are approximately 4.2 percent. Earnings on the account will be distributed to participants based on each individual participant's account total, as it compares to the overall account total on a percentage basis. Expenses directly related to this account are allocated to each participant in the Marine Cooks & Stewards Pension Increases by 14o/o The Board of Trustees of the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MCS) Supplementary Pension Plan recently approved the following benefit improvements, as recommended by the plan actuary: • Effective January 1, 2000, all present and future pensioners or pensioners' beneficiaries will receive a 14 percent benefit increase. • All current MCS Supplementary Pension Plan pensioners or pensioners' beneficiaries will receive a one-time lump sum payment of $500. 4 Seafarers LOB Both the lump sum payment and the 14 percent adjustment will be included with each eligible participant's pension check issued no later than February 2000. The letter sent last month to plan participants noting the aforementioned benefits, also pointed out that "all future applications for the MCS Supplementary Pension Benefit must be submitted to Plan headquarters at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This change will not have any effect on the issuance of monthly benefits in the future." plan equally. For example, let's assume the total account was valued at $5 million and the account was to earn 10 percent or $500,000. Let's further assume that participant Z had $5,000 deposited in his or her name. Since $5,000 is .1 percent of the total account, that participant would earn .1 percent of the $500,000 earned or $500.00. Furthermore, if plan expenses amount to $200,000, based on 5,400 participants, each participant account would be charged approximately $37.00. Direct contributions to the plan for an established account are permissible; however, the plan cannot accept contributions in excess of 10 percent of a participant's gross annual income. For this reason, it is difficult to accept a deposit from an individual without detailed information, because when the payment is received we Likely have no way to tell if the payment exceeds that 10 percent maximum allowable by law. However, payments will be accepted if they are accompanied by a current pay voucher verifying that the contribution is within the guidelines. As always, payments through a vacation deduction can be made by signing the required authorization form which can be obtained at any port or writing to the Plan Office. All participants should have received a Summary Plan Description Booklet. If you do not have one or would Like a new one, please contact the Plan Office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. For account balance inqumes please call Basil Castrovinci, Associates at 1-800485-3703. For all other inquiries on the Plan, please contact the Plan at above address or call 301899-0675 . Mobile Of I icial Harold Fischer Passes Away Longtime Mobile, Ala. port official Harold Fischer passed away on September 4, 1999 following an extended illness. He was 83 years old. Brother Fischer joined the SIU as a charter member in December 1938 in his native Mobile. His book number was Fl. After sailing in the engine room, he came ashore in 1943 to work in the Mobile hall. He served in the Army from 1944 to 1946, then returned to the SIU as an official in the southern Alabama port. Except for a stint in San Francisco from 1950 to 1953, Brother Fischer was assigned to Mobile until his retirement in 1978. "He was not just liked by the members of this port, he was revered," recalled SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly. "He would do anything for anybody." His widow, Nellie, told the Seafarers LOG how grateful she Harold Fischer was when many Mobile-area attended Brother retirees Fischer's funeral. "There were so many of them, I couldn't believe it. They even wrote a special tribute to him which one member read. He definitely was a union man," Mrs. Fischer said. Besides Mrs. Fischer, he was survived by his daughter, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was buried at Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile. MarAd Changes Way of Counting U.S. Vessels Continued from page 2 Other Topics He noted with pride the effort under way to build two new passenger ships in an American yard. (These are the two American Classic Voyages ships announced in the April 1999 issue of the Seafarers LOG, which will sail in the Hawaiian trades under the United States Lines' banner.) He said MarAd is working with the rest of the Transportation Department to implement a blueprint to meet the nation's transportation needs by the year 2020. He reminded the audience, which included his predecessor retired Admiral Albert Herberger, of the many Title XI loan guarantees issued by MarAd during the 1990s for vessel construction and shipyard modernization. Finally, Hart proclaimed safety would remain "our North Star" within the industry. "We should all be proud of the exacting safety and environmental standards that our nation demands of the maritime industry in shipbuilding and repair, in operations on the sea and the waterways. "America has the best mariners and finest ships and shipyard personnel in the world. Maritime Issues on Congressional Agenda Continued from page 3 ment funded the program at $50 million, which equates to $1 billion in new construction. However, the U.S. Maritime Administration budgeted only $6 million for Title XI in Fiscal Year 2000 and is proposing the same amount for FY 2001. Congressional retirements made news during the holiday recess. Among the Legislators announcing they would not run for reelection was Rep. Herbert Bateman. The nine-term Virginia Republican, a longtime supporter of the U.S.-flag fleet, is the chairman of the House Merchant Marine Panel within the Armed Services Committee. The chair of the House Merchant Marine Panel, Rep. Herbert Bateman (R-Va.), announced he would retire at the end of this session of Congress. February 2000 �Union Membership Increases Again New Data Shows Largest Growth in 20 Years More and more workers are saying, "Union, yes!" Union membership increased by more than 265,000 in 1999, according to figures released January 19 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That marks the largest annual membership growth in more than 20 years. The number ofunion members in the U.S. increased from 16.21 million to 16.48 million. In addition, the percentage of U.S. workers who have a union remained steady at 13.9 percent, reversing a trend of decline and despite strong overall job creation. Union membership increased by 112,493 in the private sector, nearly double the size of the only other such annual increase in two decades. The 1999 private sector growth eclipsed the entire 1998 union membership growth of l 01,000 public and private sector workers. The percentage of private sector workers who have a union also remained statistically steady, stopping the decline since 1978. "We're turning the corner, but we're not at our destination yet," said AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney. "Today's data indicate that our renewed emphasis on helping working people form unions is having an impact. Our challenge for the future is to remain focused and to broaden our efforts. It's crucial for unions to continue to grow if working men and women are going to have a stronger voice in the issues that matter to them most." Indy Makes History At Pearl Harbor Yard Following two weeks in dry dock, the SS Independence resumes its week-long cruises to five ports of call in the Hawaiian islands. The SIU-crewed SS Independence underwent routine maintenance last month in Hawaii, but in one respect the upkeep proved momentous. The cruise ship became the first commercial vessel ever in a regularly scheduled dry dock at the U.S. Navy's Pearl Harbor complex. In 1985, the SIU-crewed SS Constitution (the sister ship of the Independence) was docked there for emergency repairs. SIU-contracted shipowner American Classic Voyages said the twoweek tune-up benefited the company, the Navy and the State of Hawaii. "A local docking means that the Independence does not lose a week of service in transit to and from the U.S. mainland for repairs, as it did in 1997. The U.S. Navy leases a dock that would otherwise have been idle, and local workers and suppliers benefit from the project's positive economic impact," the company stated in a press release. The inspection and repairs employed 700 Hawaii workers. Launched in 1951, the Independence was refurbished in 1994 and 1997. An American Classic Voyages subsidiary, United States Lines, later this year is scheduled to launch the reflagged and modified Patriot. The company also has contracted for two new l,900-passenger cruise ships slated for service in 2003 and 2004, respectively. All of those vessels will be crewed by Seafarers. Union Squashes Y2K Bug SIU headquarters, which includes the union plans and accounting departments (among others), apparently went unaffected by the once-dreaded Y2K bug. Management information systems (MIS) personnel at the Camp Springs, Md. facility long ago initiated preventive measures aimed at thwarting potential Y2K problems. Those steps included installing various Y2K compliant software, reworking the phone system and modifying the internal mechanics of the medical claims system. "Thus far, we haven't experienced any .Y2K problems whatsoever," said Wally Schmidt, the union's MIS director, in midJanuary. "We're reasonably confident that if anything pops up in February 2000 the next few weeks, it will be very minor." The Y2K bug stems from the widespread use of two digits, rather than four, to signify the year in some software applications, hardware chips and computer databases (for example, 12/22/99). Programmers, information specialists and many others had warned of potential difficulties in the year 2000 when the year is "00" and some computer based systems cannot differentiate it from 1900. According to news reports, most Y2K glitches through early January had been fairly minor. But that success came at a costworldwide, literally billions of dollars were spent on preventive Y2K efforts. The federation of trade unions, to which the SIU is affiliated, pointed out that much of the growth was due to more workers forming unions in the last few years, and some was due to growth in the economy. At least 600,000 workers organized unions in 1999, according to internal AFL-CIO and affiliate union data-an increase of more than 25 percent over 1998. Some unions had their best organizing year in recent history. Nearly 50,000 workers joined both the UAW and the IBEW, for example, and more than 150,000 joined SEIU. Some of those gains are offset by retirements, plant relocations or closures, and other factors. Similarly, AFL-CIO Organizing Director Kirk Adams pointed out that in order to continue growing (as a percentage of the work force) in a rapidly expanding economy, unions must organize between 500,000 and a million workers per year. In some sectors, last year's growth represents a combination of organizing and an increase in union jobs. In construction, for instance, union density has been dropping since the 1960s, but showed an increase from 17 .8 to 19.1. Union membership in the public sector also grew by 152,788. The percentage of public sector workers who have a union decreased slightly, from 37.5 percent to 37.3 percent. More workers are forming unions because they want a say in issues that affect them at work, such as wages, benefits and working conditions, according to recent polling and reports from organizing campaigns. "As low-wage, service and temporary jobs increase, many Americans find themselves without benefits or a steady paycheck," the federation noted. "Unions are a way for workers to tum that trend around and ensure they gain in prosperous times." Census Will Impact Congress, States At Stake: Assigning $185 Billion in Annual Federal Funds Election Day isn't the only period this year that promises a deep and broad impact on American politics. The 2000 census, commencing April I, will be the basis for reapportionment next year of seats in the U.S. Congress and in state and local legislative districts. Based on population shifts, some states as well as their legislative districts may gain or lose representation. Census data also is used in allocating approximately $185 billion in federal funds each year -money earmarked for such projects as road and transportation planning, school construetion, housing development and dozens more. Additionally, local governments and businesses use the information. The U.S. Constitution requires a nationwide census every 10 years. All census information submitted by individuals is confidential and is not shared with any other agencies. There are two types of census forms: short and long. The short form asks seven questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete, according to the Census Bureau. Approximately 83 percent of households receive the short form. The rest receive the long form, covering 34 subjects and requiring 40 minutes or so to complete. Census Schedule* Mid-March: Deliver census questionnaires April 1: Census Day March-May 2000: census takers visit housing units in rural and remote areas to drop off and/or pick up forms Late April-Early July 2000: census takers visit housing units that did not return census forms October-November 2000: All field work completed December 31, 2000: Apportionment counts delivered to the president April 1, 2001: All$tates receive redistricting counts *Source: U.S. Census Bureau Shipboard Seatarers Can Be Counted As was the case IO years ago, SIU members who are aboard ship on Census Day (April 1) may identify "home" as a place ashore or the vessel itself. According to the Census Bureau, "Crews of U.S. flag merchant vessels engaged in inland waterway transportation are counted at their usual onshore residence (the place where they live and sleep most of the time when they are onshore). "Crews of U.S. flag merchant vessels docked in a U.S. port or sailing from one U.S. port to another U.S. port are counted at their usual onshore residence if they report one (the place where they live and sleep most of the time when they are onshore) or otherwise on the vessel." I Unlike in 1990, however, mariners aboard ships sailing to, from or between foreign ports will not be counted as part of the U.S. overseas population. This change essentially was made because of logistical difficulties in counting all U.S. citizens overseas (not just mariners). Those mariners sailing to, from or between foreign ports will be counted at their usual onshore residence if they report one, or otherwise on the vessel. The bureau was scheduled to mail census materials by late January or early this month to U.S.-flag shipping lines, in sufficient quantities . to provide every mariner (and passenger) with a chance to be counted. Former SUP President Dempster Passes Away Paul Dempster, former president of the Seafarers- affi 1i a ted Sailors' Union of the Pacific (SUP), passed away December 17 in a Concord, Calif. hospital. He was 71. Paul Dempster Dempster served as SUP president from 1978 to 1990. He also had been president of the San Francisco Central Labor Council and the San Francisco AFL-CIO Port Maritime Council of the Maritime Trades Department. He joined the SUP in 1949 and sailed as a bosun and AB. "Paul was a down-to-earth, reliable guy who was very strong in negotiations," stated retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney. Dempster, a native of Hawaii, served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He is survived by his wife of37 years; his daughter; two sisters; and three grandchildren. According to Dempster's wishes, his Retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney (right) ashes were scattered at sea from the deck serves as a pallbearer at Paul Dempster's funeral December 23 in Concord, Calif. of the Matsonia. Seafarers LOG 5 �Quam Connects with Apprentice Program Territory's Gov't Seeks Employment Boost Residents of the westernmost United States territory will have an enhanced opportunity to begin a career in the U.S. merchant manne. The government of Guam, working with the SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is establishing a recruitment system designed to facilitate Guamanians' enrollment in the center's unlicensed apprentice program. This endeavor is very similar to one in which Alaska has participated since 1997. In carefully examining the benefits of such a partnership between the territory, the union and the school (located in Piney Point, Md.), Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez- along with several other Guam officials--extensively toured the Paul Hall Center in late December. U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), whose district includes the training facility, also took part in the tour. In mid-January, an estimated 1,000 Guamanians attended a seminar on the island about the unlicensed apprentice program. (Guam's population is approximately 155,000.) The program's curriculum is divided into three phases. During the first segment, which lasts 12 weeks and takes place at the school , students receive classroom and hands-on training that covers basic seamanship and familiarization skills. During the second phase, apprentices serve aboard US.flag merchant vessels for a mini- mum of 90 days. That span is divided into thirds, allowing students to work in all three departments. Finally, students return to the school for the third stage, which involves department-specific training. Upon graduation, the Seafarer is shipped out to work as either an ordinary seaman, wiper or steward assistant. Open since 1967, the school offers not only entry-level training, but also more advanced vocational upgrading courses for experienced mariners. It also provides academic support and features a college degree program. The Paul Hall Center last year opened a state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety school near the main campus. Among those accompanying Governor Gutierrez last month to Piney Point were the following Guam officials: Attorney General John Tarantino; Senator Eloy Bermudes (a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former executive manager of the Guam Port Authority); Joe T. San Agustin, administrator of base realignment and closure; and Jerry Yingling, executive manager of the Guam International Airport Authority. Discussing the school's 33-year history as a major employer in southern Maryland are (from left facing camera) Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, and U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) during a late December tour. The opening last year of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (below), part of the Paul Hall Center, has proven extremely beneficial for numerous classes, including the unlicensed apprentice curriculum. Observing a demonstration December 27 at the modern campus are (from left) U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez, Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jim Hanson and Guam Senator Eloy Bermudes. THEY SHOULD KNOW: While researching the program, Guam officials chatted with students enrolled in the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program. Reminder As part of the existing standard freightship and tanker contracts, Seafarers may qualify for an extra vacation day per month. However, the contracts department reminds SIU members that in order to obtain this benefit, they must secure and compfete a "tour of duty" form when signing off the vessel. This one-page form, available aboard the ship, should be signed by the master with the ship's seal. It is the member's responsibility to keep the form until filing for vacation benefits. The extra vacation day will be paid to any eligible SIU member who successfully completes his or her tour of duty without injury or illness and who files the correct paperwork. If the Seafarer already has collected some vacation pay prior to successfully completing his or her tour, then the extra day will be awarded on the last vacation check, once he or she completes the assignment and meets the verification requirements. Notice Mobile Hosts Feb. 25 Ceremony Honoring Memory of Leon Hall CG Sets Drug Test Rate At 50 Percent for Y2K The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced that it will maintain a minimum random drug testing rate of 50 percent for merchant vessel crew members throughout this year. The agency reported that the 1998 results (the most recent available when determining the 2000 standard) were positive 1.68 percent of the time. Federal regulations require marine employers to conduct random drug testing programs for covered crew members on inspected and uninspected vessels. 6 Seafarers LOG Leon Hall Active and retired Seafarers along with their families and friends are invited to a February 25 dedication at the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. in memory of the late SIU Vice President Leon Hall. Refreshments will be provided. Hall passed away in 1992 at age 72. The ceremony's starting time had not been determined as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Please check with the Mobile hall at (205) 4 78-0916 for more information. February 2000 �Among those pictured aboard the LNG Aquarius in Japan are Chief Cook G. Williams, SA Joseph Welle, P. Kasim, SA C. Washington, AB J. O'Shaughnessy and Bosun Zaine Basir. Applying muscle to their task are Recertified Bosun Jamie Miller (right) and two ABs aboard the USNS Sisler. Servicing Se0;[arers Overseas Crews Discuss Merger, Otherl01portantlssues The proposed merger of the SIU and NMU was a hot topic aboard the LNG Taurus during a recent shipboard meeting. Among those attending are (from left) QMED M. Hill, QMED J. Orr, GUDE Norman Barbosa, Recertified Steward Judi Chester, Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus and AB D. Bates. SIU crews in Japan, Singapore, Diego Garcia and other overseas ports welcomed SIU Representative Steve Ruiz to their respective ships throughout the month of December. Ruiz met with Seafarers aboard the eight LNG ships (Aquarius, Aries, Capricorn, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Taurus and Virgo); on the Buffalo Soldier, American Cormorant and Cape Jacob; and aboard the USNS vessels Potomac, Anderson, Phillips, Watson, Baugh, Yano, Sisler, Shughart and Gilliland "The main thing on the crews' minds was the merger, and an overwhelming majority gave a very As was the case aboard many other SIUcontracted ships, the steward department on the James Anderson worked to create a homey holiday atmosphere at sea. Helping get the job done are SA B. Fermin, SA Ibrahim Taha, SA E. Alaa, Chief Steward M. Watts, Assistant Cook M. Walter and GUDE A. Mohamed. Prepositioned in Diego Garcia, the Pvt. Franklin Phillips is a good feeder thanks to the galley gang that includes Chief Steward James Kidd, Chief Cook A. Mohammed, Cook/Baker C. Jones, SA C. Nunez-Avila, SAM. Thomas and others. February 2000 positive response," noted Ruiz, referring to the proposed merger of the SIU and the National Maritime Union (see story, page 2). "They all seemed very happy to see a union official on the ships," he added. Other subjects discussed among Ruiz and the crews included the Alaska Tanker Co., the reflagging of the LNG ships, and the various new vessels coming under SIU contract. "The LNG crews gave a vote of thanks" to SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Ruiz added. Posing for a photo aboard ttie USNS Potomac in Singapore are SA Liana McKinney, SA Luis Gonzalez, Chief Steward Norman Cox, Bosun Sean Ryan and Chief Cook Pamala Hagler. Left: Chief Electrician Ronald Paradise (left) and Bosun Edwin Rivera attend the meeting aboard the Phillips. SIU Representative Steve Ruiz answers Seafarers' questions aboard the Cape Jacob. Listening are Chief Cook Marco Guevara, Oiler Gregory Carroll, ABT. O'Brien and AB R. Trainor. SERVICE WITH A SMILE: Aboard the LNG Capricorn (from left), Chief Cook Rafael Cardenas, SA Gloria Melluish and SA Antonio Perez welcome a camera-toting guest. Seafarers LOS 7 �Sea -arers Celebrate Holidays Steward Departments HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM STEWARD DEPT MN MARlNE COLUMBIA THUR NOV 25 1999 COMMANDING OFFICER CAPT JOHN T SCOGGINS ME N U B R E A K F A S T CHILLED FRUI JUICES SLICED FRESH FRUITS ASSORTED COLD CEREALS BREAKFAST POTATOES BREAKFAST PASTRIES EGGS COOKED TO ORDER FRENCH TOAST HOT CAKES GRJLLED BACON GRJLLED HAM HOT GRITS HOT OATMEAL CHOICE OF OMELETTES EGGS BENEDICT (HAM BAC CHEESE ONIO PEPPER CRAB) EGGNOG Pictured from left to right, SA Othman Saleh, Steward/Baker James Dunne and Chief Cook John Huyett offer a Thanksgiving meal featuring traditional dishes and more. Marine Col11mbia Give Extra Effort To Provide U NCH AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS FROM JOHN &JIM &OTTMAN Scrumptious Shipboard Fare As Thanksgiving gave way to Christmas and New Year's Day, SIU steward departments continually utilized their skills, creativity and enthusiasm in preparing holiday feasts for fellow crew members. Several of those vessels contacted the Seafarers LOG to commend the respective galley gangs. Some of the photos they submitted, along with others from the holidays, are shown on this page and the next one. L FRENCH ONION SOUP W/CH/ CROUTONS ASSORTED COLD SALADS&MIXED RELISHES SHRIMP & CRAB COCTAILS ROASTED TURKEY W/DRESSING & GRAVY BAKED HAM W/FRUIT SAUCE RICE PILAFF GLAZED YAMS MASHED POTATO GREEN PEAS SUMMER SQUASH BROCCOLI HOT COFFEE COLD MILK FRUIT DRINK HOT TEA PECAN PIE PUMPKIN PIE JELLO PUDDING PETITS FOURS HARD CANDY ASSORTED NUTS DINNER LEFT OVERS FROM LUNCH PLUS ROASTED PRIME RIB WIAU JUS Pictured on deck is Bosun Greg Hamilton. Chief Pumpman Ron Gordon works up an appetite while helping keep the equipment operating. Steward/Baker Dunne (right photo) is in a dicey situation while SA Saleh has an idea for decorating the treetop. Sulphur Enterprise SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT: Bosun Tony Sabatini enjoys Thanksgiving dinner. Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro lends a hand during meal preparation. Fist-size shrimp were on the Thanksgiving menu. D< "'J..r•·f'·p fTtLn'K,~GIV!;VG l5 :>iOVEMllF.R Jm !SULi'RL'R F..~IU'IUSE .4P :um~. • CltABCAU. ~~~~, • m.in:u onn"l..'t Wll'iG. OA• HUT1tAtt"GOO.'l. " ·~ ~.:r-o~kOIL ~ ~:® GNGLR.&OU., T£1UYAKJcmt.~. ::::::~ C:Ol'Ol>it(>~ . • AVOCAD05ltllf..L .. ~"-WRDll:OU.. • cv.111u1aou. ~ SUFOOb CllOWnM ilM 'ift'O:.'ft'O.!I 1110UP. L'TRHS ~JlT.\U,\lilTHilOLU..'\"•.US&. OkllUO llUJ'ftUCOfil TO OttDPW111! ~ acruw.. S'fn:C'T.-SlH:Ta !W)Tf&rfUl'.CJtA& ~lJlt.:£."l'l.f.&!'RLU~J'RJ'QJUCi, .OASTTOMTl'ftkl!'YWml~~GC-...VY:_.~-U\JC'S. ~RA.~Jr--~·UA~!ioTIUWt:nll!{t.Awa_~ SfiV"'1'SlLClroAHSTYLE. ~E~°'A'~-'"(Lsno°':~~o. Credit for the Thanksgiving goodies on the Sulphur Enterprise goes to (from left) Chief Cook Jimmy Cordova, Steward/Baker Nee Tran and SA Trinidad Sanchez. 8 Seafarers LOG :;R! Mn..PKf!Th. :~~ •WG~OG. ~n\ll'i.-Ab DDART~i"-"'158Jfll(; ==~~ Cla'!W Jl.~lio"f. A '!l!)('K 80 __, M..lL'TJn"l.. 1ll''\JGC1Vf'fr.. Eyeing the menu choices are DEU Justin Ravnell (left) and Recertified Bosun Marvin Zimbro. February 2000 �Wilmington Sharing holiday sentiments aboard Matson's Manulani are (from left) SA Tim Ellis, Port Agent John Cox and Chief Steward Lorraine Brayman. Each Christmas, a large, bearded man in a red and white hat visits Seafarers in Wilmington, Calif.-usually several hours after Santa makes his rounds. Port Agent John Cox (pictured in these four shots) continued the tradition in 1999. Pictured from left to right are AB Herman Moningka, Port Agent John Cox and Captain Bruno Kalmeta. Crowley Seafarers Engine Utility Deso Hrboka, AB Mike Privette, Mate Hank Scott and Mate Barry Schuffels welcome their jolly visitor. On the Sea-Land Patriot are (from left) Electrician Bozidar Baul, AB John Emrich, AB Mitchell Santana, AB Matt Bevak, Port Agent John Cox, Bosun Bobby Garcia, AB Ray Vicari and AB Don Hamrick. GI bal Mariner More than 100 people, including crew members, company officials and guests, turned out for the Christmas luncheon aboard the cable ship Global Mariner. Chief Steward Lanette Lopez (behind the camera) worked with (from left) SA Syed Murtaza, Chief Cook Antony Bach, SA Suzanne Santora, SA Husain Salah and Cook/Baker Walter Schoppe as well as Bosun Thor Young and Splicer/Joiner Nelson Poe in readying the succulent cuisine. ITB Philadelphia No SIU-crewed ship may have faced more difficult circumstances near the holidays than the !TB Philadelphia. As noted in letters from AB John Bellinger and Captain Nicholas Colavito (see page 20), the vessel engaged in a challenging voyage delivering food aid (37,000 tons of grain) from Portland to two ports in North Korea. Because of various unforeseen difficulties, "the disBosun Terry Cowans (left) and charge took 30 days, longer AB John Bellinger eagerly anticiby far than was projected," pate the Thanksgiving spread. noted Bellinger, who provided these photos. "During the entire stay, communication was severely restricted. The strain was especially great on the steward department, as the Philadelphia carried seven extra people to operate the machinery for the discharge. "Additionally, large groups of customs and immigration officials as well as officials from the port often arrived with little notice, and expected to be Cook/Baker Mohamed Hussein fed." (right) and Chief Steward The ship left Korea a few Thurman Johnson ready the days before Thanksgiving, meal. and crew members "enjoyed a spectacular Thanksgiving dinner, due in large part to the creativity and squirreling ability of Chief Steward Thurman Johnson and Cook/Baker Mohamed Hussein, wrote Bellinger. "This will be Mohamed's last voyage. The officers and crew presented him with a certificate of appreciation and a modest cash gift to express their gratitude for his fine work under trying circumstances. Mr. Hussein is such a fine baker that when the bread from shore finally ran out, the quality of life aboard actually improved, as delicious fresh breads, rolls, pastries and cookies rolled forth from Mo's oven. Lucky are we who sailed with him, and we wish him happiness on the beach. "Also, the entire crew has shown once again that long hours and difficult straits do not slow down American merchant mariners." Sea-Land Patriot Beef Wellington is one of many holiday menu choices on the SeaLand Patriot. RUDOLPH'S GOT NOTHIN' ON THIS ONE: Unlicensed Apprentice Justin Baker (class No. 597) puts the final touch on temporarily rednosed Brooke Dement at a holiday gathering inside the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in Piney Point, Md. February 2000 Seafarers LOG 9 �Pensioner James M Smith joined the SIU in Baltimore in August 1939, right out of the l"YT.......,,--.r.........,,......,...TT""".._ Marine Corps as a corporal and as an expert of 50caliber machine guns. He sailed during WWII, the Korean conJ. Melford Smith flict and the early part of the Vietnam war and upgraded at the union s school in Brooklyn to third assistant engineer. This article recounts a voyage he took in 1942 aboard the SS Alcoa Pathfinder. alking down the dimly lit dock at midnight, I could hear the hum of the generators through the steel hull of the ship while I was still 100 yards away. The ship was loaded down almost to her plimsol marks, so the gangway had only a slight incline. Carrying my sea bag and tool kit, I went up the narrow gangway to the deck. At the top of the gangway, the mate had posted the sailing board with a sailing time of 0500 and the date: 2/28/42. Stepping onto the deck, I was stopped short by a strong odor that had been long forgotten- the smell of horse manure! I must be dreaming, I thought. With a war going on, we couldn't possibly be carrying a load of horse manure to some port overseas. Maybe some general or admiral had started a rose garden somewhere and was using his clout to get some fertilizer. Casting aside such disrespectful thoughts about our fearless leaders, I walked aft on the port side and discovered the farm-like odor was coming from a dozen wooden stalls lashed securely on deck. They contained four thoroughbred horses and eight cows. For an old Ohio farm boy, this was truly a sight to behold! I had milked my share of cows and spent more time than I cared to admit looking at the south end of horses going north. I never expected to be so closely associated with them while plying my trade as a seagoing electrician in the U.S. merchant marine. I had signed on at the United States Shipping Commissioner's office the previous afternoon, but this was my first time aboard this new type of vessel. It was called a C-1 A cargo ship and was just a year old. The ship had no guns, and her only defense against attack was a speed of 16 knots. On this run there were no armed escorts available. Although America at times has prided herself on being a major maritime nation, we have never had a national maritime policy. Except during periods when our nation was at war, our leaders have allowed our merchant marine to deteriorate almost to the point of non-existence. But in 1942, we were in a state of national emergency, and there was a mad scramble to build and crew ships to supply the armed forces. The enemy was sinking them far faster than they could be built, and we were losing the experienced seamen to man them. Along the East Coast, the lights of the cities were being used by German submarine crews to silhouette our ships, making them easy targets. Our losses were appalling. Locating the electrician's cabin, I found it was well furnished but W 10 Seafarers LOG like that!" We both dashed for the was taking care of the animals, had only one 18-inch port that making sure they had food and engine room. I flipped the main opened on the after deck and a water and cleaning their stalls. He lighting breakers and the ship went small electric fan. I thought, this had an endorsement on his seadark. son-of-a-gun is going to be a hot The German U-boat lay off the man's certificate that I had never one! heard of: Cattleman. A seagoing harbor and fired at us for 15 minutes I had been told at the union hall before the local armed forces got cowboy! It was something he did that the ship was hauling bauxite their coast defense guns in action from Dutch Guiana on the coast of "off watch" and was paid overtime and drove them off. The Nazi gun accordingly. South America to the port of I felt very uneasy about sailing crew was aiming primarily at the Mobile, Ala. Bauxite is a gray, oil tanks and refinery at the edge of in those submarine-infested waters dusty, gritty mineral that is the with the animals. One look at their town and except for that first round, main ingredient in making alularge brown, trusting eyes and the none of them came close. By late minum. When loading and disthought of what would happen if the next afternoon, the local longcharging bauxite, the dust covers shoremen had gotten the cargo the entire ship. The ventilation fans we got hit made me first angry, then sad. We humans were responashore, we had cast off the mooring must be shut down to protect the lines and were sailing around the sible for the present conditions and machinery, but the bauxite gets in Venezuelan coast to La Guaira. your food, your hair and your nose. could take care of ourselves. For As we rounded the peninsula, the horses and cows confined in If you are sweating, you soon look staying close inshore, I was like a gray ghost. their stalls, their terror and panic would be ended only by their death informed by the engineer on watch It was a miserable cargo to that there was a smell of burning transport but a vital one for the war by drowning. I vowed that if we insulation near the main switcheffort. I had never refused a job survived this voyage, I would get another ship as I did not want to be board. I soon located the problem becau e of the conditions or danand found a circuit breaker that gers, and I had sailed on some real around when that happened. was overheated. It was one of the rust buckets, so I stowed my gear Captain Dumke, who had made breakers for the steering gear and crawled into the comfortable this trip several times, said the motors, which bunk for a few was a vital piece hours sleep. of equipment. I It seemed decided to only a moment change the ciruntil the oiler on cuit breaker watch was immediately, knocking on my even though I door saying "It's would have to zero four thirty work it "hot," Elec, we're getwhich was 240 ting underway in a half hour volts. -and the cofI removed the defective fee's ready." I breaker and mumbled thanks installed the and got dressed, Often sailing unarmed, U.S.-flag cargo ships were at great risk through- new one. buckled on my tool belt, shoved out World War II-as evidenced in this 1942 photograph of an American Tightening the ammo ship whose entire crew perished. last nut, the a flashlight in my back pocket wrench slipped, and headed to flew out of my worst danger lay in our passage sweating hand and landed across the engine room to make sure the through the Yucatan Channel, the the bus bars which carries the main circuit breakers for the anchor load from the generators. The eyewindlass and the aft warping winch narrow waterway between Cuba searing flash from the short circuit were in the "on" position on the and the Yucatan Peninsula. He timed our passage through there at blinded me temporarily and main switchboard. They are used night. We would go to maximum knocked the generators off line. by the deck gang to pull in the speed, zigzag wildly in the dark The ship drifted without power, mooring lines securing the vessel night and stay as close to shore as and an onshore wind pushed us to the dock. I introduced myself to the l st possible without running aground. toward the rocks less than a mile And with the fathometer offi Its away. Our engine crew reacted assistant engineer, who was warmquickly to the emergency, and we ing up the engine, grabbed a cup of pinging would be heard by enemy coffee and went up to the bow to sound gear. soon had the generators back on stand by the anchor windlass conline and the ship underway again. I Though he was a grouchy old trols in case something should hap- cuss with never a kind word for had almost accomplished by accipen while the ship was docking or dent what Adm. Doenitz's subany of the mates, he stayed on the undocking. It's a part of the job I marines had failed to do. bridge all night and saw us safely enjoyed- unless it was raining. a Guaira was a pretty little through. Before getting my marine electritown nestled at the foot of Our first port of call was the coastal mountain range. cian's certificate, I had sailed in the Maracaibo in the Gulf of Venezuela, where we had some It serves as the seaport for Caracas, deck gang as an AB after putting general cargo to discharge. To the capital, which is about I 0 miles in my time as OS. Those ratings are a holdover from the days of enter the port, there is a narrow by road over the steep and rugged channel with a swinging sail but are still used. mountains. The Venezuelan people bridge/gate which opens on a large awn was breaking, and the were very friendly toward us lake with many oil platforms dotcity was coming to life as "Norte Americanos." we moved slowly out of the ting its surface. The gate is pulled After I finished work for the dock area and into Mobile Bay. open and closed by a small tugday, I walked uptown to the city Soon we were passing Fort boat. The port was closed from square. There was the usual catheMorgan on the tip of Dauphin dusk to dawn because of possible dral on one side and a small park Island, whose huge cannon had enemy action. in the center. Many of the townsfired at Admiral Farragut's fleet of people were enjoying the evening It was late evening and already gunboats in 1864 when he made dark by the time we got our ship in the square, including some strikthat famous remark "Damn the toringly beautiful girls, most of whom moored to the dock alongside a pedoes, full speed ahead." Now, as were accompanied by a chaperone. warehouse just inside the gate. My walk around the square was Chief Engineer Hardwick and I we entered the Gulf of Mexico where the submarines of Hitler's interrupted by a really Lovely girl were sitting on a bench on the aft "Thousand Year Reich" were lying who flashed me a big smile as I side of the deckhouse. We were having an after-dinner smoke and in wait for us, we could say the strolled by. Since there was not a talking when there was a bright same thing. chaperone in sight, I stopped to We brought our ship up to full flash of light in the outer harbor. talk, though my Spanish was very speed and started a zigzag course The chief said, "I wonder what limited. to Maracaibo and La Guaira, idiot is signaling to get inside the "Hola! Senorita, Que pasa? Venezuela. While making the fiveharbor this late at night." Como se llama? (Hi, miss, what's day voyage, I learned that some Before I had a chance to reply, happening? What's your name?) wealthy businessman in Venezuela there was a terrific explosion and "Elita" she said with a sweet the end of the warehouse disintesmile, followed by a long string of was starting a ranch and had Spanish. I hadn't the faintest idea grated. The animals were crying ordered the finest breed of animals from the States. This was the secwhat she had said after her name, with fear, and some shrapnel hit ond shipment, and there were two the stem of the ship. I said, "Chief, so I asked "Habla Englais?" more on order. One of the sailors She shook her head no, then I've never heard a ship enter a port L D said, "Ah leetle," and held up her fingers pinched together. We were soon sitting at a sidewalk cafe drinking coffee and laughing while struggling with the language barrier and enjoying each other's company. After about an hour, I indicated that it was time for me to go (we were sailing at dawn.) When I stood up to leave, Elita, still chattering in Spanish, took my arm. I caught the word "paseo" (walk), so we started to walk east along the beach road. It was a beautiful spring night with a full moon and a cool breeze from the Caribbean. When we came to the edge of town I said to myself, Elita must be a country girl if she Lives this far out of town. After about a quarter mile she asked me something in Spanish that I didn't understand. We continued strolling down the road hand in hand with Elita asking the same question every hundred yards or so. Finally, while I could still see the lights of the town, I stopped and sat down on a stone culvert while I figured out what she was saying. At last it became clear to me that she did not understand that I was a seafaring person on a ship! Elita was asking "How much farther is it?" When we met the next time, we laughed about it. The next morning, heading down the coast to Paramaribo, Dutch Guiana, I thought, how frustrating to not be bilingual in a hemisphere where 21 out of 23 countries speak Spanish. In India I had Learned a little Bengali and in the Philippines a little Tagalog along with their Spanish. I decided then and there to start studying Spanish as soon as I could find a good study book. But as Robert Bums, the Scot poet, said, "The best laid schemes of mice and men gang aft agley." Due to the exigencies of the war, I soon found myself in the islands of the South Pacific for the duration. Studying Spanish had a very low priority where each voyage was a matter of survival. I regret that I never did learn it. ... aramaribo is the capital of Surinam, which is a Dutch colony. The buildings are Dutch style and though English is spoken, the main language is Dutch. We didn't have time to go ashore as the mine where we were to load bauxite was 25 miles up the Surinam River, and the river pilot was waiting. As we wound our way up the river through the dense jungle, branches and vines would sometimes scrape alongside. Monkeys and colorful birds of all kinds screeched and yelled at us for disturbing their habitat. It was a unique experience for us deep sea sailors. The mine had a conveyor system that was extended over the ship's holds. The powdery bauxite poured off the concave conveyor belt into the hold, throwing up clouds of choking dust. The heat was almost unbearable, but there was a little breeze blowing up the river so I turned in that night with my fan sucking some of that air into my room. During the night the wind shifted and I awoke with a choking sensation, unable to breathe. Turning on a light, I discovered myself and my room completely covered with a heavy coating of bauxite dust and my fan making it look like a Sahara dust storm. Bauxite dust does not taste good. P Continued on page 17 February 2000 �.,, .... i ·.IIIi , ~ . Leap at the Chance for a College Scholarship • COMPLETE THE COUPON AT RIGHT AND MAIL TO: Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 FebTuary 2~0 Are you putting off applying for college because you just don't have the time-or the money? Well, this month both those problems may be solved! Since this is a leap year, which means February has an extra day, it will give you more time to do all those things you wished you had more time to do. And one of those things is to sit down and apply for an SIU scholarship. Since the union began its scholarship program in 1952, many Seafarers and their family members have been awarded higher education grants and gone on to realize their educational goals. This year, as in the past, the Seafarers Welfare Plan will present seven scholarships. Three of the awards will go directly to Seafarers. One of these grants is for $15,000 for use at a four-year institution of higher learning. The other two awards designated specifically for SIU members are $6,000 each for use toward two years of study at a community college or vocational school. The remaining four grants will be presented to spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. Each of these scholarships is for $15,000 to study at a four-year college or university. quired of all applicants in order to be considered for a scholarship. Who Is Eligible? Materials Needed Scholarships are available to Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children (pensioners are not eligible). Additional eligibility information may be found in the 2000 SIU scholarship program booklet. Just fill out the coupon below and mail it to the address listed. Program booklets also are available at all SIU halls. In addition to the application form itself, other items are re- Transcripts and certificates of graduation are needed, as are letters of recommendation from individuals who have knowledge of the applicant's character, personality and career goals; scores from the College Entrance Examination Board (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) exams; a photograph of the applicant; and a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate. Deadline Nears The completed applications MUST be mailed and postmarked ON or BEFORE April 15, 2000. Those who have applied for an SIU scholarship in the past and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the requirements. So ... don't let a Jack of time or money prevent you from furthering your education. You have an extra day this month to leap for the chance at a scholarship. Don't let it pass you by. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, P lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 2100 L---------------------------------------------------------------------------SeafaTel'S LOG 11 �TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS HOWTO PREPARE ATAXRETURN Step I. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • Real estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 1999 Returns" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. Check the return to make sure it is correct. Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form 1040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040-V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, social security number and form number on your check or money order. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 66b, 66c and 66d on their Form 1040. Line 66b is for the STANDARD DEDUCIION This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions. (Note that the personal exemption deduction is $2,750.) Filing Status Standard Deduction Single ........... $4,300 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent children ........ $7,200 Married filing separate return ....$3,600 Head of household ..$6,350 bank's routing number. Line 66c indicates the type of account, and line 66d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax retnrn electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption-for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,750 per person. In 1999, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. s.andardl>eWdim.Hmlncraad: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box below to the right). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 1999, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mortgages or investments is 100 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. Hthey do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Oub Dues Deduction: No deduction is permitted for club dues; however, dues paid to professional or public service organizations are deductible for business reasons. Deductions Subject to 2% of Adjusted Groa Income: These include investment advisory fees, trustee's administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. Deducting WOik-Reiated &penses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Tiavel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related C',ar Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses-either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost On the tax return due April 17 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 32.5 cents per mile (for 1/1-3/31) and 31 cents per mile (for 4/112/31). Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Deducting Work-Related Meals When 'Ihlveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $38 per day in the continental U.S. and $42 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $34. In some locations it is $42, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Tiavel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. Limit on Itetni7.ed Deductions: In 1999, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $126,600 of federal adjusted gross income (or $63,300 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 1999, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $10,200 and no qualifying children - $347 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $26,928 and with 1 qualifying child $2,312 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $30,580 and with 2 or more qualifying children $3,816 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form 1040, schedule EI C to see if they are eligible for the credit Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a social security number (SSN). Individuals may get an 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 an SSN. Dependent Child Credit: Effective for tax year 1999, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit The amount of the credit is $500 per child. Credit for Higher Education 'IWtion: Individuals may be able to take the "H0 PE" credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after January 1, 1999, taxpayers can take the "Lifetime Leaming Credit," that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Also, no credits are available for expenses of a student in any year that tax-free distributions from an education IRA are used to pay the student's expenses. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $1,500 of interest paid after December 31, 1998 for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: • Education IRAs-Taxpayers can contribute up to $500 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary's postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Leaming credit is claimed. Also, no contribution may be made by any person for the same beneficiary during any year in which a coµtribution is made to a qualified state tuition program. • Roth IRAs-The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $2,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. • Penalty-Free IRA Distributlons-The additional 10 percent t.ax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax also may not TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS 12 Seafarers LOG TAXTIPSFO Presented on these two p handy tax tips that have mariners. Included are th 1999 and where to get WHERETO GE General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called ti questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order curr publications. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are availabl try to help with tax questions that c: To find the location of an IRS office States Government, Internal Reven Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer qu taxpayer information service, public can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system h about 150 topics. 1-800-829-4477 i When calling from a touch tone ph repeat the topic and the letter "C" To listen to a directory of topics aftet 123. You can also check the status This telephone service is availabl time). Personal Computer: Access the IRS 's Internet Web Si forms, instructions and publication questions; search publications on-1' withholding allowances using their requests for help via e-mail; and si news by e-mail from the IRS Digita Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the District Director (listed on the tax with the letter. Federal law prohibits employers from the wages of mariners workin Specifically, the law [46 USCA wages due or accruing to a master, member of the crew on a vessel e coastal, interstate or non-contiguous provisions of the tax laws of any wealth, or a subdivision of any of th hibit any such withholding of the w the coastwise trade between ports · pursuant to a voluntary agreement The law, however, does not exe taxes. Mariners, just like any other their obligations to the government Each state has a set of criteria resident of that state. A seaman sho she is unsure about residency status. For example, in California d California State Board of Eq seaman-despite the fact that he year-was a resident of the state fi consideration the fact that the se tained a bank account in a Califo Additionally, each state has es residents of that state must pay a ual earned income from a source Many states allo~ a credit in the if that person has already paid taxes If any questions arise rega niariners should telephone t state in which they reside. TAXTIPSFO February 2000 �RSEAFARERS ges of the Seafarers LOG are een prepared especially for new deduction amounts for additional information. apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a firsttime homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual's lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. nt and prior year fonns, instructions and Private Delivery Services: Tax returns and extensions can be mailed through private delivery services such as Airborne Express, DHL Worldwide Express, Federal Express and United Parcel Service. Forms of Payments: One can in many IRS offices around the counot be answered easily by telephone. look in the phone book under "United in return for services) . • Tier 2 and supplemental annuities under the Railroad Retirement Act. • Lump-sum distributions. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) or real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). OTHER TAX INFORMATION INFQRMATION r general information. IRS staff answer TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS! pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, cash, bank check or money order. • 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. stions by phone. Through the agency's tions covering all aspects of tax-filing WHICH RECORDS TO KEEP s recorded tax infonnation covering Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax retum, 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. the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. ne, the letter "R" or number "7" will r number "2" will cancel the message. the introductory message finishes, dial f your refund. from 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. (local e at www.irs.ustreas.gov to: download ; see answers to frequently asked tax e by topic or keyword; figure your -4 caJculator, send them comments or up to receive the latest tax issues and Dispatch. returns can be sent directly to an IRS rm). Include a social security number , 'RS MUST PAY COME TAX from withholding state and local taxes aboard U.S.-flag ships. 1108(11)] provides that "no part of the officer or any other seaman who is a gaged in the foreign, coastwise, intertrade shall be withheld pursuant to the , territory, possession or commonm, but nothing in this section shall pros of any seaman who is employed in the same state if such withholding is tween such seaman and his employer." pt seamen from paying state and local citizens of any given state, must meet f the area in which they live. determine whether an individual is a d check with a state tax office if he or g the early 1970s, a case before the alization stated that a merchant was on a ship for 210 days of the r tax purposes. The board took into owned a home in California and main.a-based bank. blished conditions under which nonortion of state tax if such an individased in that state. ount an individual must pay the state in another state. 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 1999, the taxpayer's personal representative {and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer's property. WHICH INCOME TO REPORT In addition to wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, capital gains, dividend payments and other income listed on the federal tax return, the following kinds of income must be reported. 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, 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. • 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. • 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 SEAFARERS February 2000 WHICH INCOME NEED NOT BE REPORTED FILING AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 2000 to file his or her 1999 federal tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file a tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due. TAX PLANNING TIPS Selling Your Home'? The tax law gives homeowners a special tax break on capital gains realized on the sale of a principal residence. If you have owned and used a home as your principal residence for periods totaling at least two years out of the last five years before selling, you generally can take advantage of this break to exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for joint filers). People who fail to meet the ownership or use test or have claimed the exclusion for another home within two years of the sale may qualify for a partial exclusion. Don't forget capital improvements. H you find yourself with unexpected taxable gains on your home sale, check your records for overlooked capital improvement expenses you've paid over the years. The costs of capital improvements, such as adding another bath, garage or family room, are added to your basis in the home and, thus, reduce your taxable gain. Reinvesting Your Dividends Make sure you count any reinvested dividends as part of your tax basis when you sell the stock you bought through a dividend reinvestment plan. The dividends were taxed to you when they were originally paid. You don't want to pay tax on them twice. The same holds true for mutual fund dividends you had automatically reinvest.eel. State Taxes Many state income tax laws are based on federal tax rules. So, the strategies you use for your federal tax planning may work with your state tax planning as well. Be aware that Some states allow two-earner couples who file joint federal returns to file separate state returns when it is advantageous. Check your state's rules. If you have a choice, calculate your tax both ways and use the method that produces the lower tax. Also, you may be considered a resident of-and owe taxes to-two states if you own two residences in different states. If you sell a property in another state at a profit, generally you owe that state taxes on your gain. If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as "Application for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's tollfree number which is dedicated to tax form requests (800) 829-3676. Also, the form is available from all main IRS branch offices and from the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. It is im.portant to bear in m.ind that th.£ filing of Form 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off th.£ hook from. having to pay any taxes due. Form 4868, when sent in, m.ust be accompanied by all tax monies due th.£ U.S. governnumt frmn th.£ individual filing the extension. OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME Should a Seafarer find himself or herself 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. / TAXES DUE APRIL 17, 2000 TAX TIPS FOR SEAFARERS Seafarers LOG 13 �---------------------------------------------~~~~~~~~~~~~ -- - ~ - ••II State l'tl•ar1 Dates rater legistratio• leadll•es tot Be•eral Electlo•: Taesd111, llore•bet 1, 2100 State Registration Deadline(s) Primary Date (Presidential I Congressional) 2000 promises to be a very exciting election year. The president of the U.S., as well as members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, will be determined this November 7. In order to vote, you must be registered. The chart below lists some important dates and times you need to know in order to register and to exercise your right to vote. Polling Hours 8 am- 6/8 pm June 6 (Cong. runoff date - June 27) 10 days before an election 7 am - 8 pm Conventions May 19 (R); May 20 (D) I Aug. 22 30 days before an election ALASKA 6 am - 7 pm Feb. 22; March 11 (Dl/ Sept. 12 29 days before an election ARIZONA 7:30 am - 7:30 pm May 23 (Cong. runoff date June 13) 30 days before an election ARKANSAS March 7 · 7 am8 pm 29 days before an election CALIFORNIA 7 am 7 pm March 10 I Aug. 8 29 days before an election COLORADO 6 am 8 pm March 7 I Sept. 12# 14 days before an election CONNECTICUT 7 am 8 pm Feb. 5; Feb. 8 (R) I Sept. 9 20 days prior to general election; DELAWARE 21 days prior to primary election 7 am - 8 pm May2 30 days before an election DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 7 am - 7 pm March 14 I Sept. 5 (runoff date - Oct. 3) 29 days before an election FLORIDA 7 am - 7 pm March 7IJuly18 (runoff date - Aug. 8) The 5th Monday before a general primary, general GEORGIA election or presidential preference primary. The 5th day after the date of the call for all other special primaries and special elections 7 am - 6 pm Caucus March 7 (D); May 19 (R) I Sept. 23 30 days before an election HAWAII 8 am - 8 pm May23 25 days before an election by mail; 24 days before IDAHO an election in person, or election day at the polls 6 am - 7 pm March 21 29 days before primary; 28 days before general election ILLINOIS 6 am - 6 pm May2 29 days before an election IN DIANA 7 am - 9 pm Caucus Jan. 24 I June 6 Delivered by 5 pm 10 days before state primary or general IOWA election; 11 days before all others. A postmark 15 or more days before an election is on time 617 am - 718 pm April 4 I Aug. 1 Delivered 15 days before an election KANSAS 6 am - 6 pm May 23 28 days before an election KENTUCKY 6 am - 8 pm March 14 I Nov. 7 (runoff date - Dec. 9) 24 days before an election LOUISIANA 6/10 am* - 8 pm March 7 I June 13 10 business days before an election or delivered MAINE in person up to and including election day 7 am - 8 pm March 7 9 pm on the 5111 Monday before an election MARYLAND 7 am - 8 pm March 7 I Sept. 19 20 days before an election MASSACHUSETIS 7 am - 8 pm Feb. 22 [Caucus March 11 (D)] I Aug. 8 30 days before an election MICHIGAN 7 am - 8 pm * Caucus March 7 I Sept. 12 Delivered by 5 pm 21 days before an election; MINNESOTA also election day registration at polling places 7 am - 7 pm March 14 (Cong. runoff date - April 4) 30 days before an election MISSISSIPPI 6 am - 7 pm March 7 I Aug. 8 28 days before an election MISSOURI 7 am/noon* - 8 pm* June 6 30 days before an election MONTANA 718 am - 718 pm May 9 The 41h Tuesday before an election or delivered NEBRASKA by 6 p.m. on 2nd Friday before an election 7 am - 7 pm Conventions May 19-21 (D), May 25 (R) I Sept. 5 9 pm on the 5th Sat. before any primary or general NEVADA election. 9 pm on the 3rd Sat. before any recall or special election unless held on same day as primary or general election. Then it remains the 5th Saturday. 11 am - 7 pm Feb. 1 I Sept. 12 10 days before an election, or registration at polls NEW HAMPSHIRE on election day 7 am - 8 pm June 6 29 days before an election NEW JERSEY 7 am - 8 pm June 6 28 days before an election NEW MEXICO 6 am - 9 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 25 days before an election NEW YORK 6:30 am - 7:30 pm May 2 (Cong. runoff date May 30) Postmarked 25 days before an election or received NORTH CAROLINA in elections office or voter registry agency by 5 pm 719 am - 7/9 pm* Conventions Feb. 29 (R), March 7 (D) I June 13 North Dakota does not have voter registration NORTH DAKOTA 6:30 am - 7:30 pm March 7 30 days before an election OHIO 7 am - 7 pm March 14 I Aug. 22 (runoff date - Sept. 19) 25 days before an election OKLAHOMA 7 am - 8 pm May 16 21 days before an election OREGON 7 am - 8 pm April 4 30 days before an election PENNSYLVANIA 7 am/noon - 9 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 30 days before an election RHODE ISLAND 7 am - 7 pm Feb. 19 (R), March 9 (D) I June 13 (runoff dat - June 27) 30 days before an election SOUTH CAROLINA 718 am - 718 pm June 6 (Cong. runoff date - June 20) Delivered 15 days before an election SOUTH DAKOTA 6/8 am - 7/8 pm** March 14 I Aug. 3 30 days before an election TENNESSEE 7 am - 7 pm March 14 (Cong. runoff date - April 11) 30 days before an election TEXAS 7 am - Bpm March 10 I June 27# 20 days before an election UTAH 6/10 am - 7 pm March 7 I Sept. 12 Delivered to town clerk before noon, postmarked or VERMONT submitted to OMV on 2nd Saturday before an election 6 am - 7 pm Feb. 29 (R); Convention June 3 (0) I June 13# Delivered 29 days before an election VlRGINfA 7 am - 8 pm Feb. 29 I Sept. 19 30 days before an election or delivered in person up to WASHINGTON 15 days before an election 6:30 am - 7:30 pm May9 30 days before an election WEST VIRGINIA 719 am - 8 pm April 4 I Sept. 12 13 days before an election or completed in the local WISCONSIN voter registration office 1 day before an election or completed at polling place on election day 7 am - 7 pm March 1OI Aug. 22 30 days before an election or register at polling place WYOMING on election day * Depends on size of jurisdiction; * * 7 pm CST - 8 pm EST;# In Connecticut and Utah, conventions are held by the parties prior to the primary. In Virginia, parties may choose to nominate candidates by convention rather than by primary. SOURCE: U.S. Federal Election Commission. ALABAMA 14 Seafarers LOG Febl'Uary 2000 �·~--- ·- - - --- Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 1999 - JANUARY 15, 2000 *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 30 San Francisco 24 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 25 27 11 8 3 6 16 10 14 36 29 3 0 243 17 3 4 14 4 11 13 11 16 7 3 8 12 4 2 130 10 2 2 10 20 9 4 7 15 2 8 16 4 6 19 28 3 18 7 6 4 2 20 20 8 4 0 0 87 7 10 14 2 0 0 189 2 13 4 14 14 6 11 7 3 6 6 5 6 0 2 8 1 0 8 5 9 11 2 3 12 4 6 5 5 2 I 0 0 0 100 78 52 10 11 21 20 18 8 4 6 3 5 22 18 6 71 12 29 45 18 12 21 8 1 6 40 59 16 23 2 1 0 97 23 10 2 6 10 4 5 7 5 5 16 3 13 7 17 1 0 12 4 2 2 4 3 2 0 1 445 183 90 15 53 16 l 7 5 8 7 14 7 7 13 2 8 17 4 0 2 118 11 3 3 5 7 1 2 7 9 9 8 9 3 2 5 4 2 3 0 87 16 1 6 3 0 5 4 5 2 7 3 19 7 6 3 12 2 3 1 0 0 37 5 0 4 16 2 1 2 105 5 4 7 10 3 8 8 4 9 3 3 5 1 5 0 76 0 0 2 4 0 3 l 0 6 3 2 2 0 2 0 26 'Deep sea, takes, 1n1a11d waters Piney Point ............. Monday: March 6, April 3 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: March 15, April 12 HonoJulu ................. Friday: March 17, April 14 Houston ..................Monday: March 13. April IO Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 9, April 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: March 22, April 19 Mobile .................... Wednesday: March 15, April 12 New Bedford ...•......Tuesday: March 2 l t April 18 New Orteans ...........Tuesday; March 14, April 11 New York................Tuesday: March 7, April 4 Norfolk ...................Thursday: March 9, April 6 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: March 8, April 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port -iliiSbj ,,.,,,. Algonac ..................Friday: March 1O.. April 7 DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Trip Reliefs • • • & ~I 2111JO 5 24 0 4 3 3 6 6 18 15 36 18 12 19 11 13 4 2 4 6 0 1 7 0 0 0 38 26 3 I 0 211 13 3 2 7 6 16 17 10 11 8 12 6 2 3 0 117 3 l 2 4 3 3 11 2 6 4 0 San Francisco ......... Thursday: March 16, April 13 San Juan ..................Thursday: March 91! April 6 St. Louis .................Friday: March 17~ April 14 Tacoma ................... Friday: March 24, April :21 Wilmington ...............Monday: March 20, April 17 Each potf's meeting starts at 1g..311 a.m. 5 Personals 6 3 0 2 Please call you brother, Joe Engbrock, in Houston at (713) 946-6162. He is very anxious to talk with you. 55 HERMAN COLLIER DEREK MACKAY Please call you wife at (757) 559-6952. Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 12 1 6 6 8 8 21 29 21 22 2 13 11 0 162 4 1 3 7 2 0 0 2 1 0 5 2 6 2 4 0 6 3 4 9 3 2 3 0 53 0 16 0 0 2 0 36 Port 4 0 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 2 0 5 5 11 2 8 5 16 2 0 0 1 62 Totals All Departments 585 20 14 0 0 2 16 1 4 15 8 9 11 8 14 13 11 19 17 9 1 45 6 0 17 0 183 4 120 3 3 14 0 222 453 382 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 9 2 1 6 I 0 0 I 1 2 3 l 9 4 8 13 18 13 5 1 4 2 0 2 6 1 2 5 2 4 1 10 4 4 2 12 46 33 0 14 0 34 3 4 8 0 20 20 2 0 69 6 0 267 21 1 6 10 l 0 0 116 2 2 0 35 0 0 0 0 15 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 14 17 0 2 0 0 0 2 2 0 31 8 0 120 112 0 0 0 0 0 -0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 441 331 231 204 4 6 8 16 1 5 0 0 1 11 0 11 5 6 7 16 3 9 15 7 3 0 16 0 0 3 5 2 0 0 31 5 6 13 16 5 10 IO 11 1 12 10 26 1 9 2 10 7 7 5 4 2 11 6 1 6 2 2 1 5 1 3 0 0 24 1 1 0 2 0 83 45 26 8 0 2 2 42 3 3 20 20 9 11 5 7 22 8 13 5 3 0 3 15 12 10 15 4 21 20 20 PIDLIP REYNOLDS Bridget Booker would like you to give her a call. She is at 1 (800) 375-0060, ext. 5647. CREW MEMBERS FROM THE 1940s Thomas W Hardeman is seeking to contact former crew members who sailed aboard the Richard Montgomery in 1943, the Jacob H. Gallinger in 1943-44, the Joseph H. Hollister in 1944, the William Terry Howell in 1945 and the Tyson Lykes in 1945. Hardeman can be reached at 821 Indigo Avenue, Casey, SC 29033 SURVIVORS OF THE SS ALCOA PILGRIM Retired Seafarer James C. Huffmaster would like to get in touch with fellow crew members who survived the sinking of the SS Alcoa Pi/gram (May 25, 1942). Please contact him via the SIU hall in Mobile, Ala. at (205) 478-0916. Corrections In a photograph published in the November 1999 issue of the LOG, page 13, QMED-Electrician Saro Koumashian of the MFOW was misidentified. In the January 2000 issue, page 5, the article about the late SIU VP Bob Matthews should have stated that he came ashore during the union's formation in the late 1930s and worked as an official from that time until his retirement. 8 9 3 157 2 0 0 1 72 13 0 13 0 98 268 285 1,021 651 475 20 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. February 2000 2 8 3 11 Brotherly Encounter at School The SIU's motto, "Brotherhood of the Sea," may ' mean a bit more to some members than others. For ~ · instance, DEU Abdulsalam Mohamed (left) and AB Fadhl Mohamed are ' brothers who recently caught up on family news while upgrading at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. They hadn't seen each other in four years, and were happy to finally renew acquaintance at the school. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes DECEMBER 16, 1999 MchaeJ Sacco '" President CL - +· .. , ;Jobnfay :&eeutive Vice President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer ;;,< . . ,,A,~g~s#.n Tellez ·. . Vice President Contracts .Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vlce President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone VIce President West Coast Kermett .Mangram Vice President Government Services • )I' Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 22 18 0 13 5 0 5 10 0 40 33 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class CL Class L Class NP h ;{~~~i!Wiit!ii£i;.@J'; if" r;; Company/Lakes JANUARY 15, 2000 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 10 10 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 0 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 7 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 21 11 0 0 12 7 0 7 4 0 3 3 0 21 11 HEADQUARTERS 520l Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 2-0746 (101} 899~0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 4&001 (&lO) 194-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) SQJ-4988 27 27 0 0 39 78 69 Totals All Depts 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Disp~chers' _/ BALTIMORE Report for Inland Waters DECEMBER 16, 1999 - JANUARY 15, 2000 1216 E. Baltimore St. *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, I;Jl .96& 19 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houst<Jn, TX 7'§002 (713) 659..5152 J JEBSEYCITY 99 Montgomery·St Hersey Cio/{Nl 0'?302 (201) 435-9424 ',J»;OBILE .y t 640bauphin lslallii PkWy. Mobile, AL 36605 . (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 99M404 NEW ORLEANS 39ll Lapako 81vd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 32S-7545 .NEW YORK 635Fourth Ave. Broo.klyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St Norfolk, VA 23510 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 1 30 3 0 3 0 1 34 4 0 0 17 0 0 1 0 0 17 1 0 0 9 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 30 0 10 0 3 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 20 0 0 2 10 0 30 0 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 2 0 3 10 6 0 18 2 5 0 18 0 14 32 0 0 0 14 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 15 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 13 0 0 14 0 6 4 47 37 0 5 14 60 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port . **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 36 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST (757) 622-1892 .PHILADELPHJA 2604 S.4 St. .Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PlNEYPOlNT P,0.Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 {301) 994-00 l 0 J?ORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN Ji'RANCJSCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco~ CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Govemment Servjces Division (4 l 5) 861 ·3400 SA.NTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave.. Stop 16}'2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 45&1 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South UuionAve. Tacoma, WA 93409 (253) 272-7774 WlLM.INGTON 51() N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 0 l 0) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Mary Geiling, the widow of pensioner Richard Geiling of Shoreline, Wash. It was taken during the Christmas season in 1955 aboard the hopper dredge Sand Captain in Venezuela. Geiling is the tallest member of the galley gang in this photo. Other identified members are "Andy Messina, Tom, Frank, Jim and Frenchy." Mrs. Geiling notes that her husband, who was an active member for 40 years (from 1951 until his retirement in 1991 ), died this past June. His ashes were scattered at sea from the deck of the Sea-Land Reliance-and he is greatly missed. February 2000 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified bosun is among the 12 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 46 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun Hubert C. Cain is a graduate of the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including Cain, nine of the retiring Seafarers shipped in the deep sea division, two sailed on inland vessels and one plied the Great Lakes. Six of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, five sailed in the engine department and one shipped in the steward department. Seven of the pensioners served in the U.S. military-six in the Army and one in the Navy. This month, half of the pensioners have retired to the Gulf states and two each have chosen to live on the East Coast, Midwest and Puerto Rico. On this page the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. 0 DEEP SEA JOSE A. BERDIEL, 58, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Bienville, operated by Sea-Land Service. The Puerto Rico native worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Humacao, an NPR, Inc. vessel. Brother Berdiel makes his home in Cleveland, Ohio. RAMON BONAFONT, 60, started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Colorado, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Bonafont last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Carolina, P.R. is where he calls home. GEORGE BRUER, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1959 from the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Germany, he became a U.S. citizen and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. February 2000 Brother Bruer has retired to Indian Harbor, Fla. HUBERTC. CAIN, 65 first sailed with the SIU in 1952 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Alcoa Polaris. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. From 1963 to 1965, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Cain last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He calls Mobile home. WALTERW. CHANCEY, 58, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1958 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Chancey's first ship was the Alcoa Partner. Born in Florida, he worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Express. He makes his home in Seffner, Fla. ARTHURR. LANG, 62, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Longview Victory. A native of Florida, he worked in the deck department. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Lang last sailed aboard the Galveston Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Jacksonville. ANGELL. O'NEILL, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department. He was active in union organizing drives during his career. Brother O'Neill last sailed aboard the Mayaguez, operated by NPR, Inc. Carolina, P.R. is where he calls home. LARRIE L. PROFFITT, 88, began his career with the SIU in 1955. Born in Hawaii, he worked in the engine depart- . ~. . - ment as a chief electrician. Brother Proffitt last sailed in 1978 aboard the Newark, a SeaLand Service vessel. He makes his home in Baltimore. DONAL RAY SWANNER, 72, joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Houston. Born in Oklahoma, he started his sailing career in the deck department aboard inland vessels. Brother Swanner later transferred to the deep sea division and worked in the engine department. During his career, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. Prior to retiring, he worked aboard the Paul Buck, an Ocean Ships, Inc. vessel. He has retired to Channelview, Texas. INLAND TERRYR. LeBLANC, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1954 in the port of Houston. The Texas native began working in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. Boatman LeBlanc last sailed aboard the Manta, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Aransas Pass, Texas is where he calls home. From 1956 to 1958 he served in the U.S. Army. MICHAELJ. POWELL, 55, first sailed with the SIU in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, he worked as a captain. Boatman Powell last sailed in 1997 aboard the Escort, operated by Express Marine. He makes his home in Poquoson, Va. GREAT LAKES TIMOTHY W. WALLACE, 52, began his career with the Seafarers in 1971. The Michigan native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1967 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Wallace last sailed in 1998 aboard the Buffalo, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Alpena, Mich. is where he calls home. Aboard the Pathftnder Continued from page 10 Due to the shallow depth of the Surinam River, we could take only a partial load of the ore. We were to stop at Port of Spain, Trinidad for the remainder of the cargo. The deck gang used our high pressure fire hoses to wash down the ship as we made good time down the river. We were glad to see the open ocean and escape the heat, even if it did mean there was a danger of running afoul of one of Der Fuehrer's submarines. In Port of Spain, there was frantic construction. They were building an airbase that could be used for aircraft to protect shipping, and as a ferry base for flights to Africa and Europe. As I walked up the street, a catchy little tune called "Rum and Coca Cola" blasted at maximum volume from every cantina's open doorway. "Go down Point Cumana - both Motha an' Dahta -workin' fo' the Yankee dollah." Point Cumana happened to be the red light district. It was war time, and some of the people were destitute. As we sailed back to Mobile with our full load of aluminum ore, we heard reports of ships being sunk near our intended route. Capt. Dumke changed course frequently to keep us well clear of the latest enemy action. I had asked for a relief on arrival in Mobile, but much to my disappointment, none was available. I had to make a second voyage with the horses and cows. During the final week of that second voyage in early May 1942, Adm. Doenitz, commander of the German navy, moved a wolf pack of his submarines into the Gulf of Mexico. Our Navy was helpless to combat this maneuver, and ships were being sunk even at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Like the run up the East Coast, the Gulf became a shooting gallery for the enemy. The radioed cries for help from torpedoed ships were heartwrenching, but there was nothing we could do except try to make it into Mobile Bay- where my relief was waiting. Five days after I signed off the ship in Mobile, the German submarine U-181 slammed a torpedo into the Pathfinder as she crossed the Gulf. Six months later at an island in the South Pacific called Guadalcanal, I received a report that the survivors had taken to the lifeboats and were picked up days later by a ship bound for Laurenco Marques, Mozambique, where they were put ashore. The animals did not survive. JMS SS Alcoa Pathfinder 20,000 seamen. In response to the demonstration, Adm. John Harllee, chairman of the federal Maritime 1947 In a stirring demonstration of inter-union supCommission, promised a "confident, deterport, the Seafarers International Union took to mined and aggressive effort" to aid in the solvthe streets of downtown New York in support ing of the Puerto Rico freight rates controver· rr;:::::::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::==m sy. He said that such of the strike of the United Financial a solution should be Employees, Local 205, found without having AFL. More than 200 to resort to the use white-capped Seafarers Aj tt a~ of foreign-flag vessels joined the picket lines l "f _ _V - l ' .ft f ' in Puerto Rican and distributed more trade. than 25,000 leaflets, prepared by the SIU,. to 1992 inform the public of the need for organizing The MV R.]. Pfeiffer, the only large commerthe underpaid workers in the brokerage busicial ship under construction in the United ness. States, was christened February 15 at a ship· yard in San Diego. The new 71 4-foot contain· 1965 At a joint demonstration in San Juan, the SIU ership is owned by Matson Navigation strongly protested attempts by the government Company and is named for the company's chief executive officer and chairman of the and certain industry leaders on the island to board. Delivery of the ship is scheduled for allow foreign-flag vessels to enter the Puerto Rico trade. The SIU warned that the introduc- June, with service commencing in August .... The cost for the Pfeiffer is $ 129 million and tion of foreign-flag shipping into the island does not include government subsidies. trade could result in the unemployment of Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THJS MO TH J· SJ HJS?,O, Seafarers LOS 11 �Final DeparturesDEEP SEA LEON A. ACOSTA Pensioner Leon A. Acosta, 74, passed away December 7, 1999. Born in Colombia, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1967 aboard the Falmouth. Brother Acosta sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician. Prior to retiring in June 1991, he signed off the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He was a resident of New Orleans. MICHAEL J. BARROW Michael J. Barrow, 49, died November 22, 1999. He began his career with the SIU in 1981 from the port of San Francisco. His L---....:.!J=...-.....lllZ..---l first SIU ship was the Santa Maria, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. During his career, he sailed in all three departments. Brother Barrow last sailed aboard the Global Link. Born in Jamaica, he made his home in Richmond, Va. CASIMIR BOGUCKI Pensioner Casimir Bogucki, 74, died November 11, 1999. A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Bogucki sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. Prior to retiring in September 1987, he signed off the Overseas Alice. Reno, Nev. was his home. MILTON G. BROUSSARD Pensioner MiltonG. Broussard, 85, passed away November 11 , 1999. Born in Louisiana, he first sailed with the Seafarers in t 1956 aboard the Antinous, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Broussard worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Banner, operated by International Ocean Transport Corp. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1944. He also served in the U.S. Navy from 1933 to 1940. He was a resident of Yardley, Pa. and began receiving his pension in 1979. RICHARD S. BYNUM Pensioner Richard S. Bynum, 68, died November 14, 1999. He began his career with the SIU in 1978, first sailing on the Del Sol, """"""""""'----"' operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Bynum sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. , where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1988. The Louisiana native served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1952. He made his home in Seattle and retired in December 1997. His last ship was the Global Sentinel, a Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. vessel. SALVATOR CANDELA Pensioner Salvator Candela, 73, 18 Seafarers LOG passed away May 25, 1999. Brother Candela joined the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of New Orleans. During his career, he L__.....,L"'""'""...__ _ _ J worked in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in August 1986, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Producer. New Orleans was his home. GUILLERMO S. CASTRO SR. Pensioner Guillermo Castro Sr., 78, died November 24, 1999. Born in Puerto Rico, he began sailing with the SIU in 1945 from the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member was active in union organizing drives and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. Brother Castro last sailed aboard the Boston, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Ludowici, Ga., he began receiving his pension in 1983. LEONG CHUN Pensioner Leong Chun, 89, passed away November 22, 1999. Brother Chun joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards. He sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in June 1970. He was a resident of San Francisco. WILLIAM HUNTER =-,,,..--~ Pensioner William Hunter, 73, passed away October 29, 1999. Brother Hunter joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the OMI Sacramento. A resident of Mobile, he started receiving his pension in April 1990. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. JOSEPH KRISTOF Pensioner Joseph Kristof, 83, died November 12, 1999. Born in Wisconsin, he started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1952 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1978. Brother Kristof was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. HERIBERTO MIRANDA Pensioner Heriberto Miranda, 74, passed away November 29, 1999. A native of Cuba, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1953. Brother Miranda worked in the engine department and started receiving his pension in July 1990. He made his home in Miami. JOSEPH COLLINS LIN SUEYONG Pensioner Joseph Collins, 52, died December 15, 1999. A native of Alabama, he graduated from the SIU's entry level training program in 1968 and joined the union in the port of New Orleans. Brother Collins worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. A resident of Mobile, Ala., he began receiving his pension in April 1994. Pensioner Lin Suey Ong, 87, died October 10, 1999. Brother Ong began sailing with the MC&S in 1946 from the port of San Francisco. Born in China, he worked in the steward department and retired in August 1973. San Francisco was his home. WILLIAM J. DUNNIGAN Pensioner William J. Dunnigan, 92, passed away December 1, 1999. Born in Maryland, he joined the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. He worked in the engine department as a chief electrician. Brother Dunnigan last sailed aboard the Kainalu and started receiving his pension in December 1985. He was a resident of Bel Air, Md. ANGEL GARCIA Pensioner Angel Garcia, 85, died recently. He began his career with the SIU in 1948 from the port of New York. Born in Florida, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's training center in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in October 1979, he worked aboard the Guayama, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. Tampa, Fla. is where he called home. GENE A. PASCHALL Pensioner Gene A. Paschall, 74, passed away November 28, 1999. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1946 aboard the Joseph I. Kemp. A native of Texas, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1979. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. Prior to retiring in April 1992, Brother Paschall worked aboard the Star of Texas, operated by Seahawk Management, Inc. He was a resident of Eagle Lake, Texas. THOMAS R. READING Pensioner Thomas R. Reading, 80, died October 18, 1999. Born in California, he started his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Beloit Victory. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU 's training center in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Prior to retiring in September 1985, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Independence. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1946. During the Persian Gulf War, Brother Reading came out of retirement and sailed aboard the USNS DeSteiguer. He made his home in Central, Utah. EMIL H. RIUTTA Pensioner Emil H. Riutta, 78, passed away November 14, 1999. A native of Oregon, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Seattle. During his career, he worked in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Riutta last sailed aboard the SeaLand Philadelphia and began receiving his pension in November 1986. Astoria, Ore. was his home. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1946. RUDOLPH ROMA Pensioner Rudolph Roma, 67, died December 7, 1999. Brother Roma began his career with the SIU in 1962 in the port of Houston, first sailing aboard the Santa Emilia. The Texas native worked in the engine department. He retired in May 1995, last sailing aboard the Overseas Alice. Brother Roma was a resident of Spring, Texas. PETER SERNYK Pensioner Peter Sernyk, 78, passed away October 31, 1999. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951. Born in Poland, he L----=.~......... . . : L - - - l worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training center in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Prior to retiring in December 1987, Brother Sernyk sailed aboard the !TB Mobile. He made his home in Ringwood, NJ. sailed in the deck department and attended an education conference in 1978 at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, L - - - - = . . ; ; . . . . . ; ; . - - - - ' Md. A resident of Mathews, Va., he last sailed in 1985 aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. SIDNEY JACKSON Pensioner Sidney Jackson, 89, passed away November 16, 1999. He began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Mobile, Ala. He worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in May 1976. Boatman Jackson was a resident of Carlton, Ala. GREAT LAKES HENRY J. BENTON Pensioner Henry J. Benton, 84, passed away November 19, 1999. Brother Benton began sailing with the Seafarers in L--~~~-__. 1950 from the port of Chicago. The Michigan native worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Adam E. Cornelius, operated by American Steamship Co. A resident of North Muskegon, Mich., he began receiving his pension in March 1977. VANDELIN P. KOVALIK Pensioner Vandelin P. Kovalik, 82, died November 2, 1999. Born in Ohio, he first sailed with the S 1948 in the port of I-arta. He started in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Brother Kovalik last worked aboard the Lakewood, an Erie Sand Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Richmond Heights, Ohio and retired in April 1982. INLAND DONALD L. MASKELL ROYCE M. CARAWAN Pensioner Donald L. Maskell, 62, passed away November 16, 1999. A native of Michigan, he joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Detroit. Brother Maskell began working in the engine department and later transferred to the deck department. A resident of Alpena, Mich., he started receiving his pension in 1994. Pensioner Royce M. Carawan, 64, died November 27, 1999. A native of North Carolina, he began sailing with SIU in 1961 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Carawan worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. He last sailed aboard an Allied Towing Co. vessel and retired in February 1997. Boatman Carawan was a resident of Scranton, N.C. HENRY S. GEORGE Pensioner Henry S. George, 84, passed away November 23, 1999. He joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. '--.i.L..-"""L...o......1...L.---' The Virginia native worked as a tugboat captain, last sailing aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Whitestone, Va., Boatman George began receiving his pension in February 1979. ROBERT F. HUDGINS Robert F. Hudgins, 54, died December 3, 1999. Boatman Hudgins started his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native HOWARD N. NEGARD Pensioner Howard N. N egard, 86, died November 4, 1999. He started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Duluth, Minn. A native of Minnesota, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Negard made his home in Duluth and retired in November 1978. RAILROAD MARINE JAMES J. MONTENES Pensioner James J. "'• Montenes, 78, passed away November 27, 1999. Brother Montenes joined the Seafarers in I 960 in the port of New York. The ?-W York native sailed as a deckhand and started receiving his pension in December 1981. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. He was a resident of Waterloo, N.Y. February 2000 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Sealare~s LOG attemptJ to print as many digests of onion shipboard mmutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ship~ minutes li~t are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues ~equmng a~en!io~ or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August 1Chairman Richard L. Volkart, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Henry 0. Wright Jr. Chairman noted that new toaster received and installed in crew mess. He led discussion of announcement of Maersk's intended acquisition of Sea-Land's international assets. Awaiting more ~nformation. Secretary passed on mformation pertaining to asbestos settlement and talked about relaxed assessment for STCW compliance. Educational director stressed importance of regular upgrading and benefits of attending Piney Point. He noted that as more ~equirements and training are lmposed on livelihood of seafarers it is more important than ever to ' remain current and up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to revamp Article V of standard contract to better relate to three-man steward department which is now norm. Request ~ade to bring up issue of late standbys at next union meeting in Wilmington Calif. Inquiry made as to lack of ' fans in cabins and common areas. Steward will investigate. Crew members getting off vessel should vacate cabin for new member. If overnight stay courtesy extended, then he should move to spare cabin. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. · SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), August 13Chairman David Messick Secretary William Burdette Educational Director Robert J. Flesey Jr., Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Engine Delegate Jesse Manard, Steward Delegate Michael Briscoe. Chairman announced payoff after arrival August 17 in Long Beach, Calif Educational director reminded ~veryone about fire fighting trainmg at Paul Hall Center and about STCW requirements. Treasurer announced $1,200 in ship's fund. Chief Cook Briscoe purchased video rewinder for ship and will be r~imbursed. He also wants to buy n~e cooker for galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Notice received from VP Contacts Augie Tellez regarding sale of portion of Sea-Land to Maersk. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to change time required for tour of duty. All hands reminded to take complaints directly to department delegate. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), August 2Chairman Stephen R. Garay, Secre~ James E. Harper, Educattonal Director DiMarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Edward F. O'Brien, Engine Delegate P. Alegado, Steward Delegate Jorge A. Barahona. Chairman announced extended deadline for STCW relaxed assessment. He also reminded everyone to get TRBs signed by mate or engineer and urged crew to consider upgrading skills or endorsements at Piney Point. Secretary noted upgrading is vital to maritime February 2000 industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Explanation of Maersk Sea-Land agreement read, discussed and posted. Steward related difficulty ordering adequate stores. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lines), September 29-Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Joseph S. Henby, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Delegate Joseph LeBeau, Steward Delegate Raford Nixon. Chairman noted seamen must complete 70 days or two trips to receive transport home. Parts available for crew mess salad bar and should be fixed soon; dumbwaiter still waiting on parts for repair as are several washers and dryers. Some transformers available aboard ship and must be signed for and returned. Chairman reminded all hands to make sure to firmly close both elevator doors. Discussion held on hatch-handling safety. Secretary noted ship to transit Suez Canal, then head to Djibouti, Africa and Chittagong, Bangladesh. Educational director stressed need for crew members to have STCW basic safety endorsements. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Clarification requested on rates for ABs going directly from watch to deckjobs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question raised concerning issuance of coveralls and high prices in slop chest. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), September 28-Chairman John O. Glenn,. Secretary Gregory Keene, Educat10nal Director Daniel P. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Saleh Ali, Engine Delegate Mark D. Savage, Steward Delegate Jose P. Maglalang. Captain thanked crew for good work during storm last trip. Bosun pleased with crew for keeping laundry room and passageways clean and gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. He urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Secretary noted new television on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and forwarded to contracts department to raise monthly pension allowances. Members want clarification on possible reimbursement for money deducted from pay for New Jersey Health Care, which doesn't affect them. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PETERSBURG (IUM), October 24--Chairman Eddie E. Hall Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, ' Educational Director John P. D' Alessandro, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Chairman announced ship under new management. So far, nothing changed from old company, and vessel still under coastwise articles. Educationa~ director urged crew to keep up wtth current upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $165 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), October 17Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary D~nald C. Spangler, Educational Drrector Roger M. Wasserman, Dec~ Delegate Ron J. Sagadraca, Engme Delegate Ricky D. Arroyo, Steward Delegate Susan Moe. c.hairman noted everything runnmg smoothly. Payoff expected this voyage in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary reported good crew and reminded them to leave clean rooms for reliefs. Educational director stated upgrading at Paul Hall Center can improve skills and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding upcoming vote about SIU-NMU merger. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach Calif ' SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), October 30-Chairman Roger Reinke, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Marvin Wells, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Jan Haidir, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Chairman announced vessel entering shipyard November 25 until December 5. Not yet sure whether company will keep everyone. Educational director advised crew members to use facilities at Piney Point to upgrade education and get credentials needed in future to ensure eligibility and job security. He also stressed need for everyone to vote on merger of SIU and NMU. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and sent to contracts department for consideration to reduce seatime needed for vacation pay. Also recommended Welfare Plan pay full cost of optical and dental benefits. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), October 31-Chairman Larry Watson, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Edward Rynberg. Chairman stated new VCR received and in use in crew lounge. Tape rewinder still to be purchased. Vote of thanks given to deck department for dealing with winch on back deck (due to ~e repaired by shoreside personnel m Tacoma). Educational director noted he upgraded last year at Piney Point and suggested all Seafarers look into upgrading in their departments for whatever endorsement they might need to keep sailing. Treasurer announced several hundred dollars in ship's fund from which $50 is spent each trip for fresh fish in Guam. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding proposed SIU-NMU merger. EL MORRO (IUM), November 29-Chairman William J. Card, Secretary Gina Lightfoot, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Angelo Wilcox Sr., Engine Delegate Eliesel Montalvo, Steward Delegate Robert G. Maschmeier. Chairman announced payoff in San Juan, P.R. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Suggestion made to get refrigerators for all unlicensed personnel. Vote of thanks given to steward department and unlicensed apprentice for fine job. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November I I-Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. November 12. He advised crew members to take advantage of courses at Piney Point. He also noted toll-free number for questions on TRBs and STCW requirements. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), November 21-Chairman David Murray, Secretary Raymond Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Biddle, Steward Delegate Pedro Rodriguez. Payoff scheduled November 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. Chairman advised everyone that Communication from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read and posted rega;ding new ships' meetings. Chairman also read several articles from Seafarers LOG about SIUNMU merger. Suggestion made to lower vacation requirements to 60 days. Clarification requested on Ready for Lunch on the Osprey When the Osprey arrived in the port of Norfolk, Va. recently, steward department members went to work fixing lunch for the crew. From the left aboard the Osprey-Acomarit vessel are Steward Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Lawrence Winfield, SA Max HassellEl and Steward Felipe P. Orlanda. $160 in ship's fund to be used for videos for crew. He also advised them of February 2002 deadline for STCW compliance. Secretary sug~est~d all members going on vacatton m December be sure to vote at union hall on SIU-NMU merger and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have shipyard layoff period extended to 60-90 days, instead of current 30day period, so members can reclaim jobs. Request also made to have Welfare Plan cover prescription medication for dependents and for vacation time to be used as seatime for retirement purposes. Everyone reminded to have TRBs signed off by chief mate for any training and demos on board. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Next port: San Juan, P.R. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), November 28Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis Educational Director Micha~l A. Birke, Deck Delegate Harry G. Champagne, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman reported receipt of new ice machine for crew. Next port is New Orleans where vessel will load and proceed to Philippines. Secretary asked everyone getting off to strip bunks and have clean linen ready for next crew member. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point and getting STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Requests made for new toaster, bread box and hook for ice machine scoop. M_AERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lme), November 14--Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Everett W. Snow, Deck Delegate George Jordanides, Engine Delegate Robert J. Arneel, Steward Delegate Lionel Packnett. Ship to pay offNovember 17 in Charleston, S.C., according to chairman. He thanked crew for good job and helping keep ship clean. Discussion held on STCW requirements. Crew members ~waiting answer to previous questlons on Money Purchase Pension Plan. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center at frrst opportunity. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GUD work hours. Antenna needed for crew lounge. Before next payoff, ship headed to Bahamas Miami, Panama and Colombia. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), November 22-Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary George Vorise Jr., Educational Director Michael C. Martykan. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Chairman stated SIU is respected organization within maritime industry and on Capitol Hill because it has consistently stood up for its members. Secretary stated payoff in Philadelphia November 26. He advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Educational director informed crew that upon completion of relief period, members are entitled to file for vacation benefits for that period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded that safety is number one priority aboard ship. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Alaska Tanker Co.), November 8-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro Secretary Nancy Heyden, ' Educational Director Edward Self Engine Delegate Michael P. ' Brown. Chairman noted receipt of raise retroactive to May 12, 1999. Those who did not receive it at home should call Keystone Shipping. Payoff scheduled for November I 0 at anchor in Port Angeles. Patrolman from Seattle hall will attend. Asst. VP Nick C~lona came aboard ship in Richmond, Calif. to discuss possible SIU-NMU merger. Letter from headquarters regarding merger also received and posted in crew lounge. Secretary asked that wet paint gloves not be left on washers and dryers. Educational director reminded crew to attend safety classes at Piney Point in order to continue shipping. No beefs or dis~uted OT reported. Several suggestlons made and sent to contracts department for consideration. They included being able to file for vacation pay after working 90 days, being able to retire with full benefits after 20 years of seatime, regardless of age at retirement and abolishing the one-day seatim~ requirement in six months to remain eligible for medical benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, to deck department for hard work on ?eek, ~nd to engine room for keepmg ship running. New furniture for crew lounge expected soon. Seafarers LOG 19 �Digest of Shipboard . Union Meetings The Seafare'? LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard mmutes as possible. On occasion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ship~ minutes 11~1 are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those rssues !"'qumng a~en!io~ or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships mmutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August 1Chairman Richard L. Volk.art Secretary William E. Bragg, ' Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Henry 0. Wright Jr. Chairman noted that new toaster received and installed in crew mess. He led discussion of announcement of Maersk's intended acquisition of Sea-Land's international assets. Awaiting more ~nformation. Secretary passed on mformation pertaining to asbestos settlement and talked about relaxed assessment for STCW compliance. Educational director stressed importance of regular upgrading and benefits of attending Piney Point. He noted that as more ~equirements and training are imposed on livelihood of seafarers it is more important than ever to ' remain current and up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to revamp Article V of standard contract to better relate to three-man steward department which is now norm. Request ~ade to bring up issue of late standbys at next union meeting in Wilmington Calif. Inquiry made as to lack of ' fans in cabins and common areas. Steward will investigate. Crew members getting off vessel should vacate cabin for new member. If overnight stay courtesy extended, then he should move to spare cabin. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. · SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), August 13Chairman David Messick Secretary William Burdette Educational Director Robert J. Flesey Jr., Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Engine Delegate Jesse Manard, Steward Delegate Michael Briscoe. Chairman announced payoff after arrival August 17 in Long Beach, Calif Educational director reminded ~veryone about fire fighting trainmg at Paul Hall Center and about STCW requirements. Treasurer announced $1,200 in ship's fund. Chief Cook Briscoe purchased video rewinder for ship and will be r~imbursed. He also wants to buy n~e cooker for galley. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Notice received from VP Contacts Augie Tellez regarding sale of portion of Sea-Land to Maersk. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to change time required for tour of duty. All hands reminded to take complaints directly to department delegate. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), August 2Chairman Stephen R. Garay, Secret3!Y James E. Harper, Educational Director DiMarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Edward F. O'Brien, Engine Delegate P. Alegado, Steward Delegate Jorge A. Barahona. Chairman announced extended deadline for STCW relaxed assessment. He also reminded everyone to get TRBs signed by mate or engineer and urged crew to consider upgrading skills or endorsements at Piney Point. Secretary noted upgrading is vital to maritime February 2000 industry. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Explanation of Maersk Sea-Land agreement read, discussed and posted. Steward related difficulty ordering adequate stores. M_AERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lmes), September 29-Chairman Scott A. Heginbotham, Secretary Joseph S. Henby, Educational Director David W. King, Deck Delegate Joseph LeBeau, Steward Delegate Raford Nixon. Chairman noted seamen must complete 70 days or two trips to receive transport home. Parts available for crew mess salad bar and should be fixed soon; dumbwaiter still waiting on parts for repair as are several washers and dryers. Some transformers available aboard ship and must be signed for and returned. Chairman reminded all hands to make sure to firmly close both elevator doors. Discussion held on hatch-handling safety. Secretary noted ship to transit Suez Canal, then head to Djibouti, Africa and Chittagong, Bangladesh. Educational director stressed need for crew members to have STCW basic safety endorsements. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. Clarification requested on rates for ABs going directly from watch to deck jobs. No beefs or. disputed OT reported. Question raised concerning issuance of coveralls and high prices in slop chest. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), September 28--Chairman John O. Glenn,_ Secretary Gregory Keene, Educat10nal Director Daniel P. Mitchell, Deck Delegate Saleh Ali, Engine Delegate Mark D. Savage, Steward Delegate Jose P. Maglalang. Captain thanked crew for good work during storm last trip. Bosun pleased with crew for keeping laundry room and passageways clean and gave vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. He urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Secretary noted new television on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and forwarded to contracts department to raise monthly pension allowances. Members want clarification on possible reimbursement for money deducted from pay for New Jersey Health Care, which doesn't affect them. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PETERSBURG (IUM), October 24-Chairman Eddie E. Hall Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, ' Educational Director John P. D' Alessandro, Steward Delegate Mohamed Muthanna. Chairman announced ship under new management. So far, nothing changed from old company, and vessel still under coastwise articles. Educationa~ director urged crew to keep up with current upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $165 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), October 17Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary D?nald C. Spangler, Educational DITector Roger M. Wasserman, Dec~ Delegate Ron J. Sagadraca, Engme Delegate Ricky D. Arroyo, Steward Delegate Susan Moe. ~hairman noted everything runmng smoothly. Payoff expected this voyage in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary reported good crew and _ reminded them to leave clean rooms for reliefs. Educational director stated upgrading at Paul Hall Center can improve skills and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding upcoming vote about SIU-NMU merger. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach Calif. ' SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), October 30-Chairman Roger Reinke, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Marvin Wells, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Jan Haidir, Steward Delegate Sam Kassem. Chairman announced vessel entering shipyard November 25 until December 5. Not yet sure whether company will keep everyone. Educational director advised crew members to use facilities at Piney Point to upgrade education and get credentials needed in future to ensure eligibility and job security. He also stressed need for everyone to vote on merger of SIU and NMU. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made and sent to contracts department for consideration to reduce seatime needed for vacation pay. Also recommended Welfare Plan pay full cost of optical and dental benefits. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), October 31--Chairman Larry Watson, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Edward Rynberg. Chairman stated new VCR received and in use in crew lounge. Tape rewinder still to be purchased. Vote of thanks given to deck department for dealing with winch on back deck (due to repaired by shoreside personnel m Tacoma). Educational director noted he upgraded last year at Piney Point and suggested all Seafarers look into upgrading in their departments for whatever endorsement they might need to keep sailing. Treasurer announced several hundred dollars in ship's fund from which $50 is spent each trip for fresh fish in Guam. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding proposed SIU-NMU merger. ?e EL MORRO (IUM), November 29--Chairman William J. Card Secretary Gina Lightfoot, ' Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Angelo Wilcox Sr., Engine Delegate Eliesel Montalvo Steward Delegate Robert Maschmeier. Chairman announced payoff in San Juan, P.R. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Suggestion made to get refrigerators for all unlicensed personnel. Vote of thanks ~iven to steward department and unlicensed apprentice for fine job. G. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November 11-Chairman Paul Dornes, Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Larry L. Griffin. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. November 12. He advised crew members to take advantage of courses at Piney Point. He also noted toll-free number for questions on TRBs and STCW requirements. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), November 21--Chairman David Murray, Secretary Raymond Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Biddle, Steward Delegate Pedro Rodriguez. Payoff scheduled November 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. Chairman advised everyone that Communication from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read and posted reg~ding new ships' ~eetings . Chamnan also read several articles from Seafarers LOG about SIUNMU merger. Suggestion made to lower vacation requirements to 60 days. Clarification requested on Ready for Lunch on the Osprey When the Osprey arrived in the port of Norfolk, Va. recently, steward department members went to work fixing lunch for the crew. From the left aboard the Osprey-Acomarit vessel are Steward Gregory Johnson, Chief Cook Lawrence Winfield, SA Max HassellEl and Steward Felipe P. Orlanda. $160 in ship's fund to be used for videos for crew. He also advised them of February 2002 deadline for STCW compliance. Secretary suggested all members going on vacation in December be sure to vote at union hall on SIU-NMU merger and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have shipyard layoff period extended to 60-90 days, instead of current 30day period, so members can reclaim jobs. Request also made to have Welfare Plan cover prescription medication for dependents and for vacation time to be used as seatime for retirement purposes. Everyone reminded to have TRBs si~~d off by chief mate for any trammg and demos on board. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Next port: San Juan, P.R. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), November 28Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis Educational Director Micha~l A. Birke, Deck Delegate Harry G. Champagne, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman reported receipt of new ice machine for crew. Next port is New Orleans where vessel will load and proceed to Philippines. Secretary asked everyone getting off to strip bunks and have clean linen ready for next crew member. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point and getting STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT r~ported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Requests made for new toaster, bread box and hook for ice machine scoop. M_AERSK COLORADO (Maersk Lme), November 14-Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Everett W. Snow, Deck Delegate George Jordanides, Engine Delegate Robert J. Arneel, Steward Delegate Lionel Pack.nett. Ship to pay off November 17 in Charleston, S.C., according to chairman. He thanked crew for good job and helping keep ship clean. Discussion held on STCW requirements. Crew members ~waiting answer to previous questions on Money Purchase Pension Plan. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center at fust opportunity. No beefs or disputed OT reported. GUD work hours. Antenna needed for crew lounge. Before next payoff, ship headed to Bahamas Miami, Panama and Colombia. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), November 22-Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary George Vorise Jr., Educational Director Michael C. Martykan. Discussion held on SIU-NMU merger. Chairman stated SIU is respected organization within maritime industry and on Capitol Hill because it has consistently stood up for its members. Secretary stated payoff in Philadelphia November 26. He advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Educational director informed crew that upon completion of relief period, members are entitled to file for vacation benefits for that period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded that safety is number one priority aboard ship. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Alaska Tanker Co.), November 8-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro Secretary Nancy Heyden, ' Educational Director Edward Self Engine Delegate Michael P. ' Brown. Chairman noted receipt of raise retroactive to May 12, 1999. Those who did not receive it at home should call Keystone Shipping. Payoff scheduled for November 10 at anchor in Port Angeles. Patrolman from Seattle hall will attend. Asst. VP Nick C~lona came aboard ship in Richmond, Calif. to discuss possible SIU-NMU merger. Letter from headquarters regarding merger also received and posted in crew lounge. Secretary asked that wet paint gloves not be left on washers and dryers. Educational director reminded crew to attend safety classes at Piney Point in order to continue shipping. No beefs or dis~uted OT reported. Several suggestions made and sent to contracts department for consideration. They included being able to file for vacation pay after working 90 days, being able to retire with full benefits after 20 years of seatime, regardless of age at retirement and abolishing the one-day seatim~ requirement in six months to remain eligible for medical benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, to deck department for hard work on ?eek, ~nd to ~ngine room for keepmg ship runnmg. New furniture for crew lounge expected soon. Seafarers LOG 19 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes beginning between February through June 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 7 March 6 April 3 May 1 May 29 February 25 March 24 April 21 May 19 June 16 Basic Fire Fighting February 28 March 27 April 24 May22 March 3 March 31 April 28 May26 Advanced Fire Fighting February 14 March 6 February 25 March 17 Government Vessels February 28 March 27 May 1 May 22 March 17 April 14 May 19 June 9 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) February 7 March 6 February 11 March 10 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* March 13 April 3 May22 March 17 April 7 May26 February 28 March 20 March 3 March 24 February 28 March 3 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman February 21 March 20 April 17 March 17 April 28 May26 February 7 March 20 April 17 Feb. 19 (pre-AB) March 31 (pre-AB) April 28 (pre-AB) Life boatman Radar March 6 April 3 March 17 April 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* March 20 April 17 March 24 April 21 Mayl June 23 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Limited License (*must have basic fire fighting) LNG Familiarization* (*must have advanced fire fighting) Oil Spill Containment Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler April 3 May12 Welding February 14 March 13 April 17 May26 March 3 March 31 May5 June 9 Designated Du General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. June 23 ay 5 E gineer (DDE) Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward (Every other week) February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 6, 13, 20, 27 April 3, 10, 17, 24 February 7, 21 March 6, 20 April 3, 17 ~ . -·-·:.,).·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ---------------------------~ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The oavment should he made with a money order onlv. pavahle to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member If the following D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ __ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# - - -- - - - - - - Seniority _ __ __ _ _ __ _ __ _ Department _ _ __ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes 0 No 0 Home Port - - - - - - -- - - - - Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ __ Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, class# _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ February 2000 SIGNATURE _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 2100 Seafarers L06 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes .:.. - ~~._.......,~1sEAFARERS PAUL Hlll CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS t~:_?> ~9,.5_ =-~,- -- Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 595 - Unlicensed apprentice class 595 graduating from the water survival course are (from left, kneeling) Randolph Cash, Gregorio Abalos, Christopher Cummings, Ronel Guerzon, Keyshon Foote, (second row) Tyrone Brown , Montroes Fulton, Michael Bull, Eli Ade, Benny Perez, Carlos Castillo, Walter Kyles, (third row) Charles Walker, Jonathan Aichs, Christopher Todd, Guy Todd II and Ian Ferguson. Government Vessels - Seafarers who successfully completed the government vessels course on December 17 include (in no specific order) Steve Roquemore, Charles Sadler, Greg Cherry, Robert Forrest, Frank Patrick, Tim Graham, Edward Milstead, James Tyson, William Kelley, Benjamin Ines, Roderick Clay, Ahmed Sharif, Justin Seybert, Michael Joel, John Palughi, John Petushin , Timothy Horger, James McCarthy, Brandon Maeda and Keith Kowaleski. PAUL LIFEBOAT CLASS 591 Unlicensed Apprentice Basic Fire Fighting Class 596 - Members of unlicensed apprentice class 596 graduating from the basic fire fighting class are (in no particular order) Kyle Bailey, Spencer Randall , Sherrod Frazier, Armando Garayua-Gonzalez, Edward Joyal Ill, Harry McKever, Terrell McMillian, Felix Medina-Vidal, Andres Morin, Marquel Sapp, Shauntay Shavies, Robert Walter, Raymond Elsner Jr. and Randall Sachs. Their instructor, John Smith, is at far left. GED - Academic - Ursel (Buddy) Barber receives a certificate of achievement from instructor Peggy Densford for completing a college-level course in developmental math. Barber is a Class I QMED who sails from the port of Houston. It was a proud day for Justin Germain, a Phase Ill unlicensed apprentice , as he receives his Maryland high school diploma through the Paul Hall Center. With him are (from left) Academic Department Coordinator Ed Fitzgerald and Academic instructors Peggy Densford and Joan Miles. Advanced Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Larry Pugh , William Mohica, Kim Gardner and Chef/Instructor Ed White . Advanced Fire Fighting - Marking completion of the advanced fire fighting course on December 10 are Allan Gorman, llavia Amaya , Daniel Figge, Daniel Gish, Clarence Sampay, Clovis Pomare, Ali Rhoufiry, Frank Iverson, Gheorghe Savencu, David St. Onge and David Hinson. Their instructor, Anthony Hammett, stands at far left. 22 Seafarers LOS February 2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge CourseGraduating from the tankerman (PIC) barge course in the port of Jacksonville on August 12 are Crowley boatmen Aitzgorri Gastanaga (left) and Ernest Williams (right) . With them is instructor Mitch Oakley. Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course - G&H Towing boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course in September are (from left, kneeling) Jesse Alaniz, T.J . Snead, Roy Wick, Richard Johnson, Adam Simon, Martin Almanza , (second row) Matt Hargrove, Brian Taylor, Kevin Casler, Ted Sliter, Jaime Brown, Steve Williams, Leo Barron and G&H trainer Sabrina Matteson . Their instructor was Mitch Oakley. Phase I Unlicensed Apprentices - For members of unlicensed apprentice class 595, this visit to the USNS Antares in Baltimore is their first time on a vessel before they will actually ship out. Unlicensed Apprentice Class 596 - In the steward culinary lab, members from class 596, nd h perv· · of ·n T' · g, po y show the fruits of their labors in preparing breakfast. Phase III Unlicensed Apprentices - Phase Ill unlicensed apprentices tour the SL-7 USNS Antares in Baltimore to gain a better understanding of the work that goes on in the deck and engine departments. They are (in no specific order) Brett Parkins, Lane Schroeder, Roger Steward, DeMichael Dews, Andrew Straka Jr. , Bruce Weathers, Ramon Thomas, Christopher Gen , Raheem Owens, Jess Chalker, Mitchell Gustafson, Kevin Johnson, Brent Morris, Anthony Cruz Vergara , Kristopher Anderson , Paul Weil , Donaldo Arevalo, John Allan , James Miller Jr. and Chad Partridge. Upgraders Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers who completed the water survival class on November 12 are (from left, kneeling) Helen Mitchell, Spencer Moxley Sr., (second row) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Ellis Jones, Ali Rhoufiry, Wilfred Scales, Carlos Julio, Marcial Avila, Francisco Harry, (third row) Mohamed Abdulsalam , Ali Naser, Sidney Jenkins, Velly Marquez, (fourth row) George Johnson, Julian Lacuesta Jr., Edgardo Ong , Virgilio Managbanag, Romeo Rivera and William Bruce. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL)-Among those completing the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on October 15 are (in no particular order) Nestor Montoya Jr., Misti Thornbrugh , Martin Vargas, Shatonn Fowler, Antonio Watson , William Rozier, Salvatore Migliara, Chris Daniels, Jeffrey Smith, James Brown, Samuel Giles, Marion Collins, Joshua Weir, Chad Warren , Fahd Alsoofi, Melvin Hill 111 , Paul Flores, Pedro Ortiz Jr. and Jarian Hutchinson. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing at far right. February 2000 Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 62 Number 2 Attention Seafaren: This year is a leap year. Take advantage of the extra day to work on your SIU scholarship application. See page 11 for additional information. 'Head Reci1•iter' Honored at Meeting Annamarie Haller Is the Proud Mother of Four Seafarers She has gone from "Special SIU Dispatcher" to "Head SIU Recruiter." But whatever title is awarded to Annamarie Haller, it cannot top the one of which she is most proud-the mother of four SIU members. Seafarers showed their gratitude during the January membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. when SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez recognized her in the audience. She received a solid round of applause from all those in attendance. Tellez called her the "head recruiter" in the union. As proof, he added, she was attending the meeting with two of her four maritime sons: OMV Mike Haller and Chief Electrician John Haller. (The other two are Chuck, a hawsepiper who sails as an engineer, and QMED Robert. A fifth brother, Joey, pursued a shoreside career.) Mrs. Haller, a resident of Summit, Miss., had spent Christmas and New Year's with her sons in the Philadelphia area. They told her they were planning to attend the union meeting and invited her to join them. Ten years ago, the Hallers were featured in the Seafarers LOG as one of the large number of families with more than one member sailing with the SIU. In December 1989, the LOG noted that when manpower needed to fill a position in the engine room, they would call Mrs. Haller to help locate one of her sons. In the same article, Chuck said he would hate to hear the phone ring when he was at home because his mother would be honest and tell manpower where he was. Left: Two of Annamarie Hailer's four seafaring sons join her on the stage in Piney Point. From the left are OMU Mike Haller, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Mrs. Haller, CE John Haller, his wife, Marlene, and SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel. ~ Below: Annamarie Haller stands before the SIU membership during the January meeting in Piney Point after being recognized as the union's "head recruiter." Since then, she has moved to Mississippi, but she still keeps up with the happenings in the union. When asked what it took to raise all of her sons, she responded, "A lot of prayers." She quickly added she is proud of all of them: "We made it and it has worked." Three of the four brothers graduated from the trainee program at Piney Point. John was the first, completing the program in 1972. Robert followed two years later. Mike came through in 1995. Several of them have sailed together. John recalled trips with Chuck aboard the USNS Antilles, Overseas Anchorage and SeaLand San Juan. Tellez remembered that Robert and John were involved in organizing Crowley tugs on the West Coast. that following the meeting they were taking their mother on a trip to Washington, D.C. Mrs. Haller added she was looking forward to seeing the White House, the Vietnam Memorial and some art museums. Chief Cooks Chat with SIU President During a break in their recent studies at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Chief Cooks Eddie Ong (right) and Marie Mitchell spoke with SIU President Michael Sacco concerning the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU. Visiting the Paul Hall Center And Starboard Means.... Part of the vessel familiarization training at the Paul Hall Center is learning wheel commands for steering a vessel. Here, students at the Piney Point, Md. facility receive instruction from Larry Malone aboard the training vessel Osprey. Eager to take the wheel are Tim Manes, Earnesto Brandon, Jose Echeverria and John Barrington. Recertified Steward Ekow Doffoh (left) brought his wife, Winifred, to the January membership meeting in Piney Point. While touring the center, they posed with SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNION WELCOMES ALLIED’S SEA RAVEN RO/RO’S SEA TRIALS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL USNS CHARLTON SIGNALS NEW JOBS FOR SEAFARERS SIU’S BALTIMORE HALL RELOCATING TO ESSEX ST. MOBILE OFFICE HAROLD FISCHER PASSES AWAY SMPPP ADMINISTRATOR PROVIDES PLAN UPDATE MARINE COOKS AND STEWARDS PENSION INCREASES BY 14% UNION MEMBERSHIP INCREASES AGAIN NEW DATA SHOWS LARGEST GROWTH IN 20 YEARS CENSUS WILL IMPACT CONGRESS, STATES INDY MAKES HISTORY AT PEARL HARBOR UNION SQUASHES Y2K BUG GUAM CONNECTS WITH APPRENTICE PROGRAM CREWS DISCUSS MERGER, OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES THE PATHFINDER BY J. MELFORD SMITH, CH. ENGR. USMM, RET. ‘HEAD RECRUITER’ HONORED AT MEETING ANNAMARIE HALLER IS THE PROUD MOTHER OF FOUR SEAFARERS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 2 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/e9639bf08c6a604770504ae9e596baad.pdf f541646a60689e0c8e04ae0b0ceb438e PDF Text Text SIU charter members recall the union's beginning and offer words of experience to the newest Seafarers. Pages 8-1 O. l'age3 �~ President's Report Working for a Stronger Fleet Look at the headline on the next page. What a way to start the new year, the new century and the new millennium! All the work of the last I 0 years is paying off. Two new roll-on/roll-off ships that will be built in an American shipyard! A new hopper dredge also to be built in an American shipyard! What great presents for Seafarers and the U.S.flag commercial fleet to receive during the holiday season. Justly deserved presents, I might add. These new builds-as well as the new two Michael Sacco passenger ships, the Double Eagle tankers, the zclass tugs, the coastal cruise vessels, the harborclass tugs, the MSC RO/ROs, the car carriers and others announced during the last 12 months-show the U.S.-fleet remains a strategic, economic and national defense need for this country. The revitalization, for which we have fought so long, is well under way. While it is great to reflect on the industry's success, let us not forget this job is nowhere close to being finished! All segments of the U.S. maritime industry still require attention. The deep sea fleet has drawn the primary concentration with the Maritime Security Program and its new vessels, but more needs to be done. The two new Jones Act RO/ROs announced by TOTE is a tremendous first step. These ships will be the first built in a U.S. yard for the commercial fleet in nearly a decade. The TOTE vessels are just the beginning for both the Jones Act fleet and domestic shipyards. The construction of the Double Eagle tankers show that American workers can compete with international yards to build state-of-the-art ships for the 21st century. We must push to bring the revitalization process to the rest of the tanker fleet. The new hopper dredge displays a determination to upgrade America's ports as they prepare for the coming century. Following years of struggle and red tape that kept some harbors from having even mere maintenance work done, an agreement was brokered by representatives from the White House, state and local governments, the unions and the industry earlier this year to allow dredging in the port of New York/New Jersey. Work in other facilities-like Oakland, Calif.-also is in progress. Another sign that the ports are looking ahead is the number of new tugs either on the drawing boards or already sailing. While these vessels will assist in docking ships, work still has to be done to upgrade the land-based transportation systems within the port facilities. The Persian Gulf War vividly demonstrated the need for civiliancrewed prepositioning vessels. New builds and reflagged vessels continue to join the U.S.-flag fleet to make sure the requirements of America's armed forces are met if and when they are called to action. With the new passenger ships being built for United States Lines, America shows it can compete with the runaway-flag cruise industry-which finally is coming under the media's glare for its disregard for this nation's tax, wage and worker safety laws. Yes, we are seeing change, growth and progress within our industry. It has not occurred overnight. But it is happening. Our industry is not being ignored, much as it was 10 years ago. So, while we have this attention, we must continue to address the many other needs-including those for inland and Great Lakes members. That is why is it so vital as we enter this first presidential and congressional campaign year of the 21st century that we register to vote. And we must continue to educate those who want to serve us about what is important and dear-a strong and vibrant U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Throughout our industry, we're seeing proof that hard work does pay off. Let's keep that spirit going as we enter the new century. Volume 62, Number 1 January 2000 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN I 086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899- 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 2000 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers Cast Ballots On Proposed •erger Voting Ends Jan. 31 on SIU-NMU Unification Voting will continue until the end of this month on whether the SIU will proceed with full merger talks with the National Maritime Union. Balloting began December 1, 1999 and is scheduled to last through January 31, 2000. Voting is taking place in all SIU halls between 9 a.m. and noon local time, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. Seafarers also may request an absentee ballot by following the instructions printed in the October issue of the LOG. Additionally, those instructions are available via the union's web site (www.seafarers.org, in the LOG section, October issue). Port officials said the turnout was strong during the first month of voting. The current vote will determine whether the SIU membership wants this merger and, if approved, gives the union's executive board permission to continue with the merger talks. A similar election is taking place at the same time in the NMU. Overall, the proposed merger involves a three-step voting Chief Cook Jose Guzman (right) secures his ballot at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. from SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram. process. That procedure is explained in detail in a recent letter mailed from the SIU executive board to each member. Copies of the letter also have been distributed aboard ships by patrolmen and are available in union halls. Left: Recertified Bosun Greg Hamilton reviews the official ballot before casting his vote at the Wilmington hall. Ready to vote is OS Mark Edmonds at the Norfolk hall. In three photos above, AB Frank Cammuso, Chief Cook Karen Fensel and AB Gary Tauro, are among the first to vote at the SIU hall in Wilmington, Calif. Retirees Say Thanks For Year-End Bonus Dozens of SIU pensioners wrote thank-you notes to the union's executive board following last month's announcement that eligible retirees are receiving a year-end bonus check of $500. "It couldn't come at a better time," wrote Lorne Eagle. "What a nice surprise," said Antoinette Thayer. "Thank you, from the bottom of my heart." Plurinsus Ordansa said he welcomed the bonus because it would help him purchase Christmas gifts for his grandchildren. "I have a dozen, you know, so that $500 bonus is a great help. May God bless you all, especially our union, our brothers and sisters at sea, and our honorable President Mike Sacco." Leonard Paul wrote that he appreciates the SIU "remembering their pensioners. We are so grateful, and that's putting it mildly." The checks were mailed in early December to all SIU pensioners who currently receive monthly benefit checks for normal, early normal or disability pensions from the Seafarers Pension Plan. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, February 21, 2000 for the observance of Presidents' Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. January 2000 �Building for the New Century TOTE Announces Two New Vessels SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) began the new year by ordering two new roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessels to be built in an American yard for the Alaskan Jones Act trade. The new ships, called the "Orea" class, are expected to be sailing by late 2002. They will be the first non-military containerships or RO/ROs built in a domestic yard since the R.J. Pfeiffer came out in 1992. "This announcement shows TOTE 's continued confidence in and commitment to the Jones Act and the U.S. merchant marine," SIU President Michael Sacco stated. "TOTE has been a major player in the Alaskan maritime industry since the company was founded 25 years ago. The company understands the needs of the Alaskan citizens and their businesses. TOTE is establishing itself as the pacesetter for the next century by building these ships that will feature the very latest technology designed to protect the environment." Sacco added that these two ships, as well as the other recently announced new builds, show "the U.S.-flag merchant fleet continues to be revitalized. Since the passage of the Maritime Security Program in 1996-along with the ongoing support for the nation's cabotage laws in Congress, the U.S.-flag merchant fleet remains a vital part of America's economic and national defense transportation system." The 825-foot vessels will be constructed at National Steel and Shipbuilding Artist , conception shows Corporation in San Diego. The two ships what the ~ new Orea-class will have a capacity equal to the three TOTE - vessels 'will look ROIR.Os already in service for TOTE. like when they b~gi_n sai~­ Among the features to be incorporated ing in 2002 .., · · into the new design are the cleanest burning marine power plants available in today's market, fuel that will be stored in double-hulled fashion not adjacent to the skin, and a state-of-the-art sewage treatAlso, the hulls will be ice-belted to proment plant. vide additional protection in Cook Inlet "These ships, which can carry 50 per- during the winter months. cent more cargo than our present ships, are "This $300 million private investment designed specifically to endure the harsh will further our commitment to Alaskans conditions of the Alaska trade," noted ·well into the next century by enhancing TOTE President and CEO Robert P. Alaskan job opportunities on our vessels Magee. and shoreside, improving the resource The Orea-class vessels should carry 600 development infrastructure and better highway trailers as well as 200 automo- serving Alaskan consumers with faster and biles. They are being configured to easily more economical service," stated Magee. handle 48- and 53-foot trailers. More than Besides the new vessels, Magee said the 75 percent of the freight on board will be company is planning improvements to its enclosed below deck. pier and terminal facilities in Anchorage. Reflecting on how the Seattle-based company plans for the future, Magee pointed out, "TOTE owes its success to our loyal customers and to the hard work of both our direct employees and members of organized labor such as our longshoremen, teamsters, mechanics, seafarers and merchant officers who provide our efficient service." Seafarers already crew the three vessels operating in TOTE's fleet-the Great Land, the Northern Lights and the Westward Venture. TOTE is part of a larger company known as Saltchuk Resources. Inc. Great Lakes Unveils New Hopper Dredge Seafarers will have a new vessel to crew late next year following the announcement by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock to construct a 315-foot hopper dredge. Work is expected to begin by March for the Liberty Island. The large self-propelled dredge will be built by union workers at Manitowoc Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. "This is yet another positive sign that companies like Great Lakes Dredge & Dock are committed to a strong, vibrant U.S.-flag merchant fleet," noted Augie Tellez, SIU vice president for contracts. "This new dredge will help ensure America's harbors and ports will meet future demands. And this vessel will provide more jobs for SIU members in this vitally needed segment of the industry," Tellez added. The Liberty Island will have a 5,000cubic-meter capacity. It will be 59 feet wide and have a top speed of 14 knots. The vessel will be capable of working as deep as 90 feet. It will be constructed Work will begin on the hopper dredge Liberty Island by March so it will be ready for its Seafarers' crew late next year. with bottom-dump doors to provide for rapid unloading. Seafarers are aboard the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock dredge Long Island. The company's NATCO subsidiary operates five dredges which are crewed by SIU members. They are the Padre Island, the Dodge Island, the Sugar Island, the Northerly Island and the Manhattan Island. Unions to WTO: Global Economy Must Work for Working Families Dozens of Seafarers were among the estimated 40,000 peaceful protesters .at the recent World Trade Organization (WTO) meeting in Seattle. Shouting "No to the WTO," working families from more than 50 unions, 25 states and 144 countries marched through Seattle's streets on November 30 to demand that international trade rules be reformed to respect workers' rights and protect the environment. The protests contin- Tens of thousands of protesters at the WTO summit in Seattle demanded that international trade agreements include enforceable provisions protecting workers. Marching in a demonstration on November 30 were SIU members (closest to camera, from left) Steward/Baker Mike Gramer, Chief Cook Veronika Cardenas and GSU Joel Crow. January 2000 ued through December 3, the final day of the WTO talks. Speaking at the rally on 30, AFL-CIO November President John Sweeney said, "Here in the United States, we will continue to organize in the Congress and elsewhere against any trade accords that do not include workers' rights and human rights and environmental and public health protections. And we will stop them." AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson, dozens of officials from international unions, as well as religious, human rights, environmental and international officials told the crowd that free trade is not "free" if its costs are child labor and forced labor, poverty wages, hazardous workplaces and environmental degradation, and that free trade must be substituted with fair trade. After the WTO talks ended, Sweeney added, "This week's heightened scrutiny of negotiations at the World Trade Seafarers are among the unionists at the November 30 rally. Organization meeting punctured the veil of secrecy and insensitivity in which the WTO has shrouded itself and made it impossible for trade negotiators to paper over differences or to pass off a bad deal as acceptable. In the end, there was no consensus on issues of crucial importance to average citizens, not just in the U.S. but around the world, and there was no deal. ... "Despite the lack of breakthroughs in policy, this week produced a stunning breakthrough in the public debate over globalization. Americans crossed a threshold to begin a truly national conversation about rules and standards and values in the global economy, and they were joined by citizens across the globe." Seafarers LOG 3 �Shipboard Meetings Cross the Country Union officials from across the country continue to meet with Seafarers when their vessels dock. The officials, including President Michael Sacco and SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, update members on the latest news within the union and answer questions on a broad range of topics from the ongoing SIU-NMU merger vote to issues dealing with benefits and contracts. Included on this page are photographs from Port Elizabeth, N.J.; Norfolk, Va.; and Long Beach, Calif. SIU New York Port Rep. Jack Caffey Jr. (left) talks with Bosun Mike Manekas on the deck of the Sea-Land Defender. SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel answers a question for the Cape Race crew. Listening are QMED James Atwell and Bosun Walter Ritvalsky. Getting ready to take part in a meeting aboard the Cape Ray are (from left) SIU VP Govt. Services Kermett Mangram, AB Lonale Andrews, AB Joe Murphy and Bosun Billy Farris. Awaiting his turn to hit the deck is SIU Sec'yTreas. David Heindel (right). With him on the Cape Ray are Bosun Billy Farris (left) and QMED J. Sterner Clothier. Chief Stewards Anthony Houston (left) and Ed Banks (center) greet SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel. Crowley harbor members meet SIU President Michael Sacco at the dock in Wilmington, Calif. From the left are AB Dragi K. Odak, Mate Mike Stevens, Sacco, AB Herman Moningka and Capt. Scott Linsley. Crewmembers from the Flickertail State and Comhusker State held a joint union meeting with SIU VP Govt. Services Kermett Mangram (center). Posing for a photo in the Norfolk, Va. hall are (from left) Chief Steward Bud Marchman, SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel, SIU VP Govt. Services Kermett Mangram and AB Jared Blavat. SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey conducts a meeting aboard the Sea-Land Consumer when it docked recently at Port Elizabeth, N.J. Right: Listening during the meeting on the Sea-Land Expedition are (from left) Electrician 0. Bermeo, Steward P. Laboy, AB P. Torres and OMU P. Albino. Sea-Land Chief Tours Paul Hall Center Left: Taking part in the joint vessel meeting in Norfolk are Bosuns Scott Palew (left) of the Comhusker State and Billy Edwards of the Flickertail State. Charles Raymond (far right), president and CEO of Sea-Land Service, recently visited the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. With him for this photograph (from left) are Bill Eglinton, the center's director of vocational education; John Mason, head of American Services Technology, the center's contracted operator; Kim Raymond; and Don Nolan, the center's vice president. In related news, Sea-Land Service changed its name to CSX Lines, LLC. 4 Seafarers LOG Right: Answering questions for crew members aboard the Sea-Land Integrity about the SIUNMU merger vote is SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey. Listening (from left) are Wiper A. Daif, New York Port Rep. Jack Caffey Jr., Electrician D. Baker and Steward S. Sizemore. January 2000 �Avondale Goes Union Retired SIU VP New Orleans arbitrator Bernard Marcus has certified that the Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO and the Metal Trades Council of New Orleans represent a majority of the employees at Avondale's main shipyard facility in New Orleans as well as at the Gulfport, Miss. facility. Pursuant to the agreement between the unions and Avondale, the company will recognize the unions as the representative for these 4,100 employees. Announced in a recent letter to representatives of the council and to Avondale's management, the decision clears the final hurdle for the union to begin negotiations for the workers' first contract. Avondale had already recognized the union as the representative of its Tallulah, La. facility, which consists of about 100 employees. The certification comes five weeks after the unions and Avondale approved a neutrality agreement which, among other things, set out the procedure for gaining union representation based on a majority of the workers signing petitions reflecting that they desire to be represented by the unions. Robert A. Matthews, retired SIU vice president and a charter member of the union, died November 29 at his home in Mobile, Ala. He was 85. Brother Matthews, SIU book number M-1, joined the union in December 193 8 in Mobile. The native of Fairhope, Ala. sailed in the engine department until the early 1950s, then came ashore. Brother Matthews was the SIU port agent in Baltimore from 1953 to 1956, then held that same job in Houston from 1957 to 1961. During the next 11 years, he worked as the union's vice president of contracts and contract enforcement. He was the first chairman of the Maritime Defense League (formed in 1967), and also briefly served as vice president of the Seafarers Harry of Lunde berg School Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Brother Matthews cited health concerns when he retired in October 1972 at age 58. "With Bob's passing, the SIU loses part of its history," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "Bob was there from the beginning." "Bob was a good negotiator and he had a good rapport with the membership," stated Red Campbell, retired SIU vice president contracts. "He was Bob Matthews Arbitrator AffirJTis Metal Trades' Majority Passes Away Although that process allowed the unions one year to secure the required signatures, the unions gathered substantially more than the required number of signatures in fewer than 10 days from the date of the neutrality pact. The recognition applies to three Avondale locations: four facilities in New Orleans (the Main Yard, Harvey, Waggaman and Algiers), Tallulah, and Gulfport, Miss. Litton took over the yards on August 2 last year in a $529 million buyout. For more than 50 years, Avondale had been the only major non-union yard building U.S. Navy and commercial ships in the nation. The most recent organizing campaign was launched in the spring of 1993. "We will be asking Litton to plan for full-scale negotiations as early as possible in the new year," said John Meese, president of the national Metal Trades Department in Washington. "This is definitely the dawn of a new day for the workers at Avondale, but we still have some heavy lifting to do to conclude a fair contract which we have been fighting for all these years." ITF Secures Greatly Needed Aid For Crew on Runaway-Flag Ship As the nation celebrated Thanksgiving, crew members aboard the runaway-flag Hea sailed into Cleveland with waning hopes and no cause for festivity. The Filipino mariners were malnourished and badly in need of medical attention. Their living conditions were, perhaps, best illustrated by their use of river water for bathing and brushing teeth. The German company Zirkel, in charge of the Hea, also owed back wages to the entire crew. Facing those bleak circumstances, an officer aboard the Antigua-flagged vessel contacted the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), an organization of transport-related unions to which the SIU is affiliated. (Aiding mariners such as those on the Hea is a major part of the ITF's operations.) Don Thornton, one of the SIU's ITF inspectors, quickly gained support from Cleveland dock workers who threatened to stop unloading the Hea 's cargo of steel wire until the crew's demands were satisfied. He also coordinated efforts with ITF officials and dock workers in London and Bremen, Germany (the Hea 's next scheduled stops outside the United States). As a result, some of the back wages were paid in Cleveland, with a promise by the company to pay the balance in England-in front of an ITF inspector. The ship also took on full stores, and arrangements were made for medical attention for those who needed it. Additionally, at least one officer (who had been on the ship for 10 months and was owed $5,000) received full back pay and permission to sign off the vessel. Based in London, the ITF comprises more than 500 unions from approximately 125 countries. The ITF has fought against runaway-flag shipping for 51 years, and the SIU has aided that campaign virtually since its start. In the runaway-flag scenario, a shipowner--<>ften from a traditional maritime nation-registers his vessel in a non-traditional country such as Liberia, Panama, Belize, Vanuatu and others. This is done to avoid his home nation's laws regarding safety, wages, taxes and more. Crews for these runaway-flag ships typically come from still other nations (like Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka) where they receive a minimum of training, if any at all. As in the H ea 's case, these crews often are refused wages for months at a time and receive substandard food allotments, among other difficulties. Charter member Bob Matthews, book number M-1 , served as the union's vice president of collective bargaining. instrumental in bringing many of the inland companies under contract." George McCartney, retired SIU vice president West Coast, described Matthews as "very thorough and very accurate as the vice president in charge of contracts, at a time when shipping was tough. He did a good job." Brother Matthews retired to Mobile and often visited the SIU hall there. "He enjoyed coming to the hall and sitting down with the bound versions of the Seafarers LOG from the 1940s and 1950s, and just reminiscing with other people at the hall," observed Ed Kelly, SIU port agent in Mobile. Funeral services took place at St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel in Mobile. Survivors include Brother Matthews' daughter, Daria McDonald. Deckhand Elhadji Ndiaye Honored for 1998 Rescue AMO Celebrates 50th Anniversary SIU Deckhand Elhadji Ndiaye (center) receives a rescue award November 5 in New York from retired U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley on behalf of the United Seamen's Service. Looking on is SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey. SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (left) joined in the American Maritime Officers' recent celebration of that union's soth anniversary. The ceremony took place November 15 at AMO headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla. AMO National President Michael McKay (second from right) and AMO National Secretary-Treasurer Robert McKay (far right) presented the SIU with a plaque honoring the Seafarers' role in establishing AMO in 1949. AMO was chartered by the Seafarers International Union of North America as the Brotherhood of Marine Engineers. January 2000 Seafarer Elhadji Ndiaye recently received an award for his role in a December 1998 rescue involving a distraught man in New York's frigid Hudson River. Ndiaye, a deckhand who sails aboard passenger ferries operated by NY Waterway, received a plaque from the United Seamen's Service on November 5 in New York. The award is described as an Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) mariner's rosette. The rescue had an odd twist. The man saved by Ndiaye and his fellow crew members aboard the Henry Hudson violently resisted their help. Described as the "suicide swimmer" by the New York Post, Cheng Guo Seng jumped into the river from an elevated embankment in an attempt to drown himself. Someone witnessed the jump and alerted the nearby Henry Hudson via radio; the SIU-crewed ferry then quickly moved near Seng. After struggling for several minutes, Ndiaye and the others finally pulled the delirious Seng into a rowboat that had arrived to help in the rescue. Seafarers LOS 5 �..;.........g Thanksgiving With Seafaren ... Aboard t.b.e Blue Ridge There's nothing like a good meal to ease the feelings of being away from home for the holidays. So, Recertified Steward Ron Malozi, Chief Cook Henry Richardson and SA Stephen Johnson went all-out in preparing Thanksgiving dinner aboard the tanker Blue Ridge. "We have a good crew on here, and everybody had a great time on Thanksgiving," noted Malozi. The menu featured traditional Thanksgiving fare along with many other dishes. Highlights included sliced Nova salmon, Danish herring with wine sauce, hot crab hors d 'oeuvres, roasted turkey, roasted smoked ham, broiled rock lobster tail, crown roast of veal, boiled Alaskan crab legs, assorted pies and candies, and much more. The Blue Ridge sails from Texas City, Texas to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., delivering gasoline additives. Among the beneficiaries of the Thanksgiving feast are deck gang members (from left) Bosun Frank Lyle, AB V. Cruz and AB Richard Wittwer. ANY ROOM LEFT? Assorted pies highlight the dessert menu. Recertified Steward Ron Malozi presents a full and scrumptious Thanksgiving menu for fellow crew members aboard the Blue Ridge. Below: SA Stephen Johnson (left) and Chief Cook Henry Richardson cheerfully do their parts to ensure a tasty array of food. Pumpmen Larry Phillips (left) and Bill Hudson partake in the meal. Chief Cook Henry Richardson does the honors and carves the turkey. ... Aboard USNS Dabl USNS Dahl crew members enjoy the meal together. Filling their plates are SIU members (top photo) Bosun Klaus "Whitey" Tankersley, AB Wallace William, QMED Kurt Benjamin and QMED Abraham Smith, along with (below) QMED Olie Webber, Engine Cadet Victor Flynn, GUDE Rocky Olds and OS Terry Malone. Editors note: Former Seafarer Mike Finnigan, now sailing as chief mate aboard the USNS Dahl, sent the following article and accompanying photos to the Sea/arers LOG. The SIU crew on board the USNS Dahl put on a great Thanksgiving Day meal for the entire ship's crew. Under the direction of Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes and Chief Cook Gregory McHugh, the crew mess hall was transformed and set up for a family-style meal. Bosun Whitey Tankersley and the deck department were a great help in setting up the crew mess hall. Farmer SIU members Captain Kurt Kleinschmidt and Chief Mate Mike Finnigan said it was great sitting down with the crew. The USNS Dahl is now docked in Norfolk, Va. after completing the Bright Star exercise for the U.S. Army. Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes (left) presents a cake for the crew. Who else but the captain, former SIU member Kurt Kleinschmidt, would make the first cut? MAKING IT ALL POSSIBLE: Members of the steward department on the USNS Dahl are Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes, SA Sean Bracy, Chief Cook Greg McHugh and SA Roy Warren. Left: Bosun Whitey Tankersley welcomes a young guest to the Thanksgiving dinner. 6 Seafarers LD6 January 2000 �San Francisco Feast Draws Record Crowd More than 400 Seafarers, retirees, friends and guests - including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Mayor Willie Brown - turned out November 23 for the annual Thanksgiving dinner at the SIU hall in San Francisco. "This was the biggest and best one yet," said SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, who helped coordinate the yearly feast. Approximately three-fourths of the attendees were SIU members, pensioners and their families. The rest included California Labor Federation Executive SecretaryTreasurer Art Pulaski and President Tom Rankin, officials from dozens of unions, local politicians and judges, shipping company representatives and others. Chief Steward Burt Richardson volunteered along with fellow Seafarers in overseeing much of the meal preparation and KEY INGREDIENTS: Volunteering to help prepare and serve the food were Seafarers (top photo, from left) Chief Steward Burt Richardson, Chief Steward Jon Blasquez, Chief Cook Eddie Gomez and Chief Cook John Stein, and (bottom, from left) Wiper Adam Wheeler, Chief Steward Louella Sproul and AB Jason Schoenstein. presentation. Celona recalled the first dinner he helped coordinate. "It really started as a small event, with just a few guests, and each year, it grew and grew. "One thing hasn't changed: It's still a time for giving thanks for what we have in the SIU and the American merchant marine." For the 1999 celebration, Alioto's Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf cooked 19 turkeys, while desserts were donated by Mimi's Bakery. SIU-contracted Crowley, Matson, and Sea-Land Service donated a large portion of the food. As usual, the menu was packed with traditional Thanksgiving chow, including all the trimmings. Jack Henning, retired executive secretarytreasurer of the California Labor Federation, received a cake for his 84th birthday. · Rep. Nancy Pelosi greets the crowd at the SIU hall. Welcoming her are SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and SIU Asst. VP Nick Celona (right). Right: Seafarers welcome San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to the SIU hall. Ready for seconds are (from left) Denise Celona, Dr. Stephen Brattesani, Rachell Boschetti, retired Marine Cooks & Stewards official Roger Boschetti, Flavia Marrone, Jimmy Giblin, and Christine Marrone. Among the SIU-contracted companies taking part in (and donating to) the dinner were Matson representatives (from left) Ron Lempriere, Rick Meleski, Jack Sullivan, Jim Mann, Lynn Korwatch and Tammy Findlay. January 2000 In the two photos above and in the one at left, Seafarers, retirees, friends and guests enjoy the festivities at the San Francisco hall. Seafarers LOG 7 �. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................- -......_----,.._~~.....-:-r~__.....--~~~-- ---- -- SIU Charter Members Recall Union's Launch From Humble Beginnings, SIU Grows and Gains Editors note: During the past few months, newspapers and magazines from coast to coast have offered assorted retrospectives as the 20th century nears its conclusion. In that spirit, the Seafarers LOG on these three pages presents reflections on the unions roots by eight charter members. Though each individual did so in a unique way, the eight Seafarers echoed a common theme. They said that the union's early days, predictably, were a strnggle. But through hard work, keen foresight, teamwork and sacrifice, the SIU steadily improved. The SIU's heroic peiformance in World War II also proved vital in the union's advancement, as reflected in some of the aforementioned members' chronicles. The charter members have something else in common: More than six decades later, they all still stay updated on the latest SIU news. And they believe that the union today is on the right course for continued success in the new millennium. Finally, they offer words of experience to those just starting their careers with the SIU Here are their stories. William Emerson Age: 83 Joined: Baltimore, 193 8 Sailed as: AB Retired: 1976 Advice to new members: Be thankful you 're in a union. Stay clear of the drugs, and work for the union because the union works for your agreements. Joining the SIU is the best thing I've ever done. My uncle was a Baltimore policeman. He knew someone who had a shipping hall. They took in four that day in 1938 and put us on the old Steel Ore, which at that time was non-union. I basically was just looking for work On the nonunion ships, there ' were nine head in a fo'c'sle. The food was terrible, there was no overtime, and sometimes you had to work on your own time. It was just like you were a slave, really. I had heard a lot about the SIU. A felBrother Emerson splices low named Bill rope on the Portmar. McKay was the port Rooseven Robbins Age: 81 Joined: New Orleans, 1939 Sailed as: Recertified Steward Retired: 1982 Advice to new members: Try to learn as much as you can and try to go to Piney Point for upgrading. I enjoyed that, being certified as a steward. Some of the best times of my life were at the school. The sea always fascinated me. I tried to join the Navy before World War II, but I was too young. I used to hang around the docks. I started shipping on non-union banana boats, then began hanging around the union hall. They shipped me on the Del Rio. The early days were probably 85 percent different than when I retired. Way back then, there was discrimination against blacks. You could only sail when they had a full black steward department. But that changed. Plus, most of the big ships were NMU at that time. It was rough. We didn't have passenger ships, other than during the war .... I mostly shipped out of New York and New Orleans until I moved to Philadelphia in 1945. Then I shipped from Philly and New York. B Seafarers LOG The SIU-crewed Robin Moor was the first U.S. ship torpedoed during World War II. Some of the survivors are pictured here. agent in Baltimore then. When I joined the union, I saw the biggest difference. It was a great thing. I worked a lot of picket lines in New York, Baltimore and other places. I really enjoyed it. World War II - It was rough. I sailed on a Waterman ship for nine months, shuttling from Scotland to the Mediterranean. Ships sank all around us. We would anchor and wait for a convoy. We'd shoot these depth bombs off all night to keep the Germans from setting bombs on our propeller. Then we'd meet the convoy coming out of the Mediterranean. It was terrible. Other than the war, I really liked the water and was never scared, even though we ran into a few hurricanes. It never bothered me, although I got washed down the deck a couple of times. I hated to quit when I did, but an auto accident almost killed me. The Flomar, shown here in 1940, was part of the Calmar Line, one of the first SIU-contracted fleets. 'Always Have a Job' - I think the SIU is in great shape. You can see that if you're with the union, you know you always have a job if you want to work. A lot of these non-union companies, they don't care about you. But the union will back you and help you. The opportunity is there. I have two sons who went with the SIU right out of high school (Edward H. and William J. Emerson). They both started from the bottom and went on to get their engineer's license. Being around the old-timers in New York, I gained a lot of experience. After I had a chance to work with them, I just fell in love with it. The officials always looked out for me (Atlantic Coast Vice President) Leon Hall and others took me under their wing. I learned a lot and made a very good living. World War II - I was on the North Atlantic route during the war and was fortunate to get through it. I lost a lot of friends who were on those ships that were torpedoed on the Murmansk Run. Once, I was on a coal ship that caught fire right off the Virginia coast. We abandoned ship. There were a lot of other close calls. In a rough storm, one of my ships practically broke in half. The deck department worked night and day, held it together. We limped into Belfast and stayed there 20-some days. The shipyard workers told us we'd never make it back to New York, but we did make it. I was lucky all the way through the war. 'See the Progress' - I think the SIU is wonderful. I get the LOG every month, and what the union has done, all the ships and jobs, it's way more plentiful than when I got started and even when I retired. When you got off, you had to wait a long time between jobs. Now, guys have it made. They have a chance to upgrade and earn a good living. You can see the progress the union has made. And we're going to accomplish a lot more. I'd advise any young guy to join, because it's the opportunity of his life. January 2000 �Nathan Rudnick Eddie Bowers Age:84 Joined: Mobile, Ala., 1938 Sailed as: Chief Steward Retired: 1979 Advice to new members: Stick with it,, upgrade yourself and make a better union. Thats one reason the SIU is in good shape today - we stuck with the union. Sometimes we sacrificed, went years without a raise, but it was worth it. Thats what built the union. I joined because I thought it would be nice to see some of the world, and was able to do that. Travel appealed to me very much. I enjoyed it. When I first started to sea, I only got $30 a month. After 1944 or 1945, we started getting raises and it made things much better. We had some very good people as union officials. In talking with the old-timers around Mobile, it gave me a good idea what I wanted to do people like Orlin Banks, Scotty Ross. We did go through some hard times. The shipboard conditions were pretty rough, and we weren't making any money in the beginning. We sailed on boats that almost looked like they were ready to be scrapped. Old rust pots. Sometimes we were scared, but we made it. We sailed all over the world. Those are some trips I'll never forget. I remember walking picket lines, too. The Isthmian strike and just about every other picket we had since then. I enjoyed working with the union. I just love Seafarers. I don't think that anyone who went to sea could love it any more than I did. Promising Future - The SIU turned the comer because we had such dedicated people in the union. It was reassuring to know we had people who were so dedicated. From what I see today, things are looking good for the SIU. One thing I thought would never happen is the merger with the NMU. We bad many fights aboard the ships. They would come on board to fight. But now, whatever's best for our union. I started at an early age and worked a long time. It was worth it. Seafarers pack a meeting at union headquarters on Beaver Street in New York (top) and demonstrate in Manhattan during a beef (below). January 2000 Age:79 Joined: Miami, 193 8 Sailed as: AB (later attained license) Retired; 1982 Advice to new members: You 're fortunate to be starting a great living, with top wages, health benefits, vacation pay - every kind of benefit. Your living conditions aboard ship are as good if not better than some peoples homes, with all kinds offacilities and no better food at any restaurant in the whole world. If you pay attention, theres no end to your going up the ladder and being captain ofyour own ship. I got my papers in Boston, then went to Florida and hung around the union hall. I first sailed with Bull Line, as a wiper. Bull Shepard (later an SIU official and a founder of the Paul Hall Center) was an AB on another ship I was on in 1938, the Estrada Palma. In 1939 and 1940 I sailed as an AB on a Delta Line ship, the Del Rio .... I was involved in one of the first strikes the SIU pulled, in 1938. The company was P&O (Peninsula and Occidental) Steamship. They had five ships in Port Everglades, three railroad car ferries and two passenger ships. I walked the picket line for a month, maybe two. I remember picking up nickel milk bottles on Miami Beach taking them for change. At that time, Port Everglades had absolutely nothing. There was one dock, one company office building that was really a shack, and two "B" joints. Otherwise, all the land was barren. On one of their ships, the Estrada Palma, all the crew's quarters were on deck and we made two weekly trips between Port Everglades and Havana, Cuba. We had two sets of railroad tracks and we took on board 28 freight cars - 14 on each track. The ship was put astern to the dock and fastened ashore with a huge hasp, so the shore tracks would meet with the ship tracks. (Editors note: the P&O strike lasted 14 months, with the SIU finally winning in the summer of 1939. Ninety percent of the 300 crew members in the fleet certified the SIU as their sole bargaining agent.) Wortd ar II-After two years I got a third mate's ticket. During the war, I was sailing on the Liberty ship Rudnick (right) and two shipmates from the engine room of the Estrada Palma visit the Newport News, Va. maritime museum while the ship undergoes repairs. William S. King when we were torpedoed on the way home. We spent three-and-a-half days in the lifeboat, then ended up in South Africa. The submarine came up and took the captain POW. I left the industry after the war, then in 1975 I joined the SIU again. I sailed as an AB. Education Is Key - One of the most important things the SIU has done, as I look at it, is the schools they've run to train seamen. In the old days, you learned from the older seamen aboard the ship - fire fighting, lifeboats and so on. Today, when a kid comes aboard the ship, I imagine he probably knows more than the average AB knew 40 years ago. He knows about life-saving equipment, gas techniques for going into the hold of a tanker, for example. In the old days, you didn't know those things until you sailed for at least a few years. The SIU-crewed Estrada Palma sailed between Port Everglades, Fla. and Havana, Cuba. --~~i;i to move to one side of the hall Salvatore Frank Jr. because the roof leaked. But I Age:78 liked it down there. I was the Joined: Providence, Rhode only Yankee at the hall at that Island, 1938 time. The guys bought me a led as: Bosun rebel hat from the Civil War Retired: 1985 era. Advice to new members: Do I wasn't fussy, so long as I your work. Do what you 're told worked. Anything to make a to do, and don't slack off Keep dollar. I didn't stay on the beach your mouth shut and your ears too long .... and eyes open, and you'll get When we went on strike, I along fine. And don't go in with went out. I was ashore for the the attitude that you already Isthmian and Bull Line beefs know everything. We all have to (1945-47, and 1957-58, respeclearn. ' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ _ _ _ J tively). The only thing I didn't I quit school in junior high and went into a civilian camp so This photo is believed to be one of the earliest in like was when we [supported a] SIU history, taken in fall 1938 in Providence, R.I. strike on Beaver Street (in New I could make money. It was a York), helping the telephone operators. I got clubbed in camp to get us kids off the street, but I didn't stay there the head. I still got a lump here. long because I had the SIU. But I got to see the world, and the pay was good. I'd heard about the union through a relative who There's something about the ocean that attracted me. worked as a longshoreman. Another relative wanted to get me into the NMU, but I chose the SIU. The NMU World War II - I sailed on the Atlantic side in 1942. We was nothing but communists in those days, and I didn't went to the invasion of North Africa, went along the want to belong to no communist organization. dock. The deck department did all the discharging - the Frank Berry was the agent when I joined at the hall whole ship. We finished the job in seven days. on South Main Street. I used to clean up after hours. I I also made a trip to England on an old Hog Island started as an OS and an organizer - and I got kicked off It was very slow, and we saw some other ships get ship. the ship the same day, as soon as I mentioned the union! off along the way. knocked Then I got a job on the Herman F Whitten, an SUP On D-Day, I went to Normandy on a small tanker. ship. Our job was to fuel the hospital ship and the LCis (landDifferent Era - I liked it in those days, liked the guys. ing craft). During a storm, our anchors broke loose and Today, you have to lock your lockers. In those days, you we ended up on the beach, right where they were holdgot paid, you could leave your money on your bunk, go ing German prisoners. We weren't supposed to go take a shower and come back and the money would still ashore, but we went anyway. be there. The deck department all slept together in one As soon as I got back to the States, I got on a Robin room, except for the bosun, who had his own room. Continued on page 10 I shipped from Mobile. Every time it rained, we had Seafarers LOG 9 �SIU Charter Member Frank Recalls Union's Launch · r""""~-~~~"ll Continued from page 9 Line ship .... One time, my ship mistakenly ended up in the middle of a British war ship convoy at night. We almost fired on them, not knowing who they were. Another time, in 1943, we ended up in a typhoon, while we were carrying airplanes on deck .... I also sailed during Korea and Vietnam, and that was totally different compared to World War II. Some of the foreign ships refused to carry our cargo. But as you see in the LOG now, the armed forces have more respect for us American ships and American crews. During the war, some of them had no use for us. They called us draft dodgers. I was no draft dodger. We took the oath, same as they did when they joined the service. A lot of people don't know that, even G.I. 's from World War II. We had old guys who went to sea when they didn't have to. Others couldn't get in the service, so they went to sea. And many lost their lives. We didn't make a lot of money. About $50 or $60 a month as on OS. And when we got off a ship, we had to take care of ourselves. There was no paid leave. Bright Future- Why has the SIU remained strong? First, you've got to give credit to Paul Hall. He was in there, fighting. Him and (Paul Hall Center Vice President and SIU Representative) Frank Mongelli. If Paul could only be alive today and see how well the union's doing. But he's happy in heaven. Mike Sacco is doing a hell of a good job. He's getting the unions together, and this makes us more powerful. When we go out for something, we can get it together. The absence of strikes is another positive. That's the best way to do it - talk things over. It's working. WA"il~:ID ll bers: Be thankful for what you've got. Be good to yourself and everybody else. It took a long time to get what we have today. I was a longshoreman, but I got tired of that. When I had the chance to go to sea, I took it. I first sailed on a Savannah Line passenger ship. We took the ship up to New York to drydock. It was rough in those days, nothing like it is today - in every respect. The food wasn't as good, for sure. Plus, the companies didn't want the union. Every chance they got, they tried to break it up. Joined: New York, 1938 5ailed as: FOWT (later attained license) Retired: 1950 Advice to new members: Listen to everybody on that ship. Ask questions ifyou don~ understand. Some people may laugh at questions, but don't pay them any mind. I started sailing because times were tough. I was just a kid, 16 years old, and at least by going to sea I got my room and board, plus my pay. I couldn't get in the armed services because of my eyesight. The NMU in those days had the most jobs and the best runs. We had constant trouble with them. There were some ports we wouldn't go ashore in, and others where, if you went ashore, you went in a group. We did lots of organizing. Then the war came along, and we got so many new people, it was tough to stay on course. I enjoyed seeing different places, meeting different kinds of people. Some ships were better than others. We had a saying: "The last ship was the best one, the ship you 're on is the worst, and the next one will be better than anything." But it never worked out that way! World War II - One thing I learned before the United States got into the war, from talking with foreign seamen in various overseas ports - the slow ships were going to be trouble. The worst thing that happened, I was standing the 4 to 8 watch on a run to England, and we got hit with a dead torpedo. Before the war, there wasn't much of a change in crews. But most everybody was what I'd call a bona-fide seaman. They had basic knowledge of all shipboard jobs. This is what killed a lot of people during World War II; they were trained, but they weren't seamen. When it came to the union, the thing that impressed me the James L. Tucker Age: 87 Joined: Jacksonville, Fla., 1938 Sailed as: Bosun. Also worked as a port official in New Orleans, Baltimore, Mobile, Ala. and Charleston, S.C. Retired: 1971 Advice to new members: If you 're interested, its a good life. But you have to want to improve yourself at all times. I was raised in a home where everybody was union, so when I started going to sea, I joined. I actually started with the International Seamen's Union (ISU), a forerunner of the SIU, in 1933. My first SIU trip was in 1938 on the Marjorie, a Bull Line ship. It was what I could find in those days. I stuck with it, I enjoyed it and I eventually made a good living. In those days, the early days, you couldn't raise a family (as a merchant mariner). Most of the improvements came after World War II. People like (SecretaryTreasurer, then SIU President) Paul Hall, (SecretaryTreasurer) Whitey Hawk and (Atlantic District Chairman) Duke Duchesne started the ball rolling. 10 Seafarers LOG Joined: Savannah, Ga., 1938 Sailed as: Chief Cook Retired: 1982 Advice to new mem- Warren Brown Age:79 Remembering Paul Hall - Tom Fields Age:87 When I first started, I was getting $1 a day as a messman. There was no overtime or anything like that. They were very difficult times in the beginning, but it was still exciting. Going to sea meant you saw different things and different parts of the world. World War II - In June 1942, I was on the passenger ship City of Birmingham when we were torpedoed, sailing out of Norfolk, Va. We were carrying bilge workers to Bermuda, and a destroyer escort picked us up. During the war, I sailed in the Pacific a lot. It was a tough time out there. I also sailed the North Atlantic. The German wolf packs were knocking so many ships off, but we made it. Of course, once we got to Russia, we couldn't go anywhere. The war helped change a lot of our shipboard conditions, helped improve them. Then the war ended and things improved some more, especially in the 1950s and 1960s. What Ues Ahead - I think the SIU is getting better all the time, and the officials are doing a good job. We're improving all the time, which you can see with all the (newly contracted) ships. I can't see anything but getting better. most - and I'm not saying this because it's popular - was Paul Hall's attitude. He truly wanted the seaman to have a better life. He had a hard time convincing people that seamen needed to be educated, but he did it. At that time, there was an adversarial attitude by the companies and by us. Paul taught us that we had to stop, if we were going to get anywhere. Paul said, 'We're going to have to prove to the shipowner that we're responsible people. That's the only way we'll succeed.' He made a tremendous impression on a lot of people, and I'm one of them. We once sailed together on the Schoharie, South Atlantic Steamship Co., out of Savannah. The voyage was Baltimore to Egypt to Arabia and India, then back to Baltimore. Paul was the watertender. He went and told [someone similar to a port captain] that we needed electric fans on the ship. The guy refused. Paul said, 'I'll give you my personal word that those fans will be as good when we come back as when we left.' He even offered to pay for them. The guy said okay, and put the fans on the ship. Every week, Paul told everyone what he had done, reminded the guys to keep them clean. He said if we can't take care of things, then we won't get them in the first place. The first thing when we got back, that guy went up the gangway and looked at the fans. And you know what kind of shape they were in. On the Right Track- It was very tough to give up shipping, because I had started when I was young. That was all I knew. People ashore didn't think the same way we did. But I'd started a family, and my wife said I had a choice, if you know what I mean. Today, I'm happy to see the SIU is getting some new ships. The union seems to be well-organized, and it's great that members are upgrading themselves, studying and taking advantage of the school. Not many unions have a school like that. It's hard to believe that a country with this much coastline doesn't think more of merchant shipping. I hope our merchant marine expands. The toughest job the union had was to teach the members that if you took, you had to give. You had to be reasonable. And it's working. Everybody's on the right track. Early Memories - It was a struggle. Little by little, we kept improving things. Then we started the school (in 1952 in New York), and that gave the boys some experience. It was sort of hard to teach them on the ship. Although, several of the ships I was on, especially Delta Line, we had classes for wire splicing and other things, and that's how a Jot of people learned. But it was hard to take the time to teach. · Shipboard conditions also were improving during this time. World War II - I was bosun on the Liberty ship Roger B. Taney, a Waterman ship. It was February 7, 1943. We were empty when we were torpedoed about 500 miles into the South Atlantic. The survivors spent 42 days in two lifeboats - 22 people in one boat, 26 in the other. All but three of the crew made it. We set up regular watches, just like on a ship, although we were elbow to elbow. We still had (fresh) water that came with the lifeboat, plus we caught water on a canvas top to the boat. That's what actually saved us, I believe. There were stores for 31 people for 30 days, but we had double stocked. We had prayer every day. Eventually we were picked up a mile from the beach in Brazil. We could see the light ashore for two days before we got picked up. I sailed again after this incident, to Russia and the Pacific. That was my livelihood. Seeing the World - What I enjoyed most about the SIU was the travel, seeing all these different countries. In those days, there were no fast turnarounds like today. You could lay two, three, four weeks in a place. I mostly went to South America, on the Delta Line ships. I spent more than 20 years on those ships alone, but I also made seven trips around the world with Isthmian. And even though I worked for the SIU ashore, when I retired I was sailing. My last ship was the Del Sud .. .. The SIU is improving all the time. The union is making it more convenient for the members to learn, which they need to keep up with the improvements on the ships. You pick up a little on the ships, but not enough. One thing the industry has to do is get rid of all these fly-by-night outfits, these runaway-flag opera- Tucker is pictured aboard the tors. Del Mar in 1949. January 2000 �This handy ve~ion of the Paul Hall Cent.er's catalog is printed in the Seaf'areis IJJG as a convenience to SID membe~. Please keep it for reference. The infamous ~Y2K bug" forced organizations worldwide to plan ahead, talcing preventive and often costly steps to avoid computer glitches stemming from the turn of the century. Forward thinking is nothing new at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. From its opening in 1967, the center has enjoyed a well-deserved reputation for constantly improving and consistently meeting the industry's ever-changing needs. The school remains steadfastly committed to turning out the besttrained mariners in the world. During the past year, the most visible evidence of that commitment was the opening in May of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety Schoo~ a world-class facility located on school property near the main campus. This new, million-dollar school arguably is the Students at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are trained specifically in fighting shipboard fires. Able Seaman This six-week course leads to endorsement as an able seaman (AB). It consists of hands-on training and classroom work covering deck seamanship, rules of the road, marlinespike seamanship, helmsmanship, cargo handling, safety, fire fighting, emergency procedures, first aid, anchoring and mooring, and aids to navigation. Students must have a lifeboat endorsement in order to take the AB course. Students completing the AB course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately afterward. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Lifeboat/Water Survival Students in this two-week course can earn lifeboat certification at the end of the class. Featuring a mix of practical training and classroom instruction the course covers emergency drills, lifeboat construction, lifeboat launching and recovery, life raft construction, life raft launching and maintenance, and use of all lifeboat and life raft equipment. Additionally, students learn practical survival methods and the use of emergency radio and distres ignals. A minimum of three hours per day is spent outdoors in lifeboats conducting practical exercises uch as rowing/ coxswain training and davit operation . (Thi.s course i,s limited to 25 students maximum.) Bridge Management The U.S. Coast Guard-approved shiphandling iinulator course provides realistic bridge watchstanding training for deck personnel aboard both deep sea and inland vessels. Successful completion of this two-week course is accepted as Coast Guard credit for 60 days of seatime on vessels of unlimited tonnage. also Special areas of skills development include general shiphanclling and helmsmanship, river and channel transits, entering and departing various ports, coastal navigation, U.S. avy-related operations such as convoy and underway replenishment, hawser towing, pushboat towing and emergency shiphandling. Students must have a valid radar certificate to enroll. Celestial Navigation The six-week course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by un, stars and planets, compass error by amplitutde and azumuth, star identificaiton, and care and use of the sextant. made other improvements. The school began offering two U.S. Coast Guard-approved STCW basic safety courses whose content is essential in helping merchant mariners comply with the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention. It also initiated a Coast Guard-approved, 32-hour class in automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA). Additionally, the school closely worked with the American Council on Education and earned certification for many of its courses that potentially allow Seafarers to receive college credit for those particular classes. The school also continued its long tradition of providing company-specific and on-site training throughout the U.S., including STCW classes in Hawaii. These are just a few of many examples of how the Paul Hall Center continues to offer cuttingedge training for Seafarers. An overview of the courses available at the school is contained in this four-page section. Students should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers should check the latest issue of the Seafare rs LOG for the most up-todate class listings. Course descriptions and schedules also are available on the SIU's web site, located at http://www.seafarers.org. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 120 days' seatime in the previous year, one day of seatime in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If the course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are printed in bold. For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or call (301) 9940010. Radar Observer/Unlimited The eight-day radar observer/unlimited class lead to a radar ob erver endorsement that is good on vessels of any tonnage. Approved by the .S. Coast Guard, the course featur hand -on training and clas room work, including radar the T)\ observation operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidanc and navi ational ex rcise. Stud ms operate modern audio-visual and radar siinulation gear, as well as the full hiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland waterway and river navigation and piloting. ARPA-Automatic Radar Plotting Aids This course of instruction in rporat the use of ARPA iinulation equipment to operate, observe and utilize the radar plotting aids. tudents will gain an understanding of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and will gain a knowledge of trackina capabilities processing operational warnings and target acquisition. Students must have completed the Radar Observer course in order to enroll in this class. Unlicensed Apprentice Co~ Includes a 20-hour shipboard sanitation class and a 20-hour galley familiarization class. After students complete 90 days' seatime in the apprentice program, those who choose to sail in the steward department will return to the school for a four-week galley operations class. Galley operations features a pair of two-week modules. Galley Operations Members must have 240 days' seatime to enroll after completing the unlicensed apprentice program. Non-graduates must have 365 days' seatime as an SA to enroll. The course consists of two, two-week modules (for a total of four weeks). Each module includ 35 hours, with additional time participating in the school's galley operations. Certified Chief Cook Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing galley operations to enroll. The course consists of six, two-week modules that are stand-alone (for a total of 12 weeks). This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. Advanced Galley Operations Hands-on training in steering and following commands is one aspect of the excellent AB course offered at the Paul Hall Center. January 2000 pgraders in the third mate course will study all subje t areas found on the U. . Coast Guard license exam for third mate. The 14-week curriculum includ instruction in all areas of terrestrial and eel rial navigation, deck seaman hip, rul of the road, shipbuilding, hip tability, cargo handling, federal regulations. watchkeeping, hip maneuvering, construction and tability. Members mu t have 180 days' eatime after completing certified chief cook to enroll. The course consi ts of four one-week modules. (for a total of four weeks). Chief Stewanl Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing advanced galley operations to enroll. This is a 12-week class. Seafarers LOS 11 �Upon completion of the course, a Paul Hall Center certificate of graduation will be issued. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Basic Electronics Designed to help Seafarers develop an understanding of what goes on inside the electronic box found aboard ship, this four-w k course covers principles of analog electronics, activ devices and basic digital electroni . The stud nt also will learn all aspects of circuit dia!!rarru,. and the instructor will work with each tudem individually to ensur a working knowledg of all shipboard electronic devices. Marine Electronics Tech I Classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience help upgrading Seafarers remain the best trained workforce in the maritime industry. Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For eromple, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/OJmainers, you must have success- fuily romp/et;ed Marine Electritxd Mainrenance I (MEM I) and Refrigeration System Mainrennnce and Operations. Fireman/Watertender and Oiler This year. SHLSS offers a four-week FOWT test preparation course leading to the endorsement as fireman/watertender and oiler. Topia; covered include the parts of a boiler, engineroom equipment, e°ooineroom procedures, operating auxiliary equipment, watchstanding, starting and securing main engines, steam and water cycle. fuel oil and lube oil systems. diesel engines, refrigeration systems and auxiliary machinery. The class prepares students for .S. Coast Guard general safety, oiler and fireman/watertender tests. Students completing the FOWf course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately aftenvard. OMED-Any Rating The curriculum for certification and endorsement as a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED)-Any Rating consists of a 12-week course leading to the following ratings: pumpman, refrigeration engin r, electrician, machinist, deck engineer and junior engineer. The course of instruction prepar the student to test for the US. Coast Guard exams in each of these ratings and includes classroom and practical training. 4fh. QMED Classification Steps Cla&s QMED D SHLSS/PHC QMED-Any Rating certificate or G Q.MED-An Rating :pd Cla&s QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating successfully completing one mandatory and one or more elective courses 2nd Class QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating successfully completing two mandatory and two or more elective courses tst Class QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating successfully completing all mandatory cours and three or more elective courses. Mandatory rourses are MEM I, Power Plant Mainrenance and Diesel. Technol,ogy. more than two engine d partrnent courses can be taken per stay at the school. Any member with an engineer's license " rill be classified as a 4th Class QMED. Io Power Plant Maintenance The majority of this ix-we k cours features hands-on training covering a variety of topi . Some clas room work also is included. Subj cts include pipefitting, thermaJ insulation, valve repair. pump repair/overhaul. hydraulic y tern repair, drilling/machine thread fabrication use of various epoxies and similar compounds for emeraency and temporary repairs maintenance of power transmission equipment (such as flexible coupling ), use of proper oils and greases for bearing maintenance and lubrication, reconditioning shell and tube heat exchangers. centrifugal lube oil/fuel oil purifier maintenance and removal of heavy equipment in the engineroom. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. 12 Seafarers LOG Marine Electrical Maintenance I The six-week course of instru tion leading to certification in Marine El trical ~Iaintenance I con i ts of practical training and classroom instruction aimf".d at providing the basic skills required of shipboard electri ians. The range of topi includes basic electrical th ry, DC and AC circuits, electrical sa£ tv, electrical test equipment and troubl hoo~, ele ni.cal protective and witching devi , lectrical wiring diagrams and schematics, control and pow r circuits, batteri , AC generation and distribution equipment, transformers. lightina systems and fixtur , galley and miscellaneou heatina equipment, ingle- peed A motor and aero -the-line starters and wiring techniques. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Marine Electrical Maintenance II Aimed at providing the more advanced skills requir d of the shipboard electrician, thi six-w k course featur hands-on training and classroom instructi n and lea to c rtification in ~1arine El trical .\laintenance II. Among the subjects covered are interpretation of the ational Electrical Code, specialized electrical t t equipment. advanced applicati n of cir uit pr tection and ·witching devi • relay lo!ric. ompl . ontrol circuit . D and A generators. voltage re!!Ulators electrical distribution hardware, DC motor and controll r , C motors and controller , deck machinery. motor generator set , converter , inverters and rectifier , electric propulsion tern and interior communication system . Also, the course will include an introduction to solid tate electronic controls and their applications, and t11e general maintenance responsibiliti of the lectrician, as well as troubleshooting and repair. Course entry requirement is Marine Electrical Maintenance I. The marine electroni technician program is a four-week course. Topi included in the course are AC and DC circuits, active and passive components, amplifier , power supplies, antenna systems, satellite and radar systems, microprocessor control systems, digital control systems and ystems troubleshooting. Course entry requirement is Basic Electronics. Pumproom Maintenance Leading to certification in pumproom maintenance and operations, this four-week class includes hands-on training and classroom work. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps loading pr c dur . cargo pump operations. cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. Upon completion of the course, a Paul Hall Center certificate of graduation will be issued. In order to take this class, students must already have taken the Tanker Assistant DL (formerly Tanker Operation/Safety) course (described on next page) and be certified as a QMED-Any Rating or hold endorsement as a pumpman. Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations ~ow an elective. this ix-week class blends practical and cla&,-oom instruction leading to certification in refrigeration system maintenance and operations. Among the topics covered are theory of mechanical refrigeration, major system components, accessories, cycle controls, refrigerants and oils, and applied electricity. Standard service techniqu are emphasized, such as the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of ships' tores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers and ice machine . Hands-on shop training includes the complete fabrication of a working refrigeration system from basic system components. An introduction to refrigerated container units also is presented. Students m\S be rertified as QMED -Any Rating or have equivalent inland experienre or hold Coast Cuard endorsements as refrigeration engineer and electrician in order to enroll for tlIB rou:rse. Refrigerated Containers This four-week course leads to certification in refrigerated contain rs maintenance and consists of both dassl' m and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance el trician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases of refrig rated ntainer unit operation, maintenance., repair and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration and electrical systems. The course is designed to help students develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting, as well as to acquaint them with pecific maintenance procedures. Course entry requirements are Marine Electrical Maintenance I and the basic Refrigeration System course. Welding Clas room instruction and on-the-job training comprise this four-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing, welding and cutting. upon completion of the course, a Paul HaJl Center certificate of graduation ·will be issued. Thinl Assistant Engineer The course of instruction ]eading to licensing as a third assistant engineer consists of classroom instruction in 'uch topics as diesel propul ion plants, team propulsion plants engineering safety, auxiliary boilers and diesels, water systems, electricity generating plants. electri al distribution and ele,ctrical devi . The 12-week course, which meets C. . Coast Guard requirement for Ii ensing, also includes team turbines, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning and auxiliary ystems. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. Diesel Engine Technology Thi four-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of classroom instruction and hand -on training. Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory: two- and four-stroke cycle operating principl ; and the con truction, operation, maintenance r pair and troubl hootina of low-, medium- and high-speed diesel engines. Also covered are associated auxiliaries terns, lubricaincluding intake and exhaust tion and cooling systems, and fuel inj ction and tarting tern . tudents r eive practical trainina in the operation and repair of di el en!rin on board school training v ls. Course entry requirements are QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience. Hydraulics The curriculum in the four-w k hydraulic course blends practical training with Classroom work. Fluid , actuator. control device pump reservoirs. symbols and hydraulic y terns in marin equipm nt ar am ng the ubd are ject covered in this clas . Also addr principles of l ctrical control of hydrauli y tern , cargo winch • deck cran . anchor windlas.ges, hips' steerina systems, ramps. fire doors and a wid variety of other hipboard systems. Engineroom Familiarization Designed for prospective tugboat engineers this two-week class provides instruction in the following areas: engin room afety, engine ring plant nom nclature, piping y tern hardware a functional d ription of main propulsion and auxiliary machin ry and associated pipina ) terns, plant operations and watchkeeping, and afe handling of fuel and oil spill pr vention. chief engineer for handling emergencies and other non-routine operating conditions. Tankerman (PIC) Barge This 40-hour course leads to the endorsement as tankerman (PIC) barge. The obj ct of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills associated with tank barge operations and to supervise th safe and pollution-free transfer of dangerous liquids. (This course is Limited to 25 students maximum.) Engineroom Operations &Maintenance Limited License/License Prep This course i design d for inland personnel with intermediate kills to prepar assi tant engineer for all phases of engineroom operations and routine maintenance. dditionally, the two- week curri ulurn prepar tudent to as ume the duties of the chief engineer. Engineroom Troubleshooting & Casualty Control This two-week course is an advanced kill pro!!ram d igned to up!!rad the kills of the Aimed at preparing tu.dents to test for an. limited tonnage licen , thi eiaht-week course consists of classroom instruction in all areas of terr trial navigation, deck seamanship, rul of the road. hipbuilding, hip stability, cargo handling, federal regulation first aid, CPR and fir fighting. Students must have an AB endorsement and 540 days of seatime on an SIUrontracted vessel OR equivalent inland experienoo in order to take the limited lirense/lioonse prep exam. January 2000 �µ i2 22 a. .... &2 7 1# £Q • All students attending upgrading programs at the Paul Hall Center participate in certain courses as part of their regularly schedukd program. Government vessels course, physical, fitness, first ai.d and CPR, industrial relations and fire fighting either are required or may be taken as elective courses by upgraders in all departments. courses and who must be annually recertified, this one-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health ct (0 HA) requirements, as well as reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring in truments and techniqu , ite-control and emergency preparedn . proper use of respiratory protection and monitoring equipm nt and new technology. Government Vessels Cotme Fim Aid and CPR As part of its ongoing goal of providing the best possible training for Seafarers while staying a step ahead of the industry~s needs, this three-week class i · open to eafarers sailing in any department. The course is structured as three one-week. stand-alone modules. The modul may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. .Military Seaiift Command and military vessels, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week featur forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (I'his course i.s required ofstudents attending AB or FOWT courses.) tuden in thi three-day clas learn the principl and techniques of safety and basic first aid. as well as cardiopulmonary r uscitation (CPR) according to the accepted tandards of the American Red Cro - . ter u ·ces 'ful completion f each phase of this course, tudents are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cro s. Basic Fire Fighting The one-week basi fire fighting c urse provid tudents with general knowledg of the chemistry of fire, fire fighting equipment and materials and techniques for using them safely. Students receive 20 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of practical training. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a U. . oast Guard-recognized certificate of graduation from the Paul Hall Center. Advanced Fire Fighting Forklift operations is one facet of training in the government vessels course. Oil Spill Prevention and Containment This one-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics of instruction includ types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, hazardous materials training. spill prevention, and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Also covered are selection of ab orbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. Hazmat Recertification Available for personnel who have completed 40- or 24-hour hazardous materials (hazmat) - During this two-week course, students learn how to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency quads for fire fi ahting. The class covers how to give concise orders using the different types of communication "''ith crew members and land-based fir units, l ad rship rol and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad organizing. Students also study how to inspect and service various shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard sin1ulations and actual fire fighting drills. Industrial Relations While attending upgradina c ur at th Lundeberg School, all SIU members attend industrial relations courses for one week. Seafarers learn about the maritime industry and the role of U.S. shipping in the economy and in times of crisis. Also, participants review the role of the SIU within the industry and the right of eafarers as outlined b · the IU constitution. tudents gain an under tanding of the various laws and legislati e programs which promote a l.;.8.-flag merchant marine. Courses also are conducted to provide Seafarers \vith full information on the many benefit plans available to qualifying members through the union's collective bargaining agreement. General Physical Fitness The .S. Coast Guard places certain physical The Academic Department has a long hi.story of providing support and services to members of the Sea/ arers International Union. S ince the f ounding of the school in Piney Point, Md., there has been academic support f or students taking vocational programs as well as f or those students who require basic skiHs, Engli.sh language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered t,o the membership. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or explained by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 9940010, ext. 5411. General Education Program The GED pro!ITam is open to all members who do not have a high school diploma. Assistance is offered to pr pare students to take the test in ~1aryland or in their home stat . Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies. cien e. interpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students r ceive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school has for many years successfully prepared SIU members to pass the test. For many eafarers, this is a milestone in their liv (Prior to taking the test in Maryiand, a 12-week residency is required.) Water survival (above) and fire prevention techniques (right) are two of the topics covered in the STCW basic safety refresher course which helps Seafarers meet the requirements of STCW Chapter VI. requirements on all mariner . To ensure the U.S.-flag fleet has physically fit crew members, the SIU encourages Seafarers to exercise properly. At the Paul Hall Center, workout programs are individually designed to meet the needs of the student. Students may participate in free weight, autilus or Unive1'Sal weight training, which can be used to gain, lose or maintain body weight Aerobic and swimming programs also are available. Tanker Familiarimtion/ Assistant Cargo (DL) This is a 15-day, U.S. Coast Guard-approved, Category 1 couse. It is designed to meet the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/Operations Level, ship design and operation, cargo characeristics, enclosed space entry, cargo transfer and shipment, and pollution prevention and emergency operations and response. LNG Familiarimtion Thi three-week course con i t of a afety program designed to meet TCW requirements for those who have not served on Li G hips. The course of instruction includ Ll G fire fighting, confined pace awareness LNG nomenclature, Li"\G ship operations, personal safety Ll G safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank ~evel indicators, temperature), ematical skill . These skills help students experience greater uccess in both vocational and academic classes. tudents who receive low cores on the T ' ABE benchmark examinations, given at the Paul Hall Center, are encouraged t enroll in thi pro!rram. tud nt may enter these classes while attending up!!rader courses or may nroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. English as aSecond Language The English as a econd Language course assi ts tudent in basi Enulish and technical vocabulary kills. The purpose of th class is to give eafarers who have not learned English as their native languag and who have difficulty speaking, hearing understandina and/or writing the English language. the opportunity to aain proficiency in that language. As much as po ible. instru tion will be provided to give the Seafarer the English language kills necessary to perform the ntial tasks within the department under whi h he or h sails. 1 are offered throughout the year for tho tu.dents requiring in-depth instruction. or ~tud nts may hedul assistance during their upgrading classes. Adult Basic Education Basic Vocational Support Program The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists tudent in improving their basic language, technica1 vocabulary and math- The Basic Vocational upport Progran1 assists tudents in improving course- pecific vocational language and mathematic January 2000 LNG cargo pumps (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) STCW Basic Safety Refresher This five-day U.S. Coast Guard-approved course meets the five-year STCW Chapter VI basic safety requirement for all personnel sailing prior to Augu t 1, 1998. The four modules contained within the cour e are fir prevention and fire safety, elementary first aid, per onal survival techniques and personal afety and so ial r pon ibiliti . Classroom training in combination with assessment of proficiency as per STCW tables will be conducted and entries made in the training record book. (This course i.s limited to 25 students m axim um.) skills. It is d igned to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled courses to provide the members with knowl ge and kills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for students who have been away from the classroom. need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Program The Paul Hall Center is a degree-granting institution approved by the :\1aryland Higher Education Commission. Yocational cours ~ also are approved for credit by the American Council on ducation (ACE). ~!embers may apply for colleg credit for many of th vocational cour that they take while upQTading at the chool. In addition, the center offers general edu ation cour required for an as ociate d QTee. Th chool curiat of Applied cience Degree in rent! offers an l'auti al ci nee and ~1arine Engineering Teclmology. tudent are required to have a total of 60 to 70 colle11e hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial program that help prepare them for ollege level courses. It is r ommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a coll ge program. Seafarers LOG 13 �•• -W4l 4bU&C WUS ±:OWL SJ Pail Ball Center llpgrad.in.g Course S~ltedule fir 2000 The following is the course schedule for the first half of the new yearOJanuary through June 2000Dat the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the industry or the national interest. Seafarers should continue to consult each monthly edition of the Seafare rs LOG for the most up-to-date course schedule. For additional information, contact the Paul Hall Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; telephone (301) 994-0010. Please note that students should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Deck Upgrading Courses Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion January 10 February 7 March 6 April 3 Mayl June 2 January 28 February 25 March 24 April 21 May 19 June 16 Basic Firefighting January 17 February 28 March 27 April 24 May22 January 21 March 3 March 31 April 28 May26 Course Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo(DL)* (*must have basic fire fighting) Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 24 February 21 March 20 April 17 February 18 March 17 April 28 May26 Advanced Firefighting January 10 February 14 March 6 January 21 February 25 March 17 Able Seaman - Inland January 31 February 18 Government Vessels Life boatman January 10 February 7 March 20 April 17 January 21 (pre-AB) Feb. 19 (pre-AB) March 31 (pre-AB) April 28 (pre-AB) January 31 February 28 March 27 May 1 May22 February 18 March 17 April 14 May 19 June 9 Radar January 17 March 6 April 3 January 28 March 17 April 14 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) February 7 March 6 February 11 March 10 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* January 24 March 13 April 3 May22 January 28 March 17 April 7 May26 February 28 March 20 March 3 March 24 February 28 March 3 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* January 10 January 31 March 20 April 17 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Limited License January 14 February 4 March 24 April 21 Mayl June 23 LNG Familiarization* (*must have advanced fire fighting) Oil Spill Containment Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler January 10 April 3 February 18 May 12 QMED - Any Rating January 24 April 14 Basic Electronics January 10 January 28 Marine Electronics Technician I January 31 February 18 Welding January 10 February 14 March 13 April 17 May26 January 28 March 3 March 31 Mays June 9 May 15 June 23 Designated Duty Engineer (DDE) (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week beginning January 3. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning January 10. Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. ex ---~·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·-·- UPGRADING APPLICATION Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying ·seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order onlv. pavable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN END DATE DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ __ _ __ __ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ Firefighting: 0 Yes D No CPR: 0 Yes D No Primary language s p o k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 14 Seafarers LOG SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access 1/00 or treatment of students in its programs or activities. January 2000 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 9 4 17 2 0 9 1 6 10 14 1 0 4 4 0 5 14 6 14 19 6 13 8 18 33 22 23 4 9 4 14 13 0 5 5 6 3 4 6 5 11 4 7 6 9 5 7 7 17 5 15 3 22 5 11 8 8 14 1 4 10 2 4 5 2 16 12 3 3 1 0 13 15 19 53 25 21 44 13 11 31 3 1 0 291 9 3 9 3 11 10 22 5 11 3 3 1 134 85 210 6 0 8 2 2 4 11 4 7 2 0 3 3 0 0 0 111 2 61 8 11 21 18 2 3 21 26 8 25 75 38 38 14 34 61 14 15 40 14 25 15 2 9 3 5 6 8 7 10 4 13 11 4 14 4 2 3 2 3 11 3 0 8 86 433 186 2 1 3 5 6 l 30 3 6 0 2 4 7 14 1 0 2 6 4 3 7 0 5 5 0 6 146 3 6 8 5 12 10 6 8 5 2 10 7 1 6 0 95 10 3 4 6 2 3 3 3 3 1 5 47 3 4 5 4 4 11 3 18 20 6 5 0 7 15 5 3 3 7 10 9 2 2 5 4 2 4 13 41 22 14 19 4 4 7 8 3 2 27 1 10 1 6 2 2 4 0 0 5 0 3 2 46 214 126 52 9 9 6 9 10 1 9 7 4 2 3 2 0 5 1 2 7 2 0 97 81 42 7 14 9 5 9 STEWARD DEPARTME T 27 2 8 2 13 4 4 15 23 17 31 0 14 16 5 0 174 8 16 0 2 3 1 2 6 2 1 5 4 6 5 2 2 2 4 3 0 5 1 9 27 10 1 0 0 5 2 2 7 2 3 2 0 0 2 16 10 12 6 0 0 1 I 10 5 24 44 8 25 1 0 10 8 35 2 2 0 7 20 4 12 5 21 0 0 2 5 2 6 0 251 85 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 IO 0 36 30 5 1 3 9 3 0 6 16 1 55 0 0 31 113 1 0 0 0 0 35 23 0 58 6 0 4 0 0 5 0 0 21 18 5 14 13 5 6 11 0 0 8 0 0 2 0 5 0 4 4 0 0 6 2 2 5 10 7 6 2 8 0 0 0 0 10 13 10 13 4 11 13 9 4 11 7 3 7 13 6 11 6 9 9 6 7 3 7 3 2 6 29 68 6 3 15 Totals 5 4 5 5 7 67 6 0 0 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: February 22, March 21 New Odeans ........... Tuesday: February 15, March 14 - Norfolk ................... Thursday: February 10, March 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 4 12 13 2 14 4 23 8 18 24 24 13 24 17 14 6 10 15 3 45 13 2 6 82 11 8 3 14 1 19 1 0 22 1 0 0 0 11 0 0 1 0 48 163 186 0 34 18 2 123 151 0 87 246 223 659 447 349 454 350 277 190 985 643 400 1 0 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. San Francisco ......... Thursday: February 17, March 16 San Juan .................. Thursday: February 10, March 9 St. Louis .................Friday: February 18, March 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: February 25, March 24 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: February 22* Monday: March 20 (*change created by Presidents ' Day holiday) Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CAPT.CHARLEST.MILLER AND OTHER CREW MEMBERS OF THE SS MAYAGUEZ (1975) Please contact John Warren at (703) 908-4242. THOSE WHO SAILED FROM 1938-'40 SIU charter member Nathan Rudnick would like to hear from former shipmates who sailed on any ofthe following vessels between 1938 and 1940: Estrada Palma, SS Mary, Capilla, Flurspar. He may be reached at P 0. Box 25547, Tamarac, FL 33320. Holiday Greetings 0 10 January 2000 Mobile .................... Wednesday: February 16, March 15 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port Jersey City .............. Wednesday: February 23, March 22 3 2 3 3 0 0 0 Jacksonville ............Thursday: February 10, March 9 RAOULPADRA 4 8 8 1 2 0 Houston .................. Monday: February 14, March 13 Please get in touch with Kevin Schultz. You may write him c/o the Seamen s Church at 241 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. 2 2 17 I 0 Honolulu ................. Friday: February 18, March 17 2 6 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: February 16, March 15 8 12 19 14 15 0 Baltimore ................ Thursday: February 10, March 9 2 2 11 12 7 8 4 3 2 0 5 Algonac .................. Friday: February 11, March 10 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: February 9, March 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 18 3 2 6 12 10 28 13 7 14 8 8 13 0 4 0 Piney Point .............Monday: February 7, March 6 New York ................ Tuesday: February 8, March 7 96 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto RicD Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals All Departments 48 9 7 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 9 10 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs 26 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac TOTAL SlllPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C February & March 2 • Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters The following holiday greetings arrived too late for inclusion in the December issue of the LOG. To Rex Bolton, Nancy Hadgen, Ray Garcia, Monte Grimes and Big Skip Merry Xmas. Hope Santa brings you everything you want. Happy 2000. May you always have fair winds and calm seas. Francis Adams To Randy Stevens and friends of Teddy Wood Peace and goodwill to all my brothers at sea. We will miss you, Teddy! Landlocked due to injury - please write! David Etheredge 0 18 To all Seafarers Merry Christmas. Be as happy as you can be. To anyone who would care to write, I'd love hearing from you. To Randy and his family, best wishes. James D. Holland, #391218 ffynne Unit C. C. Huntsville, Texas 77349 To my SIU brothers and sisters in Jacksonville, Fla. and San Juan, P.R. Wishing you all the best of everything and much, much more, now and always. P.S. Don't forget SPAD. Jose Lopez Morales To Tina, Amber and Teresa Richardson Merry Christmas from Chief Steward Saundra Leonard. Merry Christmas to my loving wife and daughters. Keep an eye on the moon. I'm always watching you. All my love, Carlton D. Richardson Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers International Union Dlreotory NOVEMBER 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermet1 Mangram Vice President Government Services HEADQUARTERS 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 I {810) 794-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997.5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 {757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19 t 48 (2t5) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 458 t Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63 t 16 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG 19 15 0 19 15 0 5 12 0 15 18 NP - Non Priority TOTAL SlllPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 10 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 9 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 10 10 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 3 5 8 17 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters NOVEMBER 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 {410) 327-4900 HONOLULU 606 Kalibi St. Honolulu, HJ 96819 (808) 845-5222 0 L-Lakes Totals All Depts 0 58 60 0 39 38 0 12 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 {218) 722-4110 Company/Lakes DECEMBER 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 0 1 30 0 1 0 33 1 0 0 20 0 20 0 0 0 12 0 12 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 DECEMBER 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 2 1 1 20 0 10 0 4 1 4 5 25 2 5 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 3 18 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 14 0 19 33 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 45 23 2 Totals All Depts 2 5 3 65 9 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 0 3 3 37 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by pensioner Alfred Porcari of Howard Beach, N.Y. It was taken on September 11, 1954 aboard the Robin Goodfellow. The Seas Shipping Co. Inc. vessel was off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tunesia (East Africa) at the time, and obviously the fishing was good. This was a great company to work for, Porcari wrote in a note accompanying the photo. It had 12 ships, all on the South African run . On these ships in those days, they had great grub and plenty of overtime and movies for the crew... .This was a 120-day trip. Porcari (standing at left) was a 25-year-old OS at the time. Next to him is the chief cook, and behind the chief cook is Bosun Pat Maranelli, who later became a patrolman. Porcari, now 70, joined the SIU in 1947 and retired in 1991. January 2000 �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. mong the 17 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are three graduates of the Towboat Operators Scholarship Program. Representing 78 years of active union membership, Brothers Leslie W. Gibbs, Carl K. Moor and John R. Thomas graduated from the towboat operators scholarship program offered at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. This program was designed to prepare qualified mariners for licenses under U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring such documentation for all operators of uninspected towboats and tugboats. Including the three graduates, nine of the retirees navigated the inland waterways, five shipped in the deep sea division and three sailed aboard Great Lakes vessels. Eleven of the retiring pensioners sailed in the deck department; four worked in the engine department and two were members of the steward department. Ten of the retirees served in the U.S. military-six in the Navy, two in the Army and one each in the Air Force and Marine Corps. This month's pensioners have retired to all parts of the country: seven reside on the East Coast; six make their homes in the Gulf states; three live in the Midwest; and one is on the West Coast. On this page, the Sea/arers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. A DEEP SEA RITAM. BALLARD, 60, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. Her first ship was the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Born in Switzerland, she sailed as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring, she sailed aboard the SS Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. Sister Ballard makes her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. LEONARD BARTLETT, 72, first sailed with the SIU in 1955 aboard the Sea Comet II. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department. From 1946 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Bartlett last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Developer. He has retired to Gadsden, Ala. MICHAEL H. BONSIGNORE, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1960 and began his career with January 2000 the Seafarers in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland native started in the engine department and later transferred to the steward department. Brother Bonsignore upgraded to chief cook at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed in 1996 aboard the USNS Wright, operated by American Overseas Marine. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Fallston, Md. is where he calls home. WILLIAMP. JEMISON, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Jemison sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1958. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Julius Hammer, operated by Ocean Chemical Transport. He makes his home in Theodore, Ala. HANSJ. SCHLUETER, 65, joined the SIU in 1955. Born in Germany, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. He also attended an education conference there in 1970. Brother Schlueter last sailed in 1998 aboard the Major Bernard Fisher, operated by Crowley American Transport. From 1960 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Army. He calls New York home. INLAND THEODORE R. BAILEY, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1963 from the port of Baltimore, first sailing aboard the Sophie, a Harbor Towing Corp. vessel. Born in Virginia, he worked as a captain. Boatman Bailey last sailed in 1985 aboard a vessel operated by Sonat of Md. From 1957 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Abingdon, Md. DWAINT. DORSETT, 62, joined the SIU in 1978 in the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he worked as a chief engineer, last sailing aboard the Gretchen, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Dorsett has retired to Dickinson, Texas. ERIK H. ERIKSEN, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first vessel was the tug Margaret "C ", operated by Gulf Atlantic Towing. Born in Denmark, he worked as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Fa/con, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Eriksen calls Jacksonville home. LESLIE W. GIBBS, 63, began his career with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. The Arkansas native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat operator scholarship program in 1973. Boatman Gibbs last sailed as a captain aboard the J.H. Masterson, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He has retired to Santa Fe, Texas. IF-.,,.....:;;;:;;;;-.::::==i, CARL K. 'I·. MOOR, 71, began his •. 1 career with the ., 'I.· SIU in 1976 &" J from the port f1 of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard the Sea Hawk, operated by Ocean Towing. He worked in the deck department and frequently upgraded at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the towboat operators scholarship program in 1979. The Tennessee native served in the U.S. Navy from 1948 to 1967. Boatman Moor last sailed aboard the Falcon, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Norfolk. DEXTER D. MOORE, 59, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He last sailed as a captain aboard the Socrates, operated by Allied Towing Co. From 1958 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy. Pinetown, N.C. is home to Boatman Moore. GLENE. MURRY, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1977 in Port Arthur, Texas. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain aboard the Monitor, a Crowley Marine Services vessel. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Murry has retired to DeRidder, La. EUGENE P. PARKER, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1944. Boatman Parker worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Boomtown Belle, operated by West Bank Riverboats. Born in New Jersey, he calls Gretna, La. home. JOHNR. THOMAS, 62, began his SIU career in 1974 in the port of Tampa, Fla. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat oper- ators scholarship program in 1983. Brother Thomas's first vessel was the D. T. Sheridan; his last was the Gulf Star; both were operated by Sheridan Transportion Co. From 1954 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Boatman Thomas makes his home in St. Petersburg, Fla. GREAT LAKES ALIM. ATTIEK, 65, began his career with the SIU in I 963 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen in 1974. Brother Attiek worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1978 aboard the George Goble. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. JOSEPHM. KELLY, 53, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of Alpena, Mich. Born in Michigan, he sailed in the deck department, last working aboard the American Mariner, operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Kelly makes his home in Posen, Mich. WALTERT. LESCZYNSKI, 65, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Detroit. During his career, he worked in all three departments. He last sailed as a conveyorrnan aboard the Richard Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship. Born in Michigan, Brother Lesczynski has retired to Marblehead, Ohio. qualification of men for their AB certificates and other deck ratings. Plans are also being made for 1942 the starting of both steward department and Early on the morning of January 25, the ore car- engine department classes in the near future. rier SS Venore was torpedoed off the Carolina Instructors are being drawn from the ranks of coast and went down rr;::::::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=::=~ experienced Seafarers with the loss of the skipwith a thorough famif.. per, the radio operator t iarity of the subject and 18 SIU crew mem~ , -4 , matter of the courses. bers. The 21 survivors ' The entire training proof the Venore, after V # gram will be 100 perspending 38 hours in an cent union-operated open lifeboat, were ~==============================~ and financed. picked up by a rescue vessel and taken into 1962 Norfolk, Va. The first agreement of its kind in the maritime The submarine masqueraded as a lightship and industry recently assured that a supply of fresh blinked a coded message for the Venore to come milk will be available for every working seaman. closer. When the unsuspecting ship got within Development of a new process that allows range, the submarine fired two torpedoes and dairymen to superheat milk and ultra-pasteurize then shelled her with a deck gun. it so that it can be stored in cans without refrigIn spfte of r~<:ent promises that all (Allied) ships eration has made it possible to have a supply of would be armed, this ship did not even have a fresh milk aboard ship at all times. Use canned cap pistol aboard. She was a sitting duck. of the new canned fresh milk is designed to do away with the problem of purchasing and han1952 dling milk in different foreign ports where facili· The first of three projected upgrading schools ties, supplies and quality are limited. for Seafarers is now operating at headquarters In the future, the SIU Feeding Plan will insure with the opening of a class for the deck depari.. that mtlk is available aboard all contracted ships. ment. The purpose of the new program is the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG l 0 s-1·.• •s l 0 r Seafarers LOB 17 �DEEP SEA JAN JACOB BEYE Pensioner Jan Jacob Beye, 78, passed away October 10, 1999. Born in Holland, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Beye worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. Prior to retiring in January 1986, he worked aboard the Transcolumbia, a Hudson Waterways vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He lived in Little Ferry, N.J. ANELLBROWN Pensioner Anell Brown, 75, died October 22, 1999. Brother Brown joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1944. He sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1969. He was a resident of East Palo Alto, Calif. AUGUSTIN 0. CASTELO .------------. Pensioner Augustin Oracio Castelo, 74, passed away October 15, 1999. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the ........""""'"'---_...._~........i port of Baltimore. Born in Cuba, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Miami, he started receiving his pension in January 1986. JAMES CHARLIE DIAL Pensioner James Charlie Dial, 76, died November 3, 1999. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of Tampa, ....___.......__ __,__ ____. Fla. Brother Dial sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. From 1948 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring in 1985, he worked aboard the Del Sud, operated by Delta Steamship Co. He made his home in Livingston, Ala. CHARLESO.FAIRCLOTH Pensioner Charles Oscar Faircloth, 73, passed away recently. Brother Faircloth started his career with the Seafarers in ....___ ___.._ __......__, 1944 in the port of Tampa, Fla. His first ship was the Stephen Leacock. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md., where be graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. The Florida native served in the U.S . Army from 1953 to 1955. Brother Faircloth last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Consumer and began receiving his pension in April 1992. Brandon, Fla. was his home. EVANS R. GATEWOOD Pensioner Evans Rudolph Gatewood, 82, died October 10, 18 Seafarers LOG 1999. Born in Missouri, he began his SIU career in 1973 in the port of Yokohama, Japan, first sailing aboard the Gateway City, a SeaLand Service vessel. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1935 to 1945. Brother Gatewood last sailed aboard the SeaLand Spirit. The Oakland, Calif. resident retired in July 1999. upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1943 to " 1946, he served ~_.~' in the U.S. Army. A resident of Seattle, he began receiving his pension in January 1988. in the port of Baltimore in 1947. Brother Smith sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician and began receiving his pension in January 1968. Millersville, Md. was his home. JEW LIN GUN VERNON JAMES ROSE ELORIS BONNER "PELOKA" TART Pensioner Jew Lin Gun, 72, passed away October 6, 1999. He joined the MC&S in 1946 in the port of San Francisco. Born in China, he worked as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring in April 1969, Brother Gun worked aboard the Monterey. He was a resident of San Francisco. Pensioner Vernon James Rose, 81, passed away November 2, 1999. Brother Rose joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of Seattle. Born in Ohio, he worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Cleveland, operated by American President Lines. He was a resident of Portland, Ore. and started receiving his pension in November 1983. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947. JOHN EDGAR HOWELL Pensioner John Edgar Howell, 82, died October 27, 1999. A native of Georgia, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Frank C Emerson. Brother Howell sailed as a member of the engine department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. A resident of Rome, Ga., he began receiving his pension in November 1980. KEITH JONES Pensioner Keith Jones, 75, passed away November 9, 1999. Brother Jones began sailing with the SIU in 1946 from the port of .____ ___,,...____ ____, New York. Born in Honduras, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Mount Vernon Victory. He was a resident of Chalmette, La. and started receiving his pension in January 1988. .---~"""""'=------, CHARLES VICTOR MAJETTE Pensioner Charles Victor Majette, 79, died October 31 , 1999. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in ---""-=:;...._ _ _ December 1938 in the port of Baltimore. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department as a bosun. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He began receiving his pension in November 1981. Brother Majette was a resident of Hudgins, Va. MARTIN MEJIA Martin Mejia, 56, passed away September 18, 1999. Born in Honduras, he started his career with the SIU in 1989 in the port of New York. He worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1997 aboard the Overseas Valdez. Brother Mejia lived in the Bronx, N.Y. WILLIE RAY REDDIC Pensioner Willie Ray Reddic, 75, died October 30, 1999. A native of South Carolina, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Houston. Brother Reddic sailed in the engine department and LAWREN CE M. "LARRY" SCHROEDER . . - - - - - - - - Pensioner Lawrence M. "Larry" Schroeder, 76, died November 2, 1999. Born in Pennsylvania, he started sailing with the Seafarers in 1947 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Topa Topa, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Schroeder worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in March 1965, he sailed aboard the Seatrain Louisiana. Baltimore was his home. Pensioner Eloris Bonner "Peloka" Tart, 86, died November 3, 1999. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in February 1939 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he last sailed as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union affairs and organizing drives. He retired in July 1975 and lived in Mobile. LORENCE EDWARD TAYLOR ,..............,,..........,.==----, Pensioner Lorence Edward Taylor, 88, passed away October 29, 1999. He began his SIU career in 1945 in the port of New .._____ ____, York. Born in Illinois, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Taylor was active in union organizing drives and started receiving his pension in February 1969. He made his home in Brooklyn. ALFRED JOSEPH SEVERE JUSTIN THEODORE WOLFF Pensioner Alfred Joseph Severe, 67, passed away October 26, 1999. He first sailed with the SIU in 1956 from the port of _ _ ___.._LI Baltimore aboard the Orion Star. He later graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1958. A native of Maryland, he worked in the steward department. His last ship was the Global Link. Brother Severe was a resident of Pasadena, Md. and began receiving his pension in December 1992. From 1948 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Pensioner Justin Theodore Wolff, 78, died November 5, 1999. Brother Wolff joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Mississippi, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He was a resident of New Orleans and retired in July 1983. BILL LAVERN SIDEROFF Pensioner George Washington Lawrence, 77, passed away October 28, 1999. He began his sailing career in 1945 and joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native last sailed as a captain aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Virginia Beach, Va. , Boatman Lawrence began receiving his pension in February 1987. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1945. Pensioner Bill Lavern Sideroff, 73, died October 21 , 1999. Brother Sideroff joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Fairport, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Washington, he sailed as a member of the deck department. Prior to retiring in May 1991 , he worked aboard the Sea-Land Mariner. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1962. He made his home in Seattle. INLAND GEORGE WASHINGTON LAWRENCE WILLIAM JAMES MEEHAN JULIUS BILL SMITH Pensioner Julius Bill Smith, 99, passed away October 27, 1999. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU Pensioner William James Meehan, 83, died October 22, 1999. Boatman Meehan started his SIU career in 1948 in the port of Norfolk, Va., sailing in the deep sea division as a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1974. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. The Virginia native later transferred to the inland division and sailed as a 2nd mate. Prior to retiring in January 1982, he worked aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. A veteran of World War II, be served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. Chesapeake, Va. was his home. GEORGE GUY THEMIS SR. Pensioner George Guy Tbemis Sr., 72, passed away September 25, 1999. A native of Alabama, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1970. Boatman Themis worked as a towboat captain, last sailing aboard a Western Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Brazoria, Texas, he began receiving his pension in March 1993. GREAT LAKES JOSEPH L. MIKLOCZAK Pensioner Joseph L. Mikloczak, 76, died October 26, 1999. Brother Mikloczak joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Detroit. Born in Wisconsin, he sailed in the engine department. Prior to retiring in December 1981 , he worked aboard the C.L. Austin. He was a resident of Duluth, Minn. PERRY A. SPILDE Pensioner Perry A. Spilde, 87, passed away October 11, 1999. Born in Montana, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Toledo, Ohio. Brother Spilde worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Nicolet. He was a resident of Cedar Falls, Iowa and started receiving his pension in November 1977. RAILROAD MARINE METRO PALUBNIAK Pensioner Metro Palubniak, 77, died October 15, 1999. A native of New Jersey, he began his sailing career with the marine division of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1948 and joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Palubniak worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in April 1964. Ridgewood, N .J. was his home. January 2000 �for Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $40 in video fund and asked everyone to rewind tapes when through with them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on possible merger of SIU and NMU. Clarification requested on Family Leave Act. Thanks to steward department for good food. Next port: San Juan, P.R. Faria, Educational Director George W. Collier, Engine Delegate Edrick Hernandez, Steward Delegate Kenrick Gaton. Chairman announced payoff October 9 in New Orleans, La. He asked those getting off to clean rooms, return room keys and collect passports. He noted deck department did outstanding job cleaning holds. He also stated need for continued donations to SPAD. Secretary thanked crew for helping SULPHUR ENTERPRISE EL MORRO (IUM), September 27-Chairman Steven W. Copeland, Secretary Kris A. Hopkins, Educational Director Frederick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Rubin Mitchell, Engine Delegate Reinaldo Roman, Steward Delegate Robert G. Maschmeier. Bosun led discussion of president's report in Seafarers LOG and relayed news of death of former AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. He announced payoff September 29 in Jacksonville and reminded crew members to handle ship's trash in proper manner. Educational director advised everyone to keep up-to-date on STCW endorsements and TRBs and to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $130 in ship's fund. Some money used last month for purchase of grills and charcoal. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions raised regarding use of clinic card for hospital/emergency use and viability of purchasing satellite TV. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Jacksonville and Port Everglades, Fla.; San Juan, P.R. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), September 26-Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Engine Delegate Sheldon Greenberg, Steward Delegate Robert T. Seim. Educational director stressed importance of contributing to SPAD, especially with upcoming elections. He reminded crew of courses available at Piney Point for upgrading and complying with STCW requirements. Treasurer announced $50 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for excellent food and sanitary conditions. HM/ DIAMOND SHOALS (IUM), September 26-Chairman Gabriel I. Bonefont Jr., Secretary Leticia Perales, Educational Director Alvin A. Burroughs, Deck Delegate Michael Charnesky, Engine Delegate Lebaron Bumpers, Steward Delegate Samuel Spain. Chairman noted payoff September 29 in Texas City, Texas. He thanked all departments for job well done and thanked SIU for providing more jobs for members. Chairman also advised Seafarers to train for future at Paul Hall Center and ~ontribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary reminded crew of availability of linen at all times. Educational director echoed chairman's advice on taking advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. Treasurer noted ship is provided with money for monthly movies. Anyone who buys a video will be reimbursed and will help build movie library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward requested additional ice machine; present one not large enough. Recommendation for relief after work tour of 90 days to be sent to contracts department for consideration in next contract. Next ports: Texas City; Savannah, Ga. HM/ PETROCHEM (IUM), September 19-Chairman Calvin M. Miles, Secretary Theodore E. Quammie, Deck Delegate Kendra Savage, Engine Delegate Oscar Garcia, Steward Delegate Anthony January 2000 St. Clair. Chairman expressed pleasure with crew. He reminded them to separate plastic items from other trash. Secretary noted everything in order. Educational director encouraged members to continually upgrade skills at union's facility in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT. Vote of thanks to steward department for fine job. Next port: Tampa, Fla. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), September 26-Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Frederick L. Washington Sr., Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Deck Delegate Charles A. McPherson, Engine Delegate Juan M. Bell, Steward Delegate Latausha L. Roberson. Chairman announced payoff September 29 in Houston. Secretary asked all persons getting off to clean room and refrigerator and turn in key. Educational director urged all members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG read regarding new ships which means more jobs for SIU members. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG Ship Management), September 5Chairman Glenn Christianson, Secretary Carlos A. Sierra, Educational Director Conrado D. Martinez, Deck Delegate Donald R. Ackerman, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Kelly. Chairman reported payoff in Beaumont, Texas. Ship will load cargo there and in Houston and head back to North Korea. He expressed gratitude to crew for job well done. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep lounge and messhalls clean. No beefs or disputed OT. Chairman discussed president's report from Seafarers LOG. Clarification requested regarding contract under which crew is working. Steward department thanked for job very well done. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), September 26---Chairman Leon Jekot, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Steward Delegate Enrique Agosto. Chairman announced payoff in New Jersey upon arrival. Steward thanked crew for helping with sanitary on deck. Educational director reported chief mate will sign TRBs with correct dates and stamps for shipboard training. Donations being accepted for movie fund to enlarge ship's video library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew lounge needs new radio with medium- and shortwave, AM-FM bands, to get news, game results, etc. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department that if seamen meet seatime requirements, they should be able to draw pension regardless of age. Bosun thanked steward department for fine fare. Next ports: Boston, Mass.; Elizabeth, NJ. SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service), September 19-Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombec, Educational Director Mohamed N. Alsinai, Deck Delegate Albert Balatico, Steward Delegate Neville Hughes. Chairman reminded crew members to check that endorsements are upto-date and to wear hard hats when loading and unloading cargo. Educational director stressed need (Sulphur Carriers), September 26---Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Nee Tran, Educational Director Gregorio Alvarez, Deck Delegate Thames H. Solomon, Engine Delegate Christopher W. Ledlow, Steward Delegate Audrey V. Brown. Chairman announced payoff in Tampa, Fla. and then on to Port Sulphur, La. Secretary reminded crew members not to eat in rooms. Educational director urged everyone to utilize Paul Hall Center to advance job classification and skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. USNS GORDON (Bay Ship Management), September 19-Chairman Allen W. Runion, Secretary Susanne Cake, Educational Director Timothy Clarke, Deck Delegate James E. McAtee Jr., Steward Delegate Douglas J. Swets. Chairman announced payoff September 20 in Charleston, S.C. He explained procedures for customs to those not experienced in returning to U.S. from foreign ports. Secretary noted long trip with limited supply of stores to be discussed with patrolman at payoff. Educational director recommended upgrading at Piney Point to move up ladder. Treasurer said $12 remains in ship's fund after purchase of supplies for barbecue before leaving Diego Garcia. No beefs or disputed OT. Clarification received from headquarters regarding wages. Thanks given to steward department for improvising with limited stores. /TB JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan), October 29-Chairman Sonny Pinkham Jr., Secretary Rayfield E. Crawford, Deck Delegate Nabassin Adedouawongobou,Engine Delegate Michael Snow, Steward Delegate Eugene Perez Jr. Chairman read president's report from Seafarers LOG concerning possible SIUINMU merger. Crew asked headquarters to keep members informed of merger progress through LOG and vessel e-mails. Educational director suggested all crew members take time to upgrade skills and ratings at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing medical benefits for dependents' medications and prescriptions. Steward department thanked for job well done. Next port: New Orleans, La. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), October 10-Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Bruce N. Zenon, Deck Delegate Harry G. Champagne, Engine Delegate Lawrence R. Sherinski III, Steward Delegate Larry Jolla. Chairman noted new chairs for crew mess replaced, as requested. No word yet on payoff. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep messhall clean and asked crew to strip linen from beds and pick up clean set for replacement crew members before leaving. Educational director stressed importance of taking advantage of upgrading courses offered at Piney Point. Beefs reported by deck delegate. No beefs or disputed OT in engine and steward departments. Parts on order for ice machine in crew mess. Next ports: Haifa, Israel; New Orleans, La. MAERSK ALASKA (Maersk Lines), October 3-Chairman John D. Kelley Jr., Secretary Manuel Valdez, Alaska; Richmond, Calif. POTOMAC (IUM), October 12Chairman David B. Zurek, Secretary Emilio Cordova, Educational Director Earl M. Macom. Chairman informed crew members of final rules on Coast Guard user fees as well as USCG station addresses/ phone numbers and information on delayed assessments. Educational director reminded everyone of edu- Swanner Gets Proper Send-Off The crew of the Paul Buck helped QMED Donal Swanner (aka Gypsy) celebrate a well-deserved retirement. Swanner (pictured directly behind life ring), who has sailed mainly as a pumpman on just about every ship in the SIU, was presented with a ship's ring signed by the crew with best wishes, a couple sets of coveralls and a hat ("just in case he changes his mind") and an honorary chief engineer's license from the engineroom gang. The steward department baked a special cake in his honor. Capt. Severin A. Samuelsen, master aboard the Paul Buck, noted Swanner was a loyal employee and a good shipmate. "We will miss his company and wish him the best for the future." From the left (standing) are Chief Cook Malcolm Holmes, AB Robert Clemons, DEU Mohamed Kassem, 2nd Mate (and former SIU member) Robert Whytock, Pumpman Jimmie Thomas, AB Andrzej Tlalka, Bosun Chris Kicey, AB Kannan Mangalanandan, QMED Roy Robinson, Chief Steward Kim DeWitt, GSU Al Young, AB William Buhrig Ill, AB Al Campbell, (kneeling) QMED Donal Swanner and GSU Virgilio Hoffman. keep ship clean, and educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate. No beefs or disputed OT in engine or steward departments. Bosun Kelley thanked steward department for job well done, especially Manuel Faria and Kenrick Gaton for "best food I've had on any ship in 31 years." MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Lines), October 31-Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna DeCesare, Educational Director Edward C. Mancke, Deck Delegate Spencer M. Kreger, Steward Delegate Stephanie K. Hendrick. Chairman announced payoff November 3 in Charleston, S.C. Everyone happy topside, although still waiting for crew lounge furniture and repair of large washing machine. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $100 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for information on money purchase pension plan. Thanks to deck department for black motors on deck. "They really stand out and make the ship look nice." OVERSEAS OHIO (ATC), October 20-Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Nicholas C. Aguilera, Deck Delegate Richard Barnhart, Engine Delegate Jam es M. Fennessey, Steward Delegate Ron DeWitt. Chairman read letter regarding retroactive pay. Also discussed possible merger of SIU and NMU. After assurances that pensions of both unions would remain separate, chairman recommended crew vote in favor of merger. Disputed OT reported by engine delegate; no beefs or disputed OT reported in deck or steward departments. Clarification requested on some aspects of new ATC agreement. Chairman and crew thanked Captain Gillespie for acquiring new VCR, rewinder and movies. Thanks also given to steward department for good food and service. Next ports: cational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested information on money purchase pension plan. Steward department thanked for fine job. Ship stationed in Diego Garcia. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), October 3Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Deck Delegate William D. Brinson Jr., Engine Delegate Victor L. Sapp, Steward Delegate Clifford B. Elliot. Chairman welcomed two unlicensed apprentices, Shannon Bonefont and Keolamauloaohawaiiloa Mowat. He told them not to be afraid to ask questions. Bosun thanked everyone for helping keep ship looking great. "We have had lots of compliments in different ports about tlie ship." He reminded crew of separate receptacles for sorting glass, cans, paper and food waste. Educational director reminded crew members to check STCW endorsements and z-cards for expiration dates and to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1,070 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded everyone about holiday greetings for December LOG and advised crew to read "Know Your Rights" section. Suggestion made and forwarded to headquarters regarding medical insurance identification cards for dependents. Proposals made to have vacation and medical plans booklets written in simpler language and to have questionnaires sent to all members for suggestions for upcoming contract. Steward thanked crew for keeping messhalls and pantry clean. Bosun thanked steward department for good food and great barbecues. He also thanked deck gang for helping maintain great outside appearance of ship. Electrician suggested higher containment wall be built around stores crane in case of leakage. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) American Qu-n Runs At World-Class Level My wife and I recently took a vacation on the American Queen along the Ohio River. The trip was a very pleasant surprise. We were very happy with every aspect of the cruise and will surely take another trip with this operator [Delta Queen Steamship Co.] in the future. The vessel itself is beautiful inside and out. The meals and dining room service were spectacular. I spoke with several other passengers who had traveled on ocean trips before, and they all said the same thing: the American Queen was superior to the FOC [flag of convenience] cruise lines by far. Many mentioned the safety factor, and many also knew of the fact that this vessel is inspected by the U.S. Coast Guard. The crew members, as you know, are all American, and they do their jobs in a professional manner. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that an American crew is the equal of or better than the crews on the ocean cruise lines. They also obey the laws of the U.S. regarding pollution. On this ship, not even the passengers' cigarette butts went in the water. This operator has a contract with both the SIU and AMO, and I can state from my personal knowledge that they know how to operate a passenger vessel. This would seem to me to bode very well for the future of Delta Queen Steamship Co. and the passenger vessels they are seeking to build. I made it my business to observe the various departments: hotel, pursers, engineers, dining room staff and steward department. They were all top-notch; nothing was too much trouble. The whole operation was just outstanding in all respects. If anyone should tell you that American seamen cannot operate a passenger ship at a world-class level, let them take a trip on the American Queen. Keith S. Faulkner AMO-retired LOG-A-RHYTHM The Winds of a Much Colder Fall by Robert Franza (Seafarer Scott Brusecella submitted the following poem to the Seafarers LOG. It was written by his friend Robert Franza, formerly a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters.) I was once in love much deeper than the seas on which I sail. It seems I tried too hard to keep her but J 've a strong grip on this rail. I think now too much on the long ago when hair was full and eyes were keen. And she may feel the same for all I know, am I the young prince in her dreams? If it was summer, I can 't remember through tears my small town slipped away. "The Wind, " "The Wind, " it was September why that day differed not from today. The last goodbyes to friends and family, I searched the crowd to find her face. She was not there to leave a smile with me, how I wished for just one more embrace. Through the years I kept her picture, was it my passion for the past? Or a link to my homeland, I am not sure what made me rid of it at last. Now as this hairline recedes, so do memories .-of tender moments I ache to recall. Looking out on the sea and right into these, "The winds of a much colder fall. " 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 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffmned by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION- If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Unlicensed Apprentices Earn GEDs - and Congratulations It's a Dog's Life Prison life is for the dogs, notes AB Richard A. Ransom, who is now incarcerated in Richmond, Texas. He would love to receive mail from other Seafarers. You may write to: Richard A. Ransom #624561 Jester 4 Prison Unit Richmond, Texas 77469 20 Seafarers LOS Three unlicensed apprentices at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education received their GEDs at the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. The GED program is available to apprentices and upgraders alike through the school's academic department. SIU President Michael Sacco (third from left) joined the audience in congratulating the studious trio of (from left) Lane Schroeder, John Alba and Jess Chalker. January 2000 �Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed an Issues, Contracts, Elections Port The year 2000 promises to be a very exciting one. Apart from the hoopla connected to it being the start of a new decade/century/millennium, this year will see a U.S. presidential election as well as the addition of a number of new vessels to the U.S.-flag fleet. One way to keep track of all the news which affects the lives and livelihoods of Seafarers is by attending the monthly membership meetings. Held in each SIU hall around the country, the monthly membership meeting is a forum to keep members abreast of any and all issues of importance to them. Below is the schedule of meetings for 2000. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 3 7 6 3 8 5 3 7 5* 2 6 4 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 4 8 7 4 9 6 5* 8 5 3 7 5 Wednesday after first Sunday 5 9 8 5 10 7 5 9 6 4 8 6 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Jacksonvi 11 e Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 9 6 11 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 7 11 10 7 12 9 7 11 8 6 13* 8 Houston Monday after second Sunday 10 14 13 10 15 12 10 14 11 9 13 11 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 11 15 14 11 16 13 11 15 12 10 14 12 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 12 16 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Duluth Wednesday after second Sunday 12 16 15 12 17 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 16 13 18 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 14 18 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 14 18 17 14 19 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 18 * 22* 20 17 22 19 17 22* 18 16 20 18 New Bedford Tuesday after third Sunday 18 22 21 18 23 20 18 22 19 17 21 19 Wednesday after third Sunday 19 23 22 19 24 21 19 23 20 18 22 20 Friday after third Sunday 21 25 24 21 26 23 21 25 22 20 24 22 Philadelphia San Francisco Jersey City Tacoma September October November December *Piney Point change created by Labor Day holiday; New York change created by Independence Day holiday; Algonac change created by Veterans Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King's birthday, Presidents' Day and Paul Hall's birthday holidays. Don't Let the The deadline for receipt of Seafarers Welfare Plan Scholarship applications is April 15, 2000. That is only three months away, so if you plan to apply for one of the seven scholarships being awarded this year, don't put it off any longer. First, obtain a scholarship program booklet which spells out eligibility requirements and procedures for applying. It also includes a copy of the application form. You may get the booklet in any SIU hall or by filling out the coupon on this page and mailing it to the SIU Scholarship Program of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The application form is very straight-forward. But the entire application package contains a number of additional items which must accompany the form and which may take some time to collect. They include: • autobiographical statement • photograph S~holarship • certified copy of birth certificate • high school transcript and cerification of graduation or official copy of high school equivalency scores • college transcript • letters of reference • SAT or ACT results. All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college are encouraged to apply. The seven scholarships will be awarded in May 2000 to three SIU members and four dependents. One of the three monetary awards reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $15,000 and is intended to help cover the cost of attending a four-year, college-level course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Four of the scholarships Education Is the Key! Jn addition to the scholarship program offered by the Seafarers Welfare Plant another benefit of being a member of the SIU is the opportunity to study and upgrade at the Paul Hail Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Deadline Pass You By are awarded in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. With the cost of a college education rising each year, the SIU scholarship is one SIU benefit that can help members and their families realize their educational goals. BUT - no one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Seafarers Welfare Plan by April 15. SO - do it now! If you sent in an application form last year and were not selected for one of the scholar- ships, you should try again in 2000. r----------------------------------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, P procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent f See pages 11-14 in this issue of the LOG for an overview of an the courses offered at the school this year. Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1/00 ~-----------------------------------------------------~---------------------- January 2000 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 596 - Unlicensed apprentices in class 596 graduating from the water survival class are (from left, kneeling) Harry McKever, Andres Morin, Jason Martinez, Kyle Bailey, (second row) Caleb Sachs, Edward Joyal Ill, Janan Driggers, Armando Garayua-Gonzalez, Felix Medina-Vidal (third row) Terrell McMillen, Spencer Dewey, Shauntay Shavies, Robert Walter, Raymond Elsner, Marque! Sapp and Sherrod Frazier. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL) - Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker assistant DL course on October 15 are (in no particular order) Spencer Moxley Sr., Alvin Martin, Willie Howard Ill, Linda Barber, Mohamed Hossain, William Meyer, Jose Vazquez, Elmo Davis, Edward O'Reilly, Mott Arnold , Gary Lamb, Nestor Agcaoili, Mohamed Bidar, Duane Costello and Jim Shaffer (instructor). STCW Basic Safety - Marine Electrical Maintenance I - Under the instruction of Mark Jones, upgraders completing the challenging marine electrical maintenance I course on October 29 are (from left) Abdulrub Atiah, Nathan Hollander and Sjarifudin Noor. Successfully completing the fire fighting portion of the basic safety class necessary for their STCW endorsements are (in no particular order) Don Montoya, Gary Koshland, Riccardo Ciolino, Leroy Maynard, Marie Mitchell and Manuel Andrade. Radar Observer/Unlimited - Earning their radar endorsements on October 15 are (from left, first row) Scott Evans, Glenn Christianson, (second row) Mingta Yuen, James Dixon, (third row) James Marchiano, Benjamin Shupp, Felipe Jimenez, (fourth row) Robert Borchestser, Casey Taylor (instructor) and Mark Kerr. Welding - Members of the engine department completing the welding course on October 22 are (from left) Oliver Balico, Liberato Viray, Archie Ware Jr., George Bixby, James Porter, Mohamed Eljahmi and Buzzy Andrews (instructor). Government Vessels - Before graduating from the damage control portion of the government vessels course on November 19, Seafarers (from left) David Roof, Jonathan Morgan and Joseph Weller had to stop the leaks in the damage control trainer at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Welding - Upgrading Seafarers marking completion of the welding course on November 12 are (from left) Michael Williams, William Kelley, Dennis Clay, James McDonald, Joseph Grandinetti, Jerome North, Daniel Gish and Buzzy Andrews (instructor). Government Vessels - Successfully completing the government vessels course on November 19 are (from left, first row) Noel Balaguer, John Wells, Fahd Alsoofi, Joshua Weir, James Brown, Antonio Watson, (second row) Pedro Ortiz Jr., Salvatore Migliara, Chris Daniels, Jeffrey Smith, Samuel Giles, Korron Richardson, (third row) Martin Vargas Jr., Misti Thornbrugh , Shatonn Fowler, Chad Warren , Greg Thompson (instructor), (fourth row) Earl Castain, William Rozier, Jarian Hutchinson, Nestor Montoya Jr., Marion Colins Jr., Patrick Meagher, Steven Meyer and Terry Gilliland. 22 Seafarers LOB January 2000 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Chief Cook Learning some of the finer points in cooking from Chef/Instructor John Hetmanski (left), Chef Phyllis Rand (third from left) and Chef/Instructor Shannon Twigg (fourth from left) are Walter Winchester, Glenn Toledo and John Palughi. Galley Operations Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley oeprations curriculum are (from left) John Stephen, Harry Kimble, Mark Wertanen and Benjamin Ines with Ed White (far right), their chef/instructor. Certified Chief Cook - Upgrading steward department members complete the necessary course work to become certified chief cooks. From the left are Mohamed Kamer, Roderick Clay, Chef/Instructor John Dobson, Walter Winchester, Glenn Toledo and John Palughi. STCW Basic Safety Completing the fire fighting portion of the basic safety class at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School are (from left, first row) Pedro Miranda, Peter Bogev, Sam Meyers (instructor), Rizalino Aldana, Ty Heller, (second row) Sean O'Malley, Richard Bradford, Edmundo Mustillo, Kenneth Arthurs, Gerald Gavin, Herbert Rodgers Jr. and Jackie Russell (instructor). Vessel Familiarization - Members of unlicensed apprentice class 597 who completed the vessel familiarization part of their curriculum are (from left, kneeling) Edmund Livings, Michael Sherno, Justin Baker, Tammy Smith, William Howell Ill, Earle Shakes, Robert O'Neal, Jose Rivera, (second row) Larry Malone (instructor), Robert Brown, Freddy Traffin, Darren Rollins, Roland Carter II, David King, Ian Hemba, Justin Rodgers, Robert Gambill, Harry Clements IV and Dominic Davis. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL) Upgrading Seafarers complete the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on November 19. Included in the photo are (in no partikcular order) Chad Partridge, James Miller Jr., Hugh Crossan 111, Lane Schroeder, Anthony Cruzvergara, Troy Banks, Timothy Horger, James Clark, Bruce Weathers, Ramon Thomas, Donaldo Arevalo, Andrew Straka, DeMichael Dews, Edward Milstead, Gregory Gallagher, Brent Morris, Christopher Green, Willard Bell, Brian Corbett, Brett Parkins, Kevin Johnson, Mitchell Gustafson, Kris Anderson, Roger Steward, Jess Chalker, John Alba, Raheem Owens, Peri Drew and Ronald Jones. January 2000 Seafarers LOG 23 �Attention Seafaren The Paul Hall Center's course guide for the year 2000 i.s included in thi.s i.ssue of the Seafare rs LOG. Check it out on pages 11 - 14 and start thinking now about your upgrading plans for the new year. SIU Celebrates Car Qurier's RetJagging Sen. Sarbanes, MarAd's Hart Vow More Growth for U.S.-Flag Fleet As SIU members busily prepared the car carrier Tanabata for its next voyage, speakers at a nearby celebration of the ship's reflagging under the Stars and Stripes vowed that such occasions will become more frequent. "U.S.-flag ships are vital to the country and, frankly, the world," stated U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart at the November 23 ceremony in Baltimore. "If we have to build the U.S. fleet one ship at a time, we will." "We'll keep doing this," agreed Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.). "You [rebuild] one at a time, and I'm delighted towelcome this new U.S.-flag vessel." The 623-foot Tanabata means new jobs for Seafarers. Built in Japan in 1994, the ship reflagged November 3 in Bremerhaven, Germany. It is operated by SIU-contracted American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, LLC (abbreviated as ARC). The Tanabata sails between the U.S. East Coast and Northern Europe, with a normal round trip taking 30 days. It carries both government and commercial cargoes. "Things are going really well. It's a good ship with a good crew," said Bosun Charles Davis. "The (U.S.) Coast Guard came aboard in Germany for Bosun Charles Davis describes the Tanabata as "a busy ship with a good crew. n The car carrier Tanabata reflagged U.S. in early November. The SIU-contracted vessel operates between the U.S. East Coast and Northern Europe. Photos above and below: Featuring two ramps and as many as 13 decks, the ship carries wheeled vehicles of all kinds. tests, fire drills and lifeboat drills, and all of that went well .... It's a busy ship." Chief Steward Saundra Leonard said she enjoyed being part of the first SIU crew to sail on the Tanabata. "It's an excellent opportunity and a new experience to bring back a reflagged ship to the United States," she observed. "The ship is in excellent shape, and every meal is an adventure!" Named after an annual Japanese festival, the Tanabata transports cars, trucks, boats, heavy equipment, household goods and more. It is equipped with two ramps and can be configured to include 13 decks. The vessel's top speed is approximately 20 knots. During the reception, ARC Chairman and President Raymond Ebeling chatted with a group of unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education who toured the ship. At the ceremony, Ebeling said, "By itself, adding one ship to the U.S. fleet is not an overwhelming event. But I hope it demonstrates that U.S. shipping is not on death row." Added former U.S. Rep. Helen Bentley, "This newest addition to the American merchant marine makes it a happy and joyous day." SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (left) and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (right) join Tanabata Captain Steven Kayser-an SIU hawsepiper-at the ceremony. Welcoming the new U.S.-flag vessel Chief Cook Elizer Saintvil (left) and Chief Steward Saundra Leonard are two of the first Seafarers to sail aboard the newly contracted vessel. ARC Chairman and President Raymond Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes Retired Rep. Helen Bentley - � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 2000-2009 Description An account of the resource Volumes LXII-LXXI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present, Seafarers Log Digital Copies Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 2000 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS CAST BALLOTS ON PROPOSED MERGER TOTE ANNOUNCES TWO NEW VESSELS GREAT LAKES UNVEILS NEW HOPPER DREDGE UNIONS TO WTO: GLOBAL ECONOMY MUST WORK FOR WORKING FAMILIES AVONDALE GOES UNION ARBITRATOR AFFIRMS METAL TRADES’ MAJORITY ITF SECURES GREATLY NEEDED AID FOR CREW ON RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP DECKHAND ELHADJI NDIAYE HONORED FOR 1998 RESCUE SIU CELEBRATES CAR CARRIER’S REFLAGGING SEN. SARBANES, MARAD’S HART VOW MORE GROWTH FOR U.S.-FLAG 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 Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 62, No. 1 2000 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/46273620b4e6cb4c6a1fc6f80f0d6e96.pdf 0f7b805a6eeb07c8d6b4b43da42baab5 PDF Text Text SIUJs Decade of Progress ___ Pages11-14 Congress Receives Bills -To Strengthen U.S. Fleet Sealifl Enhancement Act Aims to Make Merchant Fleet More Globally Competitive Page3 Even on the Lakes?/ Cleveland Paper Reveals Runaway-Flag Scandal Citizens along the Great Lakes recently discovered their waters are no different from any other international shipping lane when the Cleveland Plain Dealer exposed the dangers of runaway-flag shipping taking place on America's "North Coast." Page 5 lll'll!Nt SllAW J PIAIX DEAi.Eii PllOTOCRAPllEll Captain Stavros Fotlnos or the Evangelos tells a crew member to e:xpll!in bow good the conditions on the ship are.. Ships of Shame Cargo crew to start court battle Sailors -fr, go without pay, food Complaints bring help from union for sailors By MICHAELO'MALLEY A diS()Ute about low pay, bad food and filthy conditions on a Sleet-hauling ship in Cleveland harbor yesterday sparked a fax and phone feud in four countries on three continents. Following claims by 13 Filipino crewmen that they are not being properly paid, members of the Seafarers International Union b<>i!rded the ship Evangelos, labor agreement to make such From porr to porr 1he Slories are passed alon . Starvin :;allors ea1rng raw, undi- llOADW.HICKllAH/l'IAlll DEAL£&PHOrooaAl'llEK . . Don Thornton of the Seafarers International Union, left, talks to Filipino sailors about conditions and pay on a foreign ship docked in Cleveland yesterday. Local union officials which IS ow~d by a Greek com- threatened to detain the ship and stop it from unloading until ~~~~tt~t~~ :::i ~~ti;n':J certain demands by the sailors were met. visits, confronted the captain, sa ·o the would detain tile shi stop unloading the ship's cargo and refuse to untie dock lines it Piraeus, Greece, faxed paperwork to the London-based Inter- Reach . . . -Voting Begins on Agreement . SIU-NMU Merger On ASAf Contract ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Page2 Beck Notice Page6 �President's Report Reflecting on the Decade I have just reviewed the center spread for this month's issue of the Seafarers LOG. It is hard to believe what we have accomplished in the last 10 years. While some of you started sailing this decade and have helped us in our efforts to revitalize the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, many others have been very involved throughout their entire seagoing careers. Recall where we were in January 1990. Outside of our membership and some others Michael Sacco within the industry, very few thought there would be a continued need for the commercial fleet for economic and national security purposes when we started the 21st century. We knew better. The Persian Gulf War demonstrated why America has depended on its merchant mariners since this country's founding. Seafarers and members of other maritime unions answered the nation's call, making sure no ship loaded with materiel for our troops in the Middle East sailed short. Those who thought others could handle the job discovered foreign-flag owners and crews who balked at delivering needed goods into a war zone. Reawakened by the war effort, military planners and politicians alike realized action had to taken not just to preserve but strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet. You did your part. Not only did you sail the ships, but you and your families registered and voted, wrote letters, made phone calls and talked with neighbors, friends and elected officials to let them know America needs its merchant fleet. That is why the Maritime Security Program became law. That is why U.S.-flag tankers carry Alaska North Slope crude oil overseas. That is why more than half the members of the House of Representatives signed a resolution stating the Jones Act should be preserved. That is why the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project was enacted, paving the way for construction in an American yard of new deep sea passenger ships. That is why dredging is taking place in ports around the country, especially New Y~)fk/New Jersey, to prepare for the ships of the next century. And that is why month after month for more than a year, we have been able to report on the new vessels-tankers, RO/ROs, prepositioning, tugs, car carriers-Seafarers are crewing or will crew in the very near future, all proudly flying Old Glory. Brothers and sisters, this isn't bragging. It's fact! The most important thing to remember is that none of this could have been done without you. You have demonstrated your faith in your union by doing the best job possible each day on your vessels. You make it very easy for representatives of this union to speak on your behalf on Capitol Hill and in other settings. Without the day-in, day-out efforts you perform on the high seas, the Great Lakes and the inland waterways, the U.S.-flag fleet would have been nothing more than a ghost ship. But we knew better, have done better and will continue to get better! As we enter this holiday season, we have so much for which to be thankful, not the least of which is a vibrant, growing U.S.-flag fleet. If the last 10 years are any indication of what the future may bring, I can't wait to get started. To all Seafarers aboard their vessels, to all Seafarers at home with their families and to all SIU retirees who have helped make this the greatest maritime union, may you have a wonderful holiday and Happy New Year! Volume 61, Number 12 December 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899- 0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Voting Starts in Proposed Merger of SIU and #MU Voting begins this month on whether the SIU will proceed with full merger talks with the National Maritime Union. As reported in the October and November issues of the Seafarers LOG, balloting is scheduled for December 1, 1999 to January 31, 2000. Voting takes place in all SIU halls between 9 a.m. and noon local time, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. Seafarers also may request an absentee ballot by following the instructions printed in the October issue of the LOG. Additionally, those instructions are available via the union's web site (www.seafarers.org, in the LOG section, October issue). The current vote will determine whether the SIU membership wants this merger and, if approved, gives the union's executive board permission to continue with the merger talks. (A similar election is taking place at the same time in the NMU.) If the two unions' memberships vote to proceed, then specific details of the merger will be addressed by SIU and NMU officials serving on the merger committee. Next, Seafarers would vote during the November-December 2000 general election whether to approve needed constitutional changes such as adding vice presidents and the NMU in the union's name. (NMU members are not eligible to vote in the gen- eral election because the merger would not be completed by then.) After the general election, a third vote would take place for SIU members to approve or reject many of the specific terms of the merger. Before that vote, SIU members would be given detailed information on what the merger would mean and what changes would occur. The date for that voting has not been determined. Therefore, the proposed merger involves a three-step voting process. That procedure is explained in detail in a recent letter mailed from the SIU executive board to each member. Copies of the letter also have been distributed aboard ship by patrolmen and are available in union halls. The letter mentions that some Seafarers have asked whether a merger will allow an NMU member to use his seniority to beat the SIU member out of a job. "No! The shipping rules will continue to apply," the letter states. "Seafarers will maintain priority aboard ships currently sailing under an SIU contract. The same would apply to NMU members aboard vessels presently under contract to the NMU." Similarly, the merger committee has studied the 1978 merger involving the SIU and the Marine Cooks & Stewards, and will follow that precedent to keep the SIU and NMU pension, welfare and vacation funds separate. Should the merger be approved, however, the training and hiring hall funds probably would be combined. OS/Gateman Rick Hedrick (above photo, aboard the Presque Isle) and Cook Kay Nelson (below, on the /TB McKee Sons) are enthusiastic about the proposed merger. SIU Pensioners to Get $500 Year-End Bonus Eligible SIU pensioners will receive a year-end bonus check of $500 this month. The Seafarers Pension Plan Board of Trustees recently approved the payment after union representatives to the group recommended the bonus. This bonus check will be sent to all SIU pensioners who currently receive monthly benefit checks for normal, early normal or disability pensions from the Seafarers Pension Plan. The Board of Trustees, composed of representa- tives from the SIU and its contracted companies, decided to issue the bonus after reviewing the plan's successful investment performance. More information about the bonus or the pension plan in general may be obtained by contacting any union hall or by calling a plan representative at l800-CLAIMS4. Members and pensioners also may write to the plan at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Breakthrough at Avondale Union, Company Agree to Resolve Long Battle About Representation On the heels of Litton Industries' purchase of Avondale (La.) Shipyard, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department last month announced a breakthrough in the bitter six-year fight about union representation at Avondale. The company has agreed to adopt neutrality regarding such representation, and will recognize the union based on a majority of Avondale's 4,000 employees signing petitions for membership. A neutral arbitrator will certify that a majority of the employees have signed the petitions. The union and the shipyard signed an agreement on November 2 aimed at reaching an amicable conclusion to what has been a nasty fight. Workers at Avondale voted in 1993 to join a union, but the prior owners used every stalling tactic imaginable to evade that election's outcome. Avondale was purchased for $529 million by Litton Industries in a transaction that closed last August. Litton's Ship Systems consists of Avondale Shipyard and Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss. where the Metal Trades Department has held representation rights for more than 10,000 workers since 1940. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney commended all concerned with the new agreement between Avondale and the union. "I applaud Litton Industries' and Avondale's high-road decision to respect these workers' right to a free choice to improve their lives through a union," Sweeney stated. The Metal Trades Department said the agreement "puts the issue back in the hands of Avondale's workers" and "sets up ground rules for assessing the level of support for union representation. The agreement sets out a process under which the union can obtain evidence that it represents a majority of the employees, which will be submitted to a neutral third party for certification. The pact outlines procedures for avoiding the acrimony that characterized the campaign from the time it started in June 1993." Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2000 for the obseNance of Martin Luther King Jr. 's birthday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. December . -1999 �Sealif t Enhancement Act Seeks Fair Competition For American-Flag Fleet Maritime Tax Laws Would Change To Help Provide Level Playing Field Citing the U.S. merchant marine's key role in America's national and economic securityand the unfair competition from unscrupulous runaway-flag ship operators-Senator John Breaux (D-La.) last month introduced the National Security Sealift Enhancement Act of 1999 (S. 1858). Reps. Jim McCrery (R-La.) and William Jefferson (D-La.) introduced similar legislation in the House (H.R. 3225). The SIU strongly supports the bills, which may receive hearings in the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, respectively, early next year. "The introduction of these measures shows that members of Congress are looking ahead and trying to find ways to make the U.S.-flag fleet stronger and more competitive in the next century," said SIU President Michael Sacco. Other U.S. maritime unions, ship operators and shipbuilding associations also voiced their backing, as did the widely respected former Maritime Administrator, Vice Admiral Albert J. Herberger. As its name indicates, the legislation is intended to strengthen the U.S. fleet, which in tum will boost the economy and fortify national security. One provision of the Sealift Enhancement Act would extend to U.S. mariners the existing income tax exclusion for Americans working abroad. Other elements of the bill also focus on equitable changes in different sections of U.S. tax policy. "This legislation is designed to provide a tax environment for U.S.-flag carriers that more closely approaches the favorable treatment provided by other maritime nations to their own merchant fleets," Breaux stated. "I am not proposing to exempt U.S.-flag vessel owners from U.S. income taxes, [but rather to] alleviate the tax burden on the U.S.-flag fleet. "The U.S.-flag merchant marine is an invaluable asset to the economic and national security of this country," he continued. "The Congress must take aggressive action to preserve our fleet of U.S.-flag vessels, while creating incentives for new, modem ships to be registered under the U.S. flag." The bill has five main provisions. One expands the Capital Construction Fund with the aim of increasing revenue available SIU Crews MIV Fisher SIU members recently crewed the prepositioning ship MIV Major Bernard F Fisher as the vessel prepared to start a fiveyear assignment for the U.S. Sealift Military Command (MSC). Seafarers and SIU officials took part in the vessel's christening October 15 in Sunny Point, N.C. The former Sea Fox was renamed in honor of retired U.S. Air Force Col. Bernard F. Fisher, a Medal of Honor recipient who attended the ceremony. The 652-foot Fisher is operated by Sealift, Inc. for MSC, whose fleet also includes a different vessel with a similar name, the USNS Fisher. It will preposi- tion materiel for the Air Force in Diego Garcia. The ship's namesake received the medal for actions in Vietnam in 1966. The then-major rescued a downed airman from a Special Forces camp under attack by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. MSC noted, "While directing his own air cover, Maj. Fisher landed his A-lE/H aircraft, taxied almost the full length of a debrislittered runway, and despite withering ground fire, rescued the downed pilot and gained enough speed to lift off and fly to safety." The Fisher has a beam of 105 feet and a top sailing speed of 19 knots. It is a combination container and roll-on/roll-off ship. One year after MSC awarded a time charter contract for the vessel , SIU members crewed the renamed Major Bernard F. Fisher as the ship readied for its first prepositioning assignment. December 1999 for domestic shipbuilding. Another allows "the owner of any U.S.-flag vessel engaged in the international trade of the U.S. to fully deduct that vessel in the year in which the vessel is acquired and documented under the U.S. flag." Breaux pointed out that many foreign-flag shipowners and operators already "are totally exempt from income taxation," and this provision therefore will help the U.S.-flag fleet "to be internationally competitive." The provision known as the "seamen's wage exclusion" is "consistent with the current policies and objectives of section 911 of the Internal Revenue Code. It extends the foreign earned income exclusion to American merchant mariners by changing the definition of 'foreign country' to incJude a principal place of employment aboard a commercial vessel operating outside the United States, and amending the foreign residence test to include work aboard a vessel." Other components of the legislation include "alternative minimum tax relief' on shipping income-again consistent with foreign regulations-and expanding the expense deductions stemming from conferences or other meetings on American-flag cruise ships. "These provisions will help level the playing field for U.S. shipping and provide incentives that will stimulate growth in the industry," observed Rep. Je:fferson. Rep. McCrery stated, "U.S.based liner companies are subject to significantly higher taxes than their foreign-based counterparts .... Strengthening the economic viability and competitiveness of United States-flag vessel operations requires us to adapt the tax regime governing our merchant marine to the realities of today's international shipping environment." Both McCrery and Breaux recalled the words of General Colin Powell following the Persian Gulf War in 1991. At that time, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, "Our [nation's] strategy requires us to be able to project power quickly and effectively across the oceans to deal with the crisis we couldn't avoid or predict. Sealift will be critical to fulfilling this strategic requirement .... In war, merchant seamen have long served with valor and distinction by carrying the critical supplies and equipment to our troops in faraway lands. In peacetime, the merchant marine has another vital rolecontributing to our economic security by linking us to our trading partners around the world and providing the foundation for our ocean commerce." In announcing his support for the Sealift Enhancement Act, Herberger said, "If the United States is to maintain a strong merchant fleet-supporting our economy and our armed forces--our U.S.-flag companies and our American merchant mariners must have U.S. tax treatment that reflects the realities of international competition." Speaking on behalf of a coalition of U.S.-flag ocean carriers, Sea-Land Service Vice President Peter Finnerty noted that the bill "recognizes the unique nature of the U.S.-flag fleet, operating in trades." the world cargo American mariners and companies compete in a market littered with tax-exempt foreign companies, he said. Pictured from the top: Senator John Breaux (D-La.) and Reps. William Jefferson (D-La.) and Jim McCrery (R-La.) last month launched legislation intended to boost national security by strengthening the U.S. merchant marine. SIU Maintains Jobs on 6 LNG Vessels MarAd 'Reluctantly' Approves Rejlagging The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), while emphasizing that its decision "should not be taken as a precedent for any other situation," on November 3 conditionally approved the transfer of PRONAV's fleet of eight liquefied natural gas vessels to foreign registry. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart said he "reluctantly" issued the ruling and also stressed that a key condition to the approval "helps to ensure the continued availability of American mariners for commercial operations and military readiness." He noted that all the unlicensed jobs for six of the ships will be held by American seafarers for the next five years, "providing stability and employment for hundreds of skilled mariners." He also pointed out, "Any further changes in ownership, registry or operation under foreign authority may be made only with the Maritime Administration's approval." The schedule for reflagging the eight ships to the Marshall Islands has not been announced. Seafarers will continue sailing aboard six of the vessels- the LNG Capricorn, LNG Taurus, LNG Libra, LNG Gemini, LNG Leo and LNG Virgo. As reported in the September issue of the Seafarers LOG, the economic provisions (including benefits) of the SIU's Standard Tanker Agreement will apply to those ships once the reflagging takes place. The other two vessels will carry foreign crews. After the ruling, SIU President Michael Sacco stated, "While we are extremely disappointed by the decision announced by the Maritime Administration to allow the reflagging of the PRONAV LNG-vessel fleet, the Seafarers International Union is obligated to honor its contractual coillil)itments to crew these vessels. The Seafarers aboard these vessels will continue to perform their duties in the same professional, dedicated and safe manner as they always have." It was only after painstaking analysis that the union decided to accept continued employment on the reflagged ships. In a detailed memo sent in August by the SIU contracts department to Seafarers aboard the LNG ships, the union stated, "When weighed against the alternatives, the final decision was based on the ultimate benefit to our members and their families. The application of the Standard Tanker Agreement wages and benefits will, for the first time, [apply] American labor standards on foreign-flag ships. The Agreement is no less than that which is accepted by U.S.-flag SIU-contracted tanker companies. It maintains our benefits and will provide jobs and job security for five more years while preserving our severance agreement." The union also noted that SIU's crewing of the LNG ships will help provide a continued manpower pool of trained American mariners for U.S. national defense purposes. Moreover, the memo points out that the LNG crews recently faced the unexpected prospect of all eight ships reflagging relatively quickly-which would have left the SIU crews without any opportunity for continued employment on those vessels. (The written communication quickly was followed by SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram meeting with SIU crews aboard the LNG vessels to answer any other questions.) Seafarers LOG 3 �i----------------------------------------------------------------~~~~~-~ -- ~~ - SIU President Michael Sacco poses with crew members aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. Kneeling is AB Robert Pesulima. Standing from the left are BREC Bobby Garcia, Wilmington (Calif.) Port Agent John Cox, Sacco, AB Alfonso Garcia, QMED Jesse Manard, Wilmington Safety Director Frank Gill Jr., AB Maximo Lugtu and GUDE Jose Gamboa. Crews Welcome Sacco to Their Ships Right: Aboard the El Yunque are Jacksonville (Fla.) Port Agent Tony McQuay, Wiper Pedro Gago, BREC Michael Eaton, SIU President Michael Sacco, OMU Ramon Collazo and AB Blair Baker. Working on dinner for the SeaLand Patriot crew is Chief Cook James Boss. SIU President Michael Sacco has maintained a busy schedule, meeting as many SIU members as possible during his recent travels. From Port Everglades, Fla. to Long Beach, Calif., he has climbed gangways to inform Seafarers about what is happening in the union and to answer questions they may have concerning benefits, contract and the proposed merger to bring the NMU into the SIU. On this page are some of the many Seafarers who have welcomed him aboard their vessels. SIU President Michael Sacco (left} welcomes AB Rudy Hernandez to a union meeting aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. Also participating in the meeting in which members asked questions about the proposed NMU merger into the SIU are (from the left) BREC Bobby Garcia, QMED Jesse Manard, SA Orlando Pizzaro, AB Robert Pesulima and SREC Daniel Payne. The Sea-Land Long Beach (Calif.) crane maintenance unit greets SIU President Michael Sacco. From the left are Seafarers Allen Pasik Jr.. Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Sacco, Van X. Phan, Daran Ragucci, Kimo Togiai, Jim Dryden and Wilmington Safety Director Frank Gill Jr. c SIU President Michael Sacco (left) updates crew members aboard the El Yunque on the latest happenings in the union. QMED Ron Haines (standing) meets SIU President Michael Sacco aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) answers a question about the SIU-NMU merger with Crowley boatmen (from left) AB Dave Verschoor, AB Dragi K. Odak and Eng. Bob Bouton. Left: Welcoming SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) to the Sea-Land Patriot are (from left) AB Matt Bevac, Wilmington (Calif.) Port Agent John Cox and QMED Jesse Manard. West Coast Unions Reach 6-Year Agreement with ASM Offering lunch to Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (left) is Third Cook Neil Ball of the Lihue. 4 Seafarers LOG The galley gang of Matson's Lihue greets the SIU president. From the left are BR Nunu Randle, President Michael Sacco, Chief Steward Skip Polzine and Chief Cook Willie Madison. The SIU's Pacific District unions have reached an agreement with American Ship Management (ASM) for a new six-year contract. The pact is retroactive to July 1 and includes a pay raise in each of the six years covered by the contract. The SIU Pacific District is composed of SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District members in the galley, the Sailors' Union of the Pacific for the unlicensed deck department and the Marine Firemen's Union providing unlicensed crews in the engine room. ASM was created after American President Lines was purchased by Singapore-based NOL in 1997. ASM operates the former APL U.S .-flag fleet. Negotiations took place throughout the fall before the agreement was reached in late October. The ratification process involving members from the three unions covered by the new pact still was taking place as the Seafarers LOG went to press. December 1999 �Runaway-Flag Crew's Plight Captures Newspaper's Attention Thanks to a series of articles published by Ohio's largest daily newspaper, Great Lakes residents discovered runaway-flag shipping with its inherent problems of little to no pay, poor working conditions and lack of food could be found in their ports. Michael O'Malley, a reporter for the Plain Dealer, alerted readers to the plight of the Filipino crew aboard a Greek-owned, Panamanian-flagged cargo ship delivering foreign-produced steel to Cleveland, known for its steel mills. O'Malley worked with SIU member Don Thornton, a Great Lakes inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and Jim Given, an SIU of Canada representative who performs the ITF task in his country, as they attempted to gain back pay, food, clean linens and other items for 12 crew members aboard the Evangelos this fall. (The ITF is a London-based global organization of transport unions. The SIU is a member.) The crew sought help from the ITF when the ship arrived in Cleveland in October. The ITF inspectors took O'Malley with them to document their discussion with the ship's Greek captain. The reporter heard crew members state they had no bread or juice, just water, yet "the captain eats grapes and ice cream." Longshoremen, who originally notified the newspaper of the conditions on the ship, threatened to stop offloading and keep the vessel tied up until provisions arrived. Thornton and Given verified food and clean linens were brought aboard, but had to accept assurances from the ship's owners and the manning company that the crew's money-more than $100,000 in back pay-had been sent to their families. They also were faxed paperwork claiming to show the mariners' pay had been sent to their families in the Philippines, which later proved to be false. The ship set sail for Thunder Bay, Ontario to load grain for Morocco. When the inspectors uncovered that the promised pay still had not been delivered to either the crew or their families, they met the loaded ship in the Welland Canal. The captain refused to allow the newspaper reporter aboard, then forced a crew member to tell him everything was fine as the vessel passed through a lock. The Plain Dealer published a frontpage full-color photo of the anguished mariner with the captain right behind him in its Sunday, October 24 edition. Thornton and Given spoke with the crew member and several others when they boarded. They were told the captain ordered the mariners to say those things as well as sign papers stating they had been paid if they wanted to continue sailing. The crew added they still were not being fed properly. Nine crew members signed powers of attorney requesting the ship be arrested for breech of its ITF contract when the Evangelos arrived in Montreal. Unfortunately, by the time the vessel reached the Canadian port, the crew members rescinded their call for the ship's arrest. Without it, Canadian officials were helpless. Thornton and Given speculated that the crew and/or their families had been intimidated with a possible threat of blacklisting being used. The ship left for Morocco with a spokesperson for the ITF in London vowing to monitor the ship's actions. Not only did the newspaper publicize the Evangelos situation with photographs and articles, it also featured the plight of other runaway-flag crews in the frontpage story of October 24 under the headline "Ships of Shame." O'Malley told the Seafarers LOG the articles generated many telephone calls from readers unaware these conditions existed on vessels sailing the Great Lakes. The stories dealt with situations around the world to show the Evangelos was not an isolated incident. Photo credit: Roadell Hickman/Plain Dealer SIU member and ITF inspector Don Thornton (left) learns more about the problems aboard the Evangelos from crew members shortly after the vessel docked in Cleveland. Bad News Keeps Oozing From Runaway-Flag Ship Passengers on Carnival Cruise's ill-fated Tropicale recently learned the hard way that jiggling the handle sometimes isn't enough. The runaway-flag vessel's first voyage since a shipboard fue left passengers stranded at sea for four days ended early, because of a clogged sewage system. As a result of the inoperable commodes, the more than 1,000 passengers were flown from Mexico to Tampa. The Liberian-flag Tropicale had undergone three weeks of repairs and safety inspections before sailing in late October, approximately one month after a shipboard fire had left passengers adrift in the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Coast Guard inspectors reportedly discovered problems with the ship's plumbing and directed the company to fix them. The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the September shipboard fue as well as the crew's reaction to it. December 1999 The Filipino-crewed , Panamanian-flagged, Greek-owned Evangelos offloads foreign-made steel in Cleveland. Crew members told ITF inspectors they had received no pay for several months, had no food aboard when they came to Ohio and suffered with poor working conditions. AFL-CIO President: WTO Talks Must Address Workers' Rights As representatives of the 134 member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) readied for meetings in Seattle from November 30 through December 3, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said America's working families are mobilizing to ensure their voices are heard. In a speech November 19 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Sweeney described plans for a massive pro-worker rally November 30 in Seattle, involving "tens of thousands of working men and women and their families from across America and countries across the world. We will be joined by 200 international union leaders representing over 135 million workers from more than 100 countries. "We will call upon the delegates to the World Trade Organization to address workers' rights and human rights as well as environmental and consumer protections in the rules that govern the global economy-demands that are supported by workers from Argentina to South Korea, from South Africa to the Czech Republic, tens of millions of workers from developing as well as developed countries." The WTO meeting will launch global negotiations to further open markets in goods, services and agricultural trade as well as review some current trade rules. The head of America's federation of trade unions, to which the SIU is affiliated, stated the WTO "must incorporate rules to enforce workers' rights and environmental and consumer protections, and compliance should be required of any new member. Every worker deserves protection of basic human rights-prohibitions against child labor, slave labor and discrimination, and the freedom to join together with others in a union." He noted that as the WTO considers admitting China-notorious for child labor and other worker abuse-"editorials pose a choice between free trade and protectionism, between engaging China and isolating it, between embracing the global market and turning our backs on it. Opponents are being dismissed as part of the past, and as obstacles to the prosperous future of the new economy. "This is nonsense. The debate isn't about free trade or protection, engagement or isolation. We all know we 're part of a global ITF Goes to Bat For Scared Crew The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has stepped in to assist crew members aboard the foreign-flag bulk carrier Karteria some two months after a horrific explosion on the vessel left two dead and another mariner paralyzed with severe bums. The ITF (to which the SIU is affiliated) recently reported that the Maltese-flagged ship was carrying cargo-possibly iron oxide fines- across the Atlantic Ocean in late August when explosions occurred inside two of the holds. One Filipino crew member instantly died, while another passed away a few hours later due to burns. A third crew member, Jing Caringal, survived but sustained a broken back and major bums. According to the ITF, the Karteria diverted to the Azores and underwent temporary repairs. ITF representatives discovered Caringal awaiting repatriation to the Philippines in a hospital in the Azores where he could not be diagnosed or treated due to the severity of his injuries and the lack of facilities at the hospital. After the ITF intervention, Caringal was taken by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney tells a National Press Club audience that the WTO must incorporate rules to enforce workers' rights and environmental and consumer protections. economy. And we're so engaged that we're already running a $60 billion trade deficit with China. "The real debate is not over whether to be part of the global economy, but over what are the rules for that economy and who makes them-not whether to engage China, but what are the terms of that engagement, and whose values are to be represented." air ambulance to Stoke Mandeville hospital in England where still was undergoing treatment as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Meanwhile, the vessel proceeded from the Azores to its intended discharge port, Antwerp. "The crew are increasingly concerned for their own safety," noted the ITF in a news release. "Having suffered the trauma of the explosion and witnessing the loss of and serious injury to three colleagues, they are stranded on board a vessel containing an unstable cargo, which . . . continues to emit explosive quantities of hydrogen gas. In addition, conditions on board are becoming increasingly difficult. There is no hot water and no laundry facilities for the crew." David Cockroft, ITF general secretary, said it is "unacceptable to leave (the crew) on board in these conditions for this length of time. It seems to us that, yet again, the safety of the crew is secondary to the financial concerns of the owners and its P & I club." Cockroft pointed out another concern. Both the shipowner-Karteria Shipping Limited-and the vessel recently were issued ISM documents of compliance and safety management certificates, yet "were apparently unprepared for this emergency." As part of the federation's ongoing campaign against substandard shipping, the ITF is representing Caringal in seeking compensation for his injuries. Seafarers LOG 5 �Post-Hurricane Cleanup on Humacao Among the SIU-crewed vessels impacted by Hurricane Floyd earlier this year was the Humacao, operated by Navieras NPR. As reported in last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG, the ship survived Floyd's full force on September 15 and 16, approximately 150 miles from Jacksonville, Fla. Despite the 60- foot seas, 100-mph winds, 45-degree rolls and a shipboard fire, there somehow were no serious injuries. The vessel sustained significant damage, however, leading to cleanup efforts (pictured here) when it finally arrived in San Juan, P.R. Pictured above (from left) are AB Terry McKee, Recertified Bosun David Murray, SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez and Engine Utility Anthony Rosa. In photo at right are AB Julio Matos and AB Roberto Feliciano. At left, a damaged container is removed from deck. "We're pretty lucky we survived," Murray said. SIL Independence Sives Independence To Boaters Out of Sas in the Bahamas Running out of gas, while unpleasant, usually is just inconvenient. In a car, anyway. For eight people in a small pleasure boat in the Bahamas, it might have proven fatal. But the SIU-crewed Sea-Land Independence aided the stranded group, which had been adrift for two days without food or water after their 18-foot boat exhausted its fuel. According to a letter from the Sea-Land Independence recently received by the Seafarers LOG, the rescue took place in May. With the vessel sailing off the south coast of Grand Bahama island, AB John Habib and Third Officer John Marcin sighted the small white boat approximately two miles off the starboard bow. One passenger was waving a white cloth. The Sea-Land Independence maneuvered alongside the boat and secured lines. At the same time, the ship contacted a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in the area. The letter notes that although the pleasure boaters were famished, they did not require medical attention. Since the Coast Guard vessel would arrive shortly, the Sea-Land ship lowered plenty of food and water to the grateful survivors, but didn't bring them aboard. Soon, the cutter Manitou relieved the Independence, and the SIU-crewed ship proceeded toward Panama. A half-hour later, the Coast Guard confirmed that all survivors safely came aboard. New Carissa Beached for Winter For residents of Coos Bay, Ore., the runaway-flag freighter New Carissa simply won't go away. At least not all of it. According to press reports, the beached stem section of the vessel-which ran aground in February-will remain on the sand until spring. Rough seas postponed the most recent attempts to remove the rusting, 120-foot section. In late October, salvage crews abandoned a three-week operation to tow the wreckage out to sea, according to the Associated Press. The Panamanian-flag, Japanese-owned New Carissa went aground February 4, spilling 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel. Extraordinary measures were taken to ignite the remaining oil (and thereby prevent it from spilling), and the 639-foot vessel resultantly split. Shortly thereafter, the bow section broke loose from its tow and drifted ashore 80 miles north. It later was towed again and sunk by a U.S. Navy torpedo. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD assists employees by representing them in all aspects of their employment and work aboard vessels which sail deep sea, on the Great Lakes and inland waters throughout the country. For the most part, the union spends a majority of its financial resources on collective bargaining activities and employee representation services. In addition to these expenditures, the union also spends resources on a variety of other efforts such as organizing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the interests of the union and its membership. This annual notice is required by law and is sent to advise employees represented by the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to understand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you with detailed information as to how to become an agency fee payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the union but who meets his or her financial obligation by making agency fee payments. With this information, you will be able to make an informed decision about your status with the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD. 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, AGLIWD is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate 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 $300.00 (three hundred dollars) per year or $75.00 (seventy-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 arrange- 6 Seafarers LOG ments, 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 1998 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 65.43 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $196.29 (one hundred ninetysix dollars and twenty-nine cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2000 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 1999 and November 30, 2000 will have this calculation applied to their 2000 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2001, your objection must be received by December 1, 2000. 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, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union's expenses during 1998. 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, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. 6. Filing a challenge - Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector shall have 45 days to submit a challenge with the Secretary-Treasurer's office if he or she believes that the calculation of chargeable activities is incorrect. Every person who wishes to object to the calculation of chargeable expenses has a legal right to file such an objection. 7. Appeal procedure- Upon receiving the challenge(s) at the end of the 45-day period, the union will consolidate all appeals and submit them to an independent arbitrator. The presentation to the arbitrator will be either in writing or at a hearing. The method of the arbitration will be determined by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received . The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer December 1999 �On-Site Course Helps Seafarers Meet STCW Chapter VI Regs The Paul Hall Center has often taken its safety courses "on the road." Instructors from the school have taught water survival and fire fighting classes to Seafarers in different ports across the country, including aboard the Delta Queen Steamboat Company vessels in New Orleans, and American Hawaii Cruises' SS Independence in Honolulu. One of the course participants leaves the emergency locker en route to the "fire." A recent training opportunity in Maui was a first, however, in that the entire curriculum needed for meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI (Basic Safety Training) was taught at one time. Paul Hall Center instructors Rick Redmond and Ben Cusic conducted the course components, consisting of personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibility. The SS Independence sails into the port of Honolulu for one day each week, but it spends two days in Maui, which allowed 20 upgrading Seafarers plenty of time to receive practical instruction in water safety and survival techniques in that ship's luxury pool. Classroom instruction was held at Maui Community College, part of the University of Hawaii. Redmond, who taught the fire fighting segment, obtained the necessary permits for setting a fire that produced smoke, so students had the added benefit of dealing with a true fire and not merely a simulation. Having successfully completed the STCW basic safety course, students pose for a group shot at Maui Community College. Rick Redmond (far left) and Ben Cusic (far right, kneeling), instructors at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., conducted the on-site training. Certificates of course completion were earned by Amy Mazurek, Shannon Rabago, Ricardo Sebastian, Stephen Warren II, Ronald Whitfield, Alejo Fabia Jr., Soriano Grande, Angelito Pertubal, Emo Aulelava, Adele Williams, Laverne Berasis, Maile McWilliams, Joseph Brooks, Cynthia Robello, Leonicio Casamina Jr., Jerwin Ablao, Allan Acasio, Joachim Buetzer, Byron Hall and Ronald Wade. All Seafarers who sailed prior to August 1, 1998 must have documented evidence of Chapter VI compliance by February 1, 2002. Those who began sailing after August 1, 1998 should already have fulfilled the requirements. AOTOS Awards to duMoulin, TRANSCOM Richard duMoulin, chairman and CEO of Marine Transport Lines (MTL), and U.S. Air Force General Charles T. Robertson, Jr., commander of the U.S. Transportation Command, received the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) award on November 5 in New York. The prestigious award is sponsored by the United Seamen's Service. MTL is the parent company of SIU-contracted Intrepid Ship Management, while TRANSCOM is the largest single user of U.S.-flag vessels (with many SIU-crewed ships among them). Above (from left): SIU President Michael Sacco, U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart and (far right) U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) congratulate duMoulin. At right (from left): Gen. Robertson celebrates with Sacco and Sea-Land Service President and CEO John Clancey. Maersk-Sealand Taps Los Angeles For New Terminal Maers~-SeaLand will be the sole user of a massive new container terminal being built at the Port of Los Angeles, the company announced on October 28. The Pier 400 terminal will occupy 484 acres December 1999 Members of the emergency squad on board the SS Independence don the proper equipment for a fire drill conducted while the vessel was at anchor in Kana, Hawaii. Gopher State Receives Bravo Zulu upon expected completion in 2003, although some of its sections will open as early as late 2001. The cost of the Pier 400 project is $794 million, which includes $466 for the container terminal facilities and infrastructure and $328 million for two stages of a major dredging and landfill program. The facility reportedly will include at least 16 shore-side cranes and will work as many as six vessels at once. City officials said that the 25-year lease between the port and the company will bolster the local economy, bringing thousands of good jobs and billions of dollars in new investment. SIU members as well as officers and military personnel aboard the Gopher State recently were congratulated by U.S. Navy Admiral Harry M. Highfill for their accomplishments during Operation Crocodile 99 in Gladstone, Australia. During the exercise, Seafarers worked with more than 5,000 active duty and reserve U.S. service members as well as Navy, Marine and Coast Guard personnel. Altogether, they moved more than 600 pieces of critical cargo ashore and safely conducted complex operations at sea and ashore. "Each and every one of you should be proud of your accomplishments during this exercise," the admiral stated. "You completed an operation that no other country in the world could have accomplished, and you did it safely and with style." He continued, "As a team, you showed our allies our impressive capabilities as a nation and our great nature as individuals. Again, congratulations to all for a job extremely well done." The Gopher State is a prepositioning ship owned by MarAd and operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. It has been stationed in Guam for the past several years, always at the ready to sail in support and defense of the United States and her military forces. Seafarers LOG 7 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACARON PUii This is a summary of the annual report of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, El N 51-6097856 for the year ended January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Vacation Plan, EIN 13-5602047, Plan No. 503, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $877,410. These expenses included $198,880 in administrative expenses and $678,530 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,553 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 $11,512,065 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $11,589,292 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $(77,227). This decrease includes unrealized appreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the current 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 any assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $800, 183 including realized gains of $239, 712 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $560,471. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statements show that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights to AddHlonal Information Your 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. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; 4. service provider and trustee information; and 5. reportable transactions. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Mr. Lou Delma who is the plan administrator, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.20 for the full annual report, or $.10 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Trustees of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SlllJMARY AllNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS l'EllSION TRUST This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust, EIN 13-6100329, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $34,447,742. These expenses included $5,165,016 in administrative expenses and $29,282,726 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 24, 192 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 $578,646,134 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $562,498,325 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $16, 147,809. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $50,595,551 including employer contributions of $6,004,371, realized gains of $31,288,778 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $13,301,966. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. service provider and trustee information; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 5. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.40 for the full annual report, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, O.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: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 8 Seafarers LOG Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $28,541,567 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $26, 146,074 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,395,493. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $39, 776,560 including employer contributions of $38, 157,696, realized gains of $162,334 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,456,530. Plan expenses were $37,381,067. These expenses included $4,026,033 in administrative expenses and $33,355,034 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rights To AddHional 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 plan assets; and 4. service provider and trustee information. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.70 for the full annual report, or 10 cents 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. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG & DREDGE PENSION PUii This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, EIN 13-1953878, Plan No. 003, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $1,397,982. These expenses included $201,945 in administrative expenses and $1, 196,037 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 592 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 $25,004,-173 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $24,527,804 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $476,669. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $1,874,651 including employer contributions of $232,063, realized gains of $550,523 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,092,065. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. 2000 - Your Rights To AddHional 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. service provider and trustee information: 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 5. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1 .80 for the full annual report, or 10 cents 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 (Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. A Year of Personal Commitment So much has and continues to be written about the coming year-2000. On the one hand, it's just a new year; on the other hand, it's the beginning of a new decade . . . a new century . . . a new millennium. Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children can truly make 2000 a memorable beginning by applying for one of seven scholarships being awarded by the Seafarers Welfare Plan in May of next year. Three of the scholarships are reserved for SIV members. One is in the amount of $15,000 for study at a four-year college or university. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Four scholarships are awarded in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The first step is to send away for the 2000 SIV Scholarship Program booklet (see form at right). Once the scholarship booklet has been received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. Since the completed application form (and other required paperwork) is due no later than April 15, 2000, applicants should start collecting the necessary documents as soon as possible. These include transcripts and certificates of graduation, letters of recom- me-ndation, a photograph and certified copy of birth certificate. Also, arrangements should be made to take the SAT or ACT tests by February. Filling out the coupon below is the first step toward pursuing your hopes, dreams and goals for a higher level of education. Make the year 2000 special-in more ways than one. r--------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet P which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name Mariner's Social Security Number Street Address ------------------~ City, State, Zip Code Telephone Number This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 12199 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 L--------------------------------------------------~ December 1999 �He Sb.oats, He Scores! Retired Bosun Revives Hockey Passion Retired Bosun Peter Loik has spent much of his life on water, in one form or another. He enjoyed a prosperous, 44-year career with the SIU before retiring in 1991. Sandwiched around his sea time is a hockey calling that began when Loik was a toddler and now sees him competing in "over-70" tournaments throughout North America. That's a long time between shifts, eh? "When I started walking, I started skating," recalls the Saskatchewan, Canada native, who now resides in Baltimore. Left: Retired Bosun Peter Loik helped lead his over-70 team to first place in a recent ice hockey tournament in Vancouver. Philly Teamsters Win Strike, Thank Sealarers for Support Members of Teamsters Local 463 in Philadelphia recently won their strike against Wawa Dairies, thanks in part to widespread backing from fellow trade unionists. SIU members repeatedly joined Teamsters on the picket line, demonstrating their support. Other union members from as far as New York and Virginia also showed their encouragement. There are approximately 3,200 members of Local 463, some 280 of whom were on strike against Wawa. After the 11-day action, members in October ratified a new contract that included wage and benefit increases while eliminating all of the givebacks proposed by the company. In a letter addressed to the SIU executive board and the entire SIU membership, Local 463 Secretary-Trea'surer Robert Ryder stated, "Your support during our strike made the difference for our members and their families. When Wawa was confronted by the show of solidarity from unions across the tri-state area, they came back to the table and negotiated a fair agreement for our members. This would not have been possible without your help. "I want you and your members to know that you can always count on the support of this Local." Picketing in behalf of striking Teamsters in Philadelphia are (from left) OS Lafe Fraley, SIU Representative Joe Mieluchowski, AB John Gallagher and AB Michael Maronski. This demonstration took place in early October. Seafarers show their support for Teamsters Local 463 as a television cameraman covers the demonstration outside a Wawa facility in Philadelphia. ATTENTION ALL SEAFARERS Check Your Z-Card; Your Job May Be at Stake Merchant Ma rain er 's Documen t Must Be Renewed According to a law that took effect in 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard requires all merchant mariners to renew their merchant mariner's documents (z-cards) in order to continue sailing. All mariners MUST possess a renewed z-card in order to sail aboard U.S.-flag vessels by the end of 1999. That means as of January 1, 2000, all active z-cards must have been issued no earlier than January 1, 1995. You may renew your z-card beginning one year before its expiration date. No merchant mariner is allowed to ship with an expired document. (Mariners may renew their z-cards up to one year after the expiration date. However, mariners lose December 1999 their endorsements if they renew beyond that one-year extension.) The expiration date is five years to the day after the card was issued. Z-cards list the expiration date in two different locations: (1) near the mariner's photo on the front and (2) near the mariner's fingerprint on the back. For those z-cards without an expiration date, the date of issuance is located on the back of the document beside the fingerprint. However, any z-cards that do not have an expiration date printed on them will be void as of January 1, 2000. If you have any questions concerning the status of your z-card, contact your port agent or patrolman. "But I went to sea when I was 19, and didn't play hockey again for 50 years. I just got back into it a couple years ago." Playing in nearby Laurel, Md., Loik revived his hockey skills and then put them to good use in a recent tournament in Vancouver. His team (the Crawlers) placed first out of 10 squads in the division for players ages 70 and older. Loik, 73, played center, scoring a goal with two assists in the championship game. But he seems more proud of losing a tooth earlier in the tournament. "That made me feel like I'd been christened," he recalls. From the rink to the sea and back, Loik says he's always felt at home. He played for successful junior league and semi-pro hockey teams as a teenager before trading his sweater and skates for coveralls and work boots. "I guess I was a little wild in those days, and didn't really know what I wanted to do," Loik says. "I was looking for work, and I'm just glad I found the merchant marine. With the SIU, I had a reputable job with good money coming in. It was hard work, but if you did your job, there were no problems. It was a good fit. "Plus in those days, ships would stay in port for days or a week. You really got to see the world." Asked about his fondest seafaring memories, the recertified bosun describes a 1985 voyage aboard the Long Lines. "We laid the first fiber-optic cable in the world, in the Canary Islands. That was special." He also mentions helping with construction of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., which opened in 1967; and his grandson, Gerard Quinn, winning a Seafarers Welfare Plan scholarship two years ago. (Quinn attends college in New York.) "The union has done a lot for the members," states Loik, who frequently upgraded at the school. "I enjoyed sailing for the SIU, and my family was well taken care of." Even in retirement, Loik maintains an active interest in the union. He usually drops in at the Baltimore hall each week, and occasionally attends membership meetings there and in Piney Point. He also attended the ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School last summer. "You just can't get that 'ship talk' with neighbors," Loik chuckles. "With guys who are Seafarers, you can always communicate, catch up on the latest news and people's whereabouts." Likewise, he plans to keep honing his reborn puck prowess-although the tournaments largely are luck-of-the-draw. There are very few over-70 squads in North America, Loik explains, so individual players from throughout the continent are matched up on-site to form temporary teams. Loik's fortune worked well in the Vancouver tournament in September. His team included Toronto Maple Leafs 1946 rookie of the year Howie Meeker (perhaps more commonly known among younger hockey fans as the longtime voice of Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts). "After 50 years of not being on skates, it was a big change from climbing ladders and walking decks," Loik says. "But it's been great, and now I'm looking forward to more tournaments." Steward Kamer Cooks Up Better Life witb. tb.e Union When Mohamed Kamer immigrated to the United States 14 years ago, about the only thing he brought with him from his native Egypt was his ability to cook. Today, the 39-year-old Seafarer is upgrading at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education to become a chief steward. In between has been a tremendous ride from the lowest ranks of the restaurant world to where he is today. "I started at the bottom," he told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG recently. "I was a line cook." Since then, he has worked his way up as well as graduated from New York Chefs School in Manhattan. Not only has he learned the skills and techniques needed to survive in his field, he also has owned several restaurants in New York. In fact, he discovered the SIU through the clientele of his last business, a seafood restaurant in Brooklyn's Bay Ridge. "My customers were Seafarers. They told me all about what they did and talked me into it." Kamer sold his business and started sailing as a second baker and chief baker in 1997 aboard the SS Independence. While he enjoyed the work, he did notice quite a difference between operating a restaurant for himself and cooking aboard ship for others. "I have to follow the directions I am given," the galMohamed Kamer works in the Paul ley gang member Hall Center's culinary institute to stated. "The menu upgrade his galley skills. is already prepared and we have to follow what we have been given. There is very little opportunity to be creative, unless there is a special birthday or other event." Despite the change in both working and living situations, Kamer admits, "I love to sail." Even when he is not aboard ship, the Brooklynbased member can be found in the kitchen. During the last four summers, he has taken a month off from sailing to work with the same family in the mountains of upstate New York when they gather for their annual vacation. Kamer was selected by the family because of his high grades at the Manhattan school. He prepares the menus, does the shopping and cooks for as many as 30 people. He said he really enjoys doing this because it allows him to work on new dishes, especially seafood. Another benefit is he can take his daughter with him so they can spend time together. An American citizen for 10 years, Kamer plans to continue his career with the SIU. "This has been very good for me." Seafarers LOG 9 �To all my shipmates, retired and active, in the Gov't. Services Division (MSCPAC) A To all Seafarers and families Holiday greetings and best wishes to you and yours. God bless. Felix P Amara Sr. To Becky Sleeper Happiest of holidays and peace and prosperity in the coming year for you, your family and your staff. Our "Orgulf Angel" is still tops!! Nancy Avery and y our Orgulf members To Orgulf cooks Happy holidays! May all our crews be merry and the rivers all run smooth. And ban appetit! Nancy Ave1y To "Uncle Mel" Merry Christmas! At this time of new beginnings, I wish you all smooth seas and peace. Nancy Avery To Bosun Jeremiah Harrington and all SIU members Merry Christmas and a very happy, prosperous New Year. Smooth sailing. Pete M Amper JB3 To Carmine Barbati Your family loves you always. We miss you tremendously. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Lots of hugs and kisses 2 U. Happy birthday ol' man of mine! RoseMary, Jim and Rachel Barbati To Tricia Gerlach and the Bull family Have a happy holiday season and Happy New Year in 2000. Merry Christmas. Jeffery Bull c T b.e h.oliJ&y greetings ap;peari11g on th.is pa.ge were written girls, finally we are getting more female recertified stewards. Sometimes it takes a woman to add the right touch to make it all come together. Good luck and happy sailing, Donna DeCesare To Lanette Lopez and Paul Sending you this holiday greeting with much happiness for you. Congratulations on your engagement and may your first Christmas together be one to always remember. Mele Kalikimaka. Donna DeCesare & Johnny To my old shipmates Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Jimmie Dies JF Christmas is a special time of the year. And we wish you were here. We love you. There's no Christmas without you. (Happy birthday.) Van, Nita and Rodd Coleman To Vanessa, Lovenita and Rodderick Coleman Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I love you all and miss you very much. Xmas is just not Xmas without the ones you love. Roderick Coleman JO) To Judy Chester, Ruti DeMont, Lanette·Lopez and Susan Taylor-Moe Wishing all my sisters the best during this holiday season and always. Congratulations 10 Seafarers LOG To friends and family To Phil Kleinebreil Alive and kick'n! With continued growth, strength and faith, may we all share these holidays in spirit as we have together over all the years. Blair (Humes) Best wishes to you and your family over the holidays and into the new year. David Ling To all active and retired members of the best union in the world JK_ To Amir Kasim To Debra Loureiro Best wishes and happiness this holiday season. Always thinking of you . . .. J. Carlos Loureiro To Joel Lechel and Anthony I am so happy that you Sabattini and their families will be home this Christmas Best wishes and happiness and for the new year 2000. this holiday season. Have a This holiday will be full of great 2000 !!! joy and happi----J Carlos ness. Let the G "Remember When ... " Ernest Gibbons To Seafarers & their families Bless you and all your families always. Domingo Gordian To Monica Guffey To the love of my life, that I couldn't live without, sorry I can't be home. You're always with me! Happy holidays, babe. Love ya' T.J Guffey To all SIU members I would like to wish all the members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Happy holidays to all! T.J Guffey JHl To Lee Hardman Merry Christmas, daddy. I love you! Kailan Hardman To my brothers and sisters at sea and on the beach Best wishes on Christmas, the New Year, the new century and the new millennium. Filiberto Moreira To all former shipmates and their families Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Jimmy Moye T'was the LOG before Christmas to Nancy's surprise/ A message from Steve greeted her eyes .../Merry Christmas, Nancy, way down in Ole Miss./Merry Christmas, Nancy, I blow you a kiss ... Steve "The Kid" Nelson Clockwise from the top: Van, Ntta and Rodd Coleman; Capt. Louis F. Flade; Roderick Coleman; Amir and trma Kasim; Sandra. Alexander and Alicia Panko; Tom Tobias and Lester Moore. year. My best wishes also to all SIU members and their families. With love from your wife, Irma Kasim JL To all Seafarers I wish you all a joyful Xmas and a happy, healthy and safe New Year. Jean LaCorte To dad, mom, grandma, Mark and Leo Although I'm spending another holiday season out at sea, I want you to know that I think of you each and every day! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I look forward to "seaing" you soon. Love always, Jeff Lagana To Kasandra and Harper Merry Christmas and we're going to have a very merry New Year. The Christmas holidays are a special time for us. The lights are bright and the tree will be up with presentsand then our special presents in January and April. Love, your husband and daddy, Joel Lechel To the crew and officers on the Sea-Land Producer I want to say: very happy holidays to a great bunch of guys and gals and an excellent bunch of people to sail with. Feliz Navidad, and Happy New Year. Bosun Joel Lechel To Seafarers around the world To Judy E. McBurney Best wishes for the holiday season. You are my favorite people. May God bless you all. Hubert "Red" House Merry Christmas and a Happy ew Year to Judy and the kids and puppy Lewis and Boo and Kitty and Moxie and Tori and Cody Boy and Kelly and Darrin and Stephanie and David. Miss y'all. Love y'all. See y'all soon. Guy (Richard L. Lewis) I wish you all a great holiday. Willard Huggins To Elsa Moreira and my beloved children Laurie, Marquita, Vanessa, Zinzi and Al'Rashid To Nancy Avery We pray that God will bless you with goodness and happiness, great memories and the gifts of His perfect love. Hazel Jr. (Hayes) and Doretha Johnson To my shipmates and Capt. Murphy A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! William Morris Jr. N Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Wishing you safe voyages in 2000 and forever. Les and Mike Freeburn To all members To Roderick Coleman Merry Christmas and welcome to the Year 2000. Thanks for your help-and thanks to Janice in the Houston hall. Lester J Moore To the SIU membership To Jose F. Castillo Dad, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We love and miss you so much. Your loving kids, Anthony, Junior and Audrey Cerame To the Seafarers Welfare Plan Happy holidays to you and your family. Enjoyed our trip this summer. We will have to do it again. David Ling Merry Christmas to you and your family. Les and Mike Freeburn Peace and greetings this holiday season. May you sail with bountiful joy and always find safe harbors. Much love always, Richard J Fuller To Augusto B. Cerame To Donald S. Ling Thanks for your endearing "crazy nuts" love that makes me feel as special as you are in my life! Never far away, Love Blair (Humes) To Jesse Hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. Remember all the Christmases we shared as a family. Love you all. Your loving family, Mom (Charlotte E. Canion), Beverly, Tommy, Marylee, Bruce and Rob Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I love and miss you so much. Also, thanks for everything. Your loving wife, Sandra Cerame To Lesa Arnold I wish you the best this holiday season. Have a prosperous and healthy New Year. Stand up for your union, and use Piney Point to upgrade. Capt. Louis F. Flade To beloved brothers and sisters of the SIU, SUP, MC&S and MFOW To Augusto B. Cerame Se11.f11,re1•s, pensioners, friends 11.nJ la.m.- To all current and retired SIU members To William G. Rackley, Vilma and Tommy Lee Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We wish you were home with us. We love you very much. Your family (Maricela, Maria, Jose, Glenn and Mama Castillo) bi ' ily members. Ti1ey a.re lislertl in 11.lphabetical order by the name of tlu~ inJiviJua sending tl1e inessage. T lie Seafarers LOG joins vitb those appearing below in extending se11.son's greeetings to all. To Mrs. Virginia L. Ollivierre Season's greetings to my wonderful wife, Virginia. The most precious things in life are found in a good wife. I love you so much. Roger S. Ollivierre Ml To Rod "Bronco" Matsuura Honey, I just wanna tell you that I honestly love you with all my heart. Happy holidays. Your wife, Helen (Matsuura) To the deck, navigation and engine departments on the Mississippi Queen I would like to extend holiday greetings to all of you and your families. I hope you enjoy your upcoming time off during layup. Have a great 2000 sailing season. Robert Mclemore JP> To all my shipmates in MSC Oakland I wish all of you best wishes for a safe holiday season. I am well and kicking. Fair winds to all of you. Edward Palmer To Sandra, Alexander and Alicia Panko Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. You guys are always on my mind. Have a nice holiday. I will be home soon. Dasril Panko To Neng, Eric and Ryan Peck Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! James D. Rae To Bill Romig Happy holidays! Thank you for all you do for us all year! You are the greatest dad and husband. We love you! Kori, Curtis and Jacob Romig To G. Jane Hullsiek Sanchez Merry Christmas, catwoman. Hope you have a purrfect Christmas holiday. Thanks for the joy and happiness you have given me. Your Juan and only, Juan D. Sanchez To all Seafarers and shoreside personnel Yuletide greetings and a salute to the best maritime union worldwide. Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Siddons To my son, Matthew Thomas Sjaastad I love you, son, and hope to see you soon. Dad (Arthur N. Sjaastad) To John G. Katsos Season's greetings to you, the keeper of the light (aka Lighthouse John). Thank you. Arthur Sjaastad (aka Turtle) To all Railroad Marine and deep sea members A very merry, healthy and happy holiday to all. [P.S. W. Hinko, call (516) 781-4385.] Orrin "O.D. "Smith and family 1~ To Mike, George, Jack, Carl and Bill Have a very Merry Xmas. And to our future brothers and sisters at Piney Point, welcome aboard. Thomas Tobias To the Andrew Furuseth class of '69, upgraders of '73 and '81, and trainees in the basic engine class of '73 Merry Xmas Thomas Tobias To all my SIU brothers and sisters at sea, on shore and abroad Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Thomas Tobias To Howard Yaekel Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Mac (Tom McNellis) Happy holidays to my wonderful wife, Neng, and my sons Eric and Ryan. The past lives we've spent together can't compare to this one. Michael Peck To Kathy Parent Happy holiday, my love. It's so wonderful to have you home for all three holidays. Together forever i the best holiday gift you can give me. God bless. Love, Lucy Yaekel To all Seafarers and their families To all active seamen To Mary and Craig Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Mac (Tom McNellis) To my wife, Hattie Merry Xmas, a prosperous New Year. God bless you. Your husband, A. Minors To SIU officials and members, especially at the NY hall Season's greetings to all. God bless you all. A. Minors To PRMMI shoregang Merry Christmas. God bless you all. A. Minors To my friend and retired member James Robinson Merry Xmas and a prosperous ew Year. A. Minors To /TB Groton officers and crew Merry Christmas to all of you. I'm happy to be working with you guys on Christmas Day, and I'm looking fonvard to working with you again. You make me feel good. Chief Cook Joel Molinas Have a wonderful millennium. Michael Peck To Dawn and Jared Pinkham Merry Christmas to my loving wife and wonderful son. I miss you both very much and I can't wait to see you again. Love, Mark Pinkham JR~ To Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley I would like to wish my wife and son a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in the year 2000. Bill Rackley To mom, Marylee, Bruce, Bob, Beverly and Tom From the Philippines, I would like to wish my family a great New Year and a Merry Christmas. William, Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley God bless. Lucy Yaekel To all my brothers and sisters I used to sail and loved every day of life. Then I got hurt. It has been eight years since I last sailed, and I miss it and all the good people very much. Best wishes for a very happy and healthy holiday season. Have a good year. Sy Yaras MlJisc To the Sea Monkeys Group We wish you a joyous season as we all continue on our voyage to a happy destiny. Bo G. and Bill W To Mike Gramer Merry Christmas sweetheart. I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year. The kids and I will keep you in our hearts and prayers. We miss you! Brenda December 1999 �HE LAST 1O YEARS have seen tremendous change affecting all Americans. For instance, many people-not just major businesses-in 1990 were realizing how effective overnight delivery services were in transmitting documents. Then came the fax machine, making overnight too slow. Now, items are transmitted in seconds via email. Encyclopedias have given way to the internet. Friendly personal service from your local bank teller-even your local bank-has been replaced by pay-for-service cash machines operated by major multi-state financial institutions. Cellular phones are everywhere and young people do not understand where the term "dial the telephone" came from. Minivans and sport utility vehicles have replaced station wagons as the choice for family transportation. The Saturn has become one of the major nameplates on highways while the Plymouth is being eliminated. Even the United States currency has been redesigned. Yes, no one entering the 1990s could have foreseen the many, many transformations that would occur in just a decade. The same is true for the SIU and the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. As new 1990 calendars were being hung, some truly believed Old Glory would not be seen on the high seas when the year 2000 arrived. An American merchant fleet was an anachronism. Let someone else move the goods. But events in the Middle East changed that thinking. The vital role played by Seafarers and the rest of the U.S. merchant marine in supplying troops during Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm set in motion a sea of change. New ships-especially prepositioning vessels-would be needed for future crises. Well-trained American mariners would have to crew them because the armed forces discovered some of their materiel was delayed when foreign crews refused to sail into a war zone. Militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels and their crews so proved their worth that Congress with the Bush and Clinton administrations worked for five years on legislation to revitalize the fleet. The U.S.-flag tanker fleet was rejuvenated when legislation allowed the export of Alaska North Slope crude oil while new double-hulled tankers, built in a unionized U.S. yard, began sailing in the Jones Act trade. The deep sea fleet was not the only place where change occurred. New inland tugs and barges provided additional jobs for Seafarers. The American Queen joined the Delta Queen Steamboat Company fleet of paddlewheelers, while the Columbia Queen sets sail next year. The U.S.-flag cruise industry came back to life thanks to American Classic Voyages. Two new deep sea passenger ships are being built by union workers and will begin sailing early in the next decade. Joining them will be five 225-passenger coastal cruise ships, the first of which will cast off in 2000. And the decade ended with members of the SIU and National Maritime Union voting whether the NMU should be merged into the Seafarers. Obviously, those cries about the demise of the U.S.-flag merchant fleet are only a bad memory. With all this change, there has been one constant. The main priority of the SIU has been job security for its members. "We dedicated ourselves to one thing," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "That was making sure Seafarers had safe, good-paying jobs. That was our priority in 1990 and it remains our priority going into the 21st century." Many other events have taken place during these 10 years that have changed the lives of Seafarers and their families. On the next four pages, the Seafarers LOG recalls some of the issues, actions and people that have guided this voyage during the decade of the 1990s. HE DECADE OPENS with the SIU expressing its concern over an annual report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation that all but dismissed the presence of a U.S.-flag merchant fleet. In a column published in the April 1990 edition of the Seafarers LOG, SIU President Michael Sacco states, "There can be no mistaking now that the Department of Transportation hasn't the slightest intention of making any serious creative effort to reverse the decline of the American-flag shipping industry .... Aside from some - - - - • acknowledgement that maritime is vital to the national security and some vague references to the need for shipping reform so that it can improve its competitive position, the statement of policy gave not the slightest sign of encouragement." At the same time, multi-national agribusinesses with their runaway-flag fleets lobby Congress to eliminate cargo preference laws. Then, a Middle Eastern event changes everything. Iraq invades Kuwait. American forces are ordered to Saudi Arabia to serve in a multinational force designed to remove the aggressors. The Ready Reserve Force fleet joins with MSC prepositioning ships and U.S.-flag commercial vessels to supply troops with tanks, ammunition, food and other materiel. Seafarers come out of retirement and union halls stay open around the clock to ensure no U.S.-flag vessel sails short. During this period, SIU Secretary-Treasurer Joe DiGiorgio retires and John Fay is named by the executive board to take his place. Byron Kelley becomes vice president for the lakes and inland waters and Dean Corgey moves up to Gulf Coast vice president. Brother DiGiorgio passes away at year's end. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School upgrades its curriculum with an advanced fire fighting course. While 1990 wraps up with the supply effort continuing, Seafarers also crew the first of three new AT&T cable ships: the Global Sentinel. . - - - - - . AYS INTO THE NEW YEAR, Operation Desert Shield gives way to Operation Desert Storm. Allied bombs rain on Iraq for several weeks before the ground invasion overruns Iraqi forces. The Persian Gulf War lasts 43 days. The U.S.-flag fleet is praised by military and government officials who review how each element of the build-up and combat performed. The head of the armed forces' logistics deployment calls the industry "the bedrock of America's defense transportation system. In the past six months, we have asked a great deal from America's maritime unions and you have responded by giving us everything we have asked for and more," adds General Hansford T. Johnson, who oversees the U.S. Transportation Command. Seafarers proudly march with America's armed forces in Washington, D.C.'s national victory parade. Further reviews during the year cite the need for a strong U.S.-flag fleet. After saluting the work done by the merchant marine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin Powell, tells the Senate, "Our nation's sealift capability needs improvement." By the end of the year, the SIU and other maritime unions jointly call for action to revitalize the U.S.-flag fleet. (Earlier, these unions start the push to keep maritime out of the world trade talks, known as GATT.) The union opens a new hall in Honolulu and initiates a series of conferences around the country to educate members about the union's benefit programs. The training center in Piney Point, Md. is named in memory of the late SIU president who oversaw its creation: the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The first vessel that will be covered by a Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union contract-the Alton Be/le-begins sailing. SIU President Michael Sacco is elected to the AFL-CIO executive council. The U.S. Coast Guard announces it intends to charge mariners for their z-cards and to implement a renewal program for the documents. December 1999 1991 SeafanNS LOG 11 �Decade of Progress CTION BEGINS ON WHAT will eventually become the Maritime Security Program. A Pentagon study cites the need for more sealift capability based on its analysis of the Persian Gulf War. Then, Transportation Secretary Andrew Card presents during a Senate Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing the Bush administration's plan for a seven-year effort to help fund the U.S.-flag fleet. The maritime unions praise the proposal: "American maritime labor, the industry and Congress 1992 have demonstrated a willingness to work for a revival of a U.S.-flag shipping capability. With the addition of administration support to the equation, we are hopeful that what once looked to be a formidable task now has become a reachable goal." Congress takes no further action on the measure before it adjourns. Seafarers climb the gangway on the first new U.S.-flag containership built since 1987, Matson's R.J. Pfeiffer. The SIUcrewed Pride of Texas becomes the first U.S.-flag vessel to sail into Lithuania since 1939. "Red" Campbell steps down as contracts vice president. Augie Tellez replaces him. Retired Atlantic Coast Vice President Leon Hall passes away. President Bush signs legislation allowing gaming aboard U.S.-flag deep sea vessels. Delta Queen Steamboat Company announces plans to build a new paddlewheel vessel to ply the Mississippi and its tributaries. In the wake of the Coast Guard's new regulation governing benzene exposure, the Paul Hall Center offers classes to protect Seafarers. The Persian Gulf sealift operation wraps up, but vessels start sailing with supplies to Somalia. HE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION shows its interest in a maritime revitalization program within its first days in office. 1993 New Transportation Secretary Federico Pena calls representatives from maritime labor and industry together in Washington, D.C. to learn more about the needs of the U.S.-flag fleet. Former merchant mariner and retired Navy Vice Admiral Albert Herberger, who had served as deputy chief of TRANSCOM, is nominated to head the Maritime Administration. The White House sends legislation for a 10-year program to Capitol Hill. It is well received by the bipartisan leadership of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee. The package makes its way through the House and passes 34 7-65. As the effort to enact revitalization grows, American President Lines and Sea-Land Service ask MarAd to allow the reflagging of 20 vessels. The SIU, with the other maritime unions, fights this request. Workers at the Avondale (la.) Shipyard begin a six-year battle to gain a union contract by voting almost 2-1 for representation. The UIW-contracted Queen Mary reopens after a year-long battle in Long Beach, Calif. Delta Queen Steamboat Company purchases American Hawaii Cruises, which operates the SIU-crewed SS independence and SS Constitution. The two companies will comprise American Classic Voyages. SIU Government Services Division members crew the Navy's first SWATHdesign T-AGOS vessel. Under the new standard freightship and tanker agreements ratified by the membership, medical coverage is extended to dependents and the pension cap is lifted. Tom Fay replaces Ken Conklin, who retired as vice president for the Paul Hall Center. Retired Gulf Coast Vice President Lindsey Williams passes away. International trade representatives agree to exclude maritime from GATT. HE YEAR STARTS WITH President Clinton becoming the first sitting chief executive to tour the Paul Hall Center. After Transportation Secretary Federico Pena tells the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department that the administration has included funds for maritime revitalization in its Fiscal Year 1995 budget, the White House sends a revised 10-year initiative to Congress. AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland, a former merchant officer, announces the unions' support: "Labor as a whole embraces the administration's maritime security program as an impor- 1994 tant step toward the revitalization of the American merchant marine." The House passes the measure 294-122. However, it is blocked in the Senate by farm-state legislators. The White House vows to bring the measure back in the next Congress. Because of the lack of a program, APL flags out its six new C-11 containerships and Sea-Land asks to reflag five of its vessels (which is granted in early 1995). The SIU and other maritime unions call for the repeal of the 21-year export ban of Alaska North Slope crude oil as long as the petroleum is carried by U.S.-flag tankers. Boatmen aboard E.N. Bisso tugs in New Orleans vote 45 to 27 for SIU representation. The effort to gain a contract begins. The Brooklyn union hall moves a block to its new location. The Paul Hall Center launches a series of EPA-approved refrigeration certification classes around the ports. It revises its steward department curriculum and purchases new vessels for hands-on training. SIU-crewed vessels return from Somalia and receive praise for their work, while other ships assist U.S. forces deployed to return democracy to Haiti. In national elections, the GOP gains control of Congress for the first time in 40 years. 12 Seafarers LOG December 1999 �HE NEW CONGRESS disbands the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee while merging the Senate Merchant Marine Subcommittee with one on surface transportation. 1995 However, the effort to gain maritime revitalization continues to push forward. The administration reintroduces its legislation. Senate Majority Whip Trent Lott (R-Miss.), the son of a union shipyard worker, tells the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department: "I want a U.S.-flag fleet, manned by American crews, and U.S. ships built by American labor." The bill goes to the Senate after the House approves it in a bipartisan voice vote. A measure to end the export ban of Alaska North Slope crude oil makes its way through Congress. SIU President Michael Sacco tells a Senate subcommittee many U.S.-flag tankers are tied up or scheduled for scrapping, thus keeping American mariners from sailing and keeping their skills sharp. He noted America's economic circumstances had changed since the 1970s when the ban went into effect. In May, the Senate approves lifting the ban 74-25. The House clears a different version in July 324-77. A conference committee irons out the differences. Congress again approves lifting the ban and President Clinton signs the measure on November 28. New jobs for Seafarers are gained. The American Queen is christened. Maersk brings two foreign-flag RO/ROs into the U.S. registry and reconfigures them as prepositioning vessels. Penn Maritime adds an ITB to its fleet. And five former Maersk foreign-flag vessels are earmarked to become Army prepositioning ships. The SIU-crewed Cape Race breaks out to assist U.N. efforts in Bosnia. The Paul Hall Center dedicates part of its Harry Lundeberg School facility as the Thomas 8. Crowley Sr. Campus for Higher Learning. The union opens a hall in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Center Vice President Tom Fay succumbs to cancer. John Sweeney is elected president of the AFL-CIO. ARAD ANNOUNCES A SERIES of double-hulled Double Eagle tankers will be built at unionized Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. Construction funding comes from a Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee. These are the first tankers to be built in an American yard since the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 became law. Laid-up tankers begin sailing with SIU crews to move Alaska North Slope crude oil. Maritrans launches another ITB and the Paul Hall Center develops inland tankermen courses. Action moves to the Senate for a maritime revitalization program. The head of TRANSCOM, General Robert Rutherford, calls for its passage. In July, Trent Lott (R-Miss.) becomes Senate Majority Leader when Bob Dole (R-Kansas) resigns to run for president. Two months later, the legislation is debated by the full Senate where it passes 88-10. On October 8, President Clinton signs the measure enacting the Maritime Security Program, which will provide funds for 1O years for approximately 50 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels. It is the first major piece of maritime legislation enacted since 1970. MarAd announces the first contract awards in December. 1996 The celebration was tempered by the unexpected loss of SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco to a heart attack. In other developments, SIU Secretary-Treasurer John Fay becomes chairman of the ITF Seafarers' Section. A new hall in Tacoma opens. Members are urged to acquire STCW certificates. The new standard freightship and tanker agreements expand medical benefits and create a money purchase pension plan. The Jones Act fight continues. More than 70 flag officers inform Congress of the need for the nation's freight cabo- CLINTON SIGNS SHIP BILL tage law. Seafarers and their families travel from North Carolina to attend a congressional hearing on the subject and meet with their representatives. I ~~, - Finally, MSC Pacific Fleet vessels are deployed in the Persian Gulf because of Iraqi attacks on the Kurds. 10-Year Program Salls Through Senate with Bipartisan Support December 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �Decade of Progress EEPING UP WITH THE ever-changing needs of the industry, the Paul Hall Center continues its efforts to meet and exceed what is required of American mariners. The facility starts issuing training record books which will allow Seafarers to show their compliance with international safety and training regulations without having to carry all kinds of papers. The facility revamps its syllabus for beginning mariners. The new nine-month unlicensed appren- - - - - tice program continues hands-on and classroom training at Piney Point but allows students to work for three months aboard U.S.-flag ships to learn more about the trade. 1997 The center also begins anti-terrorist training for members upgrading in government vessels courses. Enemies of the Jones Act renew their assault on the freight cabotage law. However, a bipartisan resolution supporting the act is introduced in the House of Representatives early in the session. By fall, more than half the members of the House have signed on as co-sponsors, effectively killing any action against the Jones Act. The executive board names John Fay executive vice president for the union, while Dave Heindel becomes secretary-treasurer. George McCartney retires as West Coast vice president. The board chooses Nick Marrone as his successor. A new SIU hall opens in Anchorage, Alaska. The SIU launches its web site. Seafarers continue to gain additional jobs as new tugs and vessels-including four reflagged Maersk containerships-come under contract. Bisso boatmen ratify the company's first union contract in its 117-year history. President Clinton signs legislation that includes the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, which provides funding to assist in new passenger ship development. NOL announces the purchase of APL which brings four C-11s to the U.S. registry. Tyco acquires the AT&T cable ship fleet. Efforts are announced to convert the mothballed Philadelphia Naval Yard into a commercial shipbuilding facility. ._,,__"' Things Right Place Right Time ~'· ~.~ R~ht ALKS AIMED AT A POSSIBLE AFFILIATION of the National Maritime Union into the SIUNA are announced during the NMU's convention, held in March at the Paul Hall Center. The effort culminates on December 10 when SIUNA President Michael Sacco and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie sign the document, thus bringing all the nation's major unlicensed maritime unions within the same organization. Seafarers sail to the Persian Gulf again to supply American and allied forces as Iraq once more rattles its sword. The delivery effort is praised by TRANSCOM while the president of the U.S. Navy League calls for more support for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Delta Queen Steamboat Co.mpany announces its intention to build five 225-passenger coastal cruise ships. They would sail along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Northwest coasts with the first coming on line by 2000. In testimony before Congress, the SIU talks favorably about the prospects for expanding the U.S.-flag cruise fleet. Senator John Breaux (Ola.) introduces legislation to help rebuild that fleet. The Clinton administration announces approval for dredging to begin in the port of New York/New Jersey so it can handle proposed deeper draft commercial vessels. The first two Double Eagle tankers-the Cape Lookout Shoals and Nantucket Shoals-set sail, joining other new ships in providing more job opportunities for Seafarers. SIU pensioners benefit when a new prescription drug program is initiated. Steel dumping by foreign nations adversely affects Seafarers working on the Great Lakes. The sailing season ends early after an extended run of record-setting years. Veterans Day takes on new meaning for merchant mariners who sailed between August 16, 1945 and December 31, 1946 as President Clinton signs into law an extension of World War II veterans' status for these Americans. The dates now coincide with all other veterans of that era. XPANSION OF THE U.S. PASSENGER SHIP FLEET becomes more of a reality when the president of American Classic Voyages and the president of Ingalls Shipbuilding sign a contract in the U.S. Capitol to build two 1,900-passenger vessels for the Hawaiian trades. Construction was made possible through the passage of the U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project of 1997. Later in the year, American Classic Voyages announces the new ships will become part of a subsidiary .__ _ _• which will resurrect the United States Lines name. The company purchases the Nieuw Amsterdam, will reflag and upgrade it, and rename the ship the MS Patriot when it starts sailing around Hawaii late next year. Another subsidiary, Delta Queen Steamboat Company, releases its plans to offer paddlewheel service in the Pacific Northwest aboard the Columbia Queen. While all of these represent new job opportunities for Seafarers, SIU members climb the gangways to new car carriers, the Green Dale and the Tanabata, as well as other new vessels. SIU-crewed vessels continue to supply U.S. troops stationed in the Persian Gulf and the Balkans. The Paul Hall Center opens the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, providing a world-class facility for classroom and hands-on instruction minutes from the main Piney Point campus. Roy "Buck" Mercer retires as government services vice president. Kermett Mangram is named to replace him. Don Nolan becomes vice president of the Paul Hall Center. The union opens a new hall to serve the membership in New Orleans while the facility in Norfolk gets a facelift. Following talks throughout the year, a proposed merger to bring the NMU within the ranks of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District is announced in September. The year ends with members of both unions voting to see if the talks should proceed. 14 Seafarers LOS 1999 New Ships For Seafarers! To Come Al Sea December 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs 23 11 6 8 3 2 3 10 14 23 36 12 5 6 29 6 17 6 8 5 26 24 6 12 26 5 6 11 17 5 13 1 2 2 249 122 5 8 2 6 5 2 2 10 1 2 1l 4 7 5 7 44 20 2 7 9 23 23 19 4 4 0 2 9 8 25 2 21 17 24 8 8 19 4 2 4 68 181 6 7 8 2 2 11 8 3 6 1 12 6 9 3 2 6 5 7 2 3 12 3 0 2 7 2 3 2 86 58 5 6 10 2 9 4 1 68 22 23 61 41 45 43 13 15 37 3 2 2 393 8 6 15 31 9 20 11 4 12 20 3 3 1 186 9 3 5 9 7 12 3 18 7 0 6 January & February 2000 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point ............. Monday: January 3, February 7 Algonac .................. Friday: January 7, February J 1 Baltimore ................ Thursday: January 6, February 10 Duluth ..................... Wedne day: January 12, February 16 Honolulu .... ............. Friday: January 14, February 18 Houston .................. Monday: January 10, February 14 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: January 6, February IO Jersey City .............. Wednesday: January 19, February 23 Mobile .................... Wednesday: January 12, February 16 11 4 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: January 18, February 22 2 New Orleans ........ ... Tuesday: January 11, February 15 4 New York. .... ........... Tuesday: January 4, February 8 101 Norfolk ................... Thursday: January 6, February 10 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 15 4 5 4 8 4 1 6 5 4 8 20 12 8 10 11 5 4 24 3 2 0 9 8 5 6 3 8 9 0 3 5 0 4 2 0 4 2 1 6 7 1 5 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 1 9 6 3 3 6 4 2 5 8 2 6 10 14 4 4 9 2 0 1 4 0 7 5 6 5 6 3 2 4 14 1 0 2 3 0 3 5 I 3 0 1 2 2 2 6 8 10 32 21 16 18 8 9 25 2 3 1 7 7 2 3 1 6 2 3 3 3 l 2 0 129 86 46 92 64 41 12 7 0 7 4 13 14 22 14 17 2 7 12 2 0 0 133 5 1 5 4 4 I 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 45 16 98 7 1 25 2 13 5 0 1 5 11 0 1 8 9 1 3 22 1 0 0 30 5 2 12 5 1 9 7 13 19 9 11 12 4 8 IO 2 5 0 186 128 21 6 2 10 8 15 12 1 4 0 Totals 0 2 0 2 2 8 7 2 4 2 5 3 2 1 8 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 5 I 0 Totals Totals All Departments 1 0 2 4 2 7 6 6 4 3 6 15 12 15 13 3 0 0 1 0 0 4 1 1 0 8 9 5 1 2 2 1 8 2 0 7 6 0 4 6 2 1 2 48 I 0 2 0 36 29 40 24 2 10 3 15 12 1 3 0 3 2 3 4 5 9 4 1 7 3 3 0 3 1 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 12 38 221 0 90 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 28 33 0 3 3 3 22 12 2 11 17 3 12 9 4 10 17 31 25 10 24 4 38 19 0 0 1 7 1 0 0 St. Louis ................. Friday: January 14, February 18 Tacoma ................... Friday: January 21, February 25 Wilmington ............... Tuesday: January 18*, February 22* (*changes created by Martin Lutherc King Jr. s birthday and Presidents Day holidays) Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals TO MY FELLOW BROTHERS OF THE SEA Arthur N. Sjaastad, who sailed as an AB from the port of Houston, is presently incarcerated and would love to hear from some of his former shipmates. His address is TDCJ-ID #681264, Estelle Unit, Foscil K-2205, Huntsville, Texas 77340. THOMAS CHIN 27 2 14 16 3 4 0 2 San Juan .................. Thursday: January 6, February LO Please contact Cyd Reagan, c/o Sylvia Westbrook, P.O. Box 1150, Mt. View, Hawaii 96771; or telephone (808) 968-6492. 6 1 Preventive Medicine in Tacoma 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 5 2 San Francisco ......... Thursday: January 13, February 17 3 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: January 5, February 9 1 0 4 3 I 6 7 6 3 8 12 6 3 13 20 6 17 5 11 3 6 4 2 l 0 2 4 1 5 19 0 0 7 5 8 5 9 11 13 1 19 30 86 1 12 4 0 0 0 0 6 2 0 6 l 0 0 48 158 170 27 0 2 2 106 559 411 300 398 292 5 14 4 9 0 1 9 8 4 4 6 11 13 11 7 l 8 13 3 51 3 0 19 0 0 143 0 87 243 235 254 136 887 647 411 13 5 104 10 0 Seafarers in the Tacoma, Wash. area lined up at the SIU hall for their annual flu shot on October 22. Among those taking the inoculation were (above) Recertified Steward Henry Jones and (below) SA Kaid Adam. Administering the shots is RN JoAnn Kauffman. 11 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. December 1999 Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntemational Union Directory OCTOBER 16 - Mid1ael Sac® · President CL - John Fay . Executive Vice President Augustin TeUez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone . Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services .. HEADQUARTERS 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., # IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 {215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 ( 415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16'l2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 < ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG 29 21 0 18 17 0 7 12 0 24 19 Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 8 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 6 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 7 0 12 0 11 9 0 2 2 0 2 6 0 12 13 30 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters OCTOBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 0 NP - 0 27 39 27 Totals All Depts 0 78 69 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 L-Lakes Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Da\'id Heindel Secretary-Treasurer NOVEMBER 15, 1999 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 1 0 0 40 0 1 0 0 42 0 3 0 4 7 0 0 0 0 0 25 1 26 0 0 1 0 0 15 1 16 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 NOVEMBER 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 20 0 2 6 3 5 28 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 1 0 11 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 20 8 29 0 0 0 2 2 0 23 38 0 0 15 2 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 11 1 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 84 0 9 43 3 7 58 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 15 0 0 0 0 2 2 41 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by pensioner Ewing "Ed" Rihn of Franklinton, La. The picture was taken aboard the Waterman ship Mirabeau B. Yamar on a trip to Trieste in 1947. The vessel crewed in New Orleans and paid off in Baltimore. Standing (from the left) are Joe Huber, Chad Galt, Red Smith, Bill Grega! and Ed Rihn. Bosun Tom Freeman is kneeling at left. Rihn, 75, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Galveston and graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. He won the Seafarers Safety Poster Contest of 1960-61 . Before retiring in 1984, Rihn worked with the Delta Steamship Lines shoregang in New Orleans. December 1999 �- - - - -- - - - - - - - -...._.-~....-ri__.,.....,.________ _ _ _ ___ -·-- 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. hree recertified bosuns and one recertified steward are among the 19 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing more than 130 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Kenneth W. Craft, Ronald W. Dailey and Neil D. Matthey and Recertified Steward Harold Fielder are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Sill's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including the four recertified graduates, 14 of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, four shipped on inland vessels, and one plied the Great Lakes. Nine of the retiring pensioners sailed in the deck department, eight worked in the steward department and two shipped in the engine department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. T DEEP SEA ABDULR. ABDO, 67, began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Halcyon Panther. Born in Arabia, he worked in the steward department. Brother Abdo last sailed in 1996 aboard the President Chester B. Arthur, an American President Lines vessel. He has retired to San Francisco. RITA M. BALLARD, 60, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1965 in the port of San Francisco, first sailing aboard Matson Navigation Co. 's Lurline. A member of the steward department, Sister Ballard last sailed aboard the SS Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. Born in Switzerland, she makes her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. KENNETH W.CRAFT, 59, started his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Seattle. His first ship was the Raleigh, operated by Crest Overseas Shipping Co. Born in North Dakota, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Sill's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1984. Prior to retirement, Brother Craft sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. From 1957 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Navy. He has retired to Winter- haven, Calif. RONALDW. DAILEY, 66, began his career with the Seafarers in 1977 from the port of Tampa, Fla., sailing in the inland division aboard the Dixie Prag- December 1999 ress. The deck department member later transferred to deep sea vessels. Brother Dailey frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1992. The Ohio native served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 to 1954 and served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1964. Prior to retirement, he sailed aboard the Newark Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Jacksonville, Fla. is where he calls home. ARLIE A. DILLARD, 65, started sailing with the SIU in 1962 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Cathy, operated by Sea Transport Co. A native of Texas, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Brother Dillard last sailed in 1980 aboard the Overseas Anchor. He has retired to Houston. HAROLDH. FIELDER, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1952 from the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Alabama, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1958 and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. The steward department member last sailed in 1989 aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. Brother Fielder makes his home in Mobile. HERBERT HOLLINGS, 65, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard the Afoundria. A native of Mobile, Ala., he worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Sgt. William R. Button, an American Overseas Marine Corp. vessel. Brother Hollings makes his home in Mobile. MARCOSC. LEGASPI, 64, graduated from the MC&S training school in 1963 and joined the union in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Wilson, an American President Lines vessel. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Mokihana, operated by Matson Navigation Co. Brother Legaspi calls San .---...........=------,Francisco home. THOMAS MARTINEZ, 79, began his career with the Seafarers in ~-~~-~ 1945 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Ecuador, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He last sailed aboard the USNS Able, operated by Maersk Line, Ltd. He makes his home in Philadelphia. NEILD. MATTHEY, 70, first sailed with the SIU in 1947, aboard the Marine Phoenix. Born in California, the U.S. Navy veteran worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1976. Prior to retirement, he worked aboard the Equality State, an Interocean Ugland Management Corp. vessel. Brother Matthey has retired to La Marque, Texas. NEWTON RADER, 61, graduated from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1961. Born in the Philippines, he became a U.S. citizen. Brother Rader worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Grant, an American Ship Management vessel. He calls San Pedro, Calif. home. ANASTACIO SERENO, 68, began his career with the MC&S in 1972 from the port of San Francisco, after graduating from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. His first ship was the Achilles, operated by Newport Tankers Corp. Brother Sereno worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Manukai, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. A native of the Philippines, he has retired to Milpitas, Calif. RAY F. SIMS, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York aboard the Seatrain Florida. Born in Tennessee, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union 's school in Piney Point, Md. From 1952 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Sims last sailed in 1992 aboard the Overseas Juneau. He calls San Francisco home. ANTONIOB. TREVINO, 65, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Trevino was a member of the deck department. Born in Honduras, he last sailed in 1983 aboard the Cove Sailor, operated by Cove Shipping. He makes his home in Dallas. INLAND BETTYC. ADAMS, 63, started her career with the Seafarers in 1985. Born in Illinois, she worked in the steward department. Sister Adams sailed primarily aboard Orgulf Transport Co. vessels. She has retired to Effmgham, Ill. ALBERTB. CHURCIIlLL, 63, joined the SIU in 1952. The Texas native sailed as a captain, primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing Co. Boatman Churchill makes his home in League City, Texas. BILLYM. MARE LL, 60, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959 aboard deep sea vessel Chiwawa, operated by Interocean Management. He later transferred to the inland division, working in the deck department and upgrading his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the Maritrans tug Columbia. Boatman Marell calls Middleburg, Fla. home. CARLK. MOOR, 71, joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Tennessee, he sailed in the deck department and graduated from the towboat scholarship program in 1979 at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he continued to upgrade his skills at the school. He last sailed aboard the Falcon, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. From 1948 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Moor has retired to Norfolk. GREAT LAKES AHMEDS. SHAIBI, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in Detroit. His first ship was the Harris N. Snyder. A native of Yemen, he became a U.S. citizen in 1974. Brother Shaibi worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Medusa Challenger, operated by Cement Transit. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. strong belief in independence is also the longterm goal of America during this current ener1950 gy crisis.... The SIU Atlantic and Guff District became the Vice President and former House Minority first seamen's union to negotiate a companyLeader Gerald R. Ford (R-Mlch.) outlined for financed Welfare Plan m==============================~ the delegates of the for its members. This SIUNA convention was established in an what he feels will be agreement signed with his responsibility in nine contracted his new post as steamship companies on America's 4oth vice December 28. president. Although the companies will make all the contributions to the wel1990 fare fund, the agreement provides for joint An additional breakout of Seafarers will crew administration by a committee representing another 13 ships from the government's the union and the steamship companies. Ready Reserve Force ( RRF) fleet which has Under the terms of the contract each compabeen activated by the military to support the ny will contribute into a common fund, the massive deployment of supplies and equipment sum of 2 5 cents per day for each man to the Persian Gulf.... employed aboard its vessels. As part of the massive logistical effort supplying Operation Desert Shield, the most recently 1973 deployed RRF ships will carry heavy vehicles Addressing a standing-room only audience at and other materiel for the soon-to-be the SIUNA convention, President Richard M. 430,000 American military personnel Nixon stressed that the Seafarers' traditionally assigned to duty in the Persian Gulf. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG THI 0 T 'N SIU HJ TO Y Seafarers LOG 17 �,f f DEEP SEA RONALD J. ADRIAN! Ronald J. Adriani, 59, passed away August 26. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980. Born in Connecticut, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Brother Adriani upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1958 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Friday Harbor, Wash. . _ __ _ _ _ ____J JOSE CIRO A. ALVARADO Pensioner Jose Ciro A. Alvarado, 76, died October 11. Born in Mexico, he started his career with the SIU in 1951 in Galveston, Texas. His first ship was the Republic. During his career, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Spirit of Texas, a Titan Navigation vessel. Brother Alvarado made his home in Dickinson, Texas and retired in June 1986. PAULL. BAKER Pensioner Paul L. Baker, 72, passed away October 10. A native of Ohio, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1952 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Baker sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in November 1984. From 1945 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a resident of San Francisco. SERVANDO J. CANALES Pensioner Servando J. Canales, 66, died October 16. Brother Canales began sailing with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the deck department as a bosun. He last sailed in 1976 aboard the Mayaguez, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. A resident of Metairie, La., he retired in January 1998. BIAGIO DiMENTO Pensioner Biagio DiMento, 77, passed away August 26, 1998. Born in Pennsylvania, he started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of Philadelphia. During his career, he worked in all three departments, last sailing in 197 5 in the deck department aboard the Samuel Chase, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother DiMento lived in the Philippines and started receiving his pension in June 1989. HARVEY E. FAIRBURN Pensioner Harvey E. Fairburn, 81 , died October 6. He began his career 18 Seafarers LOG with the Seafarers in 1946. The Louisiana native sailed in the engine department and started receiving his pension lot!!!:il:.........1~.-.'""--.-....L_-11 in October 1976. Brother Fairburn was a resident of Fort Worth, Texas. GEORGE E. FRIES Pensioner George E. Fries, i\ 55, passed away :~~' October 10. Born in New York, be graduated from the entry level training pro~mi!~11...-_jPSi\'(/j gram at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in 1965 and joined the SIU in the port of Wilmington, Calif Brother Fries worked in the deck department, last sailing as a bosun aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. A resident of Paramount, Calif., he retired in November 1998. ·= fR JACK GOTTLIEB Pensioner Jack Gottlieb, 92, died August 17. Brother Gottlieb was a member of the MC&S. He sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in October 1970. Brother Gottlieb was a resident of Boston. EUGENE R. HALL Pensioner Eugene R. Hall, 85, passed away September 11. A native of Ohio, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of '-''----"--:>..---L..J~ Norfolk, Va. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to retiring in September 197 5, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. Brother Hall made his home in Sea Level, N.C. CARY V. HAYWOOD Pensioner Cary V. Haywood, 68, died September 21. He first sailed with the SIU in 1947 aboard the Half Knot. Brother Haywood worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Flickertail State, operated by Interocean Management. From 1948 to 1952, the Virginia native served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Haywood was a resident of Virginia Beach, Va. and began receiving his pension in December 1995. CHARLES H. HURLBURT Pensioner Charles H. Hurlburt, 69, passed away August 17. Born in New ~ York, he joined the Seafarers in 1952, sailing ~~"'-3flii.;Jl...;..iL....::...J1UiL.J aboard the Sultana, operated by Nicholson Steamship Co. Brother Hurlburt worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in February 1991 , he sailed aboard the Newark Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. From 1947 to 1951 , he served in the U.S. Navy. Galveston, Texas was his home. ARTHUR R. McCREE -._~;;;;;;jjjj.---t Pensioner Arthur R. Mccree, 71, died September 26. Brother McCree began 1 · his career with the SIU in 1952 "--......,.--...;;;;;;;;;....j from the port of L-::===========~ San Francisco. Born in South Africa, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Westward Venture, operated by Interocean Management. He was a resident of Federal Way, Wash. and started receiving his pension in September 1996. 1 COOPER H. McMILLIN Pensioner Cooper H. McMillin, 86, passed away September 25. A native of Missouri, he started his sailing career with the Seafarers in 1966 aboard the Oberlin Victory. Brother McMillin worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Philadelphia. A resident of Caldwell, Idaho, he retired in April 1984. ERNEST E. MULIERI Pensioner Ernest E. Mulieri, 80, died September 3. Born in Boston, he first sailed with the SIU in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Mulieri worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills to a licensed officer in 1966. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He made his home in Salem, Mass. and began receiving his pension in September 1983. ARON B. NEDDIO Pensioner Aron B. Neddie, 84, passed away October 17. Brother Neddie was a member of the MC&S. He sailed in the steward department and retired in September 1973. He made his home in New Orleans. VIRGINIA M. PENA Virginia M. Pena, 65, died September 15. She joined the MC&S in 1961. Sister Pena worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1989 aboard the President Harrison, an American President Line vessel. Seattle was her home. ALFREDO RIOS _.....,.....__, Pensioner Alfredo Rios, 77, passed away September 14. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his career with the Sea'-'-----""-.n.u:-~.......... farers in 1943 from the port of New York. He worked as a member of the engine department. Prior to retiring in June 1985, he sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Rios made his home in Brooklyn, N .Y. CHARLESW. ROSENBERGER Charles W. Rosenberger, 73, died September 6. Born in Iowa, he started his career with the SIU in 1970, sailing aboard the Rose City, a Sea- Land Service vessel. Brother Rosenberger sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. From 1948 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy. He last sailed in 1989 aboard the Rover, operated by Ocean Carriers. San Francisco was his home. MATTHEW X. RYAN Matthew X. Ryan, 34, passed away September 14. He graduated from the entry-level training program at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in 1988 and joined the SIU in Piney, Point, Md. His first ship was the Sea-Land Commitment. The New Jersey native sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the school. Brother Ryan last sailed aboard the Osprey. He made his home in Washington, Maine. DAVID R. SUMULONG Pensioner David R. Sumulong, 85, died August 29. Brother Sumulong began sailing with the SIU in 1949 from the port of New York. Born in the Philippines, he sailed as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring in October 1975, he worked aboard the Transcolumbia, operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. He was a resident of the Philippines. RALPH H. TAYLOR Pensioner Ralph H. Taylor, 94, passed away ,, September 19. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in November 1938 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department. During his career, he was active in union affairs and organizing drives. A resident of Mobile, he began receiving his pension in April 1973. MANUEL A. TONGSON Pensioner Manuel A. Tongson, 97, died September 25. Born in the Philippines, he joined the MC&S in 1943, first sailing aboard the Aleutian. Brother Tongson worked in the steward department. He signed off the Great Falls Victory prior to retiring in August 1968. He was a resident of Seattle. ERNEST A. TRADER Pensioner Ernest A. Trader, 71 , passed away September 27. A native of North Carolina, he started his career with the ...............1•111:1:•LI~ Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the John Gibbon. He sailed as a member of the deck department. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Trader last worked in the inland division aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. A resident of Havelock, N.C ., he began receiving his pension in January 1993. ~ INLAND WILMER P. GASTON Pensioner Wilmer P. Gaston, 81, died October 3. A native of Texas, he joined the SIU in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. Starting out in the deck department, he later transferred to the engine department. Prior to retiring in June 1982, he worked aboard a Sabine Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. Boatman Gaston made his home in Nederland, Texas. JAMES T. MALONE Pensioner James T. < Malone, 74, , passed away October 3. He " began his career ,- with the Seafarers in 1953 • in the port of ............._--" Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief engineer. Boatman Malone sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing and Salvage Co. A resident of Mobile, he started receiving his pension in December 1987. From 1943 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. ROBERT F. SCHWATKA Pensioner Robert F. Scbwatka, 71, died October 1. Born in Maryland, he began sailing with the SIU in 1956 from the port of Baltimore. Boatman Schwatka worked as a chief engineer and started receiving his pension in June 1984. He was a resident of Monkton, Md. RICHARD A. TANNER Pensioner Richard A. Tanner, 76, passed away September 14. Boatman Tanner first sailed with the Seafarers in 1973. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard Sheridan Transportation Co. vessels. In 1993, he was honored by the United Seamen's Service for his role in the rescue of a badly burned mariner in Tampa Bay. Prior to retiring in January 1994, he signed off the Ocean Star. He made his home in Tampa, Fla. GREAT LAKES STEVEN KOCAK Pensioner Steven Kocak, 87, passed away September 11. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Detroit. His .____..'--"---~---' first ship was the Diamond Alkali. The Ohio native worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Saginaw Bay . Both first and last ships were operated by American Steamship Co. Boatman Kocak was a resident of Toledo, Ohio. He started receiving his pension in April 1977. December 1999 �Jhe $11;1fartJ~J06 atte11]pls to print as many digests of union shipboard inliluteg 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. COURIER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), June 2-Chairman Gabriel I. Bonefont, Secretary Eva M. Myers, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate John Gilliam. Butterworth wages resolved from last meeting. Chairman announced payoff in Marcus Hook, Pa. June 4. All's well aboard ship with no accidents, beefs or disputed OT. Crew reminded that education means higher wages and that upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. available to all members in good standing. Bosun also encouraged everyone to contribute to SPAD: "In the long run, you will gain." Educational director echoed bosun's urging of crew members to attend upgrading classes. Treasurer announced $1,400 in ship's fund. Vote of thanks given to steward department "for their endless effort to please." Next ports: Marcus Hook; Hog Island, Pa.; Paulsboro, N.J. MAYAGUEZ (Navieras NPR), June 24-Chairman Al Caulder, Secretary Richard K. Ward, Educational Director Michael C. Martykan, Engine Delegate Michael S. McClinton. Couch from crew lounge removed in l>hiladelphia last month. Crew waiting for its repair or replacement. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Educational director asked that unsafe conditions be reported: "Safety first." He also reminded crew to keep on top ofSTCW requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for receipt of vacation check after 60 days or completion of relief period. Also requested change in pension rules where if a Seafarer acquires 20 years of sea service or 7,300 days, he or she can retire with full pension (similar to military air traffic controllers and other unions). Suggestions to be sent to contracts department. Crew members expressed concern about recent random drug test conducted by San Juan customs agents. Unlike traditional drug testing, individually chemically treated cloth was used for sampling on hands. Samples placed in ordinary mail envelopes containing each person's name. Concern is with possible contamination, tampering, identity checks and verification. Steward department doing fine job, and ship camaraderie is excellent. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. HMINANTUCKETSHOALS (illM), July 30-Chairman James A. Jowera, Secretary Lonnie W. Jones, Educational Director Hanable Smith Jr., Deck Delegate Roderick Coleman, Engine Delegate Milton Israel, Steward Delegate Ron Davis. Chairman stressed need to work together aboard vessel. Any problems should be taken to department head first. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), September 12-Chairman David J. Garoutte, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Guadalupe A. Campbell, Deck Delegate Nick Jocce, Steward Delegate Julio C. Arzu. Chairman reported good trip. Everyone working well together. Crew December 1999 received new TV and VCR. Discharge in port of Mombasa, Kenya went smoothly. First port back in U.S. scheduled to be Lake Charles, La. Sanitary inspection due after fire and boat drill. Everyone getting off ship should have room ready for next person. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade at Piney Point and get endorsements necessary to continue sailing. Treasurer announced $160 in ship's fund which will be used to purchase new movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several items requested, including new furniture for TV lounge, place to exercise (gym) and repair to starboard gangway. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. HM/ BRETON REEF (IUM), September 30-Chairman Victor Beata, Secretary Josef Wouthuyzen, Educational Director Charles W. Thompson Jr., Deck Delegate Kenneth G. Boone, Steward Delegate Randy A. Stephens. Chairman noted smooth voyage with no beefs or disputed OT. He stated captain will reimburse crew members for movies purchased. Educational director reminded crew of necessity of applying for TRBs. Clarification requested in engine department on penalty time for cleaning closed spaces. Suggestion made to improve shipboard gym. Everyone asked to help keep ship living areas clean. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: New York and Philadelphia. HUMACAO (Navieras NPR), September 12-Chairman David Murray, Secretary Janet Price, Educational Director Angel Hernandez, Deck Delegate William G. Rackley, Engine Delegate Anthony Rosa, Steward Delegate Samuel A. Sotomayor. Chairman told crew members of letter of understanding which states that as long as steward department has four men, no one will get paid extra for cleaning own fo'c'sle. He also noted new washing machine installed and bid received for fixing tiles. Crew now awaiting approval of bid by company as well as transportation from ship to gate in Jacksonville. Until tile repairs are completed, crew will be inconvenienced for about a week-"but it will be well worth it," according to bosun. Everyone asked to save wooden boxes and bread boxes for bosun. Secretary asked crew to be aware of stevedores in house and call captain if if any are seen. Messhalls should be kept locked while in port. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point as often as possible and to get STCW endorsements. Treasurer announced $50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for cleanliness and great menus. Suggestion made to ask welfare plan for dependents' prescription coverage. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla. and San Juan, P.R. LTC CALVIN P. TITUS (Osprey), September 27Chairman Robert B. F. Lindsay Jr., Secretary Steven Dickson, Educational Director Richard D. Hannon, Deck Delegate Thomas Gagnon, Steward Delegate Richard Garcea. Chairman noted ship at berth in Apra Harbor, Guam until next trip to Saipan in October. New fumitw-e for lounge requisitioned last month and cable hook-up for TV in budget for next year. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and take full advantage of facilities there. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Parts of recent LOG read, including proposed merger of SIU and NMU and passing of former AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. Everyone reminded to have rooms clean upon departure from ship. Request made to improve transportation for crew and officers since shuttle service not dependable. NEWARK SAY(Sea-Land Service), September 12-Chairman Calvain A. James, Secretary Gwendolyn Shinholster, Educational Director Michael Las Dulce, Deck Delegate Keith D. O'Bryan, Engine Delegate Gerardo Moreno, Steward Delegate Charles N. Ratcliff. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville upon arrival. He also reminded crew to observe safety practices on deck. Secretary noted collection to be sent to Bosun Pete Sanchez's family and thanked officers and crew for contributions. Brother Sanchez passed away aboard ship. Educational director reminded crew members of importance of upgrading and need for STCW endorsements required to sail after February 1, 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested regarding day's pay in lieu of day off. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and keeping ship clean. Radio and VCR in need of repair, and new dryer requested for crew laundry room. OOCL INNOVATION (Sea-Land Service), September 19-Secretary Edward Dunn, Deck Delegate Oscar Lopez, Engine Delegate Owen Duffy. Secretary thanked crew for keeping ship clean. Educational director urged members to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to request contracts department to look into getting vacation check every 90 days and having pension raises retroactive for members in retirement. Prescription drug plan also requested. New toasters needed in both messhalls. Next port: Portsmouth, Va. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding Inc.), September 12-Chairman Donald C. Coggins, Secretary Lovell McElroy Sr., Educational Director Kelly Mayo, Deck Delegate Robert Hayes, Engine Delegate Gilbert Tedder, Steward Delegate Evan Verveniotis. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and getting STCW endorsements. Treasurer announced $110 in ship's fund. No disputed OT reported. Beef noted by steward delegate. Everyone reminded to help keep ship in tip-top condition by cleaning dryer vents and having rooms ready for replacements. Vessel heading to Greece and Italy. ROVER (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), September 12-Chairman Russell F. Barrack Jr., Secretary Juan B. Gonzalez, Educational Director Clyde D. Smith, Deck Delegate Terrence P. Kane, Steward Delegate Leoncio Castro. Chairman stated clarification received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding OT rates for tank cleaning. He said everything running smoothly. Payoff expected September 17 in Portland, Ore. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade at Piney Point and keep up-to-date on TRBs, z- card renewals and STCW endorsements. Treasurer announced captain holds $1,700 belonging to ship's fund. Whoever goes ashore for movies or games should provide captain with receipt for reimbursement. Some disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering eligibility requirements for vacation. Vote of thanks given Captain and chief mated thanked everyone for job well done. Ship passed Coast Guard and ABS inspections with no problems. Chairman noted crew has not received economic price adjustment for this year but other two Waterman ships have. He also reminded members about union's new fire fighting school. Educational director stressed need to get STCW endorsements. Crew Oh, to Be in England The Gopher State and its crew were in Southampton, England this past spring. The prepositioning vessel then returned to Guam, where it remains on stand-by alert, ready to sail at a moment's notice to provide ammunition, stores, vehicles and other material needed by American ground forces in times of rapid deployment. In this photo, the captain and some of the ship's crew take time out in London to pose in front of that city's famous tower. to steward department for great food and clean ship. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), September 12Chairman Frank Lyle, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director Oswald Bermeo. Everything running smoothly with no beefs or disputed OT, according to secretary. Educational director advised crew members to take opportunity to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Chairman read president's report from LOG regarding SIU and NMU members upgrading side by side at Piney Point. Crew sorry to hear about death of former AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), September 12Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish, Deck Delegate William D. Brinson Jr., Engine Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward Delegate Clifford B. Elliot. Chairman reported payoff and loading of stores to take place September 14 in Jacksonville. He reminded everyone of hurricane season and to secure room TVs and stereos. Bungee cords available for anyone needing them. Educational director advised members to check STCW certificates and z-cards to make sure they have not expired. Treasurer announced $100 remaining in ship's fund. Crew voted to use assets to get satellite system working. Disputed OT reported in all three departments. Discussion held regarding articles in LOG including new ships, jobs and proposed merger between Sill and NMU. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department regarding lowering amount of sea time required to receive full pension. Second ice machine requested since vessel operates in tropics and current machine cannot keep up with demand. Bosun thanked steward department for job well done. Crew remembered late Steward Beau James. Next ports: Jacksonville and San Juan, P.R. SGT MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), September 19-Chairman Angelo Urti, Secretary Lonnie Gamble Jr., Educational Director Jerald Graham, Deck Delegate Robert A. Hudas, Engine Delegate Robert C. Hines Jr., Steward Delegate Clarence Robinson. members have until end of year to take advantage of U.S. Coast Guard relaxed assessment period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG read regarding SIU-NMU merger. Suggestion made and sent to headquarters regarding payment of prescription drugs for dependents. Steward department given vote of thanks for outstanding job. Next port: Rota, Spain. COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum Transport), October 4-Chairman Gregory A. Agren, Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Educational Director E. Olson, Engine Delegate Giuseppe Ciciulla, Steward Delegate Robert W. Gilliam. Chairman read president's report from LOG regarding SIU-NMU merger. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and reading monthly LOGtwo ways to keep abreast of union activities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Portland, Ore. LNG TAURUS (Pronav Ship Mgmt.), October 3-Chairman Daniel Marcus, Secretary Judi L. Chester, Educational Director Curtis Jackson, Deck Delegate John Ray, Engine Delegate John Orr, Steward Delegate Ben Opaon. Chairman thanked all departments for working well together, and steward thanked deck and engine departments for keeping galley equipment and storerooms organized. Educational director reminded everyone to take opportunity to attend classes at Paul Hall Center, especially new fire fighting complex. Treasurer announced $561 in ship's fund. Will look into purchase and installation of satellite dish. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Report read concerning SIU-NMU merger. Crew expressed mixed feelings. Main concerns have to do with seniority issues and competition for jobs. Secretary informed them that thousands of jobs will become available in next few years because of new ships coming under SIU contract. Thanks given to VP Gov't Services Kermett Mangram for visiting vessel to inform crew of reflagging changes that may occur. Bosun thanked steward department for excellent work: "Food has been so good that we'll all have to buy a new set of larger clothes when we get home!" Next ports: Nagoya, Japan; Bontang, Indonesia; Tobata, Japan. Seafarers LOG 19 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS WELFARE FUND AND SUBSIDIARY Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Proud Veterans Keep WWII Facts Straight (The following letter was first published in The Daily News, McKeesport, Pa. , October 11, 1999.) A recent fact sheet from the national headquarters of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, which revealed the newest casualty figures of World War II, included the following statistics: Merchant Marine - 1 in 29, Marines - 1 in 34, Navy - 1 in 114. Many people tried to make us feel cheap and like secondrate citizens, but no more. We are proud veterans and our group had the highest casualty rate of any of the armed services. Do these sound like figures we should be embarrassed about? And remember, we all volunteered in a declared war. I also sent copies of the report to the national and state VFW headquarters to educate them on World War II history. In the year 2000, I will have two chapters in a book on untold stories of World War II that should shock most Americans out of their drawers. Peter Salvo McKeesport, Pa. Happy With New Contract To all involved in negotiating the new ASM agreement: On behalf of my SIU brothon board the APL Philippines and myself, I extend a vote of thanks to the SIU negotiating team and ASM management for the wage increase. The whole economic package increase for the life of the agreement was a big boost to crew morale. Special thanks to SIU President Mike Sacco, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and the rest of the SIU Executive Board. We support your hard work and your fighting dedication for improving the lives of SIU merchant mariners and their families by continuing to add more jobs and the opportunity to upgrade skills to ensure success of its members, like providing STCW training to help protect the U.S. merchant fleet from foreign encroachment. This is truly an ex citing time as our membership continues to grow and with more jobs on the way! Also, the maritime industry needs more innovative companies like ASM. Keep getting those contracts! We as U.S. merchant mariners will support the politicians who help preserve and add more stars-and-stripes flags atop the growing number of merchant vessels around the world. Jim Wilson, Chief Steward APL Philippines ers ·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 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and condi- 20 Seafarers LOG This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Welfare Fund and Subsidiary, EIN 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31 , 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, 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 $27,483,633 as of December 31 , 1998, compared to $23,785,749 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $3,697,884. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $46,730,099 including employer contributions of $44,645,526, realized gains of $272,933 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,755,158. Plan expenses were $43,032,215. These expenses included $5,193,485 in administrative expenses and $37,838,730 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 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, EIN 52-1994914, Plan No. 001 ,. for the period January 1, 1998 through December 31 , 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund . Plan expenses were $124,872. These expenses included $100,964 in administrative expenses and $23,908 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 5, 140 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 $3,961,403 as of December 31, 1998, compared to $2,018 ,318 as of January 1, 1998. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1 ,943,085. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $2,067,957 including employer contributions of $1 ,724,794, employee contributions of $13,442, realized gains of $75,638 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $254,083. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual below are included in that report: 1. an accountant's report; 2. service provider and trustee information; 3. assets held for investment; and 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211 , (301) 8990675 . The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.40 for the full annual report, or 10 cents 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 (Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) 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: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. , Washington, DC 20210. 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 plan assets; and 4. service provider and trustee information. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746, (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.40 for the full annual report, or 10 cents 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 f hat 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 d of annual report at the main office of the p Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C. , or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration , U.S. Department of Labor. 200 Constitution Avenue. N.W .. Washington, DC 20210. · tions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. December 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes for the first few months of 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 24 February 21 February 18 March 17 Able Seaman - Inland January 24 February 11 Lifeboatman January 10 February 1 January 21 (pre-AB) Feb. 19 (pre-AB) Radar January 17 March 6 January 28 March 17 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) January 10 January 31 January 14 February 4 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* January 10 February 7 March 6 January 28 February 25 March 24 Basic Firefighting January 17 February 28 January 21 March 3 Advanced Firefighting January IO February 14 March 6 January 21 February 25 March 17 Government Vessels January 31 February 28 February 18 March 17 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) February 7 March 6 February 11 March 10 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* January 24 March 13 January 28 March 17 February 28 March 3 February 28 March 3 (*must have basicfirefighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) LNG Familiarization* (*must have advanced fire fighting) Oil Spill Containment Academic Department Courses Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler January 10 February 18 QMED January 24 April 14 Basic Electronics January 10 January 28 Mari e Electronics Technician I January 31 February 18 Welding January 10 February 14 January 28 March3 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. The January edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete .guide of all the upgrading courses available to Seafarers in the Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week) January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28 March 6, 13, 20, 27 January 10, 24 February 7, 21 March 6, 20 __~ _____________________________________ _ :'.\_ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days sea time for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $280 with their apvlication. The pavment should be made with a money order onlv. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE BEGIN END DATE DATE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Date of Birth - - - -- - - - Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: _ _ __ __ _ _ _ _ __ Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes DNo If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo If yes, course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - December 1999 NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 12199 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Power Plant Maintenance - Graduating from power plant maintenance course on October 22 are (from left, first row) William Kelley, Timothy Horger, Thomas Keseru, Gonzie Knott, (second row) Joseph Grandinetti, Steve Stepanski, Ursel Barber, Lawrence Rose and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor). Tankerman (PIC) Barge - Marking completion of the tankerman (PIC) barge class on October 22 are (from left, seated) Mohamed Hossain, Daniel Gishy, Mark Wain, Walter Loveless, (second row) Michael Mayo, Patrick David, Mitch Oakley (instructor) and Bill Pratley. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left, kneeling) Robert Valentine, Saundra Leonard, Ty Heller, Vicente Ordonez, Arsenio Gusilator Jr., (standing) Chef/Instructor Ed White, John Stephen, Edgardo Ong, Jeffrey Badua, Abdellalif Benjouhra, Charles Carrol, Mark Wertanen and Gregorio Bernardez. Marine Electrical Maintenance - SIU members completing the marine electrical maintenace course on October 29 are (from left) Carl Montoya, Sjarifudin Noor, Nathan Hollander, Abdulrub Atiah, Angel Hernandez, Gregory Johns, Steven Hoskins, Pompey Alegado, Jeffrey Levie and Mark Jones (instructor). Government Vessels With instructor Stan Beck (far left, standing) are students who completed the government vessels course on October 15. From the left (kneeling) are Artemio Rivera, Waseem Dhalai, Benjamin Mathews, Kenji Hoffman, Benign Padaoan, Maximo Loto Jr., (standing) Beck, Rodney Jimenez, Deion Nguyen, Sean Ryan, Ali Naser, Abdulsalem Mohamed, Stephen Hill, Sammy Montana and Marcial Avila. 22 Seafarers LOG December 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Able Seaman Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class on October 29 are (from left, seated at first table) Wincell Hightower Jr., Bobby Brown, Michael Watkins Sr., Louis Creekmur, (second table) Russell Shaw Jr., Leroy Reed, Julian Lacuesta Jr., Fadehl Saleh, (third table) Todd Conley, Virgilio Managbanag, Carlos Arauz, (standing) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), William Bruce, Velly Marquez, Simeon Rivas, Khaled Munasser, Richard Pepper and Francisco Harry. Government Vessels - With instructor Stan Beck (far lright) are some of the students who completed the government vessels course on September 3. Included on the class roster are (in no particular order) Jose Clatter, Juan Ortiz, Arzu Secuindino, Charles Mann, Ted Hale, Christine Short, Kathryn Rivera, Dan Eglund, A. Allen, Greg Gallagher, Allan Bright, Pat Gibson, Eric Bridges, Michael Skinto, Liana McKinney, Tania Simunovich, Syed Mehdi, Herbert Daniels, Jeffrey Badua, Abdellalif Banjouhra, Reuben Brown, William Schuppman, John Eaton, Harold Lewis, Duane Reeder, Willard Bell, Rally Espiritu and Hector Guity. QMED - Completing their QMED training on December 3 are (in alphabetical order) Pantala Allee, Servando Canales Jr., Stanley Castro, Jonathan Driggers, Paul Duquette, Mike Kifle, John Leiter, Tran Luu, Keith Manzano, Thaddeus Pisarek, Jeffrey Roddy, Mark Roman, Dwight Ward and Taylor Watson. (Note: not all the students are in the photograph). The class, ta_µght by Barney Kane, was a challenging one for the upgraders, with a large volume of material and a very technical subject matter. Tanker Assistant Cargo (DL)- Upgrading Seafarers complete the tanker assistant cargo (DL) course on October 15. Included in the photo are (in no particular order) Spencer Moxley Sr., Alvin Martin, Willie Howard Ill, Linda Barber, Mohamed Bidar, William Meyer, Jose Vazquez, Elmo Davis, Edward O'Reilly, Mohamed Hossain, Mott Arnold, Gary Lamb and Nestor Agcaoili. Their instructor, Jim Shafer, is standing in the rear (center). Able Seaman - Instructor Tom Gilliland looks over students as they work toward completion of the AB curriculum on October 29. Registered in the class were David Roof, Jonathan Morgan, Pernell Fulford, Timothy Barker, Matthew Bjerk, Bryon Baker, Jonathan Paul, Gregory Pratt, Peri Drew, Ondongee Pegram, Joseph Weller, Timothy Fernandez, Terry Gilliland, Gregory Hendryx, Shelby Rankin, Anthony Lowman, Russell Williams and George Barbour. The same students completed the basic fire fighting class (right) with instructor Rick Redmond on October 15. FOWT - Graduating from the FOWT course on November 19 are (from left, first row) James Tyson, Ahmed Sharif, Anthony Jordan, John Millward, Jean Horne, Frank Patrick Jr., Phillip Johnson Sr., Adel Gabel, Timothy Bixby, (second row) Kanin Bennett, Michael Blue Jr., Michael Joel, Charles Sadler, Adriano Coutinho, Erik Haik, John Petushin, Justin Seybert, Gregory Cherry, Natalie Rivas, Eric Nelson, Charles Jones, Sylvester Crawford, (third row) Keith Kowaleski, Charles Jensen, John Conn, Eddie Pittman, Noel Encarnacion, Scott Lucero, Timothy Graham, Daniel Tapley, (fourth row) William Hayes and Vincent Hupp-Time. December 1999 Seafarers LOG 23 �F m.snf.... •'I I I Volume 61 Number 12 December 1999 Summary Annual Reports MCS Pension Plan • p. 8 Seafarers Pension Plan • p. 8 I Great Lakes Tug Be Dredge Pension Plan - p. 8 Seafarers Vacation Plan - p. 8 Seafarers Welfare Plan • p. 20 Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan · p. 20 The U.S. Great Lakes fleet is on the move from midMarch until late January, when the locks at Sault St. Marie, Mich. close for the frigid winter. While iron ore, stone and coal remain the chief cargoes, otherslike cement, salt, grain, liquid bulk products and sand-round out the diversity of loads carried by the efficient lakers. The photos on this page show some of the hard-working crew members and their activites aboard three Great Lakes vessels crewed by SIU members-American Steamship Company's Buffalo and American Republic, and Southdown Cement's Southdown Challenger. With a strong demand for the delivery of stone throughout the Lakes, the Buffalo shows no signs of slowing down. The Southdown Challenger's hull and deck recently got a fresh coat of paint in Milwaukee, and the pilot house was recarpeted. At left, the vessel is on her way to the Southdown cement plant in Charlevoix for a new load. Second Cook Darrell Bays, Buffalo Bosun (and master wood-worker) Levi Sanford, Southdown Challenger OS Eric Corwin, AB Eugene Repko, QMED David Cameron, OS Musid Musleh, American Republic Right: Wiper Abdul Saeed, Buffalo Above: QMED Brian Gelaude, Buffalo Left: Watchman Paul Bird, Southdown Challenger Below: Bosun Boyd Messer, Buffalo Deckhand Michael Cushman, Southdown Challenger 24 Seafarers LOG June 1999 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES VOTING STARTS IN PROPOSED MERGER OF SIU AND NMU SIU PENSIONERS TO GET $500 YEAR-END BONUS UNION, COMPANY AGREE TO RESOLVE LONG BATTLE ABOUT REPRESENTATION SEALIFT ENHANCEMENT ACT SEEKS FAIR COMPETITION FOR AMERICAN-FLAG FLEET MARITIME TAX LAWS WOULD CHANGE TO HELP PROVIDE LEVEL PLAYING FIELD SIU CREWS M/V FISHER SIU MAINTAINS JOBS ON 6 LNG VESSELS MARAD ‘RELUCTANTLU’ APPROVES REFLAGGING CREW WELCOMES SACCO TO THEIR SHIPS WEST COAST UNIONS REACH 6-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH ASM RUNAWAY-FLAG CREW’S PLIGHT CAPTURES NEWSPAPER’S ATTENTION AFL-CIO PRESIDENT: WTO TALKS MUST ADDRESS WORKERS’ RIGHTS ITF GOES TO BAT FOR SCARED CREW BAD NEWS KEEPS OOZING FROM RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIP S/L INDEPENDENCE GIVES INDEPENDENCE TO BOATERS OUT OF GAS IN THE BAHAMAS NEW CARISSA BEACHED FOR WINTER MAERSK-SEALAND TAPS LOS ANGELES FOR NEW TERMINAL HE SHOOTS, HE SCORES! RETIRED BOSUN REVIVES HOCKEY PASSION PHILLY TEAMSTERS WIN STRIKE, THANK SEAFARERS FOR SUPPORT STEWARD KAMER COOKS UP BETTER LIFE WITH THE UNION LAKE VESSELS SAIL INTO 2000 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 12 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/102341f1600ce285d4a5d1cfed12ebe2.pdf 5787315176b503e814d973545ca62acc PDF Text Text United States Lines Reborn _ _ Page 4 Volume 61 Number 11 November 1999 MTD Charts Course For the Next Century New Ships Signal More Jobs For Mariners, Yards, Docks MTD (and SIU) President Michael Sacco (right) welcomes AFL-CIO President John Sweeney to the Maritime Trades Department biennial convention last month in Los Angeles. Sweeney and other guest speakers, including members of Congress, voiced strong support for the U.S. merchant marine to the delight of the delegates in attendance. Pages 3, 11-14. Jobs Gained as Ship Rellags U.S. The car carrier Tanabata recently joined the Seafarers-contracted fleet when it ... reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. The five-year-old vessel becomes part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Page 3. ~2""c'~""'"'°"~'',~~- Members Consider SIU-NMU Merger More details concerning the proposed merger of the NMU into the SIU-AGLIWD have been sent to Seafarers, including AB/Wheelsman Vladislav Pitsenko, pictured last month aboard the J.A. W Iglehart in Toledo, Ohio. Balloting begins December 1 in all SIU union halls. Page 2. �President's Report Looking to a Bright Future The SIU is a respected organization within the maritime industry and on Capitol Hill because this union has consistently stood up for its members, fought for what is right and needed in the business, and shown the foresight to prepare for future challenges. All three of these factors are involved as you begin casting your ballots next month to tell the executive board whether to continue merger talks with the NMU. Michael Sacco First, bringing the NMU within the ranks of the SIU AGLIWD will benefit members of both unions. As many of our experienced members can tell you, we've had our share of run-ins over the years with the NMU. Valuable resources that could have been better spent on strengthening the U.S.-flag fleet instead were used on trying to outdo the other union. For 62 years, we have opposed one another while the officials of both unions worked hard to improve the lives and working conditions for the men and women who sailed aboard their contracted ships. With a merger, we will stand together and continue the fight for better wages, good benefits and safer vessels. Companies will not be able to pit one union against the other. They will face a unified front of America's unlicensed mariners. The SIU has realized for generations that we have to work with the maritime community in order to ensure a strong U.S.-flag fleet. That is why the Seafarers, along with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, for decades has held advisory board meetings with officials from deep sea, inland waterways and Great Lakes companies to develop legislative plans for the industry at large and a classroom curriculum for specific needs aboard vessels. By working together with the industry to establish a common agenda, the SIU continues to be a major player as the U.S.-flag fleet charts its course for the 21st century. The role the SIU plays in the decision-making process can only get stronger with the addition of the NMU. Finally, the SIU long has shown it plans for the future while looking out for the immediate needs of its members. When the union was created in l 93 8, it was composed of three separate and autonomous districts--one for the Atlantic Coast, one for the Gulf Coast and one for the Great Lakes. In less than two years, the membership realized this separation would not work. They voted to merge the Atlantic and Gulf districts rather than weaken the new union with jurisdictional disputes. This unified approach allowed the union to fight for benefits such as health care, pension and educational opportunities through training schools and a scholarship program. The creation of the A&G District made organizing efforts easier as they were handled by the combined force, rather than having two branches of the same organization expending resources for the same jobs. In the late 1950s, the Great Lakes District merged into the A&G, making the union stronger. In the next decade, a longtime vision of the union's president, Paul Hall, came into being with the creation of the consolidated training center in Piney Point, Md. Hall believed the strength of the U.S.-flag fleet required mariners trained in the latest methods and skills. He combined the several schools operating out of union halls into one site where members could study in an atmosphere favorable for learning. From its roots in 1967, the Paul Hall Center has grown and been an innovator. It has set the standard others have followed-the first with shiphandling simulators, the first with oil spill prevention and containment classes, the first with a Coast Guard-accepted training record book-and continues to do so today with the state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety school that opened this summer. As we all know, the earlier mergers set a precedent for making the SIU better and stronger by bringing more mariners into our ranks. However, the 1978 merger with the Marine Cooks & Stewards set the standard that still is being followed today. With the MC&S as part of the AGLIWD, the SIU became the first unlicensed union with jurisdiction from coast to coast. Because the MC&S already had a wellestablished pension and welfare program, the officials involved in the merger decided to keep those benefits separate from the ones available to AGLIWD members. That is still the case today. Matters dealing with seniority, training and hiring halls were worked out and brought to the members for their consideration. It was a multi-vote process that took about two years to implement. In each step, the rank-andfile played an active role. Just like each merger before it, the SIU became stronger. Members benefited through better job security. The industry benefited because the union spoke with a more unified voice. Now we are closer to doing something that will benefit all American mariners. This has been years in the making. The vote that begins on December 1 is the latest step in the process. Officials from both the SIU and NMU have met many times to see if a merger is possible. They have come to the conclusion that it is, and that it's in the best interests of the membership. Now, you must decide if this process will continue. Your vote tells the officials to continue their work and begin dealing with the specifics involving seniority, benefits and constitutional changes. The merger committee already has concluded it will be in the best interest of all to keep the pension, welfare and vacation plans separate. We already have witnessed how SIU and NMU members have studied side-by-side at Piney Point. We have seen the first contract covering SIU and NMU members working for ships operated by the same company. We have welcomed NMU offices operating in SIU halls. We are seeing that we can work together. In order to go forward, we now need to hear from the members. Both the SIU and NMU are conducting this election at the same time. The results will be known in early February. This is fitting because bringing the NMU into the SIU will set a solid course for the 21st century for job security for all members and a strong U.S.-flag fleet. I urge each member to think long and hard about the direction you want this industry and our union to head in the next century. With the solid foundation set by those who came before us, this merger can only build a brighter future for all. Members Start Consideration For SIU-#MU Merger Vote Initial response is favorable from many Seafarers who are considering next month's balloting on whether to continue merger talks with the National Maritime Union. From monthly membership meetings to discussions aboard ships, the merger is the hottest topic among SIU members. Recertified Bosun George Mazzola told those attending the October membership meeting in Piney Point, "When I first heard about that, I was real skeptical. But let's do it!" Mazzola, who has sailed with the SIU since 1972, added unity between the SIU and NMU should benefit all members when it comes to bargaining new contracts. On the Great Lakes, QMED Jay Linx has sailed with both the SIU and NMU. He believes a merger would be good for all. 'Tm very much in favor of it. I think it's going to help get us better salaries once the unions aren't competing against each other. It will create a stronger union with everybody being under one hat," added the 48year-old, who sails from the port of Algonac, Mich. During SIU President Michael Sacco's visit with members aboard ships in the port of Long Beach, Calif., Seafarers asked him how the merger would affect them. He told crews aboard the SeaLand Patriot and Matson's Lihue that a merger would help both unions. He reminded the crews how the SIU was strengthened through its previous mergers, including the one in 1978 involving the Marine Cooks & Stewards. Volume 61, Number 11 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~76 November 1999 c The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: 1! ·2 Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way · Camp Springs, ~ 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. -Seafarers LOG In response to questions, Sacco said officials from both unions serving on the merger committee already have decided to follow the 1978 precedent to keep the SIU and NMU pension, welfare and vacation funds separate, should the merger be approved. However, the training and hiring hall funds probably would be combined, he added. Additionally, the SIU executive board mailed a letter in late October to further explain the merger process. The letter informed members about the three-step voting process that- will take place. The first is the election that will run from December 1 to January 31, 2000 to give the executive board permission to continue with the merger talks. (A similar election is taking place at the same time in the NMU.) Should the members of the two unions approve the continuation, talks on specific topics would begin. The letter stated Seafarers then would vote during the November-December 2000 general election to approve needed constitutional changes such as the addition of vice presidents and the NMU in the union's name. It specifically pointed out NMU members would not be eligible to vote in the general election as the merger would not be completed. Following the general election, a third election would be held for SIU members to vote for Galley gang members aboard the Lihue show SIU President Michael Sacco their support for the merger. From the left are Chief Cook Willie Madison, Sacco, BR Nunu Randle and 3rd Cook Neil Ball. or against the actual terms of the merger. Prior to that election, Seafarers would be given information on what the merger would mean and what changes would occur. The date for that election has not been determined. Copies of the executive board letter are being distributed aboard ships by patrolmen and are available in union halls to ensure all members have a chance to read it before voting begins November 1 Balloting will take place in all union halls between 9 a.m. and 12 noon local time Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. Members also may request an absentee ballot by following the instructions printed in the October issue of the Seafarers LOG. Learning more about the proposed SIU-NMU merger is AB Watchman Carlton Dorrance aboard the Charles Wilson. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Friday, December 24, 1999 for the observance of the Christmas holiday and December 31, 1999 for the observance of New Year's Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 1999 �U.S. Fleet Vital to National Security MTD Delegates Map Plans for Strong Maritime Policies Maintaining a strong American-flag merchant "What do they have in common? They fly the marine is vital to U.S. national and economic secu- U.S. flag, they carry American crews and they are rity, said speakers at the 1999 biennial convention built in unionized American yards," Sacco stated. of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department in "There are those who have said over and over that the U.S.-flag maritime industry is past its prime. Los Angeles on October 7 and 8. Among those voicing support of the~-------~ That's baloney! We're still here and U.S. fleet were AFL-CIO President John we're still growing. We're still a powSweeney; Rear Admiral Gordon S. See pages 11-14 for erful force because we deliver the Holder, head of the U.S. Military Sealift more coverage of the goods-just as we've done since the MTD Biennial Revolutionary War." Command; and U.S. Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Michael Convention. He also noted other activities by the MTD and its affiliates since the last Forbes (D-N.Y.), Martin Frost (D-Texas) and Max Sandlin (D-Texas). convention, including: Representing the MTD's 32 national and interna• Helping defeat the anti-worker Proposition tional unions as well as 27 port councils in the U.S. 226 and similar "paycheck deception" legislation in and Canada, convention delegates also examined more than 30 states and at the federal level. • Pushing for funding for the Title XI shipand approved numerous resolutions. Those statements called for a strong U.S. maritime policy; con- building loan guarantee program and for the muchtinued revitalization of American shipyards; fair needed dredging project in the Port of New York trade laws; retirement security; grass roots activities and New Jersey. • Providing American crews and sealift for in an array of issues affecting working families; federal backing of port maintenance projects; and end- U.S. military operations in Bosnia and the Persian ing runaway-flag shipping, among other pursuits. Gulf. • Contributing, through organizing, to an overOpening the convention, MTD President Michael Sacco (who also is president of the SIU) all increase in the number of union members nationpointed out that hard work has led to many new wide. opportunities within the U.S. fleet. Since the previ• Supporting brother and sister trade unionists ous MTD convention in 1997, new cargo vessels, at Kaiser, Avondale, Newport News and elsewhere. "We're a group that's committed to raising the tugs and dredges have been launched. Additionally, plans were confirmed for at least two new U.S.-flag, standard of living for working people all over this deep-sea cruise ships and five new American-flag country," Sacco added. "That's what we stand for: a coastal cruise vessels. fair share and a fair deal for the American worker." AFL-CIO Convention Approves Restructuring at Local, State Levels Rep. Richard Gephardt states global trade pacts often result in lowering standards. Delegates to the 23rd AFLCIO Constitutional Convention approved a resolution calling for the first major structural change in the national labor federation since the American Federation of Labor merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955. Through a program titled the "New Alliance," the AFL-CIO called for the creation of "strong new state and local organizations fully supported by every union local and fully capable of effectively representing the interests of American working families." In his opening remarks to the convention, which took place October 11-13 in Los Angeles, Seal arers Gain Jobs Car Carrier Tanabata Reflags to U.S. New jobs were gained with the reflagging last month of the car carrier Tanabata under the Stars and Stripes. Seafarers were scheduled to crew the newly contracted ship October 31 or November 1 in northern Europe (after this issue of the Sea/arers LOG went to press). Operated by American V.Ships Marine, Ltd., the Tanabata is slated for the same run as the Seafarers-contracted car carriers Faust and Fidelio. That route includes stops on the U.S. east and gulf coasts and in Germany, France and England. The Tanabata will transport both government and commercial cargoes. It will participate in the Maritime Security Program Built five years ago in Japan, the Tanabata is approximately 625 feet long, with a gross ton- llovember 1999 nage of about 50,000. Its service speed is listed at 19 .4 knots. Additionally, the vessel will be included in the U.S. Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA), a 1995 federal program designed to make intermodal vessels available to the Defense Department in times of war or national emergency. Union officials remarked that the ship's inclusion in both the Maritime Security Program and VISA helps address a shortfall in roll-on/roll-off capacity identified by the U.S. Transportation Command. In late September, Seafarers climbed the gangway of another newly contracted (and newly built) car carrier, the Green Dale. That vessel, operated by Waterman Steamship Co. of New Orleans, also is part of VISA. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney stated the New Alliance would rejuvenate the labor movement by unifying unions and reconnecting its members to their communities. "Let us use our newfound solidarity to change our movement from one separated by industry and craft and sector to one bound together by determination to combat corporate greed and eliminate human need," Sweeney told the delegates. The New Alliance will be phased in gradually at the state and local levels. It will provide state federations and local central labor councils with the tools and resources needed to assist in organizing campaigns, political battles and other programs that will help working families. Sweeney also renewed the national labor federation's call to continue organizing new members. He noted the numerous campaigns in the last two years that provided for the first increase in the number of men and women carrying a union card in decades. However, many more battles must be won, he said. "Yes, union membership is growing, but too many working families are still being left behind in the greatest economic boom in our nation's history," the AFLCIO president stated. In her address to the convention, Labor Secretary Alexis Herman picked up on Sweeney's theme and thanked union members for standing up for such issues as raising the minimum wage. "Together, we raised the minimum wage and we're fighting to do it again,'' Herman declared. "You can't raise a family on $10,700 a year. And for 12 million Americans, raising the minimum wage still matters. "There were those who said that we would wreck the economy. They said the sky would fall. Well, the sky didn't fall, but unemployment did!" the secretary noted. When he spoke to the conven- Stating he would work to include worker rights in trade agreements is VP Al Gore at the AFL-CIO convention. AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney urges delegates to organize more workers. tion, Vice President Al Gore raised another concern unions have fought for over the yearsrespect for the rights of workers in international trade agreements. "Our president needs the authority to reach new trade agreements to open new markets to our goods and services," said Gore, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination. "But as president, I will also insist on the authority to enforce worker rights, human rights and environmental protections in those agreements. Trade should lift up living standards around the world, not drag them down in the United States." Trade also was addressed by Rep. Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), the minority leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. He applauded the efforts of the AFL-CIO to stand up for the rights of working people around the world, not just the United States. Gephardt reminded the delegates that "globalization is all too often a race to the bottom" rather than an effort to boost workers' living standards. The convention delegates reinforced the AFL-CIO's solid sup- Continued on page 4 Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Starts Testing for Basic English Coast Guard Regs Require All Mariners to Understand Shipboard Orders The SIU .in conjunction with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education will initiate, as of January 10, 2000, English proficiency tests to members in order to comply with SIU shipping rules and U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The multiple-choice exam is designed to ensure members understand basic English as it relates directly to their jobs. It does not include conversational English or any type of punctuation or sentence-structure. "The Coast Guard wants to make sure all mariners understand basic safety instructions and job requirements," noted Bill Eglinton, the center's director for education. "This is a very basic exam dealing only with items related to working on a vessel." (The Seafarers LOG first reported the union and center were developing such an exam in December 1998.) Among the questions included are identifying signs, symbols and equipment commonly found aboard ship. The regulations require all Seafarers to show they understand English, but not all members will have to take the test. Among those Seafarers who will be exempt are • those who graduated from the trainee or unlicensed apprentice programs at the center; • those who have upgraded at Piney Point; • those who graduated from a high school or college in an English-speaking country, or an New Cruise Company Acquires Honored Name United States Lines Reemerges for New Passenger Fleet A famous name in American maritime history is returning to the high seas. United States Lines is being resurrected by American Classic Voyages and will be used for the new fleet of ocean-going passenger ships for the SIU-contracted company. "For too long, America's proud traditions as a seafaring nation have been viewed more as a part of our nation's past rather than a part of its future," stated Philip C. Calian, chief executive officer for American Classic Voyages. "The name 'United States Lines' clearly signals our commitment to be America's cruise line and to fulfill our vision for success of an American-owned, American-crewed and American-built fleet of cruise ships." "This is tremendous news for the U.S.-flag fleet," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "This truly demonstrates American Classics' commitment to provide the best in passenger service in the next century." The first vessel to sail under the new name will be the reflagged Nieuw Amsterdam, acquired recently from Holland America Line. That 1,214passenger ship will carry the name MS Patriot when it sets sail from the port of Honolulu in December 2000 for United States Lines. The company selected MS Patriot as the ship's new name to pay respect to those who came from foreign lands to build this nation. The vessel will begin renovations in October 2000. The new subsidiary of American Classic Voyages also will include the two new 1,900-passenger ships to be built in unionized Litton Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoufa, Miss. The first of these is expected to begin sailing in December 2003. The new logo for the United States Lines features a stylized American bald eagle surrounded by a field of stars. The three stars between the outstretched wings are representative of the three cruise ships. The six beneath the eagle are for the company's commitment to customers, employees, shareholders, community, the environment and the nation. American Classic Voyages already has two subsidiaries, both of which feature vessels crewed by Seafarers. American Hawaii Cruises operates the SS Independence, which provides seven-day voyages around the Hawaiian Islands. The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. has three paddlewheel steamboats that sail along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The fleet includes the Delta Queen, the Mississippi Queen and the American Queen. A fourth vessel, the Columbia Queen, is expected to begin service in the northwestern United States in the spring of next year. American Classic Voyages plans to launch a fourth subsidiary in 2001 when the first of five 226passenger coastal cruise vessels starts sailing. That company will be known as Delta Queen Coastal Voyages. Those ships will sail the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts. NDTA Honors Sacco with Top Award English-speaking school, or who has earned a GED diploma; and • those who served in the U.S. armed forces. Beginning January 10, all members when registering will either have to take the test or prove they fall into one of the exempt categories. Port officials will be able to see whether or not a test is needed because an English test line will be added to the registration screen. Members who already have upgraded or graduated from the trainee or unlicensed apprentice programs at the Paul Hall Center are being automatically exempted. They will not need to show proof unless an error has been made. However, those members who qualify for one of the other exemptions may provide proof to their port officials as soon as possible rather than waiting until January. Tests will be taken in union halls. Members requiring a test will have six months to pass it or show proof they meet an exempt category. Those members who cannot show proof of being in an exempt category will have to take the test prior to registering. Eglinton noted some people do have problems taking written tests, and the school will find a way to work with those members who repeatedly find this procedure difficult. A member who does not pass the test the first time may take it again during the six-month period until he or she does pass it. Tests will be graded at the Paul Hall Center and results will be relayed to the port official in the member's union hall. For those members who are at sea from January 10 to July 10, they will have six months from the time they sign-off to provide proof for a waiver. If they do not claim exemption, they must take the test immediately before registering. The Coast Guard regulations that cover this procedure are explained in Title 46, Part 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. They relate to ship-specific familiarization. EXAMPLE of TEST QUESTION: Which number is twelve? (A) 4 (B) 8 (C) 12 (D) 16 Structural Changes Approved At AFL-CIO Convention in L.A. Continued from page 3 port for U.S.-flag fleet within a resolution entitled "The American Economy in a New Century." "The nation's need for a strong maritime capability for military and economic security remains undiminished Existing requirements for maritime equipment in the cabotage trades, as well as all government cargo preference programs and the policy of excluding U.S. maritime services from international trade agreements, should be continued," stated the resolution. The AFL-CIO also called for investment in domestic ship construction and a funding mechanism to ensure America's ports can be dredged in order to remain competitive internationally. Kaveh Sardari/Page One Labor Secretary Alexis Herman applauds union members for helping raise the minimum wage. American Cormorant Crew Praised for 'Flawless' Work The National Defense Transportation Association recognized SIU President Michael Sacco with its prestigious National Transportation Award during its convention last month in Anchorage, Alaska. Sacco is only the second labor official to be so honored in the more than 50 years the award has been given. (The late AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland was the other honoree.) The award was given to Sacco for the work he has done to advance the interests of the U.S.-flag merchant marine and create job opportunities within the industry. Presenting Sacco with the award is Jeff Crowe (left), NDTA chairman. Joining them at the podium is U.S. Army Major Gen. Kenneth L. Privratsky, head of the Military Traffic Management Command. 4 Seafarers LOB The president of SIU-contracted Osprey Ship Management, Inc. recently credited Seafarers aboard the American Cormorant for outstanding work in the United Kingdom. In a letter to SIU President Michael Sacco, Captain William B. Gibbs described a cargo operation in Southampton involving the American Cormorant as "a precisely controlled full submersion of the ship" that is "inherently risky and requires a highly trained crew. Ours responded with traditional professionalism." Gibbs noted that a number of senior U.S. Military Sealift Command personnel as well as high-ranking officers from the U.S. Army (the mission sponsor) were on hand for the operation. "Each was treated to a flawless execution of the load-out plan with all the watercraft (the cargo) safely aboard in a little over five hours," wrote Gibbs. "The entire ship's crew performed exceptionally, with noteworthy contributions from Bosun Vernon Huelett and AB Robinson Crusoe. Steward Robert Wright and his staff kept both crew and guests well fed throughout. "Overall, American Cormorants successful operation should serve as a testament to the training and professionalism of SIU and its membership." Seafarers aboard the Cormorant during this mission included Bosun Huelett, ABs Crusoe, Leo Estes, Eduardo Tomas, April Lachtara and William Hagner, QMED Tedd Avey, DEUs Ali Zaidan and Ricardo Alvarez, Chief Steward Robert Wright, Chief Cook Eddie Siplin and SA Patton Caldwell. November 1999 �Senator Calls for Action to Expand U.S.-Flag Fleet in Foreign Trade A leading proponent of the U.S.-flag maritime industry told the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club last month that it is time to consider hearings on where the merchant fleet will be headed 10 years from now. "A couple of years ago we passed the Maritime Security Program," declared Sen. John Breaux (D-La.) during the October 20 luncheon on Capitol Hill. ''Now, we we've got to start looking at the next step at what we need to be doing. "We need to be more competitive internationally. We need to focus not just on sustaining the U.S. fleet, but more on expanding the U.S.-flag fleet in international trade." Breaux, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction on issues dealing with the U.S. merchant fleet, stated oversight hearings could be held as early as next year to begin work on what is needed when the Maritime Security Program expires in Fiscal Year 2006. He reminded the audience that it took several years of hearings to craft the measure that passed in 1996 to provide funding for 47 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels. House Subcommittee Eyes Cruise Mishaps The Louisiana senator noted the difficulty faced by U.S.-flag companies when they try to com- "We need to be more competitive interna. lly ... " twna -Sen. John Breaux pete "with other flags of other countries when they operate with a different set of rules, a different set of financing, etc. I think we can compete anywhere, any time, any place as long as there is a level playing field." He carried this philosophy into his discussion of legislation being considered on Capitol Hill that would temporarily permit foreign-flag, foreign-crewed passenger ships to operate between U.S. ports. Breaux dubbed such a measure "reverse subsidy" if it would allow those vessels to sail in the domestic passenger trades without requiring them to meet U.S. laws and standards. "These laws are the same laws that are imposed on any company doing business in the United States. They have to comply with these laws if they are going to do business in our country. "I am in favor of legislation expanding U.S. cruise opportunities," he added. "I am not in favor of allowing foreign companies to operate domestically nor to provide them with the exemptions to our U.S. laws in order to operate domestically." In the area of shipbuilding, the senator repeated his concern about overseas countries offering companies subsidies to build vessels in their yards. He specifically Sen. John Breaux tells a Capitol Hill audience it is time to focus on expanding the U.S.-flag fleet in international trade. noted the Disney company received a $40 million grant to build its $375 million ship in Italy. "It is very difficult for a U.S. shipyard to compete with a foreign government that's going to unlevel the playing field. That's not right, that's not fair!" Before ending his address, Breaux reiterated his strong support for the Jones Act, the nation's freight cabotage law. 'Ship from Hell' Is Latest Coast Guard Modifies User Fees Runaway-Flag Calamity Prompted by recent calamities aboard runaway-flag cruise ships that call on United States ports, a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee on October 7 examined the roots of the problems. The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.), heard from representatives of the Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the International Council of Cruise Lines (a runaway-flag lobbying group). During the past five months, both U.S.-based Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines have received unwanted attention for mishaps involving their foreign-flag ships and multinational crews. Among the misfortunes, Carnival reported more than 100 allegations of sexual assaults on its vessels from 1993-98; and Royal Caribbean agreed to pay a record $18 million pollution fine stemming from its guilty pleas to 21 felony counts in five U.S. cities and Puerto Rico. Most recently, the Carnival ship Tropicale was stranded at sea for four days in September, following a shipboard fire that disabled both engines. According to news reports, the 660-foot ship was caught in a tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico. Passengers described raw sewage accumulating in passageways and in cabins. Some reported contaminated drinking water and other plumbing problems. One passenger told the Associated Press that the runaway-flag was "the ship from hell." Others reportedly accused Carnival of publicly minimizing the crisis. "Right before the Coast Guard got on board, (cruise officials) opened all the bars, they started all the music, they filled all the pools, they started replacing the carpet, fixing the toilets and they were putting up brand new fire extinguishers that never existed," one customer told the wire service. That same article stated that passengers "reported panic during the fire and complained they received little direction from the crew and were confused about where to assemble." The vessel carried 1,700 passengers and crew members. It returned to Florida on September 22, guided by four tugboats. Carnival offered passengers a full refund and a free ticket for another cruise. At last month's subcommittee hearing, Rep. Peter Defazio (DOregon) remarked that most Americans probably don't realize that enforcement aboard foreign-flag cruise ships lies with the flag state. "God forbid if one of these ships is hijacked in the middle of the ocean. The U.S. is not obligated to respond," he said. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Robert North explained the narrow circumstances in which his agency as well as the FBI may investigate crimes committed on foreign-flag cruise ships. They may do so only if the incident takes place with 12 miles of the U.S. coast; or if the victim or perpetrator is a U.S. citizen and the ship calls on a U.S. port. NTSB Chairman Jim Hall identified fire as the primary safety threat aboard foreign-flag cruise ships. He reported that of the last 25 incidents investigated by the NTSB involving such vessels, 16 were fire-related. Hall further noted that the NTSB believes many foreign-flag cruise ships possess inadequate smoke alarms. The head of the runaway-flag lobbying group said they are trying to operate more safely. November 1999 The U.S. Coast Guard recently modified the final rule covering user fees for licenses, certificates of registry and merchant mariner's documents (also known as MMDs or z-cards). The rule-which took effect in October-initially was published in the Federal Register dated August 5, 1999. However, the "corrected" fee schedule appeared in the Federal Register dated October 1, 1999 (after the October issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press). The summary of the October 1 action reads: "The Coast Guard has revised its application processing requirements for original licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner documents and no longer does a criminal record check on all original applications. The new policy does not specifically identify which applications will undergo a record check and the Coast Guard therefore cannot charge a fee for this part of the application process .... Fees for original documents need to be corrected to remove the charge for criminal record checks." Part of the corrected fee schedule is printed below. If you apply for ... And you need ... Evaluation Examination Issuance Then the fee is: Then the fee is: Then the fee is: Original without endorsement. ... .. . ........ $95* n/a $45 Merchant Mariner's Document: Original with endorsement. ................ 95* 140 45 Endorsement for qualified rating ............. 95 140 45 Upgrade or Raise in Grade ................. 95 140 45 Renewal without endorsement for qualified ratin~ 50 n/a 45 Renewal with endorsement for qualified rating .. 50 45 45 Renewal for continuity purposes ............. n/a n/a 45 Reissue, Replacement, and Duplicate ......... n/a n/a 45 *This fee originally was $110. Per the corrected fee schedule, it now is $95. Labor's 'Hall of Fame' Honors 3 More than 1,000 people, including representatives of the SIU, attended the recent induction ceremony in Detroit conducted by Labor's International Hall of Fame. The honorees were the late Teamsters President James R. Hoffa; Mary Kenney O'Sullivan, the AFL's first female organizer; and Emil Rieve, past president of the Hosiery Workers, which merged with the Textile Workers (now part of UNITE) in 1965. In this photo, SIU Vice President Great Lakes Byron Kelley-who is president of Labor's International Hall of Fame welcomes guests to the event. Seated from left to right are AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; Doug Fraser, president emeritus of the United Auto Workers; Richard Cordtz, chairman of the hall of fame and Service Employees International Union president emeritus; Edgar Scribner, secretary-treasurer of the hall of fame and president of the Metropolitan Detroit AFL-CIO; and Barbara Crancer, daughter of the late James R. Hoffa. Seafarers LOG 5 �merican Steamship Company (ASC), with its fleet of 11 vessels crewed by SIU members, continues a strong-and safe-season on the Great Lakes. ASC recently adopted a program to equip each of its ships with automatic external defibrillators, portable devices used to treat individuals in cardiac arrest (see related article and photos below). With medical research suggesting that many heart attack victims could survive if defibrillated early enough, these devices could mean the difference between life and death for crew members aboard Great Lakes vessels. Meanwhile, shipping remains fairly constant on the Great Lakes, according to SIU Representative Don Thornton, with no immediate signs of easing up. The only thing slowing the boats down at this point is low water. As with much of the country, it was a very dry summer. The lack of rain, along with winds coming out of the southeast, have lowered lake levels by about 18 inches, noted Thornton. A Safety h Primary Concern As American Steamship Crews Keep Lakes Cargoes Moving Wheelsman Jerry Nowak (left) and Bosun William Mulcahey, H. Lee White Second Cook Daniel Kane, Adam E. Cornelius Second Cook Abdo Alaway, American Republic Wheelsman Lawrence Dudek, H. Lee White Bosun Ronald Bochek, Adam E. Cornelius Wiper Hamid Hizam, American Republic OS Musid Musleh, American Republic Wheelsman Scott Krajniak, Adam E. Cornelius Watchman Ken Hager, H. Lee White Wiper Zaid Alderwish , Adam E. Cornelius Porter Haddi Ahmed, H. Lee White 6 Seafarers LOG Buffalo Crew Trains on New Defibrillators Deckhand Jason Pechette, American Republic Wheelsman Russell Brown, H. Lee White SIU-contracted American Steamship Company (ASC) earlier this year announced that its 11 self-unloading vessels plying the Great Lakes have been equipped with automatic external defibrillators-portable devices used to treat individuals in cardiac arrest. Seafarers aboard ASC's Buffalo recently attended a training class to familiarize themselves with the new life-saving equipment and be able to use it should an emergency arise. The crew members included: Bosun Michael LaFoille, Wheelsmen William Chartier and Gil Boilore, Watchmen Boyd Messer and Robert Wojtasek, Deckhands Ali Zawkari and Frank Farnum, QMEDs James Reilly, Timothy Wallace and Brian Gelaude, Wiper Abdul Saeed, Conveyorman Terry Pyrlik, Gateman Mark Macrury, Second Cook Julian Budnick and Porter Marvin Larson. November 1999 �1O Recertified Bosuns Impart Hard-Earned Wisdom to Trainees The 10 Seafarers who graduated as recertified bosuns during the October membership meeting at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. expressed their thanks to the SIU leadership throughout the years for helping them reach this high point in their careers. They also gave advice and encouragement to the younger generation of Seafarers, those in the SIU's Unlicensed Apprentice Program. Completing the bosun recertification course of study, which will help them perform their jobs better and prepare them for leadership roles among their fellow crew members were Robert Bakeman, Andre Bennett, Steve Bush, William Dickey, Michael Eaton, Peter Funk, Robert Grubbs, George Mazzola, Edward Stoelzel and John Williamson. As each of the 10 was called to the podium to accept his graduation certificate, he addressed the audience of union members, officials, school instructors, unlicensed apprentices and proud family members, and told them of his feelings on this special day. Adversity and Pride Some spoke of the adversity they faced before joining the SIU and the pride they feel now. Steve Bush, 51, who sails from Tacoma, Wash., joined the union in 1978 in Piney Point and has often returned to the school to upgrade. He noted that he first worked as a Teamster, and every winter he would be laid off. He stated his pride at completing the bosun recertification program, expressed his thanks to the union and recommended that all Seafarers take advantage of the upgrading program at the Paul Hall Center "or else they will be left behind in these changing times." Andre Bennett, 47, joined the SIU in Norfolk, Va. in 1986 after serving in the U.S. Army and earning his GED. He has upgraded several times at the school. Bennett thanked the union, especially the health plan. He told those present at the meeting that five years ago he was in the hospital with a pre-cancerous condition and ''woke up with more tubes in me than you could believe." The union paid all his bills, for which he is extremely grateful, and had work for him when he returned to the job. "I think every one of you out there," he said to his fellow Seafarers in the audience, "should count yourselves lucky to be in the SIU and have this program." William Dickey, 56, began going to sea in 1967. He, too, expressed his pride at being a member of the SIU, an organization that stuck behind him during difficult times. "If there's anything to remember-or not to forgetwhen you go aboard ship, it's safety." -Edward Stoelzel, recertified bosun Dickey, who sails from the port of Houston, found the fire fighting training particularly useful in learning more about the complexities of shipboard fires. He described upgrading as a good approach to helping Seafarers obtain the skills to do a better job aboard ship. John Williamson, 45, said he was a high school dropout-"working deadend jobs, going nowhere." He applied to the school in 1971, and "the rest," he told those assembled at the meeting, "was history." He thanked the school and staff for giving him a direction in life when he most needed it and the many SIU officials who helped him along the way. Williamson, who sails from the port of New York and who has upgraded a SIU President Michael Sacco has an impromptu discussion with some of the recertified bosuns at Piney Point. From the left are Robert Grubbs, Andre Bennett, William Dickey, Sacco and Edward Stoelzel. November 1999 number of times, believes that what he learned in the recertification course will help him be better prepared to pass on the information to crew members during shipboard meetings. He also believes the computer class was very important since computers are now so much a way of life. Upgrading Encouraged Williamson urged the unlicensed apprentices to take advantage of the learning opportunities at the school and to return to the facility as often as possible. He also advised them to "always do good work when given a job aboard ship. It will be noticed one way or another." Peter Funk was another of the recertified bosuns who, before joining the SIU in 1976, had no high school diploma. The 45year-old, who sails from the port of Jacksonville, graduated from the entrylevel program at the Paul Hall Center and started sailing in the inland waters district. He thanked the SIU officials, his port agents, and the school's dedicated staff for all their assistance, especially in helping him get his high school equivalency certificate. "The good thing about this business," he said, "is that you can go anywhere you want." So after sailing almost all the navigable waterways of the U.S., he decided to see the rest of the world. "I've been to Italy, France, England, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Mexico, the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia and sailed during Desert Storm and Desert Shield," he said. "I sailed as an OS, AB, tankerman, barge captain, bosun and fire optic cable splicer." Funk thanked the union for the good life it has given him and the financial rewards which have enabled him to send his son to one of the finest universities in the country. He also noted that the retirement benefits are some of the highest of any union and the medical plan is "second to none." Funk found the recertification course to be a great learning experience, especially the time the group spent with VP Contracts Augie Tellez, who explained "the how's and why's of contracts." He encouraged the trainees to study hard and not be deterred from asking questions. "When you 're at sea during phase 2 of your program," he told them, "listen to your supervisors and remember that you're working as part of a team. Safety instruction is an important part of the bosun recertification program . Fire fighting is one component of that curriculum, as can be seen in the photo above. From the left (kneeling) are Peter Funk, Robert Bakeman, Michael Eaton, George Mazzola, (second row) Andre Bennett, John Williamson, William Dickey, Edward Stoelzel, Robert Grubbs, Steve Bush and instructor Stormie Coombs. I'd also urge you to come back and upgrade." He told them that the sky's the limit at the Paul Hall Center. He also stressed the importance of personal safety aboard ship. "We have a lot of high-tech safety devices at sea," he noted, "but the best prevention for accidents is a well-trained crew." Safety Stressed Edward Stoelzel, 44, also stressed the need for safety. Speaking directly to the unlicensed apprentices, he said, "If there's anything to remember-or not to forget-when you go aboard ship, it's safety." Stoelzel joined the union in 1973 in Boston, Mass. and now sails from the port of Tacoma, Wash. He most heartily recommended the Sill's upgrading opportunities, stating, "The future of the union depends on the members. If they do not upgrade and keep up with the new rules and the changing times, they-and our union-will fall by the wayside." Michael Eaton joined the SIU in Baltimore in 1984. He was 23 . Now, at 39, he has upgraded several times and sails from the port of Jacksonville. The Paul Hall Center's educational training has kept him on top of his skills, he told the audience. Of special interest to Eaton were the classes in wire splicing, fire fighting and union education, which he believes will help him do a better job aboard ship. He encouraged the trainees, stating: "Don't give up before you give it a chance." Also sailing from the port of Jacksonville was Robert Grubbs. The 41year-old joined the union in 1979 in Piney Point and has returned to the school four times to attend upgrading courses. The educational courses offered by the union are very important to Grubbs. "Education is knowledge,'' he stated, "and knowledge is money." Leaming how the union works from the inside was especially interesting for Grubbs. He said that MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex (with back to camera) gives the upgrading Seafarers an overview of the AFL-CIO and how it works with the SIU. knowledge will help him explain to other crew members the importance of SPAD and why everyone should help in any way they can. His parting words to the unlicensed apprentices: "Make sure you take advantage of the school." Robert V. Bakeman, 51, noted that the school has changed a lot over the years and has done well in keeping up with the times. He joined the union in Brooklyn in 1980 and has upgraded five times. Bakeman is a third generation mariner and has worked as a dredgemate, small boat captain, mate and tugboatman before sailing deep sea. He spoke of his belief that the school is a place to get kids off the streets and get them into a program where they can provide for themselves, earn a good salary, get great benefits, and retire comfortably. Bakeman told the entrylevel trainees: "You have a 90-day trial period. This will prove whether you're capable of sea life or not. You have learned some rules already, but I have two more things to say to you. First of all, obey all the rules. Last, respect the flag." George Mazzola graduated from trainee class 107 in 1972 at age 18. Sailing from the port of Baltimore, the 45-year-old noted how the SIU keeps evolving and changing with the times. He said that in '72, the U.S. merchant marine was just about on the rocks. Few people believed back then that there would still be a U.S. flag in the year 2000. With the passage of the Maritime Security Program, the maritime industry was alive again. "Now at the end of the 20th century," he stated, "our ships are still moving, but the problem is totally different. Now we have so much work, we're scrambling for people. What a difference. The /future looks bright indeed." He also expressed his hopes that the proposed merger between the SIU and the NMU will help keep the industry united. He thanked all the instructors he has had over the last 27 years as well as union officials and shipmates. To the unlicensed apprentices, he just told them to try their best. "You'll eventually be where you want to be." Behind the Scenes In addition to their hands-on exercises and classroom work at the Paul Hall Center, the recertified bosuns met at the union's headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. with representatives from all departments. Through discussions with them about the health, vacation and pension plans, contract negotiation and enforcement, and the Seafarers LOG, the students enhanced their understanding of the many facets that must come together to make the union strong. The bosuns also traveled to Washington, D.C. to the Maritime Trades Department. There, they talked with Executive SecretaryTreasurer Frank Pecquex. On Capitol Hill, they met with Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) and Terry Turner, the SIU's director of legislative affairs. Seafarers LOG 7 �SIUMemben Help Maintajn Mili Ships In Guam, Saipan On Guam and Saipan, two islands in the Pacific Ocean famous for battles during World War II, the U.S. military continues to maintain a presence-in the form of fully loaded prepositioning vessels. SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram recently Crew members aboard the Gopher State gather for lunch. visited some of these SIU crewed military ships to talk with the members and keep them updated on union activities and news from within the maritime industry. The vessels-Sgt. William Button, 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, Petersburg, Gopher State, Eric Gibson, 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez and Ltc. Calvin P. Titus- are on stand-by alert, ready to sail at a moment's notice to provide ammunition, stores, vehicles and other materiel needed by American ground forces in times of rapid deployment, such as was the case during the Gulf War. Left: Chief Cook Wendy Fearing aboard the Petersburg keeps the soup pots simmering on the stove. Right: After meeting with SIU VP Kermett Mangram aboard the William Button in Guam, crew members pose for a group photo . Below: The Petersburg docks at a pier in Guam. Right and below left: The 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez sits at anchor in Guam. Crew members take a few minutes from their duties aboard the Eric Gibson for this photo. B Seafarers LOG November 1999 �LNG Crews Reassured About RetJagging Many questions were on the minds of Seafarers aboard LNG vessels in the wake of the application by PRONAV Ship Management Inc. to reflag the eight LNG vessels currently crewed by SIU members. SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram flew to Japan to talk with crews aboard the LNGs Taurus, Leo, Libra, Virgo, Gemini and Aries and help them understand how the possible reflagging will affect them in terms of jobs, job security, severance pay and seniority issues. PRONAV began submitting the series of reflagging applications to the U.S. Maritime Administration in mid-August. The compa- ny wants to transfer the eight LNG ships to the flag of the Marshall Islands. Agreements have been signed to ensure that the SIU will remain on board even if the LNGs eventually are operated by a different flag. The liquefied natural gas carriers load their cargoes in Arun and Bontang, Indonesia and discharge in the Japanese ports of Osaka, Tobata, Nagoya and Himeji, Japan. Mangram returned from Japan with the photos on this page of everyday life aboard the LNG vessels. \ Loading stores aboard the LNG Leo are Bosun Aubrey Davis (far right) and AB Mustari Lalong (far left). Maryann Schade and Michael Miller are steward assistants aboard the LNG Aries. LNG Aries' chief cook, Marty Buck, is ready to ladle out some soup for lunch. LNG Libra Crew Helps the Poor On August 17, 1999, the LNG Libra arrived in the loading port of Bontang, Indonesia and helped celebrate Indonesia's Independence Day. They also contacted Dr. Peter Durman, the ship's medical liaison and advisor at Badak Hospital in Bontang, and presented him with a $660 donation (from the ship's fund and private donations) for "Project Friendship," a worthy cause which helps poor families in need of urgent medical care and treatment. In a thank-you note to John W. Dorozynski, master aboard the LNG Libra, Dr. Durman notes that some of the money already has been used to help a number of people, including hospital care for two very young children from poor families who might otherwise have died without immediate treatment and surgery. ifA!fKIKG IJJKGEllODS CA NO Y/Sfl{IRS J(lJ SMOK/lli AB John Micklos stands gangway watch on the LNG Gemini. John Gibbons, chief steward on the LNG Libra, slices some cake for dessert. In photo at left: Bosun Mohamed Ragi stops to chat with Steward/Baker Oswald Stoiber (center) and Chief Cook Michael Amador on the LNG Virgo. In photo at right: The galley crew aboard the LNG Libra cleans up after lunch. They are (from left) Chief Cook John Bokowsky and SAs Chris Coston and Jimmy Laiff. November 1999 Seafarers LOG 9 �Great Work Aboard Sea-Land Performance From Data Ramsdell, chief mate aboard the Sea-Land Performance, come these photos showing some of the everyday life aboard the Sea-Land containership. Above left is a view from the bridge of the vessel as it approaches Hurricane Dennis. Above right: AB Judi Harrington sits in the bosun's chair as she gets to work on the ship's hull. Retiree 'Flattop' Passes Away A familiar face to the staff at the SIU hall in New York, headquarters and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, SIU retiree William "Flattop" Koflowitcb, passed away September 28. He was 74. Koflowitch joined the SIU in New York in 1952. His first ship was the Seagarden. He sailed in all three departments before eventually choosing the engine room. He frequently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. A native of Canada and longtime resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., Koflowitch took part in many SIU organizing drives. He was elected to serve on the tallying committee in 1976. Koflowitch was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1948. He last sailed aboard the Courier (an Ocean Carriers, Inc. vessel) and began receiving his pension in September 1985. After retirement, Koflowitch often visited headquarters and the school, keeping in touch with longtime William "Flattop" friends and staunchly Kofi awitch supporting the U.S. merchant marine. Never one to tum down a friendly game of cards, he regularly attended SIU membership meetings even after retiring. At his request, Koflowitch was buried at Seafarers Haven Cemetery in Valley Lee, Md., near the school. A number of family members, Seafarers and Paul Hall Center employees attended the burial service. Above left: Bosun Jimmy Scheck and AB John Neil Jones pause for a photo. Above right: More cleaning to the ship's structure is being performed by AB Robert O'Connell (upper left), AB Judi Harrington (lower middle) and Bosun Jimmy Scheck. Chief Mate Ramsdell noted that it is a pleasure working with all the crew members. Editor's note: The Seafarers LOG welcomes your digital images (such as those shown above). When possible, please send them at a resolution of at least 300 dpi (at 3-by-5 inches). Resolution affects the size at which the images will legibly print. Brother Koflowitch is laid to rest at Seafarers Haven Cemetery in Valley Lee, Md. Still Time for Personal Holiday Greetings Orgulf Cooks Digest New Info As has been done in past years, this December's edition of the Seafarers LOG will include the everpopular holiday greetings from active and retired Seafarers and their families to other members of the seafaring community and their families. To ensure that your holiday message is published, please follow the instructions below: D PRINT or TYPE (in 25 words or less) the message in the space provided. Photographs also are welcome. (Please print-if we cannot read your message, it will not be included.) D Be sure your greeting is in the holiday spirit. D Do not send more than three entries per person. (This form may be reproduced.) D Be sure to include your name as well as the name of the person to whom you are sending the greeting. (Your name is necessary since the notices are listed alphabetically by the sender's last name.) Include your phone number in case there are any questions. D The holiday greetings must be received no later than Monday, November 15, 1999. D Send your entries to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. You also may FAX copies directly to the LOG at (301) 702-4407. Additionally, forms may be filled out in any union hall and turned in to the official at the counter-or may be given to the boarding patrolman during a vessel's payoff. The holiday greetings section of the December LOG is a favorite feature for many, so be sure to get your message in on time. 11/99 HOLIDAY MESSAGE (Please Print) Six Seafarers from Orgulf recently completed a special two-week steward department upgrading class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Much of the course focused on computer basics. Successfully finishing the class in Piney Point, Md. were Nancy Avery, Paul Christianson, Sally Goins, Martha Kell, Christine Kerr and Velie Thornton. The inland division members are pictured at the school with instructor Rick Prucha (top photo, far left) and SIU President Michael Sacco (below, third from left). To: From: Sender's Telephone Number: Message: Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D D Active Seafarer Retired Seafarer D D Family Member of Active Seafarer Family Member of Retired Seafarer Other:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 10 Seafarers LOS November 1999 �AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Conventio~ · I I I Legislators Support Strong U.S. Heet Legislators addressing the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention last month in Los Angeles emphasized the ongoing need to maintain a strong U.S.-flag fleet. Their remarks on October 8 reinforced many of the declarations contained in resolutions passed by the convention delegates, who represented the MTD's 32 member unions and 27 port councils. MTD-affiliated unions represent approximately 8 million members. Speakers voiced support for U.S. cabotage laws, the Maritime Security Program, domestic shipbuilding, a revitalized U.S.flag cruise industry and other topics that impact working families. "The Jones Act has worked well. It provides employment and helps environmental safety," stated Rep. Max Sandlin (D-Texas). "It brings billions of dollars in tax revenue to the American government." (The Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, states cargo moved from one domestic port to another can only be transported aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.built and U.S .-flag vessels.) Sandlin, who serves on both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Banking and Financial Services Committee, added that U.S.-flag ships should not have to "compete with foreign vessels that don't have the same obli- gations, the same requirements." Similarly, Rep. Martin Frost (D-Texas) reiterated his support for strong domestic shipping policies. He also stressed the key role of the U.S. fleet in national defense. "I've been with you on making sure that cabotage laws remain (strong), and that we don't do anything to undercut the Jones Act," noted Frost, a member of the House Rules Committee. "I understand the significance of what the Maritime Trades Department does and I've tried to work very closely with you over the years .... "We want to make sure that our maritime industry remains strong and not subject to unfair laws. We need you in good times, and we need you if this country is ever threatened in terms of defense. Because you all are vital to our defense. Every time this country has been threatened, you've been there. And we cannot remain strong as a nation without a strong merchant marine." Focusing on the new U.S.-flag cruise ships being built for the Hawaiian trade, Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) urged delegates to seize upon that momentum. He lauded the planned construction of at least two new American-flag passenger ships as Reps. Martin Frost (left) and Max Sandlin (both from Texas) reiterate their strong support for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet during the 1999 MTD Convention in Los Angeles. well as the reflagging next year of a foreign cruise ship to the Stars and Stripes. "The first new ships coming into the cruise line business are going to be American-owned, American-built, American-crewed and American-flagged, and they're going to be based in Hawaii starting in 2003," Abercrombie observed. "And I don't want those to be the last ones. That should be the way that America goes all across the cruise industry as we go into the next century." A member of the Armed Services Committee and longtime backer of the U.S. merchant marine, Abercrombie also pointed to the recent problems aboard foreign-flag cruise ships that have been in the headlines. At the root of the incidents -which have included food poisoning, sexual assaults, shipboard fires and other dangerous events-is the unfair treatment of the crews, he said. "I'm not against the crews on these foreign ships. They're wo,rking men and women just like us," Abercrombie stated. Continued on page 14 AFL-CIO President: ' g And Politics Are Where It's At' Sweeney Urges 'Stronger Political Voice' To Benefit America's Working Families AFL-CIO President John Sweeney AFL-CIO President John Sweeney succinctly described the labor federation's main activities planned for the next year. "Organizing and politics are where it's at for the next 12 months," he told delegates to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department convention October 7 in Los AFL-CIO Political Director Steve Rosenthal November 1999 Angeles. The two go hand in hand, Sweeney explained. "Unfortunately, as it stands, too many workers who want to form unions to improve their lives will never get the chance. Every day in workplaces all across America, employers are interfering in a decision that rightfully belongs to workers by intimidating, harassing, threatening and even firing them," he noted. "But while the public overwhelmingly disapproves of.such anti-union tactics, most of America doesn't even know they're happening, and it's up to us to tell them." Sweeney mentioned that the federation is conducting a "Voice at Work" campaign that publicizes "the secret war in our workplaces" and exposes employers who violate the freedom to choose a union. "At the same time, we're mobilizing entire communities to stand with workers involved in organizing campaigns and building support for our long-term goal of reforming the laws intended to protect workers who choose to form unions," he said. "That's one reason we're intensifying our efforts to create a stronger political voice, elect workerfriendly candidates and promote a working families legislative agenda." It won't come easily, Sweeney acknowledged. This year and next, business is projected to outspend labor by at least 15-to-l in political activities. "But we're fighting back with our heads and our hearts," he stated. "We've set a goal of registering 4 million new voters from union households by 2000. And in 2000, we will meet another goal by having 2,000 union members running for public office all across the country." This is not a partisan effort, Sweeney noted, but rather one of principle. "We're educating and mobilizing working families around issues, not candidates or parties. When it comes to our political action, it's not about Republicans versus Democrats, it's not even about right versus left. It's about right versu wrong." Meanwhile, despite the challenging conditions, AFL-CIO member unions have made progress in numerous organizing drives. Sweeney recalled that in 1998, nearly a half-million people joined unions, with a net gain of about 100,000 new members. "But we ' ll need more growth on a larger scale to regain our strength in the 21st century," he said. Also discussing the need for a strong and active labor movement was Art Pulaski, executive secretary-treasurer of the California AFL-CIO Labor Federation. Pulaski detailed how union members last year defeated the anti-worker state proposition 226, a measure designed to silence workers in the political process. He also credited trade unionists in California - many of them members of MTD-affiliated unionswith helping earn several very recent and important victories, including legislation covering overtime pay, prevailing wage for construction workers, free speech on picket lines, and workplace safety. Additionally, Pulaski noted the importance of maritime in California. "Some 400,000 southern Art Pulaski, Exec. Secy-Treas., Calif. Labor Federation California jobs are tied to the freight and the transportation industries that emanate from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and their terminals," he said. "In the north we have the ports of San Francisco and Oakland and others that support well over another 50,000 jobs. AFL - CIO Political Director Steve Rosenthal reminded delegates that union families can play a major role in determining the outcomes of next year's elections. He presented data reflecting the importance of "union votes" in the congressional elections of 1996 and 1998. ''Your unions are leading this charge," he said. ''There's no letting up now." Seafarers LOG 11 �BIENNIAL CONVENTION • MARITI The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department is composed of 32 national and international unions as well as 27 port councils located in the United States and Canada. The unions represent approximately 8 million workers. F Michael Sacco (left) and Frank Pecquex were re-elected by unanimous acclamation as president and executive secretary-treasurer, respectively, of the MTD. Here, they take the oath of office. Also reelected by unanimous acclamation as vice president of the MTD was Jack Stewart, who was unable to attend because of a family illness. David Heindel, Secy-Treas., SIU Dean Corgey, VP Gulf Coast, SIU Ron Harris, Bus. Rep., Local 12 IUOE Kermett Mangram, VP Gov't Serv., SIU Michael Sullivan, President, Sheet Metal Workers Ken Paulsen, Dir. of Organizing, HERE Herbert Kaopua Sr., Bus. Mgr/Fin Secy, UA Local 675 Joe Winstead, Exec. Director, Calif. Pipe Trades Thomas Buffenbarger, Pres., IAM Mason Warren, VP, Laborers 12 Seafarers LOG Kurt Van Epps, Bus. Rep., Local 12 IUOE Moe Biller, President, Postal Workers Steven Alger, Bus. Mgr., IBEW 261 rom the opening gavel to the swearing in of the newly elected officers, the 1999 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Convention was two days of non-stop action. Meeting in Los Angeles October 7 and 8, the delegates from the MTD's 32 affiliated unions and 27 port councils heard addresses from the president of the AFL-CIO, members of Congress and the head of the Military Sealift Command. They considered resolutions dealing with matters that affect the daily lives of working men and women. They showed once again that union workers are "Making the Difference!" W.D. "Chico" McGill, Bus. Mgr., IBEW Local 733 Marcos Cordero, President, SIU of P.R. Gerald Owens, Asst. General Organizer, ILA Bill Ross, VP, SIU Canada Jim Cole, Gen. Secy, Iron Workers Wayne Wagner, Bus. Mgr/Fin. Secy, UA Local 811 Vivien Kawakami, VP, Mary O'Brien, lnt'I President, Laundry Workers Francisco Gonzalez, lnt'I VP, Laundry Workers Bonnie Heraty, Financ. Secy-Treas., Chicago Port Council Paul Krupa, Atlantic Coast VP, MEBA Larry Mauola, Bus. Mgr., UA Local 38 David B. Durkee, Secy-Treas., BCTGM Joseph Thibodeaux, Exec. VP, BCTGM Jim Rodgers, VP, Glass, Molders Vincent O'Reilly, Sr. Exec. Asst. to lnt'I Pres., IBEW Mike Mowery, lnt'I VP, 9th District, IBEW Lou Reed, Bus. Mgr., IBEW 595 Roman Gralewicz, President, SIU Canada Jim Rankin, lnt'I Pres., Glass, Molders Joseph Mitchell, VP, Glass, Molders Wayne King, VP, Glass, Molders A. L. Monroe, Gen. Pres. Emeritus, Painters Michael Sacco, President, SIU Michael Monroe, Gen. Pres., Painters Frances Brown, SIU staff; Rep. Neil Abercrombie; Sandra Huett, SIU staff; Bonnie Riley, MTD staff November 1999 �E TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL·CIO I I I MTD President Michael Sacco formally opens the organization's biennial convention October 7 in Los Angeles. Delegates covered a wide range of topics during the two-day event, but the subjects had a common thread improving the lives of America's working families. Bud Jacques, Executive VP, MEBA John Conley, President, ITPE Jack Cox, Secy-Treas., IBT Local 572 James Williams, Gen. Secy-Treas., Painters Stuart Applebaum, President, RWDSU Ike Williams, Branch Agent, NMU Rene Lioeanjie, President, NMU Augustin Tellez, VP Contracts, SIU l~; Jack Caffey, VP Atlantic Coast, SIU Dean Girardot, Exec. Asst. to Pres., IAM Tony Gentile, Pres., Broward Teachers Union, AFT Howard Randolph, lnt'I VP, TCU John J. Barry, President, IBEW Al Monroe, Asst. to Gen. Pres., Painters John Baker, President, Cleveland Port Council Rep. Neil Abercrombie Richard Hughes, VP, ILA Baltimore DeWitt Clinton, Asst. to Pres., Steel Workers Jack Wurm Jr., lnt'I VP, RWDSU Ted Kedzierski, Pres., Wilmington AMMV Memorial Committee; Merchant Vet Floyd "Red" Hayes; SIU Port Agent John Cox; Rep. Neil Abercrombie, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco; Merchant Vet Clinton Melish Steve Edney, National Director, UIW lloflember 1999 Larry Barber, VP, BCTGM Anthony Bixler, VP, CWA Steve Demeroutis, Pres., Puget Sound Port Council Marvin Hrubes, Exec. Board, UFCW Nick Marrone, VP West Coast, SIU Larry O'Toole, President, MEBA Whitey Disley, Pres./Secy-Treas., MFOW Jake West, President, Iron Workers Michael Sacco, President, SIU Al Whitehead , President, Fire Fighters Warren Mart, VP, IAM Andy Abbott, Dir. , Marine Div. , Boilermakers Don Buchanon, Dir., Shipyards Sheet Metal Workers John Brenton , Secy-Treas., ITPE Richard Cortz, Pres. Emeritus, SEIU Gunnar Lundeberg, Pres./Secy-Treas. , SUP Pat Coughlin, VP, HERE Ted Jacobson, Secy, NYC CLC Michael Goodwin, President, OPEIU Dennis Lundy, Training Director, Operating Engineers 501 Walter Allen, VP, OPEIU Seafarers LOB 13 �I I I MSC Commander Sees Increased Role For Civilian Marinen on Military Ships The head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command sees a potentially larger role for civilian mariners aboard MSC vessels. U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC, told delegates to the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) convention last month in Los Angeles that greater reliance on civilian crews may benefit all concerned. Holder also underscored sealift's vital role in U.S. national and economic security, while crediting the industry for fostering productive working relationships. MSC provides ocean transportation of most of the materials and equipment needed to sustain U.S. forces worldwide during peacetime and in war. SIU members crew a number of MSC-contracted vessels. 'Civilianize' Military Ships Speaking to the delegates on October 7, the admiral noted that "like everybody else in the world, Military Sealift Command is trying to find ways to better perform our mission more efficiently and at lower cost. It's a quest for best value, and that's not easy. Cheap does not equal value for our nation's security." As part of an overall effort to fine-tune its operations, "We must rely on our civilian mariners and our interactions together to make our Navy and, thus, our nation better," stated Holder. More specifically, the admiral said he has pushed for a Department of Defense task force to examine "the best way to crew the Military Sealift Command ships .... The first thing we're trying to do is see if I can relieve the military detachments, to 'civilianize' those [personnel]-not to put those (Navy) sailors out of work, but to put them in the places they joined the Navy to work .... "This is a huge cultural shift. We have committed the Department of the Navy to transition as many of our military detachments to civilian mariners as we can" Holder continued, "Why can't we have civilians providing hotel services on aircraft carriers? Because we can't have mariners go in harm's way? Well, who went to Murmansk? Who has the highest percent- age of casualties in World War II, other than the Marine Corps? It's the merchant marine. Somebody said the merchant marine is the 'other Navy.' My answer is, no, it's the rest of the Navy! It's vital and we must have it." To that end, he pointed out that the merchant marine as well as the armed services must aggressively recruit new members and "build a career development program" that helps retain qualified individuals. In fact, Navy recruiting "affects everybody in the maritime industry," he declared. "The problem is there are very few people outside or even inside the government who understand the industry well enough. "Indeed, many people leave the industry. We have graduates of federal maritime academies that don't even come to the industry, they go downtown (to other jobs). We need to change that. We need to find those people and bring them aboard as mariners-not to be career sailors, but to learn the industry and fully understand it and all its affiliations." President Michael Sacco for "making maritime the number one priority in the nation. He has been your advocate and my advocate." Effective Cooperation Assessing MSC's recent performance, Holder credited the industry for effective cooperation. "Your men and women, our ships, taking care of the nation's business. The partnering that has taken place between MTD and all of the affiliates of the AFL-CIO and MSC is strong and getting stronger because of our efforts," he said. The admiral also commended the U.S. merchant marine for its steadfast reliability: "Our merchant marine has always gone where our nation has asked, and because of men and ladies like you, they will continue to do so. The United States cannot do without these mariners." Noting the importance of a strong U.S. sealift capability, Holder said, "That ammunition that was prepositioned for Kosovo allowed the Air Force and the Navy, quite honestly, to get bombs on target when we decided to put bombs on target. That's the way we have to do business. Prepositioning, having the equipment forward deployed, is what our island nation does best." Finally, he recognized MTD and SIU Calling on delegates to the 1999 MTD Convention to continue their involvement in the political process are Reps. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii, left) and Michael Forbes (D-N.Y.). -.I. Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder (left) applauds MTD President Michael Sacco for "making maritime the number one priority in the nation." · 14 Seafarers LOB Legislators Support Strong U.S. Fleet Continued from page 11 "They' re doing the best they can for their families. But they're being exploited, because they don't have an opportunity to have a union to protect their rights. They don't have the opportunity to collectively bargain to improve their benefits and their working conditions. "We can compete against anybody in the rest of the world, but we can't compete against wage slavery," he continued. "What you have to do with wage slavery is end it. The only way it's going to end is to get people in office who will back up the working man and woman." MTD President Michael Sacco thanked the speakers and delegates for helping strengthen the U.S. fleet. "I see new cruise ships, new cargo vessels, new tugs and new dredges all being built," he said. "And what do they have in common? They fly the U.S. flag. They carry American crews. They are built in unionized American shipyards. "We're still here, we're still growing, we're still a powerful force because we deliver the goods-just as we have done since the Revolutionary War." Maritime wasn't the only topic discussed by the guest speakers. Rep. Michael Forbes {DN.Y.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, urged delegates to support the "Patient's Bill of Rights" passed by the House on October 7 (one day before Forbes spoke at the MTD convention). The bill is designed to improve access to health care, give patients more choices and reestablish the provider's accountability. "We need to tum up the heat on the Senate and make sure that they do not kill that bill," Forbes said. "They have to take up the Patient's Bill of Rights. We've got to get that into conference, we've got to get it to the White House and get that bill signed into law. Americans want it." Along the lines of Abercrornbie's remarks concerning runaway-flag cruise ships, each of the congressmen also focused on an overall need for fair trade and fair competition. Sandlin spotlighted the current fight to raise the federal minimum wage as indicative of Americans' "need to decide what direction do we want to take the United States. Do we want to make sure that American jobs and American industry are protected from unfair competition from foreign governments that don't have the same requirements that we do? Or do we want to go in some other way? "We're talking about raising the minimum wage, we're talking about a small investment in the greatest asset that American business has ever seen and that's the American workers and American families," he said. "Yet we're fighting over pennies. While American business is willing to invest in big buildings and new computers and new cars and the highest technology, they worry about a few pennies every day to an American family that is the basis of every profit that they have coming into that company." Other issues examined included Social Security and Medicare, schools, and political action. Looking toward next year's elections, Abercrombie said, "The only organized effort that can come against the corporate takeover of this country is the American labor movement. We 're dealing with the question of adding up the votes as to whether or not we're going to have a pro- labor agenda in the United States Congress." November 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans JacksonvilJe San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 22 13 7 8 18 14 4 4 19 37 20 27 37 10 5 23 11 4 8 15 6 13 8 2 8 7 2 I 8 5 25 2 13 15 27 6 9 19 0 3 3 0 4 2 2 249 121 79 1 DECK DEPARTMENT 9 4 1 1 6 3 4 7 14 6 5 11 4 Trip Reliefs 29 0 0 0 186 8 2 8 8 7 7 7 2 9 2 8 2 5 13 I 4 0 100 3 5 4 6 4 2 1 60 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 5 39 18 11 1 0 7 4 1 3 2 10 28 7 6 16 9 18 20 8 16 4 5 8 1 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 6 8 OCTOBER 15, 1999 9 5 5 14 4 0 13 0 0 72 7 17 27 56 38 42 51 19 14 37 2 3 2 389 26 9 5 6 14 9 14 9 2 IO 16 5 3 6 22 5 173 3 December 1999 & Jan11ary 2000 Membership lfeetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point ............. Monday: December 6, January 3 Algonac .................. Friday: December 10, January 7 Baltimore ................ Thursday: December 9, January 6 Du1uth ..................... Wednesday: December 15, January 12 Honolulu .................Friday: December 17, January 14 Houston .................. Monday: December 13, January 10 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: December 9, January 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: December 22, January 19 Mobile .................... Wednesday: December 15, January 12 9 8 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: December 21, January 18 2 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: December 14, January 11 2 New York................Tuesday: December 7, January 4 -- 104 Norfolk ................... Thursday: December 9, January 6 Port 7 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville 4 6 7 11 14 San Francisco 12 Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 10 Totals 8 3 6 7 7 7 3 0 1 1 2 2 4 0 4 0 45 2 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 0 1 0 3 2 3 0 1 11 2 7 9 2 4 2 0 2 0 0 2 1 127 52 24 8 5 3 24 27 13 11 7 11 1 2 5 1 1 0 0 0 21 37 T 8 4 1 6 0 6 18 22 14 11 DEP T 4 0 0 2 2 2 1 0 0 2 2 6 1 0 1 0 0 8 7 7 0 0 0 0 1 11 6 7 16 14 12 10 1 3 6 12 9 1 0 0 4 3 0 53 RAYMOND JONES 1 0 Please get in touch with Renee Wilson at (904) 9085323. 1 0 41 217 9 l 0 14 8 12 15 6 I 3 5 1 SUZANNE VANSCHOOR 3 5 0 102 33 36 l 43 2 2 24 10 1 4 24 0 6 8 20 0 0 0 0 IO 7 13 5 27 3 37 14 0 96 10 35 1 67 5 22 52 7 1 0 14 I 12 6 0 11 0 0 0 9 23 28 21 8 8 17 6 10 0 14 1 0 12 32 0 1 46 155 180 36 0 114 0 121 0 0 78 256 268 527 418 328 424 302 222 150 856 660 458 2 0 0 1 2 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. November 1999 Corrections 2 6 4 Antonio Orta would like you to write him at the following address: 760009, Rt. 3, Box 9800, Dayton, Texas 77535. Please contact Derrick Crummy at 27725 14Bth Way SE, Kent, WA 98042; or call (206) 679-6209 or (253) 638-0885. 6 8 2 SANDRA EVANS 9 2 2 5 7 3 8 5 NEAL S. CAIRNS Don Rundblad would like you to drop him a line at P.O. Box 7154, Tacoma, WA 98407-0154. 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 Personals 2 0 3 10 7 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 3 0 8 5 20 9 10 (*change created by Manin Lutherc King Jr. s birthday) 7 19 2 1 9 Tuesday: Januazy 18* 29 0 9 5 5 Wilmington ...............Monday: December 20 0 4 2 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 9 18 7 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 3 0 (*change created by Christmas lJay holiday) 2 0 6 Tacoma ...................Monday: December 27* Friday: January 21 0 0 0 St. Louis .................Friday: December 17, January 14 12 2 2 2 0 105 0 4 San Francisco .........Thursday: December 16, January 13 18 3 3 12 8 8 33 33 27 0 9 0 0 1 0 172 19 16 2 5 0 0 0 2 15 E T 1 2 2 19 0 69 12 0 3 15 0 2 0 2 6 4 0 3 2 5 15 4 7 4 5 0 8 2 6 0 129 5 18 3 5 4 I 2 2 97 0 5 0 3 6 0 2 10 8 4 8 9 19 0 2 5 4 9 5 0 3 6 4 5 6 4 4 3 6 90 16 5 13 14 0 6 7 12 0 105 24 2 4 1 7 San Juan ..................Thursday: December 9, January 6 15 8 7 7 1 5 1 27 8 6 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: December 8, January 5 6 6 2 5 8 0 5 l 11 1 9 4 0 I 11 2 0 3 5 11 9 5 4 16 13 4 7 12 14 6 11 5 6 13 6 7 18 2 7 12 2 8 6 2 1 2 Port New York Philadelphia ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 l 5 6 0 0 0 0 6 0 2 4 1 1 On page 24 of the October issue of the Seafarers LOG, the caption for the photo above was inadvertently omitted. It should have read: WELCOMING THE NEXT GENERATION: AB George Oberle (right) joined the SIU in 1967, while OS Randy Diaz finished the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center earlier this year. Here, the two share a laugh on the deck of the Global Mariner as Oberle demonstrates his veteran technique. On page 11 of the October LOG, the name of their ship was incorrectly stated. ABs Kathy Chester, Stephen Votta and Randy Senatore actually are painting aboard the LNG Aries. Seafarers LOS 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntematlonal Union Directory SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 1999 Michael Sncco · President CL - .John Fay Executive Vice President Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP .· l)a:Vid Heindel Secretary"Treasurer Augustin Tellez L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice !>resident Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services • )Ir HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 4800 I - Port Algonac 0 22 18 0 10 7 0 11 9 0 21 18 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac DECK DEPARTMENT 0 10 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 9 5 0 11 9 0 11 9 0 2 6 0 12 13 Totals All Depts 64 52 0 0 25 19 0 36 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 37 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 15, 1999 1216 R BaJtimore St BaJtimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medi:caJ Arts Building TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVaLE . 33 l 5 Liberty St. Jacl<:sonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBU.,E 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478~0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (50&) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Btooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Region Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 1 Lakes, Inland Waters 42 West Coast 2 ' {) 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 12 2 0 8 7 45 2 15 28 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 29 West Coast 0 Totals 29 0 Totals Region 0 0 0 0 0\ 0 0 0 0 Region Atlantic Coast 0 0 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters 24 West Coast 0 0 0 Totals 24 0 2 Totals All Depts 98 2 17 Q 7 I 1 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Cf 31 0 0 2 2 19 31 0 0 Jl 'O 15 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 15 16 STEWARD DEPARTMENT .o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 14 0 0 0 5 1 14 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 l 0 14 I ~:· 0 0 I 48 0 'o '' O,, 0 0 0 0 0 0 ;.\;%; 1 ~::;; 7 61 ·:··-· ~'::: -:'.,;;;:; .;:; 0 0 0 2 3 2 35 '¥•} -1 . i *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O, Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 {301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-340{) SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16!/i Santurce, PR 00907 {787) 721-4033 ST.WUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 {253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Ted Vargas of Princeton, W. Va. The picture was snapped in November 1947 aboard the boat deck of the SS Lebore, an Ore Steamship Co. vessel. The ship was in transit through one of the locks of the Panama Canal. In a note to the LOG, Vargas identifies the men in the photo (from the left) as: "Paul the P.O. Messman, Wiper Thomas Dodd, FOWT Paul Wright and Wiper Ted Vargas." He also notes that the Lebore became the Oremar after this trip and, years later, ended its career as the TransHudson for Hudson Waterways, Inc. Vargas, 69, sailed on three Liberty ships in the '40s and '50s. He presently volunteers aboard his fourth Liberty ship, the John W Brown, based in Baltimore. November 1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified steward and one recertified bosun are among the 17 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 69 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Steward Jose R. Coils and Recertified Bosun Thomas A. Trehern are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including the two recertified graduates, 11 of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, five shipped on inland vessels and one plied the Great Lakes. Ten of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, four shipped in the steward department and three sailed as members of the engine department. Eight of the pensioners served in the U.S. military - six in the Army and two in the Navy. On this page the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. 0 DEEP SEA RUSSELLL. CARUTIIERS, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Thetis, operated by Rye Marine. Born in Ohio, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Caruthers last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Developer. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He has retired to Federal Way, Wash. JOSE R. COLLS, 59, joined the SIU in 1961 in San Juan, P.R., first sailing aboard the Azalea City. The Puerto Rico native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Colls calls San Juan, P.R. home. BILL FINKLEA, 66, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1967 in Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Brother Finklea worked in the steward department, last sailing in 199 5 aboard the USNS Meteor, operated by American President Lines. The November 1999 Alabama native has retired to Mobile. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1959. JOSE A. GOMEZ, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1972 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Hoover, operated by Excelsior Marine. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded frequently at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Integrity. Brother Gomez makes his home in Ridgewood, N.Y. KENNETH I. HARDER, 61, started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed aboard the cable ship Long Lines. A native of California, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Harder calls San Francisco home. BARBARAJ. JOVANOVIC, 65, joined the SIU in 1989 in the port of Honolulu. Sister Jovanovic worked in the steward department and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises. Born in Missouri, she has retired to Laughlin, Nev. KONSTANTIN OS KOSTOUROS, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Western Hunter. Born in Athens, Greece, he became a U.S. citizen in 1973. Brother Kostouros sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he signed off the Frances Hammer, an Ocean Chemical Carriers vessel. Fort Myers, Fla. is where he calls home. HELEY 0. MARENO, 71, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1976. A native of Alabama, he worked in the deck department aboard inland vessels and upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the towboat operator course. Brother Mareno later transferred to the deep sea division and continued to upgrade at the school. He last sailed aboard the Wilson, operated by Wilson Shipping Co. From 1947 to 1950, he served in the U.S. Army. He has retired to Ocean Springs, Miss. BILLY J. MITCHELL, 65, joined the SIU in 1973, first sailing aboard an American Bulk Carriers vessel. The Texas native worked in the steward department and upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Mitchell last sailed aboard the Wilson, a Wilson Shipping Co. vessel. He makes his home in New Orleans. THOMASA. TREHERN, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard the Beauregard. Born in Alabama, the deck department member came ashore to become an SIU official in 1968 and worked in the San Francisco hall. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He later returned to shipping and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1995. From 1957 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Trehern last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Explorer and has retired to Millbrar, Calif. DONALDG. VOLLUZ, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 aboard inland vessels. He later transferred to the deep sea division. During his career, he worked in all three departments. Brother Volluz last sailed aboard the Green Island, a Waterman Steamship Corp. ves- sel, as a member of the deck department. Born in Illinois, he has retired to New Orleans. INLAND JOHN J. BIEGALSKI, 50, began his career with the Seafarers in 1974. Born in Poland, he became a U.S. citizen. He started working in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. Boatman Biegalski frequently upgraded at the union's school and last sailed as a chief engineer aboard a Hvide Marine vessel. Port Neches, Texas is where he cal1s home. VIBERT A. BODDEN, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1965. Born in the British West Indies, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain aboard a Sabine Transportation Co. vessel. During his career, he attended an educational conference at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Bodden makes his home in Woodville, Texas. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. MARVINR. CATES, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Cates sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the towboat operator Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG course in 1973. Prior to his retirement, the Tennessee native worked aboard the Socrates, operated by Allied Towing Corp. He has retired to Hernando, Miss. EDWINC. POWELL, 72, began his career with the SIU in 1965 in Port Arthur, Texas. A native of the Lone Star state, he worked as a captain, last sailing aboard a Higman Towing Co. vessel. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Powell calls Broken Bow, Okla. home. CHARLES F. PRUITT, 61, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Virginia, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Falcon, an Allied Towing Corp. vessel. Boatman Pruitt makes his home in Tangier, Va. GREAT LAKES HOWARDE. BROWN,68, joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Detroit. Brother Brown worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Richard J. Reiss, an Erie Sand Steamship Co. vessel. From 1948 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. The Michigan native has retired to Saginaw. refresher school for SIU chief stewards as part of the steward department recertification program. Five veteran stewards are enrolled in the first class. The program, developed over the past couple years, is the result of a recommendation by a committee of rank-and-file members of the steward department. It features both classroom and practical work to upgrade the steward and teach him the skills necessary for a chief steward's rating. 1951 After many months of building preparations, the SIU moved into its new headquarters over the weekend of November 17. The building at 6 75 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, was acquired over a year ago and was made necessary by the fact that SIU outgrew the old headquarters building at 51 Beaver Street in downtown New York. The move was made by the headquarters staff, and the office staff, with many rank and file mem1977 bers assisting.... It is only a little m re than seven years since the move from the small and Moran of Texas has a new wgboat in its SIUdingy office at 2 Stone Street near South Ferry contracted fleet in Port Arthur. The Mary in downtown New York which used to house Moran, a new 3,300 hp., twin screw tug, the headquarters of the union. came out of the J. McDermott Shipyard of Morgan City, La. in September. 1962 She brings new jobs to four SIU boatmen who The latest in a series of important advances to will do harbor work in Port Arthur on the new assure all Seafarers the best possible food and vessel. The tug will mainly be involved in ship food service aboard ship is now undetway at docking. The Mary Moran is also certified for SIU headquarters with the launching of a new ocean towing. THIS MONTH JIV SIU HIS10 _y Seafarers LOG 17 �Anal Depa~ures DEEP SEA KENNETH DALE HAWKINS WILLIAM ROBERT CAREY William Robert Carey, 39, passed away July 21 . He graduated from the entry-level training program at the Seafarers Harry =~---l• Lundeberg School of Seamanship in 1978 and joined the SIU in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Pisces. Brother Carey sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school. A resident of Jacksonville, Fla., he last sailed aboard Sea-Land Service's Nedlloyd Holland. JAMES E. CHRISTIAN James Everett Christian, 91, died August 21. Brother Christian joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. Born in i...:..;;....._____ Tennessee, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1973 aboard the Sea-Land Gallaway. __J_ AUBREY PRESTON CLARK Pensioner Aubrey Preston Clark, 81, passed away November 9, 1998. A native of Texas, he began his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Halcyon Panther. Brother Clark sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union 's school in Piney Point, Md. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1936 to 1957. His last ship was the LNG Aquarius. Brother Clark was resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. He began receiving his pension in March 1982. VALERIANO P. EMBERNATE Pensioner Valeriano P. Embernate, 92, died August 16. Born in the Philippines, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1943 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member last sailed aboard the Hawaii Bear, operated by Pacific Far East Lines, Inc. Brother Embemate made his home in San Francisco and retired in September 1971. DOLLY M. FORD Pensioner Dolly M. Ford, 80, passed away July 10. She started her career with the MC&S in 1958 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Iowa, she worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes. Sister Ford lived in Las Vegas, Nev. and started receiving her pension in September 1978. DOUGLAS M. HASSETT Douglas Macon Hassett, 75, died April 19. Brother Hassett ' first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951. A native of California, he worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1973 aboard a Seatrain Lines, Inc. vessel. He was a resident of Healdsburg, Calif. - 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Kenneth Dale Hawkins, 71 , passed away July 15. Born in Oklahoma, he started his career with the MC&S in .___.::;.;:.::;.....-.__.::::llo.......J 194 5. His first ship was the Fairland. Brother Hawkins worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Oregon. He made his home in Portland, Ore. and began receiving his pension in October 1975. From 1950 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Anny. DAMON JOHNSON Pensioner Damon Johnson, 94, died September 10. A native of Georgia, he joined the MC&S in 1946 in the port of San Francisco, first sailing aboard the Brown Victory. The steward department member retired in April 1969. Brother Johnson was a resident of San Francisco. KEICHI KAKUDA Pensioner Keichi Kakuda, 78, passed away September 7. He began his career with the MC&S in 1949 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Kakuda sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in May 1989. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S . Army from 1942 to 1944. Born in Hawaii, he made his home in the Bronx, N.Y. CHARLES B. KELLY CharlesB. Kelly, 68, who was born in North Carolina, died July 9. Brother Kelly joined the Sea- farers in 1978 in the port of ~~D:J1 Norfolk, Va. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Keystone State, operated by lnterocean Ugland Managemement. From 1948 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Kelly was a resident of Faith, N.C. ERNESTC.KUNICKAS . - - - - - - - - - , Pensioner Ernest Casimer Kunickas, 77, passed away July 27. Born in Illinois, he started his career with the SIU in 1946. Brother Kunickas worked in the deck department. He last sailed aboard the SeaLand Defender. A resident of San Francisco, he began receiving his pension in February 1987. LESTER W. LeCLAIR Pensioner Lester W. LeClair, 76, died July 23. A native of Minnesota, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1947, aboard the Leland Stanford, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He worked in the steward department, upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1980. Brother LeClair last sailed aboard the Overseas Natalie. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1946. He was a resident of Topeka, Kan . and retired in January 1988. EDGAR MARQUARDT Pensioner Edgar Marquardt, 87, passed away July 18. Born in Estonia, he joined the SIU in 1942. Brother Marquardt sailed in the engine department and started receiving his pension in December 1962. He made his home in Baltimore. CORBERT RAY MYRICK Pensioner Corbert Ray Myrick, 75, died September 9. Brother Myrick graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Emilia, operated by A.H. Bull Steamship Co. A native of North Carolina, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1947. The Danville, Va. resident retired in August 1989. .._...._ _:;::,,,.,.,.,,::...;:___.:;::.._J PEDRO SANCHEZ Pedro Sanchez, 46, passed away August 19. Born in Puerto Rico, he graduated from the union 's entrylevel training program in .___ _ _ _ ___, 1971 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. Brother Sanchez sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1988. He was a resident of Coral Springs, Fla. JULIO I. SANTIAGO F=~~===.;;:==~ Pensioner Julio I. Santiago, 82, died August 12. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1941 from the port of t=:~====~==::1 New York. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Borinquen, operated by NPR, Inc. A resident of Catano, P.R., he started receiving his pension in September 1980. WILLIAM F. VANCALSEM Pensioner William F. Vancalsem, 91, passed away July 30. Brother Vancalsem first sailed with the MC&S in 1952. He was a member of the steward department and retired in July 1973. He made his home in Bay St. Louis, Miss. CHARLES C. P. OH YOUNG JOSE ZAYAS Pensioner Charles C. P. Oh Young, 80, passed away May 7. A native of Hawaii, he joined the , · MC&S. Brother Oh Young sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in July 1977. He made his home in Honolulu. ,...._,.,,..,...,............,,,.,,.,.,.,."""""='! Pensioner Jose SUN SIN PARK Pensioner Sun Sin Park, 74, passed away June 19. Brother Park joined the MC&S and sailed in the steward department. A native of Hawaii, he was a resident of Wahiawa. Brother Park retired in July 1974. DAVID CARROLL POLITE Pensioner David Carroll Polite, 101, passed away recently. Born in South Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in 1943 from the port of New York. Brother Polite worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook. A resident of Savannah, Georgia, he started receiving his pension in January 1971. WALTER LEE PRITCHETT Pensioner Walter Le Pritchett, 75, died September 10. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Pritchett worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Arctic. Born in Wyoming, he made his home in Denham Springs, La. and began receiving his pension in March 1986. Zayas, 67, died July 15. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in his native Puerto Rico. Brother Zayas worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He was a resident of Bayamon, P.R. and started receiving his pension in December 1995. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. INLAND EDDY CHEVALIER Eddy Chevalier, 50, passed away recently. Born in the Dominican Republic, he joined the Seafarers in 1977 in Puerto Rico. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, where he graduated from the towboat operator course in 1980. He last sailed in 1993 as a captain aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Chevalier was a resident of Hatorey, P.R. Transportation Co. vessel. He made his home in North Port, Fla. GEORGE R. O'NEAL Pensioner George Randall O'Neal, 66, passed away August 21. He joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The North Carolina native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Boatman O'Neal last sailed as a captain aboard the Atlantic Tide, operated by Atlantic Towing. A resident of Chesapeake, Va., he began receiving his pension in November 1989. From 1949 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. LEONARD ARTHUR POLK Pensioner Leonard Arthur Polk, 69, died September 16. Boatman Polk began his career with the SIU in ! 1945 from the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a tugboat captain aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. From 1951 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Polk lived in Freeport, Texas and retired in December 1990. ....------~ KENNETH RICHARDSON Pensioner Kenneth Richardson, 93, passed away u t 2. Born in Tennessee, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1940. ~Boatman . _ __ _.;"'-£............ Richardson sailed as 1l tugboat captain and started receiving his pension in July 1970. He made his home in Frankford, Del. ROY GILBERT WILLIAMS Pensioner Roy Gilbert Williams, 68, died August 6. A native of Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Williams worked in the deck department, last sailing with Gellenthin Barge Co. A resident of Bloxom, Va., he retired in January 1993. GREAT LAKES JOSIE QUINONES TIO Josie Quinones Tio, 35, died August 17. Born in the Philippines, she joined the SIU in 1994 in the port of Honolulu. Sister Tio started out in the deep sea division, sailing aboard the SS Constitution, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. she later transferred to Great Lakes vessels. A resident of Honolulu, the steward department member last sailed aboard the John Boland, an American Steamship Co. vessel. WAYNE THOMAS WANZER BARTOLO C. COLON Pensioner Bartolo Carrero Colon, 89, died September 7. A native of Puerto Rico, he began his career with the SIU in 1950, sailing as .____________, a member of the engine department. Prior to his retirement in March 1977, Boatman Colon last sailed aboard a Steuart Wayne Thomas Wanzer, 64, passed away June 26. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Army, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1974 from the port of Detroit. His first ship was the J T. Hutchinson. A native of Michigan, he worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1995 aboard the Charles E. Wilson. (Both his first and last vessels were operated by American Steamship Co.) Brother Wanzer made his home in Wichita Falls, Texas. November 1999 �- -~ - ----- 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 /imitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. Those issues requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG for publication. EL MORRO (IUM), July 29Chairman Tommy Benton, Secretary Gina Lightfoot, Educational Director Brian Wilder, Engine Delegate Elieser Montalvo. Chairman announced payoff on July 31. He noted new movies purchased and TV antenna needs repair. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and be sure to update shipping documents. Treasurer announced $55 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun gave vote of thanks to Chief Steward Lightfoot, Chief Cook Kris Krause, GSU Jose Garcia and Unlicensed Apprentices Martin Vargas and Ramon Thomas for find jobs. He also thanked deck deparement for hard work. Next ports: Port Everglades and Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R. EL YUNQUE (IUM), July 25Chairman Luis J. Ramirez, Secretary Francis Ostendarp, Educational Director Joseph Cirafisi, Deck Delegate Douglas Hodges, Engine Delegate Jimmie Graydon, Steward Delegate Charles Collier. Chairman noted two unlicensed apprentices aboard ship; everyone should help teach them good seamanship. He reminded crew members to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary stated cost to operate money purchase pension plan increased over past year and requested copy of expenses incurred as well as prospectus of investments. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills whenever possible at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department for increase in pension. Steward department given vote of thanks. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY (SeaLand Service), July 18-Chairman Nelson Sala, Secretary Joseph Laureta, Educational Director Orlando Cancel. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Long Beach, Calif. and reminded crew members to donate to SPAD. He also noted it is never too late to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding Sea-Land Service aquisition by Maersk. Special thanks given to Steward Laureta and Chief Cook Susan Moe for good and exotic meals. Next port: Honolulu, Hawaii. CAPE TRINITY (Apex Marine), August 8-Chairman Tom Arriola, Educational Director Gabriel Arhin, Deck Delegate Gilbert Castillo, Steward Delegate Norman Evans. Chairman noted ship to enter Tampa Bay shipyard following payoff. Crew members to disembark and join Houston-bound Cape Taylor. Educational director stressed need for everyone to get STCW endorsement as soon as possible and make use of Piney Point facilities, particularly new fire fighting scho.ol. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for FOS and ROS wage structure. November 1999 GLOBAL LINK (Transoceanic Cable), August 26-Chairman Brian Isenstadt, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Franklin A. Coburn, Deck Delegate Lyle E. Davis, Engine Delegate Peter Littman, Steward Delegate R. Toro. Although Global link has no unlicensed apprentices, chairman spoke in detail about unlicensed apprentice program, describing schooling and time aboard ships, and duties of bosun and steward regarding evaluations and grading of apprentices. He also touched on STCW requirements and need for courses in fire fighting, water survival, first aid and personal safety-all offered at Paul Hall Center. Steward reminded everyone of move by front office of Transoceanic Cable to Baltimore from New Jersey. Company should be fully operational by end of year, working out of depot at Tyco pier. Educational director urged unlicensed mariners to participate in training offered at Piney Point, particularly courses required for STCW compliance. Treasurer announced $4,400 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to use some money for new radio antenna. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chief electrician requested signs be posted in crew lounge asking persons to not turn off VCR and other equipment themselves but to call on services of those who regularly handle electronic/maintenance issues. Crew gave vote of thanks to Baltimore port Agent Dennis Metz and Seafarers LOG for taking interest in Links stay in Virgin Islands and subsequent stand-by relocation to Baltimore. JES STUART (Waterman Steamship), August I-Chairman Thomas Temple, Secretary Stephen W. Roth, Deck Delegate Desiree M. Crockett, Engine Delegate Robert Richer, Steward Delegate Ali Hydera. Secretary reported that after unloading barges in Sunny Point, N.C., layoff anticipated. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade as often as possible at union's training center in Piney Point, especially to take courses to satisfy new Coast Guard regulations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded that crew lounge is only smoking area designated by MSC for unlicensed members. Needed repairs include installation of door between messhall and crew lounge. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done during rough seas. LNG CAPRICORN (PRONAV), August 22-Chairman Charles Kahl, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director John Knott, Engine Delegate Rene R. Rosario, Steward Delegate Glenn William. Chairman noted crew's concern with questions about reflagging. Crew hopes for clarification from boarding patrolman. Educational director reminded everyone of unique educational and upgrading opportunities available to Seafarers in form of Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck gang thanked for safe and productive tour. Thanks also given to steward department for great job. Next ports: Osaka and Himeji, Japan; Bontang, Indonesia. OSPREY (Osprey Ship Management), August 15-Chairman Robert M. Wiles, Secretary Felipe P. Orlanda, Educational Director Nicholas A. Vieira, Deck Delegate Albert Austin, Engine Delegate John M. Ledford, Steward Delegate Lawrence E. Winfield. Crew informed that bosun bought TV remote for crew. Outside TV antenna still not hooked up. Chairman read president's report from July LOG. He also talked about importance of safety when tying up ship. Secretary noted conventional oven not yet repaired. He thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean, especially in messhall. Educational director advised all hands to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Some disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. Request made to find out why crew members cannot send or receive e-mail aboard ship. Burial at sea held July 12 for QMED Daniel Ficca, who died June 8. Officers and crew happy to be of help to Ficca family. Next port: Norfolk, Va. OVERSEAS JUNEAU (OSG Shipping), August 15-Secretary Thomas Wybo, Educational Director James Soto, Deck Delegate Roberto Flanta, Engine Delegate John Day, Steward Delegate Michel D. Hoeffer. Meeting called to elect new chairman since Jay Dillon got off sick in Singapore. Crew told of no confirmed load orders as of August 15 for arrival in Portland. Master will let crew know when he gets word. Crew members asked to turn in all linen, keys and uniforms and to clean rooms before signing off ship. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Piney Point training facility. Disputed OT reported in all three departments. Mail service needs checking into. Crew also would like to be able to communicate aboard ship by way of fax. Chief pumpman requested chill boxes for all unlicensed crew cabins. Steward gave vote of thanks to all for keeping messhall and house clean during grain operations and throughout voyage. Next port: Portland, Ore. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Alaska Tanker Co.), August 8Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Dana Zuls, Educational Director Craig Croft, Deck Delegate Carl Larson, Engine Delegate Phil Greenwell, Steward Delegate Abdullah Baabad. Bosun announced no set company policy on coveralls and reported videos now located in officers' lounge. He noted captain ordered new couches for crew lounge and reminded crew to get official ship's stamp on application for extra day's pay for trip tours of duty. Secretary recommended upgrading skills at Piney Point and taking advantage of new fire fighting school there. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given for great jobs done by steward department and chief pumpman. Steward recommended riding gang fully participate in all fire, boat and emergency drills. Next port: Ferndale, Wash. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), August IChairman Richard L. Volkart, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Frank Cammuso, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Henry 0. Wright Jr. Chairman announced new toaster received and installed in crew mess. Discussion held July 22 on announcement of Maersk acquisition of Sea-Land's international assets. Awaiting more information. Crew advised of relaxed assessment for STCW compliance as related in LOG arti- cle. Educational director stressed importance of regular upgrading and benefits of attending Piney Point. He noted that as more requirements and training are imposed on livelihood of Seafarers, it is more important than ever to remain up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department at headquarters to revamp Article V of stan- Delegate Dave Somers, Steward Delegate James Boss. Chairman reported payoff scheduled upon arrival in Tacoma. He asked crew members to keep crew lounge and gear lockers clean. Educational director advised crew members to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center and contribute to SPAD. Treasurer announced $1,000 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship's com- Gazing on the Past While the SS Gopher State was in the shipyard in Southhampton, England last May, some of the vessel's crew members had an opportunity to visit Stonehenge. The worldfamous monument-an amazing feat of engineering built 3,000-5,000 years ago-is located on the Salisbury Plain in southern England. From the left are OMU John C. Steeber Jr. and AB Eden Latta. dard contract to better relate to a three-person steward department, which is now the norm. Request made to bring up at Wilmington monthly membership meeting issue of late standbys, requiring person being relieved to return to vessel to protect job. Inquiry needed as to lack of fans in cabins and common areas. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif.; Honolulu. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), August I-Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director Oswald N. Bermeo, Engine Delegate Pablo Albino, Steward Delegate Ossie D~ Stratham. Chairman announced everything running smoothly, including new washer and dryer. Secretary advised all crew members to take opportunity to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Educational director echoed this advice and also noted importance of contributing to SPAD. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; none in engine or steward departments. Chairman read and posted letter from SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding purchase of SeaLand by Maersk Lines. Crew expressed pleasure at reading about new cargo ships coming into the union as well as joining forces with NMU mariners. Vote of thanks given to steward department. SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service), August 8-Chairman Boward Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo Ombac. Captain announced payoff scheduled August 13. Educational director reminded everyone of upgrading classes in Piney Point. Treasurer announced $205 in ship's fund and $40 in crew's video fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All hands encouraged to work as a team and observe, maintain and enforce job jurisdiction in order to provide everyone with job security. Thanks given to steward department for great food and service. Next ports: San Juan, P.R. and Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND TACOMA (SeaLand Service), August 2Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Lorance D. Pence, Deck mittee reviewed president's report from latest LOG and requested clarification as to what they are supposed to do with it: acknowledge, discuss, debate, approve, disapprove. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. USNS SODERMAN (Bay Ship), August 7-Chairman Jeffrey Saxon, Secretary Ronald D. Jones, Engine Delegate Alan Nelson, Steward Delegate Thomas Johnson. Chairman encouraged crew members to attend upgrading classes at training facility in Piney Point and keep all shipping documents up to date. He also reminded those wishing to return to vessel to go through hiring hall, not call company. Steward thanked crew for helping keep ship clean while carrying supercargo. He also thanked his department for outstanding job of feeding 65 people three times a day. Treasurer announced $230 in ships fund. Some of money will go toward purchasing new videos; company also will supply videos. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; no beefs or disputed OT in engine and steward departments. Communications received from headquarters state pay raise effective as of August 1 and bonus checks should be received within three weeks. Request made for satellite dish for better reception aboard vessel. Clarification requested on wages for working more than 40 hours. Steward department given vote of thanks from crew. Next port: Newport News, Va. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), September 5Chairman Joseph Moore, Secretary Joseph Birke, Educational Director John Penrose, Deck Delegate Abraham M. Murray, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman noted payoff in New Orleans September 11. He requested all hands have rooms clean and ready for next person before arriving in port. Educational director reminded crew of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Request made for TV antenna and VCR rewinder in crew's lounge and repair or replacement of ice machine in crew's mess. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Seafarers LOS 19 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes PAUL HALL CENTER LIFEBOAT CLASS Oil Spill Prevention - With instructor Jim Shaffer (standing) are Penn Maritime boatmen who completed the oil spill prevention course recently. They are (in no particular order) Paul Sany, Ashby Furlough, Ken Graybill, David Wade and Skip Walsh. ~9~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 592 - Graduating from unlicensed apprentice water survival class 592 are (from left, kneeling) Reggie Donaldson, Erik Nappier, Tyler Laffitte Jr., Lyndon Ferreira, (second row) Joshua Walker, Dwayne Brock, Shannon Bonefont, Shannon Miranda, Keolamauloahawaiiloa Mowat and Europa Tuivaiti. Maintenance Electrician ( - Upgrading E Seafarers who on September 24 successfully completed course are (in alphabetical order) Robert Bouton, Peter Chodzko, Randy Clark, Cris Compton, Timothy Kosturko, Brian Lu, James McBride, Ryan Reedy, Edward Rynberg and Toney Smith. Their instructor was Eric Malzkuhn (standing center) . Upgraders Water Survival - Marking completion of the upgraders water survival class on September 17 are (from left, front row) Peri Drew, Kathy Pritchard, Louella M. Sproul, Shelby J. Rankin, Jonathan A. Paul, (second row) Russell S. Williams, Jimmy Tan, Tim Fernandez, Gregory Pratt, Matt Bjerk, Stevia Babers, Anthony W. Lowman , (third row) Jonathan C. Morgan, Pernell Fulford , David L. McKnight, Joseph R. Weller, Ondongee L. Pegram, Gregory Hendryx, Bryon A. Baker, George Barbour, Timothy B. Barker and David S. Rood. Their instructor, Tom Gilliland, is at far left. UpgratJing your skills at the Paul Hall Center is the best way to improve your mind, your knowledg,e, your rating and your job security. Check the upcoming courses listed on page 23. Chief Cook - Learning some of the finer points in cooking from chef/instructor John Dobson (right) is deep sea member Wilfred Lambey. Government Vessels - With instructor Stan Beck (far right in each photo) are students who completed the government vessels course at various times in September. Included on the course roster are (in alphabetical order) Daniel Borden, Michael Bragdon, Daniel Bratta, Jonathan Buffington, Noel Camacho, Alvin Clark, Brett Clark, Roosevelt Clark, Todd Conley, Allen Davis, James Demouy, Rally Espiritu, Carey Foster Jr., Jason Foster, Heather Frizzelle, Justin Germain, Geronimo Gonzales, David Gray, Hector Guity, Martin Josephson, Kristin Krause, John Levasseur, Manuel Oliveras, Senan Omar, James Porter Jr., Efren Redil, Wade Rudolph , Lisa Ruiz, Anderson Saco, Johanna Saul, Chad Schultz, John Shivers, Jevon Vontoure, Mark Wain, Dwight Ward and Mark Wertanen. 20 Seafarers LOG November 1999 �1 P-auI HaII Center Graduating CIasses Advanced Fire Fighting - Receiving their advanced fire fighting endorsements on September 24 are (in alphabetical order) Clark Brittingham, Howard M. Bryant, George Burgos, Brett Clark, James L. Clark, Jose E. Clotter, Herbert Daniels, Rolly M. Espiritu, Michael S. Gomes, Ronald Gordon, Eugene T. Grantham, Hector Guity, Alfred J. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum with (from left) Chef Ed White (instructor) are Nasser Hasson, Cesar Marcias-Ortiz, Reynald Gabaylo, Ernest Polk, Arsenic Gusilator, Arnulfo Lacayo and Willie Crear. Certified Chief Cook- Working in the steward lab are (from left), Janusz Smolik, Willie Grant, Dan Bin Rashidi, Chef John Dobson (instructor) , Dana Washington, Wayne Howard and Fernando Lopez. For their final dish, the students prepared grilled salisbury steak with hunter's sauce and duchess potatoes. Herrmann, Tomothy J. Horger, Rodney Jimenez, Albert C. Johnson, Geroge J. Keblis, Tomas A. Kennan Jr., Jerry D. Martinsen, Spencer Moxley Sr., Francisco Palacios, Scott Seuret, John A. Shivers, Richard H. Surrick, James E. Whalen Ill and Patrick Yarbrough Jr. Their instructor was John Smith. Certified Chief Cook - Upgrading steward department members Jerome Davis, Wayne Howard and John Palughi (third, fourth and fifth from left) pose in the steward lab with some of their instructors: Chef Romeo Lupinacci (left), Chef Shannon Twigg (second from left) and Chef John Hetmanski (right}. Galley Familiarization - Part of the unlicensed apprentice program includes learning one's way around the galley. From the left (kneeling) are members of class 593: Phillip Hartline, Steven Pollard , Michael Kachele, Derrin Juul, (second row) Chef Shannon Twigg (instructor), Steven Lamb Jr., Donald Davis Jr. , Carlton Hendley, Brian Guiry, Ryan Smith and Richard Huffman . FOWT- SIU and NMU members graduate from the FOWT course on September 17. Listed on the roster for the course are (in alphabetical order) Michael Baughman, Levy Calzado, Steven Campbell , Deronja Clark, Noel Corrales, Jennifer Cronin, Waseem Dhalai, Wayne Ellsworth, Wayne Evans, Roderick Frazier, Kenrick Graham, Kenji Hoffman, Latanya Jackson, Welton Johnson, Brian Kimbrough, Shane Landon, Maximo Loto Jr., Manuel Lulley, Benjamin Mathews, Mark McNabb, Eddie Miller, Miguel Medina, Sammy Montana, Deion Nguyen, Hamdanni Nurdin, Benign Padaoan, Carmus Peet, Joseph Sam and William Taylor. Their instructor was Mark Jones. November 1999 Seafarers LOB 21 �I.den to Keeping MarAd Up to Date the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Enjoying the Deep Blue And the Grassy Green Several years ago, you published an article in the LOG about me qualifying for a senior PGA tour event. Since then, I have been in about 13 events and have not fared too well. I entered six this summer and did not qualify. In an event not far from where I live, which is a regular PGA stop, I got the bug to go for it. I went to the Monday morning qualifying and got the fourth spot, with a score of 68. In the first and second rounds, I finished dead last, with scores of 87 and 82. So, in a field of the best players in the world, including most of the Ryder Cup teams, I was the worst of the best in the world that week. I went home with no checkbut with a wealth of experience. Now I'll go back to sea and try again next year. AB James Wood Upper Jay, N.Y. (Editors note: The article on Brother Wood ran in the January 1997 LOG.) Deputy Maritime Administrator John Graykowski (left) made a stop at the Honolulu hall recently. The Maritime Administration, among other things, provides loan guarantees for American Hawaii Cruises to build new cruise ships. Graykowski was very interested in learning more about the SIU's proposal to crew the new vessels and how the union's recruiting activities will meet those goals. From the left are Graykowski, SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz, and Clint Taylor of Sea-Land in Hawaii. ACamlval It Wasn't When I discussed the latest Carnival Cruise escapade with my good buddy, he simply shrugged his shoulders. He alludes to these revelations with a sort of one-line question/answer attitude: "Who didn't know that?" One of Carnival's so-called "well maintained ships" was powerless at sea in the path of one of the century's most destructive hurricanes [Hurricane Floyd]. Hundreds of passengers complained that human waste was backing into the ship's living and eating quarters, among other things. Not exactly a gala carnival atmosphere. The upside is that the conditions were not conducive to sexual impropriety by crew members, as has been charged on other cruises. When the vessel was finally towed to a safe harbor, a company spokesperson declared that all expenses would be taken care of and rain checks would be issued to anyone who cared to cruise with them at a later date. Really?? Anthony Notturno Villas, N.J. LOB-A-RHYTHMS Derelict John W. Brown by Harry T. Scholer by Bill Parks Like Noah s Ark it appears to me Coming out of the early morning mist. Three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide, Thirty cubits high, pitching and rolling in ten-foot seas. Ghostly white and faded gray With patches of rust streaking down her side. Deserted now, the crew long gone, A cabin door swings forlornly in the wind. Straining, resisting the final indignity Of being towed to her demise. The small tug huffing and puffing, But making little headway in wind and sea. Where did she come from? I know where shes bound To the breakers, to be made into razor blades. Silently we pass, her markings painted out Giving no clue. Her past a mystery, her future a certainty Which the struggles only delay. One more look and then farewell. For I am a sailor who does love the sea My ship is the Brown, shes an old Liberty I work down below in the heat from the steam Happy to serve as a part of her team For here I'm a sailor when we make this ship go When they ring from above and we start off our show We don 't have much speed and our wake is not much But wey down below she welcomes our touch The sweat and the heat we grin and we bear For this is our love and 0 how we care This engine is old but so are we too We give her our best, the best we can do The oiler who squirts as he makes his own rounds He listens andfeels to those wondeiful sounds The fireman who stands as his fires make the steam Proud of his part for this is his dream The tender of water as it rises and falls He knows from the bells how to answer their calls Shes now up to speed with excitement by all The throttles wide open, her pressure won 't fall The Captain above in the cool breezy air Must feel in his heart for the love thats down there From up at our bow and aft to our end From the bridge up above, this message I'll send To the Sailors who sailed and forever still roam Watch over this ship, her crew . .. and our home. (Harry T. Scholer of Orlando, Fla. sailed as an AB with the SIU. He has since retired his book and now sails as second mate with the American Maritime Officers for Maritrans.) She's D' Ship by Joel Molinos I love she, I love she not only for what she are, or what she have, but for what I am when I am with she. ,- (Joel Molinos sails as chief cook aboard the !TB Groton.) 22 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's money and union finances. The constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accountants every year, which is to be submitted to the membership by the secretary-treasurer. A yearly finance committee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommendations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and separate findings. TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District are administered in accordance with the provisions of various trust fund agreements. All these agreements specify that the trustees in charge of these funds shall equally consist of union and management representatives and their alternates. All expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a majority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. SHIPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and th employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 207 46 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 meet[This poem was sent to the LOG by Ted Vargas (who ings in all constitutional ports. The also sent us this month's "Pie-from-the-Past" on page 16), an oiler aboard the Liberty ship John W. Brown. It responsibility for Seafarers LOG was written by a fellow volunteer crewmate, Bill policy is vested in an editorial Parks, who works as a wiper. Parks soon will become board which consists of the execuan apprentice fireman and e ventually get his MMD tive board of the union. The execuendorsement for FOWT. According to Vargas, "Parks tive board may delegate, from is an older man, as are most of us on the Brown, who among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. became fascinated with the old Liberty ship.] 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 disc · · d against because of race, creed, co , ational 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 es including, but no i · e to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Naflember 1999 �. SEAFARERS PAUE HALl CENTER 1999~2000 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes from November through the end of the year as well as the first three months of 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to impr~ve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industrY~ · · Ple~~ note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the rooming of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations $h;Ould be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Pau,!Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses ¥.hifeboatman Start Date Date of Completion January 24 February 21 February 18 March 17 January24 February 11 January 10 February 7 January 21 (pre-AB) Feb. 28 (pre-AB) January 17 March 6 January 28 March 17 January 10 January 31 January 14 .F ebruary4 November 1, 15, 29 (1999) December 13, 27 (1999) January 10, 24 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week) Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* January 10 January 10 March 6 January 28 January 28 March 24 Basic Firefighting November 22, '99 January 17 February 28 November 26, '99 January 21 March 3 Advanced Firefighting November 8, .' 99 November 29, '99 January 10 February 14 March 6 November 19, '99 December 10, '99 January21 February 25 March 17 Government Vessels November 1, '99 November 8, '99 November 29, '99 January 31 February 28 November 19, '99 November 26, '99 December 17, '99 February 18 March 17 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) November 8, '99 November 22, '99 November 29, '99 December 13, '99 Marcli6 November 12, '99 November 26, '99 December 3, '99 December 17, '99 February 11 March 10 January 24 . March 13 January 28 MarchJ7 February 28 March3 February 28 March 3 (*must have basic fire fighting) Eflglne Bpglatling Courses Welding· Start Date Date of Complepon Januaty 10 Februaryl8 January 24 April 14 January 10 January 28 January31 February 18 }(~)?ruary (*must have basic fll'e fighting) November: 8, '99 ,.De<=ember 17, '99 November 13, t99 January 10 February 14 December 3, '99 January28 March 3 LNG Familiarization* (*must have advancedfue flghtmg) ii pill Containment Academic Department Courses Stewa1d Upgrading Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (1999) December 6, 13~ 20, 27 (1999) January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 (Every week) ? 1 basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and. Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. -~------· -·· - - - - - - - - - - - - - - · ·- -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and OMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard UPGRADING APPLICATION fee of $280 with their av.plication. The payment should be made with a monev order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#____ _ _ _ _ _ Book# - --.-'--- - - - - - - Seniority - - - - - - - ' - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port - - - - - - - - - - - - Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are .YOU a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? b Yes DNo If yes,r class # - - -- - - - - - - - - " - - - - - ' - - - - - - - -- - -- - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes DNo "If yes, .course(s) taken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken November 1999 D Yes 0 No CPR: 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. REWRN COMP,LETEJ) APJ:UCATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissio,,; Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ 0 Yes DNo The Seafarers Hany Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students iri its prqgrams or activities. 11199 Seafarers LOS 23 �m . l n f m rt Holiday Greetings The December issue of the LOG will include holiday greetings to and from Seafarers and SIU members as well as their families and friends. See page 10 to send your message. Hurricane Floyd Aftermath Sea-Land Developer Rescues 6 Crowley Crew Handles Salvage Operation; Battered Humacao Survives Scary Episode SIU members found out-the hard way, in some cases-that Hurricane Floyd carried as much danger at sea as it did on the Atlantic coast when it struck in mid-September. The Sea-Land Developer rescued six people from a disabled sailboat off the coast of Cuba. The Crowley ocean-going tug Sentinel handled a salvage operation in Charleston, S.C. that initially had been bungled by a non-union crew. And the Humacao survived a frightening encounter with the storm off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla. Developer Rescue Captain Robert Lamb reports that on September 13, the SeaLand Developer had just passed ahead of the hurricane and was sailing toward the eastern tip of Cuba, approximately 125 miles off its coast. The vessel received a nearly inaudible distress call from a sailboat at 2100, but "we could see him, so I decided to stop and render assistance. The weather had improved since we had passed within 100 miles of the storm, but was still bad. Wind was from the southwest between 35 and 40 knots, and seas were still huge. We stopped the ship about a half-mile upwind and tried talking again." Lamb and other personnel on the Sea-Land vessel learned that the 50-foot wooden boat God Save had a broken sail and didn't possess an auxiliary motor. The sailboat trades between Port au Prince, Haiti and Nassau, Bahamas and was carrying plantains. The sailboat's captain requested a tow. "I told him that we are not in that business," notes Lamb. "He then asked if we could just do a distress relay for him. I agreed but didn't want him sitting alongside the whole time, as I was afraid we'd pound his side to pieces. So I started backing down, but by the time he got up by our No. 4 hatch, they changed their minds and decided to abandon. I think the crew probably threatened "We had 55gallon drums that were squished into the size of basketballs." - Recertified Bosun David Mu"ay, describing hurricane's impact on SIU-crewed Humacao mutiny! "Anyway, we got the ship moving ahead again and retrieved all six crew members from the sailboat with no problems. All disembarked in Panama two days later and were repatriated to Haiti from there. The total delay from this diversion was two hours." Sentinel Salvage Captain Eddie Williams and the crew of the Crowley tug Sentinel on September 23 safely retrieved a fully loaded, 732-foot barge approximately 90 miles off the coast of Charleston, S.C. A non-union company initially had been hired for the salvage operation. "They fouled all the gear when they towed it," observes Williams, who began Crew members on the Sea-Land Developer pose with Haitians whom they rescued from a disabled sailboat in rough weather. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) DEU Tomas Robinson, AB Ronald Huyett, Bosun Paul Sbriglio, (standing) AB Cleofe Castro, Chief Mate John Kerwin, Engine Cadet Carlos Vallarino, survivors Lucia Pierre and Flaubert Mesidor, AB Charles Gordon, survivors Alcede Charles, Gerard Noel and Jozius lnniace, Captain Robert Lamb and survivor Donai Jacques. sailing in 1977. "They got lines in the wheel." Enter the Sentinel, which arrived in 12-foot seas. "There was a 2,400-hp tug (which had replaced the original would-be salvage crew) there about to sink," recalls Williams. "That little boat couldn't handle it. He had to [release the barge], and when he did, my crew rigged up a retrieval hook and brought it in. "It was pretty cut and dry." The barge was carrying containers bound for Puerto Rico. Assisting Williams on the 136-foot Crowley boat were Chief Mate Richard Workman, Second Mate Dave Massey, ABs John Holland and Les O'Hair and Chief Engineer Phil Robinson. Humacao Battered ,_ These four photos, provided by Recertified Bosun David Murray, show the SIU-crewed Humacao during and after the hurricane. Amazingly, no one aboard the ship was seriously injured, even though the vessel was exposed to Floyd's full force. Recertified Bosun David Murray credits Seafarers from the containership Humacao with remaining composed despite potentially catastrophic circumstances. On September 15 and 16, the ship endured Floyd's full bIURt, approximately 150 miles from Jacksonville. Miraculously, there were no serious injuries, and the vessel survived despite 60-foot seas, 100-mph winds, 45-degree rolls and a shipboard fire. "I'm sure everybody was scared, but the unlicensed crew handled it great. None of them complained, and all of them did a top-notch job," states Murray. "We're pretty lucky we survived." Navieras NPR, which oper- SIU halls were closed for about 24 hours fn Ft. Lauderdale (above) and Jacksonville, Fla. and in Norfolk, Va. due to the hurricane. None sustained major damage, although flooding occurred at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. ates the Humacao, sent plaques to all the crew members, citing their "gallant, heroic efforts" in surviving the hurricane. Murray says the Humacao left Jacksonville "and ran smack into (the storm). There was nothing we could do but hold on. We traveled about 30 miles in 36 hours." Dozens of containers were lost, drums of hydraulic oil were crushed, and a fire on the stem was ignited when a valve broke. Despite being hampered by displaced containers blocking parts of the deck, crew members quickly extinguished the fire. Finally, the worst of the storm passed, and the Humacao proceeded to San Juan, P.R., where it underwent repairs for three days. "There was a lot of damage, and they're still having some minor repairs done from time to time," notes Murray. "Everything was chained down, but it broke loose in the storm. We had 55-gallon drums that were squished into the size of basketballs." SIU members who were aboard the Humacao included Murray, ABs Thomas Grosskurth, Terry McKee, Kevin Gatling, George Perry and Thomas Russell, Deck Engineer Bruce Harber, Chief Electrician William Payne, OMUs Kenneth Biddle, David Ballard and Joseph Arch, Engine Utility Anthony Rosa, DEU Willie Smith, Chief Steward Raymond Jones, Chief Cook Pedro Rodriguez, and Utility Messmen Samuel Sotomayor and Catalino Diaz. Damage estimates for the hurricane in the U.S. have topped $1.5 billion and may increase. Floyd caused dozens of fatalities while prompting the largest evacuation in America's history. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MEMBERS START CONSIDERATION FOR SIU-NMU MERGER VOTE U.S. FLEET VITAL TO NATIONAL SECURITY MTD DELEGATES MAP PLANS FOR STRONG MARITIME POLICIES AFL-CIO CONVENTION APPROVES RESTRUCTURING AT LOCAL, STATE LEVELS SEAFARERS GAIN JOBS UNION STARTS TESTING FOR BASIC ENGLISH COAST GUARD REGS REQUIRE ALL MARINERS TO UNDERSTAND SHIPBOARD ORDERS NEW CRUISE COMPANY ACQUIRES HONORED NAME STRUCTURAL CHANGES APPROVED AT AFL-CIO CONVENTION IN L.A. AMERICAN CORMORANT CREW PRAISED FOR ‘FLAWLESS’ WORK SENATOR CALLS FOR ACTION TO EXPAND U.S.-FLAG FLEET IN FOREIGN TRADE HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE EYES CRUISE MISHAPS ‘SHIP FROM HELL’ IS LATEST RUNAWAY-FLAG CALAMITY COAST GUARD MODIFIES USER FEES SAFETY IS PRIMARY CONCERN AS AMERICAN STEAMSHIP CREWS KEEP LAKES CARGOES MOVING 10 RECERTIFIED BOSUNS IMPART HARD-EARNED WISDOM TO TRAINEES SIU MEMBERS HELP MAINTAIN MILITARY SHIPS IN GUAM, SAIPAN LNG CREWS REASSURED ABOUT REFLAGGING AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT CONVENTION LEGISLATORS SUPPORT STRONG U.S. FLEET AFL-CIO PRESIDENT: ‘ORGANIZING AND POLITICS ARE WHERE IT’S AT’ SWEENEY URGES ‘STRONGER POLITICAL VOICE’ TO BENEFIT AMERICA’S WORKING FAMILIES BIENNIAL CONVENTION MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO MSC COMMANDER SEES INCREASED ROLE FOR CIVILIAN MARINERS ON MILITARY SHIPS SEA-LAND DEVELOPER RESCUES 6 CROWLEY CREW HANDLES SALVAGE OPERATION; BATTERED HUMACAO SURVIVES SCARY EPISODE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 11 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/9cd87c7200bad5c994d8a05ee0db8be0.pdf df67c7abb728702bac0aa8ba615d0c5e PDF Text Text Volume 61 Number 10 October 1999 .. d r Starry Greetings from Russia I c -Jan ar 31 SIU Crews Green Dale New Car Carrier Launches in Japan Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG, showing crew members at work aboard the Liberty Star in Russia. Pictured above (from left) are AB Israel Castillo, Unlicensed Apprentice Chris Green, Deck Maintenance Ed Nelson and Bosun Castro. Below, left: Castillo chips to keep the vessel clean. Below, right: Castro stays on top of the deck duties. Members Discuss Benetits of Upgrading - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - PagesB, 9 Sealarers Now Eligible For More Scholarships _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Pages4, 14 �President's Report A New Era We are preparing to enter a new era in the history of the U.S. merchant marine. In this month's issue of the Seafarers LOG as well as the latest edition of the NMU Pilot is a resolution for you, the rank-and-file member, to consider bringing the National Maritime Union into the ranks of the SIU. This proposed merger is offered in the best interests of the members from both unions. Since the NMU became an autonomous affiliate of the SIUNA last year, representatives from both unions have been meeting to see if a merger is viable. Both unions have watched how SIU and NMU members have studied side-by-side at the Paul Hall Center with respect for one Michael Sacco another and friendships developing. Both unions have seen how the Alaska Tanker Company agreement has been implemented-the first covering SIU and NMU members working for the same firm. The committee looking into the merger has discussed seniority and job security concerns, among other issues. The officials serving on the committee believe merging the NMU into the SIU is workable, feasible and needed to ensure the job security of all American merchant mariners into the next century. When the SIU was established in 1938, we immediately went head-to-head and toeto-toe with the NMU for new contracts. For more than 60 years, our two unions have expended untold amounts of money and blood to gain an upper hand on the other. Instead of working together to build up the U.S.-flag fleet, our unions battled to tear each other down. If we are to continue the revitalization of the U.S.-flag fleet that started this decade,· we can no longer maintain a feud that helps no one. The U.S.-flag merchant fleet is growing. It seems each month we are announcing a new vessel breaking out or a new ship being built. When is the last time you can remember seeing stories on passenger ships, tankers, tugs, dredges, prepositioning vessels, car carriers and other bottoms all coming out like they are now?! The fleet is growing because maritime has been speaking with one unified voice on issues vital to all of us. That is how legislation allowing the export of Alaskan North Slope oil passed in 1995. That is how the Maritime Security Program became law a year later. That is how the Jones Act retains its solid support on Capitol Hill. None of this could have happened if one side was attacking the other. Maritime unity was required and is still needed. Our union's history is filled with mergers-actions that have made us stronger. The first one took place in 1940. When the SIU came into being, it had three separate districts that operated independently- the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes. In a short time, deep sea members realized having separate Atlantic and Gulf districts was a hindrance. Rather than putting up with jurisdictional disputes, the Seafarers of that era decided to merge the districts and consolidate their ocean-going efforts. This allowed the union to grow as one for deep sea members- setting the course for more organizing, benefits, training and other opportunities. In 1958, the next merger took place. The separate Great Lakes District joined with the Atlantic and Gulf. The union's constitution was amended by membership vote in 1960 to reflect the change. The decade of the 1970s saw further growth in the SIU. Both the SIUNA-affiliated Inland Boatmen's Union and the Atlantic Fishermen's Union came within the AGLIWD. However, the biggest merger of the decade occurred in 1978 when the Marine Cooks & Stewards merged into the district. This marked the first time ever that an unlicensed maritime union had jurisdiction from coast to coast. SIU President Paul Hall explained to the membership his reasons for merging the MC&S into the SIU: "All segments of the American labor movement will experience mergers of similar unions with similar interests for the overall purpose of providing better representation and protection to their memberships." His words from the March 1977 Seafarers LOG still ring true today. Why were all of these mergers performed? For the same reason the NMU merger with the SIU makes sense today. Job security, strengthening the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, solid contracts, consolidation of resources, maritime unity. Take your pick. The SIU has been looking ahead to capture the opportunities that await our members in the 21st century. We are growing-from the new vessels coming on line to the expansion of the Paul Hall Center's curriculum. We have not and will not stand still. We want to commit our resources to bringing new jobs and new ships to all of our members. In order for the U.S.-flag fleet to maintain the revitalization course charted earlier this decade, we cannot afford to be deterred. It would not only harm the SIU, ~ but all American mariners. That is why we have reached this crucial point in U.S. maritime history. It is time for the SIU and NMU to put a formal end to an unproductive feud. Recent history has shown that maritime labor will need to speak with one voice in the 21st century to ensure the necessary gains that will promote and protect our members. That is why the time has come to welcome the NMU into the ranks of the SIU. Doubling of Vessel Traffic in U.S.? ITF Officials Meet at Paul Hall Center DOT Report Offers Ways to Handle the Increase SIU President Michael Sacco (speaking above) welcomes the members of the ITF Task Force on Ratings to Piney Point, Md. Delegates from the United Kingdom , France, Finland, Denmark, Singapore, Japan, Australia and New Zealand participated in the two-day meeting. Listening above (from left) are ITF Official Steve Cotton, SIU Exec. VP and ITF Seafarers' Section Chair John Fay and ITF Official Jean Yves Legouas. Below, the delegates tour the center's Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Volume 61, Number 10 October 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 520 I Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo ; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Facing a projected doubling of waterborne commercial vessel traffic in the United States during the next 20 years, the Department of Transportation (DOT) last month submitted a report to Congress outlining recommendations to meet the expected increase. In presenting the report, Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater noted, "This nation was built on its waterways and ports. We must make certain they are ready to compete, and win, in the global economy of the 21st century." Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart and Admiral James M. Loy, Commandant of the U .S. Coast Guard, cochaired the national task force which produced the report. Representatives of vessel operators, shippers, ports, recreational boaters, environmentalists, shipyards, labor and other organizations were among those composing the task force. Representatives of local, state and regional governments, as well as numerous federal agencies also participated. Officially titled "An Assessment of the U.S. Marine Transportation System" (MTS), the report includes the following recommendations: • Creation of an MTS national advisory council to "provide a structured approach for non.federal stakeholders to provide input" on national issues. • Adopting a systematic approach to MTS safety and environmental protection. Managers, operators and users of the waterways and facilities, the shoreside transportation system, environmental interests and the public all must be involved via local committees or planning groups, states the report. • Better coordination and development of adequate financing mechanisms to ensure the growth of seaports, waterways and their intermodal links. • Improved efficiencies in the movement of people and cargo, including "one-stop shopping" for federal inspection and reporting, improved landside access to ports, a national cooperative MTS research program and more reliable traffic forecasting. • Establishment of information management systems and infrastructure supportive of the MTS, including development of better hydrographic and weather information; improved vessel, cargo and passenger tracking methods; and better waterway traffic management information for mariners and ports. Public comments on the DOT report are requested by November 18. The full report may be accessed via the internet at http://www.dot.gov/mts or http://www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m. Besides the recommenda- tions, the report offers some interesting data. For instance, it states, "More than 1,000 harbor channels and 25,000 miles of inland, intracoastal, and coastal waterways in the United States serve over 300 ports, with more than 3,700 terminals that handle passenger and cargo movements. The waterways and ports link to 152,000 miles of rail, 460,000 miles of pipelines, and 45,000 miles of interstate highways .... The MTS also contains shipyards and repair facilities crucial to maritime activity." .It also notes that the U.S. marine transportation system annually: • moves more than 2 billion tons of domestic and international freight; • imports 3.3 billion barrels of oil to meet U.S . energy demands; • transports 134 million passengers by ferry; • serves 78 million Americans engaged in recreational boating; • hosts more than 5 million cruise ship passengers; and • supports 110,000 commercial fishing vessels and recreational fishing that contribute $111 billion to state economies. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Thursday, November 11, 1999 for the observance of Veterans' Day and Thursday, November 25 for Thanksgiving Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. October 1999 �Voting Starts December 1 On SIU-NMU Merger SIU members will begin voting December 1 on a referendum to determine if the union should proceed with merging the National Maritime Union (NMU) into the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (SIU). The resolution asks Seafarers if the union should bring the NMU into the SIU. At the same time Seafarers are voting, members of the NMU will be casting ballots at their halls to determine if the NMU should merge into the SIU. If approved by the membership of both the SIU and NMU, members of the two unions' executive boards would start implementing the merger. The process being used is similar to the one implemented during 1977-78 when the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) merged into the SIU. At that time, the MC&S was an autonomous union within the parent Seafarers International Union ofNorth America. Officers from the SIU and MC&S entered into preliminary discussions about merging the MC&S into the SIU. They then presented a resolution of merger to each membership in spring 1978. After getting approval from the members of both unions, the officers ironed out the specifics of the merger which were implemented in the SIU constitution through amendments approved in a 1980 membership referendum. Like the MC&S was in 1977, the NMU is an autonomous union within the SIUNA. A committee consisting of officials from the SIU and NMU have been meeting since June to see if a merger would be feasible. The committee determined a merger of the NMU into the SIU would benefit the members of both unions in order to build a stronger U.S.-flag merchant fleet. Thus, it decided to recommend a merger to both memberships and drafted the resolution that is being presented. Seafarers learned of the voting in a letter from SIU Secretary- Treasurer David Heindel dated September 27: "Please be advised that a merger referendum between the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, AFL-CIO and the National Maritime Union of America, AFL-CIO is being proposed. "Balloting will commence on December 1, 1999 and continue through January 31, 2000. For the purpose of securing ballots, the ports shall be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. This will be a mail referendum. You will sign the 'roster sheet,' pick up your ballot, mark it, place it in the inner (BALLOT) envelope, and then place it in an outer envelope which is stamped and addressed to the bank depository. "In addition, you may request an absentee ballot if you are working aboard a union-contracted vessel or are a patient in an accredited hospital during the voting period. If you think you may need an absentee ballot, instructions are enclosed along with this ballot. (Editor's note: instructions for an absentee ballot appear to the right.) "Following the balloting, a Union Tallying Committee consisting of six full book members, two from each of the three departments of the Union will be elected at the Headquarters membership meeting on February 7, 2000 to count the ballots and prepare a report to the membership." Should the members of both unions accept the resolution, the merger committee would continue its work to draft the specifics regarding seniority, job security, training and other topics. As noted in the text of the resolution (printed below), the merger would require changes in the SIU constitution. These amendments would be presented to the membership during the regularly scheduled officers' election in late 2000. SAMPLE BALLOT of SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District VOTING PERIOD DECEMBER 1, 1999 THROUGH JANUARY 31, 2000 MERGER SIUNA-AGLIWD AND NATIONAL MARITIME UNION OF AMERICA INSTRUCTION TO VOTERS - Vote either YES or NO on the following proposition below by marking a cross (X) in the appropriate box. Do not use lead pencil in marking the ballot. Ballots marked with lead pencil will not be counted. Mark your ballot with pen, ink or indelible pencil. Do not put any other marking on this ballot. RESOLUTION Be it resolved that a merger of the National Maritime Union (NMU) into the Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD (SIU) shall take place. This merger, if approved by the membership of both unions, would take effect on the earlier of March 1, 2001 or as soon thereafter as the Executive Board deems appropriate. If this merger is approved by a majority of SIU members who chose to vote on this proposal, the SIU Executive Board would then begin the process of implementation. Resolutions would be prepared during the year, 2000, to amend the Constitution to add the NMU's name and to expand the SIU's Executive Board by adding new Vice-President positions. These resolutions would then be voted on in conjunction with the SIU's next regularly scheduled election for Officers during the year 2000. In addition, a vote to approve this merger proposal entails granting to the SIU Executive Board the time and discretion to study in detail issues such as finances, seniority and shipping rules to devise methods to ensure that the job security and membership rights of all SIU members will be fully protected throughout this entire process. Following this time period, once the Executive Boards of both unions have reached an agreement as to how best to protect their respective memberships, a merger agreement will be drafted which will contain the specifics of the merger and this agreement will then be put to a vote of the membership at a regular membership meeting. I APPROVE OF THIS MERGER BETWEEN THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA, ATLANTIC, GULF, LAKES AND INLAND WATERS DISTRICT AND THE NATIONAL MARITIME UNION OF AMERICA, AS DESCRIBED ABOVE? DYES ONo Seafarers Crew New Car Carrier Green Dale Seafarers climbed the gangway of a newly built car carrier, the Green Dale, last month in the port of Toyohashi, Japan. Operated by Waterman Steamship Company of New Orleans, the Green Dale is about 590 feet long with a 106-foot width. The vesse1's first sailing will take it across the Pacific to Tacoma, Wash. Its itinerary will take the ship worldwide, including ports in Europe and the Caribbean, depending on contracts picked up by its charterer, NYK. "The Green Dale represents the union's continuing effort to gain new jobs for our October 1999 members," stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "This is a brand new vessel to the U.S.flag fleet with a longstanding SIU-contracted company. Because Seafarers have proven themselves through the years with Waterman, the Green Dale shows the company remains committed to ensuring a strong U.S.-flag presence in the next century." Besides providing more jobs for Seafarers, the Green Dale also will benefit the nation's armed forces by being available to help fulfill the military's need for roll- on/roll-off vessels. It will be included in VISA (Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement), a 1995 federal program designed to make intermodal vessels and services available to the Defense Department in times of war or national emergency. "The launching of the Green Dale shows that new tonnage continues to come into the U.S.-flag fleet, one of the goals set forth by the 1996 Maritime Security Program," Tellez added. The Green Dale can transport approximately 4, 100 vehicles. The Seafarers LOG will publish photos of the crew and the vessel as soon as they become available. INSTRUCTIONS For Voting by Absentee Ballot In SIU, AGLIWD-NMU Merger Full book members may request and vote an absentee ballot under the following circumstances: while such member is employed on a Union contracted vessel and which vessel's schedule does not provide for it to be at a Port in which a ballot can be secured during the time and period of this election or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first 10 days of the month of December of the election. An absentee ballot may be requested by registered or certified mail. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee baJlot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. on the 15th day of December 1999, shall be directed to the SecretaryTreasurer at Headquarters, and must be delivered no later than the 24th of December 1999. The Secretary-Treasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The Secretary-Treasurer, if he determines that such a member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of December send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address so designated by such member, a "Ballot," after removing the perforated numbered stub together with the hereinbefore mentioned "Ballot" envelope, and mailing envelope addressed to the depository, except that printed on the face of such mailing envelope shall be the words "Absentee Ballot" and appropriate voting instructions shall accompany such mailing to the member. If the Secretary-Treasurer determines that such member is ineligible to receive such absentee ballot, he shall nevertheless send such member the aforementioned ballot with accompanying material except that the mailing envelope addressed to the depository shall have printed on the face thereof the words "Challenged Absentee Ballot." The Secretary-Treasurer shall keep records of all of the foregoing, including the reasons for determining such member's ineligibility, which records shall be open for inspection by full book members and upon the convening of the Union Tallying Committee, presented to them. The SecretaryTreasurer shall send to all Ports the names and book numbers of the members to whom absentee ballots were sent. All ballots to be counted must be recetved by the depository no later than February 5, 2000 and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight January 31, 2000. Seafarers LOG 3 �Union Privilege to Award $200,000 in Scholarships SIU Members Eligible for Grants, Other Benefits Union Privilege, a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO, recently announced that the Union Plus Credit Card scholarship program again will honor "deserving students" with $200,000 in scholarships next year. Seafarers and their dependents are eligible to apply for the scholarships, regardless of whether they carry the Union Plus/SIU credit card. The application deadline is January 31, 2000. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May. (See box below for information on securing an application.) The AFL-CIO (the national federation of trade unions) started Union Privilege in order to utilize the collective purchasing power of America's union families. In essence, Union Privilege secures consumer benefits for union members and their dependents at Getting an Application By mail, send a postcard with return address, telephone contact information and international union name clearly printed on it to: Union Plus Scholarship Program P.O. Box 34800 Washington, D.C. 20043-4800 Via the internet, go to: http://www.unionpriv.org/news/2000scholarinfo.htm to download a pdf version of the application. lower rates than one typically could gain on their own. The SIU subscribes to several Union Privilege programs, including the SIU/UIW MasterCard (through which the scholarship program is conducted). There is no charge to the SIU for this participation, though individuals, of course, must pay to enroll in whichever programs they choose. In promoting the scholarship program, Union Privilege pointed out that earlier this year, 120 students representing 32 AFL-CIO unions were selected to receive approximately $200,000 in Union Plus grants. "The recipients were chosen in part for their academic achievements and in part for their appreciation and understanding of labor, and their efforts in bettering society," the organization noted. Overall, 16 students attending four-year colleges and universities were honored with the program's top award of $4,000; Union Privilege Phone Numbers (These are the programs for which SIU members are eligible) General Information 1-800-452-9425 Credit Card Applications (English) 1-800-522-4000 Credit Card Applications (Spanish) 1-800-651-5108 Cardholder Customer Service 1-800-622-2580 another 85 received awards ranging from $500 to $3,000; and 18 community college students and one trade school student received scholarships ranging between $500 and $1,000. The upcoming scholarships will mark the program's ninth year. Already, more than $1.1 million in scholarships have been awarded to union members and their families through Union Privilege. The competition typically is stiff. Two years ago, for instance, Life Insurance 1-800-899-2782 Dental Program 1-800-257-8352 Legal Service 1-800-452-9425 Health Savings 1-800-228-3523 For more information, contact Union Privilege at the "general information" number listed above. more than 7,000 people applied for scholarships. In addition to the Union Privilege scholarships, the Seafarers Welfare Plan is offering three scholarships in the year 2000 to SIU members and four scholarships to spouses and dependents of Seafarers. See page 14 for additional information. Hurricane Floyd Pounds U.S. Shipping Disrupted as Storm Hits Eastern States Hurricane Floyd swept over the Eastern United States September 16-17, causing massive damage and dozens of fatalities while prompting the largest evacuation in America's history. Shipping was disrupted from Florida to New York as residents took precautions against the storm. SIU halls were closed for about 24 hours in Jacksonville and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and in Norfolk, Va., though none of those halls sustained noteworthy damage. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., was not as forWipespread damage was caused by Hurricane Floyd all along the East Coast, including (counter-clockwise from top left) at the Charleston (S.C.) Marina, in Stevensville, Md., in Whitpain Township, Pa. (the children aboard the bus were rescued), and in Longport, N.J. tunate. Flooding occurred in the training and recreation center, a number of trees were downed, and the library's archives sustained water damage. Classes, however, were conducted as scheduled. Among SIU-crewed ships affected by Hurricane Floyd were the USNS Pollux and USNS Soderman in Norfolk; the HMI Dynachem in Ft. Lauderdale; and the JE.B. Stuart, Fisher, Sea-Land Producer and El Yunque in Jacksonville. Some left port to avoid the hurricane, while others were delayed coming in. The Soderman remained in port and reflected Floyd's fury when it parted a steel line. Also, as reported by several newspapers, helicopters from the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy rescued all eight mariners who were stranded in 30-foot seas as their ocean-going tug sank 300 miles east of Jacksonville. The non-union tug went down when Floyd arrived off the coast September 15. Early overall damage estimates for the hurricane in the U.S. already exceed $1.3 billion, and that figure undoubtedly will increase. Generally, people in Florida and the northeast expressed relief that the storm did not strike harder (though it still caused plenty of damage, including widespread water pollution and lengthy power outages). By contrast, North Carolina bore Floyd's full brunt, and residents in the Norfolk-Newport News area also were severely impacted. More than 40 stormrelated fatalities were reported in North Carolina and five in Virginia. At press time, approximately 10,000 North Carolinians remained in shelters. In several eastern North Carolina towns, caskets were floating in the floodwaters, having been raised by the storm. AP Photo/Elaine Thompson AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy 4 Seafarers LOG AP Photo/Chris Polk October 1999 �Avondale Fight Continues Ex-Boss Still Hasn't Said He's Sorry The AFL-CIO's "Justice at Avondale Campaign" is calling on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to proceed with "extraordinary remedies" it had recommended against the New Orleans shipyard in 1997, and to add a few more which would address the company's illegal acts since the first order. In 1997, an NLRB administrative law judge said that thenAvondale CEO Al Bossier should be required to personally call an all-employee meeting and read a "cease and desist" order with regard to the company's "outrageous and pervasive number and nature of unfair labor practices." The AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department reports the directive has never been carried out because it was appealed by Avondale. The NLRB judge who issued the ruling singled out Bossier as the key figure in the company's campaign against union representation for the employees because testimony revealed that Bossier played a personal and active role in engineering the company's response. "Until [Avondale] employees are effectively given assurance that Albert Bossier knows that they have rights that are protected by law, the atmosphere of intimidation that he created will never be dispelled. Only when Bossier signs the notice and reads it to the employees will that assurance be effectively given," the judge declared. On August 19-citing the July 7, 1999, 5th Circuit Court decision vacating the June 1993 NLRB election-the Metal Trades filed a brief with the board judge who is hearing the second trial covering additional numerous unfair labor practices alleged to have been committed by Avondale. The department is asking that in addition to the remedies contained in the 1997 order, Avondale should also grant the union reasonable access to company bulletin boards and to employees in the shipyard during non-working hours, and allow the union the opportunity to present a 30-minute speech to all employees on working time prior to any NLRB election which might be scheduled. The department's petition also urges the NLRB to require Avondale to reimburse both it and the board for all costs associated with its organizing expenses as well as legal costs involved in investigating the company's illegal behavior. "In exceptional cases, such as this, where there is a history of flagrant disregard of the National Labor Relations Act, such awards have been granted," the union filing points out, adding that Avondale conducted its illegal anti-union campaign with the help of a $5.4 million reimbursement for legal fees by the U.S. Navy. AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department Attorney Bill Lurye said that these and other extraordinary remedies would be necessary in order ·to establish a level playing field. Lurye pointed out that Bossier AFL-CIO Launches Ad Campaign To Boost Medicare, Add Rx Benefit The AFL-CIO last month The cost of the tax breaks will launched new television and explode from $792 billion in the radio ads urging members of first 10 years to $2.6 trillion dolCongress to strengthen Medicare lars by 2019-just as Medicare and add a prescription drug bene- becomes insolvent, Social fit for seniors. The ad campaign Security surpluses begin to disapalso takes them to task for voting pear and the "baby boomers" to spend the federal budget sur- start to retire, according to the plus on a $792 billion tax cut for group. the wealthy instead. The national federation of The ads, which ran in the dis- trade unions, to which the SIU is tricts of 13 House members and affiliated, said that the proposed four senators, told members of tax package "rests on assumpCongress to "put working fami- tions that extraordinarily deep lies first" by securing Medicare funding cuts-up to 43 percent, for the future and extending the according to the Center on program to help senior citizens Budget and Policy Prioritiespay for their prescriptions. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney stated, "Congress needs to seize the opportunity to invest in the issues that really matter to working families-like strengthening Medicare-rather than wasting what little time is left in this session of Congress on goThe chairman of the House nowhere issues like huge tax cuts Transportation and Infrastructure for big business and the rich. Committee is calling for action to "While seniors all over the be taken to keep America's port country struggle to choose between paying for groceries and facilities from falling behind paying for their prescriptions, it's those in neighboring Canada and outrageous that Congress is vot- the Bahamas. Following a series of meetings ing to give corporate fat-cats a with transportation officials from $3.8 billion tax write-off," Europe and the Middle East, Rep. Sweeney continued. The tax cut primarily benefits Bud Shuster (R-Pa.) returned to America's wealthy, with 70 per- the United States urging his felcent of the tax cut benefits going low legislators to address the to the wealthiest 10 percent of problem of making American taxpayers. Taxpayers with in- ports ready for the vessels that comes of $301,000 or more get will handle international commerce in the next century. 42 percent of the tax cut. "Our harbors need to be According to Citizens for Tax dredged, and our terminals and Justice, a non-profit group that intermodal connections to trucks has analyzed the proposed cuts, the richest one percent would and rails need to be modernized," receive the equivalent of $885 Shuster said last month. "Not every week, while the average only are American port jobs in family would get three dollars a jeopardy, but the increased cost week under the tax cut plan of shipping U.S. products overseas puts all our export-related passed by Congress. will be made in programs like education and training, worker protections, and housing." Although President Clinton has promised to veto the tax plan, some members of Congress have indicated that they will continue to push for the tax cuts next year. Strengthening Medicare and prescription drug coverage for seniors is a top priority for the AFL-CIO and its unions. The AFL-CIO has launched a grassroots program to mobilize and educate union members from the 68 affiliated unions about the battle over Medicare. House Transportation Chair Calls for Action to Upgrade Maritime Infrastructure October 1999 jobs at risk." The Pennsylvania congressman was part of a 14-person bipartisan delegation seeking to learn more about how other countries are implementing changes to accommodate the maritime and aviation infrastructures. In a statement he released in mid-September, Shuster noted the growth of the global economy requires America to be ready in all transportation sectors to handle the adjustments. He pointed out the U.S. container trade has almost tripled in the last 20 years and is expected to double from today's figures during the next 20 years. "Thousands of American jobs now depend upon that trade," the chairman stated. "Our prosperity is tied to our ability to transport our products efficiently and economically to their destinations. Our maritime transportation system moves over two billion tons played a pivotal role in the company's anti-union strategy. According to testimony by Bossier during a second NLRB trial, he had received management reports of the names of employees whom they suspected or knew to be union supporters. "Bossier set the tone for his superintendents, meeting with them at the beginning of the campaign and telling them that the company would be less competitive, lose work and eventually close if the union prevailed in its campaign," Lurye said. The board's 1997 action included an order to re-hire 28 employees who had been fired for alleged union activity, and to make whole dozens more who had been suspended, disciplined or otherwise harassed in retribution for their pro-union sentiments. In all, NLRB Judge David Evans found the company had violated the law in more than 100 separate instances. Notice Seafarers who have sailed aboard vessels operated by V. Ships Marine, Ltd. (formerly International Marine Carriers) are receiving EPA allocation checks for a 2.3 percent pay increase that is retroactive to October 1996. Vessels covered by this agreement include the following: Beaver State Cape Farewell Cape Fear Cape Flattery Cape Florida Gem State Grand Canyon State Green Mountain State Keystone State If a Seafarer sailed on one of those vessels since October 1996 and has not received the EPA allocation, he or she may contact the company at (516) 741-2700. Coastal Enforcement Zone Doubles The United States is doubling the area within which the Coast Guard and other federal authorities may board foreign vessels to enforce U.S. laws. Vice President Al Gore last month announced that the U.S. contiguous zone formally has expanded from 12 to 24 miles off the coast. This extension complies with a United Nations treaty ratified in 1982. "With this new enforcement tool, we can better protect America's working families against drug trafficking, illegal immigration and threats to our ocean environment," the vice president said. "We are putting would-be smugglers and polluters on notice that we will do everything in our power to protect our waters and our shores." The 24-mile limit also applies to the waters around Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the North Mariana Islands. Before the 1980s, America's territorial limit extended just three miles from the coast. of foreign and domestic cargo annually, contributing $742 billion to our economy and generating 13 million jobs. "The great containerships of the world each carry over 6,000 20-foot containers, requiring ports with depths of about 50 feet. Yet, six of America's 10 largest container ports, which handle 80 percent of the U.S. container traffic, have depths of less than that. "They cannot handle the giant ships which increasingly are diverting to ports in Nova Scotia, Canada and the Bahamas. Our harbors need to be dredged, and our terminals and intermodal connections need to be modernized. Not only are American jobs in jeopardy, but the increased cost of shipping U.S. products overseas puts all our export-related jobs at risk." Shuster also called for action to upgrade the navigable system of rivers and lakes. "Likewise, the products flowing through our inland waterways -our rivers, lakes and canalsmany on their way to be loaded onto ocean carriers for shipment overseas, suffer from both our outdated ports and harbors, and an antiquat~d system of locks and canals. · "Barges move 800 million tons of cargo on these waterways each year, representing 15 percent of the ton's freight for less than 2 percent of the nation's total freight cost. Yet, over half of the 270 locks making navigation possible are antiquated, well beyond their 50-year design lives. "A 15-barge grain tow moves the equivalent of 870 trucks or 225 railroad cars, but because of outmoded locks, must be broken apart to pass in smaller clusters, raising the cost of shipping and slowing deliveries," the chairman stated. "Without modern navigation systems-such as electronic charting and transponders-the vessels on our inland waterways are needlessly unsafe." Shuster concluded by saying "it is time to. begin the battle to rededicate our harbors and inland waterways trust funds so they can be used for their intended purpose to help rebuild the nation's maritime and river systems." Seafarers LOG 5 �- - - - -- - - - - - - -- Safety Directors.Scrutinize Latest Industry Happenings SIU safety directors and representatives from ports throughout the nation met last month at the Paul Hall Center and at union headquarters to tackle many of the latest issues affecting Seafarers. During the four-day conference, the officials covered myriad topics. Subjects included safety courses available at the Paul Hall Center; implementation of the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention; the center's Coast Guard-accepted training record book (TRB); shipboard inspection techniques; activities of the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), and much more. Participants also met with representatives of the SIU's various departments to review key procedures that impact the individual Seafarer's interactions with headquarters and the ports. Taking part in the meetings were the following safety directors and representatives: Vince Coss (San Francisco), Amancio Crespo (Puerto Rico), Frank Gill (Wilmington, Calif.), Ed Kelly (Houston), Dennis Metz (Baltimore), Joe Mieluchowski (Philadelphia), Kenny Moore (Houston), Jamie Overby (Tacoma, Wash.), Steve Ruiz (Piney Point), Armando Salazar (Jacksonville, Fla.), Jack Sheehan (New York), Becky SleeperManion (St. Louis), James Storm (Honolulu), Don Thornton (Algonac, Mich.), Pat Vandergrift (Norfolk, Va.) and Chris Westbrook (New Orleans). Paul Hall Center Health and Safety Director Jim Hanson (center in photo above and far right in photo below) leads a tour of the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. All participants earned certificates, including (from top, down, with SIU President Michael Sacco) Vince Coss, James Storm and Chris Westbrook. Safety directors and representatives taking part in the seminar meet inside a classroom at the new fire fighting school. The agenda included questionand-answer sessions with representatives of the SIU's various departments at headquarters. Left: SIU Controller Maggie Bowen (who oversees union financial records) responds to a question while Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel listens. Right (from left, facing camera): SIU Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Management Information Systems Director Wally Schmidt and Supervisor of Pension and Death Benefits Paula Werfel meet with the attendees. 6 Seafarers LOG October 1999 �~---------~------- -- - - - - -- What You Need to Know About STCW Certificates The information on this page is reprinted from previous issues of the Seafarers LOG in order to clarify which unlicensed mariners need an STCW certificate, the differences between 1978 and 1995 certificates, and how to obtain them. Who is required to carry an STCW certificate right now? Any mariner sailing in international waters who is required to hold a lifeboatman's endorsement. Any rating forming part of a navigational watch. All tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties (such as ABs and pumpmen, for instance). Whether they carry a 1978 certificate or a 1995 certificate depends on when they entered the industry and when they may have upgraded. Who is required to carry an STCW certificate as of February 1, 2002? The main change as of that date is that watchstanding members of the engine department are required to carry a 1995 STCW certificate (as of February 1, 2002). So, the requirements apply to all watchstanding personnel (including engine department members), all tanker personnel who are assigned cargo duties, and all lifeboatmen on passenger vessels (that is, those crew members who are required to hold a lifeboat endorsement). Also, the 1978 certificate is obsolete as of February 1, 2002. If I currently must carry an STCW certificate, which one should I possess? It depends on when you began sailing and when you may have upgraded your rating. Mariners who started their sea service or training before August 1, 1998 must meet the requirements of the 1978 convention. Those individuals may carry the 1978 certificate, which expires on February 1, 2002 (regardless of when it was issued). Mariners who began their sea time or training after August 1, 1998 must meet the requirements of the 1995 STCW amendments-and, therefore, must carry a 1995 certificate. One potentially confusing issue is that it is permissible for mariners who began sailing or training before August 1, 1998 to carry a 1995 certificate, even though it's not presently required. For those individuals, the 1995 certificate supersedes the 1978 document. In other words, there is no reason to carry both. However, the 1995 document is not considered superior or more desirable for those mariners. Either one satisfies current regulations for affected ratings. Keep in mind that the 1978 certificate cannot be used on or after February 1, 2002. What if I upgraded after August 1, 1998? If you began both the required sea time for the upgrade and also the training itself after August 1, 1998, then you need a 1995 certificate . If any of the required sea time or training took place prior to August 1, 1998, then you only are required to have a 1978 certificate (though, again, you may apply for a 1995 document, provided you meet the Chapter VI requirements) . What if I applied for my first z-card after August 1, 1998 and had no prior sea time or training? You need a 1995 certificate, which would have been issued when you acquired your z-card if you satisfied the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. How do I get an STCW certificate? Through Coast Guard regional exam centers (RECs). To get a 1995 certificate, Seafarers must present evidence of meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. These requirements are for documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibility. Mariners also may apply by mail to the REC that issued their license or document. The 1995 certificate expires on the same date as the individual's z-card, regardless of when the certificate is issued. With that in mind, mariners may want to October 1999 - ~--~ United States of America l!NDORSEM!!NT ATil!S'JlNG 'IHE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER 'IHE PROVISIONS OF 'IHE IN'IERNATIONAL a>NVl!N110N ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, Cl!RTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPINO FOil SEAFAIU!llS, 1978 ~==~of the Unital Statea of America =ti&s tbot Certillcale No.wllo,.......,...bla-,,beal,--fmmd,--,...,dul...,..y-qu-,alified=· ~ill ~'":'~= ~~ JMfuJ'.Jm iDdKiiCd oltbe above eoavaiticn,"' - ill ~:x=~D:.V::..."!:..~...:~~~=~=-~fje~ LIMITATIONSAn'LYlllG lll'AMYJ CAPACll'Y consider timing their application for the 1995 certificate so it coincides with renewal of their z-card. By doing so, the 1995 certificate will be valid for five years. Rating form1ng part of 11 navigational watch Proficient in the use of survival craft What if I am an AB sailing on a tanker in international waters, but currently don't have an STCW certificate? "THIS CERTIFICATE EXPIRES 31 JANUARY 2002." No one fitting that description is supposed to sail. If you were unaware of the requirement (which dates to 1996) and somehow "slipped through the cracks," then you should immediately make arrangements to acquire your STCW certificate. What's the difference between the two certificates? 18 APR 1997 Dole of iuue ofthil endonement: The main differences are that the 1995 certificate has a space for a passport-size photo (the 1978 certificate does not); and the 1995 certificate uses descriptions that are germane to particular countries, instead of wider-ranging terminology from the International Maritime Organization. An example of the terminology differences: Under the "capacity" description, the 1995 certificate may say, "Able seaman, any waters, lifeboatman," whereas the 1978 document says "Rating forming part of a navigational watch" and "Proficient in the use of survival craft." It's also worth noting that the 1995 certificate features spaces marked "function," "level" and "limitations applying (if any)." However, these areas intentionally are left blank. They were added to the certificate solely to aid port state control officials by providing some uniformity between U.S. certificates and those used in other signatory nations. 25 AUG 1945 Dol<ol_ot ......... ot . . . . . - -.r.i.i,-- L. M. HYMAN Sipa_or,..-.or,.....DEl'T. OF TJWIS.. CO-S601 (~ sample of a 1978 certificate United States of America ENDORSEMENT ATIESTING THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS, 1978, AS AMENDED IN 1995 Tho Govenvnent of the Urited States of AmOl1ca clftilles IN! Clftiftcole No.(s) hes been issued to - - - - - -- -- who has bMn tound ciJly quollfled In IOCGOl'dance with the provisions of regulation(s) V I I 2 of the above Convention, to serve in the capacity 0t capacities Qsted below. st.Cject to any Imitations lndcaled unti _,l'-'J=UN=Ec....:2=00=3_ _ _ _ _ _. How did this all start? And why is it so confusing? This endotsement Is not valid unless acccmparied by1 valid U.S. Men:1'"'11 Mainer's llc:ensecrdocunlent. LEVEL FUNCTION STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training , Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original STCW convention, ratified in 1978, is a multi-national agreement which sets minimum standards for certification, training and skills needed by deep-sea mariners worldwide. The U.S . didn't sign onto the original convention until 1991. At that time, the U.S. was given five years to reach total compliance. Here's where things became more complicated: In 1995, more than 100 nations-including the U.S.ratified amendments to the original convention . In some cases, the dates for compliance with the original pact and the amendments overlapped. Essentially, that is how the U.S. ended up with two different STCW certificates (not to mention other requirements). Tho lawfU holder of U"is ~ent may ssve in CAPACITY the fellowing capacity arcapacities ._;fled. LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY) ABLE SEAMAN, AN Y WATERS LIE'EBOATMAN BASIC SAFET Y TRAINING ,AN D INSTRUCTION COMPL ET E D 11 DECEMBER 19 98. Endorsement No.: issued on l 7 FEBRUARY 1999 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston , MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center _ __ photo C J B IDWEL L (Embo5$0fftdolSealabovettnline. Contact your nearest REC, your port agent or the Paul Hall Center. You also may check the Coast Guard's STCW web site, located at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 _ DEPT. OF TRANS .• CG 561 1 (10-96) I have more questions. U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 at =HO~ US~ TO~N_ 22 NOVE MBE R 5 3 OateotbUtholtheholderoftheCf1111ficate Signature of ca1ifiall• - U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm . 109, Coast Guard Isl. Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 LIMITATIONS APPLYING (IF ANY) T) sample of a 1995 certificate with space for photo U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers (Updated as of 9/30/99) 196 Tradd Street Charleston , SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 433 Ala Moana Blvd . Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Reg ional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston , TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Ofc Regional Examination Center 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach , CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Memphis Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW. 1st Ave , 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 U.S. Coast Guard Activities New York Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S . Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building , Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 Seafarers LOB 7 �Conveyorman Comse Highlights Paul Hall Center's Adaptability Seafarer Norman Guild Creates Specialty Class The Paul Hall Center's adaptability and a Seafarer's drive were highlighted earlier this year by a special conveyorman course conducted at the Piney Point, Md. campus. Longtime SIU member and conveyorman Norman Guildsupported by school and union officials and representatives from SIU-contracted American Steamship Company (ASC}created and taught the three-week class. Eight students who sail on the Great Lakes completed it. Paul Hall Center representatives point to the course, which took place in March, as illustrating how the school routinely offers specially designed training for specific ratings and SIU-contracted companies throughout the industry. Since it opened in 1967, the center has offered numerous on-site and specialty courses. Recent examples include safety training aboard the passenger vessels SS Independence and Mississippi Queen, and on Great Lakes Towing tugboats; tankerman training for Crowley boatmen in Jacksonville, Fla.; and a special AB course in Piney Point for Great Lakes members. The school this year also has produced numerous ship-specific safety videotapes to help SIUcontracted vessels in the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet in complying with various new regulations. "Specialty courses and on-site training are big parts of what the school offers," noted Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. "We constantly encourage SIU members and contracted companies to take advantage of those opportunities." Guild, who joined the SIU in 1972, took it a step further. When he first noticed a need for additional relief conveyormen on the Lakes, "my first inclination, like anybody else, was, 'Why don't they find somebody? Whose responsibility is it?'" Seeing an opportunity for formal training that would benefit all concerned, Guild tackled the issue. He suggested the class to ASC and the SIU, then meticulously developed the curriculum during the ensuing 15 months. Altogether, he wrote and compiled a half-dozen instructional manuals for the class, totaling nearly 1,000 pages. He also utilized instructional videotape that he shot while sailing aboard ASC vessels as well as videotapes already available at the Paul Hall Center. "I remembered some important things from the first time I went to the school, which was 1984, on a towboat operator's scholarship," recalled Guild, who most recently sailed on ASC 's H. Lee White. "They offered a developmental studies course that taught people how to study, how to take notes, how to use resources in the library. That gave me the basis for putting together my books for the conveyorman 's course. "I also remember in 1984 feeling overwhelmed at first, because there was so much material. But something I learned then, still holds true: You might not need every last bit of information in a manual, but the most important information you need is probably in there somewhere." The wide-ranging duties of a conveyorman necessitated a broad curriculum that included Upgrader Touts School Agugliaro Cites Center's 'Positive Impact' Editors note: John Agugliaro recently upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. He offered the following thoughts on his time at the school. Upon recently upgrading at the Paul Hall Center, I found that not only does our membership upgrade, but our programs do as well. The SIU and the school continue to meet the challenges of new standards for today's mariners. I completed the certified chief cook course. It benefited me and undoubtedly can assist any member interested in attaining that endorsement. The program is taught by a team of chefs. Each individual offers something special and unique toward our training. At the helm is John Hetmanski. He covers leadership skills as well as proper galley operations. Chef John Dobson is the lab instructor, focusing on the fundamentals of cooking, combined with practical cooking skills. Chef Shannon Twigg also teaches in the practical setting of the galley operation, specializing in proper cooking techniques and recipes. Combined, they form a balanced team that always is available for instruction and guidance. B Seafarers LOG As students, we are privileged to also have available to us a "hall of fame" chef-Romeo Lupinacci. Under Chef Romeo's tutelage, we learn the finer points of culinary skills. Chef Romeo's availability is unwavering toward the students, whether we seek instruction or brotherhood. Without a doubt, all the instructors help us become the best-trained cooks in the maritime industry. The school's facilities are nothing short of state-of-the-art. At the culinary lab, substantial investment has been made to ensure that students have an equal balance of classroom accommodations as well as individual, fully equipped cooking stations. The classroom looks like a college setting, with overhead mirrors to enhance cooking demonstrations. And, the galley has the most modem equipment available, with plenty of preparation space. Altogether, the facilities are very conducive to cooking and learning. The curriculum is fundamentally sound. There are six modules of training, covering all aspects of shipboard cooking -including the very important sanitation module. SIU member Norman Guild (left) makes a point to fellow member Andrew Nowak during the conveyorman course. Guild wrote the curriculum and taught the three-week class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. hands-on training, he explained. "In that job, you have to be ready 24 hours a day. You maintain all of the ship's loading equipment, you keep log books for maintenance and payroll records. Every day it's a different "How many other schools offer people an almost immediate chance to significantly increase their income?" -Seafarer Norman Guild thing- working on winches, greasing equipment, measuring and laying out wear-plates, cleaning the boat. ... "Your ship may go from hauling coal to inspected stone, which is going from black to brilliant white," he continued. "If you don't have clean cargo spaces, a contaminated load potentially exists, and a great expense to the company. To that end, the machinery requires extremely careful maintenance and monitoring." The topics in the three-week class reflect that diversity. They included everything from convey- One overall lesson I learned is that proper care and appreciation of food will yield a good product. It's important to note that the Paul Hall Center offers additional educational assistance to anyone who is interested. The instructors are available to students after class, every day. The Paul Hall Memorial Library contains videotapes of all lesson plans that may be viewed in the privacy of our rooms. And the academic department offers tutoring and responds to students' special needs. Overall, the extended educational assistance offered by the staff reveals a committed group that is dedicated to the success of all students. During my studies, I met the new graduates of the most recent recertified steward program. They shared their experiences and encouraged us to move up the ladder in the steward department. They also shared their philosophy of teamwork and brotherhood. Collectively, they said that if you are willing to work hard and learn, you will be successful. I think they are an excellent example of professionalism, brotherhood and the value of upgrading. In summary, the certified chief cook program is on course to meet the new challenges and requirements for mariners interested in a career with the steward department. It has had a positive impact on me, and I look forward to using this newly acquired knowledge in my job. or system components to limited welding, and from electrical troubleshooting to hatch crane maintenance and much more. Students reacted positively to the class, as did ASC. Guild received the company's first "innovator" award based in part on his initiative with the course. "But whatever credit there is, it should be spread around," Guild insisted. "Everyone at the school bent over backwards to help me, especially Jane LesCallett in the print shop. The company also provided tools to make this happen, and I got a lot of support from (SIU Port Agent) Tim Kelley and (SIU Representative) Don Thornton in Algonac (Mich.). They had faith and trust that I could put this together." Guild also credited the late conveyorman Luciene Landerville, who created special tools that were used in the class. Overall, Guild said his most recent experience at Piney Point reinforced his belief that upgrading is essential for SIU members. "The frrst time I went, it was a nine-week course," he pointed out. "That took a commitment, but it was an opportunity to advance and a great value. It was geared toward teaching me what I need to know to improve my lot in life, and it's the same way today. "How many other schools offer classes that give people an almost immediate chance to significantly increase their income?" Certified Chief Cook John Agugliaro recommends upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. My time at the school also gave me the confidence that I can be efficient as a newly certified chief cook. Completing the class broadened my horizons for better opportunities at sea. I highly recommend this course to all my brothers and sisters interested in achieving success in the steward department. I would like to give special thanks to Don Nolan, vice president of the school, for his support of the students and the program. I also thank the team of chefs and Chef Romeo Lupinacci. October 1999 �Be All That You Can Bel Upgrade! Editors' note: Henry W. Gamp has been a member of the SIU since 1974 and a frequent contributor to the Seafarers LOG. He wrote this article last month with the hope that it will inspire some of the union s younger members to keep upgrading and improving their fatures. My thoughts are primarily directed toward you younger men and women searching for your career path through the maze we call the Maritime Industry, be it deep sea or inland. As we look around, we see all types of changes taking place. It is essential that we upgrade, train and keep pace with these changes if we wish to hold onto the better jobs to provide financial security for our families and ourselves. Just to cite a few examples of change: I began working on tugboats in 1970 as a deckhand. Believe it or not, tugboat operators weren't required to hold USCG licenses at that time. Whistle signals were used, and the VHF radio and channel 13 bridge-to-bridge communications were not yet mandatory All tugboats carried a cook, except for a few harbor boats. Many harbors had a light sheen of oil floating on the surface, and ships routinely "butterworthed" their tanks, pumping the residue overboard on coastwise runs. Let me tell you how important upgrading has been in my life and career: In 1974, I attended the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. for the first time. I enrolled in a course for a limited master's license with an oceans endorsement. At the time, I was supporting my mother and two children. To make it financially feasible, I made a few sacrifices. I took my vacation time to correspond with the course schedule and went to the bank to borrow additional money. I was treating my education as an investment in my future, and believe me, it paid off many times over! Within a year of acquiring my master's license, I found ajob as a mate with a major shipdocking company in Baltimore, nearly doubling my previous salary. Most tugboat captains/mates held only a "grandfathered" tugboat operators license. I now held a superior license to more than 90 percent of my contemporaries. Only two months after changing jobs, there was a strike that lasted more than two months. I took advantage of this "dead" time and went back to the union's school again. This time I was self-studying for my first class pilot's license for Baltimore Harbor. When the strike was over, I was a licensed federal pilot. The following summer, when vacation time came around, the company was short on By Captain Henry W. Gamp In the early 1980s, Gamp pilots a 791-foot RO/RO into Dundalk Marine Terminal in Baltimore, Md. captains (in Baltimore at that time, tug captains also served as docking pilots). I was able to fill in, and this eventually doubled my salary again! Due to another strike, my job in Baltimore was eliminated. At that time, working within a few square miles day after day, I never would have imagined that someday I would be sailing as mate aboard a 586-foot articulated tug barge unit which operated anywhere between Venezuela and Canada. However, by preparing, studying and upgrading, I had qualified myself to move into this and other related jobs. I currently have 279 charts to keep corrected, so a good bit of my time is spent with charts. I work up passage plans, ETAs and noon reports. Also, for those areas on which I hold pilotage, I frequently serve as pilot, saving my company this expense. When in port, while the tankermen are loading or discharging cargo and the engineer is fueling the tug, I might sign a DOI and fuel the barge or relieve the tankerman in order for him to take a break. Other times, I might prepare a meal. When I am not docking or sailing the unit, I sometimes go on deck to operate the bow thruster or give a hand with lines. Other times, I help with maintenance. The duties of a mate or captain have greatly expanded over time and the paperwork trail grows longer. With reduced crew sizes, it is easy to see that every- one needs to pitch in from time to time and have the knowledge and understanding of all shipboard jobs. Had I not taken the time to go to the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School back in 1974, I would be working as a deckhand today- an honorable and necessary profession- but I would have missed out on many exciting and financially rewarding adventures, not to mention a certain freedom and flexibility to pick those opportunities I chose to experience. Over the years, I have continued attending various schools to improve my skills and, at the same time, upgrade my license and endorsements. So often you hear from negative people who refuse to "pull" themselves up and don't want you to get ahead of them! Ignore them and be all that you can be, make the most of yourself. The Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School is a valuable resource. Smooth sailing! Calm winds with a following sea! Sailing as chief mate, Gamp helps the deck crew paint portions of the vessel. As a pilot, Gamp uses skills he learned at Piney Point: working at the chart table in the wheelhouse (left) and (above) checking the radar screen to acquire a distant target using the ARPA feature . Capt. Gamp pilots a Venezuelan training ship, the Simon Bolivar, during "Operation Sail 1986." October 1999 In 1974, Gamp attended the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School for the first time, completing the limited masters of oceans course. On a training ship at the school are, from left, David Domac, Henry Gamp, Lesley Collier, Mike Dourty, Al Dourty and CDR John Lykes (instructor). AB Jeffrey A. Lagana is the first Seafarer to earn his Nautical Science Technology Certificate from the Paul Hall Center after successfully completing a series of job-related and academic courses. The cer.. tificate is issued to those ' who want to continue their education but have not decided to proceed to an associate's or bachelor's degree. SIU President Michael Sacco presents Lagana with his certificate. With the pair are (from the left) Instructor Peggy Densford, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Allan Lagana (Jeff's father) and Academic Dept. Coordinator Ed Fitzgerald. Seafarers LOG 9 �Paul Hall Center Takes Fire Fighting on the River With the Delta Queen Steamboat Company vessel in the background, crew members take turns extinguishing different types of fires. Above: Eric Morgan puts out a flammable liquids blaze. Below: Under the guidance of Alan K. Johnson, first mate on the Mississippi Queen, the emergency squad prepares to enter the "fire area." On-site training is a big part of what the Paul Hall Center offers its members and contracted companies. In New Orleans, for example, Delta Queen Steamboat Co. takes advantage of the school's onsite educational opportunities several times a year for its boats (Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen) in fire fighting, first aid, CPR and damage control. Paul Hall Center instructor Anthony Hammett recently conducted fire fighting training for the deck crew aboard the Mississippi Queen. The week-long course covered the theory of fire, fire prevention, different types of fires and methods to extinguish them, as well as the use of breathing apparatus and protective clothing. Seasoned crew members as well as new hires alike had plenty of hands-on practice, as the accompanying photos illustrate. Above: Robert Deluca (left) and Danny Engle, deckhands aboard the Mississippi Queen, "gear up" for a fire drill conducted during recent training aboard the paddlewheeler. Crew Sees the World Aboard S-L Innovator From Long Beach, Calif. back to Long Beach is a 70day voyage for the crew of the Sea-Land Innovator. Calling on ports in the Far East such as Shanghai, China; Yokohama, Japan; and Pusan, South Korea, the containership also travels through the Panama Canal to Freeport, Bahamas and then to the Gulf and East Coasts before returning to Long Beach. For the crew members who sail the Sea-Land Innovator, it is a great opportunity to see the world! GSU Fernando Onativia (left) and DEU Jose Gamboa enjoy the camaraderie aboard the Sea-Land containership. 10 Seafarers LOB Unlicensed Apprentice Eric Fowler gets his taste of shipboard life. While traversing the Panama Canal, AB Dave Brown continues his maintenance tasks. Antonio Pizzuto, chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Innovator, knows the importance of a wellfed crew on these long voyages. October 1999 �SIU waiters and waitresses aboard the SS Independence anticipate every dining need at a gala luncheon celebrating the vessel's 1,oooth sailing last August. Included in this photo are Reynaldo Ricarte, Josie Barcelo, Curtis Pollard, Stephanie Agena, Speros Mookas and Roy Martinez. The OM/ Columbia gets a fresh coat of paint by members of the deck department. Above left is AB Kathy Chester; above right are ABs Stephen Votta (left) and Randy Senatore. It's payoff day aboard the Perseverance in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico. Smiling faces abound among these crew members on the lnterocean Ugland Management tanker. From left are ABs Roy Rivera, Luis Escalante and Gregorio Ortiz. When a ship crosses the equator, a shellback initiation is held for Unlicensed Apprentice Martin all first-time crossers (polywogs). Such was the case aboard the Vargas has --already worked in USNS Gilliland on July 16. A good time was had by all, including the deck and engine departthe polywogs who were inducted into the realm of King Neptune. ments. Here, aboard the El Posing for a group photo are (from left, kneeling) LSI contractor Morro, he gets his hands wet on Jeff Miller, Chief Cook Wadsworth Jarrel, OS Ahmed Sultan , (sechis last rotation in the steward ond row) QMED John Fernandez, Wiper Korron Richardson, LSI department. contractor Harry Averill, AB James Orlanda, OS Martha Wall and Second Mate Mike Novak. ~~...---.............:--."7:'17-r------......---cr:-r-~..,.,.....~~ I. • f I"' •••1 The Liberty Spirit was fortunate to have two unlicensed apprentices aboard recently, doing their rotation in the deck department. Manuel Oliveras (above) and Alvin Clark both seemed to enjoy their tasks. The appearance of the engine room aboard the Sea-Land Discovery has improved dramatically in the last five months, according to the ship's first engineer, Nicholas Priscu, and is due almost entirely to the efforts of Oiler Ricky Arroyo, Oiler Mark Failauga, Oiler Michael Wilkerson , Engine Maintenance Mel Sison and Wiper Luke Failauga. "Working with professionals is a privilege and a pleasure," he told the Seafarers LOG. October 1999 Seafarers LOG 11 �Delta Queen Named 'Ship of the Year' By Historical Society The SIU-crewed Delta Queen, a National Historic Landmark, has been named "Ship of the Year" by the Steamship Historical Society of America. "The Delta Queen is the last operating steamboat of her era and is one of the most historic vessels in the world," said William duBarry, president of the society. ''No other vessel that is still operating in the United States is as historically important as she is. Our members appreciate the commitment that The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. has made in preserving her for the enjoyment of current and future passengers." The Delta Queen was launched on the Sacramento River in 1927 and offered overnight service between Sacramento and San Francisco until 1940. When the Great Depression brought an end to her trips, the U.S. Navy leased the Delta Queen as a troops barracks and then a shuttle for servicemen traveling to and from ships in San Francisco Bay. At the war's end, the Delta Queen was auctioned to Captain Tom Greene, president of Cincinnati's Greene Line Steamers (now The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. of New Orleans). In 1947, he brought the Delta Queen on a 5,200-mile journey from the West The SIU-crewed Delta Queen, an authentic steam paddlewheeler which was launched on the Sacramento River in 1927, was named "Ship of the Year" by the Steamship Historical Society of America. Coast to the Mississippi River system, where she resumed service as a vacation boat. Today, the authentic steam paddlewheeler and her newer 1 Loya/1 Crew Helps Navy Aboard T-AGOS Ship Smooth sailing aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Loyal was reported when the oceanographic surveillance ship recently paid off in Portsmouth, Va. (only days before Hurricane Floyd pounded that area). The 235-foot vessel, operated by Maersk Line Limited, is part of a "special missions program" conducted by the U.S. Military Sealift Command. The data it gathers is used to aid the U.S. Navy. "The collected data helps to improve technology in undersea warfare and enemy ship detection," notes MSC. "The oceanographic and hydrographic survey ships' multi-beam, wide-angle precision sonar systems make it possible to continuously chart a broad strip of ocean floor." Taking care of business on the deck are (from left) Pat Vandergrift, SIU safety director in the port of AB Sofronio Adenic, OS Ivan Boyd, AB Steven Norfolk, provided the accompanying photos. Thomas, OS Louis Creekmur and Bosun C.E. Brady. SIU-crewed sisters, the Mississippi Queen and the American Queen, visit the nation's heartland and the Old South on three- to 14night cruises. For more information, call The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. tollfree at 800-543-1949 or visit the company's web site at: www. deltaqueen.com. Are You ReceivinLfl Your Important · ? In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r---------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 10199 (Please Print) Name: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Phone No.: _(.:..___ _c_)_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: Social Security No.: Pictured in the galley are (photo above left) Steward/Baker Peter Francisco (left) and Chief Cook John Agugliaro, and (above right) Francisco with SA Mario Ordonez. At right is Bosun C.E. Brady. Book No.: D Other _ _ _ __ D Active SIU D Pensioner This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me pf!rsonally. L---------------------------------~ ITF Ship Welcomes Visitor No. 500,000 Global Mariner Continues Worldwide Voyage; ITF Sets European Action vs. Runaway Flags The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) exhibition ship Global Mariner, entering the final quarter of its 20-month worldwide voyage, recently welcomed aboard visitor number 500,000. The vessel calls attention to the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping. "The ITF has been overwhelmed by the number of people coming on board to visit the exhibition. The success of the Global Mariner has exceeded all expectations," said Mark Dickinson, ITF assistant general secretary. "However, the campaign's success is not judged by numbers alone," he continued. "The ship's presence creates an indelible impact which gives a tremendous boost to the work of national unions." The 500,000th visitor, a teenager, and her family were presented with gifts from the Global Mariner in Mumbai, India on September 19. 12 Seafarers LOG Composed of more than 500 transportrelated unions worldwide, including the SIU, the ITF also recently announced "a week-long assault on flags of convenience and substandard shipping" in Europe, scheduled for September 27 to October 1. Boycotts and demonstrations are planned, along with ITF inspectors "boarding any vessel they believe to be operating outside the law." The organization noted that, in a similar action two years ago, almost 600 vessels were checked by ITF inspectors across the continent-and more than $1.5 million in back pay owed to mariners was recovered. "The campaign is designed not only to draw attention to the evils of the (runawayflag) system, which allows unscrupulous shipowners to pay low wages, ignore health and safety standards and avoid taxes, but also to provide essential practi- cal assistance to mariners who may have been abandoned thousand of miles from home, may be owed wages or are working on unsafe ships," Dickinson explained. "Substandard shipping costs lives, and vessels registered under runaway flags account for the lion's share of shipboard accidents, environmental pollution and losses at sea." Seafarers visited the ITF Global Mariner earlier in its tour, when the vessel docked in San Juan, P.R. Among those pictured on deck are Clive Steward, Sabino Pacheco, Ramon Ayala, Angel O'Neill, Eusebio Gonzalez, George Koulouris, Hector Sanchez, Rodney Passapera, Ruben Velez, Jorge Soler, Jose Canales, Roberto Candelario, Guillermo Grajales, Steven De Jesus, Roberto Lopez, Reinaldo Roman, Antonio De Jesus, David Gordius, Carlos Parrilla Sr., Claudio Del Carmen, Carlos Sanchez, Tony Rosa, Carlos Parrilla Jr., SIU Port Agent Victor Nunez, SIU Safety Director Amancio Crespo and SIU Representative Steve Ruiz. October 1999 �-_..._~. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., offers a wide range of vocational studies as well as academic courses. Featuring everything from entry-level training to the most advanced curriculums, the school welcomes Seafarers from all segments of the industry. This summer, the Paul Hall Center celebrated the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School-a unique, state-of-the-art facility located near the main campus. The new school replicates shipboard conditions, including various types of blazes that are germane to vessels. This helps provide students with realistic training. Additionally, the Paul Hall Center, which opened in 1967, has a proud history of offering basic academic support for students who choose to utilize it. Collegelevel studies also are available. For a list of upcoming classes at the Paul Hall Center, please see page 21. Additional information about the courses and the school is featured on the internet at: http://www.seafarers.org LEFT AND ABOVE: The Hagglund crane offers valuable hands-on training for students at the Piney Point, Md. facility. The crane is used in several classes. TOP: During the damage control portion of the government vessels course, students learn effective emergency repair techniques. MIDDLE: Delving into the code of federal regulations covering LNG ships are Seafarer John Thompson (left) and instructor Russ Levin. BOTIOM: Taking advantage of the GED program are Seafarers (seated, from left) Saundra Leonard and Shannon Bonefont. Standing are instructors Peggy Densford (left) and Joan Miles. Professional interaction between steward department upgraders such as Dang Rashidi (right) and galley instructors like John Hetmanski helps Seafarers maximize their learning experience. Ot:tober 1999 A major addition to the Paul Hall Center is the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which opened this summer. Among the courses taught at the new school are basic and advanced fire fighting, confined space safety training, first aid and CPR and others. ABOVE AND INSET: Students in the AB course get valuable time at the wheel aboard the training vessel Osprey, one of several instructional boats located at the school. Sometimes hands-on training takes place beyond the campus. Here, unlicensed apprentices learn aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Capella while the vessel was docked in Baltimore. Seafarers LOG 13 �Good Net111s In Y2K. • • 0 American Home Foods Mapo; Wbeat.eena General Mills Basic 4 Corn Flakes; Boo Berry; Bran Chex; Quaker Raisins, Low Fat Granola, Low Fat Granola with Raisins, Muselix Raisin & Almond Crunch. Tuasted Brown Sugar Squares); Just Right (fruit & nut and with Crunch Nuggets); Marshmallow Blasted Froot Loops; Nut & Honey Crunch; Nut & Honey Crunch O's: Nutrl-Grain (Almond Raisin, Golden Wheat, Golden Wheat & Raisin); Product 19; Raisin Bran; Raisin Bran Crunch; Raisin Squares Mini-Wheats ; Rice Krisples (plain , frosted , Apple Cinnamon. Treats) ; Smacks; Smart Start; Snack Pack ; Special K; Strawberry Squares; Strawberry Squares Mini-Wheats Gralnfield's: Wbeetabix Nabisco Miscellaneous , Cheerios; (plain, Apple Cinnamon. Honey Frosted, Honey Nut. and MultiGrain); Cinnamon Toast Crunch; Clusters; Cocoa Puffs; Cookie Crisp; Count Chocula; Country Corn Flakes; Corn Chex; Fiber One; Frankenberry; Golden Grahams; Kaboom; Klx; Lucky Charms; Raisin Bran Nut; Rice Chex; Tutal (regular, raisin bran and corn flakes); Trix; Wheat Hearts hot cereal; Wheat Cbex; Wheaties (frosted and plain) Cream of Wheat Kellog gs Post All-Bran (plain, Bran Buds, Extra Fiber); Apple Jacks; Apple Cinnamon Squares Mini-Wheats ; Blueberry Squares; Breakfast Mates; Cocoa Frosted Flakes; Cocoa Krlsples; Complete Bran Flakes; Complete Oat Bran Flakes; Complete Wheat Bran Flakes; Corn Flakes; Corn Pops; Cracklln' Oat Bran; Crispix; Froot Loops; Frost.ed Flakes; Frosted MiniWh ea ts (regular and bite size) ; Healthy Choice (Almond Crunch with Alpha-Bits (plain and marshmallow); Blueberry Morning; Bran Flakes; Fruit n' Fibre; Fruity Pebbles; Grape Nuts; Great Grains; Honey Bunches of Oats (plain, with Almonds and with Graham); Honeycomb: Oreo Os; Post Tuastles; Super Golden Crisp Apple Zaps: Cap·n Crunch; Cinnamon Toasted Oatmeal Squares: Cocoa Blast; Fruitangy Obs; Harvest Oat Flakes (plain and with apples); Honey Dlpps; Honey Graham Ohs ; King Vitamin: Life; Marshmallow Safari ; Oatmeal; Quaker 10096 Natural Cereal: Quaker 10096 Low Fat Natural Cereal; Quisp; Sweet Crunch; Tuasted Oatmeal (plain, honey and nut); Tuasted Oatmeal Squares Wheetabix Betty Crocker Muffin Mixes; Betty Crocker Pancake Mix; Betty Crocker Special Muffin Mixes; Carnation breakfast bars; Washington Pancake Mix; Raga Muffins; Indian Head Cornmeal; Mrs. Crutchfield Muffin Mix; Lender's bagels; Nutri-Graln cereal bars (all navors); Rice Krisples Treats (squares and Chocolate Chip Squares); Pop-Tarts; Eggo Frozen Waffles (all flavors and configurations); Chewy Granola Bars (all ftavors); Pop-Tarts (all ftavors and configurations); Quaker Oats Rice Cakes; Menu Magic Instant breakfast; Brooklyn Bagel; Cbex Mixes (Tradlt.ional, Cheddar, Bold, Hot'N Spicy) Per5onal Greeting5 for Holiday /55ue of the LOG As has been done in past years, this December's edition of the Seafarers LOG will include the everpopular holiday greetings from active and retired Seafarers and their fam ilies to other members of the seafaring community and their families. To ensure that your holiday message is published, please follow the instructions below: D PRINT or TYPE (in 25 words or less) the message in the space provided. Photographs also are welcome. (Please print-if we cannot read your message, it will not be included.) D Be sure your greeting is in the holiday spirit. D Do not send more than three entries per person. (This form may be reproduced.) D Be sure to include your name as well as the name of the person to whom you are sending the greeting. (Your name is necessary since the notices are listed alphabetically by the sender's last name.) Include your phone number in case there are any questions. D The holiday greetings must be received no later than Monday, November 15, 1999. D Send your entries to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. You also may FAX copies directly to the LOG at (301) 702-4407. Additionally, forms may be filled out in any union hall and turned in to the official at the counter-or may be given to the boarding patrolman during a vessel's payoff. The holiday greetings section of the December LOG is a favorite feature for many, so be sure to get your message in on t ime. HOLIDAY MESSAGE (Please Print) To: From: Sender's Telephone Number: of Seaccording to farers. provided by T h e Department of Edu$15 , 000 cation, more than 12 million college students enrolled in undergrad- ~==111 scholarships uate studies in the 1996-97 will be paid school year. And the cost per year of at a rate of$ 3,750 per year over attending college was anywhere a four-year period. The $6,000 from $2,257 for a two-year pub- awards are paid at a rate of lic school to $22,533 for a four- $3,000 per year. The first stop in finding out year private institution. Now, two years later and more about the scholarship proalmost into the new millennium, gram and application process is those figures continue to in- to send away for the Seafarers crease. Competition remains Scholarship Program booklet. great, but the financial outlay The booklet contains all the necinvolved is exorbitant and way essary information a prospective student will need to complete the out of the reach of many. The Seafarers Welfare Plan application. To receive a copy of understands that education this guide, fill out the coupon at should be made available to the bottom of this page and return everyone to pursue their goals. In it to the address listed on the 1952, it established a scholarship form. Once the scholarship booklet program to help qualified members and their dependents finance has been received, applicants their college and vocational edu- should then check the eligibility cations. This program continues information and, if they are eligito thrive and is now taking appli- ble, should start collecting other cations for the 2000 program, paperwork which must be subwhich will award seven monetary mitted along with the full appligrants to three SIU members and cation by the April 15, 2000 four dependents. All Seafarers deadline. These items include tranand their spouses and children scripts and certificates of graduawho plan to attend college are encouraged to complete a schol- tion, letters of recommendation, a arship application. The deadline photograph of the applicant and a for submission of all required certified copy of his or her birth certificate. paperwork is April 15, 2000. Since the scholarship awards Of the seven scholarships, three are reserved for SIU mem- are made primarily on the basis bers. One is in the amount of of high school grades and the $15,000 to be used to help cover scores of either College Entrance the costs of attending a four-year, Examination Boards (SAT) or college-level course of study. The American College Tests (ACT), other two are for $6,000 each and arrangements should be made to are intended as two-year awards take these exams no later than for study at a post-secondary February 2000 to ensure the vocational school or community results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be college. Four scholarships are awarded evaluated. Let the Seafarers Welfare Plan in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children help you make the most of Y2K. A _.j r--------------------------------------------------, lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet Message: P which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ __ Mariner's Social Security Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Street Address City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D Active Seafarer 0- Retired Seafarer D D Family Member of Active Seafarer Family Member of Retired Seafarer Other:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~10/99 This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 10/99 L---- - -------------- - - - -- - --- - --------------- - -----~ 14 Seafarers LOS October 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea AUGUST 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals 26 16 6 15 6 7 6 1 3 8 5 8 9 5 9 13 6 15 8 9 18 31 2l 26 6 18 9 14 18 8 3 12 6 22 9 13 32 l 2 2 9 2 9 4 12 3 9 6 5 1 233 144 9 4 Totals 15 0 5 4 7 3 19 12 9 15 6 5 11 1 11 4 3 8 5 8 14 5 Totals 3 183 116 **REGISTERED ON BEACH AU Groups Class A Class B Class C 4 10 2 12 5 8 4 0 3 3 3 3 15 3 I 0 0 4 4 1 2 0 75 5 8 28 l3 51 21 12 5 lO 31 11 3 37 49 19 15 13 0 8 18 11 13 Mobile .................... Wednesday: November 17, Dec. 15 3 2 10 3 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: November 23, December 21 172 106 8 4 1 10 4 3 59 71 383 0 3 0 0 4 2 0 4 1 8 3 4 7 5 3 9 5 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: November 17, Dec. 15 Honolulu ................. Friday: November 19, December 17 Houston .................. Monday: November 15, December 13 Jacksonville ............Friday: November 12* (*change creaJed by Veterans Day holiday) Thursday, December 9 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: November 24, Dec. 22 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: November 16, December l 4 New York. ...............Tuesday: November 9, December 7 Norfolk ...................Friday: November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) 23 l 6 9 14 11 25 22 13 22 15 2 3 9 8 11 18 9 10 9 5 9 8 2 5 0 0 4 2 5 6 Thursday: December 9 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: November 10, Dec. 8 San Francisco .........Thursday: November 18, December 16 San Juan .................. Friday: November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Thursday, December 9 1 3 3 St. Louis ................. Friday: November 19, December 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: November 26, December 24 1 0 38 188 121 36 Personals STEWARD DEPARTMENT 14 6 0 4 0 1 5 0 0 22 5 5 10 I 0 I 0 4 GUILLERMO PEDROZA 2 8 0 5 4 2 3 1 2 3 0 8 6 16 0 11 16 9 19 1 9 8 3 2 1 0 0 31 2 3 2 3 2 2 2 5 I 3 1 0 0 139 58 0 30 2 0 113 34 5 1 0 25 l 4 0 0 16 4 8 2 5 0 2 4 2 0 2 1 5 0 7 0 0 0 0 2 9 0 10 5 0 0 0 19 42 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 7 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 3 ] 7 4 5 1 0 4 3 21 9 ] 3 8 13 4 72 4 l 15 10 3 4 7 5 ] 0 14 1 0 17 12 12 2 34 12 0 10 0 13 16 44 178 168 531 476 323 4 0 0 0 0 7 0 10 2 7 2 2 3 34 32 38 55 2 I 0 0 0 31 5 0 96 102 0 0 0 421 321 211 151 9 8 1 3 0 2 3 9 3 6 0 0 3 0 234 86 32 13 47 2 4 21 11 14 28 40 2 0 6 8 5 22 3 2 8 0 Marie Wood-Barker would like to hear from David Williams, whose ship was in drydock in Savannah, Ga. from September 1981 to February 1982. Please call her in Savannah at (912) 352-0109. Correction An article and corresponding photo caption on page 6 of the August issue of the Seafarers LOG should have stated the following: The American Council on Education (ACE) on June 22 evaluated courses offered by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. This evaluation was for ACE college credit recommendations, but was not a quality standard system (QSS) review. 9 16 15 5 97 11 1 18 81 271 256 886 650 430 0 - DAVID WILLIAMS Notice 24 6 18 11 Please get in touch with your sister, Luz Fisher Pedroza, at 72 Gouverneur St. , New York, NY 10002; or telephone (212) 693-0697. 0 0 21 19 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 15 2 16 9 13 3 0 2 3 50 Wilmington ...............Monday, November 22, December 20 0 17 1 2 0 0 2 6 8 7 3 I 20 0 0 0 0 3 0 2 4 4 0 9 0 0 0 12 3l 0 1 8 7 6 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. October 1999 (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Thursday: December 9 2 2 2 5 0 O 9 3 7 Baltimore ................ Friday: November 12* 17 13 17 0 0 2 2 4 6 6 9 0 19 14 2 6 4 5 5 7 20 48 2 0 5 5 8 4 2 2 0 2 7 3 4 0 94 18 2 2 11 4 0 32 8 10 1 96 1 0 22 0 115 0 4 8 45 6 8 8 19 2 5 1 16 17 18 22 1 10 7 8 8 5 6 3 2 4 2 5 0 7 2 0 0 3 3 6 19 6 4 8 6 4 ]1 4 3 5 3 Piney Point ............. Monday: November 8, December 6 Algonac .................. Friday: November 12, December IO 6 2 4 4 0 1 4 3 7 1 2 3 7 2 2 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 9 10 1 0 5 8 6 5 7 10 1 93 1 16 3 8 11 2 Port Totals All Departments 20 2 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 23 17 16 9 6 2 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 29 10 2 7 15 4 13 14 2 0 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac SEPTEMBER 15, 1999 November & December 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters FLU SHOTS SET FOR OCTOBER 22 IN TACOMA Virginia Mason Clinic will again offer free flu shots this year to members, dependents and retirees who qualify under the rules of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The inoculations will be given at the Tacoma hall after the October membership meeting on Friday, October 22, 1999, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. The address is 3411 South Union Avenue. In order to expedite the necessary paperwor~ it is requested that any member, dependent or retiree intending to receive a flu shot call the hall one week prior to October 22. The telephone number is (253) 272-7774. Seafarers LOG 15 - �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarel'S lntetnational Union Directory AUGUST 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services ~ )Ir HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac L-Lakes Company/Lakes 0 22 15 0 7 8 0 4 4 0 22 18 NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer SEPTEMBER 15, 1999 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 8 8 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 6 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 0 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 12 8 0 0 14 7 0 2 2 0 0 3 0 10 10 26 0 29 23 0 45 0 55 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 22 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 72 l Sesame St., # l C Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters AUGUST 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499~6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PffiLADELPHIA 2604S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEYPOJNT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (30 l) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16V2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 1. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 43 4 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 4 9 0 0 28 0 28 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 24 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 SEPTEMBER 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 5 0 0 21 0 0 7 10 1 12 31 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 15 0 2 16 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 I 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 11 0 5 16 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 17 0 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 22 8 32 0 0 . 13 2 2 64 15 54 1 11 0 Totals All Depts 101 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 19 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Neal S. Cairns of Toms River, N.J. The picture was snapped aboard the SS LaSalle , which sailed between New York and Europe carrying general and military cargo. Cairns (who sailed as an AB) is at bottom right. Next to him is AB Ralph Denayer and (far right, standing) is Bosun Arne Bjorrsen, who went on to get his captain's license. Also in the photo is Rich Rundblad. Cairns joined the SIU in 1947. In 1953 he went to work for his local township (East Orange, N.J .) and became a special police captain. Upon his retirement from that career, he moved to Tom's River. October 1999 �Welcome Ashore ...-- . Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. oining the growing number of SIU pensioners this month are 19 members who have retired after many voyages on the world's oceans, waterways and lakes. Among the retirees, 10 sailed in the deep sea division, six shipped in the inland division, and three plied the Great Lakes. Nine of those signing off their ships for the last time sailed in the deck department, eight shipped in the engine department, and two were members of the steward department. This month's pensioners are scattered across the country: seven have retired to the East Coast, six make their homes in the Gulf states, three reside on the West Coast, two live in the Midwest, and one person calls Puerto Rico home. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. J DEEP SEA EARL ADAMS, 53, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1966 and joined the Seafarers in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Ames Victory. A native of Mobile, Ala., Brother Adams worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. During his career, he also attended educational conferences at the school. He last sailed aboard the HMI Astrachem, operated of lnterocean Ugland Management. Brother Adams makes his home in Mobile. ....----==:-------. BENJAMIN BALERIO, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1968 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Midlake, operated by American Bulk Carrier. Born in Texas, Brother Balerio worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Alaska. Dayton, Texas is where he calls home. ERNEST J. COX, 56, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1969 aboard the Halcyon Panther. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, Brother Cox sailed aboard the Courier, an Intrepid Ship Management vessel. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. He makes his home in New York. JUANITO P. FIEL, 63,joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1965. His first ship was the President Cleveland, an American President Line vessel. Brother Fiel worked in the steward department, most recently in 1998 aboard the Mokihana, oper- October 1999 ated by Matson Navigation Co. Tracey, Calif. is home to Brother Fiel. EVANS R. GATEWOOD, 82, started his career with the Seafarers in 1973 in Yokohama, Japan, first sailing aboard the Gateway City, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Born in Missouri, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gatewood last sailed in 1992 aboard the Sea-Land Spirit. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. military from 1935 to 1945. He makes his home in Oakland, Calif. JOHN McLAIN, 54, graduated from the Seafarers Harry ~ Lundeberg School in 1968 and joined the SIU in the port of Philadelphia. He first sailed aboard the Columbia Banker. A native of Pennsylvania, he started in the deck department and upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. He later transferred to the steward department, last sailing aboard the Cape Johnson, an American Overseas vessel. Brother McLain has retired to Philadelphia. JAMESJ. MATES, 69, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1960. Brother Mates worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. Born in Pennsylvania, he makes his home in San Francisco. JOHNP. REAMS, 66, joined the SIU in 1969, first sailing aboard the Penn Ranger. During his ........---_J career, he worked in all three departments and upgraded his skills at the union's school. Brother Reams last sailed in the engine department aboard the Stonewall Jackson, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. From 1953 to 1968, he served in the U.S. Navy. New Orleans is where be calls home. ANTHONY RIPOLL, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1986 in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the USNS Pollux, a Bay Tankers vessel. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Prior to his retirement, he signed off Waterman Steamship Corp's Stonewall Jackson. Brother Ripoll makes bis home in Kenner, La. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. RAUL RIVERA, 63, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 '-------"'--------' and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Transglobe, a Hudson Waterways Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring, he sailed aboard the SeaLand Producer. Brother Rivera has retired to Bayamon, P.R. INLAND CLYDE L. ALBAUGH JR., 66, began sailing with the SIU in 1962 from the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Albaugh, worked as a captain, last sailing aboard the tug McGraw, operated by Taylor Marine Towing Co. During his career, he upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Pennsylvania, he has retired to Wenonah N.J. EUGENED. BRADSHAW, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard the Holly S. The Virginia native worked as a captain, most recently aboard the M Jean Dudley, operated by Piney Point Transportation. Boatman Bradshaw makes his home in Onley, Va. PATRICK T. CARSON, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1979 from the port of Tampa, Fla .. He first ~~---~ worked aboard the deep sea vessel Cantigny as a member of the deck department and later transferred to the inland division. Born in Canada, Boatman Carson worked as a captain, most recently in 1989 aboard the Sea Hawk, a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He has retired to Tampa, Fla. Co. vessel. He makes his home in Orange, Texas. -=--~____, CHARLES W. EGAN, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1981 from the port of Norfolk, Va. During his career, he sailed in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Boatman Egan sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Allied Towing Co. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Sea Hawk. Boatman Egan makes his home in Elizabeth City, N.C. JEROME PELLEGAL, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1967. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department. Boatman Pellegal last sailed in 1979 aboard a Southern Ohio Towing Co. vessel. He has retired to Vicksburg, Miss. LEROY WELCH,62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1961. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, he worked as a captain. Boatman Welch last sailed aboard a Moran Towing Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1939 On Wednesday, October 2, 1939 in Savannah, Ga., delegates from the Atlantic, Gulf and Great Lakes Districts met for the purpose of drafting a constitution for the Seafarers International Union. In addition to the basic constitution, issues to be voted on included the shipping rules, hospital and strike assessments, and a constitutional amendment that provided that in order to become a member, a man must be a citizen. The constitution was adopted by a vote of 1,225 in favor and 180 opposed. The votes on the constitutional amendment, the shipping rules and the assessments likewise carried by large majorities. GREAT LAKES DAVIDB. GRANN, 53, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Detroit. Born in North .___.__ _ _ ____,Dakota, he sailed in both the engine and steward departments. Brother Grann last sailed aboard the J. J. Boland, an American Steamship Co. vessel, as a member of the steward department. He has retired to Duluth, Minn. GERALDM. NOKLAND, 55, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in Alpena, Mich. Brother Nokland worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Paul H. Townsend, operated by Inland Lakes Management. From 1965 to 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy. He makes his home in Hubbard Lake, Mich. VICTORF. WEBER, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Born in Illinois, he worked in the deck department and upgraded at the union's school. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Prior to retiring, he signed off the Presque Isle, a Great Lakes Corp. vessel. Brother Weber has retired to South Williamsport, Pa. ping unless shipping companies join with their workers and the unions to combat such incursions. During his appearance at a joint labormanagement session, Hall also warned the operators that Great Lakes shipping can only survive in an atmosphere of healthy, responsible collective bargaining. THI O TH J ltJ HJSTO Y 1959 Speaking at the 3 3rd annual convention of the Propeller Club in Detroit, SIUNA President Paul Hall challenged American-flag ship companies on both the Great Lakes and in offshore trade to join the maritime unions to fight the threat of runaway-flag shipping. He told 2 50 management representatives that the Great Lakes will become a home for foreign-flag ship- 1985 The battleground was the floor of the House of Representatives. The weapon was the House version of the 1985 Farm Bill. The stakes were cargo preference. And when the debris of hours-long debate was finally cleared, all anticargo preference amendments were defeated. The result means that Seafarers can count on their rightful share of government-impelled cargo and the jobs and job security that go along with it. The floor fight over cargo preference issues was the culmination of a year-long effort by anti· maritime, agribusiness interests to strip the U.S. merchant marine of a vital asset: government cargo, one of the few government support programs left to the U.S. merchant fleet. But a concentrated educational and lobbying effort led by the SIU during the past several months stopped the anti-merchant marine forces dead in the water. Seafarers LOG 17 �final Departures DEEP SEA ANIBAL ALBE Pensioner Anibal Albe, 75, passed away August 9. A native of Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port ofNew York. He worked in the steward department as a chief cook, last sailing aboard the Caguas, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Puerto Rico, he began receiving his pension in May 1989. MARIANO ARRUA Pensioner Mariano Arrua, 87, died June 16. Born in France, he started ills career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1938 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. The steward department member last sailed aboard American President Line's President Cleveland. Brother Arrua retired in January 1969 and made his home in San Francisco. BALLARD C. BROWNING Pensioner Ballard C. Browning, 72, passed away August 29. He joined the Seafarers in 194 5 in the port of New York. Born in Kentucky, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement in January 1990, Brother Browning signed off the Overseas Ohio. He was a resident of Vidor, Texas. TERRILL G. CLARK Pensioner Terrill G. Clark, 68, died August 28. A native of Mobile, Ala., he started his career with the SIU in 1951 in the port of ...........~'""""--' Mobile. His first ship was the North Platte Victory. Brother Clark sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in December 1987, he sailed aboard the OMJ Hudson, operated by OMI Corp. He was a resident of Mobile. ISIDORE C. DONGEN Pensioner Isidore C. Dongen, 85, passed away August 23. Born in Surinam, Dutch Guiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Oakland, a Sea-Land Service vessel. A resident of Mobile, Ala., Brother Dongen started receiving his pension in December 1980. ELDON A. FROESE Pensioner Eldon A. Froese, 76, died August 29. Brother Froese began his 18 Seafarers LOG SIU career in 1947 in the port of Galveston, Texas. Born in Kansas, he sailed as a member of the deck departL...:.-..iL.:...:.:....-_.:_.:!llD..__J ment. Brother Froese was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. He made his home in Pearland, Texas and retired in June 1988. LOUIS GREEN Louis Green, 51, passed away August 30. A native of Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1997 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Green sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. He was a resident of Harvey, La. ROBERT G. HUBBS Pensioner Robert G. Hubbs, 84, died August 2. A charter member of the Seafarers, he started his career with the union in 1938 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Hubbs was a resident of Kenner, La .. He began receiving his pension in March 1971. JAMES KOUVARDAS Pensioner James Kouvardas, 73, passed away July 27. Born in Massachusetts, he began sailing with the SIU in 1942 '------...z.....--l from the port of New York. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Brother Kouvardas was a resident of Reno and retired in May 1982. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. ORLAN MIDKIFF .,...,.._ _ Pensioner Orlan Midkiff, 85, passed away July 24. He started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Port, an Asbury Steamship Co. vessel. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. Brother Midkiff retired in April 1979. He was a resident of Jasper, Texas. JACK A. MORGAN Pensioner Jack A. Morgan, 65, died May 23. Brother Morgan first sailed with the Seafarers in 1952. During his career, he sailed in both the steward and deck departments. He last sailed in 1993 aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii and began receiving his pension in November 1998. He lived in Wilmington, Calif. ARNOLD MUNTER Pensioner Arnold Munter, 87, passed away August 1. Born in Estonia, he joined the SIU in 1953 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Hastings, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and retired in August 1977. Brother Munter made his home in Long Beach, Calif. LLOYD Y. NIKAIDO Pensioner Lloyd Y. Nikaido, 79, died July 27. A native of Hawaii, he started his career with the MC&S in 1954 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in January 1981. Brother Nikaido was a resident of Honolulu. JACK A. RANKIN Pensioner Jack A. Rankin, 73, ' passed away ... August 16. Brother Rankin joined the Seafarers in 1951. A native of Alabama, he sailed as a chief cook. Prior to his retirement in December 1992, he sailed aboard the Gulf Trader, operated by All Marine Services. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Mobile, Ala. WILLIAM RAWLUK Pensioner William Rawluk, 69, died August 22. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Bradford Island, operated by Cities Service. Born in Canada, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harrry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Defender. A resident of Seattle, Brother Rawluk retired in June 1992. JOHNM. YORK John M. York, 41, died August 10. Brother York graduated from the entry level training program at the Seafarers Harry Lunde berg -.:i-.....__......==----1 School of Seamanship in 1978 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Long Lines, operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. Born in Pennsylvania, he worked in both the deck and steward departments, last sailing in 1981 aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He later joined the U.S. Coast Guard and made his home in Wilmington, N.C. INLAND MELODY N. COMPTON Melody N. Compton, 62, passed away July 24. Sister Compton first sailed with the SIU in 1987. Born in West Virginia, she sailed in the steward department, primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessels. She was a resident of Wichita Falls, Texas. SAMMY M. EVANS Pensioner SammyM. Evans, 74, died July 21. Born in North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Evans graduated from the towboat operator program in 1973 at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md. He sailed as a tugboat captain and started receiving his pension in March 1988. He made his home in Brooklet, Ga. JAMES E. JONES Pensioner James E. Jones, 65, passed away August 22. A native of Kentucky, he started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of St. Louis. Boatman Jones worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Robert Kenokee, an American Commercial Barge Line vessel. A resident of Flatwoods, Ky., he retired in May 1996. Ohio, he began his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. Brother Gunn sailed in the deck department. Prior to '----~.....;__L___J his retirement in July 1986, he signed off a vessel operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. From 1945 to 1947, Brother Gunn served in the U.S. Army Air Force. He made his home in Coconut Creek, Fla. WILLIAME.LASHARE Pensioner William E. Lashare, 77, died August 26. Brother Lashare started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Duluth, Minn. During his career, he sailed in both the engine and steward departments. A native of West Virginia, he retired in January 1987 to Moundsville. From 1948 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. DONALD 0. NELSON Pensioner Donald 0. Nelson, 73, passed away August 17. A native of Minnesota, he joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of Detroit. Brother Nelson worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sam Laud, operated by American Steamship Co. A veteran of World War II, he served in the Navy from 1942 to 1946. He was a resident of Conneaut, Ohio, and started recei ing his pension in November 1991. RAILROAD MARINE JEROME ABRAMOWITZ Pensioner Jerome Abramowitz, 72, passed away July 22. Born in New Jersey, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. He worked in the de department. Brother Abramowitz last sailed aboard a Penn Central Railroad Co. vessel. He made his home in Patterson, N.J. and began receiving his pension in April 1989. WILLIAM F. LARY HERMAN E. AHRENS Pensioner William F. Lary, 74, died July 31. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1963 after a 20-year career with the U.S. Army. Boatman Lary sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in June 1990. He was a resident of St. Louis. Pensioner Herman E. Ahrens, 99, died August 25. A native of New Jersey, he began his career as a deckhand in 1917 with .........._____,.oc...__.._....... the marine division of the Erie-Lackawana Railroad Co. and joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of New York. During his career, he earned his masters license. Brother Ahrens was a resident of Union City, N.J. He retired in February 1965. HAROLD E. McCOY Pensioner Harold E. McCoy, 80, passed away July 29. A native of Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Co. vessel. Boatman McCoy retired in March 1988 and made his home in Richmond, Va. PHILIP RUBISH NICK SCOPOLITES ----=,...-----, Pensioner Philip Rubish, 72, passed away July 29. Born in West Virginia, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1950. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1983. His last ship was the OMI Champion, and he began receiving his pension in August 1996. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. avy from 1943 to 1946. Brother Rubish made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. Pensioner Nick Scopolites, 86, died July 29. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native worked llL--"""""".......~~_...:i in the steward department as a chief cook. Prior to his retirement in December 1982, he last sailed aboard a Red Circle Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Scopolites was a resident of Mobile. GREAT LAKES WALTER F. GUNN Pensioner Walter F. Gunn, 72, passed away August 11. Born in AnANTIC FISHERMEN SAM JOSEPH LOIACANO Pensioner Sam Joseph "Tuni" Loiacano, 81, passed away July 28. A native of Massachusetts, he joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1939 in the port of Boston, before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A resident of Gloucester, Mass., Brother Loiacano began receiving his pension in May 1981. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 194 5. October 1999 �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. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), May 30Chairman Marvin Zimbro, Secretary Nee Tran, Educational Director William Coffy. Chairman requested everyone use scoop when getting ice-not glasses or big cups. He also asked that washing machine contain full load, not just one or two items. Secretary reminded crew members to clean room and get clean linen for next person. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; no beefs or disputed OT noted by engine or steward delegates. GLOBAL LINK (Tyco), June 25-Chairman Jose Gomez, Secretary Lanette Lopez, Educational Director Peter Littman, Deck Delegate Melvin L. Singletary, Engine Delegate William H. Young, Steward Delegate Radames Toro. Chairman reported Coast Guard inspection went well; crew did outstanding job. Galley heads fixed by electrician and crew ready to transfer cable. Treasurer announced $2,200 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE (Sea-Land Service), June 16Chairman Terry Murphy, Secretary Harry Lively, Educational Director Charles Wharton, Deck Delegate Sandy Killian, Engine Delegate Craig M. Knorr, Steward Delegate Christine Short. Chairman announced ship arriving in Tacoma, Wash. for payoff and urged everyone to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary commended Steward Jim Wright for tremendous job keeping ship clean. Educational director advised everyone to utilize facilities at Piney Point, especially new fire fighting school. He noted Coast Guard is now mandating some courses-like fire fightingand mariners are urged to take these as soon as possible. Some disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Crew asked Paul Hall Center to look into child care facility for upgrading parents. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage, Kodiak and Dutch Harbor, Alaska. SEA-LAND CRUSADER (SeaLand Service), June 17Chairman Eric J. Perez, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Deck Delegate Angel R. Camacho, Steward Delegate Luis A. Lopez. Chairman reported everything going well. He advised crew to keep up with requirements for STCW. Bosun is willing to assist members in getting endorsements stamped. Secretary encouraged crew members to read Seafarers LOG and keep abreast of changes in union and industry. Educational director echoed sentiments of all members in thanking SIU leadership for new fire fighting school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked rest of crew for helping keep mess hall and pantry clean and for cooperation in setting up cookouts. They, in turn, were thanked for fine meals and service, especially for popular cookouts Ot:lober 1999 and clambakes. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (Sea-Land Service), June 27Chairman Theodore Doi, Secretary Alan E. Hollinger, Educational Director Ray Chapman, Deck Delegate Manolo V. Delos Santos, Engine Delegate Kenneth Harder, Steward Delegate Romeo Manansala. Chairman reported arrival of new mattresses; old ones to be replaced as needed. He also announced contracted raise kicks in as of July 1. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading classes at Piney Point and taking advantage of new fire fighting school there. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), June 20Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director Oswald Bermeo, Steward Delegate Michael A. Harris. All running smoothly, according to chairman. Secretary urged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and support SPAD. Educational director also advised everyone to enroll in upgrading classes and get STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read president's report from recent LOG. Crew very happy with opening of new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Vote of thanks given to all hands for keeping ship in top condition. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), June 6-Chairman Raymond Yager, Secretary William Burdette, Educational Director Ramona Gayton, Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Engine Delegate Clifford L. Miles, Steward Delegate Amin A. Mohamed. Chairman announced vessel en route from Pusan, South Korea to Long Beach, Calif. and then to East Coast. He thanked everyone for great trip, with "two thumbs up" to steward department. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1, 150 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for purchase of new video rewinder in crew lounge and for resolving tiling problem in electrician's room. Next ports: Long Beach and Panama. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), June 14--Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Michael F. Hammock. Chairman noted payoff scheduled for June 14 in Elizabeth, N.J. He proudly announced total compliance with company safety rules and environmental laws. Educational director talked about importance of attending classes at new Joseph Sacco fire fighting school in Piney Point and of upgrading skills for better jobs in future. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to procure transportation for Seafarers returning to ship after short layup period. Reminder given to crew members leaving vessel to have rooms clean and new set of linen ready for next person. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), June 20Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Lynn McCluskey, Educational Director Kevin L. DeSue, Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman reported, weather permitting, vessel will be on schedule for arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He reminded crew to keep doors locked while in port and leave cabin clean with set of fresh linen for next person. Steward reported change in food supply company. Educational director urged members to attend classes at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from recent LOG read at meeting. Crew noted groundwork laid by SIU in past 10 years paying off with new vessels and jobs for Seafarers. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food-especially for preparing fresh tuna in Guam. Next ports: Tacoma and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), June 20Chairman Roan Lightfoot, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Keith Jordan Sr., Deck Delegate Daniel W. Miller, Engine Delegate Victor L. Sapp, Steward Delegate Clifford B. Elliott. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. June 22. That date also marks start of vessel's new Caribbean service. He welcomed two unlicensed apprentices aboard and expressed ho es they would like it at sea. Chairman reminded everyone of new way of collecting plastics for disposal and noted that tomorrow's jobs will be around if members upgrade today. Educational director echoed that theme, stating there is always something new to learn about your job or union. Fire fighting school is now open and all hands should take advantage of opportunity to take classes there (including first aid and CPR) since accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere. Treasurer asked for support for ship's fund which helps pay for rental movies. No beefs or disputed.OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to headquarters regarding lowering of retirement age and seatime required for pension eligibility. Also requested change in time on and off vessels to three months on and two months off. That still requires sailing eight months a year but is perceived to be less stressful. Bosun thanked steward department for terrific culinary talents. Steward department thanked deck department for keeping ship looking great, and deck department thanked engine department for keeping vessel going. Pantryman also given vote of thanks for keeping messhalls and living areas in tip-top condition. Chief steward congratulated Chairman Lightfoot on his bosun recertification. Next port: Jacksonville. SEA-LAND TA COMA (SeaLand Tacoma), June 21Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Steward Delegate Amanda F. Suncin. Chairman announced payoff scheduled June 22 in Tacoma, Wash. He read portions of June LOG, including president's report, an interesting article on meanings of some nautical terms and opening of world-class fire fighting school in Piney Point. Educational director welcomed unlicensed apprentice aboard ship and spoke of training possibilities at Paul Hall Center and job security it provides. Treasurer announced $1,231 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reminded to donate to SPAD. announced $50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNSPERSEVERANCE (IOUM), July 28-Chairman Thomas W. Lasater, Secretary George Monseur, Deck Delegate Joseph A. Osorio, Engine Delegate Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Steward Delegate Keith Nixon. Chairman announced arrival at The "Three Amigos" Bosun Wilfredo Rice (left) and AB Arthur Machado (center) believe OS Willard Bell will make a good AB once he completes upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center. Bell started working on the river 2% years ago, He then sailed aboard the USNS Regulus, where he was GSU for a year, before joining the deck department under the guidance and support of his more seasoned crew mates. (Bell graduated from the AB course on August 6 - see page 21 .) HM/ ASTRACHEM (IOUM), July I-Chairman Stanley Duranda, Secretary Luis Escobar, Deck Delegate Michael Edwards. Chairman noted ship to lay up at end of July. Educational director advised crew members to take time to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Steward delegate thanked his department for job well done; rest of crew also thanked steward department for great meals and excellent work. Next ports: St. Croix, USVI and Guayama, PR. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line), July 6Chairman Kyle F. Shultz, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director· Peter G. Murtagh, Deck Delegate Timothy J. Fitzgerald, Engine Delegate Jean C. Horne, Steward Delegate Earl R. Castain. Chairman read president's report from recent LOG and thanked crew for great voyage. Will ask union for verification of increase in pay and extra day's pay at end of rotation. Suggestion also made to have union look into feasibility of lowering number of days required for retirement regardless of age. Secretary thanked crew members for participation in shipboard barbecues and for good trip. Educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center and check maritime documents to be sure they are in good order. Treasurer announced $219 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Refrigerator needed in crew's lounge. Next ports: Freeport, Bahamas; Miami, Fla.; Panama; and Charleston, S.C. SEA-LAND CONSUMER (SeaLand Service), July 6-Chairman Francis Adams, Secretary Richard A. Seligman, Educational Director Howard Hendra. Chairman noted great crew this voyage and thanked everyone. He led discussion of money purchase plan; most crew members still have not gotten statements regarding their accounts. Secretary urged members to write congressional representatives for support in saving Jones Act. Educational director stressed need for upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer Marcus Hook, Pa. night of July 1 with payoff scheduled next day. Voluntary contributions for satellite dish accepted at payoff. He reminded crew members to keep current on all union matters through LOG and union meetings. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made and sent to headquarters requesting vacation be lowered to 90 days and pension rates be raised. Everyone asked to be mindful of next person when using dryer (clean lint screen after use and remove clothing when dry). Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine job. Next ports: Marcus Hook; Savannah, Ga.; Yabucoa, P.R.; Sun Terminal, Texas. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), August 8-Chairrnan Ramon Castro, Secretary Lee N. Frazier, Educational Director Michael Birke, Deck Delegate Willie Chestnutt, Engine Delegate Charles E. Bibbs Ill, Steward Delegate Romalies J. Jones. Chairman noted installation of new ice machine, dryer and reefer box for crew mess. He thanked everyone for good work and reminded them of importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary stated payoff scheduled for August 13 in Houston. He noted seas were calm entire voyage from St. Petersberg, Russia. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Piney Point and get endorsements needed for STCW compliance. Treasurer announced $195 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for fine work. LNG CAPRICORN (PRONAV), August 15-Chairman Charles Kahl, Secretary Dana Paradise, Educational Director John Knott, Deck Delegate William Soto Jr., Engine Delegate Rene R. Rosario, Steward Delegate Glen Williams. Chairman relayed captain's thanks for job well done by all hands. Secretary stated all union forms available from him. Educational director urged crew members to get TRB and STCW endorsements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications regarding severance package read and posted. Vote of thanks to steward department for good meals and clean ship. Next ports: Bontang, Indonesia and Osaka, Japan. Seafarers LOG 19 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Deck Engine Utility - Students in Phase 3 of the unlicensed apprentice program are (from left, front row) Roosevelt Clark, Lisa Ruiz, Heather Frizzelle, Johanna Saul , Manuel Oliveras, Alvin Clark, (second row) Daniel Bratta, Jonathan Buffington , Jason Foster, Jevon Vontoure, Anderson Saco, (third row) Daniel Borden , Michael Bragdon , Justin Germain , Todd Conley, Chad Schultz and Carey Foster Jr. Certified Chief Cook - Working in the steward lab are (from left) Chef John Dobson (instructor), John Agugliaro , Robert Knight, Jesus Herrera, Erik Marlowe, Warporn Kirdngern , Jann Noel, Mutee Zindani and Joseph Packnett. STCW Basic Safety - Upgrading Seafarers who on July 30 successfully completed the basic safety class necessary fo~ thei~ ST~W endorsements are (from left, front row) Kenneth Bayle, hristopher Corpuz, Suhermadhy Gham, Felipe Jimenez, Saleh Ahmed, Darren Bates, Richard Oliva , Muthana Koraish, · liam Jones, Mike Leo (instructor), (second row) William Feazel, Allen Davis, Pete Lopez, Nasser Hasson, Abdullah Saleh , Jerome Wong , Ernest Polk, William Churney and Felix Marco. Advanc~d Fire Fighting - Pictured above are members of the advanced fire fighting class who completed .their course work on August 13 at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. From the left (kneelhng) are Ab~ullah Saleh , ~ey Gabaylo, Bruce Childers, Paul Szalus, Allan Bright, John Glenn, (second row) Jorge B~nelh , John Kol?dz1eJ , Saundra Leonard, John Favero, Oscar Angeles, Richard Oliva , Stanley Golden, Neomto Sodusta , (third row) Rodney Aucoin , Roderick Clay, Michael Scinto, John Smith (instructor) , Paul Dellorso and Christine Short. STCW Safety & Fire Fighting - Upgrading SIU and NMU graduates of the STCW safety and fire fighting course are (from left, front row) Freddy Arriola , Richard L. Blakey, John H. Barkhouse, Feliciano Gabino, Frank Monteiro, (second row) Rally M. Espiritu , Eugene James Smith Jr., Hector ·Guity, Gerry Davis, (third row) Stormie Combs (instructor), Jose Vazquez and Dana Washington . Vessel Operations - With instructor Casey Taylor (seated center) are members of Unlicensed Apprentice class 591 who completed the vessel operations course. They are Adam Williams, Romel Holland, Miles Ireland Jr., Brandon Scalzo, Brandon Mines, Jeremy Sutton and Bobby Ellis Jr.. 20 Seafarers LOG Certified Chief Cook - Completing one of the required modules in the chief cook course are (from left) Janusz Smolik, Dana Washington, Chef John Hetmanski (instructor), Fernando Lopes and Wayne Howard. October 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course - -- Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Ed White (instructor), Rashidi Dadang, Monty Smith, Kyotaro Lopez, James Kidd Jr., Wardell Paze, Herman Stith, Mohamed Quraish and John Palughi. Boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course on July 30 are (from left) Ken Grayhill, Larry Barron, Manny Miranda, James Elbe, Marc Delgadillo, Randy McKenzie, William Smith, Robert Burns and Mitch Oakley (instructor). Basic Fire Fighting - Graduating from the basic fire fighting class on August 6 are (from left) Rick Redmond (instructor), Joe Brown, Wade Rudolph, Robert lvanauskas, Richard Provost, Robert Burns, John Shivers, Muthana Koraish , Green Hoskins and Sam Meyers (instructor). HAZWOPER - Part of the tanker familiarization course includes a 16-hour class on worker health and safety (HAZWOPER). Successfully completing that part of the curriculum are (from left) Mark Jones (instructor), Greg Pattison, Rick Woodburn, Clarence Jones, Mark Culbert, Rodney Garrett, Ronald Lauer, Jessie Higgs and Jason Long. Able Seaman Basic Fire Fighting - Completing their basic fire fighting requirements are members of Unlicensed Apprentice class 592. From the left (front row) are Anthony Hammet (instructor), Michael Spacek, Europa Tuivaiti, Shannon Miranda, Lyndon Ferreira, Tyler Laffitte Jr., (second row) Erik Nappier, Joshua Walker, Shannon Bonefont, Dwayne Brock and Keolamauloaohawaiiloa Mowat. Upgrading .graduates of the AB class on August 6 are (in no particular order) Almus Allen, Wiiiard Bell, Keith Bitran, George Bixby, Robert Bradberry, Eric Bridges, Reuben Brown, Edsel Dearce, Carlos Dominguez, John Eaton, Daniel Englund, Gregory Gallagher, Philip Gibson, Theodore Hale, Janaro Jackson, Gaston Lane, Matthew Laughter, Franklin Legore, Harold Lewis, William Maggio, Peter Malone, Charles Mann, Ahmed Mohamed, Duane Reeder, Kathryn Rivera, Morris Robinson, William Schuppman and Thomas Tobin. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) - Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course on August 20 are (in no particular order) James C. Anderson, Guy Butler Jr., Allen Davis, Felipe Jimenez, Christopher Corpuz, Jason Foster, Carey Foster Jr., Anderson Saco, Roosevelt Clark, Justin Germain, Daniel Borden, Manuel Oliveras, Chad Schultz, Michael Bragdon, Alvin Clark, Jevon Vontoure, Heather Frizzelle, Daniel Bratta, Todd Conley, Paul Weil, Scott Seiler, Johanna Saul, Jonathan Buffington, Paul Weil, Ernest Polk, Nasser Hasson, Marc Delgadillo, Lisa Ruiz, Emmanuel Rezada, Noel Camacho, Michael Gomes, Mark Wain, Edward Stoelzer, Marco Felix and Thomas Kreis. October 1999 Seafarers LOG 21 _,.. �Latters to the Edhor Know Your Rights Whooo's In Charge? (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG resel'Ves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Captain Sets Great Example We would like to take this opportunity to give our heartfelt appreciation and acknowledgment of a job well done to Captain John Torjusen. I sailed with Capt. Torjusen aboard the MIV American Merlin, and Bosun Lindsay and I both sailed with him aboard the SS Osprey. During our voyages aboard the Osprey, we were faced with many adversities while transiting the Atlantic Ocean and Black Sea to the Ukraine. Capt. Torjusen handled everything that the elements, fate and the often corrupted hands of man threw at him in a professional and focused manner. He sets a fine example for any mariner to follow, and we would be truly proud to serve with him aboard any vessel, even a rowboat adrift in the southern ocean. Steven M. Dickson, Chief Steward Robert Lindsay, Bosun aboard the LTC Calvin P. Titus Cherlye Mix, an OS aboard the USNS Sumner, makes her morning visit to Ospho's cage to change his bath water. Ospho is an owl who flew onto the ship about a hundred miles offshore in the Sea of Japan and showed no interest in leaving. The owl, who was named for the rust-busting solvent used aboard ship, has been taken topside several times and placed on a handrail, but when crew members returned an hour or so later, the owl was still there and willingly returned to his/her cage. Ospho is extremely tame and routinely sits on crew members' fingers and does not bite, even though the beak is quite powerful. He (or she, no one onboard is exactly sure how to determine this) is fed a daily diet of raw beef. The owl has yet to sign articles but has become a well-known member of the crew aboard the Sumner. The USNS Sumner is operated for the Military Sea lift Command by Dyn Marine Services of Virginia and conducts surveys, primarily in the western Pacific, Sea of Japan, East China Sea and South China Sea. Attention Seafarers: SPAD Is the Key to Job Security FARMLAND DAIRY • Milk sold under the Farmland Dairy label in stores in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York .... Teamsters MT. OLIVE PICKLE CO. Pickles and relishes sold under the Mt. Olive and other labels, including the Food Lion and Harris Teeter supermarket "house· labels .... Farm Labor Organizing Committee FURNITURE STRAITS FURNITURE CO. Jackson, Miss., manufacturer of entertainment centers, dining- room and bedroom furniture. Brands include: Canbrough Oak Collection, Downing Street Collection, Cherry Creek Collection, Hood, Straits .... Electronic Workers, Furniture Workers Division SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 1999 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS ALITALIA AIRLINES Air transport for passengers and freight .... Machinists BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO. BEST WESTERN-GROSVENOR RESORT Measuring, cutting and machine tools and pumps .... Machinists Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; located at Disney World, but separately owned and operated .... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees JET EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, INC. Auburn, Wash., distributor of "JET" brand metal- and wood-work· ing power and hand tools for home and commercial use .... Teamsters SOUTHWIRE CO. Commercial and industrial wire and cable; DoltYourself brand homewire . .... Electrical Workers MASTER APPAREL Men's and boys' trousers. Labels include Hills and Archer, and Ivy Hill .... Electronic Workers ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION BET cable television, Action payperview, BET on Jazz .... Electrical Workers REGAL CINEMAS Chain of 250 movie theaters: "Regal Cinemas• & "Cobb Theaters" .... Stage Employees & Moving Picture Technicians FOOD/BEVERAGES CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPES Table grapes that do not bear the UFW label on their carton or crate . .... Farm Workers Gasoline sold at Crown, Fast Fare and Zippy Mart stations and convenience stores .... Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Hotel in Waterbury, Conn. .... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees Hotel in Kapaa, Hawaii .... Longshore & Warehouse Union NEW OTANI HOTEL & GARDEN Hotel in downtown Los Angeles .... Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees OTHERS CF&I STEEL and OREGON STEEL MILLS, INC. Steel, including rod, bar, rail, pipe and steel plate .... Steelworkers WELLS FARGO and NORWEST BANKS Wells Fargo has branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington; Norwest has branches in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, W1SCOnsin and Wyoming .... Steelworkers R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO. DIAMOND WALNUT CO. Diamond brand canned.and bagged walnuts and walnut pieces .... Teamsters UNION CROWN CENTRAL PETROLEUM 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. Copie of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE HOTEL CLOTHING 22 TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL 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. LABEL Seafarers LOG AND SERVICE Cigarettes: Best Value, Camel, Century, Doral, Eclipse, Magna, Monarch, More, Now, Salem, Sterling, Vantage, and Winston; plus all Moonlight Tobacco products .... Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers TRADES DEPARTMENT, AFL-CIO 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 , color, sex, national or geographic ongm. If any member feels that he or is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLIT ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are u further its ob· urposes mc:lwjmg, ut not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. October 1999 �------------------------- -- SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes from September through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Allprograms are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Radar Observer/Unlimited October 4 October 15 Radar Recertification (one day) October 15 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) October 18 - Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) November 1 November 19 Basic Firefighting October 18 October 25 November 22 October 22 October 29 November26 Advanced Firefighting November 8 November29 November19 December 10 Government Vessels November 1 Novembers November 29 November 19 November 26 December 17 Lifeboatmao/Water Survival October 4 November 1 November29 October 15 November 12 December 10 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) October 25 November 1 Novembers November22 November29 December 13 October 29 Novembers November 12 November26 December3 December 17 Tankerman (PIC) Barge October 18 October 22 Welding October4 October 22 October 23 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Firemao/Watertender & Oiler October 11 November 19 Refrigeratipn Systems Maintenance November 8 December 17 Welding October 2 October 23 November 13 October 22 November 12 December 3 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic .v ocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Adv need Galley Operations (Every week) October 4, 11, 18, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December 6, 13, 20, 27 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week) October 4, 18 November 1, 15, 29 December 13, 27 UPGRADING IS A KEY TO YOUR FU URE. REVIEW THE COURSE SCHEDULE AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE A CLASS SOON. THE EARLY 2000 SCHEDULE SHOULD BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY. THE STAFF AT THE PAUL HALL CENTER IS CONTINUALLY UPDATING THE COURSE CON· TENTS TO KEEP ABREAST OF CHANGES IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY. ----~-------------------------------------------- ----- ---- ---- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION (120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date Name - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - Address- - - - - - -- - - -- - - - - - - -- - - -- - - - your class starts, USMMD (z -card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FO WT. A B and OMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The pavment should he made with a mone.y order onlv. payable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE END DA TE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Date of Birth - - - - - -- -Inland Waters Member D Lakes Member D If the fo llowing ieformation is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ __ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? DYes D No If yes, class # - - - - -- -- - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ _ _ _ October 1999 SIGNATURE - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE NOTE: Transportation will be p aid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your p ort agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes - - - - - - - -- - - - Date Off: The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Traini ng and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 10199 Seafarers LOS 23 �Thinking About College? lhe Seafarers Welfare Plan is offering seven scholarships in 2000 to three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. See page 14 for additional information. Global Ma1·iner Back in Action Replacing tile inside the vessel is AB Nestor Agcaoili. Keeping a close eye on his work is AB Kevin Bowden. After a brief stay this summer in a South Carolina shipyard, the SIUcrewed cable ship Global Mariner recently returned to its home port of Baltimore. "We're doing routine maintenance and remaining on stand-by for assignment," noted Recertified Bosun Jeremiah Harrington, a 20-year Seafarer whose father, Recertified Bosun Arthur Harrington, also sailed with the SIU. "Sometimes our missions are scheduled, while other times it's a surprise assignment. We're ready no matter what." Launched in 1992, the Global Mariner is loaded with state-of-the-art equipment. The 4 78-foot vessel features "dynamic positioning" which "coordinates the ship's main propulsion power and the twin bow and stem thrusters for precision maneuvering and station keeping," notes the vessel operator, Tyco Submarine System Ltd. The Global Mariner can store and haul more than 3 ,200 nautical miles of fiber-optic cable and travels at a top speed of 13.8 knots. In July, the ship underwent routine repairs at Detyen Shipyard in Charleston, S.C. During a subsequent visit by a Seafarers LOG reporter to the vessel in --·---·---O~.,re Seafarers mentioned that camara erie rew extends from ship to shore. "We enJO"~~.... n each other on and off the ship," said Chief Cook Anna Alexander. One crew member, OS Randy Diaz, completed the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education earlier this year. He said his experience aboard the Global Mariner has reinforce he made a good cdJ.'"--·HIU " ' qmte an experience so far," Diaz stated. "It's been pretty good, really." Recertified Bosun Jeremiah Harrington describes the crew as dedicated and hardworking. AB Kevin Young masters his brush stroke on the deck. Pictured in the engine room are Recertified Bosun Jeremiah Harrington (left) and Chief Electrician Gregory Thomas. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES DOUBLING OF VESSEL TRAFFIC IN U.S.? VOTING STARTS DECEMBER 1 ON SIU-NMU MERGER HURRICANE FLOYD POUNDS U.S. AVONDALE FIGHT CONTINUES EX-BOSS still hasn’t said he’s sorry AFL-CIO LAUNCHES AD CAMPAIGN TO BOOST MEDICARE, ADD RX BENEFIT COASTAL ENFORCEMENT ZONE DOUBLES HOUSE TRANSPORTATION CHAIR CALLS FOR ACTION TO UPGRADE MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURE SAFETY DIRECTORS SCRUTINIZE LATEST INDUSTRY HAPPENINGS CONVEYORMAN COURSE HIGHLIGHTS PAUL HALL CENTER’S ADAPTABILITY SEAFARER NORMAN GUILD CREATES SPECIALTY CLASS UPGRADER TOUTS SCHOOL PAUL HALL CENTER TAKES FIRE FIGHTING ON THE RIVER DELTA QUEEN NAMED ‘SHIP OF THE YEAR’ BY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ‘LOYAL’ CREW HELPS NAVY ABOARD T-AGOS SHIP ITF SHIP WELCOMES VISITOR NO. 500,000 GLOBAL MARINER BACK IN ACTION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 10 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/2d8fb02819d093572006512e66c42849.pdf 3e2da54f1673e96fd12ce66f2fbeb17e PDF Text Text September 1999 . SIU Will Crew Nieuw Amsterdam When Ship Transfers To U.S. Flag In 2000 The Nieuw Amsterdam will become part of the American Hawaii Cruises fleet next year, joining the SS Independence, which just celebrated its 1oooth voyage (see story, page 24). Page 3. More Jobs Acquired By Alaska Tanker Co. 5 ARCO Ships, Plus 2 Others Increase Fleet to 16 Newest MSC Roll-on/Roll-off Christened In San Diego Seafarers Due to Climb Gangway In November _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Page3 Global Link Gets the Job Done After completing a three-month cable-laying job overseas, the SIU-crewed Global Link recently returned to its berth in Baltimore. A recent visit to the ship found AB Geronimo Gonzales (pictured here) and the other crew members readying the ship for its next assignment. Pages 12-13. ...___ ___________ �President's Report Talks Continue Last June, representatives from our union began talks with officials from the NMU on the possibility of their union merging with ours. At that time, I promised to keep you informed on the progress of those meetings. The negotiations are proceeding very well. In the few months since the initial gathering took place in the conference room at our headquarters, the group has met several times. They have formed subcommittees which are looking Michael Sacco into topics that affect members from both unions such as seniority, job security and training and upgrading. More meetings are scheduled this month. As I have reported, the example we are following is the one set when the Marine Cooks & Stewards merged with the SIU in 1978. Like the NMU, the MC&S was an autonomous affiliate of the Sill. The MC&S elected its own officials, operated under its own constitution and negotiated its own contracts. Then the time came when its officials felt it would be in the best interest of the union and its members to become part of the Sill. A document of merger was drafted between the MC&S and the Sill. That statement was presented to the members of both unions, who studied it, then voted to accept it. Regarding the NMU, our two unions have several mutual interests which have allowed us to work with each other. Already, Seafarers and NMU members are studying and upgrading side-by-side at the Paul Hall Center. This effort has worked out much better than anyone could have imagined. It has been a wonderful opportunity for the members to realize how much they truly have in common. In last month's Seafarers LOG, we announced the new contract with the Alaska Tanker Co. This marks the first time Seafarers and NMU members will be sailing aboard vessels operated by the same company. Each step that has been taken since the NMU affiliated with the Seafarers has met with success. We already have moved further in the relationship between our two unions than at any other time in our history. That is why I am confident that future reports to you will reflect even more positive news. Lane Kirkland Last month, we learned of the passing of a truly great man, tremendous labor leader and friend to me and all of us in the SIU -retired AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland. Brother Kirkland held the highest position in the national labor federation from 1979 to 1995. While I was fortunate to have served with him as a vice president of the AFL-CIO during his last four years in office, I worked with him for many years on a variety of issues, organizing efforts and picket lines before that. Lane was a true believer in the working people of this country and of the world. He got his start as a deck officer in the U.S. merchant marine when World War II began. He understood the needs and concerns of mariners and pushed for programs to help the U.S.-flag fleet. Lane will forever be remembered by the public for reunifying the labor movement in the United States while providing support for the fledgling Solidarity movement in Poland that eventually led to the fall of the Soviet Iron Curtain. However, I will always remember Lane as being there throughout his career without question or pause for his fellow mariners. I will miss my shipmate very much. Volume 61, Number 9 September 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~'' 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG Retired AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland Dies at 77 ·Former Merchant Mariner Headed National Labor Federation for 16 Years Lane Kirkland, president of the AFL-CIO from 1979 to 1995 and a former merchant mariner who sailed during World War II, passed away August 14. He was 77. Kirkland died at his home in Washington, D.C. after battling lung cancer. "He literally was a worldwide labor leader, and he was a loyal friend to the Seafarers and the U.S. merchant marine," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "Clearly, we're talking about an exceptional person who dedicated himself to improving the lives of workers throughout the world. "From reuniting the American labor movement to fighting against suppression of trade unionism abroad, Lane Kirkland leaves a remarkable legacy. He truly will be missed." President Clinton described Kirkland as "one of the towering figures in the American labor movement. For nearly five decades, he was a guiding force for workplace fairness, dignity and innovation, and a catalyst for international democracy. "With skill, determination and unparalleled intellect, he reunited the major unions and reaffirmed labor's place at the table of American democracy," President Clinton continued. "With his unflagging support of free trade unionism internationally, especially in Poland, he helped hasten the fall of the Iron Curtain while showing America that it is possible to stand up to communism abroad while standing up for working men and women here at home." AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said, "Working people around the world are better off today because of Lane Kirkland's strong advocacy on their behalf. And the world is more free because of his courage and leadership." A report by the Associated Press noted that Kirkland had struggled against cancer as far back as the 1970s. He had several AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland (left) welcomes SIU President Michael Sacco to the national labor federation's executive council during the 1991 AFL-CIO convention. cancer-related surgeries since then, although his wife, Irena, told a reporter that the former federation president "didn't suffer at the end. His body just gave out." A native of Camden, S.C., Kirkland enrolled at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy as a teenager and subsequently sailed as a member of the Masters, Mates & Pilots. He shipped out for the first time in June 1940 and graduated from the academy under its hastened wartime procedures in 1942. He served as a deck officer throughout World War II, sailing in the North Atlantic, along North Africa and in the Pacific. During a 1993 speech at the academy, Kirkland recalled an interview where he was asked if he was afraid of any decision he made during his tenure with the AFL-CIO. "Afraid? I'll tell you what afraid is. Afraid is a four-hour night watch on the bridge of a freighter in the middle of a blacked-out convoy loaded with high explosives and high octane gasoline, in a full gale in midwinter in the North Atlantic, surrounded by wolfpacks. "Afraid is knowing that in an another eight hours you are going to have to do it all over again and for many days and nights yet. That's what afraid is, and I haven't been afraid of anything since." When he came ashore in 1946, Kirkland attended night school at Georgetown University while working at the U.S. Navy's Hydrographic Office. He received his degree in 1948, the same year AFL President William Green spoke on campus and recruited Kirkland for the labor federation's staff. Assigned to the research department, he was given various assignments which helped him catch the attention of then SecreRetired AFL-CIO President Lane Kirkland tary-Treasurer George passed away last month. The former deck Meany. Six years after officer led the national labor federation for 16 years. A strong supporter of the U.S. Meany became president merchant marine, Brother Kirkland leaves a of the merged American legacy of improving workers' lives in the Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial U.S. and around the world. Organizations (AFL-CIO) in 1955, Kirkland became Meany's executive assistant. In 1969, Kirkland became secretary-treasurer of the federation. He was elected president in 1979 and served eight consecutive twoyear terms. His first challenge as president was to bring under the AFL-CIO banner those unions operating independently. Returning to the house of labor during his tenure were the United Auto Workers, the Teamsters, the United Mine Workers, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, the Locomotive Engineers and the Chemical Workers. Kirkland headed the federation during the turbulent Reagan years when companies followed the president's lead during the PATCO air traffic controllers walkout to "permanently replace" striking workers. He worked with that administration to find a way to provide amnesty for the union members "because the president doesn't need to go on the field and shoot the wounded," as he told a Reagan aide. While watching out for America's working families, Kirkland also had a keen interest in the plight of workers worldwide. Polish Solidarity leader Lech Walesa stated his movement survived martial law in 1981 because of the moral strength of the Pope and the material and political aid of the AFL-CIO. Starting with the 1980 Gdansk shipyard strike, American unions smuggled some $6 million worth of aid- mainly printing equipment- into Poland. He also worked hard to end the oppression in South Africa and was one of the first people Nelson Mandela visited during his tour of the United States upon his release from jail. Kirkland in 1993 received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, considered the nation's greatest civilian honor. In recent years, Kirkland often worked with labor activists at the George Meany Center for Labor Studies, located in the Washington suburb of Silver Spring, Md. His survivors include his wife, five children, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. September 1999 �New Jobs Ahead for Seafarers Alaska Tanker Co. Increases Fleet by 7 most efficient AHC to Reflo,g Cruise best-trained, crews." Ship for Island Trade The Nieuw Amsterdam The SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) fleet is growing as the company will operate an additional seven tankers beginning in October, including five crude oil carriers presently operated by ARCO. That increases the ATC fleet to 16 vessels, not including three "Millennium Class" tankers being built in New Orleans. The new builds have tentative delivery dates ranging from February 2000 to the first quarter of 2001. All of the ATC ships are covered by the SIU's Standard Tanker Agreement. Besides the ARCO vessels, the newly contracted fleet includes tankers formerly operated by Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), Keystone, Intrepid and MTL. SIU-contracted American Classic Voyages, parent company of Delta Queen Steamboat and American Hawaii Cruises (AHC), last month announced its purchase of Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam for $114.5 million. If all goes as planned, the vessel will be transferred to AHC around this time next year. The ship will be reflagged under the Stars and Stripes and will be crewed by SIU members. It is slated to sail the Hawaiian Islands, like the SIU-crewed SS Independence (also operated by AHC). "Obviously, this means a very large number of new jobs for the membership," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "I'm confident that the SIU will continue to provide American Hawaii with the world's Continued on page 5 The Nieuw Amsterdam will be crewed by SIU members in the fall of 2000, pending completion of the vessel's purchase by American Classic Voyages. Details of the purchase are expected to be finalized later this year. New Report Emphasizes Importance of Jones Act A new report released during a Capitol Hill briefing reaffirms the strong connection between the U.S.-flag domestic fleet and the nation's security. Entitled "The United States Jones Act Fleet and National Security: America's Fourth Arm of Defense," the 41-page statement shows how the U.S.-flag domestic fleet provides trained mariners, keeps America's shipyards operating and maintains a vital component of the nation's infrastructure upon which the military can draw in times of cri- sis or emergencies. The document was issued in late July by the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, a coalition of maritime labor, shipping companies and other related concerns. The SIU is a member of the task force. The report examined the arguments made by opponents of the Jones Act-the 1920 law that states freight moved from one domestic port to another must be carried aboard a U.S.-flag, US.built and U.S.-crewed vesselwith facts and figures compiled by the U.S. government and other sources. It also reprinted public statements of support delivered by elected and military officials since the Persian Gulf War. One of the facts provided by the document was that nearly half the crew members sailing aboard two Ready Reserve Force vessels called to duty in 1995 during the Balkan crisis had worked immediately before on Jones Act ships. It further pointed out that 87 percent of the U.S.-flag shipboard employment opportunities are SIU Jobs Secured on 6 LNG Vessels PRONAV Applies for Reflagging Despite an application by PRONAV Ship Management to reflag the eight LNG vessels currently crewed by Seafarers, the SIU will remain aboard at least six of the ships, regardless of whether the application is approved. PRONAV began submitting the series of reflagging applications to the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in mid-August. The company wants to transfer the eight LNG ships to the flag of the Marshall Islands. In communications sent last month to Seafarers aboard the LNG ships, the union noted that-if MarAd approves the reflagging-then the economic provisions (including benefits) of the SIU's Standard Tanker Agreement will apply to six of the vessels-the LNG Capricorn, LNG Gemini, LNG Leo, LNG Taurus, LNG Virgo and LNG Libra. Other parts of the existing contract covering the LNG ships are modified only in references to the possible reflagging. Additionally, agreements have been signed to ensure that the SIU contract will remain in place even if the LNGs eventually are operated by a different company. If the reflagging takes place, then crew members who are not re-employed on the other two vessels-the LNG Aries and LNG Aquarius-will receive a severance payment. PRONAV said it expects the switch to start in mid-October, pending application approval. In the detailed memorandum sent by SIU headquarters officials to Seafarers aboard the LNG ships, the union pointed out that the reflagging originally was scheduled to begin last year. The SIU had negotiated a conditional but probable agreement whereby six of the ships initially would remain under the U.S. flag, with a phase-out schedule that ended in September 1999 2003. At that time, the SIU crews would receive a severance package. However, due to unforeseen circumstances involving contract negotiations between a U.S. officers union and PRONAV, the SIU reconsidered its initial position that had precluded the possibility of employment on the reflagged ships. As noted in the memo, the once-likely conditional agreement became jeopardized, making it possible that all eight ships would be reflagged relatively quickly- and leaving the SIU crews without any opportunity for continued employment on those vessels. Nevertheless, "We continue to strongly believe that the LNG ships should remain under the U.S. flag," states the memo. "The decision to accept continued employment on the reflagged vessels (should MarAd approve the applications) was not an easy one. "Yet, when weighed against the alternatives, the final decision was based on the ultimate benefit to our members and their families. The application of the Standard Tanker Agreement wages and benefits will, for the first time, [apply] American labor standards on foreign-flag ships. The Agreement is no less than that which is accepted by U.S.-flag SIUcontracted tanker companies. It maintains our benefits and will provide jobs and job security for five more years while preserving our severance agreement." Importantly, the union pointed out that SIU's crewing of the LNG ships will help provide a continued manpower pool of trained American mariners for U.S. national defense purposes. Further, the LNG vessels sail between foreign ports (in Japan and Indonesia), and are not regarded as militarily useful ships to the U.S. Last month, the SIU also sent a union official to meet with the LNG crews concerning the possible reflagging and related questions. aboard Jones Act vessels. In its review of future shipbuilding needs, the report projected the U.S.-flag domestic fleet could account for as much as 70 percent of the new construction in American yards. This includes barges as well as self-propelled vessels. On the financial side, with the work beginning on the two new passenger ships at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi, the report noted more money will be spent on commercial shipbuilding than non-combatant U.S. Navy construction for the first time in many years. To emphasize the support for the Jones Act, the document quoted two chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who served at different times in the decade. Army General Colin Powell stated in 1992, "The merchant marine and our maritime industry will be vital to our national security for many years to come." Five years later, Army General John Shalikashvili added, "And today, after two centuries our merchant marine is every bit as important, and every bit as vital, to the commerce and to the defense of our nation as it ever has been." To make sure the point was not lost, a statement made earlier this requires a crew of approximately 400 and can accommodate 1,214 passengers. It is part of American Classic Voyages' "Project America," an endeavor that includes the first new U.S.-flag, U.S.-built deep sea cruise ships since the 1950s. Those two vessels, scheduled for delivery beginning in 2003, are being constructed at union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding. "The Nieuw Amsterdam is an exciting addition to our program," said Roderick McLeod, president and CEO of Project America. "This cruise ship will offer consumers a new U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed cruising option, building the market for our two new U.S.-flag, 1,900-passenger cruise ships that will enter service in 2003 and 2004." Built in France and Continued on page 5 Increasing Importance• '29% iif iiNiw (1>Jtt;iiHeI'l'llips •Si)%.of(1l!l:lll«!Tbl roll·vnirnH-of! \hip~ • 8!%(lf:<!lta11J.., ;·, Slides drive home the importance of the Jones Act during a recent Capitol Hill briefing on the freight cabotage law. year by Air Force General Charles T. "Tony" Robertson, the head of the U.S. Transportation Command, was included: "You need to know that my bottom line is the Jones Act is a proven performer that supports both our nation's military security and its economic soundness. I can't put it any simpler than that." (The Transportation Command, known as TRANSCOM, oversees the movement of American troops and their supplies worfdwide.) The text of a resolution in support of the Jones Act and signed by more than 240 members of the House of Representatives also was presented. Besides going to Congress, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force provided copies of the report to the media. SIU Will Crew New RO/RO SIU members are scheduled to climb the gangway to new jobs aboard the USNS Red Cloud in November. The newly constructed, roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) ship was christened last month at NASSCO shipyard in San Diego. The Watson-class vessel is part of a 19-ship fleet (including 14 new builds and five conversions) designed to strengthen U.S. sealift capacity. Maersk Line Limited of Norfolk, Va. will operate the USNS Red Cloud. Thousands of people attended the August 7 christening, which highlighted San Diego's "fleet week" and the shipyard 1s annual family day. They watched as the 950-foot vessel was named in memory of U.S. Army Corporal Mitchell Red Cloud Jr., a posthumous recipient of the U.S. Army Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Korea in 1950. Like the other ships in its class, the USNS Red Cloud features 390,000 square feet of cargo space. It is assigned to the U.S. Military Sealift Command for prepositioning and other support of American armed forces wherever needed. Seafarers LOii 3 �'Modern-Day Slave Ship' Runaway-Flag Vessel Caught Smuggling 132 Chinese Aliens into United States Officials from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) discovered 132 illegal Chinese immigrantsmany of them teenagerswedged into sealed compartments in the bow of the runaway-flag freighter Prince Nicolas last month in Savannah, Ga. INS agents continued their investigation as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, but seven people from the ship (four crew members, three immigrants) already have been charged in the case. The immigrants reportedly either paid or were going to pay thousands of dollars apiece for boarding the ship. An INS official told the Associated Press that the Cyprusflagged, Chinese-owned Prince Nicolas is part of a "very sophisticated (smuggling) ring. I have never in my 23 years with INS seen anything this large or sophisticated." According to press reports, the ship's captain on June 6 was ordered by Dalian Jinxing Shipping Co. to pick up "spare parts" in the South China Sea. Instead, three men and the 13 2 male immigrants (including anywhere from 19 to 51 teenagers) came aboard the vessel, which was transporting a cargo of crude iron. In late July, a crew member deserted the ship in Sweden and informed authorities that the vessel was bound for America. But, as the ship reached the Georgia coast on August 11, several searches by the U.S. Coast Guard failed to reveal the immigrants. One report described them as living and hiding in a 50-foot-by50-foot hole in the bow, bolted from inside and welded shut on top. That area was divided into compartments 2 feet wide, 3 feet long and 6 feet high, with holes in the floor to be used as toilets. (The only way in or out was through two tiny, oval-shaped openings that were sealed before investigators first boarded the vessel.) When INS agents went to the ship the next day, a crew member directed them to the hiding place. One of the officials told the Savannah Morning News that the Prince Nicolas was "a modernday slave ship," while another told the AP, "It reminded me of something that would look like slave quarters." Investigators learned that the three men who eventually brought aboard the immigrants had threatened the captain at knife-point. The armed trio reportedly vowed to kill not only the captain, but also his family, the entire crew and their families if the captain forbade the immigrants from boarding the vessel. Court documents describe the ship's atmosphere as wrought with intimidation and tension. They also "suggest a much wider conspiracy, stretching across the globe," according to an article in the August 20 edition of the Savannah newspaper. At press time, the crew (26 Chinese, one Lithuanian and one Filipino) were being kept in regional detention centers, while the immigrants were in an Atlanta AP Photo/Savannah Morning News, Bob Morris A group of illegal aliens from China line up to be removed from the cargo ship Prince Nicolas in Savannah, Ga. A total of 132 young Chinese men were found on board the Cyprus-registered ship. jail. For now, they are being interviewed by U.S. officials. Among those not facing charges, possible next steps include asylum or deportation. Support for Nursing Home Workers Seafarers, including Recertified Steward Judith Chester, march with Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 members in front of the St. Mary's (Md.) County Courthouse in a show of solidarity for Lexington Park nursing home workers who are seeking a new contract. Dependent health care coverage became a heated issue when the head of the private facility supposedly told a worker if she wanted such coverage she should file for welfare. So the UFCW organized the rally with two workers entering the courthouse's welfare office to acquire applications. Contract talks continue. 4 Seafarers LOS Latest Case Not Isolated The case of the Prince Nicolas may shock some people, but it is regrettably common. China-based criminals for many years have orchestrated the illegal immigration of their fellow citizens to the United States. Among many other notable cases this decade are those of the Golden Venture running aground in New York in 1993, with 300 Chinese aboard; th~ seizing of five separate vessels the following year carrying more than 400 Chinese to various destinations in the U.S.; and last year's interception of a fishing vessel off the West Coast transporting more than 150 suspected illegal immigrants from China. As periodically noted in past issues of the Seafarers LOG, this criminal cycle finds desperate individuals who pay as much as $50,000 apiece to reach America. Those who arrive typically enter long-term, slave-like agreements to repay their debt to the smugglers, often working at clothing factories or Chinese restaurants in large cities. Heart Attack Claims Beau James A longtime fixture in the Gulf, Theodore "Beau" James, passed away July 24. He was 81 when he succumbed to a heart attack. Brother James began his career with the SIU in 1947. The Algiers, La. native joined the union in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the steward department. James was very active in union organizing drives throughout his career. He helped set up galley operations at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in its early days and attended a 1991 crews conference in Piney Point, Md. Although he filed his retirement papers in 1983, James remained involved with the union, especially in Houston. He would cook for special functions, help behind the counter, run errands for fellow Seafarers and oversee operations in the hall's sign shop. In the latter capacity, his efforts became legendary. He would gather the materials, round up the volunteers and show them what needed to be done to produce thousands of political yard signs. Theodore "Beau" James New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd remembered James as someone who always extended a helping hand to others. "One day when he was in our hall, I asked him where he was going," Judd stated. "He said he was going to Houston to cut a buddy's lawn because he couldn't do it himself. That was ·a five-hour trip one way. It took two hours to cut the lawn, and then he turned right around and drove back that same day. That was the kind of person Beau James was." Editors note: Recertified Steward Daniel Payne pays a special tribute to Brother James on page 8. September 1999 �AfarAd Details Successes Of MSP, Jones Act, RRF Report to Congress Cites Security Benefits The U.S. Maritime Administration's yearly report to Congress states that the Maritime Security Program (MSP) "is working as intended to help America retain an active U.S.flag merchant fleet comprising modern, efficient and militarily useful commercial dry cargo vessels that can support national security requirements and maintain a competitive U.S.-flag presence in international commerce. The MSP also helps retain a labor base of skilled and loyal American seafarers who are available to crew the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift fleet, as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war." The report, issued earlier this summer, also reaffirms the Clinton administration's support of the Jones Act, and commends America's Ready Reserve Force (RRF), which includes a number of SIU-crewed ships, for "excep- tional service and outstanding performance" during the past year. Additionally, the report provides data on the U.S.-flag fleet, which last year ranked 11th worldwide on a deadweight tonnage basis and 17th in total number of ships. MSP Benefits Another benefit of the MSP, as noted in the report, is the reflagging of numerous ships under the Stars and Stripes. "Since MSP implementation in 1996, a total of 12 modern commercial liner vessels, all less than I 0 years old, have been reflagged to U.S. registry for participation in MSP," states the account. "Additionally, three other containerships less than 5 years of age were reflagged to the U.S. under MSPrelated legislation. The addition of these 15 ships will greatly benefit the goal of modernizing the SIU-Crewed Fleet Grows· Alaska Tankers Continued from page 3 The union also reported that, depending on the particular ship involved, the manning scales for ATC's fleet either will remain unchanged or will increase. "Some are being modified to match the SIU's manning," noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "For instance, on the former OSG tankers the manning is being increased by one AB in order to return to a two AB watchstanding configuration." As reported in last month's issue of the Seafarers LOG, ATC AHC Voyages Continued from page 3 launched in 1983, the Nieuw Amsterdam is 704 feet long. It features nine passenger decks, five lounges, two restaurants, a fully equipped spa and fitness center, two outdoor pools, a 230seat theater and much more. marks the first time SIU and NMU members will sail aboard vessels operated by the same company. (The NMU is an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America.) Also, contract provisions include the creation of a trained manpower pool, similar to the one used on the SIU-crewed fleet of LNG vessels. The ARCO tankers range in size from 70,000 to 262,000 deadweight tons. They load crude oil at Alaska's Valdez Marine Terminal and then deliver it to ports in Washington state and California. Under provisions of the 1997 U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, AHC was extended the opportunity to bring a reflagged passenger ship into the Hawaiian trade on an interim basis. The Nieuw Amsterdam will be refitted to meet American standards before it joins the SS Independence in the AHC fleet. Carnival s Updated Tally: 108 Sex Crimes in 5 Years 1 Alaska Sues Royal Caribbean for Pollution On the heels of separate but startling disclosures in July involving two Miami-based runaway-flag cruise lines, new reports last month revealed additional problems for Carnival Cruise and Royal Caribbean, respectively. Carnival stated that its initial accounts of 62 sexual assaults aboard its ships from 1993-98 were far fewer than the actual total of 108. The company said it updated the data after investigating the additional charges. Carnival first acknowledged the attacks after a former employee filed a lawsuit claiming she was raped and assaulted by an officer aboard the ship Imagination last year. A lawyer for the woman questioned why some of the other alleged attacks were not brought to the public's attention sooner. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean, fresh off agreeing to pay a record $18 million pollution fine stemming from its guilty pleas to 21 felony counts in five U.S. cities and Puerto Rico, is being sued by Alaska. The state filed a civil suit concerning admitted hazardous waste vio~ lations that may result in another multi-million dollar fine. Alaska reportedly pursued this case because Royal Caribbean 's previous guilty pleas prevented the state from filing its own criminal suit. September 1999 U.S. merchant fleet and enhance its competitiveness and sealift readiness into the 21st century." MarAd, which is responsible for assuring that merchant shipping is available in times of war or national emergency, described the MSP as "leveraging relatively modest federal support dollars to retain access to a robust U.S. commercial maritime capitalization base valued at more than $8.5 billion." Along those lines, the Department of Transportation agency cited effective cooperation between government and the industry. "By partnering with the U.S.-flag commercial maritime industry, the U.S. government leverages assured access to a global intermodal network that includes not just vessels but also logistics, management services, infrastructure, terminals and equipment, communications and cargo-tracking networks, as well as a cadre of well-trained, professional U.S. seafarers and shoreside employees." Jones Act Support Describing why the administration supports the Jones Act (which requires that cargoes moving between U.S. ports be transported on U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag, domestically built and owned vessels), the report states that the law "promotes reliable domestic shipping service and ensures the existence of a domestic maritime industry completely subject to U.S. control in time of national emergency. "The Jones Act generates environmentally sound transportation and thousands of jobs for American citizens touching every region of the nation. In addition, more than 80 million passengers and 1 billion tons of cargo worth about $222 billion were transported in Fiscal Year 1998 under the Jones Act trade, which is 14 percent of the domestic inter-city cargo in America for just 2 percent of the entire domestic freight bill." RRF Excels The report credits the RRF for excelling during a no-notice test last September that involved 36 ships. "This represented the largest RRF series of test activation exercises ever conducted by DOD .... All 36 vessels were successfully made ready for sea within their required times." Meanwhile, MarAd also documented that the U.S.-flag, privately owned, deep-draft merchant fleet (including some Great Lakes vessels) totaled 351 vessels in September 1998. Panama ranked first both in number of ships (4,456) and deadweight tonnage (144,120). Worldwide, the report lists 27,730 oceangoing merchant ships of 1,000 or more gross tons. Anti-Worker Forces Again Attempt To Limit Labor's Political Activities Less than one year after similar efforts were defeated in more than 30 states, Congress may consider a measure to limit the voice of working people in the electoral process. The House of Representatives is scheduled to consider a campaign finance reform bill called the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 1999 (HR 417) when it returns to Washington after Labor Day. The legislation contains an anti-worker amendment added last month just as Congress left Capitol Hill for its August recess. The amendment, offered by Rep. William Goodling (R-Pa.), would require a union to obtain written permission from every represented worker before that union could spend dues money on political activities. It also would require employers to post notices in workplaces spelling out the new law. Finally, unions would be required to file additional reports on their finances. "We fought this battle last year throughout the nation and won in each case," SIU President Michael Sacco stated. "It was wrong then and it is wrong now to consider any legis- lation that tells working people their issues can't be heard on Capitol Hill." During last year's fight, spearheaded by California's Proposition 226, independent research groups discovered anti-worker forces outspent labor by an 11 to 1 margin during the 1996 and 1998 election cycles. The AFL-CIO pointed out the Goodling Amendment is aimed only at unions. It takes no action against any other group or organization. The labor federation noted no union dues money is given to candidates or used in campaigns for federal office because that is already banned by the Federal Election Campaign Act. All union political action committee money (like the Seafarers' SPAD) is donated voluntarily by union members entirely separate from their dues. The labor federation calculates the cost to unions and their members to implement the amendment, if it is passed, at $90 million. A bill similar to the amendment was defeated in the House last year by an 80-vote margin. Coast Guard Publishes Final Rule on User Fees The U.S. Coast Guard last month issued the final rule covering user fees for licenses, certificates of registry and merchant mariner's documents (also known as MMDs or z-cards). The rule-which takes effect October 4--is published in the Federal Register dated August 5, 1999. "This final rule will affect all mariners required to hold a license or certificate of registry in accordance with 46 CFR part I 0 or a merchant mariner's document in accordance with 46 CFR part 12," reads the notice. "The Coast Guard revises the user fees . . . based on the most recent recalculation of program costs." Part of the updated fee schedule is printed below. More information is available from the Coast Guard at (202) 267-0785. The complete rule also is available via the internet. And you need ... If you apply for ... Evaluation Then the fee is: Examination Then the fee is: Issuance Then the fee is: Merchant Mariner's Document: Original without endorsement ................. $110 n/a $45 Original with endorsement ........... . ........ 110 140 45 Endorsement for qualified rating ............... 95 140 45 Upgrade or Raise in Grade ................... 95 140 45 Renewal without endorsement for qualified rating ... 50 n/a 45 Renewal with endorsement for qualified rating ..... 50 45 45 Renewal for continuity purposes ............... n/a n/a 45 Reissue, Replacement, and Duplicate ........... n/a n/a 45 Seafarers LOG 5 �, --- - ---- - - - - - t Fire Fighten President Al Whitehead Learnea His Union Lessons with the SIU Al Whitehead learned a major lesson about trade unionism shortly after World War II when he heard about a job on a Texaco tanker. At that time, he was between ships and looking to sail while the U.S.-flag merchant fleet that supplied American and Allied troops was being dismantled. "I was told after the hall closed to report to this tanker because it needed a crew. I didn't know what was going on, but it was a job, so I headed for it." What Whitehead found when he got to the pier was a huge brother from the SIU telling him he did not want to go any further. A picket line was in front of the gangway because the vessel's crew was on strike. He quickly assessed the situation and decided to go home. "I learned my lesson that day never to cross a picket line," Whitehead recalled more than 40 years later. "To this day, I still have not and will not cross one." That was an important lesson and statement because Whitehead serves as the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The path from sailing with the SIU and the Sailors' Union of the Pacific to leading an international union of more than 230,000 professional fire fighters has taken many interesting twists and turns. Yet, he still recalls his four years at sea with great fondness, including how he got his start. Whitehead altered his birth 1--- -;~ L - certificate so head could get involved in the World War II effort. "I was 15 years old and my older brother had gone to war. I was worried the war was going to be over before I was old enough," he told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "I wanted to join the merchant marine, but I was too young. So I changed my birth certificate." He lived in California and heard the Seafarers and SUP in San Francisco could get him a merchant mariner's document and on a ship, so he headed to the hall. After a two-week training session-including dish washing and lifeboat instruction-in a San Francisco college, he got his papers and sailed as a messman. Whitehead's first ship sailed out of Wilmington, Calif. up the coast to Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. "I had no idea what I was even doing, but I recall getting very seasick." When that trip was completed, he decided he would be better off in the engine department. He sailed as a wiper several times, which carried him into the years after the war. He was aboard a tanker that sailed through the Panama Canal to Venezuela, then to New York. When the vessel-part of the War Emergency fleet-arrived in Bayonne, N.J., the crew was dismissed but not given money to return to California. "We rode a bus to Kansas, r ra-'----· As president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Al Whitehead lets those who visit his office know of his days at sea thanks to his photo display of the ships upon which he sailed. then hitchhiked aboard a B-25 from March Air Base to Riverside," Whitehead noted. Upon his return, a friend convinced him to sail in the deck department. "I froze on deck. The elements were too cruel, standing on the bow. I went back to being a wiper." Before signing off for the last time, because jobs were becoming too scarce, he upgraded to fireman/watertender and oiler. Another incident Whitehead remembered during his years at sea was the way his enthusiasm for his job got him into trouble. In order to get his probationary union book, he was asked to help an organizing drive for the crews of Standard Oil tankers. "I caught a job and got fired almost immediately because I kept talking up the union. I didn't know to stay quiet and work behind the scenes." Whitehead explored other job opportunities (apprentice carpenter, utility lineman, railroad brakeman-"All union jobs," he pointed out) before becoming a fire fighter in Los Angeles County in 1954. He joined the union, became active in his local and eventually served as the president of IAFF Local 1014 for 12 years before being elected general secretarytreasurer of the international union in 1982. As a fire fighter, he rose to the rank of captain on the Los Angeles County force. Whitehead was elected IAFF general president in 1988 and has been reelected ever since. He also is a vice president of the AFL-CIO, serving with SIU President Michael Sacco. Through his years with the IAFF, he never forgot his roots in the SIU. A few years ago, he was talking with an IAFF member in San Francisco who mentioned he had sailed in the 1950s. It turned out he had sailed on the same tanker as Whitehead, only a few years apart. The fire fighter showed Whitehead a photo of the ship, which started a one-year quest to gain pictures of the seven vessels upon which Whitehead had sailed. He had all of his discharges, so he knew their names. Fallowing numerous letters, calls and visits around the country, he acquired the photographs. They are framed together and adorn a prime location in his office. (The names of the vessels are the Edwin B. DeGolia, Chemawa, D. G. Scofield, Agriworld, Cayuse, USNT Miss ion San Gabriel and W.S. Miller.) "I loved the union and I loved sailing," Whitehead stated. "I have some very nice memories from those days." A young Al Whitehead stands on the deck of the Chemawa during his sailing days after World War II. Steelworkers End Strike Steelworkers returned to work at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding early last month after approving a 58-month contract. The agreement marked the end of a 16-1/2 week strike at the shipyard, where some 9,200 members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) are employed in production and maintenance. Both the union and the shipyard acknowledged that each side compromised to finalize the contract. The pact calls for a pay raise averaging $3.10 an hour over its duration and also improves pension benefits. "It's time to put down the picket signs, pick up the tools and go back with our heads held high," stated Arnold Outlaw, president of USWA Local 8888, which represents the shipyard workers. L.OCAL 8888 (//llI1C6 Sl"EEL M;tl..K€~-:, Ceremony Marks Start of Dredging Social Security Admin. Issues Yearly Statements To 125 Million Workers The SIU and the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department were two of several maritime interests who worked hard for years with local, state and federal officials to allow the dredging of the Port of New York/New Jersey. Digging began in July when the union-built dredge New York was christened. Attending the ceremony in Manhattan are (from left) SIU Vice Pres. Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey; MTD Vice Pres. Jack Stewart; and Allen Francis, recording secretary for Operating Engineers Local 25 Marine Division. 6 Seafarers LOG Starting next month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is scheduled to begin what it describes as "the largest customized mailing ever undertaken by a federal agency" when it sends an annual statement to 125 million workers. The four-page statement "is designed to help workers with financial planning by providing estimates of their retirement, disability and survivors' benefits," according to the agency. "The statement also will provide workers an easy way to determine whether their earnings are accu- rately posted on their Social Security records. This is an important feature because Social Security benefits are based on an individual's career wage record." The annual statement results from legislative efforts spearheaded by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-N.Y.). By law, the SSA will send yearly reports to workers ages 25 and older who are not receiving Social Security benefits. Mailings will be staggered so that individuals receive their statements approximately three months before their birth month. September 1999 �Family, Friends Help Recertified Stewards Excel In Chosen Field "There are few places in the world-like the SIU-where you can truly say that no matter what your race, religion, sex or educational background, you can go as far as you can take yourself. The only thing stopping you is you." Those were the remarks of Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez as he introduced the 11 graduating members of the recertified steward class: Duane Bergeson, Russell Beyschau, Rafael Cardenas, Judith Chester, Ruti de Mont, Shawn Fujiwara, Thomas Kreis, Perry McCall, Louis Nicoud III, Daniel Payne and Amanda Suncin. Outside Support But the life of a Seafarer is not for everybody. It takes the strong support of friends, family and the Seafarers International Union to help each individual who passes through the doors of the Paul Hall Center to become better at their chosen profession. At the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., the unity of family and friends was evident as the 11 graduates were called individually to the podium to receive their graduation certificates for completion of the fiveweek steward recertification course, the highest level of education the union offers for members of the steward department. First to the podium was Rafael Cardenas. The 37-year-old, who sails from Puerto Rico, recounted his story of being forced to drop out of college following an automobile accident in which both legs were broken and then being turned down for military service. His uncle, a recertified bosun, suggested he look into the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center, and in January 1984, Cardenas started. He hasn't looked back since. Thanks to the SIU, Cardenas said, he has traveled the world, earned a good salary and reached the pinnacle of his career. This was the fifth time Cardenas has returned to the school to upgrade his skills. He enjoyed meeting brothers and sisters from different ports and sharing their different cooking techniques. He found the food demonstrations to be especially interesting and believes his new knowledge will help him do a better job aboard ship. Cardenas advised the unlicensed apprentices to study hard and never be afraid to ask questions. Course Change Judith Chester, 46, began working aboard American Hawaii Cruises passenger vessels in 1985-a job she believed really fit her lifestyle. She had made a five-year plan, however, and that involved moving on, perhaps in the business field in which she had obtained her college degree. But her "guardian angels" had a different plan for her, and 14 years later, Chester is still with the SIU, now sailing from the port of San Francisco. She has sailed as a chief cook all over the world, visiting exotic countries like Egypt, Singapore, Japan, Germany, Wales and Dubai-just to name a few-and believes she has finally found her niche in life, a creative job that she loves. "I am so thankful," she told the group assembled for the meeting, Recertified Steward Russell Beyschau says the facilities at the Paul Hall Center have been great for him and his wife, Kelli, and their daughter, Kristianna (2 years, 3 months old). September 1999 Following the membership meeting and the presentation of graduation certificates, the recertified stewards join union officials on the stage for a group photo. From the left are Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Daniel Payne and his son, Sammy, Perry McCall, Louis Nicoud Ill, Ruti de Mont, Assistant Vice President Contracts George Tricker, Thomas Kreis, Russell Beyschau, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, Judith Chester, Duane Bergeson, Shawn Fujiwara, Rafael Cardenas, Amanda Suncin and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. "that I found a career which fits me like a shoe." Chester told the trainees that they should ask themselves: Am I ready for a life of adventure? Am I ready to travel the world? To meet people from all walks of life? Am I willing to try my hardest to do the best job I can? Am I willing to try to get along with the people I work with and to work together as a team? Am I ready to experience the freedom that shipping provides me?" She told them that if they could answer yes to those questions, then they are in the right place. Chester has returned to the school four times to expand her knowledge, and each time she has found it a rewarding experience. She was particularly impressed with the new fire fighting and safety school and feels confident that she can be an active part of a fire fighting team should an emergency occur aboard ship. Sailing from the port of Tacoma, Shawn Fujiwara joined the union in 1988, also sailing aboard the SS Independence in Hawaii. He planned to do this for a couple years-and nearly 12 years later has now reached the highest rating available to members in the steward department. Fujiwara, whose mother flew from Hawaii to be with him on this special day, first upgraded in 1990. It was then, the 35-year-old claimed, that he decided to stay. "In that time," he notes, "I have been around the world and visited 16 countries and have seen things most people only dream about." enced his life, including all the stewards under whom he has sailed and for believing in him when he started to doubt himself. Fujiwara says stewards have one of the hardest jobs on the ship and are often the forgotten ones, but it is up to them to make sure each meal is hot, hearty and that the crew leaves with their bellies full. "Remember," he jokingly stated, "you are only as good as your last doughnut." To the unlicensed apprentices, Fujiwara imparted the secret to his success: "I never gave up, I always cared, and I never forgot where I came from or where I was going." He commended those trainees who were studying for their GEDs and noted they are all embarking on the adventure of their lifetime. He reminded them that they will leave the school with not only a job but also with a skill. "The school is here for us, it is up to us to use it." Thomas Kreis, 57, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Mobile and now ships out of New Orleans. For nearly 30 years, Kreis said, being a Seafarer has been a good way of life. In returning to the school for the third time, he found the fire fighting and CPR classes to be of particular benefit and noted an even closer sense of unity among Seafarers than in years past. "I'm proud to be here," he stated, adding he would recommend upgrading to fellow Seafarers. "It will be a lot of hard work, but nothing comes easy." To everyone in the audience Continued on page 8 Thanks Others In addition to the SIU officials and school instructors, Fujiwara thanked the people who influ- Ruti de Mont (left) and Judith Chester complete the refresher class in fire fighting at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Seafarers LOB 7 �While learning more about how the union works for its members in the_ legislative proc~ss, the recertified stewards toured Capitol Hill. They were addressed by Rep. Ed Pastor (DAriz.) (right photo) and also posed with the elected delegate from American Samoa, Eni F. H. Faleomavaega. 11 Recertified Stewards Speak of 'Past, Present, Future' Continued from page 7 and to the trainees, in particular, Kreis said, "Remember: whether it's your first ship or your last ship, respect is what makes us strong." Daniel Payne, 52, thanked the union for allowing him to bring his family with him when upgrading. "I'm away from my family enough as it is, and it's been a real blessing to be able to study and have my family here," said the Seafarer who sails from the port of Houston. He also thanked the trainees for their hard work and told them to keep it up and they would do fine. Next Generation Amanda Suncin, 46, joined the SIU in San Francisco in 1977 and now sails from Tacoma, Wash. "I feel very honored and privileged to be here today," she said, "and for the opportunity to join the maritime industry in 1977 because I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps. I am very proud of my father because I feel that all of the sacrifices he made and the picket lines he walked helped create better working conditions of which we're reaping the benefits today." [Suncin's father, Fernando, was a member of the Marine Fireman's union.} Suncin continued the theme of unity when she said, "My father and our fathers before us are the past; we as upgraders are the present; and the trainees are the future of our union. As a unit and with teamwork, we can continue the legacy that our fathers fought so hard for." Suncin thanked the SIU officials for their work in keeping the union strong and said she enjoyed visiting the Capitol and seeing how SPAD contributions help every SIU member. She thanked her family for their support, especially her 9-year-old daughter who does not always understand that her mother must leave for long periods of time. Suncin said she learned a lot in the recertification course and found the fire fighting, first aid and STCW classes particularly Passing Dawn Memories ••• and Recipes Stewards play a very important part in shipboard life. But some may be more memorable than others. For Recertified Steward Daniel Payne, one such man was Pensioner Theodore "Beau" James, who died July 24 at the age of 81. Payne says that it was a great privilege to have known Jam es, and he only hopes he will be as much of a help to other Seafarers and the labor movement as James was. The new recertified steward offers one of the late steward's recipes to help keep his memory alive. Beau James' World's Fair Dinner Rolls (makes 4 rolls) 1 quart milk 3 Tablespoon sugar 2 teaspoon salt % cup butter 3 quarts bread flour 3 eggs 2 Tablespoon yeast 2 Tablespoon baking powder Daniel Payne thanked the union for allowing him to bring his wife, Aurora, and son, Sammy (7), with him to the school while he was upgrading. B Seafarers LOS Scald milk and then cool. Dissolve yeast in lukewarm milk, add sugar, 1'Y2 quarts flour and the butter. Rise in a warm place until light. Add baking powder and salt to balance of flour mix and then add to wet mix. Knead well. Place in a greased bowl, rise until doubled. Knead again. Shape rolls. Let rise until doubled in size. Bake at 400 degrees F. for 20 minutes. rewarding. Her advice to those entering the profession is to never be afraid to ask questions, and said she hoped she would get to meet them aboard ship sometime soon. This is the third time Duane Bergeson, 39, has returned to the Paul Hall Center for upgrading, and he says it gets better each time. He learned how important STCW is to the union and how it could help protect the U.S. merchant fleet from foreign encroachment. Bergeson, who sails from the port of Tacoma, summed up his experiences by paraphrasing the of actor Arnold worlds Schwarzenegger: "I'll be back." Returns to Center Russell Beyschau, who was a trainee in class 397 in 1984, has returned to the school six times to upgrade. His home port is Piney Point. The 33-year-old Beyschau said the facilities at the Paul Hall Center have been great for both him and his family. "I have enjoyed each time here at the school and look forward to the next." The recertified steward said he would recommend upgrading to his fellow Seafarers because of what it has given him-a chance to see the world and visit places other people can only dream of and make a great living at the same time. He reminded the apprentices that the SIU is a "great organization" and the upgrading facilities are a benefit of which they should take advantage. "Dreams do come true," said Perry McCall, 38. When he started as a trainee at the school in 1982, he told himself he wanted to go to the top, he wanted to be the best he could be in the culinary arts field. And every chance he got, he returned to upgrade. McCall sails from San Francisco. "I once sat where you are now," he said to the unlicensed apprentices. "If you're eager and ready to learn," then you also will advance. Another of the recertified stewards who began their SIU career sailing aboard the Independence in Hawaii is Ruti Chef Instructor Ed White (standing in rear) works with the new class of recertified stewards. de Mont. After flying out to Kauai for her first job as a GU, she almost missed the ship-but that was 14 years ago! The one thing she regrets, she noted, was that it took her eight years before she came to the school to upgrade for the first time. Mostly, she said, she lacked self-confidence. "Once I finally got here, I overcame my fears very quickly," she said, and urged the trainees not to make the same mistake. "As soon as you have the seatime you need," she stressed, "make the effort to come back here and upgrade." Confidence The 40-year-old de Mont has returned numerous times-totaling more than a year of training and instruction-and says it has helped her grow as a person and become confident in her profession. In her closing remarks, de Mont, who continues to sail from Honolulu, left three simple words for all upgraders and unlicensed apprentices to take with them on their next ship: "Can I help?" Much of the self-confidence gained by the students completing the steward recertification course is based on their work in the galley labs where they created, practiced and prepared new recipes, experimented with different cooking techniques and learned nutrition and the sanitary practices so necessary aboard ship. They also toured Capitol Hill and the union headquarters in Camp Springs, where they met with representatives of the union's various departments. These meetings were designed to enhance their understanding of the union's operations and provide them with the latest information from each department so that they, in tum, can relay it to their fellow crew members aboard their next ship. Last up to the podium to receive his certificate was Louis Nicoud III, 43, who joined the SIU as a trainee in 1982 and worked his way up the ladder from SA to recertified steward. Nicoud, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., thanked the SIU and its officials for all the "sacrifices they have made" to ensure the success of its members into the new millennium. "I have no doubt," he stated, "that the 21st century will be as strong and shipping as good, if not better, than today." September 1999 �Prime Topics at Piiiey Point: Safety, STCW The impact of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners is evident in the many courses available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. STCW has influenced everything from the school's entry program to its most advanced safety courses, which have been updated to meet the latest requirements. It also led to the center securing new accreditation from the American Council on Education, along with various approvals from the U.S. Coast Guard. Pictured on this page are students who recently took courses at the school. The photos were supplied by instructor Russ Levin. Though officially retired, Romeo Lupinacci (standing) still lends his invaluable experience to instructors and upgraders. Here the master executive chef, for years a fixture at the school, makes sure that Seafarers are satisfied with lunch. To Sealarers Who Joined In 1938 or 1939 Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the school and a frequent participant in international STCW meetings, discusses the convention's ramifications for steward department Seafarers. Lakes Seafarers Work Through Cargo Slump Officials from the American Council on Education examine Paul Hall Center courses to determine which ones warrant college credit recommendations. Pictured from left to right are Beth Wroblewski of American Service Technology, Dr. Clay Warren, Celeste Sichenze, Capt. Lee Kincaid and Charles Munsch. The Seafarers LOG would like to hear from you as soon as possible concerning an upcoming article that involves the union's history. Please contact the LOG office at (301) 8990675, or write to us at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 and let us know how we may contact you. We appreciate your assistance and hope to hear from you soon. Bosun Sets Record Straight Seafarers on the Great Lakes are maintaining full schedules, but the steel crisis continues to impact cargo movement there. Through July, Lakes vessels had moved about 5 million fewer tons of cargo compared with the same period last year. Some of the decrease is due to short-term factors (including ship repairs and low water levels), but more stems from the continued dumping of foreign steel into the United States. The dumping (illegally selling steel at less than production cost) has caused a reduction of domestic steel production. This particularly has impacted the iron ore and stone trades. Trade unions and industry groups are working to combat the unfair trading practices. Recertified Bosun Jerry Borucki politely informed the Seafarers LOG that we made a mistake in the May issue (photo caption, page 20). ''That was not the SeaLand Trader, it was the tanker Boston," the bosun wrote. "We don't load the Sea-Land Trader in Valdez." The longtime Seafarer gave us a second chance with these photos. Above: Borucki (right) poses with Third Mate Mahoney while the Sea-Land Trader (we really mean it this time) discharges cargo in Hong Kong. At left (from left): ABs Norm Taylor and Allan Campbell are pictured with Bosun Borucki on the stern. SEAFARERS: Above: Pictured aboard the cement carrier Townsend in Detroit are (from left) Conveyorman Fred Hart, AB Vladislav Pitsinko and AB John Vegh. Left: Applying muscle to the task at hand is Bosun Phillip Piper, aided by Conveyorman Fred Hart aboard the Townsend. September 1999 YOUR DONATION PROVIDES JOB SECURITY INTO THE NEXT MILLENNIUM. SUPPORT SPAD Seafarers LOG 9 �John Haller (top photo) and Mike Kirby are reefer mechanics at Petty's Island, a Crowley facility in Pennsauken, N.J. across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, where SIU members load and unload barges and ships and maintain containers, among other jobs. Activity Abounds In Port Of Philadelphia In photo at left, Captain Roger Taylor and Senior Deckhand Ed Zolynski dock the River/ink (above) at Penns Landing in Philadelphia. Operated by McGovern Marine, the River/ink is an SIU-crewed passenger ferry that runs between Camden, N.J. and Philadelphia. Mate Mike Daniels (left) and Cook Gary Mason work aboard Express Marina's tug Consort. !. Philadelphia is a busy port for Seafarers who sail in the union's inland and deep sea divisions, and the SIU presence in and around the city's waterfront areas is very much in evidence. SIU members can be found crewing and performing maintenance work on the oceangoing ships, tankers, tugs and barges that sail into the port as well as the local passenger ferry linking the city with Camden, N.J. Among the SIU-contracted inland companies operating in the area are Crowley, Moran, Maritrans (which also operates deep sea tankers), McAllister and Express Marine. In addition, Crowley, Sea-Land and NPR, Inc. operate port facilities to assist in the upkeep of their equipment. Above left: On the deck of the Maritrans tanker Integrity are (from left) AB Rodney Roberson, SIU Representative Joe Mieluchowski and AB Joe Arnold. In photo above, AB Edgard Martinez stands gangway watch while the ship was at the Marcus Hook dock. Following a payoff aboard the Intrepid tanker Courier, (from left) Chief Cook Michael Kozak, Bosun G. Israel Bonefont and OMU Michael Haller relax in the ship's lounge. AB Pat Lavin does some chipping on the Carolina, which was temporarily laid up in Philadelphia. The Maritrans 300 (left) is one of many barges operated by the company. At right, the Mayaguez, an NPR, Inc. vessel , is unloaded at the Packer Ave. terminal in Philadelphia. 10 Seafarers LOB September 1999 �S-L Con111mer Crew Agrees: Everyone Loves a Cookout All the hard work is worth the effort when you know one of Chief Cook William "Bill" Pitt's cookouts is not far behind. According to DEU John Cooper (who sent the Seafarers LOG the photos on this page), the Sea-Land Consumer crewed in Norfolk, Va., loaded cargo in Jacksonville, Fla. and headed to San Juan, P.R. to unload. NPR, Inc. 's Humacao also was in port at the time, and the crew members from both vessels were able to get off their respective ships and enjoy some of the sights of the port city. En route to New York, where the Sea-Land Consumer paid off, everyone pitched in to do their part in making the ship's barbecue a success. Ready to go ashore in Puerto Rico are DEU John Cooper, OMU Robert Brown and ABs Bennie Spencer and Larry Bradley. Everyone helps at cookout time. Above, AB Larry Bradley cleans the deck while (below) Assistant Cook Rachel Cutler-Washington surveys the area to see what still needs to be done. Electrician Howard Hendra Jr. spruces up his fo'c's'le before going ashore in Puerto Rico. The Sea-Land Consumer pays off upon arrival in New York. SIU Patrolman Jack Sheehan (seated) updates Bosun Frank Adams, AB Steve Ledermann and OMU Mohsin A. Yafai on the latest union news. Left: Capt. Peter Balley joins his crew on the ship's stern for some good food. Officers and crew alike share in the delicious grilled food. Right: Chief Engineer Thomas Dutton (left) heads for the grill, manned by Chief Cook Bill Pitt. Three of the consumers waiting for the cookout to begin are (from left) AB Juan Ayala, OMU Valentin M. Martinez and OMU Silvio J. Iglesias. September 1999 I i Seafarers LOG 11 �LINK NEW YORK NY j 3-Mon Vessel Ret SIU members aboard the Global Link recently helped execute a project called "Columbus 3" that involved laying cable between Florida and Africa. The job took about 90 days. 'J Global he SIU-crewed cable returned to its berth in three-month assignme However, the completion between Florida and Africa crew members' work. A shi found Seafarers vigorously e and upkeep of the vessel. Additionally, a number of Global Link recently comple ing the International Safety "We're on stand-by, sow nance, training for cable proj body's skills," noted Recerti Isenstadt. "We also host a lo from schoolchildren to teleco T Left: AB Steve Roquemore Right: OMU Knolly Wiltshire Below: SA Jose Garcia Bulnes (left) and SA Mosleh Mosleh Chief Cook Tom Scheider (left) and Cook/Baker Ray Toro AB Lyle Davis 12 Seafarers LOS Aboard the Global Link, cable is stored in dee through machinery that helps guide it to the ocean in the area pictured directly above. September 1999 �~i11k Crew rns to Port of Baltimore hip Global Link recently Baltimore following a t overseas. f that cable-laying job id not signal an end to the board visit in mid-August gaged in maintenance ed a two-day class coveranagement Code (ISM). 're doing general maintects and updating every1ed Bosun Brian of tour groups, everyone unications companies." Before the three-month assignment, the Global Link (operated by Tyco International) had been stationed in the Caribbean for approximately 18 months. While there, the ship moved a depot from St. Thomas to St. Croix. "During off hours, we took advantage of being at the islands," said Isenstadt. "Some of the crew learned how to scuba dive." Chief Electrician Peter Littman pointed out that, no matter where the ship is docked, preventive maintenance is crucial. He observed that the Global Links computerized inventory helps in that regard. "There are a lot of things that can go wrong, so we really stay on top of it," he observed. "It's a good environment on this ship, with good people," Littman added. Above: OMU Bill Young Left: Electrician Frank Coburn Right: AB Geronimo Gonzales Right: Splicer/Joiner Lovell Smith compartments (right), then fed floor. Part of the work takes place September 1999 Seafarers LOS 13 �Washington Post Profiles New Fire Fighting School The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School continues to draw attention for its unique purpose. Last month, The Washington Post featured the facility in its August 22 section dedicated to the happenings in southern Maryland. The article, carried on three pages, included several color photographs of Seafarers from apprentice class 592 learning how to attack fires in an engine room, on a petroleum barge and from a helicopter. Each of these procedures is taught to all students taking fire fighting at the new school. The article informed its readers about the other aspects of the school: damage control, searchand-rescue, first aid and safety, water survival and much more. Local News Readers of The Washington Post from southern Maryland learned about the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, thanks to a three-page article with color photographs in the paper's August 22 edition. Personal Greetings for Holiday Issue of the LOG As has been done in past years, this December's edition of the Seafarers LOG will include the everpopular holiday greetings from active and retired Seafarers and their families to other members of the seafaring community and their fam il ies. To ensure that your holiday message is published, please follow the instructions below: D PRINT or lYPE (in 25 words or less) the message in the space provided. Photographs also are welcome. (Please print-if we cannot read your message, it will not be included.) D Be sure your greeting is in the holiday spirit. D D Do not send more than three entries per person. (This form may be reproduced. ) Be sure to include your name as well as the name of the person to whom you are send ing the greeting. (Your name is necessary since the notices are listed alphabetical ly by the sender's last name.) Include your phone number in case there are any questions. D The holiday greetings must be received no later than Monday, November 15, 1999. D Send your entries to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. You also may FAX copies directly to the LOG at (301) 702-4407. Additionally, forms may be filled out in any un ion ha ll and turned in to the officia l at the counter--or may be given to the boarding patrolman during a vessel's payoff. The holiday greetings section of the December LOG is a favorite feature for many, so be sure to get your message in on time. HOLIDAY MESSAGE (Please Print) To: From: -~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sender's Telephone Number: BACK TO SCHOOL DAYS Scholarship to Help 7Members, Dependents With the arrival of the 1999 school year, three SIU members and four dependents of Seafarers are among those heading through the portals of higher education. These seven students are realizing their dreams of a higher education with financial assistance from the Seafarers Welfare Plan Scholarship Program ... and so can you! All Seafarers and their spouses and children who plan to attend college next year-autumn of 2000-are encouraged to complete a scholarship application. The deadline for submission of all required paperwork is April 15, 2000. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $15,000 and is intended to help cover the cost of attending a four-year, collegelevel course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary vocational school or community college. Four scholarships are awarded in the amount of $15,000 to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The first step in finding out more about the scholarship program, eligibility requirements and the application process is to send for the Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. The booklet contains all the necessary information a prospective student will need to complete the application. To receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon below and return it to the address listed on the form. Upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG will have more articles about the scholarship program, but you can get a head start by sending away for your scholarship program booklet now. r--------------------------------------------------, P Message: Apprentices Keolamanloaohawaiiloa Mowat and Shannon Bonefont describe their training experiences to reporter Jessie Mangaliman (far right). Instructor Anthony Hammett listens. lease send me the 2000 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name~------------------~ Mariner's Social Security Number __________ Street Address City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number Check the block which describes your status with the SIU: D Active Seafarer D Family Member of Active Seafarer D ·Retired Seafarer D Family Member of Retired Seafarer This application is for: D Self Other:_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~9199 D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 9199 --------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOS September 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JULY 16 - TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville 26 San Francisco 21 17 30 11 13 Piney Point Algonac Totals 3 5 18 9 25 35 27 3 1 0 244 8 5 5 2 2 10 6 13 16 10 8 7 4 7 10 9 8 4 8 207 104 65 35 4 26 5 8 10 3 7 4 2 114 0 0 74 26 0 0 7 1 2 6 5 8 4 11 2 11 6 10 2 7 6 3 2 5 4 4 3 3 4 22 9 1 17 1 0 0 32 l 2 0 112 0 0 0 10 2 2 0 I 1 1 3 3 3 8 6 11 21 13 16 1 8 10 0 3 0 2 11 8 9 22 12 4 3 0 128 0 78 2 3 0 0 6 Totals All Departments 2 5 6 lO I 8 13 5 1 10 36 9 9 17 15 27 56 32 32 49 22 12 44 5 1 71 4 2 371 18 0 8 19 8 16 18 11 16 9 3 8 18 3 4 2 161 8 1 0 22 13 2 3 2 8 6 3 4 8 2 10 8 5 12 11 15 5 8 11 8 14 8 9 21 8 7 6 4 14 3 6 4 5 0 4 0 72 Piney Point .............Monday: October 4, November 8 Algonac .................. Friday: October 8, November 12 6 0 6 6 8 3 3 2 5 4 5 0 2 0 IO 10 2 1 9 7 4 12 4 10 3 2 2 3 I 0 6 3 3 4 l 3 3 2 4 2 10 5 3 8 2 3 2 0 0 0 l 2 0 26 52 26 16 12 19 9 6 7 12 Baltimore ................Thursday: October 7 Friday: November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Duluth ..................... Wednesday: October 13, November 17 Honolulu ................. Friday: October 15, November 19 Houston .................. Monday: October 11, November 15 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: October 7 Friday, November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Jersey City ..............Wednesday: October 20, November 24 II Mobile ....................Wednesday: October 13, November 17 10 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: October 19, November 23 2 90 6 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: October 12, November 16 New York ................Tuesday: October 5, November 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: October 7 Friday, November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Philadelphia ............Wednesday: October 6, November 10 4 1 3 11 1 5 5 5 6 2 26 2 9 0 1 2 4 0 3 0 0 0 188 108 44 5 0 23 9 0 3 0 5 2 2 1 5 9 6 7 12 31 37 26 39 2 20 20 6 7 San Francisco .........Thursday: October 14, November 18 San Juan .................. Thursday: October 7 Friday, November 12* (*change created by Veterans Day holiday) St. Louis .................Friday: October 15, November 19 Tacoma ................... Friday: October 22, November 26 Wilmington ...............Monday, October 18, November 22 5 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Correction STEWARD DEPARTMENT 9 I 6 3 6 13 20 23 19 25 2 12 14 0 5 5 2 6 0 46 5 4 4 3 4 1 3 0 155 I 3 0 0 0 0 9 2 l 0 0 21 0 0 113 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals AU Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. 'Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 14 2 10 ·4 16 11 3 10 8 3 4 )l 3 2 2 8 8 23 15 18 3 6 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 4 21 IO 2 2 5 5 2 5 6 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH *TOTAL REGISTERED Port Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis AUGUST 15, 1999 Octobel' & November 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 6 0 10 0 0 9 4 1 0 0 7 0 9 7 9 10 0 3 3 0 0 2 0 6 0 5 l 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 42 15 58 237 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 1 0 0 4 7 6 7 4 2 2 4 0 3 7 6 2 8 I 78 1 8 2 1 2 0 30 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 7 2 27 2 3 17 0 14 5 14 5 0 2 2 12 0 I 0 0 3 4 7 0 6 2 4 4 4 10 0 3 8 1 69 2 3 4 2 7 7 8 11 16 8 12 2 31 28 2 9 5 1 63 l 0 4 4 5 0 9 13 4 11 5 5 5 6 8 8 6 0 7 4 0 0 l 1 1 16 1 16 0 0 0 0 10 1 46 167 155 28 118 0 113 573 405 282 460 336 219 9 l 1 5 11 11 12 26 30 19 15 2 10 2 l 1 0 82 239 248 181 878 586 412 0 8 0 0 0 0 14 5 10 0 0 0 0 3 1 36 Ode to the Chef by C.J. Sandy 14 16 1 9 I 13 LOG-A-RHYTHMS 44 3 22 6 17 6 2 94 11 2 13 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. September 1999 47 1 3 In the photo above, which appeared in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG, one of the names was incorrect. The caption should have identified (from left) AB Donnie W. Collins II, retired SIU Port Agent Joe Perez and AB Charlie Touzet. "Thats not my job," was never heard "What would you like, " always the word Pasta pesto, exotic stir-fry Sushi, Chinese dishes and Thai Had King Harry s Court e'er ate What graced the humble seaman s plate Above and beyond Valdez Peaks Forever! Cucumbers and leeks. This poem was written by AB C.J. Sandy as a tribute to the great job performed by Chief Cook Blair Humes aboard the ATC Ohio. Seafarers LOG 15 �t '! ~. ! Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Sllafarets lntemallonal Union IJlret:lary JULY 16 - Michael Sacco President CL - AUGUST 15, 1999 L- Company/Lakes Lakes NP - Non Priority John Fay Executive Vice President TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Tr~urer Augustin Tellez **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services .. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 I (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 72 l Sesame St., # l C Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 22 12 0 10 7 0 4 4 0 16 19 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 391 t Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Th:ird St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PIDLADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19 I 48 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O . .Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301 ) 994-00 l 0 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y:i Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 7 52-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafal'el'S LOS 6 3 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 3 8 15 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters JULY 16 - BALTIMORE HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 0 10 42 27 0 42 0 52 0 Totals All Depts *"Tota] Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 DECK DEPARTMENT 16 9 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 9 6 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 1 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 11 13 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 2 0 0 44 0 47 0 0 0 3 0 6 9 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 2 0 1 7 0 0 0 2 0 5 25 0 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 AUGUST 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 7 3 31 1 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 5 0 0 2 0 2 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 0 0 1 0 1 11 0 20 0 0 0 3 20 5 26 0 0 12 0 9 0 I 11 0 0 2 2 14 0 0 0 1 4 4 0 0 13 l 18 0 31 0 0 1 71 5 6 62 1 11 84 0 Totals AU Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 15 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 18 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Malcolm M. Cross of Torrance, Calif. The photo was taken December 31 , 1947New Year's Eve-aboard the Alcoa Pointer. Cross states that the ship was in Halifax, Nova Scotia during the Christmas holiday. He is pictured in the front row at left and hopes ''the rest of the gang is still around." Standing in the back, from left, are AB Elmer Whidden, Bosun Nat Newsom, OS "Chick" Evans and AB Carl Jarve. Kneeling in the front row are AB Malcolm Cross, OS Earl Parnell, AB Ed Evans, AB Ed Hayston and OS Bob Guthrie. Cross, now 83, joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. September 1999 �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. ixteen Seafarers are announcing their retirements this month. Among this group are two recertified stewards and one recertified bosun. Representing 114 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Stewards Emanuel M. Douroudous and Jesse B. Natividad and Recertified Bosun Benedict Veiner are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the SJU's training school in Piney Point, Md. S Including the three recertified graduates, 12 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, three navigated the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. DEEP SEA EMANUEL M.DOUROUDOUS, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Seatrain Delaware. Born in Greece, the steward department member upgraded his skills at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1987. Brother Douroudous last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Voyager. He makes his home in Seattle. JUANITO FIEL, 63, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1965 and joined that union in the port of San Franci co. His first ship was the President Cleveland, an American President Lines vessel. Born in the Philippines, the steward department member last sailed aboard the Matson Navigation Co.'s Mokihana. Brother Fiel has retired to Tracy, Calif. by Delta Steamship Co. The Alabama native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Moore last sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He calls Mobile home. EDUARDO GONZALES, 68, began his career with the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of New Orleans. A native of Honduras, he ailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union's educational facilities in Piney Point, Md. Brother Gonzales last shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He calls Chalmette, La. home. JESSE B. NATIVIDAD, 80, joined the MC&S in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Born in the Philippines, he shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skilJs at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ, 66, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. During his career, he worked in all three departments. He last sailed in 1992 in the deck department aboard the Golden Monarch, operated by Westchester Marine. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. A native of Puerto Rico, he has retired to Ponce. RONALD REGAN MOORE,55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Del Valle, operated Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1947 NEW YORK - The presence of hundreds of white-capped Seafarers prevented strikebreakers from forcing their way through picket lines established by the CIO . ~u . tr Shipyard Workers around _ftfi~ two Brooklyn plants of • .f· the Bethlehem Steel Company. The lines were set up by Locals 12 and 1 3 more than 12 weeks ago, but early this week the company stated that it would "throw its gates open" to any employees who wanted to return, a move that the union immediately branded as "strike-breaking." The regional representative of the Shipyard Workers called upon the Seafarers for help and, with the same speed that the SIU has shown in the past, aid was dispatched to the 29th Street and 56th Street, Brooklyn, plants of the company. All the SIU members who went to join the picket lines did so on a volunteer basis. 1962 September 1999 JOSEPH ORTIZ JR., 65, joined the Seafarers in 1982 in the graduated from the steward recer- port of Hono- tification program in 1980. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1948. Brother Natividad last sailed aboard Bay Ship Management's Sandy Bay. He makes his home in MilJbrae, Calif. lulu. His first ship was the Oceanic Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. A native of Hawaii, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Ortiz last sailed in 1994 aboard the Sea-Land Consumer and has retired to Haleiwa, Hawaii. RUDOLPH WILLIAM NURMI JR., 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of New Orleans, aboard the Yellowstone. A native of Louisiana, he worked in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the union's school in Piney Point. During the period from 1954 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Navy and then in the Air Force. Brother Nurmi last sailed in 1994 aboard the USNS Wilkes, operated by Bay Ship Management. He has retired to Baytown, Texas. JOSE ISADOR ORTEGA, 68, started his career with the SIU in 1956 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Vendor, operated by their own making. What do you do with old, secondhand computers? Unlike a man, whose working life is about 45 years, computers, which can cost over $600,000 each, are old and ready for a pension in perhaps five years. Since most computers are leased instead of sold outright, they find their way home again like old hound dogs .... The problem of aged computers will grow as more and more new models hit the market. Perhaps eventually they can solve the problem by simply hooking all the old machines together and letting them figure it out for themselves. rr.===================================:=il (Editor's note: This editorial excerpt indicates that history, at least in part, repeats itself.) Computer manufacturers, who claim to solve all sorts of problems for others through automation, are now facing a big problem and, poetically, it's one of Isthmian Lines, Inc. Brother Ortega sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed as a chief cook aboard the Overseas Ohio. Born in Colorado, he makes his home in Jalisco, Mexico. 1979 (From Paul Half's president's report) For us there is no bluffing in politics. We have to have a full house every time to bring home a winner. In this game, brothers, SPAD is our chips. And like in any poker game, you can't go in with a small bankroll. If you do, you're as good as dead .... There is no question that the membership's support of SPAD has already increased our ability to function politically. Our overall goal is to have every SIU member participate in the SPAD check-off program .... For those who have not signed the check-off authorization, it's time to start giving serious consideration to doing so. JOAQUIN PASSAPE RA, 58, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Monarch of the Seas, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department and last sailed aboard the USNS Perseverance, operated by Interocean Ugland Management Corp. Brother Passapera calls Humacao, P.R. home. ANTONIO PRIZMIK, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of New Orleans, first sailing aboard the Del Norte. He began working in the deck department and later transferred to the steward department. Brother Prizmik last sailed aboard the Sgt. Matej Kocak. Born in Brazil, he makes his home in Orlando, Fla. BENEDICT VEINER, 75, first sailed with the SIU in 1944. The New Jersey native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification course in 1984. Brother Veiner last sailed aboard the Nedlloyd Holland, a Sea-Land Service, Inc. vessel. He has retired to Palatka, Fla. INLAND BYRON DALE DAVIDSON, 56, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1968. Born in Colorado, he worked in the deck department as a captain. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Davidson last shipped aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel and has retired to Cypress, Texas. WILLIAMF. HUNTER, 68, began his career with the SIU in 1971. A native of Massachusetts, he sailed as a captain. Prior to his retirement, he shipped aboard a Crowley Marine Services vessel. Brother Hunter makes his home in Diberville, Miss. BOBBY BLAIR LEWIS, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he sailed as a captain. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Escort, an Express Marine Co. vessel. Boatman Lewis calJs Lowland, N.C. home. GREAT LAKES MUSSLffi BEN KASSIM, 65, joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Detroit. A native of Arabia, he worked in all three departments during his career. He last sailed in 1980 aboard the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship Co. Brother Kassim makes his home in Detroit. Liberty Ship Seeks Volunteer Crew The Liberty ship John W Brown, based in Baltimore, seeks volunteers to crew the vessel for segments of a trip throughout the Great Lakes planned for next year. The voyage tentatively is scheduled to begin in May 2000 and end in August. Volunteer mariners with current z-cards are needed to fulfill Coast Guard regulations for crew complement. The non-profit group operating the vessel also is producing an 18month calendar featuring historic photos of various Liberty ships. All proceeds will go toward funding the Lakes voyage. For more information about the trip, or to order the calendar, contact Project Liberty at (410) 661-1550 or (410) 558-0646. Seafarers LOS 17 = �,-- -- --- - - - · -- ------- -~-- !I I I I I t final Departures I f t I ~ f I' t I r DEEP SEA GEORGE D. ARRLEDGE Pensioner George Donald Arrledge, 70, passed away July 13. Brother Arrledge first sailed with the SIU in 1951. A native of Ohio, he worked in the deck department. Prior to retiring in October 1994, he sailed aboard the USNS Altair, operated by Bay Shipping. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Arrledge was a resident of Vrrginia Beach, Va. YUNG JEONG CHU Pensioner Yung Jeong Chu, 80, died February 28. Born in China, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco. He sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in October 1973. Brother Chu made his home in San Francisco. CARMINE G. FANTACONE Pensioner Carmine George Fantacone, 80, passed away June 21. A native of New York, he joined the MC&S in 1959 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Fantacone sailed in the steward department and retired in March 1978. He was a resident of Yountville, Calif. DANIEL E. FICCA Daniel Eugene Ficca, 42, died June 8. Brother Ficca graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry ., If, ~ level training \ ·· program in 1974 and joined the SIU in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Los Angeles, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Sailing as a member of the engine department, he frequently upgraded his s.Ialls at the school. Virginia Beach, Va. was home to Brother Ficca. AURELIO A. FLORES Pensioner Aurelio A. Flores, 83, passed away June 30. Born in Mexico, he first sailed with the SIU in 1951 aboard the City of Alma, operated hy Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Flores worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Connecticut. He was a veteran of World War Il, having served in the U.S. Anny from 1942 to 1948. A resident of Pasadena, Texas, Brother Flores started receiving his pension in July 1982. DAVID FLORES Pensioner David Flores, 75, died June 27. A native of Hawaii, he joined the MC&S in 1945, first sailing aboard the Stephen J. Field. The steward department member last shipped in 1989 as a chief cook aboard the President Harrison, operated by American President Lines. Brother Flores was a resident of Bremerton, Wash. and retired in January 1990. 18 Seafarers LD6 GLADSTONE W. FORD Pensioner Gladstone W. Ford, 89, passed away April 27. A charter member of the Seafarers, he joined the union in the ~__.__..__,____.""""""........., port of Boston in November 1938. During his career, he sailed in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Ford made his home in Roo evelt, N.Y. and began receiving his pension in August 1974. Piney Point, Md. The Cape Bon, operated by Interocean Management, was his first ship. Brother Greenlee sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the school. He wa a resident of Baltimore. ROBERT "ROMA" L. HARDY Pensioner Robert "Roma" Lee Hardy, 76, pas ed away June 7. Born in Texas, he joined the MC&S in 1945, first sailing aboard the Kodiak Victory. Prior to his retirement in March 1971, he worked in the steward department on the President Wilson, an American President Lines vessel. Brother Hardy made his home in San Francisco. ERIC H. FREDERICKSON Pensioner Eric Howard Frederickson, 59, died June 25. Brother Frederickson first sailed with the SIU in 1970 from his native New York. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in March 1996, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. Brother Frederickson was a resident of Las Vegas, Nev. RICHARD V. GEILING Pensioner Richard Victor Geiling, 75, passed away June 17. Born in Illinois, he joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. He sailed as a member of the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., graduating from the steward recertification program there in 1987. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Shoreline, Wash., he retired in September 1991. GEORGE T. GILL III George Tompkins Gill Ill, 29, died June 14. He graduated from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1993, Class 507, and joined the SIU in Piney Point, Md. His first hip was the LNG Aquarius. Brother Gill sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the school. He was a resident of Richmond, Va. ISAAC B. GIVENS Pensioner Isaac Bates Givens, 80, passed away April 13. Brother Givens began hi career with the MC&S from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the steward department. A resident of Wilmington, be began receiving his pension in February 1977. SCOTTY GREENLEE Scotty Greenlee, 28, died March 27. A native of South Carolina, he graduated from the Seafarer Harry Lundeberg School' entry level training program in 1991 and started his career with the SIU in KIM DOY LEONG Pensioner Kim Doy Leong, 72, died April l. He joined the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco. Born in China, he sailed in the steward department as a chief cook. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in April 1979. CHARLESR.LOVELAND Pensioner Charles Raymond Loveland, 70, passed away July 14. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, he began sailing with the SIU in 1968 from the port of San Francisco aboard the Southwestern Victory. Born in Montana, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skill at the Paul Hall Center. Prior to his retirement in June 1995, he worked aboard the Northern Lights, operated by Interocean Management. Brother Loveland was a resident of Kent, Wash. BOBIE E. McMICHAEL Pensioner Bobie Eugene McMichael, 70, died June 29. A native of Mississippi, he started sailing with the SIU in 1953 in the port ..............~........_.....L.-........... of New Orleans, first working aboard the Del Norte, a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. During his career, he sailed in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. From 1946 to 1948, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother McMichael was a resident of Sparks, Nev. and started receiving his pension in September 1993. GILBERT M. MILLSAP Gilbert Marion Millsap, 67, passed away June 15. Brother Millsap began his career with the Seafarers in 1990 in the port Iii of Houston. His first hip was the USNS H.H. Hess, a Marship Operator vessel. Brother Millsap sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union' chool in Piney Point, Md. From 1949 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. Born in South Carolina, he made hi home in Tacoma, Wash. LEROY M. NICHOLAS Pensioner Leroy Maurice Nicholas, 82, died July 7. A charter member of the SIU, he joined the union in January 1939 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement in November 1979, he worked aboard the Sea-Land Economy. Brother Nicholas was a resident of New Orleans and a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946. JAMES A. PARKER Pensioner James Adam Parker, 77, pa sed away March 21. He joined the MC&S in the port of Seattle. Born in Arkansas, he sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1971. Brother Parker made his home in Seattle. NELSON O. ROJAS Pensioner Nelson Orlando Rojas, 63, died June 28. Born in Chile, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Henry. Brother Rojas began working in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. During his career, he attended an educational conference in Piney Point, Md. Before retiring in April 1991, he sailed aboard the Stonewall Jackson, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Rojas was a resident of Metairie, La. ROBERT L. SCOTT Robert Lee Scott, 55, passed away June 9. A native and resident of Mobile, Ala., he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Cathy. Brother Scott sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1989. His last ship was the Julius Hammer. RICHARD T. SMITH Richard Theodore Smith, 60, died June 25. Brother Smith graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Executive, operated by Isthmian Line , Inc. The Penn ylvania native ailed in the deck department. He wa a re ident of Oakland, Calif. STEVE A. SOOFI Pen ioner Steve A. Soofi, 67, pa sed away June 22. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Seattle. Born in Yemen, he ailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. His first l~~--~~I ship was the Newark Bay, operated by Sea-Land Service, Inc. and his last ship was the President Jefferson, an ..___ _ _ _ American President Lines vessel. A resident of Detroit, Brother Soofi began receiving his pen ion in October 1996. _...,.~b:J DANIEL A. STEWART Pensioner Daniel Amos Stewart, 62, died May 5. A native of Florida, he first sailed with the SIU in 1966 aboard the Volusia, operated by Suwannee Steamship Co. Prior to his retirement in February 1998, the deck department member worked aboard the Sea-Land Quality. From 1954 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Stewart made his home in Houston. ANTHONY TOSADO Pensioner Anthony Tosado, 73, passed away June 17. He joined the Seafarers in 1944 in his o . uring his career, he was active in um organizing drives. Brother Tosado worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Developer. A resident of Miami Beach, Fla., he started receiving his pension in November 1986. CHUNG GENE WON Pensioner Chung Gene Won, 78, died June 5. Born in Chimi, he started his career with the MC&S in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. The steward department member's first ship was Matson Navigation Co.'s Lurline. Brother Won retired in March 1984 and was a resident of San Franci co. INLAND ROBERT BLAKE Pensioner Robert Blake, 78, passed away July 13. Boatman Blake started his sailing career in 1949 and joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Connecticut, he sailed in the engine department, last working aboard a Taylor and Anderson Co. vessel. A resident of Essington, Pa., he began receiving his pension in June 1989. NATHAN RAY BRANCH Nathan Ray Branch, 51, died May 24. A native of Florida, he began his career with the SIU in 1967 from the port of Houston. Boatman Branch sailed as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. He made his home in Tenaha, Texa . Continued on page 22 September 1999 �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. 1st LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), April 10-Chairman Chris Kalinowki, Secretary Donna J. Scott, Educational Director John Yarber, Deck Delegate Ali Alifaqih, Engine Delegate Mike Coombes. Discussion held on money purchase pension plan, necessity of obtaining STCW endorsements and having TRBs signed by appropriate person aboard ship. Educational director noted importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., especially to obtain proper certification required for registering and shipping. New ship's fund set up at meeting. Deck delegate requested clarification on seawatches and steward delegate reminded everyone to clean rooms before getting off ship. He also noted handbooks regarding union's plans available in deck department office. Chairman said Seafarers LOG has information for members in all departments, including latest upgrading information. Since ship seldom ports where there is a union hall or representative, everyone should read LOG. ext ports: Guam and Saipan. HMICAPELOOKOUTSHOALS (IUM), April 28-Chairman Michael Eaton, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Larry M. Phillips, Deck Delegate Brad Seibel, Steward Delegate William Chorney. Chairman reminded crew members to check zcards for expiration date and also obtain STCW endorsements. Secretary and educational director stressed need to upgrade at Piney Point and help keep union strong by contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for steward assistant to do rooms and sanitary so chief steward can concentrate on cooking. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), April 25-Chairman Raymond Yager, Secretary Gary Meiser, Educational Director Raymona P. Gayton, Deck Delegate James C. Henry, Steward Delegate Amin A. Mohamed. Chairman announced ship en route from Yokohama, Japan to Long Beach, Calif. for payoff. He also mentioned those who knew William B. Hom (Tom-Tom) were saddened by his death in February. Educational director advised members to further their education at Paul Hall Center and to donate to SPAD. Treasurer announced $1,100 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. In discussion of President's Report in LOG, AB Henry spoke for everyone when he expressed pleasure at having new jobs on U.S.-built ships. Washing machine fixed; floor tile in chief electrician's room needs repair. AB Mark A. Stevens gave special thanks to deck department for all they do; also to Chief Cook Danny Guerrero and GSU Mohamed for their extra work. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. GLOBAL LINK (Tyco), May 27Chairman Jose S. Gomez, Secretary Lanette Lopez, September 1999 Educational Director Franklin Coburn, Deck Delegate Melvin L. Singletary, Steward Delegate Eric Van Benthuysen. Chairman noted crew members busy preparing ship for Coast Guard inspection. Last week, ship went through random drug test procedures. All went well and crew members have done fine job with assigned duties. Educational director made everyone aware of upcoming classes at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $2,200 in ship's fund. No beefs, disputed OT or safety hazards reported. HM/ ASTRACHEM (IUM), May 30-Chairman Stanley Daranda, Secretary Luis Escobar, Educational Director Nelson Lazo, Deck Delegate Jose Canales, Engine Delegate Keeper Brown, Steward Delegate Fausto D. Aranda. Chairman announced ship to pay off in Savannah, Ga, then head to Guayama, P.R. Secretary urged crew members to take advantage of free education available at Piney Point and thanked deck department members for job well done. Educational director suggested attending courses at Piney Point to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to fix air conditioning and washing machine. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. HM/ DYNACHEM (IUM}-May 31-Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Educational Director Eron G. Hall Jr., Deck Delegate Billy D. Watson, Steward Delegate James Harris. Chairman announced payoff June 1. All four unlicensed apprentices will get off in Florida; four new ones expected aboard. Chairman reminded members of opening of Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School in Piney Point. Educational director advised crew to check expiration dates on all documents needed to ship out. Treasurer noted all contributions for satellite system, weight room and movie fund greatly appreciated and should be given to captain. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested from headquarters on butterworthing. Discussion held about NMU members sharing school and jobs aboard ship. With news of new passenger ships on horizon, crew felt NMU would be welcomed workforce. New VCR requested for crew lounge. Steward department given vote of thanks for good job-too good a job, in fact, since members are complaining of gaining weight. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), May 27-Chairman David Murray, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez. Chairman requested clarification of new drug testing policy and questioned who is to sign off on TRBs. Secretary stated payoff in San Juan May 28. Educational director urged all hands to get necessary training for STCW endorsement, such as fire fighting. Treasurer announced $10 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to have welfare plan pay for dependents' prescriptions. Another request made was to have company provide transportation from ship to gate for safety reasons. Steward department given vote of thanks. LNG LIBRA (PRONAV), May 23-Chairman Bert Gillis, Secretary John Gibbons, Educational Director Jeff Yarmola, Deck Delegate Jesse Natividad, Engine Delegate Marcos Hill, Steward Delegate John Bukowsky. Chairman led discussion on possible reflagging of LNG vessels. Secretary added that until further word is received, crew members should continue doing their usual professional jobs. Chairman suggested when going ashore in Indonesia, everyone should keep safety in mind and travel in pairs. He also reminded crew when on the beach, they should attend SIU monthly meetings. Educational director stressed benefits of upgrading at Piney Point and advised members to check z-cards and renew, if necessary. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendaion made for crew to support SPAD and read LOG to stay abreast of current events in maritime industry. MARINE COLUMBIA (Intrepid Ship Management), May 29Chairman Anthony J. Sabatini, Secretary Anthony St. Clair, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Leo P. Bognoson, Engine Delegate Detricke Kelly, Steward Delegate John F. Huyett. Chairman led discussion about Alaska Tanker Corp. taking over from Intrepid and of STCW endorsements needed by 2002. He also warned crew members using pilot's ladder to be careful when going ashore in Hawaii due to heavy swells. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Suggestion made to use $1,350 in ship's fund for new sound system and larger TV. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. Next port: Hawaii. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship), May 30-Chairman Eugene Grantham, Secretary Miguel Pabon, Educational Director Thomas P. Arthur, Deck Delegate Albert W. Austin Jr., Engine Delegate Abraham Carbajal, Steward Delegate Ralph Thomas. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All three departments were thanked for good job. Vessel will pay off June 6 at Governor Nichols Pier in New Orleans, La. ROVER (Intrepid Ship Management), May 23-Chairman Inocencio Desaville, Secretary Juan B. Gonzalez, Educational Director Clyde Smith, Steward Delegate Leoncio Castro. Bosun reported chief mate very happy with job done by deck department. He also reported everyone thankful to SIU for getting this ship running again and providing more jobs for members. Educational director encouraged crew to keep upgrading, especially those members who want to continue sailing aboard tankers. He also mentioned importance of keeping all shipboard areas in sanitary condition. Request made by deck delegate for chief mate to issue respirators for those painting in pump room. Another request made for union to issue insurance identity cards to eliminate present confusion when visiting doctor or hospital. Vote of thanks given to SIU President Mike Sacco for his continuing fight for jobs and for future of merchant marine industry. Thanks also given to steward department for clean galley and job well done. SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), May 22-Chairman Robert F. Garcia, Secretary Robert Miller, Educational Director Bozidar Balic, Deck Delegate Mathew J. Bevak, Engine Delegate C. H. Kennedy, Steward purchase of stores, Singapore, perhaps. Next port: New Orleans. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk Line), June 27-Chairman Frank Hedge, Secretary Khamis Mageed, Educational Director Larry Cochrane. Chairman read President's Report from LOG. He asked everyone to report safety hazards to bosun and thanked crew for Astrachem Crew on Caribbean Run The HM/ Astrachem held a payoff recently in the port of Guayama, P.R. It may be the last payoff for the IUM vessel in the Caribbean region if, as has been mentioned, the ship's run is changed. Included in the photograph are Bosun Stanley Daranda, ABs Jaime Rodriguez, Ismael Roman, Michael Edwards, Joel Gonzalez and Noel Otero, Chief Pumpman Alvin J. Markowitz, 2nd Pumpman Demetrus Simmons, Oilers Nestor V. Martinez, Ronald Miller and Keeper Brown, Wiper Jesse A. Osborne, Chief Steward Luis Escobar, Chief Cook Fausto D. Aranda and UMM Jose De los Santos. Delegate Ernest Polk. Chairman led discussion on President's Report in May LOG. Crew members thanked union for getting new jobs and requested clarification on wage scale for working aboard government vessels. Educational director posted updated schedule of classes available at Paul Hall Center and encouraged everyone to stay on top of new rules and regulations needed to ship. No beefs or disputed OT. Next ports: Panama; Elizabeth, .J.; and Long Beach, Calif. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), June 13Chairman Stephen Argay, Secretary Theodore E·. Quammie, Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Deck Delegate Terry N. Arbwah, Engine Delegate Rafael Pagan, Steward Delegate E. Amasha. Chairman noted first foreign voyage was excellent and plenty of work completed in all departments. He also addressed need for information from headquarters about vacation pay. Educational director encouraged members to take advantage of educational facilities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun to pick up tire tubes for overhaul of crew bike. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), June 6-Chairman Michael D. Hill, Secretary Paula Kaleikini, Educational Director Thomas Keseru, Deck Delegate Ron Owens, Engine Delegate Mario P. Ruiz, Steward Delegate Stephanie Smith. Chairman thanked crew for good trip. He also thartked unlicensed apprentices for job well done and encouraged them to keep training. He reminded everyone to see captain for TRB signoff and vacation papers. Educational director urged crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Some disputed OT reported by deck delegate; none reported in engine or steward departments. New VCR and rewinder requested for crew lounge as well as a few comfortable chairs. Additional medical supplies needed aboard ship, realized after some crew members became ill after leaving Pakistan. Also suggested using alternate country for good job during Coast Guard inspection in Hawaii. All hands were well prepared. Secretary announced 3 percent raise for those aboard Maersk Constellation as of June 8. He also mentioned need for replacement of ice machine and freezer for crew mess hall. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point and of obtaining TRBs in order to register. STCW endorsements also needed by 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked crew , especially steward department, for memorable trip. Next port: Concord, Calif. MAJ. STEPHEN W. PLESS (Waterman Steamship), June 6--Chairman Robert E. Hagood, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Deck Delegate Bill Kratsas, Engine Delegate Robert Woods, Steward Delegate Andelair F. Betties. Chairman stated crew change scheduled to take place in Ibiza, Spain June 10. Oncoming crew will board vessel on l 000 launch and offgoing crew will catch noon launch, stay at Royal Plaza Hotel and fly out June 11. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman encouraged all to read monthly LOG, with special attention to President's Report. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent cookout and delicious meals during entire voyage. 2nd LT. JOHN P. BOBO (Amsea), June 21-Chairman William Bratton, Secretary Rich Gray, Educational Director Charles Betz, Deck Delegat:e Phil Breslin, Engine Delegate Michael Stearman, Steward Delegate Doray Saberon. Chairman spoke of procedures to update TRB and renew z-cards. Also discussed was information on money purchase pension plan and how to contribute. Secretary announced $935 in ship's fund, possibly to be used for satellite system aboard vessel. Educational director talked about importance of going to Piney Point to upgrade and how courses taught there will be of use to membership in future. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew advised to read Seafarers LOG for important maritime issues. Next ports: Malaga, Spain, Naples, Italy; and Rota, Spain. Seafarers LOG 19 __... �,-- -~-- 1 I Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL :V."' t < ·&f'" ;"'··...,,~ ...."- - LIFEBOAT CLASS =-~ !; g 1~--== Unlicensed Apprentice Safety Class 591- Graduating from the safety class are unlicensed apprentices from class 591. They are (from left} Romel Holland, Jeremy Sutton, Brandon Mines, Miles Ireland Jr., Brandon Scalzo, Bobby Ellis Jr., Adam Williams and Blaine Harkins. Galley Familiarization - Members of unlicensed apprentice class 590 recently completed a class to familiarize them with the workings of a galley. They are (from left, first row) Travis Jarvis, Kristopher Anderson, Rashad King, Brett Parkins, Kevin Johnson, David Green, (second row) Mitch Gustafson Jr., Robert Parker, Raheem Owens, Shannon Twigg (instructor), Jess Chalker and Angel Melendez. Advanced Fire Fighting - Pictured above are members of the first advanced fire fighting class to have completed their course work on July 2 at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. From the left are Stormie Combs (instructor), Mark Watson, Richard Blakey, Darren Bates, Sacarias Suaso, Jose Montero, Marvin St. Georges and William Daly. STCW Basic Safety and Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers who successfully completed the water survival class necessary for their STCW endorsements are (from left) Joseph Canlas, Dean Mcfarlane, Jose Liwag, Arnido Sindac, Moses Adegunwa, Alba Ayala, Sacharias Suaso, Hassan Mohamed, Roy Martinez, Peter Poree Jr. and Casey Taylor (instructor). The same students are seen below in the pool at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Their instructors, Mitch Oakley and Beth Wroblewski, are in the water. Deck Engine Utility Phase 3 of the unlicensed apprentice program finds students visiting the U.S. Capitol. Included in this group are Adel Alameri , Ray Avie Jr., Antonio Cooks , Victor Harvey, Edric Hernandez, Randy Ledesma , Jason Pratt, Bert Reynolds, Kenneth Salgado, Rachel Sanner and Dennis Wilson . 20 Seafarers LOG September 1999 �Pa uI H·aII Center Graduatin9 CIasses Lifeboat Safety Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course - Maritrans boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course in Philadelphia from June 4 through June 7 are (from left, first row) Matt Frankowski, Ken Ferguson, Joseph Hilton, Michael Tobin, (second row) Keith Beaulieu, Wallace Pooler, David Wilson, Don Higginbotham, (third row) John Mullett, Robert Greggs and Arturo Sangin. Earning their lifeboat endorsements are Alfonso Salazar, Neston Ramirez, Harold Lewis, Willard Bell, Duane Reeder, David Loison, Ali Al-Kassemi and Daniel Englund. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Willy Crear, Chef Ed White (instructor), Stephanie Hendrick, Michael Watts, Saleh Ahmed, Wayne Howard, Mohamed Mosa and Raymond Brown Jr. Another group working toward completion of their lifeboat endorsements include Earnest Green (coxswain), Avis Hawkins, Ruben Siclot, William Adams, Bobby Ellis Jr., Christopher Corpuz, Blaine Harkins and Curtis Isaac. From the left are Edward Tully, Dan Assidi, Cleotilde Mejia, Chef Bob Baumgarten (instructor), Guy Prescott and Jonn Noel. September1999 From front to back and left to right are Brandon Scallon, Romel Holland, Sean Cripps, Myles Ireland Jr., Brandon Mines, Joseph Ellsworth, Lolita Thomas and Jeremy Sutton as coxswain. Seafarers LOG 21 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the wr;ter s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Know Your Rights steered (styr =steer). Through the years, it was adopted in England and became " starboard." Second, "port" comes from the same source; that is, port is the side without any obstruction (rudder) and therefore was used to tie up against a dock. In the Norse word "barboard," the "bar" means without anything. Last, "boatswain" also comes from Norse. "Swain" is the Saxon version of "svenn" which was a servant to the king in his court. This was adapted to "boatsvenn" or servant of the ship. Kent Amberson USNS Bowditch For the Record I enjoyed your article about nautical terms and their origins [June 1999 LOG]; however, I have a few comments. First, "starboard" comes from the Norse word "styrbord" or the side from where the ship was 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 . Seatarers International Union PPO Providers Billing/Payment/Correspondence: Physical Address: Virginia Mason 91-0565539 P.O. Box 91046 Seattle, WA 98111-9146 Virginia Mason Med. Ctr. 925 Seneca St. Seattle, WA 98101 Methodist 23-2829095 2301 South Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 Methodist Hospital (same address as at left) St. Mary's 94-3296802 P.O. Box 60000, File #72572 San Francisco, CA 94160-2572 St. Mary's Hospital 450 Stanyan St San Francisco, CA 94117 Straub 99-0331208 888 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96813 Straub Hospital (same address as at left) St. Joseph's 74-1117346 P.O. Box 840963 Dallas, TX 75284-0963 St. Joseph's Hospital 1919 LaBranch Houston, TX 77002 Torrance 95-1644042 P.O. Box 13717 Torrance, CA 90503 Torrance Mem. Med. Ctr. 3330 Lomita Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505 St. Vincent's 59-0624449 P.O. Box 45167 Jacksonville, FL 32232 St. Vincent's Med. Ctr. 1800 Barrs St. Jacksonville, FL 32203 St. Luke's 22-2517154 P.O. Box 3000 New Bedford, MA 02741-1300 St. Luke's Hospital 101 Page St. New Bedford, MA 02741 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: Are You ReceivinLf Your Important 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. •? In order to ensure that each permanent address, and this is active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Dept. 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union r---------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 9199 (Please Print) 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 Final Departures Continued from page 18 ARTHUR DAVID HANN Pensioner Arthur David Hann, 63 , passed away May 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The Massachusetts native worked in the engine department as a chief engineer, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. vessel. A resident of Olar, S.C., Boatman Hann began receiving his pension in March 1999. From 1952 to 1960, he served in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy. 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 · . A member should support SPA and further his or her economic, p · · l and social interests, and American 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 informa1tion, the member should · ately notify SIU P · nt Michael Sacco a uarters by certified mai , return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Transport Co. ves el. He was a resident of Philadelphia. JOHN THOMAS SOULE John Thomas Soule, 42, died March 9. Born in Tennessee, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program, Class 297, in 1980 and started his SIU career in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Soule sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school. He last sailed in 1993 aboard a vessel operated by Maritrans Operating Partners L.P. He was a resident of Anderson, S.C. ROY ALTON SQUIRES ROBERT F. McKNIGHT Name: Phone No.: __j..___ __L__ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ __ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Social Security No.: ____ I ____ I _ _ __ D Active SIU Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. L---------------------------------------------------~ 22 Seafarers LOG ....-----,.,------., Pensioner Robert Francis McKnight, 81 , died July 5. A native of Pennsylvania, he began his career with the SIU in 1967 in Y.t~~~~!l......ILB the port of Philadelphia. His fir t ship was the Commander, operated by Marine Carrier . The deck department member tarted sailing in the deep sea division and later transferred to inland vessels. Prior to retiring in October 1982, Boatman McKnight worked aboard an Interstate Oil Pensioner Roy Alton Squires, 80, passed away June 30. Boatman Squires joined the Seafarers in 1954 in the port of Norfolk, Va. During his career, he upgraded his skills in the deck department from tankerman to captain. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1946. Prior to his retirement in March 1981, he sailed aboard a Mariner Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Squires made his home in Clarendon, N.C. September 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes from September through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) September 27 November 1 October 15 November 19 Basic Firefighting September 27 October 18 November 22 October 1 October 22 November 26 Advanced Firefighting September 13 November 8 September 24 November19 Government Vessels September 6 September 27 November 1 November 8 November 29 September 24 October 15 November 19 November 26 December 17 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 6 October 4 November 1 November 29 September 17 October 15 November 12 December 10 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) September 20 September 27 October 25 November 1 November 8 November 22 November 29 December 13 September 24 October 1 October 29 . November 5 November 12 November 26 December 3 December 17 Welding October 4 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 20 October 29 Radar Observer/Unlimited October 4 October 15 Radar Recertification (one day) October 15 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids October 18 October 23 (ARPA) Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler October 11 November 19 Marine Electrical Maintenance I September 20 October 29 QMED September 13 December 3 Power Plant Maintenance September 27 November 5 Refrij!eraaon Systems Maintenance November 8 December 17 Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week) September 6, 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 18, 25 November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 December 6, 13, 20, 27 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week) September 6, 20 October 4, 18 November 1, 15, 29 December 13, 27 October 22 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. UPGRADING IS A KEY TO YOUR FUTURE. REVIEW THE COURSE SCHEDULE AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE A CLASS SOON. THE STAFF AT THE PAUL HALL CENTER IS CONTINUALLY UPDATING THE COURSE CONTENTS TO KEEP ABREAST OF CHANGES IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY. ck- --~--------------------------------------- With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (I 20) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, US MMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seati11Je for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their aaplication. The pavment should be made with a money order only. pavable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE END DATE BEGIN DATE Telephone _ __ _ __ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member Date of Birth - - - - -- - - - Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member 0 D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ __ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Rating: _ _ __ _ Date On: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ September 1999 SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Date Off: The Seafarers Hany Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 9199 Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 61 Number 9 Thinking About College? The Seafarers Welfare Plan is offering seven scholarships in 2000 to three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. See page 14 for additional infonnation. Training Expanded for New Crui1e Sbip1 U.S. Coast Guard-Certified Courses Taught in Port of Honolulu Instructor Ben Cusic emphasizes a point (left photo) during the water survival/lifeboat class at the Honolulu hall in June and (at right) works with Assistant Cook Emo Aulelava to crank the davit on the SS Independence. While Seafarers continue to perform their jobs aboard the SS Independence, construction soon will start on the next generation of U.S.-flag cruise ships to sail around the Hawaiian islands. The first of two 840-foot, 1,900-passenger vessels is expected to begin service for American Hawaii Cruises in 2003. The 5,000 jobs that eventually will be created upon completion of the two vessels will not only supply top-notch crew members for the new cruise ships, they also will serve as a large base of seafarers for times of national emergency. In looking ahead to meet the needs of the new passenger cruise ships, the Seafarers International Union in partnership with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and American Hawaii Cruises is creating training opportunities for SIU members in the port of Honolulu. The first step involved remodeling classrooms at the SIU hall in Honolulu to meet U.S. Coast Guard standards for certified training. David Hammet and Mickey Hayden, technicians from the Paul Hall Center, performed the work earlier this year and also built a self-contained maze in a shipping container that will be used for basic fire fighting and STCW training. Ben Cusic, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center, taught the fust course-Water Survival/Lifeboat-at the new facilities. SIU members attended the class from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. June 14 through June 19. On Saturday, June 20, the students assembled on board the SS Independence for practical instruction and final testing using the vessel's davits, lifeboats, pool and rafts. American Hawaii Cruises' Vice President for Training Bill Anonsen coordinated use of the facilities and equipment aboard the SIU-crewed ship. Upon successful completion of the course, students were presented with certificates from the Paul Hall Center and their TRBs received the appropriate citation stating that they had completed this U.S. Coast Guard-certified course. The luxury pool aboard the SS Independence was the site for practical instruction in water safety and survival techniques. Below, upgraders study in the newly remodeled classroom at the Honolulu hall. ·on of Independence Celebrating the past 20 years of U.S.-flag cruise shipping as well as the future of the industry are, from left, SIU West Coast VP Nick Marrone, Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Unlicensed Apprentice Randy Ledesma and Rep. Patsy Mink (D-Hawaii). Marking almost 20 years of cruise service in the Hawaiian Islands, the SIUcrewed SS Independence celebrated its l ,Oooth voyage last month. "Voyage 1,000 is an opportunity to note the promising potential of cruising for Hawaii," said T.E. Carman, Executive Vice President of American Hawaii Cruises. Twenty years ago, there was no U.S. deep sea passenger ship. However, a joint effort involving the SIU, Cove Ship Management, Hawaii's congressional delegation and others brought the Independence back under the American flag. "Again, the SIU is involved in a joint venture," stated SIU West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone. "Now, American Hawaii Cruises-and its parent company, American Classic Voyages-is building two new cruise ships .... When the American workers are finished building those vessels, American mariners-including Seafarers-will proudly climb the gangway to begin a new era of sailing in the next millennium," Marrone said. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource September 1999 Description An account of the resource MARCH RETIRED AFL-CIO PRESIDENT LANE KIRKLAND DIES AT 77 FORMER MERCHANT MARINER HEADED NATIONAL LABOR FEDERATION FOR 16 YEARS NEW JOBS AHEAD FOR SEAFARERS NEW REPORT EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF JONES ACT SIU JOBS SECURED ON LNG VESSELS SIU WILL CREW NEW RO/RO RUNAWAY-FLAG VESSEL CAUGHT SMUGGLING 132 CHINESE ALIENS INTO UNITED STATES CATAWBA CREDITED IN RESCUE HEART ATTACK CLAIMS BEAU JAMES MARAD DETAILS SUCCESSES OF MSP, JONES ACT, RRF ANTI-WORKER FORCES AGAIN ATTEMPT TO LIMIT LABOR’S POLITICAL ACTIVITIES SIU-CREWED FLEET GROWS COAST GUARD PUBLISHES FINAL RULE ON USER FEES CARNIVAL’S UPDATED TALLY: 108 SEX CRIMES IN 5 YEARS FIRE FIGHTERS PRESIDENT AL WHITEHEAD LEARNED HIS UNION LESSONS WITH THE SIU STEELWORKERS END STRIKE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMIN. ISSUES YEARLY STATEMENTS TO 125 MILLION WORKERS FAMILY, FRIENDS HELP RECERTIFIED STEWARDS EXCEL IN CHOSEN FIELD LAKE SEAFARERS WORK THROUGH CARGO SLUMP ACTIVITY ABOUNDS IN PORT OF PHILADELPHIA S-L CONSUMER CREW AGREES: EVERYONE LOVES A COOKOUT GLOBAL LINK CREW COMPLETES 3 MONTH CABLE-LAYING JOB WASHINGTON POST PROFILES NEW FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL TRAINING EXPANDED FOR NEW CRUISE SHIPS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 09/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 9 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/9d294257f9d880abeca20e5478720062.pdf f7b4d3f4c935769b9e7fb89dc9cd5d15 PDF Text Text r-----~---------.------- - Seafarers Deliver Balkan Relief Goods Mission Provides Military Support For United States Troops in Kosovo The SIU-crewed USNS Bob Hope (right) last month completed an important U.S. military support mission in the Balkans. Bosun T. C. Oneyear (left) is among the Seafarers who crewed the roll-on/roll-off vessel during the operation. Page 3. Maersk Buys Sea-Land's International Liner Fleet _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ l'age3 'Safety First' Aboard Integrity · Chief Cook Hazel Johnson (left) and AB Duane Brosius head for the tanker Integrity while the vessel is docked in Philadelphia. Brosius last month earned a safety award from the vessel's operator, Maritrans, for his shipboard actions. He says that safety "is a constant topic" aboard the tanker. Page 6. s1u Nets Big Gains In T-AGOS Contract - - - - - - - - - l'age3 ~---------------t Buildings Named After Tom Fay, Bull Shepard - - - - - - - l'ages 3, 12-13 'Relaxed Assessment' Enters Home Stretch - - - - - - - - - l'age4 Paul Hall Center Adds Certifications - - - - - - - - - l'age6 �· Sen. Robb: Strong Merchant Marine Is 'Critical to This Nation's Defense' President's Report Preparing Our Ports for the Next Century This month, I want to talk with you about something that indirectly is related to the membership, but is very critical to this country's place in the worldwide movement of cargo. I am referring to America's port facilities and the transportation systems that serve them. As the method for handling international commerce changes to meet the needs of the next century, the United States must be in position to remain one of the world's biggest trading nations with the cargo coming in and out of our ports, and not at some neighboring country's facilities because of a lack of strategic planning. The time to plan and act is now, not a decade later when the next wave of vessels-megaships Michael Sacco capable of carrying two to three times as many containers as today's vessels hold--can't sail into American ports becau e they weren't prepared to handle them. We need to make sure the nation's ports can receive these new vessels and will have the facilities to handle the cargo they are delivering. We must know what has to be done to ensure America's infrastructure is ready to meet the challenges. We must have a plan to implement them. We have to consider all alternatives to move these good domestically. America may not be able to simply expand its present system of land-based transportation. We should study the efficiencies of waterborne transportation providing shuttle service along the coasts. Such a program could reduce the amount of traffic on already clogged interstate highways while relieving the stress being felt by the railroads which are operating at capacity. . In his effort to prepare America for the next century, Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater has called on the domestic rail, truck and maritime industries to help find solutions to ensure the companies sailing the megaships don't take their jobs to Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas because our ports couldn't take on the added responsibilities. America's port facilities cannot be ignored. They are too vital to the nation's economy. They directly or indirectly affect more than 13 million jobs and produce almost $200 billion annually in local, state and federal taxes. Efforts to upgrade some of our ports have been going on throughout this decade. But the progress has been slow becau e of all the red tape and hurdles along the way. A prime example is how long it took the port of New York/New Jersey to finally begin this year much-needed maintenance dredging of its channels so it could continue handling today's class of ships. Meetings among maritime industry, labor and government officials took place for years before an agreement was reached. If this example is followed for the commerce needs of the 21st century, we'll still be scheduling meetings while another country will have the new jobs and new revenue because its port was available for the new ships. I realize the solutions won't come overnight. We currently are faced with the dilemma of how to fund future domestic water projects, given the Supreme Court's ruling that outlawed the Harbor Maintenance Tax. The administration has proposed placing a tax on vessel operators to fund operations and maintenance and, for the first time, new construction. It took many years of negotiations before the Harbor Maintenance Tax was enacted in 1986. It's time for all parties to sit down and reach a consen us for the fairest way to fund future water projects. There are many beneficiaries to well-maintained harbors, ports and waterways. That is why one proposal already presented, which has received wide support in the industry including the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, calls for the restoration of funding these projects from the general treasury. It took five years of work in Congress to obtain the Maritime Security Program of 1996. And that happened because all the parties concerned spoke with one voice. It is going to take that kind of an effort within the domestic transportation industry to make sure America's ports will meet the challenges of the next century. America has never settled for second best. We have no intention of letting our ports slide into that position in the world market. , Volume 61, Number 8 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org August 1999 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodical postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communication Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirt es; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor: Copyright© 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG A member of the Senate Armed Services Committee recently described the U.S. merchant marine as crucial to a strong national defense. Senator Charles Robb (D-Va.), speaking at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy commencement June 21 in Kings Point, N.Y., detailed why he believes the American-flag fleet remains as important today as at any other time in history. Robb, whose uncle sailed as a merchant mariner during World War II, praised the consistently faithful service of the "fourth arm of defense." "The revitalization and future growth of the United States maritime industry is critical to this nation's defense," he said. "History has repeatedly provenand Congress has affirmed-that the United States needs a strong, active, competitive and militarily useful United States-flag commerciaJ maritime industry. "We have an obligation to ensure that we continue to have the militarily useful commercial vessels and trained and loyal United States citizen crews we need to support our interests around the world. And we must support those programs and policies that will better enable our maritime industry to flourish in peacetime." The senator drew a parallel between recent events in the Balkans and World War II. "Who could have imagined half a century ago that the same kind of ethnic and religious bigotry and violence that spawned World War II would suddenly recur as we prepare for the new millennium, and that, once again, American resolve and intervention would make the difference in bringing a terrible conflict to a conclusion we hope will prove ju t and honorable?" he observed. "Some 55 years may have passed, and cruise missiles and stealth aircraft may have largely replaced howitzers and grenades, but we can all be grateful for one constant in our defense posture- Sen. Charles Robb (D-Va.) offered strong praise for the U.S. merchant marine, citing its history of loyal service and the ongoing need for a viable American-flag fleet. the critical importance and enduring relevance of our merchant marine in war and peacetime crises .... "The most difficult and crucial victory in America's history simply would not have happened without the fourth arm of defense that moved food and supplies from America to Europe and beyond," continued Robb, a former Marine officer who served in Vietnam. "And today we draw inspiration from the fact that the United States and its allies have accomplished something of lasting importance in Kosovo, and that these kinds of successful operations aren't possible without the dedicated merchant mariners who carry material and provide fast sealift support to the men and women of our armed force ." He also credited U.S. mariners for their "valor in Korea, in Vietnam, and in the Persian Gulf, as well as in humanitarian missions to Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia and, now, Kosovo." Robb further noted that the U.S. depends on ealift to move 95 percent of its materiel "in response to events in distant regions of the world where we may have no permanent presence and where infrastructure is limited. The [men and women] of the merchant marine are truly the workhorses of our routine peacetime deployment efforts, and the guarantors of our strategic military readiness in time of crisis, conflict and war-in short, an irreplaceable national asset. "I do not see this changing in any way in the foreseeable future. Today, as throughout our history, we are faced with significant threats to freedom on the seas. These threats come mainly from the influence of rogue states on sea lanes and choke points like the Straits of Hormuz, which can and do threaten our naval forces with relatively cheap sea mines and conventional submarines. In order to counter these threats, we have to retain the strategic capability to reconstitute our forces, to replace munitions and equipment used in combat and to supply the fuel, weapons, and other critical resources we need to sustain our armed forces in conflict." As proof that Congress recognizes "the importance of our strategic lift forces to meet the needs of our national military strategy," the senator pointed to the ongoing construction of the Bob Hope- and Watson-class prepositioning ships along with the conversion of existing vessels to roll-on/roll-off sealift ships. He also cited strong federal support for the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement program (VISA), which helps ensure contingency access to sealift capacity from the civil sector. "A well-trained strategic sealift and Ready Reserve Force, the prepositioning of equipment, the right mix of ships and aircraft, a strong partnership with the commercial transportation industryall of these are critical to support the war fighter and to get the job done," he said. "There may be no more vivid demonstration of this capability than in the Persian Gulf War, when the merchant marine ensured that we were able to project power quickly and effectively in order to defeat Saddam Hussein." Alleged Sex Assaults Disclosed by Carnival Runaway-Flag Cruise Line Reports 62 Incidents Since 1993 A lawsuit against Carnival Cruise lines by a former employee generated front-page headlines last month when the company reported in court papers that its crew members have been accused of sexually assaulting passengers and fellow workers aboard Carnival vessels 62 times from 1993-98. The unidentified former crew member who filed the suit in Miami said she was raped and assaulted by an officer aboard the ship Imagination last year. According to press reports, the company argues that the episode between the woman and the engineer was consensual, while she insists otherwise. More startling than that individual case was the unprecedented acknowledgment by Carnival that alleged sexual assaults took place on its ships averaging one per month during that five-year stretch. This is believed to be the first public divulgence by a cruise line regarding such activities aboard its vessels, according to press reports. Miami-based Carnival registers its ships under foreign flags, thereby largely avoiding U.S. tax, environmental and criminal laws. As noted in an article in the July 14 edition of The New York Times written by Douglas Frantz, runaway-flag cruise ship do not have to report crimes to U.S. authorities if they take place in international waters. This is true even though most of Carnival's passengers are U.S. citizens. The Times piece also reports that Carnival "investigated the 62 incidents but did not disclose the results or say whether any arrests were made. The figures did not include accusations involving only passengers." The article also states that in the past, some alleged victims of sexual crimes aboard Carnival vessels and other runaway-flag cruise ships complained they "were discouraged from reporting crimes to the FBI or other law-enforcement agencies." Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said he was "shocked as to why the evidence took so long to emerge." Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, September 6, 1999 (unless an emergency arises) for the observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. August 1999 �Seal arers' Wages, Benefits Increase Under New Five-Year T-AGOS Pact Seafarers working aboard the eight T-AGOS vessels operated by Dyn Marine will enjoy a substantial increase in wages and other benefits over the next five years after the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) awarded a new contract to the Virginia-based company. Besides setting out a pay increase for each of the pact's five years, the contract also provides for the first time such benefits as vacation pay and inclusion in the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez noted the agreement with Dyn Marine is a major boost for the members who sail aboard the T-AGOS vessels. "Seafarers will be very pleased with this new agreement," Tellez said. Tellez explained how the SIU worked with Dyn Marine and all other SIU-contracted firms since the last bid was awarded. "We worked hard with our companies to make sure they remained competitive in the bid process, but not at the expense of the Seafarers who have been doing a great job crewing the vessels. "MSC awarded the T-AGOS contract five years ago to Dyn Marine, which at the time was a non-union company, so the wages and benefits were set until the next bid went out. "The SIU went in and organized Dyn Marine in midstream, so we pretty much had to accept what already was in place. However, what we were able to negotiate was an agreement with Dyn Marine that it would bid the SIU package in any future requests for proposals. "Thus, when the new bid went out, Dyn Marine included in its proposal the benefits found in the agreements with other SIU-contracted companies. They became a full participant in the union's package and they still won the bid," he added. "The union's pledge has been consistent-when an SIU-contracted company wins an MSC bid, we will work to improve the package for the members. With this award to Dyn Marine, have shown once again that the system works," stated the contracts vice president. T-AGOS vessels are civiliancrewed deep sea research ships operated for MSC. The ships covered under the new pact are the USNS Bowditch, USNS McDonnell, USNS Kane, USNS Little Hales, USNS Pathfinder, Roy Wheat, USNS Silas Bent and USNS Vindicator. Among the SIU-crewed ships covered by the new T-AGOS agreement are the USNS Kane (above) and USNS Silas Bent (at left). Remembering Tom Fay and 'Bull' Shepard SIU-Crewed USNS Bob Hope Completes Balkan Operation The SIU-crewed prepositioning ship USNS Bob Hope last month completed a major mission in the Balkans, moving heavy combat equipment and supplies to assist United States peacekeeping forces. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the Bob Hope was diverted from scheduled cargo operations in Antwerp, Belgium and sent to Bremerhaven, Germany to move heavy combat equipment for the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division operating in the U.S. sector in Kosovo. The roll-on/roll-off vessel discharged in Thessoloniki, Greece "to land a major peacekeeping force to support NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo," stated Captain Harold Flaming Jr., the head of MSC Europe. Specifically, the materiel-including trucks, tanks, humvees and much more-supports the movement of 7,000 troops to Kosovo as part of Operation Joint Guardian. MSC reported that the Bob Hopes six-day voyage from Bremerhaven to Thessoloniki "was flawless, and cargo operations began almost immediately when the ship's stem ramp was lowered to the pier. Cargo operations were performed on a 24-hour The memories of late SIU officials Tom Fay and Earl "Bull" Shepard were honored July 15 at a dedication ceremony in Valley Lee, Md., on the grounds of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. In this photo, Fay's widow, Doris, unveils a sign on the water-survival building, named in memory of Tom Fay. Moments later, AB Earl Shepard Jr. revealed the sign on the maze building, named after his father. See pages 12-13 for complete coverage. Crewed by Seafarers, the USNS Bob Hope recently engaged in what MSC described as a "flawless" U.S. military support mission in the Balkans. basis, in concert with the U.S. Army's Military Traffic Management Command that runs the port." The ship was built two years ago for U.S. military support missions. MSC took delivery last November. AB Brian Morris (left) and OMU John Flavin help keep the USNS Bob Hope running smoothly before the vessel embarks on its support mission. August 1999 Nlaersk Acquires Sea-Land's International Fleet The purchase of Sea-Land Service's international liner fleet by Maersk Line was announced as the Seafarers LOG went to press. Included in the transaction are 19 SIU-crewed vessels, which now will sail under the Maersk-SeaLand banner. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez directed the following message to the ship's chaim1en aboard Sea-Land Service vessels: "This morning, Maersk and Sea-Land issued a joint statement announcing that Maersk Line had purchased Sea-Land's international liner business, including vessels, containers and related container terminals. The new company will be known as Maersk-SeaLand. "The domestic Jones Act fleet is not included in this transaction. These vessels will remain under the banner of Sea-Land Service, Inc. "What this means for Seafarers aboard the affected ships simply is a new name will appear on their paychecks. Members should continue doing their jobs and performing their duties to the best of their abilities, as they always have. The standard freightship agreement continues to be in place. "More details will be provided as they become available." A press statement issued by Sea-Land and Maersk quoted CSX Corp. (which owns Sea-Land Service) Chairman and CEO John Snow, "Importantly, the transaction protects national security interests under the U.S. Maritime Security Program." The agreement will need U.S. government approval. As no problems are expected, that could come by year's end. Seafarers LOG 3 �Boatmen at lfaritrans, American Workboats Ratify New Contracts Bosun Teddy Bush Passes Away at 38 Matson Negotiations Conclude Wage increases and continuation of top-of-the-line medical benefits highlighted the contracts recently approved by SIU members at Maritrans, Inc. and American Workboats, respectively. Maritrans boatmen ratified a three-year agreement, while American Workboats employees okayed a six-year pact. Meanwhile, the SIU Pacific District unions in mid-June concluded negotiations with Matson Navigation Company and then submitted a proposed three-year contract for membership ratification. Results of that vote were unavailable as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. At Maritrans, based in Philadelphia, approximately 170 Seafarers crew dozens of tugs and barges operating throughout the east and parts of the south. Serving on the negotiating com- mittee were AB/Tankerman Charles Bigham, Cook Sam Dixon, Tankerman Richard Forrest, DEU Greg Gibson and AB/Tankerman Thomas Wilburn, along with SIU Port Agent Joe Soresi and SIU Patrolman Joe Mieluchowski. In addition to maintaining benefits and securing a 12 percent wage increase throughout the contract's duration, the committee successfully turned back company proposals that would have increased members' travel expenses and weakened their job security. In southern California, 36 Seafarers at American Workboats operate tugs and water taxis, mostly in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area but also offshore. Captains James Kinsinger and Paul Jernstrom served on the bargaining committee with SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. The Liberty is one of the SIUcrewed Maritrans tugs covered by a new three-year contract that calls for wage gains and maintains excellent health benefits. Members there identified job security as a key issue, which is why the union negotiated a sixyear pact. The agreement calls for wage increases totaling nine percent, maintains health benefits, and adds provisions intended to enhance job safety. The proposed Matson contract features increased wages and benefits. Recertified Bosun Theodore "Teddy" Bush, known to fellow SIU members as a well-respected and dedicated Seafarer, died June 30 aboard the Stonewall Jackson a a result of injuries sustained from an accident on the ship. He was 38 years old. The accident happened near the Suez Canal. Brother Bush, a New Orleans native, graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship's entry-level training program in 1980. He frequently upgraded at the school, and those who knew him say he fully embraced the union's motto: "Brotherhood of the Sea." "There aren't enough words to fully express the SIU's deep sense of loss as a result of this heartbreaking tragedy," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "I know Teddy had a very strong religious faith, and in that spirit I speak for the entire union when I say that our prayers and love go out to his family." AB Stanley Williams, a friend of Brother Bush's for 20 years and an occasional shipmate, described him as "very generous. Teddy was a lovable guy and he'd give you the shirt off his back. He looked out for the members of his crew. He was very well-liked by the unlicensed crews and respected by the officers." Williams recalled how Brother Bush helped him return to the industry during the 1980s, going out of his way to assist. Steve Judd, SIU port agent in New Orleans, remembered Brother Bush as "a good guy, very professional. He was a good father, a good family man and a good union guy. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who could say anything bad about him." Brother Bush's surviving family members include his wife and three sons, who range in age from 10-18. Steelworkers Hopeful of Resolution In Newport News Shipbuilding Strike As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, spokesmen for the United Steelworkers of America Local 8888 and Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding expressed newfound optimism that the long strike there may be nearing a positive conclusion. The union called off a massive demonstration scheduled for July 23 in Washington, D.C. and replaced it with a local bargaining session. The president of Local 8888, Arnold Outlaw, stated he "fully expects" an imminent contract agreement, which then will be presented to members for a vote. "Both sides need to make every effort to reach a fair and just contract as quickly as possible," he said. A spokesperson for the shipyard also noted that substantial progress has been made in recent negotiations. The strike began April 5, with the local's 9,200 hourly production and maintenance employees and the shipyard far apart on wages, pensions and medical benefits. Workers pointed to Newport News Shipbuilding's growing profits-and the union members' wage concessions in the previous contract-as firm proof that the shipyard's initiaJ offers on wages were unfair. The employees also described Newport News Shipbuilding as having "the worst pensions in the industry," and noted the company proposed to reduce employee medical coverage. Virtually no negotiations took place for two months after the initial talks stopped, until the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service last month spurred new bargaining. In mid-July, the union and the shipyard began nearly round-the-clock negotiations. Less than three months before the fatal accident, Recertified Bosun Teddy Bush (second from right) brought his family to the grand opening of the SIU hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, La. Also pictured in this photo, originally published on the front page of the May edition of the Seafarers LOG, are his sons Isaac and Morocco (front); his wife, Kathy (far right); and (from left) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, QMED Clarence Scott and SIU President Michael Sacco. Relaxed Assessment Enters Home Stretch the MERPAC meeting next month. MERPAC 'Performance Measures' Are Guides for STCW Compliance Why Relaxed Assessment? Because Chapter VI compliance is required for all deep sea mariners (unlicensed and licensed), shipboard assessment in 1997 was identified as a practical means of adherence. When Seafarers have until the end of the year to take advantage of the U.S. Coast Guard-authorized relaxed assessment period for meeting the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, this means SIU members may fulfill some of the Chapter VI requisites by demonstrating certain proficiencies listed in the chapter and then having a qualified assessor verify their performance. Such verification is valid for five years. Once the relaxed assessment period ends on December 31, the only other way to meet the Chapter VI requirements (the tables for which are found on pages 47-52 of the SIU's training record book) is by successfully completing Coast Guardapproved courses. Seafarers should be aware that such assessments must be 4 Seafarers LOB conducted according to standards for basic safety training established by the Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC). These guidelines are detailed in a booklet that has been made available to all SIU-contracted companies affected by the amended STCW convention. Breaks Down Tasks The MERPAC guidelines are intended to make it easier for shipboard assessors to verify a mariner's demonstrated basic safety competencies. There is consensus within the industry that some of the competencies listed in the amended STCW code are too broad for practical assessment. Therefore, MERPAC (which includes representatives from aJI segments of the U.S. fleet, and which is chaired by Paul Hall Center Vocational Education Director Bill Eglinton) broke down the com- petencies into smaller steps. MERPAC is developing similarly detailed assessment criteria for the other competencies in the amended convention. Drafts are scheduled to be submitted at TABLE A·Vlfl-1 Record or Assessment Speciricotinn nr minimum st•nd•rd or competence in Person•l Sul"l'ival Techniques I Soc. Sec. No. N•me c.1.... 1 Column 1 STCW Cnmrettnce Perform Hee Ohjectives P..r-1,... Slll•d1nb (Morlne<lnowlodg< or ICUon (Crttort. agolnwt which perfomt1nce lnehldlflgconuquencHof.-) Dote Of lemuaurod} Knnwproper method of jumping intn waler from a height Demonstnte jwnping into water from a height of not mono than I lifejoclcet using proper methods lo insure prevention of injury. Proper hand position Proper leg position me1er while wearing a Remove suit from beg Unroll ond open suit Check for opcralion of zipper. wbistlc. llld li&ht Don llrit u per manufac:turer's recommendations Fully zipped Face flap closed All stondardt must be met within in2minutes """'°' Forlifejlcll:ct One hand cow:ring mouth ond note Other hand ICIOSS chest lo secure jld<et lo pmoent riding up or coming off. Legs sttlight end tight together or mkles aosoed "-•'• lnitlab T I r AIHS&raenl O.monttr1tlon or OrallWrttte Eura Ocmonstrate proper donning of an immersion suit Remove suit from beg Unroll suit end open suit Check for proper operotion of zipper. whistle. IJld light Don suit per manufacturer's recommendations I c....... , Colu111•3 PerfnrmHtt Meatura ~ 0 0 0 0 0 _j_I_ D p 0 0 0 _,_,_ D Sample page from the MERPAC guidelines shows a breakdown of performance measures for personal survival techniques. an assessor signed off on that section of a training record book (or other appropriate document), the Coast Guard would accept it as meeting Chapter VI requirements. Partly because of unfounded concern regarding assessors' liability, the initial relaxed assessment period yielded low numbers of documentation. The Coast Guard subsequently agreed to reopen the period, and more and more mariners utilized it. Chapter VI requires documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibility. All Seafarers who sailed prior to August 1, 1998 rnust have documented evidence of Chapter VI compliance by February 1, 2002. For those who began sailing after August 1, 1998, Chapter VI compliance was an immediate requirement. The Paul Hall Center's STCW basic safety courses specifically were designed to meet the Chapter VI requirements. August 1999 �Labor Hails Gov t Contracting Reforms 1 Proposal Would Ban Federal Pacts With Lawbreakers The Clinton administration, in a move praised by organized labor, last month issued proposed regulations to forbid awarding federal contracts to companies that break U.S. labor, tax, consumerprotection or environmental laws. The rules also close loopholes in the contractor reimbursement process that presently allow contractors to receive full compensa- tion for the costs of their antiunion campaigns. So gaping are the loopholes, in fact, that contractors can be reimbursed for defending legal actions brought against them by the federal govemment--even if the contractor loses the case. "These are sensible and important reforms," stated John Sweeney, president of the AFL- Alaska Tanker Signs Pact with Sealarers Seafarers sailing aboard tankers for the new Alaska Tanker Co. will be covered by the standard tanker agreement. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez noted the new company-which provides management services for U.S.-flag tankers owned by Overseas Shipholding Group and Keystone-signed the contract late last month. Tellez also pointed out the pay raise scheduled for July 1 as called for in the standard agreement would be retroactive to the day the first tanker came under Alaska Tanker's operations. Other provisions of the pact include the creation of a trained manpower pool, similar to the one used on the SIU-crewed fleet of LNG vessels. Seafarers, as well as members of the National Maritime Union, will take specific classes at the Paul Hall Center to upgrade their skills for work aboard the tankers. "Alaska Tanker wants to pro- vide first-class service with the best trained, safest mariners possible to crew these vessels," SIU President Michael Sacco stated. "That is nothing different than what we already do and will continue to do." Alaska Tanker marks the first time SIU and NMU members will be sailing aboard vessels operated by the same company. "This contract shows the joint cooperation between the two unions continues to work," Sacco added. "Our members already are studying together with great success at the Paul Hall Center. "However, the most important thing about the Alaska Tanker agreement is it will provide for more jobs and job security for the members of our unions for years to come." Alaska Tanker vessels will move Alaskan North Slope crude oil for BP. The formation of the company was announced in July 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG. CIO, of which the SIU is an affiliate. "It is basic economic sense that the federal government should not do business and give taxpayer-funded contracts to companies that are chronic lawbreakers." The proposed rules were issued July 9. Comments will be accepted until November 8. Even before the regulations were published, business groups vowed to fight their implementation. According to news reports, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce even suggested that the rules primarily are intended to help labor unions. Nonsense, countered the AFLCIO. The national federation of trade unions described the proposed federal acquisition regulations as "basic common sense and American values." For example, the federation pointed to Avondale Industries as one example of why reform is needed. The viciously anti-union New Orleans shipyard has been hit with record fines for hundreds of safety violations, yet continues raking in billions of dollars in U.S. Navy contracts. Furthermore, government officials were embarrassed recently when Avondale billed the Navy $5.4 million to pay the shipyard's anti-union lawyers for their protracted efforts to undermine the outcome of a pro-union vote there six years ago. Incredibly, such reimbursements are allowable. However, the labor federation also pointed out that Avondale is just one of hundreds of federal contractors found guilty of violat- ing various laws. The proposed rules are not about unionization, but rather about simple fairness to law-abiding contractors and taxpayers, noted the AFL-CIO. A spokesperson for the White House Budget Office seemed to indirectly support that contention when she told The New York Times, "This rule says if you expect to do business with the government, then you had better follow the law. There is no reason for the American government to do business with companies that don't pay their taxes, don't respect our environmental laws and don't follow health and safety regulations." In other news reports, administration officials emphasized that the rules have been "carefully crafted" to ensure that an isolated incident or otherwise minimal mistakes will not bar a contractor from bidding for any of the more than $170 billion in contracts annually awarded by the federal government. Backing New York Workers Seafarers joined members of other unions during a late-June rally in Detroit-where New York Governor George Pataki was speaking to a business group. The unions protested proposed New York state budget cuts and the governor's delaying of contracts with public employee unions. Among the other unions participating in the June 23 rally outside Detroit's Cobo Center were the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. Hundreds of people turned out for the event, including (left photo, from left) SIU Patrolman Todd Brdak and SIU Representative Don Thornton. A much larger demonstration took place earlier this summer in New York City, with an estimated 30,090 union members and their families jamming the streets around City Hall. SAO Report: Alaskan Oil Exports Increase U.S. Mariner Employment Royal Caribbean: More Guilty Pleas The General Accounting Office (GAO) last month released a report concerning the effects of exporting Alaskan North Slope oil, and its Runaway-Flag Cruise Line Admits Dumping findings support the SIU's position taken when the export ban was lifted in 1995. As forecast by the SIU and others in favor of exporting Alaskan Toxic Chemicals in #ew York, Miami, L.A. North Slope oil, the price of that crude has risen during the past four Slightly more than a year after first pleading guilty to routinely dumping hazardous chemicals at sea, the runaway-flag cruise line Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. entered a startling series of similar pleas July 21 in six Federal District Courts. Altogether, Royal Caribbean, the world's second-largest cruise ship operator, pied guilty to 21 counts of polluting and lying to authorities about it. The company also admitted that hazardous waste illegally had been stored on some of its vessels, which signi- fies additional transgressions. Among the specifics, Royal Caribbean, which agreed to pay a record $18 million fine: • dumped toxic solvents in New York Harbor; • dumped oil and other toxic chemicals in Miami, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Los Angeles and the Inside Passage in Alaska; • repeatedly misled the U.S. Coast Guard about its pollution activities; and • continued dumping hazardous materials within a month of its first guilty plea. New Bedford Remains a Top Fishing Port Fisheries Service [NMFS] in Gloucester, Mass. recognize that these species are being restored. As a result, Seafarers in New Bedford are clamoring for an increase in allowable fishing days. "The fish are back," said Francois. "Now we are asking the government for a good faith return for our lost time. If we could get more fishing days, it's possible we could pick up our number one ranking again." The NMFS periodically reviews its fishing regulations, but no changes in its groundfish policies are imminent. years. The result: more jobs for U.S. mariners because of increased demand for American-flag tankers, and increased state revenues for Alaska. "The review confirms what we projected back in 1995," stated Sen. Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a key supporter of permitting the exports. "Lifting the ban would increase domestic production, bring higher prices for crude oil, bring additional revenues for Alaska and more jobs to the U.S. maritime industry- all with no adverse impacts to the environment." While acknowledging that about 95 percent of Alaskan North Slope oil still is shipped to the U.S. West Coast, the GAO report also states that allowing exports has created as many as 115 jobs for mariners aboard U.S.-flag tankers. That is because U.S.-flag tankers replaced foreign-flag, foreign-crewed ships that previously had transported Alaskan oil to the Caribbean. Although not quite back to its 1980s dominance as the nation's leading seafood port, New Bedford, Mass., where the SIU represents some 350 fishermen, is the second-ranked port in landed value of fish, according to the most recent data available. Dutch Harbor-Unalaska, Alaska ranks first. According to SIU Port Agent Henri Francois, New Bedford has kept its status as a top port only because of the rebounding groundfish--cod, haddock and August 1999 flounder-on which union fishermen rely. "The [non-union] scallopers have been cut back in their fishing days," said Francois. "It is only because the dragger fleet is once again pulling in landings of 30,000 to 40,000 pounds per trip that New Bedford remained No. 2. We are finally getting results from our years of sacrifice." Draggers, or trawl vessels, have been restricted in the number of days they could fish since 1992 when federal rules were implemented to help restore groundfish stocks. Currently the scallop fleet in New Bedford and coastwise is facing similar dramatic reductions in their allotted fishing time, from 120 days in 1999 to as few as 51 days in 2000. Prior to the restrictions, a vessel might have fished for as many as 220 days per year. Groundfish rebuilding, however, began much earlier and today even government biologists working at the National Marine By no means did Royal Caribbean readily acknowledge these violations. According to press reports, the Miami-based company hired two former U.S. attorneys general to submit that it is immune from prosecution in the U.S. because its vessels are registered in Liberia and Norway. Royal Caribbean also apparently fumbled the public-relations spin in the initial aftermath following last month's pleas. The president of the company (Jack Williams) signed a statement that in great detail described Royal Caribbean 's willful misdeeds. Almost at the same time, the company issued a statement describing the chemical dumping as a "mistake." A spokesperson told The New York Times, "We did think we were complying" with environmental laws. U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno said Royal Caribbean's pollution was "on a scale far greater than previously acknowledged." Another federal official characterized Royal Caribbean as operating in "a culture of crime." Seafarers LOS 5 �Paul Hall Center Certified As Authorized Provider of Continuing Education Units Separate Review Approves 7 STCW Courses The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month made two announcements that should prove beneficial for Seafarers. First, the school has been certified by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) as an "authorized provider" of continuing education units (CEUs). Thi means students at the Paul Hall Center may use courses they complete at the Piney Point, Md. facility to help "build a permanent record of their learning activities for personal, career advancement and professional use," notes the a sociation. Meanwhile, the American Council on Education (ACE) has AB Brosius Receives Safety Award AB Duane Brosius is matterof-fact about shipboard safety. "It's a constant topic out there at sea. Everyone emphasizes safety," says the five-year Seafarer. "You only have one set of eyes, so many fingers and toes .... Like the old saying goes, 'Better safe than sorry.'" Putting a premium on accident-free operations led to Brosius receiving a safety award last month from SIU-contracted Maritrans, Inc. in Philadelphia. He earned the certificate by discovering and quickly reporting a potential problem with the anchor chain aboard the tanker Integrity. On May 17, with the vessel doing cargo operations at the Hog Island pier in Philadelphia, Brosius made his rounds on deck around 6:30 p.m. While on the bow, he looked over the Integrity's side noticed the pin that supports the anchor almost had broken loose. The AB then reported the problem, leading to repair. This undoubtedly prevented a potentially tragic and definitely costly accident. Brosius downplayed the award, though he expressed appreciation. "It's cool, but I didn't think anything of [the inci- dent]," he notes. Interestingly, within a few days of that incident, Brosius helped stem another problem, this one involving a foreign-flag vessel. He noticed (and reported) that the nearby ship was leaking fuel during lightering operations, due to a faulty valve. The leak was stopped only a very nominal spill. Hoskins Urges Others to Take Advantage of Center's Programs 6 Seafarers LOG Point may receive college credit for it. The college or university decides, but the ACE backing usually leads to a desirable outcome. Along those lines, CEUs are completely separate from college credit recommendations. As explained by IACET, CEU s are recognized by thousands of organization throughout the nation. They help students receive credit for completing courses, seminars and similar instruction that, for whatever reason, is not applied toward college credit. IACET still is determining the exact number of CEU s applicable for each course at the Paul Hall Center. In a letter confirming the school's authorization as a CEU provider, the president of IACET, Jacqueline N. Parochka, wrote, "We are proud of your achievements to promote and enhance quality in continuing education and training. Your program has been fully reviewed, both on paper and on site, and meets all the national standards as maintained by IACET for quality continuing education and training programs." With the SIU-crewed Integrity in the background, AB Duane Brosius (second from right) receives a safety award for helping prevent an accident aboard the tanker. Making the presentation in Philadelphia are (from left) SIU Patrolman Joe Mieluchowski, Capt. Eric Gruelund and Maritrans VP Don Voge. Electrician Earns Degree Alter 8 Years of Study Eight years of hard work came to fruition on July 6 when Chief John Hoskins Electrician received his Associate of Applied Science in Marine Engineering Technology diploma from the Paul Hall Center. "I am happy to tell you that I have achieved a long term goal of mine today," Hoskins told his fellow Seafarers during the monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. "I am receiving a college degree in marine engineering." Hoskins began working on the degree in 1991 after he upgraded to QMEDl. "I wanted to learn, and this place is more than willing to teach you," he noted while talking with a Seafarers LOG reporter after the meeting. "It was very hard, but the school works with you." Hoskins, who sails from the port of Baltimore, added that he gave up a lot of his time on the beach to study for the degree. "They pack a lot of information into a short period. You really have to be devoted." The engine department member thanked everyone who helped him earn the degree during the eight-year period. "There are so many people that once I start naming them I know I'll forget someone." However, among those he sin- approved seven courses contained in the center's unlicensed apprentice program as meeting the requirements of the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners. Along with that approval, ACE okayed six of the classes-vessel familiarization, shipboard anitation, galley familiarization, ocial responsibility, vessel maintenance and operations, and physical fitnessfor college credit recommendations. ACE's audit of the curriculums is part of an STCW requirement known as a quality standard system (QSS). Under the QSS, ACE may approve Paul Hall Center courses as fulfilling STCW guidelines, much the same way as the Coast Guard's National Maritime Center has okayed applicable classes in the past. The college credit recommendations are not STCW-related. As reported in the March issue of the Seafarers LOG, students who successfully complete one or more of the vocational or academic courses available at Piney Before the membership in Piney Point, CE John Hoskins receives his associate's degree from SIU President Michael Sacco. gled out were Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center; and instructors Jim Shaffer, Eric Malzkuhn, Russ Levin, Grace Davis and Shawn Nicholson. He also thanked "the brothers and sisters before me who fought for the rights we all have today in thi industry. Their vision created the strongest maritime union today-the SIU!" Hoskins started his career with the union in 1983 as a graduate of trainee class 384. In that same class was his brother, Green, who also sail in the engine room. (A younger brother, Steve, is the third member of the family to ship in the engine department.) He worked his way up the ladder in the engine room, upgrading at the Paul Hall Center as he became eligible. When he reached the highe t unlicensed rating, he wanted to keep learning so he tackled the associate's degree program. "I encourage everyone in the SIU to take advantage of our great school here in Piney Point, as I have done." Besides his work aboard ship and in the classroom, Hoskins also serves as a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. In that position, he has recruited several of the soldiers with whom he has worked to join the SIU. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and CE John Hoskins show off engine department member's well-deserved diploma. Representatives of the American Council on Education (ACE) tour the Paul Hall Center as part of an STCW-mandated audit. ACE later approved several classes as STCW-compliant and also certified them for college credit recommendations. Legal Department Clarifies Tax Exempt Status for Seafarers in Arabian Gulf A number of inquiries from SIU members recently have been directed to headquarters regarding the possible tax-exempt status of merchant mariners sailing in the Arabian Gulf aboard vessels contracted to the U.S. military. In order to clear up any confusion on the part of Seafarers who are working aboard military vessels in that region, the SIU legal department has issued an all-ports memorandum concerning the situation. Contrary to some rumors and misinformation, the memorandum states, non-military personnel are NOT eligible to enjoy taxexempt status when serving in a "combat zone" or "qualified hazardous duty area." Even though some of the vessels on which Seafarers sail are carrying military ordnance and ammunition, and despite the fact that these Seafarers-who are receiving "imminent danger" pay and are restricted to the ships at all times-have been vaccinated against the Anthrax virus at the direction of the military, this taxexempt status benefit is, nonetheless, reserved solely for officers, non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel in the United States armed forces. Some Seafarers who are working "in support" of the militaryand their spouses-may, however, be able to enjoy an extended period of time for filing a tax return or fulfilling other tax obligations. To take advantage of this benefit, the individual Seafarer must be positioned in a combat zone or qualified hazardous duty area. These areas consist, in part, of the Arabian Sea north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude; the Gulf of Aden; the Persian Gulf; the Red Sea; and the Gulf of Oman. The legal department's memo additionally states that while this extension may be available to some members, it does not recommend that any SIU member rely on it to fulfill his or her tax obligations. August 1999 �Seafarers remain hard at work transporting cargoes throughout the Great Lakes. Among the many SIU-crewed vessels under way are the J.A. W Iglehart (left) and the St. Clair, both pictured in Detroit. Second Cook Ali Musleh Iglehart Great Lakes Seafarers Enjoy Routine Season But Steel Crisis Still Impacts Trade Gateman Scott Coristine St. Clair Despite a drop in cargo movement compared to the record volumes of recent years, Great Lake Seafarers are working through a "fairly routine sailing season," according to Tim Kelley, SIU port agent in Algonac, Mich. SIU members crew a number of Lakes vessels and tugs. Steel imports, low water levels and other factors combined to cause a IO-percent drop in May cargo movements, compared to last year. Altogether, more than 13 million tons of cargo were moved on the Lakes in May. Reduced domestic steel production (a direct result of the illegal dumping of foreign steel) particularly has impacted the iron ore and stone trades, although an international trade agreement reached last month may provide some relief. In mid-July, the United States and Russia agreed to limit Russian steel shipments to the U.S. for the next five years. A group of five U.S. steel companies said the pact will not do nearly enough to stem the flow of dumped steel, even as the Clinton administration insisted the opposite is true. Meanwhile, the administration also is considering several proposals to assist the domestic steel industry. An announcement was expected late last month. In June, the Senate defeated a bill passed by the House that would have placed global quotas on steel imports. AB Mark Nicholson Tug Wyoming Porter Richard Smetana St. Clair AB Robert Timmons Iglehart AB Abdo Fotaih McCarthy Second Cook Doris Sabin St. Clair August 1999 Wheelsman Nels Johnson St. Clair AB John Spezia Tug Wyoming Seafarers LOG 7 �Runaway-Flag Ships Create More Unwanted Headlines Four Tons of Cocaine Seized from Freighter; Tanker Detained in L.A. for Safety Violations Two major stories recently emerged involving runaway-flag ships detained in the United States. In June, four tons of cocaine were seized from the Greekowned, Panamanian-flagged China Breeze-reportedly the eleventh-largest such confiscation in U.S. history. According to press accounts, U.S. Coast Guard personnel (operating from a British navy ship) boarded the China Breeze off the Puerto Rican coast in late May. Acting on a tip from Greece, they discovered the cocaine hidden in 16,000 metric tons of Cuban sugar. They subsequently arrested the ship and diverted it to Houston, where federal authorities took into custody the captain and five crew members. All were charged with drug trafficking. Authorities believe the sugar was destined for Portugal, while the drugs were bound for the Netherlands. More recently, the Bahamianflagged, Malta-owned Tomis West-laden with 275,000 gallons of jet fuel-was confined in Los Angeles in mid-July when Coast Guard inspectors found major safety hazards that could have caused explosions or fires. Among the most serious problems was the malfunctioning of Union Label Urges Members To Help Stop 'Saipan Scam' The head of the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department is urging fellow trade unionists and their families to support legislation aimed at protecting workers and preserving the integrity of the Made in USA label. "Each of us can help put an end to the truly outrageous scandal that has become known far and wide as the 'Saipan Scam,"' stated Charlie Mercer, president of the department. "All it takes is a letter, a postcard, a telephone call or an email message to the member of the U.S. House of Representatives from your district and to both the U.S. Senate members from your state." Earlier this year, identical bipartisan bills were introduced in the House and Senate to stop abuses in the garment industry in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI/Saipan). Titled the "Made in USA Label Defense Act of 1999," the bills (H.R. 1621 and S. 922) wouJd forbid continoed use of the Made in USA label on products made in the CNMI and would end the dutyfree treatment of Saipan-made goods shipped to retailers on the U.S. mainland. Seafarers attended the April press conference on Capitol Hill announcing the legislation. More than $1 billion worth of clothing was shipped into the U.S. last year from the CNMI, and most of it was composed of foreign-made cloth from foreign-owned and/or managed factories by thousands of indentured foreign workers-many, if not most, from China. Most of the garments carry the Made in USA label. CNMI garment operations have cost thou- sands of U.S. workers their job and, according to a recent U.S. Interior Department report, cost U.S. taxpayers $200 million a year in duties lost to the U.S. Treasury. "There are powerful vested interests working hard to convince Congress to leave things as they are and permit the continuation of the scam," noted Mercer. "But remember, it was just a couple of years ago, in 1997, that the Federal Trade Commission withdrew its proposal to weaken the standards for use of the Made in USA label. Opposition to the proposal was widely considered a lost cause until union members and other consumers rallied to the cause with a letter and postcard campaign directed at Congress." He concluded that the current fight against Saipan sweatshop and abuse of the Made in USA label will resuJt in similar success "if Bosuns' Brotherhood Extends to the Beach After sailing as recertified bosuns on vessels such as the Sea-Land Producer and Overseas New York, operating this relatively tiny pleasure boat in Hubbard Lake, Mich. was a breeze for longtime Seafarers Joel Lechel (left) and Carlos Loureiro. The bosuns met three years ago while upgrading at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and have remained friends since then. This photo, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Lechel's wife, Kasandra, was taken earlier this summer. Mrs. Lechel reports that Loureiro and his wife, Debra, who live in San Diego, were vacationing in Boston but detoured to Hubbard Lake for a visit. B Seafarers LOG the ship's system for controlling dangerous fumes while transferring cargo. The Los Angeles Times quoted a Coast Guard inspector as saying the vapor levels in the Tomis Wests holds were more than twice the safe amount. Additionally, two of the three water pumps for the vessel's fire fighting system were inoperative -and even the working one was not completely functional. Other conditions included corroded fire-hose nozzles, malfunctions in engine-room fire fighting equipment, problems with the steering gear, and a faulty outside sprinkler system. The Times noted that an inspector for the International Transport Workers' Federation had notified the Coast Guard about the safety hazards. The inspector helped the Tomis West's Romanian crew members recover enough of the voters in their states and districts let (elected representatives) know that they should support the bills to end the Saipan scam." Meanwhile, the Labor Department recentJy announced it has fined a foreign-run garment maker based in the Northern Mariana Islands almost $1 million for its failure to pay overtime to workers. The department reported that Micronesian Garment Manufacturing Inc./Diorva Saipan Limited paid $986,661 to cover overtime owed to 336 factory workers, mostly from China. Exactly one year earlier, the company paid $560,000 in back wages for 427 workers at the same factory and signed an agreement with the department pledging to abide by overtime laws. While the CNMI is exempt from the minimum wage provision of the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act (it has its own minimum wage of $3.05 an hour), the territory is covered by the law's other provisions, including child labor, overtime pay and record keeping. Illegal practices involved included requiring work off the clock, confining workers to living quarters without pay, requiring them to clean barracks without pay, deducting from their wages various fees connected with their recruitment, and charging excessive fees for room and board. Tracking the 'Saipan Scam' Stay up-to-date on the push for federal legislation forbidding the use of the Made in USA label on clothing made in Saipan via the following internet sites: • www.takepride.org • www.unionlabel.org (click on the "hot issues" button) $167,000 in back wages. Although these two cases are more extreme than many, it is quite typical for runaway-flag vessels to be detained in U.S. ports due to various safety violations. Frequently Detained In May, for example, the Coast Guard reported the following detentions (among many others): •The Greek-owned, Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Capetan Harris, restricted in Albany, N.Y. because of faulty fire equipment and the crew's unfamiliarity with auxiliary and remote steering gear control. • The Chinese-owned, Honduran-flagged general cargo ship Carnival I, detained in Houma, La. because of hatch covers that were not watertight and inoperable air pipe closures. •The Greek-owned, Cypriotflagged bulk carrier Crane, kept in Port Everglades, Fla. because crew members could not perform fire drills nor abandon ship drills, and also due to insufficient fire fighting equipment. • The Japanese-owned, Cypriot-flagged general cargo ship New Grace, detained in Newport News, Va. because of an inoperable main propulsion engine and excessive fuel oil leaks throughout machinery spaces. •The U.S.-owned, Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Petrojam Navigator, restricted in Hampton Roads, Va. because four crew members were intoxicated. •The Greek-owned, Cypriotflagged general cargo ship Pipitsa Petrakis, held in Tampa because the crew could not execute an abandon ship drill and because of an inoperable lifeboat engine. •The Japanese-owned, Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Super Queen, detained in Portland because the captain and officers were not familiar with the ship's safety management system and because the crew failed fire drills. • The Liberian-owned, Honduran-flagged general cargo ship Alexander, held in Miami due to an absence of a global maritime distress satellite system (GMDSS) and lack of a valid SOLAS safety radio certificate. •The Greek-owned, Bahamian-flagged bulk carrier Ariston, detained in Long Beach, Calif. because of an inoperable emergency generator. ITF Launches New Commission To Reform Shipping Regulation The International Transport Workers ' Federation (ITF) recently announced the launching of "a major new and independent international body which will seek reform of the rules governing the global shipping industry." Known as the International Commission on the Regulation of Shipping, the group is based in Amsterdam. "Although initiated by the ITF, the three-member commission has wide-ranging support among the shipping community and reflects a growing consensus that firm action must be taken to force the increasing number of low-quality flag administrations to accept their moral and legal responsibilities," the ITF said in it announcement. Chairing the commission is Peter Morris, a former Australian government official who i very knowledgeable about the maritime indu try. He is "consulting widely within the industry" in preparation for appointing his fellow commissioners. According to the ITF, the commission will con- duct hearings worldwide "and take evidence from all interested parties with a view to making concrete proposals for change. It is hoped that these proposals will be taken up and pursued by all those who have an interest in a profitable, sound and decently run shipping industry." The new group aims to finish its work by the end of next year. Commenting on the announcement, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft said, "A radical overhaul of the regulation of the shipping industry is long overdue. The current system lacks teeth and is not only failing seafarers but reputable shipowners and flag states as well. We hope this new commission will become a driving force for those changes which are so desperately needed." Based in London, the ITF-of which the SIU is an affiliate-includes more than 500 transportation-related unions from more than 125 countries. Those unions represent more than five million members. August 1999 �Surfing The Internet's Crowded Waters Electronic Medium's Growth Challenges Info Seekers SIU Site Offers Union News, Useful Links The magazine ad touting a new computer chip presents the internet as the proverbial haystack, in which web surfers are commanded to locate a needle. Even the most internet-savvy individuals probably appreciate that analogy, as the world wide web continues its explosive growth. The sheer volume of web sites, numbering in the millions, can make it difficult for users to locate the information they seek. Capt. Boothe Heads NMC Succeeds Capt. Rosecrans at USCG Captain Myles Boothe Jr. last month succeeded Captain Michael Rosecrans as commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center (NMC). A ceremony took place July 9 near the NMC in Arlington, Va. The NMC, established four years ago, manages the Coast Guard's 17 regional examination centers (RECs). It also maintains records for merchant mariner licensing and documentation, and oversees the National Vessel Documentation Center, among numerous other functions. Boothe becomes the NMC's second commanding officer. Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training in Piney Point, Md., commended Rosecrans for his work at NMC, noting that he "has been an invaluable resource during a time of tremendous change in the maritime industry. He has been very supportive of our school's efforts in terms of STCW compliance, testing and record-keeping." Eglinton expressed optimism that the school "will enjoy a similarly cooperative, productive relationship with Captain Boothe. We look forward to working with him to ensure that the Paul Hall Center keeps up with the industry's needs and requirements." Boothe brings an extensive background in marine safety, including assignments as the head of Coast Guard safety offices in St. Louis and Seattle. Capt. Myles Boothe Jr. (top photo, center) recently succeeded Capt. Michael Rosecrans (below, center) as commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard's National Maritime Center. Congratulating them after the July 9 ceremony in Arlington, Va. are Bill Eglinton, director of the vocational education department at the Paul Hall Center (pictured at Boothe's left); and John Mason, head of American Service Technology, Inc. August 1999 Moreover, as reported last month by the Associated Press, the most-used search engines sift through less than one-fifth of what is on the web. Those challenges have not slowed the medium's growth, however. At the end of last year, there were an estimated 150 million internet users worldwide, with slightly more than half residing in the United States. This year, on average, more than 700 American households per hour become first-time web surfers. Many of those families undoubtedly will correspond by electronic mail-some 7 .3 billion email messages are sent in the U.S. every day. Fortunately for Seafarers, there are a number of established, reliable and fairly easy-to-find sites offering useful information about the U.S. maritime industry. For starters, the SIU's internet site-located at http://www.seafarers.org-has been active since 1997. It contains links to a number of potentially helpful maritime and labor sites. The SIU site also features email links to Congress and the White House; downloadable benefits applications; selected articles from current and past issues of the Seafarers LOG; course listings and course descriptions from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education; a list of SIU halls and upcoming meeting dates, and more. The following sites, all of which are accessable through the SIU site index, also may be of interest to SIU members and their families: The SIU's web site (www.seafarers.org) includes selected articles from the Seafarers LOG (as pictured here), information about courses at the Paul Hall Center and much more. • AFL-CIO (includes comprehensive links to affiliated international and local unions) http://www.aflcio.org • U.S. Coast Guard (see the agency's internal links to its own STCW and Y2K sites) http://www.uscg.miV • International Transport Workers Federation (features detailed and updated information about the ITF's campaign against runaway-flag shipping) http://www.itf.org.uk/ • Maritime Cabotage Task Force (offers the latest news concerning the Jones Act and Passenger Vessel Services Act) http://www.mctf.com • International Maritime Organization (covers worldwide maritime issues) http://www.imo.org/ • Military Sealift Command (often include recent news about SIU-crewed ships) http://www.msc.navy.miV • Maritime Administration (provides updates on key happenings in the industry) http://marad.dot.gov Many SIU-contracted companies also have their respective presence on-line, including SeaLand, Maersk, Crowley, American Hawaii Cruises, American Steamship Co, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. and others. Links to those locations are available at the SIU site, and the union gladly will add other relevant links if so requested. Please direct such requests to the Seafarers LOG at SIU headquarters. 1999 AOTOS Awards Go to TRANSCOM and Marine Transport Line's Richard duMoulin The head of a shipping company that oversees an SIU-contracted firm and the agency that supervises the worldwide movement of goods and materiel to American troop will be honored with the annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea (AOTOS) award later this year. Richard duMoulin, chairman and CEO of Marine Transport Lines (MTL), and U.S. Air Force General Charles T. Robertson, Jr., commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), will receive the AOTOS on November 5 in New York. Considered by many to be one of the most prestigious awards in the maritime industry, the AOTOS is sponsored by the United Seamen's Service. SIU President Michael Sacco received the award in 1994. In announcing the honorees, AOTOS Committee Chairman John Bowers, president of the International Longshoremen' s As ociation, noted they were chosen from more than 200 nominees. "This year's AOTOS recipients embrace two important sectors of ocean transport in the United States: the tanker/carrier community and the military," Bowers said. "Richard duMoulin' steadfast leadership in his broad-based activities on behalf of U.S. shipping and Richard duMoulin Gen. Charles Robertson American seafarers and TRANSCOM's important role as a user-rather than a providerof American ships make them ideal recipients of this year's AOTOS awards." After spending 15 years with OMI Corp., duMoulin joined MTL in 1989. That firm operates more than 30 U.S.-flag vessels. Among its subsidiaries is SIUcontracted Intrepid Ship Management. MTL is the oldest U.S. shipping company tracing its roots to 1816 where its predecessors operated whaling boats as well as provided boats for the California gold rush. TRANSCOM was created in 1987 to consolidate the military 's logistic efforts that had been performed separately by the Army, Navy and Air Force. It is the largest single user of U.S.-flag vessels. Robertson, accepting the award for his agency, assumed command of TRANSCOM in 1998. Upon graduating from the Air Force Academy, he joined the ervice in 1968. He served more than 150 combat missions in Vietnam. Seafarers LOG 9 �Weddings, family reunions and the births of children and grandchildren-these are the everyday events so important in the lives of SIU members, who often are away from home for several months at a time. As always, the LOG welcomes your photos and will publish them on a periodic basis. 10 Seafarers LOG August 1999 �SIU Lauds AMMV Chapter At Memorial Dedication The SIU last month took part in a dedication ceremony in downtown St. Louis sponsored by the Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) and the Navy League of the United States. Becky Sleeper, the union's port agent in St. Louis, delivered remarks on behalf of SIU President Michael Sacco on July 5 as the AMMV chapter-which includes many retired Seafarers -and the local Navy League dedicated an anchor in tribute to past, present and future mariners as well as Naval armed guard members. The well-attended event gen- erated media coverage and attracted numerous local dignitaries. It took place outside the Soldiers' Memorial, a downtown museum used for displays from various wars. The nine-ton anchor is from the World War II-era aircraft carrier USS Langley. It is almost 13 feet tall. Its plaque reads, "Dedicated to American merchant seamen and Naval armed guard who lost or risked their lives for our country in World War II and all wars of Left, SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper delivers remarks on behalf of SIU President Michael Sacco at the anchor dedication July 5 in St. Louis. Above, a plaque on the nine-ton memorial praises past and present mariners. this century, and al1 those American merchant marine and Navy seamen standing by to deliver the goods through the world's oceans today." Relaying Sacco's remarks, Sleeper noted, "It's important to establish the connection between today's active mariners and those who went before them. In fact, we in the SIU make it a point to educate all of our new members about their maritime heritageand the fact that they may be called upon as the nation's fourth arm of defen e .... "I am extremely proud of the SIU 's long-standing and very strong relationship with the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Your issues are our i ue ; your fights are our fights. " She added, "This anchor in part is a tribute to the tens of thousands of merchant seamen who carried the Allied effort in World War II. Included in tho e ranks are thou ands of SIU members, more than 1,200 of whom gave their Ii ves during the war ... Today, we honor that brave history as well as the courage shown by U. S. mariners in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War and other risk-filled assignments. They are patriots. They are heroe . And they de erve thi recognition ." Members of the Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans greet SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper (third from right) following the ceremony. Lighthouse Replica to Educate Public Baritinte Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Saved from Crashing Into Sea The 208-foot-tall Cape Hatteras Lighthouse -the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States-stood 1,600 feet from the ocean when it was built in 1870. After more than a century of incoming and outgoing tides and soil erosion of about 10 feet per year, only 150 feet stood between the black-and-white striped tower and the Atlantic Ocean-until last month. That is when the structure arrived at its new concrete foundation 1,600 feet from the surf. Moving the lighthouse began June 17. Resting on a nest of steel beams mounted on rollers, it was pushed along rails by seven hydraulic jacks. Original estimates were for the move to take four to six weeks. It was accomplished in three at a cost of $10 million. The twin beams, which were extinguished March I for the first time in 50 years, are scheduled to be re-lit on Labor Day, and officials of the National Park Service plan to reopen the Jighthou e to visitors next Memorial Day. Mississippi Queen Among Best U.S. Cruises The SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen, a paddlewheel passenger vessel operated by the New Orleans-based Delta Queen Steamboat Company, has been rated as one of the best cruise options for U.S. consumers. Cruise Reports, a newsletter which annually evaluates cruise lines' performances, declared the Mississippi Queen a "top value" by measuring cruise quality against the cost per person per day. The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. also operates the SIU-crewed Delta Queen and American Queen along the Mississippi River as well as other routes. SIUNA Vice President Ed Pulver stands before a 14-foot replica of the Sandy Hook Light House which was given to the Liberty State Park at the Historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal by a group of volunteers who participate in community projects. The model lighthouse will be used to educate the public about the historical, cultural, economic and navigational importance of the oldest operating lighthouse in the United States. Now a national historic landmark, the lighthouse continues to be lit 24 hours a day, and the light can be seen for 19 miles on a clear night. ·· Greetings from Oceans to Lakes c American Home Foods ;::;,~·ills, Basic 4 Corn Flakes Boo Beny. Bran Che•: Cheerios; {plaln, Apple Cinnamon. Honey Frosted. Honey ut. and MulllGralo) ; Cinnamon Toast Crunch: Clusters : Cocoa Purrs: Cookie Crisp; Covnt Chocula; Counlr)I Com 1'1alr.es; Com Cbex: Fiber One; Frankenbem-; Golden Grahams; Kaboom; Klx; Lucky Charms: Ral In Bran 'ul Rice Chex Total (rcgul>r. raisin bran and corn natcs) ; Trix ; Wheal llea118 hot cereal ; V.beat Chex: WbeaUes (frosled and plain) AB Tim Kacer, an eight-year member of the SIU who sails in the deep sea division, spent part of his recent vacation watching lakers and greeting fellow Seafarers as they sailed through the Sao Locks on Lake Superior. Among the SIU-crewed vessels spotted by Kacer last month was the H. Lee White, pictured here. August 1999 Raisins. Low Fat Granola, Low Fat Granola •1lll Ral IDB. Musenx Raisin & Almond Crunch. 'J'oas"'d Bro1>n Sugar Squares) : JuSl Right (!rulL & out and "1lll Cnmch ·uggelS); Marsbmallo" Blasted Proot Loopo; Nut & Honey Crunch: ut & Honey Crunch O's: Nu1cH;raln (Almond Raisin. Golden 'Wbeat. Golden V.beat & Ralstn) ; Product 19. Raisin Bran; Raisin Bran Crunch ; Raisin Squares Mlnl-IHcalS ; Rice Krlsples (plain . fro led . Apple Cinnamon . TrealS) ; Smacks; Smart Start : Snack Pact. Special K: Strawberry Squares , Strawberry Squares Mlnl-V.bealS Gralolleld's; 'Wbectablx Nabisco Miscellaneous Cream or wheat Kelloggs Post All-Bran (plain, Bran Buds, Extra Plber); Apple Jacks; Apple Cinnamon Square Mlnl-WbealS : Blu eberry Squares: Breakfast Mates: Cocoa Frosted Flakes; Cocoa Krlsple s: Comple"' Bran Plates: COmplelt Oat Bran Flakes: Complt"' Wbtal Bran Flakes: Corn Flakes ; Corn Pops ; Cractlln' Oa1 Bran : Crlsplx: Froot Loops; ProSled Plakes: Frosted MlnlWb ta ts (regular and bile size) ; Healllly Choice (Almond Crunch with Alpha - BllS (plain and marshmallow)· Blueberry Morning; Bran Flakes: Fruit n' l'lbre: Frui Pebbles; Grape ulS: Great Grains : Honey Bunches or OalS (plain , wllh Almonds and with Graham) : Honeycomb. Oreo Os: Post ToasUes : uper Golden Cr1 p Quaker Apple Zaps; Cap'n Crunch: Cinnamon Toasted Oatmea l Squares ; Cocoa Blasi: Frultangy Ohs; Har>est Oat Flakes (plain and 1>ilh apples). Boney Dlpps: Honey Graham Obs. King \1lamln ; Lile: Marshmallow Safari: Oatmeal : Quaker 100% Natural Cereal: Quaker I OO'lll Low Pal NaUJraJ Cereal; Qulsp; S~t Crunch: Toa led Oatmeal (plain , hooey and nut); Toa ied Oatmeal 5«1uares Wheetabix Belly Crocker Muffin Mixes : Betty Crocker Pancake Mix: Belly Crocker Special Mullln 'dl.<'8: camauoo break· la t bars: Washington Pancake Mix: Raga Mumns; Indian Head Cornmeal; Mrs . Crutcbfteld Muma Mix; Lender's ba&els: ulri-Graln cereal bars (all na\"'8): RJce l\rtsples neats (squares and Chocola"' Chip Squares): Pop-Turts; Eggo Frozen V.ames (all na.ors and coonguraUoos) ; Chewy Granola Bars (all llaYors); Pop-'lllrts (all llaYors and coongurallons); Quaker Oats Rice Cakes, Menu Magic lostanl breakl'as~ Brook)ln Bagel: Cllex Mlxts (TradJUooal. Cheddar, Bold. !AA' Spicy) Seafarers LOG tt �THOMAS FAY BUILDING At far left, Doris Fay unveils the ide survival building named in memory left, poses with Paul Hall Center Vic beneath the new sign. The Thomas classrooms, offices, a damage-cont survival trainer. At right, Bull Shepard's son, Earl covering from board naming th father and, at far right, poses in building. The Earl "Bull" Shepat structure with moveable par se Dedications 'Embrace Our Past While Working Ior the Future' Buildings Named in Memory of Tom Fay, Bull Shepard S weltering temperatures did not spoil the occasion July 15 as two buildings were dedicated at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, located in Valley Lee, Md. As Seafarers, SIU officials and guests applauded, facilities were named in memory of Tom Fay, former vice president of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and Earl "Bull" Shepard, a charter member of the SIU and a founder of the center. The Thomas Fay Building houses classrooms, offices, a damage-control room and a water-survival trainer as well as areas for monitoring and servicing various fire fighting equipment. The Earl "Bull" Shepard Building is a two-story maze with moveable partitions. It primarily is used for search-andrescue training and to teach students how to maneuver through a darkened ship. Both are part of the state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety school that opened in late May. Unveiling the new signs on the respective building were Tom Fay's widow, Doris, and Earl Shepard Jr. , who sails as an AB. SIU President Michael Sacco stated that the dedications "point out that fact that we're a group which embraces our past while planning and working for the future. Anyone who has been to the Paul Hall Center can tell right away that we're very proud of our history." He praised Fay as "a very efficient, level-headed and dedicated individual-first-class all the way." Sacco also pointed out that Shepard "is someone who literally fought for better working conditions for the American mariner. He played a major role in helping build the SIU into what it is today." Additionally, he said the dedications spotlight "the fact that we in the SIU are a family. We may have disagreements, like any family. But in the end, we're on the same side, working together for the same goals and a brighter future. "In some cases, we literally are a family," he continued. "The SIU has a long legacy of one generation following the next to sea-from the rivers to the Lakes to the oceans. It makes me proud that so many people think so highly of this organization that they encourage their brothers and sisters and sons and daughters to join us." SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, Tom's brother, spoke about both men for whom the buildings were named. "Tommy was my sibling, but Bull Shepard also was my brother," he stated. "The one thing I knew about both of them is that when Tommy or Bull touched someone's personal life, it was always for the best. They never said no to anybody who was in trouble. I could tell you incident after incident, story after tory about the positive deeds both Tommy and Bull did." Carolyn Gentile, general counsel to the Seafarers Plans, mentioned that although Shepard and Tom Fay were "from different generations, they shared the common bond of being dedicated to improving the lives, working conditions and upgrading abilities of their fellow members. They were men of their times, but they also were members with foresight. Their vision is alive and well right here today." Representing the employer trustees for the Seafarers Plans was Anthony Naccarato, who said Fay's and Shepard's work has helped the SIU "reach the very top of the labor hill. Today, the American labor movement looks to Mike Sacco and the SIU with pride and admiration." He added that both officials undoubtedly would be pleased with the fire fighting and safety school, which "is a monument to all who have come before us and all who will follow. It looks to the future and proudly says, 'We are prepared to train the finest Seafarers to face the challenges of the 21st century. Fire fighting classes officially began in late May at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School , located in Valley Lee, Md., where the two newly named buildings are located. 12 Seafarers LOG Employer Trustee Anthony Ne,ccarato praises those who have made the Paul Hall Center a world leader in training mariners. ·~~..,..,,,,. August 1999 �=---::----o:--"'~:-:-::-::---:-:;;;-;~;-;;-L1 tification on the water f her husband and, at President Don Nolan Fay Building houses ol room and a water- EARL 'BULL' SHEPARD BUILDING hepard Jr., removes the maze building after his ront of the newly named d Building is a two-story itions, primarily used for rch-and-rescue training. SIU President Michael Sacco (above) opens the dedication ceremony. Below, Carolyn Gentile, general counsel to the Seafarers Plans, notes that Tom Fay and Bull Shepard were SIU members with foresight whose vision is alive today. Below, Unlicensed Apprentice Miles Wade Ireland Jr. leads the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Located near the classrooms are photos and plaques in memory of Shepard (left) and Fay. Tom Fay October 18, 1936 - February 27, 1995 John Fay, SIU executive vice president, speaks about both men for whom the buildings were named, one of which was his brother, Tom. - Tom Fay began his career with the Seafarers in 1958. Sailing in the engine department, .· he worked his way to becoming a chief electrician before coming ashore. Tom served the union in many different ways, including Honolulu port agent. He became the vice president for the Paul Hall Center in 1993. No matter what job Tom undertook, he performed it with courage, dignity and a sense of humor that made him a friend to all. The water survival building will proudly bear his name. Earl "Bull" Shepard September 4, 1913 - December 19, 1978 The maze building will carry the name of a charter member of the SIU and a founder of the Paul Hall Center, Earl "Bull" Shepard. Whether it wa aboard a ship, at a union hall or in the U.S. Capitol, Bull was totally dedicated to improving the lives and conditions faced by Seafarers. He had the respect of all who came his way. Besides being part of the crew to find a centralized location for training and upgrading, Bull also helped develop the center's early curriculum. August 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �Reminder to WWII Mariners U.S. merchant mariners who sailed between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 may be eligible for certain veterans ' benefits. To qualify and become eligible for benefits, a mariner must not only have served within the qualifying period, but also meet the following eligibility criteria: 1. Was a member of the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) serving as a crewmember of a vessel that was (a) operated by the War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation (or an agent of the Administration or Office); (b) operated in water other than inland waters, the Great Lakes, and other lakes, bay , and harbors of the United States; (c) under contract or charter to, or property of, the government of the United States; and (d) serving the Armed Forces. 2. While so serving, was licen sed or otherwi se documented for service a a crewmember of such a ves el by an officer or employee of the United States authorized to licen e or document the person for such service. Before you can receive veterans benefits, you must first submit a DD Form 2168. This fonn is available from Veterans Administration offices, merchant marine veterans organizations, and from the offices listed below. A copy of DD Fonn 2168 can also be downloaded on the world wide web at http://www.uscg. miVhq/g-m/nmc/wwiimm.html. Completed forms should be sent to the appropriate office: For Merchant Marine: WWII Merchant Mariner Qualification Highland Community Bank P.O. Box 804118 Chicago, IL 60601-4118 (Please note that the address on the reverse of the DD2168 to which Merchant Mariners are directed to send their applications has changed to the above address.) For Army Transport Service: Commander Army Reserve Component ARPERSCOM-PSV-V 9700 Page Ave. St. Louis, MO 63132-5200 For Naval Transportation Service: Commander Naval Per onnel Command (PERS-312) Millington, TN 38054-5054 If you have copies of your cer- tificates of discharge or other documentation of sea service, plea e ubmit them with your DD Form 2168. Under the Privacy Act, a certified copy of the death certificate will be needed if you are applying for a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214) for a deceased mariner. If you have qualifying sea service between August 16, l 945 and December 31, 1946, and you wish to have this period certified, Public Law 105-368 requires that the Coast Guard collect a $30 processing fee. Please send a check or money order, payable to the U.S. Treasury, with your new DD Form 2168. Updated List of U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Centers US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center Bldg. 14, Rm. 109, Coast Guard Island Alameda, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 US Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 Regional Examination Center 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 U.S. Coast Guard Activities New York Regional Examination Center Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center U.S. Custom House 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 165 N. Pico Avenue Long Beach , CA 90802 Phone: (562) 980-4485 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety office Regional Examination Center 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Memphis Regional Examination Center 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 196 Tradd Street Charleston , SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 SW. 1st Ave, 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Regional Examination Center U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Center Federal Building, Room 501 234 Summit Street Toledo, OH 43604-1590 Phone: (419) 259-6395 U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office AFL·CIO NATIONAL BOYCOTTS FARMLAND DAIRY Milk sold under the Fannland Dairy label in stores in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York Ill> Teamsters • MT. OLIVE PICKLE CO. Pickles and relishes sold under the Ml Olive and other labels, including the Food Lion and Harris Teeter supermarket 'house" labels Ill> Fann Labor Organizing Committee FURNITURE STRAITS FURNITURE CO. Jackson, Miss., manufacturer of entertainment centers, dining-room and bedroom furniture. Brands include: Canbrough Oak Collection, Downing Street Collection, Cheny Creek Collection, Hood, Straits Annual Blessing of New Bedford's Fleet Ill> Electronic Workers, Furniture Workers Division TRANSPORTATION/TRAVEL JULY/AUGUST 1999 ............................•••.• ALITALIA AIRLINES Air transport for passengers and freight Ill> Machinists BUILDING MATERIALS & TOOLS BEST WESTERN-GROSVENOR RESORT Hotel in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.; located at Disney Wol1d, BROWN & SHARPE MFG. CO. Measuring, cutting and machine tools and pumps Ill> Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees JET EQUIPMENT & TOOLS, INC. CROWN CENTRAL PETROLEUM Auburn, Wash., distributor of "JE'T" brand metal- and woodworking power and hand tools for home and commercial use Ill> Teamsters Gasoline sold at Crown, Fast Fare and Zippy Mart stations and convenience stores Ill> Paper, Allied-Industrial, Chemical & Energy Workers SOUTHWIRE CO. FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Commercial and industrial wire and cable; OoltYourseH brand homewire Ill> Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees Ill> Electrical Workers HOLIDAY INN SUNSPREE HOTEL MASTER APPAREL Men's and boys' trousers. Labels include Hills and Archer, Seafarers LOG Ill> Longshore & Warehouse Union NEW OTANI HOTEL & GARDEN and Ivy Hil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles Ill> Bectronic Workers Ill> Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION 14 Hotel in Watertiury. Conn. Hotel in Kapaa, Hawaii CLOTHING Twelve SIU fishing boats were among many vessels of all shapes and sizes participating in the 30th annual blessing of the fleet in New Bedford, Mass. This year's event, part of the city's annual Summerfest celebration, took place July 4. The fleet blessing paid tribute to those fishermen who passed away during the ~~yearand asked for protection, good luck and safe and bountiful seas for the year ahead. Awards were given for the bestdecorated boats. The SIU-crewed FN Sunshine (above) took top honors, and last year's winner, the SIUcrewed FN Lutador, came in third. but separately owned and operated Ill>- Machinists OTHERS BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION BET cable television. Action payperview, BET on Jazz Ill> Electrical Workers Steel, including rod, bar, rail, pipe and steel plate Ill> Steelworkers REGAL CINEMAS WELLS FARGO and NORWEST BANKS Chain of 250 movie theaters: "Regal Cinemas" & "Cobb Theaters• Ill> Stage Employees & Moving Picture Technicians FOOD/BEVERAGES CALIFORNIA TABLE GRAPES Table grapes that do not bear the UFW label on their carton or crate II> Fann Workers DIAMOND WALNUT CO. Diamond brand canned and bagged walnuts and walnut pieces Ill> Teamsters UN I ON LABEL AND SERV I CE CF&I STEEL and OREGON STEEL MILLS, INC. Wells Fargo has branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington; Norwest has branches in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska. Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas. Wisconsin and Wyoming Ill> Steelwor1<ers R.J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO CO. Cigarettes: Best Value, Gamel, Century, Doral, Eclipse, Magna, Monarch, More, Now, Salem, Sterling, Vantage, and Winston; plus all Moonlight Tobacco products Ill> Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers & Grain Millers TRADES DEPARTMENT. AFL-CIO The LOG Welcomes Your Digital Images ... But please be sure they have a resolution of at least 300 dots per inch and measure no smaller than 3 inches by 5 inches. This ensures good publication quality. They may be saved to a disk or sent via email to dhirtes@worldweb.net August 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JUNE 16 - JULY 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 22 5 6 12 12 21 38 15 l9 30 13 9 27 1 2 233 21 2 8 16 7 14 19 5 12 14 5 6 7 0 4 15 4 4 8 7 6 Totals Totals Totals All Departments 6 11 1 58 3 16 l 0 154 80 200 114 2 0 2 11 5 6 3 10 ll 8 7 2 5 2 7 19 22 1 10 7 I 2 3 7 11 5 1 0 3 4 7 6 23 10 10 10 3 3 2 0 3 8 3 2 6 0 6 9 2 2 3 4 0 0 3 2 0 4 2 4 3 2 90 401 185 101 8 8 4 2 l 0 0 5 2 0 4 7 l 0 2 2 59 0 19 20 2 11 I 3 4 6 7 1 3 4 2 5 7 23 22 12 5 0 0 1 2 1 10 9 4 I 0 1 0 2 0 115 37 7 3 0 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 25 7 1 0 4 3 11 9 2 2 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 6 7 6 2 12 10 12 2 8 San Juan .................. Thursday: September 9, October 7 6 3 3 2 10 11 9 12 3 11 7 4 6 45 I 5 4 26 37 4 14 18 2 0 10 4 0 2 0 3 1 3 5 0 1 0 8 3 1 1 0 53 2 11 2 0 I 241 81 0 31 0 0 9 0 43 0 0 0 2 2 2 11 7 11 8 6 0 0 7 16 33 29 4 12 2 21 7 1 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 10 11 21 21 4 40 14 2 17 2 19 12 6 11 9 l 15 0 0 0 155 165 32 10 0 123 465 300 450 353 0 0 0 0 2 9 1 12 0 112 0 86 253 258 214 197 924 631 434 0 9 BILLY CARL WALKER Call Mrs. Edna "Ed" Scott a( (757) 857-3753. FRIENDS OF JAMES E. HILL James E. Hill would like to hear from shipmates who served with him aboard the Penn Vanguard or the Keva Ideal. His address is: G. Pierce Memorial Hospital, 5847 S.E. Highway 31, Room 1, Arcadia, FL 33821; or telephone him at (941) 494-3323, extension Franklin Ward. BOB, THE ELECTRICIAN AB John A. Morales is trying to contact Bob, the electrician from New Jersey wf!o sailed with him aboard the El Nuevo San Juan in 1991. Bob may write Morales at 2725 S. Nellis Boulevard, Suite 1124, Las Vegas, NV 89121; or telephone (702) 432-7417. Welcome Back to Piney Point 99 0 0 0 4 WILLIAM LEONARD SMITH Bill F. Hudson would like William Leonard Smith or his wife, Alma, to contact him at 1501 South Fountain Green Road, Bel Air, MD 21015. The annual SIU-Marine Cooks & Steward picnic is scheduled for September 12, from noon until 5 p.m. at the barbecue area (site #7) at San Bruno Park. This is a pot luck, BYOB picnic. Plenty of parking available. 2 8 1 2 I 15 11 6 9 5 Personals I Notice 9 0 0 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 42 7 4 11 2 72 Wilmington .............. .Monday, September 20, October 18 7 1 2 25 Tacoma ................... Friday: September 24, October 22 0 26 5 6 27 St. Louis ................. Friday: September 17, October 15 2 14 10 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually regi tered for hipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. August 1999 11 10 San Francisco .........Thursday: September 16, October 14 9 5 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: September 14, October 12 4 1 0 12 0 6 14 16 28 13 13 2 15 New Bedford .......... Tuesday: September 21, October 19 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: September 8, October 6 5 17 4 0 0 6 44 5 0 1 7 0 10 4 Mobile .................... Wednesday: September 15, October 13 Norfolk ................... Thursday: September 9, October 7 112 2 8 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: September 22, October 20 1 1 0 196 0 Jacksonville ............Thursday: September 9, October 7 7 3 2 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 10 2 1 7 1 0 0 0 3 1 1 2 2 7 1 6 7 2 13 2 7 4 0 7 0 0 5 25 3 4 54 5 20 26 1 Houston .................. Monday: September 13, October 11 New York ................ Tuesday: September 7, October 5 6 2 2 5 0 26 0 1 0 36 50 Honolulu ................. Friday: September 17, October 15 2 3 79 12 18 15 16 1 8 18 9 20 Duluth ..................... Wedne day: September 15, October 13 9 13 4 10 0 3 8 21 9 22 2 103 3 3 Baltimore ................ Thursday: September 9, October 7 (*change created by labor Day holiday) 6 13 41 3 0 I 17 2 8 0 0 3 0 0 Algonac .................. Friday: September 10, October 8 1 15 I 2 36 1 0 21 4 2 4 3 13 3 8 23 9 ll 4 5 1 4 I 3 1 4 18 32 Piney Point ............. Tuesday: September 7* Monday: October 4 24 11 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 7 1 8 1 1 3 0 6 3 3 1 0 575 Totals 4 3 1 4 lI 8 11 6 6 1 0 0 0 54 1 3 5 1 8 6 0 0 8 1 0 3 21 27 6 5 5 2 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis ·Piney Point Algonac 9 9 0 1 0 9 151 67 42 0 2 2 9 10 13 2 1 7 6 5 0 13 13 6 4 6 10 42 10 9 6 9 7 0 24 3 5 5 3 8 4 3 2 3 17 6 8 11 24 21 7 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 8 3 7 18 19 Port 5 9 25 5 0 6 0 97 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 13 25 l3 4 7 3 8 8 23 I0 10 17 5 2 22 2 3 0 137 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 6 22 15 4 6 5 3 6 3 2 4 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Seattle Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. ouis Piney Point Algonac TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C - September & October 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Visiting the Paul Hall Center are Chief Steward Lonnie Jones and his wife, Denise. The couple from Columbus, Ohio shares a laugh with SIU President Michael Sacco. Seafarers LOG 15 �- Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntematlonal Union Directory JUNE 16 - JULY 15, 1999 Mi.chael Sacco President CL- Company/Lakes John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services . ~ HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port 0 24 9 0 14 7 0 4 2 Algonac 0 14 22 Totals All Depts 0 56 40 Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 14 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 13 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 9 11 0 40 23 0 10 4 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 5 11 0 16 17 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 JUNE 16-JULY 15, 1999 BALTIMORE 12 J 6 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (7 I 8) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 2 Lakes, Inland Waters 41 West Coast 4 Totals Region 47 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 27 West Coast 1 Totals Region 28 Atlantic Coast 0 Gulf Coast 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 23 West Coast 0 0 2 0 7 0 3 5 0 4 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 15 Totals 23 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 98 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 1 0 1 20 0 0 8 1 4 29 2 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 8 0 1 51 2 5 0 1 21 6 28 0 2 0 4 6 0 13 0 9 22 0 4 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 57 6 28 0 0 13 1 1 5 I *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner William Gonzalez of Brooklyn, N.Y. The year was 1949-the SS Chrysanthstar had sailed into the port of Venice, Italy, and the crew members set up a "barber shop" on deck to get a quick trim before going ashore. Included in the photo are AB Luis G. Figueroa (seated at left) and FOWT Gonzalez (seated at right). Between them is Wiper Willie Gallardo, and waiting his turn in the back is "Skinny," the oiler on the 12-4 watch. Gonzalez, now 78, joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of New York. He was active in many union organizing drives throughout his seafaring career and last sailed aboard the SS Borinquen in April 1976. He retired the following month. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. August 1999 �............................ .... ~---- ~"""'-----__.,~~~~- ---- - - - - 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. mong the 13 Seafarers retiring this month are four recertified bosuns and one recertified steward. Recertified Bosuns William S. Byrne, Jon C. Humason, Calvain A. James and Robert H. Stuverud and Recertified Steward Raymond E. Loretta graduated from the highest level of training in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and represent more than 175 years of active union membership among them. Including the five recertified graduates, eight of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division, four sailed the inland waterways and one plied the Great Lakes. This month's favorite region for retirement is the East Coast, where eight pensioners have settled. Two have retired to the West Coast, one resides in the Gulf region and one each lives in the Midwest and Hawaii. Ten of the retirees sailed in the deck department, while two worked in the steward department and one shipped in the engine department On this page, the Seafarers LOG pre ents brief biographical a c unts of this month's pension- A DEEP SEA WILLIAMS. BYRNE, 71, started sailing in 1968 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Beatrice Victory. Born in England, the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1975. During his career, Brother Byrne was active in union organizing drives. He has retired to Navarra, Fla. JONC. HUMASON, 46, graduated from the union's entry level training program in 1971 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Ogden Yukon. The Virginia native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1992. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the USNS Capella, operated by Bay Ship Management. Brother Humason makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. CALVAINA. JAMES, 71, started his career with the SIU in 1946 in the port of New York. Born in Virginia, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. During his career, Brother James was active in union affairs and organizing drives. From 1953 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Anny. Teaneck, N.J. is where he calls home. RAYMOND E. LORETTA, 64, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. in 1959 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Born in Ohio, the steward department member upgraded his skills at the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG t940 The constitution adopted in 1939 provided for the establishment of two separate districts: the Atlantic District and the Gulf District, with two separate headquarters, one in New York and one in New Orleans, and two separate bookkeeping and financial systems. The membership of the two districts, in a 30-day referendum vote, elected overwhelmingly to amalgamate the two districts. The amalgamation resolution, which was adopted in August, 1940, provides that the Headquarters of the Atlantic and Gulf District will be in Washington, D.C., until the next election, and that all of the financial and bookkeeping work shall be done in that office. Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1990. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1955. Prior to retiring, he sailed on the Comet, an American Ship Management vessel. Brother Loretta makes his home in Calistoga, Calif. PAULC. McMAHON, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Director, an Isthmian Lines, Inc. vessel. Brother McMahon worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Prior to his retirement, he sailed on the Sea-Land Endurance. Born in New York, he has retired to Las Vegas. GEORGE SAPP JR., 63, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Steel Age, operated by Isthmian Lines, Inc. The Georgia native sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief steward at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He last sailed in 1996 aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother Sapp makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. ROBERTH. STUVERUD, 56, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Seattle, first sailing aboard the to make port by 5 p.m. had to anchor out and wait overnight for Quarantine inspection the next morning. Even more affected were ships that came into port on a Saturday night since they had to hold over until Monday morning. Then gangs of longshoremen hired to handle the ship's cargo would be idle until the ship docked. It's been estimated that 40 percent of the shipping entering New York harbor is affected by the delays. THIS MO.NTH l.N SIU HISTORY t954 The often cussed overnight waits by crews arriving in U.S. ports before clearing Quarantine appear to be at an end. The Senate has completed action on a bill permitting shipping companies to pay overtime for inspections between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. The bill was supported by all shipping companies and port interests as a means of eliminating expensive delays in port. Up until now, any freighter or tanker that failed August 1999 1982 The officers and SIU crew of the USNS Southern Cross were honored in Washington, D.C. recently by the American Institute of Merchant Shipping for their "humanitarian assistance to Vietnamese refugees adrift in the South China Sea during late September 1981." The USNS Southern Cross, part of the SIU Government Services Division fleet operated by the Military Sealift Command, Pacific, picked up 58 desperate "boat people" from a small 35-foot boat on July 15, 1981 while en route from Subic Bay, the Philippines, to Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. At the time, their actions were lauded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Singapore .... On the small boat were 18 men, 13 women and 2 7 children. Bangor. Born in Washington, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1989. Brother Stuverud last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. He has retired to Seattle. the U.S. Army. He last sailed in 1984 aboard an Interstate Oil Co. vessel. Boatman Mason has retired to Salisbury, Md. EDUARDO TOMAS, 73, first sailed with the SIU in 1991 in the port of Honolulu aboard the SS Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. A native of Hawaii, he worked in all three departments, last sailing as a deck engine utility. Brother Tomas upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1945 to 1948, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Sea-Land Pacific. Waipahu, Hawaii is where he calls home. ARTHUR P. O'NEILL, 67, began his career with the Seafarers in 1987 from the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Boatman O'Neill last sailed aboard a Crowley American Transport vessel. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. He calls Philadelphia home. INLAND HENRYM. FOSTER, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Foster last sailed as a captain aboard an Express Marine vessel. He makes his home in Pinetown, N.C. RICHARD MASON, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1956. The Maryland native sailed as a captain. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1961 to 1963, he served in PATRICKW. THOMAS SR., 65, started his career with the SIU in 1965 in Port Arthur, Texas. A native of Texas, he sailed as a captain. During his career, he attended an educational conference at the union's training facility in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Thomas last sailed aboard the Helen Moran, operated by Moran Towing Co. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Port Arthur. GREAT LAKES GLENNH. CONRAD, 71, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1949. Born in Iowa, he worked as a member of the deck department. From 1951to1953, he served in the U.S. Army. He last sailed in 1981 aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock vessel. Brother Conrad calls Dubuque, Iowa home. American Victory Headed for Tampa The group that is pearheading the effort to convert the historic ship American Victory into a floating museum announced the vessel will arrive in Tampa this month. The Victory Ship, Inc. also recently said it has secured several sizable donations from Florida shipyards, publications and other businesses for use in the project. Built in 1945, the American Victory has been part of the U.S. Reserve Fleet on Virginia's James River since the end of the Vietnam War. Formerly crewed by SIU member , the 454-foot vessel was one of more than 500 Victory ships that debuted near the end of World War II. During Vietnam, it wa operated by Hudson Waterway Corp. The Victory Ship, Inc., which took possession of the vessel via an act of Congress, has indicated that the museum "will honor all mariners who served our country in times of war and peace. The American Victory will provide an educational and entertaining maritime experience to visitors." Plans call for the ship to be moored next to The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa's Channelside District. Joint ticketing with the aquarium is in the works. For more information, contact The Victory Ship, Inc. at 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL. 33602; or telephone (813) 2288766; or visit them on the web at http://www.americanvictory.org. U.S. merchant mariners who sailed between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 may be eligible for certain veterans' benefits. See page 14 for additional information. Seafarers LOG 17 _....... �final Departures DEEP SEA ENOS E. ALLEN Pensioner Enos E. Allen, 76, passed away May 20. Born in Canada, he joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New t...L..O"---""'---"- Orlean . Brother Allen sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. A resident ?f. Novato, Calif., he began receivmg his pension in April 1988. ~.,_,...,,...._=""_ ____, EDWARD L. ATKINS Pen ioner Edward L. Atkins, 74, died June 8. Brother Atkins began sailing with the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. His first 1..---~--- ship was the John H.B. Latrobe. A native of Virginia, he worked in the engine department. Prior to his retirement in January 1987, he worked on the Borinquen, operated by Puerto Ri~o Marine Management. Brother Atkins was a resident of Baltimore. CLARA B. BENNETT Pensioner Clara B. Bennett, 96, passed away June 22. A native o~ Texas, she began her SIU career m 1951 in the port of New Orleans. Sister Bennett sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Picayune, Miss., she began receiving her pension in April 1968. ISAIAS F. CAMBRONERO Pensioner Isaias F. Cambronero, 71, died June 14. Born in Costa Rica, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New Orleans, first sailing aboard the Del Sud. He started out in the steward department and later transferre.d to the engine department, upgrading to QMED at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Cambronero, who retired in August 1982, resided in Terrytown, La. ~--=----. Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in July 1987, he sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Grimes lived in Virginia Beach, Va. LEROY GULLEY ..----=-----,Pensioner Leroy Gulley, 85, pas ed away May 14. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU as a charter member in December 1938 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Gulley sailed in the steward department and attended an educational conference at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. A resident of Mobile, he started receiving his pension in February 1975. MICHAEL A. HALL Michael A. Ha11, 28, died May 8. Brother Hall graduated from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education entry proL......s.......::;~~......_____J gram and joined the SIU in 1992 in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the USNS Persistent, operated by U.S. Marine Management, Inc. A native of Maryland, he worked in the deck department and frequently upgra~ed his skills at the school. He last sailed aboard the USNS Antares, a Bay Ship Management Co. vessel. Brother Hall was a resident of Glen Burnie, Md. FREDH.HEAD Pensioner Fred H. Head, 70, passed away May 26. After a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, he joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the American Victory. The Alabama native sailed in the engine department and_ upgrade?. his skills at the union's trammg facility in Piney Point. Md. Prior to his retirement in March 1994, he worked aboard the USNS Denebola, a Bay Ship Management, Inc. vessel. Brother Head lived in Scotland, Conn. JOHN T. KELLY Pensioner John T. Kelly, 76, died May 7. Brother Kelly began his SIU career in 1969 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the EUGENE CROWLEY Pensioner Eugene Crowley, 83, passed away March 18. Brother Crowley joined the SIU in 1941 in the port of '"--"'----' New York. A native of California, he sailed in the deck department and began receiving bis pension in September 1976. Brother Crowley was a resident of Naples, Fla. WILLIAM E. GRIMES Pensioner William E. Grimes, 75, died May 6. He joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Norfolk Va. The North t.__ ___:::::..___ ___, Carolina native sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at the tB Seafarers LOG ______._.....,...____ ___.~ Minot Victory. The New York native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills to quartermaster at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Gulf Banker, an All Marine Services, Ltd. vessel. He retired in September 1990 and made his home in Bethlehem, Pa. Brother Kelly was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1945. ARTHUR J. McGINNIS L____::..___ _ ___, Pen ioner Arthur J. McGinnis, 73, pas ed away May 20. Born in Connecticut, he joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md., graduating from the bosun recertification program there in 1974. A resident of Metairie, La., he started receiving his pension in May 1988. HAROLD H. McVAY - - - - - - - - - , Pensioner Harold H. McVay, 86, died May 2. A native of Ohio, he joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of Mobile, Ala. During his career, he sailed in the engine department and was ~ctive i~ uni?n organizing drives. Pnor to his retirement in March 1981, he worked aboard the Portland, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother McVay made his home in Seattle. JOHN NIEMIERA Pensioner John Niemiera, 73, passed away May 16. Born in Maryland, he joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Niemiera sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Jacksonville, Fla., he began receiving his pension in August 1984.. During World War II, he served m the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. ~---=----, JOHN H. PONSON Pensioner John H. Ponson, 77, died May 31. Brother Ponson first sailed with the SIU in 1943 from the port of New Orleans. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department as a chief cook. Prior to retiring in May 1984, he sailed aboard the Del Norte, operated by Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. Brother Ponson was a resident of Metairie, La. JOHN C. REED JR. Pensioner John C. Reed Jr., 79, passed away April 3. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. ILE:i:...::..L.............'--'a.- Born in Montana, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarer Harry Lundeberg School, where he graduated fro~ the steward recertification program m 1981. A resident of Des Moines, Iowa, Brother Reed began receiving his pension in November 1983. -~---. JOHN T. STATIDS Pensioner John T. Stathis, 72, passed away May 18. Born in California, he began hi sailing career in the 1940s and joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1956 in the port of San Francisco. His first s?ip wa the Matsonia. Brother Stathis came ashore in 1961 as a union repre entative and served as port agent in Portland, Ore. A resident of Carmichael, Calif., he began receiving his pension in February 1976. FRANK RIDRIGS Pensioner Frank Ridrigs, 73, died May 18. A native of Maryland, he graduated from the Andrew F_m:useth Training School in 1962 and JOmed the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship wa the Chi/ore. Brother Ridrig worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in November 1993, he sailed aboard the Global Mariner, a Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Baltimore. RAMON L. VARGAS Pensioner Ramon L. Vargas, 71, died May 15. Brother Vargas first sailed with the MC&S in 1952 aboard the President Van Buren, an American President Lines vessel. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in February 1978, he sailed on the Illinois. Brother Vargas made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. ALFREDO C. VARONA Pen ioner Alfredo C. Varona, 64, passed away May 27. A native of the Philippines, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. His fir t ship was the Overseas Ulla, operated by Maritime Overseas Corp. Brother Varona worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in January 1998. Barge Lines and joined the SIU in L960 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Samuel sailed as a captain. A resident of Paulsboro, N.J., he began receiving his pension in January 1964. He also was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. JOHN D. SPUEHLER Pensioner John D. Spuehler, 72, passed away May 30. He joined the Seafarers in L97 4 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. A native of ..___ _,__ .....__IL..__, New York, he sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in May 1989, Boatman Spuehler signed off a Crowley Towing and Tran port Co. vessel. From 1944 to 1953, he served in the U.S . Navy. He made his home in Jacksonville. ~--....,,,,.,,=,.--. GREAT LAKES ROBERT E. CROTTY Pensioner Robert E. Crotty, 72, died April 15. Brother Crotty first sailed with the SIU in 1947. Born in Texas, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1943 to 1945. He was a resident of Chicago and started receiving his pension in December 1988. FRANK F. WALKER HUSSEIN A. SAID Pensioner Frank F. Walker, 88, died April 12. Born in Montana, h~ started hi career with the MC&S m 1941 . He worked as a member of the steward department. Prior to his retirement in August 1973, he sailed aboard the Mariposa. Brother Walker made his home in Spokane, Wash. Pensioner Hussein A. Said, 59, passed away May 25. Born in Arabia, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Detroit. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his kills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in February 1997, he sailed aboard the H. Lee White, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Said made his home in his native Yemen. ELSA R. WILSON Pensioner Elsa R. Wilson, 88, passed away May 27. Sister Wilson joined the MC&S in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Germany, she sailed in the teward department and began receiving her pension in May 1977. She was a resident of Santa Cruz, Calif. INLAND ROBIE J. HALL Pensioner Robie J. Hall, 85, died April 21. Born in Virg~nia , he ?egan his SIU sailing career m 1968 m the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman -~all worked as an engineer, last sailmg aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. During the World War II years of 1942 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Heathsville, Va., he began receiving his pension in November 1978. RICHARD K. MORRELL! Richard K. Morrelli, 43, passed away April 6. Boatman Morrelli first sailed with the Seafarers in 1996. Born in California, he worked as a captain , last ailing aboard an American Workboat vessel. He was a re ident of Kaneohe, Hawaii. JAMES M. SAMUEL ,----......,...~ ........,............._~- Pen ioner James M. Samuel, 87, died May 11. Born in Virginia, he began his sailing career in 1927, working for Gellenthin SALEH A. SALEH Saleh A. Saleh, 49, passed away May 1. Born in Yemen, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Detroit. Brother Saleh rw worked as a member of the deck department, last sailing aboard the St. Clair, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He was a resident of Dearborn, Mich. LEHAM J. TEEPLE Pensioner Leham J. Teeple, 78, died January 5. A native of Michigan, he started his career with the SIU in 1961 working as a dredgeman aboard ves el operated by Dunbar and Sullivan. A resident of Bay Mills, Mich., Brother Teeple started receiving his pension in February 1982. GORDON L. TRAINOR Pen ioner Gordon L. Trainor, 78, passed away April 16. Born in . Canada, he joined the Seafarers m 1964 in the port of Frankfort, Mich. Brother Trainor sailed as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He made his home in St. Ignace, Mich. and retired in April 1986 . August 1999 �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. SEA-LAND PACIFIC (Sea-Land Service), March 20-Chairman Lothar G. Reck, Secretary Lito G. Acosta, Educational Director Robert Mayer. Chairman stated ship assisted Coast Guard in search of Cessna plane downed in ocean 345 miles northeast of Maui. He noted new TV in crew lounge and reminded everyone to rewind movies when through. Secretary encouraged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., especially those without fire fighting endorsements. Treasurer announced $150 in ship's fund to be used for barbecues. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great job. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), April 19-Chairman Dan Fleehearty, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Ronald Belcher, Deck Delegate. R.J. O'Connell, Engine Delegate J. Haidir, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Curle . Chairman announced pa off on arrival in Tacom ash. He reminded crew bers to separate plastic from trash in rooms and check with union rep before leaving. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to contracts department to allow crew members to bring spouses on board. EA-LAND QUALITY (SeaLa ervice), April 18Chairman us Koutouros, Secretary Fran yn J. Cordero, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Larry Garvin, Engine Delegate James E. Sieger, Steward Delegate Tracey Newsome. Chairman announced new lounge chair, microwave oven and washing machine on order. Still need two gangway safety nets. He reminded crew to observe safety practices on deck, particularly when ship is working cargo. He also said to wear hard hat and reflection vest in terminal when not immediately going ashore. Educational director stressed importance of taking all medications and drinking plenty of fluids to remain healthy. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Elizabeth, N .J. SEA-LAND VOYAGER (SeaLand Service), April 21Chairman Jay C. Dillon, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director DiMarko Shoulders, Deck Delegate George P. Barber, Engine Delegate Ahmed Alaidares, Steward Delegate Munasser T. Omer. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. Crew laundry deck to be repaired there. Educational director suggested everyone keep up-to-date with all paperwork required for shipping: benzene card, STCW, TRB. No beefs or disputed OT. LOGs received in Yokohama, Japan. President's report from LOG and letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding days off read at shipboard meeting. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department to have fixed crew of stand- August 1999 bys for all departments waiting in Long Beach. Crew discussed possibility of getting shuttle bu in port of Pusan, South Korea to take mariners to gate. New VCR for crew lounge requested. Next ports: Long Beach and Panama. USNS REGULUS (Bay Shipping Corp.), April 28-Chairman Wilfredo C. Rice, Secretary Wayne Howard, Educational Director Marc Poniatowski, Deck Delegate Arthur Machado, Engine Delegate Allen J. Pettis, Steward Delegate Siu L. Chan. Chairman reminded crew of no smoking rule on mess decks. He noted ship sailing to Hawaii in June. Upon return in July, it will dock in Violet, La. Educational director advi ed all members to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made and sent to contracts department to have spouses' prescriptions covered under health benefits. Vote of thanks given to all departments. USNS YANO (Bay Shipping Corp.), April 25-Chairman John Wolfe, Secretary Mohamed Abdelfattah, Deck Delegate Randy Powell, Engine Delegate Stephen R. Harrington, Steward Delegate John Nunez. Chairman reported vessel in Persian Gulf for i ur on h . e advi e crew t drink lots of water and be careful when going ashore. He also reminded them of no smoking in cargo holds. Educational director suggested everyone upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Situation of expired stores to be looked into. Next port: Dubai, UAE. CLEVELAND (Sealift), May 3Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Dennis Swords, Deck Delegate Robert Trahan, Engine Delegate Lenzy Barney Jr., Steward Delegate Julio Arzu. Chairman thanked everyone for doing good job, especially cleaning cargo holds. Secretary reminded those getting off to leave rooms tidy with clean linen, towels and bath soap. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of educational facilitie at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $60 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and keeping ship clean. Next port: New Orleans, La. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), May 223-Chairman Ramon Castro, Secretary Lee N. Frazier, Deck Delegate Willie Chestnutt, Engine Delegate Charles Earl Bibbs, Steward Delegate Joyce Bernardez. Chairman stated all going well aboard Liberty Star. He said he was very happy to be part of such a good crew and hoped all would continue to work safely. Secretary announced payoff in New Orleans, La. May 17. Treasurer announced $145 in ship's fund. He reminded crew members of importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and contributing to SPAD. Some disputed OT reported in deck depart- ment. No beefs or OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department of need for medical plan to issue ID cards. Vote of thanks to teward department for good service. LNG ARIES (PRONAV), May 6--Chairman Monte Pereira, Secretary Robert Brown, Educational Director Jose A. Quinones, Deck Delegate Angel L. Perez, Engine Delegate David Dinan. Secretary reminded everyone to do jobs as usual and not pay attention to rumors about reflagging LNG ships. No final word announced. Educational director advi ed crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $1,846 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to evenly split fund among all on board if and when ves el is reflagged. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate Perez reminded ABs to keep taking on stores after docking until properly relieved. Message from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read at meeting concerning PRONAV reflagging ituation. Crew told of recent changes made by PRONAV: no more Horizon air mail after July 1 and restriction of crew to direct flights to and from ves el. Vote of thanks given to steward department for putting on fea t every night. Next port: Tobata, Japan. OSPREY (Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management), May 20-Chairman Robert M. Wiles, Secretary Michael A. Pooler, Educational Director Nicholas Vieira, Deck Delegate Robert E. Thompson Ill, Engine Delegate Antonio Simon, Steward Delegate Lawrence E. Winfield. Chairman led discussion on need for STCW endorsements in order to sail after February 1, 2002. He reported to crew on NMU now being able to take advantage of training facilities at Pin Point and impres ed upon everyone how important it is to bring all certifications up to date. Secretary has new movies, thanks to some crew members. Educational director echoed statements by chairman on need to continue upgrading skills. No beefs or di puted OT reported. Ship to lay up in Wilmington, N.C. for repairs . All hands will stay on board. New lines on bow and stem needed. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Baltimore. OVERSEAS OHIO (Alaska Tanker Co.), May 2-Chairman Tim Koebel, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Byron Elliot, Deck Delegate Carl Sands, Engine Delegate Mike McNally. Chairman reported on Tacoma port agent's visit to ship and held discussion on news regarding shipping arrangements with new company. Payoff announced for San Francisco at which time more information will be available about any contract changes, including company's low transportation rates. Educational director noted that with increased emphasis on training in tanker industry, crew members should enhance credentials by taking necessary upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made and forwarded to headquarters to have union lobbyists work with legislators to amend OPA '90 work-hour rules to say "no more than 15 hours a day" rather than "no more than 36 hours in a 72hour period." Crew expres ed gratitude to steward department for fine fare. Next port: El Segundo, Calif. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (Sea-Land Service), May 26Chairman Hayden Gifford, Secretary Franchesca Rose, Educational Director Ray Chapman, Deck Delegate Manolo V. Delos Santos, Engine Delegate Robert Harder. Chairman reminded crew members to be aware of and not forget to apply for additional benefit following completion of commitment. Secretary noted four new mattresses brought aboard this voyage. Four more will be ordered each time consumable stores are ordered until all crew members aboard ship but also at home. Treasurer stated two new picnic tables now on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez in answer to previous question regarding pension plan. He also read article from LOG about money purchase pension plan. Suggestions forwarded to contracts department regarding reducing amount of time needed for retirement and extending vacation time. Fresh Sashimi, Anyone? Peter Schmitt, chief steward aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez proudly shows off his latest catch. The 30-pound big-eye tuna was caught using live mackerel as bait, a heavy duty Penn Senator 11 reel and 100-pound test line. Schmitt says, ''The fishing out here is the best I've ever seen." The Lopez is one of four AMSEA mjlitary prepositioned ships based in Saipan. receive one. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thank for great food. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), May 9-Chairman Noberto Prats, Secretary Pedro Laboy, Engine Delegate Jorge E. Bermeo, Steward Delegate Fernando L. Vega. Chairman advised SIU members to upgrade skills and get better jobs. Educational director agreed, telling crew to apply for course needed to keep up with indu try. No beefs or disputed OT rep.orted. Special vote of thanks given to Steward Laboy for good job keeping crew happy and well fed. Next port: Elizabeth, NJ. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), May 4-Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Norman Evans, Educational Director James Roberts, Deck Delegate Robert J. Milici, Steward Delegate Isaac Vega Mercado. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Elizabeth, N.J. Sanitary inspection went well and everything running smoothly. Crew members asked to return all movies before arrival in port. They also were encouraged to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT. Suggestion made to ask contracts department to reduce number of days needed for retirement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), May 21Chairman Joel Lechel, Secretary David A. Cunningham, Educational Director Keith Jordan Sr., Deck Delegate Danny Miller, Engine Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward Delegate Clifford Elliott. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. and thanked deck gang for hard work keeping hip looking it best. He wished everyone a safe vacation-and good ailing to departing apprentices. Educational director reminded crew about advantage of upgrading at Paul Hall Center, particularly when new fire fighting chool opens. Fire can strike any time, any place, not only Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; and Hawaii. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), May 8-Chairman Jerry Borucki, Secretary Kevin Dougherty, Educational Director Joe Holzinger, Deck Delegate Norm Taylor, Engine Delegate Eric L. Campbell, Steward Delegate Nathalie Norie. Educational director spoke about taking advantage of many free educational opportunities available at Piney Point and chance to bring families there while upgrading. Some disputed OT reported in engine department; none in deck or steward departments. Bosun reviewed president's report from April LOG, including new cruise ship, Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School and U.S.-built double-hulled tankers. Vote carried to reimburse crew member from ship's fund to cover cost of missing clothing from laundry room. Clarification reque ted on amount of taxes taken out of vacation check and why retirement pension has not been raised since 1987 to account for inflation. Chairman complimented steward department for keeping ship dean and serving very good meals and extra treats. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; and Honolulu, Hawaii. SGT MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), May 2Chairman Angelo Urti, Secretary Lonnie Gamble, Educational Director Jerald Graham, Deck Delegate Robert A. Hudas, Engine Delegate Robert C. Hines Jr., Steward Delegate Clarence Robinson. On behalf of captain, chairman thanked crew for patience. Ship went into yard in Newport News, Va., but shipyard worker went on strike so vessel sailed to Blount Island in Jacksonville, Fla. to get some work done. Vessel now returning to shipyard. Educational director noted that all eligible crew members should attend Paul Hall Center to upgrade. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked engine department for keeping everything running smoothly in galley and teward department, in turn, was thanked for job well done. Next port: Norfolk, Va. Sealamrs LOii 19 - �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes On-Site Training for Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course Tankerman (PIC) Barge - With their instructor, Mitch Oakley (front right), boatmen who completed the tankerman (PIC) barge class on May 14 are (in no specific order) Elijah T. Collins, Curtis A. Hintze, Sterling J. Adams, Louis Perez Jr., Ted North, Floyd Ellis, Leo M. Venegas, William V. Hudgins Jr., Paul R. McCread, Derek Ross, Samuel Scott, Bob Borcester, Michael Rosenthal, Stephen K. Thompson, Michael John White and James J. Boyce Sr. Advanced Fire Fighting - Upgrading SIU members completing the advanced fire fighting course on May 21 are (from left, kneeling) William Bryan, Richard Buchanan, Fitzgerald Joseph, Vern Andrews, Ali Al-Kassemi, David MacCollister, Jonn Noel, (second row) Stormie Combs (instructor), Mathew Sandy, Charles Washington, Lawrence Griffiths, Gloria Detiege, Lothar Wick, Mary Ann Schade, Janusz Smolik, Curtis Jackson, Jamie Landeira, Roger Ollivierre, Roy Martinez, Nestor Ramirez and Robert Rogers. Philadelphia, Pa., January 12-15 - Maritrans boatmen completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course include Sherrie Fuller, Jim Serrell, Anthony Mathews, Gregory Lynch, Michael MacNeil and James Rudin. Their instructor is Mitch Oakley. Philadelphia, Pa., January 26-29 - More Maritrans boatmen completing this course in Philadelphia are John Peden, Melissa Terry, Aaron Findley, Jeffrey Hardy, William Taylor, Andrew Lyon, Luis Sosa, Bryan Kosegi, Lincoln Fraser, William White, Jerry Willis, William Eden, Phillip Yeomans and Kenneth Johnson (from Penn Maritime). Instructor Mitch Oakley is seated. Lake Charles, La., February 16-19 - Boatmen working aboard Crowley equipment in Lake Charles who completed the on-site course include Howard Clark, Jerry Fontenot, Larry Gaston, William Travis, Frank Aronsen and Michael Sanchez. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Receiving their certificates for completing the tanker familiarization/assistant DL course on May 28 are (from left, kneeling) Sean Cripps, David Gray, Rafael Clemente, Charles Hobbs, James Pierce , Gregorio Clotter, Wilfredo Acevedo, (second row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), William Thomas, Demetrius Simmons, Christopher Kicey, Patricia Geras, Raymond Oglesby, Edward Nelson, Wilfred Jones, William Sheehan and Clarence Fortt. Water Survival - Practicing their water survival skills are (in left boat) Brett Parkins, Mitchell Gustafson Jr., Melvin Ratcliff, Mohamed Mosa, Tina Larson, Kris Anderson , Jess Chalker, Amin Ali, (middle boat) David Green, Kevin Johnson, Robert Parker, Tawnia Stucker, George Travis, George Kankam, Susais Ali, (right lifeboat) Sales Amed, Raheem Owens, Cas Garza, Ernie Evangelista, Wayne Abell, Rashad King and Angel Melendez. 20 Seafarers LOG Government Vessels - Marking completion of the government vessels course on June 4 are (from left, kneeling) Daniel Buffington, Anthony Jordan, Joshua Davenport, Samuel McDaniel, Cole Bridwell, Joseph Sotelo, Christopher Ledlow, (second row) Mark Case (instructor), Tom Larusso, Hazel Galbiso, Clifton Doonis, Aaron Thomas, Nabil Ahmed, Christopher Barrow, Kwasi Manu, Timothy Bixby, Joel Encarnacion, Michael Snow and Tim Kager. August 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes .i' . J Chief Cook - Completing one of the required modules in the chief cook course are (from left) Jann Noel, Cleotilde Mejia, John Agugliaro, John Dobson (instructor), Dulip Sookhiram, Bienvenido Pagan, Alba Ayala and Jasper Jackson. STCW Water Survival - Upgrading Seafarers who successfully completed the water survival class necessary for their STCW endorsements are (from left, kneeling) Hazel Galbiso, Tina Larson, Jason Bonefont, Lolita Thomas, Ali Al-Kassemi, Ben Cusic (instructor); (second row) Bernie Hutchins, Wayne Abell, Curtis Isaac, Edward Nelson, Ruben Siclot, Sean Cripps, Jamahl Fadigo, (third row) Arnulfo Calderon, Basil Waldron, Louis Morris, Jay Linx, Eric Van Benthuysen and Wilfred Jones. STCW Safety and Fire Fighting - Upgrading graduates of the STCW safety and fire fighting course are (from left) Stormie Combs (instructor), Arnulfo Calderon, Basil Waldron, Lolita Thomas, Eric Van Benthuysen, Ruben Siclot, Bernie Hutchins, Curtis Isaac and Wayne Abell. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) - Radar - With help from instructor Mike Smith (standing), students completing the radar class on June 18 are Samuel McGuire, Mathew Sandy, Jerome North, Horatiu Vintila, James Pierce, David Lupton and Raymond Fernandez. Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course on June 25 are (from left, first row) Monty Smith, Kwasi Manu, Anthony Simon, Admed Sharif, Roland Perreault, Michael Kennedy, (second row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Kenneth Salgado, Victor Harvey, Edric Hernandez, Rachel Sanner, Jason Pratt, Ray Avie Jr., Adel Alameri, Bert Reynolds, Randy Ledesma, Shaib Juma, Dennis Wilson, (third row) Peter Czichomski, Melton Sam, John Barut, Billy Pinkston, Edward Devlin and Jerry Leonard. FOWT - Earning their FOWT endorsements on June 11 are (from left, kneeling) George Murphy Jr., Luis Alvarez, Elaine Watts, Joey Canlas, Courtney Price, Adedeji Adegunwa, Ameon Fuller, Brad Neathery, Anthony Neathery, Lewis O'Neal, (second row) Mark Jones (instructor), Charles Valencia, Arnido Sindac, Emmanuel Adeoti, Jose Liwag, Peter Poree Jr., James Van Dyke, Andre Terrell, Rohmy Butler, Hassan Mohamed, Christopher Sykes, Jaime Velasquez, (third row) Dean Macfarlane, Nigel Jefferson, Robert Racanelli, Paul Maitoza, Gregory Vliek, Terrance Maxwell, Jonathan Ncuokeh and David Ayou. August 1999 Seafarers LOB 21 �Letters to the Editor (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Remember Voting Records When Electing Leglslators Peter Salvo wrote about the unfair treatment received by American merchant marine veterans of World War II [June 1999 Seafarers LOG]. The American merchant seaman has never received fair and equal treatment since 1775. He wrote that Pennsylvania paid a $500 bonus to each state veteran after WWII. The great state of New York paid only $250. WWII American merchant seamen were finally declared veterans in 1988, but they did not get full GI bill benefits. Those ended in 1965. What they did get was too little, too late. A few states, Louisiana for one, have given a one-time bonus. For the past four years, I have worked tirelessly to obtain a $250 recognition bonus for New York AMMV WWII survivors. Each year, the bill was introduced into both houses of the New York state legislature but died in committee. Last January, Senator Marchi and Assemblywoman Connelly introduced the bill again. New York state AMMV members wrote letters and made phone calls. We were assisted in this effort by other maritime and veterans' organizations. Guess what? Once again, the bills died in committee. Election time is around the comer. I hope that every merchant seaman, whether a veteran, retired, inactive or active, will inform legislators from coast to coast that regardless of political affiliation, we will vote only for those who support the cause of the American merchant seaman. In addition, I hope that merchant marine veterans from coast to coast will demand that every state award a one-time recognition bonus to those who served in WWII-now, in this lifetime! Yes, we merchant marine veterans are still waiting, and unless we all stand together with firm determination, we shall continue to wait into eternity. Gloria Flora Nicolich PR Officer, American Merchant Marine Veterans Brooklyn, N. Y. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, EIN 94-6061923, Plan No. OOI, for the year ended July 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (BRISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the trust. Plan expenses were $14,152,499. These expenses included $929,782 in administrative expenses and $13,222,717 in benefits paid to participant and beneficiaries. A total of 4,953 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 $156,888, 193 as of July 3 I, 1998, compared to $154,916,757 as of August 1, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net asset of $1,971,436. 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 a total income of $16,123,935 including employer contributions of $24,928, realized gains of $1,795,754 from the sale of investments, earnings from investments of $14,298,988 and other income of $4,265. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standard of BRISA. 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 independent auditor's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Che ter Hazel, administrative manager, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104; telephone (415) 495-6882. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.00 for the full annual report, or 25 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on reque t 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. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104 and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the DOL upon payment of copying costs. Reque ts to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, Room N-5507, Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUND, INC. This is a summary of the annual report of the SlU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., E.1.N. 941431246, Plan No.501, for the year ended July 31, 1998. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. has committed itself to pay all supplemental benefit claims incurred under the terms of the plan. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $3,143,615 as of July 31,1998, compared to $3,097 ,064 as of August 1, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $46,551. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $6,092,305 including employer contributions of $5,832,348, earnings from investments of $188,316 and other income of $71,641. Plan expenses were $6,045,754. These expenses included $220,576 in admini trative expenses and $5,825, 178 in benefits paid to participants. Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: l. An independent auditor's report; 2. assets held for investment; and 3. transaction in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Chester Hazel, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104; telephone (415) 495-6882. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.00 for the full annual report, or 25 cents per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on reque t and at no charge, a statement of the as et and liabilities of the plan and accompanying note , or a tatement of income and expen es of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, the e two statement and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying co ts given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because the e portions are furnished without charge. You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan, 522 Harrison Street, San Francisco, CA 94105-3104, and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the DOL upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addres ed to: Public Disclosure Room, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, Room N-55C7, Washington, DC 20210. 22 Seafarers LOii 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 tru tees in charge of these funds sha11 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 hipping 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 employer , they hould notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper addre s for this is: 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 DONATIO SPAD. SPAD is a separate segre- EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained gated 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 uch objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solici·ted 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. 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 member hip 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 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 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all time , 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. Member hould 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 believe 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. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If August 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The fo11owing is the schedule for etas. es from Augustw through the end of the year at the Paul Han Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. wm Recertification Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion Bosun Recertification August23 October 4 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) August 2 September 27 November 1 August 20 October 15 November 19 Basic Firefighting August2 September 27 October 18 November 22 August 6 October 1 October 22 November26 Advanced Firefighting August2 September 13 Novembers August 13 September 24 November19 Government Vessels August 16 September 6 September 27 November 1 November8 November29 September 3 September 24 October 15 November 19 November 26 December 17 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 9 September 6 October 4 November 1 November29 August 20 September 17 October 15 November 12 December 10 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) August2 August 9 August30 September 20 September 27 October 25 November 1 Novembers ovember 22 November29 December 13 August 6 August 13 September 3 September 24 October 1 October 29 November 5 November 12 ovember 26 December3 December 17 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 20 October 29 Radar Observer/Unlimited August9 September 4 August20 September 15 Radar Recertification (one day) August 19 October 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids August 23 October 18 (ARPA) August 28 October23 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oil r August9 October 11 September 17 November 19 September 20 October 29 September 13 December 3 Power Plant Maintenance September 27 Novembers Refrigeration Systems Maintenance November 8 December 17 Maintenance I Steward Upgrading Courses Start Date Galley 0 tions/ perations Advanced Gal e (Every week, starting ~ August2,9,16,23,30 September 6, 13, 20, 27 October 4, 11, 18, 25 11) Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week, starting Jan.11) Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and August 9, 23 ep ember 6, 20 October 4, 18 Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. ------~-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ Arrl.lllHI nn1 ,,,. JI Tlnll IUll 11n~n JI ft Ill~ UrUIJHUlllU With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatimefor the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seati.me for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The pavment should be made with a monev order only. payable to LMSS. Name Address COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - -- Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0 No Firefighting: D Yes 0 No CPR: 0 Yes 0 No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - August 1999 SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfally complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPUCATION 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. Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ _ __ 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 otherwi e quali fied, of any race, nationality or ex. The chool complies with applicable Jaws with regard to admission, access or treatment of student in its program or activitie . 8199 Seafarers LOB 23 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SIU Pacific District Pension Plan -page22 SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. -page22 S-L Integrity Crew Enjoys Run to Nortliem EW'Ope There were no complaints when the Sea-Lcmd Integrity paid off recently in Elizabeth, N.J. There were, however, compliments given to the steward department for the outstanding job they performed and the delicious meals they prepared. It was a good run to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, for the crew members aboard the SeaLand containership, and AB Pedro Lopez snapped these photos during the voyage. The vessel will head south to Norfolk, Va. before crossing the Atlantic again and then return to Boston and Elizabeth to complete its monthly run. All crew members on the Sea-Land Integrity agree that the steward department does an outstanding job. From the left are Chief Steward Stephanie Sizemore, Chief Cook Luis Ruiz and GU Kevin M. Brown. AB Phillip A. Morris steers a straight course at sea. DEU Ali S. Mohsin (left) and AB Pedro Lopez secure deck equipment. Prior to docking, AB Nelson R. Rodriguez checks that the winch is working properly. Chief Electrician Dennis R. Baker looks for some reading material aboard ship. ... AB Robert S. Vazquez prepares a winch for docking in the port of Rotterdam. Taking a 15-minute coffee break aboard the Sea-Land containership is Bosun Leon AB Pedro Lopez puts on a brake to disengage the winch aboard the Sea-Land Integrity. As the vessel approaches the port in Rotterdam, AB Earnest Oxendine prepares for docking. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource August 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEN. ROBB: STRONG MERCHANT MARINE IS CRITICAL TO THIS NATION’S DEFENSE ALLEGED SEX ASSAULTS DISCLOSD BY CARNIVAL SEAFARERS’ WAGES, BENEFITS INCREASE UNDER NEW FIVE-YEAR T-AGOS PACT SIU-CREWED USNS BOB HOPE COMPLETES BALKAN OPERATION MAERSK ACQUIRES SEA-LAND’S INTERNATIONAL FLEET BOATMENT AT MARITIRANS AMERICAN WORKBOATS RATIFY NEW CONTRACTS BOSUN TEDDY BUSH PASSES AWAY AT 38 STEELWORKERS HOPEFUL OF RESOLUTION IN NEWPORT NEWS SHIPBUILDING STRIKE RELAXED ASSESSMENT ENTERS HOME STRETCH LABOR HAILS GOV’T CONTRACTING REFORMS ALASKA TANKER SIGNS PACT WITH SEAFARERS GAO REPORT: ALASKAN OIL EXPORTS INCREASE U.S. MARINER EMPLOYMENT NEW BEDFORD REMAINS A TOP FISHING PORT RUNAWAY-FLAG CRUISE LINE ADMITS DUMPING TOXIX CHEMICALS IN NEW YORK, MIAMI, L.A. PAUL HALL CENTER CERTIFIED AS AUTHORIZED PROVIDER OF CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS AB BROSIUS RECEIVES SAFETY AWARD ELECTRICIAN EARNS DEGREE AFTER 8 YEARS OF STUDY LEGAL DEPARTMENT CLARIFIES TAX EXEMPT STATUS FOR SEAFARERS IN ARABIAN GULF RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPS CREATE MORE UNWANTED HEADLINES FOUR TONS OF COCAINE SEIZED FROM FREIGHTER; TANKER DETAINED IN L.A. FOR SAFETY VIOLATIONS UNION LABEL URGES MEMBERS TO HELP STOP ‘SAIPAN SCAM’ ITF LAUNCHES NEW COMMISSION TO REFORM SHIPPING REGULATION ELECTRONIC MEDIUM’S GROWTH CHALLENGES INFO SEEKERS CAPT. BOOTH HEADS NMC 1999 AOTOS AWARDS GO TO TRANSCOM AND MARINE TRANSPORT LINE’S RICHARD DUMOULIN SIU LAUDS AMMV CHAPTER AT MEMORIAL DEDICATION DEDICATIONS ‘EMBRACE OUR PAST WHILE WORKING FOR THE FUTURE’ BUILDINGS NAMED IN MEMORY OF TOM FAY, BULL SHEPARD REMINDER TO WWII MARINERS S-L INTEGRITY CREW ENJOYS RUN TO NORTHERN EUROPE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 8 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/37c7d149fe4d3750cbf6b8f195988eac.pdf 8898941eec99d96c85be5967c22a037e PDF Text Text WYl\Y.seafarers.org Volume 61 Number 7 Christenings Signal The tanker HM/ Brenton Reef (center) and the tugboats Atlas (left) and Scout (right) recently joined the Seafarers-contracted fleet, marking more jobs for SIU members. Additionally, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, The Delta Queen Steamboat Co. (also an SIU-contracted company) announced it will launch the Columbia Queen to provide riverboat passenger cruises in the Pacific Northwest, starting in April 2000. Page 3. After instructors at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education conducted the final equipment checks at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, classes there officially began in late May. Thus far, the new addition (located in Valley Lee, Md., near the Paul Hall Center's main campus) has impressed students and guests alike, including legislators, administration officials and the head of TRANSCOM. Pages 12-14. Merger Talks Under Way Between SIU and NMU_Page2 �President's Report Signs of Success It has been a slow, tough campaign, but America's union movement is showing signs of continued growth. Last month, a federal agency released to the public the fact r---"""C'"""-.....,...,,,,""""" that workers are holding and winning more representation elections than in previous years. And these elections are for an everincreasing number of working men and women. During the 1980s and early in this decade, all you would hear and read in the news was that labor had lost its clout, that unions were Michael Sacco obsolete. Well, that certainly is not the case now! The proof is in the numbers. Last year, union membership overall increased for the first time in years. The AFL-CIO didn't make up this fact. It came from the government's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The trend is continuing this year. In Los Angeles, 75,000 home health care workers voted to join a union because they wanted dignity and respect on the job. In Puerto Rico, 66,000 teachers, cafeteria workers, secretaries, maintenance workers and others with the education department won the right for union representation. Miners, grocery workers, hotel employees, government workers and so many more are saying they want a voice in their workplaces. They want what Seafarers have: solid contracts with good wages and benefits. The SIU has been a part of the growth in the nation's union movement. Just look at the next page. New vessels plying the waters. Another riverboat on the way. All of these represent more jobs, more opportunities and more growth for the SIU. Since the beginning of the year, the Seafarers LOG has steadily announced new cargo ships, new tugs and new passenger vessels coming to companies contracted to the SIU for crewing. That's progress. The union pledged to find more jobs for Seafarers so they will be ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. To meet that task, the SIU has been upgrading its union halls while the Paul Hall Center has expanded with the opening of the fire fighting school as well as continuing its updating of courses. The SIU has quite a list of accomplishments so far, but we are in no way ready to rest on our laurels! There is so much more to do and many more opportunities to investigate. Just like the SIU, the AFL-CIO is not stopping to catch its breath. The fight at the Avondale Industries shipyard is one example of how much work still has to be done. Despite those workers voting overwhelmingly for representation, the company continues to manipulate every loophole it can to keep from negotiating a contract. It has been six years since the vote, yet the workers remain strong. They are resolved to win this battle and get what they deserve. These men and women-along with the tens of thousands of others who have just gained recognition or are fighting for itprove the labor movement is a vital force in America's business and economic life. For our present members and those to come, the SIU and the AFL-CIO will continue to make sure working people have a voice at their workplace, are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve and provide for their families in a manner in which they can be proud. Volume 61, Number 7 July 1999 lhe SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers LOG (ISSN I 086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (30 I) 8990675 . Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Talks Under Way Concerning NMU Merger with Seafarers Sill President Michael Sacco and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie have met to explore the possibility of the NMU merging with the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. The presidents have created committees to study such a merger. Among the topics included in the discussions are training for the members, job security, seniority and combining of various operations. No time table or deadlines have been set for these talks. Since the affiliation of the NMU with the Seafarers took place last year, the reaction by members from both unions has been positive. Seafarers have welcomed NMU members to upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. An agreement has been reached between the newly created Alaska Tanker Company and the SIU and NMU which covers crew members sailing from both unions. In both of these cases, rank-and-filers of the two unions are standing side-byside learning in the classroom and working aboard ship. Officials from the SIU and NMU have initiated merger talks. Meeting last month at SIU headquarters are (from the left, clockwise) NMU counsel Larry Brundick, AFL-CIO Maritime Comm. Exec. Dir. Tai Simpkins, NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie, NMU VP Charles Stewart, NMU Agents Ike Williams and Rusty de Roussett, SIU Sec'y-Treas. David Heindel, SIU Exec. VP John Fay, SIU Counsel Leslie Tarantola and SIU VP Contracts Augustin Tellez. Avondale Bills Navy $5.4 Million To Continue Fight Against Unions Pro-Ltlbor Vote Has Been Denied for Six Years June 25 marked the six-year anniversary of the date on which employees at Avondale shipyard in New Orleans voted for union representation. The extent to which the company has used every imaginable stalling tactic to avoid the outcome of the vote is considered by many a sadly extreme story in its own right. However, the announcement last month that Avondale billed the U.S. Navy $5.4 million to pay the shipyard's anti-union lawyers shed a bizarre new light on the case. Continued on page 4 Seafarers show their support for Avondale workers during a recent demonstration near the New Orleans shipyard. Pictured from left to right are Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt, AB Charles Troutwine, AB Randy Bolling, AB William Bolling and Pensioner Beau James. Tax Bill Ottered ta Make Janes Act Vessel Construction Easier Congress is considering tax legislation to make it easier for U.S.-flag shipping companies to build new vessels for the Jones Act trades. Introduced last month by Rep. Jim McCrery (RLa.), the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine Revitalization Act (H.R. 2159) already has drawn bipartisan support from Reps. Wally Herger (R-Calif.), William Jefferson (D-La.) and Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii). McCrery told his fellow members of the House of Representatives when he presented the measure that the bill "is critically important to the modernization and growth of the United States maritime industry, our nation's fourth arm of defense. "I am convinced that the best way to ensure that our nation continues to have the militarily useful commercial vessels and trained and loyal United States-citizen crews we need to support our interests around the world is to enact those programs and policies that will better enable our maritime industry to flourish in peacetime," the Louisiana congressman added. "I am equally convinced that one important way to do so is to provide a tax environment for our maritime industry which more closely reflects the favorable tax treatment other maritime nations provide their own merchant fleets." H.R 2159 would alter the present Capital Construction Fund (CCF) law to make it easier for U.S.-flag shipping companies to deposit income earned from their U.S.-flag vessels into the pre-tax account that can be withdrawn later to construct Jones Act vessels in U.S. shipyards. McCrery said the change in the CCF law, first implemented as part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, would assist U.S.-flag companies in their efforts to modernize the domestic fleet. (The Jones Act, part of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, states that goods moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed and U.S.built vessels.) By expanding the type of income eligible for deposit, U.S.-flag shipping companies engaged in the Jones Act trades will have a stronger source of capital to build new vessels needed in the next century. "This change would be good for the whole industry," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "It creates and ensures jobs for American shipbuilders as well as American mariners." Another provision of H.R. 2159 would change existing law relating to the payment of a 50 percent ad valorem duty on the overseas repair of U.S.-tlag ships. Under the present law, this 50 percent duty must be paid to the U.S. Treasury for non-emergency repairs made in a foreign country's shipyard. The legislation offers an alternative allowing for the payment of the duty directly into a CCF account, thus providing a direct benefit to U.S. shipyards. H.R. 2159 has been assigned to the House Ways and Means, Armed Services, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees for consideration. No hearing date for the measure has been scheduled. July 1999 �NEW SHIPS MORE JOBS Fifth 'Double Eagle' Christened; Crowley, G&H Launch New Tugs On the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts, Seafarers recently welcomed new additions to the SIU-contracted fleet. Signifying more jobs for SIU members, the new vessels are the "Double Eagle" tanker HM! Brenton Reef, operated by Interocean Ugland Management for Hvide Marine; the tugboat Atlas, operated by G&H Towing in the Houston area; and Crowley Maritime's harborclass tug Scout, based in Long Beach, Calif. "As always, the SIU is proud to provide the best-trained mariners in the world to crew the new tanker and tugs," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. "We welcome the jobs and the responsibility of helping ensure safe, efficient operations." f"dth Tanker Recertified Bosun Victor Beata and Chief Steward Michael Pooler each expressed favorable impressions of the HM! Brenton Reef, slated to begin its first voyage as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. The 620-foot tanker, which features double-hull construction and state-of-the-art electronics and safety systems, successfully completed sea trials in late May and was christened June 18 at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. It weighs 46,000 tons and can carry various chemicals in its 14 specially coated tanks. Additionally, the ship has a beam of slightly less than 106 feet and can travel at up to 16 knots. Like its four SIU-crewed predecessors in the Double Eagle program, the HMI Brenton Reef "responds to the mandate of Congress and the American people to build double-hull tankships that will transport petroleum and chemical products in U.S. waters in the safest manner possible," commented Jean Fitzgerald, chairman, president and CEO of Hvide Marine. "Her entry into the Jones Act market marks another step forward in the evo1ution of environmentally friendly marine transportation." Atlas: Strong Impression Captain Nelson "Frenchy" Breaux has sailed aboard a number of new tugboats, but he rates G&H's twin-screw Atlas at the top of the list. "Everybody's enjoying it. It's everything that can be expected and more," he remarked. Breaux said the Atlas "is very modern, especially when it comes to safety features. For instance, it has internal heat sen- sors throughout the boat hooked into all three alarm panels. There are also internal smoke detectors. "The interior of the boat is really comfortable, too, and I believe that promotes safety. When a crew feels comfortable, they work better." Christened earlier this year during a gathering of approximately 250 guests, the 96-foot tug performs harbor docking at several Texas ports including Houston, Galveston, Freeport, Corpus Christi and Texas City. "The Atlas truly is state-ofthe-art," observed SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, who attended the christening ceremony in Galveston. "As a former engineer, I was very impressed with the engine room. The crew quarters and galley facilities are first-class, also, and there's easy access for maintenance and repair to all the systems." Built at Main Iron Works in Houma, La., the Atlas has 3,900 horsepower and can travel at greater than 13 knots. It was christened in memory of Newton Rayzor, chairman of the board of directors of Intracoastal Towing & Transportation Corp. (for which G&H operates the boat) who passed away in February. "Mr. Rayzor was a good and fair employer," Corgey noted. "The SIU always had a good working relationship with him." He added that the eight Seafarers who participated in (photo by Jim Hemeon) The SIU-crewed HMI Brenton Reef successfully completed sea trials in late May. The "Double Eagle" tanker was scheduled to start its maiden voyage late last month. the christening "did an outstanding job representing the union and the company in a professional, courteous way." Those SIU members included Breaux, Mate David Andrisek, Quartermaster Sean Arbogast, Quartermaster Jon Crampton, Asst. Engineer Tim Dement, AB Larry Hadley, Chief Engineer Jimmy "Indiana" Payne and Oiler Brian Taylor. New Harbor-Class Tug In Southern California, the newest of Crowley's SIUcrewed harbor-class tugs also garnered praise. Continued on page 4 ~ l 'I l I The harbor-class tug Scout (center) joins Crowley's fleet in Long Beach, Calif. Delta Queen Announces New Riverboat far Fleet SIU-Crewed Vessel Will Sail in Pacific Northwest Operated by G&H Towing in the Houston area, the Atlas is a welcome addition for Seafarers, including crew members (kneeling, left to right) Capt. Nelson "Frenchy" Breaux, Mate David Andrisek, (standing) Oiler Brian Taylor, Chief Engineer Jimmy "Indiana" Payne, AB Larry Hadley, Quartermaster Sean Arbogast, Asst. Engineer Tim Dement and Quartermaster Jon Crampton. Celebrating the christening of the Scout are (left to right) Jim Penny, Crowley operations manager in Long Beach, Calif.; Nick Marrone, SIU VP West Coast; Capt. Wayne Berry, a Seafarer who sails aboard Crowley tugs; and John Cox, SIU port agent in Wilmington, Calif. July 1999 Seafarers will be crewing next year the latest addition to the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. fleet-the Columbia Queen. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, Delta Queen's parent firm, American Classic Voyages Co., announced its plans to offer overnight passenger service to the Pacific Northwest aboard the new riverboat. Delta Queen is an SIU-contracted company which also operates the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen paddlewheel steamboats along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. "This announcement by Delta Queen and American Classic Voyages shows their continued confidence in the fine American mariners who crew their vessels," SlU President Michael Sacco stated when the announcement was made. "The Columbia Queen once again demonstrates this union's commitment for new jobs for the membership," he added. The Columbia Queen is scheduled to begin service in April 2000. The 218-foot vessel will be able to carry 161 passengers in its 81 staterooms. The riverboat was designed by the same firm that created the American Queen, which began service in 1995. The vessel will be based in Portland, Ore. It will sail along the Columbia, Snake and Willamette rivers, offering vacation packages to Mount St. Helens National Monument, the Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood, Washington state wine country, Astoria, Ore. and Lewiston, Idaho. Besides adding this fourth riverboat to its fleet, Delta Queen presently is building the first two of five coastal cruise vessels scheduled to begin service in 2001. These 225-passenger ships will sail along the Eastern seaboard and the Pacific Coast. American Classic Voyages' other subsidiary-American Hawaii Cruises--operates the SIU-crewed SS Independence. Earlier this year, the company signed an agreement with union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding for construction of the first two U.S.-built deep sea passenger vessels in more than 40 years. The first of these ships, which will sail around the Hawaiian Islands, is expected to board passengers in 2003. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, August 16, 1999 (unless an emergency arises) for the observance of Paul Hall's birthday. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 3 �Bosun Vern Poulsen Honored By Tacoma Propeller Club Not much surprises Recertified Bosun Vern Poulsen, who has seen just about everything during his 50-year maritime career. But the Propeller Club-Port of Tacoma, Wash. recently caught him off guard when the organization presented its 1999 Master Mariner Award to the longtime Seafarer. The annual award recognizes various contributions to the U.S. maritime industry. "It was very, very much a surprise. I had no idea, but it was nice," said Poulsen, who has been part of the Sea-Land shore gang in Tacoma for 15 years and a member of the Propeller Club nearly that long. "Vern deserves the acclaim. He's a great guy and a wellrespected member," noted SIU Assistant Vice President Bob Hall. Poulsen, 65, joined the SIU in Seattle in 1961. He first sailed in the galley before switching to the deck department and working his way up to bosun. (Poulsen completed the recertification course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime . Congratulating Recertified Bosun Vern Poulsen (center) on his award are SIU Asst. VP Bob Hall (left) and Sea-Land VP Gary Ritzman. Training and Education in 1974.) Asked about his fondest sailing memories, he replied, "They're all good memories, although I [particularly] liked the SL-7s." The veteran Seafarer also quieted a rumor about his supposed upcoming retirement. "I'm just a kid, I'm not retiring," he said with a chuckle. "In fact, I just made a trip on the (Liberty ship) Jeremiah O'Brien." A Ship By Any Other Name ... Bosun George Jordanides snapped these photos of the ~repo~i­ tioning ship Calvin P. Titus as it became the Mf!ersk ~nzor:a m Sunny Point, N.C. The containership, us~ally stat1c:ined in .sa1pa~, was renamed in early April. Its sister ship, the Enc G. Gibson, 1s scheduled to be renamed the Maersk Alaska this month while overseas. Poulsen actually was on vacation during his 27-day stint aboard the historic vessel, based in San Francisco. He volunteered to help paint the ship, which still makes trips each month around the San Francisco Bay. "I was one of the youngest guys on that ship, and we worked 15 hours a day," he noted. "The best thing was I got paid the same as the captain: nothing. "Honestly, I' 11 treasure the experience." Avondale Workers Still Denied Contract Continued from page 2 Apparently, such reimbursements are allowable according to federal contracting rules, although the Navy reportedly warned Avondale that it may deny future reimbursements if they are deemed "unreasonable." The Atlas, operated by G&H Towing in the Houston area, i~ bo!h comThe story broke in midfortable and comes equipped with many safety features like internal Safety problems at Avondale lndus~ries were .the focu~ of a Workers heat sensors and smoke detectors. June, after Sen. Edward Memorial Day rally in New Orleans m late Apnl. The shipyard recently Kennedy (D-Mass.) asked for a was fined $537,000 by the government for safety violatio~s. Seven breakdown of Avondale's pro- workers have died at the facility this decade. Below, SI~ re~1ree Beau posed reimbursements for its James (left) joins fellow trade unionists at the rally, which included a scheme to deny union repre- memorial march (above). Continued from page 3 "Another interesting aspect sentation. According to news is that they use the latest tech"This is something that I Christened in May, the 105- nology in lines. The stem line is reports, Kennedy argued that find especially troubling. They taxpayers should not pay for foot Scout operates in Long made out of the same material get away with [the anti-union such expenses. Beach and Los Angeles along used in bulletproof vests. It The Defense Contract Audit campaign] because American with three other Crowley har- floats, yet it's stronger than Agency officially has labeled taxpayers are footing the bill," bor-class tugs. A fifth is due out steel. Unbelievable." the proposed reimbursements Wellstone said on the Senate this month. About 200 people attended as "unresolved," although it has floor. "The maneuverability of the Scouts christening. "The Navy and the Coast these boats is incredible, as is Like the other Crowley har- "not identified a basis under Guard are effectively subsidizthe 360-degree visibility," said bor-class tugs, the Scout can (current regulations) to disaling Avondale's illegal unionKerry DeMatos, who sailed perform ship escort at greater low them," stated Navy busting campaign," he continSecretary Richard Danzig in a with the SIU for 16 years before than 10 knots. It possesses ued. "Avondale gets about 80 becoming Crowley's senior port 4,800 horsepower plus the latest letter to Kennedy. percent of its contracts from the In an unrelated matter, Sen. Paul Wellstone (Dcaptain in Long Beach last radar and other telecommunicaNavy for building and repairing Avondale recently agreed to Minn.) voiced outrage at the October. "They don't have pro- tions equipment, and was built pellers, so they can go in any at Nichols Bros. in Freeland, notion of tax money covering ships. If it weren't for the become a wholly owned subUnited States Navy, Avondale sidiary of Litton Industries. Avondale's legal expenses. direction. Wash. probably wouldn't exist. Litton also had attempted to "This poster child for bad acquire Newport News (Va.) corporate citizenship is brought Shipbuilding, but that proposal Seafarers Mark Maritime Day on USNS Indomitable to you courtesy of the failed. Similarly, a planned A series of ceremonies American taxpayer." merger between Avondale and marked National Maritime The senator also pointed out Newport News Shipbuilding is Memorial Day in Washington, that Avondale last year came off. D.C. last May. One of the under fire in federal court for Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO events took place at the numerous unfair labor practices organized a "community hearWashington Navy Yard, where the SIU-crewed USNS and safety violations. ing" in New Orleans on the Indomitable, operated by "On the one hand, the sixth anniversary of the Maersk Line for the Military National Labor Relations Board Avondale vote. Local workers, Sealift Command, was feaand OSHA (the Occupational clergymen, political represe~ta­ tured. Three Seafarers workSafety and Health Admin- tives and labor officials ing aboard that vessel were at istration) find Avondale in fla- (including AFL-CIO Secrethe ready to assist visitors on shipboard tours. They are, grant violation of the law. On the tary-Treasurer Rich Trumka) from left, AB Bobby E. Kelly, other hand, the Navy keeps spotlighted the need to protect EU Elliott A. Rhodes and rewarding Avondale with more workers' freedom to join a Bosun Robert Taylor. union. contracts." ...... ) New Additions to SIU Fleet 4 Seafarers LOG July 1999 �Realities of Runaway-Flag Shipping: Masked liunmen1 No Food or Wages NY Times Article Reveals More FOC Victims Even in Russia, the Inter- and chairman of the ITF's national Transport Workers' Seafarers Section. "It's important Federation (ITF) exhibition ship enough that the ITF launched the Global Mariner continues gain- Global Mariner, and there's no ing North American publicity for doubt the ship has generated a lot its campaign against runaway- of coverage, especially during the tlag shipping. past half-year." On May 22, The New York The SIU is one of the more Times published a detailed piece than 500 transportation-related about the runaway-flag Lakhta, unions affiliated with the whose Russian crew members London-based ITF. The union, for have not been paid in a year and decades, has partaken in the fight who recently were threatened at against runaway-flag shipping. gunpoint with eviction from the FOC Nighbnare badly rusted vessel. The ITF The article by Russell called attention to the Belize-flag ship when the Global Mariner Working disclosed that the docked nearby in Vladivostok, mariners aboard the cargo ship Lakhta "are a year behind in their Russia. The New York Times' article wages, and the owners no longer delves into the broader issue of provide food or water and once runaway-flag shipping-also even tried to evict the crew at known as flag-of-convenience gunpoint. The ship is caked in shipping-while using the Lakhta rust, and even her basic seaworcase as an example. The newspa- thiness is in question. The hatch per touches upon the Global covers over the cargo holds do Mariner, which has traveled not fully close, a problem that halfway around the world to pub- could swamp the ship in high 1icize the ITF's 50-year fight seas." As often happens in such against the runaway scam. This marks the continuation of cases, the crew "has not been able a wave of similar coverage that to figure out just who owes them began late last year and has con- the wages." In February, they tinued fairly steadily since then. sued the charterer, Dellner Other newspapers including the Shipping Co. of Russia, for more Houston Chronicle, Baltimore than $82,000 in back wages but a Sun, New Orleans Times- judge threw out the case. Dellner, which chartered the Picayune and many more have been joined by network television vessel from Seattle-based Caribnews affiliates in covering the bean Maritime, claimed the previblight caused by runaway-flag ous charter operator owed all but shipping (see box). In many 40 days' worth of wages. After cases, the stories were publicized the judge's ruling in mid-March, the company persuaded the court nationally. "Publicity is an important part to send a bailiff and 13 masked of the campaign. It raises aware- gunmen to the ship. When a television crew and a ness, which is a step toward correcting the problem," said John lawyer for the mariners arrived a Fay, SIU executive vice president little while later, the rifle-toting In the News Some recent high-profile cases involving runaway-flag ships • The New Carissa runs aground at Coos Bay, Ore., spilling 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel and touching off weeks of nationwide coverage. Partly as a result of the incident, legislation is introduced in Congress to protect U.S. ports from similar mishaps. • Battling malnutrition and many other health problems, the crew of the disabled Delta Pride finally comes ashore-nearly a full year after being abandoned in Mexico by the ship's bankrupt owner. Unpaid for two years, the crew subsisted on rainwater and fish that they caught. • A fleet-wide conspiracy at Royal Caribbean Cruises involving environmental crimes is detailed in a Sunday New York Times article. The Miamibased company, fined a record $9 million for pollution incidents, saves about $30 million a year in U.S. taxes by registering its ships in Norway and Liberia, the article notes. A follow-up article points out that the 17 major cruise lines pay practically no income tax even though they are based in this country and 90 percent of the passengers are American. • The National Transportation Safety Board calls a two-day hearing about the Carnival cruise ship Ecstasy, which caught fire last year shortly after departing Miami. At the hearing, the Ecstasy's captain acknowledges he initially refused help from the Coast Guard to fight the blaze. He also told investigators he maintained a minimum speed out of Miami, despite black smoke and flames pouring from the aft mooring deck, in case he had to steer the vessel to keep the smoke from blowing across the ship. • The tanker Campo Duran is detained in Baltimore because of numerous safety problems. They include oil leaking into the bilge, which cannot be cleaned because of a faulty water separator; lack of fresh water; a malfunctioning main engine; a broken radar plotting system; an uninstalled emergency towing system; a lifeboat blocked by stacks of 55-gallon drums; no heat; and widespread unsanitary conditions. July 1999 individuals (some of whom reportedly had climbed the masts and threatened the crew) as well as the bailiff left the ship. The ITF's inspector in Vladivostok is assisting the mariners, while personnel from the Global Mariner donated stores and money. Runaway-flag ships are carriers operating under the flag of a non-traditional maritime nation, yet owned by a citizen or citizens of another country. Financially strapped nations sell the use of their flag to shipowners, who register tonnage in those countries in order to take advantage of less stringent labor, safety, regulatory and tax standards than if that vessel were registered in the owner's nation of citizenship. The ITF Global Mariner has gained publicity for the organization's campaign against runaway-flag shipping-a campaign actively supported by the SIU. Cases like that of the Lakhta, spotlighted recently by The New York Times, help reveal the runaway-flag scam. Battling the 'Millennium Bug' U.S. Parts Will Remain Open When Clack Strikes Midnight Coast Guard Says It Is Ready -· for Y2K Even as the U.S. Coast Guard continued conducting Y2K tests at sea and ashore last month, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that U.S. ports will remain open on January I, 2000. However, the Coast Guard also warned that "where there are concerns for safety, operational restrictions could be imposed by the local Coast Guard captain of the port." Such constraints may include anchoring outside a harbor, sailing at reduced speed, one-way traffic lanes or extra tugboat assistance, among others. The announcement took place June 15 in Southern California, where Coast Guard officials carried out two days of Y2K tests throughout the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as well as aboard the Seafarers-crewed APL Singapore. SIU-contracted Crowley Marine Services also took part in the exercises, which involved simulated oil spills, engine failures and electronic communications obstacles. Maritime concerns about the so-called millennium bug- potential disruptions stemming from computers and other electronic equipment that misreads the year 2000 as 1900-include possible collisions, spills or traffic jams in harbors. Virtually any system that supports shipping or cargo handling is susceptible, including navigation and engine control systems, cargo gauging equipment, vessel traffic management tools, and communications devices. The industry is far from alone in tackling the Y2K issue. According to revised estimates released last month by the White House, the U.S. government will have spent at least $8.06 billion working on Y2K fixes. Notwithstanding the problem's breadth, DOT Deputy Secretary Mort Downey and Coast Guard Rear Admiral George Naccara expressed confidence that U.S. port operations would run smoothly through the new year and beyond. Downey pointed out that the cooperative efforts from different sectors of the industry have yielded substantial progress in readying for the year 2000. "We believe we are well on our way to having a (maritime) transportation system that will operate properly before, during and after the millennium change," he stated. Naccara, the agency's chief information officer, said, "Rather than interrupt U.S. port activities on January I, the Coast Guard will gather and assess information on operators' Y2K preparations, and impose operational restrictions only ifthe operator's level of Y2K preparedness raises safety concerns. The idea is to have a consistent, nationwide approach that will protect life, property and the marine environment while recognizing the importance of ocean transportation to the nation's economy." He added that the Coast Guard has worked on its Y2K plans for about two years. Seafarers LOG 5 �From St. Marys to St. Mary's ~ . .·· Alaskan Ledlow Looks Forwanl ~ - -- ~, f ~ ... ~-3 Al.AIKANA!llltll.IST »·~~ af ~lrOhtl.or;".d , !N ..... i !91Ct~d~:WO. ~.tlC4tbeptm--- : 2fHl~1'1N;r.S~~·t..... f -- Val .. s • wa!ltt hMno~;::~.t=:=:=:: I To New Career as SW Member When Chris Ledlow climbs the gangway this summer as a member of the engine department crew for the first time, it will be the culmination of his dream to obtain a skill that opens the whole world to him. Ledlow, a graduate of unlicensed apprentice class 583, is an Alaska Native who had spent most of his life in the Yukon River village of St. Marys in the southwestern comer of the state prior to his arrival at the Paul Hall Center in St. Mary's County, Md. last year. The 20-year-old has become a celebrity of sorts in his home state because of the career path he has chosen. He had a feature story published about him April 12 in the Anchorage Daily News. Then, that city's NBC television affiliate shot a day in his life at the Paul Hall Center, running the video on June 3. "I hope this lets others in Alaska know the possibilities they have with the SIU and the merchant marine," the unassuming Ledlow told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "My village only has a couple hundred people. I could work in a grocery store, at a cannery or my father's garage and that is about it. When I heard about Unlicensed Apprentice Chris Ledlow tells a television reporter why others from Alaska should attend the Paul Hall Center. this, I wanted to try it and see what I could do." Ledlow found out about the unlicensed apprentice program through SIU Anchorage Representative Harold Holten. Holten has been working with Alaska-area private industry councils to recruit young men and women from the state to become merchant mariners. Alaska has high unemployment As instructor Mark Cates offers directions on forklift operations, an Alaskan television crew works on an "up-close-and-personal" shot of Chris Ledlow. statistics compared to the rest of the country. The SIU recruitment effort has the blessing of the state's congressional delegation-Sens. Ted Stevens (R) and Frank Murkowski (R) and Rep. Don Young (R)-as well as Gov. Tony Knowles (D). In fact, the joint venture received national recognition in March from the National Association of Private Industry Councils for its success. When Ledlow began his work in the first phase of training, he had no idea in which department he wanted to sail. That changed during his phase two experience aboard the Great Land, a vessel operated by TOTE. "I got to work in all three departments, which is part of the program. But I could not believe my 30 days were over so quickly when I was in the engine department. I felt I had only been there two weeks. I knew that is where I wanted to be," Ledlow recalled. Upon his return to the Paul Hall Center, he dedicated himself to learning as much as he could to begin his new career in the engine room. That training allowed him to be among the first to battle a blaze in the Eternal Flame bum building on the grounds of the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. "It was incredible. I couldn't believe how hot it got in there. Then they told me it was only 300 degrees, but it could be turned up to 1,600. I wouldn 't want to feel that." During his interviews with the Alaskan media, Ledlow was asked what differences he had encountered during his education at Piney Point. "The salmon. It doesn't taste the same in Maryland as it does back home in Alaska. But I've gotten used to it." Paul Hall Center's Russell Honored on Memorial Day The Anchorage Daily News ran a feature story about Unlicensed Apprentice Chris Ledlow when he returned to Piney Point for phase three training. Apprentices Learn Maritime History During a recent trip to the port of Baltimore, students in the final segment of the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program learned about contemporary maritime happenings and industry heritage. The students met with SIU members and officers aboard the USNS Capella (below), where they reviewed various aspects of shipboard work. They also toured the historic Liberty ship John W Brown (top photo), currently staffed by volunteers. On the World War II-era vessel, the apprentices gained new appreciation for the role of the U.S. merchant marine in national defense Posing for a photo aboard the Capella (bottom photo) are (from left) Capt. David Kelly, Chief Mate Michael Murphy, Unlicensed Apprentice Melvin Ratcliff, Paul Hall Center Instructor Shannon Twigg, Chief Steward John Walsh and Bosun Gary Clarke. He Was Among the First U.S. Troops Called to Action in South Korea Many Seafarers know Albert Russell as the face of security at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. However, few know that the man in the guard house is a decorated Korean War hero. Russell was honored with other American veterans in St. Mary's County over Memorial Day. All of them were in a feature photograph printed in the local newspaper, The Enterprise. In July 1950, Russell was among the first wave of American troops sent to South Korea following the invasion from the north. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army's 21st Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division when he was wounded by shrapnel from mortar fire just days after landing in South Korea. (During that same engagement, 6 Seafarers LOG his overall commanding officera general-was taken prisoner.) Russell told a reporter he never felt like a hero. " I was sent over there to do a job and I did it," the soft-spoken Russell said. "I'm proud of what I did for my country." Russell received the Purple Heart and Cluster for his multiple wounds. After recovering, he continued to serve in South Korea until July 1951 . He was awarded the Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge and many citations for his duty. He was discharged in July 1952. Russell has been part of the security staff at the Paul Hall Center since August 1970. But this is not his first stint at that location. Shortly after being released from the Army, he land- Paul Hall Center Security Guard Albert Russell displays his Purple Heart, Bronze Star and other citations he earned during his tour of duty in the Korean Conflict. ed a job at the old torpedo testing range-on the same location as the center-in the Navy gun factory from 1953 to 1957. July 1999 �Watchman Vlado Lazarevski Kinsman Independent Oiler William English Kinsman Independent Fireman John Rittinghouse Kinsman Independent Low water levels on the Great Lakes have impacted cargo movements, but for the most part it has been "business as usual" for Seafarers sailing in that region. In April, there was an 8.6 percent cargo downturn in iron ore, coal and stone compared to the same time last year. Some 14.8 million tons of cargo were shipped on the Lakes that month. As of mid-June, Lakes cargo movements were down about 13 Despite cargo movement that trails the record paces of recent years, Seafarers remain very active on the Lakes, including aboard the Kinsman Independent (right photo), the Adam E. Cornelius (above, towed by an SIU-crewed Great Lakes Towing tug) and many other vessels. . I ) ...:'~ percent compared to the 1998-99 shipping season. A Lakes trade association pointed out that besides low water levels, the drop "also reflects the fact that the winter of 1997-98 was extremely mild and thus dry-bulk trades resumed ahead of schedule." Additionally, dumped foreign steel continues impacting the Lakes fleet, although some nations have slowed their steel exports to the U.S. Watchman Nick Velkoff American Republic Porter Julius Najera Kinsman Independent SIU Rep. Don Thornton, Oiler Charles Lesley Kinsman Independent Deckhand Musid Musleh American Republic Watchman Raymond Spooner American Mariner Chief Cook Abdulwahab Mutahr, Asst. Cook Paul Paton Alpena Deckhand Donald Sausman Kinsman Independent July 1999 Seafarers LOG 7 �Steward Has Loving Message During Black History Month Commemorations of this year's Black History Month extended far beyond U.S. shores, thanks in part to Saundra Leonard. The chief steward gave a heartfelt speech February 28 in Diego Garcia during a shoreside celebration of the month designated for reflection upon the his- tory, teachings and other contributions of African Americans. Organized by a U.S. Navy officer, the event drew approximately 250 people, including other speakers. "Something's always happening on the island," noted Leonard, who was sailing aboard the Buffalo Soldier-a ship Chief Steward Saundra Leonard is congratulated for her remarks by AB Gregory Bamfeld (left photo) and AB Allan Green. named in memory of African American cavalry units who served in the untamed western U.S.-<iuring Black History Month. "This particular ceremony brought tears to people's eyes." A frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Leonard told the audience that she has witnessed a disturbing deterioration in human interaction. "Especially in the 1980s, drugs and crime and other undesirable things came into our community (in Southern California), and things just fell apart," she said. "We stopped loving ourselves, our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers." Leonard suggested that acceptance and religious faith are vital to societal improvement. "Stop looking at the color of a person's skin, and try to see the beauty in The SIU-crewed prepositioning vessel Buffalo Soldier is named in memory of black Army veterans who served in campaigns throughout the then-untamed western plains. a person," she advised. "If we of all races don't start loving one another, this world will never change .... Love of self and of God is the only thing that's going to bring happiness." Listeners responded to Leonard's remarks with loud applause. The concept for Black History Month came from Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. In 1926, he secured government recognition of "Negro History Week" honoring the contributions of black Americans. Woodson picked a week in February because the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass occurred during the month. In 1976, spurred by the renamed Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, the commemorative week expanded to a month. The SIU-crewed Buffalo Soldier, operated by Red River Shipping Corp. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, is named after the all-black 9th and 1oth Cavalry Regiments created by the Army Reorganization Act of 1866. The units served until just before World War II. Cape Trinity Crew Awarded Certificate of Excellence The SIU-crewed Cape Trinity, one of 91 ships in the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) owned by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MarAd), is often called upon to support military exercises. One recent operation, howev- er-transporting a complete, rapidly erectable, 500-bed hospital to Norway- earned the ship's crew a certificate of excellence, presented personally by Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart Jr. Using the vessel's huge stem ramp, about I 00 vehicles and 400 The SIU crew aboard the Cape Trinity recently was honored for its outstanding performance in support of a military operation. With the crew are Maritime Administrator Clyde J. Hart Jr., MarAd Central Region Director John W. Carnes, Apex Director of Marine Operations Robert Kunkel, SIU VP Dean Corgey and Assistant VP Jim McGee. containers were rolled on the ship in Virginia and offloaded in Norway. Two weeks following Hart's visit, the master, crew and managers of the Houston-based cargo ship also were honored, this time by the U.S. Navy's Fleet Hospital Group. A plaque was presented to the ship during an informal ship ceremony by Deputy Maritime Administrator John E. Graykowski. Ninety-five percent of the material needed in a military deployment must be sent by sea, Graykowski stated. "We are proud that the Cape Trinity has demonstrated how well suited the ships are to respond to any contingency." Six of the 91 RRF vessels are based in Houston, and of those, three, including the Cape Trinity, are managed by Apex Marine Ship Management, LLC for MarAd. Each of the vessels flies the RRF readiness flag, signifying that, in a national defense emergency, it will fill out its crew, take on stores and fuel, and be ready to sail in 96 or 120 hours. Proud of their union and their vessel are some of the crew members aboard the Cape Trinity, an RAF ship honored for its military support. From the left are Chief Electrician Gabriel Arhin, Recertified Bosun Billy Eastwood, GUDE Edward Shamburger and QMED Ross Hardy. El Yunque's First Call Following the presentation of MarAd's certificate of excellence to the crew of the Cape Trinity, that agency's administrator, Clyde J. Hart Jr., poses with (from left) SIU VP Dean Corgey, Assistant VP Jim McGee and MarAd Central Region Director John W. Carnes. One There When You Need Him The AFL-CIO recently reported that, when 100 delegates to the Steelworkers civil rights conference began demonstrating in support of locked-out workers at the Kaiser Aluminum plant in Gramercy, La., someone called the local sheriff's office. When the sheriff arrived, he called for backup-not to arrest the demonstrators, but rather to protect them from traffic on the busy fourlane highway. It so happens the sheriff is a former member of the Steelworkers and once served as grievance chair at that same Kaiser plant. B Seafarers LOG The newly contracted El Yunque, operated by Sea Star Line, recently made its first call at Port Everglades, Fla. Pictured in the galley during that stop in May are (from left) Chief Steward Matthew Scott, SA Charles B. Collier and Chief Cook James Kasha. July 1999 �Captain C.R. Balomenos complimented the Liberty Sea '.S' crew for a "very good voyage" that took place this spring. The SIU-crewed vessel is operated by Liberty Maritime Corp. ALL IN A DAY'S WORK: Above and left, Seafarers including Bosun Harold Sebring and AB James Deano clean the holds. AB Dave Hetrick moves to the next task on the Liberty Sea. Right: Hands-on experience is a key part of the Paul Hall Center's phase two training for unlicensed apprentices. Here, apprentices Chad Warren (left) and Ronald Gloston (right) join AB Robert English in cleaning the holds. Enjoying lunch are (from left) QMED William Parker and GUDEs Terrence Ford and Louis Green. 66,000 in Puerto Rico Win Union Elections In one of the biggest unionization efforts ever, an overwhelming majority of voters chose union representation in elections last month covering 66,000 Puerto Rico Department of Education employees. Teachers, cafeteria workers, maintenance personnel and clerical employees voted by an 85 percent margin to join unions. They will vote again this fall to decide which union represents them in each unit. According to a news release from the AFL-CIO, the election was part of a two-step process created by the passage last year of a law giving public employees in the territory the right to form a union. Approximately 150,000 public employees in Puerto Rico are eligible for union representation under the new regulations. The vote involving the Department of Education, which ended in mid-June, was the first conducted under the new law. Elections for other departments will follow, noted the labor federation. The vote ·counts among the four groups were: teachers, 29,058 yes to 3,538 no; cafeteria workers 5,144 yes to 547 no; July 1999 Doing their part to make the vessel a good feeder are (from left) Chief Cook Luis Caballero, Chief Steward Charles Scott and GSU Wilfred Lambey. maintenance employees, 3, 150 yes to 312 no; and office workers, 2,500 yes to 445 no. Eighty percent of eligible voters cast a ballot. "We want a union contract so we can build the best possible future for ourselves, our families and the children we teach every single day," stated Nancy Cardona, a teacher in San Juan. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney pointed out, "These employees know that ~union will mean better jobs, enhanced schools and stronger communities throughout Puerto Rico. "The overwhelmingly positive vote spotlights these workers' ardent desire to have a greater voice on the job." There are approximately 1,600 schools in the Puerto Rico system. The Department of Education employees are forming unions with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the United Auto Workers (UAW). (See page 10 for related story.) USNS Bob Hope Does 'Fleet Week' in NY Posing for a photo after a union meeting last month aboard the USNS Bob Hope are (front row, from left) SIU Patrolman Jack Caffey Jr., OS Bryan Gaddis, Bosun Terry Evins, SAD. Williams, (back row) SA Roy Warren and AB Bob Day. The USNS Bob Hope, pictured last month in New York during the Navy's "Fleet Week," is one of four vessels in its class crewed by Seafarers. The newest one, the USNS Mendonca, was christened in April. Greeting a visitor at the gangway are (from left) Bosun Terry Evans, AB Lumumba Lasana, Navy Sailor Laurie Brindle, Storekeeper Gary Bruber and AB Eric Overby. Seafarers LOG 9 �More Workers Say 'Union Yes' The national federation of trade unions last month reported that new government data show workers are conducting and winning more union elections than in previous years. The AFL-CIO, of which the SIU is an affiliate, also pointed out that the elections cover increasing numbers of workers, according to statistics compiled by the U.S. Bureau of National Affairs from National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) data for 1998. Employees secured union representation in 1,653 elections, or 51.2 percent of balloting in 1998, compared to 1,591 elections, or 50.3 percent of voting in 1997. The number of elections in 1998 increased to 3,229 from 3, 160 in 1997, a 2.2 percent increase. Additionally, the federation noted that workers last year won half of the campaigns involving units of 500 or more employees -a high point since such statistics have been tracked. Those figures "are good news for American workers, because growing unions mean better jobs and stronger communities," said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. "Unions are on the right track, and are reaching out more than we have in years. We should celebrate this news by redoubling our efforts." The highest win rate was in the finance, insurance and real estate industries, where workers won nearly 84 percent of 31 elections. Workers won more than half the elections in health care services; general services; transportation, communications and utilities; retail; and construction. Moreover, the NLRB statistics do not include some of the largest organizing wins in 1998 which occurred under the National Railway Labor Act or through employer recognition of majority worker support outside an election process. In total, more than 475,000 workers joined unions in 1998, according to the federation. And, as previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, union membership rose for the first time in years in 1998-by more than 100,000 -according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data released earlier this year. The number of union members in the U.S. rose from 16.1 million to 16.2 million. Unfon density in the service sector-the largest sector of the economy-rose for the first time, from 5.4 percent to 5.6 percent. Safety Drills on Sea-Land Expedition Water survival drills are a staple aboard SIU-crewed ships, as participants eagerly hone their skills for a scenario they hope never occurs. Recently, Seafarers on the Sea-Land Expedition executed a regularly scheduled lifeboat drill (top photo) while the vessel was in San Juan, P.R. Above left, Recertified Bosun Ismael Rivera and AB Efrain Alvarez secure the boat following the drill as others observe. Above right, Oiler A. Omer and AB Roger Plaud grease the wire while the boat is retrieved from the water. Below, Alvarez performs maintenance that is a standard part of the drill. Wilmington Seafarers in Korea .......~~/UJ Four self-described "proud members of the SIU" from the port of Wilmington, Calif. recently posed for this photo while waiting for a flight connection at the airport in Ulsan, South Korea, shortly after signing off the Sea-Land Challenger. Pictured from left to right are AB Dominic Sanfilippo, AB Frank Cammuso, Chief Steward Terry Allen and AB Amin Hussein. They returned to the vessel about three weeks later, Cammuso noted. Pidare roanell • ..... Relmring in Piney Point Picture yourself and your family by the pool, at the beach, on a picnic. Or picture yourself and your family exploring Civil War sites, checking out dinosaur bones at the Smithsonian Institution, catching a foul ball at a Baltimore Orioles game at Camden Yards. All these activities-and more-are possible day trips when you vacation at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The cost is just $40 per day for each SIU member and $10 10 Seafarers LOB per day for a spouse and for each child. (There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger.) These prices include all meals. There is still time for Seafarers and their families to plan to spend up to two weeks of their summer vacation in Piney Point. To turn your pictures into reality, call the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center at (301) 994-0010 or send in the reservation form now. r-------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: ---------------------------------------------------------------------~ Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book number: ___________________ Address: Telephone number: ----------·----------------------------------Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3rd choice: _ _ __ 1st choice: ________ 2nd choice: _ _ __ Date of arrival: (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 7199 -••~L-------------------------------------~ July 1999 �6011't Services Division Member Writes Novel About Subic Bay For some mariners, writing is a means of passing time, whether it involves poems, stories or letters. For Anthony R. Mills, a member of the SIU's Government Services Division, it is a serious avocation. Mills recently penned a 344-page novel titled "Subic Bay, The Last American Colony," published by Noble House of Baltimore. Billed as "an historic and personal look into naval base living," the book draws upon Mills' eight years of experience sailing out of the Philippines. In a letter to the Seafarers LOG, Mills Jim THE LAST AMERICAN COLONY noted that the book is available via numerous internet sites (including borders.com and amazon.com, for instance) or through the publisher's toll-free number: 1800-873-2003. Price varies by seller, as some offer discounts off the $27.95 cover price. A promotional flyer for "Subic Bay, The Last American Colony" describes it as "a remarkably vivid retrospective novel about the American naval base and the people of Olongapo, Philippines. Cultivated over 50 years, the mixture of civilians, naval personnel, and Philippine nationals bred an inter- From Portugal to New Orleans -;h r-·-. dependent and colorful community residing in the area. Mills' penetrating narrative explores the lives and relationships of this unlikely cultural assortment and examines the bonds which made its dissolution painful for so many. "Centered around the activities of the USNS Spice, a United States Navy supply vessel and its crew members, 'Subic Bay' steers readers through the waning years of an historic American era covering the period from the early 1980s through the Desert Storm conflict in 1990 until the installation shut down in 1991." Recertified Bosun Cesar Gutierrez sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG showing the Liberty Star's recent voyage from Portugal to New Orleans. In top photo, the bosun preps mooring lines for arrival. Above left, Deck Maintenance Ivan Aguilar helps ready the vessel for docking in New Orleans. Above right, Unlicensed Apprentice Joel Encarnacion demonstrates that shipboard life may include the occasional barbecue. Great Lakes Towing Turns 100 Mills wrote the book to provide "an historic and personal look into naval base living." Anthony Mills, AB and author, most recently sailed aboard the USNS Tippecanoe. Taking Advantage of Technology American Steamship Company Adds Defibrillators to Vessels Donation Made to High School for Computer Upgrades SIU-contracted American Steamship Company (ASC) is taking advantage of modem technology while helping others do the same. The company recently announced that its 11 self-unloading vessels plying the Great Lakes have been equipped with automatic external defibrillators (AED}-portable devices used to treat individuals when in cardiac arrest. "ASC has adopted this program to increase the odds of saving lives," the company said in a news release. "The AED could mean the difference between life and death for crew members aboard Great Lakes vessels. Published medical research suggests that many heart attack victims would likely survive with early defibrillation." The machines are compact and weigh only a few pounds. ASC noted that "advances in technology have streamlined and simplified these devices to a point where the AED will walk the user through a simple, step-by-step process with voice and visual prompts. Once sensor pads are placed properly on the victim's chest, the AED analyzes the heart rhythm in seconds and then determines if a shock is warranted." Meanwhile, ASC and its parent organization recently donated July 1999 Taking part in the ceremonial opening of the ASC-GATX Media Center at St. Mary's High in Lancaster, N.Y. are (from left) American Steamship Company President and CEO Ned Smith, St. Mary's Principal Patrick Brady, and St. Mary's Board of Trustees Chairman Thomas Malecki. $15,000 to a Lancaster, N.Y. high school, with the funds spent on computers and internet access. In May, ASC and GATX Corp. made the donation to St. Mary's High, a 95-year-old Catholic school believed to be the oldest such facility in the nation. The grant is part of a philanthropic program in which the companies regularly participate. St. Mary's spent the money to network its entire computer system, establish internet access throughout the school, update various computer equipment and purchase software. Altogether, SIU-contracted Great Lakes Towing officially turns 100 years old on July 7. The Clevelandbased company owns and operates tugboats serving dozens of ports. Among those currently in service are (above) the new ZTHREE and (at right) the Montana. Pictured below, from the Seafarers LOG archives, is a late1970s shot of Great Lakes Towing boats docked in the Cuyahoga River. the new and upgraded purchases were dedicated as the ASCGATX Media Center. The school plans to add internet-related courses to its curriculum. Ned Smith, president and CEO of ASC (which is based in Williamsville, N.Y.), said the St. Mary's grant is part of a "contributions program that focuses on education, the environment and on strengthening families. This grant will help promote student and teacher excellence in the ever evolving world of computer technology." Seafarers LOii 11 �Upgraders, Apprentice So far, the newest addition to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is living up to its billing. The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, a one-of-a-kind facility that replicates shipboard fues and other marine hazards, officially went into use early last month. Upgraders and students in the center's unlicensed apprentice program are utilizing the Joe Sacco School's modem classrooms, water survival trainer, maze building, bum building, damage-control area and fire props to boost their safety skills and knowledge. "It's a wonderful fire fighting school, probably the best in the world," said Certified Chief Cook Don Irvine, one of the first upgraders to train there. A member of the SIU since 12 Seafarers LOG 1981, Irvine noted that the stateof-the-art facilities are maximized by the instructors. "That's what I liked best-the teachers listen to the students very well. There's good communication between the instructors and the students," he noted. Located in Valley Lee, Md., just down the road from the Paul Hall Center, the fire fighting chool boasts a unique design that specifically recreates shipboard environments. It is being used for the basic and advanced fire fighting classes as well as the STCW basic safety, lifeboatman/water survival and government vessels courses. "I think it's great," declared Wiper Wayne Abell, moments after completing drills using a fire hose and fire extinguisher. "It's very realistic, and I'm sure [the instructors] could crank it up even more." Unlicensed Apprentice David Green chuckled when recalling his experience in the maze building, a two-story facility with a modifiable interior that figures to challenge even the most direction-savvy Seafarers. "It's amazing and really tricky," said Green, who nevertheless finished his drill in respectable time. During the exercise, "everything is black, so you have to feel all over the place. It was nerve-wracking at first. I had gone through with a flashlight and it was easy. It's a different story without that light." Lolita Thomas, who sails in the steward department, summarized the feelings of her classmates in the STCW basic safety class when she proclaimed, "It's a really good school and I'm glad we have it. It's good for us." July 1999 �·~· ?') fire Fighting & Pictured on these two pages and the next page are the first classes to utilize the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. The photos were taken from late May to mid-June; they include an STCW basic safety course and an unlicensed apprentice class. July 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �• Training Begins at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School Students use extinguishers and hoses to combat different types of fires that may occur at sea. ,_ Gen. Tony Robertson emerges from the burn building after a firsthand look at a fire fighting drill. Slater, Robertson, Abercrombie Commend Fire Fighting School Representatives from Congress, the administration and the military recently praised the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater, Air Force General Charles "Tony" Robertson, who heads the Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), and Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) commended the Valley Lee, Md. facility in recent correspondence with SIU President Michael Sacco. Slater said the "state-of-the-art, environmentally secure training facility is a fitting tribute to the years of dedication and commitment Joseph Sacco gave to this union and Hands-on instruction is a key facet of training at the new facility, as demonstrated by instructors John Smith (third photo above) and Stormie Combs (two photos directly above). 14 Seafarers LOG Sensors inside the control room of the burn building (fourth photo above) help provide a realistic but safe training experience. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said the new school is named in memory of "a remarkable man," Joe Sacco. to the men and women who are sailing aboard ships on the deep sea, Great Lakes and inland waterways." He further pointed out the school "will guarantee that our (mariner) work force continues to be the best trained in the world." Following his inspection of the school in late May, Robertson described it as a "national treasure" that will benefit "merchant mariners . . . and our country." He also applauded the mission of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (which encompasses the fire fighting school) as well as its staff and the rest of its facilities. Abercrombie, a strong supporter of the U.S. merchant marine who personally knew Joe Sacco, said the school is a fitting tribute to "one of the most beloved figures in the U.S. maritime industry and the American labor movement.. . . His tireless efforts to improve the lives of the men and women of the SIU made for a full life of service and commitment to the values we cherish and the nation we love .... "May those who pass through these doors emerge with their skills enhanced and their dedication to safety strengthened." Joseph Sacco was the SIU's executive vice president when he passed away in 1996. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (center) discuss the school's uses and objectives with Gen. Tony Robertson. DOT Sec'y Rodney Slater noted the facility will help uphold U.S. tradition of welltrained mariners. July 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea MAY 16 - JUNE 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 19 8 5 3 1 DECK DEPARTMENT 9 5 3 0 7 0 4 0 0 8 8 15 11 7 9 14 5 22 16 26 IO 13 17 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 22 6 6 6 11 16 IO 4 9 37 12 27 33 10 12 6 IO 6 6 5 27 15 6 27 3 2 3 242 4 2 128 11 11 2 9 3 3 5 11 l 3 85 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 13 0 3 7 8 9 7 4 6 8 6 I 0 3 0 IO 11 3 13 7 9 10 0 1 15 6 4 3 5 12 O 8 8 0 11 14 6 0 2 0 7 1 l 2 l 118 100 34 16 6 4 0 3 2 12 6 5 2 10 5 Totals 13 18 5 13 20 1 2 200 5 9 I 5 4 9 9 6 10 5 2 105 6 IO 7 2 IO 13 12 18 24 2 10 19 7 8 7 12 14 3 16 8 9 21 17 21 2 3 2 2 3 0 8 4 11 3 3 0 5 2 2 2 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: August 17, September 21 2 1 105 1 3 416 l 5 I New Orleans ...........Tuesday: August IO, September 14 180 110 70 0 11 s 5 2 4 3 0 7 14 12 8 13 1 10 5 1 4 5 4 2 0 9 13 37 14 18 15 4 6 6 0 2 4 1 1 22 6 3 3 7 6 IO 7 8 21 3 4 6 l 2 2 196 0 0 2 0 0 0 90 20 47 144 51 0 7 0 4 0 0 36 0 s 1 5 13 7 10 l 8 6 0 13 5 3 22 1 11 15 2 2 2 l 2 3 l 7 1 0 1 29 26 4 3 5 3 5 14 l3 12 5 7 12 3 11 8 2 65 2 0 15 38 13 3 178 168 542 457 316 0 0 4 4 3 0 0 0 2 IO 1 4 I 2 34 7 l 25 0 2 4 7 2 0 2 12 0 0 1 9 13 9 0 5 6 14 0 0 112 2 1 47 7 116 1 2 37 354 9 2 1 8 4 25 48 28 6 6 7 3 2 2 6 0 2 12 6 5 0 9 36 0 2 9 0 0 0 6 4 15 0 0 19 60 212 438 7 I 2 11 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 3 17 3 0 0 I 0 0 2 0 3 0 2 11 7 0 2 0 0 0 5 2 9 0 7 11 7 0 1 4 7 0 4 6 6 0 5 3 3 0 0 0 51 23 5 0 4 3 I 0 0 0 0 0 12 II 0 0 0 2 0 0 101 32 112 210 Mobile .................... Wednesday: August 11, September 15 New York.. ..............Tuesday: August 3, September 7 20 2 4 2 0 IO 6 3 0 9 2 0 248 73 35 11 59 0 0 44 9 4 ] 4 l 3 7 18 6 13 12 25 25 18 8 6 8 22 14 IO 5 46 15 90 7 4 18 0 11 80 2 287 246 940 656 428 4 0 0 0 San Juan ..................Thursday: August 5, September 9 St. Louis .................Friday: August 13, September 17 Tacoma ................... Friday: August 20, September 24 Wilmington ...............Tuesday, August 17* Monday, September 20 Each port~s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals STA LEYB OW Please contact Evelyn Brandenburg of San Pablo, Calif. at (510) 724-9851. EDMOND HAWKINS Please write your children at 54 Saw Mill Drive, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922. DOUGLASA.HUNDSHAMER Please give your mother, Verna Hundshamer, a call at (315) 458-5326. JOHN POMEROY Please call Jim at (734) 254-5048 regarding the 25th lntricarb reunion to be held next year. Cl--111111111 LOG-A-RHYTHMS ... Sea · 0 14 12 Phitadelphia ............ Wednesday: August 4, September 8 (•change created by Paul Hall birthday holiday) 5 4 1 2 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: August 18, September 22 San Francisco .........Thursday: August 12, September 16 5 3 4 1 0 0 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: August 5, September 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: August 5, September 9 19 l 11 Houston ..................Monday: August 9, September 13 0 7 8 0 l Honolulu .................Friday: August 13, September 17 2 3 0 2 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: August 11, September 15 24 I 3 2 Baltimore ................Thursday: August 5, September 9 2 3 10 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. July 1999 17 8 16 21 16 21 7 Algonac ..................Friday: August 6, August 10 4 2 94 0 6 7 1 0 0 4 (•change created by Labor Day holiday) 11 48 10 2 5 8 11 0 15 3 18 s 5 61 50 44 52 24 7 Piney Point ............. Monday: August 2 Tuesday, September 7* 3 5 2 8 9 13 12 2 13 7 7 7 4 49 2 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 6 10 2 0 3 0 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 13 17 7 4 14 Totals All Departments 2 20 10 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C August & September 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea1 Lakes, Inland Waters 20 2 11 15 s 4 0 by Judy Merwin Sometimes I wonder why ... Why we cant see things through another s eyes? Why it seems wrong to care, To want to shoulder the burdens they bear? Some of us flee to the sea, Seeking a healing that floating upon it brings. Gathering our strengths and will to survive, Rising and sleeping with the tides. Working and eating as the vessel rolls and pitches, Thinking about the things that our lives delivered Praying/or our loved ones and all those of the places we visit, Channeling the Universes energies like the goods we deliver. Wondering why things didn't work out the way we planned? Why we are reluctant to plan again? One by one we begin to see. And open anothe,. s eyes to see. Judy Merwin is an OS working on upgrading to AB. She currently is sailing aboard the USNS Capella. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seatare1S 1ntematlonal Onion Dll'fldory MAY 16 - ... Michael Sacro President ·· · . CL - JQhn Fay · · · .Executive Vice President Secretary~Treasurer Augustin Tellez L- Company/Lakes *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel JUNE 15, 1999 Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram . Vice President Government Services ... HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 (810) 794-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 29 10 0 14 8 0 5 2 0 12 25 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 12 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 3 5 0 14 7 0 2 4 0 2 2 0 9 20 Totals All Depts 0 60 45 0 12 27 33 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 33 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters MAY 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 122 l Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBJLE J640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey. LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast GuJfCoast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 I 0 42 I 44 0 0 0 26 0 26 0 0 0 0 23 0 23 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 3 13 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 JUNE 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 3 14 0 0 5 4 19 1 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 2 28 8 38 0 2 0 3 5 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 16 0 0 0 15 0 10 25 0 3 0 0 3 18 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 1 0 0 0 72 Totals All Depts 1 7 5 93 1 15 33 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 29 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301 ) 994-00 I 0 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale. FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16~ Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WJLMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by retired Captain Raymond P. Karlsvik of Raymond, Wash. They were taken in Okinawa, Japan at Christmas time 1951 aboard the Ponce de Leon, a Waterman C-2. The group photo shows crew members gathered in the messroom following a holiday meal. Bosun Hans Skaalegaard-Jansen (left) and Karlsvik are in the photo at right. In a note accompanying the photos, Karlsvik writes that Skaalegaard-Jansen was a very good bosun-"truly a sailor's sailor." He also was a fine marine artist and went on to pursue a career as such. Karlsvik, an AB (blue ticket) at the time, found his way to Sea-Land Service, Inc., where he spent 28 years. As a captain, he helped bring three of the new Sea-Land ships from Sturgeon Bay, Wis. to Tacoma, Wash. for the Alaska trade On one trip to Green Bay, Wis. to captain another of the ships, Karlsvik writes that he went to the hotel closest to the airport, and upon entering the dining room, came upon a beautiful painting of a square-rigged ship. "My first thought," he writes, "was that it looked like something Hans would have painted and, upon closer inspection, I found his name on it." Small world! July 1999 �- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who .have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard US-flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. ne recertified bosun is among the nine Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 37 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosun John S. Bertolino is a graduate of the highest training available to members in the deck department at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Including the recertified graduate, five of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, three shipped on inland vessels and one plied the Great Lakes. Among the retiring pensioners, five worked in the deck department, while two each shipped in the engine and steward departments. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. O DEEP SEA JOHNS. BERTOLINO, 61, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1962 from the "' port of New York. His first ship was the Robin Gray, a Moore McCormack Lines vessel. Brother Bertolino is a graduate of the Andrew Furuseth Training School. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Prior to his retirement, he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. South Glens Falls, N.Y. is where he calls home. ROBINSON CRUSOE, 61 , joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Alabama, he worked in the stew- INLAND ard department, last sailing as a chief cook aboard the Overseas Juneau. Brother Crusoe has retired to Carson, Calif. TOMAS ESCUDERO, 70, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970 from the port of New York. Brother L__-===---...J Escudero worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. A native of Puerto Rico, he last sailed in 1985 as a chief electrician aboard the Santa Paula, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. From 1949 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Bethlehem, Pa. ROBERTN. FULK, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1958 in the port of Houston. Starting out in the inland division, he later began working aboard deep sea vessels. Born in Indiana, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. From 1950 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Fulk last sailed aboard the Overseas Vivian. He resides in Palestine, Texas. EVANS SMITH, 68, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1991 . His first ship was the Cape Florida, operated by International Marine Carriers. Born in Trinidad, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Marine Services vessel. He has retired to Ocala, Fla. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1941 Following certification by the labor Board in the Robin Line election, the union, on July 21, signed a full agreement with the company. The contract included the closed shop, hiring through the union hall and top wages and working conditions that compare favorably with the best in the industry. ARTHURD. HANN, 63, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1979. Boatman Hann worked ======:=J in the engine department and sailed primarily aboard various tugs operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation Co. From 1952 to 1960, the Massachusetts native served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He makes his home in Olar, S.C. HORACEC. LaFRAGE, 63, joined the SIU in 1952, sailing aboard deep sea vessels. He later transferred to the inland division as a member of the deck department. From 1960 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Army. Prior to his retirement, Boatman LaFrage sailed aboard the Mars, a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Born in North Carolina, he has retired to LaMarque, Texas. CHARLOTTE SUSAN WOLFE,64, began her career with the Seafarers in 1988. Sister Wolfe started working in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. She last sailed aboard the Geary, operated by Orgulf Transportation Co. A native of West Virginia, she makes her home in Ripley. 1964 The new SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. was dedicated in ceremonies attended by officers of the SIU, members in the area, representatives of the trade union movement and repre· sentatives of government. A part of the SIU's continuing building program, the new Norfolk hall is a direct consequence of the increased deep-sea cargo movements and the parallel rise in the membership of the SIU throughout the Hampton Roads-Norfolk area. The new fully air-conditioned building includes an expanded hiring hall, a general meeting hall capable of handling .300 persons, new recreational facilities, accommodations for a snack bar-cafeteria, a 40-car parking lot, landscaped terrace, and other necessary July 1999 - ~--­ PI ans are being made for the restored Liberty ship John W Brown, currently docked in Baltimore, to travel throughout the Great Lakes next year. GREAT LAKES Factory Tours -" lfr-ni.hl' \ 1·and' fJrtun . u.tL1al1d, cahr : 1<~>«'11 ·, 1976 (From Paul Hall's president's report, published a few months before Eleaion Day) "Right now the SIU is enjoying good shipping as a direct result of our fight for a fair shake for the U.S. merchant fleet. But f"f this good shipping does ~ro y not mean we can sit back •~ f and rest. We have worked too long and hard to rebuild this industry-to foster a sense of cooperation for the mutual benefit of all segments, to create a stable industry capable of taking advantage of new opportunities and to build an effective legislative program-to jeopardize it now by succumbing to a sense of false security.... "We must, as we have done in the past, pitch in with all the aid and support we can muster because only through our own efforts can we protect what we already have won. And more importantly, only by proving ourselves capable of supporting our allies in the upcoming elections will the SIU eventually realize the goal we have struggled so long to achieve-a strong, healthy and vital U.S. merchant marine." la,..,..,, l;J\ Stl'cl r.o_ ...;a..i1.bi.a:a1ln":q'f\aJ'fqufrrlfl; ~"llrrn t·:u pl:inc (\UJ1 ... ~lint.Tr•a I Slrt!bt'lr:las..r;;lJOo- Carnlru!. ' -~ Htiria:!iiih.nh bltllri,.. f,vrrrU, \\ .:h<.h. I•, r.bthf""'n Mdrl JOJ. UIJk'rirh A Ara&;~ ((R11,...11irSlu;::rr """"""1 lo;it. l..,.rrl>lB iOll f) Hotels, ~ "ldr-·• .... lht "' =~e11:.~: ;:::-;:: • Ci111r l)tM"rlll \Ln, l.ttOJ. • = ii & .. 11; Oh111tarr~ iltllf ltra~" , . ._ .. .,,~ij;_ botrh Hhw 11-c-.,nr... r.., ..u". 1,..lao11 tw;1r•~-.1mtwr. \t•mot t'rrBr"tt111an· lt!rrf kr"-UO , f;hM.11 lk.ac·b kr"Urt tUur 11'-anta Rraf'h l:lub & \llf,t.... 'I rhPll.f". \, r.u, 1. c....,••• u 1r.1) rrsma1 , 1Cindllua11J.l'W°llk1lllhl~·l'u{>- ~1;:-~~·. '::~~~11~1~~==. )\ i ~ ; ~=;~-~~. \n\1~~r~~ Uf1ro1J. ~\.llW,..:, -'uftt-t. W"a~atll"'t"· c :wttl f\,J\ HOid. ~I Juhn>1. \I ~~;;~::,~=~,~~::f~,'r.u~.~~:;: - -- ~ tlu.;lllnj!.. \Urh .. '\t""ll<"fM"l'h-r t11u1\l' \ '·· f.a ...t (l!!\cl.and, Ohla: lialr'm :~u~::~~ ,~::-~:;~!;!;~ tuAa-f'\Lff,aal~•.-r:-i<i·Jiri. ln-,-~~~~.':~L~P~~~r;~ llllt"rJt.alhntwif r1·t0(hal Wall:.i.liL \l r~l 1tf.a-\1r~lnf" \\.:MrUtu1t ~rts \\llloam•.l.anc, O.rr .. l,el\C'r f'a\ltllL f l "a.hf (\1.ll'foll).. ".. 11U \(11'UI llUPlli'l#tflJn r.i .. '\~hlaU. ' ••lrilf1 - ~t\ir.11.llaf, (< ~t I 11 C' "OIULC';.~(:.ounJ\. lntnft.'.lfknt.il f"C'-"Uul l~.nllr); "ts. Summer Music Festivals llluahlrn: l>L"-lr1rl er 1!41•••t•- , 1.. 1an1J-1; millnt~hrd ~\ UJ.;)(I. ta 1'1'-Y..•C'rrunlu. rltf'nlr l ~•J•rl ll•tlrt z: - \kJ.:.1 ~llUlt'T' FNA.al 1\\ 'hkltr.UllJ :;-:;;::~;:.,··~:\:=' 111•<-o-l.uri"" ~ '•ods\"""· · h...na1 ,....., '"""""1 I Worker/Union Monuments --- "''"' """'" '\lut..lfll'-"°"'".tD),l"a.trlfS\lUphi11\ llUl lbl" t S # r1u,,.uli1. llucrlt1 kio itllld Uc \1r;la U-.1• l~urlin!f'Jtni•. \IOJlllf'•1• ~:~~!~~~~~~~~~.'1-~~~ l t -. City & County Parks 1>111r.....,_.~'4!yilo"' dut\-.1.Louk-,\lk.J,.\ (hcfl •nrlrl· OMf•U n ..., .---.-.4...L...-~ t klrk'\-U,A\ii.;na. \urt. J":t GEORGE A. COYER, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in Toledo, Ohio; Detroit; Erie, Pa.; Cleveland; Buffalo; Toronto; Montreal; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Mariners with current z-cards are needed to fulfill Coast Guard regulations for crew complement. For more information, contact Rick Bauman at Project Liberty Ship, P.O. Box 25846, Highlandtown Station, Baltimore, MD 21224, telephone (410) 661-1550 or ( 410) 558-0646. Younger mariners who thought they missed their chance to sail aboard historic Liberty ships may get the opportunity after all. The John W Brown, based in Baltimore, is seeking active mariners to crew the vessel for segments of a trip throughout the Great Lakes planned for next year. The voyage tentatively is scheduled to begin in May 2000 and end in August, with stops in l\oorkl.1'-Nlr\ provisions for the full servicing of the membership and the handling of union business functions. •u H. •M ~ •f"f ~· Liberty Ship Needs Crew For Voyage on Great Lakes l S \l\ttl. llen\ rr& l 1hil.nk'IJ1btJ. f \i kurrav ol Et1ff<1\htJ::, \~a,.hifttl&ft 1J C. · t:)ecolOJ1f rr.=================================:;;t r·u •s n• school in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed in 1977 as a captain aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock vessel . Brother Coyer served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1957. A native of New York, he has retired to Oswego. the port of Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Coyer sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the l =~4; :~ra:~~ lcnMI \ni I~ \u•. · ~\kl 2Q!;fUJ t'I' Miscellaneous khlul.-1 (111.:.:hl•nd l''Jrl.1. h1tll1tH\l;1rrb ~\mpbllD\ nl Uu Praftlr tfl~llr-rsJ; \tar~la••-:'uinmn \tu trft',..1 U\<Jlllt11nrc); \tati!'ltCh· llll" Ll ~-8&!it{tJO t:arh \ltJ~lr U:~r.· r.rHflrJ. Taft11h·•uoll O.rn11\t. \111Df'50l a-\11Rnr ... u1;s 1..-rhr .. 1ra -"'ll•H.nrrrr .. 1 1\1111nr.1puli!oJ: ' f'" "".\lfct-';UUr ,.c •.hamhr-r \ht.."11 !~•Ir lr-t: '""' lorL-1\Jrd \IUMC" f-1""l1\al i \9MIW\.d1• WI lhNl"'ll). RMI'\ '""' f,fl t'tnbk (flrofi\l. fJIJtJl._lUQla 1n ... 11tullua1Ct;o1ula•11ua1. Junrln ttoflJkl !Bfllt.dul. \Janb 1:n,1rr t't•.. ll\JI i\1•Y1. ,,,,~ flh) SJ r .ii I u ~.t ~·rr rn r Museums (Ill Rur\, -" t.:1111 lf.111 irf Farar . \rt., •I•' t:~t-L•nd l'.c»•iel:!\lu-...an1 .. r1:1a,.~. and tbll rrt -" lif'nrr & lodu,lt\ f1nm::. \L \hi..,..11119' \lui'l·m \r1. ""\urt.f.1h Pennsylvania AMMV Chapters Seek New Members Active and retired merchant mariners residing in Pennsylvania are invited to join. their local chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). For more information, contact AMMV Regional Vice President John Manfredi at (724) 941-9537, or write to him at 121 Marion Dr., McMurray, PA 15317-2921. Brother Manfredi (who formerly sailed with the SIU) will put prospective members in touch with the AMMV chapte located nearest to them. Seafarers LOG 17 �- Final Departures DEEP SEA DAVE AWAKUNI Pensioner Dave Awakuni, 83, passed away April 21 . Born in Hawaii, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards ~ (MC&S)in · ,~Ill 1948 in the port of Seattle. The steward department member last sailed aboard the Manulani, operated by Matson Navigation Co. Brother Awakuni was a resident of Seattle and retired in July 1987. OTIS C. BAILEY Pensioner Otis C. Bailey, 74, died April 17. A native of Virginia, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1944. Brother Bailey worked ='--------===== in the engine department and upgraded his skills to a licensed engineer. Prior to his retirement in August 1990, he sailed aboard the USNS Bellatrix, an International Marine Carriers vessel. He made his home in Suffolk, Va. r--:;;;;;;p;;::;;=;::;;;;;;;-~"" ELBERTJ.BLACKBURN Pensioner Elbert 1. Blackburn, 72, passed away April 15. He started his career with the MC&S in 1958 in the port of San Francisco. '----=-====_J His first ship was Matson Navigation Co.'s Matsonia. The California native sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Harry Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Blackburn last sailed aboard the President Chester B. Arthur, an American Ship Management vessel. He was a resident of San Francisco and began receiving his pension in November 1993. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1944 to 1946. JUNIUS C. BROWN Pensioner Junius C. Brown, 83, died January 7. Born in Louisiana, he began sailing with the MC&S in 1946. He worked in the ==--===== steward department, last sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes, operated by Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Brown began receiving his pension in January 1982. DEAN D. DOBBINS Pensioner Dean D. Dobbins, 65, died April 18. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1957, sailing from the port of Tampa, Fla. :__.::====i Born in Ohio, he worked in the engine department, most recently aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen, operated by Ocean Ships Inc. Brother Dobbins was a resident of Stockton, Calif. and retired in March 1997. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Navy. WILLIAM DESOUZA Pensioner William Desouza, 80, 18 Seafarers LOS passed away recently. Brother Desouza joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of San Francisco after graduating from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. A native of Hawaii, he last sailed aboard the Santa Maria, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in December 1987. CLAUDE J. DOCKREY Pensioner Claude J. Dockrey, 70, passed away April 24. Born in Shawnee, Okla., he started his SIU career in 1966 in the ======= port of Wilmington, Calif. His first ship was the Vantage Progress, a Pioneer Maritime Corp. vessel. Brother Dockrey sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. He graduated from the bosun recertification program there in I 988. Prior to his retirement in November 1994, he signed off the Sea-land Innovator. He made his home in Shawnee. JOSEPH J. GADSEN Pensioner Joseph 1. Gadsen, 81, died April 5. Brother Gadsen first sailed with the MC&S in 1951. Born in South Carolina, he worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Coolidge, operated by American President Lines. A resident of New York, he retired in July 1975. TERRY HILTON CHARLES P. LORD Pensioner Charles P. Lord, 85, passed away April 23. Born in Illinois, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. •=='-------== He sailed in the engine department and upgraded to a licensed officer. Prior to retiring in August 1978, Brother Lord sailed aboard the Overseas Anchorage. He was a resident of Orange City, Fla. FRED MARTIN Pensioner Fred Martin, 85, died July 6, 1998. He started his career with the MC&S in 1947 in the port of San Francisco. The New York native worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Taylor, an American President Lines vessel. Brother Martin made his home in San Francisco and retired in February 1972. MONT McNABB i,iiiiijiii~~I Pensioner Mont McNabb, 76, passed away March 31. Brother McNabb began sailing with the Seafarers in 1946 from the i....;__..;_,_;:.=;____ __J port of Baltimore. A native of North Carolina, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a SeaLand Service vessel. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. A resident of San Francisco, Brother McNabb started receiving his pension in January 1976. Terry Hilton, 27, passed away April 18. A native of Mississippi, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1991 from the ====-==== port of New York. His first ship was a Pacific Gulf Marine vessel, the Pioneer Contractor. Brother Hilton worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Maersk Colorado. He was a resident of Vancleave, Miss. Pensioner Cosimo Melpignano, 73, passed away March 23. Born in Italy, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1959 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Melpignano returned to his native country when he retired in January 1983. DONALD JOHNSON ROBERT W. MEREDITH Donald Johnson, 52, died April 12. Born in Alabama, he first sailed with the SIU in 1974 in the inland division and ~----'--"--~later transferred to deep sea vessels. He worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Pascagoula, Miss., he last shipped in 1995 aboard the USNS Regulus, a Bay Ship Management Co. vessel. From 1969 to 1970, he served in the U.S. Army. r--._.,;;:;;;;;;;;;;;m.---, Pensioner Robert W. ROYE.JONES Pensioner Roy E. Jones, 75, passed away April 10. He joined the Seafarers in I 952 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship ---===----' was the Jefferson City, operated by Victory Carriers. A native of South Carolina, he sailed in the engine department. His last ship was the cable ship Long Lines. During World War Il, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Jones was a resident of Baltimore and began receiving his pension in August 1988. COSIMO MELPIGNANO Meredith, 74, died March 23. He joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of New York. His first ship was the =;;;;__-==:.....;;;:....-==East Point Victory, operated by Hudson Waterways. Born in California, he sailed in the deck department. Prior to his retirement in April 1993, he signed off the Sea-Land Innovator. Brother Meredith was a resident of LaPine, Ore. JOHN G. MERLO Pensioner John G . Merlo, 86, passed away February 11. Brother Merlo began his career with the MC&S in 1946 in Portland, Ore ""'--==-i He first sailed aboard the Drew Victory. Born in Italy, the steward department member last sailed on the Mariposa before retiring in August 1978. Brother Merlo made his home in Rupert, Idaho. GEORGE P. MULLEN Pensioner George P. Mullen, 86, died November l 0, 1998. He first sailed with the MC&S in 1955, aboard the President Johnson, an American President Lines vessel. Prior to his retirement in February 1977, the steward department member sailed aboard the Colorado. Born in New York, Brother Mullen was a resident of Wickenburg, Ariz. Missouri, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. and graduated from the steward recertification program there in 1982. Brother Tinsley last sailed aboard the Liberty Spirit, a Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel, before retiring in January 1991. He made his home in Seattle. ROBERT M. POWERS FERNANDO VALLE Robert M . Powers, 62, died April 25 . Born in Pennsylvania, he graduated from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined the MC&S in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. Starting out in the steward department, Brother Powers later transferred to the engine department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Honolulu, he last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Trader. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Fernando Valle, · 64, died April 26. He started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of New York. He ; first sailed aboard the .________J Mermaid. During his career, he worked in the deck and engine departments and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Valle was a resident of Bayamon, P.R. JACK D. ROBISON Jack D. Robison, 55, passed away April 23. Brother Robison began sailing with the Seafarers in 1987. His first ship was the USNS Triumph, operated by Sea Mobility. A native of Washington and a resident of Spanaway, he sailed as a member of the deck department. From 1961 to 1965, he served in the U.S. Navy. EDWARD J. SINGLETARY Pensioner Edward J. Singletary, 85, died May 7. He began his sailing career in 1937, priorto joining the SIU in 1939 as a i..:=::...=-=:::.=-..==.i charter member. He sailed from the port of New Orleans. During his career, he . worked in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement in August 1964, Brother Singletary signed off the Penn Vanguard, operated by Penn Maritime Co. He made his home in Bay Saint Louis, Miss. MARTIN E. SNYDER Martin E. Snyder, 42, passed away April 29. A native of Maryland, he graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's training program in 1977 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Banner. Brother Snyder worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school. A resident of Baltimore, he last sailed aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen, operated by Ocean Ships, Inc. ROBERTO G. TIAMSON --.-~iiial Pensioner Roberto G. Tiamson, 81, died May 3. Born in the Philippines, he joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New Orleans. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in February 1980, Brother Tiamson last sailed aboard the Santa Mariana, a Delta Steamship Lines, Inc. vessel. He was a resident of San Francisco. EDWARD TINSLEY Pensioner Edward Tinsley, 67, passed away May 17. Brother Tinsley began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of Seattle. Born in FREDERICK VOGLER Frederick Vogler, 55, passed away April 18. A native of California, he joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port .___ __;;___..:;;;~--=.__, of San Francisco. His first ship was the Long View Victory. Brother Vogler sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the union's school in Piney Point, Md. Befure retiring to Chino, Calif., he sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. LYLE W. WILLIAMSOM Pensioner Lyle W. Williamson, 78, died A ril . Born in Illinois, he first sailed with the SIU in 1951. During his career, he worked in the ""'"--"-----~""" engine department and was active in union organizing drives. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1939 to 1945. Brother Williamson was a resident of Harbor City, Calif. and began receiving his pension in October 1969. INLAND DENNIS L. COX ---.3imiiii'iiii~I Dennis L. Cox. 33, passed away October 9, I 998. A native of Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1982. Boatman Cox worked in both the engine and deck departments and last sailed aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. He was a resident of Brazoria, Texas. BENJAMIN F. ROUGHTON Pensioner Benjamin F. Roughton, 74, died April 15. He joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North . Carolina, he worked as a tugboat captain, last sailing aboard a Curtis Bay Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Roughton made his home in Chesapeake, Va. and began receiving his pension in September 1984. July 1999 �Digest of Shipboard "Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard · minutes as possible. On occasion, because ol space /Imitations, 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. GUAYAMA (Navieras NPR), March 24-Chainnan Ray Gorju, Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux. Chainnan reported March 26 arrival and payoff of ship in Jacksonville, Fla. He reminded crew members to separate plastic items from regular trash. Discussion held regarding anti-terrorist courses mentioned in president's report in Seafarers LOG. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of that course and others offered at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. None in deck or steward departments. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. ROVER (Intrepid Shipping), March I 4-Chairman Daniel P. Hecker, Secretary Juan B. Gonzales, Educational Director Vernon Edwards, Deck Delegate Richard R. Grubbs, Engine Delegate Clarence A. Knight, Steward Delegate Don Drew. Chairman thanked all hands for professional work. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; none in engine or steward departments. Request made for more reading material as well as spare VCR and new furniture for crew lounge. Repairs needed to lifeboats and ship's steps. BLUE RIDGE (Crowley Petroleum Transport), April 18Chairman Al Alwaseem, Secretary Ron Malozi, Educational Director Charlie Dahlhaus, Deck Delegate James Barrett, Steward Delegate Chris Boronski. Bosun announced payoff in Houston. He recommended everyone read president's report in LOG. New mattresses received and distributed. Secretary noted stores arriving in Houston with plastic refuse and soiled linen being offloaded. He reminded crew members to dispose of plastic items in proper receptacles and not dump trash in water. Treasurer announced $150 in ship's fund. Some disputed OT reported in engine department; none in deck or steward departments. Request made for new VCR for crew lounge. Steward department thanked for excellent food service. Steward, in tum, thanked crew for great job and hard work. HM/ DEFENDER (Hvide Marine), April 25-Chainnan Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven Wagner, Educational Director Richard Gracey, Deck Delegate John Yates, Engine Delegate Patrick Carroll, Steward Delegate Ernie Batiz. Chainnan announced captain holds payoff at first port after or on last day of each month. He urged everyone keep safety a top priority. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT. Several suggestions made to be sent to contracts department. First is not to hold up payoff waiting for patrolman due to short stay in port and frequency of payoffs. Second is to have more flexibility in vacation time. Third is if someone wants to contribute more funds to money purchase pension plan, they should somehow be able to do it through vacation checks. Final asked for review of retirement age. Engine room members July 1999 reminded to use starboard entry into engine room after 1800. All hands asked to help DEU by keeping heads and showers clean on main deck. Next ports: Tampa, Fla. and Lake Charles, La. EL MORRO (IUM), April 27Chainnan Steven Copeland, Secretary Kris A. Hopkins, Educational Director F. Dougherty, Deck Delegate Angelo Wilcox Sr., Engine Delegate Daniel Campbell, Steward Delegate Robert G. Mashmeyer. Secretary stated exercise equipment purchased last trip and thanked all those who donated funds. Educational director urged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested clarification on ship's organizational status. They also asked for bus to provide transport to and from gate and ship in Blount Island. Vote of thanks given to vacation-bound steward. Steward, in tum, thanked his crew-Chief Cook Mashmeyer and SA Porifio Alvarez-for hard work. Next ports: San Juan, P.R. and Jacksonville, Fla. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), April 26-Chainnan Angel L. Rivera, Secretary Lee N. Frazier, Deck Delegate Stanley Daranda, Engine De egate rank T. Kraemer. Secretary announced payoff April 28. Fresh provisions expected at dock. Next trip is to Haifa, Israel-approximately 45 days. Educational director reminded crew members to donate to SPAD and also that it's never too late to attend union upgrading classes in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for very good work. MAYAGUEZ (Navieras NPR), April 25-Chairman Mike Carrano, Secretary Gwendolyn Shinholster, Educational Director Michael Martykan. Chainnan announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. April 30. He urged members to read LOG and keep up on union rules, policies and new issues. Secretary advised everyone to attend Paul Hall Center and utilize "everything our union has built for its membership." Educational director stressed safety aboard ship (including removal of lint from dryer which can lead to fire) and also reminded crew to better their skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion for contracts department to look into vacation pay after 60 days' seatime. Crew also requested clarification of STCW expiration and submitting TRBs for signoff at sea. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Crew asked for second dryer and new couch. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line), April 25-Chainnan Mark Holman, Secretary Dwight Wuerth, Educational Director Pat Scott, Deck Delegate Anthony E. Simon, Engine Delegate Jean C. Horne, Steward Delegate Stephanie K. Hendrick. Chairman read president's report from March LOG and discussed with crew. He announced payoff in Charleston, S.C. April 28 and mentioned new mattresses and room refrigerators on order. Chairman saluted OVA Jean Horne on acquiring GED. Secretary mentioned he was at MTD meeting in Miami where discussion was held regarding new ships and new jobs and that SIU was commended for job well done in past for manning needed vessels to support U.S. troops. Educational director reminded everyone to keep documents up to date and report any possible safety hazards (like cables in or near water). Treasurer announced $I95 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to check money purchase pension plan contributions from Maersk and to decrease seatime needed for vacation and retirement. Crew members also advised to keep shots updated so as to avoid illness while in South America. Vote of thanks from chainnan to entire crew for pulling together to make good voyage and to Chief Cook 'Hendrick for job well done. OVERSEAS CHICAGO (Alaska Tanker Co.), April 26--Chairman Jessie L. Mixon, Secretary Gregory S. Lynch, Educational Director Mark Sawin, Deck Delegate Ahmed A. Mihakel, Engine Delegate Edward Wisenhant, Steward Delegate Mario A. Firme. Chainnan announced payoff after discharge of cargo in Anacortes, Wash. Discussed fonnation of new company, Alaska Tanker Co. (based·· in Beaverton, Ore.), from merger of Maritime Overseas Corporation and Keystone Shipping. Awaiting word from union as to effect merger will have on membership. Secretary assured crew members that contract still good through June 16, 2001. Ship rerouted from Richmond, Calif. to Femdate-Cherry Point for cargo offloading. Educational director reminded members to be aware of necessary training requirements for tanker shipping and keep endorsements updated. No beefs or disputed OT, although watchstander requested clarification of wheel relief during watch. Crew noted communications from Contracts VP Augie Tellez regarding vacation plan. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. OVERSEAS OHIO (Alaska Tanker Co.), April 19-Chairman Tim Koebel, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Byron Elliot, Deck Delegate Carl Sands, Engine Delegate Mike McN ally. Chairman read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding resolution of longtime dispute over what constitutes cargo watch for bosun and day men. He also announced ship now operated by new company, Alaska Tanker, and had no word as yet on how this would affect existing contract. Forms for upgrading, medical, vacation, registration available from bosun. Crew related beefs with captain regarding reimbursements for travel. Discussion held on new passenger and tanker vessels mentioned in April LOG. Suggestion made that contracts department look into having vacation payable after 90 days seatime. Room inspection policy of obtaining slip signed by steward or bosun and given to captain to be continued. Crew requested tape rewinder. Vote of thanks given to steward department for extra effort and fine cuisine. Next ports: Ferndale and Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND CRUSADER (SeaLand Service), April 22Chairman Roberto Diaz, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Educational Director Kevin Cooper, Deck Delegate Angel R. Camacho, Steward Delegate Luis A. Lopez. Everything running smoothly, according to chairman. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for additional information on money purchase pension plan. Most members have not received statements regarding their accounts and also want to know how to withdraw or add to account. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), April 23--Chairman Hayden Gifford, Secretary Franchesca Rose, Educational Director Ray Chapman, Deck Patriot shipshape after period in yard. Vote of thanks also given to steward department for great job. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND PERFORMANCE (Sea-Land Service), April I l Chainnan Jim Scheck, Secretary Ralph Thomas, Educational Director Win Rousseau, Deck Delegate Jose A. Tobio, Steward Delegate John M. Platts. Chairman noted everything running Pfeiffer Galley Crew Garners Praise , t d The chief officer aboard the SIU-crewed R.J. Pfeiffer recently put in a good word for Seafarers who comprise the vessel's steward department. In a note to the Seafarers LOG, J.W. ~ert commen~d the work of (from left) Chief Cook Ruti Demont, Chief Steward Ph1~p Lau and Assistant Cook To-Nu Wallace. "This gang deserves a word of thanks and recognition for the outstanding job they have ~one in keeping all hands fat and sassy aboard the Matson flagship R.J. Pfeiffer. There is not a better feeder in the fleet." Apparently, they have a sense of humor, too, as evidenced by Demont's and Lau's Tshirts (which read in part, "You kill it, we grill it"). Delegate Manolo V. Delos Santos, Engine Delegate Elisana Silvano, Steward Delegate Romeo Manansala. Chairman and secretary stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. New mattresses on order. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), April 2IChainnan Mike Rivera, Secretary Pedro Laboy, Engine Delegate Jorge E. Bermeo, Steward Delegate Fernando L. Vega. Chairman urged crew members to upgrade skills at facility in Piney Point. He also stressed importance of supporting union by contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's report from LOG regarding new passenger vessels read and discussed. This is monumental move for industry and shows our political strength in Washington, D.C. is paying off. Thanks given to Mike Sacco and union membership for hard work. Suggestion made to request contracts department look into raise in pension due to increased cost of living. Steward department thanked for excellent job, especially Steward Laboy for his exquisite culinary skills. SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), April I I-Chairman Shawn T. Evans, Secretary Ruben Casio Jr., Educational Director B. Baltic, Deck Delegate Richard Volkart, Steward Delegate Horst Baetjer, Steward Delegate Ernest Polk. Chainnan thanked crew for good trip. Suggested everyone read LOG to stay up-to-date on events in union and maritime industry. Educational director advised crew to watch safety films, report any damage or hazards to department head and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer announced two new bicycles and dart board purchased for use by all. New movies expected in Long Beach, Calif. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. Request made for additional information on money purchase pension plan. Thanks given to GSU for getting smoothly aboard ship with good crew and no beefs. Payoff expected in Jacksonville, Fla. Secretary recommended crew members upgrade at Piney Point every available opportunity and help job security by contributing to SPAD. Educational director advised all hands to keep pay vouchers and Coast Guard discharges in case of discrepancies about sea time. Treasurer announced $80 in ship's movie fund. President's report from LOG read by chainnan. Crew agreed that awareness of piracy should be concern of all seafarers. Thanks given to good steward department for job well done, especially for recent shrimp feast. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), April 21-Chairman Joel Lechel, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational Director Keith Jordan, Deck Delegate Danny Miller, Engine Delegate Victor Sapp, Steward Delegate Cliff Elliott. Bosun reminded everyone of April 23 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. Also stated ship loading stores there for 28 days. Educational director reminded apprentices to keep learning, now that they have rotated into final department of their three-month stay aboard ship. Treasurer announced ship's fund is low. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read two letters from VP Contracts Augie Tellez about how to improve meetings aboard vessel as well as president's report from latest LOG. Suggestion made to ask contracts department to look into reducing seatime needed for retirement. DEU reminded everyone to help with housekeeping duties (return dishes to lounge, remove earplugs and paper towels from clothes prior to using washing machine, separate plastics from regular trash). Bosun thanked Chief Engineer Ed Robinson for preparing and cooking pig for last barbecue. He also thanked steward department for all their help as well in making ''this barbecue hard to beat." Next ports: Jacksonville; San Juan, P.R.; and Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. Seafarers LOG 19 �~- -~. ~~--- I Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) - Savannah Contributed To WWII Liberty Fleet The following article about Liberty ships is something the members may enjoy reading. I worked at Southeastern Shipyards, building some of these ships. I signed on my first ship November 19, 1945 as an SIU member. It was the Liberty Ship Augustus P. Loring. I joined her in Charleston, S.C. We took a load of coal to France. While waiting at anchor off Le Havre, around Christmas, a mine sank a Robin Line ship. It was reported that no one was injured. I don't recall the ship's name, but it was close by us. We heard the explosion and felt the concussion. I enjoy the LOG and look forward to reading it each month. Thank you for keeping all the readers well informed. Pensioner Thomas A. Brown Savannah, Ga. Editor s note: The following article by James Mack Adams is reprinted, with permission, from the Islands Closeup section ofthe Savannah (Ga.) Morning News, May 6, 1999. Their cargo holds bulging with supplies destined for foreign ports, they sailed the treacherous and perilous wartime seas. Their distinctive silhouette and light armament made them easy prey for roaming German U-boat "Wolf Packs" and enemy dive bombers. They were the Liberty Ships that composed America's Liberty Fleet that transported much-needed supplies to troops overseas during World War II. The names "Liberty Fleet" and "Liberty Ship" were coined by Adm. Emory Scott Land, chairman of the United States Maritime Commission. A total of 88 of these Liberty Ships were built in Savannah between 1942 and 1945. Each launching was a patriotic celebration attended by dignitaries and well-wishers. Cheers and applause erupted from the throng as each new ship was christened by a bottle of champagne before it slid down the slipway into the embrace of the waiting river. They were given names to honor persons well-known in Georgia history such as the SS Lyman Hall, SS Button Gwinnett, SS Casmir Pulaski, SS Florence Martus, SS George Whitefield and others. The christening and launch of the SS Juliette Low on May 13, 1944 was said to be especially festive. In the crowd were hundreds of Girl Scouts and their leaders. Given the honor of breaking the bottle of champagne across the bow was Juliette's niece, Mrs. Samuel C. Lawrence of Charleston, W. Va. America's first Liberty Ship, the SS Patrick Henry, was launched from the port of Baltimore on September 27, 1941. Several hundred more of these merchant vessels were built at American ports and put to sea during the course of the war. Many of them ended up at the bottom of the sea. Just prior to America's entry into World War II, the U.S. Maritime Commission awarded shipbuilding contracts to several firms. One of these contracts was given to Savannah Shipyards, Inc. To help its chances of being awarded the contract, the Savannah company built its own three-slipway yard-without any federal funding. This move, however, did little to change the commission's lack of confidence in the company's capital structure and management. Savannah Shipyards, Inc. was required to show full staffing and to complete the required facilities within 30 to 60 days, or risk losing the contract. The company failed to meet the ' specified deadline, but the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor prompted the Maritime Commission to re-evaluate the situation in Savannah. The commission was granted the authority to take possession of the project, complete the facilities, and award the management to a new company. Savannah Shipyards, Inc. challenged this move in court, but their suit was unsuccessful. The company was awarded a substantial compensation. In January 1942, a leading construction firm was engaged to complete the shipbuilding facilities. Management was turned over to a group of experts who reorganized the yard and renamed it Southeastern Shipbuilding Corp. The first Liberty Ship to be launched from Savannah's Southeastern Shipyards in May 1942 was appropriately named the SS James Oglethorpe, for -~-----------~~--~--- and Georgia's wartime economy. It is estimated Savannah's founder. Unfortunately, this first that a total of 46,766 workers vessel did not survive the war. were employed in shipbuilding in The Oglethorpe was torpedoed Savannah throughout the course and sank as it crossed the of the war. This generated a total Northwest Atlantic on a voyage payroll amounting to $112 milfrom New York to England. lion. Workers invested some of Only two other Liberty Ships their pay to help finance the war launched from Savannah were by purchasing $11 million worth sunk as the result of enemy of War Bonds. Workers earned an average action. They were the SS John Treutlen and the SS Jonas Lie. weekly pay of $100-considered Most of the other vessels were a very respectable wage in those either scrapped or converted to days. other uses at the end of the war. Because of the shortage of During 1943, even though the male workers, women worked Savannah facilities were only half alongside the men, performing completed, Southeastern deliv- tasks that had been previously ered more Liberty Ships than any considered "men's work." of its rivals. Racial segregation being on The 88 vessels produced by firm footing in Savannah in the Southeastern Shipyards during 1940s, African-American workthe war cost just over $2 million ers had little hope of rising above each to build. The U.S. Maritime custodial or helper jobs. Commission paid the company a People flocked to Savannah to standard fee for each completed work in the shipyards. As the ship, and bonuses if they were wartime population of the city completed earlier than scheduled. swelled from 96,000 to 175,000 Due to the fact there was little between 1940 and 1944, new or no variation from one Liberty housing had to be constructed. Ship to another, they could be Some of the housing projects produced in rapid cookie-cutter were meant to be only temporary. fashion. The typical Liberty Ship On September 13, 1945, the measured just over 441 feet in end of an era was marked by the length and had a beam of just launching of the SS Half Knot, the under 57 feet. They could carry last Liberty Ship to depart about 9,000 tons of cargo at a top Savannah. speed of 11 knots. After peace returned to the Since they were primarily merworld, Southeastern was one of chantmen, and not intended as 4 pyards closed and their war ships, the vessels carried very properties b the War Assets light armament to fight off an -acre site attack. Their primary weapons Administration. about two miles west of ah were 20 mm and 40 mm guns, was purchased by the Savanna three-inch 50 caliber, and fiveinch 3 8 caliber. On board was a Port Authority and Industries detachment of 24 Navy seamen Committee for $357,112. The and one officer assigned to main- area was later occupied by ,Georgia Ports Authority, Union tain and operate the guns. The Southeastern Shipyards Camp and Intermarine USA. The era of the Liberty Ships is was Savannah's largest employer s during World War II and wielded an important part of Sa an enormous impact on the city's long and colorful mantime history. 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 20 Seafarers LOG mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION - SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member. should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. July 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSESCHEDULE The following is the ~chedUie for cla$se.S from July through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs Recertlflcatioa Programs Course Sta_, Date Date of Completion Bosun Recertification August23 October4 are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. · . ·· ·· · ···· Safety Specialty Courses · Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) August2 September 27 November 1 August 20 October 15 November 19 Basic Firefighting July 12 July 16 August 6 October 1 October 22 November 26 Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may calJ the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. August2 September 27 October 18 November 22 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Course Date of Completion Able Seaman September 20 October 29 Radar Observer/Unlimited July 12 August 9 September 4 July 23 August 20 September 15 Radar Recertification (one day) July 23 August 19 October 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) July 26 August 23 October 18 July 31 August 28 October23 July 12 Advanced Firefighting Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler August 9 October 11 September 17 November 19 Marirte Electrical Maintenance I September 20 October29 QMED September 13 December 3 Power Plant Maintenance September 27 November S Refrigeration Systems Maintenance November 8 December 17 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week, starting Jan. 11) July 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 September 6, 13, 20, 27 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward July 12, 26 August 9, 23 September 6, 20 (Every other week, starting Jan. 11) July 30 July 12 August 16 September6 September 27 November 1 November 8 November 29 Government Vessels Lifeboatman/Water Survival Course July 23 August 13 September 24 Novemberl9 August 2 September 13 Novembers Tankerman (PIC) Barge September 3 Septern her 24 October 15 November 19 November26 December 17 July 12 August 9 September 6 October4 November 1 November 29 July 23 August20 September 17 October 15 November 12 December 10 July 12 July 16 Julyl6 July 30 August 2 August 9 August30 September 20 September 27 October 25 November 1 Novembers November22 November29 December 13 August 6 August 13 September 3 September 24 October l October29 November 5 November 12 November 26 December 3 December 17 July26 July 30 Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. --~-------------------------------------11n~nAg11u~ UrUIJltt ADD'{l/9ATlftU rrj lllHI IUff lffU With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatim~ for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED 'Ul,p/icqnts must submit a U.S. Coast Guard tee qf $135 with their llJWlication. The pqyment should be matle with a montzy order on{v. payable to LMSS. Name Address COURSE Telephone----------Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth - - - - - - - - - D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security# Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - July 1999 LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. Ifyou have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLEI'ED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and &iucation, Admissions Office, PO. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Trai_ning an~ Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 7199 Seafarers LOG 21 - �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY ;: !:. LUNDEBERG LIFEBOAT CLASS ·:_ ~; .. ==-SR~ Unlicensed Apprentice Water Safety Class 589 - Graduating from unlicensed apprentice water safety class 589 are (from left, kneeling) James Miller Jr., Derek Henderson, Chad Partridge, Andrew Straka Jr., Christopher Green, (second row) Donaldo Arevalo, Barry McCaslin II, Terry Rochester Jr., Jarian Hutchinson, DeMichael Dews, Ray Lewis Jr., Anthony Cruzvergara, Brent Morris and Lane Schroeder. STCW Basic Safety - Upgrading graduates of the STCW basic safety course are (from left, kneeling) William Allbiter, Derek Ross, Romulo Dalit, Roberto Contreras, Calvin Wagner, Malachi Tannis, Charles Tuck, Ella Hill, (second row) Oswald Chase, John Lavergne, Mike Croft, Ernest Costa, John Lee, Eddie Kilbury, Rodney Mccaslin, Ed Lobb, Stormie Combs (instructor), (third row) Lee Rogers, Gilbert Martinez, Jake Jarrell, James Fleming, James Odekirk, Dennis Johnston, Brian Bailey, Rogers Trahan, wallace Ashwood and Luis Bera. Basic Fire Fighting - Earning their basic fire fighting endorsements on April 16 are (in no specific order) William J. Bryan, Philip H. Diego, Hazel P. Galbiso, John J. Graham, Tina D. Larson, Michael R. LasDulce, Michael P. MacNiel, lsoline E. Major, Oscar Martinez, Rodolfo A. Orlanda, Kirt A. Pugh, Oscar L. Ramos, Elveme Ruter, Sonny 0. Austria, Mohamed M. Wasel and Gary A. White. Marine Electrican Maintenance I Basic Fire Fighting - Completing the basic fire fighting dass on May 7 are (from left, kneeling) Juan Ortiz, Patricia Geras, Owen Carr, Curtis Hintze, (second row) Arthur Stewart, Edward Whitfield, Claude Hollings, Stormie Combs (instructor) and Douglas Flynn. Engine department members receiving their marine electrical maintenance endorsements on April 16 are (from left) Howard Hendra, Dennis Adjetey, Mark Jones (instructor), Troy Fleming, Morris Jeff, Samuel Addo, Lonnie Carter, James Arlt and Rebecca Gaytan. Advanced Fire Fighting - Marking completion of the advanced fire fighting course on April 30 with their instructor, John Smith (far left), are (from left, first row) Marijan Masnov, Demetrius Simmons, Amin Ali, David Gray, Terry Smith, Husain Ali, Edward Rynberg, (second row) Ronald Oyer, Elmer Prestidge, Thomas Lester, Stanley Garnett, Jose Guzman and Dennis Flynn. .- Tankerman (Pl C) Barge - Mari trans - Boatmen who sail aboard Maritrans vessels completed the tankerman (PIC) barge course in Philadelphia on April 16. They are (in no specific order) William Richardson, George Lynch Ill, Karl Goldsword, Anthony Matthews, Ronald Oyer, Randall Johnson, John Dean, Timothy Purdy and William Conger. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)- Earning their graduation certificates for .completion of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course on April 30 are (from left, first row) Jim Shafer (instructor), Owen Carr, Richard Buchanan, James Prado, Pati Taototo, James Furby, Fahad Yahya, Anthony Jordan, Antonio Cooks, (second row) Christopher Barrow, Joseph Sotelo, Timothy Bixby, Joshua Davenport, Aaron Thomas, Thomas Larusso, Nabil Ahmed, Cole Bridwell, Christopher Ledlow, Clifton Doonis, (third row) Michael Snow, Joel Encarnacion, David Horton and Daniel Buffington. 22 Seafarers LOii July 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes Water Safety - Upgrading ABs who successfully completed the water safety class on April 2 are (from left, first row) Artis Williams, Alfred Mcintyre, Jeffrey Peterbridge, Melvin Stegall, Billy Pinkston, (second row) Kevin Russell, Dionisio Batiz, Monte Burgett, Michael Payne, Denny Lewis, (third row) Raymond Kane, Thong Dinh, Byron Manuel, Abdul Hassan, Tommy Cuffee, Morgan Browne, (fourth row) Tom Gilliland (instructor), Laura Cash and Deborah Sutton. Chief Cook - Completing one of the required modules in the chief cook course are (from left) Cleotilde Mejia, Curtis Williams, Instructor-Chef John Dobson, Bienvenido Pagan, Alba Ayala, Dulip Sookhiram and Jasper Jackson. Welding - Engine department members completing the welding course on May 7 are (from left, first row) Samuel Addo, Kwasi Manu, Juntin Valencia, Mark Dumas, Sterling Adams, (second row) Lonnie Carter, Dennis Adjetey, Troy Fleming, Morris Jeff, Buzzy Andrews (instructor) and Ronald Garber. Chief Cook - Upgraders graduating from a module in the chief cook course pose with their instructor, Chef John Hetmanski (far left). The students are (from left) Donald Huffman, Louis Morris and Jimmy VVhite. Galley Familiarization - Unlicensed apprentices from class 588 complete their introduction to the galley department with Instructor-Chef Shannon Twigg (right). They are (from left, first row) Fahd Alsoofi, Pedro Ortiz, William Rozier, Martin Vargas Jr., James Brown, Ramon Thomas, (second row) James Brasher, Samuel Giles, Michael Humphrey Jr., Bruce Weathers and Marion Collins. Practicing Damage Control Students in a government vessels course learn damage control techniques, in this case how to stop leaks in a pipe. July 1999 Government Vessels - Upgrading graduates of the government vessels course on May 7 are (from left, front row) Wilfredo Acevedo, Juan Rivas, Tawnia Stucker, Glenn Williams, Edward Nelson, Mark Downey, Steve Kastel, Brian lsenstadt, Thomas Grosskurth, Victor Beata, Robert Wiles, Anthony Sabatini, Sean Cripps, (second row) John Gamache, Dana Washington, Ken Gilliam, (third row) Melvin Ratcliff, Andrew Seabon, Damon Panker, Jomo Young, Barry Larkin, Justin VonSprecken, Jason Gay, Philip Noto II and Carlos Ortiz. Seafarers LOii 23 �Summer at the Point There Is still time to plan a family holiday this summer at the Paul Hall Center In Piney Point, Md. For additional lnfonnation, see page 10. A service honoring U.S. merchant mariners took place May 22 at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial (far left) in San Pedro, Calif. Above, SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox stands before the wreath presented by the Seafarers International Union. The event also marked the tenth anniversary of the dedication of the memorial on a site which soon will be home to the first National Merchant Marine Memorial Wall of Honor. The wall will list the names of the ships and the brave mariners who sacrificed their lives for their country during World War II and subsequent conflicts. With the port of Los Angeles/ Long Beach, Cali£ being America's largest and most active harbor complex, there is always something different going on at or around the Seafarers hall in nearby Wilmington. SIU officials are on hand to service incoming ships; register and dispatch members to crew the many vessels calling on the southern California port; help DEU Mark Ciciulla (left) and his brother, Second Pumpman Giusseppe Ciciulla, catch up on the latest union news during their break aboard the Coast Range. Seafarers file vacation, medical, pension and upgrading forms; and take care of other union business as needed. Officials and members also represent the union in rallies, picket lines and special events such as Maritime Memorial Day. The photos on this pa e show some of the recent routine and not-so-routine activities of Seafarers while in port. Above, two new members from Gulf Caribe, which runs a taxi service and assists in bringing ships into the moorings, are Operator Chad Thomas and Deckhand Tom Matlock. Right, preparing lunch for a hungry crew aboard the Coast Range is Chief Steward Hans F. Schmuck. On a break after securing the Coast Range at the El Segundo moorings are (from left) Bosun John Mossenberger, AB Rudolph Hernandez and AB Mike Ortiz. William J. Dean, bosun aboard the Sea-Land Defender, is happy to be in port. Bosun Kenneth McGregor stops in at the Wilmington hall to go over some paperwork. At the top of the Crowley Petroleum vessel's gangway are (from left} AB Paul Wills, SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox and SA Plaridel Cadiz. Richard Walker, chief cook aboard the Coast Range, has the ship's grill sizzling. I Above, AB Tom Filippone operates a winch to bring a submarine line (righ1) aboard the deck of the Coast Range. The Crowley Petroleum Transport vessel was at the El Segundo moorings, preparing to discharge its cargo to the nearby Chevron refinery. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource July 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINESTALKS UNDER WAY CONCERNING NMU MERGER WITH SEAFARERS AVONDALE BILLS NAVY $5.4 MILLION TO CONTINUE FIGHT AGAINST UNIONS TAX BILL OFFERED TO MAKE JONES ACT VESSEL CONSTRUCTION EASIER NEW SHIPS = MORE JOBS DELTA QUEEN ANNOUNCES NEW RIVERBOAT FOR FLEET BOSUN VERN POULSEN HONORED BY TACOMA PROPELLER CLUB REALITIES OF RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPPING: MASKED GUNMEN, NO FOOD OR WAGES NY TIMES ARTICLE REVEALS MORE FOC VICTIMS U.S. PORTS WILL REMAIN OPEN WHEN CLOCK STRIKES MIDNIGHT COAST GUARD SAYS IT IS READY FR Y2K ALASKAN LEDLOW LOOKS FORWARD TO NEW CAREER AS SIU MEMBER PAUL HALL CENTER’S RUSSELL HONORED ON MEMORIAL DAY STEWARD HAS LOVING MESSAGE DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH CAPE TRINITY CREW AWARDED CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE 66,000 IN PUERTO RICO WIN UNION ELECTIONS MORE WORKERS SAY ‘UNION YES’ GOV’T SERVICES DIVISION MEMBER WRITES NOVEL ABOUT SUBIC BAY AMERICAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY ADDS DEFIBRILLATORS TO VESSELS UPGRADERS, APPRENTICES UTILIZE NEW FIRE FIGHTING AND SAFETY SCHOOL SEAFARERS IN AND AROUND THE PORT OF WILMINGTON, CALIFORNIA. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 07/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 7 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/da814fd655f4701dc1e37e63c58e2831.pdf 7849dad0ef8c8fc1c4fadb6c85817485 PDF Text Text ... The newest campus of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education-the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School-opened May 18. The facility provides Seafarers a central location within minutes of Piney Point to upgrade their skills in damage control, search-andrescue, water survival and first aid as well as fire fighting. RIGHT: ITF General Secretary David Cockroft lights the eternal flame which will blaze in memory of the late SIU executive vice president, Joseph Sacco. �New Legislation Targets 'Saipan Scam' President's Report SIU Joins Coalition to Restore Integrity of 'Made in USA' Label What a Week Two major events took place last month in the same week that allowed the SIU and the whole U.S.-flag maritime industry to look with pride at our past while envisioning a bright and shining future. Those two events were the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and the observance of Maritime Memorial Day. On both days, we took the time to remember what it took and who allowed us to get to where we are today. But, we also took the opportunity to look ahead and see what new and exciting challenges lay before us. Michael Sacco The opening of the fire fighting school had long been a dream of my brother and the many others who have worked through the years to make the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education the best facility for preparing men and women to become merchant mariners, as well as for upgraders to learn more about their trade and improve themselves. Many of us remember those long bus rides to Earle, N.J. Getting up in what seemed like the middle of the night, the trip alone made you feel as if you already had worked a full day even before the training began. Now, we have this beautiful, world-class facility in viewing distance of the center's main campus in Piney Point. This school is designed to train merchant mariners now and well into the future on how to battle blazes, conduct search-and-rescue missions, execute water survival techniques, perform damage control operations and so much more. Besides having all that in one spot, the school has plenty of room to grow. When plans call for a different type of training to meet the needs of mariners, the school-just like the Paul Hall Center has done since it opened in 1967-can adjust and offer those classes. The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is one of a kind, and it is here for Seafarers to use. Then, just two days later, the nation's capital paid its respect to the men and women of the U.S. merchant marine who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. Three separate ceremonies took place in Washington, D.C. Legislators, military officers, maritime industry representatives and union officials recalled past achievements and honored those who went before. However, there was a twist this year. All the speakers at the services additionally declared the best way for America to honor its past merchant mariners is to make sure the nation retains a strong U.S.flag fleet in the future. From Transportation Secretary Slater to Navy Undersecretary Hultin to MSC Commander Holder and the other speakers came commitments to continue the U.S.-flag maritime revitalization program that has taken place throughout the 1990s. All stated America needs U.S.-built, U.S.-crewed vessels to be ready in case of war or national emergency. By doing so, the country will provide the ultimate tribute to the merchant mariners who have served the United States so ably for more than 200 years. We, in the SIU, know how bright the future is. Seafarers have been crewing the latest vessels to come out of American yards-from tankers to prepositioning ships to tugboats. Seafarers will be climbing the gangways to the new Hawaiian cruise ships and the smaller coastal passengers vessels when they begin service shortly after the tum of the century. Seafarers across the country have been shipping out of new halls closer to where they catch their vessels. And there is more to come. Yes, it is important to remember where we came from. The opening of Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and Maritime Memorial Day gave us that opportunity. But, what a future the SIU and the whole U.S.-flag fleet has. It is exciting to realize where we are heading. We will continue doing our part to make sure Seafarers are ready for the challenge. Volume 61, Number 6 June 1999 lbe SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~'' 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright© 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOS The Take Pride in America Coalition, which includes the Seafarers, recently applauded new bipartisan legislation aimed at stopping abuses by foreign-owned sweatshop factories in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI or Saipan). The Washington, D.C.-based coalition includes trade unions, businesses, consumer groups and human rights organizations. It aggressively is publicizing the reform bills through an internet campaign (see www.takepride.org) and other resources. A dozen SIU members formed part of the crowd of approximately 100 supporters at a Capitol Hill press conference April 30 announcing the bipartisan bills in both the U.S. House and Senate. The legislation was introduced by Reps. Bob Franks (R-N.J.) and John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Senators Spencer Abraham (RMich.) and Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.). These bills, each titled the Made in USA Label Defense Act, would close loopholes in current U.S. law that provide incentives to foreign interests and others in Saipan to build and maintain what numerous witnesses say are oppressive sweatshops. Specifically, the bills would protect U.S. consumers, taxpayers and workers by forbidding Saipan from labeling its foreign-made products as "Made in USA," and by no longer allowing Saipan to escape paying more than $200 million per year in import duties SIU members join AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Dept. President Charles Mercer (sixth from right) in applauding the recent announcement of new legislation designed to stop Saipan sweatshops from using the Made in USA label. on the foreign-made products it exports to the U.S. "The bipartisan and bicameral launch for Saipan reform legislation by this diverse and powerful team of legislators sends a strong signal to the Congress and to the American people that the time has come to stop the Saipan scam," said Charles E. Mercer, president of the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department. "Previous efforts at reform have repeatedly been undercut by entrenched special interests. But the courageous leadership of these congressmen and senators will help break the legislative logjam for the benefit of consumers, taxpayers and working men and women across the nation." "It's wrong for Congress and the American people to stand back and do nothing when CNMI has been converted into a satellite for the Communist-dominated Chinese garment industry," stated ~ep. Fra~s . "It 1 ULU';\ . · · · '1 1s deceptive and misleading to American consumers to allow the words 'USA' to appear anywhere on products made by foreign workers, in foreignowned factories with foreign materials. "We've given the Chinese a backdoor entrance into the dutyfree market," he added. "By setting up shop in CNMI, the Chinese clothing manufacturers are escaping the import duties and quotas that America imposes on goods manufactured in mainland China." Senator Abraham noted, "The time has come to say enough is enough. We should no longer accept a situation where foreign companies simply move their operations to a U.S. possession for the sole purpose of avoiding quotas, duties and tariffs that would apply to their products if they continued to operate out of their own country." "Plain and simple, we are here today because we want to restore the integrity of the Made in USA label," Rep. Dingell said. "When you think of Made in USA, images of indentured Chinese workers making below minimum wage in abusive Chinese factories don't usually come to mind. It is an insult to American consumers and a rip-off of the American taxpayer." TOP PHOTO: Carlos Moore, an official from the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, weighs in on the Made in USA Label Defense Act. RIGHT: Reporters, Seafarers and .1 other attendees at the April 30 press conference in Washington, D.C. hear. about some workers in Saipan who live in wire-enclosed, rat-infested and unsanitary housing facilities and who have been forced to sign contracts requiring that they follow Chinese law, even in the U.S. territory. Scholarship Committee Selects 7 Winners The Seafarers Welfare Plan has announced this year's SIU scholarship recipients. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were three Seafarers and four dependents of SIU members. Since the inception of the program in 1953, 269 have been awarded. Laura L. Cates, a recertified steward, was awarded a $15,000 scholarship. Presently sailing aboard an LNG vessel, she will return in time to start classes at Tacoma (Wash.) Community College in the fall. She is considering a career in criminal justice. Deep sea members Matthew L. Dunn and Dorothea L. Hoffman, also from Washington state, were each awarded $6,000 to continue their college education. Dunn, an AB, plans to complete a two-year paralegal program at Edmonds (Wash.) Community College. Hoffman, a IO-year veteran of the SIU, already has a degree in graphic arts. The deck department member has decided to fine-tune her computer and graphic arts skills at Green River Community College in Auburn, Wash. Four graduating high school seniors were selected to receive the $15,000, four-year scholarships for dependents of SIU members. They are Thomas G. Anderl, son of AB Kenneth Anderl; Carla L Longanecker, daughter of inland member Lewis Longanecker; Keis/a Passapera, daughter of AB Angel Passapera; and L John Vassalotti, stepson of inland member Dannie Card Sr. For a more in-depth look at each of the scholarship winners, see page9. This year's selection committee, meeting in San Diego, was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The panel was comprised of the following scholars and academicians: Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; and Dr. Charles D. O'Connell Jr., University of Chicago. Also on the scholarship selection committee were Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio, Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota and Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community College. June 1999 �First-Class Fire Fighting School Opens Facility Is Major Addition for Paul Hall Center SIU members and representatives from throughout the U.S. maritime industry celebrated the ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School on May 18 in Valley Lee, Md. The high-tech facility, part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is by all estimates an enormous boon for mariner safety training. Specifically built to simulate different types of shipboard blazes and other marine mishaps, it features the latest equipment. "This is a modem, unique, convenient school designed exactly for merchant mariners," said SIU President Michael Sacco. "The number one requirement for mariners these days is safety training, including fire fighting. With that in mind, this school's value is very apparent." A distinguished array of guest speakers and an audience of approximately 250 people joined in the ceremonial opening, which took place on a pictureperfect afternoon. Among those commending the new school-named in memory of the late SIU SIU member Carl Poggioli (left) won a contest to name the burn building. For his leading entry (the Eternal Flame}, the recertified steward received a ship's wheel and helped christen the facility. Water survival training is one of many types of safety schooling available for Seafarers at the new campus, part of the Paul Hall Center. executive vice president who passed away in 1996-were U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral James Card; U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gordon Holder, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command; U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart; Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson; American Council on Education Director Jo Ann Robinson; and International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) General Secretary David Cockroft. Jim Hanson, director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center and a key figure in determining, implementing and fine-tuning the fire fighting school's features, also addressed the crowd. "So many people deserve credit for this school. But we shouldn't overlook the leadership of Mike Sacco in making this dream a reality," Hanson stated. Afterward, he described the value of the school for Seafarers. "It's not only a frre fighting school, but also a facility for water survival training, damage control and confined-space safety training. And we control the types of fires, instead of depending on another facility that's geared toward land-based fire fighting." For SIU members who in years past traveled as far as Earle, N.J. for fire fighting classes administered by the Paul Hall Center, that is welcome news. "This is a far cry from New Jersey," observed QMED Sheldon Greenberg, who joined the SIU 21 years ago in Jacksonville, Fla. "I still remember the bus trips and pulling over for those boxed meals. This [new school] is something else, and I'm glad I was here for this." . The Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School features a "bum building" designed like a vessel (and named the Eternal Flame); a maze building with moveable partitions also patterned after ships; a water survival training facility; classrooms including computers and television monitors for reviewing videotaped drills; a damage control room with water flow and a recessed floor; a compressor room where students will learn to take air samples and service compressors; an area where upgraders will practice using and refilling portable fire extinguishers; outdoor pads connected to propane lines, and more. It is a hygienically safe facility. "Without a doubt, this is one of the most wellequipped facilities in the world," said the ITF's Cockroft. "The SIU should feel justifiably proud." "You.don't d? something like this if you don't believe in your future,n SIU President Michael Sacco tells the crowd at the fire fighting school's ceremonial opening May 18. For additional coverage of the opening of the Joseph Sacco Are Fighting and Safety School, see pages 13-16. Board Focuses On STCW Assessments, Verifying Training Calian Updates Timeline for New Passenger Ships The other subsidiary, American Hawaii Cruises, runs the SS Independence out of Honolulu on seven-day voyages around the islands. Seafarers have crewed this vessel since it returned to operations in 1980. The head of American Classic Voyages noted all responses to the new bottoms have been positive. He said the company undertook the expansion to ensure the U.S.-flag would be part of the growing cruise industry. He added the U.S.-flag industry, maritime labor and the government Philip Calian, president and CEO all worked together during the of American Classic Voyages, tells the Washington, D.C. last couple of years to make the Propeller Club the first of five effort possible. coastal cruise vessels will be sail"We believe that the best ing in early 2001 while the initial defense to criticism of the new ship for Hawaii will be operaPassenger Vessel Services Act, tional in 2003. the Jones Act and other criticisms that occur from day to day- cruise industry." Joining Calian at the Capitol especially in Washington-is to build new ships and expand the Hill luncheon was Lawrence J. Cavaiola, vice president of govU.S.-flag fleet," stated Calian. "We're doing just that. We will ernment operations and strategic continue to do our part to pre- development for Litton Ingalls serve and grow the U.S.-flag Shipbuilding, a union-contracted shipyard which will construct the two deep sea passenger vessels. Please. be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring He laid out the building timeline halls will be closed on Monday, July 5, 1999 (unless an for the two cruise ships, the first emergency arises) for the observance of Independence Day. to come out of a U.S. yard in Normal business hours will resume the following workday. more than 40 years. Members of the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club found out how soon the U.S.-flag passenger fleet will expand when American Classic Voyages President and CEO Philip Calian addressed the group on April 27. Calian told the audience that the frrst of five 225-passenger diesel-driven "coastal vessels" should be ready for service in early 2001 while the initial of two 1,900-passenger cruise ships should be operating around the Hawaiian Islands by 2003. Seafarers will · crew this new fleet of U.S.-built, U.S.-flag vessels. American Classic Voyages subsidiary Delta Queen Steamboat Co. will operate the five smaller ships. They will sail along the Atlantic Coast as well as the Pacific Northwest and northern California. SIU members already work aboard the Delta Queen, company's Mississippi Queen and American Queen steamboats, which sail in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. June 1999 The Paul Hall Center for (ACE); the SIU and the Paul Hall Maritime Training and Educa- Center took part in the confertion's deep sea and inland adviso- ence, designed to meet the indusry board examined a typically try's constantly changing needs. broad range of industry topics last In addition to discussing the month during its 32nd annual relaxed assessment and forming meeting in Piney Point, Md. the auditing team, the group conAmong the key points tinued refining unJicensed apprenaddressed during the two-day tice programs for inland and Great conference were a reopening of Lakes Seafarers; reviewed the the Coast Guard's relaxed assess- work during the past year of the ment period for meeting the Coast Guard's Merchant Marine requirements of STCW Chapter Personnel Advisory Committee VI; and establishment of a coop- (MERPAC); agreed to continue erative joint auditing team that upgrading the center's simulators; annually will review the center's checked the structure and functions of the NMC; sampled the training-records database. The meeting took place May content of the Coast Guard's new 18-19, coinciding with the cere- STCW web site (located at monial opening of the Joseph http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/); conSacco Fire Fighting and Safety sidered the ongoing effort to establish physical standards for School. mariners; and revisited a long list Representatives of SIU-contracted deep sea, Great Lakes and .of noteworthy accomplishments inland companies; the Coast during the previous 12 months Guard and its National Maritime stemming at least in part from the Center (NMC); the U.S. Maritime advisory board's 1998 workshop. Administration; the U.S. Military Deadline Extension Sealift Command; the National Perhaps of most immediate Transportation Safety Board; the Continued on page 5 American Council on Education Seafarers LOG 3 �Seafarers Complete Delegate Training On SS Independence l ff.,-6L~~~<'il •'Mt%%'%%~~*~ Successfully completing the on-site delegate training are (seated, from left) Mohamad Kassam, Omar Kassem, Muthana Koraish and (standing) Hussein Elemary. Dozens of Seafarers who crew the SS Independence recently completed union delegate training aboard the American Hawaii Cruises passenger vessel. The two-day workshops took place in late March and were by SIU Vice conducted President West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU Hawaii Port Agent Neil Dietz. Participants examined numerous topics, including social responsibility; identifying and handling grievances; effectively communicating with fellow union members, union officials and company personnel; the general structure and function of the labor movement; and much more. Each participant also received a site-specific training manual crafted by Marrone and Dietz. Among the union delegates participating in the two-day program are (seated, from left) Greg Cuda!, Jim Netzel, Mike Zoabi, (standing) Kevin Smith, Joel Pfister, John Stringer, Peter DePierro, SIU VP Nick Marrone, Brandy O'Hara and Kevin Manning. ILA Hails Sea-Land/Maersk Decision Ta Keep Hub in Part al New Yark Officials from the International Longshoremen 's Association (ILA) welcomed the announcement last month by Sea-Land Service, Inc. and Maersk Line, Inc. to keep the companies' joint northeastern deepwater hub in the Port of New York and New Jersey. That decision will help maintain an estimated 25,000 maritime-related jobs in the New York area, including those of approximately 1,000 ILA members, noted ILA President John Bowers. Bowers and other ILA officials commended New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman (R), U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) and others for their respective efforts in securing what is believed to be at least a 25-year agreement with Sea-Land and Maersk. The lease calls for various upgrades at the port, financed in part through $120 million in state funds that were added fairly late in the negotiations. The companies-which share vessels, contain- ers, terminals and other assets-had been considering competing bids from the Port of Baltimore and the Port of Halifax, Nova Scotia, respectively, to relocate much of their northeastern waterborne commerce (consisting of about 750,000 shipping containers annually). In a joint statement, Maersk and Sea-Land credited those ports for submitting "very comprehensive and competitive proposals. These are outstanding ports." Maryland Governor Parris Glendening (D) indicated that Baltimore's bid-which included an offer to construct a $200 million, 330-acre marine terminal-brought positive exposure for the port. "We showcased the Port of Baltimore to an international maritime audience, and that audience clearly liked what it saw," the governor said. "Our strong showing ... will yield dynamic new opportunities in the future for new business and new jobs." SIU President Michael Sacco (left) congratulates Unlicensed Apprentice Timothy Bixby for successfully completing the work required to earn his high school equivalency diploma. Bixby thanked the staff of the Paul Hall Center when he spoke after receiving his GED during the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. l'tVn In f\IVU:nt\/A At"L•l,;iO Finding the Union Label ED INDUSTRIAL WORKERS SIU Active at AFL-CIO Union Industries Show The SIU and its affiliate union the United Industrial Workers, along with the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, took part in the 62nd annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show, conducted this year in Atlantic City May 14-17. Sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department, the yearly event showcases the quality and variety of union-made, American-made goods and services. Tens of thousands of visitors turned out for the show at the New Atlantic City Convention Center. Altogether, the free program featured more than 300 unions and companies with union-represented employees, plus giveaways of many of the 4 Seafarers LOG union-made goods that are on display-big-ticket items, smallticket items, and those in between. "The show is considered by many as the largest job fair in the country," noted the national federation of trade unions in publicizing the exhibition. "For young people, in particular, the show is regarded as a prime place to get a firsthand look at the wide range of good jobs available for those who prepare for them." Along those lines, the Paul Hall Center operated a booth at the four-day affair, featuring detailed information about the school and its various curriculums, including the unlicensed apprentice program. Visitors crowd the SIU-UIW booth at the AFL-CIO Union Industries Show last month in Atlantic City. Providing facts about the Paul Hall Center's entry-level training, upgrading courses and academic classes are Bart Rogers (left), school rep., and Leo Bonser, SIU headquarters rep. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU Representative Ed Pulver lend a hand during the show's setup. June 1999 �Leon Hess Dies at 85 Propeller Club Honors Rep. Young The Congress' only member to hold a merchant mariner's license, U.S. Rep. Don Young (A-Alaska), was honored for his many years of service and support for the American-flag fleet by the U.S. Propeller Club in late April. Posing with the congressman (center) and his wife, Lu, during the ceremony are Robert McMillen (left}, co-chairman and CEO of Saltchuk Resources (which includes SIU-contracted TOTE}, and SIU President Michael Sacco. Board Told Relaxed Assessment Extended Continued from page 3 interest to SIU members, the Coast Guard confirmed during last month's meeting that the deadline for relaxed assessment of the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training has been extended through the end of this year. All indications are that this will be the final such extension. This announcement means SIU members may continue utilizing a relatively convenient method of meeting some of the Chapter VI requirements. They may demonstrate certain proficiencies listed in the chapter and then have a qualified assessor verify their performance. Such verification is valid for five years. The only other way to meet the Chapter VI requirements (the tables for which are found on pages 47-52 of the SIU's training record book) is by successfully completing Coast Guard-approved courses. Chapter VI requires documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibilities. The extension has one proviso: Assessments must be conducted according to MERPAC's standards for basic safety training. With that in mind, the advisory board reviewed in detail those standards. VerHylng Records On another important subject, the working group on auditing procedures presented results of the most recent audits of the Paul Hall Center's training-records database. Such reviews are required to verify mariner training according to STCW and ISM guidelines. The school has been audited by the Coast Guard, contracted companies, ACE, the state of Maryland and others. John Torgersen of Det Norske Veritas reported that a 1998 review found 99 percent accuracy in the center's system when the school possesses the information about a mariner's training. "However, we need a better method of getting information into the database," he said. Torgersen pointed out there have been instances when a com- June 1999 pany has had proof of a given certification, but that information wasn't relayed to the school. Further illustrating this issue's challenges, J.C. Wiegman, assistant director for vocational education at the center, noted that the school also has uncovered legitimate but non-applicable certifications received by mariners. "The company and the mariner may have information regarding the certification, but it may not be for a Coast Guard-approved course, and it may not meet certain other requirements," he explained. Ultimately, the board chartered a rotating, volunteer audit team designed to avoid duplicating work and to provide some continuity while equitably sharing the workload. (Some of the members will serve two-year terms, others one-year assignments.) That team will conduct an annual audit and report its findings at the following meeting of the advisory board. Many Accomplishments Representatives of the union and the school specified various achievements since last year's meeting. They include the construction of the fire fighting school; installation of new radar equipment; establishment of entry training programs for inland and Lakes mariners; production by the school of numerous study guides and ship-specific videotapes; approval by the Coast Guard for nine classes (either new approvals or renewals) including STCW basic safety and tanker familiarization; and approval by MSC of the school's damage control and anti-terrorism training. Other accomplishments included continuation of off-campus, company-specific training provided by the school; "train the trainer" certifications earned by 3 5 Paul Hall Center instructors; Coast Guard certification of the training vessel Osprey (used for deck department and safety training); internet access throughout the school; new and upgraded computer equipment at the Paul Hall Memorial Library; ACE approval of the school's curriculums and certification of some of them for continuing education credits; securing ACE as a "quality standard system" reviewer, as required by the 1995 STCW amendments; restructuring steward department classes to allow more flexible scheduling; and more. The Seafarers International Union lost a longtime friend with the death last month of Leon Hess. He was 85. Hess began working for his father during the Depression, driving a 625-gallon truck delivering home heating oil. He eventually reorganized the bankrupt business into a major petroleum company, Amerada Hess Corporation. SIU-crewed integrated tug/barges (ITBs) operated by Sheridan Transportation Corp. are part of a wholly owned subsidiary of the company created by Hess. The Sheridan vessels included the ITBs Baltimore, Groton, Jacksonville, Mobile, New York and Philadelphia. During World War II, Hess served as petroleum supply officer for General George S. Patton, providing fuel for Patton's successful tank attacks. After the war, he built his own centralized storage systems. By the 1950s, the first Hess refinery had been built. That was followed by a chain of Hess gasoline stations in 1960, which went public in 1963. He expanded his business with the takeover of the Amerada Petroleum Corporation in 1969 and built what was then the world's largest oil refinery on St. Croix in the United States Virgin Islands. He ran the company as chairman and CEO until 1995, at which time his son, John B. Hess, took charge of the company (although the son no longer owns it). He continued on as a company official. But there was more to the man than his financial success. Hess was a great philanthropist. When Hurricane Hugo leveled much of St. Croix in 1989, H~ss paid to rebuild not only his refinery, but also the island's schools, which he believed were more important. Perhaps Hess was best known as the sole owner of the New York Jets football team. He is survived by his wife, Norma; two daughters, Marlene Hess and Connie Williams; his son, John; and seven grandchildren. WWII Discharges Finally Processed Puzzling Change Had Delayed Issuance of Documents After a mysterious delay, eligible merchant marine veterans finally are receiving honorable discharges certifying them as World War II veterans. Some of the mariners who applied for recognition under the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act (an SIU-supported measure signed into law late last year) began receiving their discharges in mid-May. It is expected that the rest will receive theirs in the very near future. Many of the applicants were confused and upset by the largely unexplained lag in processing the applications-particularly when they received their own canceled checks for the application fee, but no discharges. Inquiries by officials from the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) revealed the hang-up: an unauthorized, oneword change in legislative language for which no one claimed responsibility. This alteration apparently took place sometime after the House and Senate unanimously approved the bill last year, but before it was signed by President Clinton. According to the AMMV and Capitol Hill news reports, someone changed the term "honorable discharge"-which appeared in the original Senate bill five times-to read "honorable certificate." Moreover, that person or group reportedly did so without the knowledge or approval of key members of Congress. Joe Katusa, national volunteer chairman of the Merchant Mariners Fairness Committee (which led the fight to secure passage of the bill), credited Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (RMiss.) for helping resolve the controversy. Lott wrote the initial bill and gained broad bipartisan support for it. "The upshot is that eligible applicants are receiving honorable discharges, which was the original intent of the bill," said Katusa. The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act extends veterans' status to U.S. mariners who sailed during the period between August 16, 1945 and December 31, 1946 (the date cited by President Harry Truman and the U.S. Congress as the official end of the war). Previously, those individuals had been denied such recognition, even though people who entered the armed services during that same time were awarded .war veterans' status. All Saved as Fire Engulfs Cruise Ship Authorities continue to deal with a growing oil slick created when a 700-foot Bahamian-registered passenger ship burned and sank on May 20 in the busy shipping lanes of the Strait of Malacca between Malaysia and Sumatra. The Sun Vista went down without loss of life after all 1,093 passengers and crew members were evacuated. However, details of the evacuation as well as the efforts to combat the fire were still being questioned as the Seafarers LOG went to press. News reports stated a fire broke out in the engine room of the 36-year-old Sun Vista around 2:30 p.m. on May 20. Passengers said they began seeing and smelling smoke soon thereafter. Some recalled hearing fellow passengers ask the captain if everything was under control and being assured it was, even though some of the crew had donned life jackets. The captain called for outside help around 6 p.m. and gave the abandon ship signal. Passengers and crew dispersed to the 18 lifeboats and four life rafts. Many newspaper articles from around the world quoted passengers saying that crew members were as panicked as they were. Several statements were given that lifeboats were overcrowded and poorly stocked with motors that did not work. One report noted a lifeboat had trouble being properly lowered, while others told of dif- ficulties pushing the rescue crafts away from the ship which, in turn, delayed the launch of waiting lifeboats. Many passengers-including Americans, Canadians, Britons, Indians, Japanese and Russians -told reporters they thought they were on their own version of the Titanic, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, taking 1,500 lives as it went down. A group of Australians even sang the theme from the movie "Titanic" as they drifted from the sinking Sun Vista. The Titanic theme carried to the ship's captain, who told investigators he used the movie to alert the crew, composed of 26 nationalities, of the dangers of working at sea. In an Associated Press (AP) report, Captain Sven Bertil Hartzell of Sweden stated his crew was not very attentive during weekly training sessions, so he showed the film. "But after they had seen the movie, all of them suddenly became very attentive and followed instructions carefully," Hartzell told the AP. Yet, passengers reported crew members literally dove into already overcrowded lifeboats following the abandon ship signal. The Sun Vista was returning to its home port of Singapore on its regular six-day cruise schedule. The cause of the fire is still being investigated. SeafarelS LOG 5 �Fallowing 6-Year Wage Freeze, Steelworkers Want ta Share In Va. Shipyard's Profitable Times Thousands of members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) remained on strike at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding late last month, even as the two sides negotiated for the first time since the job action began April 5. Meeting on May 24 under the supervision of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service in Hampton, Va., the union and the shipyard apparently made little headway in resolving the dispute, which centers on wages and pension benefits. "I don't think the company has any intention of trying to bargain in good faith," said Arnold Outlaw, president of USWA Local 8888, which represents 9,200 employees at the yard. "I think they are trying to break the spirit of the union." The USWA points out that-in response to the company's claims of financial distress-its members went six years without a raise and made other concessions. If they accepted the shipyard's contract offer, "it would barely bring compensation back to 1993 levels [in terms of purchasing power], even if the company's entire wage offer were paid up front instead of spread out over four years." The union also described Newport News Shipbuilding as having "the worst pensions in the industry," and pointed out the company proposes to reduce employee medical coverage. Meanwhile, the yard last year made profits of $66 million. In the first quarter of 1999, it reported a 13-percent increase in profits compared to 1998. "While wages at Newport News Shipbuilding have been frozen, hourly earnings in the shipbuilding industry have increased by 13.2 percent," said the USWA in a release. "And the total compensation of Newport News Shipbuilding's CEO, William Fricks, increased by 256.8 percent, excluding stock West Coast Remembrance SIU members demonstrate their support for striking Steelworkers at Newport News (Va.} Shipbuilding. options." During last month's negotiations, the USWA offered to reduce its previous demand for wages by 25 percent, to an across-the-board increase of $3.70 per hour through 36 months. The union noted that the average worker is paid about $13.50 per hour by the shipyard "for some of the most difficult and technically complex work imaginable, including the installation and refueling of nuclear reactors." The shipyard said it would review the union's proposal, but a Newport News spokesperson described the company's reaction as "disappointed." One union member who has worked at the shipyard for 11 years told the Associated Press that the employees deserve a fair Chief Cook Darryl Jackson (left} and OMU Keith Mcintosh weigh in with their backing for brother and sister trade unionists from USWA Local 8888. Seafarers from that region have marched and rallied with the striking Steelworkers outside the shipyard gates. Meeting at the Steelworkers hall before a recent rally are SIU members (from left} AB James McCarthy, AB Butch Austin, Bosun Kevin Gatling, Recertified Bosun Nate Leary, OMU Hugh Woods, Chief Cook Darryl Jackson, SA Avis Hawkins, SA Bridgette Mcintosh, Recertified Steward Gualberto Mirador, AB Gary White and Retiree Tony DeBoissiere. National Maritime Memorial Day Proclamation May 21, 1999 .,,.,.,,..Retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney carries a wreath aboard the Liberty ship Jeremiah O'Brien during the vessel's annual memorial cruise in San Francisco Bay on May 15. McCartney represented the SIU during the service. .. Nat'I Maritime Day Memorials Remember Past, Focus on Future Continued from page 28 for Maritime Training and Education while in Piney Point, Md. He came across the memorial in the Paul Hall Library dedicated to the Seafarers who lost their lives during World War II. After reviewing the names, he equated it to the listing of the sailors who went down aboard the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, as Americans willing to do what was necessary for their country. "No lack of volunteers, no questions about will they go as they sailed into harm's way. We should remember all of our heroes in dungarees who served during that war-the world war-the thing we call a conflict in Korea, the thing we call the Vietnam conflict. We should remember them always, and we should alwayson a day like today especiallypay special honor. "We should pay special tribute to their brothers and sisters who sail the oceans today because their proud traditions are what carry on for us. They continue to deliver for us today," Holder stated. Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater welcomes unlicensed apprentices to the MarAd ceremony. From the left are Lane Schroeder, Bobby Ellis, Demichael Dews, Ray Lewis and Jarian Hutchison. 8 Seafarers LOG The history of the United States has always been linked to the sea. For more than two centuries, American ships and crews have made enormous contributions to the strength of our economy, the security of our shores and the success of our efforts to create a more peaceful, prosperous world. Today's U.S. Merchant Marine is building on that rich maritime heritage. Our commercial ships and marine infrastructure-and the dedicated men and women who are part of our maritime industry and U.S. Merchant Marine-continue to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing marketplace and the expanding globalization of trade. Our merchant fleet is a key component of our nation's intermodal transportation system, carrying more than one billion tons of cargo between domestic ports and supporting our connection to overseas markets. The fleet helps .facilitate our engagement in world affairs and helps protect U.S. national security Interests. Recognizing that a strong America requires a strong merchant marine, my administration has worked closely with the Congress to promote the development and maintenance of a modem, efficient, well-balanced merchant fleet, capable of facilitating international commerce and meeting the military needs of our armed forces during times of conflict or national emergency. Through the Maritime Security Program and the Volunteer lntermodal Sealift Agreement, which implement the Maritime Security Act of 1996, we have forged new public-private partnerships to ensure that our country will maintain a modern commercial fleet owned and operated by U.S. citizens and crewed by well-trained, highly skilled American sailors. We have strengthened U.S. shipyards through the National Shipbuilding Initiative. We also have helped keep our shipbuilding industry competitive in the global marketplace by providing financing guarantees, granting tax deferrals and making it easier to operate ships under the U.S. flag. The United States Merchant Marine has served our nation boldly and well through challenge and change. As we enter a new century, we must reaffirm our commitment to this proud legacy. We must maintain the strength and vitality of our merchant fleet and the skills and training of the men and women who have made America a great maritime nation. By doing so, we will ensure that U.S.-flag vessels continue to sail the world's oceans, preserving our leadership of the global economy, strengthening our prosperity and defending our freedom for generations to come. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the president to issue annually a proclamation callings for its appropriate observance. Now, therefore, I, William J. Clinton, president of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1999 as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities and by displaying the flag of the United States in their homes and in their communities. I also request that all merchant 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 nineteen hundred and ninety-nine and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. William J. Clinton June 1999 �Graduating Bosons Stress the Importance Of Ongoing Education at Paul Hall Center Informed SIU Members Help Keep Union Strong No matter how long one has been a member of the Seafarers International Union or how many times one has upgraded his or her skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., there is always something new to learn-some knowledge that can then be imparted to the younger members who are working their way up through the ranks. That is what 12 deck department veterans discovered as they completed the bosun recertification course at the facility last month. For the six weeks leading up to their graduation ceremony at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Wilfredo Acevedo, Victor Beata, Rafael Clemente, Mark Shannon Downey Sr., Thomas Grosskurth, Brian Isenstadt, Steve Kastel, Roan R. Lightfoot, Kenneth L. McLamb, Juan M. Rivas, Anthony J. Sabatini and Robert Wiles worked and studied together to complete the highest curriculum available at the school for those members who sail in the deck department. Nothing, however, in that sixweek period could prepare them for their final act of graduationspeaking before those assembled at the membership meeting: fellow classmates, other union members, unlicensed apprentices, officials and guests. And many of the recertified bosuns found it a lot more difficult than they had imagined. Yet all overcame their initial nervousness. First up to the podium to receive his graduation certificate was Acevedo. The 49-year-old deep sea member, who sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif., thanked the union officials and school instructors for the opportunity to participate in the course. In remarks directed to the unlicensed apprentices, he stated that the union has been good to him and urged them to never stop learning. Beata, 44, said, "I have always been proud to be a member of this union." When he came out of the Navy in 1978 and joined the SIU as a trainee in Class #250, the school's vocational training was just beginning to develop the strong program it has today, he noted. Beata, who sails from the port of San Juan, P.R., stressed the need for the unlicensed apprentices to keep educating themselves and never be afraid to ask questions. He said, "We have much to thank our past and current leaders for. Because of their determination and dedication and hard work in the past, our future continues to be bright." Echoing his words was Clemente, who emphasized the importance for the younger Seafarers to keep working very hard so they would have no trouble making a good living in the maritime industry. The 55-year-old Clemente sails from the port of San Francisco. Expresses Gratitude Downey has been a member of the SIU for 31 years, joining at the age of 16 in New Orleans. He told the assembly with gratitude that in all those years, the union always provided a job for him when he was ready, as well as the opportunity for him to earn a good living for him and his family. "And when I retire," he continued, "I'll feel safe knowing my pension is secure." To the trainees just starting out, Downey said: "No matter ~' Six weeks of hard work pays off for the graduating recertified bosuns as they pose with union officials following the membership meeting in Piney Point. From the left (front row) are Wilt redo Acevedo, Juan Rivas, Victor Beata, SIU President Michael Sacco, Steve Kastel, Vice President Collective Bargaining Augie Tellez, Anthony Sabatini, Kenneth Mclamb, (second row) SIU Representative George Tricker, Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Rafael Clemente, Brian lsenstadt, Mark Downey Sr., Roan Lightfoot, Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan and Thomas Grosskurth. Not pictured is Robert Wiles, who had already shipped out. what job you are given or how small it is, always do the best you can and feel proud of your work. Develop good work habits-people do notice, and it does matter!" The bosun recertification program is designed to update Seafarers who sail as bosuns on trends in the maritime industry, including changing shipboard technology and the latest seamanship techniques. But many of the graduates found the refresher courses to be the most interesting and useful. Downey, in particular, mentioned the wire splicing class. Some ships still require wires to be spliced, he noted, but years may go by before you are required to do it, so a refresher course can help prevent skills from rusting. As part of the six-week curriculum, the bosuns were updated by SIU officials, including President Michael Sacco and Vice President Collective Bargaining Augie Tellez, on the union's latest efforts to ensure job security for all Seafarers. They also met with representatives from the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department. From these meetings, the 12 men took with them, among other things, a greater understanding of effective contract enforcement and the union's health, vacation and pension programs, which they can clarify for their fellow shipmates at sea. Impressed with Staff Recertified bosuns meet with SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and NMU President Rene Lioeanjie at the school. June '1999 Grosskurth, 41, was very impressed with the staff and instructors at the school. During his six weeks, he said he was made to feel not just as a member of a union but as part of a family. The recertified bosun also was grateful for the opportunity to review and upgrade his deck skills which, he believes, will help him in his day-to-day activities aboard ship and also in the instruction of other crew members. Another learning experience for Grosskurth, who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va., was finding out the importance of politics in keeping the SIU strong. After meeting with President Sacco and visiting Capitol Hill, he became aware of the hard work and dedication needed "to make our union what it is today. I appreciate all All the upgrading recertified bosuns were called to the podium to accept their graduation certificates and say a few words to those assembled at the membership meeting in Piney Point. From the left are Wilfredo Acevedo and Brian lsenstadt. that is being done in Washington on our behalf." Grosskurth highly recommended upgrading to his fellow Seafarers and said if was a learning experience he will always remember. Isenstadt joined the SIU in the port of New York in 1978 and now sails from Baltimore. With the ships of today heavily relying on computers, Isenstadt found the computer lab very helpful. He also thought the social responsibility class was a great idea and gained an understanding of dealing with people in different situations. Being able to sit down with representatives of the various union departments for question-and-answer sessions was also very informative for the 48year-old, who has upgraded at Piney Point before. lsenstadt noted that today's seamen are increasingly more responsible for sophisticated equipment aboard vessels. He urged the unlicensed apprentices to pursue their studies and come back to the school to upgrade. Only by continually learning can the union-and the industryremain strong. Aid with Responsibilities Kastel, who joined the union in 1978 in the port of New Orleans, said the experience of this recertification course wiIJ help him in his leadership job as chairman of the ship's committee, especially his recent training in communicating with fellow Seafarers in a more effective manner, including avoiding and resolving conflicts. This was the ninth time Kastel, 50, has returned to the facility to upgrade his skills. Now sailing from California, he believes training and upgrading is vital to any SIU member's survival in the industry. Kastel came away this time not only with additional skills, but also with a greater appreciation for the amount of time and effort SIU officials spend making sure that the voice of the U.S. merchant marine is heard in Congress. A 1982 graduate of the entrylevel trainee course at the Hafl)' Lundeberg School, Lightfoot, 38, has come full circle by returning for recertification. Like his sister Gina Lightfoot, who graduated as a recertified steward earlier this year, he sails from the port of Jacksonville. Lightfoot thanked the union for the opportunity to continue his maritime education and said he would highly recommend the experience to his fellow shipmates. Through a combination of hands-on exercises and classroom work, the bosuns completed advanced classes in wire splicing and navigation. They utilized the Paul Hall Center's simulator, did in-depth work in areas critical to the nation's military sealift operations-such as helicopter maneuvers, damage control procedures, forklift handling and Hagglund crane operation-and refreshed their fire fighting and emergency first aid skills. McLamb, 47, particularly believed the fire fighting and CPR courses as well as knowing what to do in emergency situations Continued on page I 0 Seafarers LOii 7 �AB Wheat's Invention Deemed a Success f Richard Thomas Wheat, who sails as an AB from the port of San Juan, P.R., now can add another designation to his name-that of inventor. U.S. patent number 5,752,287 was issued to Wheat May 19, 1998 for his design of a screw paint brush-a paint brush for the 21st century, as he calls it. "I came up with the idea while on the Shining Star five years ago," the 50-year-old deck department member told a reporter from the Sea/arers LOG in describing the origins of his invention. It took until last year before his application was finally accepted and the patent granted. Painting aboard ship can be AB Richard Wheat demonstrates the versatility of his patented invention: a paint brush which can be screwed directly onto a pole. challenging, to say the least, noted Wheat, especially in tight spaces or very high spots. Sometimes a pole is needed to get to some of the harder-toreach locations. In these cases, a paint brush is usually taped onto a pole. Removing the tape can be very messy, and paint is liable to spatter all over, including into the user's eyes. Wheat believed he could improve on this concept by utilizing the poles, which already are on board all ships, and devise a paint brush that could screw onto those poles. Additionally, the band, which secures the nylon bristles, could be angled as needed to complete any task. Wheat's final concept for the new paint brush is a three-part one involving the band, a 6-inch handle (with threads at both ends) and the pole. It was given a full product-test by crew members aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii, where Bosun Billy Hill, AB Quintin S. Herrera and AB Jesus M. Velazquez deemed it "the right tool for the job." Seafarer Sinclair Oubre Honored By Propeller Club, Coast Guard AB Sinclair Oubre recently received honors from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Propeller Club - Port of the Sabine. Both organizations recognized Oubre, a Catholic priest who serves as Diocesan Director of the Apostleship of the Sea in Beaumont, Texas, for his "exceptional meritorious service furthering the welfare of professional mariners in the Port Arthur, Texas region," said a spokesperson for the Port Arthur International Seamen's Center. Oubre received the Propeller Club chapter's "Maritime Man of the Year" award and a "Meritorious Public Service Commendation" from the Coast Guard on April 21 in Port Arthur. During the awards presenta- tions, Oubre was credited for his wide-ranging efforts on behalf of mariners. Those works include serving on the Coast Guard's Personnel Merchant Marine Advisory Committee (MERPAC); facilitating the financing and construction of new local apartments for retired mariners; and spearheading an inaugural safety fair for local shrimpers that included participation by the Coast Guard, the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and others, and in turn allowed the shrimpers to reduce their respective insurance costs. He also was applauded for expanding the Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont into a fully developed ministry, and for spurring creative fund-raisers. As part of the awards ceremony, Pete "Bananas" Prevas passed away May 17 after an extended battle with cancer. He was 71. Prevas was a longtime fixture in the Baltimore maritime community. After serving in the U.S. Navy Armed Guards (aboard U.S.-flag merchant ships) during World War II, he joined the SIU B Seafarers LOG Pete Prevas (right) poses with his longtime friend, retired SIU Asst. VP Bobby Pomerlane, at a 1995 event in Baltimore. with his boyhood friend, Bobby Pomerlane, in 194 7. Although he The bands come in five different sizes and are color-coded (white, gray, black, yellow and red). This system will help keep the brushes organized when hung up for storage and should make them last at least 10 times longer than previous brushes, noted their inventor. The new screw paint brush is being manufactured in New Jersey, and buyers are starting to come forward, especially ship- AB Quintin Herrera (left) and Bosun Billy Hill (above) find the paintbrush "the right tool for the job" aboard the Sea-Land Hawaii. ping companies. Wheat, who joined the SIU in 1976, says that he and other Seafarers take pride in doing the best job they can with the tools at hand and believes his invention will be one that not only can help his fellow crew members but also "be a fantastic thing for this industry." Alfred J. Austin, an SIU member since 1972, passed away earlier this year, at age 57. He sailed in the deck department and resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. Recently, Brother Austin's remains were scattered at sea, as per his wishes. Brooklyn-based SIU Safety Director Sean Ryan sailed with Brother Austin and penned the following as a tribute. In Memory of Shipmate A poem and dedication by SIU Brother Sean Ryan AB Sinclair Oubre receives the "Maritime Man of the Year" award from the Propeller Club-Port of the Sabine. $5,000 was donated in Oubre's name to the organization of his choice. He selected the building fund of the Port Arthur International Seamen's Center. I remember well coming out of school A new Piney Pointer for everyone to fool You looked out for me, took me under your wing And showed me what it meant to be a Seafarer, a union member and a working machine Though the years go by like the rolling swells We stayed in touch through good and bad times as well We swapped sea stories, like most crew members do And hung out in the mess hall until time to tum-to SIU officials and representatives of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently welcomed U.S. Air Force Gen. Charles "Tony" Robertson Jr. (second from left) to the campus in Piney Point, Md. Gen. Robertson is the head of TRANSCOM, which oversees the logistical movement of American troops and their supplies worldwide. On May 25, he joined SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and othersJn a detailed tour of the center, including the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. The general's tour included lunch served by upgraders in the steward lab and observance of several courses, among many other stops. Above (from left), Tellez, Gen. Robertson, SIU Headquarters Rep. Carl Peth, Dispatcher Bonnie Johnson and American Service Technology Pres. John Mason review procedures used in the manpower office. 71, Succumbs To Cancer ........ Remembering Seafarer Al Austin Gen. Robertson Inspects Paul Hall Center Pete Prevas, ~ started in the galley gang, Prevas worked in the deck department and upgraded his abilities. Twenty years after becoming a Seafarer, he obtained his license and joined the Masters, Mates and Pilots. Retired SIU Assistant Vice President Pomerlane remembered his friend of six decades as "someone who always participated, who always donated to the cause. He was a good SIU brother. He knew everybody. He was a dear, true friend ." You told me one day that the doctor said you were ill But you said you felt fine ~d for him to stick the pill Your illness took you from us like a squall on the sea But we know deep in our hearts your spirit flies free You will be missed dearly by your wife and children all And by your SIU brothers and sisters down at the hall To my shipmate and friend who loved to sail You will be forever missed And remembered till my departure bell Aboard the OOCL Innovation, operated by Sea-Land Service, SIU members prepare the remains of AB Al Austin for discharge into the . . sea. Pictured from left to right are Bosun Felix Santiago, QMED Owen Duffy, Chief Steward Edward Dunn and AB Edward Williams. In right photo, Captain Joseph Novellino presides over the ceremony. June 1999 �Seven Look to Future, Thanks to Scholarships Each of the seven recipients of this year's Seafarers Welfare Plan's scholarship has a vision of themselves in the future. Whether through the practice of teaching, law, medicine, writing, architecture or any number of other possibilities- the one unifying element is that they want to make a difference; they want to have a positive impact on society. And the awards they won, totaling $87,000, will help them toward their personal goals. The three deep sea members and four dependent children of Seafarers were selected by a panel of educators who thoroughly evaluated the applicants' forms, letters of recommendation, grades and extracurricular activities (see story on page 2). What follows are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and goals of each of the scholarship winners. Seafarers Scholarships Recipients of the Seafarers WeHare Plan's scholarship awards for 1999 are (from left, top row) Seafarers Laura L. Cates, Matthew L. Dunn, Dorothea L. Hoffman, (second row) Dependents Thomas G. Anderl, Carla L. Longanecker, Keisla Passapera and L. John Vassalotti Ill. ships, the ocean and all the places he has seen as a member of the SIU, but now wants to develop different skilJs and a new career. As a recipient of one of the two $6,000 scholarships for Seafarers, he plans to complete a two-year paralegal program at Edmonds (Wash.) Community Col1ege. In his scholarship application form, Dunn wrote, "I have benefited greatly by being a member of this union. It has shown me how necessary a strong labor union is in maintaining good conditions, good pay and dignity and pride for workers." A look at some of the abhorrent conditions aboard flag-of-convenience vessels has convinced the Seattle resident that people need to be protected from unscrupulous labor practices. With this in mind, Dunn may specialize in labor and employment law. The second $6,000 award was presented to Dorothea L. Hoffman of Auburn, Wash. After graduating from high school in Ellensburg, Wash. in 1976, she attended Western Washington University, earning a degree in graphic arts. She worked as a graphics consultant and typesetter for three-and-a-half years and then decided to travel, taking off for a year to tour Australia, Fiji, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and Tahiti. Upon arriving in Hawaii, she wrote, "I heard about the 'White Ships' and thought it was a great way to see the islands." In December 1988, she signed on the SS Independence as a deck lounge stewardess-and that started her career with the SIU. She then switched to the deck department and moved back to the Seattle area. She caught a couple ships during Desert Storm, tried a tanker, an LNG and finally ended up on a cable ship. She lately has been working aboard the Global Sentinel where she has performed a variety of duties-from cable AB to splicer/joiner, to bosun mate and even relief bosun In this, her tenth year with the union, she believes she has final1y satisfied her wanderlust and has decided to return to school (Green River Community Co11ege in Auburn) to fine-tune her computer and graphic arts ski11s Laura L. Cales, a deep sea member who has been sailing with the union for the past 17 years, is the recipient of the $15,000, four-year scholarship for Seafarers. The 43-year-old recertified steward from Tacoma, Wash. graduated from high school in Lansing, Ill. in 1974 and completed a not-so-successful semester of college the following year. "Fortunately," she wrote on her scholarship application form, "I had the opportunity to join the Seafarers International Union. It instilled in me that positive direction which allowed me to develop my talents and excel in performance." Starting as a deck lounge stewardess aboard American Hawaii Cruises vessels in 1981, she worked her way up to recertified steward, sailing on different kinds of ships and attending many upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center on the way. She also was selected in 1996 to serve as a member of the credentials committee, a group of six rank-andfile Seafarers which reviewed all nominating petitions of SIU members seeking office in the 1996 district-wide elections in the union's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. In the winter of '98, she started college courses once more, this time receiving a 4.0 grade point average. She believes it is time to resume pursuing her dreams of a higher education. "Earning a bachelor's degree," she wrote, ''will both enrich my life and arm me with the skills needed to choose the most fulfilling path. I am committed and ready to accomplish these goals." Cates is considering a career in criminal justice, believing that a college education ''will open a realm of possibilities for my future, one which must afford me the best chance of making a real difference." She is sailing on an LNG vessel between Indonesia and Japan and will return in time to start classes at Tacoma (Wash.) Community ColJege in the fall Dependent Scholanhlps Several years after graduating Thomas G. Anderl, 18, wants from high school in Missoula, Mont., Matthew L. Dunn, 31, to do something fulfilling with his completed the entry-level pro- life and help people at the same gram at the Lundeberg School in time, probably in the field of 1990 and upgraded to AB the fol- computer engineering or possibly lowing year. as a doctor. He acknowledges he loves Anderl is the son of Delsa and June 1999 cal instrument called "cuatro." She even had an opportunity to play for the pope in Italy. In her desire to help people, she worked as volunteer, assisting the elderly at a convalescent center for more than a year, making them "feel cared for and important" Tutoring children is another way Passapera used her extra time, "because helping them get good grades makes them realize how important education is and how helpful it is to get what you want in life." Passapera will use her $15,000 monetary award to attend Colegio Universitario de Humacao in the fall. The fourth $15,000 scholarship winner is Louis John Vassalotti Ill of Lancaster, Pa. The 17-year-old son of Susan B. Card and stepson of Dannie K. Card Sr., an inland member since 1969, graduated last month from St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Del. with a 4.0 grade average. Vassalotti wrote in his scholarship application that "as I advance in my education, I realize every year that there is stilJ so much I don't know. I firmly believe that a strong education is the key, not only to improving oneself but also improving society as a whole." With that thought in mind, the young man dedicated his high school years to improving his mind and claims that the active role he has taken in his education is paying off. Thanks to his study of history, he notes, he is much more aware of social problems in the world. And because of his science courses, he can understand the causes of chemical or physical processes that occur in nature. Last year, Vassalotti won the Williams College Book Award, given to a junior in the top five percent of his or her class who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity and has made a significant contribution to the extracurricular life of the school. He was on the highest honor rolJ during his four years of high school and this past December, gained early admission to his first choice college-Brown University in Providence, R.I. Vassa]otti is still unsure as to what his major will be but is considering chemistry, English, philosophy, music and Spanish. "I can see myself being many things someday, and the occupations that most appeal to me right now are those of teacher, writer/journalist and musician." He mentioned chemistry, English, philosophy and Spanish because they are the academic subjects that most fascinate him. But being a teacher, he believes, would give him the opportunity to give back to students the gift of learning. And writing is an enjoyable pursuit. But outside of the classroom, music is the activity that is most exciting and fulfilling for him, providing "an amazing balance," and the thought of being a musician for the rest of his life "sounds to me like another fulfilling occupation." Whichever road he chooses, the $15,000 scholarship will help Vassalotti continue to take advantage of his love of learning at Brown. a Kenneth Anderl. His mother is a Throughout her varied activifishery biologist; his father joined ties in high school, she has always the SIU in 1990 and sails as an AB striven for excellence and is gradaboard the Overseas Juneau. uating this month fifth in a class of Anderl's early years were spent 243. She also has taken a number with his family in Guam and of academic courses at Central Ecuador. When his family Florida Community College, returned to Washington state, he where she maintains a 4.0 grade was accepted into the Edmonds point average. School District Challenge ProIn addition to her academics, gram, where he completed the she was editor of the high school regular high school curriculum at yearbook for the last three years, Mountlake Terrace High School class president for three years, (taking advanced placement prom committee chair, homecomEnglish and history, as well as ing chair and played on the discompleting all the math classes trict champion softball team as offered-up to college calculus), well as a number of other sports as well as 22 credits at Edmonds teams. She also was a member of Community College. the Spanish Club and helped The summer before his senior organize a two-day seminar year, Anderl began volunteering at which focused on comforting a soup kitchen in Seattle. And cancer patients. The future is wide open for while not widely regarded as glamorous work, he found it a Longanecker, who plans to study most rewarding part of his week architecture, international rela-an activity through which he tions or environmental science. helps make a positive difference "In any one of the three majors," she wrote, "I know there is an in many people's lives. Music also has been an impor- opportunity to help people and the tant part of Anderl's life since the world." If architecture is her fourth grade, and he hopes to con- choice, she plans to work on tinue playing for many years to developing more economicaJly come. He studied the violin for and environmentally safe designs one year, later switching to the for buildings and homes. If it trombone and has since diversi- should be international relations, fied to play tuba, euphonium and she hopes to better the relationtimpani. In the ninth grade, he was ships between countries through a accepted into the Mountlake clearer understanding of each Terrace High School Jazz nation's history and culture. If Ensemble, during which time the environmental science is her decision, then she would like to pursue group won numerous awards. Computer programming is a different means to solve the another interest of the graduating growing radioactive waste probsenior, who is intrigued by the lem and help clean up contaminatpower of a person to give a ed areas of the world. Longanecker admits that her machine the logic necessary to future at this time cannot be reliperform useful tasks. With help from the $15,000 ably determined, but "one thing is award, Anderl hopes to pursue a for sure: I plan to make a differcomputer engineering degree at ence." Her $15,000 scholarship the University of Washington but will help toward that end. Keis/a Passapera from Humanotes he is keeping an open mind. Another interest, he wrote in his cao, P.R. would like to study law scholarship application, is the pos- "because I think it is the best way sibility of becoming a doctor. He to help people." wrote that by becoming a doctor, The 18-year-old daughter of "I would be able to make positive Norma and Angel Passapera is changes in people's lives. I have graduating from Colegio San always wanted to help people, and Antonio Abad in Humacao with a this would be my opportunity to 4.0 grade point average. Her do something fulfilJing with my father, an SIU member since life." 1970, sails as an AB, most recentPrinceton University, the U.S. ly aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. Coast Guard Academy or the In addition to her excellent University of Florida are the grades, belonging to the National schools chosen by 17-year-old Honor Society and winning the Carla Louise Longanecker, who National Mathematics Award, wants her life and work "to have a Passapera has participated in positive impact on society and the many of the extracurricular activities at her high school, including world." She is the daughter of Beth and track and field. She was a member Lewis Longanecker, an inland of the school chorus and enjoys music very much, playing a musimember of the SIU since 1978. Seafarers LOG 9 �Lots to Do on Lakes SIU members are doing their part to help ensure smooth cargo movements on the Great Lakes. SIU Representative Don Thornton recently met with Seafarers on various Lakes ships and provided the photos on this page. QMED Pat Myler - H. Lee White AB John Vegh 111 - Conveyorman David Young - Medusa Conquest OS Brian Gelaude - Deckhand Glenn Ransom Medusa Conquest Cook Gerald Rifenbark Medusa Conquest Medusa Conquest Bosun Charles Neigebauer American Republic Recertified Bosuns Ready for Leadership Roles Following Graduation Continued from page 7 would make him a more capable leader. This was the third time McLamb has returned to the school to upgrade since joining the union in 1978 in Houston, from where he still sails. He thanked the staff and instructors for making him feel at home and acknowledged the SIU leadership for helping Seafarers keep up with the rules and regulations that affect their livelihood. "The SIU works as a team," he concluded. "And as long as we are a team, we can and will stay on top." Rivas joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans in 1977, when he was 21 years old. He now sails from the port of Houston. Rivas has attended many upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center over the past 22 years, but graduating from the bosun recertification program "is the most rewarding of my career." The school, he noted, is such a tranquil place in which to learn, "and I would urge all members to take advantage of these educational facilities. Without upgrading, our choices for jobs are limited." Addressing the unlicensed apprentices, Rivas stated, "You are in a great union, and I want you to take advantage of the opportunities that the school has to give you. Study hard. Ask questions. Listen to your supervisors-and work together SIU President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates Thomas Grosskurth and his wife, Delores, following the membership meeting. 10 Seafarers LOG team." Sabatini, 44, joined the SIU in. San Diego in 1989. Shipping from the port of Wilmington, Calif., Sabatini previously attended the facility four times to upgrade his skills. He believes this course has better prepared him for his job at sea. He said he knows more about the background of the union and the school, and through the various classes in which he received instruction-particularly the water survival and fire fighting programs-he now feels more comfortable passing this information on to other crew members aboard various vessels and better equipped to deal with emergency situations. Wiles, the last of the graduating recertified bosuns, shipped out early and was unable to attend the ceremony. The 54-year-old Wiles sails from the port of Mobile, Ala. Victor Beata, Juan Rivas and Anthony Sabatini advise the unlicensed apprentices in the audience to continue their education through upgrading courses and to not be afraid to ask questions. June 1999 �Recertified Bosun Cesar Gutierrez, SIU President Michael Sacco \ l Retiree Duke Duet and wife, Maggie QMED Buddy Barber, QMED Scott Duckworth, QMED Geoffrey Denesse, AB Charles McPherson j Retiree Louie Babin, Retiree Paul Lighten, Bosun Hugo Dermody Sights from Grand Opening of New Orleans Hall ELCOME (BACK) TO OUR NEW HOME AB Steven Mayer l Retiree Jose Mata Recertified Steward Ernie Hoitt As reported in detail in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG, the SIU recently opened a new union hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, La. At the grand opening on April 8 and during the ensuing weeks, Seafarers who visited the new facility described it as a welcome improvement. The photos on this page, provided by Barbara BrouillettePerez and Jessica Smith, offer a sampling of the grand opening. Identifications are listed from left to right. AB Dawud Yamini Cook Michael Carter Engineer Jimmy Gervais, Deckhand Chance Gould Retiree Juan Gonzalez and wife, Felicia AB Willie Judd, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey AB David Collins with wife, Larra, and son David II June 1999 QMED Bobby Milan, QMED Scott Duckworth Retiree Antonio Villanuova, SA Cirilo Centeno, Deckhand Thomas Martinez Boloi, DEU Florencio Bermudez Seafarers LOG 11 �Editors note: The language used by the typical Seafarer to describe his everyday life aboard ship has different origins. Many of the words derive from the need to give a name to an object or a situation which occurs only in the maritime industry. A majority of nautical expressions used by todays Seafarers date back to the days of the early naval powers of the world-England, Holland and the Scandinavian countries. In a reprint from a 1965 Seafarers LOG, below is a short list of selected maritime terms to give Seafarers and their families a brief idea of where their everyday sea talk originates. ± with women. In HolJand, ladies used the word the word "dek" to mean cover, clothe or adorn themselves. Sailors from the Netherlands who were building a ship's floor used the word "decken," which meant to cover. FOC'SLE - Properly known as the forecastle where the ship's crew lives. Forecastle found its way into the sailor's vocabulary back in the Middle Ages when European ships had a "forwearde castel" which was used for defense against hostile vessels. Seamen in those times could stand on this raised, fortified platform in the bow, getting the advantage of height over an enemy's decks. Some time later, forecastle came to be known as a raised deck which sheltered the crew's quarters. BALLAST - Heavy material carried in a ship's hold to increase stability in the absence of cargo. Ballast originates from the Old Danish word "baglast." "Last" meant burden, and "bag" referred to rear. Taken together, baglast meant ''to stow in the rear of a ship to tilt up the bow." GANGWAY - The runway or board with cleats used to board a ship or the ladder up a ship's side. Gangway derives its pronunciation from the Old English expression "gangweg," which literally meant "a going way" or a passage. BATTEN - Strips of iron that fit over hatches to secure the covering tarpaulins. Batten comes from Teutonic and French sources. The Teutonic word "bat" meant good or preserved. Also contributing to its meaning was the world "baton" which is French for cudgel. The French took this expression from the Latin word meaning wooden stick. BILGE - The section of the hull which curves below the waterline. This is the place where water seeping through the ship collects. A better word for bilge would be belly, which is another form of the Old French word "boulge" or bulge. BOSUN -The unlicensed seaman who directs the work of crew members in the deck department. The formal pronunciation of bosun is boatswain, which goes back to the times when the Anglo Saxons used the expression "bat swegen." Bat referred to boat, and "swegen" had its origins in a Norse word meaning servant or lad. DECK - The covering over the beams which is the ship's floor. Deck owes its origin to an association 12 Seafarers LOG HELM - The wheel which guides the rudder of a ship. On modem ships, the helm is often referred to as the wheel. On sail ships, crew members still refer to it as the tiller. Helm has dual origins, coming from the Icelandic word for rudder and the Middle English term "balm" or handle. LAUNCH - To set a vessel afloat. Launch found its origin from a Middle English word meaning to hurl or throw forward like a spear. Its usage was later extended to mean thrusting or hurling a boat into the water. The expression was derived from the French word "lancer,'' meaning to throw or hurl. PILOT - A person with expert knowledge of local navigation who guides a ship to its mooring place. Pilot is one of the few words in the seaman's language that dates directly to the Greek. The Greeks used a word "pedotes," meaning steersman, to which was added a suffix referring to rudder or the blade of an oar. The expression found its way across the Mediterranean to France, where it is now pronounced "pilote." vessel can be loaded under various conditions. The Plimsoll Mark honors the memory of Samuel Plimsoll, a member of the English Parliament who waged a bitter campaign against shipowners who greedily overloaded their ships during the 19th century. The heavily weighted ships would often be lost a~ sea, but the callous owners would make big profits from the insurance on them. Thanks to Plimsoll's fight, Parliament finally passed a law setting safe load limits for ships flying the Union Jack. PORT - The left side of the ship. The port side of a ship was also known as the larboard side, dating back to the 17th century when the only loading port on a ship was on its left side. Thus, seafarers started talking about the "loading side," or "ladeboard," which became larboard. SCUTTLE - To sink a ship by boring holes in her hull, or by opening the sea cocks. Old-timers once used the word scuttle to mean the square holes bored through the deck or in a hatchway which a seaman could use to get to the next deck or through a bulkhead. Used literally, the word means to sink a vessel by cutting scuttles in it. SKIPPER - A ship's captain. Seamen can thank their Dutch predecessors for this expression which came from the word "schipper." Schip was the Dutch word for ship_, The suffix "er," meaning agent, was added to complete the word. \\ STARBO ARD - The right side of the ship. Seamen started referring to the starboard side of a ship after hearing a similar Old English expression which meant steering side. This use dates to· the time when the steering board was located on the right side of a v~ssel. STEM - The foremost beam of the ship's bow, which is joined to the keel. All forward plates on a ship are joined to it. Stem originates from an English word meaning tree, which in turn, derived from an older word meaning post. June 1999 �A Proud Day for the·SIU Paul Hall Center Opens Joe Sacco School . e~ '\)... ~~ The ceremony begins with the ~. ~ pledge of allegiance, led by Paul _ Hall Center apprentice James Miller .~ ~ Jr. (wearing cap). :~"' \t\ · / ABOVE: A standing room audience applauds during the ceremonial opening last month . RIGHT: Commemorative plaque recognizes the support of the ITF in building the facility. ;;..___....:.___._ F rom atop the bridge deck of the Eternal Flame, SIU President Michael Sacco and distinguished guest speakers praised the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School during the ceremonial opening of the latest addition to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A standing room only crowd, composed of union, military and government officials; upgraders and apprentices; employees; and friends and family members, gathered May 18 in front of the Eternal Flame-the bum building of the new campus in Valley Lee, Md., near the Paul Hall Center's campus. Following an invocation by Father Matt Siekierski of the Sacred Heart Church in LaPlata, Md. and the Pledge of Allegiance, led by unlicensed apprentice James Miller Jr., President Sacco welcomed those in attendance and said how very proud he was of the remarkable facility named in honor of his brother, Joey, who passed away in 1996. name-came into fruition. President Sacco also thanked the many individuals and organizations-particularly the International Transport Workers' Federation for its support-that played a part in making the school a reality. "The result," he said, "is a school that will improve the performance of SIU members and other U.S. mariners who utilize it-which, in tum, benefits ship operators and the industry as a whole." He also introduced a pioneer of sorts-Ken Conklin, retired Marine Corps major and former commandant of the Paul Hall Center-who first came to Piney Point when it was "just a mudhole and helped build a strong foundation for what was to come." Former Paul Hall Center VP Ken Conklin (left) and current VP Don Nolan Father Matt Siekierski "Today, we honor the past. We celebrate the present. And we prepare for the future," he remarked. "Both as a rank-and-file member, and later as the Sill's executive vice president, Joey understood the need for quality vocational training and education for mariners." Joe Sacco had a vision of the kind of fire fighting school he wanted and had talked about it for many years. It was, in fact, his ideas and enthusiasm that helped lay the grouridwork for this new facility. And on this beautiful day, with the sun shining on the gathering, his vision-bearing his June 1999 With safety being the number one requirement for today's mariners, the fire fighting facility will train seafarers at a modem, unique, conveniently located school designed exactly for them. It is the SIU's way of planning for the future, of making sure the maritime industry continues to grow, the SIU president said. "We are optimistic about the growth of the U.S. merchant marine," Sacco noted in his closing remarks. "This school is a shining example of how we're working to make that growth a reality." The issue of safety and the importance of safety training was echoed by Vice Admiral James C. Card, U.S. Coast Guard, who presented Sacco with a certificate of appreciation for the work the union has done in helping SIU members comply with current officers, as well as the center's administrators and instructors for their leadership and expressed amazement that the school was constructed in just eight months. SIU Pres. Michael Sacco and Coast Guard Vice Adm. James Card Coast Guard regulations, especially the basic safety training and fire fighting skills needed to conform with the STCW amendments. Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, U.S. Navy, commander of the Military Sealift Command (MSC), also stressed the importance of safety training, pointing out "there is nothing that can ruin a good day at sea like a fire aboard ship." There are many different possible scenarios for a shipboard fire, he said, and the mariners and apprentices who use the new fire fighting school will learn how to handle all of them. American had the right to voteand now the first place in the nation where such a state-of-theart, marine-specific fire fighting and safety training facility is located. Jo Ann Robinson, director of the American Council on Education (ACE), added her congratulations "for this wonderful accomplishment." It is the ACE which, for the past 25 years, has reviewed the curriculum provided at the Paul Hall Center and has certified courses for college credit. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart and SIU Pres. Michael Sacco "The Maritime Administration is proud to be a partner with all of seagoing labor," Hart said as he presented a dedication plaque to the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. "Joey's memory will be preserved." An avid supporter of the U.S.flag fleet when he served in the U.S. Congress and a representative of the district in which the Paul Hall Center is located, Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson expressed his pride in representing St. Mary's County, where the center is situated. ACE Director Jo Ann Robinson and SIU Pres. Michael Sacco She presented a certificate to President Sacco on behalf of her organization for the continuing high quality of courses provided by the school to unlicensed apprentices and upgrading Seafarers alike. Next up to the podium was Jimmy Hanson, longtime director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center. Instrumental in the design and construction of the new facility, Hanson expressed Continued on page 14 SIU Pres. Michael Sacco and Navy Rear Adm. Gordon Holder Holder added that Joe Sacco's spirit will live on in this facility, which complements the extensive curriculum already offered at the Paul Hall Center. He presented President Sacco with certificates for two government vessels courses which currently meet the requirements of the MSC. U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart thanked the union's Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson From the time settlers landed on the Ark and the Dove in 1634, he noted, Southern Maryland has been a unique place, a place of many "firsts." It was the first place in the United States where a woman became an attorney, where a bill allowing religious tolerance was passed, where an African- Center Safety Director Jim Hanson and SIU Pres. Michael Sacco Seafarers LOG 13 �Safety Facilities Designed Spe T 1 LEFT: This plaque recalls the person in whose memory the school is named. BELOW: Speaking from the 'burn building,' SIU President Michael Sacco explains that the fire fighting school was a longtime vision of his brother, former SIU Exec. VP Joseph Sacco. en months after the groundbreaking ceremony and eight months after construction officially began, the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is open for business. The campus, part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is composed of three main buildings with several other areas dedicated to educating mariners on how to combat and suppress shipboard fires. The structure that immediately captures most people's attention is the black three-story bum building, which was christened by Sacco's widow, Judy, during the May 18th ceremonial opening as the Eternal Flame. This threestory edifice is designed to replicate in areas a bridge, an engine room, shaft alley and other facili- ties found aboard a vessel. Through computer technology, propane-gas fires are lit to simulate dangerous situations that could occur at sea. Upgraders attack the fire as if they were battling a petroleum, grease or electrical fire or some other condition. The computers, controlled by instructors, will sense how the danger is being handled and respond accordingly. Next to the Eternal Flame is the maze building. This multi-storied structure is configured to prevent light from entering its various rooms so upgraders are forced to work in total darkness as a team in a search-and-rescue mission. Among the obstacles within the maze are a fo'c's'le with a bed and chest of drawers, a galley with refrigerator and other items located on a ship. The hatches and other features throughout the school are constructed exactly like those aboard ship. A Proud Day for the SIU Continued from page 13 his thanks to the school and the county-and "all the people behind the scenes"-for their help in making this dream come true. Hanson then presented Sacco with a unique fire fighting helmet bearing Joey Sacco's name as well as Eternal Flame. Flying in from London to attend the ceremonial dedication was David Cockroft, I1F general secretary. In looking over the new training facility, Cockroft noted that the financial contribution given by the 11F was money well spent. "It is a world-class institution," he said, ''the best, most well-equipped facility of its kind anywhere in the world, and the whole maritime community should be proud." He added that the SIU, under Mike Sacco's leadership, promotes not only the U.S. merchant marine, but also international solidarity. "Whatever their nationality," he said, "seamen have a good friend in the SIU." He thanked the admirals for the military support the I1F is getting for their work in fighting the runawayflag system and added that safety and well-trained mariners are fundamental to the quality of shipping. "Together," he concluded, "we can make a difference." President Sacco introduced Recertified Steward Carl Poggioli, who won a contest to name the "burnbuilding vessel" at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School-the structure where Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting to learn firsthand how to battle blazes. After studying and sorting through more than 175 entries submitted by active and retired Seafarers, judges selected Poggioli's entry-the Eternal Flame-as the one which best exemplified the spirit of the school and of Joey's legacy. Sacco presented Poggioli with a ship's wheel "for naming the vessel and for participating and doing a great job as a union steward." The Eternal Flame was then christened by Judy Sacco, Joey's widow, with the assistance of Poggioli. At the same time, on the other side of the school, next to a pole flying the American flag and between two Lighting a perpetually burning flame in Joe Sacco's memory on the campus is ITF General Sec'y David Cockroft. ground markers dedicating the school to the memory of Joe Sacco, an eternal flame was lit by Cockroft. Finally, the members of the audience toured the new school and equipment to see for themselves the results of an extraordinary vision by a man who strongly believed in the need for vocational training and education for all Seafarers. With a tip from Recertified Steward Carl Poggioli, who suggested the name Eternal Flame for the burn building, Judy Sacco (Joe's widow) christens-with a splash-the structure that is designed to replicate shipboard blazes. f4 Seafarers LOG Water survival training takes plac Confined space safety trainin the school, located in Valley L June 1999 �ifically for Training Seafarers Between these two buildings is an outdoor bum area that features the kinds of pipes and hoses found aboard a tanker as well as a helicopter pad located aboard some vessels. Students again would battle propane-based fires designed to replicate blazes that could occur if a fuel line burst or a chopper experienced problems. (The pad features a full-size helicopter model.) On the other side of the campus is a structure containing classrooms and water survival training. The building features several rooms complete with desks and video monitors for textbook training. Another room is designed to assist upgraders in the use of the breathing apparatus. There also is a lounge area for students. Further in the facility is an indoor pool that will be used for water survival training. The school has the latest in deep sea survival crafts so upgraders will be used to handling these vessels in case an emergency ever develops. Adjacent to this area is a damage control room with a recessed floor to allow training to take place while water rises. Finally, the campus features a pad for training students on the use of fire extinguishers. "This is a world-class facility all Seafarers can be proud of," SIU President Michael Sacco noted. "This is like nothing else in the country, specifically designed for mariners. This is another way the Paul Hall Center is ready for the 21st century." Housed inside the classroom facilities are a compressor room where students will learn to take air samples and service compressors, an area where upgraders will practice using and refilling portable fire extinguishers, and more. e a The maze building has a bridge mock-up. Upgraders will learn how to operate the many types of fire extinguishers. Search and ·rescue training will occur inside the two-story maze building. On-site classrooms will allow upgraders to immediately review how they fared in practical training, then go back for more hands-on work. Guests inspect the engine room housed on the first deck of the Eternal Flame. (left photo), damage control (center) and basic and advanced fire fighting (right) are among the courses that will be conducted at e, Md. June 1999 Reactions from Seafarers continued on next page Seafarers LOG 15 �Left to right: Recertified Bosun Brian lsenstadt, Splicer/Joiner Lyle Davis, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco 'A Priceless Entity' Seafarers See Many Benefits In New School fter touring the new oseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety chool and watching the facility's ceremonial opening May 18, longtime SIU members and new Seafarers alike were emotional in describing its splendor. "It's a priceless entity to the Paul Hall Center. It's convenient, accessible and superbly welldone," stated AB Al Salazar, who recently joined the SIU. Like many of his fellow Seafarers, Salazar also commended school and union officials for "making this school happen. I'm very impressed, and I will give 100 percent dedication to (SIU President) Mike Sacco." QMED Alphonse Thomas, a 34-year member of the SIU, nearly choked up when asked for his opinion of the school. "It just blows me away, makes me proud. I can't find words to describe the feeling," Thomas declared. Moments later, he explained that he views the new facility as representative of the SIU's progress throughout his career. "I look at the SIU as a home, and all of our leaders were raised in that same home and family," said the New Orleans-area Seafarer. "The fire fighting school shows how far we've come and how hard we've worked. And it shows damn good leadership." Debbie Sutton, an OS upgrading in the Paul Hall Center's AB course, noted she wished all SIU members could have attended the ceremony. "It was so beautifully done, I'm sorry that not everyone could be here. But the school means a wonderful opportunity for all SIU brothers and sisters. Where else can you get an education like this?" she said. Both Recertified Bosun Brian Isenstadt and Splicer/Joiner Lyle Davis stated that there is no comparison between the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School and other fire fighting institutions they have examined. "I've never seen anything like this one," said Isenstadt, who joined the SIU in 1977. "Members can get all their safety training right here. It's a real tribute to Joe." "Fire fighting is a key requirement for mariners, so this new school is great for us," added Davis. AB Jerry Foley pointed out that the guest speakers' respective comments "lets us know they're working together with us and that we have a bright future. I enjoyed seeing them at the ceremony." The speakers included Vice Admiral James C. Card ·of the U.S. Coast Guard; Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, U.S. Navy, commander Military Sealift Command; U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart; Maryland State Senator Roy Dyson; Ms. Jo Ann Robinson, director, American Council on Education; and ITF General Secretary David Cockroft. Foley added that the school "not only will put us on the map, it'll put us at the top. Once we get [more] NMU members here with us, it'll be smooth sailing." George Mazzola AB expressed similar sentiments. "It's a first-rate school, and I think it will open new doors for us," he said. "It's going to help in ways we haven't yet realized." QMED Sheldon Greenberg emphasized the uniqueness of the school. "You learn about shipboard fire fighting here, that's what's so great about it. There's not another facility like it in the country," he noted. "I'm very impressed, and I think this helps make my future secure." "It's so beneficial that the school is built to simulate shipboard fires," echoed AB Denyse Sineath. "The training will be a real-life scenario and will show us what it's really going to be like out there at sea." Left to right: AB Jerry Foley, QMED Sheldon Greenberg Nick Marrone SIU VP West Coast Kermett Mangram SIU VP Gov't Serv. Dean Corgey SIU VP Gulf Coast 16 Seafarers LOG Bosun Tom Soresi June 1999 �,. Welcome Ashore _, Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S.-jlag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead T wo recertified bosuns and one recertified steward are among the 13 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 96 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Arnold J. Eckert and Paulino Flores Jr. and Recertified Steward Roosevelt Sampson are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the SIU's training school in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, six of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, three shipped on inland vessels and four plied the Great Lakes. Six of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, four shipped in the steward department and three sailed as members of the engine department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA ARNOLDJ. ECKERT, 63, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1963. Born in Canada, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1974. Prior to his retirement, Brother Eckert sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. He makes his home in Granite Falls, Wash. PAULINO FLORES JR., 51, graduated from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Detroit, operated by Sea-Land Service. Brother Flores sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the school in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification course in 1989. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Expedition and has retired to San Juan, P.R. ROBERTA. LANG,65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1977 from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first ship was the Columbia, an Ogden Sea Transport Co. vessel and his last ship was the Carolina, operated by NPR, Inc. Born in Connecticut, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. Brother Lang resides in Jacksonville. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. WILFREDO RAMIREZ, 66, first sailed with the SIU in 1970 in the port of New York. During his union career, he worked in all three departments and upgraded frequently at the training center in Piney Point. The Puerto Rico native last sailed as a utility deck engine (UDE), aboard the PFC William B. Baugh, a Maersk Line, Ltd. vessel. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951to1953. Brother Ramirez has retired to the Bronx, N.Y. ROOSEVELT SAMPSON, 65, joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards v<· (MC&S) in ,r? 1966. He first ~,..? , sailed aboardthe Hawaiian Builder, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Born in Arizona, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, graduating from the steward recertification program there in 1982. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Sampson last sailed aboard the President Roosevelt. He makes his home in Pinole, Calif. WHEELER M. WASHINGTON, 54, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1965 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Walter Rice. Brother Washington worked in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the union's facility in Piney Point, Md. The Alabama native last sailed aboard the Robert E. Lee, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Washington has retired to Mobile, Ala. INLAND JACOB A. BRYAN, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Baltimore. During his career, he worked in all three departments. Boatman Bryan last sailed in 1984 as a chief engineer aboard the Ranger, a tug operated by Sonat of Maryland. A native of Maryland, he calls Baltimore home. HOWARD GROS, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1970. Boatman Gros sailed primarily with Dixie Carriers as a member of the deck department. A native of Louisiana, he makes his home in Belle Chasse. ROBERT A. VANLUVEN, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1970. During his union career, the deck department member held the positions of AB and captain. Boatman Van Luven last sailed in 1985 aboard a National Marine Co. vessel. He was born in Michigan and makes his home in Port Neches, Texas. .------:-:==--, GREAT LAKES CLIFFORD CADREAU, 53, started sailing with the SIU in 1968, aboard the Philip Minch, a Kinsman Marine Transit Co. vessel. Born in Detroit, he sailed as a wheelsman in the deck depart- ment. Prior to his retirement, he worked aboard the Indiana Harbor, operated by American Steamship Co. Taylor, Mich. is home to Brother Cadreau. ARTHUR J. DURFEE, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Duluth, Minn. The Minnesota native worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1985 aboard a Zenith Dredge Co. vessel. Brother Durfee has retired to Duluth. EDWARDC. ELDER, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1976 from the port of Detroit. His first ship was the Joseph S. Young, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Born in South Carolina, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the union's training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Elder last sailed in 1995 aboard the St. Clair, operated by American Steamship Co. He makes his home in Campobello, S.C. ALIS. SHEMMAN, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he worked as a member of the engine department. He last sailed in 1994 aboard the Sam Laud, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Shemman calls Dearborn, Mich. home. HMI Petrachem Crew Updated at Shipboard Meeting Keeping up-to-date on the latest STCW regulations was one of the topics discussed during a recent meeting aboard the HM/ Petrachem in Wilmington, N.C. Pat Vandergrift, safety director at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va., provided these photos and reported that several other issues (including food quality, mail service and the Seafarers LOG) also were addressed aboard the chemical carrier, operated by IUM. Pictured at right, some of the crew members wait for the meeting to begin. They are (from left) AB Jack Lamotta, AB Paul Cadran, Second Pumpman Oscar Garcia and AB Donley Johnson. Below is the docked vessel in Norfolk. June 1999 Above: Posing in the ship's galley are (from left) UA Tim Bixby, Chief Steward John Lee, Chief Cook Clarance Mack and SA Herman Stith. Below: Enjoying their lunch before the start of the meeting are (from left) CPU Nick Aguilera, Bosun Kenny Mclamb and OMU George Demetropoulos. Seafarers LOG 17 �._,_ ·, ·... · ' . .'. . . . lfe11er16fe f 1catie11 Are lade at Pi1ey Pei1t As many SIU members already have discovered, the Paul Hall - mentor peach festival? Center in Piney Point, Md. offers all the ingredients for a memorable These are just a fraction of the many activities going on this sumsummer vacation-and it's a benefit available only to Seafarers and mer in southern Maryland. their families. Using the Paul Hall Center as your base, day trips throughout the The facility, situated on the banks of the St. George's Washington, D.C. area are a perfect way to make sightseeing Creek, offers comfortable accommodations, three more relaxing and fun. delicious meals a day, lots of activities and an \___ There's something in the area that everyideal location from which to take in the · 6\ · one in the family will find interesting. local sights. And even if you've been to The Paul Hall Center, which ~'.. ~ Washington before and visited the houses the largest training facili..J. ; ' lt . -. ____ *~Washington Monument and the ty for de~p sea merchant sea- ~ .......,--==- ~~ ~ l1~4lf-!;i. ~~;:.-;;.~.------ ~-' <~. c--·--_-~ -- ·-.· :.: . -· _ Lincoln and Jefferson farers, mland waterways h .\. _. . ~ . . :,-·~-~ < - -~--= Memorials, there is always boatmen and Great Lake ii~ -~ ~ -.-:-:-:-::~~~:~::.'. _____ ~~something new to see. Even mariners in the United ·~- . ~~ 1 ==·~·:-:~~=~"'::-:~:=-~ -· the Washington Monument States, is composed of a ~ ==· ---.--·m looks different right now, number of administrative NJ! · ' , ~ =-:: rn encased with scaffolding and educationa! buildings ~ _ \-· _ - ' __ -~ = ="' • ~')) \\ while renovations are being as ~~II as a library and ~ .. :~ ~""1-~-~~~=- -_~'f'i . . :..~~::/ performed. The exhibits at mantime museum and a =-- --:-""----~i·-- ~-- {'~ D ···~ _:.=:.--i the Smithsonian lnstitusi~·story training and recre,-- ~. ~. ~=~~ ·~ tion's many museums-a ation center on more than ~ · ;: 1 - -- -•. . . . drive of only about an hour60 acres of waterfront proper- - · --- \::::> '· and-a-half from Piney ty. A number of the rooms in Point-are always changing. The the training and recreation center Air and Space Museum and the are set aside each summer for vacamuseums of natural and American histioning SIU members and their families. tory are all spaced out along the Mall, At the center are a picnic area with grills within easy walking distance of each other. A and tables, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, a couple of the more popular things to do in health spa (which includes Nautilus, free weights and a universal Washington are tour the FBI building and go to the Bureau of gym, a sauna and steamroom), an Olympic-size swimming pool, and Engraving and Printing to watch U.S. money being printed. Of plenty of picturesque space for peaceful walks or jogs or picnics on course, there is also National Zoo and its famous panda bear. the beautifully landscaped grounds. Everyone loves the zoo! This peaceful setting provides the opportunity for both water- and And unless you've been to Washington within the last couple land-based expeditions. The center has a marina where vacationers years, you've probably not visited the monument to President may take a boat out for the day to sail around the region or look for Franklin D. Roosevelt. Encompassing 7.5 acres, it is the first major a good fishing spot. With 400 miles of waterline surrounding St. national memorial erected in honor of a 20th century president. Baltimore is home to Camden Yards, so you might want to take Mary's County, waterborne activities are abundant. The school's marina also sesves as the home of the Manitou, a sailthe family to an Orioles' game. But there also is a terrific aquarium boat owned by President John F. Kennedy. The vessel was lovingly in Baltimore as well as many ethnic areas, each with their own restaurestored in 1990 by SIU pensioners. Across the grounds is the Paul Hall rants and shops. Library and Maritime Museum. The library contains more than 17,000 Arlington and Alexandria, Va. are well worth a visit. At Arlington volumes on maritime and labor history, while the museum features a National Cemetery, a moving setting in itself, one can watch the collection of ship models, historical nautical instruments, maritimechanging of the guard each hour in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns. Mt. Vernon is the home (and burial place) of our first related posters from World War II and other union memorabilia. Nearby are many famous landmarks and other attractions where president, George Washington, and tours of his elegant homestead one may be entertained. There are seafood festivals, arts and crafts give visitors an idea of just what life was like in the 1700s. exhibits, antique shows, country auctions and fairs-and acre upon A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per acre of unspoiled parkland. Also on the county schedule this sumfamily. To take advantage of this unique benefit, the first step is to mer are flower shows, a soap box derby, golf championship and Civil fill in the coupon below and mail it to the Seafarers Training and War reenactments. Or how about a butterfly show, horse toumaRecreation Center in Piney Point. The rest, as they say, is history. ffl lf.!· ' r---------------------------------------, SEAFARERS lRAINING & RECREATION CENTER UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES Vacation Reservation Information Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _~ Social Security number: Book number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center may not exceed two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day 10.00/day Spouse Child 10.00/day Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals. 3rd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 6199 L-~-------------------------------------~ 18 Seafarers LOG June 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea APRIL 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Loui · ey Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia altimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 23 7 3 25 7 9 2 10 10 14 19 2 15 6 11 2 14 29 17 5 13 15 10 18 31 28 13 2 17 28 11 10 24 8 7 7 17 9 3 7 4 18 21 29 13 4 8 11 11 46 5 5 6 5 2 6 49 12 4 9 2 2 IO 2 0 0 1 10 10 9 9 13 5 6 2 3 3 8 2 3 0 6 5 2 l 2 138 81 29 13 l 4 8 6 7 16 32 19 14 3 13 19 0 2 2 0 0 0 8 0 I 5 5 5 3 0 I 4 0 4 0 l 5 15 5 3 0 0 5 0 0 0 26 3 2 2 6 14 6 10 7 15 2 1t 7 6 2 7 2 15 6 2 26 3 56 4 0 0 0 9 l 22 8 52 164 8 0 129 599 425 265 0 12 45 4 3 15 r4 12 20 45 15 5 10 1 6 15 0 4 12 13 11 39 21 17 26 7 9 19 4 3 45 206 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 10 6 0 9 2 1 0 0 21 2 74 0 1 8 7 I 3 0 110 24 0 0 3 4 1 0 0 3 1 5 8 8 5 14 1 7 2 0 3 0 49 1 0 3 0 0 12 l 0 0 0 18 7 1 5 5 33 440 354 8 32 54 30 31 4 17 22 4 9 5 13 11 4 12 2 6 0 120 4 0 2 6 0 5 l 3 2 3 0 0 33 0 3 6 l 2 0 0 13 3 1 27 22 11 18 2 0 0 33 8 3 14 14 24 16 12 30 21 9 7 18 4 3 15 6 4 90 40 20 3 27 107 0 0 0 0 16 0 9 84 304 231 194 183 975 698 414 0 Phil~elphia ............ Wednesday: July 7, August 4 San Francisco .........Thursday: July 15, August 12 San Juan ..................Thursday: July 8, August 5 St. Louis .................Friday: July 16, August 13 (•change created by Poul Holl birthday holiday) Esch port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 2 2 0 65 l 3 7 4 New York. ...............Tuesday: July 6, August 3 Wilmington .............. .Monday: July 19; Tuesday, August 17* 11 0 1 5 9 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 13, August 10 3 90 l 3 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: July 21, August 18 Tacoma ................... Friday: July 23, August 20 253 1 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 8, August 5 4 4 0 3 6 Houston .................. Monday: July 12, August 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: July 8, August 5 0 1 3 8 Honolulu ................. Friday: July 16, August 13 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: July 20, August 17 2 8 0 117 3 6 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: July 14, August 11 11 8 17 5 9 10 Baltimore ................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Mobile .................... Wednesday: July 14, August 11 2 11 Algonac .................. Friday: July 9, August 6 0 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. June 1999 16, 0 14 4 10 19 3 57 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 10 12 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 6 0 6 0 0 4 8 3 0 4 l3 6 0 4 10 3 0 4 2 3 2 0 4 14 0 2 2 I 0 22 57 6 4 0 2 8 0 0 2 0 0 11 0 9 0 118 11 8 13 16 2 0 4 1 0 4 0 0 0 23 3 184 s 9 2 4 18 5 10 432 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 10 8 0 4 0 1 0 2 3 2 2 6 4 3 5 4 6 7 9 7 IO 13 5 9 4 3 3 4 3 2 6 9 3 4 4 0 6 4 3 5 18 5 1 1 2 0 0 4 0 0 2 95 19 14 19 9 81 2 I 0 2 3 6 16 45 10 11 12 1 0 0 5 22 25 27 54 113 2 14 3 I 22 0 3 18 23 0 l 13 I 8 I 0 0 2 6 4 ~ 0 2 16 50 0 I 3 I 3 4 3 1 9 2 I 9 8 3 157 12 1 202 1 3 3 4 7 81 18 4 7 1 2 2 8 13 19 18 130 16 5 22 12 2 2 9 56 6 8 6 252 23 6 0 4 2 Piney Point .............Tuesday: July 6*; Monday: August 2 ($change created by Independence Day holiday) 2 0 I 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 22 2 Trip Reliefs 2 8 0 4 2 0 MAY 15, 1999 July & August 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 0 Personals THOMAS J. VAIN Please contact your brother, Joseph, at (410) 5630329 - urgent. THOSE WHO KNEW ROBERT A. BUTLER The family of Robert A. Butler would appreciate hearingfrom anyone who knew him and who would be willing to share information about their dear departed uncle. Please direct correspondence to: Dr. Robert F Butler, 10014 Canterbury Farms Ct., St. Louis, MO 63128. Cl--111111 LOG-A-RHYTHMS ... Reflections by Harry T. Scholer A gaze at himself in the mirror Crowfoot lines by his eyes Skin slowly turning to leather Old age and time, how it flies. Once a boy on the bank of the river Watching ships as they stood out to sea Dreaming offaraway places A life of adventure, carefree. From home to a berth in the Navy Foreign ports beckon and call Sailing four years on the ocean A seaman now, for the long haul. Merchant ships of all kind and description Years spent crossing the sea A mariner as his profession Was all he wanted to be. In time though hes grown a bit wiser Home and family beckon and call A few more years on the ocean An ex-seaman now, for the long haul. Harry T. Scholer sailed with the SIU for a number of years and is now a second mate aboard the tug Independence. Seafarers LOG 19 �, -- - - - ---- -- -- . - Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarers lntemaflonal Union Directory APRIL 16 - MAY 15, 1999 Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kermett Mangram Vice President Government Services '4 .. HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston. TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Founh Ave. Brooklyn. NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHIIADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-00 l 0 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SAN TURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16V% Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis. MO 63116 (314) 152-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272- 7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (3 l 0) 549-4000 20 Seafarers LOG 0 28 10 0 12 5 0 8 3 0 11 31 L- Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 7 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 6 2 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 I 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 6 0 0 21 9 0 6 3 0 7 3 0 IO 25 44 9 0 15 0 49 59 0 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 40 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters APRIL 16 - BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Company/Lakes TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 0 2 43 5 50 0 0 24 0 24 0 0 19 0 19 0 1 0 I 2 0 10 0 5 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I 1 0 MAY 15, 1999 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 10 0 2 5 7 0 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 1 0 0 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 2 2 0 2 33 9 44 0 3 5 0 17 0 12 29 0 0 19 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 15 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 5 78 9 0 27 17 2 94 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 2 2 32 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST ~ These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Richard McAll of Saraland, Ala. He joined the SIU in 1947 and sailed in all departments, most recently in the deck department. The photo on the left was taken in 1949 when McAll caught a giant 260pound freshwater catfish while fishing in the Surinam River near Paranas in Dutch Guiana. He was sailing aboard the SS Alcoa Planter, which was doing shuttle duty between the British West Indies and Canada. The photo on the right is of McAll (in waiter's uniform) and his brother, Edward (left). Together, they reeled in a 240-pound grouper while at anchor in Trinidad on the Alcoa .cavalier. (Also in the photo is crew member George Dean). It took three hours and 15 minutes to land the fish, McAll remembers. McAll, who retired in 1986, is enjoying his life in Alabama and claims he is now a househusband-and a good one at that. "I must be doing something right; he told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG, "because my wife just bought me a brand new truck." June 1999 �final Departures DEEP SEA GERMANABAN Pensioner German Aban, 95, passed away March 20. Born in Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the Southern Counties. Brother Aban sailed in the steward department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1923 to 1945. He was a resident of Chesapeake, Va. and began receiving his pension in September 1977. EDMUND ABUALY Pensioner Edmund Abualy, 77, died March 14. • A native of Portugal, he started his career with the SIU in 1941 in ==='---' the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Brother Abualy was a resident of Woodbury, N.J. and retired in August 1986. PEDRO L. AGTUCA nsioner Pedro L. Agtuca, 86, • passed away April 2. Born in the Philippines, Brother Agtuca began his career with the Seafarers in 1943 from the ort of New York. He sailed in the ste department as a chief cook. A resident o Port St. Lucie, Fla., he started receiving his pension in May 1971. ring to the steward department. During his career, he upgraded in Piney Point, Md. and was active in union organizing dri===i ves. A resident of Daytona Beach, Fla., Brother Benner retired in August 1976. BENSON L. BRATTON Pensioner Benson L. Bratton, 78, passed away January 27. Born in Massachusetts, Brother Bratton joined the MC&S in 1970 in the port of Los Angeles, sailing as a member of the steward department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943 to 1945. The Los Angeles resident began receiving his pension in February 1986. RUBIN M. CANONIZADO Pensioner Rubin M. Canonizado, 75, died March 8. Born in the Philippines, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1966 in Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Hawaiian Motorist, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. A resident of San Francisco, Brother Canonizado sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in 1988. WAYNE T. COLE Pensioner Wayne T. Cole, 71, passed away April 2. A native of Wisconsin, he first sailed with the Seafarers in · 1959. Brother ~;____..;:==---===-i Cole worked in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. From 1949 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Bay City, Ore., he retired in July 1989. DONALD R. CONN BAYARD W. BALDWIN Pensioner Bayard W. Baldwin, 66, died April 14. Born in Oklahoma, he first sailed with the SIU in 1963. During his union career he worked in the deck department aboard both inland and deep sea vessels. Prior to his retirement in October 1997, he sailed on the Liberty Sea, operated by Liberty Maritime. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Baldwin made his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. CARL H. BARBER Pensioner Carl H. Barber, 90 passed away February 20. Brother Barber .;:..~ joined the i " Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the ..__ _ _ _ _ _ , late 1940s in the port of Los Angeles. Born in Illinois, he was a resident of Lomita, Calif. and began receiving his pension in April 1970. J: VALENTINE H. BENNER Pensioner Valentine H. Benner, 84, died April 16. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1948 in his native New York, first sailing in the deck department and later transfer- June 1999 Pensioner Donald R. Conn, 84, died recently. Brother Conn joined the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco. He first shipped aboard the Matsonia, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Born in Iowa, he sailed in the steward department as a chief steward. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Army and Navy from 1939 to 1945. He lived in Cave Junction, Ore. and began receiving his pension in March 1982. ROGERS. COWPERTHWAITE • Pensioner Roger S. Cowperthwai te, 75, passed away February 18. Born in West Virginia, he started his career with the l==:...._--=:::.i Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Cowperthwaite sailed as a member of the steward department and retired in October 1979. He was a resident of Retsil, Wash. FRANCIS T. DiCARLO Francis T. DiCarlo, 37, died February 27. A native of New York, he graduated from the Harry Lundeberg School's entrylevel training program in 1980 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His =====:::..__J first ship was the Sea-Land Philadelphia. Brother DiCarlo sailed in the steward department. He upgraded his skills to become a recertified steward in 1995. He was a resident of Green Cove Springs, Fla. President Lines. The Oklahoma native served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1941 . He was a resident of Compton, Calif. and began receiving his pension in September 1979. WILLIAM B. H. HOM VINCENZO P. DiGIACOMO Pensioner Vincenzo P. DiGiacomo, 82, passed away February 25. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1940 in the port of Baltimore. Born in New York, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief electrician. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and attended educational conferences in Piney Point, Md. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Brother DiGiacomo was a resident of Phoenix, Ariz. He retired in December 1970. GILBERT S. DOERNER Pensioner Gilbert S. Doerner, 87, died March 3. 1 Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed with the MC&S. Brother t..==....:::=--=::..._..:....=::..;.i Doerner worked in the steward department, most recently as a chief steward. A resident of Huntington Beach, Calif., he began receiving his pension in February 1975. EDWARD M. ELLIS Pensioner Edward M. Ellis •. 75, passed away April 8. Brother Ellis ~~. . ...., began his career with the · .~ Seafarers in niA~ 1961 from the 1 i....::.-..::.._:==.:::...:1.:.... '' ·..:..__J port of Jacksonville, Fla., sailing aboard the Sword Knot. The Georgia native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Harry Lundeberg School. From 1941 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Navy. The Jacksonville resident retired in April 1989. PEDRO A. GARCIA Pensioner Pedro A. Garcia, 85, died February 12. He started his career with the MC&S in 1945, sailing aboard the Virginian. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed as a member of the steward department. He made his home in Houston. Brother Garcia began receiving his pension in February 1969. RAUL A. GOTAY Pensioner Raul A. Gotay, 58, passed away March 13. Born in Puerto Rico, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1969 from the ======.i port of New York, first sailing aboard the SeaLand Houston. He started working in the engine department and later transferred to the steward department. He also upgraded his skills in Piney Point. Prior to his retirement in December 1997, Brother Gotay sailed as a chief cook aboard the Sea-Land Producer. He was a resident of Gainesville, Fla. Pensioner William B. H. Hom, 86, died February 4. He started his career with the MC&S in 1938 in the port of San Francisco, sailing aboard the President Taft, an American President Lines (APL) vessel. Born in China, he worked in the steward department. Prior to his retirement in April 1969, he was aboard another APL ship, the President Wilson. Brother Hom was a resident of San Francisco. ARMAS E. JANSSON Pensioner Armas E. Jansson, 95, passed away March 23. Born in Finland, he joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port ·- --=== of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Worcester, Mass., Brother Jansson started receiving his pension in August 1972. WILLIAM KARPIAK 1-::lJllJilililii!Jl~-I Pensioner William Karpiak, 77, died March 25. A native of Pennsylvania, he started his career with the SIU in 1958 in ---==....:===---' the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Del Norte. Brother Karpiak worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. A resident of Manchester, N.H., he retired in February 1987. BIERNEY R. KAZMIERSKI Pensioner Bierney R. Kazmierski, 72, ~~ml passed away February 11. Brother Kazmierski joined the Seafarers in .....__ _ _ _ __, 1944 in the port of New York. The Michigan native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills. From 1946 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Livingston, Mich. and started receiving his pension in April 1987. JACK C. PROCELL . - - - - - - - - - . Pensioner Jack C. Procell, 75, passed away March 17. A native of 1 Louisiana, he 1 joined the Seafarers in 1946 in Port ==-====-=:::J Arthur, Texas. Brother Procell sailed in the deck department and retired in March 1982. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Procell was a resident of Metairie, La. ALFRED SMITH .----------.,Pensioner Alfred Smith, 74, died recently. Brother ' Smith began sailing with the SIU in 1958 from the port of New York. A native of Florida, he worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Merrimac. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Brother Smith started receiving his pension in November 1989 at his home in Thonotosassa, Fla. HENRY THOMAS Henry Thomas, 68, passed away February 27. A native and resident of Mobile, Ala., he started his career with the SIU in 1967. Brother Thomas worked in the steward department, last sailing in 1983. From 1953 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. MICHAEL J. THOMAS Pensioner Michael J. Thomas, 82, died March 6. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1951. The Maryland native worked in the steward department as a chief cook, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Pacer. A resident of Baltimore, he began receiving his pension in November 1984. JERRY Z. MILLER MALCOLM THOMPSON Pensioner Jerry Z. Miller, 77, passed away March 19. A native of Louisiana, he joined the .... Seafarers in ../ ·~ 1940 in the port ._____;:::;==----=L=u=£'~'-',., of New Orleans. His first ship was the Afoundria, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He sailed in the steward department and retired in October 1990. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Brother Miller was a resident of New Orleans. Pensioner Malcolm Thompson, 62, died February 6. Brother Thompson began sailing with the Seafarers in 1960 from the port of New Orleans, aboard the Del Santos. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department as a chief cook. He retired in October 1991 in New Orleans. l I JAMES M. HEROD Pensioner James M. Herod, 79, passed away December 29, 1998. Brother Herod joined the MC&S in 1945 in the port of Seattle. He worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the President Harrison, operated by American deck department. Brother Olson upgraded his skills and graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives and projects. He served as a delegate to the 1984 Crews Conference in Piney Point. Brother Olson last sailed aboard the SS Constitution. A resident of Las Vegas, Nev., he began receiving his pension in May 1986. FRED A. OLSON Pensioner Fred A. Olson, 77, died April 3. Born in Washington, he started his career with the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York. He started working in the steward department, later transferring to the ISADORE N. TOPAL Pensioner Isadore N. Topal, 79, passed away January 21. A native of Greece, he joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of Norfolk, Va., sailing aboard the High Point Victory. Brother Topal worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Ogden Traveler. Following his retire- Continued on page 22 Seafarers LOG 21 - �Continued/rampage 21 ment in July 1984, he returned to Chios, Greece to live. JOSEPH M. "JOE" TUCKER Pensioner Joseph M. "Joe" Tucker, 63, passed away April 1. Born in California, he graduated from the MC&S training school ::;...__...:....;;_..=..-== in 1961 in Santa Rosa, Calif. and joined that Union in the port of San Francisco. Brother Tucker sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in June 1996, he worked aboard the President Eisenhower, an APL vessel. From 1954 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Tucker was a resident of Suisun City, Calif. GRACIANO A. ULEP Pensioner Graciano A. Ulep, 89, died February 16. Brother Ulep joined the MC&S in 1941 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the President Cleveland. Born in the Philippine Islands, the steward department member last sailed aboard the Santa Monica. A resident of French Camp, Calif., he began receiving his pension in January 1973. GEORGE VEGA Pensioner George Vega, 80 passed away January 21. A native of Hawaii, he began sailing in the steward department with the MC&S in 1943 fr0m the port of San Francisco. His first ship was APL's President Johnson. Prior to his retirement in January 1975, he worked on another APL vessel, the President Polk. Brother Vega was a resident of Honolulu. PATRICK F. VIEIRA Pensioner Patrick F. Vieira, 75, died February 22. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the William Wirt, an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Trinidad, he worked in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Vieira was a resident of Clermont, Fla. He retired in June 1964. Pensioner John Wright, 79, died February 3. Born in Michigan, he began his career with the MC&S in 1946 from the port of San Francisco. Brother Wright sailed as a member of the steward department. A resident of Vallejo, Calif., he retired in December 1974. Yanisses, 87, passed away January 5. Born in Greece, Brother Yanisses joined the SIU in 1950 in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department and returned to his native country when he retired in June 1970. BECKETT YOUNG LLOYD S. JARRETT Beckett Young, 44, died April 5. Born in South Carolina, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1991 from the port of San Francisco, sailing aboard the USNS Wilkes. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. From 1976 to 1982, he served in the U.S. Army. Pensioner Lloyd S. Jarrett, 78, passed away March 11. He first sailed with the SIU in 1962. Boatman Jarrett worked primarily with Radcliff Materials and began receiving his pension in August 1977. He was a resident of Morgan City, La. JOACIDM YANISSES fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiil Joachim Pensioner LEONARD J. "LENNY" ZIMMERMAN Leonard J. "Lenny" Zimmerman, 50, passed away January 23. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1992, sailing i===1~~~~ aboard the SeaLand Anchorage. Born in Ohio, he worked in the deck department. Brother Zimmerman last sailed aboard the Liberty Wave. He was a resident of Seattle. INLAND JOHN E. BROWN Michael Ventry, 49, passed away February 4. A native of Louisiana, he graduated from the Harry Lundeberg School's entry-level training program in 1969 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Trenton, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother Ventry sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the school, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1981. He was a resident of New Orleans. Pensioner John E. Brown, 84, passed away March 18. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed as a tugboat captain. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1941 to 1942. Boatman Brown was a resident of Port Haywood, Va. and began receiving his pension in April 1985. Pensioner James D. Whittington, 85, died January 14. Born in Texas, he started his career with the MC&S in 1946, sailing aboard the Irving M. Scott. Prior to his retirement in July 1973, the steward department member signed off the Mariposa. Brother Whittington was a resident of Oakland, Calif. LUM F. "WILLIAM" WONG Pensioner Lum F. "William" Wong, 75, passed away October 10, 1998. He joined the MC&S in the port of San Frandsco in the 1940s. Born in China, he became a resident of San Francisco. Brother Wong began receiving his pension in August 1973. 22 Seafarers LOG FLOYD C. HAYNES Pensioner Floyd C. Haynes, 78, died April 4. Born in Tennessee, he first sailed with the SIU in 1980, aboard the Sugar Island, a North American Trailing Co. vessel. Boatman Haynes sailed in the engine department. He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the Army Transport Service from 1943 to 1945. A resident of Tampa, Fla., he retired in March 1991. MICHAEL VENTRY JAMES D. WIDTTINGTON worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother '--~-----_J Harris lived in Huffman, Texas and began receiving his pension in December 1985. THOMAS D. NESMITH Thomas D. Nesmith, 58, died February 19. A native of Alabama, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1995. Boatman Nesmith sailed primarily with Penn Maritime as a tankerman and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He was a resident of Lakeland, Fla. FRANCIS P. O'CONNELL Pensioner Francis P. O'Connell, 75, passed away April 13. Born in New York, he , started his · career with the SIU in 1965 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman O'Connell worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1963. A resident of Virginia Beach, Va., he began receiving his pension in December 1987. 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. A resident of Rio Piedras, P. R., Boatman Rosario began receiving his pension in June 1991. JOHN E. SOUTHARD Pensioner John E. Southard, 63, died March 27. A native of Pennsylvania, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He sailed as a captain and upgraded his skills at the union's facility in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement in February 1998, Boatman Southard sailed aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Medford, N.J. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. WILLIAM F. STILL JOSEPH CALOMO MILDRED G. BAILEY Pensioner Joseph Calomo, 85, passed away February 2. Brother Calomo joined the Fishermen's Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Born in Italy, he became a resident of Gloucester, Mass. He sailed as a captain. Brother Calomo started receiving his pension in 1978. Pensioner Mildred G . Bailey, 86, passed away February 23. Sister Bailey started her career with the SIU in 1952 in the port of Frankfort, Mich. The Michigan native sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving her pension in October 1975. She was a resident of Palatine, Ill. ANTHONY D. BOURRIE Anthony D. Bourrie, 46, died June 25, 1998. Born in Florida, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1971 from the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Bourrie sailed as a member of the steward department. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. JOHN J. DOYLE THOMAS LUPO Pensioner Thomas Lupo, 85, died February 16. A native of Michigan, he n joined the ~ Fishermen's t \ Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Brother Lupo made his home in Gloucester, Mass. and retired in January 1975. ===-----. Pensioner John J. Doyle, 89, passed away February 17. A native of Michigan, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Detroit. Brother Doyle sailed in the deck department. A resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., he began receiving his pension in July 1974. David C. Rickards, 66, died February 18. Boatman Rickards joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. During his career, he sailed in both the deck and steward departments. The Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1953. He was a resident of Shunk, Penn. and Estelle Manor, NJ. EDMOND J. GAGNE OBDULIO ROSARIO Pensioner John J. Granlund, 78, passed away February 15. Born in Wisconsin, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 aboard the Joe S. Pensioner Obdulio Rosario, 76, passed away December 18, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in WILLIAM E. YOCKEY William E. Yockey, 71, died January 15. Brother Yockey joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Alpena, Mich., sailing aboard the E.M. Ford, operated by Huron Cement Div. The Michigan native sailed as a member of the engine department. From 1946 to 1947, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a resident of Alpena. GREAT LAKES DAVID C. RICKARDS Pensioner Morgan A. Harris, 75, passed away April 11. A native of Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1944. Boatman Harris started sailing in the deep sea division and later transferred to inland vessels. He Pensioner Hugh J. Macinnis, 93, died April 3. He first sailed with the SIU in 1950. Brother Macinnis worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dunbar & Sullivan Dredging Co. as a member of the deck department. A resident of Allen Park, Mich., he began receiving his pension in June 1982. AnANTIC FISHERMEN CARL HARRIS MORGAN A. HARRIS HUGH J. MacINNIS William F. Still, 31, passed away February 27. Born in Louisiana, he began his career with the SIU in 1989 from the port of New Orleans, sailing aboard the Delta Queen. Boatman Still sailed in the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. From 1985 to 1988, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of New Orleans. =====.,....,....,,,= Pensioner Carl Harris, 72, died October 28, 1998. Boatman Harris began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Baltimore. A native of Tennessee he worked as an engineer. He retired in April 1997 to Erwin, Tenn. Morrow, operated by Red Arrow Steamship Co. Brother Granlund worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the G.A. Tomlinson, an Oglebay Norton Co. vessel. A resident of South Range, Wis., he started receiving his pension in December 1985. Pensioner EdmondJ. Gagne, 87, died October 5, 1998. Brother Gagne started his career with the SIU in 1949 in the port of Alpena, Mich. Born in Canada, he sailed in the deck department and retired in June 1976. He was a resident of Englewood, Fla. JOHN J. GRANLUND RAILROAD MARINE WILLIAM L. RAINS Pensioner William L. Rains, 85, passed away March 27. Brother Rains joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He worked in the deck department and sailed primarily with the marine division of Penn Central Railroad Co. The Virginia native was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1945. Brother Rains was a resident of Bohannon, Va. He retired in May 1977. Attention Seafarers: Support SPAD June 1999 �Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes a1 po1Slble. On occasion, because of space llmltallons, 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. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Management), February 7Chairman Clyde C. Smith, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Joseph R. Vitela, Deck Delegate James E. Dixon, Engine Delegate Rogelio Castellandos, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Chairman announced arrival in Lake Charles, La. February 9 with payoff following day. Vessel expected to remain two weeks and then load for trip to West Africa. Secretary advised crew members to help keep messhall clean and return all dishes to galley. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading classes at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Some disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. Everything running smoothly in steward department. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good work. Next port: Banjui, West Africa. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Lan Service}, February · an Billy Hill, S Jonny Cruz, Edu · Director Robert Hall, Delegate Richard T. Wheat, Engine Delegate S. Davis, Steward Delegate David Valle. Payoff scheduled February 10 in Elizabeth, N .J. Those leaving ship reminded to clean room and leave clean linen for next person. ecretary urged crew members to su SPAD, especially with · election just U.S. pres1 around corner- an e jobs and job security for SIU mem rs. Educational director advised everyone to read Seafarers LOG to find out current events in union and keep abreast of changes (like TRBs and STCW). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reminded to separate plastic from regular trash. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Elizabeth; San Juan, P.R.; Rio Haina, Dominican Republic; and Houston. ,Stocked _ and Ready While performing crane maintenance at the SeaLand Terminal in San Juan, P.R., ABs Melvin Leguillon and Juan Lopez get the necessary equipment from the dockside warehouse. June 1999 GLOBAL LINK (Transoceanic Cable}, March 3 I-Chairman Jose S. Gomez, Secretary Brandon Maeda, Deck Delegate Melvin Singletary, Engine Delegate Peter Littman. Chairman explained need to move coffee machine to more central location to benefit both officers and unlicensed crew. He also mentioned new microwaves on order to replace old ones. Discussion led by chairman on ccinstruction of fire fighting and safety school at Paul Hall Center scheduled for May 18 opening. New school will replicate conditions found aboard all types of vessels, from deep sea ships to inland tugs and barges. He also noted it will hot\se two classrooms but is mostly designed for hands-on training. Treasurer announced $1,919.82 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members thanked by chairman for superb job coming out of Charleston, S.C. shipyard and gettin vessel back into shape. Ship headed to St. Croix, USVI to offload spare cable and then to stand-by position in St. Thomas. HMI DEFENDER (Hvide Marine}, March 28-Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Richard Gracey, Deck Delegate John Yates, Engine Delegate Ken Stratton, Steward Delegate Ernie Batiz. Chairman announced payoff in Lake Charles, La. first part of April. He reminded crew to separate food waste from garbage. Garbage will be taken ashore in Tampa. Steward asked that all crew members leaving ship get set of linen for replacement. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to work together to keep passageways clean. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: Tampa and Lake Charles. ffB JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan Transportation}, March 2Chairman Sonny Pinkham, Secretary Royfield E. Crawford, Educational Director Stanley Sporna, Deck Delegate Paul S. Szalus, Steward Delegate Eugene Perez Jr. Chairman read president's report from Seafarers LOG. Secretary and educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Lundeberg School. Treasurer announced fund for bike growing. Treadmill just purchased for $500. Request made for clarification of Article III, Section 14 on call-backs in port. Suggestion proposed for contracts department regarding increase in optical benefits. Crew members reminded of leaving clean room for next Seafarer. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: New Jersey. MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line), March 28-Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Joseph C. Birke, Educational Director Samuel E. Monroe. Educational director reminded crew of facilities available at Paul Hall Center for upgrading. Treasurer announced $20 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have bosun read aloud president's report from LOG. Also proposed for contracts department to look into reinstating one day off after one trip. New TV and radio antenna needed. Request made for union to speak with company about new air conditioning unit for gentry crane. Steward department given vote of thanks. Next port: Charleston, S.C. MAERSK TENNESSEE (Maersk Line}, March 21-Chairman Mark A. Holman, Secretary Stephanie K. Hendrick, Educational Director Peter Murtagh, Deck Delegate Kevin O'Neill. Old business discussed regarding need for refrigerators and ice machine. Steam cleaner for carpets received, but still awaiting new mattresses. Chairman noted no injuries this voyage. He asked everyone to report safety hazards to bosun. He thanked crew for good job during Coast Guard inspection in Charleston. Everyone was well prepared. Secretary announced $400 in ship's fund. Educational director urged everyone to get TRBs and attend upgrading courses at Lundeberg School. Letter received from headquarters regarding making New Bedford an "all ports" shipping.hall. Crew requested information on, especially statements from, money purchase pension plan. VCR needs repair or replacement. Crew requested survival suits be placed on board and that everyone help keep ship in tiptop condition. Heading to South American ports of Colom bi~ Ecuador and Peru. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.}, April IS-Chairman D. Murray, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Joel Trotter. Chairman reported new washing machine on board. Educational director advised crew to get STCW endorsement and TRB and to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New coffee maker ordered. Drinking fountain in crew mess needs repair as does missing tile in crew quarters. Suggestion made to ask contracts department to look into increase in vacation pay. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Vote of thanks also given to Capt. James Biggs for new TV for crew lounge. OOCL INNOVATION (Sea-Land Service), April 4--Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Edward P. Dunn, Educational Director Randolph Tannis, Engine Delegate Owen Duffy. Chairman read president's report from March LOG. Discussion held on upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. Educational director also suggested crew members review safety films. Secretary thanked crew for keeping common areas and messhall clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension plan for members. Crew \ requested video tape rewinder for lounge, new chair for electrician and list of area doctors who will accept SIU medical plan. Vote of thanks to steward Dunn and his department. Ship heading to European ports in Holland, England, Germany and France, returning for payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. in May. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSC Ship Management), March 5-Chairman Daniel Laitinen, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John Trent, Steward Delegate Obencio M. Espinou. Chairman thanked crew for good job and announced payoff in Baytown, Texas March 6. He reminded crew of educational benefits available through Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reports all are happy, thanks to steward department. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding), March 5Chairman Dana Naza, Secretary Lovell McElroy Sr., Educational cue grills and repair VCR in crew's lounge. Dan Brinson dedicated vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. SEA-LAND GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service}, April 4-Chairman Gary Gambrel, Secretary Edward Haber, Engine Delegate G. Johns, Steward Delegate Robert H. Arana. Secretary advised crew members to read Seafarers LOG for up-to- Moves Up the Seniority Ladder During a union meeting aboard the Mayaguez in San Juan, P.R., DEU Michael Joel (right) fills out an application to receive his SIU membership book. With him are Electrician Michael Martykan (left) and SIU Representative Amancio Crespo. Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Michael Edwards, Engine Delegate Gilbert Tedder, Steward Delegate Manuel Lata. Chairman reported need for ABs and QMEDs in union. All interested Seafarers should upgrade at Piney Point for those ratings. Secretary added that future of American-flag passenger shipping is bright, thanks to leadership of Mike Sacco. Secretary also brought information concerning money purchase pension plan and explained benefit with crew. He also talked about unlicensed apprentice program. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading in order t9 compete for jobs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members made suggestion to be submitted to contracts department to increase number of paid vacation days in next contract. Thanks given to steward department for continuing strong working skills, high sanitation standards and for providing good meals daily. Ship heading to ports in Spain, Portugal and England. SEA FOX (Crowley}, April 9Chairman Marc A. Marcus, Secretary Charles Curley, Educational Director Todd F. Moreland, Deck Delegate Charles B. Johnson, Engine Delegate Moses Mickens Jr. Chairman discussed selling of ship by Crowley. Secretary thanked crew for keeping vessel clean. Educational director noted TRBs absolutely necessary in order to register; also need STCW endorsement by 2002. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done and to deck department for their help. Next port: Charleston, s.c. SEA-LAND CONSUMER (SeaLand Service}, April >-Chairman Frank Adams, Secretary Wayne Wilson, Steward Delegate William Pitt. Chairman noted everything going smoothly. Crew lounge has been retiled and new furniture arrived. Mattresses for rooms, however, not yet aboard ship. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to order two barbe- date information on union and maritime industry. Educational director clarified dental plan coverage and reminded everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point Treasurer announced $40 in ship's movie fund. Some disputed OT noted in deck department to be turned over to patrolman at payoff. No beefs reported by all three department delegates. Crew requested new videotapes from company. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Port Everglades, Fla.; Houston; and Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND HAWAll(Sea-Land Service}, April 12-Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Jose A. Rivera, Educational Director Rex Bolin, Deck Delegate Richard T. Wheat, Steward Delegate David Valle. Chairman announced arrival in Elizabeth, N.J. April 14 with payoff scheduled. Discussion held on safety policies and alcohol awareness. Secretary urged crew to take advantage of training available at Piney Point. Educational director reminded crew to obtain TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done and for great shipboard barbecues. Bosun thanked all departments for good and safe voyage. Next port: San Juan, P.R. SEA-LAND SPIRIT (Sea-Land Service}, April 4--Chairman Howard Gibbs, Secretary Ed Ombac, Educational Director Mohamed Alsinai, Deck Delegate Julio Mattos, Steward Delegate Miguel A. Robles. Chairman read president's report from Seafarers LOG and announced payoff in Tacoma. He stated next trip may be on East Coast and led discussion on safety on deck during bad weather. Educational director suggested everyone attend courses at Lundeberg School and check out new fire fighting facilities named in memory of Joe Sacco. Treasurer noted $30 in fund for unlicensed ·crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deparbnent delegates. Crew thanked steward department for job well done, especially steward assistant for always keeping messhall neat and tidy. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif. and Jacksonville, Fla. Seafarers LOii 23 �I , Letters to the Editor (Editor s note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writers intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) U.S.-Flag Cruise Surpasses Others The lead article in the April 1999 Seafarers LOG was especially interesting to me and my wife. In March of this year, we took a trip to Hawaii aboard the SS Independence, visiting five ports in the Hawaiian Islands. As a former Seafarer, I always promised myself that I would someday sail on a ship as a passenger. We have made five cruises, and this is the first time we cruised under a U.S.-flag ship crewed by SIU members. It was like "old home week." This was truly our best cruise of the four others we have taken. The wisdom of the owners, American Classic Voyages, whose foresight in building two new stateof-the-art ships (also in a U.S. shipyard) shows that the U.S. merchant marine can compete with any foreign flag for passengers. The SS Independence, a somewhat faded but proud lady, is pampered and polished by caring SIU members who cater to the wishes of her guests. Our cabin steward, Dana Washington, who aspires to upgrade to chief steward at Piney Point, Md., is a credit to the union and to his craft. The ship had an excellent menu and largerthan-usual cabins, and the on board activities were outstanding -making for a memorable voyage to Paradise. As Michael Sacco stated in his president's report, "The excitement is building again with the anticipation of these new vessels Keeping Cape May Primed Seafarers form part of the reduced operating status crew aboard the Cape May and do their part to keep the Ready Reserve Force vessel primed for activation. Pictured aboard the ship in Norfolk, Va. are (from left) OMU Jeff Bull, AB Billy Hanbury, Electrician Donald Christian, Bosun Melvin Nichols and Chief Steward John Reid. possessing both the best in marine architecture and with an American crew." Right on, Mr. Sacco. We plan to book a maiden voyage with American Hawaii Cruise Lines when one of the new ships goes into service in the year 2003. Russell G. Hinkel Bensalem, Pa. Editors note: Brother Hinkel sailed with the SIU from 1946 until 1953. . . Still Waiting for Equal Treatment Few Americans know of the record of U.S. merchant mariners during World War II. It began with six ships being sunk before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The first, the SS Robin Moor, occurred in May 1941, when she was torpedoed by a German submarine. My first knowledge of this loss came when I later served with an officer from this ship. The record continued: 866 ships were lost from enemy action-and not one ever defaulted. One hundred of our vessels were lost on the Russian Run alone, and more than 400 were lost on the East Coast of the U.S. in 1942. Our merchant marine lost more men in percentages than all of our armed forces, except the Marine Corps. The main reason for our heavy loss was that our men refused to surrender, and most went down with their ships. Our government rewarded us by waiting 43 years, when most of us were dead. Then, in 1988, we were given our awards and rights under the G.I. bill. U.S. law firms have proven we survivors of World War II lost more than $80,000 in benefits. Also, the state of Pennsylvania paid $500 to each of our state veterans of that war, but the U.S. merchant marine survivors are still waiting. Peter Salvo McKeesport, Pa. Are You Receiving All Yom Important Mail? In drder to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Department 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r-------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 6199 (Please Print) 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 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained Name: Social Security No.: ____ I ____ I _ __ D Active SIU Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union file unless otherwise changed by me personally. L-- - --------------------- - ------ -- -- - -------------~ 24 Know Your Rights Seafarers LOii 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 meet~ ings 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 SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be soliCited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. June 1999 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes from July through the end of the year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Receniflcation Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion Steward Recertification June 28 August 2 Bosun Recertification August 23 October 4 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) August Z September 27 November 1 August 20 October 15 November 19 Basic Firefighting July 12 August 23 September 27 October 18 July 16 Deek Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman September 20 October 29 Advanced Firefighting Radar Observer/Unlimited July 12 August 9 September4 July 23 August20 Septem her 15 Radar Recertification (one day) July 23 August 19 October 14 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) July 26 August23 October 18 September 13 November 8 July 23 September 24 November19 Government Vessels July 12 August 16 September 6 September 27 November 1 November 8 November29 July 30 September 3 September 24 October 15 November 19 November26 December 17 Lifeboatman/Water Survival July 12 August 9 September 6 October 4 November 1 November29 July 23 August20 September 17 October 15 November 12 December 10 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) July 12 July 26 August 2 August 9 August30 September 20 September 27 October ZS November 1 ovember 8 November22 November29 December 13 July 16 July 30 July 12 July 31 August 28 October23 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler August 9 Oc r 11 September 17 November 19 September 20 October 29 September 13 December3 September 27 November 5 November 8 December 17 Refrigeration Systems Maintenance Steward Upgrading Courses Start Date Galley Opera Advanced Galley Opera (Every week, starting Jan. 11) Chief Steward (Every other week, starting Jan. 11) August 6 August 13 September 3 September 24 October 1 October 29 November 5 November 12 November26 December 3 December 17 Academic-Department Courses July 5, 12, 19, 26 Certified Chief Cook/ August 27 October 1 October 22 August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 tern her 6, 13, 20, 27 Courses July l2, 26 August 9, 23 September 6, 20 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name --------------------------- Address_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ (! 20) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT. AB and QMED aplicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 wjth their apolication. The Pavmenl should be made wilh a monev ortler only. Pavable to LMSS. BEGIN DATE COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member Date of Birth D END DATE --------~ Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security#_________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the center's trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any upgrading courses at the school? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primarylanguagespoken -------------------~ June 1999 ----------- SIGNATURE Date Off: -------------~ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. Ifyou have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. · RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 6/99 Seafarers LOii 25 �Paul Hall Canter Graduating Classes Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) - Graduating from the new radar class on March 19 are Mike Smith (instructor), Jeffrey Fackett, David Salentra, Roberto Candelario, Charles Darley, Allan McCoy, Daniel Crawford, Richard DeWitte and Gary Koshland. Government v~els - Upgrading graduates of the government vessels course on March 19 are (from left, front row) Marvyn Chester, Antonio Perez, Guadalupe Campbell, Regina Terry, Kathie Newkirk, Keith Mcintosh, Randy Powell, Kenneth Gamer, (second row) Leoncadio Colon, Carlos Perez, Richard Gathers, Ibarra Mangaya, Philip Curtis, John Dean, Flavio Suazo, (third row) Jeffrey Ferris, Peter Seifert and Rafael Franco. Tankerman (Pl C) Barge - Seafarers successfully completing the tankerman (PIC) barge class on March 20 are (from left, front row) Martin Garcia, Fred Cantrell, Bob Leija, Wayne Goddard, Jeffrey Petherbridge, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Ben Graeff, Randy Isenhart, Mark Bosse, John Cronan, Carlton Dorrance, Isom Ingram, (third row) Boyce Wilson, Ron Centanni, Roman Kasparyan, Jeff Davis, Michael Presser, Alek Turko and Archie Bodden. Galley Operations - Earning their certificates for completion of the one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations course are (from left) Donald Irvine, Anitra Mcleod, Emani Viii, Mohamed Wasel, and James Prado with their instructor (far right), Chef Ed 'Nhite. Chief Cook - Successfully completing one of the recent chief cook course modules are (from left) Jimmy L. White Jr., James Bennefield, Lionel Packnett, Chef John Dobson (instructor), Donald Huffman, Helen Mitchell and Othello Dansley. In front of each of the graduates is a plate topped with chicken cordon bleu, their lesson for that day. 26 Seafarers LOii Certified Chief Cook - Successfully completing the course of study for a certified chief cook are (from left) Chef John Dobson (instructor), Donald Huffman, Jimmy L. White Jr., James Bennefield, Othello Dansley and Lionel Packnett. Chief Cook - Upgraders graduating from a module in the chief cook course are (from left) Douglas Flynn, Chef Alan Sherwin (culinary department head), Loicy Jones, Maria Aulisio (assistant instructor) and Jose Constantino. Their instructor, not in the photo, is Chef John Hetmanski. Galley Operations - Finishing one of the required two-week modules in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Chef Ed White (instructor), Anitra Mcleod, Desmond Lynch, James Prado, Mohamed Wasel, German Solar and Emani Villi. June 1999 �Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes ·r -lt - :~ ~ ;Tl~ Advanced Fire Fighting - Marking completion of the advanced fire fighting course on March 2 are (from left, front row) Samuel E. McDaniel, Tefera Tessema, Cezary Woznica, Regina Terry, Wendy Fearing, John Morrison, John Cronan, (second row) John Soares Jr., Gregory Shepard, Mark Francois, John Parkhurst, Patrick D'Alessandro, Peter Seifert, Craig Holdredge, Stormie Coombs (instructor), (third row) Secundino Arzu, Roy Payne, Jay Linx and Devin Glossin. Chief Cook - Successfully completing one of the chief cook modules are (from left) Chef John Dobson (instructor), Bienvenido Pagan, Jose Constantino, Dulip Sookhiram, Alba Ayala, Roy Jeru, Curtis Wiiiams, Jeffrey VanSlambrouck and Douglas Flynn. .\ ' Tanker Assistant - Upgrading graduates of the tankerman assistant class on April 2 are (from left, front row) Justin VonSprecken, Tawnia Stucker, Car1os Ortiz, Philip Noto II, (second row) Thomas DeCar1o, Jerome North, Stanley Howard, Andrew Seabon, Reginald Hunter, Jomo Young, Philip Diego, (third row) John Wells, Eddie Pittman, Al Smith, Jason Monroe, Rommel Artis, Jim Shaffer (instructor), (fourth row) Jason Gay, Melvin Ratcliff Jr., Steven Dieken and Robert Williams. "-. Able Seaman - Successfully completing the six-week course leading to endorsement as an AB on May 14 are (from left, front row) Casimiro Garza, Tony Olaya, Denyse Sineath, Dani~l.Vasquez, Alfonso Salazar, Ernesto Evangelista, (second row) David Loison, Linnell Coleman, Sean McDavitt, Sven Bigg, Ken Abrahamson, Jeffrey Hardy and Lewis Findley. Their instructor, not pictured, is Casey Taylor. Galley Operations - Finishing another module in the galley operations curriculum are (from left) Chef Ed Wlite (instructor), Susan Garrett, Mary Ann Schade, Bryan Powell, Patricia Geras, Mohamed Wasel, Emani Viii and German Solar. June 1999 Crane Maintenance Electrician - Receiving their certificates for completing the dockside crane maintenance electrician course on April 9 are (from left) Eric Malzkuhn (instructor), Lawrence Holbert, Michael Stravers, Andrew Balash and Richard Beckett. Anitra Mcleod (center) is completing her studies at the Lundeberg School. She is graduating from a culinary program at Baltimore International College with an associate's degree in baking and pastries. A graduate of Leonardtown High School in St. Mary's county, Anitra hopes to return to the Lundeberg School after graduation to work as a staff member in the culinary department. \Nith her are Chef Ed White (left) and Chef John Hetmanski. Seafarers LOG 27 �- Memorable Vacations Are Made at Piney Point All the Ingredients for a memorable vacation are available at the Paul Hal~ Center in Piney Point, Md. See page 18 for details. Future Spotlighted, Past Honored During Maritime Day When the crew of the USNS Indomitable heard in March their vessel was going to be featured in the National Maritime Memorial Day celebration at the Washington Navy Yard, the Seafarers on board immediately got to work in sprucing up the ship. "We were honored to be selected," Bosun Robert Taylor told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "We were happy to oblige for this ceremony, honored to pay our respects to those who went before and glad to show off the ship." Taylor, an eight-year veteran of the SIU, Jed the crew who made sure the ship was spotless when it was opened to the public following the Military Sealift Command (MSC)-sponsored event in the nation's capital. Among those inspecting the Maersk Line-operated vessel were SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Rear Admiral Gordon Holder (who heads MSC) and Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart, as well as military representatives from several nations. While Taylor and crew were standing by for visitors, the undersecretary for the U.S. Navy was telling an audience of several hundred on the pier how well the American merchant marine has performed when called and how it will be depended upon in the future. 'Vftal and Alive' After calling mariners "the fourth arm of defense,'' Jerry M. Hultin reminded all that U.S.flag, American-crewed ships delivered the first crucial materi- Unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center gather around (in suits from left to right) Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart, SIU President Michael Sacco and Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater during MarAd's National Maritime Memorial Day service. als to U.S. forces in the Middle East eight days after Operation Desert Shield began in 1990. He praised all maritime unions for their efforts, particularly singling out the SIU for expanding its training program to meet the needs of the time. Hultin then noted the partnership between the U.S.-flag fleet and the military remains "vital and alive today," adding that the armed forces "could not perform their mission" without the commercial fleet. The undersec'retary saluted all mariners by saying, "Another day at sea is service above and beyond the call of duty." Also taking part in the MSC service were two Seafarers who USNS serve aboard the Indomitable: AB James Meahl and OS Melvin Skinner. Meahl assisted in laying memorial wreaths in the Anacostia River while Skinner served as the wreath-bearer for the merchant marine. "It was great to have that opportunity," said Skinner, who is from Chesapeake, Va. "But we are a team with a lot of people from different places all doing our jobs and doing it the best we can." Several Ceremonies AB James Meahl (right) joins with Rear Adm. Gordon Holder (left) and Navy Undersec'y Jerry Hultin in saluting those mariners who paid the ultimate price. The event was part of a series of ceremonies in Washington on May 20 remembering American merchant mariners who died while serving the United States aboard commercial vessels. Similar services, in which Seafarers participated, were held around the country. Carrying the wreath dedicated to merchant mariners who died for their country is OS Melvin Skinner. Congress designated Maritime Memorial Day in 1933. Its established date is May 22 to commemorate the sailing of the SS Savannah, the first steam vessel to cross the Atlantic. Because the 22nd fell on a weekend, the national ceremonies took place this year on the 20th. While the day is designed to remember those who went before, many speakers used the occasion to reaffirm their support for the U.S.-flag fleet, including the head of the U.S. Department of Transportation, which oversees the Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the U.S. Coast Guard. Strong Future Honors Past After Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater, speaking at MarAd's service, saluted those who set the high standard of service for American mariners, he said the future looks bright for those sailing- as well as those who will sail-U.S.-flag commercial ships. The secretary quoted President Clinton, who said, "'As we look forward to the challenge of the 21st century, we continue to rely on our nation's maritime industry and the U.S. merchant marine to keep America competitive in the global economy."' Slater concluded, "When I consider the legacy of courage and sacrifice and achievement that we honor today, I have no doubt whatsoever that America's merchant marine and the entire maritime community will master these challenges and will ensure that the best days of the merchant marine ... are yet ahead of us. "I think that is the way for us to really respect the rich legacy that is ours, a legacy that has been paid for through sweat and toil, but also through the commitment to the thing that we hold really dear, and that is life itself. This is a very important industry. The people that we honor today deserve the honor that we give them." Joining Slater at the MarAd ceremony in remembering the past while calling for a strong future was U.S. Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.), a member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. The legislator said much is asked of the men and women who crew U.S.-flag vessels. He recalled the accomplishments of those who went before and noted World War II-era Liberty ships were built in the district he now represents. "As we look to the past to express our gratitude for that sacrifice, we must also look to the future. We must be aware as a nation that our peace, our security, our freedom and our economy depends on a strong American shipping industry-Americanmade ships, American crew- to represent us, to carry our goods overseas, and, if the time comes once again, to once again carry the needed military supplies," Baird stated. Pays Respect In opening the MarAd event, Administrator Hart paid tribute to those mariners who died for their country. He noted few regular Memorial Day celebrations recall the "valor, courage and supreme sacrifice" made by seafarers. "The United States owes our wartime merchant mariners an enormous debt of gratitude. They served under the most perilous conditions with only their North Star, the historic traditions of the American merchant marinelove of country, duty to serve, belief in the cause-to follow,'' Hart told the audience of shipping officials, military officers and labor representatives. "It is important that Americans never forget the sacrifices made by the merchant marine during World War II. Let us never forget the critical importance of America's merchant marine to this nation. It remains critical today and will be, as far as we can see, into the future,'' he added. Speaking on behalf of American merchant mariners at the MarAd ceremony was the president of the Masters, Mates and Pilots, Captain Tim Brown. Brown reminded the audience that more than 700 merchant ships were sunk during World War II with nearly 6,000 mariners dying at sea or in prisoner-of-war camps. He noted the past year saw mariners who sailed between August 15, 1945 and December 31, 1946 finally receiving recognition as World War II veterans, like the others who fought in the struggle had a half-century ago. Also taking part in the MarAd event was Eric Mensing, vice president for military affairs and government affairs with American President Lines (APL). While noting APL lost a third of its fleet during World War II, he said the company continues to build on the proud tradition set by those mariners to work in global trade as a key to world peace. 'Competent and Professional' Between the MSC and MarAd services was a luncheon hosted by the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club. The keynote speaker at the event was the coin. mander of the MSC, Admiral Holder. He called the jobs performed by U.S. seafarers "competent and professional. I am proud of th people ca mers." He reminded his audience that the men and women who went down with their ships "gave their lives to the nation, not to a company." Holder, who participated in the opening of the Joseph Sac~o Fire Fighting and Safety School two days earlier, said he inspected the campus of the Paul Hall Center Continued on page 6 U.S. Rep. Brian Baird (0-Wash.) pays tribute to those who went before while calling for a strong fleet now and in the future. \\. . ' u.s NAVAL S~+Ip ' . IN[}JM ITAB L Standing by to assist visitors touring the USNS Indomitable is Bosun Robert Taylor. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource June 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW LEGISLATION TARGETS ‘SAIPAN SCAM’ SIU JOINS COALITION TO RESTORE INTEGRITY OF ‘MADE IN USA’ LABEL FIRST-CLASS FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL OPENS BOARD FOCUSES ON STCW ASSESSMENTS, VERIFYING TRAINING SEAFARERS COMPLETE DELEGATE TRAINING ON SS INDEPENDENCE ILA HAILS SEA-LAND/MAERSK DECISION TO KEEP HUB IN PORT OF NEW YORK SIU ACTIVE AT AFL-CIO UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW LEON HESS DIES AT 85 WWII DISCHARGES FINALLY PROCESSED ALL SAVED AS FIRE ENGULFS CRUISE SHIP FOLLOWING 6-YEAR WAGE FREEZE, STEELWORKERS WANT TO SHARE IN VA. SHIPYARD’S PROFITABLE TIMES GRADUATING BOSUNS STRESS THE IMPORTANCE OF ONGOING EDUCATION AT PAUL HALL CENTER AB WHEAT’S INVENTION DEEMED A SUCCESS SEAFARER SINCLAIR OUBRE HONORED BY PROPELLER CLUB, COAST GUARD REMEMBERING SEAFARER AL AUSTIN GEN. ROBERTSON INSPECTS PAUL HALL CENTER PETE PREVAS, 71, SUCCUMBS TO CANCER A PROUD DAY FOR THE SIU PAUL HALL CENTER OPENS JOE SACCO SCHOOL SAFETY FACILITIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR TRAINING SEAFARERS ‘A PRICELESS ENTITY’ SEAFARERS SEE MANY BENEFITS IN NEW SCHOOL FUTURE SPOTLIGHTED, PAST HONORED DURING MARITIME DAY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 06/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 6 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/3df2b4467b8b39efdf305b8cc7c61f05.pdf 15f0b718dcac986436ddb100c073bee1 PDF Text Text SIU members and their families on April 8 celebrated the grand opening of the SIU's new union hall in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, La. (pictured above). The building, located at 3911 Lapalco Blvd., drew very positive reactions from the approximately 250 in attendance. Seafarers particularly Family-Friendly a I Opens In New Orleans praised the new hall's accessibility, cleanliness and layout. Joining the festivities were (left photo, from left to right) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, QMED Clarence Scott, SIU President Michael Sacco, Recertified Bosun Teddy Bush and his wife, Kathy, AB Lee Selico and his wife, Edwina, and Teddy and Kathy's sons, Isaac and Morocco (front). Pages 3, 9. NMU Members Praise Paul Hall Center Lakes Seafarers Kick Off Season Though still impacted by foreign steel dumping (see page 2), the Great Lakes sailing season is in full swing. Among the Seafarers crewing vessels on the Lakes are Deckhand Mohamed Mohsin (left photo, aboard the American Mariner) and AB Jeff Johnson (right, on the Sam Laud). Page 7. Maritime Unions Reaffirm Readiness ________________________________ ~Page3 NMU upgrader Owen Carr thanks SIU President Michael Sacco for the hospitality he and other NMU members have received since beginning clas5es at the Paul Hall Center. NMU members started taking classes at the center last month as part of the affiliation of the National Maritime Union with the SIUNA. Between them are NMU President Rene Lioeanjie and NMU upgrader Fahd Yahya. Page 4 Fire Fighting School Opens This Month --------------------------------------------------------------------------Page24 �[ President's Report Looking Ahead Preparing for the future is more than a slogan in the SIU. It's our way of life. As this decade nears its end, the groundwork we laid during the 1990s already is paying off for a vibrant beginning to the next century. Our primary focus has been jobs, and being able to handle the influx of Seafarers to crew the new liner ships, tankers, passenger vessels and tugboats that have been-and will be-coming under SIU contracts. The latest example of planning ahead and being prepared came last month when the new hiring hall Michael Sacco for New Orleans opened its doors. This beautiful, newly refurbished facility, located in the West Bank suburb of Harvey, shows the commitment the SIU has made to meet the challenges of the next century. The inviting atmosphere in the hall will encourage members to bring their families when they come to the hall. There is plenty of on-site parking-a need cited by many members who had shipped out of the old hall. This is the fourth new facility to open since 1994 when the Brooklyn hall moved down the street to its present location. In 1995, the SIU moved into its new location in Fort Lauderdale. The following year, the Seattle hall transferred to Tacoma to be closer to the port. Since then, we also have renovated the Norfolk hall and are working on our Wtlmington site. But the SIU does not intend to stop there. We look forward to announcing soon new facilities for Seafarers who sail out of Baltimore and Puerto Rico. All of this has been done with the members and their needs in mind Regarding jobs, what could be more exciting than the passenger ships that were announced last month in the LOG?! The contract signed in the U.S. Capitol between American Classic Voyages and Ingalls Shipyard is dynamic proof of the revitalization of the U.S.-flag commercial fleet, a campaign the SIU has been leading throughout the 1990s. The early work paid off with the passage of the Maritime Security Program in 1996. Now we are witnessing how that faith in the U.S. merchant fleet is expanding. In that same April issue of the LOG which announced the passenger ships, we saw Seafarers crew a new Double Eagle tanker, a series of tractor tugs and a roll-on/roll-off vessel. During the last half of this decade, SIU members have climbed the gangways to a great many ships, including the new fleet of military prepositioning vessels. And there is more to come. Not only is there one more Double Eagle tanker due out of the shipyard, but SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Co. plans to launch the first in its fleet of coastal passenger ships sometime next year. As always, Seafarers will be prepared for these jobs aboard the new vessels thanks to the upgrading program at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship. The school's staff constantly is improving the curriculum to make sure SIU members receive the latest information and can work with the newest technologies when they return to their vessels. The school also has been the industry leader in providing oil spill prevention and containment classes, developing the Coast Guardaccepted training record book and offering approved STCW self-certification courses. Later this month, the center will open the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, the most up-to-date training facility in the world for learning how to battle shipboard blazes. Once again, Seafarers will benefit thanks to the union's and the school's commitment to the future. Now, one more group of American mariners will benefit. We are pleased to welcome the members of the National Maritime Union, who began taking classes at the center last month. They have been very impressed with the facilities and with all the SIU members they have met. During a recent visit to the school with NMU President Rene Lioeanjie, several NMU members pulled us aside to say they have never been treated better at any of the other training schools they have attended as they have at the Lundeberg School. I thank the staff of the school and the Seafarers who are upgrading for welcoming our NMU brothers and sisters. Volume 61, Number 5 May 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~T6 2 The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf: Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright <O 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG Big News Comes.in Threes For Avondale, Newport News OSHA Fines New Orleans Yard; Steelworkers Strike in Virginia; General Dynamics Bid Rejected There were three major developments last month concerning New Orleans-based Avondale Industries and Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. The most recent occurred April 15, when the Department of Defense announced its opposition to General Dynamics Corp. 's proposed $2 billion acquisition of the Virginia shipyard. The company immediately halted its bid, clearing the way for a previously planned merger between Newport News and Avondale. The other stories concerned $537,000 in new fines levied against Avondale by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) for nearly 500 "serious and willful" hazardous conditions at the shipyard; and a strike by members of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) at Newport News. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney applauded the Pentagon's decision opposing the General Dynamics acquisition, but quickly pointed out the need to correct those other issues at the respective yards. Rejecting the General Dynamics takeover "appears to be based on sound judgment and on a thorough examination of the longterm implications of such a deal to America's shipbuilding workers, the economy and our nation's defense," stated Sweeney, who heads the national federation of trade unions. He also said that the resultant likelihood of a Newport NewsAvondale merger means ''the U.S. Navy should do an immediate and thorough investigation at Avondale, a major U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessel supplier. Avondale routinely ignores federal laws and battles federal agencies which aim to protect workers at the shipyard .... Yet even in the face of federal scrutiny, Avondale is recalcitrant, refusing either to acknowledge its wrongdoing or to follow OSHA's orders to make its shipyard safer." The fine against Avondale announced by OSHA on April 5 was the second-largest in American shipbuilding history. OSHA cited Avondale for 473 separate instances of unsafe working conditions. These include 266 instances of "willful" violations concerning uncovered manholes, unsafe scaffolding, unguarded high work areas, and improperly installed anchorage points to support workers when they work at great heights. A "willful" violation is the most serious of OSHA's categories. It means that the company knew about the safety problem, knew it was a violation, and yet did nothing about it. OSHA fined Avondale $70,000--the maximum penalty -for each of the four broad categories of willful violations. Seven workers have died at Avondale since 1990, three of whom fell down manholes or from great heights. Avondale's death rate is three times higher than other shipyards with major Navy contracts. Avondale Industries has received $32 billion in Navy contracts since 1993. That year, the workers voted to form a union to make the shipyard safer, to bring their wages and benefits up to par with those of other shipyard workers, and to earn respect on the job. In response, the company waged war on its workers-a federal judge found that Avondale broke the law more than I 00 times during the union campaign and illegally fired 28 workers. Avondale has refused for nearly six years to abide by their workers' choice and negotiate with the union, thus continuing a pattern of resistance to federal laws protecting workers. Meanwhile, at Newport News, 9,200 Steelworkers went on strike April 5. The key issues are hourly wages and pension benefits. "We've bent over backward so much, our head's almost touching the ground," said the president of USWA Local 8888, Arnold Outlaw. "There's not much further we can go." Sweeney pointed out that Newport News "just announced first quarter profits of $18 million on top of the $66 million profit for 1998. In addition, the company has access to a $150 million pension surplus. Given the company's fmancial success after years of wage freezes and worker concessions, the time has come for fair treatment for workers at Newport News." Steel Dumping Bill Advances to Senate House Passes Legislation to Curb Illegal Imports With strong bipartisan support, the House of Representatives on March 17 approved legislation designed to curb record levels of illegal steel imports that are wiping out American jobs. By a vote of 289141, the House passed the Steel Import Limitation bill (H.R. 975), then sent it to the Senate. Consideration of the bill in the Senate may occur this month. The SIU strongly supports the measure and encourages Seafarers and their families to contact their senators and ask them to pass it. (The SIU web site, http://www.seafarers.org, includes links to Senate email addresses. To contact the Senate by telephone, dial 1-202-224-3121.) Seafarers on the Great Lakes have felt the impact of dumped foreign steel since last year. As foreign nations in the midst of economic crises illegally sold their product to the U.S. at below production costs (a practice known as dumping), prices became depressed throughout this nation. That, in turn, slashed American steel companies' income and forced massive layoffs. Altogether, more than 10,000 U.S. steelworkers have been laid off or have lost their jobs because of this crisis. It also meant reduced cargo movement on the Great Lakes, because many of those materials are used in steel production. Hence, last year's sailing season prematurely ended, and this year's kicked off later than expected. Statistics tell part of the story: • Last year, steel imports from Japan more than doubled, while imports from South Korea were up 90 percent. • Imports from Japan, Russia and Brazil currently account for more than 25 percent of U.S. sales of hot-rolled steel-up from only 4.3 percent in 1995. • The dumping drove down U.S. steel companies, income by 60 percent for the first half of last year. In publicizing the problem, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) pointed out that other countries limit steel imports with deterrents such as government quotas and mill-to-mill agreements. The U.S. does not use such methods, leaving the nation vulnerable to dumping. After the House passed H.R. 975, USWA President George Becker commented, "The Congress of the United States not only opened up their eyes to what was happening, they opened up their hearts for the workers and their families and the community ..... We're on to the Senate, and we're going to go at it with the same intensity, the same fervor that we went with this one." The Steelworkers, backed by the AFL-CIO, pushed the bill for a year and a half. The Steel Import Limitation bill directs the President to impose quotas, tariff surcharges, or negotiate enforceable voluntary export restraint agreements in order to ensure that the volume of imported steel products during any month does not exceed the average volume of imported steel for the 36-month period preceding July 1997. It also directs the secretaries of the treasury and of commerce to implement a program for administering and enforcing the restraints on such imports. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the customs service to refuse entry into the U.S. customs territory for a three-year period any steel products that exceed their allowable levels. The bill also directs the secretary of commerce to establish and implement a steel import notification and monitoring program. It requires anyone who intends to import steel products into the United States to first obtain an import notification certificate; sets forth certificate requirements; and directs the secretary of comme~ to publish on a. weekly basis through the Internet certain information obtained from steel import notification certificate applications regarding imported ·steel, including country of origin, the port of entry, quantity, value of steel imported, single producer or exporter countries, and whether such imports are entered into a bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone. May 1999 �Maritime Unions Reaffirm Support For American Forces in Balkans Military Plots Strategy for Possible Sealift Campaign in Eastern Europe As military planners design strategies for possibly bringing supply ships to Mediterranean ports in Eastern Europe, the presidents of the nation's maritime unions have reminded President Clinton the U.S. merchant marine stands ready to help in the Yugoslavia/Kosovo conflict if and when it is called out. Joining SIUNA President Michael Sacco in a letter of support addressed to the White House shortly after the North Atlantic Treaty Organization {NATO) bombing campaign began in late March were National Maritime Union President Rene Lioeanjie; Masters, Mates and Pilots President Timothy Brown; Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association President Lawrence O'Toole; and American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay. The maritime union presidents told Clinton, "On behalf of the men and women of America's merchant marine, we want you to know that we stand ready to serve our nation in any way we can to assist American and NATO forces in the current military and humanitarian crisis in the Balkans. "The men and women of the American Merchant Marine are 'standing by' awaiting orders to supply NATO forces in the Balkans, and they are also available to bring humanitarian aid to the displaced people of the Balkan peninsula." The letter concluded by reminding the president of the loyalty and dependability of American mariners during previous conflicts. "The history of the supply effort which supported our troops during Operation Desert Stonn has demonstrated that the American Merchant Marine can be relied upon to assist the Commander in Chief in the execution of the military and foreign policy of the United States. Our merchant marine and our loyal and dedicated mariners are once again willing and able to serve, as we have served since our nation was formed." The NATO campaign began in late March as an effort to stop the ethnic cleansing of Albanians in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo by troops loyal to Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic. The daily bombing raids, which have included U.S. military aircraft, created a massive refugee situation in the neighboring countries of Albania and Macedonia. While trying to provide food, clothing and temporary shelters for the refugees, NATO and private relief organizations have been devising plans for relocating the thousands upon thousands of people fleeing Kosovo until the fighting stops. The head of the U.S. Military Traffic Management Command, a New Orleans SIU Hall Opens to Rave Reviews Seafarers Applaud Facility's Layout & Location Seafarers are utilizing the new SIU hall in the New Orleans area, following its grand opening on April 8. Located at 3911 Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey, La., the facility debuted to positive reviews. "It's a clean building in a nicer neighborhooddefinitely an upgrade," stated AB Vic DiGiorgio, one of approximately 250 people who attended the ceremonial opening. "It's easily accessible, right off the interstate, and the area for job call is nice. Plus, it has a big parking lot" Captain Tim Gegenheimer also cited the plentiful parking spaces as a welcome improvement. "It's better all the way around. Personally, I live just 10 minutes away, which is great. The new hall has plenty of parking, it's in a quiet neighborhood and the building's layout is good." Among those attending the opening were active and retired Seafarers and their families; officials from SIU-contracted companies; local political representatives; SIU officials, and others. In a brief address, SIU President Michael Sacco said that the new hall is another example of the union moving in the right direction. "The SIU purchased this building and modified it to meet the membership's needs. We're constantly looking toward the future," he noted. As with the SIU hall in Tacoma, Wash. and Fort May 1999 Purchased last year and refurbished to better serve the membership, the SIU's New Orleans-area hall opened for business in April. Lauderdale, Fla., the Harvey facility is a refurbished bank. Its features include a counter and shipping board, two offices, a small conference room, a lobby area used for membership meetings, new restroom facilities (built to Americans with Disabilities Act standards), an area for members and guests to enjoy coffee or other refreshments, and vending machines (which weren't available at the old hall on Jackson Ave., and from which the union takes no profit whatsoever). There is at least one other notable item: an window etched in tribute to Joseph Sacco, SIU execu- The hall features an etched-glass tribute to the late SIU VP Joe Sacco, bearing the words, "The Brotherhood Lives.• tive vice president who passed away in 1996. Known to all as Joey, he worked for many years in the SIU's Gulf Coast Region. More photos ofthe New Orleans hall grand opening on page 9. division of the U.S. Tranportation Command which handles logistics for American armed forces, discussed this problem when he met with the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club on April 14. U.S. Army Major General Mario Montero Jr. informed the audience that military and civilian personnel already are in Italy examining port facilities in that nation and nearby Greece in case sealift is activated for humanitarian or military re-supply needs. He noted his command looks "at handling sustainment supplies and refugee relief supplies." Montero pointed out that in the wake of the Persian Gulf War, the U.S. government and military found it "too costly" to store materiel in "lots of iron piles all over the world." He added that is why the armed forces are using prepositioning ships (crewed by Seafarers), located around the world and ready to sail to a hot Mjr. Gen. Mario Montero, head of the U.S. Military Traffic Management Command, tells the Washington, D.C. Propeller Club that America's sealift is a ieam effort" between the military and commercial fleets. spot at a moment's notice, to deliver the goods that are needed at the time they are required. The general also thanked the representatives from the U.S.-flag shipping industry present for being a vital part of the command's capability to respond to an emergency. He broke down America's sealift as being "one-third active [vessels], one-third reserve and one-third our industry partners. It's a team effort to respond. Without you, we could not do the nation's bidding." SMPPP Statements Sent to Seafarers Members Give Thumbs-Up to Revised Format Annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) recently were sent to participating SIU members. According to telephone records maintained by the firm that manages the plan, Seafarers are responding favorably to the statement's revised layout. The form, issued in March, has been rearranged for greater clarity. The SMPPP originated in the 1996 standard freightship and tanker agreements, and subsequently has been included in some other SIU contracts (all of which were ratified by the membership). Approved by the Internal Revenue Service, the SMPPP is an individual interest-earning investment account funded by a daily contribution made by an SIU-contracted company on behalf of a Seafarer who is working for that employer. SIU members also may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a vacation plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member's wage-related pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediately vested from the first day money is received on behalf of employees. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. The annual statement includes the following information: member's name, address and social security number (which is also the participant's account number); date of mailing; the opening balance for 1998 (which was the year-end 1997 closing balance); contributions received on member's behalf for payrolls received through December 31, 1998 (listed individually and in total); interest earned and administrative expenses charged; any payouts made to the member in 1998; and the closing balance for 1998 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year's annual statement). Seafarers wiJJ be able to colJect the funds within their SMPPP accounts by reaching retirement age, becoming totally and permanently disabled, or leaving the industry. However, the SMPPP was designed to encourage members to use it as retirement savings. For more information, Seafarers may call toll-free 1-800-485-3703. SMPPP facts also are posted on the SIU's web site at http://www.seafarers.org/log/archive/may97 s6.htmJ. SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN The window bears the SIU logo with the words, "The Brotherhood Lives -In Memory of Joe Sacco." "You knew that when you were with Joey, you had his full attention," said SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, who thought of the window. "He was always there for everyone in this union, always supportive without being asked. This is just a small way for others to remember him." As for the hall itself, Judd reported that all concerned are enjoying it. "It seems to have instilled a sense of pride," he explained. "The fact that it's practically brand new, it's clean and it's in a safe place all adds up. The layout is much more functional than the old hall, also." c/o Basil Castrovinci Associates Inc. 323.5 Kennedy Boulevard Jersey City, New Jersey 07306 April 1, 1999 (800) 485-3703 (201) 963-9600 Social Security Number: JOHN DOE 123-45-6789 123 SMITH STREET ANYTOWN, TX 12345 Summarized below is the status of your Money Purchase Pension Plan Individual Account as of 12131/98 INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT STATEMENT EMPWYER VOLUNTARY BALANCE IN YOUR ACCOUNT AS OF: 12/31197 $622.18 S0.00 CONTRIBtmONS RECEIVED ON YOUR BEHALF FOR YEAR ENDING. 1998 $325.78 S0.00 YOUR SHARE OF 1998 $103.28 S0.00 -$25.83 S0.00 INVESTMENT INCOME: LESS 1998 ADMINIS1RATIVE FEE: $0.00 S0.00 $1025.41 $0.00 LESS ANY PAYOUT(S) YOU HA VE RECEIVED : BALANCE IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT AS OF 12/31198 SEALAND 1998 Period From 01/01/1998 SEALAND SE ALAND DETAIL TRANSACTIONS FOR Emolover Period To 01/31/1998 Days 31.00 1 Contribution 02/01/ 1998 02/28/1998 I 28 .oo l $50.12 03/01/ 1998 03/3 1/ 1998 31.oo l $5.5.49 SEALAND 06/01/ 1998 06/30/1998 S53.20 SEALAND 07/01/ 1998 07/31/1998 Jo .oo l 1 31.00 SE ALAND 08/01/ 1998 08/31/1998 31.00 $55.49 182.oo l $325.28 I Total ~ $55.49 This sample statement shows the revised format as well as various information that is included on the annual form. Seafarers LOii 3 �'Eternal Flame' Selected for Burn Building Name Steward Poggio/i's Submission Chosen from More than 175 Names Offered in Contest The SS Eternal Flame will become the name of the burn building at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School when the facility opens later this month. After studying and sorting through the more than 175 entries submitted by 69 active and retired Seafarers, the judges selected Eternal Flame as a tribute to the late SIU executive vice president for whom the school is named. Although two Seafarers submitted Eternal Flame, under the rules published in the February and March Seafarers LOG, the grand prize winner would be the entry postmarked with the earliest date. That honor went to Recertified Steward Carl T. Poggioli of Honolulu. His entry was dated w~• F • t01<. ~01,t$T"Oo,) ... "~~ L-------~~;:~~~ Above are some of the letters submitted in the name the -Vessar contest, including the winning entry from Recertified Steward Carl T. Poggioli of Honolulu. March 15. Brother Poggioli will receive a ship's wheel and has been invited to christen the ''vessel', when the school opens on May 18. SIU Pensioner William "Flattop" KoOowitz of Brooklyn submitted the other Eternal Flame entry. His offering was marked March 24. He will receive an SIU jacket. Don Nolan, vice president for the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School, served as one of the four judges. He said the crew had a SIU Pres. Michael Sacco shows NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie the "engine very difficult time selecting a win- room• in the burn building-to be named SS Eternal Flame-at the ner and consolation awards Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. because of the many fine entries. Other entries included the (The other judges included Jim of Brooksville, Maine; Retiree Hanson, the center's director of Anthony J. Novak of New word "fire" in their submissions. health and safety; SIU Com- Orleans; and Captain William F. Among those were Fire Drake, Fire Snuffer and Fireball. munications Director Daniel Palmer of Conroe, Texas. Retiree James D. Howison of Several of the entries rememDuncan; and Seafarers LOG bered late SIU officials as well as Managing Editor Jordan Biscardo.) Seattle entered the Vulcan. During the two months of the ships upon which they sailed. Three other "vessel" names "With so many great suggeswere selected for the runner-up contest, entries came from all over awards. They were the Endless the country. Deep sea, inland and tions, it took some time to go Flame, the Flashpoint and the Great Lakes members presented a through all of them and narrow the entries down to a few," Nolan Vulcan. All members who submit- wide arrangement of nfU]les. Some of them wanted to said. "We thank everyone who ted these names will receive SIU include Sacco in the name of the participated because they providjackets. Offering the Endless Flame bum building "vessel." Variations ed some very creative names." was Recertified Steward Ronald included Smokey Joe, Joseph See page 24 for an update on Sacco Fire Extinguishers, Joseph R. Muoli of Baltimore. the fire fighting school Three members submitted Sacco Hot Spot and The Pride of construction. Flashpoint". AB Robert Bakeman Joe Sacco. NMU Members Praise Upgrading at Paul Hall Center The first members of the SIUNA-affiliated National Maritime Union to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. have nothing but praise for the facilities and the Seafarers they have met there. The adjectives "wonderful', and "unbelievable" were heard over and over again when SIU President Michael Sacco escorted NMU President Rene Lioeanjie as he met with upgraders at the center on April 16. "I did not expect anything like this," NMU galley gang upgrader Bienvendio Pagan told Lioeanjie, who made an unannounced visit to the facility. "Everyone has been friendly and very cooperative. This is nothing like any of the other training schools rve been to." "They treat you right," added NMU member Owen Carr, who is taking the able bodied seaman course. "The instructors take the time and make sure you understand." The NMU members also thanked Sacco for all the courtesies they have received during their training. "We are treating the NMU members no different than Seafarers," Sacco noted. "They are finding out what it is like for a training facility to respect them as the professionals they are." Lioeanjie stated he was very pleased with what he was hearing from the NMU members. "They didn't know what to expect when they came here. We tried to tell them based on our past visits, but everything is working out better than any of us could imagine," the NMU president said. Don Nolan, vice president for the Center's Luneberg School, told Sacco and Lioeanjie of one incident between individual SIU and NMU upgraders attending the SIU President Michael Sacco points out some of the features of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School to NMU President Rene Lioeanjie (left) and Vtee President Charles Stewart. STCW Basic Safety class. The two were paired as roommates. Before the first day was over, they had become friends and made plans to study together as well as work with one another. Before leaving Piney Point, Lioeanjie along with NMU Vice President Charles Stewart and AFL-CIO Maritime Committee's Executive Director Tai Simpkins toured the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is scheduled to open this month. NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie {far left) listens to NMU steward upgrader Alba Ayala. Also taking part in the conversation (from her left) are upgrader Bienvendio Pagan, Paul Hall Center Chef Romeo Lupinacci, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, upgrader Dulip Sookhiram and NMU VP Charles Stewart. NMU AB upgraders meet wrtn tne ~IU ana NMU presidents at Piney Point. From the left are Owen Carr, NMU Pres. Rene Lioeanjie, SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Fahd Yahya, Abdul Hassan, AFL-CIO Maritime Committee Executive Director Tai Simpkins, Ernesto Evangelista, Laura Cash-Santos, Casimiro Garza and NMU VP Charles Stewart. 4 Seafarers LOG NMU members taking the STCW Basic Safety class last month were the first to graduate from the Paul Hall Center. They upgraded with Seafarers, who are designated with SIU after their names. From the left are (front row) Instructor Rick Redmond, Fahd Yahya, Edison lnumen, Alfred Acheanpong, Bernabe Pelingon (SIU), Garrick Slack, (second row) Philip Diego {SIU), Unity Bosdick, Ignacio Blanco, Anthony Perry, Mario Marcial, Vemall Marshall, Clifford Lacon, (back row) Heath Darrel, Don Hubbard, lsoline Major (SIU), Eric Tart and Mark Zlfcak. May1999 �NY Unionists: Save Local Maritime Jobs Rally Urges Retention of Sea-Land, Maersk Business; Carriers Considering Bids for Northeastern Operations More than 1,000 trade unionists rallied April 12 outside New York's World Trade Center to urge preservation of thousands of local maritime-related jobs by retaining business from Sea-Land Service and Maersk Line. Two dozen SIU members participated in the demonstration, which was organized by the New York-based International Longshoremen's Association (ILA). The boisterous event was intended to spur New York Governor George Pataki and New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman to extend a successful port lease bid to the two shipping companies. Sea-Land and Maersk, which share vessels, containers, tenninals and other assets, account for a substantial amount of cargo volwne in the port of New York and ·New Jersey. They are considering a new lease proposal from that port as well as competitive bids from Baltimore and Halifax, Nova Scotia to relocate much of their northeastern waterborne commerce. Each of the proposed leases is believed to be for at least 25 years. A decision may be announced sometime this month. ILA President John Bowers stated that the potential relocation of the carriers' northeastern hub "jeopardizes more than 3,500 longshore jobs in this region. Everyone in this region should be concerned about the potential loss of jobs. Not just longshore jobs, but tens of thousands of other jobs related to the movement of cargo into and out of this port." Prior to the rally, Bowers also told Pataki and Whitman that he believed "negotiations between New York and New Jersey regarding issues unrelated to the Sea-Land and Maersk negotiations" repeatedly had delayed the port's proposal during a recent three-month period, thus increasing the likelihood that another port would snatch the business. Whitman attended the April 12 event and subsequently extended a tentative offer to the companies, even though it ultimately requires Pataki's approval because the port is jointly operated. Press reports indicate that Whitman's proposal is approximately $120 million in state incentives. Meanwhile, Maryland officials reportedly have offered to construct a $200 million, 330-acre marine terminal in Baltimore if its bid is successful. An April 14 article by Robert Little of the Baltimore Sun indicated that the state also has promised to improve Baltimore's railroad access--currently perceived by some as a shortcoming, and no small factor considering that SeaLand is owned by rail giant CSX Corp. The estimated 750,000 shipping containers annually handled by the bid winner would triple Baltimore's cargo volwne. Halifax reportedly has bid on a lesser volume of the companies' business. Shortly after receiving Whitman's proposal, Sea-Land and Maersk, which have had some joint operations since 1995, said they will not comment on their decision while they review the bids. However, a Sea-Land official reportedly described the New York-New Jersey bid as "competitive," while a Maersk spokesman indicated a desire for a fairly expeditious decision. - - SIU members and officials were among the more than 1,000 trade unionists taking part in the April 12 rally outside New York's World Trade Center. The demonstration was aimed at saving local maritime jobs that would be impacted by a potential relocation of Sea-Land and Maersk terminal business. Among the Seafarers at the rally (photo below) were SIU Representatives Jack Caffey Jr. (far left) and Jack Sheehan, SIU member Charles DiCanio and SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey (far right). MERPAC Continues Crafting Suggested STCW Standards REC Restructuring Delayed at Least 2 Years The U.S. Coast Guard's Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) last month delved further into developing national perfonnance measures for evaluating mariner competence in accordance with the amended STCW convention. Meeting April 1 at Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., the group emphasized the need to ensure that all mariner demonstrations of competency in an STCW category titled "basic safety training" are evaluated using uniform minimwn guidelines. "Some of these standards will be established quickly, while others will take longer," noted Bill Eglinton, MERPAC chairman and director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School, located in Piney Point, Md. "In any case, the United States will set the standard internationally for mariner training. By February 1, 2002 (the final implementation date for the STCW amendments), only the best training schools will remain." Also at the meeting, Coast Guard officials reported that a lack of funding has slowed the planned restructuring of its regional examination centers (RECs ). The agency still intends to proceed with privatizing certain aspects of licensing and docwnentation; but the RECs likely will remain in their current state for at least two more years. As its name indicates, MERPAC provides advice to the Coast Guard concerning merchant marine personnel matters such as training standards, certification and fitness. The volunteer group includes representatives from throughout the industry-labor, management and government. AB Sinclair Oubre is a member. In addition to the committee May 1999 members, more than 100 volunteers answered a recent Coast Guard call for input on developing the national performance measures for evaluating mariner competence. (The request was published in the Federal Register on Februacy 12.) Together, they are working toward an early Year 2000 deadline for submitting a written response to the agency's concurrent request for performancemeasure suggestions. (They plan to have a draft by July 1.) "It boils down to making sure that the standards established in the STCW amendments (as enacted by signatory nations) are realistic and fair," stated Oubre, who heads a MERPAC working group focused on ratings forming part of a navigational watch. "As U.S. merchant mariners constantly are being pounded about being internationally competitive, what will keep us that way is our quality of training and professionalism. No amount of money can replace a rating who is qualified and welltrained. "However, it will be up to the regulatory agencies like the Coast Guard to make sure that unqualified employees are barred from foreign-flag ships." STCW is the abbreviation for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original STCW convention took place in 1978, with the U.S. signing on in 1991. The convention was amended in 1995, as 132 countries (including the U.S.) signed on. Some of those amendments took effect in 1997, with others still awaiting implementation. The basic aim of STCW is setting minimum international qualifications for masters, officers and watchkeeping personnel on deep sea merchant ships. STCW does not apply to mariners on inland merchant vessels, but does apply to mariners on domestic voyages if the vessel operates beyond the boundary line. As noted in the Federal Register, the 1995 STCW amend- ments require that candidates for certification must establish their competence in a wide range of subjects, depending on the functions they perform and their shipboard responsibilities. The amendments include standards of competence in the form of tables that identify areas of knowledge, understanding and proficiency, which must be demonstrated, and describe general criteria for assessing whether an individual meets the standards. DOT Nears Full Y2K Compliance A top official at the U.S. Department of Transportation (OOn told Congress last month that the department is nearing full "year 2000" compliance for its hundreds of "mission-critical systems," including those operated by the U.S. Maritime Administration. DOT Deputy Secretary Mort Downey, a strong advocate of the U.S. merchant marine, informed a special Senate committee on Y2K that approximately 90 percent of the vital systems within the department's various administrations have been updated for Y2K. He also stated that DOT officials are working with international organizations and foreign governments to help bring about Y2K readiness in the maritime and aviation industries. Sometimes referred to as the millennium bug, Y2K has become common parlance for describing potential technological problems associated with the turn of the century. The dilemma involves computer equipment-found in everything from ships and airplanes to VCRs and coffee makers-that may misread 2000 as 1900 due to programming that only accounts for a single century. It is a multi-billion dollar, worldwide issue made more complex by inevitable interfaces between compliant and non-compliant systems. Despite the daunting task, Downey told the Senate committee that he is "fully confident that all of DOT's vital computer systems will effectively make the transition on January 1, 2000 .... Every mission-critical system at DOT will be repaired, replaced or retired by the 2000 deadline. Period." He reported that nwnerous DOT administrations already have achieved full Y2K compliance for their respective vital systems, among them the Maritime Administration, the St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, the Surface Transportation Board and others. "The only systems projected to be completed after June are six systems which belong to the U.S. Coast Guard," Downey added on April 14. "The Coast Guard has completed work on 84 percent (62 of 74) of its mission-critical systems. Due to com- plicated logistics and weather conditions in Alaska, the Coast Guard has scheduled completion of its final system, the Valdez Vessel Traffic System, in October 1999 although it now appears that the existing Valdez system will be remedied much sooner. The Coast Guard will do all it can to improve on this schedule, and the commandant has assured me that the Coast Guard will accomplish its Y2K mission well before the end of the year." The deputy secretary also acknowledged that the shipping and aviation fields face particularly difficult predicaments because of their international characteristics. "There is a larger potential for international failures, adversely affecting our own domestic and cross-border operations," he explained. "We continue to meet with foreign representatives in order to cooperate on Y2K issues. Secretary (Rodney) Slater raised the Y2K readiness issue with his European counterparts during meetings in Germany, Belgiwn and England during the last week of March and earlier in the year with Western Hemisphere and African transportation ministers. Last week, we met with representatives of the Japanese Ministry of Transport, who reported on good progress being made in their country." Meanwhile, as reported in the March issue of the Seafarers LOG, management information systems personnel at SIU headquarters have made substantial progress in ensuring that the union's communications and record-keeping mechanisms are Y2K compliant. The medical claims system became compliant late last year, as did the phone systems at headquarters, at all SIU halls and at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The clinic system (used to track physical examinations and drug-test data for the membership) was Y2K compliant when it was completed in 1992. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan and union plans and accounting departments are using Y2K compliant software. Seafarers LOG 5 �Upgrader Praises Academic Department, Encourages Seatarers to Pursue Education Editor ~ note: Recertified Steward Georg Kenny is working toward his associate s degree through the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. As part of those studies, he recently completed a political science class at the school in Piney Point, Md He met the governor of his home state, West Virginia s Cecil Underwood, during that class and subsequently submitted the following article to the Seafarers LOG. Prior to taking the Paul Hall Center's political science course, I had little interest in politics. I hadn't bothered reading the Constitution of our great nation. The Bill of Rights, which guarantees basic freedoms, was unknown tome. I also was generally distrustful of politicians. My outlook has changed for the better, after working with the academic department at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Today, I have a better understanding of how government works. I've seen it in action by attending seminars in Washington, D.C. on matters of national interest (specifically, Y2K). A visit with Governor Cecil Underwood of my home state of Culinary Instructor Batten Wins Prestigious Award Chef Commends Seafarers for Progress Jack Batten, a culinary instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, recently received the "Chef of the Year" award from the Nation's Capital Chef's Association. The award is considered the most prestigious one issued by the volunteer association, a philanthropic group which includes about 500 members-among them chefs, culinary educators, students, distributors and suppliers. "My wife owns half of this award," Batten stated. "She does so much work in the charitable events and other activities of the association." Included among those events is an annual culinary arts salon in Washington, D.C. conducted by Batten and his wife, Janet, in conjunction with another industry affair. When contacted by the Seafarers LOG for a story about the trophy, Batten steered the conversation to his work with SIU members upgrading at the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located in Piney Point, Md. "Teaching is what I enjoy most about the food business," noted Batten, an American Culinary Federation certified executive chef and chef instructor at two Maryland community colleges. "In the SIU, it's neat that the mariners want to keep themselves upgraded and taught." Batten believes that, as public awareness of various aspects of nutrition have increased-involving everything from food content to calorie counts, and food preparation to sanitation-and culinary equipment has improved, so too have Seafarers in the steward department become more proficient at their work. "We have students today who are doing things that, 20 years ago, only executive chefs did,'' he explained. "Nutrition and health is a big issue now, whereas you never heard about it 10 or 15 years ago. Today, people want to eat well." Batten added that the field constantly offers new lessons and challenges. "I've been doing this for 30 years, and I still learn something every day." 6 Seafarers LOG Instructor Jack Batten credits steward department Seafarers with enthusiastically pursuing their upgrading courses. West Virginia allowed me to tell him about the Seafarers International Union. I explained to the governor about the continuous educational opportunities and employment and the major medical and pension benefits that the SIU can offer to residents of that state. My studies also included meeting Dr. Sam Tully, West Virginia's chief technological officer, and field trips to county commissioner meetings in Leonardtown, Md. that raised my awareness of local issues. I also commend my instructor, Peggy Densford, for helping me understand the complexity of government and respect the efforts of its participants. In addition to the political science course, I recently studied English literature with Joan Miles. She, too, is a gifted instructor. Recertified Steward Georg Kenny (left) presents an SIU jacket to West Virginia Governor Cecil Underwood on March 25. Brother Kenny recently completed the political science course at the Paul Hall Center. I was a high school dropout. Today, I aspire to obtain a college degree. I am very, very grateful to the Seafarers International Union for initiating and maintaining our school. But, most of all, for encouraging Seafarers to further their education by participating in the various academic programs available at Piney Point. Over the years, I have heard many seamen express regret for not pursuing their education. They would say there wasn't enough time or that they were too old. These are erroneous thoughts. The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and its academic department always have the time for you. As the saying goes, "It's never too late to learn." Training Vessel Osprey Upgraded The MV Osprey, a training boat berthed at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., recently underwent refurbishment designed to enhance the school's unlicensed apprentice curriculum as well as certain upgrading courses that comply with the STCW convention. Formerly a U.S. Navy patrol boat, the Osprey earlier this year passed its Coast Guard inspection, thereby opening the door for students (including those pictured above) to conduct on-board training exercises with the boat underway. The Osprey's features include Furuno and Ratheon radars, plus a global positioning system. Its training uses include firefighting, steering, line-handling, navigation, rudder and steering commands and more. Lakes Seafarers Complete On-Site Diesel Engine Course Seven Seafarers sailing in the Great Lakes division recently completed an on-site diesel engine technology class conducted by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The four-day course took place in Cleveland aboard the Great Lakes Towing Co. boat Ohio. SIU members who successfully finished the class were Lonnee Aakeberg, Cary Gimpel and his father, Don Gimpel, Grant Hult, Dave Plunkett, Gary Rutenbar and Tim Zbin. Instructors Ron Oyer and Bill Saul utilized the Ohio ~ engines for hands-on training. Classroom instruction also was included in the class, which took place March 9-12. Among the topics were diesel engine theory; two- and fourstroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of diesel engines. "The school was glad to accommodate Great Lakes Towing's request for this class,'' noted Saul. "All of the participants were great students and actively took part in the course." Students including Lonnee Aakeberg (above, left) and Don Gimpel benefited from using Great Lakes Towing machinery (pictured at left) during the practical training segments. The four-day diesel engine course took place aboard the tugboat Ohio (bottom photo). May1999 �Watchman Leonard Thomas American Mariner QMED Tom Tucker American Mariner Deckhand Jason Stone (left) and AB John Spezia Tugboat Montana Porter Mohamed Yahya ASC Sam laud Wiper Hamid Hizam American Republic Second Cook Raymond Maynard Sam Laud QMED Kassem Abdulla American Mariner AB Gerald Bollinger Wiper Matt Posten American Mariner St.John Watchman Joseph Hance American Mariner May 1999 Deckhand Robert Jewell Watchman David Gapske American Mariner Sam Laud AB Robert Petko Porter Y. Kaid St.John American Republic Seafarers LOG 7 �Sea-I.and Consumer Galley Just Like Mom's Kitchen One of the most difficult aspects of being a merchant mariner during a holiday is spending it away from the family. But on the Sea-Land Consumer, as on many SIU-crewed vessels, fellow crew members are the family, and the ship's galley talces the place of mom's kitchen-from which come many of the traditional holiday favorites. After a selection of appetizers, Christmas dinner aboard the Sea-Land Service vessel started with homemade split pea soup and went on to roast tom turkey with cornbread dressing and giblet gravy, roast prime rib of beef au jus, and baked glazed Virginia ham. Vegetables included mashed potatoes, acorn squash, peas and carrots and cranberry sauce. The desserts, too many to list, included Boston cream pie, balced Alaska, apple pie and creme caramel. In the March issue, the Seafare rs WG ran a feature on the Sea-Land Consumer and some of the notable meals served aboard that containership. Since then, additional photos have been received, which are printed on this page. The little touches-a decorated Christmas tree and a table-top dancing Santa-help crew members aboard the Sea-Land Consumer get into the spirit of the season. Chief Cook William "Bill" Pitt and Assistant Cook Rachel CutlerWashington work very hard to make each holiday a memorable one. ABs Phil. Harmon (left) and Steve Ledermann enjoy a festive meal together. Even the control room, where DEU John Cooper is working, has its own decorations. ABs Bennie Spencer (left) and Larry Bradley (right) are appreciative of all the work Assistant Cook Rachel Cutler-Washington has done to make the holidays special. B Seafarers LOG Enjoying the holiday fare is one aspect to spending Christmas at sea, but there's never a lack of work to be done. ABs Larry Bradley (left) and Phil Harmon get out the paint brushes to spruce up the containership before its arrival in Houston. May 1999 �DEU Pedro Ramos, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Retiree Mario Zelaya DEU Florencio Bermudez, AB Gregory Hickman, AB Bernard Blunt, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez AB Lee Selico, his wife, Edwina, and SIU President Michael Sacco QMED Rogers Bankston, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey AB Joe Labeau, DEU Charles Gray Chief Steward Joe Birke and wife, Delores \ SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Retiree Ray Cuccia Sights from Grand Opening of New Orleans Hall ELCOME TO OUR NEW HOME Captain Thomas White and wife, Stacey The photos on this page provide a sampling of the grand opening last month of the SIU's new union hall in Harvey, La. More photos from the event will be published in the next issue of the Seafarers LOG. Identifications are listed from left to right unless otherwise noted. Very special thanks to Barbara Brouillette-Perez and Jessica Smith for providing the photos. I Retiree Duke Duet and his wife, Maggie, AB Dave Messik, Retiree Beau James SIU Exec. VP John Fay, Retiree Charlie Corrente ••, 1999 SIU Sec.-Treasurer David Heindel, Retiree Charlie Corrente, Steward department member Dustin Heindel. SIU Rep. Chris Westbrook, guest Kim Gray, SIU Rep. James Brown, secretary Narcille Barbe, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd and wife, Nancy, secretary Barabara Vicknair SIU Pres. Michael Sacco, Retiree Louie Babin AB Dave Collins, Retired SIU Port Agent Joe Perez, AB Charlie Touzet AB Vic DiGiorgio, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Deckhand Herbert Hebert, Captain Tim Gegenheimer, Deckhand Alfred DiGregoria, Engineer Willie Judd SealarelS LOG 9 �Monthly Hawaiian Luaus Fann Solid Base for S-L Enterprise Pride A "happy steward department means a happy ship," according to Franchesca Rose, recertified steward aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. And much of that sense of well-being can be derived from pride in one's job and the great training offered to SIU members at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., she said. The photographs on this page, sent to the Seafarers WG by Rose, were taken during a shipboard barbecue to say "Aloha and Mahala" to Chief Cook Mohamed Omar, who had finished his rotation aboard the SeaLand Service vessel. Recertified Steward Franchesa Rose (right) meets her mother, Judith Hopfe, at the Honolulu airport. Mrs. Hopfe supplies leis and flowers from the family farm for the shipboard barbecues aboard the Sea-Land Enterprise. "We just want to let you all know that if you ever get Brother Omar on your ship, consider yourselves blessed. For he is a man filled with lots of knowledge, talent, creativity, devotion to his job-and his fine gourmet cooking," wrote Rose on behalf of the ship's crew and officers. "We also want to thank our steward utility, Romeo Mansala, for all his hard work. He does a wonderful job," continued Rose, "and the crew appreciates his fine efforts." The three-person steward department aboard the SeaLand Enterprise plans a barbecue every trip, if not for a special event like the good-bye to Omar, then just to keep morale high. Rose said she makes many of the Hawaiian-style dishes one would find at a typical luau-kalua pig, laulau, lomi salmon, sashimi, poke, opihi, poi and coconut pudding. "Some will try the food, some won't dare," noted the steward, "but we have a great selection for everyone." Since the vessel stops in Honolulu, the flowers and garlands for the luaus come from Rose's family's farm. Her mother and father pick the blossoms, make the leis and ensure the items arrive aboard ship before it departs-and she extended much appreciation to them as well. Beneath a banner reading, "Thanks, Omar, we'll miss you," Chief Cook Mohamed Omar (above) shows off his good-bye cake while SA Romeo Mansala (right) attends to the grill. . ~ The unlicensed crew and officers alike sing the praises of their chief cook. From the left are Chief Engineer Dave McNeil, Chief Cook Mohamed Omar and Captain Tom McKay Jr. Luau delicacies (left) and desserts (above) are both beautifully prepared and arranged by the galley gang, using many of the skills acquired at steward department upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. 10 Seataren LOG The departing Omar (left) is given a rousing "Aloha and Mahalo" by AB Abdulhamid F. Musaed. May1999 �I Students Rally Against Sweatshop Labor Reminiscent of the anti-Vietnam War demonstrations of the 1960s and the anti-apartheid movement in the early '80s, college and university students are again showing their force-this time by protesting the use of sweatshops in the making of sweatshirts, caps, coffee mugs and other gear bearing their school logos. Student groups at more than 20 institutions, including Duke, New Hampshire, Georgetown, Princeton, Wisconsin and Michigan, are staging sit-ins, rallies and other forms of protest to call on their administrations to adopt a policy to ensure that licensed apparel is produced in factories that pay workers a living wage and do not exploit children. The protests are directed at university-contracted apparel companies, asking that they disclose the names and addresses of the factories with whom they do business. In the past couple years, students on a number of campuses began pressuring their administrations to adopt a code intended to guarantee that items bearing their school logos would not be made in sweatshops. The code they are advocating would require disclosure of factory locations and allow inspections of the sites. It also would include provisions against forced labor, child labor and unsafe working conditions. Most apparel companies assert that sweatshop labor is not used in the production of the items found in college bookstores. But many companies do not disclose the locations of their factories, and their claims cannot be verified independently, the activists say. "It's important for us to know where the factories are because then people will be able to monitor them to make sure they're not sweatshops," said one Duke senior. Some colleges and universities have responded to the student pressure by agreeing to require monitors and adopt measures intended to remedy sweatshop conditions. Seventeen of the institutions, including Harvard, Yale and Duke, last month announced they would join a new factory-monitoring group, the Fair Labor Association, which has established a code of conduct for apparel producers in addition to providing measures for monitoring plants for violations. Duke University adopted the nation's strictest code which, in addition to disclosure of factories' nanies and addresses, also includes requirements for a living wage. Port of NY/NJ to Remain Competitive A long-awaited dredging contract was awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last month to deepen the channel into the port of New York/New Jersey. The $23.6 million deal-the first of eight construction contracts in a $750 million roject-was awarded to Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. to unclog the Kill van Kull channel, which is only 40 feet deep, between the major container terminals on Newark Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Because the large, newer containerships need at least 45 feet to safely navigate harbors on the East Coast, it was feared that Baltimore, with its 50-foot channel would cause the New York/New Jersey port to lose up to 60 percent of its container cargo if the Kill van Kull channel were not dredged. The port is now attempting to convince Maersk Line and Sea-Land Service, Inc., two of its largest carriers, not to flee to Baltimore to build a new terminal. "This deepening project ensures that our port will remain competitive and meet the needs of our customers well into the next century," stated Lillian Borrone, port commerce director at the East Coast's largest containerport. The actual work to dredge the channel-to be started following the submission of a safety plan-involves the digging and ocean disposal of nearly 500,000 cubic yards of material by September 6, 2000. Former SIU Official Jack Bluitt Dead at 72 John "Jack" Joseph Bluitt died at his home in New Port Richey, Fla., Wednesday, March 17. He was 72. Born in New York in 1926, Bluitt was only in his teens when he joined the SIU in 1943. He started helping out behind the service counter in the New York hall, and began sailing in the deck department as an OS, working his way up to bosun. The 42-year SIU veteran came ashore as a union official in 1958 and was sent by SIU President Paul Hall to the Great Lakes region in 1961 as a patrolman in Detroit to work with Fred Famen, the headquarters representative there. (The port later moved to Algonac, Mich., where Bluitt was port agent and headquarters representative from 1975 until his retirement in 1985.) During the Vietnam War, Jack (as the New York dispatcher) would spend many a day from 6:00 a.m. until midnight making sure SIU-contracted Fla. and Hampton, Va. are teaming up to restore the mothballed American Victory and convert it into a museum. Built in 1945, the American Victory has been part of the U.S. Reserve Fleet on Vrrginia's James River following the Vietnam War. Formerly crewed by SIU members, the vessel was one of more than 500 Victory · ships that debuted near the end of World War The American V1etory, once crewed by SIU members, is being converted into a museum that will be berthed in Tampa, Fla. •ay1999 Jack Bluitt Wednesday, Bluitt would drive the 20 miles from his home in New Port Richey to Dunedin (near Clearwater) to pick him up, and the two would go fishing or to antique shows or the racetrack. For almost two years, the two of them also visited another retired SIU member, J.R. O'Brien, in a nursing home, and "Jack would give him a lot of attention," Drews reminisced. Jack Bluitt was buried in West Hampton, L.I., next to his wife, Julia, and son Brian. He is survived by eight children and five grandchildren. Brother Donnelly Gets Final Wish • On December 20, 1998 at 12:45 p.m., the ashes of Brother Harry B. Donnelly were scattered from the fantail of the Green Island by the ship's master, Jay W.B. Frank, and Bosun Calvin Miles (in photo at right) outside the Strait of Gibraltar. In attendance were many of the Waterman ship's crew (above), representing all departments in both the licensed and unlicensed ratings. Bosun Miles asked for a minute of silence, and the flag was lowered to half staff. Master Frank noted that the ashes -Were respectfully consigned to the brine that is common to all of us who ply the seas. He is, therefore, still among us and now has eternal peace in perpetual communications with his brothers of the sea: American llictory Will Be Museum Editor :SO note: Retired Recertified Bosun Andrew Boney recently contacted the Seafarers LOG with information for this story. Retired mariners in Tampa, ships destined for Vietnam were properly crewed, according to Red Campbell, retired contracts vice president. Vice President Great Lakes Byron Kelley, who succeeded Bluitt in Algonac, liked him very much. "It can truly be said," Kelley stated, "that Jack was the kind of guy who devoted his entire life to the welfare of the SIU members." Known for his ability to communicate with members, Bluitt was just as comfortable before government panels as in 1977 when he testified before a congressional committee on the state of Great Lakes shipping and what should be done to improve the working conditions of boatmen in that area. SIU pensioner Peter Drews, who knew Bluitt for 42 years, both in New York and Algonac, counted him among his best friends. Drews retired from the SIU in 1986 and gave up driving in 1988. He said that for 11 years, like clockwork each II. During Vietnam, it was operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. Now, a non-profit group in Tampa endeavors to tum it into a museum that will be berthed next to the Florida Aquarium. The organization, known as The Victory Ship, Inc., took possession of the ship via an act of Congress. They since have begun an ambitious fund-raising campaign for the transportation and conversion of the ship. According to press reports, plans call for the American Victory to feature interactive displays recreating aircraft attacks and counter-measures, among other scenarios. A spokesman for the organization told The Virginian-Pilot newspaper, "I hope visitors will walk away and say, 'You know, I never knew that people of such great valor served our country."' For additional information, contact The Victory Ship, Inc. at (813) 228-8766. 'Living Wage' in New Jersey Earlier this year, the Hudson County (N.J.) Board of Freeholders adopted an SIU-backed •nving wage" ordinance that will boost pay and benefits for hundreds of workers in the county. The ordinance mandates that in new contracts (as well as renewals of current agreements), workers at private firl1\S staffing county buildings will receive at least 150 percent of the federal minimum wage. It further requires such companies to provide health and vacation benefits. The ordinance primarily impacts security guards and janitors. Pictured above (from left), commemorating this action, are SIU Representative Ed Pulver, who serves as president of the Hudson County Central Labor Council; Pete Busacca, secretary-treasurer of the council; and Bill O'Dea, a government official who proposed the ordinance. Seafarers LOii 11 �Deep Sea, Inland Seafarers Are Active in 'Charm City' Throughout the port of Baltimore, SIU members are a visible part of the work force. During a typical day last month, a reporter from the Seafarers LOG found Seafarers manning tugboats and military-contracted ships as well as assisting in the refurbishment of a newly contracted surveillance vessel. SIU-contracted inland companies Moran and McAllister have offices in 'Charm City,' as does Transoceanic Cable Ship Co., a Tyco subsidiary that operates Seafarerscrewed vessels including the Global Link, Global Mariner, Global Sentinel, Charles Brown and Long Lines. Other Seafarers-crewed deep sea ships also are among the vessels that load and off-load in Baltimore. The port itself is enjoying an upswing in general cargo, including strong showings this year in rollon/roll-off cargoes, containers, breakbulk and forest products. The photos on these two pages were shot April 13. McALLISTER Jacob Bryan, port engineer at McAllister, sailed with the SIU from 1959 to 1984. AB Holly Schaper is part of crew helping refurbish the lance ship. MORAN TUG S : .../ For Chief Engineer Terry Faulkner, pictured aboard the Brian A. McAllister, the SIU is a family affair. His son Keith sails as an AB with the union. Exhibiting teamwork on deck are DEU Rich Allen (left) and Bosun Tom Moore. A Seafarer for 23 years, Buzz Fenn is a familiar face at the McAllister dock in Baltimore. Checking a fuse box is QMED/ Electrician John Miller. 12 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward Harry Galdeira readies another fine meal. QMED Bill MacCulloch enjoys a brief coffee break. May 1999 �\ TOR CAPE WRATH Cleaning carbon out of a turbo is DEU Dave Page. the SIU surveil- Chief Engineer Chuck Holmes (left), an SIU hawsepiper, says QMED Rob Scott and the other Seafarers aboard the vessel are doing a good job. QMED Teddy Wallace records an entry in the engine room. Troubleshooting a telephone Electrician Lenny Bonarek. Aboard the Hawkins Point, Deckhand Dayvien Johnson (left photo) and Engineer Gary Lavinder head to an evening assignment. Engineer Bill Epps (right) greets former Seafarer Manuel San Pedro. Deckhand Wally Lindley reports to the tug Cape Romain. Untying a line on the Hawkins Point is Deckhand Calvin Johnson. Primed for the next job is Engineer Kenny Hudgins. CAPE JOHNSON Pictured from left to right are QMED/Electrician Taylor Clear, GUDE Decarlo Harris and Bosun John Toomey. CAPE WASHINGTON Forming part of the ROS crew are (from left) Electrician Steven Kafka, GUDE Walter Lupo and Bosun Rick James, joined by SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Mar 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �- ired of the hustle and bustle of city streets, jam-packed shopping malls and stuffy community parks? Dread spending your summer vacation at a crowded beach resort or camping ground? Then this year tum your sights to Piney Point, Md., home of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Ideally situated on the banks of the St. George's Creek, all the ingredients for a fun-filled vacation can be found on the grounds or within driving distance of the center. Entertaining day trips throughout historic southern Maryland and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area can fill time between fishing trips or tennis matches right on the center's facilities. The Paul Hall Center, which houses the largest training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States, is composed of a number of administrative and educational buildings as well as a library and maritime museum and a six-story training and recreation center on more than 60 acres of waterfront property. A number of the rooms in the training and recreation center are set aside during the summer months for vacationing SIU members and their families. The rooms are comfortable and well equipped, and in the lobby is the Sea Chest, where personal items, maga- T zines, snacks and SIU souvenirs are sold. Your stay at Piney Point, which can last up to two weeks per family, also includes three delicious meals each day. At the center are a picnic area with grills and tables, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, an Olympic-size swimming pool, a health spa (including Nautilus, free weights, universal gym, sauna and steamroom) and plenty of space for walks or jogs on the beautifully landscaped grounds. This peaceful setting provides the opportunity for both water and land-based expeditions. The center has a marina where vacationers may take a boat out for the day to sail around the region or look for a good fishing spot. With 400 miles of waterline surrounding St. Mary's County, waterborne activities are abundant. The school's marina also serves as the home of the Nianitou, the last pleasure vessel owned by President John F. Kennedy. The vessel was restored in 1990 by SIU pensioners. Across the grounds is the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum. The library contains more than 17,000 volumes on maritime and labor history, while the museum features a collection of ship models, historical nautical instruments and union memorabilia. One does not have to venture too far outside the gates of the Paul Hall Center to get a sense of history. St. Mary's County was the first proprietary colony in America, the first colony to practice religious tolerance, the first colony to have peaceful relations with the native Indians, the first Maryland capital and the first place a request for the women's right to vote was recorded. History aside, there are plenty of other attractions in Southern Marylandseafood festivals, art exhibitions, antique and craft shows, country auctions, concerts and theatre productions. But if you crave more than the easy southern Maryland way of life, you could venture into the metropolitan area of Washington, D.C,less than a two-hour drive from the Paul Hall Center. The Capitol, White House and Supreme Court all offer daily tours. A favorite for many families is a tour of the FBI headquarters as well as a UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES r--------------------------------------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book number: _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse 10.00/day Child 10.00/day visit to the U.S. treasury's printing site, where one can actually watch the nation's paper currency being made. The Smithsonian Institution holds hundreds of exhibits (all free) and provides hours of fun for the entire family. Among the Smithsonian museums are those for natural history, American history, and the most popular-the National Air and Space Museum. One of the best of its kind is the Washington National Zoo. Hundreds of rare animals live in their natural habitats, including the rare panda bear. There are many more sights to behold in the area. The Jefferson, Washington and Lincoln memorials each has its unique surroundings and places to rest and share a picnic lunch. Paddle boats also may be rented by the hour-a fun way to get a look at life in Washington. Arlington and Alexandria, Va. are also well worth a visit (National Cemetery, the Pentagon, Mt. Vernon). Or you can catch an Orioles' ball game at Camden Yards in Baltimore. It will take more than a day-or even a weekend ~to see some of the more famous landmarks and attractions in the area. But by using the Paul Hall Center as an affordable base from which to plan your vacation days, what you do and don't do is entirely up to you. To take advantage of this unique benefit to SIU members and their families, send in your reservation form now. Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals. Telephone number: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: 2nd choice: _ __ 3rd choice: _ __ (Stay is limited to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 5199 go fishing. • • --------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOG May1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea June & July 1999 MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 lfemllersllip Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland W~ *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmingt~n Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 23 10 16 9 6 18 15 16 4 9 35 18 8 16 20 14 30 27 8 8 11 3 4 7 33 1 4 0 254 15 2 2 1 139 8 2 10 4 6 12 3 3 11 2 2 10 4 5 0 83 Piney Point Algonac Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 13 13 7 S 4 I 3 5 0 4 12 12 2 3 5 2 17 8 4 IO 28 4 16 6 6 21 7 4 27 II 2 7 8 2 6 6 12 8 26 2 2 2 2 1 5 1 0 0 98 64 190 Reliefs 0 1 8 11 49 4 3 12 18 10 46 1 5 0 0 l 0 7S 0 133 89 29 l STEWARD DEPARTMENT 6 5 2 0 s 10 4 8 6 2 3 2 5 1 3 1 25 31 58 38 49 2 7 2 7 17 6 6 29 3 0 3 II 7 4 0 3 1 1 0 3 62 9 11 7 0 7 Piney Point .............Monday: June 7; Tuesday: July 6* (•change creoled by Independence [)(ry holiday) -·-----~· 5 1 0 13 4 6 7 7 8 21 8 12 13 6 4 14 3 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Oass A Class B Class C Trip ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 2 10 7 l 2 1 3 2 3 7 0 3 6 6 4 2 3 13 0 2 4 3 2 12 9 4 2 7 6 7 9 2 12 3 12 6 0 1 2 1 0 4 8 3 4 4 2 20 l 0 0 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 31 32 67 111 Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 436 25 s s 4 10 11 13 s 34 16 15 22 10 7 20 3 6 0 201 24 12 8 6 4 2 Baltimore ............•...Thursday: June 10, July 8 20 7 4 Dulutb ..................... Wednesday: June 16, July 14 14 20 11 Honolulu •..•.......•.....Friday; June 18, July 16 21 26 18 12 4 9 19 1 17 Houston ..................Monday: June 14, July 12 3 5 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 15, July 13 0 205 0 New York................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 97 11 6 2 11 8 0 4 7 3 4 s 0 2 11 2 4 9 1 5 24 2 9 10 9 6 11 2 4 3 1 7 0 6 3 0 1 0 138 36 13 3 Algonac ..................Friday: June 11, July 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 10, July 8 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: June 23, July 21 Mobile •••••m•·•· ........Wednesday: June 16, July 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday~ June 22, July 20 Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 9, July 7 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 17, July 15 San Juan ..................Thursday: June 10, July 8 St. Louis .................Friday: June 18, July 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 25, July 23 Wilmington .............Monday: June 21, July 19 Each port's meeting starts st 10:30 a.m. Personals EDDIE BURKE Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 13 2 0 6 4 3 24 26 21 19 8 7 1 3 0 138 8 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 10 1 2 0 3 0 4 5 6 3 2 3 10 10 s 1 3 l 7 1 2 4 1 68 1 0 0 7 1 1 0 0 17 Port 7 0 0 29 0 0 52 194 75 12 0 12 0 160 Totals All Departments 577 490 289 0 1 2 7 9 6 8 6 4 2 0 0 13 21 18 8 14 2 35 12 3 14 13 20 1 9 14 2 2 1 4 3 2 2 0 6 1 0 1 6 0 0 13 7 0 2 2 0 0 0 33 l I 0 0 111 2 0 38 0 0 0 0 21 8 4 5 s ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 20 6 0 l 2 0 2 4 0 0 0 7 II 3 0 0 0 5 0 2 3 3 0 6 13 3 9 0 0 6 5 0 3 6 0 11 11 3 0 2 0 4 0 4 22 60 0 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 9 0 0 0 0 0 39 117 112 9 l 7 12 5 5 3 2 320 229 139 - 14 0 3 37 40 13 10 1 31 33 2 18 6 3 3 10 2 1 6 3 s It has been a long time since Alan and Jackie Martyn have heard from you. Please write them at P.O. Box 6507, Los Osos, CA 93412; or telephone (805) 528-0229. Keeping on Top of Deck Duties s 0 0 8 2 1 0 0 236 103 29 Cesar Gutierrez, bosun aboard the Liberty Star, tackles a wire-splicing job while the Liberty Maritime vessel is en route to Haifa, Israel. 9 60 29 0 4 0 2 1 19 15 7 2 15 2 15 11 12 27 17 10 28 s Cl--111111111 10 10 17 21 4 11 3 by George Buisson 44 96 20 22 5 0 14 -------8 8 7 4 0 0 16 6 0 0 80 297 241 953 743 403 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. May 1999 0 1 14 3 0 ··--· 0 14 9 6 15 l 7 4 451 J3 2 2 ------~- New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 2 2 12 9 14 18 5 1 1 19 3 L06-A-RHmlMS ... River of Love A woman is like a river, shes soft but powerful at the same time. Treat her right and she will keep you afloat at a steady stream. Such as a river, she has her ups and downs, but faithful and reliable like the mighty Mississippi. Like a river, she cannot be dammed or controlled, she must be let free to flow at her own speed and course. But such as a river, she is the source of all life. AB George Buisson wrote this poem in 1991 while working on the MN Advantage during the Persian Gulf war. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Sealare1S lnfematlonal llnlon Dlret:IOIY MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 Michael Sacco President CL - Company/Lakes John Fay Executive Vice President *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindd Se~retaly-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts Jack CafTey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey Vice President Gulf Coa.51 Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast Kennett Mangnm Vice President Government Services . .. HEADQUARTERS 520 l Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (30 I) 899--0615 Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 9 0 13 2 0 10 3 0 19 28 L - Lakes NP - Non Priority · TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 7 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 5 I STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 I ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 16 0 8 0 7 2 0 15 26 Totals All Depts 0 65 42 0 19 4 0 46 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 4800 l (810) 794-4988 9 38 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St, #tC .Anchorage.AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE MARCH 16 - APRIL 15, 1999 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C (410) 327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St Jersey City, NJ 07302 (20 l) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 - NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 321'-7545 NORFOLK Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 Pill.ADELPHIA 2604 s. 4 St. t 9148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 15 Piney Point, MD 20674 (30 t) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma. WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N . Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG I 6 so 3 13 0 0 19 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 3 0 7 0 1 4 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 3 39 9 51 0 1 17 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 . 0 0 4 0 0 17 0 0 2 0 4 0 2 17 0 2 0 I 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 16 36 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 3 40 PI C-FROM-THE-PAST l JS Third St 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 0 2 0 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals All Depts 90 3 13 19 1 6 86 3 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY I I 232 (718) 499-6600 Philadelphia, PA 0 2 45 3 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class .C 16~ This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Third Mate/AB Keith W. Finnerty of Baltimore, who has been an SIU member since 1984. The picture is of his father, Bosun Thomas C. Finnerty (left) and a shipmate (whose name he can't remember except that he was from Boston). It was taken while ashore in LeHavre, France shortly after World War 11. The elder Finnerty was an SIU member from 1943 until 1958. He recently became eligible for an Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Coast Guard for service in the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWI I. He also received medals for all three war zones (Atlantic, Pacific, Mediterranean) as well as the Combat Ribbon for action under fire. Additionally, the Russian government sent him a medal for his participation in the dangerous runs to Murmansk during the war. Now 76 years old, Thomas Finnerty still reads every issue of the Seafarers LOG. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their working lives to sailing aboard U.S. -flag vessels on the deep seas, inland waterways or Great Lakes. Listed below are brief biographical sketches of those members who recently retired from the union. The brothers and sisters of the SIU thank those members for a job well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. oining the growing number of SIU pensioners this month are a total of 21 members who have retired after many voyages on the world's oceans, waterways and lakes. Eleven of those signing off their ships for the last time sailed in the deck department, seven shipped in the engine department and three were members of the steward department. Among those joining the ranks of the retirees, eight served in the U.S. military-three each in the Army and Navy, and one each in the Air Force and Marine Corps. This month's pensioners are scattered across the country: seven from the Midwest, five in the Gulf states, four on the West Coast, three in Puerto Rico and two on the East Coast. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. J DEEP SEA ALOA AGOSTINO, 71, started her career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1961 in the port of Los Angeles, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Sister Agostino last sailed aboard the USNS Soderman as a member of the steward department. Born in Wisconsin, she has retired to Corono Del Mar, Calif. MIGUELA. ALICEA,47, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1975 from the port of New York aboard the Azalea City. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. From 1968 to 1971, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Caguas, P.R. CLARENCE E.ANDERSON, 55, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the John C., operated by Atlantic Carriers. A native of Kentucky, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Anderson last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Newark and makes his home in Adrian, W. Va. From 1965 to 1967, he served in the U.S. Army. KASSIM A. HARHARA, 52, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1970 from the port of San Francisco aboard the Overseas Dinny. During his career, he May 1999 worked in all three departments, last sailing in the steward department aboard the Sea-Land Independence. Born in Yemen, he has retired to Seattle. upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Williams last sailed aboard an NPR Inc. vessel. He makes his home in Carolina, P.R. INLAND TOMASA. PEARCE,65, first sailed with the SIU in 1966. Born in Mexico, he worked in the de.ck depart...____......____..~~ ment. Brother Pearce last sailed aboard the Zapata Ranger. He makes his home in Boulder City, Nev. WILLIAMS. TANN0,66, started his career with the MC&Sin 1968, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD, sailing aboard the Monterey. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. Brother Tanno last sailed in 1996 aboard the Cape Isabel, an American President Lines vessel. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Born in Hawaii, he has retired to Los Angeles. RUBEN A. VELEZ SR., 53, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was Our Lady of Peace. Starting out in the de.ck department, he later transferred to the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Velez last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. The Puerto Rico native calls San Juan home. FREDERICK V. VOGLER, 55, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco sailing aboard the Longview Victory. The California native worked in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. From 1960 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Vogler has retired to Chino, Calif. GEORGE A. WILLIAMS, 53, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and THOMASM. ASTON SR., 61, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1962.The Mississippi native was a member of the ~=-...;"-'-'-' engine department. During his career, he worked primarily for Dravo Basic Materials. Boatman Aston makes his home in Bourg, La. JOHND. BROOKS,62, began sailing with the SIU in 1975 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Brooks worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. From 1954 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Navy. Born in Ohio, he has retired to Dundas, Va. STEWART G.CORRY, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. The Texas native worked in the de.ck department, last sailing as a captain aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Corry makes his home in Houston. ROBERTW. DAWSEY, 66, first sailed with the SIU in 1987. Boatman Dawsey worked as a captain, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing. His last boat was the Mark McAllister. A native of Mississippi, he resides in Pearlington. HENRY L. NEWKIRK, 64, began his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He started out in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. Boatman Newkirk last sailed in 1982 aboard the Estelle Stone. A native of North Carolina, he resides in Wilmington. WILLIAM H. RUSSELL, 62, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1954 from the port of New Orleans. Boatman Russell worked in the de.ck department, last sailing as a mate aboard the Resolute, operated by Dixie Carriers. A native of Louisiana, he makes his home in Metairie. From 1959 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Army. BOBBYR. SIMMONS, 55, first sailed with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Boatman Simmons last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He has retired to Land O'Lakes, Fla. GREAT LAKES LEONARD L. BARNARD, 68, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1965. Brother Barnard worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Buffalo, operated by American Steamship Co. The Michigan native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1950 to 1952. He has retired to Benzonia, Mich. EDWARDG. FIKE, 62, began his career with the SIU in 1952. The Ohio native started out in the engine department and later transferred to the de.ck department. He last sailed aboard the Virginia, a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. Brother Fike resides in Parma, Ohio. MELVINR. -···-· KIRCHOFF, .: ..,.· 57, joined the ;\ Seafarers in fa 1963 in the ·=:; port of Alpena, .,.,. Mich. Brother Kirchoff worked in the deck department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management. He last sailed aboard the Paul H. Townsend. The Michigan native makes his home in Posen. - JULIAN C. MARTIN, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1959 from the port of Detroit. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department as a mate. Brother Martin last sailed in 1977 aboard the J.A. Kling, operated by American Steamship Co. He has retired to Saginaw, Mich. AHMED A. SHOHATEE, 58, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he began working in the engine department and later transferred to the de.ck department. Brother Shohatee last sailed aboard the Richard J. Reiss operated by Erie Sand Steamship Co. He makes his home in Detroit. Thanks Given to Obregon Crew The captain and crew of the PFC Eugene A. Obregon recently were sent letters of appreciation from the U.S. Navy for the outstanding support the maritime prepositioning vessel provided the Navy during exercise Dynamic Mix '98. The galley gang (right) is comprised of (from left, standing) SA Jorge Mora, Chief Steward Patrick __.~ Helton, Chief Cook Rudolph .......~........__ _ _ __:.__ Xatruch, SA Edita Miguel, SA Arnulfo Lacayo, (kneeling) Asst. Cook/Utility Mauricio Castro and SA Saleh Mohamed. (SA Mary Jones is not pictured.) _..L..._ l•~rf6ii'S~r=l!!Bf7T!,~--I Members of the f! deck department (left) during -..--..-...4 Dynamic Mix '98 are (standing) Bosun Henry Bouganim, (from left, kneeling) ABs William Michael, Gregory Hickman, Henry Sondie, Charles Frisella and Arthur Reed. In the engine department of the •r::::;lli~~~~=• Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel ~Ni~,~--JiiliiillR (bottom) are (from left: QMEDs Maximo Dising and Robert Farmer, DEU Jose Bermudez, and QMEDs Ronald Lukacs and James Brock. Seafarers LOG 17 - �DEEP SEA CAYETANO B. AGONY Pensioner Cayetano B. Agony, 92, passed away December 18, 1998. A native of the Philippine Islands, he started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1944 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Agony's first ship was the Cape Isabel, and prior to his retirement in January 1971, he signed off the Idaho. He was a resident of San Jose, Calif. JOHN L. ARVANITES Pensioner John L. Arvanites, 65, died February 3. Born in Greece, he joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. ======:::::..::i Brother Arvanites sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney, Point, Md. His first ship was the Orion Comet and he last sailed aboard the Overseas Philadelphia. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in July 1998. RAYMOND V. BAKER Pensioner RaymondV. Baker, 68, passed away February 8. He first sailed with the SIU in 1948 aboard the Powder River, a Cities Service tanker. Brother Baker worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Ogden Leader. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Baker was a resident of Houston. He retired in August 1995. ERVIN BRADLEY ·· Pensioner Ervin Bradley, 78, died February 7. Brother Bradley started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of Mobile, Ala. '--~=:::====;___JBorninSouth Carolina, he sailed as a member of the steward department. He lived in Mobile and began receiving his pension in May 1982. DICK T. BRINKLEY Dick T. Brinkley, 59, passed away in February. Born in Texas, he began sailing with the SIU in 1980 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Brinkley started out in the inland division and later transferred to deep sea vessels. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1957 to 1968, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Brinkley was a resident of Los Angeles. ROBERT A. BUTLER Pensioner Robert A. Butler, 76, died February 12. A native of Arkansas, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Butler sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in June 1977. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1940 to 1946. He was a resident of New Orleans. 18 Seafarers LOG JAi SUNG CHAR CLARENCE V. HENRY Pensioner Jai Sung Char, 80, passed away January 22. Born in Hawaii, he joined the MC&S in 1951 in the port of Los Angeles, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Prior to his retirement in February 1984, he sailed aboard the Maui, operated by Matson Navigation. Brother Char was a resident of Honolulu. Pensioner Clarence V. Henry, 71, passed away February 27. He was a heavyweight boxing contender prior to joining the ~==~ MC&S in 1957, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. His first ship was the Matsonia, operated by Matson Navigation Co. During his seafaring career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1945 to 1946, he served in the U.S. military. Brother Henry was a resident of Harbor City, Calif. He retired in 1983. JOHN N. CHIORRA ===== Pensioner John N. Chiorra, 80, died February 23. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in West Virginia, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Chiarra was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. A resident of Allentown, Pa., he began receiving his pension in March 1969. THOMAS WOODROW DICKENS Pensioner Thomas Woodrow Dickens, 82, _ ·= ·,...••·• passed away March 8. Brother Dickens began sailing with the SIU in 1941 from the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi native sailed in the steward department and retired in June 1978. He was a resident of Hammond, La. ROBERT W~ FERRANDIZ r-::::::::.::::~:::-::7~:-=::--t Pensioner Robert W. Ferrandiz, 73, died March 6. \ . He joined the ·' Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. The Empire State native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1982. A resident of Las Vegas, he started receiving his pension in April 1987. EDWARD F. GARRITY Pensioner Edward F. Garrity, 76, passed away February 13. A native of Pennsylvania, he began sailing with the SIU in 1953 from the port of New York. He worked as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Brother Garrity was a resident of Philadelphia and retired in December 1987. LEWIS J. "CURLY" GOODWIN -----=-------. Pensioner Lewis J. "Curly" Goodwin, 83, died May 27, 1998. Brother Goodwin joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port ~====== of New York. Born in Maine, he sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in May 1970. From 1934 to 1939, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was a resident of Portland, Maine. GEORGE C. HOFFMAN Pensioner George C. Hoffman, 81, passed away February 13. A native of Louisiana, he started his career with the === Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New Orleans. He sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in September 1979. From 1938 to 1941, Brother Hoffman served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a resident of New Orleans. MARTIN M. ITURRINO ======:="'1 Pensioner in the deck department and retired in April 1987. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Brother Lujan made his home in Los Molinos, Calif. ROBERT 0. LYONS Pensioner Robert 0. Lyons, 80, passed away February 14. Brother Lyons joined the MC&S in 1950 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Illinois and a resident of Berkeley, Calif., he began receiving his pension in December 1980. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. military from 1941 to 1945. Pensioner Marion M. Martin Jr., 78, died recently. A native of Virginia, he began sailing with the SIU in 1948 from the '---====:....__.=_J port of New York. Brother Martin sailed as a member of the deck department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941to1943. A resident of Pearlington, Miss., he retired in October 1978. Pensioner Jeannie Ekimoto Medina, 82, passed away January 13. A native of California and a resident of San Francisco, she joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Sister Medina's first ship was the President Cleveland. Prior to her retirement in October 1976, she worked aboard the Mariposa. DOROTHY KEMISH RAYMOND A. MILLY Pensioner Dorothy Kemish, 74, passed away January 26. Sister Kemish started her career with the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Her first ship was the Mariposa. Born in England, she was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. and began receiving her pension in June 1978. Pensioner Raymond A. Milly, 87, died January I. Brother Milly began sailing with the MC&S in 1956 aboard the Lurline, operated by Matson Navigation, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of San Francisco, he started receiving his pension in June 1973. Pensioner Melecio T. Llacuna, 85, died January l 0. He joined the MC&S in 1943, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in the Philippine Islands, Brother Llacuna made his home in San Francisco. He retired in 1978. EDWARD J. LOFLIN Pensioner Edward J. Loflin, 82, passed away January 18. Brother Loflin started his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Alcoa Corsair. During his career, he sailed in both the steward and engine departments. The Mississippi native began receiving his pension in October 1981. He was a resident of Sea Level, N.C. JOSEPH E. LUJAN Pensioner Joseph E. Lujan, 78, died" March 17. Born in New Mexico, he joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Greeley Victory. Brother Lujan sailed WILLIAM M. ''DUKE" PEARSON Pensioner William M. "Duke" ·Pearson, 81, passed away November 7, 1998. Born in Georgia, he joined the ======..:.=:..:.i MC&S in 1948, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Pearson came ashore in 1972 to work at the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. A resident of Waianae, Hawaii, he began receiving his pension in September 1975. KENNETH G. PETERSON MARION M. MARTIN JR. Martin M. lturrino, 87, died February 16. Born in Puerto Rico, he joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of New =.;.;,._,;,==York. Brother Iturrino worked in the steward department and retired in December 1976. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He was a resident of Alexandria, Va. MELECIO T. LLACUNA N.J., he began receiving his pension in October -1982. JEANNIE EKIMOTO MEDINA DELMAR B. MISSIMER Pensioner Delmar B. Missimer, 73, passed away February 1. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New York. Brother Missimer sailed in the deck department. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a resident of New Orleans, retiring in May 1986. JOSEPH PASZEK Pensioner Joseph Paszek, 79, died February 15. Born in Poland, Brother Paszek began his care;er with the SIU in 1947 in the port =~__;:;;=::...c..=== of New York. He was a member of the engine department. During World War II, he sailed in the merchant marine and was decorated by President Truman for heroism. A resident of Marlboro, Pensioner Kenneth G. Peterson, 64, died February 10. He first sailed with the Seafarers in 1966 aboard the Duke Victory. =======..i The Michigan native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Peterson last sailed aboard the Westward Venture, an lnterocean Management Corp. vessel. A resident of Hancock, Mich., he retired in January 1996. INLAND CHARLES A. CHINN Pensioner Charles A. Chinn, 71, passed away March J2. Born in Tennessee, he joined the Seafarers in 1980 in the port ==~==== of New Orleans. Boatman Chinn sailed in the engine department and began receiving his pension in May 1995. From 1946 to 1949, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Memphis, Tenn. GREAT LAKES GEORGE H. SYLVESTER Pensioner George H. Sylvester, 86, died December 15, 1998. He joined the SIU in 1954 in the port of Alpena, Mich. Brother Sylvester worked in the steward department, sailing primarily aboard the S. T. Crapo and the J. W Boardman, operated by Huron Portland Cement Co. A resident of Port Richey, Aa., he began receiving his pension in July J983. RAILROAD MARINE JOSEPH BOLMARICH Pensioner Joseph Bolmarich, 92, passed away February 28. Born in Austria, he joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Bolmarich sailed as a deckhand and worked primarily for the marine division of the New York Central Railroad Co. He was a resident of Brick, NJ. and began receiving his pension in May 1971. EDUARDO SACCONE Pensioner Eduardo Saccone, 94, passed away February 13. Brother Saccone joined the SIU in J 960 in the port of New York. He sailed as a deckhand and retired in February 1970. Born in Italy, he was a resident of East Northport, N.Y. May 1999 �Ships lllJqutes first are rsvlewsd by the union's contract depattrnent. Those Issues requiring attention or resolution are addmssed by the union upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The minutes are then forwarded to the Seafarers LOG tor publication. /TB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation), December 30-Chairman Edwin Rivera, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director Rashawn Richardson, Deck Delegate Walter Harris, Engine Delegate Teki Williams, Steward Delegate Mohamed M. Hussein. Chairman reported all well aboard ship with no beefs or disputed ITT. Secretary thanked crew members for efforts in keeping house and mess decks clean. President's Report from latest Seafarers LOG read and discussed. Also talked about ITF and need to expose runaway-flag shipping. Steward department thanked for great holiday meals. Next ports: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and Corpus Christi, Texas. OOCL INSPIRATION (Sea-Land Service), December 17-Chairman Neftali Santana, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Clarence R. Langford. Director met with chief mate to establish guidelines for getting TRBs signed off by January 1, 1999. Mate agreed to sign booklets. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service)-December 13Chairman John Stout, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Salvadore a are, Engine Delegate Robert A. Rush, Steward Delegate Lovie Diaz. Chairman stated this was last trip to Caribbean and TRBs should be signed by December 31. Those getting off should clean cabins, leave keys behind and keep all doors locked while ship in port. New VCR will be brought aboard in Long Beach, Calif. He also reminded crew members of importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary thanked chairman, ABs and engine department for job well done preparing for ship inspection. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Back door locks fixed on 01-02 level. Fumigation needed to rid ship of unwanted pests. Robert W. Gilliam. Chairman reminded crew members to renew STCW by taking signed TRBs and one photo to Coast Guard before 2002. Secretary noted payoff today and reminded crew of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. He also mentioned new fire fighting school being built there. No beefs or disputed ar reported. COURIER (Intrepid Ship Management), January 27-Chairman Charles Foley, Secretary Eva Myers, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate Joseph Carrillo, Engine Delegate Thomas V. Hastings, Steward Delegate Antonio Martinez. Chairman announced payoff January 30. He'll try to get completion of tour forms from boarding patrolman. New TV antenna purchased. Treasurer stated $600 in ship's fund. Suggestion made to purchase movies with part of money. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. /TB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), January 28Chairman Stephen Argay, Secretary Michael Hammock, Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Steward Delegate Erasmo Guevara. Chairman happy to announce all well aboard vessel with no accidents and all departments working well together. Secretary echoed sentiments, adding everyone has done good job. Educational director stressed that Lundeberg School is one benefit for Seafarers-so take advantage of it. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. New antenna needed and ordered, hopefully in time for Super Bowl. In discussing recent LOG, crew members pleased to hear about new passenger ship in Hawaii. They are also looking forward to completion of new fire fighting facility in Piney Point. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: New York. CAPT. STEVEN L. BENNETT (Sealift, lnc.)-January 26Chairman Samuel Brunch, Secretary Ronald Lupinacci, Deck Delgate Lee Kruger, Engine Delegate Edward Lewis, Steward Delegate Enrique Agosto. Chairman reviewed previous minutes and described positive measures being taken. Repairs to furnishings completed, new mattresses ordered and gym now operational. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Crew should be aware of mandatory classes needed to continue sailing. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Clarification of OT requested, including explanation in detail of regular and premium ar listed by hours and amounts. AB requested new vacuum cleaner for crew deck. JEB STUART (Waterman Steamship), January 22Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Stephen W. Roth, Educational Director Michael Scinto, Deck Delegate Desiree M. Crockett, Engine Delegate ElSayed Mohamed, Steward Delegate Tommie Marshall. Chairman reminded crew that anyone may call a meeting aboard ship. Secretary noted steward department's food budget is only $8 per day, so not to waste food or cabin stores. Educational director reminded everyone to watch expiration dates on all endorsements. Also noted Seafarers must have STCW to sail in future and encouraged everyone to take advantage of fine facilites at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed ar reported. All members asked to consider request to contracts department to have 3 percent wage increase applied toward increased insurance benefits (dental, medical) and to think about how they wish to vote. New VCR to be purchased for crew lounge. Next port: Diego Garcia. COAST RANGE (Crowley Petroleum)-January 31Chairman John Mossbarger, Secretary Cynthia Caster, Educational Director Alex Resendez III, Steward Delegate LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), January 24-Chairman Cesar A. Gutierrez, Secretary Norman Evans, Educational Director John R. Parkhurst, Deck Delegate Willie Chestnutt, Engine May 1999 Delegate Charles.E. Bibbs, Steward Delegate Donald Sneed. Chairman noted that after leaving Haifa, Israel, vessel will enter shipyard in Lisbon, Spain for about five days. He also stated three new ships coming out this year, so lots of jobs should be available. He reminded crew members to apply for TRB and upgrade whenever possible. Educational director asked that all movies be returned to library before arrival in Haifa. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks. OSPREY (Osprey-Acomarit Ship Management)-January 24Chairman Robert M. Wiles, Secretary Steve Dickson, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Duane Costello, Engine Delegate John W. Robinson Jr. Chairman noted despite arduous voyage, all departments performed very well. New computer chips installed in dishwashers to minimize leaks. Educational director stressed importance of applying for TRB and upgrading at Paul Hall Center. He added that if English is not first language, Lundeberg School can help. Treasurer announced $65 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported in deck and steward departments. Engine delegate stated amount owed DEU rectified. Discussion held on efforts of Global Mariner to aid ITF in exposing devious practices of flags of convenience. Thanks given to steward department for keeping crew well fed. Thanks also given to entire crew for maintaining area in good, clean condition. Next port: Wilmington, Calif. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), January 31Chairman J. R. Wilson, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director Keith Manzano, Deck Delegate M. Napier, Steward Delegate Carmelo De a Cruz. Chairman reminded everyone to read Seafarer LOG. Information contained will help keep Seafarers updated on latest changes in inudstry and new regulations that affect their ability to earn a living working on deep sea ships. Educational director suggested everyone plan on returning to Lundeberg School to upgrade skills for better job performance. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Crew thanked union for money purchase pension plan. Bosun said ship is best feeder in long time. Next ports: Portland, Ore.; Long Beach, Calif.; and Japan. SEA-LAND INDEPENDENCE (Sea-Land Service), January 31Chairman John T. Baker, Secretary Joseph S. Smith, Educational Director Randall Firestine, Deck Delegate Bill Burke, Engine Delegate Jeffrey Levie, Steward Delegate Carlito Navarro. Chairman received telex reply from contracts department regarding disputed ar. Bosun encouraged crew to donate to SPAD. Educational director reminded crew members to take advantage of facilities at Piney Point to upgrade and fine-tune skills. Crew members aboard ship collected $300 to donate to Seamans Mission in Charleston, S.C. toward construction of seamen's club there. They also want to start ship's fund for purchase of movies. Disputed OT reported in all three departments regarding restriction to ship in Italy. Thanks given to steward department for "always going that extra mile." Crew of Sea-Land Independence enjoying change in runs-"the Mediterranean is great." Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C., Freeport, Bahamas; and Miami, Fla. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service), January 24Chainnan John Stout, Secretary John J. Alamar, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Kenneth W. Craft. Chairman reminded crew members to lock recreation and coffee rooms while in port. All hands should apply for STCW endorsement. Steward flown home from Yokohama, Japan; new steward SEA-LAND PATRIOT (Sea-Land Service), January 4--Chairman Shawn Evans, Secretary Robert Miller, Educational Director Ron Belcher, Deck Deleage Mitchell Santana, Engine Delegate Horst G. Baetjer, Steward Delegate Ernst Polk. Chairman thanked crew for good trip and reminded everyone to take care in disposal of garbage-no aerosol cans in trash Deck Department On the Job ~ In the port of San Juan, P.R., AB Ron Mena (left) and Bosun Luis Ramirez start the work that needs to be done on the deck of the El Yunque. The RO/RO vessel is operated by lnterocean Ugland Management for Sea Star Line. replaced in Pusan, South Korea. Educational director urged Seafarers to attend Lundeberg School and upgrade job skills. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department to change vacation plan from 120 to 90 days; also to have optical and dental plans upgraded to 100 percent coverage for active members. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), January 17Chairman Milton F. Caballero, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Dirctor Elwyn L. Ford, Engine Delegate Joseph I. Laguana, Steward Delegate Charles T. Powers. Chairman reported vessel returning to 42-day run following 19-day period in shipyard. E-mail received regard- ing NMU affiliation with SIU. Educational director advised crew members to take time to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School. Some ar disputed in deck and steward departments, and clarification requested on delayed sailing due to bad weather. VCR and rewinder need to be repaired or replaced. Also need replacement of mattresses for all unlicensed crew rooms as soon as possible. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), January 31Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Richard Riley, Educational Director Daniel Dean, Deck Delegate Josefino A. Casugay, Engine Delegate James Spranza, Steward Delegate William K. Moe. Chairman announced arrival and payoff on February 5 in Tacoma, Wash. While in port, crew members asked to keep doors locked. Departing members should make sure cabins left clean with new set of linens for next person. Educational director stressed need to upgrade at Paul Hall Center to advance in maritime industry. He also thanked crew for donations to movie fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Discussion held based on President's Report in Seafarers LOG regarding Global Mariner exhibit and threat of runaway-flag shipping. Request made for plastic insurance card to be issued for doctors' visits. Vote of thanks given to steward department and chief cook. and no plastic items overboard. Educational director noted benefits of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Communications received from headquarters regarding affiliation of NMU with SIU. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent holiday meals. WESTWARD VENTURE (IUM), January IO-Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Michael F. Meany, Educational Director Patrick Scott, Deck Delegate Fadel N. Saleh, Steward Delegate Vicki Habenicht. Chairman welcomed unlicensed apprentice Josh Davenport aboard ship. He noted safety is everyone's job and to take time to listen to supervisors on safety matters. "We must all work together on this." He mentioned talk of possible trip to China and advised crew to be sure to have TRB when registering. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Steward new aboard ship. Said he will make every effort to do job and keep within contract on food matters, but noted company food budget per man per day is below industry standards and might be reason for high turnover in steward department. He stated he would keep union apprised of situation and noted captain understands problem and is working with him. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Suggestion to have only two job calls a day10 a.m. and 1 p.m.-will be forwarded to headquarters. Crew members asked to keep noise down in passageways and respect shipmates off watch who are trying to sleep. GUS DARNELL (OSI), February 1--Chairman Salvatore Ciciulla, Secretary Bob Easley, Educational Director William H. Day, Steward Delegate Arthur Medeiros. Chairman led discussion on difficulty getting reliefs for bosun, ABs, chief cook, steward and pumpman. Secretary reminded crew members of need to keep TRB up-to-date. Educational director advised Seafarers to use Lundeberg School facility as much as possible for upgrading and additional education. Several beefs brought up in all departments. Bosun and crew thanked steward department for excellent job. Seafarers LOG 19 .... �.... Seafarers celebrating Thanksgiving Day at the union hall in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) AB Rafael Franco, DEU Jose Canales, DEU Sabino Pacheco, Pensioner Guillermo Grajales, Chief Cook George Koulouris, OMU Reinaldo Roman, AB Jay Patrick and SA Angel O'Neill. As the Guayama sails into the port of Jacksonville, AB Rodriquez Gonzales (left), Bosun Raymond Gorju (center) and AB Timothy Jackson have their photo snapped. Practicing his marlinespike seamanship, Bosun Bernardo Cruz splices mooring lines for the cable ship Charles L. Brown in St. Thomas, USVI. (photo by Kathy Chester) While in the port of San Juan, P.R., Guayama crew members participate in a boat drill. OMU Daniel Campbell (left photo), who is the engine department delegate on the El Morro, makes a safety check during his 8-12 watch in San Juan, P.R. At right, DEU Jerry Diaz and Steward/Baker Mike Davalie load stores aboard the Gus W. Darnell in Pt. Loma, Calif. AB Hector Sanchez receives his SIU book from SIU Representative Amancio Crespo at the San Juan, P.R. hall. Snow and ice cover the decks of the Sea-Land Trader as AB Robert Natividad (left) and Bosun Jerry Borucki load cargo in Valdez bound for Hawaii. On board the Sea-Land Spirit, Chief Cook Mike Robles makes a pot of soup for lunch. In the port of San Juan, P.R., crew members aboard the Guayama are ready for a payoff. From the left are AB Ray Johnson, Wiper Cecil Edwrads, AB Timothy Jackson, Bosun Raymond Gorju, AB Rodriquez Gonzales, Third Engineer James Spell and OMU Peter Cooley. Ready to work on the Sea-Land cranes in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) Crane Maintenance Engineers Tony Rosa and William "Bill" Turner and Engineer Don Col6n. Taking a break at the Sea-Land docks in San Juan, P.R. are (from left) Crane Maintenance Engineers Bobby Colantti, Billy Bland, Tony Mohammed, Ray Prim, Bosun Luis Perez, SIU Port Agent Steve Ruiz, AB Juan Lopez, Crane Maintenance Engineer William Turner, AB Tony Rodriguez, Crane Maintenance Engineer Carlos Marcial and SIU Patrolman Victor R. Nunez. 20 Seafarers LOG DEU Louis Gattuso checks out the galley of the USNS Sisler while in the San Diego shipyard. May 1999 �Letters to the Editor (Editors note: the Sea/arers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely bas is.) Giving Recognition Where It Is Due The photograph at right is of Jimmy S. Nishikiori. Born and raised in Yokomaha, Japan, he has a wife, Ritsuko, and a daughter, Kaneko. Mr. Nishikiori has worked with the Yokohama Seamans Club for close to 40 years. During that time, he has been a friend to all seamen and has been instrumental in making sure they got back to the right dock at the right time. In addition to his duties as a waiter, he gives advice on where to go for good local food, what to see and how to use the local bus service, among other things. He is a good friend to the SIU, and most of us "China Coasters" know him quite well. After twenty years of sailing, I realize that no one has ever thanked him or given him any recognition for his service to those of us out here on this west coast, so I hope he will see this letter in the Seafarers LOG and know that ·all of us who pass through "Yoko" on our ships recognize and appreciate his diligent service. Rec. Bosun James D. Rader Oakland, Calif. All Seafarers Deserve Respectful Treatment In the February Seafarers LOG, the featured subject was runaway-flag ships and the prob- 0 -0 CALENDAR ,. 0 ~ (l!f 1111 ~""°" ~ May Asian/Padftc American Heritage Month Harris "Mother" Jones was 1borMary born in 1830. The renowned laorganizer, who lived to be 100, said, "I live in the United States, but I do not know exactly where. My address is wherever there is a fight against oppression. My address is like my shoes; it travels with me. I abide where there is a fight against wrong." In 1888, 19 machinists at the 1Georgia East Tennessee, Virginia, and Railroad assembled in a locomotive pit to decide what to do about a wage cut. They voted to form a union, which became the International Association of Machinists. May Day, or International Work1theers' Day, which commemorates historical struggle of working people around the world. Jimmy S. Nishikiori terns that they both cause and endure. We aboard the SS Osprey recently encountered a glaring example in the port of Bourgas, Bulgaria. We were tied up in front of a small ship which we took no real notice of at the time. As our cargo was unloaded, we found out that the crew of the vessel Olga J had been abandoned by her owners for more than five months and had been without pay for 11 months. The crew was from Ghana and had been subsisting on the charity of other vessels. They could not leave the terminal and had no resources whatsoever. Imagine being so far from home, not knowing where your next meal will come from, and no contact with your family. These men are seafarers, risking their lives every day so that obligations can be fulfilled, yet they are deserted in a foreign port, all alone. We sent them food, money and a message of goodwill. Then we were on our way. How long will they be there? We want to know that they made it home safely to their loved ones. workers participating in a general strike at McCormick Harvester Co. in Chicago. Four workers were killed, and anarchists called a public rally the following day at Haymarket Square to protest the police brutality. As the peaceful protest drew to aclose, abomb was thrown into the police line. One officer was killed and several were wounded. Police responded by firing into the crowd, killing one and wounding many. The incident kicked off an intensive campaign against labor leaders and other activists, and eight anarchists were later framed for the bombing. A1A HONORING OUR NATION'S MARITIME HERITAGE. became the United Steelworkers of America (USWA). In 1886, Philip Murray was 25 born in in Blantyre, Scotland. He was the USWA's founding president and head of the Congress of Industrial Organizations from 1940 until his death in 1952. Henry Ford's opposition to 26 collective bargaining was in evidence on this day in 1937, when company goons attacked United Auto Workers (UAW) organizers at the "Battle of the Overpass" outside of the River Rouge plant. Though General Motors and Chrysler signed collective bargaining agreements with the UAW in 1937, Ford held out until 1942. permanently replace striking workers. Employers used this weapon against striking workers sparingly until the 1980s, when its use increased under the influence of the Reagan Administration's antiunion policies. of America, having ratified the merger agreement at their respective conventions, convened as delegates of the merged union, the Insurance Workers International Union. The 15,000-member union merged with the United Food and Commercial Workers in 1983. In 1917, the Amalgamated 18 Meat Cutters and Butcher In 1835, the Ladies Shoe 28 Workmen initiated a huge organizBinders Society was formed ing campaign in packinghouses in New York. across the U.S. that brought membership from 6,500to100,000 two years later. of the Memorial 30 Anniversary Day massacre at Chicago's Republic Steel plant in 1937. Police attacked strikers, killing seven, wounding 100. - Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District makes specific provision for safeguarding the membership's (Editor s note: The crew of the money and union finances. The SS Osprey received a letter of constitution requires a detailed audit by certified public accounthanks from the crew of the Olga tants every year, which is to be subJ "for your kindness by offering mitted to the membership by the us with some food items. . . . We secretary-treasurer. A yearly highly appreciate the offer and finance committee of rank-and-file hope this will help us live for members, elected by the membersome time, and we pray for ship, each year examines the almighty God to help you and finances of the union and reports fully their findings and recommenyour crews for your voyage.) dations. Members of this committee may make dissenting reports, specific recommendations and sepSIU Pension Is arate findings. No Laughing Matter TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds When my husband, Richard of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes Heikus, and I opted for the retire- and Inland Waters District are ment plan that would provide the administered in accordance with widow with a small monthly the provisions of various trust fund income, we chuckled about it agreements. All these agreements because the amount seemed so specify that the trustees in charge small. Well, this widow is not liv- of these funds shall equally consist ing on the income we had at that of union and management repretime, and my pension check at sentatives and their alternates. All Christmas, in particular, was a expenditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon godsend. approval by a majority of the Richard married late in life, trustees. All trust fund financial but he was a wonderful husband. records are available at the headFor a kid from Cleveland, sea- quarters of the various trust funds. manship provided a life that SHIPPING RIGHTS. A memallowed him to see some of the ber's shipping rights and seniority world and make some good are protected exclusively by confriends. tracts between the union and the I miss him, and reading the employers. Members should get to Seafarers LOG gives me pleasure. know their shipping rights. Copies Thank you. of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If memDarlene Heikus bers believe there have been violaYakima, Wash. tions of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certiMAY22,1999 fied mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: In 1938, the U.S. Supreme In 1959, delegates of the In16 27 Court issued the Mackay surance Agent's International decision permitting employers to Union and the Insurance Workers In 1886, at the height of the 3day,movement In 1942, the Steel Workers for the eight-hour 19 Organizing Committeefonnally police opened fire in acrowd of May '1999 We care aboout our brothers of the sea. We care that these men should be treated with the dignity and respect which they deserve. We care. Steve Dickson, Chief Steward Robert Lindsay, Bosun (on behalf of the crew of the SS Osprey) Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 FuJI copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in aJI SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in aJI constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea/arers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immedi!ltely notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOB 2'1 - �1 -- -. I Lundeberg School Graduating Classes Government Vessels Earning their government vessels endorsement last December are (from left, kneeling) Jennifer Cronin, William Maggio, Robert Racanelli, Dawn Williams, (second row) Mark McNabb, Thomas Cyrus , Liberto Viray, Eric Lund, Clyde Plunkett, Mark Cates (instructor), Walter Seals, (third row) Scott Seiler, Erik Haik, Drew Brown, Edward Adams, Ignatius Muzich, John Conn and Steve Cluff Jr. -. Water Survival Class - Completing the water survival class on March 5 are (from left, first row) Ben Cusic (instructor), Jerome North, Otis Reynolds, John Alba, Chris Mills, Miguel Collazo, Christopher Daniels, Melvin Hill, (second row) Steven Cook, Joshua Weir, Nestor Montoya, Antonio Washington, Shantonn Fowler, Emani Viii, James Brasher, Rebecca Gayton and Randy Senatore. Government Vessels - Upgrading graduates of the government vessels course on February 19 are (from left, front row) Randy Diaz, Peggy Wilson, Mary Bado, Kimberly Mendonca, Keithen Pugh, Noel Corrales, Michael Blue Jr., Mark Cates (instructor), Carlton Dorrance, Charles Larson, (second row) Kanin Bennett, Shaun Bonefont, Christopher Birich, Nathaniel Salter, Levy Calzado, Charles Jensen, Yazid Muhammad, (on left forklift) Antoine Robinson and (on right forklift) Jean Horne . ...... \\ "· FOWT Prep-Seafarers successfully completing the FOWf Prep course December 11 are (from left, front row) Robert Manning, Dominic Osboro, Lauro Delim, Tony Barnes, Alex Diaz, Allan Hinkle, Jose Blanco, Nicanor Amores, (second row) Erik Owen, Aaron Tomilson, Gregory Shields, Harry Flambures, Ernesto Datuin, Nar DelaCru, Armando Lucin and Mark Jones (instructor). Government Vessels - Successfully completing the government vessels class, also in March, are Mark Cates (instructor), Keith Mcintosh, Carlos Perez. Regina Terry, Ibarra Mangaya, Don Burlingame, Marvyn Chester, Kathie Newkirk, Kenneth Gamer, Lupe Campbell, Antonio Perez, Ronald Wilson, Leocadio Colon, Rommel Artis and Ron Oyer (instructor). Galley Operations- Earning their certificates in March for completion of the galley operations course are (from left) Adam Saleh, Marcus Nicholas, Louis Morris, Gloria DeTiege, Anitra McLeod and Maria Aulisio (assistant instructor). Able Seaman - Upgraders graduating from the AB class February 19 are (from left) Jeffrey Ferris, Patrick Cleveland, Eden Latta, Darren Parker, Peter Seifert, Cynthia Schlegel, Stanley Howard, Abedon Lujan, Rommel Artis, Leray Leasure, Randy Senatore, Richard Gathers, Randy Powell, Miles Janecka and Tom Gilliland (instructor). .- QMED-Graduating on April 16 from the QMED course are (from left, kneeling) Michael McGlone, Justin Valencia, Bryce Cutler, Glenn O'Leary, (second row) Randy Pearson, Gene Wheelis, Marijan Masnov, John Gamache and Michael Seyler. Their instructor was Barney Kane. 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Firefighting-Receiving their certificates for completing the basic firefighting course February 5 are (from left, first row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Lincoln Fraser, Julita Crodua, Connie Gaines, Bob Bell, Pat Coppola, (second row) Thor Waagsbo, Paul Eich, Chris Hendrix, Roman Kasparyan, John Peden and Ken Johnson. May1999 �LUNDEBER6 SCHOOL 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes for the next few months at the Seafarers Harty LundeP-erg School of Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Tra~ and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills. ofSeafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturd41 before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Ret:ertlflt:atlon l'lograms Course Start Date Date of Completion LNG Recertirtcation MaylO May27 SaftllJ Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiari7.ation/ Assistant Cargo (DL) MaytO June7 August2 June26 Basic Firefighting May3 MaylO May31 May7 Mayl4 June4 Advanced Firerighting MaytO May29 Government Vessels Mayl7 May24 July 12 June4 June 11 July 30 Lifeboatm.an/Water Survival Mayl8 June 14 Julyll May29 June 25 July23 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) May24 June21 July 1l Julyl6 May28 June25 July 16 July 30 MaylO May14 May29 August20 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman June28 August6 Radar Observer/Unlimited June7 July 12 June 18 July 23 Radar Recertification (one day) May7 June 18 July23 May14 June2S MaylO Junell Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) Engine Upgrading Colll'Ses Course Start Date Date of Completion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May3 June 11 August9 September 17 QMED May3 September 13 Julyl3 December3 Diesel Engine Technology May3 Junel Power Plant Maintenance Jnnr. 28 September 17 August6 Novembers June 14 July 9 g Steward Upgrading Courses May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 June 7, 14, 21, 28 July 5, 12, 19, 26 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward May 3, 17, 31 June 14, 28 (Every othel' week, startllig Jan. 11) July 12, 26 Academia Department Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion General Education Courses May3 JunelO In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self- Start Date Galle Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week, starting Ja~ 11) Tankerman (PIC) Barge study. Additional courses are being added to the Lundeberg School curriculum for the second half of the year. They will be listed In the June 1999 Issue of the LOG. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address ------------------------~ (120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatin;1e for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. AU FOJf7: AB and QMED qppllcants must submit a U.S. Coqst Guard ''" el $135 with their qpplicqtion, The pqyment should be llUllk with a mono order only. pqyable to LM$S. Telephone END DATE BEGIN DATE COURSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No 0 Home Port ------------ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date On: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No Ifyes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - May '1999 ----------- SIGNA1URE Date Off: -------------~ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only ifyou present original receipts and successfully complete the course. Ifyou have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School ofSeamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 5199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private. non-profit. equal opportunity institution and admits students. who are otherwise qualified. of any race. nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission. access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOii 23 �Escape to Piney Point lhe Plal Hall Center can pnvlde SIU emben and their &mUla with .U the Ingredients for• memonble 19111mer ncatJ.. Pl8a JMr esc8pe te PlaeJ Point toUy. lee Pll• 14 for *'8111. Fire Fighting School i' Opens This Month Mark Dickinson of the lntemational Transport Workers• Federation (center) recently checked on the progress of the fire fighting and safety school. Updating him are (from left) Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center; Jimmy Hanson. director of health and safety; Don Nolan. vice president of the school; and John Mason of American Service Technology, Inc. The fire fighting building (above) features a twolevel engine room (below) and shaft alley with bubbling water that simulates bilge fires. It also includes various types of shipboard doors. hatches and ladders (left). The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education this month will unveil an addition that is enormous both in its size and its probable impact on Seafarers' training. The ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is slated for May 18, with classes commencing shortly thereafter. Located on school property near the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., the new complex will host courses for upgrading and entry-level Seafarers. Basic and advanced fire fighting, first aid and CPR, damage control, water survival and confined-space safety are among the classes that will be taught there. ''It's difficult to overstate how valuable this new facility will be for Seafarers," noted Jimmy Hanson, longtime director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center. "It's one-of-a-kind in terms of specifically being designed for mariner fire fighting and safety training." Built through the financial backing of the International Transport Workers' Federation, the fire fighting and safety school will replicate conditions found aboard all types of vessels, from deep sea ships to inland tugs and barges. It will include two classrooms; a two-story mare building with moveable walls and props; a damage-control room with water flow and a recessed floor; a water survival trainer; a main fire fighting building designed like a ship; a compressor room where students will learn to takecompresair samples and service ~~~-~..IL -·­ The bUilding aoove wm nouse two classrooms that feature television monitors connected to computers utilized by instructors. It also encompasses a damage-control room; shower and bathroom facilities; rooms for working with compressors and portable fire extinguishers; and (right) a water survival trainer. sors; an area where upgraders will practice using and refilling portable fire extinguishers; outdoor pads connected to propane lines, and more. Overall, the campus-named after former SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco, who passed away in 1996--will feature the most modern, environmentally and hygienically safe equipment Next month's issue of the Seafarers LOG will include detailed coverage of the ceremonial opening, plus a closer I school's many features. ' ':{~,:~~.,. The maze building looks fairly ordi om outside; but, inside is a well-det · story facility that will challenge even the most experienced upgrader. It features numerous props, four separate entrances, ladders cut at the same angle as those aboard ship, and moveable walls which allow varying simulations. :a•~~.-;;;!!'~ iii · \ ~~~~~~~~~~:~~;;~== � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES BIG NEWS COMES IN THREES FOR AVONDALE, NEWPORT NEWS STEEL DUMPING BILL ADVANCES TO SENATE MARITIME UNIONS REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR AMERICAN FORCES IN BALKANS NEW ORLEANS SIU HALL OPENS TO RAVE REVIEWS SMPPP STATEMENTS SENT TO SEAFARERS ‘ETERNAL FLAME’ SELECTED FOR BURN BUILDING NAME NMU MEMBERS PRAISE UPGRADING AT PAUL HALL CENTER NY UNIONISTS: SAVE LOCAL MARITIME JOBS MERPAC CONTINUES CRAFTING SUGGESTED STCW STANDARDS DOT NEARS FULL Y2K COMPLIANCE UPGRADER PRAISES ACADEMIC DEPARTMENT, ENCOURAGES SEAFARERS TO PURSUE EDUCATION CULINARY INSTRUCTOR BATTEN WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD LAKE SEAFARERS COMPLETE ON-SITE DIESEL ENGINE COURSE SIGHTS FROM GRAND OPENING OF NEW ORLEANS HALL MONTHLY HAWAII LUAUS FORM SOLID BASE FOR S-L ENTERPRISE PRIDE FORMER SIU OFFICIAL JACK BLUITT DEAD AT 72 AMERICAN VICTORY WILL BE MUSEUM FIRE FIGHTING SCHOOL OPENS THIS MONTH Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 05/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 5 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/c2337c2c71d06f1ece1f3ee503c7e023.pdf a91005210846c8fd868dd8d1accf5d23 PDF Text Text Volume 61 vv Sea a To Come .. Number 4 s s• At Sea American Classic Voyages Chairman Philip Calian signs the agreement for construction of two new U.S. -flag cruise vessels. Standing directly behind him is Ingalls Shipbuilding President Jerry St. Pe', whose company will build the first new cruise ships in an American yard in more than 40 years. Witnessing this historic event last month in the Mansfield Room of the U.S. Capitol are (from left) Sen. Daniel Inouye, Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart and Sen. Thad Cochran. Contract Signed for Two New U.S.-Flag Passenger Vessels Great Lakes Towing in February christened three new "Z' tugs. Page 4. �President's Report I Excitement Builds Twenty years ago, excitement rippled through the SIU as we geared up for a task the union had never faced: the crewing of a U.S.-flag passenger ship. 'The Oceanic Independence was returning to the U.S. flag and the company doing it signed with the SIU to provide the manpower that ship needed. Every one of us involved in the project felt great anticipation and enthusiasm. For the Lundeberg School, this opportunity meant developing new classes and training methods to thoroughly prepare Seafarers for the many jobs they would tackle when they climbed her gangway. Needless to say, the SIU met the challenge and, in Michael Sacco June 1980, the Independence became the first passenger ship to sail under Old Glory in 10 years. Within two years, SIU members were crewing her sister ship, the Constitution, when it returned to service as a U.S.-flag vessel. Today, that excitement is building again. In this issue of the Seafarers LOG, we are getting our first glimpses of the next generation of U.S.-tlag passenger ships. Although there will be many differences between these new ships compared to the Independence and Constitution, one thing that remains the same is Seafarers will crew the vessels. They will be state-of-the-art cruise ships, incorporating the latest technology and advances. The drawings on display during last month's Capitol Hill signing ceremony showed how magnificent these ships will be. While media attention has focused on the passengers' appointments, the crew facilities have not been ignored. They, also, are being fitted to meet the needs of the next century. Like it did two decades ago, the staff at the Lundeberg School is preparing the facility to train Seafarers to crew this next generation of passenger vessels. Even the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School was designed with these ships in mind. This is a tremendous opportunity and the SIU will be ready. While all of us in the union look forward to these new ships, others also are proud of this latest confirmation that the U.S.-flag commercial fleet is, indeed, being revitalized. As I mentioned earlier, the signing ceremony between American Classic Voyages, which will operate the vessels, and Ingalls Shipbuilding, which will construct the bottoms, took place in the U.S. Capitol. Three senators, two representatives, the maritime administrator and the secretary of the Navy actively participated in the event. Brothers and sisters, we are not the only ones excited about the growth of the U.S. fleet. These new passenger ships are a continuation of the fight we have been waging throughout the 1990s to prepare the merchant fleet for the next century. Success happens to those who are determined, dedicated and driven. Many of you worked hard talking with and writing to your elected officials during the five-year battle to pass the Maritime Security Act, which was signed into law in 1996. This measure made sure the U.S.-flag containership fleet remained viable and strong into the first part of the next century. We have seen the construction and launching of a new fleet of U.S.built, double-hulled tankers. Seafarers now are working aboard the first four, with the fifth expected to come out later this year. Meanwhile, the military's review of the Persian Gulf War revealed the need for a larger fleet of military prepositioning vessels. Today, SIU members around the world crew the newly built Bob Hope and Watsonclass of ships as well as others that have been converted to sail at a moment's notice to supply American forces when they are called to duty. Several SIU-contracted companies have added to their fleets the new tractor tugboats as they see what will be required in the way of harbor work in the years to come. There also have been other developments in the U.S.-flag passenger trade this decade. In 1995, the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. added to its inland fleet the American Queen, which at that time was the largest overnight passenger vessel built in the United States in almost 40 years. Last year, American Classic announced plans for five coastal cruise ships, designed to look like those that sailed along the coastlines at the tum of the 20th century. The first of these new vessels is expected to be sailing sometime in 2001. Yes, there is a lot to be excited about. But we cannot rest on our laurels. There still is more work to be done for all of our members - no matter if they sail deep sea, inland or Great Lakes; no matter if they are aboard containerships, tankers, bulkers, dredges, cruise vessels or tugboats. The 21st century is rapidly approaching. We will continue to work to improve and modernize the U.S.-flag fleet. We will continue to provide new jobs for Seafarers. We do this because we plan to be part of this exciting new chapter in America's history for a long, long time. Volume 61, Number 4 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org April 1999 The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFl.rCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower, Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Maritime Administrator Hart Visits SIU Hall in Honolulu U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart recently got a firsthand look at how a union h~!l operates, as he stopped by the SIU hall in Honolulu. In town to speak to the Hawaii chapter of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force, Hart toured the SIU hall on February 5. He met several SIU members and congratulated GU Tessema Tefera, who that week had received his U.S. citizenship and his union membership book. Hart also examined the rotary shipping board and discussed the various documents and training now required for mariners. Additionally, he discussed with Seafarers and with SIU Port Agent Neil Dietz the expanding job opportunities with American Hawaii Cruises; the SIU's numerous training initiatives including the Paul Hall Center's unlicensed apprentice program; the Chapter VI (basic safety) requirements of the amended STCW convention; and the importance of the Jones Act (America's freight cabotage law). The maritime administrator is an outspoken supporter of the Jones Act, a law which provides jobs for U.S. citizens, boosts the country's economy and aids national security. In town for a speaking engagement, U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart (center) recently toured the SIU hall in Honolulu. There, he met a number of Seafarers, including GU Tessema Tefera (right). Explaining the rotary shipping system to U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart (right) is Neil Dietz, port agent at the SIU hall in Honolulu. Rank-and-File Financial Committee Approves 1998 Union Records Group Issues Annual Report To Members A committee of veteran rankand-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during last month's union meeting in Piney Point, Md., have reviewed the SIU's financial records for 1998 and found them to be in good order. Each department was represented on the committee. Elected from the deck department were Recertified Bosun Terry Cowans Sr., a 25-year member from Mobile, Ala., and AB Tom Moore, from Baltimore and with the SIU 10 years. The lone engine department member was QMED Joe Pomraning, who sails from Baltimore. Pomraning, a member for 18 years, also served as the committee chairman. Representing the galley gang were Recertified Stewards Lovell McElroy Sr. (a 24-year member from Mobile), Gerald Hyman ( 18 years, from Norfolk, Va.) and Gina Lightfoot (16 years, from Jacksonville, Fla.). The final member of the committee was Chief Cook Donald Mann, who has been with the union 18 years. He sails from Baltimore. ''This committee worked very hard and we found everything to be in order," Pomraning stated. Reviewing the union's 1998 financial records are (from left, going counter-clockwise around table) Gerald Hyman, Terry Cowans Sr., Lovell McElroy Sr., Donald Mann, Tom Moore, Gina Lightfoot and Joe Pomraning, who served as chairman. "Our brothers and sisters have entrusted us to do this very important job and we are performed our duties to the best of our abilities." The use of an annual financial review committee is required by Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution. It reads: "The Annual Financial Committee shall make an examination for each annual period of the finances of the Union and shall report fully on their findings and recommendations." QMED Joe Pomraning, an 18year member of the SIU, signs off on the committee's report. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, May 31, 1999 (unless an emergency arises) tor the observance of Memorial Day. Normal business hours will resume the following workday. April 1999 �Contract Signed for Cruise Ships Work Starts Next Year on First U.S.-Flag, U.S.-Built Deep Sea Passenger Vessels Since 1958 Construction on the first large cruise ships to be built in an American yard in more than 40 years will begin shortly, following last month's Capitol Hill contract signing ceremony between SIUcontracted American Classic Voyages and unionized Ingalls Shipyard. Ingalls is expected to start work on the first of two 840-foot, 1,900-passenger vessels early next year. That vessel, which will hold a crew of 650 mariners, is scheduled to begin service for American Hawaii Cruises around Hawaii by 2003. "This announcement represents a continued resurgence of the U.S.-flag merchant marine and is a major boost for the U.S.flag cruise industry," SIU President Michael Sacco stated. 'The SIU has had a long partnership with American Classic and we are pleased that the company has undertaken this initiative to expand its operations." American Classic's subsidiary American Hawaii Cruises operates the SS Independence, which has been crewed by Seafarers since it returned to the American flag and began sailing around the Hawaiian Islands in 1980. SIU members also crewed its sister vessel, the SS Constitution, between 1982 and 1995 when it went out of service. Many Witnesses The historic signing, which took place March 9 in the U.S. Capitol, was witnessed by elected officials, Clinton administration members and the media. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) called the agreement between American Classic Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott calls the agreement to build the ships "a marriage made in heaven." and Ingalls "a marriage made in heaven." is Lott, whose home Pascagoula where Ingalls is located, added, "I think we have something that is going to be very important, very vital for shipbuilding as a whole and certainly for the cruise industry and for America. I can't wait to see these ships sail and provide cruise opportunities on American-built ships." The Mississippi senator praised his colleague Daniel Inouye (DHawaii) for garnering the support to pass the 1997 U.S.-Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project, which paved the way for the signing. Sen. Inouye acknowledged Lott's remarks by saying, "A lot of things can happen if we do it in a bipartisan fashion." P nta n Su port Besides Inouye, Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Reps. Bob Livingston (R-La.) and Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) sponsored the 1997 bill in Congress. The measure is part of a larger project to convert American shipyards from Navy Sec'y Richard Danzig states the construction of the cruise vessels offers many lessons. More coverage appears · on pages 12-13 military to commercial constructions. Designs used in the cruise ships are expecte.d to be incorporated in future Navy vessels. "This program has much to be proud of," Inouye stated. "The Department of Defense supports this because we will revitalize the shipbuilding industry, which is very important, and thereby keep down the cost of shipbuilding by, I might say, hundreds of millions of dollars." His remarks were echoed by Navy Secretary Richard Danzig, who added, "We are delighted from a national defense standpoint with this arrangement. "It is good for ship workers. It is good for shipyards. But, above all in my view, it is good for national defense." Danzig noted the lessons learned from building the cruise ships would provide the Navy with tremendous money savings. National defense was not the Saluting all who made the contract for the vessels possible is Rep. Neil Abercrombie. only maritime issue discussed at the announcem.ent ceremony. Several speakers said the new construction shows the value of the nation's cabotage laws. itime industry for working together to make the vessels a reality. Rep. Abercrombie arrived immediately after an overnight flight from sunny Hawaii to snowy Washington, D.C. to witness the signing. "This is the start of a new revival of the cruise industry in the United States of America with American shipbuilders, American workers and American sailors. This industry will take off in the 21st century," added the Hawaiian legislator. In his comments, Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) looked at the snow accumulating outside but said "the sun is shining brightly in the U.S. Capitol." He likewise praised all involved in making the cruise ships possible. Backing for Cabotag Create New Jobs Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), whose district includes the Ingalls Shipyard, stated the teamwork shown among the legislators, maritime industry, military and labor should be used to fight for the freight and passenger laws. "I hope we will continue to work together on the preservation of the Passenger Vessel Act and the Jones Act, that reserves coastwise commerce for American-made, American-owned, Americancrewed vessels that live by our rules," Taylor told the audience. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart also renewed the administration's support for the two laws, then added he was "looking forward to the first two cruise ships and many others to come." He saluted the labor officials representing sailing and shipbuilding members and the mar- After saluting everyone involved, Philip Calian, American Classic Voyages chairman, noted the entire effort will create 5,000 jobs ashore and at sea. "This will maintain a large base of seafarers for times of national emergency," he added. "We are proud to be doing our part to expand the U.S.flag cruise industry." The president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, Jerry St. Pe', declared the agreement "puts the last piece of the puzzle together to make this happen. It is somewhat a return to the future. We built the last cruise ships [the SS Brasil and SS Argentina] built in this country." St. Pe' pointed out he was a young reporter covering the launching of those two vessels in 1958, while Sen. Lott was a member of the high school band performing at the event. 4th Double Eagle Tanker Begins Service ,• Seafarers are working aboard the fourth Double Eagle tanker operated by Interocean Ugland Management. The HM/ Ambrose Channel set sail earlier this year, joining the HM/ Diamond Shoals, HM/ Cape Lookout Shoals and HM/ Nantucket Shoals as the newest U.S.-built tankers. One more double-hulled vessel - the HMJ Breton Reef - is expected to come out of Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding later this year. It also will be crewed by SIU members. According to SIU Norfolk (Va.) Safety Director Pat Vandergrift, who met with the crew as the ship was preparing to sail in February, everyone was looking forward to working on the new vessel. "Everything was in great shape - all shiny and new. Bosun Robert Pagan told me all the crew members could not wait to get the ship to sea," Vandergrift said. All five tankers are owned by Hvide Marine, Inc. They were built with double hulls to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Each is named after an old U.S. Coast Guard light ship. Each tanker is approximately 600 feet long with a beam of about 106 feet. April 1999 Sealarers Sailing El Morro In Puerto Rico Trade -ABOVE: With Old Glory waving behind them, ABs Bartow Bridges (left) and Mark Kerr (right) met with SIU Rep. Amancio Crespo when the newly built vessel docked recently in Puerto Rico. RIGHT: Chief Cook Kristin Krause prepares to return to the SIU-crewed HM/ Ambrose Channel in Ponce, P.R. The SIU-crewed El Morro is providing regular service between Florida and Puerto Rico, the second vessel in the Sea Star Line fleet to do so. SIU Port Agent Tony McQuay met with crew members during a payoff last month in Jacksonville, Fla. He reported everything was going smoothly on the vessel, which began operations earlier this year. "Bosun Steve Copeland and Steward Kris Hopkins told me this is a good-working crew," McQuay told the Seafarers LOG. "All the members are getting acquainted with the ship and find it in good shape." The El Morro 's sister ship, the El Yunque, began sailing late last year. The ships offer roll-on/roll-qff as well as lift-on/lift-off service on a weekly basis. They can handle containers and trailers from 20 feet to 53 feet as well as flat beds, heavy machinery, refrigerated cargo and vehicle transport. The vessels are operated by Interocean Ugland Management for Sea Star Line, which is a joint venture of Totem Resources Corp., Matson and Sea-Barge Line Inc. Seafarers LOG 3 �Seafarers Crew New 'Z' Tugs Boats Provide Harbor Towing Service in Pearl Harbor Seafarers are sailing aboard the three new "Z-class" tractor tugs christened earlier this year by Admiral Towing and Barge Company. The tugs - named Z-Three, ZFour and Z-Five - are operating under a U.S. Navy contract to provide harbor towing services at the Naval base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Operations commenced early last month. SIU members and officials attended the christening ceremonies in mid-February at Seattle's MARCO Shipyard, where the boats were construct- ed. Each of the tugs is 95 feet long, 32 feet wide and has 4,000 horsepower with a bollard pull exceeding 110,000 lbs. Each operates at a top speed of 14 knots. "The Z-class design was developed to accommodate an entire range of towing services, including shiphandling duties, salvage, firefighting, oil recovery, tanker escort, and ocean and coastal towing of vessels and barges," noted Admiral Towing in announcing the christenings. ''The new tugs have been modified to meet the special needs of the Navy and include special above- and below-water fender systems to accommodate assistance to submarines." The Z-drive is an integrated unit that replaces conventional propellers and rudders. It performs propulsion as well as steering, thereby enabling the tug to push or pull in any direction. The design greatly improves maneuverability. SIU members also crew vessels operated by Admiral Towing's affiliate company, Great Lakes Towing, which currently is in its lOOth year. Both inside and out, the new tugboats feature the most modern design and equipment. Don Nolan Name P For Lundeberg School The trustees for the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship have named Don Nolan as the facility's new vice president. Nolan, 53, has been on the staff of the school since 1968 when he was hired as a chief cook shortly after the Piney Point, Md. facility opened. Since then, he has served in a variety of roles including steward department instructor and culinary director. During his tenure at the school, the Pennsylvania native also has been involved in numerous projects including recruitment and management. Nolan comes from a union background. His father was a member of the United Mine Workers. Other members of his family are Steelworkers. Don Nolan Prior to corning to the Lundeberg School, he served in the U.S. Navy. He holds a vocational teacher's certificate from the University of Maryland. TOP: The Z-Three is christened in Seattle. DIRECTLY ABOVE (from left): Among those attending the ceremony were Richard Berkowitz of the Transportation Institute, SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU Recertified Bosun Dana Cella. USNS Antares Sails to Balkans To Assist NATO Peacekeepers SIU members aboard the fast sealift ship USNS Antares recently helped in the NATO peacekeeping mission in the Balkans known as Operation Joint Guard. The February assignment marked the second time in the past seven months that the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC), which operates the Antares, has been called to transport American military equipment and supplies to the volatile region - an area that includes Bosnia, Croatia and Slovenia. The 946-foot cargo ship docked in Rijeka, Croatia along the Adriatic Sea in late February. Earlier, approximately 92,000 square feet of combat equipment from the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas, had been loaded aboard the rollon/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel in and Beaumont, Texas, Wilmington, N.C. That military equipment came from six different U.S. military installations including Fort Hood and Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Riley, Kansas. According to MSC, more than 200 shipping containers and 25 Army helicopters were lifted aboard the Antares in Beaumont while 54 pieces of "rolling stock" were driven up the ship's side ramp to stowage positions inside the vessel. Following the Beaumont load-out, the Antares sailed to Wilmington where 15 more helicopters, 25 shipping containers, nine wheeled vehicles and other general cargo items were loaded. The ship then departed Wilmington February 9 for the 18-day transatlantic voyage. The Antares, capable of traveling at up to 30 knots, is believed to be only the second U.S. Navy ship to dock at the Balkan port. The SIU-crewed USNS Soderman, one of MSC's large, medium-speed RO/ROs. transported 1st Cavalry Division cargo to the region in August 1998. USNS liordon Rescues Fishermen in liulf The SIU-crewed USNS Gordon last month rescued two people in the Persian Gulf from a sinking fishing boat. The prepositioning vessel was at anchor around 6 a.m. when crew members spotted two citizens of the United Arab Emirates in distress. The fishermen were waving and clinging to their mostly submerged 12-foot boat. Reacting quickly, the Gordon launched its 16-foot rigid-hull inflatable boat to rescue the stranded pair. ''With high winds and choppy 4 Seafarers LOG seas jostling their orange rescue craf4 and English of little use, Gordon's rescue party relied largely on encouraging smiles and gestures, coaching the terrified survivors to release their grip on what was left of their rapidly sinking boat," noted the U.S. Military Sealift Command in an account of the rescue. The ordeal lasted only 28 minutes. It ended with the fishermen climbing aboard the 956foot military support ship, where crew members gave them dry clothes, breakfast and a movie to watch while waiting for the local coast guard to transport them ashore. Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder, commander of MSC, described the rescue as "a perfect example of seamanship in the finest tradition." SIU members crew the Gordon as well as other prepositioning ships operated by MSC. Those vessels strategically place U.S. military equipment around the globe, where it remains readily available if needed by U.S. forces. Seafarers aboard the USNS Gordon helped rescue two fishermen. April 1999 �Legislators Ask IRS to Estimate Taxes Lost to Foreign-Flag Cruise Vessels Two lawmakers have asked the Internal Revenue Service to provide estimates of how much truces U.S.-based, but foreign-registered cruise companies would pay if they were not exempt from income tax and other liabilities. The representatives, Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) and Gene Taylor (D-Miss.), said in a letter to IRS Commissioner Charles Rossotti that this information is needed in case Congress takes up legislation that would cripple the Passenger Vessel Services Act by allowing foreign-flag cruise ships to carry passengers between different U.S. ports. (The Passenger Vessel Services Act is the cabotage law that states passengers moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.crewed and U.S.-built vessels.) Several bills to modify the act were offered in the last session of Congress but got no further than a committee hearing. The SIU opposed each of the measures offered. In an interview with the New York Times, Defazio said the Clinton administration has estimated the cruise ship industry is avoiding billions of dollars in truces annually. The article, published March 12, noted the 17 U.S.-based cruise companies had annual revenues of $10 billion, but are registered in countries that do not have income truces. While U.S. elected officials are looking into the true laws governing the foreign-flag cruise industry, another article published March 29 by Fortune showed these same cruise lines are not providing much economic support to the Caribbean islands they visit. Allen Chastanet, the former Royal Caribbean Pleads Guilty to Dumping In a surprise move, Royal Caribbean Cruises pleaded guilty in a Los Angeles federal court to three charges of dumping oily bilge water earlier this decade. The March 22 admission by the world's second largest cruise line followed a three-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles in late February. The charges concerned covering up oily waste discharges with false records that were presented to the U.S. Coast Guard by the Nordic Prince crew during three separate ship inspections in Los Angeles between January and October 1994. The maximum fine for each count is $500,000. Additional charges are expected to be placed against the company later this year in New York and Alaska. The Seafarers LOG reported in February that Royal Caribbean already had paid a $9 million fine for dumping that occurred between 1990 and 1994. The company and U.S. government reached a plea bargain for that fine following separate indictments in Miami and San Juan regarding similar cover-up incidents aboard five vessels, including the Nordic Prince. The New York Times ran a front-page story in January describing how Royal Caribbean repeatedly had committed environmental crimes. Following the Los Angeles indictments, Royal Caribbean said it has admitted to the problem and taken measures to correct it. Meanwhile, a Miami television station reported one of Royal Caribbean's ships, the Enchantment of the Seas, suffered an engine room explosion and fire March 11, three hours after sailing from St. Thomas. No one was injured in the incident. However, passengers leaving the ship in Miami told the television station they were scared and did not believe they were receiving all the information necessary during the incident. SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (right) talks maritime with Rep. Gene Taylor (left), one of two legislators asking the IRS for an estimate on how much money in tax revenues foreign-flag cruise companies based in the U.S. would pay if they were not tax exempt. director of the St. Lucia tourism board, told the magazine, "Sixty five percent of the cruise industry's profits come from the Caribbean. But only 7 percent of their employees come from the Caribbean and only 1 percent of the taxes they pay go to the region." The article noted local govern- USCG: Grain Company Violates Jones Act Agency Determines Tug Firms Are Under Japanese Control The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the operation of two tugboat companies sailing on the Mississippi River and its tributaries because the federal agency found the firms "did not meet the qualifications to engage in coastwise trade." Following a two-year investigation, the Coast Guard stated MV One, LLC of Covington, La. and Paragon Marine Services, Inc. of St. Louis operated under the control of Consolidated Grain and Barge Co. (CGB ), which is a Louisiana-based subsidiary of a Japanese federation of agriculture cooperatives known as Zen-Noh and a Japanese commodities trading company called Itochu Corp. (In the May 1993 Seafarers LOG, Zen-Noh was listed as one House Passes Coast Guard Budget Bill Includes Tighter Runaway-Flag Controls, Plus Permanent Ban On New User Fees With broad bipartisan support, the U.S. Coast Guard authorization for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a margin of 424-7. Passage is expected shortly in the Senate. The bill calls for $3.8 billion in spending for FY 2000, increasing to $4 billion in 2001 (excluding pension payments). Last year, an SIU-supported measure calling for a three-year moratorium on new user fees levied against mariners or the marine industry passed with overwhelming support. Under the Coast Guard authorization bill, this moratorium on new fees would be made permanent. Sentiment in Congress for this measure grew when legislators felt attempts were being made to skirt the ban and implement new fees which might disadvantage American maritime companies. Also included in the bill is a measure originally April 1999 ments are forced to deal with the garbage and heavy traffic created by the cruise ships and their passengers. An example of such discrepancies was the $14 million being spent by St. Lucia for a cruise terminal expansion and additional $14 million being spent to push tourism, yet the $6.50 per passenger tax levied on each vessel only brings $1.9 million to the economy. When 13 islands tried in 1993 to increase the per-head tax on the cruise ships, the companies countered by saying they would sail elsewhere. The effort fell apart within weeks. A St. Lucia survey conducted in the early 1990s found visitors who stayed overnight or longer on the island spent 30 times as much as those who disembarked from a cruise ship docking there. One hotel manager complained to the magazine that he has "to pay hotel occupancy true, income tax, social security - all those taxes," while the cruise ships do not. Even the U.S. Virgin Islands are feeling the pinch in terms of revenue. Their average number of overnight tourists has fallen 26 percent to 440,000 since 1988 while those who visit for part of. a day aboard cruise ships has risen by half to 1.6 million. As noted in an Associated Press story of February 21, cruise ship passengers make up 80 percent of the tourists in the Virgin Islands, but provide a mere 25 percent of the total tourism revenue. To the Virgin Island economy, this represents an annual income of $600 million from visitors, down 33 percent in the last five years. introduced in the Senate by Sen. Ron Wyden (DOre.) in response to the New Carissa disaster. This provision requires all vessels, foreign and domestic, to notify the Coast Guard at least 24 hours before entering U.S. territorial waters. The purpose is to give the Coast Guard sufficient time to check vessels' histories in order to bar substandard ships before they enter American waters. Among the items that would have to be reported are the port of destination, time of entry into the territorial waters, and whether a vessel is carrying dangerous cargo or if any hazardous conditions exist aboard the ship. It also gives the Coast Guard the authority to direct the movements of a vessel in U.S. waters. The provision, introduced in the House by Rep. Peter Defazio (D-Ore.), responded to the concerns that the New Carissa sailed too close to shore during a gale, "a practice local pilots shun," noted Sen. Wyden. of several international agribusinesses working within the North American Export Grain Association to scuttle U.S. cargo preference laws.) lmpennlsslble' Control 1 The agency found in a letter dated February 2 to th~ head of Paragon that "Consolidated has an impermissible controlling interest in Paragon," which owns one tugboat outright and operates 14 other vessels for MV One. The investigation, requested by the family-owned Mt. Vernon Barge and Fleeting Service of Indiana, was conducted jointly by the Coast Guard and U.S. Maritime Administration. It noted Consolidated at times had paid invoices from Mt. Vernon for services rendered to Paragon. It revealed 25 percent of the Paragon's stock is owned by Consolidated. The letter further stated, "Under a fleet operating agreement, Paragon is required to 'act at all times in the best interest of [Consolidated].' The fleeting agreement requires Paragon to help maintain good customer relations between Consolidated and its customers. It further requires to consult with Paragon Consolidated concerning the number, identity and qualifications of persons Paragon plans to assign to certain positions; and requires Paragon to seek Consolidated approval before making any addition or improvement to Consolidated-owned equipment costing $5,000 or more." 'Pervasive Presence' The Coast Guard concluded that "the pervasive presence of CGB, Consolidated and Zen-Noh Grain Corp. officers in the organizational structure of Paragon coupled with the strictures of the Consolidated/Paragon fleet operating agreement, including Consolidated's extraordinary control of hiring, spending and management decisions clearly demonstrate that Consolidated has an impermissible controlling interest in Paragon. That impermissible controlling interest requires a finding that Paragon does not meet the controlling interest criteria set forth in Section 2 for eligibility to operate vessels in the coastwise trade." The "Section 2" referred to in the letter signed by Thomas L. Willis, director of the Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center, concerns the standards required in the Jones Act to be declared an American company. That provision finds "corporations wishing to document vessels in the coastwise trade must have 75 percent of its stock owned by U.S. citizens. Further, the president or CEO or its chairman of the board of directors must be U.S. citizens. However, even if these criteria are met, the corporation can still be found ineligible to document vessels if a controlling interest in the corporation is held by non-citizens. A non-citizen controlling interest determination can be made if it is found that citizens owning stock have a trust or fiduciary obligation in non-citizens, or if non-citizens, by any means, exercise control over the corporation." (The Jones Act is the nation's freight cabotage law. Part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, it states cargo moved between two Continued on page 9 Seafarers LOG 5 �SIU's Alaskan Recruitment Program Wins National Award A unique joint initiative between the Seafarers International Union and Alaskan-area private industry councils won national recognition last month for its success in providing jobs for young people from the nation's northernmost state. The National Association of Private Industry Councils (NAPIC) honored the SIU and the Anchorage/Matanuska-Susitna Private Industry Council for their work in training, then employing, Alaskans aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels. The presentation took place March 1 in Washington, D.C. at NAPIC's annual forum. Initiated in 1997 as a way to lower unemployment rates in Alaska, the program has attracted recruits from all over the state. It is strongly backed by Alaska's congressional delegation - Sens. Ted Stevens (R) and Frank Murkowski (R) and Rep. Don Young (R) - and its governor, Tony Knowles (D). The union and council were declared one of two distinguished honorees by the association. Only an Oregon-based training and employment venture ranked higher among the approximately 600 entries and took the top prize. 'This means a lot to all of us involved in the program," SIU Anchorage Representative Harold Holten said after receiving the Theodore E. Small Workforce Partnership Designated Honoree Award on behalf of the union. "Everyone involved has worked hard to promote this in Alaska and make it work. We could not have done it without the backing of the SIU, the shipping companies who sail into Alaska, the fine people at the private industry council and, of course, Senators Stevens and Murkowski, Congressman Young and Governor Knowles as well as their staff's." "It is hard to believe how far we have come in less than two years," noted Lynn Taylor, job partnership training program director for the city of Anchorage. "When Harold and (SIU Assistant Vice President) Bob Hall first presented this to us, we couldn't believe what was available. We had never heard of these opportunities in the merchant marine." Under the program, young men and women who meet the requirements to enter training at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship are recruited by local government and job training officials. Holten works with these groups to screen the recruits and ensure they meet the qualifications required by the U.S. Coast Guard to hold a merchant mariner's document. Once approved, they begin learning the skills needed to sail aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels through the Paul Hall Center's three-phase unlicensed apprentice program. The first phase takes place at the center, located in Piney Point, Md., where the students receive hands-on and classroom training to learn basic seamanship skills. This part takes 12-weeks. Under Phase II, the Alaskan recruits work aboard a U.S.-flag vessel whose itinerary includes Displaying the awards presented to the SIU and the Anchorage Private Industry Council for their work in recruiting young Alaskans to the U.S. merchant marine are SIU Representative Harold Holten (left) and Lynn Taylor from the city of Anchorage. ports in their home state. They sail for 90 days to learn about life at sea by working in all three unlicensed departments. Phase ill training returns to the Paul Hall Center where the students receive department-specific training. Upon graduation, they are shipped out to their first job aboard a U.S.-flag commercial vessel. The success of the Alaskan effort has spawned a similar project in Hawaii. Lundeberg School Vice President Don Nolan stated the facility is willing to work with other councils and groups around the country interested in finding good, dependable employment for their young people. However, the Alaskan recruit- ment initiative was not the only project noticed by NAPIC in its award. It commended the riding gang program for Alaskan residents implemented by the SIU and local Alaskan governments last year. Like the unlicensed apprentice recruitment effort, this also is an ongoing project that is training Last Frontier state residents to work aboard SIU-contracted vessels that dock in Alaska. This program has caught the attention of Rep. Young who addressed the first class of riding gang recruits on their graduation day last summer in Anchorage, where their training took place (see the July 1998 Seafarers LOG). Unlicensed apprentice Mary Bado meets with SIU President Michael Sacco following the February membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. 32-Hour Radar/ARPA Course Approved Sea-I.and Capt. Praises Upgraders are taking advantage of the Paul Hall Center's newly approved 32-hour automatic radar plotting aids (ARPA) class. The United States Coast Guard on March 1 certified that the course meets the applicable requisites of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), as well as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). In making that assessment, the agency evaluated both the course content and the school facilities. Deep sea masters and mates as well as limited license holders doing coastwise work will be required to successfully complete a 32-hour ARPA course. In addition to inland masters and mates, the school anticipates that bosuns and license candidates will be the main enrollees in its newly approved course. 'The approval is super news for the school and the member- Apprentice for Work A graduate of unlicensed apprentice class 576 continues to draw praise for her work aboard the Sea-Land Innovator during her second phase of training in the program. In a letter sent to the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School, Master Brian S. McNamara saluted Mary Bado for her hard work and dedication to learning during her 90-day stint aboard the containership. In his letter, McNamara said he recommended "Bado very highly to you in her desire to complete her studies at Piney Point and in getting her documents as an AB. "Mary has sailed with me aboard the Innovator as an apprentice. While she has grown in stature, knowledge and experience in each department she has worked, she has excelled in the deck department. I have found her sober, industrious, competent and dependable in the performance of all duties assigned her. She is pleasant to everyone and is a very good shipmate. ''Mary is liked and respected by officers and crew alike for her sense of humor, high degree of integrity and demonstrated sense of loyalty to her shipmates. I am convinced Mary would make a superlative AB, and I would very much want to see her return to the Innovator. Her enthusiasm and energy are her strong points with which she can and will go far." The Seafarers LOG published in its February 1999 issue a report from the Innovator's bosun, John E. Stout, on the progress Bado was making during her phase II training. (The unlicensed apprentice program is divided into three parts. Phase I, taken at the Paul Hall Center, provides the basic introduction into seafaring, including safety, water survival and first aid training. Phase II allows the student to experience life in all three departments aboard an SIU-contracted deep sea vessel. The final phase returns the apprentice to the center for specialized training in the department that he or she plans to enter.) Bado graduated from the unlicensed apprentice program earlier this year. She now sails as a GUDE aboard the Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips, operated by Maersk. 6 Seafarers LOii Several upgrading courses have been added to the Paul Hall Centers schedule. See page 23. ship," said J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located in Piney Point, Md. He added that the school is utilizing the most modern radar simulators. The 32-hour class specifically satisfies the following requirements: 46 CFR 10.301-304, IMO resolution A.482 (XII) and STCW Code Sections A-1112, B1112, A-11/1, and A-11/2. Last year, the school completed a major upgrade of its radar equipment for use in simulator training. Five new state-ofthe-art Furuno ARPA radars were installed in September. The modernization also utilizes the five Raytheon radars already housed at the facility. The Furunos are outfitted with automatic radar plotting aids and electronic chart display (ECDS). The ECDS allow the center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship to acquire and display images and conditions of any and all ports worldwide. Additionally, among other improvements, the new system adds real navigation aids including GPS and Loran-C along with features like precipitation clutter, search-and-rescue transponders (SARTS) and Racons. The center's Raytheon radars are integrated with the newer items as well as with new software. Seafarers upgrading at the school (in applicable courses) will have the chance to utilize a training vessel equipped with the newer radar, which has the same capabilities as those used in simulaJion. Students at the Paul Hall Center utilize the school's modern radar equipment (also shown in top photo) as part of the recently approved 32-hour ARPA course. April 1999 �Memories, Hope and Pride Beam from Newest Class of Recertified Stewards It was a time for families, a time for legacies, a time to remember the past and a time to look toward the future. It was March 8 - union meeting day in .Piney Point, Md. and graduation day for the latest class of recertified stewards. Fourteen galley gang members successfully completed the recertification course, the highest level of training offered by the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship for steward department members. During their five weeks of learning, the upgraders received hands-on training at the school's culinary lab, picked up the latest in sanitation methods, participated in computer training, and took refresher lessons in firefighting, safety and first aid. They also met with SIU President Michael Sacco and representatives from the union's contracts, welfare, government affairs, training, communications and vacation and pension funds departments. Graduation day was the culmination of all that and more as each of the stewards described to their fellow Seafarers what it meant to them. Pride Obvious The pride felt by George Vorise was evident to all. He wore a tuxedo to the ceremony. The Jacksonville, Fla. member then told those attending how proud he was to be a Seafarer and what it meant in terms of security, both financial and professional. Sharing in the celebration of graduation day were the families of two members - Joseph Laureta and Dien Short. The Laureta family sat in the front row of the auditorium after flying to Maryland from Hawaii. The 16-year union member informed everyone he was delighted to have his wife Tenie, son Troy and daughter Cheesa with him for this special day. "These are the people I do it for," Laureta stated. "Our families are why we work hard and keep pushing so we can give them the best life possible." Short, who sails from the port of Tacoma, noted his wife Maria was with him for the event. He SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez congratulates Tom Barrett upon graduating from the recertified steward program last month. acknowledged how important upgrading has been in providing a better lifestyle for himself and his soon to be growing family. Rich Heritage Gina Lightfoot was introduced to the audience as "a legacy" by SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Her father, Roan Lightfoot, served as an SIU official, including port agent in Paducah, Ky. Lightfoot reflected on what the union has meant to her throughout her life. She told the unlicensed apprentices attending the meeting that she got her start at the Lundeberg School, with this graduation "being the culmination of 16 years of hard work." She offered herself as proof that "you can accomplish great things with the SIU." Also recalling his beginning as a trainee in the Lundeberg School's old entry level program was James Harris. He addressed his remarks to the unlicensed apprentices urging them to work hard to learn a career. To show how far they could go if they put their minds to it, Harris acknowledged a fellow Lundeberg School trainee who was in the class just before his and last month sat at the dais as a union vice president: Kermett Mangram. Harris pointed out he had Families play an important role in the lives of Seafarers. Being recognized during the recertified steward graduation ceremony are (from the left) Cheesa, Troy and Tenie Laureta who came from Hawaii to be with Joseph and (on the right) Maria Short who traveled from Washington state with her husband Dien. April 1999 returned to the school four times for upgrading since 1978. "I always look forward to returning to Piney Point to upgrade my skills and see all the familiar faces." Another member who got his start from a union training school was Lovell McElroy Sr. Unlike Lightfoot and Harris, his first lessons came from the old Marine Cooks and Stewards facility in Santa Rosa, Calif. shortly before that union merged with the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. He told his fellow Seafarers about jobs that used to abound on passenger ships which provided young people with an entry point into the profession. He said he was happy to hear work was under way to build new U.S.-flag passenger ships that will offer many new jobs to SIU members. "I've learned that the SIU and its officers still continue as their primary focus to make sure Seafarers maintain the jobs they already have while providing new and better ones to take us into the next century,'' said the 24-year member who sails from Mobile. Looking Ahead With an eye to the past, other graduates spoke about the future. Colleen Mast talked about her start aboard the American Hawaii Cruise ships and how she wanted to move up the ladder. Like McElroy, she was excited to Through teamwork, all things are possible as Miguel Pabon (left) and Dana Zuls show off a fried rice dish they created during training. hear about the new ships and new jobs soon to be available to Seafarers. Mast called on the unlicensed apprentices to follow her lead to upgrade as often as possible to ensure these jobs are filled by the best trained mariners. "I recommend upgrading and getting endorsements every chance you get because it definitely improves your chances of shipping out," noted the Wilmington, Calif.based member. Her comments were echoed by another steward from the Southern California port, Tom Barrett. A graduate of Lundeberg School Class 307, Barrett added, "It is good to move up in your field, and you can always learn more." Daniel Maxie looked directly at the unlicensed apprentices and reminded them they are the future of the SIU. He urged them to learn all they could, work with their shipmates when at sea and upgrade as often as possible. Another member from Wilmington centered his remarks on the future of the union and his fellow Seafarers. Teamwork is what this lesson in the culinary lab is all about as Lovell McElroy (left) and Gina Lightfoot (right) work with Chef Allan Sherwin. Dana Zuls, who began sailing 23 years ago in St. Louis, called on those at the meeting to continue upgrading. Zuls noted he has sailed inland and Great Lakes .as well as deep sea and found his five trips to the Lundeberg School helped him in his career. "Upgrading will make you better informed and make being a crew member easier." Zuls found the sanitation and computer skills courses to be beneficial and he particularly praised Chef Romeo Lupinacci for his "guidance, friendship and delicious soups which he made and shared his recipes with me." Thanks to School Others in the group also spoke highly of their time at the school. Frank Martin, who sails from Jacksonville, stated his appreciation for the refresher classes in baking skills taught by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education. He said he saw many changes in the school since he first upgraded in 1987. "I feel the changes in the steward department program have improved a great deal in recent years in comparison with my first upgrading experience. As with any education process, an individual will gain from that course by only whatever amount of effort he is willing to put forth," Martin said. Attending the school for the first time was Philip Paquette from the port of Norfolk, Va. He pointed out the firefighting course and its instructors as highlights of his training. In particular, he singled out Anthony Hammett, who teaches the firefighting course. "The SIU should be proud to have such a Continued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 7 �Another 'Millennium Bug' In 30 Years? Common Fix for Y2K Glitch May Not Last It's called the millennium bug, but the dreaded Y2K computer glitch may resurface a lot sooner than 1.000 years from now. A recent article by the Associated Press cites numerous computer experts who assert that the method most widely used to combat Year 2000 failure only will work for about 30 years at most. ''The temporary fix, using a San Francisco's 'Tom Tom' Succumbs to Heart Attack Retired San Francisco Patrolman Kwong Jin Hom, known to almost all as "Tom Tom," suffered a fatal heart attack January 23. He was 75. After the native of China served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946, he joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards. He worked primarily as a waiter and head waiter aboard American President Lines and Matson vessels before coming ashore in 1966 as a dispatcher in the San Francisco hall. Hom continued working behind the counter when the MC&S merged with the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in 1978. His familiar face greeted members and their families until he retired in 1994. "Tom Tom was liked by everyone;' noted retired SIU Vice sophisticated twist of logic to fool computers, is highly controversial because it's intended to work for only a few decades," reported AP writer Ted Bridis in mid-March. "One expert describes computers already fixed with the technique as 'little ticking time bombs waiting to go off."' The technique is known as windowing, and it reportedly is being used in more than threefourths of "repaired" computers worldwide. It is a cheaper and faster - albeit less stable - fix than the permanent repair, known as expansion. Industry representatives from business and government who are quoted in the AP article scoffed at windowing, likening it to a BandAid, compromise or side-stepping of the problem. Some accused programmers and supervisors of settling for the relatively quick fix because, one way or another, they probably won't be around in their current jobs to face the eventual consequences. One private consultant told Bridis, ''We'll replace this in 20 years, but isn't that exactly the same thing we said back in the 1960s?" No matter how it is approached, the Y2K issue is costly. For example, the U.S. federal government is spending billions of dollars on the Y2K issue, with some agencies embracing the windowing technique while others eschew it. Meanwhile, a newly issued U.S. Senate report on Y2K warns of potential trade disruptions at the end of the year and tags the maritime industry as lagging in preparedness. Released last month, the 160-page report also notes the potential difficulties that loom when companies or governments try to share information after December 31, pointing out that non-compliant systems may corrupt compliant ones. Soderman Crew Passes with Flying Colors Kwong Jin Hom President West Coast George McCartney. "He was an institution in the San Francisco hall and will be missed by all." Hom's remains were cremated and scattered at sea. Film Maker Kubrick Dies Produced SIU Documentary in 1953 Film maker Stanley Kubrick passed away March 7. Although famous to many for his works "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Dr. Strangelove," and "A Clockwork Orange," one of Kubrick's first films was made for the SIU. Titled ''The Seafarers," the 1953 production was put together at the request of Paul Hall, who at that time was the head of the SIU. The union used the black-and-white documentary to show mariners who worked aboard non-union vessels what life in the SIU was like. The union was involved in many organizing drives in the early '50s. Some seamen had their lives threatened if they were seen entering a union hall or associating with someone representing organized labor. Hall thought a film could be run in meeting rooms and other places to show the value of belonging to the SIU. He hired Kubrick, who was just beginning his film career after being a photographer for Look magazine. The movie proved to be a highly successful organizing tool. ''The Seafarers" uses many of the film techniques and images associated with Kubrick in his feature movies. Copies of the ''The Seafarers" are available for viewing at the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum at the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Stewards Graduate The SIU-crewed USNS Soderman recently passed a mandatory audit that is part of the International Safety Management Code (ISM). Pictured above, commemorating the favorable review aboard the converted roll-on/roll-off vessel in Norfolk, Va. are (from left) AB Kevin Newsome, AB Freddie Viniegra, Captain Mike Burke, Chief Engineer Peter Sederquist, SA Lolita Bon, Chief Cook Tim Taylor, QMED Alan Nelson, AB Brock Booker, Bosun Klaus "Whitey" Tankersley, AB Martin Josephson, Wiper Al Greene and Wiper Oomiciano Nonato. Servicing a rigid inflatable boat are (left to right) Bosun Whitey Tankersley, QMEO Alan Nelson and Third Assistant Engineer Brendan Doherty. Working on deck during a brisk afternoon while the vessel is docked in Norfolk, Va. are ABs Kevin Newsome (left) and William Martin. SA Elida Miguel and Chief Cook Tim Taylor help ready lunch on the 907-foot ship. AB Freddie Viniegra helps keep the vessel, part of MSC's prepositioning fleet, looking good. Continued from page 7 quality instructor and person on its staff." Gerald Hyman, who has upgraded nine different times in his 18-year career, summed it up for all when he said, "Study hard and keep on trying." The other member of the graduating class, Miguel Pabon, had to ship out prior to being recognized at the meeting. B Seafarers LOii New Recertified Steward George Vorise shows what graduation meant to him by wearing his tuxedo to the ceremony. April 1999 �Sea-Land Crusader Earns Annual Safety Award Displaying the trophy earned by the Sea-Land Crusader crew for its outstanding safety record in 1998 are (from left) DEU Luis Perez, AB Angel Passapera, Bosun Roberto Diaz, Chief Steward Joe Emidy, Chief Cook Josue Iglesia and AB Roy Payne. SIU members sailing aboard the Sea-Land Crusader in 1998 did their part to help the vessel earn the company's prestigious "Best in Fleet Safety Award." The ship was notified of the award in February. Criteria for judging the winner included zero lost-time injuries; clear demonstration of what SeaLand describes as "a proactive and aggressive" safety program; full compliance with company policies, including participation in an International Safety Management Code (ISM) audit; an improved safety record from the previous year; and more. After finding out the Crusader had won, Captain Dan Murphy commended the entire crew for its efforts. "Although safety training has always been a priority on this vessel, increased time and effort was spent reinforcing safe work practices,'' he noted. "All hands pulled together to watch out for each other." Murphy also credited "strong shoreide support" from Sea-Land as a big factor in the vessel's excellent safety record. Pictured abord the Sea-Land ship during a voyage late last year are SA George Koulouris (left) and DEU Francisco Torres. Ruling Says Company Violated Jones Act Continued from page 5 domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed vessels.) Foreign Control Evidence ABs Angel Passapera (left) and Roy Payne share in the excitement as the vessel win's Sea-Land's annual safety award. Regarding the vessels owned by MV One and operated by Paragon, the Coast Guard (in a January 13 report and released publicly as part of a related court case) stated "evidence shows that foreign-owned companies exert control over the members of MY One." The basis for this statement came from a review of documents that two of the individuals who organized MV One had approved who could be owners of the company. Along with one other person, these two individuals are the managers of MY One. The records further revealed the two received no money from MV One but were paid by CGB Enterprises and Zen-Noh Grain. Additionally, 22 percent of MY One stock is owned by Paragon. The Coast Guard noted each manager is a U.S. citizen, as required by the Jones Act. Yet, it added that under the laws of Louisiana a company set up like MV One is "not to be treated like a corporation." The federal agency concluded "enough evidence has been obtained to show that it appears more likely than not that Paragon Marine Services is indirectly controlled by CGB Enterprises, Inc. a corporation that does not meet citizenship requirements for the purposes of obtaining coastwise endorsements. "Therefore, under 46 CPR 67 .31, Paragon fails to meet stock interest requirements because non-citizens, namely CGB Enterprises, Inc. and its parents, Z.en-Noh and Itochu Corp., exercise control over Paragon Marine Services, Inc. As a result, all members of MV One LLC are not citizens of the U.S. for the purpose of obtaining coastwise endorsements on the certificates of documentation of its vessels. "Therefore, vessels owned by MV One are ineligible for documentation with endorsements for the coastwise trade. Likewise, the vessel owned by Paragon is ineligible for documentation with a coastwise endorsement." MV One appealed the decision, but it was turned down by a panel of judges from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on March 5. The company's vessels then were tied up. This is not the first time Consolidated has come up against the Jones Act. Following purchase of the company by the Japanese concerns in the late 1980s, Consolidated sold its barge fleet in April 1990 after a litigation frpm a competitor who argued the company was violating the freight cabotage law. Crewing Cape Ships In Carolina Wilmington, N.C. is the home port for two SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force vessels, the Robert Maiello and GUDE Tracy Maiello on the Cape Lobos, (middle photo) Bosun John Cape Lambert and Cape Lobos. Among the Seafarers forming part of the reduced operating Konetes, GUDE Ed English and QMED Christopher Benzenberg on the Cape Lambert, and status crews on the U.S. military support ships are (left photo, from left) Chief Steward (right) Bosun Thomas Grosskurth and QEE Thomas Stead aboard the Cape Lobos. Aprll 1999 SeafarelS LOB 9 �The SIU-crewed USNS Bob Hope is a two-year-old roll-on/roll-off ship built for U.S. military support missions. It was delivered to the U.S. Military Sealift Command last November, following sea trials. During a recent stop in Norfolk, Va., Seafarers welcomed aboard a photographer from the Seafarers LOG. With Seafarers Aboard the USNS Bob Hope SA Kevin Lynn Chief Steward Javier "Deli" Delosreyes OMU John Flavin DEU Louis Champa ' l L-:.- U.U' From left: SA Jarvis Bell, OS Louis Green 10 Seafarers LOG AB Stephen Martin From left: AB Anthony Pacely, OS Louis Green, OS Denetrica Brooks April 1999 �Red Circle Crews Approve Contract Seafarers who sail aboard offshore vessels operated by Red Circle recently approved, by unanimous vote, a new three-year contract. The agreement calls for wage increases, with corresponding increases in overtime and penalty rates. The pact also stipulates an increase in company contributions for medical benefits. Red Circle operates three offshore boats with numerous large barges that are covered by the contract. The tugs are the Gail B., Theresa F. and Allison C. The Gail B. primarily transports grain from Florida to Puerto Rico, while the other two usually carry phosphorous (used in fertilizer) from New Orleans to Tampa, Fla. Helping shift the barge Martha B. to a tank full of grain is AB David House in Catano, P.R. AB Roy Rhodes receives timely instructions via radio for shifting a Red Circle barge. Among those who will benefit from the new contract is AB/Cook Leon Lemoine. Chief Cook Walter Wise intently prepares a delicious A 15-year member of the SIU, AB John Gaylor stands by to operate the winch. lunch aboard the Red Circle tugboat Gail B. Great Holiday Meals on Yano Seafarers aboard the USNS Yano spent the holidays supporting U.S. troops engaged in Operation Desert Fox - the bombing and missile raids against Iraq. The way Recertified Steward Gualberto Mirador saw it, such a vital mission need not prevent Yano's military and civilian crew members from enjoying generous holiday menus on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. "I believe the meals help boost morale and help the overall atmosphere aboard the ship," said the longtime SIU member in a recent letter to the Seafarers LOG. Mirador and his fellow steward department members - including Chief Cook Mark Dyer and SAs Ernest Brinkley, Rodolfo Moreira and Amin Zain - put out delicious assortments on the holidays, though not at the expense of good nutrition. As pointed out by Mirador, who graduated from the Paul Hall Center's steward recertification program last August, healthful menus at sea nowadays are emphasized like never before, thanks to increased dietary education. Along those lines, the Yano's holiday meals included plenty of delightfully arranged fruits and vegetables, including celery sticks, carrots, radishes, beets, green beans, broccoli, corn on the cob, pineapples, pears and more. Also featured on the menus were shrimp cocktail, steamed rice, crab pasta salad, candied sweet potato, dinner rolls, roasted turkey, baked glazed ham, prime rib and other selections. For dessert, crew members chose among assorted cakes, pies and cookies. Mirador, who has sailed aboard numerous SIUcrewed military support vessels, reported that the Yano crew members "were very appreciative of the food. They're a great crew, and I must say this is the nicest ship I've ever been on." The Yano is a roll-on/roll-off ship nearly 900 feet long. From left, SA Ernest Brinkley, Recertified Steward Gualberto Mirador and Chief Cook Mark Dyer help keep the USNS Yano~ galley smoothly operating during Operation Desert Fox. April 1999 Chief Cook Mark Dyer serves dessert to ABs D. Roach and M. Ramos. Seafarers LOG 11 �THEATER 12 Seafarers LOG April 1999 �DECK PLAN Ready for the Next Generation """""'·'.,....-'UI While Seafarers continue to perform their jobs e~~~=~:!===:::::====l­ aboard the SS Independence, construction soon 1-----------'-t•~i~ will start on the next generation of U.S.-flag 1- - - - - - - - - . . , , . . - cruise ships. Artists' conceptions of what the new vessels will look like appear on these pages. American Classic Voyages, the parent company for SIU-contracted American Hawaii Cruises, plans to have the first ship in service in the Hawaiian Islands trade by the year 2003 . .The vessels will be 840 feet long with a 105foot beam. The draft will be just over 26 feet. The gross tonnage is expected to be 72,000. The top speed for the ships will be 22 knots. The estimated crew size for these bottoms is 650 people apiece. As designed, each vessel will have 950 cabins to accommodate approximately 1,900 passengers. Each will feature an 840-seat theater, a 590seat cabaret, a 1,060-seat dining room, a fourdeck atrium and 85,850 square feet of open deck space. Seafarers, like those pictured here aboard the Independence, continue to express how much they look forward to these ships joining the U.S.flag fleet. The Seafarers LOG will provide construction updates as the work progresses. April 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 - �• There are a number of milestones in every calendar year. We already have celebrated the beginning of 1999, watched as the two best football teams squared off in the Super Bowl, shown affection to our loved ones on Valentines Day and paid our taxes by the 15th of this month. The next step is thinking about where to spend our summer vacation. There are so many possibilities. Do I want to relax, go fishing, start an exercise program? Do I want to do something educational, sightsee, spend quality time with the kids or grandchildren? For many people, the decision on where to spend a few days or weeks of vacation can be problematic. But Seafarers are lucky. They have the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., which each summer, is made available for vacationing SIU members and their families. Just a short drive from Washington, D.C. and all that our nation's capital has to offer, the center is the perfect location from which to base a summer vacation. Everything a family with diverse interests could ask for is close by. Without even leaving the gates of the campus-located on 65 acres in Southern Maryland at the confluence of the Potomac River and St. George's Creek-there is so much to take advantage of at Piney Point. The facility provides a health spa, tennis courts, olympic-size swimming pool, sailboats and miles of beautiful landscape for peaceful walks or picnics. Comfortable accommodations and three meals a day are extra bonuses. Nearby, in historic southern Maryland, are many famous landmarks and other attractions where one may be entertained by seafood festivals, arts and crafts exhibits, antique shows, country auctions and acres of UNION MEMBER VACATION unspoiled parkland. RATES And for those who wish to venture even further, A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two weeks per Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Alexandria, Va. are short disfamily. tances away, offering many historic and educational sights Member $40.00/day that every member of the family can enjoy. Spouse 10.00/day A vacation stay at the Lundeberg School is limited to two Child 10.00/day weeks per family. So think about it now, talk it over with Note: There is no charge for children your family and secure your reservation by clipping the 11 years of age or younger. The coupon below and mailing it to the Seafarers Training and prices listed above include all meals. Recreation Center at Piney Point. --------------------r--------------------------------------------------------------------------------, SEAFARERS TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Book number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Social Security number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone number: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Number in party I ages of children, if applicable: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Date of arrival: 1st choice: _ __ 2nd choice: _ _ __ 3rd choice: _ _ __ (Stay is limit(!d to a maximum of two weeks) Date of departure: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Send this completed application to the Seafarers Training & Recreation Center, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674. 4199 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------~ 14 Seafarers LOG April 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Totals 18 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 8 IO 4 2 3 7 1 5 4 2 1 17 4 2 16 12 5 5 8 2 10 3 11 10 10 8 15 10 14 2 9 10 2 5 22 29 22 22 6 5 1 7 11 0 10 0 8 2 l 0 11 2 2 2 6 6 I 4 130 70 191 0 79 6 6 6 4 11 4 9 17 4 14 15 8 2 2 4 9 2 5 1 2 4 3 4 4 2 3 0 3 2 3 4 3 0 7 8 5 3 2 3 1 0 0 46 70 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 11 8 2 4 22 23 18 4 16 1 2 0 210 95 26 23 11 3 I 17 17 23 5 2 1 3 26 1 0 1 0 0 11 IO 7 17 6 6 8 12 0 138 0 48 0 0 0 0 1 111 97 42 83 63 17 37 13 IO 14 3 3 11 10 8 6 18 26 18 21 2 10 8 1 2 0 2 8 2 6 4 5 5 0 4 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 2 4 7 0 0 l 0 6 0 243 11 1 0 0 0 85 35 34 8 58 4 3 25 15 12 19 3 14 5 0 6 0 3 2 0 8 5 2 3 13 0 9 6 3 6 0 5 2 2 4 6 1 1 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 1 42 19 109 3 44 16 0 2 2 2 16 8 8 2 0 8 2 0 3 2 0 3 9 3 0 5 0 2 0 4 2 56 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 11 8 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 6 3 11 10 9 35 8 0 0 4 0 4 11 9 0 0 0 7 24 2 IO 2 0 0 9 12 4 2 0 0 25 20 15 22 1 39 0 0 0 0 5 8 5 0 1 39 19 2 1 0 7 8 6 10 4 0 3 21 23 I 1 5 14 13 13 7 2 0 2 7 6 22 55 5 31 36 0 6 8 0 1 1 0 0 37 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 12 3 14 5 8 7 146 4 0 3 3 1 0 1 2 0 4 3 198 3 0 6 1 2 8 0 5 0 0 3 8 l 21 13 3 65 0 4 2 17 9 0 1 1 0 5 0 1 0 1 21 JO 0 15 17 0 0 2 13 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 44 187 145 25 94 88 0 81 282 1 241 549 469 276 408 278 160 163 946 715 419 7 2 0 Jacksonville ............ Thursday: May 6, June 10 Jersey City .............. Wednesday: May 19, June 23 Mobile .................... Wednesday: May 12, June 16 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: May 18, June 22 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 11, June 15 NewYork ................Tuesday: May 4, June 8 Norfolk ...................Thursday: May 6, June 10 San Francisco .........Thursday: May 13, June 17 St. Louis ................. Friday: May 14. June 18 Wilmington ............. Monday: May 17, June 21 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ALLAN GREENWOOD Please contact Edith Greenwood at (941) 4333069 or via email at meeshasma@webtv.net. WILLIAM JAWORSKI Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of William Jaworski, please contact his cousin Michele Le Van at (302) 836-3239. LOOKING FOR LIBERTY LIFEBOAT Retired SIU member George R. Canaday, currently the director of the U.S. Merchant Marine Museum in Anderson, Indiana is seeking a World War II Liberty ship steel hull lifeboat, manufactured by Globe American Corp. of Kokomo, Indiana. Anyone with useful information in this endeavor may reach Brother Canaday at 1230 Jackson St., Anderson, IN 46016, telephone (765) 643-6305,fax (765) 643-2301. JACK UTZ Jack Utz would like to hear from retired SIU members via email. He can be reached at Ariang@theramp.net. 17 4 3 10 Houston .................. Monday: May 10, June 14 5 9 2 4 8 3 Honolulu ................. Friday: May 14, June 18 Tacoma ...................Friday: May 21, June 25 5 I 1 3 0 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: May 12, June 16 1 6 2 1 5 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 13 6 0 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 6, June 10 San Juan ..................Thursday: May 6, June 10 3 1 7 Algonac .................. Friday: May 7, June 11 4 1 3 3 5 6 0 5 1 4 Piney Point ............. Monday: May 3, June 7 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: May 5, June 9 6 3 7 l 5 5 0 3 9 1 6 3 0 3 8 9 3 17 2 5 2 3 0 424 11 2 2 0 13 20 3 2 16 3 3 43 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. April 1999 15 1 3 3 4 5 1 12 7 6 0 6 48 56 19 9 19 9 14 0 13 4 3 23 17 37 62 43 7 2 3 10 19 I 15 7 5 5 31 3 26 0 6 0 8 12 4 5 3 52 5 4 0 5 14 0 l Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 12 2 10 17 14 I 2 2 1 1 12 2 0 2 25 11 5 10 3 3 8 6 2 4 9 Port New York Philadelphia **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Oass A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port New York ·· 40 Philadelphia 3 Baltimore I 16 Norfolk Mobile 14 New Orleans 18 29 Jacksonville 30 San Francisco Wilmington 29 32 Tacoma Puerto Rico 10 Honolulu 5 15 Houston St. Louis 3 Piney Point 3 Algonac 0 Totals 248 Port NewYork Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Trip Reliefs Nlay & June 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters BBQ Helps Crew Celebrate Holiday 4 8 95 15 0 14 The Maj. Stephen W. Pless was in Malaga, Spain during a recent holiday. To celebrate, the captain and crew aboard the Waterman Steamship Line vessel held a cookout aboard ship and invited some of the local citizens. "A good time was had by all." Seafarers LOG 15 �I Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes . Seafamrs Dil'iclot, International Union . . .. · · ·· .. · · ·· ········ . :. FEBRUARY 13 - ::::::::::.· Michael Sacco President John Fay Executive Vtee President David Heindel Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vtce President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast Byron Kelley Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . Kennett Mangram Vice President Government Services ... HEADQUARTERS 5201 Autb Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 52-0 SL Clair River Dr. Algonac, MI 48001 {810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 CL - *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houstont TX 77002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St. Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE l 640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478·Wl6 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529·1546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (7 l8) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 0 30 4 0 15 2 0 7 3 0 18 19 L-Lakes NP- Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Cl~ L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 l 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 5 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 0 29 3 0 10 1 0 6 3 0 18 17 Totals All Depts 28 7 63 70 4 0 0 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 24 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410)327-4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 Company/Lakes MARCH 12, 1999 FEBRUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Cl~B Class C Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 0 0 4 0 1 5 1 0 2 Lakes, Inland Waters 43 0 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 14es, Inland W!te~ West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals 1 45 0 2 0 I ~,6 0 0 0 ,o, 0 17 0 0 0 1 0 0 19 0 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 I 1 1 MARCH 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 9 11 1 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 0 ,0 0 0 1 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 41 9 52 0 0 3 0 0 16 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 3 81 2 7 13 1 6 86 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 17 0 17 34 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 4 42 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4St. Philadelphia. PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 34t1 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON .510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) .549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG This photo, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner George A. Burke of Brooklyn, N. Y. was taken in early 1952 aboard the Bull Lines steamship Kathryn. The vessel had just made a special stop in Norfolk, Va. to pick up the governor of Puerto Rico, Don Luis Munoz Marin, (standing directly behind life ring on right) and his family after meeting with President Harry Truman and the U.S. Congress. Brother Burke is pictured in a white cap, standing behind the governor. Now 71, he joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of New York and graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. He retired January 1, 1993. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. April 1999 �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. A mong the 20 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are three recertified bosuns and one recertified steward. Representing more than 125 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Christos D. Florous, Stanley J. Jandora and Howard C. Knox and Recertified Steward Yen M. Huey graduated from the highest level of training in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 11 of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division, six sailed the inland waterways, one plied the Great Lakes and two sailed in the Atlantic Fishermen's division. Eleven of the retirees sailed in the deck department, while five worked in the engine department and four were members of the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's pensioners. DEEP SEA NA SAR ALFAQIH, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of San Francisco. '--------'=~-_, Born in Arabia, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the SeaLand Innovator. Brother Alfaqih makes his home in Wilmington, Calif. THOMAS E. CORRELL, 63, started his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Antinous, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Correll sailed as deck/engine/utility and signed off the Sea-Land Crusader. A native of New York, he calls Brooklyn home. CHRISTOS D. FLOROUS, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1968, sailing aboard the Transwestern, ===.:..... operated by Hudson Waterways. Born in Greece, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1981 . Prior to his retirement, Brother Florous signed off the Falcon Leader, operated by Seahawk Management. He has retired to Astoria, N. Y. April 1999 YENM. HUEY, 63, graduated from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in Santa Rosa Calif. in 1969 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the steward recertification program in 1990. Brother Huey last sailed aboard the President Truman, operated by American Ship Management. Born in China, he calls San Francisco home. STANLEY J. JANDORA, 81, first sailed with the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Arthur L. Perry, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. A native of New Jersey, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. Brother Jandora last sailed aboard the Wilson, operated by Wilson Shipping. During his career he was active in union organizing drives. From 1932 to 1936, he served in the U.S. Marine Corp. Brother Jandora makes his home in Colts Neck, NJ. HOWARDC. KNOX, 64, started his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of New York, aboard the Northwestern Victory. Born in Jamaica, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1981. Brother Knox last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. He has retired to Mt. Vernon, N.Y. JOSEPH J. MOLL JR., 60, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in ===.::::=.:.:.:~===-i 1964and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. Brother Moll worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Robert E. Lee, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. A native of Florida, he makes his home in Destin. ARMANDO MONCADA 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of New Orleans. During his career, he sailed in all three departments: deck, engine and steward and upgraded his skills at the Lunde berg School. Born in Honduras, Brother Moncada makes his home in New Orleans. . THOMASJ. 'MURPHY, : 65, first sailed : with the SIU : in 1980 in the port of Honolulu. A native of Illinois, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Murphy last sailed in 1995, aboard the Long Lines operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. From 1955 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He makes his home in Pearl City, Hawaii. HOOKERG. PRICE, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sam Houston, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Brother Price has retired to Chesapeake, Va. CLEMENTE ROCHA JR., 62, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in "---'-===='----' 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of Houston. The Texas native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the SeaLand Hawaii. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Rocha makes his home in San Antonio, Texas. INLAND GERARDH. FREBURGER, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of Baltimore. A native of Maryland, he worked in the engine department, last sailing as a chief engineer. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1958 to 1962, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Freburger last sailed aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Street, Md. transferred to the deck department. Boatman Greenway upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the towboat operator program in 1979. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S . Army. He last sailed in 1995 aboard the Sea Robin, operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He has retired to Oriental, N.C. DONALD J. GREGORY, 63, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1975 after a 20-year career with the U.S. Coast Guard. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the engine department, last sailing in 1989 aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Gregory makes his home in Forest Hill, Md. JULIANP. McALPIN, 62, started with the Seafarers in 1970. During his career, he worked in the ~----~ deck department, last sailing as a captain. The Tennessee native last sailed in 1993 aboard the Apollo, operated by Sabine Transportation Co. Boatman McAlpin calls Cortland, Miss. home. KIRBY K. NELSON JR., 61, began sailing with the SIU in 1980 after a 20-year career with the U.S. Army. The Georgia native started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. During his career, he upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off a Crowley Towing and Transportation vessel. Boatman Nelson makes his home in Savannah, Ga. JOSE A. NUNEZ,65, joined the Seafarers in 1986 in the port of San Francisco, sailing aboard the USNS Hess, operated by LSC Marine, Inc. Starting out in the deep sea division, he later transferred to inland vessels. Born in Uruguay, he worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. Boatman Nunez has retired to Luquillo, P.R. GREAT LAKES PERRY E. WILLIS, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Detroit. Born in West Virginia, he worked as a wheelsman, last sailing in 1989 aboard the Paul Thayer, operated by Pringle Transit Co. From 1951 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Willis makes his home in Rainelle, W.Va. ARANTIC FISHERMEN .--:====----· MICHAEL SPINOLA, 57, joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1967 in the port of Boston, before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A native of Massachusetts, he worked as an engineer, last sailing aboard the St. Mary. From 1961to1964, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Spinola calls Gloucester, Mass. home. THOMAS J. SPINOLA, 61, started his career with the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1967 in the port of Boston, before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. During his career, he sailed in all three departments. Prior to his retirement, Brother Spinola last sailed aboard the St. Mary as a member of the engine department. A native of Massachusetts, he makes his home in Gloucester. JOHN W. GREENWAY, JR., 65, joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, he started out in the steward department and later Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA ALFRED J. AUSTIN Alfred J. Austin, 57, passed away January 21. Brother Austin started his SIU career in 1972 in the port of Detroit, sailing ======= aboard the car ferry Vi.king, operated by Ann Arbor Railroad Company. The New York native later transferred to deep sea vessels. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Austin was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. - ROSCOE BATTLE Pensioner Roscoe Battle, 73, died December 18, 1998. A native of New York, he graduated from the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1963, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Battle, a resident of Hayward, Calif., began receiving his pension in April 1984. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and again during the Korean Conflict, from 1942 to 1946 and from 1952 to 1953, respectively. EDMUND C. BURKE Pensioner Edmund C. Burke, 85 passed away January 29. He started his career with the MC&S in 1957 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Burke retired in January 1976. ANDRES C. CASTELO Pensioner Andres C. Castelo, 80, passed away January 23. Born in the Philippines, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1948 from the port of New York. During his career, he sailed as a member of the engine department and was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Castelo began receiving his pension in May 1980. FELIX COSME Pensioner Felix Cosme, 83, died January 16. Brother Cosme joined the MC&S in 1952 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Puerto Rico and a resident of Oakland, Calif., he retired in February 1966. SAM GREGUREV Pensioner Sam Gregurev, 87, passed away December 15, 1998. He started his career with the MC&S in 1946 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Yugoslavia, he began receiving his pension in August 1970. Brother Gregurev was a resident of San Francisco. EVALDKAMM r - - - - - - - - - - , Pensioner Evald Kamm, 87, died January 29. Born in Estonia, he joined the Seafarers in 1950 in the port of New York. Brother Kamm sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Astoria, N. Y., he retired in December 1976. FRANK KEPROSKY Pensioner Frank Keprosky, 83, passed away January 19. A native of 18 Seafarers LOG Pennsylvania, he joined the MC&S in 1957, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Keprosky resided in Anaheim, Calif. and retired in October 1974. GERALD R. KIDD Pensioner Gerald R. Kidd, 60, died February 7. Born in Virginia, he graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Baltimore. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1976. Prior to his retirement in January 1999, he signed off the Guayama, operated by NPR, Inc. Brother Kidd was a resident of Baltimore. TOMMY T. KUTEI TommyT. Kutei, 60, passed away February 12. Brother Kutei began his SIU career in 1983 from the port of Honolulu, sailL---"----'-"'-'---'-~ ing aboard the SS Independence, operated by American Hawaii Cruises. Born in Palau in the Pacific Islands, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Honolulu. HENRY LYNCH Pensioner Henry Lynch, 81, died December 11, 1998. He joined the MC&S in 1956 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Louisiana, Brother Lynch began receiving his pension in November 1973. CHARLES E. MICHAELS ,...,,..,..--====--::-::-,.,,-, Charles E. Michaels, 81, passed away November 11, 1998. Brother Michaels started his sailing career with the Seafarers ====:=...J in 1960 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. The Florida native sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1938 to 1945. CLIFFORD L. NICKERSON Pensioner Clifford L. Nickerson, 95, died January 28. Born in Louisiana, he began his SIU career in 1947 from the port of .___ _ _ _ __..New Orleans. Brother Nickerson sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in February 1970. He was a resident of McComb, Miss. EDSEL W. SHOLAR Pensioner Edsel W. Sholar, 68, passed away December 16, 1998. A native of North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in ==---=-----' 1969 from the . the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia and a resident of Norfolk, he sailed as a member of the steward department. port of New York. Brother Sholar sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Air Force. A resident of Asheboro, N.C., he started receiving his pension in March 1997. HENRY A. SIMMONS ..---___,..,==== Pensioner Henry A. Simmons, 71, died January 1. Brother Simmons joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. A native of South Carolina, he sailed in the steward department as a chief cook and retired in August 1989. He was a resident of Pineville, S.C. CYRIL A. SPENCE Cyril A. Spence, 61, passed away July 13, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in 1977 in the port of New York. The New .___ _ _ _ ___.York native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1989. Brother Spence was a resident of Bronx, N.Y. GABRIEL THOMPSON Pensioner Gabriel Thompson, 78, passed away January 22. Born in Massachusetts, he joined the MC&S in 1963 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The galley gang member upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and retired in February 1991. Brother Thompson was a resident of Seattle. DARRELL TOUCHSTONE Pensioner Darrell Touchstone, 40, died December 30, 1998. A native of Florida, he graduated from the Lundeberg .__~;:,.;,.:.;.:."-'---~.;.____. School's entry level training program in 1977 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1991. A resident of Pensacola, Fla., he began receiving his pension in September 1997. PEDRO A. VIRUET Pensioner Pedro A. Viruet, 83, passed away November 6, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in 1943 in the port ==----~ of New York. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Viruet retired in June 1970. He was a resident of Arecibo, P.R. ROBERT W. WALKER Robert W. Walker, 57, died on February 1. Brother Walker joined INLAND LEWIS J. ALBERTSON Pensioner Lewis J. Albertson, 77, passed away December 7, 1998. A native of North Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Albertson started out in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945. A resident of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., he began receiving his pension in February 1988. GERALD W. ANSELL Pensioner Gerald W. Ansell, 67, died January IO. He began his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North ======= Carolina, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the towboat operator program in 1973. Boatman Ansell started receiving his pension in April 1994. From 1949 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. WILBUR N. AUSTIN Pensioner WilburN. Austin, 68, passed away January 21. Boatman Austin joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port ""'-'-------' of Norfolk, Va., after a 20-year career in the U.S. Coast Guard. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department and attended two educational conferences at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Wanchese, N.C., he retired in April 1995. THOMAS M. BRESLIN Pensioner Thomas M. Breslin, 86, died December 11, 1998. Born in Ireland, he started his career with the SIU in 1963 in ===== the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Breslin sailed in the steward department and retired in March 1982. He was a resident of Douglassville, Pa. DOROTHY M. CRIPPS iiiiiiililiiii Pensioner Dorothy M. Cripps, 73, passed away February 11. Sister Cripps joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port ==--.;.__;;.;;=-----•of St. Louis. A native of Missouri, she sailed in the steward department and began receiving her pension in November 1991. She made her home in Staunton, Ill. ULZA J. DUPREE Pensioner Ulza J. Dupree, 94, passed away December 27, 1998. He began his career with the Seafarers in Port Arthur, Texas. The Louisiana native sailed in the steward department, primarily aboard vessels operated by Sabine Towing & Transportation. A resident of Port Arthur, Boatman Dupree started receiving his pension in July 1969. DWAYNE EMBREY Dwayne Embrey, 61, died January 7. Boatman Embrey joined the SIU in 1974. During his career, he sailed in the deck and steward departments. In 1977, he attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School. The Mississippi native served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1954 to 1962. He was a resident of Belleville, Ill. BILLY B. HOLCOMBE Billy B. Holcombe, 60, passed away December 2, 1998. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1955 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Holcombe worked in the engine department, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Penn Maritime, Inc. A native of Alabama, he was a resident of Stockton. EDWARD W. HULTZ Pensioner Edward W. Hultz, 65, died December 25, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he started his career with the SIU in 1955 in L . ; ; . ; ; . : . : = = - " - - - - - - ' the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member upgraded to first class pilot at the Lundeberg School and attended an educational conference there in 1978. Prior to his retirement in April 1995, Boatman Hultz signed off the Cape May, operated by Coleman's Launch Service. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Mickleton, NJ. BERNARD J. "BRUNO" IWANOWSKI Pensioner Bernard J. "Bruno" Iwanowski, 81, passed away January 26. Boatman Iwanowski began his SIU =====---_.. career in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania native sailed as a member of the steward department and started receiving his pension in November 1979. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. He was a resident of Stevens Point, Wisc. CALVIN C. LASSITER Pensioner Calvin C. Lassister, 70, passed away January 9. Born in Arkansas, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port L...------~ of Houston. Boatman Lassister worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. A resident of Doucette, Texas, he began receiving his pension in April 1993. Continued on page 20 April 1999 �The SeBfarers LOG allempl8 to print 8$ many digests of union shlpboant minutes as possible. On occasion, because:ol1paceN ,- Jlmilations, 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 ta the Seafarers LOG for publication. HM/ DYNACHEM (IUM), November 27 - Chairman Paul Lucky, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Engine Delegate Victor Quioto, Steward Delegate James Harris. Crew stated it has not received reply from union concerning vacation pay withholding tax. Chairman reported that new SIU-contracted vessels are being crewed. Secretary reviewed a tax guide received from IRS. He told members about SIU crewing RRF vessels for government exercise that went well. Crew discussed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to look into reducing seatime to qualify for vacation and pension. Crew stated SIU medical cards should list benefits covered, thereby facilitating the processing of paperwork by health-care providers. New exercise equipment has been purchased. Crew discussed shipboard training segment for unlicensed apprentices from Lundeberg School. GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November 1 - Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel River a , Deck Delegate Howard Blanks, Engine Delegate Jamal Jabila, Steward Delegate Kenneth Bethea. Educational director encouraged crew to "better your skills and pay by upgrading in Piney Point." He urged members to donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew read letter from SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, who was responding to earlier inquiry. Crew asked contracts department to consider reduction in required rotary seatime as well as time required to attain 'B' book. Crew discussed with patrolman an incident pertaining to removal of VCR from lounge. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department and to DEU A. Bruno for "excellent job" on sanitary duties. Crew donated $350 to Red Cross for disaster relief for Honduran and Nicaraguan victims of Hurricane Mitch. Next port: Boston. Together Again They had sailed together before and were happy to find themselves reunited aboard the Diamond Shoals. From the left are Second Mate Joseph Angelillo, Chief Mate Kimberly Borges and OMU Angel Figueroa. April 1999 GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), November 29 Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Al Balactico. Crew discussed "Know Your Rights" section published in each issue of Seafarers LOG. Crew discussed department jurisdiction. Crew thanked steward department for "wonderful" Thanksgiving meal. GREAT LAND (TOTE), November 2 - Chairman Jack Edwards, Secretary Muhamad Sani, Educational Director Michael Phillips, Steward Delegate Jioia DeLeon. Crew discussed TRBs and which sections require sign-off. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew submitting request to contracts department regarding vacation checks. Crew discussed information received from U.S. Coast Guard concerning paperwork required for mariners' documents. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), November 10Chairman Joel Miller, Secretary G. Thomas, Educational Director E. Ford. Crew asked contracts department for clarification regarding stand-by. Educational directoF reminded crew to renew documents on time and pay quarterly dues on time. Steward delegate discussed recent oil-spill containment drill. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), November 29 Chairman Marvin Zimbro, Secretary Nee Tran, Deck Delegate Efstratios Zoubantis, Engine Delegate Roman Hill, Steward Delegate J. Thacker. Chairman reminded crew to keep deck and gangway clean. He encouraged crew to read president's report in Seafarers LOG. Secretary reminded crew to clean rooms and leave clean linen for next crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested that required time for vacation check be halved. Crew thanked steward department for Thanksgiving feast and overall job well done. ITS BALTIMORE (Sheridan Transportation), December 6 Chairman Patrick Ray, Secretary Richard Worobey. Crew asked contracts department for clarification on article in December LOG regarding dues vs. agency fees. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed desire for greater flexibility in on-and-off schedules. Crew stated thicker coveralls are needed when working in colder climates. Crew identified need for improved communication between the union and company. OVERSEAS VIVIAN (OSG Ship Management), December 21Chairman Roberto Zepeda, Secretary F. T. Di Carlo Jr., Educational Director Milton L. Israel, Deck Delegate Timothy J. Jackson, Engine Delegate Charles S. Demourelle, Steward Delegate Cesar A. Avila. Department delegates reported no beefs or disputed OT this trip. Suggestion made to contracts department to improve medical coverage for spouses and dependents of Seafarers and to supply medical coverage identification cards. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Texas City, Texas. MAJ. STEPHEN W. PLESS (Waterman Steamship), December 6-Chairman Robert E. Hagood, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Adolfo E. Schultze, Deck Delegate William Kratsas, Engine Delegate R. Woods, Steward Delegate Nick Andrews. Chairman expressed need for all crew members to file for training record books (TRBs) and informed them of need for TRB to register to ship out. Vessel due to arrive in Palma de Mallorca, Spain on December 7. Payoff to take place two days later. Relief crew will be on 10:00 launch. Those persons being relieved will debark on 12:00 launch with bus waiting to take them to hotel. Educational director reminded everyone of various courses available at Lundeberg School in Piney Point and stated all should take advantage of them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President's Report in Seafarers LOG read and discussed and crew gave vote of thanks to SIU President Mike Sacco for fine job he is doing. Question raised as to why crew does not get ammo bonus and officers do. Chairman explained memorandum of understanding voids it from standard contract. Memorial Day barbecue/cookout held in Malaga, Spain. Local residents invited aboard to help celebrate. Thanks given to steward department for good meals, cleanliness and sanitation, especially Chief Cook Nick Andrews, ACU Faith Downs, SNPantry Raford Nixon and SA/BR Tom Misko. PETERSBURG (Bay Ship Management), December 6 Chainnan Eddie Hall, Deck Delegate Daniel Ticer Jr., Engine Delegate Reginald Hunter. Vessel completed training exercise with U.S. Navy in South Korea and returned to Guam. Chairman reminded crew to have officers sign TRBs where appropriate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department for clarification about midnight curfew instituted by chief mate. SEA FOX (Crowley), December 6 - Chairman Robert Richer, Secretary Norman Cox, Educational Director Philip Brew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested copy of benefits available under SIU medical plan. SEA-LAND ATLANTIC (SeaLand Service), December 6 Chairman John Bertolino, Secretary Edward Porter, Educational Director Ralph Garner. Crew received chairs for mess hall and crew lounge. Chairman thanked crew for pleasant voyage and announced payoff. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done and commended them for Thanksgiving dinner. Next port: Boston. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), December 1Chairman Hayden W. Gifford, Deck Delegate Paul J. Limback, Engine Delegate Steve K. DuPre. Chairman discussed need for crew members to have TRBs signed before end of year. Most already have had books signed by chief mate. He noted crew very active in drills and safety meetings. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Education director stated lots of ships crewing up, so everyone should be sure to have all documents up-to-date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on wiper standing by for bunkers and cleaning of fuel Cirafisi, Deck Delegate Douglas A. Hodges, Engine Delegate Jorge R. Bonelli. Chairman announced receipt of letters from union officials regarding vessel's organizational status. Educational director noted STCW course held aboard ship, supervised by Chief Engineer Richard Ouelette for benefit of crew and officers. He also reminded everyone that upgrading at Last Shot of the Year on the Diamond Shoals Following an end-of-the-year payoff in Houston, crew members aboard the Diamond Shoals gather for a group photo taken by OMU Angel Figueroa. They are (from left, front row) GVA Cecil Edwards, AB Cleveland West, OMU David Dehart, OMU William Young, (second row) CPU Alvin Burroughs, Recertified Steward Jose A. Rivera, Recertified Bosun Doyle Ellette, (third row) AB Tom Arriola, AB Matt Holley, Chief Cook Stephen Avallone, AB Ronald Davis and AB M.L. Jackson. strainers. Stewards given thanks for maintaining spotless mess and decks and for making ship "a feeder." Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), December 13 Chairman Joel Lechel, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational Director C.M. Devonish. Ship headed to New Orleans then Mobile, Ala. for 35-day layup. Educational director reminded crew to acquire and utilize TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to negotiate increased vacation time. Ship still needs another ice machine. Crew thanked steward department for great food and homemade baked goods. Bosun thanked entire crew for maintaining clean ship. Next port: New Orleans. BLUE RIDGE (Crowley), January 2 - Chairman A. Alwaseem, Engine Delegate David Davis Jr., Steward Delegate Demont Edwards. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Houston. No beefs or disputed Of reported. Crew asked contracts department for clarification on rest period. Crew thanked steward department for holiday efforts and thanked church for Christmas presents for ship. CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), January 17 - Chairman David Garoutte, Secretary Miguel Vinca, Deck Delegate Abubakar Idris, Engine Delegate William Blankenship, Steward Delegate Romalies Jones. Chairman announced that upcoming voyage will include three ports in West Africa. He commended crew for good job cleaning cargo hold. Engine delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for good meals and also praised GSU Luis Rochez for keeping mess hall clean. Crew sent photos and article to Seafarers LOG. Next port: Lake Charles, La. EL YUNQUE (Sea Star), January 8-Chairman Charles 0. Herrera, Secretary Manny Basas, Educational Director Joseph R. Lundeberg School is one way of securing jobs for future. Secretary asked crew members to return movies after watching or within 24 hours. He thanked all hands for helping keep recreation room and messhall clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew waiting for microwave oven. Suggestion made to look into pension being increased to keep up with cost of living. Vote of thanks given to Chief Steward Basas and the steward department for the great meals, especially those to celebrate Christmas and New Year's. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman), January 3 - Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Miguel Pabon, Educational Director F. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Donald Hood, Engine Delegate Lawrence Craig, Steward Delegate Marco Guevara. Chairman reminded crew to have officers sign TRBs where appropriate. Deck delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by engine or steward delegates. New dryer needed for crew laundry room. Next port: Morehead City, N.C. NEDLLOYD HOLLAND (SeaLand Service), January 28 Chairman Paul Domes, Secretary Pablo Alvarez, Educational Director Craig Niedzielski. Chairman announced payoff scheduled for Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director reminded crew that he is available to discuss nutrition information. Engine delegate reported disputed OT. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward delegates. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management ), January 3Chairman Richard Bradford, Secretary Paula Kaleikini, Educational Director Ernest Cox, Deck Delegate Joseph Allum, Steward Delegate Carmello De La Cruz. Chairman noted those crew members not being relieved in Portland will remain on articles and not be paid off until it is their time to be relieved, or captain is Continued on page 20 Seafarers LOG 19 �~ Ships' Digests Continued from page 19 relieved, whichever occurs first. Educational director stressed the importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun stated good job done by unlicensed apprentice this voyage. Oiler Cox complimented steward department on great food and service. Next port: Portland, Ore. PETERSBURG (Bay Ship Management), January 17 Chairman Eddie Hall, Secretary Oscar Angeles, Educational Director John D'Alessandro, Deck Delegate Daniel Ticer, Steward Delegate Wendy Fearing. Educational director encouraged crew to stay current in all requirements and training. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed importance of keeping all shipboard areas in sanitary condition. /TB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation), January 17 Chairman Edwin Rivera, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director Rashawn Richardson, Engine Delegate Teki Williams, Steward Delegate Mohamed Hussien. Chairman reported smooth sailing with good crew and productive working relationship with officers. He noted captain has helped keep TRB systern in order. Secretary echoed thanks regarding captain's willingness to work closely with SIU members in regard to TRBs. Secretary thanked crew for keeping common areas clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Elizabeth, N .J. Chairman said he feels privileged to work and sail with this crew. He reminded crew to assist unlicensed apprentices when they come aboard. He discussed affiliation of SIUNA and NMU. Educational director urged crew to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked contracts department to explore possibility of adjusting pension. Crew thanked steward department for cookout. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), January 24 Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgar Vazquez, Educational Director Frank Berner. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Elizabeth, N.J. and reported smooth sailing. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew noted letter from SIU President Michael Sacco and VP Augie Tellez was posted concerning affiliation of SIUNA and NMU. Crew said they are happy the ship has resumed its regular schedule. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), January 17 Chairman Calvain James, Secretary Stephanie Sizemore, Educational Director Chris Tsipliarels, Steward Delegate Thomas Milovich. Chairman said crew should be present at sanitary cabin inspections or search. Secretary thanked deck and engine departments for helping maintain ship's house in good order. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reminded crew that donations to seamen's mission in Boston are being accepted. He thanked them for Christmas gifts. Next port: Boston. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), January 18 - Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary Ed Winne, Educational Director Rex Bolin. CALE DAR 14 Cs ...Q 0 April ~ i. B 4 i ~1'-! ~ ...)' Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968 while helping striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tenn. 12 Harlan Florence Reece, active in County, Ky. coal strikes and authol" of the famous labor song "Which Side Are You On," was born in 1900. In 1939, John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath was published. The novel of social protest dramatized the story of "Okies"workers who migrated from Oklahoma's dust bowl to the groves of California-and experienced tremendous hardships and exploitation along the way. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), January 17 - despised, the neglected, the downtrodden, and the poor." 20 attacked In 1914, company gunmen atent colony of striking miners and theirfamilies in Colorado, setting it ablaze and killing 19 men, women and children in what is remembered as the Ludlow Massacre. 27 James Oppenheim's poem, "Bread and Roses," was pub1S A.can-American Philip Randolph, an Afrilished in Industrial Solidarity in and one of the most influential trade unionists in the U.S. labor movement, was born in 1889. The organizer and president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, an all-black union, Randolph said: "The essence of trade unionism is uplift. The labor movement traditionally has been the haven for the dispossessed, the 1946. "Our lives shall not be sweated/from birth until life closes/ hearts starve as well as bodies; give/ us bread, but give us roses," the poem reads. It was penned after Oppenheim saw a sign held by young mill girls picketing in the 1912 strike against woolen companies in Lawrence, Mass. Chairman Dennis Brown, Secretary G. Sivley, Educational Director Steve Bigelow, Steward Delegate Reynaldo Telmo. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and thanked crew for smooth voyage. Educational director asked all crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew received response letter from SIU Contracts VP Augie Tellez. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Crew thanked B. Padaoan for going ashore in Kaohsiung to buy movies. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. LNG TAURUS (Pronav Ship Management), January 24 Chairman Daniel Marcus, final Departures Continued from page 18 JOHN W. MARSHALL =======i Pensioner John W. Marshall, 94, died October 18, 1998. He began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Baltimore. Boatman Marshall sailed as a captain and retired in March 1969. He was a resident of Cambridge, Md. In order to ensure that each active SIU member and pensioner receives a copy of the Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and health insurance checks and bulletins or notices-a correct home address must be on file with the union. If you have moved recently or feel that you are not getting your union mail, please use the form on this page to update your home address. Your home address is your permanent address, and this is where all official union documents will be mailed (unless otherwise specified). If you are getting more than one copy of the LOG delivered to you, if you have changed your address, or if your name or address is misprinted or incomplete, please fill out the form and send it to: Seafarers International Union Address Correction Department 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 r-------------------------------------------------, HOME ADDRESS FORM 4;99 (Please Print) Name: Social Security No.: _ _ _ I _ _ _ I _ __ D Active SIU Book No.: D Pensioner D Other This will be my permanent address for all official union mailings. This address should remain in the union.file unless otherwise changed by me personally. L-------------------------------------------------~ 20 Seafarers LOG Island. A resident of Yulee, Fla., he began receiving his pension in November 1997. GREAT LAKES LEO R. DZIESINSKI Pensioner Leo R. Dziesinski, 88, died January 28. He started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of ==.;.;.;...;.;..;;;;._==~;;;...t Cleveland. A native of Michigan, he sailed in the deck department and retired in January 1978. Brother Dziesinski was a resident of Alpena, Mich. ALI B. FITAHEY JOSEPH J. ''PETE" PIETRAS ==------.Pensioner Joseph J. "Pete" Pietras, 75, passed away January 14. Boatman Pietras joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port '-""--"'------..... of Baltimore. A native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in November 1985. A veteran of World War Il, the Korean Conflict and Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1941 to 1966. Boatman Pietras was a resident ofWanchese, N.C. CLARK PETIT Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Curtis Jackson, Deck Delegate John Ray, Engine Delegate Mark Freeman, Steward Delegate Brian McEleney. Chairman thanked crew for pleasant tour. He discussed latest developments in Pronav's reflagging efforts. He reminded everyone to continue working safely. Secretary thanked crew for keeping lounge clean. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer thanked AB Harry Massa for donation to ship's fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Crew read fax sent from union headquarters. Crew thanked steward department for job well done. Clark Petit, 36, passed away October 17, 1998. A native of Minnesota, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996 from the '--------~ port of Algonac, Mich. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Petit was a resident of Rockford, Ill. CLARENCE A.ROBISON Pensioner Clarence A. Robison, 70, died January 17. A native of Mississippi, he joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Robison sailed as a chief engineer and began receiving his pension in July 1993. From 1952 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Argyle, Fla. JAMES E. STEWART Pensioner James E. Stewart, 68, died January 14. Boatman Stewart started his career with . the SIU in 1979 in the port of =~..;.._---~ Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Maryland, he worked in the steward department, sailing primarily for NATCO. His first and last vessel, coincidentally, was the Sugar Pensioner Ali B. Fitahey, 72, passed away October 16, 1998. Br her Fitahey joine the Seafarers in 1965 in the port ~:=.....;.;;;......;.;.;.;,_;.:.;__;:=~ of Detroit. Born in Arabia, he became a U.S. citizen and sailed as a member of the deck department. He began receiving his pension in November 1995. HUNTER F. GRIMES Pensioner Hunter F. Grimes, 92, died December?, 1998. Born in Virginia, he started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port =====---' of Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Grimes sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in July 1976. He made his ho~.e in Alexandria, N.Y. STEPHEN J. HERMAN Pensioner Stephen J. Herman, 79, passed away December4, 1998. A native Pennsylvanian, he began sailing with the '---'=====c..""""' Seafarers in 1959. Brother Herman sailed in the deck department and retired in November 1984. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. He was a resident of Miami Lakes, Fla. ATLANT1C FISHERMEN ENRICO V. STRESCINO Pensioner Enrico V. Strescino, 81, died February 5. A native of Massachusetts, he began his career with the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1940 in the port of Boston, before it merged with the AGLIWD. Brother Strescino sailed in the deck department and retired in December 1980. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He made his home in Gloucester, Mass. April 1999 �Letters:to"the Editor •. . I (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) in hydrogen sulfide content. One case study showed a depreciation to 85 percent of its initial starting concentration. Although corrosion does account for some consumption of the sulfide content, it is shown that the natural partitioning in the vessel and ventilation of the inert gas (IG anti-ignition blanket) acted as a means for the Recollections from a release of the hydrogen sulfide. Retired Captain These releases of the IG system In the August 1998 edition of have always been known to the LOG, I read about the passing depreciate the volatile organic of Adrian J. Janacek. I had the carbons, but until recently, it has pleasure of having this fine sailor not been researched as a carrier onboard the SIS Summit when we for other absorption gases. A United Kingdom company started the Aleutian Island Service and a Brazilian oil firm are develfor Sea-Land Service in 1972. He was a man you could oping an on-board processing always count on, and he had a lot plant to develop this discovery of of great stories, too! One that hydrogen sulfide content deprecistands out in my mind is when ation. Without major modification Sea-Land asked us to go into to existing crude carriers, they Balboa Bay, look around and take predict that the on-board process a few pictures, if possible, to can serve to reduce the hydrogen determine if they would meet a sulfide during sea transport. The fish processor there. I asked if removal of hydrogen sulfide anyone had a suitable camera. ("sweetening the crude") from the Adrian Janacek said that he did cargo can add a value of anywhere and would bring it to the bridge. I from $.50 to $2.00 per barrel. As seamen, we are interested thought that he would have more in this development: it concerns than a baby Brownie, but was not ready for what he showed up with. the future and future development Adrian came to the bridge with a of seaborne transportation for large aluminum suitcase full of petroleum products. Following is expensive, state-of-the-art ca ra a review of how it will work. By forcing circulation of the equipment. H some great pho s, sent them on to marine inert gas that is over the crude and operations, and they eventually circulating same to a regenerator, did use Balboa Bay for a meeting the scavenged hydrogen sulfide can be oxidized to sulfur. Since place with the processors. At this point, I would like to sulfur concentration is fractional say that we had a very good crew in crude oi concentrati a ha on that vessel. Seems that the no significant effect on product unusual nature of the service price, the sulfur can be returned to the cargo, thus eliminating any attracted very good people .... In closing, I will share a little by-product or waste. Ensuring a information about myself. Prior to closed system also will serve to obtaining my license in 1957, I control the volatile hydrocarbon sailed in the fo'c'sle as a permit loss that is inherent in the man in the SUP. Also put in some seaborne transport of petroleum time on a tuna clipper, the reason products. for joining the SIU Cannery Those brothers and sisters of Workers and Fishermen's Union of the SIU who are familiar with the Pacific. During this time, I tankers will attest that since the sailed on several SIU ships, among initiation of Inert Gas and Vapor them the Raphael Semmes, Ponce Recovery Systems, our contracted de Leon, and others that I can no ships are already equipped with longer recall the names of. It was closed systems. The addition of a during my time on SIU ships that I regenerator for hydrogen sulfide acquired a taste for grits, rebel pot removal would be only a slight roast and Waterman strawberries modification and, according to (stewed prunes). estimates, a three-week shuttle I do appreciate receiving the journey could generate a savings Seafarers LOG. of $412,000 at current oil prices. This research is for existing Raymond P. Karlsvik tankage and for surface ventilaRaymond, Wash. tion. If such a process were to be initiated from beneath the cargo, in essence "sparging" the product, Report on Oil Transport it would be even more effective. Developments This process can offer advantages Although I am no longer over traditional methods and actively sailing, I still maintain an pipeline transmission. We may see interest in the industry. Presently this and other developments as my occupation is as a contracted time progresses for there is a operator in Brazil. future in maritime commerce, perIt has recently been reported haps more than we can imagine. that in a shipment of crude oil by Kudos to the SIU for encourtanker, there is a slight reduction aging their members to continue . ... their education. To be prepared for the challenge that lies ahead, upgrading at Piney Point is sound advice. Albert T. Wheeler Morgan City, La. LOG Keeps Retiree Up to Date I would like to thank you very much for my continuing subscription to your monthly Seafarers LOG. I read your paper cover to cover, as I am still interested in all news that has to do with the Seafarers. I especially appreciate the news that you place in your paper regarding the merchant marine in World War II, since I sailed merchant ships starting in May 1941 on the Great Lakes. I began sailing in the deep sea division in 1942 until June 1946. Tony Dattalo Jensen Beach, Fla. ... ... Union Offers Opportunity I joined the SIU in 1966 and retired in 1993. To this day, I'm thankful for the opportunities I found through the union. I served the SIU well, and the SIU served me well. Some people will complain no matter what. But in all my years with the SIU, I had a chance to earn a good living. That's not something to be taken for granted. I just want to give credit where it's due. Johnny Reb Greenville, South Carolina (Editor's note: Brother Reb, a.k.a. Revels Poovey, would like to hear from Seafarers with whom he sailed. He can be contacted at 100 East Pelham Rd., Greenville, SC 29615. ... ... Good Help Found In San Francisco I would like to bring to your attention two gentlemen union brothers from the port of San Francisco. Vincent Coss and Romeo Lumanlan are two of the nicest people I've known. Both of these union men have been encouraging, polite, helpful and professional. Further, they always take time to help or assist a member in need. They are an asset to the members and the union, and I'm grateful for the encouragement and help they've given me. I'm proud to be an A-book seaman in the SIU, and to work with men like these. With more than 30 years of shipping, from ordinary to bosun, I feel I'm a good judge of character. These union men are two of the best. John Sokolik Reno, Nevada Attention Seafarers: Our flag at sea is good for America ... and important to you. April 1999 Contribute toSPAD 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. SIDPPING RIGHTS. A member's shipping rights and seniority are protected exclusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditiona1ly has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Seafarers LOG policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the executive board of the union. The executive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS. Copies of the SIU constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the SIU. These rights are clearly set forth in the SIU constitution and in the contracts which the union has negotiated with the employers. Consequently, no member may be discriminated against because of race, creed, color, sex, national or geographic origin. If any member feels that he or she is denied the equal rights to which he or she is entitled, the member should notify union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job . discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEB ERG SC HOOL LIFEBOAT CLAS 7~~M<.., .t 58 6 ~ ~~:_ .. ~~J.11 l ... Welding-Marking their graduation from the welding course on March 19 are (left to right) Pati .Taototo, Allen Newgen, Nathan Hollander, Charley Sheen, Gonzie Knott, James Forby and Buzzy Andrews (instructor). ~}"~~~ Unlimited Radar Observer Upgraders successfully finishing the unlimited radar observer class on March 12 are (front row, from left) James McAtee, Chris Schleis, Robert Wobil, Daniel Crawford, Victor Frazier, Bernabe Pelington, (second row) Mike Mayo, Roman Kasparyan, Albert Austin Jr., Richard Dewitte, Stephen Swinton, Charley Darley, (third row) Mike Davis, Al Schmitt, Carlton Dorrance, Bill Bruce and Rhett Davis. Chief Cook-Recently completing the chief cook course are (from left) Kirk Bean, Doug _Flynn, Helen Mitchell, John Hetmanski (instructor), Jose Constantino and Richard Jones. Advanced Firefighting-Seafarers graduating March 5 from the advanced firefighting course are (from left, front row) Paul Heilnessey, James Moore, Jeff Petherbridge, Celina Ortega, (second row) Shelia Lewis, Lonnie Jones, Angel Perez, James Prado, John Smith (instructor), (third row) John Barnard, Alvin Smith, (fourth row) Earl Castan , Jason Monroe, Ernie Gay, Chuck Carson, (fifth row) Reginald Hunter, Reuben Fife and Rafael Franco. Great Lakes Conveyorman-SIU members completing the Great Lakes conveyorman class on March 19 included Andrew Nowak, George "Robert" Keeley, McNally, Jay Linx, Stever Habermehl, Michael Hayes, Guy Hemenger, Joel Markle and Norman Guild (instructor). Tankerman Assistant-Upgrading graduates of the March 5 tankerman assistant class are (from left, front row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Michael Phillips, Martin Ramos, Mario Baja, Idris Abubakar, Terry Cowans Sr., Tom Higgins, Brian Shelburne, Chris Hays Jr., (back row) Moe Jeff, Collins Agyemang, Scott Lucerne, Zdravko Kerestes, Damon Parker, Bobby Brown, Joseph Merriweather, Chris Johnson and Jeromy Vaughan. \r T Inland AB-Graduating from the inland AB course on March 12 are (front row, left to right) Brian Murray, Alan Johnson, William Durham, Michael Bashore, Ray Blahnik, Tim Thompson, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Earl Douthtie, Mike Cushman, Dennis Fitzpatrick, David Ali, Bob Timmons, Salem Omar and Salin Yahya. 22 Seafarers LOG STCW Basic Safety-Receiving their certificates for completing the new STCW basic safety course on February 12 are (front row, from left) Rick Redmond (instructor) , Thomas Higgins, Bud Marshall, Julita Crodua , Paul Hennessey, Rudolph Christian, Russ Levin (instructor), (second row) James Furby, Larry Stanback, Alvin Smith, Jeremie Riehm, Roland Peters, (third row) Pati Taotodo, Keith Shamberger, Ambu Man (CPR dummy), Michael Presser, Bob Bell, Patrick Meagher, Douglas Edwards and Zdravko Kerestes. April 1999 �··· LUNDEBERGSCHOOL· 1999 ·UPBRADINB:COURSE SCHEDULE (;;"ertified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward . (Every other week, starting Jan. II) The following<is·die ·schedule for clas~es p(}ginni~g ·jn April an.d running · through July 199? . a~_, the Seafarers Harry Luil,(Jeb~rg School of Seamanship. located at the l'a.-yl:l'.I.ml Center for Maritifl.!~::.lf~~ll~ng and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership~ the marl.time industry and-in times of conflict-the nation~ s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. April 5, 19 May 3, 17,31 June 14, 28 July 12, 26 . ~«.cet;tltlcatlon Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion LNG Recertification MaylO May27 1 Beck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 5 May 14 Radar Observer/Unlimited April 26 June7 May7 June 18 Radar Recertification (one da,y) May7 June 18 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) MaylO Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) April 12 MaytO Mayl May29 June 26 June7 Junes Advanced Firefighting April 19 May 10 Mayl May29 Government Vessels May17 May24 June4 Jone 11 Lifeboatman/Water Survival April 19 May18 June 14 Mayl May29 June 25 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) May24 June 21 May28 June2S Tankennan (PIC) Barge MaylO May14 May15 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date_of Compl~tion Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May~. June 11 QMED May3 July 23 May3 June 11 Power Plant Maintenance June 28 August6 Welding April 19 June 14 May14 July9 April 17 May7 MaylS April 12 May3 MaylO May31 Basic Firefighting Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion May3 June 10 Course Start Date General Education Courses Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every week, starling Jan. 11) April 5, 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 June 7, 14, 21, 28 July 5, 12, 19, 26 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ~ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ (I 20) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their apolication. The pavment should be made with a monev order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone----------Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ B o o k # - - - - - - - - - - S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes 0No SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes 0No Primarylanguagespoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - April 1999 NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the caurse. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 4199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and E.ducation is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified , of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Attention Seafarers: Looking for a fun, relaxing and affordable summer vacation spot? See page 14. 'Brotherhood of the Sea' Helps Stranded Foreign Mariners Gulf Seafarers Aid Delta Pride's Weary Crew Logistical challenges didn't stop Seafarers in Texas from helping with the collection and delivery of stores to the ill-fated Delta Pride. AB Sinclair Oubre, who heads the Apostleship of the SeaDiocese of Beaumont, Texas, and SIU Boatmen David Dorrell, Willy Mack Istre, Billy Bowers and Jim Prater all had a hand in providing relief to the famished crew of the abandoned Pakistaniflag cargo ship. "It's amazing how much a few people, using the means that are at hand, can do to help brothers of the sea in their time of need," stated Oubre, who also credited local pilots, marine companies and community members involved in the effort, including SIU-contracted Higman Towing. By now, thanks to nationwide media coverage, the harrowing plight of the Delta Pride is wellknown to many. The ship's crew of 23 went unpaid for two years and was abandoned in Tampico, Mexico in May 1998 after its owner went bankrupt. (The owner alternately has been identified in various press accounts as either Star Shipping Lines of Greece or Tristar Shipping Lines in Karachi, Pakistan.) From then until last November, the mariners suffered a torturous fate. Their stores ran out, so they drank rainwater and ate fish that they caught using makeshift lines. Power supplies were all but exhausted, leaving the 740-foot ship dark and without heat or air conditioning. Health problems predictably followed, and by November the mariners were threatening to commit mass suicide. "The people were dying ~n front of me," the vessel's captain told the Associated Press. Using torches to heat heavy fuels for the engines, plus other ingenuity, the crew somehow prodded the Delta Pride to limp the 300 miles to Brownsville, Texas. A voyage that normally would have taken no more than 24 hours instead lasted almost three full days; but, the vessel indeed made it to U.S. waters on November 24. Captain Eddie Max Stovall of the Brazos-Santiago Pilots Association may have been the first person in that area to discover the depth of the Delta Pride's condition. He took the initial call from the Delta Pride after it had dropped anchor approximately three miles from the Brownsville harbor. "They kept insisting that they needed launch service, for which they didn't have clearance," Stovall told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "But their requests were very unorthodox ~ ·; -.e., .... .,.· .:. ~ lM~ After subsisting on rainwater and whatever fish they caught, the Delta Pride crew members gratefully accepted food and beverages donated by Texas residents (and transported part of the way by SIU members). Here, local pilot Eddie Max Stovall (wearing baseball cap) poses with the Pakistanis after a delivery. and vague. Finally, the captain broke down and said, 'My crew, they're dying. We have no food."' The pilot notified the U.S. Coast Guard and also contacted the local international seamen's center. That led to press coverage, which Oubre spotted while at the Beaumont diocese, some 350 miles north along the Texas Gulf Coast. Due to failed safety and mechanical inspections of the Delta Pride, the Coast Guard denied port entry. However, Stovall coordinated initial aid for the mariners. He and fellow pilots Jim Franceshi, who sailed with the SIU for about 10 years, and Robert Tullis delivered food and fresh water to the men. "They were so weak, they could only take three gallons of water at a time on a heaving line,'' Stovall recalled. Meanwhile, representatives from the Apostleship of the Sea helped build upon those earliest relief efforts. A group of citizens from the Port Arthur area who are involved with the diocese contact- ed local parishes and publicized the case. Area residents donated substantial amounts of canned goods and other relief items. "Then a new problem emerged," Oubre noted. "How would we get all the food collected to Brownsville? 1bis had begun as a small collection, but became enough to fill three pickup trucks." Enter Higman Towing, whose tugs and barges sail the length of the Intracoastal Waterway. Oubre worked with representatives from Higman, the U.S. Propeller Club of the Sabine, and R&R Marine Services of Port Arthur (a ship repair yard) to coordinate transportation of the food with minimal disruption to the parties' respective work schedules. As a result, the SIU-crewed Jesse Gunstream docked at R&R Marine Services on February 15. "R&R had placed shrink-wrap on the pallets of food to protect them from weather," Oubre observed. "As soon as the Jesse Gunstream arrived, the shore gang immediately lifted the pallets onto the deck of one of the barges, and m a few minutes, the crew me continued on to Rio Hondo (near Brownsville)." A week later, the stores arrived on board the elta Pride via a pilot boat. "The crew members whelmingly expressed appreciation," explained Stovall, who added that Brownsville-area residents made several other donations. "They were in a bad situation through no fault of their own, but they remained extremely courteous and dignified." Although the story probably cannot be labeled as having a happy ending, there were some positive developments last month. Eleven of the 23 crew members were repatriated, and the other 12 found hospitality at a Catholicrun refugee center while making travel arrangements. Also, the Delta Pride reportedly was auctioned for scrap for $300,000, with some of that money accounting for back pay, travel and other expenses. illE FREE WlCE-STAA. FREO£RltKSSUllG, 'Ill. Stranded seamen finally come ashore Bureaucratic ordeal lasted 10 months llfMAOfU Eiu.RO Asscallled P<HS WSQtJTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas -The last 12 crew members stranded aboard a rusting cargo ship came ashore yesterday, end· lng a IO.month ordeal durlng which they staved oft' scurvy and suicidal thoughts and caugl1t rain water and fish to survive. "I'm very thank!Ul to God," Capt Maqsood Ahmed said. "We were prisoners at sea without At first, the malnourished Delta Pride crew only could accept very light loads, using a heaving line. As the months passed, the crew grew stronger and shipboard power partially was restored, enabling easier movement of donated stores such as those pictured here. commlttln1 a crime." These.uoenweretbelastofa23man crew &om Karachi, Pak· tslan, to leave the Delta Pride, a broken.down Crelahter that has been anchored about four miles off the aouth Texas coast since J11$l before Thanksgiving. Yesterday, the lmmigntjon and Naturalliatlon Service said the crev.'lllen could remain in the • 11 up t 30 days while with Mexican officials followed, leadinitO the seizure or the ship's documents and the crew's pass· J>OrU. SOS calls were liJ10red as llie al>Oard the shlJ> became more desperate by the da." With fuel ione, there was no 'l.11Y to run the air conditioner or lights, and the SO-year-old ship became dark and hoL The seamen eventually lived off whatever rain water and fish they could catch. With no clean waterforbathlng and washing clothes, rashes and early signs of scurvy were setting In. "The people were dying in front of me,» said Ahmed, who was on his first voyage as captain. By November, the men were threatening to commit mass Sul· clde. That's when Ahmed found a JlO bW in bis dresser drawer and was Inspired by the "In ns The horrific story drew lots of media coverage in the United States, including this piece. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR HART VISITS SIU HALL IN HONOLULU RANK-AND-FILE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES 1998 UNION RECORDS CONTRACTED SIGNED FOR CRUISE SHIPS 4TH DOUBLE EAGLE TANKER BEGINS SERVICE SEAFARERS CREW NEW ‘Z’ TUGS DON NOLAN NAMED VP FOR LUNDEBERG SCHOOL USNS ANTARES SAILS TO BALKANS TO ASSIST NATO PEACEKEEPERS USNS GORDON RESCUES FISHERMAN IN GULF LEGISLATORS ASK IRS TO ESTIMATE TAXES LOST TO FOREIGN-FLAG CRUISE VESSELS ROYAL CARIBBEAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DUMPING USCG: GRAIN COMPANY VIOLATES JONES ACT HOUSE PASSES COAST GUARD BUDGET SIU’S ALASKAN RECRUITMENT PROGRAM WINS NATIONAL AWARD SEA-LAND CAPT. PRAISES APPRENTICE FOR WORK 32-HOUR RADAR/ARPA COURSE APPROVED MEMORIES, HOPE AND PRIDE BEAM FROM NEWEST CLASS OF RECERTIFIED STEWARDS ANOTHER ‘MILLENIUM BUG’ IN 30 YEARS? SAN FRANSCISCO’S ‘TOM TOM’ SUCCUMBS TO HEART ATTACK FILM MAKER KUBRICK DIES SEA-LAND CRUSADER EARNS ANNUAL SAFETY AWARD RED CIRCLE CREWS APPROVE CONTRACT ‘DESERT FOX’ DOESN’T PRECLUDE GREAT HOLIDAY MEALS ON YANO GULF SEAFARERS AID DELTA PRIDE’S WEARY CREW Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 04/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 4 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/2325e1d78f5cf5c95a6a86504d4b7417.pdf 434d63a2ccd9bd31706316c3589c286e PDF Text Text National Security Demands Strong .s DEPART~· U.S.-Flag Fleet! Military, Elected Officials & Administration Outline Maritime Goals for Next Century During last month's meeting of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board in Miami, U.S. Air Force General and TRANSCOM Commander Charles T. "Tony" Robertson (standing) ., thanks MTD (and SIU) President Michael Sacco for the tremendous cooperation demonstrated between the U.S.-flag commercial industry and the U.S. armed forces. Pages 3, 5, 14. Bad Exposure Continues For Runaway-Flag Ships Boatmen sailing aboard Gulf Caribe tugs recently joined the SIU and approved a 10-year contract. The newly contracted company operates towing vessels and barges between Mobile, Ala. and Ponce, P.R. The new SIU members received a pay raise and were enrolled in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan under terms of the contract. Pictured on the deck of one of the tugs are (from left) OS David Kuithe, Engineer Joseph Murray and OS/Cook Ronald Gibbs. Page 3. Runaway-flag shipping stayed in the news last month from the prolonged saga of the oil-leaking New Carissa, to the federal hearings regarding Carnival's flaming Ecstasy, to a detailed NY Times Magazine piece on the abandoned Delta Pride (above). It all added up to more unwanted publicity for the runaway-flag scam, also known as flag-of-convenience sh~pping. Pages 2, 6. Seafarers Give Thumbs-Up To New STCW Safety Class New Orleans Hall Almost Set to Open ~~~~~~~~~~~-Page4 --~~~~~~-Page& Union Tackles Y2K Compliance _ _ _ _ _ _ Page7 �President's Report Why We Get Involved Last month, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department executive board held its winter meeting and proved once again how a group that represents so many different workers in such a wide variety of industries can actually have so much in common. The MTD is composed of 32 different unions . (including the SIU) and 23 port councils located around the United States and Canada. Nearly 8 million workers are represented by the unions belonging to the MID. On top of my duties with the SIU, I also serve as president of this AFL-CIO constitutional department. Although the name may read Maritime Trades, the Michael Sacco issues taken up by the department are wide-ranging. That is why the MTD could boast such an outstanding array of speakers last month to update the board on such issues as national security, Social Security, Avondale Shipyard, dumped steel imports and runaway-flag shipping. Those of us in the SIU know the vital role we play in the nation's security. We crew the ships that supply our troops when they are called to action overseas. But when the head of the military's logistical command, Gen. Tony Robertson, provides the briefing, then the whole board knows how the military appreciates the crucial role played by American workers in our national security. The general said America's mariners, longshoremen and shipbuilders are critical because the U.S. Transportation Command "absolutely, positively cannot get the job done without the support of America's commercial maritime industry." To support Robertson's remarks, Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart reemphasized the administration's strong support for the U.S.-flag fleet, from the Jones Act to the need to keep building vessels in U.S. shipyards. Also, four members of the House Armed Services Committee - Reps. Ike Skelton (the ranking Democrat), Neil Abercrombie, Lane Evans and Patrick Kennedy - spoke on the importance of the U.S-flag fleet to the nation's defense for the next century. The issue of preserving Social Security is a hot topic. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and his executive assistant, Gerry Shea, outlined the labor federation's campaign to keep this federal program strong for all Americans. From Capitol Hill, Rep. Peter Deutsch talked about Social Security's importance to older Americans, such as the ones he represents in South Florida. A major labor struggle is taking place at Avondale Shipyard. That is why the MID invited the president of the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department, John Meese, and his coordinator for the campaign, Bill Reagan, for an update on the unity of the workers in the Louisiana facility. The owners of Avondale for more than five years have been ignoring the will of their workers to be represented by a union contract. Despite constant court rulings against them, the owners of Avondale continue operating as if the laws of the nation do not apply to them. If they are allowed to get away with this, it could harm all working people - organized or not. The MID and all of labor supports the Avondale workers. George Becker, the president of the Steelworkers (also an MID-affiliated union) noted that since low-cost foreign steel started being dumped on America's shores last year, 10,000 American steelworkers have lost their jobs and three domestic producers have declared bankruptcy. That obviously is not good for American workers. Additionally, Seafarers on the Great Lakes saw their season come to an end earlier than expected because the steel mills they provide with iron ore had to scale back production. The ripple effect from this has hurt rail workers, miners and others nationally. This isn't just a steelworkers problem. It affects all of us and the MID supports legislation to end this crisis. Finally, the threat of runaway-flag shipping needs no explanation to Seafarers. We have been battling this plague for more than 50 years through the worldwide campaign being waged by the International Transport Workers' Federation. ITF Assistant General Secretary Mark Dickinson came from London to discuss this issue. It involves some shipowners who for decades have gone overseas to exploit workers in nations which pay low wages and provide minimal, if any, labor and safety standards. Today, this practice is being copied in the textile, manufacturing and electronics trades. There has been a steady decline in the number of good-paying jobs in these industries as companies look to abandon the American workers who made their businesses so successful in their search to lower their production costs. Needless to say, this affects all of us. These are just some of the issues that are confronting American workers today. Naturally, our primary focus is to make sure Seafarers maintain the jobs they already have while providing new and better ones to take us into the next century. But we also must stay alert to the concerns of other working men and women because the efforts designed to hurt them could also be used to come after us. Likewise, the strategies they implement for success can be repeated to our advantage. Volume 61, Number 3 March 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org ~76 2 The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Seafarers LOG AP/Wide World Photos Cleanup crews rake oily sand from the grounded cargo ship New Carissa last month on the beach near the entrance to Coos Bay, Ore. The runaway-flag vessel spilled at least 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker oil. More Unwanted Publicity For Runaway-Flag Ships Oil-Leaking Freighter Gets Nationwide Attention; NY Times Magazine Story Further Exposes FOCs When the runaway-flag freighter New Carissa went aground at Coos Bay, Ore. on February 4, it touched off more than two weeks of nationwide media coverage. The television, newspaper and radio reports focused on efforts to clean up the 70,000 gallons of heavy bunker fuel that spilled from the Panamanian-flag, Japanese-owned ship, as well as risky and rare attempts to ignite the remaining oil (and thereby prevent it from spilling). Those stories also further publicized the pitfalls of runawayflag shipping [also known as flagof-convenience (FOC) shipping]. While not all of the New Carissa coverage included mentions of runaway flags, the FOC scam did receive periodic reference in news wire stories available throughout the U.S. and on the internet. One story by the Associated Press said that U.S. Rep. Peter Defazio (D-Ore.) "plans to file a bill to prevent companies from shipping goods under 'flags of convenience,' or countries with histories of not following international law for training and equipment. Panama, where the New Carissa is registered, is on the Coast Guard's watch list of such countries, [DeFazio] said." Similarly, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) last month stated that if the New Carissa were an American-flag ship with an American crew, the accident "wouldn't have happened in the first place." Meanwhile, the recent surge of runaway-flag coverage also continued last month with a detailed New York Times Magazine piece on the Delta Pride. Part of the newspaper's Sunday edition, the February 7 issue of the magazine devoted four full pages to the tale of the Pakistani-flag vessel, abandoned six months ago in the Gulf of Mexico by its bankrupt Greek owner. These stories followed numerous others that in recent months have spotlighted the often dangerous and inhumane conditions found aboard some runaway-flag vessels. As reported in the February issue of the Seafarers LOG, newspapers including the New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Miami Herald, Houston Chronicle and New Orleans Times-Picayune as well as other media outlets have contributed to an escalation in exposing the typical conditions associated with runaway flags. Last month's Times piece offered particularly poignant insight. "All too often, the merchant marine has become a kind of sweatshop on the high seas, with workers laboring in perilous conditions for little, or even no, pay," wrote Thomas Hackett. "The world's cargo ships sail mostly under dubious registries, flying so-called flags of convenience from countries with low safety and health standards and little muscle to guarantee the welfare of their workers." Hackett also reported that "in addition to the Delta Pride's crew, there are currently 200 men on 10 ships around the world that have been stranded in foreign ports by their employers. Ship owners have been known to unload their cargoes and then deprive a crew of food and water until, hopeless, the men give up the vessel as well as any claims to back wages. Most of the sailors on the Delta Pride, for instance, haven't been paid since they signed on - for some of the men, more than two years - or been in contact with their families since they unloaded their cargo last May." While the New Carissa was a news story in its own right, the other coverage at least partially may be attributable to stepped-up efforts to generate publicity by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF). Comprising more than 500 transport-related unions worldwide, including the SIU, the I1F is in its 50th year of battling against runaway-flag shipping. Among other efforts, that campaign includes bringing FOC ships under I1F contract; aiding distressed mariners aboard runaway-flag ships and other foreignflag vessels that are not runaways; and holding shipowners accountable for their crew members. The campaign also currently features the worldwide tour of the ITF's exhibition vessel, Global Mariner. Publicizing the plague of runaway-flag shipping is one of the main goals of the tour, which this month resumes its North American itinerary on the West Coast. Runaway-flag ships are carriers operating under the flag of one nation, yet owned by a citizen or citizens of another country. Financially strapped nations sell the use of their flag to shipowners, who register tonnage in those countries in order to meet less stringent labor, safety, regulatory and tax standards than if that vessel were registered in the owner's resident nation. f See related story, page 6 Discuss West Coast Maritime Recently, SIU officials from San Francisco got together with California's newly elected governor to bring him up to date on the latest maritime issues affecting Seafarers in the Golden State. From the left are SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, Governor Gray Davis and SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. March 1999 �Maritime Stays Vital to National Security Military, Gov't Officials Pledge Support to Jones Act, Maritime Security Program at MTD Winter Meeting Representatives from the military and the government pledged to continue their support for a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet when they addressed the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) winter executive board meeting last month. The theme for the annual twoday gathering in Miami was "U.S. Maritime Industry: Ready and Able, Whenever, Wherever, for the Nation's Security." The MTD executive board is composed of officials from its 32member unions (including the SIU) and 23 regional port councils, representing 8 million workers. The department, one of eight for trade and industries recognized in the AFL-CIO constitution, deals specifically with issues affecting U.S.-flag shipping from vessel construction to crewing to allied trades as well as the other concerns that affect the nation's working people. "Operation Desert Fox was just the latest example of how our nation's military knows it can count on U.S. mariners," MTD President Michael Sacco told the board. "No questions were asked, no hesitation shown in responding. These seafarers had a job to do and they did it to the best of their abilities. "That is why the people who are charged with planning the needs of the armed forces count on a strong U.S.-flag merchant fleet to be ready and available. American seafarers have never let our troops down and have no intention of ever doing so." U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY READY&ABLE WHENEVER, WHEREVER FOR THE NATION'S SECURITY AJIERIOA'S SIJJPJJUJJ IJERS rl • •dilRJNERS AND LONGSHOREMEN TRANSCOM Commander Gen. Tony Robertson tells the MTD executive board of his unwavering support for the jobs being performed by the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. He gave the remarks last month in Miami. Military Appreciation Backing up Sacco's remarks was the commander-in-chief of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), which oversees the logistical movement of American troops and their supplies worldwide. possible without the unprecedented partnership we enjoy with the U.S. maritime labor community," noted U.S. Air Force General Charles T. ''Tony" Robertson Jr. "Let there be no mistake: Sealift is absolutely critical to this country's national security, and you can quote me on that!" Robertson thanked Sacco for all the cooperation over the years between military and the U.S. ;"cuCISI Assoc. ri<ers of Ar • Making his point that defense spending should include the building of United States merchant vessels in American yards is Rep. Neil Abercrombie. Saying there is no substitute for U.S. mariners supplying U.S. troops is Rep. Ike Skelton, the ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart definitively reaffirms the Clinton administration's solid endorsement of the Jones Act during the MTD meetings. IMO Sets Tougher on Forged Documents The International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently vowed to crack down on what it described as "a proliferation of fraudulent STCW certificates of competency, [and] authentic certificates reportedly issued on the basis of forged foreign certificates, which had been found during port state control inspections and applications for recognition of certificates." During a December meeting in London of the IMO's subcommittee on standards of training and watchkeeping - in which the SIU participated - the panel cited numerous cases of forged or otherwise improperly issued documents. This included a 20year-old mariner who had been issued a master's certificate for ocean-going ships. The subcommittee pointed to "a growing concern that some countries may be issuing certificates on the basis of certificates issued by another country without verifying the authenticity of the original document or the right of the individual to hold the document." March 1999 In response, the IMO called upon nations signatory to the STCW convention to "take all measures necessary" to ensure proper issuance of documentation to qualified mariners. This includes strict enforcement of the treaty and intensifying other efforts to eliminate improper issuance of documents. An editorial concerning this matter in the London newspaper Lloyd's List pointed out, "It would help if those who issue certificates on the basis of another party's documents actually follow the prescribed procedures, which are designed to provide a reasonably effective barrier against the palpably bogus." That same editorial stated, "The pity is that there are still owners who look for cheaper solutions to their crewing requirements and scour the world for those willing to sail on their ships for the lowest wages. Desperate people, and the 20-year-old with a master's license probably falls into that category, exploit the system just as his owners were undoubtedly exploiting him." maritime community. He told the audience about annual ship manning exercises, known as "Turbo Activation," in which labor unions, ship managers and others have answered the call of the military to crew and make seaworthy vessels in the Ready Reserve Force fleet with no advance notice. "It is a superb test of readiness, crew and labor union response, and ship manager capability. And every sector maxed the course." Robertson reaffirmed the military 's support for· both the Jones Act (the nation's freight cabotage law) and the Maritime Security Program (MSP). "The Jones Act is a proven performer that supports both our nation's military security and its economic soundness .... I also firmly believe that the MSP fleet provides the best method to ensure the availability of U.S. merchant mariners to crew our organic surge fleet of reserve ships." MarAd Backing Support for both of these maritime initiatives also came from the Clinton administration representative to the meeting, U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart. "I can't say it enough. You have to be supportive of the Maritime Security Program," stated the head of the Maritime Administration. "We have to own a merchant fleet. It has to be U.S.-flagged. We cannot depend on other countries. What you don't own, you can't control." Hart explained the MSP was passed by Congress and signed into law in 1996 following a fiveyear campaign. He noted it was not too early to begin thinking about what' will replace the program, designed to provide funds for 47 militarily useful U.S.-flag vessels over a period of 10 years. (Companies included in the MSP agree to provide these vessels as well as their infrastructure in times of national emergencies.) He included in his maritime forecast continued backing of the Title XI loan guarantee program to build vessels of all types in American yards. "I am convinced we can revitalize shipbuilding in the United States." Concerning the nation's freight cabotage law, Hart told the board, "There is no support by the [Clinton] administration for any legislation that harms the Jones Act!" Words from Congress Joining with Robertson and Hart on the continued need for a strong U.S.-flag fleet were several members of Congress. Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), the ranking minority member of the House Armed Services Committee, stated, "American commercial crews and U.S.-flag ships are necessary for the national security of our country. They provide the manpower and equipment necessary to transport vital supplies and personnel around the globe in times of national emergency." The Missouri legislator added security also is provided through the Jones Act because its fleet "helps to provide a basic manpower pool of U.S. mariners that can be utilized in times of national emergencies, and there is no substitute for that!" Responding to recent calls for a new missile defense system, Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii) asked, "If we're ready to put billions of dollars into a defense that doesn't even exist yet, how come we can't put one dollar forward to build the ships in American shipyards with American workers sailed by American seafarers that puts us number one in the merchant marine trade around the world?!" Abercrombie, a longtime supporter of U.S.-flag fleet, serves as the ranking minority member on the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee. He also is a member of the House Merchant Marine Panel. Continued on page 5 Gulf Caribe Crews Join Ranks of SIU The Seafarers' banner now is flying from a fleet of towing vessels based in Mobile, Ala. as the crew members who work for Gulf Caribe Maritime ratified a 10-year contract. The unanimous vote of the crew took place February 10 in the Gulf Coast port city. According to SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, the new SIU members received a pay raise, were enrolled in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and became eligible to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship under the contract. 'They were very excited to come aboard and we look forward to having them with us," Judd noted. Gulf Caribe operates two towing vessels between Mobile and Ponce, P.R. One runs grain from Alabama to the Caribbean island, while the other tows a barge loaded with railroad chemical tank cars. The towboats are the Caribe , Pioneer and the Caribe Challenger. Included with the bargaining unit are licensed engineers, unlicensed engineers, able bodied seamen and ordinary seamen. SIU officials involved in organizing Gulf Caribe included Judd, Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, Mobile Port Agent Dave Carter and New Orleans Patrolman Chris Westbrook. Seafarers LOG 3 �Fire Fighting and Safety School Scheduled for May 18 Opening Ceremony Will Unveil Paul Hall Center's Newest Addition The ceremonial opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School is slated for May 18 in Piney Point, Md. "Construction of the various components of the school is progressing quite well," noted Jimmy Hanson, director of health and safety at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. ''Thus far, everything has gone according to plan, with no major stumbling blocks." The fire fighting and safety facility, located on school property near the Paul Hall Center's main campus, is a multi-building complex where Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting, water survival, first aid and CPR, Name the Training 'Vessel' At the Fire Fighting School Here is your chance to attain fame and fortune! Well, maybe not. But this is still a pretty cool opportunity. A contest is being conducted to name the "vessel" at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. The "vessel" actually is one of the buildings under construction at the facility. It is known as the burn building, where Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting to learn firsthand how to battle blazes. Training aboard the "vessel" can be set up for a passenger ship, a ship's galley, an engine room, a tugboat, etc. The "vessel" will need a name when the school opens. The contest is limited to active and retired Seafarers, who may submit up to three names. The names must be received no later than April 10, 1999 for consideration. Examples of possible names are the SS Never Sail or the MV Inferno. (No obscene or foul sounding submissions will be accepted.) The judges' decision will be final. In case the same name is submitted and selected for the ''vessel," the entry with the earliest postmark will be declared the winner. One grand prize and five runner-up awards will be offered. The grand prize winner will receive a ship's wheel and be invited to christen the "vessel" at the opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. Accommodations and travel expenses will be included. The five runnersup will receive SIU jackets. Winners will be announced in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG. damage control and confinedspace safety training. Featuring the most modern, environmentally and hygienically safe equipment, it will be utilized beginning shortly after the ceremony. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, the safety school - named in memory of the late SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco - will replicate conditions found aboard all types of vessels, from deep sea ships to inland tugs and barges. It will include two classrooms, but most of the facility is designed for hands-on training. For example, the buildings will house replicas of an engine room, galley, lounge and fo'c's'le. Also included will be a two-story maze with moveable partitions, outdoor training pads, a compressor room and other features. In planning the buildings, equipment and layout, representatives of the SIU and the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship worked closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, Maritime Administration and Military Sealift Command to help ensure that the courses taught there will meet various federal guidelines necessary for class cer- Although many areas of the country have been blitzed by severe weather this winter, Maryland has enjoyed a relatively mild season, which has aided construction of the Paul Hall Center's new fire fighting school. The top photo shows the burn building, which is seeking a name. (See sidebar to the left.) The other photo shows classroom sites and more. tification. This will benefit Seafarers who are required to take Coast Guard-approved safety courses in order to sail. The union and school also extensively consulted with local fire and rescue professionals to assure maximum efficiency in design, plus compliance with different specifications governing the construction and operation of such a facility. Seafarers May Utilize Lundeberg Courses For ~ollege Credits ACE Assessment Boosts Paul Hall Center water survival training, which was successful and fun. "Overall, the class covers a lot of issues that are importanC' The four-day, 28-hour curriculum was crafted to enable Seafarers to comply with the Chapter VI Basic Safety requirements of the STCW convention. It is for SIU members who have sailed prior to August 1, 1998. Mariners in this category have until February l, 2002 to comply with Chapter VI. Similarly, the school created (and the Coast Guard approved) a five-day, 40-hour basic safety course for those with no sea time prior to August l, 1998. Those mariners may not sail unless they meet the Chapter VI requirements. In accordance with Coast Guard guidelines, each class is limited to no more than 25 students apiece. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., has joined a select number of organizations which have added value to their courses through college credit recommendations as a result of a review conducted last fall by the American Council on Education's (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service. A team of course-content specialists, selected from college faculty, reported that the curriculums at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship are comparable to college-level courses and may be used as transfer credit at ma~y colleges and universities. ''This evaluation underscores the ·high quality of your organization's education and training," wrote ACE Communications Director Stephen Sattler in a letter to the school confirming the su9cessful evaluation. For Seafarers, the ACE assessment means that an SIU member who successfully completes one or more of the vocational or academic courses available at Piney Point may receive college credit for it. The final decision rests with the college or university, although the ACE recommendation typically is a strong and positive influence on that determination. Other organizations which have utilized the ACE College Credit Recommendation Service include the AT&T School of Business; Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.; Union Pacific Railroad; and the United Auto Workers and General Motors Corp. Jo Ann Robinson, director of the recommendation service, pointed out that the program "has helped thousands of employees earn a college education. Colleges and universities also have been well served by ACE, because qualified adults from the work force are continuing or completing their college education in record numbers." In fact, according to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Education, more than 40 percent of American adults take part in some type of formal educational activity each year - the vast majority because they want to earn an academic credential. Additionally, late last year the school announced an agreement between the Paul Hall Center and ACE designed to help Seafarers meet STCW requirements. The expanded alliance stems from a 1995 STCW amendment Continued on page 9 Continued on page 9 Water survival training is one of the hands-on components in the Paul Hall Center's STCW Basic Safety class. New STCW Basic Safety Class Is Well-Received by Seafarers The Paul Hall Center's new U.S. Coast Guardapproved STCW Basic Safety class for experienced Seafarers contains very useful information and moves at an appropriate pace, said SIU members who completed the course last month. Seafarers also reported that the course effectively mixes hands-on training with classroom instruction, and is bolstered by a well-written guide produced by instructors at the center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. "It exceeded my expectations," stated Bosun Mike Presser, an 18-year member of the union and a frequent upgrader at the school in Piney Point, Md. ''The class moves along swiftly, it's straight to the point and it gives us what we need. It's a good course all the way around." QMED Keith Samburger, who joined the SIU in 1986, said the hands-on training "makes things hit home a lot better. For instance, I learned a lot in the 4 Seafarers LOG March 1999 �Labor Continues Grassroots Effort to Bolster Social Security Members of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board were urged to take the momentum gained last year in the nationwide battle to repel "paycheck deception" legislation and keep it going to strengthen Social Security. MTD President Michael Sacco reminded the board of the victories gained in more than 30 states last year when legislation and ballot initiatives aimed at limiting how working people could participate in the political process were turned back. "This could have been the political death knell for American workers," Sacco, who also heads the SIU, told the board, which was gathered for its annual meeting on February 15 and 16 in Miami. The MTD is made up of 32 unions and 23 port councils representing approximately 8 million workers. "It was a fight we simply could not afford to lose, and we didn't!" Sacco recalled how the labor movement launched a nationwide grassroots campaign to educate union members and their families so they could tell others what was wrong with the measures. He noted this same effort must take place to preserve Social Security AFL-CIO Asst. to Pres. Gerald Shea outlines the federation's campaign to fight for Social Security. Reminding MTD board members how labor sets standards used by all workers is Rep. Peter Deutsch. Rep. Patrick Kennedy calls on labor to continue its successful education effort from last year. because so many millions of Americans depend on the federal retirement, disability and survivors' program. Sacco then introduced Gerald Shea, assistant to AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, to outline labor federation's strategy to strengthen the federal system. Calling this campaign one of the "biggest battles" labor has tackled in years, Shea pointed out one victory already has taken place in the effort. He noted last year many in the press were asking in their stories what kind of a privatized system would replace Social Security. Now, articles reflect how President Clinton plans to use the budget surplus to aid the system with little to no mention of privatization. "People lack good information about the real value of Social Security," Shea told the board. "A lot of people simply don't understand what is going on with Social Security." He noted the program provides the majority of retirement income for most retirees and that percentage has been growing in recent years because fewer people have private pensions that can help when they stop working. Despite accounts that Social Security is going bankrupt, Shea stated the system under its present funding formula could continue making its scheduled payments until the year 2032 when it would be forced to reduce benefits by some 25 percent. "Many people do not realize Social Security has paid out more than $5 billion since its inception without missing a payday," Shea said. He added that when people understand the privatized approach shifts the risks to the individual and will cost the government more to administer, "they really start to think very differently about it. "Our campaign is designed to give people the information and show them the value of the system." It is a grassroots effort aimed at union members and their families, encouraging them to talk with their friends and neighbors, he stated. Noting how this method worked last year to turn back antiworker legislation, U.S. Rep. Peter Deutsch (D-Fla.) called on labor to continue the fight for Social Security. "Would there be Social Security without labor? I doubt it - impossible!" said the congressman whose district in South Florida includes many retirement communities. "Labor sets the base line for all of America." U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (DR.I.) added that the anti-worker efforts displayed in Congress during the last four years and rejected by working men and women across the country have made "me understand why I am a labor Democrat." He spurred the board to continue the grassroots effort st~ed last year. USWA's Becker: Steel Dumping Crisis Hurls All Workers The president of the United Steelworkers of America told the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board at its winter meeting last month that the dumping of foreign steel into the United States is an issue that affects all trade unionists. ''This is a labor issue," George Becker informed the audience. "We don't have enough steelworkers jobs, brothers and sisters, that we can give away to keep the economies of Russia and South Korea and Japan and Brazil and India - to keep them going. And, I submit, you don't either! "We have to be able to take care of our own and we haven't been doing this." Becker told the board that 10,000 jobs in the steel industry have been lost, while three major domestic steel producers have gone bankrupt, in the last year since the Asian economic crisis began. "Our jobs are at risk. They can't make it with the steel that is being dumped into the United States today." Affirming Becker's concern was U.S. Rep. Lane Evans (DIll.). He told the executive board "hundreds of workers have lost Continued on page 14 As MTD Pres. Michael Sacco listens, Steelworkers Pres. George Becker explains how the steel dumping crisis affects all trade unionists. Avondale Workers Fighting for Recognition The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department (MTD) executive board called on its 32 affiliated unions and 23 port councils to continue their support of the workers at Avondale Shipyard who have been fighting for a union contract for more than five years. The board, holding its annual winter meeting in Miami last month, noted that the workers continue to show solidarity despite never-ending roadblocks stacked against them by the management of the Louisiana facility. Reminding the board members what the workers have struggled against since voting for union representation in 1993, AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department President John Meese said these men and women have won time after time before the National Labor Relations Board and in the federal court system, yet Avondale refuses to recognize their decision. He noted each attempt to thwart the will of the workers has only made them more determined. "Our committee [of Avondale workers] assures us if we had to go back to an election tomorrow, we'd win again," Meese noted. Bill Reagan, the Metal Trades' coordinator for the Avondale campaign, added signs of the solidarity include lunchtime demon- Rep. Lane Evans expresses his concern over job cuts in the steel industry in his Illinois district. Latest in Runaway-Flag Fight United Food and Comme~a\ Workers lnternat10nal Umon . ders1 Pottery, Pla.stic.r or1<ers /nternat1on8' Union Continued on page 14 Maritime Needed for U.S. National Security Continued from page 3 During the meeting, MTD executive board members approved statements calling on Congress and the administration to continue their support of the Maritime Security Program and the Jones Act. Board members also urged Congress to continue efforts to use American yards for shipbuilding, to preserve the March 1999 Passenger Vessel Services Act (the nation's passenger cabotage Jaw), and to work with the industry to find a way to fund domestic harbor maintenance dredging. The board expressed its appreciation for retired MTD Vice President Willie Zenga, who has spent the last several years working with federal, state and local officials to find a way to safely dredge the port of New York and New Jersey so it can handle modern commercial vessels. Additional board action was taken on the need to protect workers, home owners and small business people when utility deregulation laws are implemented; the fight for just trade laws that respect the concerns of working people both in the U.S. and the implementing countries; and the passage of the water resources bill. ITF General Asst. Sec'y Mark Dickinson updates the MTD executive board on the global campaign to rid the high seas of runawayflag shipping. He thanked the unions involved in the ITF exhibition ship Global Mariner's visit to the United States last fall, while reminding them of the ship's return to country along the Pacific coast this month. Seafarers LOG 5 · �Imminent Opening Is Anticipated For New Orleans' New Hiring Hall Facility Expected to be Ready No Later than April 2 The SIU's New Orleans-area hiring hall is scheduled to relocate no later than April 2 and possibly sooner. Seafarers who utilize the existing hall on Jackson Ave. are asked to stay in touch with officials there for the latest news concerning the move. The SIU last year purchased the newer facility, located at 3911 LaPalco Blvd. in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, some nine miles from the current hall. Since then, the building has undergone renovations and expansion to meet the union's operational requirements. When the new hall opens, the clinic in that area also will change. Coinciding with the opening on LaPalco Blvd., the new clinic for Seafarers will be Westbank Surgical Clinic on the Westbank Expressway in Marrero, La. (see New SIU Hall In New Orleans Area (schedule to open by early April) 3911 LaPalco Blvd. Harvey, LA 70058 Phone: (504) 328-7545 Fax: (504) 328-7549 New SIU Clinic (effective upon opening of hall) Westbank Surgical Clinic Doctors Building 4475 Westbank Expressway Marrero, LA 70072 Phone: (504) 347-8471 Fax: (504) 340-2885 box). Services will remain available at the Tulane Center for Occupational Health until the changeover happens. Renovations to the new SIU hall in the New Orleans area include constructing a wall for the shipping board and many other improvements. NY Times Chars Foreign-Flag Cruises Operating In U.S. As NTSB Investigates Fire an Ecstasy At the same time the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was conducting a public hearing on a July 1998 fire that erupted aboard the Carnival cruise ship Ecstasy, the New York Times published a front-page article on how that company and others in the business flout the nation's labor and tax laws. Under the headline "Cruise Lines Reap Profit from Favors in Law" in its February 19 edition, the Times article stated, "Doing business under a decades-old loophole in the federal tax code, and protected by an increasingly powerful lobbying force, the 17 major cruise lines pay practically no income tax even though they are based in this country and 90 percent of the passengers are Americans. "The cruise lines, all of them registered in foreign countries, do not observe the nation's labor laws, minimum wage law and many environmental and safety regulations," added the story written by Douglas Frantz. The article pointed out how the world's largest cruise firm, the Carnival Corporation based in Miami, has garnered $2 billion in profits during the last three years, while paying less than one percent in income taxes on this amount. The next largest company - Royal Caribbean, also from Miami does not even have a line on its financial statements for income tax payments, the Tzmes reported. Yet, an investigation by the paper showed these foreign-flag cruise companies operating out of American ports had political action funds and lobbyists working on Capitol Hill to influence Lakes Season Begins Low water levels and continued concern regarding the dumping of foreign steel have cast some uncertainty over fitout dates for the 1999 Great Lakes sailing season, even as a few vessels began sailing late last month. These included the SIU-crewed Medusa Conquest, Mary E. Hannah and Daryl C. Hannah. Seafarers are asked to keep in touch with the SIU haJls in Algonac, Mich. or Duluth Minn. as more fitout information becomes available. The 1998 season officially ended on January 30, 1999, when the SIU-crewed Paul H. Townsend reached its winter layup berth in Milwaukee. Meanwhile, the Lake Carriers' Association reported that U.S.- flag carriage "increased slightly on the Great Lakes during the 1998 season," according to their estimates. However, the group also reported that "dumped steel significantly impacted the Lakes Jones Act fleet. The initial tally for iron ore (moved last year) shows a decrease of 580,000 tons, yet at one point in the season, U.S.-flag ore cargoes were 2.3 million tons ahead of 1997's record pace." Altogether, the association estimates that U.S.-flag ships on the Lakes moved 125,314,425 tons of cargo during the 1998 seasonan increase of about 82,000 tons compared to the previous season. 6 Seafarers LOS legislation that would benefit them. The paper said the cruise industries' association, known as the International Council of Cruise Lines, had made political donations during the 1997-98 cycle amounting to $166, 146. Additionally, the council spent $557 ,023 for lobbying in 1997. Ecstasy Aftermath Meanwhile, the NTSB hearing disclosed the origin of the blaze aboard the Ecstasy to have been lint, ignited by a welder's spark, catching fire in the laundry room. Witnesses at the two-day factfinding hearing, held February 17 and 18 in Miami, included the ship's captain who answered questions from investigators on the decision-making process of battling the blaze. Shortly after the Ecstasy set sail from the port of Miami on the afternoon of July 20, the cruise ship loaded with 2,565 passengers and 916 crew members had black smoke and flames pouring from its aft mooring deck. The fire was brought under control by shipboard firefighting crews (including shoreside firefighters helicoptered to the vessel), a U.S. Coast Guard firefighting vessel and commercial tugboats equipped with monitors. During the questioning of Ecstasy Captain Vittorio Sartori, the master stated he "wanted to avoid panic" throughout the course of the fighting the fire. Based on his initial reports from crew members checking the blaze, he did not think it was as serious as it became. That is why he refused the Coast Guard's first offer of help, which came 18 minutes after the initial fire alarm sounded at 5: 10 p.m. Sartori noted a lot of alarms were going off at the time but thought it was "nothing important" because he had experienced previous incidents during his sailing career when warnings would sound due to someone smoking in a cabin. ' The captain said he ordered the cruise director to bring the passengers to an open area on the deck. Again, he stated he wanted "to make sure the passengers not react with panic." Once the passengers were gathered, he gave the alarm to notify the crew of the situation. He avoided a question from one NTSB member on whether Carnival was advising from shore what to do. When asked why some people had life jackets and others did not while they were gathering in the open area, Sartori responded some passengers could not return to their cabins because of the fire to retrieve their jackets. He added "there were sufficient jackets on deck." (Shortly after the fire, the NBC News show "Dateline" ran a clip from its archives aboard the same vessel a few years earlier showing boxes on the deck marked as con- tammg life jackets when none were inside.) In response to being asked if he considered returning to the dock to allow shore-based crews to fight the fire, Sartori said he had "adequate manpower to extinguish the fire at sea." He added the crew acted "without hesitation." (As noted in the September 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG, several passengers - including a fire chief from Texas vacationing aboard the vessel - questioned in their local newspapers the procedures used and the lack of mformation from the crew.) He told the investigators he maintained a minimum speed out of Miami in case he had to steer the vessel to keep the smoke from blowing across the ship. The NTSB plans to take the information received during the hearing and make recommendations to improve passenger safety. The federal agency was able to conduct this hearing because the Liberian-flag cruise ship was within U.S. territorial waters when the fire was spotted and fought. Had the Ecstasy sailed a few miles further east into international waters, the NTSB would not have had such jurisdiction despite the overwhelming number of American passengers on board. During last month's NTSB hearing, Capt. Vittorio Sartori points to a display as he explains the events surrounding last July's fire on the Liberian-flag cruise ship Ecstasy near Miami. March 1999 �Tackling the Y2K 'Bug' CG Infor mat ion Specialist Examines 2000's Potential Impact If the thought of computerreliant ships smashing into ports, or highly automated airplanes spiraling out of the sky aren't enough to convey the potential dangers of the now-infamous Y2K situation, then consider this real-life experience of U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral George Naccara, who heads the agency's broad effort to combat the millennium bug. Naccara recently was overcharged by about $5,000 on his monthly credit card bill, because of a computer error related to renewing an insurance policy beyond the year 2000. Internet Site Offers Y2K Starting Point Y2K's worldwide scope predictably has led to numerous resources addressing the problem's many aspects. For mariners interested in this issue, a suggested starting point is the U.S. Coast Guard's internet site devoted to Y2K. It is located on the World Wide Web at www.uscg.mil/hq.gm/y2k.htm.(The dash between the letters "g" and "m" is part of the site address.) The site's introduction proclaims that it "does not provide the solution, but it will provide the means for people and industry to express concerns and discuss possible answers to Y2K, a problem that we all face." The rear admiral's encounter obviously pales in comparison to the seriousness of those hypothetical disasters, but it is yet another example of the myriad difficulties presented by Y2K (the abbreviation for year 2000). "Y2K has helped make the entire country realize our tremendous dependence on information technology," Naccara said last month at a meeting of the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club. "That includes many of the critical systems on ships. And the United States economy is extraordinarily dependent upon maritime shipping." It defines the problem as "arising from the widespread use of a two-digit field, not four, to represent the year in computer databases, software applications and hardware chips (for example 06/18/85). Difficulty will arise in the year 2000 when the year is "00" and computer based systems will be unable to differentiate it from 1900 - the assumption of a single century. "Programs and computerbased equipment may fail or produce flawed data as they attempt to perform calculations and sorting routines. If corrupted data goes unrecognized, the problem can be passed through interfaces to other automated information systems .... "Many of today's computer hardware, heavy equipment and machinery may have embedded computer chips with this Y2K problem." He mentioned navigation and engine control systems, cargo gauging equipment, vessel traffic management tools, communications devices and "in essence, any system that supports shipping or cargo handling operations" as susceptible to the Y2K bug. In fact, N accara, the Coast Guard's chief information officer, pointed out that as many as 10 other "critical dates" i:nay cause similar problems. For instance, he cited September 9, 1999 (919199) - which, in some computer languages, is a command meaning "cease operations." "The Coast Guard experienced a Y2K disruption in early 1997," he recalled. "We had a failure in a software program at the Coast Guard Institute in Oklahoma City. The program triggers mailing to all correspondence course enrollees of an end-of-course test with a three-year completion window. In January 1997, the threeyear window suddenly fell beyond the start of the new millennium, and the program, unable to correctly interpret the '00' end date of the year 2000 malfunctioned, and in so doing deleted hundreds of student records. The staff at the institute required two weeks to correct the problem. It was a sobering wake-up call." Since then, the agency has assigned a large staff to address the Y2K issue and made it a top priority, Naccara noted. He explained that the Coast Guard has made substantial headway on this matter by following a fivestep approach that includes increasing awareness, assessing information and control systems, repairing or terminating those sys- Cape Fear Towing Adds New Tractor Tug in Wilmington, N. C. terns, validating the repaired systems and returning them to use. "We expect our boats, ships and planes will be ready and operating on January 1, 2000 and thereafter, with minimal disruption," he said. Nevertheless, both last month and in earlier testimony before the U.S. House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure, Naccara acknowledged that even the most diligent preparations won't completely eliminate this global problem. "Two things are certain. One is that not all government, business or industry systems will be repaired in time," he said. "The second certainty is that errors will surface in repaired systems, both during testing and then during actual operations. Independent testing contractors have found error rates from 2 to 10 percent in systems that have been repaired and tested by their owners." He then discussed various contingency plans, and also noted that the Coast Guard "plans no additional regulatory actions related to Y2K." Naccara said that strong cooperation within the maritime industry, coupled with the fact that "we already have the regulatory authority we need to ensure safety in our ports and on board vessels," preclude the need for further rules. Naccara also pointed to this month's Y2K summit in London as vital to enhancing "contingency and outreach plans" for ships and ports. More than a dozen major maritime trade organizations are expected to attend. Union Takes Big Strides Toward Y2K Compliance Management information systems personnel at SIU headquarters, located in Camp Springs, Md., have made substantial progress in ensuring that the union's communications and record-keeping mechanisms are Y2K compli- . ant. The medical claims system became compliant late last year, as did the phone systems at headquarters, at all SIU halls and at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The clinic system (used to track physical examinations and drug-test data for the membership) was Y2K compliant when it was completed in 1992. Additionally, the Seafarers Welfare Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan and union plans and accounting departments are using Y2K compliant software. Louisiana Merchant Marine Bonus Deadline Approaches July 1 Is Cutoff for Newly Eligible Mariners SIU boatmen at Cape Fear Towing in Wilmington, N.C, including (above left, from left) Engineers David Register and Donald Todd, recently welcomed the addition of a new tractor tug, the Fort Bragg (also pictured below left). The new boat was built in Maine, and it joins Cape Fear's fleet of docking tugs, such as, pictured directly above, the Fort Caswell. From the left are Captian Doug McDonald, Engineer Lewis Farrow and Deckhand/Relief Captain Roy Honeycutt. March 1999 The State of Louisiana is paying a $250 bonus to merchant mariners from that state who sailed during the latter stages of World War II. The bonus had been limited to those who served during the period between December 7, 1941 and August 15, 1945. However, enactment last year of the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act (supported by the SIU) extended some veterans' benefits to mariners who sailed between August 16, 1945 and December 31, 1946. As a result, Louisiana has expanded the bonus to include those residents that served during the latter period. An unremarried surviving spouse of a merchant mariner whose death was related to that service also may be eligible for the bonus. ''Anyone who served in the merchant marine between December 7, 1941 and December 31, 1946 and was a resident of Louisiana at the time of entry into service, who have not already done so, are encouraged to apply for the bonus. All applications must be received by the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs on or before July 1, 1999," stated the department in a recent press release. For more information and an application, contact the State of Louisiana-, Department of Veterans Affairs, Post Office Box 94095, Capitol Station, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9095, or telephone (225) 922-0500. President Clinton signed the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act on November 11 (Veterans' Day). This followed unanimous passage of the legislation in the House and Senate. In January 1988, the secretary of the Air Force, the branch of the services that oversees veterans' matters, awarded the status to some World War II mariners following an eight-year court battle. However, the announcement stated World War II veterans' status for merchant mariners would end nearly a year-and-a-half before the other branches of the service. . Merchant marine veterans' groups joined with maritime unions, including· the SIU, to lobby Congress for the extension. Bills were submitted in each Congress following the announcement, but they never got past the committee stage until last year. Seafarers LOG 7 �The Sea-Land Consumer loads cargo in Elizabeth, N.J. (left) bound for victims of Hurricane Georges in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. At right, the vessel unloads the containers in San Juan, watched over by the ship's mascot {above). S-L Consumer Carries Cargo On Crescent Run Electrician Howard Hedra is ready to help in loading the containers aboard the vessel. The Seafarers aboard the Sea-Land Consumer have a lot to be happy about-a good crew, a clean ship, delicious food (especially at Thanksgiving) and important cargo. According to DEU John Cooper (who sent the Seafarers LOG the photos on this page), the vessel crewed in Norfolk, Va. in October of last year, following 35 days in the shipyard, and has been on the Crescent Run since then. This route takes them from New York to Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R.; Rio Haina in the Dominican Republic; and Houston. On a recent voyage, the vessel carried containers loaded with building supplies and other equipment for the residents of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, whose islands were devastated by Hurricane Georges (which struck the Caribbean beginning September 21 before proceeding to the U.S.). Cooper reports that delicious Thanksgiving Day and Christmas dinners were served aboard ship, complete with all the usual holiday trimmings. Another notable meal took place November 19 en route to San Juan in celebration of the container ship's 25th year of service with Sea-Land Service, Inc. Roast prime rib of beef au jus, eggplant parmigiana and broiled filet of sole were among the offerings at the anniversary festivities. One particular sight the crew members enjoyed took place while on a run from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico. Sea Star Line's El Yunque was heading into port for her first load of cargo. (See feature on page 14 of the February LOG.) Seafarers aboard the Sea-Land Consumer expressed their sincere thanks to SIU President Michael Sacco and the contracts department for getting these new jobs and helping keep the union strong. Learning the operations of the different departments aboard the Sea-Land Consumer is unlicensed apprentice Matt Nguyen. Getting the ship ready for arrival in port are DEU John Cooper (left) and AB Bennie Spencer. The port door of the Sea-Land Consumer gets a new coat of paint from AB Juan Ayala. Keeping the rooms in order is BR Americo Garayua. Rachel Cutler-Washington, who sails as assistant cook and messman aboard the container ship, refills the juice containers. AB Phil Harmon is completely full after a delicious meal and looks forward to the union meeting that evening, as is noted on the board. Bosun Frank Adams does his part to keep the ship in top condition. The entire crew appreciates the great meals prepared by Chief Cook William "Bill" Pitt (above). LEFT: The task of splicing some wires before the vessel docks in San Juan is completed by AB D. McGath. B Seafarers LOG Crew members agree that the food aboard the Sea-Land Consumer is great. From the left are AB Larry Bradley, AB Steve Ledermann and OMU M. Yafai. March 1999 �Admiral Holder Succeeds Admiral Perkins as MSC Head U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder became the 22nd commander of the Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) during a February 12 change of command ceremony at the Washington (D.C.) Navy Yard. Holder succeeds Vice Admiral James B. Perkins III, a vocal backer of the U.S. merchant marine who served a 24-month tour at MSC. Navy Admiral Jay L. Johnson, Chief of Naval Operations, and Air Force General Charles T. "Tony" Robertson, head of the U.S. Transportation Command, were the keynote speakers at the ceremony, which was attended by more than 600 people from MSC and other segments of the maritime industry. Holder, a New Jersey native and 1968 Florida State University graduate, joins MSC after serving as commander of Amphibious Group Two, a position he has held since 1997. His at-sea assignments include serving as the commanding officer on the amphibious warfare ship USS Widbey Island during her maiden voyage in 1987 which included a period of presidential support during the 1987 economic summit in Venice, Italy. He also commanded the amphibious assault ship USS Austin in 1992. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Holder served on the staff of the 7th Fleet commander as fleet exercises and amphibious warfare officer. Fo1lowing Desert Storm, he served as the assistant chief of staff for operations and plans at Amphibious Group Two until 1992. His shore duty assignments included working as aide to the commandant 6th Fleet Naval District/Commander Naval Base Charleston, S.C.; company officer and special assistant to the commandant, U.S. Naval Academy; and as assistant surface commander assignment officer, Naval Military Personnel Command. MSC provides worldwide ocean transportation for the Department of Defense. As the commander, Holder is responsible for more than 100 ships (including SIU-crewed vessels) which provide a variety of sealift services such as underway replenishment to Navy combatant vessels, specialized oceanographic and undersea surveillance, afloat prepositioning of U.S. military equipment, and transportation of Department of Defense fuel, military gear, building materials and other supplies. Admiral James Perkins (right) salutes his successor as the head of Military Sealift Command, Admiral Gordon Holder, during last month's change of command ceremony in Washington. Cleveland Crew 'Proud and Pleased' Ta Take Part in Humanitarian Effort Clothing Donations in Liberia Aid Needy Citizens Editor's note: Bosun David J. Garoutte submitted the following article. The most recent voyage of the SIU-crewed Cleveland (a Sealift Inc. C-5 breakbulk freighter) recently called on various West African ports. The schedule put her in Monrovia, Liberia between Christmas and New Year's Day. The class helps Seafarers meet the Chapter VI requirements of STCW. Before departing from the United States, the ship received about 50 large bags of clothing from the Lake Charles (La.) emergency procedures, personal Seamen's Center, to be distributed Continued from page 4 safety, safety equipment, and · to needy people in a port of our "The course I took covered a environmental protection proce- choice. We originally chose Freetown in Sierra Leone; but, lot of key subjects," added dures. Module No. 2 includes curricu- due to fighting in that country, we Presser, who graduated from the Lundeberg School in 1981. "It lum on inflatable life rafts, sur- were diverted to Liberia. There, we designated one half helps that the training books are vival at sea and signaling. The 28hour class also covers station bills, of the clothing for distribution to concise and easy to understand." As reported in the January lifeboats, rescue procedures and citizens in Zwedru, which is located in eastern Liberia. This issue of the Seafarers LOG, these personal lifesaving equipment. The third module covers first part of the country sustained masclasses do not replace the Paul Hall Center's basic fire fighting or aid and CPR, including responder sive damage from 1990-96, a water survival courses as required awareness and breathing aware- period known as the Liberian Civil Crisis. by 46 CFR for Coast Guard ness. Today, it is an area to which Fire fighting and fire prevenendorsement as a lifeboatman. The new classes essentially tion constitute the fourth module. refugees are returning from cover the same subjects, but in Subjects in this segment include neighboring Ivory Coast. These varying degrees. Each is divided chemistry of fire, heat transfer, refugees returned with few posinto four sections or modules that fire detection systems, fire extin- sessions and to homes that have correspond with the Chapter VI guishing systems, agents and methods, fire fighting equipment, requirements. Among the topics addressed in self-contained breathing apparamodule No. 1 are personal tus, personal protective clothing responsibility, communication, and more. Safety Course Is A Success been partly or completely destroyed. The average monthly personal income there is about $10 (U.S.). So, needless to say, clothing is much needed and appreciated. Clothes were given to Shannon Ward of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to be distributed through their office in Grand Gedeh. She kindly offered the background information for this article. We gave the other half of the clothing to Mr. Yusufu Kaba of the Liberian Islamic Union for Reconstruction and Development, a Bosun David Garoutte and fellow crew members aboard the Cleveland eagerly participated in delivering clothing to needy citizens of war-ravaged Liberia. national organization that works in many areas throughout Liberia. This clothing will be distributed in the Massatin Leper Colony in northwest Liberia's Cape Mount County. In that colony, population 360, lepers live with their families. Due to the conditions associated with leprosy, those who have the disease typically are unable to work, placing additional responsibilities on family members. WFP provides food to the colony and income is earned through petty trading. We were advised that the people at Massatin greatly will benefit from the donations. Crew members aboard the Cleveland, from the captain on down, were very proud and pleased to participate in this humanitarian and goodwill gesture. When you see firsthand the true need of these people, there is nothing like the feeling that you get from knowing you are helping to make a difference, if only a small one. The SIU can be pleased and proud as well to see that we are carrying on the traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea, and expanding on it, too. School Gets Positive Review Continued from page 4 requiring an external auditing process known as a quality standard system, or QSS. ACE last year received U.S. Coast Guard authorization as a QSS. This means that ACE will be able to approve Paul Hall Center courses as fulfilling STCW requirements, much the same way as the March 1999 Coast Guard's National Maritime Center (NMC) has okayed applicable classes in the past. ACE is one of three entities approved by the Coast Guard to serve as a QSS for facilities providing training and education to meet STCW requirements. The other two are the American Bureau of Shipping and Det Norske Veritas. Chief Steward Miguel Vinca (left) and Chief Mate Mike Leidelmeijer .(second from right) join Liberian representatives Abraham Sanor, Victor Massaqui and Yusufu Kaba in helping coordinate the donation. Seafarers LOG 9 �Rough Weather, Good Spirits Abound Throughout USNS Effective Voyage A recent voyage aboard the TAGOS vessel USNS Effective demonstrated that a first-rate steward department and shipboard camaraderie can overshadow difficult sailing conditions. AB Chris Edyvean reports that during the USNS Ejfective's journey in the North Pacific, beginning in September and ending in December, "the weather was the worst that most of the crew had ever encountered, including some very rough seas. But the crew morale was still high, thanks to Chief Steward Greg Noble, who went beyond his duties to ensure good meals were put out; and Chief Mate Mike Coulbourne, who planned several activities during the voyage, including a Halloween costume party that probably was the highlight of the trip for most of us." Assisting Noble in the steward department were Chief Cook Jose Sepulveda and SA Musa Ahmed. Edyvean, a 1992 graduate of the Paul Hall Center who provided the photos accompanying this story, says that notwithstanding the weather, the USNS Effective conducted routine surveillance operations for the U.S. Navy during its voyage. Operated by Maersk Line Limited for the U.S. Military Sealift Command, the USNS Effective spent the vast majority of that time at sea, docking briefly in Yokohama, Japan. According to a copy of the ship's minutes, upgrading at the Paul Hall Center was a popular topic during shipboard union meetings. Crew members noted the school recently installed state-of-the-art radar simulators, and they also discussed the impending opening of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. I Forming part of the USNS Effective's crew are (top photo, from left) medical department representative John Thomas and Bosun·George Keblis, plus (bottom photo) AB Jerry Galletta and 2nd Mate John Stephens. AB Chris Edyvean, a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center's L!Jndeberg School of Seamanship, says the USNS Effective endured remarkably foul weather. OSs Carolyn Foster (top photo) and Walter Lichota (below) help ensure smooth operations aboard the surveillance vessel. ;;i Credited by shipmates for helping keep morale high during a recent voyage aboard the USNS Effective are (from left) SA Musa Ahmed, Chief Steward Greg Noble and Chief Cook Jose Sepulveda. Payoff on the Sea-Land Atlantic Operated by Maersk Line Limited, the USNS Effective gathers various oceanographic information for use by the United States Navy. 'Busch' League Move Budweiser Proposes Using Mexican Bottles for U.S. Beer During a recent payoff aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic in Elizabeth, N.J., Seafarers discussed the latest union news and upgrading opportunities at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Pictured from left to right, clockwise beginning with photo at upper left, are Chief Steward Edward Porter, Electrician Ralph Garner and Chief Cook William Muniz; Bosun John Bertolino; SA Hamed Ali and GUDE Fadel Ghaleb; and AB Larry Combs. Citing the need to preserve American jobs "and the future of the U.S. glass industry,'' the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers Union (GMP) last month asked the U.S. Department of Labor to freeze Anheuser-Busch's import of Mexican bottles. The union said Anheuser-Busch purchases 5 percent of its annual glass bottle supply from a Mexican company. It also called the brewer's plan to buy $200 million in foreign bottles "a potential disaster for the American glass industry." Meanwhile, the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department is urging "all who agree that American-made beer should be distributed in American-made bottles - not in imported bottles" to call a toll-free number. The department asks consumers to call Anheuser-Busch at 1-800342-5283 to support the campaign. Callers need say no more than ''American beer in American bottles," according to the GMP. Anheuser-Busch, which makes Budweiser and other beers, has agreed to buy $200 million worth of bottles from a nonunion Mexican glass maker for delivery early this year. The GMP says this action may result in thousands of lost American jobs, both in the glass industry and in industries that supply the bottle makers. 10 Seafarers LOG March 1999 �CHOW TIME: Enjoying a well-earned meal break in the galley are Seafarers (top) Toney Smith and (below) Roger Cash. GUDE Yahya Ghalab is all smiles as he climbs the gangway while the ship is docked in Wilmington, Calif. in January. SEA-LAND EXPLORER Pictured from left to right on the Sea-Land Patriot's deck are ABs Mark Stevens and Gerry Gianan. Bosun Shawn Evans (left) and AB Richard Volkart form part of the Sea-Land Patriot crew. LEFT TO RIGHT: AB E.F. O'Brien, Bosun Skip Yager and Chief Steward William Burdette pose for a photo. LEFT TO RIGHT: AB Jack Martin, Bosun Shawn Evans, SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox and QMED Horst Baetjer take a break. EA-LAND PATRIO Helping make the SIU-crewed Sea-Land containership a good feeder are (1-r) Chief Cook Ernest Polk and Chief Steward Ruben Casin. AB Joe Smoler carries stores. SEA-LAND DISCOVERY March 1999 Chief Steward Donald Spangler (right) and Chief Cook Joseph Wouthuyzen GSU Greg Rice Pausing in the galley are Chief Cook Joseph Wouthuyzen (left) and Port Agent John Cox. Seafarers LOG 11 �Sode1manSe Entering its second full year of service to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the SIUcrewed USNS Soderman has a tough act to follow, based on its performance in 1998. The vessel last year received numerous accolades from the armed forces for support missions in Bosnia and Kuwait as well as other duties. "These guys were fantastic," said Captain Michael Burke while the enormous ship recently was tied up in Norfolk, Va. "We got a lot of recognition and the whole crew deserved it. They did a great job." The Soderman crew members began the new year honing their familiarization with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, as the vessel prepared for a mandatory audit as part of ISM's implementation. Shipboard safety classes constituted a major part of that preparation. "The main thing, whether you're reading about ISM or working in your department, is to have a good attitude, and for the most part that has been the case on this ship," noted Recertified Bosun Klaus "Whitey" Tankersley, a 32-year member of the SIU. The Soderman was delivered to MSC in November 1997, following a lengthy conversion that left it with 300,000 square feet of cargo stowage area. The roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) vessel features seven decks, is almost 907 feet long and consistently sails at 24 knots, Burke stated. Formerly a commercial containership, the Soderman (converted at National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. in San Diego) can carry an entire U.S. Army task force, including more than 1,000 tanks, trucks and other military vehicles. The Soderman 's finest moment to date may · have occurred last August. As part of the NATO peacekeeping mission known as Operation Joint Forge. the vessel delivered U.S. Army combat support equipment and supplies bound for Bosnia to a port in Croatia. It was the largest ship ever to call on that region (part of the former Yugoslavia), and the delivery saved valuable time and money for the Army, according to MSC. Like the four other converted RO/ROs that are part of a 19-ship program to bolster U.S. sealift capability (as called for by a Pentagon study following the Persian Gulf War), the Soderman is named for a Medal of Honor recipient. Longtime Seafarer AB Burlin Pinion (right) finishes his watch as AB Will Martin (above) relieves him at the shack. f2 Seafarers LOG March 1999 �FuB Speed Ahead in 1999 ENOUGH FOR YA? While the an was in the Persian Gulf, Bosun .y" Tankersley confirms that the ·mately 120-degree heat indeed is to fry an egg on deck. Afan:h 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �With Seafarers Aboard the Overseas Philadelphia 'Wonderful' Thanksgiving Meal Appreciated Aboard Pres. Adams Fellow Crew Members Commend Galley Gang Crew members aboard the President Adams expressed their appreciation for the fine Thanksgiving feast put out by the Seafarers who comprise the vessel's steward department. In separate notes, deck department members (represented by the SIUNA-affiliated Sailors' Union of the Pacific) and officers commended the galley gang of Chief Steward Lito Acosta, Chief Cook Charlie Mroczko and Assistant Cook/Utility Mike Briscoe. "The extra time and effort to lay out the sumptuous buffet table is truly appreciated. The deck department would like to - extend our sincere appreciation," wrote Rich Cahill, I. Thorbjornsen, Rolando Gerbacio, Marty Joseph, Donald Persian and Bert Genita. The officers agreed. "They put together a wonderful Thanksgiving meal, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks. They went above and beyond their duties to make an exquisite meal that set a comfortable holiday atmosphere at sea for Thanksgiving. This Thanksgiving meal was 'the best ever: We couldn't have asked for a better holiday meal at sea," wrote Master G. Hasselbach and the other officers. Seafarers aboard the Overseas Philadelphia recently welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco (top photo, right) as well as other SIU officials and representatives of the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School when the vessel docked in Piney Point, Md. With no gangway available, Sacco and the other visitors climbed the ship's Jacob's ladder and met with the crew to discuss the recent NMU affiliation with the SIUNA, plus other news. They also praised the crew for maintaining an exceptionally clean vessel. Struggle Continues at Avondale Continued from page 5 strations at worksites. He pointed out that a workers' safety committee in the shipyard provided the Occupational Safety and Health Administration with enough information that the federal agency had to conduct its own investigation. "They jumped in with both feet, eight investigators for two weeks at the end of last year," Reagan recalled. "We can make a difference." The inspectors spotted numerous violations at the shipyard, which has a death rate three times higher than any other such facility in the United States, he added. Reagan pointed out community support continues to grow with politicians and religious groups, thanks to recent news stories like those generated when the International Transport Workers' Federation exhibition vessel Global Mariner docked in New Orleans last November. The courage of the Avondale workers in this multi-year struggle also attracted the attention of AFL-CIO President John Sweeney in his remarks to the MTD executive board. "Here are 5,000 workers who overcame employer intimidation and harassment and voted for union representation over five years ago - five years ago and they still don't have a contract, and this is an employer that depends on taxpayer dollars for 90 percent of its business," Sweeney stated, referring to the fact that most of Avondale's work is procured from Navy contracts. "We're fighting back in New Orleans and across the country by organizing entire communities to support the rights of workers to join unions and we're demanding elected officials join us - not just in their official capacities and not just in making our governments model employers, but also in their roles as moral leaders of our communities." In a statement approved .by the MTD executive board, the department, its unions and port councils "stand united in condemning the company's unlawful antiworker policies and call upon the federal government to take immediate steps to rectify this unfortunate situation." f4 Seafarers LOG ,ir,:' CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: Chief Steward Lito Acosta and Captain G. Hasselbach meet in the ship's exercise room; Acosta displays part of the holiday feast; Chief Cook Charlie Mroczko and Assistant Cook/Utility Mike Briscoe also share in the credit for the meal. Steel Dumping Crisis Impacts All Workers Continued from page 5 Metal Trades Dept. Pres. John Meese (above) and Avondale coordinator Bill Reagan (below) update the MTD board on organizing activities at the La. shipyard. their jobs in my district because of steel dumping." The congressman pledged to find a way to help the industry and its workers. Becker cited U.S. trade policies as the reason steel and other domestic industries, like rubber and textiles, are suffering. He said U.S. government officials are more interested in exporting technology and capital to create manufacturing jobs overseas so we can import these goods at "rock bottom prices." "Look at trade overall," the Steelworkers president asked the board. "We lost 272,000 industrial jobs in the United States last year! You can't ~up­ port Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid on minimum wage jobs!" MTD (and SIU) President Michael Sacco followed up Becker's remarks by noting how the U.S.-flag Great Lakes fleet had to tie up early for winter because steel mills were cutting back. This action affected not just mariners, but also miners, railroad workers, chandlers and many others. "Everyone in this room is affected in some way," Sacco noted. The board supported a statement calling on the Congress to enact legislation to restrict the unfair levels of steel being imported into the United States. It also seeks agencies within the federal government to take swift action to restore the U.S. steel market to the conditions before the dumping of steel began. The Steelworkers and the SIU are two of the 32 affiliated unions, representing nearly 8 million workers, within the MTD. March 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 +TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C TIDAL SIUPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New.York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans : <Jacksonville :~ s·~ Francisco W'tlmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu · Houston · St. Louis .Piney Point Algonac Totals 23 6 8 14 8 15 31 21 33 21 7 4 35 2 0 0 228 10 7 17 4 5 9 5 10 16 14 4 2 10 2 9 12 11 9 10 4 12 11 2 2 2 125 4 8 2 10 2 7 10 I 6 Port · New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 13 5 5 7 10 2 6 5 2 0 0 3 9 8 4 0 9 10 12 6 2 1 11 10 4 2 19 9 7 15 7 7 18 3 2 0 134 . Philadelphia 8 2 Baltimo~ . '·"" . "' 4 Norfolk 3 Mobile 4 New Orleans 4 0 115 3 5 4 0 6 3 0 6 2 9 1 0 0 46 0 0 0 23 5 0 0 1 19 1 19 4 0 4 8 11 0 7 IO 13 IO 11 3 32 10 2 4 4 8 52 6 6 15 · 12 18 19 0 Houston 20 St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 12 0 5 0 126 5 5 8 8 8 2 5 0 3 0 3 11 71 27 31 14 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 8 10 1 2 1 0 0 3 3 2 3 0 3 5 4 5 13 6 7 5 1 2 13 5 4 14 2 4 0 0 82 Norfolk ...................Thursday: April 8, May 6 San Juan ..................Thursday; April 8, May 6 7 3 I 0 4 9 0 3 St. Louis .................Friday: April 16, May 14 24 10 19 12 15 12 12 26 10 8 10 22 6 9 6 6 2 0 2 0 0 40 1 0 0 9 3 10 25 3 10 4 15 6 San Francisco .........Thursday: April 15, May 13 Tacoma _..................Friday: April 23, May 21 Wilmington .............Monday: April 19, May 17 Each port's meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 2 6 2 2 4 8 Personals MEMBERS OF LIFEBOAT CLASS #199 Kirk Piper from Lifeboat Class #199 has photos of some of his classmates and would like to hear from them. He may be reached at (330) 836-2487, or write him at 970 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44313. WADSWORTH JARRELL Please contact Gomer Davis at 425 W. Dakota Ave., Hayden Lake, ID 83835; or telephone (208) 773-3034. 0 JANE ELAINE PRICE 7 3 1 3 8 1 84 0 0 8 1 0 0 0 29 Please contact Maggie Kemp at (904) 353-1698 as soon as possible regarding your mother. 46 3 3 31 4 4 21 14 15 14 6 27 27 9 15 29 13 20 2 6 7 44 86 14 13 43 28 36 2 20 22 0 6 0 43 239 0 0 0 12 0 0 4 0 6 13 5 7 4 0 4 5 0 5 FRANCIS OSTENDARP Please contact Tom Beauchesne at (302) 323-1790. EDWIN MARVIN ARNOLD or anyone with information on him, please call Carmelleta at (323) 256-1111. Seafarers Take Part in Inauguration 3 9 3 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 23 I 81 259 237 164 946 641 388 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. March 1999 3 3 6 14 7 0 194 6 17 8 306 14 1 2 0 0 0 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 13, May 11 15 2 195 0 417 2 7 8 19 1 0 15 282 26 so 0 0 0 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: April 20, May 18 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: April 7, May 5 1 0 0 118 0 0 0 408 Mobile .................... Wednesday; April 14, May 12 180 2 0 10 534 Jersey City .............. Wednesday~ April 21, May 19 431 0 2 0 90 2 15 2 6 6 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 8, May 6 71 3 1 110 14 3 New York ................Tuesday: April 6, May 4 0 0 31 51 54 20 18 16 Houston .................. Monday; April 12, May 10 1 4 41 146 47 I~ 23 Honolulu ................. Friday: April 16, May 14 0 2 31 144 13 1 I 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 46 7 Duluth .....................Wednesday: April 14, May 12 I 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT '·''16 3 0 ,,4 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 5 3 1 3 6 3 2 0 0 1 6 2 16 5 1 7 14 4 0 6 10 2 4 13 1 0 6 0 0 0 0 7 2 10 3 2 8 0 7 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 106 11 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 8 8 3 3 9 2 0 3 4 5 0 2 6 4 2 3 8 7 0 3 4 10 8 5 16 2 7 8 6 1 12 3 g 7 8 5 10 7 5 2 2 3 5 2 5 0 . 3 '7 14 3 2 1 1 0 0 31 12 2 63 0 19 13 34 65 Baltimore ................Thursday: April 8, May 6 4 2 0 0 6 9 Algonac ..................Friday: April 9, May 7 18 3 3 0 0 8 12 10 2 2 14 4 94 24 Piney Point .............Monday: April 5, May 3 11 1 165 ++REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C - Memllersllip Meetings · Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 49 0 1 2 1 3 2 5 0 0 4 3 9 5 5 10 6 9 10 2 1 11 1 5 I 0 8 2 1 0 11 8 1 6'' t DECK DEPARTMENT s 8 8 4 3 3 4 l 1 9 8 3 2 3 3 12 4 5 13 3 93 Trip Reliefs 24 4 3 0 0 2 San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu 7 6 1 l 5 Jacksonville 21 6 5 Port New York 10 21 7 21 1 2 82 FEBRUARY 15, 1999 April & May 1999 The state house in Annapolis, Md. was the setting for Maryland Governor Paris Glendenning's inauguration in January. Seafarers were well represented as honor guards at the swearing-in ceremony for the governor. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lak.eS - JANUARY 16 - CL - Company/Lakes •· •TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Aiigus~ T~llU. FEBRUARY IS, 1999 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP ••REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP urt·•·••!i··x<············"·•·•·········· Vice President Contracts Jack Caffey Vice 'Pi:esident Atlantic Coast DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone . Vice President West Co$t Kennett Mangram Vice President Government Services ... Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 31 4 0 19 2 0 3 4 0 16 13 DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 l ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT ·O. 3 2 0 31 3 0 12 1 0 1 4 10 HEADQUARTERS SWlAuthWay Camp Springs. MD 2-0746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr. Algonac, Ml 48001 18 Totals All Depts 23 0 69 0 11 0 58 5 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. (8 J0) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 JANUARY 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building FEBRUARY 15, 1999 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St Honolulu, HJ 96819 {808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX n002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353.-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jeffley City, NJ i>7302 (201) 435-9424 MOBU..E 1640 Dauphin lsland Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48UnionSl New Bedford. MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 76130 (504)529-7546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St Norfolk. VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 s. 4 St. Philadelphia. PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Pointr MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Fl Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16lh Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 0 2 ~es, !nlaqd Water,s ~~ West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast 5 46 0 0 11 0 0 14 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 ,~, 1nJan.d Waters .,14 West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast West Coast Totals 0 13 0 1 ,o DECK DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 5 '4 0 32 , ='* Q 5 0 1 8 45 9 1 3 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 l J~ ltr 0 0 0 0 13 1 0 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 'p ,o 0 0 1 1 o- 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 .:'.K·. :;,.k 0 5 0 10 0 0 0 5 16 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ~:::;.: 0 1 15 0 o: 16 0 ~·-..f:ful:;...:* 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Depts 73 4 12 12 1 4 74 5 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 6 32 PIG-FROM-THE-PAST This photo, sent to theSeafarers LOG by Pensioner Thurston Lewis of Arkadelphia, Ark., is of the deck crew members at a seamanship class aboard the SS Del Norte in 1950. The ship was on the New Orleans to Buenos Aires, Argentina run. In a note to the Seafarers LOG accompanying the photo, Brother Lewis mentions that he later saw the ship's hull being cut up for scrap in Kaosiung, Taiwan. Now 81, Brother Lewis is second from left in the photograph (with the arrow pointing to his head). He joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New Orleans, starting in the deck department and later changing to the engine department. He retired August 1, 1974. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. (310} 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG March 1999 �- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafare rs 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. I nland Captain Charles V. Tucker is among the 11 Seafarers who are announcing their retirements this month. Representing 4 7 years of active union membership, Brother Tucker graduated from the towboat operators upgrading program offered at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. This program was designed to prepare qualified mariners for licenses under U.S. Coast Guard regulations requiring such documentation for all operators of uninspected towboats and tugboats. Including Brother Tucker, four of the retirees signing off navigated the inland waterways; six shipped in the deep sea division; and one sailed aboard Great Lakes vessels. Six of the retiring pensioners sailed in the deck department; three worked in the steward department; and two were members of the engine department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA GEORGEE. FRIES, 54, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1965 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Fries worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. The New York native served in the U.S. Navy from 1962 to 1966. He makes his home in Paramount, Calif. the HM/ Astrachem, operated by IUM Corp. Brother Otto makes his home in Santa Fe, Texas. NAJI GEORGE SILALAID, 68, joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New York. Born in Indonesia, he sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Brother Silalahi last sailed aboard the LNG Libra, operated by Energy Transportation Corp. He has retired to Brooklyn, N.Y. HASSAN, 70, started his career with the ' SIU in 1963 in the port of San 1 Francisco. Born in Yemen, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Hassan last sailed in 1993 aboard the Guayama, operated by NPR, Inc. He has retired to Yuma, Arizona. JACKIER. MCDANIEL, 58, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1961 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. A native of New Mexico, he sailed in the deck departmentandwasactivein union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Newark Bay, a Sea-Land Service vessel. Brother McDaniel calls Houston home. FREDERICK --·------- E. OTTO, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1952 from the port of Galveston, Texas. His first ship was the Liberty Flag. The Texas native worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard JOSEPHF. ''BUTCH'' ZHEMECK, 70, first sailed with the SIU in 1947 in the port of Philadelphia, aboard the Glacier Park, operated by Pacific Tankers. During his career, he sailed in the steward and engine departments. Brother Zhemeck came ashore in 1966 and worked in the maintenance department at the Brooklyn, N.Y. hall. The Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Anny from 1948 to 1952. He makes his home in Philadelphia. INLAND PIDLIP E. AYERS, JR., 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1960. A native of North Carolina, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded to 1st class pilot at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Ayers last sailed aboard the tug AMMV Honored by MTD ~ommercial mnal Union The executive board of the George Searle in this effort," statAFL-CIO Maritime Trades ed Herberger. "He was tireless, he Department (MTD) congratulated was on the side of the right, and the American Merchant Marine it's a privilege for me to help preVeterans (AMMV) last month for sent this wheel." successful conclusion of the arduSacco, who also is president of ous fight to extend veterans' ben- the SIU, noted that the MTD efits to all World War II mariners. "proudly supported this bill from During the board's meeting in the beginning. We supported it Miami, MTD President Michael because it so obviously was the Sacco and retired U.S. Maritime right thing to do. Plain and simAdministrator Al Herberger pre- ple, without the commitment and sented a ship's wheel to AMMV bravery of all of our merchant President George Searle, commem- mariners, the Allies would not orating enactment of the Veterans' have won the war." Benefits Enhancement Act. Searle recalled that when the The MTD actively supported AMMV (which includes many passage of the legislation, which retired SIU members and some the House and Senate unanimous- active ones) formed the Merchant ly approved last fall and which Mariners Fairness Committee a President Clinton signed on decade ago, the group was tasked Veterans' Day. Sintilarly, Admiral with working to extend the cutoff Herberger firmly baeked the bill, -date. He said they immediately which extends benefits to mariners and consistently received strong who sailed between August 16, support from numerous unions 1945 and December 31, 1946. throughout the AFL-CIO. "It has "I can personally attest that no been a hard job, and I thank every one worked harder or longer than one of you!" ;tery, Plastics International Carly, operated by Turecamo Maritime. From 1955 to 1959,he served in the U.S. Air Force. He has retired to Mullica Hill, N.J. CHARLESF. MCDANIEL, 65, joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of St. Louis. The Pennsylvania native worked as a chief engineer. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. Boatman McDaniel makes his home in Georgetown, Ohio. CHARLESV. TUCKER, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Mobile, Ala. ~==-~~=i Boatman Tucker sailed in the deck department and graduated from the towboat operators program at the Lundeberg School in 1980. The Alabama native worked as a captain, last sailing aboard a Crescent Towing Co. vessel. He calls Chickasaw, Ala. home. WENCESLAO VAZQUEZ, 57, joined the SIU in 1976 in Puerto Rico. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point. Prior to his retirement, Boatman Vazquez last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He has retired to Las Piedras, P.R. EAT LAKES ALIM. AHMED,49, began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 from the port of Detroit. Born in Arabia, he worked in the steward department. His final vessel before retirement was the Richard J. Reiss, operated by Erie Sand Steamship Co. Brother Ahmed makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Message from the Lane Victory The S.S. Lane Victory ship memorial invites all active and retired seafarers to visit the ship and share experiences with the working crew. The "Lane" is still a working ship, but crew members always have a special welcome for fellow mariners. It is tied up at Berth 94, San Pedro, Calif., and the vessel is open from 0900 to 1630 daily. \ntemat.\onat Long \nternationci Asl, ardAero Marine &Vneet Ulited Mine :>taurant Em I Union lntemational and P.., George Searle (standing, center}, president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, accepts a commemorative ship's wheel from MTD President Michael Sacco (left} and retired U.S. Maritime Administrator Al Herberger last month in Miami. The presentation recognized AMMV's efforts to extend the cutoff date for veterans' benefits for World War II mariners. Pictured in the foreground is MTD Vice President Jack Stewart. Attention Seafarers: Make Maritime' Voice Heard! Co tribute to SPAD! March 1999 Seafarers LOG 17 - �DEEP SEA FLOYD G. ALLEN Pensioner Floyd G. Allen, 76, passed away January 4. Born in New York he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1948. Brother Allen last sailed aboard the Delta Venezuela, operated by Delta Steamship Lines. He was a resident of Shickshinny, Pa. and began receiving his pension in August 1988. CARL E. BEARD Carl E. Beard, 65, died August 27, 1998. Brother Beard started his career with the SIU in 1959. The Pennsylvania native sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He made his home in Baltimore. CHARLES E. BELL .-----=====-----. Pensioner Charles E. Bell, 73, passed away January 13. He joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. A i...:....::,__;;~==;;.o;..___, native of Georgia, he sailed in the galley gang and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. A resident of Oakland, Calif., Brother Bell started receiving his pension in October 1988. CLIFFORD A. BELLAMY Pensioner Clifford A. Bellamy, 77, ,.. died December 22, 1998. A native of North Carolina, he started his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York. Brother Bellamy worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Alaska. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a resident of Gooding, Idaho and retired in November 1986. r---===~-, DANIEL A. BRASS Pensioner Daniel A. Brass, 69, passed away January 12. Born in Maryland, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1947 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Brass sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Augusta, W.Va., he began receiving his pension in July 1994. ALFONSO CAMPANELLA Alfonso Campanella, 59, died November 21, 1998. A native of Italy, he joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S), before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Campanella sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. · FRANK CORVEN Pensioner Frank Carven, 72, passed away December 17, 1998. He gradu- - f8 Seafarers LOG ated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New II York. Brother ~ Carven worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Hawaii, operated by SeaLand Service. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Sun City, Ariz., he began receiving his pension in December 1991. I WILLIE D. CRAWFORD =---=----, Pensioner Willie D. Crawford, 70, died January 10. Born in Florida, he joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. He sailed ....__ _ _ _ _ _ in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Brother Crawford retired in November 1985. He was a resident of Jacksonville, Fla. PEDRO N. DELVALLE Pensioner Pedro N. DelValle, 82, passed away November 13, 1998. A native of Puerto Rico, he started his career with the Seafarers in ===---""'---"'== 1941 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother DelValle made his home in Humacao, P.R. and began receiving his pension in June 1981. ~--,;;;;;;::;;;;;;;;=,.-- ALBERT G. ESPENEDA Pensioner Albert G. Espeneda, 95, died January 8. Brother Espeneda joined the SIU in 1941 in the port of New York. A native of the Philippines, he sailed in the steward department. From 1918 to 1932, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of New Orleans, he retired in October 1968. LAZARO Z. FABRO Pensioner Lazaro Z. Fabro, 86, passed away November 21, 1998. Born in the Philippines, he started his career with the MC&S in 1942, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Fabro began receiving his pension in February 1974. He was a resident of San Francisco. EDWARD F. LEASGANG Pensioner Edward F. Leas gang, 87, died September 23, 1998. He joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port , of New York. '---"------"'---- During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Seattle, Brother Leasgang retired in December 1975. A veteran of World War II, the Pennsylvania native served in the U.S. Army from 1940 to 1943. ~~====~-=~ WILLIAM LOVETT Pensioner William Lovett, 75, died January 11. Brother Lovett started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1982. Prior to his retirement in December 1988, he signed off the American Heritage. He was a resident of New York City. JOHN C. MADSEN John C. Madsen, 70, passed away December 23, 1998. Born in Connecticut, he began sailing with the SIU from the port of San Francisco in 1992. Brother Madsen worked in the deck department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Maersk Constellation. He was a resident of Honolulu. RAYMOND J. MCPHILLIPS Pensioner Raymond J. McPhillips, 72, died December 4, 1998. Brother McPhillips first sailed with the Seafarers in the L...:;..=-=---='---=_. 1940's. Born in Rhode Island, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. A resident of Porter, Texas, he began receiving his pension in August 1986. J CHARLES D. MERRILL 1---:::;;iii"i~ft-I Pensioner Charles D. Merrill, 77, passed away November 5, 1998. A native of Alabama, he joined the SIU in 1942 in the .__________~ port of Philadelphia. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. Brother Merrill retired in June 1976. He was a resident of Mobile, Ala. JOHNMITTE Pensioner John Mitte, 81, died October 25, 1998. After 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he started his career with the MC&S in 1963 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of California, he made his home in Kelseyville. Brother Mitte started receiving his pension in March 1983. RAYMOND J. MOORE r~iiiiiii:--1 Pensioner JENE LEGG Pensioner Jene Legg, 73, passed away December 22, 1998. Born in Kansas, he began sailing with the SIU in 1944 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Legg sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of seamanship. A resident of Yuma, Ariz., he began receiving his pension in February 1988. =:---=::........::=== Raymond J. Moore, 65, passed away November 28, 1998. Brother Moore joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of New York. The Pennsylvania native worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Potomac, a Connecticut Transportation Co. vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Mantua, N.J., he retired in March 1998. DALTON H. MORGAN Pensioner Dalton H. Morgan, 83, died January 9. Born in Louisiana, he began sailing with the SIU in 1944 from the - - - - - - - port of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Morgan was active in union organizing drives and started receiving his pension in January 1981. He lived in Kerrville, Texas. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1946. JOHN B. NOBLE ---===---, Pensioner John B. Noble, 66, passed away December 16, 1998. He joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of New York. The Empire State native sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification class in 1989. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. A resident of Anchorage, Alaska, Brother Noble retired in October 1995. PIERRE A. NORMAND ,....,.....,====-:=-=i Pensioner Pierre A. Normand, 84 died November 30, 1998. Brother Normand began sailing with the MC&S in 1957 from the port of \,...;.;;.;.=-----~ San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in France, he became a U.S. citizen and made his home in Las Vegas. Brother Normand started receiving his pension in December 1977. DAVID K. NUNN Pensioner David K. Nunn, 80, passed away December 29, 1998. A native of Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port '-------~ ofNewYork. He sailed in the galley gang and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1977. Brother Nunn came ashore as an SIU representative and worked in the San Francisco hall. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of San Mateo, Calif., he retired in June 1981. Pensioner John S. Orfanides, 86, passed away October 27, 1998. Brother Orfanides joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of Wilmington, Calif., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Turkey, and a resident of Hawthorne, Calif., he retired in February 1972. RALPH A. OVERAND Pensioner Ralph A. Overand, 72, died November 1, 1998. He began sailing with the MC&S in 1957 aboard the Matsonia and graduated ==-=---"=='"'"' from the MC&S training school in Santa Rosa, Calif. Prior to his retirement in March 1979, Brother Overand signed off the Mariposa. Born in Colorado, he made his home in Chula Vista, Calif. AUGUSTO L. PACHEO Pensioner Augusto L. Pacheo, 78, passed away November 12, 1998. A native of the Philippines, he started his career with the ====--== Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Pacheo worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Rover, operated by Ocean. Carriers, Inc. A resident of the Philippines, he began receiving his pension in December 1981. FRANCIS PHILLIPS Francis Phillips, 66, died October 30, 1998. Born in South Carolina, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1960 and ,___ _ _ _ _ _ joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Phillips sailed.in the steward department and upgr.aded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Long Beach, Calif. LADISLAO SEMANA Pensioner Ladislao Semana, 86, passed away November4, 1998. Born in the Philippines, he started his career with the ====-=--...;;:;===- MC&S, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of Waipahu, Hawaii, he began receiving his pension in July 1974. ELZIE C. O'NEIL CHARLES E. SHARP ...,...---------, Pensioner Elzie C. O'Neil, 73, died October 19, 1998. Born in North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU from the port of '-------~ Norfolk, Va. Brother O'Neil sailed as a member of the deck department and started receiving his pension in December 1977. He was a resident of Norfolk. l'-:iiii"\iiiiiiiia:----1 Pensioner Charles E. Sharp, 76, died December 31, 1998. He joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland ..,. native sailed as a member of the engine department and retired in July 1978. He served in the U.S . Navy from 1944 to 1946. Brother Sharp lived in Baltimore. March 1999 �-,;::r---~-- --------------------- -------- - -- - - - -- puted OT reported. President's Report in Seafarers LOG read regarding Ready Reserve ships. Bosun said it makes him proud to be an SIU seaman. New dryer received for crew laundry room. Steward department given vote of thanks for wonderful meals, especially Thanksgiving. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. OVERSEAS OHIO (OSG Ship Management), October 29Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Jeff Smith, Educational Director Byron Elliott. Chairman reported on policy of having steward or bosun sign form attesting to cleanliness of quarters and giving it to captain prior to payoff. He also led discussion about section in tanker agreement dealing with reporting on time when all hands are called. No beefs or disputed OT announced. Letter from Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez regarding checking of rooms prior to departure read and discussed. Crew informed of proposed affiliation with NMU. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Richmond, Calif. and Valdez, Alaska. 1st LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine Corp.), November 15-Chairman Paul Griffin, Secretary Lauren Oram, Educational Director M. Reuter, Deck Delegate Rich Hilbert, Engine Delegate Robert Elliot, Steward Delegate David Gibson. Chairman read letter from c ntracts department. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Lundeberg School and obtain training record book (fRB) and TCW endo ement. Trea urer stated $150 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on when s will be needed and who should sign them. Crew asked to not lock scuttles, and when alanns go off in holds, someone should be sure to respond. Job well done to steward department for great food. Next ports: Saipan and Guam. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), November 29-Chairman Harold Sebring, Secretary Charles Scott, Educational Director Nathaniel Gaten, Deck Delegate Everette W. Sanders, Engine Delegate Simeon G. Valencia, Steward Delegate Obencio Espinoza. Chairman reported payoff December 3 in Houston. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills for better wages and job security. He also reminded crew about importance of donating to SPAD. No beefs reported. Some disputed ar brought up in steward department. New chairs requested for crew mess. Vote of thanks given to steward department and to ship's unlicensed apprentices, Levy Calzado and Noel Corrales. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), November 29Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Tookie Davalie, Deck Delegate Leonard Zimmerman, Engine Delegate Nathan Rippey, Steward Delegate Steve Bowmer. Chairman stated payoff to take place in New Orleans December 9. Union official needs to be present. Educational director reminded crew members of need to apply for TRB in order to register. He also encouraged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. Some disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Crew requested tape rewinder, VCR, galley toaster, new crew mattresses and washing machine for crew laundry. Couches in crew lounge also need recovering. Next ports: New Orleans and Houston. LTC CALVIN P. TITUS (Maersk Line), November 8-Chairman Scott Heginbotham, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director James Atwell, Engine Delegate Ali Abdulgani, Steward Delegate Wadsworth Jarell. Chairman talked about possible SIU-NMU affiliation. He also noted captain's refusal to purchase ironing board and irons for laundry rooms. Ship scheduled to sail for Japan with no docking invo Vessel to return to Saipan November 16. Stores will be received in Saipan. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and obtain TRBs before registering to ship. Treasurer stated $50 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for better dental benefits for those working under standard contract and better distribution of new movies aboard ship. Titus Enters 1999 OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Management), November 29-Chairman Billy Hill, Secretary M. Flores. Chairman reported good voyage from U.S. to West Africa and thanked deck department for hard work. Ship to pay off on arrival in New Orleans. Educational director encouraged crew members without TRBs to apply immediately or they will not be able to register to sail aboard SIU-contracted vessels. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Communications read regarding change in direct maQagement of operating company. Everyone reminded to take malaria tablets each Friday. Suggestion made for those who take relief jobs for 60 days or less to get transportation back to original port. Khaled Shamman (left) and Saleh Mohamed, both GSUs, help ring in the new year aboard the LTC Calvin P. Titus. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), November 30-Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John Trent, Deck Delegate Raul Guerra Jr., Engine Delegate Rudolph Lopez, Steward Delegate Alberto Falcon. Chairman led discussion on TRBs and of need to get book signed by captain. He also talked about being respectful of fellow crew members by keeping noise down. No beefs or dis- March 1999 OVERSEAS NEW YORK (OSG Ship Management), November 24-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Danny Brown, Educational Director Edward Self, Deck Delegate Timothy Smith, Engine Delegate Samuel Maddo, Steward Delegate Alphonse Dixon. Chairman noted broken ice machine now repaired. He announced payoff November 27 in Wilmington, Calif. At last payoff, SIU rep advised crew that captain should sign TRBs, however, captain informed chairman he would not. Secretary asked crew members to fill out crew list. Educational director urged everyone to take advantage of opportunities for upgrading at Paul Hall Maritime Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported in engine and steward departments. Deck delegate reported some disputed OT. Discussion held pertaining to STCW requirements. Crew members asked to return movies to proper storage area when through with them. Bosun thanked deck gang for great job and extended vote of thanks to steward department. One minute silence observed for departed brothers and sisters. OVERSEAS OHIO (OSG Ship Management), November 22Chainnan Timothy D. Koebel. Chainnan informed crew of new fonn to be filled out regarding reliefs, attesting to familiarity with duties and ship's equipment. Those · re ieved al o o sign form verifying quarters are cleaned before being paid off. Bosun led discussion on new vacation "bonus days" policy and will have it clarified by patrolman. He also reported that two-man watches as outlined in letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez not being adhered to, resulting in disputed deck department OT. Educational director urged all crew members to show professionalism in carrying out duties of their ratings. Communications from headquarters read and posted pertaining to reliefs and use of ship's elevator at night. Thanks given to steward department for fine cuisine, and Chief Steward Jeff Smith wished happy vacation. Next ports: Ferndale and Anacortes, Wash. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), November 21Chairman Leon T. Jekot, Secretary Alexander Banky III, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Steward Delegate Luis A. Lopez. Chairman announced payoff in Port Elizabeth, N.J. November 26. No time off in port since everyone expected to attend Coast Guard drill at that time. Educational director reminded crew members to obtain TRB and have it signed before end of year. Treasurer announced $13 in movie fund and said all contributions are appreciated. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. None reported by engine or steward department delegates. Suggestion made to have contracts department look into increasing pension. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent meals. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), November 22Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Deck Delegate Gregory Cudal, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza. Secretary noted that with deteriorating weather, crew members should secure items in messhalls and other areas or notify steward to do so. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading opportunities at Lundeberg School, adding that more skills means more money and more choices. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great job. Next ports: Oakland, Calif. and Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND PRODUCER (SeaLand Service), November 22Chairman Joel Lechel, Secretary David Cunningham, Educational headquarters read and discussed, including President's Report from Seafarers LOG on importance of crewing vessels in Ready Reserve fleet. Captain to pass along any information regarding new MSC contract. Bosun made new cabinet for videos. Everyone asked to help keep ship clean, especially with riding gang coming aboard this trip. Vessel expected to go to shipyard to be fitted for prepositioning status. Next port: New York. -- OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG Ship Management), December 3Chairman Richard Bradford, Secretary Paula Kaleikini, Educational Director Jerry Patton, Steward Delegate Roger Mosley. Chairman announced next New Year's Greetings from the Titus - Crew members aboard the LTC Calvin P. Titus wish everyone good tidings throughout the new year. From the left, standing, are Bosun Scott Heginbotham, AB Bruce Bussert and AB John Jacob. Seated are ABs Armon DeBlois, Bob Fincher and Metwally Taha. Director C. M. Devonish, Deck Delegate Daniel Miller, Engine Delegate Gerado Moreno, Steward Delegate Leo Castro. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Elizabeth, N.J. November 25. He informed crew of upcoming 45-day shipyard period and thanked everyone with shifting ship many times during 6-day stay in San Juan, P.R. Educational director reminded crew members to obtain TRBs as soon as possible and also get STCW endorsement to comply with new safety regulations. Treasurer stated $1,498.4 7 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez regarding new ship's meeting form. He also read several articles from Seafarers LOG about crewing new MarAd ships and building new passenger vessels for Hawaiian trade. Suggestion made to change vacation policy. Discussion held on installation of present TV antenna and possibility of purchasing satellite TV. Second ice machine needed, especially in hot climates. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals, homemade baked goods and for keeping messhalls and pantry in tip-top condition. Next ports: San Juan, P.R.; Rio Haina, Dominican Republic; and Elizabeth, N .J. LYKES ADVENTURER (Crowley American Transport), December 17-Chairman Thomas E. Minton, Educational Director James B. Porter, Deck Delegate Richard L. Thomas, Steward Delegate David A. Brown III. Chairman noted fax sent to headquarters to find out about prepo training needed for crew. Suggestion made for everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point and to obtain prepo status. Treasurer announced $50 for new TV antenna. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from trip will be to East Coast. All crew advised to remain aboard until relieved. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked to consult Seafarers LOG for headquarters communications since vessel not usually in port long enough to get to hall. Movies furnished by company. Anyone wanting specific movies should submit request to captain before arrival in Long Beach, Calif. VCR head cleaner tape should be purchased at same time. SEA-LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), December 8-Chairman Hugo Dermody, Secretary Edward C. Winne, Educational Director Steve Kues, Deck Delegate Clemente Rocha, Engine Delegate Roy S. Frett, Stewarc.t Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Discussion held on letter sent to union pension plan concerning credit for seatime. Educational director urged everyone to attend upgrading facilities at Piney Point. Crew members reviewed letter from headquarters pertaining to reliefs and time allowed to get back to home port to take new job. SEA-LAND TACOMA (Sea-Land Service), December 11-Chairman Joseph Artis, Educational Director Kevin Bertel, Engine Delegate Earl Olson, Steward Delegate Amanda F. Suncin. Chainnan announced payoff on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. December 11. Educational director reminded crew members to obtain signoff on TRBs before end of year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters received concerning payoffs at sea or in port without presence of SIU patrolman. Everyone asked to help keep ship in good shape by cleaning up after themselves in crew lounge and returning dirty dishes to galley. VCR tape rewinder requested. Seafarers LOG 19 �Atlantic City Will Host Union Industries Show Free AFL-CIO Event Scheduled for May 14-17 The 1999 AFL-CIO UnionIndustries Show - the largest Made in the USA exhibition of union workers' skills and services, featuring millions of dol1ars worth of union-made, American-made products - is scheduled for the New Atlantic City Convention Center, May 14-17. The SIU and its affiliate union, the United Industrial Workers, once again will participate in the show, which annually draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. Various UIW-made products as well as passenger-boat trips aboard vessels crewed by Seafarers will be among the goods and services on display. A showcase of the quality and variety of union-made, Americanmade goods and services, this year's exhibition will cover floor space the equivalent of five football fields. Admission is free. The show is considered by many as the largest job fair in the country. for young people, in particular, the show is regarded as a prime place to get a firsthand look at the wide range of good jobs available for those who prepare for them. The show will feature more than 300 trade unions as well as companies with union-represented employees. Additionally, scores of guests will talce home tens of thousands of dollars worth of union-made goods that are on display - bigticket items, small-ticket items, and those in between, from cereal products and ice cream to household appliances and motor vehic1es, and much more. For additional information, contact the AFL-CIO Union Label & Service Trades Department at (202) 628-2131. Conducted in a different city each year, this will be the second time in the show's 61-year history that it has been staged in Atlantic City. The first time was in 1987. In addition to SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Co., UIW-contracted companies participating in last year's show included A&E Products (which manufactures clothing hangers), Church and Dwight (Brillo pads, dryer cycle products and nonscratch scouring pads), Cott Beverage (soft drinks), Franklin International (wood glue), Heinz Pet Products (animal food), La Victoria (Mexican food products), the Hotel Queen Mary (tourist attraction and historic former liner in Long Beach, 'Calif.), Tri-Union International (canned tuna and salmon products, including the Chicken of the Sea label) and Worthington Foods (canned and frozen foods that are cholesterol-free and lowfat or fat-free). April is: Scholarship Deadline Nears April is just around the corner-next month, to be exact -and that means now is the time to mail your scholarship application in order for it to be received by the April 15 deadline. If you plan to attend college next year and would like to try for one of seven monetary awards being given by the Seafarers Welfare Plan to help qualified Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children finance a college-level educatlon-it is not too late to apply. Even though there is only one month to fill out the fonn, collect all the necessary paperwork and mail it in, the process can be completed with a little organization. First, an application form is required. The booklet containing this form may be obtained from any SIU hall or by filling out the coupon below and returning It to the scholarship program of the Seafarers Welfare Plan. Eligibility requirements are spelled out in the booklet. The application form, itself, is easy enough to fill out, but the entire application package contains a number of additional items which must accompany the form. They include: ti' autobiographical statement, t/ photograph, ti' certified copy of birth certificate, ti' high school transcript and certification of graduation or official copy of high school equivalency scores, t/ college transcript, ti' letters of reference, and ti' SAT or ACT results. With the cost of a college education rising each year, the annual scholarship is one SIU benefit that can help members and their families realize their educational goals. No one can be awarded a scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the SIU Scholarship Program by April 15. Do it now!! r-------------------------------------, P lease send me the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name of A p p l i c a n t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 3/99 L----~--------------------------------~ Attention: Tankermen ..IV"<>~Is The 20 ~a."01 Seafarers LOG The Tim.e To "'U"pgra.de ..A...-t ~an. Ce:n..--te:r! See ~age 2 3 • SUlflfABY AllRllAL llEl'OBT FPR .SEAFARERS lfACAr,ON FIJND This is.a srimmar)" of the annual report of the Seafarers Vacation Fund. EIN 13~5602047, Plan No. 503~··rodhe peiiodJanu~:l, 1997 through Decemlrer 31. · 1997. The annual report has been filed· with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (BRISA). Basic Rnanclal statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $26,146,074 as of December 31. 1997. compared to $24,282,651 as of January l, 1997. During the plan year. the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,863.423. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciati<>n in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets al 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 a total income of $38,554,TIS. including employer contributions of $37, 142,825, realiied losses of $2,927 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,414,877. Plan expenses were $36,691,352. These expenses included $3.842A28 in administrative expenses and $32,848,924 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; I. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4. service proyider and trustee information. To obtain a copy of the full annual report.. or any part thereof. write or call the Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-421 l; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.70 for the full annual report, or lO cents 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 accompa~ nying 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 (Board of Trustees Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and ~t the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C .• or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.. Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARE Ef IDIARY This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Welfare Fund and Subsidiary. BIN 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, for the period January I, 1997, through December 31, 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (BRISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $23,785,749 as of December 31, 1997, compared to $19,744t955 as of January I, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $4,040,794. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $44, 187,839, including employer contributions of $41,944,913, realized gains of $72,212 fr<;>m the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $1,561, 102, and other income of $609,612. Plan expenses were $40,147,045. These expenses included $4,766,443 in administrative expenses and $35,380,602 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. Your Rlgllls To lddltlonal 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. service provider and trustee infonnation; 3. assets held for investment; and 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fun~, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.20 for the full annual report, or 10 cents 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 (Board of Trustees Seafarers Welfare Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.• Washington, DC 20210. March 1999 �(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Seafarer Remembers Eventful Career Last summer for the first time in many years, I visited an SIU hall (in this case, Algonac, Mich.) and picked up a copy of the Seafarers LOG. After reading the issue, I thought possibly some of you would like to reminisce about "old times" with me. I began my seagoing career by shipping out through the Sailors' Union of the Pacific (SUP) hall in San Francisco in the summer of 1944. I am not going to recount my entire seagoing life, but a few highlights will suffice to show the adventures and experiences I had. My first ship was the Henry H. Blood, a Liberty ship, on· which I was an OS for eight months in the South Pacific. The single most significant event was carrying the 1st Philippine Division to the invasion of Luzon at Lingayen Gulf. I next served as quartermaster on the Young America, a C2 trooper, which carried six LCMs cradling six LCVPs. The ship had a crew made up of merchant seame , fued guards, Coast Guard, arines and assorted Navy personnel. Most important was carrying the 63rd Seabees home from Manila. Our convoy of three troop ships and a destroyer left Palau for K wajalein, and we turned out to be the closest ship to t Indianapolis when she was sunk. Arrival was rung in San Francisco at 12:01 VJ Day night. I was aboard the C-5 Marine Flasher (Matson Lines) in 1945 for her shakedown cruise. This ship later became famous for carrying Jewish refugees from Europe to New York. Finally, I am one of the few left who sailed on a World War I Hog Islander, in this case, the Alcoa Voyager, in 1946. In 1947, I transferred my membership from the SUP to the SIU Great Lakes division and was issued my full book. I served on a number of lake boats as well as ocean-going ships on the East and Gulf coasts, but I remember most my three seasons as wheelsman on the Greater Detroit. Finally, in the fall of 1949, I retired my book after a short but eventful six-year career. John W. Bill Snaden Florence, S.C. ... ... Retiree Responds to Previous Letter to Ed. (Editor's note: The following letter is a reply to Harry T. Scholer's letter in the January 1999 LOG, written in response to a letter by Donald J. Boudreaux, which appeared in The Wall Street Journal.) Capt. Scholer's letter written to the editor of the Seafarers LOG detailing his response to Mr. Donald J. Boudreaux's letter in The Wall Street Journal has a paragraph about safety and on responsible o erations American-flag ships as compared to runaway-flag ships. Besides shipyard inspections, there are semi-annual and annual 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 requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and condi- March 1999 J. W. Bill Snaden, at left in striped shirt, was part of the Lundeberg stetson-wearing SUP deck crew on the Liberty Ship F. Southall Farrar (Union Sulphur) in 1946. The vessel was delivering a load of coal bound for for St. Nazaire. In photo at right, Wheelsman Snaden rules the bridge on the Greater Detroit during the summer of 1949. inspections on U.S. ships when they are in an operational mode. All hands participate. If a ship does not pass inspection, the American operator takes a big hit. And you can't pick an inspection date or the port in which it is done--below freezing in Boston, Mass. or Portland, Me., 100 degrees in New Orleans or Mobile, Ala. I often think of these things in my retirement, and not fondly! Pressure testing fire hoses, renewing provisions and safety equipment in a lifeboat full of snow, hauling 100-pound sandbags to weight-test life boats when water is not permissible. And when the test is over, rowing against a 10knot current in the Mississippi River. These are only some of the conditions U.S. ships must meet in order to receive a certificate of approval. Foreign-flag ships, however, have no such restrictions. They are like a neighbor's dog: if they don't hold it on a tight leash, it will do its dirty work on someone else's property. The ship that you read about or see on a once-pristine beach or trying to navigate Canal Street in New Orleans has generally been · tions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for 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. found to have a history of mechanical problems. They know the problems and make a choice. And those choices often turn to disaster. Not to worry. They will show you a piece of paper that gives them permission to continue their reckless behavior. Anthony Notturno Villas, N .J. , · 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. PAYMENT OF MONIES. No monies are to be paid to anyone in any official capacity in the SIU unless an official union receipt is given for same. Under no circumstances should any member pay any money for any reason unless he is given such receipt. In the event anyone attempts to require any such payment be made without supplying a receipt, or if a member is required to make a payment and is given an official receipt, but feels that he or she should not have been required to make such payment, this should immediately be reported to union headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. 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 NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied. the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 �Lund1b1r9 School Graduating Classes Shipboard Sanitation-Unlicensed apprentices from class 586 complete one of the requirements in their training. They are (from left, first row) Chad warren, Erik Fowler, Paul Flores, Alvin Clark, Shannon waldrumTwigg (instructor), (second row) Kenneth Jones, Manuel Oliveras and Jeffrey Smith. Basic Fire Fighting, CPR, First Aid-Members of class 585 graduate from one aspect of their training. They are (from left, kneeling) Johanna Saul, Hamil Gregorio, Heather Frizelle, (second row) Stormie Combs (instructor), Ronald Gloston, Adel Alameri, (third row) Chad Schultz, Joshua Pierson, Jevon Vontoure, Michael Bragdon, Justin Germain, Jason Foster, Daniel Bratta and Terrell McMillian. - Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their graduation certificates for completing the tanker assistant DL course on January 29 are (from left, kneeling) James Moore, Roman Kasparyan, Robert Mullen, Thor Waagsbo, Giuseppe Ciciulla, Douglas Edwards, (second row) James Shaffer (instructor), Ryan Palmer, Kevin McArdell, Charles Jensen, Zachary Henning, Shaun Bonefont, Joey Jordan, Michael Blue Jr., Jean Horne, Keithen Pugh, Yazid Muhammad, (third row) Nathaniel Salter, Richard Pepper, Mary Bado, Kimberly Mendonca, Randy Diaz, Levy Calzado, Antoine Robinson, (fourth row) Kanin Bennett, Peggy VVilson, Noel Corrales, Jack Drossos and Christopher Burich. Power Plant Maintenance-SIU members completing the power plant maintenance course February 19 are (from left, front row) Alphonse Thomas, Robert Laidler, Paul Pagano, Robert Richer, Louis Santiago, Ron Oyer (instructor), (second row) Jose Vazquez, Nathan Hollander, Sheldon Greenberg, Torry Kidd and Charles Skeen. Fireman/Watertender & Oiler-Marking their graduation from the FOWT class on February 19 are (from left, first row) Philip Curtis, Kathie Newkirk, Regina Terry, Leocadio Colon, Ortega Celina, Guadalupe Campbell, Antonio Perez, Mark Jones ins ruct r, (second row Brandon Scott, Benjamin Vernon, Keith Mcintosh, (third row) Flavio Suazo, Christian Andrews, Wilfredo Custodio, Jerome Slade, Ibarra Ma a, Kenneth Garner, Manuel Little, Hiawatha Williams, (fourth row) Keith Riddick, Dwayne Perrin, Donald Burlingame, Mike Haller, (fifth row) Daniel Gish, Adam Hansen, Dan Pappas and James Orlanda. Basic Fire Fighting (above)-Earning their basic fire fighting endorsements on January 22 are (from left, front row) Ronald VVilson, Stanley Howard, Darren Parker, Cynthia Schlegel, Richard Gathers, Abedon Lujan, John Smith (instructor), (second row) Patrick Cleveland, Eugene Lynch, Randy Powell, Myles Janecka, Bryce Cutler, Michael Seyler, Larry Stanback, (third row) Jeffrey Ferris, Leray Leasure, Frank Read, Rommel Artis, Peter Seifert, Sinclair Oubre and Eden Latta. Galley Operations-Under the expertise of instructor Ed White (left) and assistant instructor Maria Aulisio (right), . , upgraders complete the galley operations course. They are (from left) Allan Gorman, Sara Barahona and Grant Armstead. Water Survival - Trainees from class 585 and upgrading Seafarers graduate from the water survival class on January 9. They are (from left, front row) Heather Frizzelle, Adel Alameri, Jevon Vontoure, Johanna Saul, Stanley Howard, Eugene Lynch, Ed Boyer (instructor), (second row) Ronald Gloston, Chad Schultz, Daniel Bratta, Jason Foster, Jeffrey Ferris, Richard Gathers, Ronald VVilson, Randy Pyle, (third row) Joshua Pierson, Jeff Hardwick, James Walmsley, Rommel Artis, Peter Seifert, John Gales, Douglas Edwards, (on davits) Justin Germain, Terrell McMillan, (in lifeboat) Michael Bragdon and Rachel Sanner. 22 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook-VVith expert instruction from John Heymanski (right), the newly graduated chief cooks are (from left) Joseph Birke, Othello Dansley, James 0. Kidd Jr. and Roslyn Brooks. r I Advanced Fire Fighting-Upgrading graduates of the advanced fire fighting class ending January 22 are (from left, kneeling) Patrick Meagher, George Buisson, Alvin Thompson Jr., Thomas Higgins, Terry Cowans Sr., Phillip Lau, Jafar Jafar, (second row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), James Furby, Bernabe Pelingon, Mario Baja, Shawn Williams, David Ford, Rafael Comesana, Mike Abdullah, John Kamara, (third row) Jack Lytjen, Carlton Griffin, Anthony Lieto, Jeffrey Stuart, Randy McKinzie and Zdravko Kerestes. March 1999 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1999·UP:GRAOINGLCOURSE·SCHEDULE. ~·- ., "··-· ,.,..••.• ·.• •••.• ' ••• -. _., • ' ··~. •I. • Steward Upgrading Courses ' The foJlow.jJ)g;;f$)thit'§afi~;iiI¢: <fci:f:;gl~$.s~ . ~gi,11rl,ing in March running through June 1999 at theSeafaforsHarry Lundeberg.Scf:i@l)?f Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and. to promote the American maritime industry. ·i . Pleas~; t.lQ~~ .~h~t t.~is schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritinie'fodusti)f arid-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday be/ore their course's ~~~ date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start ~: Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Lundeberg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. and :. Start :Oate ·• Course . Gallef'Ope~tions/ ·· Advanced Galley Operaticms · (Every week, starting Jan. 11) Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every other week, starting Jan. 11) dates: '" . Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman April 5 May 14 Radar Observer/Unlimited March 1 April 26 June 7 March 12 May7 March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 5, 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 June 7, 14, 21, 28 March 8, 22 April 5, 19 May 3, 17,31 June 14, 28 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) March 15 April 12 May 10 June 7 April 3 Mayl May29 June26 Basic Firefighting MarchS April 12 May3 May 10 May31 March 13 April 17 May7 Mayl5 Jones Advanced Firefighting April 19 May IO Mayl May29 June 18 Radar Recertification (one day) March 12 May7 June 18 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) March 15 May 10 March 19 May14 Bridge Management March 22 April 2 Government Vessels March 1 March 22 May17 May24 March 19 April 9 June4 June 11 Start Date Date of Completion Lifeboatman/Water Survival May3 June 11 May3 July 23 March 22 April 19 May 18 June 14 April 3 Mayl May29 June 25 MarchS April 16 STCW Basic Safety (refresher) April 5 May3 April 30 June 11 March 29 May24 June 21 April 2 May28 June 25 Tankerman (PIC) Barge June 28 August6 March 15 ay March 20 ay April 19 June 14 July9 Engine Upgrading Courses QMED lectrical Maintenance I -,~ 1 ··~·-~;~ Power Plant Maintenance May 14 Academic Department Courses Recertification Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion May3 June 10 Course Start Date Date of Completion General Education Courses Bosun ecertification March 22 May3 LNG Recertification May 10 May27 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. __Jr:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ UPGRADING APPLICATION With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. AU FOWT. AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The payment should be made wilh a money order only. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # - - - - - - - - - - B o o k # - - - - - - - - - - S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - - Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST VESSEL: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: Are you a graduate of the Sfll..SS trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken March 1999 D Yes D No CPR: 0 Yes ONo SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfu.lly complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney P&int. RETURN COMPLEI'ED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 3199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Summary Annual Reports for Seafarers Vacation Plan and Seafarers Welfare Fund may be found on page 20. Quartet Recognized at Membership Meeting For Gaining GED While Learning New Trade Four unlicensed apprentices discovered their training at the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School of Seamanship meant more than learning a profession. It allowed them to earn a high school equivalency diploma, known as a GED. The quartet - Christopher Burich, Noel Corrales, Jean Charles Horne and Joey "Joe" Jordan - received a standing ovation from their fellow Seafarers when they picked up their diplomas from President Michael Sacco at the February membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. All four, who are in the third phase of their training, smiled from ear to ear when they appeared on stage and acknowledged the cheers from the audience, especially from the members of the unlicensed apprentice classes, who knew what they had been through. "At first, this took a lot of time," stated Corrales, a member of class 577. "It was getting in the way of going to classes." But Corrales already had set a goal of becoming a merchant mariner. He is the third generation in his family to sail and he wants to climb the engine room ladder to become an engineer like his father, Mark Corrales. (His grandfather, AB Blair Corrales, sails with the NMU.) "I had to see what was more important. If I can't get this [the GED], then how can I get a license?! "It was an internal goal I set and I met it." Corrales spent his phase II apprenticeship aboard the Liberty Sea. "I loved it and can't wait to get back to sea," added the Houston resident. Fellow 577 classmate Home already was working for his GED when he was accepted into the unlicensed apprentice program. "I needed to learn a trade and I heard about this through friends," the Jacksonville, Fla. resident told a reporter for the Seafarers LOG. "I didn't know about the GED here and I already had been through a lot (working toward a GED) at a junior college back home. I was happy to find it here and took my last classes to complete it." Horne served on the Faust during his phase II training. Like Horne, Burich also was looking for a profession with a future. The San Jose, Calif. native was working as a fisherman in Alaska when he found out about the unlicensed apprentice program from Anchorage SIU Representative Harold Holten. "When I came here, I heard about the GED and knew I needed it," said the member of class 576. "I feel a lot better having it." The Sea-Land Trader served as the site of Burich's phase II education. Jordan is a second generation Seafarer. He became interested in pursuing a career at sea after listening to stories from his stepfather, Bosun Acknowledging the cheers from his fellow union members at the meeting is Noel Corrales. Jean Charles Horne tells the audience how much it means to him to have the GED. Christopher Burich thanks the Lundeberg School staff for helping him obtain the GED. Joey Jordan (right) receives congratulations from SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel last month as SIU President Michael Sacco prepares to deliver another diploma. Posing with SIU President Michael Sacco (center) after the February membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. are unlicensed apprentices and high school equivalency diploma graduates (from left) Christopher Burich, Joey Jordan, Jean Charles Horne and Noel Corrales. George Perry. "I decided I wanted the GED and took the writing test and passed," Jordan recalled. The Wallace, N.C. resident sailed aboard the Great Land during his phase II learning petiod. Since the GED program was inaugurated at the Lundeberg School in 1970, more than 1,000 members have acquired their high school equivalency diplomas through the facility in Piney Point. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MORE UNWANTED PUBLICITY FOR RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPS MARTIME STAYS VITAL TO NATIONAL SECURITY IMO GETS TOUGHER ON FORGED DOCUMENTS GULF CARIBE CREWS JOIN RANKS OF SIU FIRE FIGHTING AND SAFETY SCHOOL SCHEDULED FOR MAY 18 OPENING SEAFARERS MAY UTILIZE LUNDEBERG COURSES FOR COLLEGE CREDITS NEW STCW BASIC SAFETY CLASS IS WELL-RECEIVED BY SEAFARERS LABOR CONTINUES GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO BOLSTER SOCIAL SECURITY USWA’S BECKER: STEEL DUMPING CRISIS HURTS ALL WORKERS AVONDALE WORKERS FIGHTING FOR RECOGNITION IMMINENT OPERNING IS ANTICIPATED FOR NEW ORLEANS’ NEW HIRING HALL NY TIMES CHARS FOREIGN-FLAG CRUISES OPERATING IN U.S. NTSB INVESTIGATES FIRE ON ECSTASY LAKES SEASON BEGINS CG INFORMATION SPECIALIST EXAMINES 2000’S POTENTIAL IMPACT INTERNET SITE OFFERS Y2K STARTING POINT UNION TAKES BIG STRIDES TOWARD Y2K COMPLIANCE LOUISIANA MERCHANT MARINE BONUS DEADLINE APPROACHES S-L CONSUMER CARRIES CARGO ON CRESCENT RUN ADMIRAL HOLDER SUCCEEDS ADMIRAL PERKINS AS MSC HEAD CLEVELAND CREW ‘PROUD AND PLEASED’ TO TAKE PART IN HUMANITARIAN EFFORT CLOTHING DONATIONS IN LIBERIA AIDY NEEDY CITIZENS ROUGH WEATHER, GOOD SPIRITS ABOUND THROUGHOUT USNS EFFECTIVE VOYAGE SODERMAN SEAFARERS: FULL SPEED AHEAD IN 1999 ‘WONDERFUL’ THANKSGIVING MEAL APPRECIATED ABOARD PRES. ADAMS AMMV HONORED BY MTD QUARTERT RECOGNIZED AT MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR GAINING GED WHILE LEARNING NEW TRADE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 03/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 3 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/1daecec3d14d451442edc5b066e824e7.pdf 074d88b76367a476580b8780c8406db5 PDF Text Text Volume 61 Maritime in Congress Senator Lott Renews Call For Strong U.S.-Flag Fleet Number 2 NY Ferry Crew Saves Man _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 4 Norfolk SIU Hall Gets Facelift _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 4 House Coast Guard Chair Gilchrest Will Not Have Jones Act Hearings .Members React to NMU Affiliation _ _ _ _ _ _ Page 5 TAX TIPS FOR MARINERS-Pages12-13 �President's Report Terrorism at Sea Historically, piracy has been about theft and controlling sea lanes. In fact, it is defined as the robbery of ships on the high seas. But while that may have been the case centuries ago, piracy today has become outright terrorism. For a horrifying example, look no further than the Panamanian cargo ship Cheung Son that was hijacked near Hong Kong late last year. All 23 crew members reportedly were killed by the seven men who used a speed boat to intercept the vessel. The criminals actually held a party, complete with photos, to "celebrate" the event. Michael Sacco Unfortunately, this is not an isolated example. As the South China Morning Post reported, the Cheung Son case "is believed to be the ninth incident involving pirates hijacking and often murdering crews in the South China Sea in the past year." Indeed, figures released by international maritime and news organizations reveal that hundreds of mariners are taken hostage each year; dozens have been killed, on average, in the late 1990s. As one international monitoring group put it, "Modem piracy is violent, bloody and ruthless." Reports such as these are coming into the International Transport Workers Federation on a regular basis. The ITF consists of more than 500 transportation-related unions-including the SIU-from around the world. It is monitoring the increasing attacks on vessels and their crews, many of which are happening in the waters off southeast Asia since the Asian economic crisis began making headlines last year. Most of the attacks have occurred aboard smaller commercial vessels with under-trained, undermanned crews. However, the assaults are not limited to that particular part of the world. Pirate attacks can occur any place where defenses are weak and vessels are vulnerable. The Maritime Administration (MarAd) recently issued a statement noting, "Hostile actions directed at merchant shipping are a present and growing problem. These hostile actions include piracy, theft and terrorism." Crew members aren't the only ones endangered by shipboard terrorists. Last fall, 12 Indonesian pirates hijacked the Malaysian-registered tanker Petro Ranger which was loaded with 11,000 tons of fuel cargo. Imagine what would happen if a ship like that crashed into a port while the pirates were doing their misdeeds. Picture the takeover of a vessel carrying a nation's energy needs for vital industries, and what would occur if it rammed into shore. There is no doubt that the chances of an accident skyrocket while a ship is under attack. Pirates often leave fully laden vessels under way and without navigational command. Even the transfer of stolen cargo, like that aboard the Petro Ranger, poses an environmental threat. Seafarers know that it takes training and a steady hand to do tanker operations. How well-trained or calm is a terrorist when he tries to conduct fuel transfers while holding a ship hostage? MarAd lists a number of countermeasures that have been used to combat piracy. Without reciting them here, I'll guarantee that in order for those tactics to consistently be effective, they require well-trained crews. Not the kind found on runaway-flag vessels, many of whom buy their documents and have no business sailing aboard any ship. But instead, the kind of reliable, experienced mariners that compose the SIU. In fact, to make sure Seafarers are prepared to meet such a challenge, the Paul Hall Center recently expanded its curriculum so all members upgrading receive anti-terrorism training. Members who sail aboard ships contracted to the Military Sealift Command already have been receiving anti-terrorism training both at the school and aboard their vessels. These lessons provide SIU members with the basics needed to fend for themselves at sea as well as ashore. Recently, the government ordered all of its personnel who work overseas to have anti-terrorism training. The SIU is going even further. No matter if a Seafarer works aboard a government-contracted or -operated vessel or one sailing under a standard agreement, the union wants to make sure our members can take care of themselves in case an unfortunate, unexpected incident arises. We also must face the reality of possible threats to vessels through biological and chemical attacks. Already, Paul Hall Center instructors have received their certification in preparation to teach Seafarers how to deal with such dangers. We can only imagine how such a threat would be received by an untrained, unknowing crew. The SIU always has been concerned with the safety and well-being of its members, and the ships on which they sail. Through vital training such as the anti-terrorism class, the union through the Paul Hall Center continues to prepare Seafarers for the challenges and rigors of the next century. Volume 611 Number 2 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org February 1999 The Seafarers WG (ISSN I086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Mercer Retires After 50 Years of Service; Mangram Named as New I/ice President After more than 50 years of service as a mariner and union official, Roy "Buck" Mercer announced his retirement as vice president of the SIU Government Services Division. The union's executive board has appointed Kennett Mangram to fill Mercer's position. Mercer, 76, is the only person to have held the position of Government Services vice president. The post was created in 1985 shortly after the old Military Sea Transport Union (MSTU) merged into the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District following a vote by the membership. The Washington native began his seafaring career in 1942, mak- Roy "Buck" Mercer Kermett Mangram North America. He continued to work from the division's headquarters in San Francisco. "Buck Mercer has done a port agent there in 1987. Mangram was named by the SIU executive board in 1992 as assistant vice president for con- ing one trip as a messman aboard wonderful job for this union and tracts and contract enforcement. the Anny Transport Service vessel General Gorgus. He then joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in Seattle and worked his way up the galley ladder, eventually becoming a chief steward in 1948. Mercer continued to sail until 1956 "when Ed Turner pulled me off the Permanente Silverbow and made me a patrolman." He held that position in Seattle into 1961 when he was transferred to San Francisco. Soon thereafter, Mercer was named an organizer for the MSTU. By 1963, he was secretary-treasurer for the MSTU. He held that position until the merger was completed. During the 1970s, Mercer became a vice president for the Seafarers International Union of the members," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. "No matter what he was asked to dofrom organizing to handling a member's special need-he did it well and gave 100 percent. "All of us in the SIU owe Buck a tremendous debt of gratitude. He will be missed, but I have every confidence that Kermett Mangram will be able to fill the tremendous shoes left by Buck." Mangram is a graduate of class 259 from the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. His first assignment was aboard the Sea-Ltznd Seattle as a steward assistant in 1978. The Jacksonville, Fla. native came ashore in 1980 as a union education instructor at the school. He became a patrolman in the port of New York in 1981, then He was reelected to the post in 1996. The 44-year-old holds a bachelor's degree in business administration. He will be based in Norfolk, Va. where the Military Sealift Command (MSC) is consolidating its operations. (The Government Services Division represents unlicensed crew members aboard MSC-Pacific Fleet vessels.) Port Representative Chet Wheeler will continue to serve the members in San Francisco. Under Article X, Sections lG) and 13 of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District constitution, the president has the power to fill openings created by retirements between elections with the support of the executive board. Gore Announces Funding for NY/NJ Dredging The long-awaited dredging project at the port of New York and New Jersey-actively backed by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department-may begin as early as March, following last month's assurances from Vice President Al Gore that the five-year assignment will receive federal funding. Gore led the announcement of what has been dubbed a joint project cooperation agreement between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the port authority. The pact paves the way for $733 million in total funding, with 75 percent coming from the federal government and 25 percent from the port authority. "President Clinton and I are committed to keeping our nation's ports competitive, and the port of New York and New Jersey is an economic engine for this entire region," the vice president said during the January 13 announcement in Port Elizabeth, N.J. "This funding, and our new partnership with the port authority will help prepare this port for a new generation of ships, keeping the port competitive and port jobs secure." The project is designed to deepen the Kill van Kull and Newark Bay channels to 45 feet (from their current depth of 40 feet). This will enable port access for many or all of the modern container vessels that require more than a 40-foot clearance. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart said the project "demonstrates what can be accomplished when the White House provides strong leadership, when a bipartisan coalition comes together to get something done, and when federal agencies are willing to work together. The result will be continued economic growth and more jo~s for the port and for the metropolitan New York ·and New Jersey region." The SIU along with MTD affiliates the International Longshoremen's Association and the International Union of Operating Engineers have worked for years to clear the various legislative, governmental and environmental hurdles to allow dredging to happen. Name the Training 'Vessel' At the Fire Fighting School Take off those helmets, roll up the hoses and get your thinking caps on! A contest is being conducted to name the "vessel" at the new Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. The "vessel" actually is one of the buildings under construction at the facility. It is known as the burn building, where Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting to learn firsthand how to battle blazes. Training aboard the "vessel" can be set up for a passenger ship, a ship's galley, an engine room, a tugboat, etc. The "vessel" will need a name when the school opens later this spring. The contest is limited to active and retired Seafarers, who may submit up to three names. The names must be received no later than April 10, 1999 for consideration. Examples of possible names are the SS Never Sail or the MV Inferno. (No obscene or foul sounding submissions will be accepted.) The judges' decision will be final. In case the same name is submitted and selected for the "vessel," the entry with the earliest postmark will be declared the winner. One grand prize and five runner-up awards will be offered. The grand prize winner will receive a ship's wheel and be invited to christen the "vessel" at the openin$J of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting School. Accommodations and travel expenses will be included. The five runners-up will receive SIU jackets. Winners will be announced in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG. Entries should be sent to Name the Vessel Contest, Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. February 1999 �Press Takes Notice of Runaways NY Times Lead Story Epitomizes Wave of Coverage Publicizing the plague of runaway-flag shipping is one of the main goals of the worldwide tour being conducted by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) exhibition ship Global Mariner. As the vessel resumes its North American itinerary next month on the West Coast, it brings a solid record of generating substantial U.S. media coverage. In recent months, newspapers including The New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Houston Chronicle, New Orleans Times-Picayune and many others have spotlighted the issue of runaway-flag shipping. Network television news Jim Given, ITF inspector with the SIU of Canada, is interviewed by a television reporter covering a recent runaway-flag case in Montreal. affiliates also have covered the story. Still, the print media have done the most extensive job in exposing the runaway-flag scam-in several instances publishing stories about actual cases, and not just about the Global Mariner. The depth of the coverage particularly was evident on January 3, when the Sunday New York Times-one of the most widely read newspapers in North America-published a front-page story on the fleet-wide conspiracy of Royal Caribbean Cruises. That article, which details the repeated and deliberate environmental crimes committed by Royal Caribbean (for which the company was fined a record $9 million), includes a nearly fullpage jump. It points out that Miami-based Senate Majority Leader Renews Call for Strong U.S.-Flag Fleet Editor's note: Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott ( R-Miss.) renewed his longtime commitment to the U.S.-flag merchant fleet with a statement published in the January 25 edition of the Congressional Record, the official daily chronicle of action taken in both the Senate and House of Representatives. As majority leader, Lott is the highest ranking member of the Senate and sets the agenda that body will follow. Printed below is the complete transcript of his statement, entitled "Increasing U.S. Maritime Competitiveness." (Mentions of "Mr. President" refer to the presiding officer of the Senate, not President Clinton.) Sen. Trent Lott (A-Miss.) calls on his fellow legislators and the White House to make U.S. maritime more competitive in the world market. Congressional and administrative action is needed to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry and level the playing field in the international shipping arena. This vital industry serves our nation's security by providing essential elements of our sealift capability-loyal crews and commercial ships. This sealift capability is required to project and sustain power abroad and preserve U.S. access to world trade. Two hundred years ago, protecting the U.S. merchant marine was one of the Navy's important missions. Today, the threat to the U.S. maritime industry is just as real. It may not come from February 1999 Barbary pirates, but the competitive disadvantages imposed both by this country and other countries are just as dangerous. Mr. President, the U.S. maritime industry has been the world leader in innovation over the last 30 years. It had to be because it competes in the world arena with one hand tied behind its back. International maritime trade has become increasingly dominated by foreign flags of convenience. A number of small countries have decided to generate revenue by creating ship registries and tax havens that impose few responsibilities or costs on their users. Unfortunately, this has also resulted in poor compliance with international safety standards and evasion of pollution liability. Continued on page 6 Royal Caribbean registers its ships in Norway and Liberia. By doing so, "Royal Caribbean saves approximately $30 million a year in United States taxes," states the story, written by Douglas Frantz. "We think the Global Mariner contributes to the publication of stories like these," said an I1F spokesperson. "The Royal Caribbean article is newsworthy because of the pollution incidents alone, but the paper goes far beyond that and really examines the issue of runaway flags and laws governing the sea." Other coverage has focused on cargo ships, such as the Argentine-flag tanker Campo Duran. On December 29, the Baltimore Sun reported that the Greek-owned ship had been detained by U.S. Coast Guard officials there because of numerous safety problems. "One of the Campo Duran's main engines doesn't work and the ship can't produce fresh water for drinking and bathing," reported Robert Little in the paper. "The ship also is leaking oil into its bilge so profusely that one of its cargo holds was converted to a slop tank, and the water separator required to clean the bilge doesn't work .... "After several more days of inspections, the Coast Guard found that the Campo Duran's radar plotting system didn't work, its emergency towing system was sitting on the stern uninstalled and one of its lifeboats was blocked in by 55-gallon drums House Maritime Chair Says He Won't Consider Jones Act in New Congress Even with all the other activities taking place on Capitol Hill since the first of the year, the Jones Act has found a way to make the headlines as the 106th Congress begins its work. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (RMd.), chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, last month told a Maritime Administration-sponsored conference, "I don't intend to deal with the Jones Act in any overt way over the next two-year period. Our plate is full." The subcommittee has jurisdiction over a number of maritime issues, along with the House Armed Service Committee. Among these are the nation's cabotage laws, which include the Jones Act. Part of the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, the Jones Act states that all cargo moved between two American ports has to be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.-built and U.S.crewed vessels. In the last session of Congress, a bipartisan group of more than 240 members of the House of Representatives signed a resolution reaffirming their support for the nation's freight cabotage law. However, the passenger aspect of the cabotage law, the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886, is drawing some attention in both the House and Senate. Gilchrest noted he would "take a close look" at legislation being proposed to amend, or possibly scuttle, the passenger cabotage law. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, one bill to allow foreignflag cruise ships into the domestic trade had been introduced into the House. H.R. 248, offered by Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), is similar to legislation that came before the Senate during the last Congress. That measure, known as the United States Cruise Tourism Act, was opposed by the SIU because it would open all U.S. deep sea shorelines to foreign-flag cruise ships for domestic voyages. The Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill, but no further action was taken. A Senate version of H.R. 248 is expected to be reintroduced soon. The chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee (which oversees the subcommittee), John McCain (R-Ariz.), stated before the last Congress adjourned that he would hold hearings during the t06th Congress on the Passenger Vessel Services Act. Other Issues Cabotage is not the only maritime issue of interest on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress are working with the Clinton administration to find a way to pay for the dredging required by many harbors. With containerships needing deeper drafts and the present sea lanes filling with silt and other particles, some ports may no longer be navigable in the near future. Dredging will be needed to stay operational, but the system to pay for it was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court almost a year ago. The Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA '90) may be the subject of a hearing during this session. Gilchrest said his subcommittee could meet to see if the law passed in the wake of the Exxon Valdez disaster in 1989 is in need of updating or modification. Another item of interest is a review of the ad valorem tax charged to U.S.-flag shipowners who have non-emergency repairs performed in foreign yards. The SIU will monitor the legislative activity in Congress and update members as bills are introduced. Committee Chairs Usted Meanwhile, both the House and Senate have announced their committee and subcommittee chairmen for the 106th Congress. Regarding the groups that oversee maritime issues, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee again will be headed by Rep. Bud Shuster (R-Pa.). The ranking minority party member will be Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.). As noted earlier, Gilchrest will chair the committee's Coast Touring the ITF Global Mariner in Puerto Rico are (from left) SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez, Cardinal Aponte Martinez and ITF Director John A. Sansone Jr. The cardinal devoted his weekly television show to the cause of runaways. stacked on the deck. The ship has no heat, some of its toilets are filled with waste and crew members were living in an area that was supposed to serve as the ship's hospital." Similarly, the Navy Times (an independent publication) in its December 21 edition recounted the tale of the Pakistani-flagged Delta Pride. The shipowner, Star Shipping Lines of Greece, reportedly went bankrupt sometime last year. As a result, crew members were stranded aboard the vessel in the Gulf of Mexico for more than five months. They were not paid for 18 months. Navy Times staff writer Adam Katz-Stone reported that sanitary conditions on the vessel were predictably poor, and many of the mariners had scabies and lice. Other newspapers covering the runaway-flag fraud in recent months include The Miami Continued on page 5 Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) replaces Rep. Bob Clement (DTenn.) as the ranking minority member. There will be no changes in the leadership of the House Armed Services Committee, formerly known as the National Security Committee. The chair remains Rep. Aoyd Spence (R-S.C.), and Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) stays as the ranking minority member. Rep. Herbert Bateman (R-Va.) will oversee both the Military Readiness Subcommittee and the Merchant Marine Panel. Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-Texas) continues as the subcommittee's ranking minority member. On the Senate side, McCain retains the helm of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee with Sen. Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) remaining the ranking minority member. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) stay as the chair and ranking minority member, respectively, of the committee's Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee. Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) replaces Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.) as the head of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Michigan's Carl Levin again will be the ranking Democratic member. Sen. Olympia Snowe (RMaine) takes Warner's seat as the chair of the committee's Seapower Subcommittee while Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) stays as the ranking minority member. Seafarers LOii 3 �Union Workers Give Facelift To SIU's Norfolk Ha Beginning this month, when Seafarers go to the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va., they may notice a number of improvements to the 35-year-old building. Union contractors from the IBEW, Bricklayers and Roofers started working on the Norfolk hall last November. In January they completed the job, which included brick replacement and repair, window sealing, new interior lights and ceiling tiles, a fresh paint job and other general repairs. "All of the work was a product of the hall's age," noted Port Agent Jim Malone. "It's mostly routine upkeep, but the union workers did a good job and the ha11 is considerably improved." The exterior work was delayed by severe weather that hit the area in December and January. The hall opened in 1964. ·~:2 -·'::_ ~ . ' GOOD AS NEW? General upkeep and repair work has the SIU's Norfolk, Va. hall in good shape, much like when the building first opened in 1964 (inset). ABOVE: Port Agent Jim Malone handles the paperwork of AB Brock Booker (left) and Recertified Bosun Robert Lindsay. BELOW: SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (seated) is greeted by Chief Cook Mulai Ismael. New light fixtures and ceiling tiles, along with brick replacement and repair were among the improvements made at the hall. Rescue Heroes SIU Ferry Crew Saves 'Suicide Swimmer' Rescues at sea aren't exactly commonplace, but to some extent they go with the territorywhether that area is the deep sea, Great Lakes or inland waterways. What stands out about the December 18 rescue executed by Seafarers Steve Leschinski, Richard Lanzo and Elhadji Ndiaye of the NY Waterway passenger ferry Henry Hudson is that the man they saved from the frigid Hudson River fervently resisted their help. Nevertheless, the Seafarers pulled him to safety and no one was seriously injured in the December 18 incident. "It is clear that all of you acted above and beyond the call of duty during this event, by putting concern for your life aside while rescuing someone who fought back!" said NY Waterway official Russell Bostock in a letter to the three SIU members. Dubbed the 'suicide swimmer' by the New York Post, local resident Cheng Guo Seng-wearing only a pair of jeans-had jumped into the river from an elevated embankment in an attempt to drown himself. Someone in a smaller boat spotted Seng and then contacted the comparably 4 Seafarers LOG large Henry Hudson by radio, with the ferry bareI y 100 feet from Battery Park City. Captain Leschinski quickly maneuvered the ferry (which was carrying about 50 passengers) near Seng, and Deckhands Lanzo and Ndiaye readied the "man overboard" ladder. Lanzo de- scended the ladder and grabbed Seng's wrist. "He was fighting us off hard," Lanzo stated. Two passengers then offered to steady the ladder so that Ndiaye could assist Lanzo. The struggle continued for several minutes, but the deckhands eventually managed to get Seng into a rowboat that had arrived to help in the rescue. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey sent a congratulatory letter to the crew "for your heroic efforts and a job well done." Neither frigid water nor the resistance of an imperiled 'suicide swimmer' prevented Seafarers (from left) Richard Lanzo, Steve Leschinski and Elhadji Ndiaye from bringing the man to safety. Global Sentinel Aids Accident Victim Alaskan Man Bears Grizzly Experience (Editor's note: Chief Steward Shawn "Fuji" Fujiwara submitted the fallowing article to the Seafarers LOG.) Recently, the cable ship Global Sentinel was on a mission to lay the cable system known as Alaska-United-a 2,300-mile fiber-optic assemblage that will connect the cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska with Seattle via the Alaskan ports of Whittier and Valdez. The ship made an unscheduled stop October 22 for repairs in the port of Seward, Alaska. There, the crew learned through an area newspaper that a local man had been attacked by a grizzly bear. Crew members then started a second mission: a donation drive for the accident victim, Karl Backlund. Very quickly, the crew raised more than $500 to help the man and his family, as they had no insurance. The victim's wife and children were given a tour of the ship, and they showed their gratitude by giving the crew some mooS'e meat. According to the press account, Mr. and Mrs. Backlund and family (incJuding their four children and two adult relatives) had been hiking near their home about a week earlier. Mrs. Backlund and the kids at some point returned home while Karl, his sister and her husband continued hiking. Suddenly, a grizzly seemingly caine from nowhere and lunged at Karl. The big bear gnawed at Backlund's head. Karl was flown by helicopter to an Anchorage hospital, where he underwent four hours of surgery to repair facial damage. Surgeons also removed a broken bear incisor from above his right eye socket. At this wntmg in late December, Karl is home and recovering from his ordeal. The crew of the Global Sentinel all wish him a quick recovery. The Global Sentinel is one of five ships operated by Transoceanic Cableship Co., a subsidiary of Tyco International. Postscript: News of the attack and the crew's generosity spread quickly in Alaska, both in newspapers and on the airwaves. When the ship docked in Juneau November 9, local residents stopped by and asked if the stories were true. Many thanked the crew for their generosity. - Shawn Fujiwara February 1999 �Clinton Lists Saving Social Security as Tap Priority Thanks to President Clinton's State of the Union address on January 19, the effort to protect Social Security well into the next century is now before the American people and the Congress for national debate. The president stated the need to preserve the federal program as his highest priority and called on the legislators to use the federal budget surplus to bolster the program. "First and above all, we must save Social Security for the 21st century," he told the members of Congress in his nationally televised address. "The best way to keep Social Security a rock solid guarantee is not to make drastic cuts in benefits; not to raise payro11 taxes; not to drain resources from Social Security in the name of saving it." He presented an outline to use projected budget surpluses over the next 15 years to shore up the federal retirement, survivors and disability program. The president called for bipartisan support "in saying to the American people, we will save Social Security now." His outline drew on many of the same guidelines set forth by the AFL-CIO last August. These Steel Crisis Continues Concerned that the administration's plan to stem the flood of dumped imported steel doesn't go far enough, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) reportedly will tum to Congress for support. USWA President George Becker described President Clinton's January 7 report to Congress on the surge in steel imports as "very disappointing, for while it recognizes that there is a serious problem, it does not outline any new initiative other than a proposal that Congress pass $300 million in tax breaks for the steel companies and provide heightened attention to the processing of trade adjustment cases." In a letter to the White House, Becker declared, "All key steel producing countries must immediately commit to fully reduce all of their steel exports to pre-crisis levels (July 1997) and the administration must hold all of them to this commitment. Without such a comprehensive approach, steel will be shifted among products and countries, thus nullifying the value of any relief." Apparently, the union will appeal to lawmakers from steel-producing states to see that such reductions take place. Meanwhile, an industry coalition that includes labor and management reports that the surge in steel imports-which reached unprecedented levels last year-already has led to more than 10,000 layoffs and several companies going bankrupt. SIU members sailing on the Great Lakes have felt the impact, as early layups (through December) had accounted for more lost sailing days compared to 1997-despite an unusual dearth of ice in the region. For example, the SIU-crewed Charles Wilson sailed 28 fewer days this past season compared with the prior one. (Many Lakes vessels transport raw materials used to manufacture steel.) Runaways Spotlighted by Press Continued from page 3 Herald, The (Savannah) Georgia Guardian, The (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Sun-Sentinel, the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News, the Virginian Pilot and the Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch. Additionally, industry publications such as the Journal of Commerce, Traffic World, Lloyd's List and others have covered cases of runaway-flag ships and the ITF's campaign against such shipping. The SIU, one of the more than 500 worldwide ITF affiliates, has long been active in the campaign against runaway-flag shipping. Also known as flag-of-convenience vessels, runaway-flag ships are carriers operating under the flag of one nation, yet owned by a citizen or citizens of another country. Financially strapped nations sell the use of their flag to shipowners, who register tonnage in those countries in order to meet less stringent labor, safety, regulatory and tax standards than if that vessel were registered in the owner's resident nation. ITF Global Mariner Schedule of Upcoming U.S. Ports Arrival Departure March 4 March 8 San Francisco March 18 March 22 Portland March 24 March 28 Seattle March 30 April 5 Tacoma April 6 April 9 Port Los Angeles •• Members of the Apostleship of the Sea-Diocese of Beaumont, Texas visited the ITPs Global Mariner last fall in Houston, where they delivered reading material and other items. Pictured here (from left) are a crew member, retired SIU Bosun Angel Figueroa and two retired NMU members. February 'I 999 included the use of money from a government budget surplus to save Social Security rather than provide tax cuts, no cut in benefits and an assurance that the program will continue to serve those for whom it was intended when created in 1935. Immediately after the address, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said Clinton's presentation drew "a big cheer from working families. Using the federal budget surplus to do this returns the benefits of the strong economy to the people whose hard work made it possible. "We are especially pleased with the president's strong opposition to replacing our nation's most important family protection program with private accounts, and his commitment to strengthen Social Security for the next century," added the head of the national federation of labor. To back its conviction against privatizing Social Security, a representative of the AFL-CIO told the Senate Budget Committee on January 22 that proposals being offered to create individual investment accounts in the place of the federal program would "diminish protections that workers now have and would place working families in an even more precarious situation. The AFLCIO and its affiliate unions strongly oppose replacing any part of the Social Security system with individual accounts." The labor federation pointed out Social Security provides two out of every three older households with half or more of their retirement income. Regarding pensions helping with income, the AFL-CIO noted less than half of all older American households draw any pension benefits from past employers and only two of every five workers today are covered by a pension plan. "Social Security is the one part of our retirement income system that is actually working for everybody," the labor federation stated. "If Social Security is to changeand changes are necessary to make sure Social Security will be able to pay an benefits in the future-those changes must not jeopardize the system's capacity to provide workers with a guaranteed foundation of retirement security, nor must they undermine its family protections." Nearly 44 million people receive Social Security benefits. Almost one-third (14 million) are disabled or surviving family members. Both the Senate and House of Representatives will review and debate what to do about Social Security as the I06th Congress begins its two-year legislative session. Sealarers Say Time Has Come For SIUNA-NMU Al liliation Longtime Members See Alliance Benefiting All Unions Reaction from Seafarers to the new affiliation between the SIUNA and the NMU is full speed ahead, based on conversations by Seafarers LOG reporters with members around the country. At SIU halls and aboard ships, Seafarers described the affiliation as a positive step for the entire U.S. maritime industry. "I think it will help all maritime unions," said AB Burlin Pinion, a 35-year member of the SIU, while on watch aboard the USNS Soderman in Norfolk, Va. "The affiliation gives us more strength in negotiations and will result in better contracts in the future. "It's a positive move." At the Baltimore SIU hall, AB George Oberle pointed out that affiliation talks "were brought up many years ago, and I wish it had happened back then. This increases the size of our international union and it's a good move." A few Seafarers expressed hesitancy about the affiliation, pointing out the often contentious and sometimes violent history between the SIU and the NMU. But Recertified Bosun Billie Darley, who took part in some waterfront battles, said the time has come for this alliance. "They're a brotherhood of the sea, too. Anything we can do to help their progress, we should do," Darley said at the Jacksonville, Fla. hall. In San Francisco, chief cook and former Marine Cooks & Stewards member Jim Saxton said he knows from experience that affiliations can benefit all concerned parties. (The MC&S affiliated with the SIUNA in 1953, and it later merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in 1978.) "We needed this affiliation, for the simple reason that once all unlicensed unions are under one banner, we have more bargaining power. What are those old sayings? Divide and conquer, and united we stand." The affiliation was signed on December 10 and announced in last month's Seafarers LOG. It means that all the major U.S. unlicensed unions now are part of the same organization, the SIUNA. The agreement also brought an end to 60 years of fighting between the SIUNA and the NMU. News that the organizations were talking about a possible affiliation was first announced in March when the NMU held its constitutional convention on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The NMU delegates approved a resolution that stated "some form of affiliation eventually leading to a merger with another maritime union would be in the best interest of the membership." Under the terms of the affiliation, the SIUNA and NMU will work together to improve the working and safety conditions aboard U.S.-flag ships. The organizations also will undertake to establish a joint training program to prepare their members for the tasks facing them in the next century. Like the other maritime unions in the SIUNA, the NMU will remain an auto~omous union that elects its own officials, negotiates its own contracts and oversees its own pension and welfare plans. With the addition of the NMU, the SIUNA is composed of 18 autonomous unions which represent more than 80,000 working men and women in such varied occupations as mariners, government employees, manufacturers, cannery workers and more. Paperworkers, Chemical Workers Merge A new merger between trade unions, approved last month in Las Vegas, will unite 320,000 workers across key sectors of American industry. "I am proud and honored that the members of the United Paperworkers International Union (UPIU) and the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union (OCAW) have joined forces in a strong new union," said Boyd Young, formerly president of the UPIU and now the first president of the merged organization. The new union is called PACE, the Paper, Allied- Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union. "We chose this name because it represents all our members, including those from the Allied Industrial Workers (AIW)," said Young. The AIW merged into the UPIU in 1994. OCAW President Robert Wages is now the executive vice president of PACE. "When the merger discussions started with the UPIU, President Young and I committed to a basic premise," said Wages. "We were not interested in merging for the sake of being larger; we were interested in ere- ating a new, more powerful and progressive union prepared to do the work our membership expects." The UPIU and the AIW bring PACE members in pulp, paper, automobile parts, appliance manufacturing and a wide variety of other industries. Cement workers from the Independent Workers of North America affiliated with the UPIU in 1991. The OCAW's contribution includes members in oil, chemical manufacturing, nuclear energy, pharmaceuticals and a variety of related industries. Seafarers LOG 5 �Avondale, Newport News Merger May Be Breakthrough for Workers AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department Is Cautiously Optimistic The multi-million dollar merger announced last month between Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding and New Orleans-based Avondale Industries may spell a positive conclusion to the five-and-a-halfyear fight for union representation at Avondale. Workers at Newport News are represented by the Steelworkers. Workers at Avondale voted for union representation in June 1993, but the company has slithered around judges' orders to negotiate a first contract, tossing up countless delays to deny that representation. A spokesperson for the Justice at Avondale campaign, which is coordinated by the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department, said they are cautiously optimistic the merger will signal the end of Avondale's refusal to negotiate. The agreement between the shipyards has been described as a corporate merger that will leave each facility physically unchanged, although they will share the name Newport News Avondale Industries. No layoffs are expected, as the yards together face a $6 billion backlog. Newport News Shipbuilding Chairman and CEO William Fricks is expected to head the new entity, and officials from Newport News Shipbuilding reportedly will control seven of the 10 seats on the new board of directors. Fricks told a Virginia newspaper that he expects a resolution to the question of union representation at Avondale. Meanwhile, attorneys representing the Avondale workers and the unions involved in the saga anxiously were awaiting filings from the shipyard to the government required to expedite the merger. (Stockholders also must okay the deal, expected to be finalized in the second quarter of this year.) It is hoped that those filings will hasten a first union contract at Avondale. The Metal Trades Department issued the following statement after the merger was announced January 20: "We are hopeful that the announced merger between Avondale Industries and Newport News Shipbuilding is good news for the Avondale workers who have fought for fair treatment and respect for so long. "The workers voted for a union five years ago in order to do better for themselves and their families. They won the right to sit down and negotiate a union con- Sen. Lott Calls tar Strang U.S.-Flag Fleet Continued from page 3 America's fleet meets the most stringent safety standards and operates in a higher tax environment, and has steadily lost ground to these flag-convenience fleets. This situation is reaching the point where the U.S. commercial fleet's ability to meet our national security requirements may soon be in jeopardy. Mr. President, the solution to this problem has two parts. First, we must hold other countries accountable for providing reciprocity in access to maritime trade and meeting international standards for vessel safety, crew training and preventing pollution. The United States places very few restrictions on the use of our ports to facilitate international trade. Some countries, such as China, however, have imposed unfair burdens on United States and other foreign vessels conducting business there in an effort to protect their own businesses. The FMC, under Chairman Hal Creel's leadership, appropriately moved to head off problems in Japan's ports during the 105th Congress and is increasingly concerned about the situations in China and Brazil. While our nation encourages open competition in the commercial maritime sector, America only demands that it be fair and meet minimum standards for protecting our environment and our citizens. However, as a January 3, 1999, New York Times article reported, flag-of-convenience ships are using their foreign status and the lax oversight of their flag states to escape punishment for their intentional dumping of oil in the ocean not far from our coast. America should not allow the unscrupulous operation of unsafe ships with ill-trained crews to threaten the oceans, our coastlines or our citizens. I challenge the administration to aggressively combat these actions to the fullest extent of U.S. law. Under the leadership of Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison and John McCain, the 105th Congress provided the FMC with increased authority to address unfair foreign shipping practices. I invited the administration to work with the 106th Congress to provide increased legislative authority to counter attempts by foreign-flag ships to escape punishment for such unconscionable behavior. Second, we must level the playing field for U.S. companies competing in the commercial maritime arena. On the financial side, U.S. shipping companies provide equal or higher quality service than foreign competitors at a similar cost, yet foreign shipping companies are growing and U.S. shipping companies are shrinking. This happens because, unlike U.S. shipping companies, most foreign shipping companies pay little or no income taxes. In this capital intensive business, investments are flowing to those companies which provide a better return on investment, and the tax differential tilts this flow toward foreign companies. This is why foreign shipping companies are buying their U.S. counterparts instead of the other way around. This nation's tax policies should promote business growth, not stifle it. I look forward to working with Senator John Breaux to develop specific provisions. My colleague and friend shares an interest in maritime policy, and together we serve on both the commerce and finance committees. This provides us with an ability to shape maritime policy in the regulatory, tax and trade environments. Mr. President, U.S. shipping companies can compete and succeed in the world's international trade marketplace when competition is fair. Snuffing Out the (Practice) Blaze SIU members in a recent advanced fire fighting class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education practiced extinguishing fires, including the one below. The hands-on training is a key component of the two-week course. Pictured at left (from left) are class members Terry Cowans Sr., Pat Meagher and John Kamara. 6 Seafarers LOii tract, but the company has denied them that right through endless appeals and by breaking the law. We think this merger holds promise as a possible end to the litigation and the violation of workers' rights at Avondale, and we hope it will mean the beginning of the negotiations process. 'The Newport News workers are represented by a union-the United Steelworkers of America. The workers voted to unionize in 1978 in the third largest union election in history. Workers at Newport News have since negotiated many good union contracts with their company, and have a voice in addressing the kinds of issues that concern Avondale workers such as safety and respect. The union and the company have a solid working relationship, and we hope that Avondale workers will soon also have an opportunity to exercise their l~al right to have a voice on the job through a union contract. "The Metal Trades Council, AFL-CIO expects that the merger will be a favorable one for all parties involved-the shareholders, the workers, the Navy and other customers. We expect the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Justice Department's anti-trust division -as well as the shareholders and Avondale's government customers-to ensure that this is the case. This merger affords an important opportunity to improve upon Avondale's corporate governance structure and include a higher level of accountability. This opportunity is key in light of Avondale's history of ignoring majority shareholder votes. "As for future plans for the Justice at Avondale campaign, the Avondale workers will continue to shine a spotlight on injustice in the yard and continue to press for the company to honor their rights under the law." Labor Briefs I Tacoma Seafarers Aid Striking Steelworkers A number of SIU members in the Tacoma, Wash. area tried to boost the holiday spirits of striking Steelworkers by donating gifts for their families. Seafarers donated more than $1,000 worth of toys to the families of members of Steelworkers Local #7945, which is on strike against Kaiser Aluminum. The gifts were collected at the SIU hall in Tacoma and forwarded to the Steelworkers local. In another show of solidarity, Seafarers also have marched on picket lines with Local 7945 members. Kaiser Aluminum wants to cut employment levels at all five of its plants-two in Spokane, Wash. and one each in Tacoma, Newark, Ohio and Gramercy, La. That includes 32 jobs at the Tacoma site. The company also has proposed a substandard, five-year agreement. Union Ranks Grew By 100,000 in 1998 According to data released late last month by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, trade unions experienced a net membership growth of 100,000 in 1998 compared to the previous year. The BLS reports that union membership stood at 16.2 million entering this year. However, the percentage of union-represented workers dipped slightly in 1998, down two-tel}ths of one percentage point (to 13.9 percent) from the prior year. The government statistics also showed that union members earn more money than unrepresented workers. "Median weekly earnings for union members who work full time were about a third higher than the median for nonunion workers," the agency reported. In fact, union members earned an average of about $165 per week more than unrepresented workers. NLRB Backs Worker's Right Not to Scab at Paper Dwight Biermann isn't a union member, but his refusal to cross a picket line and train as a scab made headlines. The National Labor Relations Board recently ruled that American Publishing Co. illegally fired Biermann, a computer systems coordinator at the Herald Palladium newspaper in St. Joseph, Mich. Biermann would not go to the Chicago Sun-Times in anticipation of a possible strike in November 1997 by members of Local 71 of the Chicago Newspaper Guild. The company wanted to train him and several others in case the strike took place. Biermann said he came from a union background and would- not cross a picket line. He also acknowledged in a memo to management that "my stance on this issue could very well cost me my job. I accept that." The strike never occurred, but Biermann was fired that month. The Guild filed a complaint with the NLRB even though he wasn't a union member. Ultimately, the NLRB ruled that an employee can lawfully refuse to cross a picket line. The board also ordered the company to pay lost wages to Biermann, who now works as a production manager at the State News, based at Michigan State University in East Lansing. February 1999 �Making a Difference Seafarers Aid Families, FeHow Hondurans 1.n Wake of Hurricane Mit:cb. Devastati.on Sometimes five people can make a difference. Just ask the survivors of Hurricane Mitch in the Honduran town of Santa Rosa de Aguan. This community on the banks of the Caribbean Sea was ravaged for days by the storm at the end of October. Reports from the area said flood waters from the Aguan River, a mud slide from the mountains and a tidal wave from the sea all descended on Santa Rosa de Aguan during the storm almost wiping it off the map. The town made international news when one of its residents, Isabel Arriola de Guity, was found in the Caribbean clinging to a log 50 miles from shore six days after she was swept from the roof of her house. She is the sister-in-law of Chief Cook Julio Guity, who sails from Houston. Guity received updates of the storm's disaster while sailing aboard the Patriot. As reported in the December 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG, he signed off the vessel to return to Houston to see what could be done to help his native land. At the same time, his cousin, AB Victor Medina, also came back to Houston from his job on the Overseas New Orleans to work on getting aid to his homeland. Spearhead Relief Drive The pair, with other Honduran-born SIU members, spearheaded an effort among Seafarers, the Texas labor community, churches and the Honduran residents in Houston February 1999 to gather and deliver food, clothing, medicine and other aid. "They did a remarkable job," noted SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey. "They completely filled a container which they sent on a ship with other relief items to La Ceiba [Honduras]." Medina, Guity and other Seafarers collected more than $6,000 and bought goods needed by their relatives and others in Santa Rosa de Aguan. Working with the Honduran-based Organization of Ethnic Advancement of Communities (ODECO), they cut through government red tape and quickly got the supplies sent to their homeland. Arrive wHh Supplies Then, Medina and Guity as well as Chief Cook Mariano Norales and DEU Carlos Nunez flew to La Ceiba to meet the container when it arrived. "We wanted to make sure it got to where we promised it would go," Medina said. "We also felt we had to be there to help our families." With so many roads and bridges out of commission, the Seafarers (who were joined on their trip from Houston by another Honduran native, Carlos Colon) rented skiffs, known locally as "pangas,'' to carry the supplies to Santa Rosa de Aguan. It took the five men 24 hours to unload the container into the pangas. "Remember, these men were doing all this on their own time at their own expense," noted Corgey. Once the skiffs were loaded, the trip along the Honduran coast took 11 hours. "Devastating" was the term used by Medina to describe his first reaction at seeing his home town when he and the others arrived with the supplies. "I couldn't believe it. Everybody's house that remained was a shack." Many, many other homes no longer existed. Records brought back by the group showed more than 40 people had died or were missing. Among them were family members of the men. First Goods from U.S. While other relief items had filtered into the community, the Seafarers brought the first items from the United States. Among the goods were beans, rice, cooking and fuel oil, sugar, flour, soap and much more. "They knew we were coming because we had sent messages through relatives," Medina recalled. "But when they saw us, their faces lit up. They said it was one of the most beautiful things to happen. It was a very, very, very good thing." The members, donned in Seafarers caps and shirts, stayed in Honduras from November 14 to December 12 to help with the recovery. They were the subject of several newspaper articles. "Now everyone there knows who the SIU is," Medina said. ''They were very grateful." Despite having very little remaining after the storm, the townspeople of Santa Rosa de Aguan wanted a special way to express their appreciation. They created a plaque for SIU President Michael Sacco and all the Seafarers who came to their aid and had the members bring it Working in Honduras on the distribution of aid are (from left, kneeling) Carlos Colon, Mariano Norales, (standing) Julio Guity, Celeo Casildo (president of ODECO), Carlos Nunez and Victor Medina. back to Texas. The plaque now hangs in the Paul Hall Library and Maritime Museum in Piney Point, Md. for all to see. Many Helped "We really want to thank President Sacco, Dean Corgey, [Assistant Vice President] Jim McGee and all the others who helped us," Medina stated. "Without their work, we would not have been able to do all that we did." Adding to his remarks was Chief Cook Fernando Guity, a cousin of Julio Guity. · "All the members have been so kind," Fernando Guity told a reporter for the LOG. "I was at sea when the LOG carried the story. All the people on the ship asked if I was related. When I said yes, they asked how they could help. "Since I've come back to Houston, the whole Honduran community here appreciates what [the Seafarers] have done," the eight-year SIU member said. More Aid Needed Because of the devastation, relief efforts in Honduras-as well as the neighboring countries of Nicaragua and El Salvadorwill take years. Therefore, the group of Seafarers will continue to collect aid for their fellow Hondurans. "They are still in the emergency phase down there," Medina pointed out. "They need food, medicine and clothes. "But soon they will need to start building. We want to help supply the blocks, cement and roofing materials to help them. Just like we did with the food and medicine, we want to collect the money and deliver the materials ourselves to make sure it gets to the people who need it. "They are not asking us or expecting us to do everything. They just need a helping hand and whatever anybody can spare is a big, big help." The AFL-CIO is working with the U.S. Agency for International Development to assist the victims of 1-Jurricane Mitch. Among the groups accepting donations earmarked for the relief effort are the American Red Cross, CARE, Salvation Army, Save the Children and many church organizations. Donations also may be sent to the West Coast Ports Council, 1221 Pierce Street, Houston, TX 77002. The donations should be marked for the Honduran Relief Effort. Seafarers LOG 7 �Keeping Up With The Paul Hall Center Former SIU President Paul Hall (1914-1980), who directed the school's opening in 1967, believed that academic courses contribute to the effective job performance of Seafarers. An informed, well-rounded person, Hall reasoned, is more likely to be a better shipmate. Today, the school maintains that philosophy, which is why the GED program is available to SIU members such as Martin Nelson {third from left). Nelson recently earned his diploma at Piney Point while also completing his training as a member of unlicensed apprentice class No. 576. Pictured with him are {from left) Joan Miles and Peggy Densford from the academic department and Theresa Price, retired school employee who encouraged Nelson to enroll in the GED program. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., offers a wide range of vocational and academic classes. Students at the center's Harry Lundeberg School may choose from a schedule that features everything from entry-level to officer training, and from general academic education to college courses (potentially leading to an associate's degree). The photos on this page provide a sampling of the Paul Hall Center's value to Seafarers. An important part of the unlicensed apprentice program is the 90-day shipboard assignment, during which students rotate through all three departments. Recertified Bosun John E. Stout recently sent these photos of apprentice Mary Bado working in the deck department aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. The bosun reports that Bado did a good job. Lundebel'fl Staff Spells Victory: Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center, had two goals when the school reeently participated in a spelling bee at a local high school. "First, we wanted to help a good cause, because this was a fund-raiser for an area school," he says. "Second, I didn't want to be the first team eliminated." The group from Piney Point far exceeded that aim, winning the six-team competition. The spelling bee lasted 11 rounds and included two teams of teachers and three local businesses, along with the Paul Hall Center team. Eglinton's group won when academic instructor Rick Prucha spelled "maelstrom." The winning team of {front row, from left) Prucha, Liz Reisman (associate director of the medical department) and Eglinton dressed as unlicensed apprentices for the occasion, and they were supported by students {back row, from left) Justin VonSprecken, Roger Steward, Joshua l)avenport, Clifton Doonis and Nabil Ahmed. In late 1998, the school added new radar equipment to help Seafarers more efficiently meet Coast Guard requirements and to boost their skills. Among the first SIU members to utilize the state-of-the-art equipment were boatmen from Moran Towing. Pictured from left to right are (kneeling) Roger Ortega, Jeff Willis, Freddy Hamilton, (standing, first row) David Rushing, Michael Freeman, Steve Wells, Thomas O'Neal, George Morales, Doug Bowen, Ernie Costa, {second row) Jake Jarrell, Douglas Crawford, Mark Provose, Mark Penland, Charles Young and Mark Fulto. B Seafarers LOG Febmary 1999 �celebrating the ~Holidays tile SIU Way ... Aboard Crowley Tugs SIU boatmen on five Crowley tugs received the latest union news and holiday greetings when Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox climbed aboard the vessels on Christmas Day. Appropriately, Cox wore a Santa cap when meeting on the conventional tugs Sea King and Sea Prince, the zdrive tug Tioga and the new tractor tugs Admiral and Master. ''The members work on Christmas, and this was just my way of reminding them that the SIU is always there for them," Cox noted. Working aboard the Tioga are crew members (from left) Engine Utility Deso Hrboka, Captain Jim McNutt, Deck Utility Damir Kucar and Mate Hank Scott. , c- r L'i The Sea Prince's crew includes (from left) Cook Utility Dave Verschoor, Captain John Rakyta, Engine Utility Hugh Wain, Trainee Engineer Javier Montano and AB Adolph Romero. Captain Steve Warford (left) and AB Mike Privette (right) greet Port Agent Cox near the Sea Prince. Cook Utility Larry Jamieson prepares breakfast aboard the Sea King. AB Adolph Romero dons safe- ty gear near the Sea Prince. Captain Burt Thompson (right) welcomes Port Agent John Cox aboard the tractor tug Admiral. .... Deck Utility John lvankovich poses for a photo aboard the Admiral. Standing by the Sea King are (from left) Cook Utility Dave Verschoor, Port Agent John Cox and Cook Utility Larry Jamieson. Working on a special holiday treat is Cook Utility Dave Verschoor. I. r:. They may have worked during the holidays, but Seafarers aboard the Master show that they still enjoy seasonal goodies in the galley. Pictured from left to right are AB John Dimeglio, Engine Utility Tom Crowley (no relation to the company CEO) and Captain Rick Cavalier. ... Aboard Allegiance The crew of the Allegiance (above) enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner, including (at right, from left) GSU Charlfred Autrey, Bosun Samuel Porchea and Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte. Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte brings out freshly baked rolls. Finishing up their meals are (at left) ABs Castillo Jose and Dennis Zuniga. At right, Bosun Samuel Porchea (center) shows his appreciation to Chief Cook Sherman Harper (left) and Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte. February 1999 Seafarers aboard the Allegiance enjoyed an expansive Thanksgiving menu provided by Chief Steward Tyler Laffitte, Chief Cook Sherman Harper and GSU Charlfred Autrey. The fine feast included tasty vegetables and appetizers such as shrimp cocktail, banana nut bread, stuffed deviled eggs, olive cheese balls, crab meat salad, baked potato, mashed potatoes and several others. Delectable entrees also were on the menu, including broiled striploin steak; roast tom turkey with dressing, gravy and cran- berry sauce; baked Texas smoked ham with fruit sauce; and roast prime rib of beef au jus. Listed as the "chef's special selection" were filet mignon and baked lobster tails. For those who had any room left, the dessert menu was eye-popping. Pumpkin, peach, apple, blueberry, pecan, sweet potato and mincemeat pies were served. Several varieties of cakes, cookies and candies also were available. The Allegiance is a tanker operated by Mari trans. A full assortment of tasty desserts followed the Thanksgiving feast. Seafarers LOG 9 �WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT SKY·HIGH COLLEGE COSTS? BEFORE YOU HIT THE PANIC BUTTON, THINK SIU SCHOLARSHIP College tuition costs never seem to stop rising. And just when you think you can afford to continue your education, they rise yet again. Well, for Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children who plan to attend college next fall, there is no reason to panic because in 1999, the Seafarers Welfare Plan is again offering seven scholarships. Three of the awards will go to SIU members (one is a $15,000, four-year cpllege stipend; the other two are $6poo, two-year awards to study at a vocational school or community college). The other four scholarships will be given to spouses or unmarried children of eligible Seafarers or SIU pensioners, each in the amount of $15,000. Candidates should indicate on the application form whether they are planning to attend a two-year or four-year program. The $15,000 college scholarships will be paid at the rate of $3, 750 per year over a fouryear period. The $6,000 awards will be paid at the rate of $3,000 per year. Eligibility requirements are fully , explained in a booklet which also contains an application form. The booklets are available at all SIU halls or may be received through the mail by filling out and returning the coupon below. In addition to the scholarship application form, a number of other items must be submitted at the same time. These include: • Autobiographical Statement. Space for this is provided on the back of each application form. • Photograph of Applicant. This should be a blackfvvhite or color passport-type picture. • Certified Copy of Birth Certificate if it is not already on file with the Seafarers Welfare Plan. (Only applicants for a dependent's scholarship are required to furnish this item.) • High School Transcript and Certification of Graduation. Request both of these items from your high school and ask that they be sent directly to the scholarship committee. • Official Copy of High School Equivalency Scores. If you earned a high school diploma by tak- ing the General Education Development (GED) test, have the Department of Education in the state where you took the exam (or if you were in the military, the appropriate military agency) send an official copy of your scores directly to the scholarship committee. • Letters of Reference. At least three letters are required for all applications. They should be gathered from individuals who have knowledge of the applicant's character, personality and career goals. • SAT or ACT Results. The ACT or SAT test must be taken no later than February 1999 so as to leave enough time for the results to reach the scholarship selection committee·in time for evaluation. This may seem like a lot of work. But, don't panic. There is plenty of time if you start the process now. April 15, 1999 is the last day in which applications are being accepted for this year's scholarship program. Name of A p p l i c a n t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street A d d r e s s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __....._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. '2199 10 Seafarers LOG L------------------------------------------~ February 1999 �ReftniJisbed H11macao Carries Bigger Containers New Hatch Covers Boost Capacity of NPR, Inc. Vessel ........ The Humacao got under way with an experienced galley gang including (from left) Chief Cook Donald Mann, SA Anna Alexander and Chief Steward Ray Jones. When the SIU-crewed Humacao left dry dock last fall, it did so with a substantially increased cargo-carrying capacity. The vessel last year was refitted in Baltimore with hatch covers that allow the Humacao to carry 53-foot containers. Before, the ship usually transported containers ranging in size from 20 to 45 feet. "It's very uncommon for a ship to be outfitted to carry 53-foot containers," observed AB Mike Hall, a crew member during the Humacao's initial voyage last September. He pointed out that new railings and lash gear also were installed during the drydock. From there, the Humacao resumed its regular run between the ports of Philadelphia; San Juan, P.R.; and Jacksonville, Fla. "We transport just about everything," said Captain Dennis Schroeder. Operated by NPR, Inc., the Humacao "keeps a very tight schedule," added Hall, an eightyear member of the SIU and frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Signing in for the union meeting is Center for Maritime Training and Chief Electrician William Payne. Education. In Baltimore, the vessel was refitted with new hatch covers, railings and lash gear. Sanjuan Buzzes With Activity The port of San Juan, P.R. is one of the busiest for SIU members. Recently, SIU officials from Santurce snapped these photographs to provide a sampling of seafaring life in that area. Waiting for the next job call at the SIU union hall in Puerto Rico are, from left, AB Abad Calero, DEU Jose Canales and OMU Jorge Bermeo. AB Melvin Sea-Land San Juan home and caused by Leguillon waits for the Producer to dock in so he can visit his check on the damage Hurricane Georges. Crane Maintenance Electrician Theodore Quinones communicates to crew members below. Chief Cook George begins preparations for lunch aboard the Mayaguez, an NPR, Inc. vessel. Ready for work is Crane Maintenance Electrician Orlando Flores. Reporting to the dock are, from left, Engineer R. Rodriguez, Crane Maintenance Electrician J. Santana and AB J. Gonzalez. Left: Aboard the Nuevo San Juan are, from left, AB Roberto Feliciano, Engine Utility Benjamin Stanley and Chief Engineer James Williams. February 1999 Seafarers LOG 11 �HOW TO PREPARE A TAXRETURN Step 1. Get all records together. • Income Records. These include any Forms W-2, W-20 and 1099. • Itemized deductions and tax credits. • Medical and dental payment records. • eal estate and personal property tax receipts. • Interest payment records for items such as a home mortgage or home equity loan. • Records of payments for child care so an individual could work. Step 2. Get any forms, schedules or publications necessary to assist in filing the return. IRS Publication 17 entitled "Your Federal Income Tax for Use in Preparing 1998 Returns" is the most comprehensive guide the agency has issued this year. Most IRS offices and many local banks, post offices and libraries have publications designed to provide individuals with information on correctly filing tax returns. Step 3. Fill in the return. Step 4. correct. Check the return to make sure it is Step 5. Sign and date the return. Form 1040 is not considered a valid return unless signed. A spouse must also sign if it is a joint return. Step 6. Attach all required forms and schedules. Attach the first copy of Copy B of Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099R to the front of the Form 1040. Attach all other schedules and forms behind Form I 040 in order of the attachment sequence number. If tax is owed, attach the payment to the front of Form 1040 along with Form 1040- V (original only). Write name, address, phone number, social security number and form number on your check or money order. Rounding Off to Whole Dollars: Cents may be rounded off to the nearest whole dollar on the tax return and schedules. To do so, raise amounts from 50 to 99 cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $2.50 becomes $3. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 66b, 66c and 66d on their Form I 040. Line 66b is for the bank's routing number. Line 66c indicates the type of account, and line 66d is the taxpayer's account number at the bank. When tax returns are filed electronically, a refund will be received in about 3 weeks, or in 2 weeks if it is deposited directly into a savings or checking account. For a charge, many professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing in addition to their return preparation services. If an individual prepared his or her own return, a preparer or transmitter in their area can file the return electronically. For a list of who can file a tax return electronically in any given area, call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-829-1040, and ask for the Electronic Filing Office. WHAT ARE CONSIDERED DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS the actual cost method of determining car expenses, accurate records should be kept. The IRS recommends keeping a log book or diary listing all expenses related to travel. Only work-related expenses not reimbursed by an employer can be claimed. Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption-for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $2,750 per person. In 1998, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Deducting Work-Related Meals When Traveling: Workers in transportation are allowed a special rate on the meal allowance of $36 per day in the continental U.S. and $40 per day outside the continental U.S. Otherwise the IRS standard meal allowance is generally $32. In some locations it is $40, and in Hawaii and Alaska it is computed differently. Travel expenses, including meals, can only be deducted if directly related to one's work and if they have not been reimbursed from any other source. Standard Deduction Has Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box below to the right). Because of this increase, it may be to an individual's benefit to take the standard deduction this year even if that person has itemized deductions in the past. Personal Interest Deductions: For 1998, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards and personal loans. Interest on Secured Loans Deductible: Interest paid on mortgages or investments is I 00 percent deductible. Union Dues Deduction: Union dues, including working dues, are deductible only if they exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. If they do, only the portion over the 2 percent is deductible. SPAD contributions have never been deductible. Deducting Work-Related Expenses: Expenses associated with a seaman's work may be considered tax deductible. However, no expense can be deducted for which a seaman has been reimbursed by the employer. Travel to the union hall to register or travel to the union's designated medical facility to take the required physical and drug tests are examples of expenses which are work-related but not reimbursed by the company. Members of the galley crew may deduct the costs of knives and other equipment they personally own but use when on a ship performing their work duties. The purchase of work-related clothing and other gear, as long as it is truly for work and not paid for by the employer, are likely to be considered tax-deductible. Deducting Work-Related Car Expenses: Use of a personally-owned automobile in work-related travel can result in deductible expenses. Two methods can be used to compute automobile expenses-either listing a standard mileage rate or determining actual cost. On the tax return due April 15 of this year, the IRS is accepting a standard mileage rate of 32.5 cents per mile. Parking fees and tolls can be added when using the standard mileage rate. If using actual expenses, information must be available on all operating-related costs for the vehicle, including interest, insurance, taxes, licenses, maintenance, repairs, depreciation, gas, oil, tolls and parking. In either the standard mileage rate or WHERE TO GET INFORMATION General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions from 7:00 a.m. to 11 :00 p.m. Monday through Saturday (local time). Publications: 1-800-829-3676 operators will take orders for publications. "#17 Your Federal Income Tax" and "#552 Record Keeping for Individuals" are two publications that many people find especially useful. Walk-In Help: IRS representatives are available in many IRS offices around the country to help with tax questions that cannot be answered easily by telephone. To find the location of an IRS office, look in the phone book under "United States Government, Internal Revenue Service." Telephone Help: The IRS is prepared to answer questions by phone. Through the agency's taxpayer information service, publications covering all aspects of tax-filing can be ordered. The federal Tele-Tax system has recorded tax information covering about 150 topics. l-800·829-4477 is the IRS's automated Tele-Tax system. When calling from a touch tone phone, the letter "R" or number "7" will repeat the topic and the letter "C" or number "2" will cancel the message. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. This telephone service is available from 7:00 a.m. until 11 :30 p.m. (Jocal time). Send IRS Written Questions: Written questions regarding the tax returns can be sent directly to an IRS District Director (listed on the tax fonn). Include a social security number with the letter. 12 Seafarers LOG Limit on Itemized Deductions: In 1998, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $124,500 of federal adjusted gross income (or $62,250 if married and filing separately). Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain low income individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 1998, an individual does not have to have a qualifying child to be eligible for this credit if certain conditions are met. Different credit percentages and phase-out percentages are provided based on the taxpayer's income level and the number of qualifying children eligible, if any. The maximum credit allowed is as follows: Taxpayers with income less than $10,030 and no qualifying children - $341 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $26,473 and with 1 qualifying child - $2,271 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $30,095 and with 2 or more qualifying children - $3,816 maximum credit. If the earned income credit reduces the income tax liability below zero, a refund will be granted by the IRS. Taxpayers should use form I 040, schedule EiC to see if they are eligible for the credit. which the HOPE credit or the Lifetime Leaming credit is claimed. • Roth IRAs-The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $2,000. Roth IRAs are subject to income limits. The maximum yearly contribution is phased out for single taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) between $95,000 and $110,000, for joint filers with an AGI between $150,000 and $160,000, and for married filing separately with an AGI between $0 and $10,000. Although the contributions are not deductible, the distributions may be tax-free depending on when and why they are made. • Penalty-Free IRA Distributions-The additional 10 percent tax penalty on an early distribution from an IRA may not apply if you pay higher education expenses for yourself, spouse or your children or grandchildren. The tax also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a firsttime homebuyer. Dependent's Social Security Number: Each dependent must have a social security number (SSN). Individuals may get an SSN for their dependent by filing Fonn 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 an SSN. ADDITIONAL DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS FOR 1998 Dependent Child Credit: Effective for tax year 1998, taxpayers who have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen and for whom the taxpayer may claim a dependency exemption and who is less than 17 years old, are entitled to the child tax credit. The amount of the credit is $400 per child. Credit for Higher Education Tuition: Individuals may be able to take the "HOPE" credit for tuition and related expenses paid for oneself, spouse or dependents to enroll at or attend an eligible educational institution (i.e., college or graduate school or vocational training). The HOPE credit provides a maximum allowable credit of $1,500 per student for each of the first two years of postsecondary education. For qualified expenses paid after June 30, 1998, taxpayers can take the "Lifetime Learning Credit," that is a credit of 20 percent of qualified tuition expenses paid by the taxpayer for any year (after that date) the HOPE credit is not claimed. This credit is not limited to the first two years of postsecondary education. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $1,000 of interest paid after December 31, 1997 for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: • Education IRAs-Taxpayers can contribute up to $4,500 each year to an Education IRA for a person under age 18. The contribution is not deductible. Earnings on the contribution will be distributed tax-free provided that they are used to pay the beneficiary's postsecondary education expenses. However, the exclusion is not available for any year in Presented on these two pages o that have been prepared especi deduction amounts tor 1998, extensions and where ~-·••••••••••••• WHICHRECO. Keep records of income (such as receipts), deductions (for example, canceled checks) and credits shown on the tax return, as well as any worksheets used to figure them, until the statute of limitations runs out for that return, usually 3 years from the date the return was due or filed, or 2 years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. However, it is recommended that all records be kept for about 6 years. Change of Address: If an individual has changed his or her address from the one listed WHICH INCOME Ni The following kinds of income do not need • Benefits from government welfare program • Jones Act settlements for injuries, pain, suffi • Maintenance and Cure. • Workers' compensation benefits, insurance • Disability retirement payments (and other • Child support. • Gifts, money or other property inherited or • Dividends on veterans' life insurance. • Life insurance proceeds received because of • Amounts received from insurance because o casualty to the extent the amounts were more th the home. • Certain amounts received as a scholarship. February 1999 �STANDARD DEDUCTION WHY SEAFARERS MUST PAY STATE INCOME TAX Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of seamen working aboard U.S.-flag ships. Specifically, the law [46 USCA 11108(11)] provides that "no part of the wages due or accruing to a master, officer or any other seaman who is a member of the crew on a vessel engaged in the foreign, coastwise, intercoastal, inte.rstate 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 'lb.is is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions. (Note that the personal exemption deduction is $2,700.) Filing Status Standard Deduction Single ................................. $4,250 Married filing joint return or Qualifying widow(er) with dependent 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. If any questions arise regarding residency and state tax issues, mariners should telephone the taxpayer assistance office in the state in which they reside. children ............................ $7,100 OVERSEAS AT TAX TIME WHICH INCOME TO REPORT Married filing separate return .................. $3,550 Head of household ............. $6,250 Should a seaman find himself or her- 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. • Gains from the sale or exchange (including barter) of real estate, securities, coins, gold, silver, gems or other property (capital gains). • Life insurance proceeds from a policy cashed in if the proceeds are more than the premium paid. • Accumulation distributions from trusts. Mexico City, Mexico • Prizes and awards (contests, raffles, lottery and gambling winnings). Nassau, Bahamas • Earned income from sources outside the United States. Paris, France • Director's fees. Rome, Italy • 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. self 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: Bonn, Germany Caracas, Venezuela London, England Ottawa, Canada Riyadh, Saudi Arabi Sao Paulo, Brazi • Fees received as an executor or administrator of an estate. Sydney, Australia • Embezzled or other illegal income. Tokyo, Japan. HOW TO FILE AN EXTENSION IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for a four-month extension to file IRS Form 1040A or Form 1040. An individual requesting an extension is under no obligation to explain why the additional time is needed. Filing of the form gives an individual until August 15, 1999 to file his or her 1998 federal tax return. The IRS will contact the individual directly only if the request for an extension is denied. To extend the period of time in which one can file his or her tax return, that individual must correctly fill out Form 4868 and pay all of the tax monies due (as noted on line 6 of the form below). If the filing of Form 4868 and the subsequent four-month extension to file does not provide the individual with enough time, he or she can then file Form 2688, known as ''Application for Additional Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Another option open to the person seeking more time in which to file is to write a letter to the IRS stating the reason the extension is necessary. e Seafarers LOG are handy fax tips tor mariners. Included are the new eral information, a form for filing get additional information. STOKEEP 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 1998, the taxpayer's personal representative (and spouse, in the case of a joint return) must file and sign the return for that person. A personal representative can be an executor, administrator or anyone who is in charge of the taxpayer's property. NOT BE REPORTED It is important to bear in mind that the filing of Form 4868 requesting an extension does not get one off the hook from having to pay any taxes due. Form 4868, when sent in, must be accompanied by all tax monies due the U.S. government from the individual filing the extension. The deadline for filing the form and any taxes due is April 15. 'f' DETACH HERE 'Y Form Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return 4868 Department of the Treasury be reported on the federal tax return: An individual seeking an extension is advised by the IRS to file Form 4868 before filing Form 2688. Below is Form 4868 which may be used by Seafarers to file for an extension. This form will be recognized by the IRS. Additional copies of Form 4868 are available by calling the agency's toll-free number which is dedicated to tax form requests. That number is 1-800-829-3676. Also, Form 4868 is available from all main IRS branch offices. And if a Seafarer finds himself or herself overseas, he or she can obtain the form from any U.S. embassy or consulate. Internal Revenue Service For calendar year 1998, or other tax year beginning Identification 1 , 1998, ending OMB No. 1545-0188 ~®98 ,19 Individual Income Tax Your name(s) (see instructions) · ng, medical costs. Address (see instructions) mages, etc. for injury or sickness. City. town or post office, state, and ZIP code efits) paid by the Veterans' Administration. 2 illed. Your social security number 3 Spouse's social security no. Complete ONLY If Filing Gift/GST Tax Return person's death. loss of the use of a home due to fire or other the cost of normal expenses while living in This form also extends the time for filing a gift or generation-skipping transfer (Gsn tax return if you file a calendar (not fiscal) year income tax return. Check below only if requesting a gift or GST tax return extension, and enter your tax payment(s) in Part IV: Yourself..,.. February 1999 D Spouse..,.. D 9 Total liability. Add lines 6, 7, and 8 $ 10 Amount you are paying. . . . . ..,.. If line 10 is less than line 9, you may be liable for interest and penalties. See page 3. Seafarers LOG 13 �Sea Star Line's El Yunque sails between Florida and San Juan, P.R. with an SIU crew. Chief Electrician J.R. Cirafisi has his work cut out for him as he reads up on the containership's electrical system. El Yunque Welcomed Into U.S.-Flag Trade The SIU-crewed El Yunque is the first of two vessels operated by Sea Star Line to pursue the container trade between Florida and Puerto Rico. Its sister ship, the El Morro, will be crewed by Seafarers later this year, possibly as early as next month. The combination roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) and lift-on/lift-off (LO/LO) ships are capable of speeds of up to 24 knots. The El Yunque sails from Jacksonville every Thursday and Port Everglades on Friday, arriving in San Juan Sunday night, with cargo availability each Monday morning. The El Morro will provide an additional sailing each week between Jacksonville and San Juan. "These high-speed ships enable us to provide the largest variety of service Sonny Herrera, the bosun aboard the El Yunque, is happy with the RO/RO ship and its crew. options to our customers," stated Mike Shea, president of Sea Star Line. "Sea Star will offer containers and trailers ranging from 20' to 53', refrigerated cargo services, underdeck water-tight auto and truck stowage, flat beds and lowboys and the ability to move heavy machinery, boats on trailers and everything else that rolls onto fast and versatile ships." "The union welcomes this new entry into the U.S.-flag maritime trades," said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez during the October membership meeting. Tellez also noted that the vessels are covered by the Standard Freightship Agreement. Sea Star is a joint venture which includes Totem Resources Corp., Matson and Sea-Barge Line Inc. AB Mark Holman stands gangway watch. AB Ronald Mena joined the ship for its initial Florida to Puerto Rico run. Racks are removed from the El Yunque's deck to be used for RO/RO operations. Loading stores into the crew's icebox is SA Steven Ruiz. Right: Ready for breakfast is DEU Marcus Pittman. 14 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Manny Basas checks the ship's stores for the next voyage. Left: Chief Steward Francis Ostendarp takes time between meals to keep the galley clean. February 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 1998 - JANUARY 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED AU Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York 30 Philadelphia ·5 ' Baltimore ,12 5 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 12 11 23 14 Jacksonville 42 San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 21 Totals 27 35 15 12 5 12 12 9 15 8 3 12 24 1 3 22 2 275 0 1 2 153 3 3 10 3 7 10 Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. .Louis 18 1 5 7 12 IO 19 10 10 10 2 6 18 2 8 3 2 29 16 8 18 IO 3 3 1 26 7 1 2 8 3 2 0 75 2 4 9 21 2 I 194 3 4 80 6 11 3 11 2 3 2 7 0 3 1 2 6 0 I 3 0 6 3 5 5 3 0 1 3 1 4 3 6 5 3 8 3 1 3 0 34 11 2 3 IO 2 ~ t 2 0 1 5 8 0 2 5 1 0 0 4 26 7 7 7 19 17 16 3 5 8 0 1 Wilmington 13 18 3 1 0 0 3 11 3 12 0 2 26 21 12 18 15 24 7 12 20 1 3 10 0 9 4 0 1 8 7 6 7 6 2 0 0 0 0 58 21 47 209 1 116 6 4 2 0 9 28 9 l 2 2 0 0 0 2 1 3 2 1 4 18 12 12 2 9 6 12 0 25 46 7 8 3 5 3 12 2 2 8 0 13 5 0 2 0 0 8 10 2 2 3 0 0 0 15 2 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 43 10 0 139 58 20 109 17 2 14 2 4 0 Baltimore 4 0 0 4 1 0 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 2 0 0 11 9 9 16 4 16 4 3 0 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: March 23, April 20 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: March 16, April 13 New York ................Tuesday: March 9, April 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: March 11, April 8 Tacoma ...................Friday: March 26, April 23 Wilmington .............Monday: March 22, April 19 Each portts meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals MICHAEL GOMES Please call Steve and Sophie at (818) 886-6093. ROMERO RUSTY 4 3 1 3 6 10 0 0 2 0 I 0 Mobile .................... Wednesday: March 17, April 14 St Louis ................. Friday: March 19, April 16 6 8 0 87 6 Jersey City .............. Wednesday'. March 24. April 21 San Juan ..................Thursday: March 11, April 8 0 2 2 6 2 16 15 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 11, April 8 San Francisco .........ThulNday: March 18, April 15 7 2 3 0 48 11 Houston .................. Monday: March 15, April 12 2 3 7 0 I 0 Honolulu ................. Friday: March 19. April 16 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac 4 0 2 4 0 9 10 0 9 27 I 6 35 3 0 9 7 0 0 11 0 0 0 71 2 0 249 5 6 0 5 75 23 0 13 39 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 3 25 2 1 10 2 23 1 An old friend, Roselle Meacham, is trying to get in touch with you. Please write her at 627 South Conestoga St., Philadelphia, PA 19143; or telephone (215) 474-9298. CORDELL AND MICHAEL DUNN Please contact Leon and Alice Fountain at (253) 582-0966. Flag Flies for First Time 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Port 1 2 6 5 11 16 2 2 15 0 2 3 4 17 15 5 13 11 0 0 0 8 13 31 24 24 5 15 22 IO 0 0 0 13 6 29 5 0 2 11 2 47 9 100 11 0 0 0 23 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 0 136 34 102 111 0 92 266 228 265 424 300 201 215 968 640 379 7 7 4 4 6 1 St. I..ouis 0 2 0 0 0 40 4 0 17 0 158 584 446 3 9 6 17 2 29 7 2 3 54 4 l 8 2 5 4 s 2 *''Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Febmary 1999 4 8 4 0 3 4 44 3 5 San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston 14 15 2 0 18 5 13 1 8 0 19 9 Jacksonville Totals All Departments 183 2 3 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: March 17, April 14 Philadelphia ...•.•....•. Wednesday: March 10, April 7 3 2 5 6 11 5. 3 4 Totals 418 l 6 0 3 0 San Francisco Piney Point Algonac 3 0 0 0 97 59 11 62 22 14 39 3 0 3 15 5 16 22 9 18 12 3 14 24 l 2 0 7 6 6 9 I 3 4 6 5 8 1 S 9 8 18 24 New York Philadelphia 0 0 Piney Point .............Monday: March 8, April 5 Baltimore ................ Thursday~ March 11, April 8 17 7 15 3 3 4 7 I 8 3 2 2 6 4 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Algonac .., ...............Friday: March 12t April 9 22 19 32 57 39 49 11 4 14 Port Totals 8 11 0 97 4 6 14 0 Jacksonville 12 13 7 15 130 Algonac 0 0 2 8 5 5 5 1 1 0 77 0 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans *"'REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C ENGINE DEPARTMENT Piney Point Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 6' 15 3 5 4 2 2 7 2 2 6 9 10 6 2 9 9 12 Port New York Philadelphia Trip Reliefs ·1( . ' fa ' '24 9 TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C March & April 1999 ...__ Recertified Bosun Doyle Ellette gets the honors as he raises the Stars and Stripes aboard the Diamond Shoals tor the first time. Operated by lnterocean Ugland Management, the vessel is the third Double Eagle tanker crewed by Seafarers. The three new vessels, named after old U.S. Coast Guard light ships, are built with double hulls in order to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. NOTICE TO SEAFARERS If your vessel is not receiving the Seafarers LOG regularly, please contact the LOG office. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes Seafarel'S lnfemational Onion DireofOl'J DECEMBER 16, 1998 - JANUARY 15, 1999 Michael Sacco President CL - John Fay .Ex;ecutive Vice President Secretary-Treasurer Augnilin Tttltz Vice President Con.tracts . ............ ... Byron Kelley ........ Vii;.¢ Ptesident Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey ..Vice President Gulf Coast · · Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast . .. . Kt!nnett Mangram . Yic.e Pre-s\dent Government Services HEADQUARTERS 520 I Auth Way Camp Springs. MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC S20 St. Clair River Dr, Algonac, Ml 4800 l Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 34 6 0 19 I 0 6 4 0 14 16 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP David Heindel Jaek Catrey · ·· Vice President Atlantic Coast Company/Lakes **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 2 16 0 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 10 1 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 5 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 10 0 9 0 18 4 0 9 1 0 I 1 0 5 6 0 33 40 13 0 27 Totals All Depts 73 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 12 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #IC Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters BALTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 327-4900 DECEMBER 16, 1998 - JANUARY 15, 1999 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. Honolulu, HI 96819 (808) 845-5222 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St. Houston, TX 17002 (713) 659-5152 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St Jacksonville, FL 32206 (904) 353-0987 JERSEY CITY 99 Montgomery St. Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 435-9424 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 478-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, .lnland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes~ Inland Waters West Coast Totals Region Atlantic Coast Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters West Coast Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 1 47 1 49 0 3 0 0 3 0 2 0 8 10 0 0 0 6 5 1 5 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 0 0 3 0 0 0 17 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 17 9 0 9 4 0 0 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 4 36 5 45 0 6 0 1 7 0 1 14 0 15 0 1 0 0 0 1 13 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 1 Totals All Depts 75 3 16 19 1 6 74 8 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 0 17 0 16 33 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 2 2 39 NORFOLK ll5Third St. Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St. Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point. MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 SAN FRANCJSCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 161h Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST.LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 f6 Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo, sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Peter J. Mistretta of Baltimore, Md. was taken at a seaman's club in Bombay, India. The deck department member and his crew mates had just gotten off a l T-2 tanker. The I weather was very hot, so the group went for some refreshments at the local club. Mistretta, now 77, is second from right. He began sailing in 1947 and retired in 1986. George Schmidt, second from left, died in 1996 at the age of 79. It was the first trip for both men. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. February f 999 �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. O ne recertified steward and one recertified bosun are among the 21 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 80 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Steward Robert I. Fagan and Recertified Bosun Maurilio Zepeda are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the steward and deck departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the two recertified graduates, seven of the retiring Seafarers sailed in the deep sea division, nine shipped on inland vessels and five plied the Great Lakes. Ten of the retiring pensioners worked in the deck department, eight shipped in the engine department and three sailed as members of the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA Steamship Corp. vessel. The California native sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Groening last sailed aboard the Overseas Ohio. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Fresno, Calif. CLIFFORD C.HALL,65, joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Missouri, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed in 1993 aboard a vessel operated by Hudson Waterways. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Hall has retired to Frederickstown, Mo. ALBERTT. BATIS, 65 , joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in ~':. 1962 in the ,Ajjl port of San L.:....:.:"-'--;:.:..===·;:::.; ~~:.::::: ::±;_.i .··' Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. A native of Hawaii, he makes his home in Honolulu. FREDERICK l~iii.i~I C. HARRIS, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1952 from the port of Baltim re. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Harris last sailed in 1996 aboard the Gulf Trader, operated by Apex Marine Management. The Maryland native served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He makes his home in Houston. ROBERTI. FAGAN, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1955 from the port of Baltimore. Born in Maryland, he worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1981. Brother Fagan last sailed aboard the· Wright, operated by American Overseas Marine Corp. He continues to reside in Baltimore. MAURILIO ZEPEDA, 66, started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Houston. Brother i.::_-===----' Zepeda worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1982. He last sailed aboard the Mt. Washington, a Bay Ship Management vessel. A native of Texas, he has retired to LaMarque. WILLIE H. GORDON, 64, started his career with the MC&S in 1967, before that union merged with L.-......:::::=~=::..;__-'-' the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Gordon last sailed aboard the APL Korea, operated by American Ship Management. He calls Wilmington, Calif. home. INLAND RICHARD C. GROENING, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Hastings, a Waterman February 1999 r--:i;;;;;;;;;~--, JAMESJ. CARR SR., 68, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the deck department as a tankerman, last sailing in 1984 aboard a Sheridan Transportation Co. vessel. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Carr makes his home in Holmes Beach, Fla. WOODHAM D. EVERETT, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1974, after a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. Born in Mississippi, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Boatman Everett makes his home in Lake, Miss. DEANL. MARCUS, 62, began sailing with the SIU in 1976 from the port of Houston aboard the National Voyager. Boatman Marcus worked in the deck department and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by National Marine Service. A native of Texas, he makes his home in Pasadena. r:.a.:-1 GEORGE H. MONTALVO, 40, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1978. Born in Texas, he worked as an ==--=== engineer, last sailing aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Montalvo calls Groves, Texas home. PE OJ. MORET,59, joined the Seafarers in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. Boatman Moret makes his home in Puerto Rico. ..------___,,,...-__, ROBERTO ROBLES, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1976 in Puerto Rico. Boatman Robles worked ====-=== in the deck department and signed off the El Morro, a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. A native of Puerto Rico, he calls Guaynabo home. ANGELD. SANCHEZ, 58, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1973 in his native Puerto Rico. He started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Boatman Sanchez last sailed in 1997 aboard the Jupiter, operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. He makes his home in Toa Baja, P.R. MIGUELA. VAZQUEZ, 55, joined the SIU in 1977 in Puerto Rico. Boatman Vazquez worked as an engineer, sailing primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. Born in the nation of Colombia, he has retired to Santurce, P.R. JAMESD. WILSON, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1968. He sailed as a tankerman and attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Wilson last sailed in 1986 aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. The Missouri native served in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1959. Boatman Wilson makes his home in Baldwyn, Miss. GREAT LAKES ROYAL J. BOOKER, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of Detroit. A native of Iowa, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Booker sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co. His last ship was the Detroit Edison. He makes his home in Chestnut Mound, Tenn. MiiiiiiL:~ PAUL T. GOSDA, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Gosda sailed in the deck department as a wheelsman. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the J.A. W. Iglehart, operated by Inland Lakes Management. Born in New York, he has retired to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. - RONALDP. KRUG, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Cleveland. Born in Ohio, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1984 aboard a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock vessel. Boatman Krug has retired to Cleveland. MOHAMED G. SHAIBI, 55, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Detroit. Born in Arabia, he sailed in the ===--==-.:==-i deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Shaibi last sailed aboard the American Mariner, operated by American Steamship Co. He calls Buffalo, N. Y. home. STANLEY SZEJBACH, 66, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1989 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Szejbach worked in the engine department. The Michigan native sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management. His last vessel was the Alpena. He makes his home in Alpena, Mich. Remembering WWII Mariners Several members of the Hampton Roads (Va.) Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, which includes a number of retired Seafarers, traveled last year to Normandy to revisit the site of the Allies' D-Day triumph in World War II. Here, Ray Hurst (left) and an unidentified man display the chapter's flag with the white cliffs of Dover, England in the background. Seafarers LOii 17 ~ 1 �Final Departures DEEP SEA WILLIAM D. ALVARO Pensioner William D. Alvaro, 82, passed away December 19, 1998. Born in Hawaii, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the pon of New York. Brother Alvaro sailed as a chief steward. A resident of Gulfpon, Fla., he began receiving his pension in March 1972. CLEMENT BAIRSTOW - Pensioner Clement Bairstow, 79, passed away November 25, 1998. Born in Rhode Island, he joined the Seafarers in 11-..-_:_-:L_~., 1943 in the port of Boston. Brother Bairstow worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1982 aboard the Ponce, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. A resident of Hallandale, Fla., he began receiving his pension in April 1991. ANDREJS BRINGIS Andrejs Bringis, 56, died October 14, 1998. Brother Bringis sailed with the SIU from 1969 to 1974 from the port of Seattle. The deck department member's first ship was the SeaLand Anchorage. Born in Latvia, he became a U.S. citizen in 1965 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1969. Brother Bringis was a resident of Shelton, Wash. EDWARDJ.BROADERS Pensioner Edward J. Broaders, 80, passed away December 1, 1998. A native of Maryland, he joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. He sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring in August 1983, Brother Broaders signed off the Delta Caribe, a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. He made his home in Denton, Md. HENRY S. CHEMEL l"]iiiiiiiiii~I Pensioner Henry S. Chemel, 84, died recently. Born in Poland, the Hollywood, Fla. resident began sailing with the SIU in 1955 from the port of Miami. He worked in the engine department, most recently in 1978 aboard the Delta Norte, operated by Delta Steamship Co. Brother Cherne! began receiving his pension in February 1979. ABRAHAM FEINSTEIN Pensioner Abraham Feinstein, 86, died September 27, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he joined the SIU in 1944 in the '----'===---' port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Feinstein was a resident of New York City and retired in October 1974. 18 Seafarers LOG VICTOR FERGUSON Pensioner Victor Ferguson, 83, passed away October 21, 1998. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S), before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). A resident of Panama, Brother Ferguson retired in September 1975. EDWARD H. GOING Pensioner Edward H. Going. 83, died November 26, 1998. A native of New Hampshire, he was a charter member of the ==~___:--=::i Seafarers, having joined the union in November 1938 in the port of Baltimore. During his career, he sailed in the engine department, attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Going was a resident of Staten Island, N.Y. and started receiving his pension in August 1978. THOMAS J. HENRY Pensioner Thomas J. Henry, 74, passed away November 17, 1998. Brother Henry began sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the port of New York. He started working in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. The New Jersey native lived in Mount Holly and retired in February 1987. ROBERT S. HESS Robert S. Hess, 48, died November 24, 1998. He graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1970 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The New York native sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1987. Brother Hess was a resident of St. Augustine, Fla. JAMES J. KEEFE Pensioner James J. Keefe, 87, passed away December 30, 1997. Brother Keefe started his career with the MC&S in 1943, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. He worked as a chief steward. Prior to his retirement in October 1974, he signed off the Hawaii Bear. Brother Keefe lived in Huntington Beach, Calif. STEPHEN B. KUTZER Pensioner Stephen B. Kutzer, 78, died November 19, 1998. A native of Pennsylvania, he began sailing with the :.___....:::~=-_J Seafarers in 1948 from the port of New York. Brother Kutzer worked in the deck department and started receiving his pension in May 1976. He was a resident of Shamokin, Pa. EVELYN M. LAMUN Pensioner Evelyn M. Lamun, 79, passed away October 11, 1998. She started her career with the MC&S in 1956 aboard the Monterey, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Illinois and a resident of San Jose, Calif., Sister Lamun retired in May t 970. EDWARD H. LUDOLPH Pensioner Edward H. Ludolph, 81 , died October 12, 1998. Born in California, he joined the MC&S in 1954, before that union merged with the SIU 's AGLIWD. Brother Ludolph began receiving his pension in July 1974. He was a resident of San Francisco. LLOYD D. MOSS Pensioner Lloyd D. Moss, 73, died November 24, 1998. Brother Moss graduated from the MC&S training school in 1962 and joined that union in the port of San Francisco, before it merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Texas and a resident of Glen Rose, he retired in December 1978. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. WILLIAM H. MUELLER Pensioner William H. Mueller, 90, passed away November 19, 1998. He joined the MC&S, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of Haddonfield, NJ., he began receiving his pension in July 1974. ALBERT N. RINGUETTE Pensioner Albert N. Ringuette, 74, passed away December 12, 1998. Brother Ringuette began sailing with the Seafarers in 1953 from the port of Baltimore. Born in Massachusetts, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, graduating from the bosun recertification program there in 1974. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1947. Brother Ringuette lived in Seattle and started receiving his pension in January 1989. MARCELINO VALENTIN rr&iiiiiiiiiiil Pensioner Marcelino Valentin, 84, died December 12, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Brother Valentin sailed in the engine department and retired in August 1976. The Puerto Rico native was a resident of Mayaguez. -----------=---' WAYNE STEWART Wayne Stewart, 39, passed away November 29, 1998. A native of Louisiana, he graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training ~!!!!!!!!!l program in 1980 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Stewart sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of New Orleans. TUVAO T. TAULA Pensioner Tuvao T. Taula, 69, died November 23, 1998. Born in American Samoa, he began sailing with the SIU in 1962 from the port of Philadelphia. During his career, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Taula last sailed in 1979 aboard the Ogden Yukon and started receiving his pension in 1994. He was a resident of Vista, Calif. VICTOR B. TIGETT Pensioner Victor B. Tigett, 68, died November 3, 1997. A native of New York, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1964 from the port of Houston. He worked in the engine department and retired in May 1994. From 1951 to 1952, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman Tigett Jived in Galveston. Texas. GREAT LAKES ALBERT J. VERWILT Pensioner Albert J. Verwilt, 82, passed away December 22, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the engine department, upgrading his skills at the Lundeberg School. He also was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Highlands, N.J ., Brother Verwilt began receiving his pension in December 1986. CHARLES C. WILLIAMS Pensioner Charles C. Williams, 73, passed away December 2, 1998. A native of North Carolina and a resident of Norfolk, Va., he started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of Norfolk. Brother Williams sailed in the steward department as a chief cook. Prior to his retirement in July 1990, he signed off the liberty Seas. A veteran of World War II , he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1963. INLAND RONALD B. AUSTIN Ronald B. Austin, 35, died November 2, 1998. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996 from the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Austin worked as an engineer and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed aboard the Sea Robin, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. A native of North Carolina, he was a resident of Buxton. FRANCIS SLOANE Francis Sloane, 64, died February 25, 1998. Brother Sloane began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of Baltimore. The Missouri native worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1994 aboard the Fidelio. He was a resident of New Orleans. City, Fla., Boatman Higgs began receiving his pension in October 1976. CHARLES E. HIGGS Pensioner Charles E. Higgs, 89, passed away June 22, 1998. Born in Georgia, he joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Tampa, Fla. He sailed as a chief engineer, primarily aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. A resident of Plant RALPH LESLIE Pensioner Ralph Leslie, 78, passed away November 26, 1998. He joined the Seafarers in 1960. Born in Ohio, he worked in the '-------"'-""-----"'~= engine department, last sailing aboard the St. Clair. A resident of Toledo, Ohio, Brother Leslie began receiving his pension in September 1985. JAMES J. MULCAHY Pensioner James J. Mulcahy, 75, died November IO, 1998. Brother Mulcahy started his career with the SIU in 1976 ~-------' in his native New York. He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retire ment in October 1988, he signed off the Roger M. Keyes, operated by American Steamship Co. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1941 to 1945. Brother Mulcahy was a resident of Tempe, Ariz. RAILROAD MARINE MICHAEL L. WANCA . . - - - - - - - . Pensioner • Michael L Wanca, 81, passed away November 29, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in =---'~=!!::......:.....:== 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Wanca worked as a bridgeman, primarily for Penn Central Railroad Co. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. A resident of Jersey City, N.J., he started receiving his pension in November 1982. CORRECTIONS The photos of Discoro Militar and Harry N. Schorr were switched in last month's Final Departures. The correct obituaries follow. DISCORO MILITAR l~iiiiiiiiiii~l Pensioner Discoro Militar, 98, passed away September 28, 1998. A native of the ~~~=.z.J Philippines, he started his career with the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. Brother Militar sailed as a chief steward and began receiving his pension in December 1973. He lived in Hercules, Calif. HARRY N. SCHORR Pensioner Harry N. Schorr, 86, passed away Sept. 26, 1998. He joined the · SIU in 1953 in the port of = = :;...;:_-...::.....::::::....__..New York. He sailed in the steward department and was active in union organizing drives. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. Brother Schorr was a resident of Hemet, Calif. and began receiving his pension in March 1977. February 1999 �Digest Of Shipboard "lrriiin ~Meetings ~~~ ~eitail)m fOG attempt$ to print as many digests of union shipboard ' · \i/ :minutes as possible. On occasion, because ol space . . · ·. limitations, some will be omitted, :>t:::;·~:sflipl'minutes llrst are:riiiilewed by tho union's contract depal1ment. · ·:rhose issues tf!i/iiifl"n.·fitientloir or re10/utlun are addressed by the union · upon·recelpfot:the"shlps' minutes. The minutes are tllen forwarded · · to the Seafarers LOG for publication. COURIER (Marine Transport), October 20-Chairman Norman K. Armstrong, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate Cleveland West, Steward Delegate Jessie James. Chainnan announced ship to arrive following day in Beaumont, Texas. Items on order expected at that time. Educational director reminded everyone of upgrading opportunities available at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given high marks for job well done. Payoff expected in Philadelphia at end of month. HUMACAO (NPR, Inc.), October 18-Chainnan David Murray, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director William F. Payne, Deck Delegate Michael Hall, Steward Delegate Donald J. Mann. Chairman announced payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. October 24. Educational director reminded everyone to obtain training record books (TRBs) in order to register and ship. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. None in engine or steward departments. Request made for new heat exchanger because water is too hot. Recommendation made to have contrac s de a m t into vacation pay every 60 days instead of 120. Questions also raised regarding bringing family embers on board and about captain putitng out draw every five days. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. JEB STUART (Waterman Steamship), October 8-Chairman Thomas Temple, Secretary William Williams, Deck Delegate Kent Arnold, Engine Delegate Joe Martin, Steward Delegate Mario Henriquez. Chairman reported to crew of requirements needed to meet basic safety training in accordance with Chapter VI of STCW. Educational director stressed need to apply for TRB. Bosun has application forms. TRBs may be signed on pages 47-54 by any officer. Secretary advised crew members to secure personal belongings while in port. Treasurer announced $25 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Chairman noted that Seafarers LOG, especially President's Report, is extremely important. Articles in LOG keep members up-to-date on union and maritime-related activities and let them know if need exists to write congressmen to help pass certain legislation of importance to SIU. Ship inspection to take place October 16. Everyone asked to assist in helping vessel pass by doing their part. Next port: Diego Garcia. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), October I I-Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Lee Frazier, Educational Director Angel Rivera. Chairman announced port arrival time. Stressed need for TRB when registering to ship. Secretary noted provisions will be at dock on October 17. February 1999 Next voyage-to Bangladeshexpected to last approximately 75 days. Educational director urged crew members to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Both deck and steward delegates reported beefs in respective departments. None reported by steward delegate. Request made for additional washing machine and dryer. Suggestion made and sent to contracts department for further consideration that after 20 years with SIU, members should be able to buy out. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Line), October 11-Chainnan John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Nicholas Vieira, Deck Delegate Joseph Sauzek, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Wehr. Chainnan announced payoff in Charleston, S.C. October 15. Still waiting for ice machine; hope it arrives in Miami. Secretary asked everyone to help keep ship clean. Request put in for crew list sheets and forms for minutes. Educational director reminded crew members of opportunities available at Piney Point. Brother Sauzek taking over movie fund, which currently contains $55.83. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Written clarification requested regarding updated ae con rac . o asked hat work schedule for GVA be sent in writing. Ship's crew requested survival suits, especially for North Atlantic winters. Thanks given to chief cook for excellent food preparation and service. MAYAGUEZ (NPR, Inc.), October 30-Chairman Ray Tate, Secretary Milton Yarnell, Educational Director Horace D. Jones, Deck Delegate Michael Duggan, Steward Delegate Arturo Lopez. Chairmen led discussion about supporting union by upgrading skills. He also urged members to read Seafarers LOG and keep up-to-date on union rules, policies and new issues. Secretary talked about contract and said he feels lucky to be part of strong union. Educational director stressed need for upgrading at Lundeberg School and advised working members to keep union apprised of shipboard activities. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for headquarters to look into changing wording on vacation checks and of reducing time necessary for retirement. Clarification also requested on extra vacation day. COURIER (Marine Transport), November 8-Chainnan Norman K. Armstrong, Secretary Kenneth Whitfield, Educational Director Rikk Parker, Deck Delegate Ralph Neal, Engine Delegate Joseph Preuito, Steward Delegate Jessie James. Chairman announced vessel en route to Texas. Educational director talked about great facilities at Paul Hall Center for upgrading Seafarers. Troy Mitchell elected ship's treasurer. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun to check with captain regarding ship's fund and whether company is part of money purchase pension plan. Request made for new VCR. Next port: Beaumont, Texas. GREEN ISLAND (Waterman Steamship), November 29Chairman Theodore J. Bush, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director Jim Laratta. Secretary announced fresh stores to be brought aboard in Morehead City, N.C. Educational director reminded crew members of necessity of obtaining TRBs. Treasurer noted $110 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Port agent to address problems with crew mess duties. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), November 21Chairman Reginald Watkins, Secretary Paul Stubblefield, Educational Director James W. Badgett, Engine Delegate Antonio Norman. Chairman read letter concerning seatime requirements for retirement. He also reported job well done with good group of crew members and especially thanked Shaun Bonefont and Nathaniel Salter, the two unlicensed apprentices. Secretary asked that everyone get rooms ready for replacements by bagging dirty linen and placing it in passways and removing all trash. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New washer and dryer requested by crew, especially with extra personnel on board. Also need new VCR and tape rewinder. Chief engineer let crew use his this trip. Crew members happy to have steward and chief cook back from vacation. LNG AQUARIUS (PRONAV Ship Management), November 15Chainnan Monte R. Pereira, Secretary Franklin Robertson, Deck Delegate Richard Spencer, Engine Delegate Joseph Jay mo , teward e egate . Stoiber. Chairman talked about changeover from ETC to PRONAV, which talces place November 17. He asked crew to keep working in professional manner. Educational director suggested that, with current state of shipping industry, everyone get as much education as possible, even sitting for license if time is available. Upgrade skills at Lundeberg School and take coures that will help provide job security and increased pay. Treasurer · announced $500 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chief cook and bosun requested everyone keep noise down. New water glasses requested. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. LYKES ADVENTURER (Crowley American Transport), November 19-Chairman Thomas E. Minton, Secretary McKinley Jones Jr., Educational Director James B. Porter, Deck Delegate William C. Horton, Steward Delegate David A. Brown III. Chairman reported movie locker open at all times during crossings and locked while ship in port. Bosun in process of malcing additional video storage space. New TV on board in crew lounge this trip. Would like to use some of ship's fund for antenna hookup. Thanks given to third engineer for his repair work on TV. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Paul Hall Center or be left behind. ''The more training you have, the better your skills and job prospects will be." Treasurer announced $50 in ship's fund to be used to upgrade TV reception. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters regarding payoffs as well as President's Report in LOG read and discussed. Request made to have elevator fixed to stop on Deck B. Vote of thanks to steward department for great job. Next ports: New York and Norfolk, Va. sible revision of pension plan. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. PAUL BUCK (Ocean Shipholding), November 5-Chairman Chris Kicey, Secretary A. Spangler, Educational Director George Bigby, Deck Delegate Mark Kerr, Engine Delegate Donal R. Swanner, Steward Delegate Ali Quraish. Chairman noted mail opening issue resolved. He also spoke about article in Sea/are rs LOG regarding affiliation of SIUNA and NMU and reviewed President Mike Sacco's report on Sill's 60th birthday. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), November 22-Chairman Mauro G. Gutierrez, Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Allen D. Parker, Deck Delegate John Thomas Emrich, Engine Delegate Rebecca Gaytan, Steward Delegate Joseph Laureta. Chairman thanked everyone for smooth trip, with special thanks to steward department for good food. Secretary expressed appreciation for donations to movie fund, which Shipboard Meeting on the Osprey ~ Bosun Robert Lindsay (seated, second from left) presides over a union meeting aboard the Osprey earlier last year. Robert E. Thompson Ill, who sent this photo from the Osprey-Acomarit vessel to the Seafarers LOG, did not identify everyone in the picture but noted that it includes AB Jose Castro, Chief Steward Justo Lacayo, Chief Cook Steve Dickson and AB Enrique Bravos. Educational director recommended all crew members utilize Paul Hall Center to advance job classification and skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received aboard vessel on safety management program. Crew members asked to sort room trash prior to placing in dumpsters on ship's stem. Captain Hockenberry's memo read on allotments and foreign articles detailing why's and wherefore's. Anyone still unsure should ask questions. Request made for new VCR for rec room. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Honolulu; Johnston Atoll; Ulsan, South Korea; and Okinawa, Japan. SAM HOUSTON (Waterman Steamship), November 8Chainnan Samuel Reed, Secretary R.K. Bright, Deck Delegate James R. Stiller, Engine Delegate David Dunklin, Steward Delegate Henry Edwards. Chainnan announced letter on raise received. Secretary thanked crew for great trip. He urged them to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point and contribute to SPAD. Educational director announced $433 in ship's fund and stressed necessity of upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several suggestions made to be forwarded to contracts department, including return of 14-day vacations and counting standby jobs toward seatime. Special thanks given to steward department for excellent service in all areas. SEA-LAND ANCHORAGE (Sea-Land Service), November 10--Chainnan Terrance Murphy, Secretary James Wright, Educational Director G. Ackley, Steward Delegate C. Short. Chainnan announced payoff at next port. Crew members urged to continue having TRBs checked off. Educational director thanked officers involved with various shipboard classes, especially first aid lectures and training. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion sent to headquarters regarding pos- added nearly 40 new movies over last three trips to video library. Fund still has balance of $100. Educational director advised crew members to attend courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested union to review for safety unloading of containers aboard ship. Vessel is built to load at side ports. Also requested review of seatime requirements for retirement. Steward noted milk has had to be frozen to extend life. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), November 8Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Steve W. Bigelow, Deck Delegate Dennis J. Goodwin, Engine Delegate W. E. Cassel. Chairman thanked deck department for good job. He also announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash. No beefs or disputed OT reported by department delegates. Letter received from headquarters responding to questions from prior trip. All hands gave steward department vote of thanks for great job. U5NS ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), November 1Chainnan Sam Porchea, Secretary Catherine Hays, Educational Director Larry Wesley, Deck Delegate Steve Brown, Engine Delegate John Miranda, Steward Delegate Charlfred Autry. Ship has started slop chest, with profits going to ship's fund to eventually be used to purchase stabilizer for satellite dish. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Fans needed in four crew rooms; first engineer to be informed. Written clarification requested on number of items, including day's pay in lieu of day off, penalty hour for union duties, ~leaning of radio shack and clothing allowance for cleaning tanks, among others. Steward department thanked for good food with special thanks to Chief Cook Sherman Harper for serving meals with much enthusiasm. Next ports: Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas. Seafarers LOG 19 �- SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUl'l'LEMENTARY l'EllSIOll PLAN This is a summary of the annual report nfthe Mes Supplementai;y·Pension Plan; · EIN ~1~6097a56 for the period ended'January 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The a.onual.tepPrt has been filed with the Jnternal Revenue Service, as required under . the: Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ER ISA). Basic F'mancial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by the Trust. Plan expenses were $J,383,747. These expenses included $179,524 in administrative expenses and "$1~204,223 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,553 persons . ::were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although ..!l~l all of these persons had yet earned the right to rereive benefits. The value of plan assets after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $11.589 ,292 .. ilS.ofDecember 31, 1997, compared to $11,524,150 as of Janu<ll)' 1, 1997. During the plan yc:<P', the plan experienced an increase jn its net assets of $65, 142. This increase includes unrealized appreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the current value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the c-ost of any assets acquired during the year. The plan hnd n total income of$ l ,448.889. including' realized gains of $274,310 ·from the sale.of assecs and enrn'ngs from investments of $1.174,S79. Minimum Fumfmg Standards . .. ·'An actuary',s statements shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERJSA. Your Rights to AddHional lnformauon - I I I Your 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 acwuntant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; 4. service provider and trustee information; and 5. transactions in excess 5 percent of plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Trustees of MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 520 l Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.00 for the full annual report, or 10 cents 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 ex.amine the annual report at the main office of the plan (Trustees of the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs, Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. I I r .. .. ~ t SOlfltJIRf AllllUAL REPORT I This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust, EIN 136100329, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERJSA). I FOR SEAFARERS PENSION TRUST Basic F"manclal Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $35,842,202. These expenses included $4,877,110 in administrative expenses and $30,965,092 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 23,536 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 $562,498.325 as ofDecember31, 1997, compared to $523,998,670as of January 1, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $38,499,655. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $74,341,857, including employer contributions of $5,805,263, realized gains of $11,893.534 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $56,643,060. A Great 'Love of the Sea' Story (Editor's note: The following story is one of true love, written by AB Mark Kerr about the marriage of his crew mate, QMED Donal Swanner. The photos were taken by QMED Roy Robinson.) nce upon a time, way back on a cold November starlit night in 1957 in a then-small seaport of Seattle. a young Seafarer named Donal "Gypsy" Swanner, sailing in the engine department, meets a delightfully witty and very pretty young lady named Judith Grots. Not long after their meeting and courtship, this young Seafarer sets sail for a Far East voyage. The newly acquainted couple embrace and exchange sweet thoughts of one another, bid farewell to each other, and he departs with the love in his heart for her, to last a lifetime. Several years of courtship pass and Donal finally asks Judith for her hand in marriage. They are married in the small town of Sulpulpa, Okla. in the summer of 1969. After the exchange of those sacred vows and a dreamy honeymoon, he departs on yet another sea voyage with the love in his heart for her, to last a lifetime. During the 35 years of marriage, they spend many memorable moments together enjoying the simple things in life. Judy likes to camp and go hiking. She spends a great deal of time in the great outdoors, nature trails, country-style living. So over the years, as with many a good marriage, each partner learns to accept from one another their values, needs and shortcomings. Judy learns to accept the love of the sea that her husband loves so much that again he must depart and return to sea on yet another sea voyage with the love in his heart for her, to last a lifetime. As with many a great love story, all beginnings must come with endings, and on September 29, 1998 at 1740, Judy Grots Swanner passed away at the age of 59 due to complications from cancer. At the request of his bride, she wanted her body, mind O and soul to remain with him every day, and her ashes were finally laid to rest at sea on November 12, 1998 at 2306 GMT. Gypsy Swanner noted the exact burial site to be Latitude 17.59.4N and Longitude 165.32.1 W. The burial service was conducted by Captain D. M. Hockenberry, master aboard the Paul Buck, and attended by the entire crew paying their respects for their SIU brother's loved one. As Gypsy parted with the ashes, and again on yet another sea voyage with the love in his heart for her, to last a lifetime, finally she will be with him forever. QMED Roy Robinson (left) and AB Mark Kerr pose for a photo aboard the Paul Buck as it departs Portland, Ore. for Hono· lulu. Captain D. M. Hockenberry (left) extends his condolences to QMED Donal Swanner during the burial service of Swanner's wife from aboard the Ocean Shipholding, Inc. vessel. Seafarer/Author r Announces Book Special AB Larry Reiner, author of two novels primarily set aboard ship, reports that his publisher is extending sale prices on the books for SIU members. ea arers may order Reiner's new book, The Other Shore, for $20 through Integra P savings). Or they may order both his novels (The Other Shore and Minute of Silence) for a total of $36, postage prepaid. Be sure to specify that you are an SIU member and that you want Integra's "special offer" in order to receive the discount. Books may be ordered at Integra's internet site, www.integrapress.com; by phone at (602) 996-2106; by fax at (602) 953-1552; or by writing to: Integra Press 1702 W. Camelback Rd., Suite 119 Phoenix, AZ 85015 Cape Texas Meets MSC's Challenge Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of BRISA CAPE TEXAS Your Rights to Additional Information NORFOLK VA. 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 plan assets; 4. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; and 5. service provider andtrustee information. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to rover copying costs will be $3.50 for the full annual report, or 10 cents for any page 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 (Board of Trustees Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Au th Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (OOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs, Requests to the OOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 20 Seafarers LOG Last fall, a number of SIU-crewed ships composing part of the Ready Reserve Force were activated for unannounced drills. One of those vessels is the Cape Texas, operated by Apex Marine Corp. When in reduced operating status, the 635foot ship is based in Houston. Pictured in the ship's galley during the activation are (top photo, from left) Chief Cook John Foster, Chief Steward Bruce Mesger, SA Birdie Lawson and Recertified Bosun Billy Eastwood. Shown at right are (from left) ABs Heley Mareno, Harold Caldeira and John Gilliam. The Cape Texas, along with the other Seafarers-crewed vessels, successfully met the goals of the activation exercise. February 1999 �were bringing back German prisoners of war on a Liberty ship when the war was declared over. They were all young kids. The news came over the radio in German, and they knew they were going back home. Richard Heffiey Cardiff, N.J. I Letters to the Editor (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) (Brother Heffley signed on his first ship, the Kansan, when he was just 16. He has since received certificates of appreciation for his contribution to our nation's defense and security from New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman as well as from French President Franrois Mitterand and the French defense attache.) SIU Withstands World of Politics As the membership of the Seafarers International Union celebrates 60 years of dedicated service in support of U.S.-flag participation in the world of ocean commerce, politicians will come and go, regardless of what they do or fail to do. But the Brotherhood of the Sea is forever! James W. Krebser Stuart, Fla. . . Remaining in Touch With the SIU Union Thank you for mailing me the Seafarers LOG. After 33 years of going to sea with the MC&S, I get to keep up with what is going on in the union as well as the sad news of my many friends who went over the bar for the last time. When I went to sea, I was like a kid at a circus all the time. But what I learned on the passenger and cargo ships helped me obtain good jobs after I retired. Gordon P. Driscoll Warren, Ore. . n Memory of ... "Rotterdam Slim" "Rotterdam Slim," a ship's chandler for more than 60 y , pas e away recently. When a ship would visit the port of Rotterdam, Holland, he would pr vide the crew members with "Rotterdam Slim" souvenirs such as watches, crystal, cheese and many other items. He was loved by all SIU members who met him and will be sorely missed. The photo above was given to me while on a visit to Rotterdam aboard the Sea-Land Newark Bay by his stepson, Arthur, who has taken "Slim's" place. "Slim" knew the value of a strong American merchant marine and will be a fond memory for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. · Robert S. Hess St. Augustine, Fla. . . Brother Heffley Gets Veteran Recognition I would like to tell the young seamen of today what it was like during World War II. I was there in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 for the allied invasion of Europe-D-Day. Allied ships had been sunk in order to make a bulkhead for the troops to land on. They would then fly the seamen home to sail more ships back over there. My ships brought back Gis from Germany and France. We . ~ LOG Article Brings Back Memories of Thule I am not a merchant mariner, but I am a retired Navy quartermaster who spent 19 of my 23 years on sea duty. Each month I am given a copy of the Seafare rs LOG by a friend. I enjoy all your articles. In the December 1998 issue, you printed an article by Chief Steward Pooler, who told us of his second trip to Thule, Greenland to refuel the Air Force base. This brought back memories. Please allow me to share them with you. Thule Air Force base was established in the summer of 1951 as a listening post in the cold war with Russia. The base is approximately 3,000 miles from the geographical North Pole. In June 1951, the USS Casa Grande LSD 13, an assault landing ship dock, in company with other ships carrying Army personnel, supplies and equipment, departed Norfolk, Va. to build the base at Thule. The Casa Grande, equipped with an ice breaker bow, was to be used to break through the ice for the shallow draft LSTs that were transporting the pontoon causeways that would be anchored to the shore and used to offload men and equipment. They would also be used by the landing craft transporting personnel to and from shore. A number of times the Casa Grande was called upon to break through an ice floe for the LS Ts. In Thule, I was ordered to run an LCVP to transport personnel from ship to shore, ship to ship, and act as a lifeguard for the deck seamen working over the side painting. Two of the Casa Grande deck seamen elected to stand on an iceberg that was lodged against the port quarter rather than the required stage. The seamen slipped from the iceberg into the water but were pulled out almost immediately. They were sent to sick bay for the customary shot of brandy, hot shower and a change of clothing. They were returned to duty none the worse for wear. The air temperature was 42 degrees, but I do not know what the water temperature was. With 24 hours of daylight, the personnel constructing the base were able to work around the clock. Until mid-August, it was pretty much routine. The men and equipment were reloaded for the return to Norfolk on August 21in a snowstorm. Part way through an ice floe, the Casa Grande, equipped with a hydro-electric steering system, experienced a steering casualty. Fortunately, the system was returned to service in a few minutes and we were able to continue our journey. We did not see any white polar bears either. Donald R. Miller, QMC USN Retired Staten Island, NY Researcher Seeks Help In Locating Tug Cos. I am researching a tugboat and one of your readers may be able to help me. I am trying to locate someone who may have worked on the Lorain, built by Great Lakes Towing Company in 1915. In the 1940s, the tug went to the R.C. Huffman Construction Company. It was renamed the Cabot in 1950 while owned by Merrit-Chapman & Scott Corp. and used by them in the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. In 1968, Providence Towing Corp. of Miami, Fla. is listed as the owner, and in 1972, Allan M. Kennedy Jr. of Minneapolis. Other than the Great Lakes Towing Company, I have not been able to find an address for these companies. If someone can fill me in on some of this tug's history, please contact me. MichaelJ.McCorlllick P.O. Box 21 Kaukauna, WI 54130 Proud to Be Union Last year, Virginia became the first state in the nation to authorize a specialized license plate dedicated to AFL-GIO members. The tags feature the state federation's logo along with "Union Labor" and "AFL-GIO." Union members with vehicles registered in the Old Dominion may order the tags through Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle offices. Either the state will assign a number or vanity tags can be requested as long as they use no more than six digits. However, the above tag already has been taken by SIU Communications Director Daniel Duncan. 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 March 8, 1999 headquarters membership meeting to review the 1998 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 the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in February 1999 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 hannful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea/are rs 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 me.mber should notify union · headquarters. SEAFARERS POLITICAL ACTIVITY DONATION SPAD. SPAD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its objects and purposes including, but not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime workers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 - �- Lundeberg School Graduating Classes 1~ .... ....-.-:-{/ . .....--....,. ,. -.,_ ., ; SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG SCHOOL .~.•;~~-. LIFEBOAT CLASS "':i"~~ .l , ..:.ff'IR ~f,.. i:; H 3 .. :tm r. Trainee Water Survival Class 583 - Graduating from trainee water survival class 583 are (from left, kneeling) Carlos Vargas, Jason Pratt, Edric Hernandez, Bert Lincoln Reynolds, (second row) Misti Thornbrugh, Victor Harvey, Daniel Buffington, Christopher Ledlow, Kris Setterington and Ben Cusic (instructor). \ SCHOOL 1 '\. : .,, ~ ~ !~t.~~:- LIFEBOAT CLASS 584 ' Trainee Water Survival Class 584 - Trainees completing water survival class 584 are (from left, kneeling) Jason Dew, Kevin Addington, Jonathan Buffington, Charles Jones, Kenneth Salgado, (second row) Casey Taylor (instructor), Daniel Borden, Hamil Gregorio, Hugh Crossan Ill, Ray Avie Jr., Randy Ledesma, Todd Conley, Salvatore Migliara, Roosevelt Clark and Paul Weil. fc' ~ I " \! ... r'-·-- !f!li • • ,F ~,.A'"' f Third Mate-Marking their graduation from the third mate class on December 11 are (kneeling) Joseph Turocy, (second row, from left) Richard Grubbs, Keith Finnerty, David Salentre, Jeremie Riehm, John McClinton, (third row) Robert Grove, Christopher Kavanagh, Michael Sleeper, Ben Johnson and instructors Mike Smith and Brad Wheeler. Able Seaman-Earning their AB endorsements on December 11 are (from left, kneeling) John Seibert Jr., Larry Childress, John Kearns, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) James Walmsley, Kenneth Stathos, Michael Patterson, Michael Watson, Saul Townsend Ill, (third row) Anthony Brantley, John Paffrath and Troy Hedrick. Upgraders Water er completing the upgraders water survival course November 13 are (from left, front row) Matthew Voumard, Larry Childress, Michael Patterson, John Kearns, John Seibert Jr., Anthony Brantley, (second row) Michael Watson, John Paffrath, Saul Townsend Ill, Troy Hedrick and Paul Curtis. Basic Firefighting-Seafarers graduating November 6 from the basic firefighting course are (from left, kneeling) Don Dwerk, Alphonso Davis, Mario Batiz, Rickie Zelaya, Lorie Christmas, Andrew Jones, (second row) Rick Redmond (instructor), Wayne Gonsalves, Vanessa Fickel, Michelle Waters, Pablo Lopez, Richard Tasse, Rodolfo Moreira, (third row) Musad Alawad, Michael Wilford, Edward Adams, David Sullivan, Jose Garcia and Talama Moega. Advanced Firefighting-Upgrading graduates of t~e October 30 advanced firefighting class are (from left, kneeling) Taher Saeed, Mohamed Mohamed, Richard Hicks, Waseem Dhalai, Majed Alsunbahi, Gayl Payton, Dave Lomot, Dawn Williams, (second row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Brandy Carter, Walter Harris, Eric Perez, Walter Rocha, David Waligora, Sean Walsh, Talama Moega, (third row) Robert Borden, William Osborn, Thomas Moore, John Foster and Reeves Hornby. Advanced Firefighting-Graduating from the advanced firefighting class on November 13 are (from left, kneeling) Mustari Lalong, Elmo Malacas, Robbie Ballard, Jesse Natividad Jr., Ferdinand Gabuten, James Perez, Michael Miller, (second row) Robert Maschmeier, Joan Ellis, Davie Guyton, Ramon Camacho, Gregory Blaylock, Edwin Bonefont, Dana Cunningham, Maurice Baptiste, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Franz Winiker, Michael Ruggiero, John O'Connell, Kent Doctor, Marcus Garvey and Raphael Vargas. LNG Recertification-Receiving their certificates for completing the LNG recertification course on November 20 are (from left, kneeling) Jesse Natividad Jr., Michael Miller, Mustari Lalong , (second row) Franz Winiker, Ramli Mohamed, Ramon Camacho, James Perez, Michael Ruggiero, (third row) Edwin Bonefont, Gregory Blaylock, Russ Levin (instructor) , Joan Ellis, Davie Guyton, Raphael Vargas, Robert Maschmeier, Dana Cunningham and John O'Connell. 22 Seafarers LOG February 1999 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The folJowin.g is the schedule for classes beginning in February and running through . M~y :-J~29::· attlie . Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime ; ind.ustry. . . .. •. · Please note tha(this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membershipt the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course's. s~rt date:. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the .•.:S.t,art.4~~~f:. . . : . . . '. \'.•.::.··,,·!':••·:·•:,... . .. ... :.. . ;: : ": : ~e?.:f~S!~c~~o.,~ave · any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the . LUridebe~g School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Recertification Programs Course Start Date Date of Completion Bosun Recertification March22 May3 Steward Recertification February 1 March9 LNG Recertification MaylO May27 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) February 15 March 15 April 12 May IO March6 April 3 Mayl Deck Upgrading Courses :::Able Seaman Radar.·. Ob8erv~riunlimited Start Date Date of Completion AprilS Mayl4 March8 March 1 March 12 MaylO May IS May31 Junes February 22 April 19 March 6 Mayl May29 Radar Recertification (one day) March 12 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) March 15 March 19 Bridge Management March22 April 2 Course Start Date Fireman/Watertender & Oiler May3 / elding Advanced Firefighting '" ' Jiity''' llf' March 8 April 16 May3 June 11 Febroary22 March 19 April 19 May14 Lifeboatman/Water Survival STCW Basic Safety Tankerman (PIC) Barge Course Start Date Ga y Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations (Every w ek, starting Jan. 11) February 1, 8, 15, 22 March 1, 8, 15" 22, 29 April 5, 12, 19, 26 Certified Chief Cook/ Chief Steward (Every otlur week, stoning Jan. 11) February 8, 22 March 8, 22 Apl'il 5, 19 March 1 March22 Mayl7 May24 February 19 March 19 April 9 June4 June 11 February 22 Mareh22 March 6 April 3 April 19 May 18 Mayl May29 February 1 Government Vessels June 11 QMED IDiesel Engine Technology April 12 Date of Completion "", . . . . J,,,>.,. . '"';,.,... .,.,,' February 6 March 13 April 17 February 1 Basic Firefighting May10 Engine Upgrading Courses Marine Electrical Maintenance I May29 February 8 Febraury 12 February22 February 26 March29 April 2 March 15 March20 Academic Department Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion General Education Courses May3 June 10 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. __Jc_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ With this application, COPIES of the following must be sent: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWZ: AB and QMED awlicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their g.pplication. The payment should be made with a money order only. payable to LMSS. UPGRADING APPLICATION COURSE Telephone _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D END DATE BEGIN DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Seniority _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Department U.S. Citizen: Yes D No 0 Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? DYes DNo If yes, class# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~ SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the c'ourse. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. DYes DNo If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes Primary language spoken February 1999 D No CPR: D Yes DNo DATE RETURN COMPLETED APPL/CATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 2199 The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Summary Annual Reports for MCS Supplementary Pension Plan and Seafarers Pension Plan may be found on page 20. SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona welcomes 250 guests to the port's annual Thanksgiving dinner. Seafarers and pensioners and their families, as well as friends of the SIU, helped make the day a memorable one. Enjoying good company and a sumptuous array of holiday fare are (clockwise from front) recently retired Bosun Oscar Wiley and his wife; (looking to the side) Denise Celona, wife of Asst. VP Nick Celona; Rachael Bochettie, wife of retired MC&S union official Roger Bochettie; Gail Loretta, wife of Chief Steward Ray Loretta; Theresa Madesti and her husband, Mel Madesti, a retired MC&S union official. Bountiful Banquet Held For Bay Area Members Thanksgiving dinner at the festively decorated SIU hall in San Francisco has gotten to be a "real event" over the years. This past holiday was no exception. More than 250 guests--everyone from active members, pensioners, labor union officials, local politicians, judges and shipping company representatives-were in attendance. Coordinated by chief stewards Burt Richardson and Ray Loretta, much of the standard holiday fare, including nine 15-pound hams, was prepared by SIU volunteers. Additionally, Alioto's Restaurant on Fisherman's Wharf cooked 20 turkeys for the occasion, and a number of delicious desserts were donated by Martha Rivera, a friend of the union. Words of welcome from SIU West Coast Vice President Nick Marrone and Assistant Vice President Nick Celona got the festivities off to a start. There was even a surprise cake presented to Jack Henning in celebration of his g3rd birthday. Henning, known as a "champion of the working man," is the retired executive secretarytreasurer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. The photos accompanying this article were taken by Third Cook Clifford Scott. Enjoying the Thanksgiving dinner are Bosun Peter Amper and his wife, Rose. Santa Starts in Mobile Presenting Jack Henning with a surprise birthday cake are Chief Steward Luella Sproul (left) and Martha Rivera, who made the cake (right). Looking on are Art Pulaski (behind Sproul), the executive secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, and retired SIU West Coast Vice President George McCartney. t!i'Q Making it look easy to feed 250 people are, from left, Chief Cook John Blasquez, Chief Cook Clarence Page, Chief Steward Raymond L. Loretta and Chief Steward Burt Richardson. Santa made a surprise appearance at the Mobile, Ala. membership dinner last month, spreading holiday cheer to more than 100 members, pensioners and their families. In addition to the Christmas festivities, everyone was treated to a delicious holiday meal, provided by the SIU staff at the Mobile hall. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MERCER RETIRES AFTER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE; MANGRAM NAMED AS NEW VICE PRESIDENT GORE ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR NY/NJ DREDGING PRESS TAKES NOTICE OF RUNAWAYS SENATE MAJORITY LEADER RENEWS CALL FOR STRONG U.S.-FLAG FLEET HOUSE MARITIME CHAIR SAYS HE WON’T CONSIDER JONES ACT IN NEW CONGRESS UNION WORKERS GIVE FACELIFT TO SIU’S NORFOLK HALL SIU FERRY CREW SAVES ‘SUICIDE SWIMMER’ GLOBAL SENTINEL AIDS ACCIDENT VICTIM CLINTON LISTS SAVING SOCIAL SECURITY AS TOP PRIORITY STEEL CRISIS CONTINUES SEAFARERS SAY TIME HAS COME FOR SIUNA-NMU AFFILIATION AVONDALE, NEWPORT NEWS MERGER MAY BE BREATHROUGH FOR WORKERS SEN. LOTT CALLS FOR STRONG U.S.-FLAG FLEET SEAFARERS AID FAMILIES, FELLOW HONDURANS IN WAKE OF HURRICANE MITCH DEVASTATION KEEPING UP WITH THE PAUL HALL CENTER REFURBISHED HUMACAO CARRIES BIGGER CONTAINERS SAN JUAN BUZZES WITH ACTIVITY EL YUNQUE WELCOMED INTO U.S.-FLAG TRADE BOUNTIFUL BANQUET HELD FOR BAY AREA MEMBERS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 02/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 2 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/63845f0adfd07d346b5882af473fd0fb.pdf aa0fa27094a7272f6c4b8b3157626336 PDF Text Text SIONA Welcomes NMU as Affiliate_ l'age3 SIU on the Scene • 1n oes _ _ l'age3 �President's Report Preparing for the Next Century During the past year, there have been many positive changes within the Seafarers. We've crewed new ships bringing more jobs for our members. We've welcomed the announcement by an SIU-contracted company of new passenger vessels to sail around the Hawaiian Islands and along the U.S. coasts. They will be built in U.S. yards with the first coastal ships expected to sail late next year. We've seen the continue.d growth of the Paul Michael Sacco Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The most visible sign is the construction of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. And, as always, the courses are being updated, new equipment is being installed, and more members are being upgraded. We've noticed the continued success of the unlicensed apprentice program. Young men and women are entering our profession daily as they see a tremendous opportunity before them to build a solid career. Following the advances made for the members when we opened new halls in Brooklyn, Tacoma and Anchorage earlier this decade, we have renovated our existing facility in Norfolk, while purchasing a new, more convenient site for our New Orleans-based Seafarers. That hall should be open soon. And we are working to modernize other facilities as well. Why is all this being done? There are two reasons. First, the SIU must be-and will be-prepared to meet the challenges of the next century. As we near the end of the 20th century, we know the ships and technology of even just 30 years ago will not meet the needs of the new millennium without being upgraded. If you don't believe me, talk with a member who started sailing in 1970. Ask that mariner how much shipping has changed in the years since first going to sea. Ask that Seafarer how the job requirements have changed. Ask that member how containerization, computers, double hulls and international regulations have affected the way the job is done. That is why the Paul Hall Center's Lundeberg School is designed to constantly change and improve. The school's staff is always anticipating the future by working with national and international maritime representatives to meet and exceed the demands that will be placed on the members and the industry. That is how it was able to offer the first oil spill prevention and containment course and the first U.S. Coast Guard-accepted training record book in the country. And that is why the Paul Hall Center is building its new fire fighting and safety facility, upgrading its simulators and redesigning its curriculum. It is making sure Seafarers will be prepared for the new century of service aboard a new wave of vessels planned for the next millennium. There is also a second, very important reason the SIU enacts these changes. It i~ to make sure we remain prepared to serve as the nation's fourth ann of defense-a need we saw and met once again last month. Seafarers were ready when U.S. forces were called into harm's way to retaliate against Saddam Hussein's refusal to meet his promises to allow United Nations officials to inspect suspected chemical and offensive weapon sites in Iraq. When Allied forces were called to action, at least 10 Seafarers-crewed vessels were already in the Persian Gulf theater. The military did not have to worry where their supplies would be. They were at sea in task forces with American civilian mariners making sure the materiel was ready and available. Since the founding of this country, U.S. merchant mariners have answered the call and served to supply the troops. That is a tradition all mariners are proud of and one that present and future Seafarers have no intention of ever blemishing. These are the reasons why the SIU is preparing for the next century. Our union and our nation can expect no less. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, February 15, 1999 (unless an emergency arises) for the observanca at Presidents' Day. Normal business hours will resume the fallowing workday. Volume 61, Number 1 January 1999 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFl.rCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1999 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Unions Announce Election Results NMU Returns Lioeanjie as MEBA, Teamsters Select New Leadership In election results announced last month, one union returned its president to the top position while the members of two other unions chose new officials to take them into the 21st century. Elected to a full term as president of the National Maritime Union was Rene Lioeanjie. Meanwhile, another maritime union-the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA) -has a new president, Larry O'Toole. And the Teamsters will be led by James P. Hoffa, son of the late Teamsters president, James R. Hoffa. NMU Lioeanjie assumed the NMU presidency in February 1997 when Lou Parise left the office after being convicted in federal court. Lioeanjie, who started sailing in 1945, had been secretary/treasurer. He worked in the deck department aboard freighters, tankers and passenger ships before coming ashore for the NMU in 1955. The Dutch Guiana native has been active in the union's campaign against runaway-flag shipping. Other positions Lioeanjie held in the NMU included regional director of Latin America and the Caribbean and a vice president. Joining Lioeanjie on the NMU executive council are Kate Hunt as executive vice president/treasurer as well as John Cameron and Charles Stewart, vice presidents. MEBA O'Toole replaces Alex Shandrosky at the helm of MEBA this month following the membership balloting. His last position within the officers' union was director of the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School from 1991 to 1996. A member of MEBA since 1964, O'Toole sailed 12 years as a chief engineer. He has represented the union at International Labor Organization and International Transport Workers' Federation meetings. He also served on the U .S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee. Elected with O'Toole to the MEBA executive board were Bob McFetters, secretary/treasurer; Paul Krupa, Atlantic Coast vice president; Ron Davis, Gulf Coast vice president; and Bud Jacque, West Coast vice president. Teamsters The Teamsters election returns the name of Hoffa to the top post in that union. James P. Hoffa was elected in a federally supervised nationwide secret ballot after the results of the 1996 balloting (in which Hoffa was narrowly defeated by incumbent Ron Carey) were overthrown by an independent review board because of campaign spending irregularities. Hoffa has been a lawyer representing Teamsters Joint Councils, local unions and individual members since 1968. He became executive assistant to the president of Teamsters Joint Council 43 in 1993. James P. Hoffa Rail Unions Announce Merger Jointly describing their proposed merger as "an historic agreement with enormous potential," the United Transportation Union (UTU) and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) in late November announced they are forming "a new organization to represent operating employees on the railroads of North America." The UTU board of governors and the BLE advisory board approved the agreement's principles, including a framework for drafting a new "Constitution and Unification Agreement" by October 1, 1999. The new union is expected to begin operations effective January 1, 2000. "In committing ourselves to put aside decades of differences, we're looking forward to achieving a better quality of life for the families of those charged with the responsibility to operate the trains," said Clar~nce Manin, president of the BLE. "We've found common ground that will enable us to focus our energies immediately on the vital task of collective bargaining with our employers in a way that will protect the needs of both our unions' members." "Unification between the UTU and BLE is the most significant event in rail labor since the UTU was founded nearly 30 years ago," said Charles L. Little, UTU president, "and one of the biggest events ever in rail labor history. It is fitting that our new union will begin on the first day of the 21st century after our memberships vote for its creation. One thing is also certain that craft autonomy is guaranteed." UTU Assistant President Byron A. Boyd Jr. noted that "the members of our organizations will be the big winners in the unification of the UTU and the BLE. They will have even better representation and larger resources to serve their interests. This was the vision of Eugene Debs, and it is fitting that it will become a reality on January 1, 2000." Mobile MTD Bestows Awards SIU Port Agent Dave Carter (at podium) welcomes guests to the 1998 Greater Mobile (Ala.) Port Maritime Council annual awards dinner, which took place late last year. The honorees (photo right) included Donald Langham (left), international vice president of the Paperworkers; and Circuit Judge Douglas Johnstone. Langham received the "Labor Man of the Year" award, while Johnstone received the "Able Helmsman" award. January 1999 �Seafarers Render Support In 'Desert Fox' Strike At least I 0 Seafarers-crewed vessels already sailing in the Persian Gulf were providing logistical support to Allied forces attacking Iraq in mid-December as the Seafarers LOG went to press. Bombing and missile raids by U.S. and British troops were launched on the evening of December 16 after Iraqi president Saddam Hussein once again reneged on a promise made to United Nations officials to allow inspections of suspected nuclear, chemical and other offensive weapon sites in the country. Dubbed "Operation Desert Fox," the attacks came from sea- and land-based forces already in the Persian Gulf theater Continued on page 6 Among the SIU-crewed ships involved in "Operation Desert Fox" is the USNS Kane. NMU Alf iliates with SIONA Agreement Ends 60 Years of Fighting Between Unions At 11:10 a.m. on December 10, maritime labor histo- ry was made when officials of the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA) and the National Maritime Union (NMU) signed an affiliation agreement bringing the NMU under the banner of the SIUNA. The affiliation means all the major U.S. unlicensed unions Gathering after the affiliation agreement was signed are officials from the two organizations. From the left are Larry Brundick, NMU counsel; Nero Threet, NMU executive VP/treasurer.; John Cameron, NMU VP; Augie Tellez, SIU contracts VP; Rene Lioeanjie, NMU president; Michael Sacco, SIUNA president; Kate Hunt, NMU VP; Dave Heindel, SIU secretary/treasurer; Leslie Tarantola, SIUNA counsel; Charles Stewart, NMU VP-elect; and Tai Simpkins, AFL-CIO Maritime Committee. Below are historic headlines from the Seafarers LOG showing various times the SIUNA and NMU worked together and discussed maritime unity. Editor's Note: The following is the full text of the joint press release issued by the Seafarers International Union of North America and the National Maritime Union to announce the affiliation. National Maritime Union Affiliates with SIONA WASHINGTON - The National Maritime Union (NMU) signed an affiliation agreement with the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA). The affiliation ends 60 years of struggle between the two organizations. "All American mariners will benefit by bringing the NMU under the SIUNA banner," SIUNA President Michael Sacco stated. "As we continue to revitalize and reinvigorate the U.S.-flag merchant fleet for service well into the next century, this affiliation helps ensure all unlicensed American mariners will stand together for more and better jobs," Sacco added. "We are happy to be working side-by-side with our brothers and sisters in the SIUNA," said NMU President Rene Lioeanjie. "We have seen enough of how division wastes our resources and undermines our effectiveness. We now can fully devote all of our efforts to improving the working conditions of our members and fighting for a bigger and stronger U.S.· flag fleet,tt Lioeanjie continued. With the addition of the NMU, the SIUNA is composed of 18 autonomous unions which represent more than 80,000 working men and women in such varied occupations as mariners, government employees, manufacturers, cannery workers and more. Among the maritime unions under the banner of the SIUNA are the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District: the Sailors' Union of the Pacific; the Marina Firemen's Union; the Seafarers International Union of Canada and the Canadian Marine Officers Union. Under the terms of the affiliation, the SIUNA and the NMU will work together to improve the quality of safety and working conditions aboard U.S.-flag vessels. The NMU and the SIUNA will be working towards establishing a joint training program to prepare their members for the challenges of the next century. Currently, the NMU Education Plan - which is jointly administered by the NMU and its union-contracted companies - has been conducting training courses for NMU members in all phases of training and upgrading including U.S. Coast Guard and IMO-mandated training at various locations around the country. Members of the Seafarers Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District have received the latest in job skill preparation at the joint labor-management operated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. since 1967. The center also produced the first U.S. Coast Guard accepted Training Record Book, which allow mariners to carry one bound document verifying their individual training meets international standards. The NMU will continue to be guided by its own constitution, negotiate its own contracts, elect its own officials and operate its own pension and welfare plans. NMU headquarters will remain in Washington, D.C. However, to meet the changing needs of the industry, the SIUNA and NMU will be looking into ways that they can jointly better serve their memberships. The NMU, founded in 1937, represented unlicensed mariners in the old Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). The SIUNA was chartered by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1938. It is based in Camp Springs, Md. Since the merger of the AFL and the CIO in 1955, talks to bring the NMU and SIUNA under one banner have taken place sporadically. Despite fighting each other for contracts aboard U.S.-flag ships, the organizations have worked together on several issues including the exposure of runaway-flag shipping where shipowners abandon the country of their citizenship to seek non-traditional maritime nations in which to register their vessels and avoid the labor, safety and tax laws of their homeland. January 1999 now are part of the same organization, the SIUNA. The agreement also brought an end to 60 years of fighting between the two organizations. "This is an historic day, one that has been too long in coming," SIUNA President Michael Sacco stated. "Now, our organizations can work together to make the U.S.flag fleet stronger and provide new and better jobs for our members. All American mariners will benefit from this affiliation." NMU President Rene Lioeanjie noted the years of battle between the two organizations have taken a toll on the unions as well as the merchant fleet. "Let us now move forward together," the NMU president said. "Let us work to improve the lives of our members." News that the organizations were talking about a possible affiliation was first announced in March when the NMU held its constitutional convention on the grounds of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The NMU delegates approved a resolution that stated "some form of affiliation eventually leading to a merger with another maritime union would be in the best interest of the membership." Sacco, in his address to that convention, reflected on the past problems between the organizations and called on the delegates to imagine what could be accomplished for the U.S.-flag fleet if the two stood together. Talks between officials from the two unions continued through the year, climaxing with the signing of the document last month. Under the terms of the affiliation, the SIUNA and NMU will work together to improve the working and safety conditions aboard U.S.-flag ships. The organizations also will undertake to establish a joint training program to prepare their members for the tasks facing them in the next century. Like the other U.S. maritime unions in the SIUNA (the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; the Sailors' Union of the Pacific; the Marine Firemen's Union; the Seafarers Maritime Union and the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union), the NMU will remain an autonomous union that elects its own officials, negotiates its own contracts and oversees its own pension and welfare plans. SIUNA President Sacco said the model being followed in this affiliation is the one used in 1953 when the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) became part of the SIUNA. After years of operating autonomously, the MC&S eventually merged into the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. As noted above, the affiliation finishes six decades of struggle between the SIUNA and the NMU. Prior to 1935, all labor unions were affiliated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Within that organization was the International Seamen's Union (ISU), headed by Andrew Furuseth. After World War I, the ISU had a membership of more than I 00,000 members. But by the mid- l 930s, it had fallen to less than 3,000. The ISU disbanded in 1937:· The NMU was founded that year and represented unlicensed mariners in the newly formed Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). One year later, the AFL chartered the SIUNA under the leadership of Harry Lundeberg. Over the subsequent decades, the waterfront saw numerous confrontations between the two unions as they tried to obtain contracts from non-union operators and take in new members. The fighting continued even after the AFL and CIO merged in 1955. However, the SIUNA and NMU did find ways to work together, particularly in the international campaign to expose and eliminate runaway-flag shipping which was taking American mariner jobs overseas. After the creation of the AFLCIO, the SIUNA and NMU entered into talks several times to bring the two organizations together. However, none of those efforts was successful. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Crews Allied's New Sea Eagle Seafarers recently crewed Allied Towing Corp.'s new ocean tug and barge Sea Eagle, marking additional job opportunities for the membership. Built at the Moss Point (Miss.) Marine shipyard, the 124-foot Sea Eagle entered service last fall. The boat and barge transport various chemicals from the northeast to the Gulf. The company which developed this articulated tug and barge, Ocean Tug & Barge Engineering, described the connection system as one that "operates by clamping the nose of the tug to a bar at the head of the notch, which the tug pivots around. Roll restraint is by a fixed pad of fenders on one side of the tug, and a movable set on the other. This enables the tug to remain connected in much larger seas than are possible when pushing with wires." The company also provided the following specifications for the tug: • Depth, Molded (Baseline @ Low Sheer) - 22 ft. • Main Propulsion Engines Two Alco 16-251F Diesels each rated 2,915 BHP at 900 RPM or Equal EMO pack age. • Reduction Gears - Two Reintjes - WAF 2255 HL 4.916: I Ratio Enjoying a brief and well-earned break are engine department members Harry Toohey and Louie Payne. • • • • • Total BHP - 5,830 BHP Propellers (2) - Bird Johnson "New Generation" Workwheels - 126" Diesel Generators - (2 x 99 kW, (1) x 99 kW) Gross Register Tonnage Under 200 GRT /SOLAS Compliant Crew Accommodation - 4 Double Strms/2 Single Strms. Mate Mark Tilly was among the first SIU members to sign on the new ocean tug. Greeting an SIU port representative aboard the tug in Norfolk, Va. is Captain Bob O'Neal. Maritime Briefs Rear Adm. Holder to Succeed Vice Adm. Perkins at MSC Rear Admiral Gordon S. Holder will succeed Vice Admiral Jim Perkins as Commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command, when Perkins retires after nearly 35 years of Navy service. MSC announced that the change of command is scheduled for next month. "Rear Admiral Holder comes to MSC following a tour as commanding officer of Naval Amphibious Group Two," MSC stated in a news release. "Prior to that duty, he served as third commander of Naval Doctrine Command. "A 1968 graduate of Florida State University, Rear Admiral Holder took his commission after completing officer candidate school in Newport, R.I. He graduated with distinction from the Air Command and Staff College at Air University in Montgomery, Ala. While in Montgomery, Holder earned a Master of Science degree from Troy State University." Vice Admiral Perkins, a strong and visible backer of the U.S. merchant fleet, "ends a prestigious military career that began following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1964, and includes combat assignments in Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Somalia," MSC noted. Crescent Towing Receives ISO 9002 Certification SIU-contracted Crescent Towing announced it recently received certification of compliance with the internationally recognized ISO 9002 quality standards. Operating in the ports of New Orleans, Mobile, Ala. and Savannah, Ga., Crescent is believed to be the first ISO 9002-certified tugboat company in those areas. The certification "is the crowning achievement of our quality initiative," stated Crescent CEO Richard Murray. "We believe that by adhering to the principles of the ISO quality standard, it will help us to exceed our customers' needs and requirements through improvements in our service." In order to maintain the certification, companies must conduct periodic in-house reviews and also undergo semi-annual analysis by an international accreditation entity known as the American Bureau of Shipping Quality Evaluations. SIU members crew Crescent's fleet of 25 tugs. Crowley American Transport Earns Prestigious Ford Award Ford Motor Co. recently presented its prestigious Ql Award to SIUcontracted Crowley American Transport in recognition of the company's sustained levels of excellence in its quality systems, performance and customer satisfaction. In announcing the award, Crowley pointed out that it is one of "only a few ocean carriers to have received it, and is the first to have won it as an ISO 9002 certified carrier." Thomas Crowley Jr., chairman, president and CEO of Crowley Maritime Corp., said he accepted the award "on behalf of the entire company and our 3,500 employees, who have committed themselves to the quality improvement process and customer satisfaction. It is a very prestigious honor for which we have a great deal of respect." SIU members crew Crowley vessels that operate on all three U.S. coasts and also provide service to Canada, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Runaway-Flag Schemer Panama Tops World's Merchant Shipping Allied Towing's Sea Eagle transports chemicals from the northeast to the Gulf. Coast Guard Seeks 'Y2K1 Comments The U.S. Coast Guard recently announced that it seeks public comment on "actions and control measures to minimize the occurrence and effect of potential Year 2000 (Y2K)-related equipment and system malfunctions aboard vessels, at port facilities and at marine terminals." In a notice published December 4 in the Federal Register, the agency warns that "malfunctions and failures of date sensitive automation and computer processes can potentially halt critical domestic and international maritime operations." For example, the Coast Guard notes, "Computer programs for engine automation systems that monitor the time between required engine maintenance are a good example of the Y2K problem. If these programs misread "00" as the year 1900 instead of 2000, they may interpret that 100 years has passed since the last engine maintenance was performed and respond by shutting down systems to avert damage to the engine. ''Temporary loss of main engine operation at sea on a calm day with no other ships in sight may only prove inconvenient. However, the unexpected loss 4 Seafarers LOG of a ship's propulsion in a narrow or crowded waterway could result in a serious casualty." By seeking public comments, the agency hopes to help prevent marine-related Y2K problems. Comments are due by March 4. In its notice, the Coast Guard flatly states that it does not "plan to address Y2K issues through new regulations. Rather, our goal is to use existing authority to respond to Y2K risks with a sufficient level of control to prevent casualties." To that end, the organization presents 10 questions (some multi-part) for readers' consideration, while making it clear that "comments on other issues addressed in this document are also welcome." The questions include: • Should the Coast Guard exempt vessels and facilities that can provide evidence of correcting any Y2K problems from any Y2K-related port movement or operational controls? • Should the Coast Guard consider suspending all How pervasive is the problem of runaway-flag shipping? According to a recent report by a foreign shipowners' organization, most of the top 10 nations in terms of merchant shipping tonnage are part of the runaway-flag scam. The Shipowners Association of Norway in December reported that Panama, with 4,877 vessels and a total tonnage of 93.2 million, topped the list, followed by Liberia, Greece, the Bahamas, Malta, Cyprus, Norway, Singapore, Japan and China. The report also stated that the total tonnage of the world's merchant shipping increased from 1997 to 1998. The number of merchant ships weighing more than 300 tons apiece last year reached 38,619, with a total tonnage of 494.1 million, according to the report. Reminder As part of the existing standard freightship and tanker contracts. Seafarers may qualify for an extra vacation day per month. However, the contracts department reminds SIU members that in order to obtain this benefit, they must secure and complete a "tour of duty" form when signing off the vessel. This one-page form, available aboard the ship, should be signed by the master with the ship's seal. It is the member's responsibility to keep the form until filing for vacation benefits. The extra vacation day will be paid to any eligible SfU member who successfuUy completes his or her tour of duty without injury or illness and who files the correct paperwork. If the Seafarer already has coUected some vacation pay prior to successfully completing his or her tour, then the extra day will be awarded on the last vacation check, once he or she completes the assignment and meets the verification requirements. Continued on page 6 January 1999 �Coast Guard Okays Paul Hall Center's STCW-Mandated Basic Safety Classes Courses Meet Convention's Chapter VI Requirements The U.S. Coast Guard has approved two courses offered by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education that will enable experienced Seafarers and new SIU members to comply with the Chapter VI-Basic Safety requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW). Course dates will be published as soon as they are available and also will be posted on the SIU web site, located at http://www. seafarers .org. Meanwhile, the school is offering the training to members who already are enrolled in other classes at the Piney Point, Md. facility. The Paul Hall Center is believed to be the first maritime training school offering Coast Guard-approved courses that meet the Chapter VI requirements. One of the classes is a fourday, 28-hour refresher curriculum for Seafarers who have sailed before August 1, 1998. Mariners in this category have until February 1, 2002 to comply with Chapter VI. The other is a five-day, 40hour basic safety course for those with no sea time prior to August 1, 1998. Such mariners may not sail unless they meet the Chapter VI requirements. module No. I are personal responsibility, communication, emergency procedures, personal safety, safety equipment, and environmental protection procedures. Module No. 2 includes curriculum on inflatable life rafts, survival at sea and signaling. The 28-hour class also covers station bills, lifeboats, rescue procedures and personal lifesaving equipment. The third module covers first aid and CPR, including responder awareness and breathing awareness. Fire fighting and fire prevention constitute the fourth module. Subjects in this segment include chemistry of fire, heat transfer, fire detection systems, fire extinguishing systems, agents and methods, firefighting equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, personal protective clothing and more. As a condition of approval, the Coast Guard has the right, at any time, to inspect the Paul Hall Center's facilities, equipment and records; interview and survey students to aid in course evaluation; assign agency personnel to observe or participate in the class; and supervise or administer the required examinations or practical demonstrations. These are standard requirements for Coast Guardapproved classes. School Finalizing Basic English Tests 0---T.......... CERTIFICATE OF APPRdVAL BASIC SAFETY REFRESHER TRAINING ~""o&reJ"7 Scat-n• llany Lundcberg Sdoool or Seamanship la~ ~Uni M 11n '¥'P""""' '"4ininK ~ - ourlinffln Subpan C ol'P.an 10. Titk ~ CoJe ofF«luwl lhpl•tiotu. TIJil .,,,,,on.I u nJid tbfDUl/J tM uptnoon <I•« tJcJow, unlca.7 aoo1KT~w "™*~ - ~ /fJnh 1n <#CPR 1"-»2. 0 .......... In accordance with Coast Guard guidelines, each class is limited to no more than 20 students. These classes, which blend practical training and classroom instruction, do not replace the Paul Hall Center's basic firefighting or water survival courses as required by 46 CFR for Coast Guard endorsement as a lifeboatman. The new classes are fairly similar in that they largely cover the same subjects, but in varying degrees. Each is divided into four sections or modules that correspond with the Chapter VI requirements. Among the topics addressed in fl Tr!!P1al!I! CERTIFICATE OF APPRdVAL --by 40 HOUR BASIC SAFETY TRAINING Scafarcn' Harry Lundcbcrg School of Seamanship h M:tthy fNY"ltlh«I u •a •pprov«I tnlni"I C'OUnlr M ourlinfti in Subptur C or P.,., 14\ 71tk <M; C.-k o£F-'--l A~tion11. 'T'IW"!'P""""•-iiJ~tbe~tiootl•ttbdow,.unkuMJOnttl~Dl.lffDkMMtttlottbln#CFRHJ..JQZ Gerald P. M1antc The U.S. Coast Guard recently approved two basic safety courses offered at the Paul Hall Center to meet STCW requirements. The Paul Hall Center is finalizing the basic English test that Seafarers will take in order to comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations stemming from the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) as well as the International Safety Management Code (ISM). The SIU soon will administer the exam-a basic reading testwhen members register for a job. As reported in the December issue of the Seafarers LOG, SIU members who have successfully completed a course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (within an as-yet undetermined time period) will be "grandfathered" for this requirement and therefore will not need to take the test. The regulations prompting the English test are explained in Title 46, Part 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. They relate to shipspecific familiarization. According to Coast Guard navigation and vessel inspection circular No. 4-97, ship operators "must provide written instructions to the master that documents the policies and procedures to follow with respect to all newly employed or newly arrived vessel personnel." Further, the written plan should instruct mariners to "visit spaces where they will perform their regular and emergency duties; locate muster stations, alarms, life-saving appliances, and emergency escape routes, as well as any firefighting and pollution response equipment they may use; meet their supervisor or other person(s) assigning duties; locate equipment necessary to perform their duties and learn the control and display features for that equipment; when convenient to vessel operations, observe the equipment in use by someone whose duties already require its use; activate the equipment and perform functions using the controls on the equipment, when conditions permit; locate operational manuals or other documentation needed to perform their duties; locate any personal protection gear required to perform their duties, as well as first aid/medical kits available at the work site; read and understand relevant standing orders, safety and environmental protection procedures, and company policies, clarifying any unclear or confusing material; read and understand the vessel's safety management system," among other assignments. More details about the test will be published in upcoming issues of the LOG. Mississippi Queen Hosts Safety Training .. :•:i'1J'/.tl!J.~ I Apprentice Program Is Nominated For 'Workforce Partnership' Award Senator Ted Stevens Praises Paul Hall Center's Training The unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has been nominated for the National Association of Private Industry Councils' 1999 Workforce Partnership Award. The nomination stems from one aspect of the unlicensed apprentice curriculum designed to facilitate entry-level employment opportunities aboard U.S.-flag ships for residents of Alaska. Senator Ted Stevens CR-Alaska) backed the nomination, informing the Washington, D.C.-based industry association that a number of his constituents have utilized the Paul Hall Center program to secure "gainful employment" that includes "full family medical, dental, pension, education and vacation coverage.... Needless to say, Alaskans are proud of this partnership and its accomplishments, and I hope the group considering their [nomination] for this award will give them every consideration for a job well done." Located in Piney Point, Md., the Paul Hall Center and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship January 1999 offer entry-level training for people ages 18 to 24, or up to 30 if they possess military experience. The unlicensed apprentice program consists of three segments. The first is a 12-week initial training phase that features vessel familiarization, fire fighting, first aid and CPR, water survival, vessel operations and maintenance, sanitation and other topics, with an emphasis on practical training. Next, students ship out for a minimum 90-day shipboard training and assessment phase. Students complete at least 30-day rotations through the deck, engine and steward departments. Department heads conduct student evaluations, and vessel masters verify appraisals. Students then return to Piney Point for department-specific training that prepares them to sail either as ordinary seamen, wipers or steward assistants. This phase includes the tankerman assistant DL course and the LNG familiarization class, thereby allowing students to meet STCW requirements for sailing on tankers, including LNG carriers. The long-standing tradition of shipboard safety training provided by the Paul Hall Center to SIU members sailing aboard The Delta Queen Steamboat Company's passenger vessels recently continued with practical courses aboard the Mississippi Queen. Included in the curriculum were damage control, chemical safety, certain aspects of fire fighting, and airway obstruction. Instructor Anthony Hammett commended crew members for their attentiveness and enthusiastic participation. Among those completing the training were Seafarers Bill Freitas, Fred Johnson and Dan Engle, joined for a drill by First Mate Alan Johnson. t .- l ' Seafarers LOG 5 �STCW Implementation Team Establishe.d Seafarers were among the hundreds of trade unionists showing their support for Avondale workers at a September rally in Washington, D.C. Avondale Seeks Foreign Workers As It Continues ta Fight Unionization In the midst of a protracted battle to keep unions out of the Louisiana facility, Avondale Shipyards, Inc. has petitioned the federal government for permission to hire foreign workers because of a so-called lack of qualified personnel, according to The Journal of Commerce. The action by the shipyard is its latest effort to ignore the will of its workers who voted 1,950 to 1,632 for union representation in June 1993. Since then, the company has used every stalling tactic possible to keep from negotiating a collective bargaining agreement. In its request, Avondale is seeking special visas for 100 temporary workers for up to one year to fill positions of welders, shipfitters, shipyard electricians and painters. The Departments of Labor and State can grant a waiver if they determine there is such a shortage. Avondale claimed boom times in the oil and shipbuilding industries in that part of the country have dried up the skilled workforce. However, the AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department pointed out that a February 1998 study conducted by the Louisiana Technical College showed more than 250 experienced workers in the vicinity of the yard were available for immediate employment. In fact, the July unemployment rate in that part of Louisiana was 20 percent above the national average. This is not the first time since the union vote that Avondale has looked offshore for its help. In 1996, it brought in 15 Scottish and English workers who stayed only three days before quitting because of poor working conditions and broken promises. One of those workers, quoted in a British newspaper, said safety conditions at Avondale were "50 years out of date." Unsafe working conditions was one of the reasons workers at the shipyard voted for union representation. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Avondale has che highest rate of deaths per employees as compared to any other major shipyard in the country during the 1990s. OSHA records the yard's rate as 1.02 deaths per 1,000 employees from 1990 to 1997. The next closest ratio is 0.29 per 1,000 employees at union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi. Another issue raised by the Avondale workers is the company pays far less for comparable work than other domestic shipyards. The Metal Trades Department reports the average wage for an Avondale worker is $9.45 an hour. This is approximately 29 percent less than the amount paid to workers at other private contractors for the U.S. Navy and 48 percent less than workers at the nation's federal shipyards. (Avondale is a major contractor for U.S. Navy vessels, including the Bob Hope-class of preposi- Coast Guard Seeks Y2K Comments Continued from page 4 port operations for a period of time? If so, for how long? • Should vessels required to comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code include Y2K contingencies in their safety management system? • If the Coast Guard does impose Y2K-related port and vessel controls, short of a port shutdown, what additional safety measures should they requiretug escorts, additional manning, emergency steering and anchoring teams on watch, manual backups for all critical automated systems, and crew drills? Besides asking for comments, the Coast Guard already maintains a toll-free telephone number [(800) 368-5647] for questions on 6 Seafarers LOG the Y2K problem. It is available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. Additionally, the following internet web site (part of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Program) features regularly updated Y2K information: www.uscg.mil/hq/g-m/Y2k.htm. Anyone interested in submitting comments in response to the Federal Register notice may send them to: Docket Management (USCG-1998-4819), Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room PL-40 l, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20590-0001, or call the project manager at (202) 267-1464 for more information. Comments and attachments should be unbound, no larger than 8Y2 by 11 inches and suitable for copying. tioning ships.) Since the National Labor Relations Board-supervised balloting was conducted, Avondale has used the court system and other legal efforts to prevent work on a contract with the unions of the New Orleans Metal Trades Council. Almost one year ago, an administrative law judge declared Avondale had violated labor law more than 100 times. He ordered the company to reinstate 28 illegally fired workers and Avondale's chief executive officer, Al Bossier, to personally read a cease and desist order to all the workers. To date, neither has been done. In September, hundreds of trade unionists rallied in Washington, D.C. in support of the Avondale workers. Two months later, the Global Mariner, an exhibition ship operated by the International Transport Workers' Federation to expose the plight of mariners aboard runaway-flag vessels, sailed the Mississippi River in New Orleans with banners and messages of support for the shipyard workers. For many in the maritime industry, STCW at times is a four-letter word. The international convention governing shipboard safety and mariners' credentials already has reshaped the regulatory end of the business, with more changes looming. Given the pact's breadth, the U.S. Coast Guard recently established an STCW "Implementation Focus and Coordination Team" to monitor and achieve nationwide execution of the convention. As part of that agenda, the agency on December 16 conducted a well-attended and spirited public meeting in Washington, D.C. to solicit industry input. The SIU and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took part in the meeting, as did other representatives from throughout the industry. STCW stands for International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original convention of 1978 was amended in 1995, as more than 100 nations ratified it. (The U.S. became signatory to the original convention in 1991 and also signed onto the amended treaty.) The agreement mainly applies to masters, officers and watchkeeping personnel on deep sea vessels; it also covers mariners on domestic voyages if the vessel operates beyond the boundary line. The 1995 amendments took effect last February, and the Coast Guard in June published an interim rule incorporating them into U.S. regulations. "Putting STCW-related regulations in place truly is an ongoing process, and obviously it affects a lot of people," noted Bill Eglinton, director of vocational education at the Paul Hall Center and a regular participant in international and domestic STCW forums. "The Coast Guard deserves credit for forming their implementation team. It can only help." The Coast Guard also is accepting public comments on STCW issues until January 15. Runaway-Flag Cruise Ship Hits Reef A cruise on Royal Caribbean's runaway-flag Monarch of the Seas ended in dangerous fashion December 16 in St. Maarten. The captain intentionally grounded the vessel after it struck a reef near the Caribbean island in the middle of the night. As the ship took on water during the ensuing four pre-dawn hours, all 2,557 passengers and 831 crew members were evacuated to shore. No injuries were reported. The Norwegian-flag vessel, which reportedly sustained significant damage on both sides of its hull, is owned by Miami-based Royal Caribbean International. Earlier in 1998, the company made headlines when it was fined $9 million by U.S. courts for what news reports described as a fleetwide conspiracy of illegally dumping waste oil at sea and deceiving the U.S. Coast Guard. Altogether, the company pied guilty to eight felony counts involving two separate indictments (one in Miami, the other in Puerto Rico) by the Justice Department. When the fine was announced, a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Agency pointed out, "The irony of this case is that this company has spoiled the very waters upon which its corporate survival and success depends. This action was further aggravated by Royal Caribbean when they decided to lie about their conduct." Seafarers on the Scene for 'Desert Fox1 Continued from page 3 and Diego Garcia. Among the SIU-crewed support vessels involved in the Persian Gulf area of operations according to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) are four prepositioning vessels operated by Bay Ship Management: USNS Shughart, USNS Gordon, USNS Yano and USNS Gilliand. Another prepositioning ship-the Buffalo Soldier, operated by Red River & V.O. Partnership-also is involved. It is manned by the Seafarers Maritime Union. Two oceanographic survey ships operated by SIU-contracted Dyn Marine are in the region. They are the USNS Kane and USNS McDonnell. The SIU-crewed tanker Samuel Cobb (operated by Ocean Ships) is part of the force. Two MSC-Pacific Fleet vessels manned by members of the SIU Government Services division are assisting U.S. Navy forces. The pair are the fleet oiler USNS 1ippecanoe and fleet tug USNS Catawba. Seal arers-Crewed Vessels Deployed in Persian Gulf Theater (SOURCE: Military Seallft Command) Prepositioning Ships USNS Shughart USNS Gordon USNSYano USNS Gilliland (all Bay Ship Management) Buffalo Soldier (Red River & V.0. Partnership) Oceanographic Survey Ships USNS Kane USNS McDonnell (both Dyn Marine) Tanker Samuel Cobb (Ocean Ships) MSCPAC Fleet Oiler USNS Tippecanoe MSCPAC Fleet Tug USNS Catawba January 1999 �Foreign Steel 'Dumping' Hurts Otherwise Strong Lakes Shipping Season Tim Dugan, Bosun H. Lee White As Christmas neared, the Great Lakes enjoyed unseasonably mild weather. But, despite the relative warmth and an overall strong shipping season, SIU-contracted companies began issuing winter layup dates that started as early as December 11. Most SIU-crewed takers are expected to dock in their respective winter ports by the first week of this month. Many of the layup dates are two to four weeks earlier than usual because of continuing problems in the steel industry. Specifically, economic crises in many Asian countries and Russia have resulted in an onslaught of cheap imported steel in the U.S. In fact, the foreign product is being ..dumped," or sold at below cost, which violates international trade agreements. That dumping in turn has decreased the demand for iron ore, coal, stone and other commodities throughout the Great Lakes region, much of which is used in domestic steel production. Trade unions including the United Steelworkers of America and the SIU; Great Lakes ship operators including several Seafarers-contracted companies; and others either directly or indirectly involved in the steel industry have pushed Congress and the administration to end this predicament. The dumping already has caused major layoffs in northeastern steel mills and has caused a further skyrocketing of the U.S. trade deficit. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, Commerce Department officials had scheduled overseas meetings addressing this matter. 'This is very serious and it must be resolved," stated AB Rob Heath, who sailed on several Great Lakes ships this season. "Unfairly priced foreign steel hurts a lot of people in this country-not just mariners, but also steelworkers, business owners and consumers. "I don't think it's right that American workers lose jobs because of illegally dumped steel." Darren Lahaie, Watchman American Republic Layup Begins Most of American Steamship Company's (ASC) SIU-crewed bulkers were slated to lay up last month. The Charles E. Wilson docked in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. on December 11, followed by the Sam Laud in Toledo, Ohio on December 18. The American Mariner and H. Lee White were scheduled to reach their respective winter homes of Toledo and Duluth, Minn. on December 20, closely followed by the John J. Boland (Superior, Wis.), the American Republic (Toledo), the St. Clair (Duluth) and the Walter J. McCarthy (Sturgeon Bay). ASC's Indiana Harbor (Sturgeon Bay) and Buffalo (Toledo) were expected to lay up during the first week of this month. At press time, the only other available layup dates were for Cement Transit Company's Medusa Challenger and Inland Lakes Management's Alpena, both slated to shut down on Christmas. i·\. Mathew McNally, AB/Watchman H. Lee White Howard Herold, Wheelsman American Repu/Jlic Deckhand Charles Chizan (left) and Bosun Tim Dugan H. Lee White s ........._""=·w c;; ......~,,,..~--~ .. Joel Markle, Second Cook Mohsen Abdulla, Deckhand American Republic !v1edusa ChaUenger LEFT: Frank Reed, Watchman !v1edusa Challenger RIGHT: Darrell Bays, Steward Pathfinder Charles Chizan, Deckhand H. Lee White January 1999 ' Haddi Ahmed, Porter H. Lee White Seafarers LOG 7 �Membership Meetings Are Important Part Of Union Education Even though Seafarers are scattered in different parts of the world, when not at sea, they can keep abreast of news from within the union as well as from the maritime industry as a whole by attending monthly membership meetings at their nearest SIU hall. The meetings offer up-to-date information on contract talks, maritime legislation and national policies as well as providing a forum in which to discuss other issues of importance to the rank-and file membership and to the union's officials. Members are asked to clip the schedule below and post it on their ships' bulletin boards or keep it for personal reference. Seafarers also may refer to each issue of the Seafare rs LOG, which lists the dates of the next two meetings scheduled for each port. Membership Meetings in 1999 Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 4 8 8 5 3 7 6* 2 7* 4 8 6 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 4 8 6 3 7 5 9 7 Wednesday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 4 8 6 10 8 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Algonac Friday after first Sunday B 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 11 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 Duluth Wednesday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 17 15 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 17* 20 18 22 20 New Bedford Tuesday after third Sunday 19 23 23 20 18 22 20 17 21 19 23 21 Wednesday after third Sunday 20 24 24 21 19 23 21 18 22 20 24 22 Friday after third Sunday 22 26 26 23 21 25 23 20 24 22 26 24 Philadelphia San Francisco Jursuy Cl1Y Tacoma September October November December •Piney Point changes created by Independence Day and LahOr Day holidays: Baltimore. Norfolk, Jacksonville and San Juan changes created by Veterans Day holiday; Houston change created by Presidents' Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King's birthday and Paul Hall's birthday holidays. WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT SKYROCKmNG COLLEGE COSTS? AN SIU SCHOLARSHIP CAN GIVE YOU ABOOST! COMPLm THIS COUPON AND MAIL TO: All Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children who plan to attend college next fall are encouraged to apply for one of seven scholarships being awarded in 1999 by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. Three of the four monetary awards will go to SIU members (one in the amount of $15,000, the other two for $6,000 each). Four scholarships will be given to spouses or children of eligible Seafarers or SIU pensioners, each in the amount of $15,000. Eligibi1ity requirements are spelled out in a booklet which also contains an application form. The booklet is available by filling out and returning the coupon below to the Seafarers Welfare Plan. It also is available at all SIU halls. Winning a scholarship is a great way to help alleviate the ev~r-rising costs of tuition at both two- and four-year institutions of higher learning. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is April 15, 1999. So, now is as good a time as any to start the application process rolling. ~ r------------------------------------------, Scholarship Program Seafarers Welfare Plan 5201 Auth Way camp Springs, MD 20746 P lease send me the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. Name of A p p l i c a n t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Social Security N u m b e r - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Street A d d r e s s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - City, State, Zip Code_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone Number __________________--.____________ This application is for: D Self D Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 1199 B Seafarers LOG L------------------------------------------~ January 1999 �Aided by ITF; Crew Gains $73,000 in Back Pay Combustible Waste Adorned Deck of Runaway-Flag Vessel The runaway-flag general cargo ship Gulf Star recently limped into the port of Toledo, Ohio with its decks littered with red bags of biohazardous materials, and its crew fed up. Unpaid for nearly five months and sailing without enough stores (among other problems), the crew in mid-September turned to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) for help. Don Thornton, one of the SIU's ITF inspectors, then assisted the multinational mariners in securing about $73,000 in back wages, plus various needed ship repairs. The SIU is one of the more than 500 worldwide ITF affiliates. Another member of the federation, the International Longshoremen 's Association (ILA), helped in the Gulf Star case by honoring a one-day strike by the crew. "Without a doubt, the ILA's support was crucial to the success of this incident," noted Thornton. Built in 1979 in the Netherlands, the Gulf Star is owned by a Greek and Panamanian conglomerate misleadingly named France Ship Management. It flies the Panamanian flag, but is operated by Coral Gables, Fla.-based Star Ship Management. In Toledo, Gulf Star crew members-including Colombians, Indians, Mexicans, Croatians and Guyanans-<alled Thornton not only because of the back wages, but also because of unsafe ship- board conditions. Among the problems were: • Potentially explosive chemicals that inadvertently had been mixed in the engine room. Personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard told Thornton that the chemicals-dumped into the bags marked "biohazard/infectious waste"presented a danger of spontaneous combustion. • A contaminated fresh water system, essentially rendered useless by saltwater. • Leaky hatches that resulted in damage to the cargo (sugar). • Lack of required navigational charts and other wheelhouse documentation. Not surprisingly, the ITF's intervention quickly generated results. Star Ship Management sent a fax to the ship, promising imminent partial payment of back wages and asking them to wait a little longer for the balance. The operator also promised relief for several crew members at the next port. "We have the best intentions to bring all wages up to date at the earliest opportunity," the fax reads in part. Nevertheless, crew members followed through with the strike and subsequently were paid in full. A one-day strike by the multinational crew (top photo) helped secure approximately $73,000 in back wages. Combustible material (inset) is stored on the deck of the runaway-flag Gulf Star-just one of many problems recently discovered aboard the general cargo ship. Equality State Crew Excels In Emergency Response Drill A smoke simulator (left photo) and simulated injury (right) lent realism to the emergency response drill aboard the SIU-crewed Equality State, part of the Ready Reserve Force. Blast Aboard Runaway-Flag Vessel Kills 1 Continued from page 24 Violation of U.S. Laws Norris said the Coast Guard's inquiry is all but complete and a report will be released. U.S. Coast Guard Commander Ken Parris, senior investigating and public affairs officer also based at the agency's Marine Safety Office in New Orleans, said, "If there is evidence of some misconduct, the Coast Guard would go before a hearing officer for a monetary payment" by the company. "A fine is set if there is some violation of U.S. law," he added. Parris said, "We have required the company to provide a letter of undertaking for something in the range of $100,000 for potential civil penalties relating to the vessel's entry into U.S. waters and this accident.'' A letter of undertaking is essentially a promissory note from the company's attorneys. A spokesman for Copenhagenbased Transmarine Management, the vessel's operator, contacted November 24, said his company intended to do their own investigation as well although he did not know "where it would lead." January 1999 When asked if Denmark had any authority in regard to the the Trans marine accident, Management representative said he was not sure. Treabnent of the Crew Reports on crew treatment vary. ITF Inspector Boudreaux noted that the operating company, Transmarine Management, has fulfilled its obligations under the ITF collective bargaining agreement. "The company paid off all the crew members and sent them home, paying for transportation," he said. Additionally, "the company has settled with the three injured crew members who are represented by an ITF attorney in New Orleans." "It was lucky this crew had an ITF agreement. I've seen lots of foreign-flag ships without any kind of labor contract. If that had been the case, the crew probably would have been a lot worse off," Boudreaux said. Under terms of the ITF contract, the company must secure the crew members' employment within 30 days that is equal or greater to their jobs aboard the Champion Trader. Boudreaux noted that under the ITF contract, the engine cadet's next of kin is entitled to a death benefit of $60,000. Negotiations continue between the IlF attorney and the seaman's father with the company over the death settlement. For an accident on a flag-ofconvenience vessel, Boudreaux found the operating company's actions relatively on the up-andup. "I've seen so many other ships like these where you just can't pin down anyone responsible," he said. Other sources believe that the main reason for such cooperation is that the accident happened in U.S. waters, which quickly exposed the parties involved. SIU Bosun Deano said he believes the company "ignored the crew after the accident. When I boarded almost a week after the accident, after talking to the crew, I went out and personally got these guys phone cards. The company still hadn't found a way for the guys to call home." The company spokesman said that no complaints had been lodged by the crew against Transmarine Management. Chief Engineer George Adams recently praised fellow crew members aboard the Equality State for their smooth work during an emergency response drill. The exercise took place in October while the ship, part of the Ready Reserve Force, was docked in Houston . A reduced operating status (ROS) crew executed the drill. Adams extended a "thanks and well done to Bosun Neil Matthey, to all other SIU personnel and to former SIU personnel now sailing with the American Maritime Officers in licensed capacities aboard the Equality State for their fine performance during the drill, conducted aboard the vessel in coordination with Interocean Ugland Management's New Jersey office. "The drill consisted of enact- ing an emergency scenario involving fire and injuries to personnel in confined spaces. A high degree of realism was achieved by the use of smoke-emitting equipment." Adams explained that the drill started with a general alarm and mustering at the emergency gear locker. Crew members then donned protective clothing and entered the safe but smoke-filled shaft alley. From there, they evacuated two shipmates using a stokes litter. "Bosun Matthey, Electrician Lowell Lem, Steward Henry Manning and DEU Donnis Wars are commended for their high level of professionalism and the extra effort required to successfully complete this extensive and challenging drill," Adams concluded. More Progress in Storm Recove_ ry Progress continues in the port of San Juan, P.R. as the area works to overcome the wake of Hurricane Georges. Wrecked cranes have been replaced in San Juan Bay, which has helped area shipping. Seafarers are doing their part in the recovery, including Electrician Felix Passapera, pictured above. Overall, Georges caused about $1.7 billion in damage in Puerto Rico. Seafarers LOG 9 �phottos Engagements, weddings, pride in the achievements of children and grandchildren-these are the everyday events so important in the lives of SIU members, who often are away from home for several months at a time. As always, the LOG welcomes your photos and will publish them on a periodic basis. '10 Seafarers LOG January 'I 999 �:Job WeU Done' for Crew of S-L Crusader SANJUAN HOUSTON From Houston to Baltimore to New Jersey and San Juan-a run known as the Puerto Rico Express-the SIU crew of the Sea-I.And Crusader works with true team spirit. The photos accompanying this article were taken in San Juan and Houston when the container vessel paid off in those ports. His immediate chores completed, GVU Francisco Torres is ready to go ashore in San Juan. Sharing a few smiles in the ship's galley are (from left) Chief Cook Greg Johnson, SA Trinidad Sanchez, Steward/Baker Brenda Kamiya and Relief Steward/Baker Kim DeWitt. Crew members get together following the vessel's arrival in port. From the left are Chief Engineer Kevin Cooper, Recertified Bosun Roberto Diaz and AB Robert Grubbs. While in the port of San Juan, Recertified Bosun Roberto Diaz rigs a lashing. SIU Safety Director Ed Kelly (center) chats with Seafarers Angel Figueroa (left) and Mariano Lito aboard the Sea-Land Crusader. 'Model' Shipmates Aboard Global Link Some people take snapshots to help them recall events. Seafarer Robert Bakeman (photo below) takes a different approach when it comes to his sailing career. The AB creates models of the vessels on which he works, including most recently the Global Link. Among Bakeman's fellow crew members on the cable ship during a recent assignment in the Caribbean were (photo right) steward department members (from left) SAs Said Abdullah and Luis Filippetti, Cook/Baker Connie Gaines, Chief Steward Brandon Maeda and Chief Cook Willie Grear. Also recently sailing aboard the vessel (op@rat@d by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. for Tyco) were {bottom right) Cook/Baker Brian Sargent, Chief Gook Wadsworth Jarrell and (bonom center) SAs Florenco Reyes and Richard Oliva-Ruiz. January 1999 Seafarers LOG 11 J �Year of Growth and Promise olitical action and solidarity with fellow trade unionists in 1998 were-as alwaysroutine for members of the Seafarers International Union. From joining the crucial fight against Proposition 226 in California to actively supporting pro-maritime candidates in the November elections, and from rallying with Avondale workers in New Orleans still seeking their first union contract to marching with members of the Transport Workers Union in Philadelphia who secured a fair pact following a 40-day strike, SIU members were on the front lines of the labor movement throughout the country. Yet, in a year of key political fights. a year when tensions repeatedly flared in the Persian Gulf, and a year when the maritime industry encountered an onslaught of new P regulations, what stood out most for Seafarers were job growth and future job opportunities. "When you look at the new jobs we gained in 1998, plus the growth opportunity that has emerged in the U.S.-flag cruise sector, it's clear that the SIU has a bright future," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "Combine that type of progress with the improvements taking place at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and I see very very positive developments for this membership." 1 More Jobs arly in the year. APL completed the reflagging of four Seafarers-crewed containerships under the Stars and Stripes that entered the U.S. Maritime Security Program. All four were constructed within the last four years and formerly flew the ensign of the Marshall Islands. Great Lakes division members welcomed the chance to crew three tug-barge units newly acquired by SIU-contracted companies: American Steamship Company's American Freedom and Ocean Venture, and Interlake Transportation, Inc.'s Pathfinder. Maritrans made history late in the year when it unveiled the country's first rebuilt double-hull barge, the SIU-crewed Maritrans 192. The company also launched the refurbished, double-hull tanker Diligence (purchased in 1997 from Chevron) with SIU members aboard. Those were not the only doublehull vessels to join the ranks of Seafarers-manned ships in 1998. In October and November, SIU members climbed the gangways of three "Double Eagle" tankers newly built in Newport News, Va. Operated by Interocean Ugland Management for Hvide Marine, the Diamond Shoals, Nantucket Shoals and Cape Lookout Shoals are scheduled to be joined by two more sister ships in 1999. Those vessels also will be crewed by the SIU. Around the time the first three Double Eagles were launched, Seafarers also greeted new employ- ment opportunities aboard the containership El Yunque, which will sail between Florida and Puerto Rico. A sister ship, the El Morro, will be crewed by SIU members early this year. Both vessels are operated by Sea Star Line, a joint venture that includes Totem Resources Corp., Matson and Sea-Barge Line Inc. America's sealift capacity increased as three newly built, SIUcrewed roll-on/roll-off vessels were christened in San Diego and New Orleans, respectively. On the West Coast, Seafarers crewed the USNS Watson and USNS Sisler, while in th Gulf, SIU members welcomed the Bob Hope-class vessel USNS Seay. The union also gained new jobs when it crewed the oceanographic survey ship USNS Henson (operate by Dyn Marine Services) and the Whether sailing aboard newly contracted vessels or longtime SIU-crewed ships, Seafarers remained dedicated to shipboard safety and efficiency. 12 Seafarers LOii January 1999 �SIU members in 1998 found new employment opportunities on ships operated by Maritrans, lnterocean Ugland Management, APL, Dyn Marine, Sea Star Line and other Seafarers-contracted companies. The union also welcomed three new SIUcrewed roll-on/roll-off ships which joined the U.S. Military Sealift Command's afloat prepositioning force. "harbor dass tractor tug Master~ operated by Crowley Maritime Services. Crowley plans five additional such tugs. 11 T he U.S.-flag cruise industry received a major boost when American Classic Voyages (parent company of SIU-contracted American Hawaii Cruises) announced plans for the first two deep sea passenger ships to be built in a U.S. yard in almost 50 years. That construction will take place at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss. with completion of the first ship expected in late 2002. These will be the largest U.S. cruise ships in history, each capable of carrying about 1,900 passengers and measuring approximately 840 feet long. 1 ~E SITE or r OSE PH SACCO Ht E FIGHTING AND Similarly, in April, SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Company (also a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages) announced plans to build five cruise vessels that will sail along America's coastlines. Delta Queen expects the first of the group to sail sometime next year. New Facilfties hile new jobs last year usually dominated the headlines in the Seafarers LOG, one announcement arguably rivaled any other as the union's top story of 1998. On July 16, the SIU and the Paul Hall Center unveiled plans for the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, a six-building complex projected to open within the next few months. This million-dollar facility, currently being constructed W /. .. , !Y near the center's main campus in Piney Point, Md. will help enable SIU members to efficiently meet many of the new safety requirements stemming from the 1995 amendments to the STCW convention as well as other new regulations. The school is designed to virtually duplicate shipboard environments, including types of fires that could occur on vessels. Moreover, the center and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship made numerous other improvements 1 in 1998, including the addition of state-of-the-art radar simulators, revamping of courses to ensure STCW compliance, and an expanded alliance with a professional education association. Elsewhere, the SIU purchased a building that will serve as the new union hall in New Orleans. Currently undergoing refurbishment, it is expected to open soon. Similarly, renovations are taking place at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va. For the SIU, highlights in 1998 included groundbreaking for the Paul Hall Center's new fire fighting school (center photo), acquisition of a new SIU hall in New Orleans, improved training at the Lundeberg School and securing numerous new jobs for the membership. - ·#Xf ET Y SCHOOL January 1999 Seafarers LOG 13 �Cableship Crew Treated to BBQ, While Awaiting Berthing Space The task of the cableship Global Sentinal is a formidable one: laying 2,331 miles of fiber-optic cable that will connect the major cities of Alaska (Fairbanks, Anchorage, Whittier, Valdez and Juneau) to Seattle, Wash. While recently in Alaska, awaiting berthing space in the port of Seward, the crew and company technicians (totaling about 104 persons) were treated to a good old-fashioned cookout by the steward department. In addition to the regular barbecue fare, several of the crew members took out their fishing poles, or even just hand lines, and caught some fish, which also were put on the grill. Chief Steward Shawn R. Fujiwara, who sent the accompanying photographs to the Seafarers LOG, says "the weather was great, and the backdrop of the rugged mountains and glaciers was simply outstanding. Even the sun made its presence known." He also added that everyone had a great time and were well satisfied. The vessel, operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. for Tyco, makes its home port in Portland, Ore. SIU members, officers and technicians line up at the second grill, manned by Cook/Baker Douglas Neubauer, for some serious chow. Captain Neel looks from the bridge with approval at the barbecue below. St.. Louis AMMV Dedicates Monument for WWil Mariners SIU President Commends Memorial ...., '' :: ~ ., ' • r .... ' .. ' .,,..,._ , Mariners aboard the Transoceanic Cable Ship Co.'s Global Sentinel are in the process of laying 2,331 miles of fiber-optic cable. ,,<T~'-r•?' :'\'! V.1\H-~ifo,.f'J:t Y.f\.fHNi-, ,r.,l<\l\") ':,"J'( .•,ltl...•'!l·.~> f.\;J\.\dJ V\-;tt..\l.~ ~TS. ff)PSnl fl (.ot.. !!~ NOV \\ 1 1,Nt. t' f;,(}\)\.\.:VJ\ 1<.t~t. A\lt -8 HOLIDAY GREETINGS 9The following holiday greetings did not arrive in time to be published in the December issue. To Mrs. Cynthia Bright Hope this day and every day finds you and our family doing their best. I can't be there this year, but my heart and soul are always with you all, at any time of the year. Love you always and forever. Roderick K. Bright To Marion Beeching Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Beech. You're a good friend. John Clarke To everyone behind the counter in Houston Merry Christmas to one and all. You are a great bunch of brothers and sisters in a great port. John Clarke To Andy and Josephine Lopez Feliz Navidad y Prospero Afio Nuevo to you and your family. Love you, Johnny Clarke To Mr. and Mrs. A. Hickman and family For 20 years, we have been 14 Seafarers LOG friends. And I want you to know I love you, in my own way. You've been there for me. God bless you today and every day. I wish only the best for you in all you do. I mean this from my heart. Your friend, Henry B. Edwards To my son, Casey Today is a special day for you, my son, but then to me you're special every day. I truly hope you enjoy this gift of life and you learn from it. I'm glad to be home for Xmas. You're my Xmas present 365 days a year. I love you, Casey. Love, Daddy (Henry B. Edwards) To my uncle Joseph Freeman You 're very special to me, and thank you for being there for me and Casey. We love you very much, even if you don't know it. Have a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. You deserve it. Your nephew, Henry (and Casey) Edwards To Jim and Dee Byers I hope this holiday season and the years to follow bring you joy and happiness. Love, Brenda in Tacoma Culminating a year-long project, the Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine and Naval Armed Guard veterans recently unveiled a stone monument in St. Louis recognizing merchant mariners and Navy armed guard members who died during World War II. The marker bears the merchant marine logo and an illustration of a Liberty ship, along with its inscriptions. The SIU participated in a recent dedication conducted by the St. Louis-based Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine and Naval Armed Guard veterans. During the November 11 ceremony, chapter members unveiled a stone monument in memory of U.S. merchant mariners and U.S. Navy armed guard members who lost their lives in World War II. The memorial is located at a veterans' cemetery in St. Louis. SIU President Michael Sacco, in a statement read during the observance, praised the local chapter for dedicating the monument. "You didn't just have a good idea, you took action," Sacco stated. "It is that kind of followthrough that characterizes America's merchant marine veterans. ''That's the commitment and determination that you showed during World War II, when you braved the ice of the North Atlantic and the fire of the South Pacific," he continued. ''That's the commitment and determination you showed when you kept going back to sea, even after enduring attacks by German U-boats that would have left lesser men too afraid to deliver the goods." He also commended the local chapter and everyone else involved in the arduous, but ultimately successful fights to secure veterans' status for World War II merchant seamen, including the recently enacted extension "that properly recognizes all World War II mariners as veterans." More than 200 people attended the dedication, including active and retired Seafarers, local government officials and representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard. An officer from the Samuel Parker Chapter said SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper's reading of Sacco's statement "was gratefully received and there was more than one moist eye noticed. Your words certainly contributed to making our dedication a success." Virginia AMMV Chapter Announces Meeting Dates The Hampton Roads (Va.) Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans invites active and retired Seafarers to attend their meetings, which alternately take place in . Norfolk and Newport News. In 1999, the chapter is scheduled to meet at the SIU hall in Nor1olk on the last Saturdays of March, June, ,September and December (each starting at 10 a.m.). Meetings also are slated for the American Legion Post 25 clubhouse at 7609 Marshall Ave. in Newport News on the last Saturdays of January, April, July and October (also beginning at 10 a.m.). For more information, contact Max Simerly at (757) 4134318 or (757) 247-1656. January 1999 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 1998 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 7 9 3 0 4 4 19 16 17 7 13 1 9 3 4 7 5 9 2 6 2 3 1 2 3 0 0 7 2 0 298 122 67 213 0 115 39 25 29 45 11 8 39 2 0 15 17 8 10 10 4 8 New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans 11 11 3 5 I 7 5 6 12 2 2 2 lS 8 6 9 Jacksonville San Francisco 18 14 lS 1O 22 7 Pu~rto 0 4 9 0 9 11 I 0 Honolulu . Houston 10 9 10 4 6 7 Louis o 0 2 Rico DECK DEPARTMENT 13 18 6 5 9 5 2 4 4 4 0 14 4 IO IO 6 18 17 24 18 8 5 16 4 9 7 2 3 8 3 2 28 IO 6 11 44 1 2 1 l 3 t 0 1 3 1 2 2 0 5 0 0 2 54 103 380 153 83 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 8 12 5 0 0 2 0 1 5 6 2 7 2 2 8 I 1 8 5 6 4 9 6 10 3 11 19 3 1 7 6 s 2 7 6 2 6 9 3 1 10 14 5 3 4 0 173 0 0 57 17 40 11 75 10 0 0 19 0 23 0 0 0 61 207 171 681 491 296 Baltimore 0 Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco 2 4 4 Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals Totals All Departments 2 8 8 11 5 8 1 0 3 2 0 I 8 4 6 12 8 3 1 3 6 4 20 19 9 13 5 1 22 7 6 13 3 4 13 13 5 12 24 11 6 15 12 8 26 7 22 6 s 3 0 1 8 IO 0 4 6 4 5 0 2 0 12 0 8 46 0 6 8 30 33 3 22 I I 5 3 10 0 1 0 5 5 3 1 0 0 I 0 1 116 42 11 1 7 5 0 1 0 67 5 0 1 3 0 0 HECTOR BARNES Your daughter, Eleassier Balaga, is trying to get in touch with you. Please contact her c/o Mr. Carlton Bailey (of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service in Oklahoma City) at (405) 231-5944, ext. LESTER JOSEPH GUELDNER SR. Anyone with information on Lester Joseph Gueldner Sr. and some of the ships on which he sailed is asked to contact his son, Cesaire GueldnerBinder, at P.O. Box 70473, Reno, NV 89570,· or Email him as cesairecj@aol.com. 0 0 8 4 3 0 0 0 0 250 67 15 0 LOG-A-RHYTHMS 0 Dreams by Albert W. Austin Jr. 223 906 197 9 3 3 Personals 124. 2 91 371 1 8 6 0 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 26 7 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 2 8 10 0 0 0 6 0 0 2 8 2 13 8 0 3 4 0 IO 10 0 3 5 7 0 1 6 7 0 2 5 3 0 51 4 20 0 8 0 3 0 0 0 0 12 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 106 137 35 I 0 0 1 2 Tacoma ................... Friday: February 26, March 26 Each port's meeting starts st 10:30 a.m. 4 5 15 11 7 27 8 St. Louis ................. Friday: February 19, March 19 0 1 6 6 1 0 25 9 San Juan ..................Thursday: February 11, March 11 Wilmington ............. Monday: February 22, March 22 0 38 0 New York ................Tuesday: February 9, March 9 2 3 114 9 4 2 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: February 16, March 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: February 18, March 18 185 2 3 Mobile .................... Wednesday: February 17, March 17 Philadelphia ............ Wednesday: February 10, March 10 0 3 Jersey City .............. We.dnesday: February 24, March 24 2 1 53 3 Jacksonville ............Thursday: February 11, March 11 4 0 3 0 0 I Houston .................. Tuesday: February 16*, New Bedford ..........Tuesday: February 23, March 23 26 3 Honolulu ................. Friday: February 19, March 19 Norfolk ...................Thursday: February 11, March 11 13 44 0 0 2 5 2 5 4 15 10 16 6 30 2 4 3 17 12 12 14 4 12 28 24 19 7 18 21 9 3 1 4 11 3 0 44 13 1 102 15 0 1 9 22 0 0 252 0 244 586 380 *''Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. January 1999 5 0 1 473 3 5 77 7 15 2 Philadelphia 0 7 4 2 39 2 2 13 9 5 20 15 11 19 2 8 0 0 I 10 12 10 10 14 1 3 0 I 0 Port New York 0 5 5 0 4 3 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 11 6 1 2 0 2 0 0 4 0 8 1 •change creatt'd by Presidents· Day holiday 59 5 4 3 Monday: March 15 3 15 9 5 5 17 3 6 4 0 6 0 11 3 105 4 1 18 15 15 12 4 14 15 5 149 1 0 0 0 40 40 Duluth ..................... Wednesday: February 17, March 17 4 7 6 1 1 109 10 3 25 54 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: February 11, March 11 12 3 16 IO 41 0 2 6 1 7 7 5 18 22 9 1 2 8 2 Port 16 5 Algonac Totals 8 3 22 25 13 27 4 12 14 9 Piney Point ............. Monday: February 8, March 8 Algonac .................. Friday: February 12, March 12 39 11 Piney Point New York Philadelphia Baltimore Norfolk Mobile New Orleans Jacksonville San Francisco Wilmington Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu Houston St. Louis Piney Point Algonac Totals 4 7 8 12 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 28 23 7 7 1 2 0 St. Trip Reliefs 19 34 Port Wilmington Tacoma TOTAL smPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C February & March 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters How did it all start? I don't know! Something that started A long time ago. I guess it was But a dream. Just a dream A young boy dreams. Of ships and boats That sail the sea. Someplace I thought I'd like to be. And now I'm old And my hair's turned gray. And I have sailed Many a day. On ships and boats That sail the sea. Some dreams 1 think Are meant to be. (This poem was written by AB Albert W. Austin Jr. while at sea aboard the USNS Integrity, October 20, 1998.) Seafarers LOG 15 �'seaiare.S 1ntMrarlonat'lln1on' .- Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes DllflOfory NOVEMBER 16 - Michael Sacco President . JobnFay CL - Company/Lakes ~utive Vice President .David Heindel *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez Vice President Contracts . Roy A. ~ock" Mercer Vice Pre1;ident Government Services Jack Caffey Vice President Atlantic Coast ByronKeUey Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters DeanCorgey Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone Vice President West Coast .. ~ Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 23 10 0 19 2 0 7 4 0 19 18 DECEMBER 15, 1998 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 7 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 13 2 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 6 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 13 9 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP 0 8 3 0 6 1 0 1 4 0 6 9 HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 . (30 l) 899-0675 ALGONAC . 520 St Clair River Dr. . Algonac, Ml 4800 l 21 18 0 0 68 34 0 47 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 17 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #lC AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters An~horage, BALTIMORE 1216 B. Baltimore St. NOVEMBER 16 - Baltimore, Ml) 2120.2 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C (410) 327..4900 DULUTH 705 Medical Arts Building Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 HONOLULU 606 1<'.atihi St Honolulu, HI 96819 (B08) ~45-~n2 Region Atlantic Coast 0 3 0 Lakes, Inland Waters 35 3 0 1 41 6 Gulf Coast West Coast Totals Region Aclantic Coast : : ::.Q9.: ~Qn~s9m~&.: $.t . · ·... ., ........... ,,,.,.,,,.,. fo:;ey City, NJ 07'J04 (201) 435-9424 MOBJLE 1640 Dauphin lsland Pkwy. Mobile, AL 36605 (334) 418-0916 NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St. New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 NEW ORLEANS 630 Jackson Ave. 0 1 .~~$..,.: Wan9 . 'W~r~. J. Q. West Coast 0 17 Totals Region 0 Atlantic Coast 1 Gulf Coast Lakes, Inland Waters 15 West Coast 0 16 Totals Gulf Coast 5 .. 0 0 .Q 0 ... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 · o..... · 0 4 15 0 5 0 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C "5 0 4 12 0 5 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT . ,. ·<. 0 ' 0 8 () DECEMBER 15, 1998 . . .. 1 s 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 0 2 9 0 2 5 0 38 .··:o2 11 0 0 0 0 13 2 0 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 12 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 13 0 7 0 7 13 27 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 2 s New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-7546 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 NORFOLK 115 Third St Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 622-1892 PHILADELPHIA 2604 S. 4 St Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 336-3818 PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S. Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 .. :..'· :: SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco, CA 94105 (415) 543-5855 Government Services Division (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop l 6Y2 Santurce, PR 00907 (781) 121-40~~ ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 341 l South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 18 Seafarers LOG Totals All Depts 74 6 17 31 5 12 64 9 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 35 Pl C-FROM-THE-PAST This photo, sent to the Seafarers LOG by William Kellett of Lafayette, Colo. was taken on July 13, 1945 aboard the S.S. Fort George, a T-2 tanker. It was taken in Abadam, Persian Gulf and represents half the steward department aboard the vessel, which was crewed by SIU members. In the back row are William Kellett and Second Cook/Baker Enoch Bautista. Harry J. Hanssen is on the right, kneeling. Other members of the Fort George's steward department were Robert McMahan, Charles Wall Jr., Samuel B. Forrest Jr., Richard E. Jackson and Ralph Bennen Jr. In 1946, Kellett broke an ankle and returned home. He then worked for the U.S. Post Office and the National Bureau of Standards, retiring with a government pension. Kellett organized a local chapter of the Merchant Marine Veterans, which presently has approximately 100 members and meets every other month. Fifty years after World War 11 ended, Kellett, now 74, again got in contact with Hansen. It turns out both men are putting out newsletters for Merchant Marine Veterans chapters-Hansen in Maine and Kellett in Colorado. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. Janual'J 1999 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their i 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. T hree recertified bosuns are among the 32 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 96 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Mauro DeLaCerda, Jerry K. McLean and Oscar C. Wiley Jr. are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck depanment at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of this month's retirees. DEEP SEA SANTIAGO R.ALVARA· DO, 66, first sailed with the Seafarers in , 1967 aboard ... the East Point . Victory. . Brother Alvarado sailed in the engine depanment and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. He last worked aboard tho Westward Venture, operated by lntcrocean Ugland Management. From 1948 to 1950, he served in the U.S. Army. Born in New Mexico, he makes his home in Seattle. WATT BLOOD· WORTH, 61, graduated from : the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans . His first ship was the Alice Brown. The Louisiana native started out in the steward department and later transferred to the engine department. Brother Bloodworth last sailed aboard the Overseas Arctic and has retired to LaPlace, La. JOSEPHL. CLARK, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. From 1952 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Navy. Brother Clark last sailed aboard the Liberty Star. He calls Houston home. MICHAELJ. COYLE,46, graduated • from the Harry Lunde berg School of Seamanship in 1971 and _..;;:c;"-----=~· joined the SIU in the port of New York. His first ship was the Achilles, a Newport Tankers Corp. vessel. Born in Philadelphia, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Coyle last sailed aboard the Paul Buck, operated by Ocean Ships, Inc. He makes his home in Philadelphia. January 1999 RUBEN DeJESUS, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Global Link, operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. From 1956 to 1958, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother DeJesus has retired to St. Croix, V.I. MAURO DeLaCERDA, 63, first sailed with the SIU in 1968 aboard the Transorleans, a Hudson ~----~ Waterways Corp. vessel. A native of Texas, he saiJed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1991. Prior to his retirement, Brother DeLaCerda last worked aboard the Maersk Tennessee. He calls Houston home. LIONEL DUNKINS, 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Houston. The Louisiana native sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Dynachem, operated by Interocean Ugland Management. Brother Dunk.ins makes his home in Lake Charles, La. PATRICKL. DURNIN, 72, joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1962 in the port of San ' - - - - - - - - • Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Brother Durnin last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Independence. Born in Oregon, he has retired to Gig Harbor, Wash. MELVINL. GREEN, 73, began his sailing career in the I 940s and joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. The =~~~=___J Oklahoma native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He last worked aboard the Ogden Willamette, an Ogden Marine vessel. He was a veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. Mena, Ark. is home to Brother Green. THOMAS E. HARRIS, 59, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Flomar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp. Born in Maryland, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, Brother Harris last worked aboard the LNG Capricorn. He has retired to Huntingdon, Tenn. WILLIE E. HOWARD, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1981 in the port of Seattle. The Arkansas native began working in the steward department and later transferred to the engine department. He upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Brother Howard last sailed in 1995 aboard the Sea-Land Reliance. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He makes his home in Pomono, Calif. AMOSJARAMILL0. 72. began sailing in the 1940s and joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of San Francisco. A native of Colo- '-'-----===-~ rado, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Sea-Land Reliance. Brother Jaramillo calls Seattle home. ANDERSON J.JORDAN JR., 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1960 j and joined the ==--='-'-----!...111= Seafarers in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Alcoa Partner. Brother Jordan sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army. Born in Florida, he makes his home in Mobile. JERRYK. McLEAN, 57, first sailed with the SIU in 1962 from the port of New Orleans, working aboard the Del 1-=::='--"'~:;..;;=__. Sud, operated by Mississippi Shipping Co. Brother McLean graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963. The Tennessee native sailed in the deck department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1980. Brother McLean last sailed aboard the Overseas New Orleans and has retired to Kingsport, Tenn. JACK A. MORGAN, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of Lake Charles, La., first sailing aboard the Cities Service T2 tanker French Creek.A native of Los Angeles, he sailed primarily in the steward department and upgraded i_:__...:.:::::== _J at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he also sailed aboard Great Lakes vessels and has worked in each of the three departments. He last sailed in 1993 aboard the SeaLand Hawaii. Brother Morgan caJls Wilmington, Calif. home. STANLEY C. PAEA, 65, started his career with the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Hawaii native attended the MC&S training school in 1959. From 1952 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Paea makes his home in San Francisco . JOHNNY D.H.PARK, 66, joined the MC&S in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A native of Hawaii, he makes his home in Aiea. Brother Park served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. JAMESB. RICHARD· SON, 58, graduated from the MC&S training school in 1967 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Born in Mississippi, he upgraded his skills to chief cook at the Lundeberg School. Brother Richardson has retired to Henderson, Nev. BOBBY SPENCER, 61 , joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Madaket, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, Brother Spencer signed off the Sea-La.nd Independence. The Georgia native served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. He makes his home in Westminster, S.C. WILLIAMC. STEELE, 57, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in Port Arthur, Texas. Born in Arkansas, he t--=====--.1 worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the USNS Algol. From 1959 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Steele has retired to Jasper, Texas. LOUISJ. TALARICO, 66, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1958 aboard theA.M. Byers, a Great Lakes vessel. The Cleveland native later transferred to the deep sea division. Brother Talarico worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Discovery. From 1951to1955, he served in the U.S. Navy. He calls Tucson, Ariz. home. JOHN E. WARD,71, first sailed with the SIU in 1946 from the port of New Orleans. The deck ==-===== department member last sailed in 1991 aboard the Del Mar, a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. A native of Mississippi, he makes his home in Clinton. WILLIAMC. WEEKLEY SR., 56, started his career with the Seafarers in 1968. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the HM/ Defender, operated by Interocean Ugland Management. He served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963. Brother Weekley has retired to Bay Minette, Ala. OSCARC. WILEY JR., 59, began sailing with the SIU in 1967, aboard the Steel Artisan, ~ operated by =---'= Isthmian Lines. Born in Alabama, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1987. Brother Wiley last sailed aboard the USNS Chesapeake. From 1956 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Oakland, Calif. BERTRAND A. WRIGHT, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1958 from the port of Mobile, Ala., aboard the Warrior, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1959 and worked in the steward qepartment, last sailing aboard the Cape Jacob, operated by American Overseas Marine. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. The Alabama native calls Mobile home. - Continued on page 20 Seafarers LOG 17 ~ J 1 �Anal Departures DEEP SEA the Lundeberg School. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Brandon, Fla. and re ti red in January 1987. VAGN ANDERSEN Pensioner Vagn Andersen, 84, passed away September 23, , 1998. Born in Denmark, he first sailed with the Seafarers in 1956 aboard the ...,_____ _ _ _ ___. Montebello Hills. Brother Andersen sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in November 1979. He was a resident of San Francisco. CAROL H. CARROLL Carol H. Carroll, 65, passed away October 24, 1998. Born in Illinois, she started her career with the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. She sailed in the steward department and upgraded her skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Sister Carroll was a resident of Etna, Calif. VICTOR A. COVER Pensioner Victor A. Cover, 80. passed away November 5, 1998. A native of New Jersey, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port ~-----'---'=..I of Philadelphia. Brother Cover sailed in the engine department as a chief electrician and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1939 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. A resident of Rocky Mount, N.C., he began receiving his pension in November 1983. ANACLETO DELGADO Pensioner Anacleto Delgado, 88 died November I, 1998. He started his career with the SIU in 1946 in the port of New '------=~--"'=---'York. A native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Delgado resided in Rio Piedras, P.R. and retired in December 1975. LAURI A. EDSTROM Pensioner Lauri A. Edstrom, 85, passed away October 17, 1998. Brother Edstrom began sailing with the Seafarers in 1944 from the ==---==----===i port of Galvest on, Texas. Born in Finland, he worked in the steward department as a chief cook. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Finland, he began receiving his pension in September 1975. EDWIN M. FELKER Pensioner Edwin M. Felker, 71, died November 10, 1998. Born in Georgia, he joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Felker sailed in the steward department and upgraded to chief cook at 18 Seafarers LOG BENJAMIN E. FOWLER Pensioner ' Benjamin E. Fowler, 78, ' passed away October 27, 1998. A native of Georgia, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968. Brother Fowler worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Ogden Leader, operated by Ogden Marine, Inc. A resident of Cumming, Ga., he started receiving his pension in August 1986. i...:.__======.i LUIGI GALLO Pensioner Luigi Gallo, 84, died October 20, 1998. Brother Gallo was a charter member of the SIU. havini joined the union in 1938 in the port of New York. Born in Maine. he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. A reddent of Chid:a~aw, Ala .. he retired in October 1977. FRANCISCO A. GONZALEZ Pensioner Francisco A. Gonzalez, 75, passed away October 17, 1998. He joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of Baltimore. A .___ _ _ _ __, native of Puerto Rico, he sailed in the steward department and started receiving his pension in December 1986. Brother Gonzalez resided in Arecibo, P.R. PAUL C. GUILLORY Pensioner Paul C. Guillory, 79, died October 10, 1998. He began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of Lake Charles, La. ~~~=====~:::!l Brother Guillory worked in the engine department, first sailing aboard the Bents Fort. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army, from 1941 to 1945. A native of Louisiana, he retired to Mamou in July 1984. SATURNINO HERNANDEZ Pensioner Saturnina Hernandez, 79, passed away November 9, 1998. A native of Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in =-==..:...--=== 1943 in the port of New York. His first ship was the John McDonogh, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Prior to his retirement in August 1981, Brother Hernandez signed off the San Pedro, a Sea-Land Service vessel. He was a resident of Aguadilla, P.R. PAUL JAKUBCSAK Pensioner Paul Jakubcsak, 80, died October 17, 1998. He joined the SIU in 1942 in his native New York. Brother Jakubcsak sailed as a chief steward and began receiving his pension in December 1965. He was a resident of Flushing, N.Y. RAYMOND K. KIRBY career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Wilmington, 1 Calif., sailing in the engine department. Brother Mitchell served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. A resident of Canby, Ore., he started receiving his pension in September 1992. PATRICK T. WILKINSON NORMAN OKRAY INLAND Pensioner Norman Okray, 77, died October 25, 1998. Brother Okray joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York. A native of Michigan, he sailed in the deck department. He was a resident of Baltimore and began receiving his pension in March 1982. Walter L. Blume, 48, died September 23, 1998. A native of Texas, he first sailed with the SIU in 1989. Boatman Blume sailed as an engineer, primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. He was a resident of Galveston, Texas. Pensioner Patrick T. Wilkinson, 70, passed away November 24, 1998. Born in Missouri, he joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of St. Louis. Starting out in the inland division, he later transferred to deep sea vessels. Brother Wilkinson sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in February 1990. He lived in Paducah, Ky. From 1945 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Navy. WALTER L. BLUME Pensioner Raymond K. Kirby, 83, passed away October 16, 1998. Born in Oklahoma, he WILBERT W. MAIN began his ====~___,,...,.., Pensioner career with the Wilbert W. '-'----====-----' Marine Cooks WOODROW W. REID Main, 56, died and Stewards (MC&S) in 1953 from November 6, Pensioner the port of San Francisco, before 1998. A native WoodrowW. that union merged with the SIU's Reid, 83, passed of North Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Carolina, he away October Waters District (AGLIWD). A resibegan his career 30, 1998.The dent of Daly City, Calif., Brother South Carolina with the Kirby retireo in March 1978. native started = = = Seafarers in his career with 1960 from the port of Norfolk, Va. the SIU in 1944 Boatman Main last sailed as a capBRADFORD L. MACK in the port of tain. A resident of Blounts Creek, Bradford L. N.C., he started receiving his penBaltimore. He sailed in the steward Mack, 50, died sion in December 1992. department and retired in August October 20, 1979. Brother Reid made his home 1998. Brother in Mt. Juliet, Tenn. Mack graduated JOHN L. SANBORN from the John L. Lunde berg Sanborn, 58, School's entry Linda L. Schell, passed away level training 48, died August September 22, ,., program in 24, 1998. Sister 1998. Born in 1966 and joined the Seafarers in the Schell began New York, he port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship sailing with the joined the SIU was the Tamara Gui/den. He sailed Seafarers in in 1995 in the in the steward department as a chief 1987 from the port of Houston. cook and was a resident of Long port of Houston. __:'fl..::'·= He sailed as a Beach, Calif. The Alabama native Born in Oregon, tugboat captain and upgraded freserved in the U.S. Army from 1969 -'-'-----"-='-"-'-'==.. she worked in quently at the Lundeberg School. to 1971. the steward department and upgraded From 1961 to 1964, he served in the at the Lundeberg School, where she U.S. Army. Boatman Sanborn lived graduated from the steward recertifiDISCORO MILITAR in Eatontown, N.J. cation program in 1990. She was a Pensioner resident of Kent, Wash. Discoro Militar, 98, passed away GREAT LAKES September 28, HARRY N. SCHORR 1998. A native Pensioner Harry of the EDWARD W. BRINK N. Schorr, 86, Philippines, he passed away " Edward W. started his September 26, Brink, 69, career with the 1998. He joined passed away SIU in 1943 in the SIU in 1953 September I , the port of New York. Brother in the port of 1998. Brother Militar sailed as a chief steward and New York. Brink joined the began receiving his pension in During his Seafarers in December 1973. He lived in ....._~-""""""""" career, he sailed 1959 in the port Hercules, Calif. in the steward department and was of Duluth, active in union organizing drives. A ======= Minn. He sailed HERBERT A. MILLARD veteran of World War II, he served in as a member of the engine departthe U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. A r~jiii;jijjii!iiiiiia--, Pensioner ment. The Ohio native served in the resident of Hemet, Calif., Brother Herbert A. U.S. Army from 1947 to 1950. Schorr began receiving his pension Millard, 71, Brother Brink was a resident of in March 1977. died October Clyde, Mich. 15, 1998. He joined the FREDERICK WIDPP Seafarers in TERRANCE W. HENRETTA ....,....--:::;~~:::;;;:;;:;:;:;:;;::::::i Pensioner 1964 in the port ., Terrance W. '"• ' Frederick of Houston. His Whipp, 86, died Henretta, 58, ==--===== first ship was October 31, passed away the Niagara, operated by Sea 1998. Brother October 27, Transport Inc. The Ohio native sailed Whipp started 1998. Brother in the engine department and retired his career with in August 1990. Brother Millard was Henretta joined the Seafarers in a resident of San Francisco. From the Seafarers in 1956 in the port , 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. 1971 in the port ..._====== of Baltimore. A ===....:=-:====i of Navy. Detroit. A native of Maryland, he sailed in the native of Pennsylvania, he sailed in engine department and attended an EDWARD G. MITCHELL the deck department. From 1959 to educational conference at the 1964, he served in the U.S. Marine Lundeberg School in 1970. He was a Pensioner Edward G. Mitchell, 71, Corps. He was a resident of resident of Baltimore and retired in passed away November 6, 1998. January 1978. Belleville, Mich. Born in Massachusetts, he started his i.;;.,;..._ January 1999 �pigest ~f Shipboard· . Union Meetings ·''the Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests otunion shipboard minutes as possible. On occasion, because of space " limitations, some will be omitted. · .Ships mlnutestlrst are reviewed by the union's contract depadment. Th~s~ ~~UBS; requiring attention or resolution are addressed by the union · · ·· upon.111c.elpt.ol the shipsJ minutes. The minutes are then forwarded · . :. · ·· to the Seafarers LOG for publication. MAERSK TEXAS (Maersk Line), July 19-Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Dan Gibbons, Deck Delegate Joseph Sauzek, Steward Delegate Pablo Alvarez. Chairman announced payoff in Charleston, S.C. July 21. Secretary advised crew members to help keep ship clean by returning dishes to galley and being careful with dirty shoes. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer announced $224 in movie fund but noted that with such short port time, movies have not been purchased recently. He will try to buy some this trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported in deck or steward departments. Engine delegate requested clarification of crane overtime to eliminate future problems. Crew requested infonnation on outcome of contract negotiations. Question raised re~arding supper relief for helmsman. Larger ice machine needed; alttrt\a.tivcly. individual refrigerators needed in each room. Next pon; Freeport, Bahamas. $EA LllJN (Crowley American :Fransport), August 17-Chairman Don Hamrick, Secretary Patton L, Cnldwell, Educational Director Rkhard Hannon. Chairman reminded crew of necessi y o paying dues. He also reminded everyone to take time to ensure working spaces are clean, orderly and safe. Al owing clutter to build up without corrective action will, at some point, endanger safety of those aboard vessel. Special care should be given when using hand tools. Educational director urged eligible crew members to take advantage of upgrading courses available at Paul Hall Center. Captain will purchase movies for crew; is accepting requests. Several beefs reported which were resolved at meeting. Next port: New York. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (Maritime Overseas), September 26-Chairman J. Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director Edward Self, Deck Delegate Ray Shinpoch. Chairman announced payoff in Richmond, Calif. September 29. Steward asked crew to exercise more caution when walking around ship with cups of coffee. Crew requested ice machine for crew mess since galley to be kept locked at night. Educational director encouraged members to apply for upgrading courses at Piney Point to increase skills and be up-to-date on new required courses. He also reminded everyone to get training record books (TRBs) as soon as possible. Thanks given to first engineer, who donated money to ship's movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck department thanked SIU Apprentice Kevin McArdell for doing great job on deck during his month with them, and steward delegate noted apprentice is now with them and has also been doing great job. Clarification requested on penalty work (rest periods) for deck day workers on port watches. Crew also requested clarification on how to handle situation when someone ships out and gets noti- January 1999 tied after joining vessel that he got accepted into course at Piney Point and needs to report to school for class after only month or two after signing on. AIJ members asked to keep noise down on deck and not slam doors since there is always someone off watch trying to sleep. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Thanks also given to new DEU, Guy Leary, for great job. Next ports: Ferndale, Wash. and Richmond. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), September 13Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Lynn N. McCluskey, Educational Director Daniel Dean, Deck Delegate Gregorio C. Cudal, Engine Delegate Benny A. Orosco. Chairman stated payoff to take place September 18 in port of Tacoma, Wash. Crew members advised to keep room doors locked while in port and have set of linen ready for replacement personnel. Educational director urged everyone to put in application for upgrading courses at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Report from headquarters announced larges:t fire fighting school in country dedicated to marine-related tires: to be built in Piney Point. It is scheduled to open in 1999 and will be named in memory of former Vice President oe h co. u ·on mad reserve one washing machine for greasy clothing and one for regular laundry. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND PACIFIC (Sea-Land Service), September 27Chairman Lothar Reck, Secretary Richard Paulson, Educational Director E.B. Perreira, Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Steward Delegate Thomas Gingerich. Chairman reminded crew members that TRB is needed to ship. He noted that while shipping has been fairly good, union needs to keep ever vigilant in order not to lose jobs. One way to help is by contributing to SPAD. Educational director added that upgrading skills at Lundeberg School is another way to keep union strong. Treasurer announced $182 in movie fund and $2.54 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to continue to do good jobs. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), October 11-Chairman Reginald Watkins, Secretary Albert Coale Jr., Educational Director J. Badgett, Deck Delegate Ron G. Owens, Engine Delegate Guadalupe Campbell, Steward Delegate Peter L. Crum. Chairman reminded crew members of payoff October 17 and asked all those getting off to make sure rooms are ready for replacements, dirty linen put in bags and all dishes and silverware returned to galley. Secretary noted upgrading at Paul Hall Center can help Seafarers comply with various new regulations impacting mariners. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce number of days required for retirement MAERSK CALIFORNIA (Maersk Line), October 20Chairman Nathaniel A. Allin, Secretary Elena R. Curley, Educational Director Floyd Acord, Deck Delegate Eugenio S. deSousa, Steward Delegate S. Suraredjo. Chairman passed on message from Maersk Lines that, as of August 1998, unlicensed personnel welding on board ship will receive penalty rate. He thanked crew for outstanding job and asked everyone to help keep ship clean"it's always easier when everyone chips in." Secretary asked members to turn in bedding before arrival in Charleston, S.C. for laundry service. Educational director stressed need to obtain TRBs. He also handed out upgrading applications for Piney Point courses. Treasurer announced $22 in ship's fund. Anyone wishing to contribute to fund for future purchase of movies is welcome to do so. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on articles in LOG, including President's Report and status of Ready Reserve Fleet. Many crew members had served on prepositioning ships in past. Inquiries made regarding allotments as well as collection of unemployment benefits to be sent to contracts department. Crew requested steward department to order new pillows and shower curtains. Brother deSousa worked with captain on purchase of gym equipment. The weights should be in Charleston upon arrival. Hearty cheer given to steward department, "which is by far the best any of us has had the pleasure to sail with. We all have to call Weight Watchers before vacation." Next pons: Rotterdam, Holland; LeHavre, France; and Miami. OVeRSEAS VIVIAN (Maritime Overseas), October 2-Chairman Robert Zepeda, Secretary Matthew Scott, Educational Director M. W. R b rso , Deck Delegate Stanley Williams, Steward Delegate Louis C. Johnson. Chairman announced payoff in Lake Charles on or about October 6. New crew lounge furniture now aboard ship. Crew members encouraged to check z-cards for expiration and obtain TRBs in order to continue sailing. Secretary reminded everyone payoff cannot occur until patrolman settles all beefs. Educational director recommended upgrading at Piney Point to increase job skills. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. None reported by engine and steward delegates. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship), October 12Chairman Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Miguel A. Pabon, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Jr., Engine Delegate L. Craig. Chairman noted good trip with payoff in New Orleans. Question raised about payment for Paul Hall holiday. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Response received from headquarters regarding previous question on retirement Suggestion made that DEUs rotate weeks in engine and deck departments. Crew requested cable for TV in crew quarters. Also asked that air conditioner in crane be insulated to prevent seepage of gas from stacks. Next ports: Morehead City, N.C. and New Orleans. SEA-LAND CHALLENGER (Sea-Land Service), October 11Chairman Roy Williams, Secretary Donna Jean Clemons, Educational Director Sellers T. Brook, Deck Delegate John T. Emrich, Engine Delegate Rebecca Gaytan, Steward Delegate Joseph F. Laureta. Chairman told crew members of his vacation following payoff in Long Beach, Calif. on October 15. Secretary reported $40 in movie fund after purchase of three new videos. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of facilities at Lundeberg School for upgrading skills and wages. He also reminded them of necessity of applying for TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for good meals and clean ship. Next port: Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND EXPEDITION (SeaLand Service), October 3Chairman M. Rivera, Secretary Franklyn Cordero, Educational Director Frank Bemer, Engine Delegate Jose E. Villot, Steward Delegate Robert T. Arana. Bosun reminded all crew members to work as safely as possible in port and at sea and to separate garbage same day. He asked those getting off ship to get clean linens for replacement personnel and reminded crew members to keep doors locked in port. Secretary thanked chief cook for preparing fresh tuna in Guam. Educational director stated importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center to fill union jobs and earn better pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read President's Report in LOG to crew members and discussed trouble spots around globe and importance of maintaining U.S.-crewed, U.Sflagged merchant fleet. Vote of thanks given to steward department for well-prepared meals. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash. and Oakland, Calif. Pushing Education With Each Meal Ovidio Crespo, who sails as a cook aboard the Sam Houston, serves up another delicious meal to his fellow crew members. Crespo notes that the master and crew on the Waterman Steamship vessel thanked the galley gang for a job well done this voyage. In addition to his cooking role, Crespo is an advocate for the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., stressing the need for all Seafarers to continue their education by upgrading their skills--for their job security and for the future of the union. from regular trash in order to comply with new ocean dumping laws. He also noted importance of getting TRBs to continue sailing. Secretary stated vessel rerouted to Jacksonville, Fla., San Juan, P.R. and Rio Haina, Dominican Republic to help with hurricane relief efforts. Educational director stressed importance of donating to SPAD and upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members thanked SIU President Michael Sacco for job security, especially in military field. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine job. Next port: Jacksonville. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), October 20Chairman Edward M. Cain, Secretary William Burdette, Educational Director Ramona P. Gayton, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Jesus Pilare, Steward Delegate Abdul Gabar H. Ahmed. Secretary noted that, while in Shanghai, unauthorized people (mainly Chinese dock guards) have been entering house unescorted for food and juice. Educational director stated clarification needed on who should sign off on TRBs. Treasurer announced $550 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Engine delegate noted some disputed OT regarding rate for burning trash. Steward delegate also reported on death of Chief Cook (and good friend) Bradford Mack. Collection to be taken up for family of Brother Mack. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SEA-LAND NAVIGATOR (SeaLand Service), October 18Chairman Werner Becher, Secretary Lynn N. McClusky, Educational Director Edmond Hawkins Jr., Deck Delegate Gregorio C. Cudal. Chairman announced good trip; crew worked well together. Arrival in Tacoma expected October 23 with payoff SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), October 4Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Jill M. Prescott, Educational Director Lorance Pence, Deck Delegate Dennis J. Goodwin, Engine Delegate William E. Cassel, Steward Delegate Edward J. Rue. Chairman reported good voyage with plenty of quality work being performed. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep living spaces and common areas clean. Educational director reminded crew members to turn in TRBs for mate to sign off on drills, training, etc. LOG has articles on procedures for using TRBs. No beefs or disputed OT in deck and steward departments. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. Requests made to keep laundry room door closed when doing laundry at night and keep volume down on TV during meal hours. Bosun suggested double-bagging plastic trash for more sanitary conditions. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship), October 11-Chairman Ramon Castro, Secretary Claude C. Hollings III, Educational Director M. B. Santos. Chairman informed crew members of STCW requirements, including fire fighting, fire prevention, first aid and personal safety/ social responsibilities. TRBs also needed in order to register to ship. Educational director advised going to Piney Point to upgrade skills and earn more money. He also stressed importance of keeping SIU on top by contributing to SPAD. Treasurer announced $750 in ship's fund. No beefs or disput~d OT reported. Recommendation to reduce amount of sea time needed for retirement to be sent to contracts department. While in Suez Canal, everyone asked to keep doors closed. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good work. Next port: New Orleans. Seafarers LOG 19 �SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG AND DREDGE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Great Lakes Tug and Dredge Pension Plan, EIN 13-1953878, Plan No. 003, for the period January I, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial statements Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $1,439,884. These expenses included $184, 141 in administrative expenses and $1,255,743 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 567 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 $24,527 ,804 as of December 31, 1997, compared to $22,322,968 as of January l, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,204,836. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $3,644,720, including employer contribution of $239,143, employee contributions of $27,851, realized gains of $682,693 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $2,695,033. Minimum Funding Standards An actuary's statement shows that enough money was contributed to the plan to keep it funded in accordance with the minimum funding standards of ERISA. Your Rights To Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: l. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; 4. service provider and trustee information; and 5. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way. Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charges to cover copying costs will be $2.80 for the full repon, or 10 cents per page for any part thereof. You also hnve the right to roooive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charie. a srntement of 115:;elli and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the J)lan and accompanying notes, or both. If you roquMt 11 CODY Of the full annual report from the plan administrator. these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as pan of 1hat reporr. The charge to cover copying co:m given above doo:; not include a charge for the copying or these portions of the repon because these portions arc furnished without charge. You also have the legally protech:id right to examine the annual report !lt the main office of the plilll (Board of Trustees of Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan. 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746-4211) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Wa:>hington D.C., or to obtain a ~opy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying 1rosts. RC(luescs co the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-j63K, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, EIN 52-1994914, Plan No. 001. for the period January I, 1997 through December 31, 1997. The annual report has been filed with the Internal Revenue Service, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ER ISA). Seafaring wives (above right) arrived at the picket site in a multi-colored bus, complete with banners showing their views, and shared in their support for the striking Steelworkers. As Seafarers joined the picket lines in support of Steelworkers Local 7945 in Tacoma, Wash. recently. many were accompanied by their wives and other family members. Arriving at the picket site in a multi-colored bus bearing banners reading "Women Supporting Unions," the group helped carry signs protesting Kaiser Aluminum's treatment of Lhe Steelworkers and provided welcome snacks throughout the day for the picketers. Kaiser Aluminum wants to cut employment levels at all five of its plants (two in Spokane, Wash. and one each in Newark, Ohio; Tacoma, Wash. and Gramercy, La.), including 32 jobs at the Tacoma site. The company also wants the right to contract out hundreds of other jobs. Under Kaiser's new proposal, wages, pensions and health insurance benefits would not conform to industry standards (like those at Alcoa or Reynolds). Additionally, Kaiser's proposal of a five-year contract would lock the SLeelworkers into a substandard agreement with no hope of improvement. Giving Support and Java, Too! Chief Steward Scott Opsahl (second from left) of Tacoma, Wash. shows his support for the striking Steelworkers by donating coffee and services from his mobile espresso van which he built in between tours of duty. "It definitely takes the edge off the picket line." says Opsahl, as he pours a hot double mocha grande for a brother Steelworker. Opsahl. a member since 1 80, started his SIU career as a waiter aboard the SS Independence. He attributes his perfect scores with the countless health inspectors throughout Washington state to the upgrading program at Piney Point, Md., which emphasizes sanitation. Opsahl, who traded in his beer mug for a thermal coffee cup two years ago, also thanks the union's ARC program for helping him. Besides county fairs, festivals and Harley-Davidson events, he also offers his services to the United Way and other non-profit organizations, donating to them a percentage of his gross sales. With him in the above photo are Skip Prior (an AFSCME representative who is documenting the U.S. labor movement) and some of the camera crew filming the picket and striking Steelworkers. Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $26,472. These expenses included $26,472 in administrative expenses. A total of 3,958 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 $2,018,318 as of December 31, 1997, compared to $568,467 as of January l, 1997. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,449,851. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and 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 a total income of $1,476,323, including employer contributions of $1,386,906, employee contributions of $10,952, and earnings from invescments of $78,465. Your Rights To AddHional 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: I. an accountant's report; 2. assets held for investment; 3. transactions in excess of .5 percent of plan assets; and 4. service provider and trustee infonnation. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.60 for the full annual report, or 10 cents 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 (Board of Trustees Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 520 I Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746) and at the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S . Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the DOL should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N-5638, Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 20 Seafarers LOG Pensioners JIMMIEL. CRABTREE, Continued from page 17 INLAND CHARLESR. CHARNOCK,62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1970. The Virginia native = = = = = = = upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the towboat operators program in 1973. Boatman Charnock sailed as a captain, primarily with Piney Point Transportation and last signed off the M. Jeanne Dudley. He makes his home in Tangier, Va. ENRIQUE CLEMENTE, 49, joined the SIU in 1979 in Puerto Rico. Born in New York, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Clemente sailed primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessels. He has retired to Rio Piedras, P.R. 54, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977. A native of California, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the Valour, a Maritrans vessel. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967. Boatman Crabtree calls Tampa, Fla. home. WILLIAM P. DANIEL, 56, joined the SIU in 1967. Born in Virginia, he sailed as a captain and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, he signed off the tug Sea Tern, operated by Allied Towing Co. Boatman Daniel makes his home in Chesapeake, Va. THOMASB. HANN, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1980 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Hann worked as an engineer, last sailing aboard the Spartan, a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. A native of Massachusetts, he has retired to Plymouth. RALPHV. HUGHES, 62, first saiJed with the SIU in 1957. Boatman Hughes sailed in the engine department. Prior to his retirement, he last sailed aboard a Moran Towing Co. vessel. The New Jersey native makes his home in Pennsauken. RICHARDB. JERVAS, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1980 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in New Jersey, he started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. Boatman Jervas last sailed aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. From 1953 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He calls Camden, N.J. home. January 1999 �(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Carnival Cruise Ships Still Don't Get It I finally saw a news brief about the results of the NationaJ Transportation Safety Board's findings and recommendations to the Carnival Co. after their near disaster July 20. The bold type heading simply stated, "Cruise ships urged to clean laundry vents." That was three months ago. It is a moot point. What needs to be addressed is the attitude and arrogance of the Carnival officials during the ship's fire. Does a piece of paper confirming their vents are clean give them carte blanche privileges to begin cruises again? Did the board forget the evasive and disingenuous communication from the captain to the Coast Guard7 Some sources indicate that had they entered international walers, they would have ignored any outside intervention. Thanks to the tenacity of the U.S. Coast Guard, a potentially volatile situation was averted. If it were not for the seriousness of the situation, cleaning vents would be considered a joke. What of passengers' complaints about the lack of communication? The Jast thing a passenger needs, when querying the ever-condescending cabin person about a smoke-filJed room, is a bow from the waist, a toothy grin and a blank stare. Anthony Nottumo Villas, N .J. .. . A Different Perspective On Keeping Jones Act The letter below was written in response to a letter to the editor which appeared in the October 27, 1998 edition of The Wall Street Journal. That letter fol lows. Dear Mr. Boudreaux, Not knowing the exact nature of your business nor the motivation behind your letter to The Wall Street Journal on scuttling the Jones Act, I will nonetheless try to express a different perspective toward its preservation. I work as a second mate/barge captain for one of the Jargest movers of petroJeum products on the eastern seaboard. Along with seven other crew members, most of us performing two jobs, we work a large seagoing tug and barge unit (200,000 bbls) that operates seven days a week, 365 days a year. We deliver our products-gasoline, jet fuel and home heating oil-safeJy, efficiently and at a reasonable cost to the consumer as reflected by the Jow prices at the pump. Our U.S.-tlag vessels are well maintained, make periodic visits to U.S. shipyards for overhauls, and we follow all the U.S. Coast Guard's regulations for a safe, responsible operation. The same could not be said if subdstandard foreign vessels with ill-trained polyglot crews were allowed into the trade. It is true we cannot compete with Chinese or Filipino seamen making a couple of hundred dollars a month, but I don't think we should have to. Doing that would be comparable to the Foundation for Economic Education firing you and bringing in a third worJd guy as president solely because he would work for $500 a month, plus room and board. Our system works fine as it stands, not only generating jobs for U.S. workers, but also putting toes of money into the U.S. economy and keeping the lifeblood (petroleum) of the nation flowing in a consistent. safe and economical way. Harry T. Scholer Orlando. Fla. The following is the letter in The Wall Street Journal to which Brother Scholer responded. Jeff Lagana recently attended the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. to earn his AB rating. While there, he also received three college credits for successfully completing all requirements for English 102: English Composition and Literature, a course that emphasizes development of analytical and essay-writing skills. A Maryland native, Lagana was a graduate of the first class in the new unlicensed apprentice program at the school. Before returning t? the school to upgrade, he sailed on an LNG ship carrying liquefied natural gas from Indonesia to Japan. Presenting Lagana with his certificate of completion is his instructor, Joan I. Miles, Ph.D. 5 CALENDAR ...Q CJ ~ i . ~· January - The Industrial Workers of the World was founded in Chicago in 1905. Known as "Wobblies " these advocates of revolutiona~ unionism believed that only by builriing "one big union" could the wor :ers of the world combine to ove1 throw the management class. 2 Lo~don's had finished the rattlesnake, the toad, the vampire, He had some awful substance left with which He made a scab. Ascab is atwo-legged animal with a cork-screw soul a water-logged brain. a combinau'on backbone of jelly and glue. Where others have hearts, he carries a tumor of rotten principles." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, in 1929. In addition to his contribution to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, King was an earnest crusader for labor, particularly municipal and hospital workers. 1S Ralph Chapin published the 17 famous labor anthem "Solidarity Forever" in 1915. Nove_listJack birth12 day, m 1876. This excerpt is Amalgamated Meat Cutascribed to the author: "After God 26 The ters and Butcher Workmen January 1999 Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart's defense of the Jones Act is internally inconsistent (Letters to the Editor, Oct. 21). He begins by asserting that protecting the U.S. maritime fleet is necessary because of this fleet's importance to national security. Presumably, without the trade protection provided by the Jones Act, our fleet's size would dangerously shrink. But Mr. Hart ends by trumpeting the great economic efficiencies of our current fleet. If American flagships are as efficient as Mr. Hart reports, then they need no protection from foreign ships. Indeed, the greater competition promised by repealing the Jones Act would generate even greater efficiencies in U.S. shipbuilding and shipping. Donald J, Boudreaux President, Foundation for Economic Education Irvington-On-Hudson, N.Y. of North America was born in 1897 when it received a charter from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) to organize "every wage earnerfrom the man who takes the bullock at the house until it goes into the hands of the consumer." The Meat Cutters merged with the Retail Clerks International Union in 1979 to form the UFCW. Samuel Gompers, the first 27 president of the AFL. was born in 1850 in London, England. He emigrated to the U.S. as a youth. A cigarmaker by trade, Gompers received some of the education that shaped his approach to unionism through his work on the shop floor. The core leadership of the trade union movement built in the 1880s came from similar groups of politicized workers. 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 SID 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 halJs. If member& believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers AppeaJs Board 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times. either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in aU SIU halJs. 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 au 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 sru 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 aU 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 fonh 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 soJicited 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 SID President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOB 21 .J �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARERS HARRY LUNDEBERG 1 ""~.1 I li='FROAT SCHOOL CLASS ':-~, J. !'IJifs~ Trainee Water Survival Class 582-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 582 are (from left, kneeling) Timothy Bixby, Arthuro Ybarra Jr., Dennis Wilson, Nabil Ahmed, (second row) Aaron Thomas, Roger Steward, Thomas Larusso, Clifton Doonis and Ben Cusic (instructor). ""'"-. ~~· QMED-Completing their QMED training on November 13 are (from left, front row) Steve Ondreako, Jeffrey Fields, Michael Birke, Troy Williams, Clarence Ritchie, (second row) Robert Rogers, Randolph Patterson, Lothar Wick, James T. Beatty, Keith T. Adams and Drew Brown. Advanced Firefighting-Upgrading SIU members completing the advanced firefighting course on October 24 are {from left, kneeling) Alan Hollinger, Gustavo Osorio, Robert Pesulima, Domingo Barroga Jr., Philip Parisi, James Shepard, (second row) Harry Galdeira, Wan Salim. Emmanuel Wabe, Gabriel Arhin, Stormie Combs (instructor), {third row) Bryan Bush, Walter R. Seals. Stephen Swinton and Paul Curtis. Basic Firefighting-Upgrading graduates of the September 25 basic firefighting class are (from left, kneeling) Clarence Fortt, Abdul Alawy, Ali Akmar, William L. Mohica Jr., Josef Wouthuyzen, Wilton F. Caballero, (second row) Jesse A . Osborne, Tomas C. Robinson, Abdulhoma Mosa, Sergio Rojas, John Bulawan, Elpidio A Toyco and Stormie Combs (instructor) . FOWT-Eaming their FOWf endorsements on October 30 are (from left. kneeling) Jason A. Strickler, Michael Pierce, Jeffrey Ryan, David Dehart, William Young, (second row) Keith Manzano Jr., Joshua Ryan, Adam Ippolito, Robert McMurray, (third row) Leportre Jasper, Jermaine Love, Yakov Shubov, Myron Spivey, Levi E. Rollins, (fourth row) Glenn Wilkerson, Charles McGinnis, Timothy Flynn, Bill Romig, Mark Jones (instructor) and Jerome Schober. Able Seaman-Marking their graduation from the able seaman class on October 29 are (from left, kneeling) James Pierce, Romeo Macaraeg, Anthony Townes, Robert Jewell, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Matthew Voumard, Dave Poree, James Nottingham, Maranda Jackson, Anthony Simon, Steven Manning, Harry D. Williams Jr., (third row) J@rry Martin1!en, John Mullett. Joshua Morris and Tyron Dortch. Advanced Firefighting-Receiving their certificates of completion from the advanced firefighting course on October 2 are (from left, kneeling) David Salentre, Younis Saleh, Ali H. Ali, Rogelio Buenconsejo, Derek E. Ponamsky, (kneeling, second row) Gene Legate, Ahmed M. Saleh, Avila Cesar, Jeremie Riehm, Troy D. Banks, (third row) Chance Gould, Keith Finnerty, Mike Sleeper, Carl Montoya, Norberto M. Vera, Timothy Taylor, John McClinton, Kenneth McGregor, (fourth row) Anthony Hammett (instructor). Walter Ratcliffe, Sidney VVhitaker. Joe Turocy and Robert Grove. Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their graduation certificates for completing the tanker assistant DL course on November 27 are (from left, kneeling) Mark McNabb, Robert Rocanelli, Walter S. Harris, Gayl Payton, Lorie Christmas, (second row) Jennifer R. Cronin, John Conn, Michael Brown, Dennis S. Adjetey, Walter R Seals, (third row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Michael Hester, Charles Abell, Ron Lupinacci, Erik Haik and Steve Cluff Jr. LNG Recertification-Graduating from the LNG recertification class on October 28 are (from left, first row) Gustavo Osorio, Maurice Baptiste, Robert Pesulima, Domingo Barroga Jr., Emmanuel Wabe, Gabriel Arhin, Russ Levin (instructor), (second row) Philip Parisi, James Shepard, Walter R. Seals, Wan Salim, Bryan Bush, Stephen Swinton and Paul Curtis. ~ 22 Seafarers LOG January 1999 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1999 UPBRAOING COURSE SCHEDULE ;nit! following is the;schedule fof classes ,beginning in January and running thrpugh April 1999. at .the Seafarers Harry' Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located at.the Paul .~l€entetf~rMaritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.All programs are "' geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industr)'. ·Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the · maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation•s security. ···'Stuctents·· atiending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their •course"s start date. The courses listed here wiU begin promptly on the rooming of the ··start dates. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Luttdeberg.,Sc~ool may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses ......... ............. ......... '.,. Start Date Date of Completion January 11 April 5 February 19 May14 M~l"(h MaKh 12 1 ·. . ~d~t ·kecertification (one day) March 12 :'.>:Automatic Radar Pfotting ~ids March 15 · (ARPA) Course Start Date Date of Completion Bo$Un Recertification March22 May3 Steward ~ecertification February 1 March9 Safety Spee/atty Courses Course Start Date Date of Departure Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) January 11 January 30 February 15 April 12 March6 Mayl Basic Firefighting January 18 January 25 February 1 March 8 January 23 January 30 February6 March 13 April 17 April 12 · Advanced Firefighting . March 19 . Bridge Management · Recertification Programs Goverrunent Vessels March 22 April 2 February 22 April 19 January 23 March6 Mayl Febnmry 1 Marchl March 22 February 19 March 19 April 9 January 12 February 6 March6 April 3 .Feb!aury 12 ····.February 26 April 2 · . Gall~y 'Oper.,~onsl ···January 11, 18, 25, Advanced Galley Operations · ·(Every week, starting Jan. 11) February 1, 8, 15, 22 March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Certified Chief Cook/ . Chief Steward January 11, 25 February 8, 22 March 8, 22 . (Every_ other week, starti;,g Jan... 11) English as a Second Language (ESL~ January 25 or Adult Basic Education (ABE) March5 High Schqol Equivalen~y ~r~gram April 2 January 12 In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and . · ·· · . · .. . Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. --~-------------------------------------With this application, COPIES of the following must be seni: One hundred and twenty UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ ( 120) days seatime for the previous year, one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USMMD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indicating your department and seniority, and qualifying seatil'l'}e for the course if it is Coast Guard tested. All FOWT, AB and OMED l!Jl.plicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their 4J!J!lication. The pavment should be made with a monev order onlv. payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone----------- Deep Sea Member D BEGIN DATE END DATE Dare of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Lakes Member D Inland Waters Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security#_________ Book# _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ S e n i o r i t y - - - - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: D No S I G N A T U R E - - - - - - - - - - - - - DATE If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) taken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? 0 Yes 0 No Firefighting: D Yes 0 No CPR: D Yes 0 No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - January 1999 NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; or fax to (301) 994-2189. 1199 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 quali fied, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 - �Summary Annual Reports for Great Lakes Tug & Dredge Pension Plan and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan may be found on page 20. U.S. Government Investigates, ITF Pact Aids Crew Runaway-Bag Champion Trader &plodes; 1 KiHed Editor's note: Accidents are commonplace aboard runawayjlag vessels, but there is something unusual about the recent explosion and oil spill involving the Champion Trader. Namely, the fatal mishap aboard the Panamanian-flag ship took place in Louisiana waters, thereby providing a rare chance to quickly and thoroughly examine the catastrophe. The following account explores the cause of the accident, the actual explosion and the subsequent happenings, including helpful intervention by the International Transport Workers' Federation. The tale of the Champion Trader involves a reluctant. frightened group of crew mem~ bers who did not want to work on a fuel line. An explosion aboard the ship Orl~ans on October 29 killed oM mariner and injured four because those same crew members relented and worked on that fuel line. The blast also in New caused a substamiat oil spill. Normally, it is difficult to pin responsibility for investigations and prosecution to a single nation because a runaway-flag vessel may be owned, operated and manned by individuals from different countries and registered in yet another nation. For example the 20-year-old, I Recertified Bosun James Deano, who provided the photos accompanying this article, said of the runaway-flag Champion Trader, "Everything that I could see that is associated with safety was in despicable condition." Whether viewed from close range (photo at left) or afar (above), the damage to the Champion Trader is extensive, including a 35-foot hole and a winch blown off its deck mounts. Cables were used to hold hull plates after the late October explosion aboard the runaway-flag vessel in New Orleans. 531-foot Champion Trader is owned by a Norwegian company, managed by a business in Denmark, insured with a Danish P&I club, and operates under the Panamanian flag. Its crew members at the time of the accident included a Swedish master; Yugoslav chief mate, chief engineer and first assistant engineer; and 20 Filipinos. (By definition. runaway-flag ships. also known as flag-of-con· venience vessels, are carriers operating under the flag of one nation. yet owned by a citizen or citizens of another country. Financially strapped nations sell the use of their flag to shipowners, who register tonnage in those countries in order to meet less stringent labor, safety, regulatory and tax standards than if that vessel were registered in the owner's resident nation.) Since United States law requires that the U.S. Coast Guard investigate all marine casualties in domestic waters-no matter the country of the ship's registration-the agency is examining the Champion Trader incident. This is also a ta1e of the benefits of collective bargaining agreements signed between the International Transport Workers' Federation (11F) and the operators of runaway-flag vesse1s. The IlF campaign to improve the conditions aboard such ships has achieved thousands of those agreements between the federation of more than 500 transport unions from around the world (including the SIU) and their employers. an explosion racked the Panamanian-flag ship, sending a fireball across the deck and leaving a giant 35-foot opening on the port side. The Coast Guard investigating officer, Lt. Andy Norris, said the vessel looked like a torpedoed World War II ship. SIU Recertified Bosun James Deano, who provided the photos accompanying this article, boarded the Norwegian-owned, Danish-managed vessel six days after the explosion. The nine-year SIU member said the damage was so extensive that, had the vessel been at sea, it would have perished. ITF Inspector Dwayne Boudreaux, who also saw the ship after SIU-crewed tugs brought it upriver, said the explosion "shattered the windows all the way up in the wheelhouse and oil was all over the ship." While visiting the vessel, Deane spoke to Allen Venzon, the ship's bosun, who told him the following: A cracked fuel line needed repair. The chief engineer showed the welder what to do. The welder refused because it was not safe. The chief insisted, telling the welder he does this all the time. After the chief's insistence, the welder proceeded. While the welder was working on the fuel line, the blast occurred. Norris, noting that the Coast Guard's investigation is ongoing, said it appears either the chief engineer or the first assistant engineer "were the ones who controlled that evolution." bunkers as soon as it tied up. The crew believed that the hole in the fuel line, discovered three to five days earlier, would have delayed the process, hence the decision to weld. Norris said the fuel line itself was intact after the explosion. "What blew was actually a port bunker tank about I 0 feet away" from the fuel line, Norris said. The port bunker tank is separated by a valve from the fuel line where the welding took place. Something happened that afternoon on October 29 that allowed an igniting substance-perhaps a spark or a flame-to travel into the fuel tank. Norris noted, "Which begs the question: What was the condition of the valve? Was it left open? Had it worked itself open? Was it that it was defective? Did it not close properly because of lack of maintenance?" Norris pointed out another area of concern: Why was a fuel line being welded in place? Prudent seamanship seemingly suggests removing that section of the fuel line, placing blank flanges at either end of the line left in place and conducting the welding in the engine room shop. 11F Inspector Boudreaux, who met the injured crew members the night of the explosion at the hospital and the remaining crew the next night at their hotel, was told that the welding started the morning of the 29lh and proceeded smoothly. Work on the fuel line began again after lunch. Soon thereafter the blast occurred. Bunker Tank Blows One Dead, Four Injured Explosion Rocks Slllp According to Norris (the Coast Guard's Marine Safety Office/ New Orleans casualty investigator assigned to this case), the vessel was scheduled to take on Engine Cadet Lagnayo Reynaldo died in the blast. He evidently was near the port break, Norris said. "He was apparently propelled into the overhead by the The mighty blast on the Champion Trader occurred at about 3:30 p.m., at the mouth of the Mississippi River. In seconds, L SIU boatmen from Crescent Towing helped move the Champion Trader following the accident. Pictured from left to right aboard the Admiral Jackson are SIU Deckhands Jason Hughes and Bobby Milan, along with Captain Jack Donner. Shown aboard the Glenn Smith are Captain Thomas White (in wheelnouseJ, Engineer James Flatman (standing at sign's left) and Deckhand John Phillips. force of the explosion. He died of apparent head injuries." Welder/fitter Romeo Labapis's hands were burned; Marcelino Serviento, a wiper, suffered metal fragments in the face; and another crew member injured his back. The New Orleans pilot who was navigating the vessel up the river stood on the port side of the bridge when the explosion's upward force caused him to suffer injuries to his right knee, left hand, elbow and shoulder, along with cuts to his face and g1ass in his right eye, according to Norris. Fireball and Pollutlon As fuel was low in the port bunker tank. there was sufficient vapor to cause an immense explosion, sending a fireball above and across the deck. But, Norris noted, there was not much of a fire, and no firefighting actions were necessary. This may have been fortunate, said Deano. "While I was on board I saw the plastic potable water transfer hose in the fire station. That's not a fire hose and it shouldn't be used for fighting fires. As soon as that hose would be exposed to flames or laid on a hot deck, it would melt away or fall apart." The blast's impact folded the deck from the site of the explosion-both forward and aft, Norris said. Bosun Deane noted that the impact blew off a line winch from its deck mounts. The four tons of fuel in the port bunker tank spilled into the river. But the spill was exacerbated by 20,000 tons of palm and coconut oils from the number seven port wing cargo tank which poured into the water. That cargo tank is immediately forward of the site of the explosion. The lightness of the palm and coconut oils made cleanup difficult, taking more than a week. The severe structural damage to the vessel rendered it unseaworthy. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, the vess·e1 remained restricted to a facility in New Orleans, said Norris. To Deano, the vessel looked like it had been dangerous from the start. "I'd have a problem leaving dock on that vessel because everything that I could see that is associated with safety was in despicable condition," he observed. 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 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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Title A name given to the resource January 1999 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNIONS ANNOUNCE ELECTION RESULTS NMU RETURNS LIOEANJIE AS MEBA, TEAMSTERS SELECT NEW LEADERSHIP RAIL UNIONS ANNOUNCE MERGER SEAFARERS RENDER SUPPORT IN ‘DESERT FOX’ STRIKE NMU AFFILIATES WITH SIUNA SIU CREWS ALLIED’S NEW SEA EAGLE COAST GUARD SEEKS ‘Y2K’ COMMENTS COAST GUARD OKAYS PAUL HALL CENTER’S STCW-MANDATED BASIC SAFETY CLASSES SCHOOL FINALIZING BASIC ENGLISH TESTS APPRENTICE PROGRAM IS NOMINATED FOR ‘WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP’ AWARD STCW IMPLEMENTATION TEAM ESTABLISHED AVONDALE SEEKS FOREIGN WORKERS AS IT CONTINUES TO FIGHT UNIONIZATION RUNAWAY-FLAG CRUISE SHIP HITS REEF FOREIGN STEEL ‘DUMPING’ HURTS OTHERWISE STRONG LAKES SHIPPING SEASON AIDED BY ITF, CREW GAINS $73,000 IN BACK PAY EQUALITY STATE CREW EXCELS IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE DRILL JOB WELL DONE FOR CREW OF S-L CRUSADER 1998 A YEAR OF GROWTH AND PROMISE CABLESHIP CREW TREATED TO BBQ WHILE AWAITING BERTHING SPACE ST. LOUIS AMMV DEDICATES MONUMENT FOR WWII MARINERS SEAFARERS’ FAMILIES JOIN IN SHOW OF SOLIDARITY WITH STEELWORKERS RUNAWAY-FLAG CHAMPION TRADER EXPLODES; 1 KILLED Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 01/01/1999 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. 61, No. 1 1999 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/fcf0b5cc700d575eec6f49c949a9a982.pdf 0699dfc5a28556eb1c339bf67e7e453e PDF Text Text Volume 60 Number 12 December 1998 a Hall Center Announces Schedule Ior 1999 Vocational training is a vital part of being a Seafarer. With more and more regulations governing mariners, the place for SIU members to turn is the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The center and its Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship provide hands-on training and classroom instruction for members sailing in all three shipboard departments. This helps enable Seafarers to earn new endorsements and advance their careers. The school also offers various academic studies aimed at boosting members' shipboard work. For 1999 course descriptions and a schedule for the first half of next SIU Crews Another Double Eagle Tanker -----------Page 3 It's Official: President Signs ·Extension for WWII Mariners -----------Page 2 aruttw from at sea and ashore Pages 10, 1s ii When Seafarer Grant Hult upgraded to AB, he wanted to motivate fellow members to likewise successfully complete the course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Hult chose an interesting means of appealing to his SIU brothers and sisters personalized Illinois license plates, pictured at right. These days, Hult sails with Great Lakes Towing, in the Chicago area. HOl!DAY GREETINGSe Beck Notice PageB �· President's Report The Need to Act Globally For the past few months, you have read stories in the Seafarers LOG about the ITF exhibition ship Global Mariner's dockings in the United States during its world tour. On this page is a story about the recently completed ITF Congress in which John Fay, Dave Heindel and Spiro Varras represented the SIU as delegates. And in almost every issue of the LOG, you will find an article on how the union's ITF inspectors-Varras, Edd Morris and Don Michael Sacco Thornton-are working to help foreign mariners gain what is rightfully theirs from unscrupulous shipowners and agents. Why is the SIU involved in these activities? Because the actions taken by the ITF against runaway-flag shipping affect each and every member! I don't have to tell you that there are some business people and companies who think the more profit they can make no matter the cost on people and material the better. These people have a philosophy of, 'I've got mine, the rest of you fend for yourselves.' Now, there is nothing wrong with making a doilar, as long as it's done honestly. Nobody operates a business just out of the goodness of their heart. They want and deserve to see a reward for their efforts. But what some people do to foreign seamen is not only inhumane, it is criminal. And if they can get away with it, then others will follow suit. That is why we work with the ITF in its efforts to expose the shipowners, manning agents and national registry services who tum their backs on the needs of seamen for food, safety and wages. In the world's most global industry, Americans cannot isolate themselves and let their brother and sister mariners fall prey to such outrageous tactics. Every time an ITF inspector arrests a ship because the crew has nothing to eat, has not been paid for half a year or lacks needed safety equipment, it sends a message that these owners and agents cannot get away with their horrendous tactics. The SIU stays involved to ensure the world's shipping standards are not lowered to meet the greed of these shipowners and agents. The SIU works with the ITF to raise the living and working conditions of the world's mariners, to help them increase their wages. As long as these substandard ships are allowed to carry cargo on the high seas, they remain a threat not only to the mariners who crew them but also to Seafarers whose job security is threatened because cut-rate shipping is available to those who don't care how their cargo is moved. The effort to stop runaway-flag shipping is never ending. The ITF hits been fighting it for 50 years and the SIU has been there working to end it as well. We have had an impact in increasing wages and improving working conditions aboard runaway-flag vessels. We hilve had in impact on port-state control and the inspe~tions they conduct when vessels tie up in their harbors. We have had an impact by pushing for stronger international regulations. Now the ITF's Global Mariner is drawing more attention to the problems of globali;iation. The more the public knows about what goes on at sea, the better the chances are that improvements will be made. Unfortunately, there is no magic wand to make it go away tomor· row. That is why the SIU is involved on the global level, to make sure someone is watching out for the interest of American mariners while standing up for seamen worldwide. Happy Holidays to One and All It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of another year. The SIU has enjoyed many blessings throughout 1998 with new ships, more jobs and growing educational opportunities at the Paul Hall Center. And we have so much more to look forward to in the coming year. decade and century. For those who are working and those fortunate to be with their loved ones-to each and every Seafarer and their family members -may this be a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. Volume 60, Number 12 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org December t 998 The Seafarers WG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published monthly by the Seafarers International Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFI.rCIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POS1MASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Editor, Jordan Biscardo; Associate Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 1998 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. Z Seafarers LOii ITF Rededicates Organization Ta Fight Substandard Shipping SIU's Fay Remains Seafarers' Chairman At Federation's International Congress in India The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) is expanding its quest to make the world's seas safer by announcing it will go after substandard national flag vessels as well as those flying runaway flags. The ITF declared its intent at its 39th Congress, the highest decision-making body for the London-based organization, in New Delhi, India. Among the other actions taken at the quadrennial event held October 29 through November 5 was the election of SIU Executive Vice President John Fay to a full fouryear term as chairman of the I1F Seafarers' Section. The SIU is one of more than 500 transportation-related unions belonging to the ITF. Member unions come from more than 125 nations. For 50 years, the IlF has combated the use of runaway-flag vessels by the world's shipowners. The ITF denotes these ships as being owned by a person or group from one country who registers the vessels in a non-traditional maritime nation in order to avoid the tax, labor, safety and wage laws of where the individual or companies are based. The crewoften from Asian nations like Sri Lanka and Indonesia-recruited to work aboard such ships are usually poorly trained, poorly equipped, poorly fed and underpaid by international standards. The I1F has documented some cases where a crew may go as long as one year without pay. Changing Trends Recenc1y. the global organiution has noted an alarming trend that some nations arc allowing their national-flag merchant fleets to lower their standards to those found among runaway-flag vessels. The organization stated the reason for the decline by these national operations is to make • SIU Executive Vice President and ITF Seafarers' Section Chair John Fay (left) confers with ITF Asst. Gen. Sec. Mark Dickinson during the 39th ITF Congress, which took place recently in New Delhi, India. their ships competitive in world trade. The ITF pointed out there could be special risks in trying to help crews aboard a substandard national-flag vessel as opposed to a runaway-flag. One concern deals with diplomatic relations because the I1F inspectors, who are located worldwide, would be working with nations rather than commercial operations. Therefore, the ITF will include on its list as substandard only those vessels that do not meet international safety and environmental standards and do not provide minimum international standards for the crew through benefits and wages. The organization will publicize the activities of such ships in the same manner it has done to bring shame to runaway-flag vessels. Campaign Successes In its report to the de1egates. the ITF 1isted several successes in the battle against runaway flags since its 1994 meeting. Among those are the doubling of inspectors around the world with more being appointed and trained; more than twice as many ships sailing under an I1F acceptable agreement; increased numbers of dock workers around the world involved in campaigns against substandard shipping; and improved dialogue between the organization and shipowners, bankers and others on how the conditions found aboard runaway-flag vessels affect them. It also noted the success its exhibition shii:>-the Global Mariner-has had on its 18-month tour of the world. (See related story on page 6.) Fay Elected As noted above, the SIU's John Fay was retained as the head of the Seafarers' Section, one of seven groups within the ITF. Delegates elected him by acclamation. Fay became chairman of the section in 1995 when then chairman, Andres Lindstrom of Sweden, stepped down . Fay had served as vice chairman since 1992. NMU President Rene Lioeanjie was elected a Seafarers' Section vice chairman for the North America region. Also elected to a full four-year term as the chairman of the Dockers' Section was John Bowers, president of the International Longshoremen's Association. American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay was named to the Seafarers' Section Fair Practices Committee. Masters, Mates & Pilots Secretary-Treasurer James Hopkins was appointed to serve on the committee's steering group. President Signs Veterans' Extension For World War II Merchant Mariners Veterans' Day has an all new meaning to the mariners who sailed in the U.S.-flag merchant fleet from August 16, 1945 to December 31, 1946. These civilians who crewed the Victory and Liberty ships, the tankers and the troop transports now are eligible to receive Department of Defense honorable discharges for their service to the country and be called World War II veterans. All of this is possible because President Bill Clinton signed into law the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 1998 on November 11. Congress had passed the legislation before it adjourned in October. Approximately 2,500 mariners are affected by this measure. The law extends the benefits of being a World War II veteran to a group of seamen who were arbitrarily left out when veterans• status was bestowed in 1988 on those who crewed America's merchant vessels from December 7, 1941 (when Pearl Harbor was attacked) to August 15, 1945 (when Japan surrendered). Members of the armed forces were declared veterans of World War II for serving from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946-the date President Harry Truman declared hostilities to be over. Yet, despite statements of praise from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, General Dwight D. Eisenhower and others on the brave and strategic role played by the merchant marine during the war, mariners were not extended veterans' status. The campaign to bring such recognition came to a head in January 1988 when the secretary of the Air Force, the branch of the services that oversees veterans' matters, awarded the status following an eight-year court battle. However, the announcement stated World War II veterans' status for merchant mariners would end nearly a year-and-a-half before the other branches of the service. Merchant marine veterans' groups joined with maritime unions, including the SIU, to lobby Congress for the extension. Bills were submitted in each Congress following the announcement, but they never got past the committee stage until .this year. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) pushed the latest measure in the upper body while Representative Lane Evans (D-Ill.) introduced the extension in' the House. Evans' bill eventually garnered 340 cosponsors before it was passed. "Even though the fighting was officially over, these mariners risked their lives sailing in waters filled with mines and other dangers," noted SIU President Michael Sacco. ''They strongly deserve this recognition from their country." December 11198 �SIU Crews 3rd Double Eagle SIU members last month sailed two Double Eagle tankers on their respective maiden voyages and also crewed a third such tanker, the Diamond Shoals, in Newport News, Va. The Diamond Shoals is expected to sail in the near future, possibly sometime this month. Operated by Interocean Ugland Management, the three vessels (including the Cape Lookout Shoals and the Nantucket Shoals) are built with double hulls in order to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. They are named after old U.S. Coast Guard light ships. (See story on page 8.) Two more SIU-contracted Double Eagles are being built in Newport News and are slated for delivery in 1999. Bosun Jessie Thomas, a 30year member of the SIU, is part of the first crew aboard the Nan- tucket Shoals. "Everything's going smooth and we have a good crew," he stated as Seafarers busily prepared the ship for its first run. "With a new ship, of course, we're starting from scratch, so we're taking care of basic things. You check and double-check that everything needed is here." Thomas, who has sailed on a wide variety of ships, added that it is enjoyable working aboard a brand new vessel. "You always look forward to better working conditions when you go on something new. Everything is modernized, and that's always a plus," he said. Each of the Double Eagles is slightly greater than 600 feet long, with a beam of about 106 feet. Each can carry 342,040 barrels of cargo. Owned by Hvide Marine Inc., the tankers will carry petroleum products along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts. They were christened October 3 at Newport News Shipbuilding. Photo by Stu Gilman/Newport News Shipbuilding In November, SIU members crewed the Diamond Shoals in Newport News, Va.-the third Double Eagle tanker crewed by Seafarers. Steel Problems Abroad Affect Great Lakes Economy Layup of SIU-Crewed Vessels Remains on Schedule Briefly pausing for a snapshot while they prepare the Nantucket Shoals for sailing are (from left) GVA Isaac Amoah, Chief Cook David Valle, QMED Willie Franks and Bosun Jessie Thomas. Supporters Continue to Speak Out for Jones Act The nation's freight cabotage law continues to draw strong sup· Port from Congress nnd the miliUu}r. Speaking during the annual Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) award ceremony in New York on November 13, House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.) reiterated his unqualified support for the Jones Act. A few weeks earlier, U.S. Army Lt. General Roger G. Thompson Jr., the deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), wrote the chair of the Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee that his agency opposes "any change in the law." The support for the Jones Act, part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, comes immediately following the adjournment of the 105th Congress in which several bills were offered to amend the law, but none passed. While in session, more than 240 members of the House (including Gephardt) from both parties became cosponsors of a resolution supporting the act, which states goods moved between two domestic ports must be carried aboard U.S.-flag, U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed vessels. In an article written by Peter Tirschwell and printed November 17 in The Journal of Commerce, Gephardt told the A01DS audience, ''We need to protect the Jones Act. I will continue, and I know a lot of my colleagues in both parties will continue, to fight to protect this critical piece of legislation. December 1998 )i!'"" , Lt. Gen. Roger TMmpscn Rep. Richard Gephardt "I wil1 always work to protect a strong merchant marine capability in our trade negotiations with other countries." Gephardt, a longtime supporter of the U.S.-flag fleet, also called for Congress to maintain its support for cargo-preference legislation. In his letter dated October 20 to Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Gen. Thompson reaffirmed TRANSCOM's solid support for the freight cabotage law. ''The Jones Act is vital to our national security and TRANSCOM supports the U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S .-crewed requirements. These conditions ensure that our country has a ready pool of assets, mariners and an industrial base which are vital to preserving our national security.. . . I urge you to fully support the Jones Act and resist efforts to amend the law," Thompson stated. TRANSCOM is a combined effort of the nation's armed forces to oversee the movement of U.S. troops and materiel around the world. The subcommittee headed by Hutchison was considering a bill that would have allowed foreign-flag vessels to carry passengers between U.S. ports. The Texas senator also is a consistent supporter of the U.S.-flag fleet. Economic problems in East Asia and Russia are having a profound effect in the United States with respect to the steel industry and, specifically, with shipping on the Great Lakes. Because their economy is bad, no one in those countries is buying steel. Consequently, steel imports from Russia, Japan and, lately, Brazil are being dumped into the U.S. market, thereby causing a drastic cut in the output of the Great Lakes' enormous steel-making industry, lessening the demand for iron ore and resulting in slumping orders of ore shipments aboard SIU-crewed lakers. The foreign steel is being sold in the U.S. at below cost, thus violating international trade agreements while raising funds for their respective countries. American iron ore, mined pri· marily in Minnesota, accounts for nearly half the cargo (by weight) transported on the Great Lakes. Record high levels of dumped foreign steel in September already have pushed iron ore shipments on U.S. vessels down 7.8 percent compared to last September. "We're under an avalanche of dumped steel," said Glen Nekvasil, a spokesman for the Lake Carriers' Association, which represents the U.S. cargo fleet on the Great Lakes. "We haven't laid up any boats, but we may have to if this continues." (As this edition of the Seafarers LOG went to press, no early layups had been announced due to steel dumping or weather-related problems.) Pressure on the Administration Pressure on the government is one means of attacking the problem. Steelworkers President SIU VP Great Lakes Byron Kelley delivers words of support to local workers in the steel industry. George Becker and the Taking part in the chief executives of National Steel rally in ' several major steel Ecorse. Mich. are companies met with (above, from left) President Bill Clinton Michael Mizzi, Port Agent Tim November 5 to discuss Kelley and SIU ways to stop the Representative unprecedented volume Don Thornton and of dumping foreign his son, Shane. At steel in the United right is Field States. Repre5entative The "Stand Up for Todd Brdak. Steel" coalition (made up of 12 manufacturers and the United Steelworkers of America) has ers. SIU Vice President Great filed antidumping charges against Lakes Byron Kelley spoke at the Japan, Brazil and Russia. These gathering, which was supported unfairly traded imports, if annual- by approximately 5,000 other family members, ized, would equal about half of unionists, U.S. steel shipments for 1998, the friends and elected officials, including U.S. Reps. David coalition said. Carolyn Cheeks George Ryan, president of the Boni or, Lake Carriers' Association, also Kilpatrick and John Dingell, all asked for government support. He Democrats from Michigan. "We wanted to show our supsent a letter to the Great Lakes congressional delegation, seeking port for Steelworkers Local 1299 its support for resolutions calling and others who are being affected on the administration to defend by the dumping of steel," Kelley the American steel industry from told a Seafarers LOG reporter. "While the foreign dumping has dumped steel. "Our nation is being flooded not directly affected Seafarers, if with foreign steel, often priced nothing is done soon, we can see below the cost of production:· he it being a problem by fitout next stated in the letter. "In fact, during year." the past four months, steel imports Kelley did point out that some have been the highest in U.S. his- vessels which usually carry iron tory. This dumped steel is causing ore and taconite have been pickserious injury to the American ing up alternative loads, such as steel industry. Already we have salt, and delivering them to variseen layoffs, short work weeks, ous Great Lakes ports. He also production costs, lost orders and, said he knew of at least one small most recent, Acme Steel's filing steel mill in Michigan that has for protection under the bankrupt- been forced to close because of cy laws." the steel dumping issue. ' With regard to the regular winShowing Support ter layup of SIU-crewed vessels, Seafarers in the Detroit area Kelley noted the cement boats recently attended a rally in already are beginning to tie up. Ecorse, Mich. at the National Indications are, he added, that Steel Company to show support most SIU-crewed vessels will be for the steel industry and its work- in by Christmas. SealaretS LOG 3 �Seafarers Lend Support to Tacoma Steelworkers Seafarers were in full view at a recent rally, supporting the Steelworkers of Local 7945 in Tacoma, Wash. in their strike against Kaiser Aluminum. The company wants to cut employment levels at all five of its plants (Tacoma; two in Spokane, Wash.; Newark, Ohio; and Gramercy, La.), including 32 jobs at the Tacoma site. Kaiser also wants the right to contract out hundreds more jobs. Under Kaiser's new proposal, wages, pensions and health insurance benefits would not conform to industry standards (like those at Alcoa or Reynolds). Additionally, Kaiser's proposal of a five-year contract would lock the Steelworkers into a substandard agreement for five years with no hope of improvement. Among the Seafarers participating in the rally are (left photo) Gil Manipon and Bob Snow; (center photo) Ronnie "Woody" Woodruff, Bosun Vern Poulson and Kenny Clinton; (right photo) Crane Maintenance Electrician Jim McBride. Fire Fighting School Construction Continues Aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen A 1st Person View from the Top of the World "Bringing fuel to the frigid"that is the basis upon which Operation Pacer Goose was founded. Recently, the annual resupply mission of petroleum products to the U.S. Air Force Base at Thule, Greenland was carried out aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. Like her sister ships, the Gus Darnell, Paul Buck, Lawrence Gianella and Samuel Cobb, the Matthiesen is operated under a long-term charter with the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The Ocean Shipholding Inc. tankers routinely refuel U.S. Army, Navy, Air Poree, Marine Corps and Coast Guard bases throughout the world. The Thule base is located on the northwest coast of the largest island in the world-Greenland. It sits 695 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is locked in by ice nine months of the year. Ice conditions lessen a bit during the months of July, August and September when supply ships can reach the military base. The area is frozen over again by October. For Chief Steward Michael A. Pooler. this was his second time aboard the Matthiesen as it made its refueling run. In a recent letter to the Seafarers LOG, Pooler describes the voyage: 1 Unusually dry weather has facilitated construction of the Joseph SacM Fire Fighting and Safety School, located in Piney Point. Md. Some of the actual buildings had been partially finished as of late November, and construction was proceeding at a brisk pace. SIU m@mb@rs will tak@ basic and advanc@d fira fighting, watar survival, first aid and CPR, damage control and confined-space safety training at the six-building complex, which is part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The facility will open in 1999. Smooth Sailing for Gosda "Operation Pacer Goose 1998 was, once again, a success. We began the long journey to the North Pole (Thule, Greenland) by following the Canadian Coast Guard Cutter Terry Fox as its blades cut through the thick, frozen ice. We saw icebergs and glaciers along the way. The cool fresh air was still as it hit your face but, surprisingly, it wasn't freezing. The bright sunshine, which burned 24 hours a day, warmed the atmosphere enough for me to wear only a jacket. "It was, in fact, beautifulscenery like you might see on TV, but this was real. "I even tasted water from an iceberg while touching one up close. Being inside the cavity of an iceberg was a heavenly experience. The water droplets tasted better than store-bought spring water. Just underneath the lifeboat I was in was a huge mass of 1 Paul Gosda, 65, shows off a cake baked for his retirement party aboard the American Republic. Gosda joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Buffalo, N.Y. and sailed in the deck department as an AB/wheelsman. He also is a veteran of the Korean War. Born in Plattsburg, N.Y., he resides in Windsor, Ontario (Canada} and will continue to live there in his retirement. 4 Seafarers LOG . .~ ·-.· ... · ·. • j; .. .. ·•.·.·· j·.••. . ..• · · ~.<. Icebergs were a common sight for crewmembers sailing to Thule, Greenland aboard the Richard G. Matthiesen. ice three times the size of what was on top of the water. It looked like I was in a diamond 1ce palace. What a rush! "The first time I was at the North Pole-two years agothree of the crew members told me they had seen a white polar bear on top of an iceberg. I personally didn't see it, but I do know there are polar bears in the regions of Greenland. I don't know when they appear; it's a certain time of year. It would have been nice to see one out here, since the only place I've seen one is in the zoo. This time nobody saw one. When you're in the Arctic waters, a trip is not complete unless you've seen a polar bear. Well, so much for this trip. "We were caught in a stonn on our previous trip to Thule-a storm that tore off the portside lifeboat, knocking out two portholes belonging to an AB. It made him jump out of bed, flooded his room and waterlogged whatever was on deck. That was too scary for anyone to fathom. This time the trip was calm and peaceful. "When we reached Thule Air Force Base and completed our chores, we rode a launch to shore. I and a group of co-workers caught a taxi on the short pier. We drove up a dirt road and then onto an asphalt road until we reached the "Top of the World Club." When we stepped out of the taxi, the first thing I shouted was "The world is mine!" It was then that I realized that I was literally on top of the world. "We walked into the club. There was a nice restaurant and a bar with every kind of drink you could imagine-including orange juice! Farther back was a minia1 ture discotheque that also served as a bingo hall and movie theater on other nights of the week. ''To me the Top of the World Club was the highlight of the island, and I met some great people. The base also has a clinic, PX 1 barber shop 1 gym with a full court basketball setup and lots of state-of-the-art equipment to work out on. "One disappointment was the phone setup. A person could only make one call to the States in the daytime because the lines had to be saved for personnel living there. We could use the phone at midnight, but since the last launch back to the ship was at 2330, we didn't get to make many calls. "When it was time to ·leave Thule for Killingsworth, England, we were at a standstill in the fog for three days. "For some people, one trip to Thule is enough. I did it twice. Call me a glutton for punishment? Nah sometimes certain things come with the job." 1 1 This was the second voyage to Thule for Chief Steward Michael Pooler, who sent the LOG this account of his most recent trip. December 1998 �Social Security Debate Faces Congress an Its Return AFL-CIO Continues Effort to Modify Successful Program to Benefit Working Families Although the 106th Congress will not be sworn in until next month, the national debate for a major issue the legislators will face when they get down to business already has begun. This month, the White House is scheduled to host a conference on how to prepare Social Security to meet the challenges of the next century. The conference will feature scholars, economists, retirees and average Americans to make sure Social Security remains vibrant and solvent for decades to come. In order that a vocal minority who wants to see the privatization of Social Security does not run roughshod in the media and with legislation, the AFL-CIO Executive Council put forward a sevenpoint plan in August. As laid out by the national labor federation, highlights of the plan include: • assurance that Social Security will continue to provide retired and disabled workers, dependents and survivors with a guaranteed monthly benefit, protected against inflation for life; • benefits not be subject to the whims of the market and never substitute private accounts for the core defined benefits now provided by the federal program; • a promise that the age when workers are eligible for early or full benefits will not be raised; • the continuation of Social Security to provide family insurance protection with benefits that cover dependent and surviving children and spouses in addition to disabled and retired workers; •the program to keep replacing a larger share of past earnings for low-income workers and to provide bigger benefits to workers who earned higher wages during their careers; and • a vow that government budget surpluses will be used to save the system first, rather than be used to provide tax cuts. In announcing the plan, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the needs of working people must be addressed in the debate. He pointed out the federal program had a strong and dependable record of paying its benefits on time for more than 60 years. He then pointed out a major risk of privatizing the system includes not just the financial strain, but also the physical and mental toll it will take on working families . "It is time that the full truth be told about the high costs of privatization that America's working families will be forced to pay: retirement ages that are jacked up to 70 and deep cuts in guaranteed retirement and disability benefits, as well as significant reductions in Social Security's inflation protection," stated Sweeney. The AFL-CIO acknowledged some adjustments are needed in the system, but warned against those people-especially with ties to Big Business and Wall Streetwho are saying the program is in a state of crisis. In its current financial state, Social Security can fully meet its obligations until the year 2032. At ihat time, without any modifications, the system would have to cut benefits by 25 to 30 percent. Approximately 44 million people receive Social Security benefits. Almost one-third (14 million) are disabled or surviving family members. Established in I 935, the system was devised to provide a supplemental retirement income as well as to help those who are disabled or the family members left behind when a worker passes away. These still are the program's primary purposes. Today, nearly one retiree out of every five counts on Social Security as the only means of income. In fact, only one-third of private-sector retirees receive private pensions. And less than half of ALL working families have ANY retirement savings. In his State of the Union address last January, President Clinton declared I 998 should be used as a year to study the Social Security system so legislation could be presented in 1999 to make any needed changes. Sealarers' Relative Makes International News; Survives Hurricane Mitch at Se,a by Riding Log For two Honduran-born Seafarers at sea, the news they were receiving aboard their respective vessels was not good. Hurricane Mitch was devastating their homeland with strong winds and torrential rains. Day after day, for five days at the end of October, the storm battered the Central American nation as well as neighboring Nicaragua and EI Salvador. Floods and mud slides were wiping out communities and villages. Communications were cut off. Homes were being swept off their foundations or simply crushed in masses of moving dirt, debris and water. Roads and brkls~~ no longer e~listed . The exact number of people lost may never be known. As the Seafarers LOG went to press, the casualty count still was rising as it approached 15,000. Because of_the news reports, cousins Chief Cook Julio Guity and AB Victor Medina knew Hurricane Mitch was battering the town of Santa Rosa de Aguan, where their families lived. They had no means of contacting anyone in the coastal community, but what little they had heard was grim. Then, what both have described as 0 a miracle" occurred on the weekend of November 7-8: a family member had been found alive clinging to a log in the Caribbean Sea 50 miles from shore. Guity re-;eived a telex aboard the Patriot (operated by Intrepid Ship Management) from his family in the United States that his sister-in-law, Isabel Arriola de Guity. had been rescued. He informed the captain, who worked with the steward depart· ment member to allow him to sign 6ff when the tanker reached Wilmington, Calif. When he was back on the beach, a sister who lives in New York informed him his mother as well as his two sons also had survived the storm. They had stayed at the mother's house, which was still standing. The same could not be said for his house. It had flooded and was washed away. The other news Guity received was not good, either. He had lost two brothers, two sisters and their families. As for Medina, he received the news about his cousin as he was ending his re1ief tour aboard the Ovuuas New Orleans (operated by OSG Ship Managemenr). "It is a blessing char someone survived," Medina told a reporter for the LOG. "This has been just terrible." Once Medina was ashore, he learned his 79-year-old mother and 14-year-old niece overcame the storm and its flooding by tying themselves to an electrical pole for three days before they were rescued. "There has been nothing like this before," the deck department member stated of the disaster. Days at Sea • de Aguan Santa Rosa HONC>UR..A.S Julio Guity's sister·in·law was rescued six days after being swept off the top of her house in Santa Rosa and drifting 50 miles offshore. December 1998 The seafaring cousins then described what Isabel Arriola de Guity went through. (This account is supplemented by an article published November 10 in the Houston Chronicle, written by John Otis and Carl Horone.) The pair said Arriola, her husband (Guicy's brother) and their three children climbed on the roof of their Santa Rosa home to avoid the flood waters. Santa Rosa is on the Caribbean shore where the Aguan River empties into the sea. Medina noted about 20 inches of rain had fallen when "a big tidal wave came in. The river broke the town in half and the sea broke into the river." Guity's description added that "the water swept her and everybody on top of the house." According to the Chronicle, this took place on October 28. She tried to keep a grip on her 4year-old son, but was unable to do so. She recalled being swept under water and into the sea. The cousins said she made her way to a tree that was floating in AB Victor Medina (second from left) is presented with checks from the SIU, the Texas AFL-CIO and other labor groups to take with him to Honduras to help with recovery operations. With him in the Houston hall are (from left) Seafarers Mariano Guibara, Medina, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Julio Guity, Isabel Miranda and Faustino Castillo. the ocean and rode it for safety. She ate oranges and coconuts to survive. After ~ix days, she was spotted by a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft searching for a lost sailing schooner. The newspaper reported the plane dropped flares and soon a British helicopter plucked her from the tree, some 50 miles from shore. Guity talked with her a couple of days after the ordeal and described his sister-in-law as being "confused but fine." The paper stated she was dehydrated, in severe shock and suffering from hypothermia. Off to Help In the wake of this ordeal, Guity and Medina flew from Honduras on Houston to November 14. Thanks to the efforts of the SIU, the Texas AFLCIO and others. they brought some aid. "Mike Sacco, Dean Corgey and Jim McGee have been really nice to us during all this, Medina said. "We don't know what we are going to find, but we are going to spend a few weeks down there helping our families and others. We are going to live the reality," he added. Both members stated they were extremely grateful for the aid and support they and their fellow countrymen already had received :· But, they added, the people of Central America will continue to need help for a long time. "You never know when something like this will arise," Medina stated. Seafarers and their families wishing to help in the relief effort shou1d contact their Jocal charitable organizations (like the United Way or American Red Cross) or religious institution. International Travel Advisorf Issued .· As per instructions issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), alt passengers traveling to any international destination requiring documentation must provide the air carrier with particular . details PRIOR lo departure. In order to facilitate the chec~ it i$ suggested passengers call the carrier or their travel consultant with the following information prior to departure: complete name as it appears on the document, passport or visa number, nationality, date of birth, home telephone number and a contact number of a friend or relative. Faifur.e to provide this information to the air carrier prio.r to c;leparture may seriously defay check·in procedures. Proof of U.S. citizenship is required for an travef outside the United States. It is the passengers' responsibility to check with the consulate or tourist office of the country or countrtes they plan to visit in order to determine the exact requirements. Seafarers LOG 5 �West Coast Dates Announced For ITF Global Mariner's Tour Following its highly successful tour of Atlantic and Gulf ports as well as San Juan, plans are getting started for the international exhibition ship Global Mariner to dock in U.S. Pacific Coast harbors next March. The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has released the tentative schedule for the ship for early next year. West Coast locations include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Ore. and Seatrlefracoma. Before departing Houston on November 12, the Global Mariner played host to thousands of Americans interested in learning more about the plight of mariners around the world. Newspaper articles and televised news reports announcing the ship's arrival in Baltimore, Savannah, Ga.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; New Orleans and Houston provided many more who could not visit the ship the opportunity to discover what runaway-flag shipping is all about. "Seafarers and their families know how others are being abused and mistreated around the world," stated SIU President Michael Sacco. "What this vessel has done with its displays and stories is open the eyes of all Americans as to the dangers at sea faced daily by the men and women who work on commercial ships." The Global Mariner is on an 18-month tour of the world. The British-flag vessel began its voyage in England on July 1. It sailed to several European ports before crossing the Atlantic to Canada and the United States. The converted bulker is working its way around South America's Atlantic ports before it navigates around Cape Horn and sails up the Pacific side of the continent. The rebuilt holds of the 20year-old ship now carry posters, photographs and displays detailing the plight of mariners who sail aboard runaway-flag ships. It also has a very graphic videotape Upcoming U.S. Dates for the ITF's Global Mariner Port Dates Los Angeles March 4-8 San Francisco March 9·22 March 24-29 Portland, Ore. Seattle March 30-April 6 Tacoma, wash. April 6·9 For more if"\formation about the ITF Global Mariner, cheek nttp://WWW.itf·Ship,orgt . ~· showing how quickly poorly maintained vessels have gone under, how fires aboard runawayflag cruise ships and ferries not only threaten the crew but also the passengers, and how tanker spills affect the environment. The 11F began its campaign against runaway-flag shipping (also known as flag of convenience shipping) just after World War II. The London-based organization composed of more than 500 unions (including the SIU) represents transportation-related workers from more than 125 countries. The ITF has been working hard to upgrade the working conditions, wages and safety of mariners aboard such ships. (Its Seafarers' Section is headed by SIU Executive Vice President John Fay.) Runaway-flag shipping refers to vessels owned by a person or corporation in one country who register the bottoms in a non-maritime nation (such as Liberia, Vanuatu, Panama and Cyprus) to avoid the wage, labor, safety and tax laws of the homeland. Management companies, generally from still another country, hire poorly trained (if they have any training at all) mariners from nations like Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Indonesia to crew these vessels. When they are paid, the crews receive subsistent wages. They have meager food rations, sometimes getting only one meal of Above, SIU members helped guide visitors through the exhibits aboard the ITF Global Mariner while the ship was docked in Houston last month. From the left are AB Steve Berschger, AB Sinclair Oubre and Safety Director Ed Kelly. Below, OMU Angel Figueroa points to one of the important themes of the exhibit: the plight of non-unionized seafarers aboard runaway-flag vessels. rice and beans. Mariners on these vessels often work without safety boots or proper clothing for the elements. Vessels many times do not have enough life preservers " or survival suits for the whole crew. While the Global Mariner's main message is to draw attention the problems faced by men and women at sea, it also was used in New Orleans to alert people in that area to the fact that workplace abuse can be found in the United States. The crew of the Global Mariner showed its solidarity through several actions with the working men and women in the Avondale (La.) Shipyard who still seek their first contract after voting more than five years ago for union representation. The AFL-CIO has pointed out When Wil\ 'lou ioi11 your un\on1 that Avondale workers earn on average almost one-third less than other U.S. shipyard workers with U.S. Navy contracts. The facility also has the worst health and safety record of any such facility with Navy contracts, according to the AFL-CIO. There is no admission charge to board the Global Mariner. The local SIU union halls, as well as the Seafarers LOG, will offer more details on the ship's West Coast tour as they become available. 'Mama Theresa' Price Touches Lives of All Who Know Her .. · ·~:. Above, six:·year·old Brandon Hal· stead can tell you what a special perMn Mama TMreea is. Below, Mama invites some of the unlicensed apprentices to attend church with her. 6 Seafarers LOG In her nearly 26 years at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Theresa Price has seen many changes at the Piney Point, Md. facility, both in terms of the physical lay· out and with regard to the many entry-level students and upgrading Seafarers who have passed through its doors. But what did not change in those 26 years was ·Mama Theresa's" devotion to each and every person who passed her way. She was always ready with an ear to listen, a heart full of understanding and a word of encouragement, stated numerous people who worked with her. Prii;e began working at the school on November 18, 1972 and officially retired April 30, 1998. (However. she still may be found daily at the school, checking up on everybody.) Her title of "Lead Person" was somewhat ambiguous, but basically she worked in the dining room as a waitress and cashier. In reality, however, she is much more than that. Grace Freeman (who sent an article of praise and the accompanying photos) first met Mama Theresa in 1984 when her husband, QMED Mark A. Freeman, was upgrading at the school. The hotel was brand new at that time, and Freeman and her children went to Piney Point to visit him. It was then, she noted, that "I became aware of the wonderful woman Mama Theresa is and has always been. She has a heart as big as Texas and she is willing to help anyone she possibly can." Freeman added that Mama Theresa often invited the trainees to go with her to church on Sundays. She was concerned that they be prepared spiritually as well as academically for when they boarded a ship. The trainees are like her own children, observers noted. Mama is always willing to listen to someone's problems, give them a word of encouragement, a pat on Mama Theresa gives words of encouragement to upgrading Seafarer Stephen Stukes to make use of his talent in art. the back, and talce them under her wing. She puts people at ease. Freeman said, "I felt more comfortable when I knew she would be at the school when my son, Reece, came through as a trainee-and so was he! He remembers her very well and said he did not know how he would have gotten through the program had it not been for Mama Theresa." Freeman also has brought her grandson, Brandon Halstead, with her when visiting her upgrading husband. Six-year-old Brandon has come to love and adore Mama Theresa, too, and "loves the hugs he gets from her." Freeman concluded that "Mama Theresa may not hold a title like Mother Teresa, but being given the title of 'Mama' over the years is an affectionate designation she acquired from the many classes of trainees who have come through the Lundeberg School and from the many young lives she touched. There's no doubt in my mind that if you were to mention Mama Theresa's name to someone who has been at Piney Point, I'm sure they would say, 'Oh, yes, I know Mama,' and the exchanging of stories would begin." Grace Freeman met Mama Theresa in 1984 and most recently saw her when Freeman's husband was getting his LNG recertification at the school. December 1998 �Two SIU Crews Honored At Annual AOTOS Dinner The crews aboard two SIUcontracted ships were recognized at an awards dinner in New York last month for going beyond the call of duty for their actions in helping other mariners in distress during the 1997 calendar year. Presented with Admiral of the Ocean Seas' (AOTOS) Mariners' Plaques were the crews of the Sea-Land Navigator and the Global Link. The annual event sponsored by the United Seamen's Service spotlights the deeds and accomplishments of the u_s.flag merchant fleet, im;luding resc:ues at sea that require extraordinary effort in order to succeed, as well ns individuals within the maritime or political ~l"Jmmunity for cheir lifetime acMmpli~hments promQting the industry. Receiving the 1998 AOTOS award~ fl"Jr their work wichin the U.S.-flag community were SeaLand Service President and CEO John P. Clancey and Farrell Lines Chairman and CEO George F. Lowman. The Sea-La.nd Navigator and the Global Link were two of six ships to receive a Mariners' Plaque. On December 11, 1997, the Sea-Land crew spotted a small vessel going down off the coast of Ulsan, South Korea. The events unfolded in 50-knot winds and 15- foot seas. As the Sea-Land Navigator approachc;d, the sinking vessel exploded. A life raft carrying 12 survivors was spotted. The SeaLand ship made three attempts to rescue the survivors but they could not grasp the vessel's heaving lines. The Sea-Land Navigator senc a distress call for a rescue craft and helicopter. Despite rolling violently, the containership stayed on the scene until the rescue team arrived and safely removed the 12 from the sea. Meanwhile, the Tyco-operated Global Link received its award for rescuing two fishermen 30 miles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates in the Persian Gulf as dusk approached on May 19, 1997. A lookout sighted the pair waving frantically while attempting to balance themselves on what was left of their boat's hull. The cable ship changed course and launched a rescue boat to rescue the two. Once aboard, the pair said they had been adrift for seven hours in shark-infested waters and had watched other ships sail past them. Presenting the plaques to representatives for the ships were U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart and retired U.S. Representative Helen Delich Bentley. Clancey and Lowman accepted their awards from House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.), who took the opportunity to reaffirm his strong support for the U.S.-flag fleet. (See related story on page 3.) Clancey has worked with SeaLand for 28 years, starting in sales and moving up through the ranks. In 199 I. he was named president of the largest U.S.based ocean carrier with approximacely l 05 vessels and 200,000 containers in U.S. and foreign trade. The head of Sea-Land told the nearly 900 in attendance that the The Seafarers LOG captured its first first-prize award in competition with other labor publica· tions in more than a decade for the paper's three-page story on the initial 30 years of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, published August 1997. The award, as well as two others presented to the LOG, were issued by the International Labor Communications Association (ILCA), an AFL-CIO organization which provides support to international, national, regional and local union publications and web sites. More than 900 publications belong to ILCA. Entirled "30 Years of Progress," the story captured the top prize in the Best Institutional Profile, Achievement in Labor History category for articles published during the 1997 calendar year. In the documentation accompanying the award, the judges (which included public relations and graphic specialists, staff from The Washington Post and fellow labor communicators) called the article, "A picturesque and informative account of the development of the Harry Lundeberg School, a maritime training site; tells how the curriculum of the Lundeberg School reflects the work culture of the sea." The LOG received a second prize in the Best Human Interest or Biographical Profile, Achievement in Labor History classification for its May 1997 retelling of the 1975 capture by Cambodian rebels of the SIUr;rewed SS Mayaguez_ The final prize presented to the LOG was in the field of Best Original Photograph. Used on the front page of the May 1997 issue, the picture shows ABs Derrial Moore and Butch Morris on the deck of the Gulf Star rescuing a fisherman off the coast of Guadeloupe. Moore sent the pho- tos to the LOG with his firsthand account of the rescue. The LOG has a long history of publishing photographs shot by Seafarers of their fellow crew members at work. Altogether, 1,682 entries from 167 publications vied for awards offered in 10 different categories. Publications competed with newspapers and journals of similar circulation and style. The staff of the Seafarers LOG includes Daniel Duncan, communications director; Jordan Biscardo. managing editor; Deborah A. Hirtes, associate editor/production: Bill Brower, art; and Jeanne Tex.tor, administrative support. Posing with their AOTOS awards are Farrell Lines Chairman and CEO George Lowman (left) and Sea-Land President and CEO John Clancey (right). Between them is House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, who presented the awards. U.S.-flag fleet needs to continue with the innovations that made it the model for others to follow. He pointed out 96 percent of the world's cargo now moves via containers. 'This industry has served the world very well. Labor and its leadership have been a strong component of this excellence to help us," Clancey stated. He called for continued support for the Jones Act (the nation's freight cabotage law) and for military sealift capabilities. Lowman came aboard the family-owned Farrell Lines in 1978 as chairman and CEO after serving on its board. He had been a trial attorney prior to then. In his remarks, Lowman also pointed out how the American merchant fleet had been at the forefront in modernizing the industry and called for continued efforts to lead the way into the next century. Crowley Seafarers Deliver Cranes in P.R. The port of San Juan, P.R. still is feeling the aftereffects of Hurricane Georges, but shipping recently got a boost when two wrecked cranes were replaced in San Juan Bay. SIU members sailing aboard Crowley tugs brought the Sea-Land cranes (including the one pictured at right) from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. Two other cranes in San Juan await replacement. Overall, Georges caused about $1. 7 billion in damage in Puerto Rico. » Union Will Provide LOG Receives First Prize in Basic English Tests Labor Press Association Contest To Help Meet Regs December 1998 This is a portion of the award-winning article on the 30th anniversary of the Lundeberg School, published in the August 1997 Seafarers LOG. In accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations stemming from the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW) as well as the International Safety Management Code (ISM), the SIU soon will administer basic English tests for Seafarers. Members will take the exam- a basic reading test-when registering for a job. Seafarers who have successfully completed a course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (within an as-yet undetermined time period) will be ..grandfathered" for this requirement and therefore will not need to take the test. Further details will appear in upcoming issues of the Seafarers LOG. The regulations are explained in Title 46, ·· Part 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations. They relate to ship-specific familiarization. For example, as spelled out in Coast Guard navigation and vessel inspection circular No. 4-97, ship operators "must provide written instructions to the master that documents the policies and procedures to follow with respect to all newly employed or newly arrived vessel personnel." Work Starts on New Orleans Hall Renovations are under way for the new union hall (shown above) for New Orleans-area members. Located on the West Bank at 3911 Lapalco Boulevard in Harvey, the facility is approximately 15 minutes from the present Jackson Avenue hall. It is expected to be open for business in early 1999. Improvements also are taking place in the Norfolk, Va. hall. Seafarers LOG 7 �Double Eagle Names Have Proud History Just as the lightships of old served as beacons to mariners and warned of potential danger, the SIUcrewed Double Eagle tankers-named after those lightships-today provide an extra margin of protection against environmental damage. The early Roman empire made use of patrolling vessels with signal lights (usually a fire carried at the masthead), and English captains utilized lightships (hanging two ship's lanterns from a cross arm) in the 1700s, but it was not until 1819 that the first U.S. lightship contract was awarded as an aid to maritime commerce on the Chesapeake Bay. le proved so successful that within a year, four additional lightships were commissioned, marking dangerous shoals in the Chesapeake. The first true lightship-anchored in the open sea instead of in a bay or inlet-entered service in 1823 off the shoreline of Sandy Hook, N .J. From 1820 to 1983, 116 lightship stations were established by the United States at one time or another, the peak occurring in 1909. But nearly 20 years later, 68 of those stations had been discontinued-considered unnecessary and replaced by permanent lighthouse structures or buoys or taken over by Canada. And by 1939, when the Coast Guard was given the controlling reins to all aids to U.S. navigation, there were only 30 lightships still at work. The number of lightship stations continued to decline steadily. In 1983, America's lightship era came to an end when the Nantucket Shoals Ughtship was replaced by a large navigational buoy. The "History of U.S Lightships," a publication of the Coast Guard Historian's Office and the Internal Relations Branch, describes how lightships satisfie.d many requirements. They could be moored in shallow water, stationed in deep water, and be readily repositioned to suit changing ne.eds. They C()Uld serve as day beacons, light platforms at night1 SQUOQ $ignal stations in times of reduced visibility ~nd around the cloclc as transmitters of bearing- and distance-finding el~tte>nic signaH. The article atso noted, however, rhe initially miserable conditions aboard the lightships. Poor hull design caused violent rolling and pitching, crew accommodations were inadequate, food was mon«:ltoa nous, and tours of duty consisted of two four-month stints separatoo by shore leave. Officers and crews often were made up of farmers and other non· mariners. There was no standardization aboard lightships and the beacons of many were quite limited. There also was no uniform system for identifying these floating aids. All this changed when Congress became aware of the problems and carrie.d out an investigation in 1851. The outcome of that report le.d to the formation of the Lighthouse Board the following year. This was a ninemember committee composed of officers of the Navy, Army Corps of Engineers and civilian scientists. In addition, George Putnam was named commissioner of lighthouses. Under his leadership, professional performance by all employees was demanded, and he was responsible for remedying the long-standing problems of pay, living conditions, benefits, and a safe working environment. From 1939 until the end of the lightship era in 1983, the high standards of professionalism and technology introduced by the Lighthouse Service were carried forward and improved upon by the Coast Guard. Scientific advances in hull design produced more stable vessels, diesel engines helped a captain keep the vessel into the wind for greater stability, creature comforts (radio, television, libraries), were upgraded, food quality was improved and a seaman's tour was eventually reduce.d to approximately 30 days. Still, it was not an easy life aboard a lightship. The vessels and their crews were exposed to many hazards. Storms battered many of the ships, tearing them loose from their moorings or ripping off ventilators and hatch covers. Minor bumps, sideswipes and more serious collisions and sinkings also took their toll. Still others were sunk by shell fire. In 1918 off the coast of Cape Hattaras, N.C., the Diamond Shoals Lightship #71 was sending out a radio message warning of the presence of a Gennan submarine which had just sunk a passing freighter. The sub, provoked by the lightship's warning, surfaced and, after allowing the 12-man crew to abandon ship, sank it with shell fire (but not before 25 Allied ships had received the radio message warning). In many cases, the remaining lightships were replaced by offshore light platforms or large navigational buoys, all offering considerable savings in terms of manpower, construction and maintenance costs. A number of the old vessels were sold to other countries for use as lightships. Some were used as floating clubhouses by various organizations, but a majority ended up as scrap. Nineteen of che vessels still remain. the three oldest built in 1904. Most of them are still afloat, restored for use as museums or exhibits. TwCJ §erve as floating restaurants and C>r\e i§ in use in the charter trade. While there is no future for lightships. chey are part of the maricime heritage-a heritage that will never be forgotten, especially now that their names are once again paint.00 on the hulls of new cmriers, sailing those proud names across the oceans of the world. Twins Still Doing Great Nearly 19 Yea.rs l,ater January 6, 1980 was a special day for Boatman William and Joan Peterson of Seminole, Fla. It was the birth of their first child, David. But then one minute later, Richard made his presence known as well. The couple quickly realized what a good medical policy they had with the Seafarers Welfare Plan. The twins were born premature and required special medical assistance. The bill for the 28-day stay in the hospital came to more than $45,000. An article about the boys appeared in the August 1980 Seafarer LOG which included part of a letter written by Mrs. Peterson to the SIU to thank the plan for all its help. "My husband William 'Pete' Peterson is an Inland member and works down South. We were recently blessed with our first children, a set of beautiful twin boys. As twins usually are, they were premature and complications set in. They were rushed from the hospital where they were born to Children's Hospital, where it was touch and go for quite some time. They were confined for 28 days. "The overall bills for their delivery, follow-up confinement and care amounted to around $45 1 000. What would we have done without the SIU Welfare Plan? ''The twins are doing great, the bills are aJl paid and we can only gratefully say a big nal justice academy at St. Petersburg (Fla.) Junior College. He currently is captain of Explorer Post 900 with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department and president of the Florida Association of Police Explorers. David is employed by Walgreens Pharmacy and is studying to be a pharmaceutical techni- THANK YOU." cian. Now, nearly 19 years later, Peterson, who retired in May 1989, sent the LOG an update on his sons. They graduated from high school in June 1998 and are still "doing great." Richard is enrolled in a crimi- "Needless to say," wrote Peterson (who worked for Interstate, Sonat and Maritrans before retiring), "Mom and Dad are very proud of both boys and still thank the SIU for all their help." Notice to Etnployees Covered by Union Agree111ents Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD a~~i~ts 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 organiz:ing, publications, political activities, international affairs and community services. All of these services advance the 'merests 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, AGLI- WD about their rights and obligations concerning payment of union dues. This notice contains information which will allow you to 1,mderstand the advantages and benefits of being a union member in good standing. It also will provide you whh detruled information as to how to become; an aioncy foe payor. An agency fee payor is an employee who is not a member of the unjon but who mec;ts 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 Internacional Union, AGLIWD. J. 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, AGLIWD is the right to attend union meetings, the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. Members also have the right to participate in the development of contract proposals and participate 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 $300.00 (three hundred dollars) per year or $75.00 (seventy-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 B Seafarers LOG are obligated to make payments co the union in the fonn 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 adminisiration 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;, log-islative activities and political affairs. d. Amount ofagenq /ee -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 1997 calendar year, the fee cost associate.cl with this representation amounts to 63.06 precent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee base.cl upon the dues would be $189.18 (one hundred eighty-nine dollars and eighteen cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 1999 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 1998 and November 30, 1999 will have this calculation applied to their 1999 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2000, your objection must be received by December l, 1999. 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, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union's expenses during 1997. 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, AGLIWD, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. 6. Filing a challenge - Upon receiving the notice of calculation of the chargeable expenditures related to core representation activities, an objector sha1l 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 determine.cl by the arbitrator. If a hearing is held, any objector who does not wish to attend may submit his/her views in writing by the date of the hearing. If a hearing is not held, the arbitrator will set the dates by which all written submissions will be received. The costs of the arbitration shall be borne by the union. Individuals submitting challenges will be responsible for all the costs associated with presenting their appeal. The union will have the burden of justifying its calculations. The SIU works very hard to ensure that all of its members receive the best representation possible. On behalf of all the SIU officers and employees, I would like to thank you for your continuing support. Sincerely, David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer December 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1998 *TITTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A CIBM B CIBM C TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port s 13 16 20 5 Honolulu 18 DECK DEPARTMENT 17 . 6 10 s 2 4 6 Baltimore ••••••.•••••.•••Thursday; January 7, February 11 9 13 8 0 4 1 5 2 4 6 4 6 5 2 3 6 Duluth ...................... Wednesday: January 13~ February 17 12 9 9 18 18 9 2 8 9 ·l :0 1 127 .} 1 0 55 :P.hi.lad,(1.lpbia. . 1~:aium6itf ·: ;:.: :. : Norfolk Mobile New Orleans ,;-.1;<. 20 18 9 5 9 11 5 8 6 12 7 6 6 5 8 0 11 .o 0 l 1 I I 154 107 HoooJulu •••••....•.••.•..Friday; January l5t February 19 7 .'' ~u~o~ ..~................~onday: 4 12:· ~. •t:halts,f t:reaffd by Pnmk1111'f)ay holi~ 2 2 2 7 3 41 14 8 3 7 4 7 13 3 2 1. 0 0 80 40 2 0 357 175 0 88 aniiacy 7~ February 11 ·/''iy: January 6~ February 10 3 t· 6 7 4 3 6 9 Jacksonville :San Frandsco Wilmington 13 12 5 12 8 4 Tacoma Puerto Rico 12 4 3 8 3 3 2 0 2 ~ 3"'''""•''"-'"'"'- ,... 7 10 2 2 7 9°" 5 I5 2 6 5 0 3 4 7 2 0 25 . , y;.January 14. February 18 2 5 3 January 11, Tuesday: February 16* 3 1 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7. 2 Port '.N,ew York · Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Cl1m A CIBM B Class C 8 16 7 Trip 4 7 6 1 2 0 66 84 5 l 2 0 9 6 -~---.,, 5 3 5 0 1 2 5 7 6 8 2 0 3 2 0 3 10 28 18 Tacoma ·············~·····Friday~ January 22, February 26 WiIIIliJlgtq,n .............Tuesday: January 19* 8 17 4 13 3 3 8 0 3 2 0 26 0 0 0 0 20 38 170 103 Monday: February 22 Personals STEWARD DEPARTMENT ALWASEEM ABDULLA Please contact Keith Innes in San Diego at (619) 2 578-6852. 3 0 3 4 6 CARLOS H. CANALES Your brother, Modesto, is living at 140 Gil Dr. #5, San Benito, TX 78586-4108,· telephone (956) 3998244. Please 16 2 2 1 0 0 8 2 7 DENNY RAY LOUIS 2 Please call mom and Don at (706) 290-1906 or write us at 101 S. Division, Apt. A, Rome, GA 30165. You may call collect. This is not an emer- I IO '"· 3 0 gency. () Port New.York Philadelphia 131 37 6 109 fi O ·22 12 5 17 3 0 2 2 38 1 0 57 229 13 0 0 9-=:· . 6 9 2 2 1& 14 ·o Totals All Departments 488 391 5 0 31 0 3 63 6 2 44 0 117 391 328 1 0 130 216 0 0 11 ..... ·.. l~ . 13 12 8 7 8 27 2 5 0 0 105 0 0 0 86 233 213 175 175 842 569 340 ... 0 0 9 ... 2 0 l . *''Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. December 1998 •An article in the November issue of the Seafarers LOG incorrectly listed the address to which World 91 9 0 16 0 2 11 ' I "'' '::·:· . : 23 . 0 ' 12 " 2 1J . Corrections 1 21 .:·.. 25 : . 2 3 4385. 0 2 0 0 ' l. Anyone with information on Donald Frances Peterson, born in 1935 and sailed in the engine department from California, please contact his daughter, Michel Peterson, at P.O. Box 90913, Henderson, NV 89009; or telephone (702) 565- .. '·':'' 28" 0 . .::: '" J 2 2 DONALD FRANCES .PETERSON 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT !~!~mRffi.: :.:·.:::.£::.":" :·~:,.:/J·. · Norfolk Mobile 10 get in touch with him. War II merchant mariners newly qualified for veterans' status under the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 1998 may send their completed applications for honorable discharges. The correct address is: Commanding Officer National Maritime Center (NMC-4A) 4200 Wilson Blvd. Suite 510 Arlington, VA 22203-1804 • The new Double Eagle tankers are operated by lnterocean Ugland Management and owned by Hvide Marine, Inc. • An article in the October issue of the Seafarers LOG incorrectly listed the title of Maritrans G.P., Inc. President John Bums. Seafarers LOii 9 �• HOLIDAY GREETINGS .. The holiday greetings ayyearing on this yage and continued on yage 15 were written by seafarers, yensioners, friends and family members. They are listed in a~habetical order by the name of the individual sending the message. The self(nrers LOG joins with those ayyearing below in eitendtng season's greetings to all Seafarers and their families. To Lito G. Acosta Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for all your love and support over the years. Life, for the past I 6 years, has been wonderful, and I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you. Happy anniversary. I love you. Forever, Minda (Acosta) To all my shipmates and SIU brothers and sisters - also to Juan Rochez and Trawn Gooch Now it is here, that time of year. I could not be with you, I had to be here. Christmas has found me, away from my home. I'm at sea, and could not call on the phone. So whatever you're doing on this Christmas Day. I'm thinking of you, now I am away. So I'll write you this poem and send it along. To let you know I'll be home before long. So have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I wish I could be with you ... But ... I had to be here. Albert W Austin Jr. To Becky Sleeper Happiest of holidays - and peace and prn~pcrity in the coming year for our "Orgulf Ang~l" and your family and staff. Nancy Avery To ell Orgulf Cook5 H~r~·~ wishing you all a very Mi:rry Christmas and peaceful rivers and pleasant crews for the coming year - and Bon Appctit! Nancy Avery To David Hou§@ Merry Christm~~ "Little BrDther." Here's wishing yoJ,J smooth sailing for the coming year. Hoping all your Chriscmas wi~hes: come tru~! Nancy Avery To Carmine Barbati Merry Christmas to the best, most wonderful seafaring husband and dad in the whole world, wherever you may be. All our Jove, RoseMary, Jimmy and Racht:l Barbati To Princess Mary Ow@n (1 o y~ars old) Princess Mary, I hope this will be a super great Christmas and a great New Year, and that all your grades will be good ones. Love yoJ,J bunches, Uncle Kojak ( RtJyce Barrell) To Captain Arne Bjorrsen A lot of good things have happened since we sailed on the la Salle (1952). Best to you and your family at Christmas time. Neal Cairns To Bill, Vilma and Tommy Lee Rackley We hope this Christmas is a merry one and a year that will bring good health and happiness to all of you. Your loving family, Mom (Charlotte E. Canion), Beverly, Mary Lee, Bruce and Bobby To Ronald K. Carraway in the Philippines We hope you and your family have everything you hope for - and more during these holidays. With all our love, happy holidays! Gary R. Carraway and family 10 Seafarers LOG To Gary R. Carraway in Kentucky Daddy, we love you very much, and we know that you work really hard so that you can take care of us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. John, Ben and Alex Carraway To Gary R. Carraway Hang in there, remember our goals and just keep marking those days off. Remember that I love you and so do our boys. Happy holidays! Lori A. Carraway To all active and retired Seafarers I wish you all the best holiday season ever and a most prosperous new year. Willie Cichocke To fellow Seafarers Happy holidays, brothers and sisters. Kelly Doyle To Mrs. Ethel Smith Thank you for being there. When going to sea, I couldn't be there much, but Casey and I love you, not only today, but 3-6-5. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Happy Birthday. Love always, Henry and Casey Edwards To Brian Hulstrom nnd family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope to see you guys soon. Chris Edyvean To Teodora E~tigoy Honey, wishing you the best Christmas. Hoping that I'll be with you and Sandy. Rachel and John . I love you all! Love, Silver Escigoy To Sal Aquia Happy holidays to you and your family. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year. Terry and Barbara Frank/in & f amity To Laurel and Mark Hi honey. Hope Santa was good to you and Mark. Love you, see you soon. Charles Garvey To all S~afarers Holiday greetings, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Rose and Addie Hunt To Carole and Marc lsenstadt Here's hoping you are both well and enjoying the holiday season. You're always in my thoughts. See you soon. Love to midnight. Brian/Daddy (lsenstadt) To Michael Sacco and family Merry Christmas and the best m the coming new year. Flattop (William Kojlowitch) To my good friends, Jack Caffey, Michele Nardo, and the staff in the port of NewYork Best wishes for a great holiday season. Flattop (William Kojlowitch) To everybody at Piney Point and HQ Season's greetings-Happy New Year! Flattop (William Koflowitch) -ttL• To all friends of the sea I see me with you, in heart as a whole; nurtured and as if mixed in a bowl. You and I are contented for what we can do. We'd say there's still so much more we can do; it will always be there; we want to be there too! It serves us so sweetly this life! As if mixed with two of our hands. As everyday sunshine glows luminously over land and sea. Once in a while there's a sadness that bleeds; a pounding, a shiver; a warning to take heed. It is a time when there's darkness, and yet we clearly see; for it is beyond my vision; to have been blessed ... with thee. If I should ever think of these special ones, forever, never to see again. May the Lord take me, instead of those special friends. Joseph A. Jauregui To Fred nnd Charles Jensen Wishing my husband and son a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. I miss you both very much and think of you both every day. Sending you all my love for this holiday season and forever. Sandra Jensen To my husband, Amir Finally, we did it. We got married! Merry Xmas, hon, and Happy New Year. I'm counting the days 'til you'll be home! Miss you. Love always, your wife, Irma (Kasim) To Arthur Norman Sjaastad Season's greetings. John G. Katsos To all our shipmates and officials. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We especially wish George McCartney a wonderful retirement. God bless you all. Percy and Dottie Lawson Kennedy To Melody, Caroline and Rachel Kinney Merry Christmas and many, many more. Love, Leo (Kinney) To Lee Hardman Dad, I can't wait to celebrate my first Christmas with you. I love you very much. Your son, Kailan (Hardman) To all th@ crew on the dredge Long Island Merry Christmas! Leo Kinney To Lee Hardman Lee, this will be the best Christmas ever, because we'll be spending it together. Wishing you much happiness in 1999. Love, always and forever, Shari (Hardman) To my wife, Connie I hope our holiday will be a merry one and that you are able to spend cime with our daughters. My love and thoughts are with you. Phil ( Kleinebreil) To Seafarers worldwide I want to wish you a great holiday season. You are my favorite people. May God bless you all. Hubert "Red" House To Jessica, Amy and Heather A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. I'll be thinking of each one of you. I love you and miss you. Dad (Phil Kleinebreil) To my shipmates aboard the USNS Kane and all Waterman Steamship Co. vessels Happy holidays to all. Willard Huggins To the crew of the dredge Long Island May you all have a happy holiday and the years ahead be prosperous - with smooth sailing. Captain Phil Kleinebreil To Ted Donely Jr., Neil Turner and Lester Farmer I hope you and your families have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year. Your friend, Tony Joe Layne To Joel Lechel Though you may be far away, I know you're always here. Your presence is nearby. Thank God you'll be home this Christmas. I can't wait! Your girl, Tuffy II. P.S. Happy 4Qlh birthday, Daddy! Harper Lechel To Kasandra and Harper Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Baby girl is gonna love Christmas. You both keep me going. Let it snow! All my love, Joel Lechel To the crew and officers on the Sea· Land Producer To a great bunch of seagoing brothers and sisters: Feliz Navidad. Your bosun, Joel Lechel To my Seafarers family Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for 1999. And a special holiday wish to Mr. Fernando G. Saundra Leonard To Donald S. Ling and sons To my father and brothers whom I love very much: Happy holidays to you and your families. May you all have many, many more. David J. Ling To Jack Klohn Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and. your family. May we all have many, many more. Dave Ling To Phil Kleinebreil and family I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. May there be plenty more to come. -tj M• David Ling To Lester Hoffman on the Liberty Sun It's a lonely time to be away from your family. Have a safe trip. We'll be thinking about you. Barbara and Arthur Machado To Linda Thompson and Martha Carr Thank you for your kindness. I really appreciate it. Season's greetings to you and yours. Barbara and Arthur Machado To the staff at the Seafarers LOG Season's greetings to all of you. Keep the good work going. And Happy New Year. Arthur D. Machado To the crew aboard the Maersk Constellation Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Nick Mageed Continued on page 15 December 1998 �This handy version of the Lundeberg School's catalog is printed in the Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for reference. 1999 lundeberg School Co11ne G11ide Serving an industry whose requirements constantly change, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education perpetually strives for improvement. Such efforts at the Piney Point, Md. facility recently have included: • beginning construction of a million-dollar, state-of-the-art fire fighting and safety training facility slated for completion this year; • installation of new, top-ofthe-line radar equipment for simulator training; • writing and refurbishing curriculums to help enable SIU members comply with STCWrelated requirements; and • partnering with the American Council on Education, an agreement also aimed at making it easier for Seafarers to comply with new regulations. These are only a few of the many activities the school has undertaken in staying true to the same goal it has possessed since first opening its gates in 1967. Namely, turning out the best· trained mariners in the world. For today's SIU members. training nncr ha~ been more vital. The STCW convention and ih runcndmcnb, by themsetves, alrea.dy have ~reated myriad chang~~ in the maritime industry. with many more to follow through the end of the phase-in period in 2002. These four pages offer Seafarers an overview of the courses offered at the Paul Hall Center's Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Members should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, Seafarers should refer to the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG for the most upto-date listing of classes. Course descriptions and schedules also are available on the Sill's web site, located at http://www.seafarers.org. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to upgrade at Piney Point includes 120 days' seatime in the previous year, one day of seatime in the last six months prior to the date the class starts, a copy of their z-card (front and back), a copy of the identification page of their union book, plus any other course-specific requirements. If a course mandates a U.S. Coast Guard ten to acquire the endorsement, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which For more information about the Paul Hall Center or any of its courses, contact the Admissions Office, Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075 or call (301) 9940010. Most courses at the Paul Hall Center offer a mix of classroom instruction and handson training. The school provides departmentspecific vocational classes, plus various safety courses available to all SIU members. Academic courses, ranging from the GED program to college classes, also are available. are primed in bold. Deck Department Courses This six•w@@lc cours@ l@ads to end~rg~~t as an Ahl~ g~aman (AB). It consists of hands-on training and dassroom work covering declc s@amanship, rules of the read, MM'lin~splk~ seamanship, h~mnnship, cargo handling, safety, firefighting, emergency procedures, fir~t aid, anchoring and mooring, and aids to navigation. have a lifeboat endorsement in order to take the AB (Ourse. Students comStudent~ tttUBt pleting the AB course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately afterward. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Ufeboat/Watet SllrviVll Students in this two-week course can earn lifeboat certification at the end of the class. Featuring a mix of practical training and classroom instruction, the course covers emergency drilfa, lifeboat coMtruction, lifeboat launching and re~overy, life raft consf:ruction, lif~ raft laun~hing and maintenance, and use of all lifeboat and life raft equipment. Additionally, studenl:s learn practical survival methods and the use of emergency r41dio and disrr@Ss signals. A minimum of three hours per day is spent outdoors in lifeboats conducting practical exercises such as rowing/ cox~wain training and davit operations. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Brhlge Mmagmaeat The U.S. Coast Guard-approved shiphandling sbnwator course provides realistic bridge watch.standing training for deck personnel aboard both deep sea and inland vessels. Successful completion of this two-week course is accepted as Coast Guard credit for 60 days of seatime on vessels of unlimited tonnage. Special areas of skills development include general shiphandling and helmsmanship, river and channel transits, entering and departing various ports, coastal navigation, U.S. Navy-related December 1998 operations su<;:h as convoy and underway r~plen­ ishm@nt, hawser t~wing, pW1hhoat towing and emergency shiphandling. Studenb Jll\18t have a valid radar cerlifkate to etti'~ll Celadal Navlpdoll The six-week course covers the areas of celestial navigation required for licensing as a second or third mate unlimited and for all limited licenses. Students are instructed in latitude observations by sun and Polaris, running fixes by sun, stars and planets, compass error by amplitutde and azwnuth, star identificaiton, and care and use of the sextant. ..... Oltsernr/Unlimit.I The eight-day radar observer/unlimited class leads to a radar observer endorsement that is good on vessels of any tonnage. Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, the course features hands-on training and classroom work, including radar theory, observation, operation and use, interpretation and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision avoidance and navigational exercise. Students operate modem audio-visual and radar simulation gear, as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plotting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardizing the safety of other vessels. Also included are practical exercises and lectures covering inland waterway and river navigation and piloting. ...... Mate Upgraders in the third mate course will study all subject areas found on the U.S. Coast Guard license exam for third mate. The 14-week curriculum includes instruction in all areas of terrestrial and celestial navigation, deck seamanship, rules of the road, shipbuilding, ship stability, cargo handling, federal regulations, watch.keeping, ship maneuvering, construction and stability. Steward Department Courses Unlic:eaml Apprm1ice eo.ne. Includes a 20-hour shipboard sanitation class and a 20-hour galley familiarization class. After students-complete 90 days' seatime in the apprentice program, those who choose to sail in the steward department will return to the school for a four-week galley operations class. Galley operations features a pair of two-week modules . Galley Opa atiwaa Members must have 240 days' seatime to enroll after completing the unlicensed apprentice program. Non-graduates must have 365 days' seatime as an SA to enroll. The course consists of two, twoweek modules (for a total of four weeks). Each module includes 35 hours, with additional time participating in the school's galley operations. CerdW Cllief Cook Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing galley operations to enroll. The course consists of six, two-week modules that are stand-alone (for a total of 12 weeks). This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. AftaacM 6alley Operations Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing certified chief cook to enroll. The course consists of four one-week modules. (for a total of four weeks). Clliefae.n Members must have 180 days' seatime after completing advanced galley operations to enroll. This is a 12-week class. Seafarers LOB 11 �Engine Department Courses Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, you must have successfully completed Marine Electrical Maintenance I (MEM I) and Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations. Mandatary courses are MEM I, Power Plant Maintenance and Diesel Technology. Fireman/Watertender and Oiler This year, SHLSS offers a four-week FOWT test preparation course leading to the endorsement as fireman/ watertender and oiler. Topics covered include the parts of a boiler, engineroom equipment, engineroom procedures, operating auxiliary equipment, watchstanding, starting and securing main engines, steam and water cycle, fuel oil and lube oil systems, diesel engines, refrigeration systems and auxiliary machinery. The class prepares students for U.S. Coast Guard general safety, oiler and fireman/ watertender tests. Students completing the FOWT course must attend the Government Vessels course immediately afterward. QMED-Any Rating The curriculum for certification and endorsement as a Qualified Member of the Engine Deparbnent (QMED)-Any Rating consists of a 12-week course leading to the following ratings: pumpman, refrigeration engineer, electrician, machinist, deck engineer and junior engineer. The course of instruction prepares the student to test for the U.S. Coast Guard exams in each of these ratings and includes classroom and practical training. QMED Classifkation Steps AC circuits, electrical safety, electrical test equipment and troubleshooting, electrical protective and switching devices, electrical wiring diagrams and schematics, control and power circuits, batteries, AC generation and distribution equipment, transformers, lighting systems and fixtures, galley and miscellaneous heating equipment, single- speed AC motors and across-the-line starters, and wiring techniques. Course entry requirement is QMEDAny Rating. Marine Electrical Maiateaance II Aimed at providing the more advanced skills required of the shipboard electrician, this six-week course features hands-on training and classroom instruction and leads to certification in Marine Electrical Maintenance II. Among the subjects covered are interpretation of the National Electrical Code, specialized electrical test equipment, advanced application of circuit protection and switching devices, relay logic, complex control circuits, DC and AC generators, voltage regulators, electrical distribution hardware, DC motors and controllers, AC motors and controllers, deck machinery, motor generator sets, converters, inverters and rectifiers, electric propulsion systems and interior communications systems. Also, the course will include an introduction to solid state electronic controls and their applications, and the general maintenance responsibilities of the electrician, as well as troubleshooting and repair. Course entry requirement is Marine Electrical Maintenance I. Diesel Engine Tee nologr 4th Class QMED - SHLSS QMED-Any Rating certihcat~ er USCG QMED- This four-week course, leading to certifi- Any Rnting 3rd Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completirtg on~ mandatc'.'.lry and one or more elective courses 2nd Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completing two metlld~· tory (Ind two or more elective counes 1st Class QMED - QMED-Any Rating successfully completing all mandato- cation in diesel engine technology, consists of clasnoom in~truction and hands-on training. Topics of instruction indude diesel engine theory; two- and four-stroke cycle operating principles; and the construction, operation, maintenance, rep~ir ~nd troubleshooting of low-, m~dium.- and high-speed diesel engines. ry courses and lhree l':lt' ft\l':lt'e elel'tiV~ courses. No more than two engine department oo taken per day at the school. Any member with an engineer's lkense will be classified as a 4th Cfass QMED. c;Q\l.f~~ c,;;m Also covered are associAt:ed Course entry requirements Th@ majority of this six•we@k course fea· tures hands-on training, covering a vari· ety of topics. Some classroom work also is included. Subjects include pipefitting, thermal insulation, valve repair, pump repair/ overhaul, hydraulic system repair, drilling/machine thread fabrication, use of various epoxies and similar compounds for emergency and tempo· rary repairs, maintenance of power transmission equipment (such as flexible couplings), use of proper oils nnd greases for bearing maintenance and lubrica- tion, re~onditiDninf; shell and tube heat exchangers, centrifugal lube oil/ fuel oil purifier maintenance, and removal of heavy equipment in the engineroom. Course entry requit'~ttt~t\t is QMED-Any Rating.A Rating or are equivalent inland experience. Hydnmllcs The curriculum in the four-week hydraulics ~ourse blends practical training with classroom work. Fluids, actuators, control devices, pumps, reservoirs, symbols and hydraulic systems in marine equipment are among the subjects covered in this class. Also addressed are principles of electrical control of hydraulic systems, cargo winches, deck cranes, anchor windlasses, ships' steering systems, ramps, Are doors and a wide variety of other shipboard systems. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. Course entry RefrigeratM Coa1alaen included in the course are AC and DC circuits, active and passive components, amplifiers, power supplies, antenna systems, satellite and radar systems, microprocessor control systems, digital control systems and systems troubleshooting. Course entry requirement is Basic Electronics. PDmproom Maintenance Leading to certification in pumproom maintenance and operations, this four-week class includes hands-on training and classroom work. The curriculum consists of cargo properties and emergency procedures, operation and maintenance of valves and pumps, loading procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo measurement, discharging procedures, ballasting procedures, tank cleaning, inert gas systems and more. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. In order to take this class, students must aheady have taken the Tanker Assistant DL (formerly Tanker requirement is QMED-Any Rating. QMED-Any Rating or hold endorsement as a pumpman. lefriprali• - Malntenaoc:e -~ Now an elective, this six-week class blends practical and classroom instruction leading to certification in refrigeration system maintenance and operations. Among the topics covered are theory of mechanical refrigeration, major system components, accessories, cycle controls, refrigerants and oils, and applied electricity. Englneroom Familiariradon Designed for prospective tugboat engineers, this two-week class provides instruction in the following areas: engineroom safety, engineering plant nomenclature, piping system hardware, a functional description of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and associated piping systems, plant operations nnd watchkeeping, and safe handling of fuels and oil spill prevention. Enginenom Opendlom Ir Basic Electronics The six-week course of instruction leading to certification in Marine Elec:trical Maintenance I consists of practical training and classroom instruction aimed at providing the basic skills required of shipboard electricians. The range of topics includes basic electrical theory, DC and Designed to help Seafarers develop an understanding of what goes on inside the electronic boxes found aboard ship, this four-week course covers principles of analog electronics, active devices and basic digital electronics. The student also will learn all aspects of circuit diagrams, and the instructor will work with each student individually to ensure a working knowledge of all shipboard electronic devices. This course is designed for inland personnel with intermediate skills to prepare assistant engineers for all phases of engineroom operations and routine maintenance. Additionally, the twoweek curriculum prepares students to assume the duties of the chief engineer . Marine Electronics Tecll 1 This two-week course is an advanced skills program designed to upgrade the skills of the chief engineer for handling .must.submit a ·U.S.. Co.a$t Guard fee "of $·1·35· with . their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS;' 12 Seafarers LOG The marine electronics technician program is a four-week course. Topics Wehlng Classroom instruction and on-the-job training comprise this four-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing, welding and cutting. Upon completion of the course, a Lundeberg School certificate of graduation will be issued. The course of instruction leading to licensing as a third assistant engineer consists of classroom instruction in such topics as diesel propulsion plants, steam propulsion plants, engineering safety, auxiliary boilers and diesels, water systems, electricity generating plants, electrical distribution and electrical devices. The 12-week course, which meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements for licensing, also includes steam turbines, refrigeration, heating and air conditioning and auxiliary systems. Inland Department Courses Marine Reetrieal Maintenance I . All "#owr~· ·As and. a·MED ·applicants. This four-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of both classroom and practical shop training. The training experience enables students to assume the duties of a maintenance electrician on board ships carrying refrigerated containers. Students receive training in all phases of refrigerated container unit operation, maintenance, repair and troubleshooting. This includes the various types of engines, refrigeration and electrical systems. The course is designed to help students develop a systematic approach to troubleshooting, as well as to acquaint them with specific maintenance procedures. Course entry requirements are Marine Electrical Maintenance I and the basic Refrigeration System course. Operation/Safety) course (described on next page) and be ~ertified as a a.u~il­ iaries induding intake and exhaust systems, lubrication and ~ooling systems, nnd fuel injection and starting systems. Students receive practical training in the operation and repair of diesel engines on board school training vessels. QMED-Any Power Plat Maintenance Standard service techniques are emphasized, such as the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of ships' stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, as well as pantry refrigerators, water coolers and ice machines. Hands-on shop training includes the complete fabrication of a working refrigeration system from basic system components. An introduction to refrigerated container units also is presented. Students must be certified as QMED -Any Rating or have equivalent inland experience or hold Coast Guard endorsements as refrigeration engineer and electrician in order to enroll for this course. Maintenance Englneroom T.....,.esllooti g Ir C-lty Control emergencies and other non-routine operating conditions. T•kermm (PIC) Barge This 40-hour course leads to the endorsement as tankerman (PIC) barge. The object of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills associated with tank barge operations and to supervise the safe and pollution-free transfer of dangerous liquids. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) UmltMI Uawe/Ucwe Prep Aimed at preparing students to test for any limited tonnage license, this eightweek course consists of classroom instruction in all areas of terrestrial navigation, deck seamanship, rules of the road, shipbuilding, ship stability, cargo handling, federal regulations, first aid, CPR and firefighting. Students must have an AB endorsement and 540 days of seatime on an SIU-contracted vessel OR equivalent inland experience in order to take the limited license/license prep exam. December 1998 �All Departments: Upgrading and Specialty Counes All students attending upgrading programs at the Paul Hall Center participate in certain courses as part of their regularly scheduled program. Government vessels course, physical fitness, first aid and CPR, industrial relations and firefighting either are required or may be taken as elective courses by upgraders in all departments. Govenunent Yeaels Coune As part of its ongoing goal of providing the best possible training for Seafarers while staying a step ahead of the industry's needs, this three-week class is open to Seafarers sailing in any department. The course is structured as three oneweek, stand-alone modules. The modules may be taken in any order. Included in the first week are an introduction to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and military vessels, damage control, CBRD (chemical, biological, radiological defense), anti-terrorism level I and hazardous materials training. The second week features forklift operations, underway replenishment and vertical replenishment. Cargo-handling and crane operations are included in the third week. (This course is required of students attending AB or FOWT courses.) Oil ~D Prevendon .... Containment This one-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics of instruction include types of oil and petroleum products and their behavior on water, pollution prevention regulations, hazardous materials training, spill prevention, and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms and boom towing configurations and anchoring operations. Also covered are selection of absorbents, suction equipment and skimmers and their proper use. llazmat Receatification Available for personnel who have completed 40- or 24-hour hazardous materials (hazmat) courses and who must be annually recertified, this one-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, as well as reviews of toxology terminology, medical monitoring instruments and techniques, site-control and emergency preparedness, proper use of respiratory protection and monitoring equipment and new technology. Finl Aid •• CPR Students in this three-day class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, as well as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. After successful completion of each phase of this course, students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Basic Firefiglltiog The one-week basic firefighting course provides students with general knowledge of the chemistry of fire, firefighting equipment and materials and techniques for using them safely. Students receive 20 hours of classroom training and 10 hours of practical training. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a U.S. Coast Guard-recognized certificate of graduation from the Lundeberg School. Amnce41 Firefighting During this two-week course, students learn how to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for firefighting. The class covers how to give concise orders using the different types of communications with crewmembers and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad organizing. Students also study how to inspect and service various shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. STCW Basic Safety Refresher This five-day U.S. Coast Guard-approved course meets the five-year STCW Chapter VI basic safety requirement for all personnel sailing prior to August 1, 1998. The four modules contained within the course are fire prevention and fire safety, elementary first aid, personal survival techniques and personal safety and social responsibilities. Classroom training in combination with assessment of proficiency as per srcw tables will be conducted and entries made in the training record book. (This course is limited to 25 students !'laximum.) Industrial Relations While attending upgrading courses at the Lundeberg School, all SIU members attend industrial relations courses for one week. Seafarers learn about the maritime industry and the role of U.S. shipping in the economy and in times of crisis. Also, participants review the role of the SIU within the industry and the rights of Seafarers as outlined by the SIU constitution. Students gain an understanding of the various laws and legislative programs which promote a U.S.-flag merchant marine. Courses also are conducted to provide Seafarers with full information on the many benefit plans available to qualifying members through the union's collective bargaining agreements. General Physical Rtnea Academic Department Counes The A~m:kmic Department has a lang his- tory fJf prMJiding support and service~ to members of the Seafarers International Union. Since the founding of the ~chool in Pinqy Point, Md., there has bem academic support for students taking vocational pro. grams as well as for those students who require basi~ skills, English language skills or wish to continue their education. There are a variety of opportunities offered to the membership. Specific questions about the programs can be answered or nplain~d by contacting the Academic Department at (301) 994-0010, ext. 5411 . Cimeral UllAlion Prop am The GED program is open to all members who do not have ~ high school diploma. Assistance is offered to prepare students to take the test in Maryland or in their home state. Emphasis is placed on writing skills, social studies, science, int~rpreting literature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive individualized instruction in preparation for the test. The school has a long history of successfully preparing SIU members to pass the test. For many Seafarers, this is a milestone in their lives. (Prior to taking the test in Maryland, a 12-week residency is required.) ~· Basic u.c:atioa The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and December 1998 mathematical skills. These skills help sludents experience greater success in both vocational and academic classes. Students who receive low scores on the T' ABE benclunark examinations, given at the Harry Lundeberg School, are encouraged to enroll in this program. Students may enter these classes while attending upgrader courses er may enroll in an extended ABE course offered throughout the year. En&lilll • . ~ Lanpage The English as a Second Language course assists students in basic English and technical vocabulary skills. The purpose of the class is to give Seafarers who have not learned English as their native language and who have difficulty speaking, hearing, understanding and/ or writing the English language, the opportunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible, instruction will be provided to give the Seafarer the English language skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their upgrading classes. Basic Yocalioaal Sapport Program The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in improving course-specific vocational language and mathemat- ic skills. It is designed to assist with the fundamental understanding of concepts and theoretical ideas which are the fundamentals of a given vocational course. Some of these classes are offered prior to the regularly scheduled ~ourses to provide the members with knowledge and skills that will assist them once the classes have begun. These courses are ideal for students who have been away from the classroom, need basic skills or do not use English as their native language. College Pl vp!ID The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School is a degree-granting institution approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Vocational courses also are approved for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Members may apply for college credit for many of the vocational courses that they take while upgrading at the school. In addition, the school offers general education courses required for an associate' s degree. The school currently offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nautical Science and Marine Engineering Technology. Students are required to have a total of 60 to 70 college hours to earn a degree. Students also may take advantage of remedial programs that help prepare them for college level courses. It is recommended that students meet with a counselor to plan a college program. The U.S. Coast Guard places certain physical requirements on all mariners. To ensure the U.S.-flag fleet has physically fit crewmembers, the SIU encourages Seafarers to exercise properly. At the Paul Hall Center, workout programs are individually designed to meet the needs of the student. Students may participate in free weight, Nautilus or Universal weight training, which can be used to gain, lose or maintain body weight. Aerobic and swimming programs also are available. Tanker Familiarimjiop/ Allil1aat cargo tDLJ This is a 15-day, U.S. Coast Guardapproved, Category 1 couse. It is designed to meet the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16-hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/ Operations Level, ship design and operation, cargo characeristics, enclosed space entry, cargo transfer and shipment, and pollution prevention and emergency operations and response. lNG Familiarization This three-week course consists of a safety program designed to meet STCW requirements for those who have not served on LNG ships. The course of instruction includes LNG firefighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pumps (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. (This course is limited to 25 students maximum.) Seafarers LOS 13 �1999 lundeberg School Upgrading Course Schedule The following is the course schedule for the first half of the new year-January through June 1999-at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, located at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The course schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the industry or the national interest. Seafarers should continue to consult each monthly edition of the Seafarers LOG for the most up-to-date course schedule. For additional information, contact the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, P.O. Box 75, Piney Point, MD 20674-0075; telephone (301) 994-0010. Please note that students should check in the Saturday before their course's start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. April12 May 10 June7 April 30 May28 June 25 Basic Firefighting January 18 January 25 February 1 March 8 April 12 May10 May31 January 22 January 29 February 5 March 12 April 16 May14 June4 Advanced Firefighting January 12 February 22 April 19 MaylO January 22 March 5 April 30 May29 Government Vessels February 1 March 1 March 22 May17 May24 February 19 March 19 April9 June4 June 11 Tankerman (PIC) Barge March 15 March 19 Water Survival December 28, 1998 January 25 February 8 February 22 January 8 February 5 February 19 Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 11 AprilS February 19 May 14 Radar Observer/Unlimited March 1 June7 March 12 June 18 Radar Certification (1-day class) March 12 June 18 March 22 April19 April 30 March 22 Mayl8 May28 June 25 Course Bridge Management April 2 June 14 Engine Upgrading Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date Qf CQmpletion Firvman/Watectende.& Oiler January 11 MayJ February 19 June 11 QMED · Any Rating January 25 May3 April 16 July 23 Mnrin~ 1'>!-.:trkal Maintenance I Diesel En2ine Technology PQWlff Pinnt Maintenance Welding March 5 Aprill ~rth8 April 16 Mn;y 3 June 11 January 11 February 19 February U April 19 June 14 March 19 May 14 Start Coone Date Galley Operations January 11 February 15 Date of CQmpletion May 10 February 5 March 12 April 9 May7 June4 Certified Chief Cook January 11 April5 April2 June lS Chief Steward January 11 April5 June 25 March 15 April 12 April 2 July 9 Academic Department Courses Recertification Programs Date of Completion Course Start Date Bosun Recertification Mar~h Steward Recertification February 1 LNG Recertification 22 May 10 May3 March9 May27 Course Start Date of Completion High School Equivalency Program January 12 April 2 January 25 March5 January 25 March 5 May3 June 10 (GED) English as a Second Lana:uage (ESL) or Adult Basic Education (ABE) General Education Courses Safety S11ecla/ty Courses St.art Date Coone Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ January 11 Febraary IS January 29 March5 A~iJtant f4 (DL) Seafarers LO& Date In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. December f 998 �•HOLIDAY GREETINGS• Continued from page 10 To my wife, Hattie Happy holidays and God bless you. From your husband, A. Minors To Brother James Robinson, all SIU officials, the LOG staff, the SIU shoregang, PRMMI and all members of the Seafarers family Holiday greetings and God bless you. A. Minors To Georgia and Brent, Chef Allan, Florence, Chef Maria T, and the staff at SHLSS I really wish I could be with you guys at Christmas, and I really miss you all. You're such a special group of people to me. A prosperous Christmas to you all- and God bless! From your unforgettable friend aboard the /TB Philadelphia, Joel Molinas To all my shipmates Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year! Jimmy Moye To Linda Thompson and Herman Rogge Happy Christmas and Happy 1999. To Nick Marrone, Vince Coss, Nick Celona and George McCartney I would like to wish the "good team" that makes up the port of San Francisco a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. William G. Rackley To Carlton 0. Richardson Carlton, it would be nice to kiss you Christmas morning, but if not, we understand. We all love you! Your Lady In Waiting (Tina Richardson and your girls) To Alex Morris and family Hope all of you are nestled together on Christmas eve. Our love to all. P.S., Hi Becky! piness. Love always. Your husband, Steven (Sanchez) To all Seafarers, active and retired Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, including a big tribute to the best union worldwide. Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Siddons To SIU President Michael Sacco and family and to all active and retired Seafarers Wishing you a very Merry Xmas and a happy and healthy new year 1999. This holiday season brings back memories of old times of SIU holidays aboard ship and ashore. Simeon "Mike" Simos Tina Richardson and family To all at NATCO Happy holidays to all, wherever you may be. Carlton and Tina Richardson & family Jeff Parsley To Michael Sacco and all SIU officials and staff at headquarters, Piney Point and in all ports Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Peter and Lee Patrick Marty Smith To Jeffrey Parsley I love you and miss you. Merry Christmas. Mary K. Taylor To all my brothers and sisters in the SIU I wish you all the best and many more to come. Let every day be a happy one. Becky Sleeper Tom Tobias To Randy Beacham I know you are out there somewhere. Don't break too many hearts. Merry Christmas! Stop by and see us soon. To SIU officials and staffs at headquarters and HLSS SIU is a great organization and you make it happen. Thanks. Happy holidays to you all and remember: Buy Union Buy American made! Jina Richardson & family Becky Sleeper To my loving wife, Rowena I'm glad we're able to spend the holidays together. I wish you a Merry Christmas, and may the New Year bring us Juck and hap- Marty Smith To Becky Sleeper & the girls in the St. Louis port I surely pray that you all have a great holiday with your families and friends. I will be thinking of you during this holiday season. To SIU Orgulf members Christmas is a time of year to express good wishes to people who mean a lot to you. So I wish you all great joy and happiness throughout 1999. William Parks To Mary K. Taylor I lov~ou, honey, and miss you . Happy hoijda)'s. To SIU & Orgulf union members Have a happy holiday and a great New Year! Alek Turko To all Seafarers Holiday greetings from the 'Ariang Express.' Jack Utz To George Tricker Hope your Christmas season is all you hope for - and have a great New Year. To all my shipmates Season's greetings respect. Marty Smith Joel and Harpel Lechel To Alida Turko Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. I love you both very much. I'm always thinking of you. Love, with love and Suzanne Van Schoor To all active and retired members end offi~ial~ Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season. To Sue Walker Merry Christmas to the world's sweetest, dearest, most loving and caring lady in this world, you, my sweet, loving wife. Loving you forever, Peter and Lee Patrick To snelton Matthews Thank you for another wonderful year together. Sorry for all the headaches. Have a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Our love, Mike (Peck) & Aldo (Santiago) To Eric Wight Thanks for showing us the way. If there is ever anything we can do, please "' don't hesitate to ask. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. With much love and respect, Mike (Peck) & Aldo (Santiago) Lonnie F Walker ·~ - - i· ' ~ '-""' . [Jr, Percy and Dottie Kennedy on the Santa Mariana Thomas Lee Rackley To Steve Kimmel, Barry Cheecks and Marty Smith I hope you have a safe and wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year. Your friend, Darren Webb To Eleanor, Frank and Sarah Wilcox To the best family a man could have. I love you all. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. To our friends at Maritrans and all SIU members We would like to wish all of our friends a Merry Christma~ and a Happy New Year. May God bless each one of you! Pete P~terson and.family To Mom, Marylee, Bruce, Beverly and Bob From the Philippines, we would like to wish my family once again a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 1999. Robert Wilcox Rose Hunt William and Joan Peterson with sons Richard and David 15-month-old Jacob Ryan, grandson of Carlton Richardson, second engineer on the Manhattan Island To the Tacoma SIU hall Happy holidays to Red Stolen and the SIU gang - also to everyone at SIU headquarters and Piney Point. James L Woods -t1 Misc. a- To Ramon Barnett We wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday. Again, thank you for all that you have done for us. You're the best! Bill, Vilma and Thomas Rackley Dredge Long Island crew To Thomas Lee Rackley On your second Christmas with us, we would like to wish our little angel sent from heaven a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. To Captain Jim Stafford Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family. We are lucky to have such a wonderful, competent and caring captain! Bill and Vilma Rackley Chief Steward Saundra Leonard December 1998 The crew of the Padre Island Seafarers LOG 15 �- Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1998 CL - Company/Lakes **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP ______ DECK DEPARTMENT ··""'"''*""&~i\\.~,,.;i\i%i!4..~... - 0 0 NP - Non Priority TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP ~",,.,.....,......_,,,, L-Lakes 15 0 4 13 ENGINE DEPARTMENT :,,();Jcp: ll.,. 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac Port 5 Algonac ~~­ o 4 3 · · . ~f]~z:. o~:~"'·. :~_........ ENTRY DEPARTMENT ' 7 9 Port Algonac 7 8 ;·;?,;tfi~'*'•;;;\.i,>Jfa-.;..:.... 71 39 0 36 15 0 35 0 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. Totals All Depts 24 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters .. BAL11MORE OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 1998 ' . 12t:6'E. Baltimore SL· ' ' · aaitiri>oi~~ ·Mo ·2120'.f ::.:· .. :: ·. : (4, t0p~7-4900 :· · »otura *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C , '' · · · 70S Medk:~I Arn Building .. · · . Duluth, MN 5580l ·:~· .. ··.::· ...•:.:••i·:.:·.. :·:,:c;.,·.a ' , , ' {218) 722-41 io ' HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St. tionohdu, HI 96819 {808) 845·5222 Region (} Atlantic Coast 7 Gulf Coast Lakes~ Inland Waters 31 1 West Coast Totals 39 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 '0 4 0 21 0 0 6 4 27 0 0 1 2 0 2 0 1 1 10 ENGINE DEPARTMENT o ::·: 0 l 7 23 0 46 3 5 9 23 L:g:: i: 0 Region :.A'tfantk Coast 0 0 .'Qulf Coast 0 Lakes. Inland Waters 16 0 West Coast 16 Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total~ 16 8 I 0 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 14 All Depts 68 6 29 38 2 10 76 6 *•Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 28 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PINEY POINT P.O. Box 75 Piney Point, MD 20674 · :·· ·:: .. ·::··:·· (jOJ) ' 994~oorn · WlWJNCTQN :S W N;' ~road Ave. WtlmingtO'n, CA 90744 010) 5494000 16 Seafarers LOG This photo, sent to the seafarers LOG by Pensioner Richard J_ McConnell, was taken in 1951 aboard the William Ford Nichols, a World War II Liberty ship. McConnell (in center of photo) shipped as an AB from the old Wall Street hall in Brooklyn. In a note accompanying the photo, he wrote that the ship sailed to Norfolk, Va. to load supplies at the Army base and then sailed for Newfoundland, where it waited five days to make a convoy of five ships which were to sail with the icebreaker Westwind, bound for Thule, Greenland with building supplies for the North American defense base there. He stated, "Before we left Norfolk, they weld· ed a steel plate on our bow because we were to be the lead ship. The reason for this was that our skipper was the only captain who had sailed in heavy ice before. We steered from the flying bridge because of pack ice, and visibility was much better than in the wheelhouse. The Westwind broke out a small Danish fishing · vessel which had been icebound for the previous six weeks. It had come up north too early and became frozen in the water. The voyage lasted from May 22 until August 23. It was one of many memorable trips sailing the world with some real good shipmates." Richard McConnell, now 72, retired from the SIU in 1970 and is living in Long Beach, Calif. December 1998 �Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their 1 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. A mong the 26 Seafarers joining the ranks of pensioners this month are two recertified bosuns and two recertified stewards. Representing over 120 years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Freddie Goethe and Richard R. Moss and Recertified Stewards Earl N. Gray Sr. and Henry Jones Jr. graduated from the highest leve1 of training in the deck and steward departments, respectively, at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the four recertified graduates, 19 of those signing off shipped in the deep sea division, five sailed the inland waterways, and two plied the Great Lakes. Thirteen of the retiring pensioners sailed in the engine department, nine shipped in the deck department and four worked in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA MADELINE K. BARRETT, 65, began sailing ith the SIU in 1980. A n · e of Hawaii, she work n the steward depart. Sister Barreu sailed primarily ~bow-d vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises and 1asr worked on the SS Independence. She makts ~r horn~ in Honolulu. r:::-:c--====-___, JAMES M. BOLEN,66, began sailing i with the Sea· l forers in 1966. A native of Washington, he worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the L\.lndeberg SchMl in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bolen last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Freedom and has retired to Seattle. MICHAELT. DELANEY, 59, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1962 and joined the SIU in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Antinous. operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Delaney's last ship was the Sea-Land Commitment. The New York native served in the U.S. Anny from 1958 to 1960. He resides in Lutz. Fla. CARLOS M. DELMONTE, 74, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1969 from the port of New York. Born in Jamaica, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother DelMonte last sailed aboard the Nuevo San Juan, operated by NPR, Inc. He calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. December 1998 JOSEPH A. DIZENGOFF, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1951 aboard the Olympic Games, oper= = = = = = ated by Western Tankers. A native of New York. he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard American Hawaii Cruises' SS Constitution. During his career, he upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School and was active in union organizing drives. From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Anny. Brother Dizengoff makes his home in Las Vegas. r----:.;:;;;;;=;;;;;;;o-~ FREDDIE GOETHE, 48. graduated from the Lundeberg School 's entry level training program in 1971 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. The Halcyon Panther was his first vessel. Brother Goethe sailed in the deck departmem and upgrad~ his skills at the Lundeberg Si;hool, where he graduated from the· bosun recertification program in 1979. Prior to his retirement, he workw aboard Lhe Nedlloyd Holland, a Sea-Land Service vessel. The Georgia native ~~rved in the U.S. Navy from 1969 LO 1970. He has retirro co Jacksonville, F1a. ......... ~ CLODUALDO G. GOMEZ.64. joined the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1968, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). Born in the Philippines, he worked as a chief cook. last sailing aboard a SeaLand Service vessel. Brother Gomez makes his home in San Pablo, Calif. JUSTOM. GONZALEZ, 68, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the pon of Philadelphia. His first ship was the Petrochem, operated by Valentine Chemical Carriers. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Gonzalez last sailed in 1984 aboard the Overseas Harriette. He resides in Pennsauken, N.J. upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement, Brother Graves sailed aboard the Sea-Land Navigator. Brother Graves served in the U.S. Army from 1951to1954. He calls Federal Way, Wash. home. EARLN. GRAY SR., 67, began sailing with the SIU in 1967 from the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Transhartford, a Hudson Waterways vessel. A native of Louisiana, he sailed in the steward department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1988. Brother Gray last worked aboard the Overseas Ohio and has retired to New Orleans. From 1948 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Air Force. HENRY JONES JR., ~ 58, graduated from the Andrew · Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Hercules Victory. The Louisiana native worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertitkation program in 1982. Prior to hi~ retirement, he worked aboard the Liberty Star. Brother Jones makes his home in Liberty, Miss. RICHARD R. MOSS, 49, graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1967 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. Born in Califomia, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. where he completed the bosun recertification course in 1988. From 1968 to 1970, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Moss calls Aransas Pass, Texas home. ; CHRISTO PSANIS, 64, 1 joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of New York, sailing aboard the Gateway City, Brother Zurfluh worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Reliance. The Wisconsin native served in the U.S. Navy from 1955 to 1958. He makes his home in Seattle. INLAND WILLIAM B. FURMAN, 57, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of Norfolk, Va. A :.-==-== ==---l native of Virginia, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Furman last sailed aboard the Bruce, an Allied Towing Co. vessel. He has retired to Portsmouth, Va. i EDGARDO RAMIREZ, 60, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of New Orleans aboard the Steel Voyager, operated by Isthmian Lines. A native of Honduras, he worked as a member of the engine department. Brother Ramirez last signed off the Green Island, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He makes his home in Kenner, La. JOSEPH E. VAIN, 54, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 = = = = = and joined the SIU in the port of Baltimore. The Alamar, operated by Calmar Steamship Corp .• was his first vessel. A native of Maryland, he sailed in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Vain lase sailed aboard the Cape Mohiccm, an OMI Ship Management vessel. He makes his home in Baltimore. JEON MING WANG,72, joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port of Honolulu. Born in China, he worked in the engine department. Brother Wang sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises. His first, as well as his last, ship was the SS Independence. He has retired to Madison, Wis. RENE U. GUY POLLARDLOWSLEY, 61, started his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the pore of San Francisco. His first ship was the Santa Maria, operated by Alpine Geophysical. A native of England, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior lO his retirement, he signed off the SeaLa.ml Explorer. Brother PollardLowsley resides in Seattle. JOSEPH GRAVES, 66, joined the Seafarers in 1966. Born in Texas, he sailed in the engine departL--====~ ment and operated by Sea-Land Service. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Born in Greece, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Psanis last sailed aboard a Sea-Land Service vessel. He has retired to Miami. YANES, 65, first sailed with the SIU in 1969 aboard the Cottonwood Creek, ! operated by Ogden Bulk Transportation. Born in El Salvador, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He last sailed in 1995 aboard the Overseas Harriette.an Ocean Bulk Ships vessel. Brother Yanes calls Houston home. ROBERTD. ZURFLUH, 60, started his career with the Seafarers in 1959, sailing aboard Great Lakes vessels. He later transferred to the deep sea division. CHARLESE.J-:jfjiiij~i GARCIA SR., 65, started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the deck department, last sailing as a captain aboard a Dixie Carriers vessel. From 1950 to 1951, he served in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Garcia calls Slidell, La. home. THOMAS 0. McCAUSEY. 63, started his career with the Seafarers in 1969. Born in Detroit, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Marine Service vessel. From 1955 to 1959, he served in the U.S . Marine Corps. Boatman McCausey has retired to Long Beach, Calif. EDVARD TOUCHETTE JR., 63, first sailed with the SIU in 1960 from the pon of Houston. The Louisiana native worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1980 aboard a National Marine Service vessel. During his career, he attended an educational conference at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Touchette makes his home in Houston. RICHARDP. 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Houston. = = == ---CJ Starting out in the deep sea division, his first ship was the Bulk Leader. He later transferred to inland vessels, sailing as a chief engineer. Boatman Utley sailed primarily aboard G&H Towing Co. vessels, last signing off the Gretchen. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He has retired to Livingston, Texas. I UTLEY~ GREAT LAKES MUSID S. ELMODHil, 59, joined the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Detroit. Born in Yemen, he sailed in the engine Continued on page 21 Seafarers LOG 17 �DEEP SEA JACK W. ARELLANES Pensioner Jack W. Arellanes, 71, passed away October 15. Born in California, he started his career with the Seafarers in L..-_.;=:;=:i:i~---..J 1947 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Arellanes sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in October 1979. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1946. He lived in Willits, Calif. SANDY CRAWFORD Pensioner Sandy Crawford, 83, died October 11. A native of Virginia, he joined the SIU in 1961. Brother Crawford worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief cook. A resident of Philadelphia, Brother Crawford retired in December 1980. =----==---=;;;;;.i KWOKW.DER Pensioner Kwok W. Der, 70, passed away July 24. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1955 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Warem District (AGLIWD). Born in China. he became a U.S. citizen and lived in San Fram;is~o. Brother Der began receiving his pension in March 1994. HENRY B. DONNELLY PeMiMet Henry B. Donnelly, 78, died September 28. Brother Donnelly began his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in his native New York. He sailed in the steward dcpru1mcnt nnd upgrndcd hi:; :;kill:; nt the Lundeberg School in Piney Point. Md .. where he grnduntcd from the :ttcward recertification program in 1980. A resident of Lacombe, La., Brother Donnelly retired in Septem· her mu_ CURTIS ELLIOTT Pensioner Cunis Elliott, 73, passed away September 24. Born in Texas. he joined the MC&S in 19521 before that union mer~eo with the srn·s AGLIWD. Brother EIHott was a resident of San Francisco and began receiving his pemion in August 1974. ·- CHRISTOS FERROUS Pensioner Christos Ferrous, 78, di@d Auguu 18. A native of Greece, he started his career with the Seafarers in ~~~==~~~ 1959. Brother Ferrous sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. A resident of Daly City, Calif., he retired in April 1987. f B Seafarers LOG JACK FITZGERALD Pensioner Jack Fitzgerald, 73, passed away October 9. Brother Fitzgerald -, joined the SIU "" L in 1948 in the portofNew ==~=--==:;;;;.i York. Born in New Zealand, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Pioneer. He was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. and began receiving his pension in October 1985. MIGUEL A. HIPOLIT Pensioner Miguel A. Hipolit, 94, died October 2. He started his ~ career with the -? ~ Seafarers in 1947. Brother Hipolit sailed as l!i!!!·.;;.·:-:!1!!!!~~~ ?!!!!!~~ a member of the engine department and retired in October 1965. Born in Cuba, he became a U.S. citizen and was a resident of Miami. HELGE HOLMSTROM Pensioner Helge Holmstrom, 78, passed away December 5, 1997. A native of Sweden, he joined the SIU in 1962 in che port of New York. His first ship was the Seatrnin Savannah. Brother Holmstrom sailed in the enzine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg SchooL Prior to his retirement in December 1979, he last sailed as a ~hkf cl~trir;ian aboard the Afouttdrla. a Sea-Land Service vessel. He made his home in Stockholm. SANTIAGO M. KINJ\NAHAM Pensioner Samia~o M. Kinanaham, 74, died September 18. Born in the Philippines, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1968 from the port of Seattle. His first ship was the EtJgl~ Trtlv~I~r. operated by Sea Transport Corp. Brother Kinanaham worked as a chief cook and last signed off the Sea-L<md Tacoma. He wns a veteran of World War II. having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1946. A resident of Seattle, he beg~n receiving his pension in July 1993. ISIDOROS M. KYRIAKOS Pensioner Isidoros M. Kyriakos, 70, passed away October 12. He joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of New York. Brother ....___ _ _ _ __.. Kyriakos worked in the deck department and retired in November 199'.l Born in Greece, he became a U.S. citizen and resided in Metairie, La. CURTIS A. LADNER Curtis A. Ladner, 27, died October 10 due to complications resulting from a car accident. A native of Gulfport, Miss., he graduL..;;;.....!::::==~--l ated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1996 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Ladner lived in Slidell, La. and sailed as a member of the steward department. JAMES C. LEWIS Pensioner James C. Lewis, 72, passed away September 16. Born in North Carolina, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1965 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. His first ship was the Santa Malta. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1963. A resident of Newark, Calif., Brother Lewis began receiving his pension in October 1985. BASILIO R. MALDONADO Pensioner Basilio R. Maldonado, 79, died September 30. Brother Maldonado started his career with the Seafarers in 1953. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1974. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Anny from 1941 to 1943. Brother Maldonado resided in Carolina, P.R. and retired in July 1984. GEORGE E. MALONE Pensioner George E. Matone. 74. passed away September 29. He began sailing with the SIU in 1960 from the pon of New Orleans. The Louisiana native sailed in the steward depart· ment and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in May 1989, Brother Malone signed off the Cov~ Trada. He. was a resident of Houston. HUBERT S. MARTIN Pensioner Hubert S. Martin, 82, died September 28. Born in Tennessee, he started his career with the SIU in 1966 in ====-====-i the port of Seattle. He sailed in the engine depanment and began receiving his pension in June 1981 . Brother Martin served in the U.S. Army from 19~5 to 1957. He was a resident of Ludlow, Wash. JAMES A. MONTGOMERY Pensioner . . . James A. Montgomery 77, passecl away October 5, 1997. A native of Texas, he first sailed with the MC&S in '---'--------' 1947 from the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Montgomery was a resident of Sunnyvale, Calif. and retired in December 1969. 1 WILLIAM W. QUIN Pensioner William W. Quin, 78, died September 26. He joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of New Orleans. The Mississippi native sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1941 to 1945. Brother Quin was a resident of Columbia, Miss. and started receiving his pension in 1980. RICHARD H. ROMERO Pensioner Richard H. Romero, 82, passed away July 29. Born in New Mexico, he joined the MC&S in 1943, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Prior to his retirement in September 1973, he signed off the President Cleveland, operated by American President Lines. Brother Romero was a resident of Las Vegas, N.M. DAVID SAN MIGUEL Pensioner David San Miguel, 87, died-August 17. He joined the MC&S in 1957 in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. A resident of the Philippines, Brother San Miguel began receiving his pension in February 1976. DONALD R. SHIVELY Pensioner Donald R. Shively, 71, passed away during the early part of this year. Born in Nebraska, he began sailing with the MC&S in 1957 from the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Shively resided in Lodi, Calif. and retired in June 1975. HAROLD W. SMITH Pensioner Harold W. Smith, 79, died in 1997. Brother Smith joined the MC&S in 1953 in the port of Seattle, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Washington native began receiving his pension in September 1983. He was a resident of San Francisco. ALEXANDER S. STANKIEWICZ Pensioner Alexander S. Stankiewicz, 74, passed away October 4. A native of Pennsylvania, he started his career with the "--"'"'""-"---'-----"='---' Seafarers in 1943. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in April 1991, Brother Stankiewicz signed off the Tlwmpson Pass, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. He was a resident of Wilmington, Calif. PABLO E. TORRES - - - Pensioner Pablo E. Torres, 96. died September 21. Born in Puerto Rico, he began sailing with the SIU in 1942 from the port of Mobile. ~~!!I!!!!~~ Ala. Brother Torres worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in April 1967. He resided in Ponce, P.R. CARLOS TRONCOSO Pensioner Carlos Troncoso, 72, ' passed away October 11. Brother Troncoso joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port i..::;,_....;;...;;;:==~--1 of New Orleans. He sailed in the engine department and retired in April 1981 . The Louisiana native lived in Metairie. JOSEPH A. YANIK -- Pensioner Joseph A. Yanik, 85, died September 29. He started his career with the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. The ..__...;;::;..._-.i___... ,f_, Pennsylvania native sailed in the engine department. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A resident of Northampton, Pa., he began receiving his pension in September 1979. Brother Yanik served in the U.S. Anny during the World War II years of 1941 to 1945. LOUIS ZWERLING Pensioner Louis Zwerling, 88, passed away September 25. A native of New York, he joined the Seafarers in 1941. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Zwerling was a resident of New York. He retired in June 1984. INLAND JENNIS S. ALEXANDER Pensioner Jennis S. Alexander, 82, passed away October 11 . A native of Nonh 1 Carolina, he joined the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Alexander sailed as a chief engineer and started receiving his pension in February 1979. He resided in Chesapeake, Va. r--:J':j!]¥3'f~-1 CURTIS C. CHAMBERLAIN Pensioner CUrtis C. Chamberlain, 83, died September 16. He started his career with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania native sailed as a captain. Boatman Chamberlain, a resident of Buena, N.J., retired in July 1980, CULLEN B. COLBERT Pensioner Cullen B. Colbert, 78, passed away September 30. Boatman Colbert joined the Seafarers in 1956 in the port =======:.J of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed as a chief engineer and began receiving his pension in February 1988. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. He made his home in Uriah, Ala. WILLIE EDWARDS Willie Edwards, 26, died October 3. Boatman Edwards sailed with the SIU from the port of New Orleans. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Delta Queen Steamship Continued on page 20 December 1998 �steward department for good meals and service. Reminder given to keep noise to minimum while others are sleeping and to keep lounge areas clean. Next port: New York. ,;~fu <i rn1 St1a.tare~. LOG attempl$ lo print as ~any,~lgesls of union shipboard x.-·: : ... . . . . .• minutes as possible. OIJ D~$l~n; iiecause DI spaes /Imitations, : toi1Jtw111:ba omitted. _:::1;;•>:·--~\h · - - '8Jilps'm1nutes first are reviewed by the union's contract department. · _@e inues requiring attention or resolutlan are addmsetJIJy t~1;. 11nton · upon receipt of the ships' minutes. The mittutes atB lheit lo!Watded to the Seafarers LOB for publlcatl1J11. ITB NEW YORK (Sheridan Transportation), August 30-Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Theodore E. Quammie, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in New York. AB-Adam Talucci, 26, died in an accident aboard ship. Chairman stated Adam will always be remembered as a good man, one who could be counted on at any time, as well as an excellent Seafarers and brother. Rest of crew sent expressions of sympathy to Talucci family. Educational director stressed importance of safety at all times, especially when docking vessel. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. ITB PHILADELPHIA (Sheridan Transportation), August 30-Chairman Vagn Teddy Nielsen, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director Joe M. Algiere, Engine Delegate Mohamed Radwan. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep messhalj clean and orderly_ Educati al director remind· ~ memben out necessity of obtaini aining record book in order to register. No beefs r di~puted ar reponed_ Suggestion matte and f orwarcted co contracts departmem for m~m~rs to be allow~ o file for vacatiM based on rotation as~i&Md tl'l shippine car<t. Next pon~ New York. areas of ship. Next ports: Arun, Indonesia and Tobata, Japan. SEA-LAND INTEGRITY (SeaLand Service), August 30Chairman Leon Jekot, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director C. Tsipliareles. Payoff announced for September 3 in Port Elizabeth, N .J. Secretary thanked all departments for great teamwork. Educational director urged members to make upgrading at Piney Point a priority. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Request made for fans to be issued to all crew and for everyone to rewind and catalog movies when finished using them. Steward department given vote of thanks for great job. SEA-LAND LIBERATOR (SeaLand Service), August 30Chairman Joel Miller, Secretary John Eric Bull, Educational Director George Phillips, Deck Delegate Fred Collins, Steward Delegate W. S. De Leon. Chairman noted vessel made first trip to East Coast. Canal transit was nice, but ship expected to rerum to 42-days runs or Asian shuttle. Secretary said movies are great morale builder and asked that everyone donate to movie fund. Educational director reminded crew members of nood to obtain TRBs_No beefs or dis uted OT reponed. Next pons; Long Beach, Calif.; Colon, Panama; Freeport, Baham11:;; and Miilmi, Fla. TY WAVE (Liberty Maritim~ , ugust 30---Chairman Roger J- Rein e, S@cr@tary F.. L Waihington Sr., Educatiortal USNS ALLEGIANCE (Maritrruu/IUM). AUitlSC 29-Chairman rnrecmr Charles Sandino. Deck Dele~atc RQdngu~z Gonzales, Engine Ddegate Carl Turner, Steward Delegate Hen.-y Gn~ene. Chairman announced vessel in Southwest Pass on September 14 with arriv~t ~nd payoff In New Orleans ronowing clay. Secretary reminded crew to clean rooms, defrost reefer boxes i\nd hlm in room keys for next person_ Educational <1irector urgea crew members Lo up~ade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md_ Some disputed ITT reported in deck depanmem. No beefs or disputed or noted from engine or Robert Coleman. Secrer.ary Tyler N. Laffitte, Deck Delegate Sten Brown, Engine Delegate Larry D. Wesley, Steward Delegate Fidel Thomaz. Bosun informed crew of ship's itinerary and payoff. He also expressed need for unity among crew to stand up for SIU policies OJ\ Maritrans vessels. Educational direc· tor urged members to go to Paul Hall Center to upgrade whenever possible_ He also stressed importance of supporting union through SPAD donations_No beefs or disputed ar reponed. Communications read and posted regarding payoff procedures. All were reminded that smoking is steward delegates. Bosun stressed prohibited in crew lounge and need for safety on deck when washing down holds. messhall as per contract. Several items requested aboard ship, includin~ Juice machine, service trays ancl salad bar in galley, coffee machine for officers' mess, and microwave ovens for both mess halls. LNG LEO (Energy Transpartation Corp-), August 30-Chairman Chorles H. Kahl, Secretary Henr;y Jones Jr., Educational Director Gtorgt Henderson, Deck Delegate D<mald Peterson, Engine Delegate David Vega, Stewar<l Delegate Amy K. Rippel. Bosun thanked an departments for safe work:. He also led discussion on transfer of ship's management and how important it is to donate to SPAD. Educational director stated for better paying jobs, Lundeberg School is a must. He reminded crew members to check zcards for expiration date md to apply for TRBs. Treasurer announced $280 in ship's fund and $150 in communication fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported by department delegates. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and to whole SIU crew for tidying up rec room and other December 1998 ITS JACKSONVILLE (Sheridan Transportation). September l 0Chairman Sonny Pinkham, Secretary Rayfield E. Crawford. President's report in latest WG read and discussed. Educational director appealed to crew members to upgrade and take advantage of educational opportunities at Piney Point. No money in ship's treasury at present time, but thanks extended to all those who contributed to ship's bike fund. It was a great effort. Deck delegate reponed some disputed OT in his department concerning work of riding gang, mainly chipping and painting duties. None noted in engine or steward departments. Bosun thanked deck gang for work well done. Thanks also given to OVERSEAS MARILYN (Maritime Overseas), September 6--Chairman Marco Galliano, Secretary Raffaele Ascione, Educational Director Derrick D. Gates, Deck Delegate James Jowers, Engine Delegate Hector Frederick, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Chairman had number of items to report. He noted payoff will take place upon arrival in New Orleans, TRBs are now necessary to register, tour of duty completion forms now on board, and transportation to port of engagement is payable upon completion of tour of duty only. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Suggestion for contracts department to look into extending prescription medicine benefits to cover dependents. OVERSEAS OHIO (Maritime Overseas), September 15-Chairman 1imothy D. Koebel, Secretary J. Smith, Educational Director Byron Elliott, Deck Delegate Robert Dorchester, Engine Delegate Mike McNally. Chairman reported on fumre of Maritime Overseas tanker fleet. Educational director urged Seafarers to attend Lundeberg School to increase skills and knowledge. No beefs or disputed ar reported. Several items referred to negotiating committee, including vacation after 90 days and question of emergency leave. Suggestion made to have company provide direct deposit into seamen's bank accounts as alternative to cash or check draw. Crew members asked to make list of any required room repairs. Padding needed for overheads in galley. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. PAUL BUCK (Ocean Carriers), September 20-Chainnan John Konetes, Secretary Antoinette Spander, Educational Director Georg@ H_ Bixby, Deck Delegate Frank Alvarez. Bn~ne Delegate Donal Swa1U1er, Steward Delegate All Quraish. Chairman advised crew to apply for TRB and emphasized its importance. He ako reviewed com. munications from headquarters. including present wage and pay scale, vacation benefits and pension plan contribution breakdown for each member. He notecl concern about openoo mail. Educational clirector recommended upgrading at Lundeberg School to advance job classification and skills. No beefs or disputoo or reported. Crew reminded to chc.ck z-card for expiration date. SEA-LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), September 24Chairman Hayden W. GirFord, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose. Crew informed of deadline extension for TRBs, but noted books are nc.ces· sary when registering. Secretary urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and keep abreast of regulations penaining to shipping (STCW endorsements, TRBs). Educational director asked members to be aware of location of all fire stations and equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for information on medical cards. Steward department given vote of thanks for good food. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPLORER (SeaLand Service), September 6Chairman Raymond Yager, Secretary John F. Bass, Educational Director Clarence Langford, Deck Delegate James Morgan. Engine Delegate Walter R. Hutchinson, Steward Delegate Jaber Ali. Chairman announced end of good voyage. Educational director advised everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Lundeberg School. He also reminded them of need to obtain TRBs. Treasurer announced $715 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed ar reported. All aboard agreed new firefighting school in Piney Point is good idea. New washer and dryer requested in addition to new ice machine. QMED also suggesed ordering milder soap for laundry. Next ports: Long Beach and Oakland, Calif. SEA-LAND GALVESTON BAY (Sea-Land Service), September 6Chairman William Henderson, Seretary Edward C. Winne, Educational Director Edward C. Mancke, Steward Delegate Ali S. Delegate Ramon V. Duran, Engine Delegate Frederick V. Vogler, Steward Delegate Nasar A. AJ. Faqih. Chairman noted that supporting SPAD is important way to make union voice heard on Capitol Hill and that "Politics Is Porkchops" is same today as in Paul Hall's time. He also thanked steward department for job well done and good food. He stated to be competitive in job market with its continually changing requirements, crew members need to take courses at Piney Point and upgrade skills. Secretary gave vote of thanks to Bosun Wilson, all ABs and engine department members for keeping messhalls and crew lounge clean. Thanks also given to Deck Maintenance Mousid S. Omar for painting galley storeroom. Educa- Emergency Averted on S-L Consumer Steward/Baker Danny Brown (left) and Chief Cook John Foster not only do a great job feeding the crew on the Sea-Land Consumer, they also know when their food should be smoking or not. So when Foster recently smelled something burnin~ and it was not lunch, he investigated and discovered smoke billowing from the steering room area. He quickly informed the chief engineer, and crew members were mustered to put out the flames. At the next shipMard meeting, Bosun Francis Adams thanked Foster for his alertness and expressed his gratitude to the crew for their efforts in extinguishing the fire_ H;ydtra_ Chairman announced Coast Guard inspection next month. Some disputed OT reported in deck department relating to routine sea watches. No beefs or disputed OT in engine or steward depanments. Discussion held on rotary shipping md how SIU fought for years to keep it even though companies may be pushing for permanent jobs_Vote of thanks given to steward deparment. Next pons: Boston, Mass., Elizabeth, N.J., and Portsmouth, Va_ SEA·LAND HAWAII (Sea-Land Service), September 15--Chairman Hugo Dermody, Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Mark Serlis, Deck Delegate Michael Brown, Engine Delegate Blademiro S. Santana, Steward Delegate Jorge Salazar. Chairman announced pay· off in Elizabeth, N.1. and advised crew to keep abreast of all new documents needed to ship, like STCW endorsements and 1RBs. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean. He also discussed importance of supporting SPAD in order to do groundwork for presidential election in year 2000. Educational director noted that best way to ensure job security is through upgrading at Lundeberg School. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. No beefs or disputed or noted in engine or steward departments. Clarification requested on rest period for day workers. Crew reminded of no smoking policy in lounge and messhall. Vote of thanks given to steward department for delicious meals and sincere efforts expended to ensure good trip. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; San Juan, P.R.; Rio Haina, Dominican Republic; and Houston, Texas. SEA-LAND INNOVATOR (SeaLand Service), September 6Chairman J. R. Wilson, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Chris Earhart, Deck tional director reminded all hands that in order to register, they need to obtain TRB. No beefs or disputed OT reported in any of three departments. Communications from headquarters read regarding no payoff without presence of union official. Next port: Long Beach, Calif_ SEA-LAND TACOMA (Sea-Land Servi~e), September 17-Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lanette Lopez, Educational Director Kevin M. Bertel. Chairman discussed prospects of additional jobs, especially on Ready Reserve Fleet vessels due to bombings overseas. He advised crew members, friends and families to write congressional representatives in favor of keeping Jones Act. Educational director discussed Family Medical Leave Act and noted that everyone is entitled to benefit from it. No beefs or disputed OT reported. All letters and other communications received from headquarters read and posted in lounge. New mattresses requested by chief cook and electrician, and repair of drinking fountain requested. STONEWALL JACKSON (Waterman Steamship), September 20-Chairman Carl T. Lineberry, Secretary M. D. Hoeffer, Deck Delegate Glenn Thompson, Engine Delegate Warren H. Wright, Steward Delegate Lawrence E. Winfield. Chairman reported good trip, with most of crew returning after vessel was in shipyard. Secretary stated 11 new mattresses and 52 pillows ordered for crew. Treasurer announced $755 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters received and read to crew regarding payoff policy: no payoff without union representative present. Captain notified of need for new TV and radio. Steward and deck departments given vote of thanks from crew for great job. Next port: New Orleans, La. Seafarers LOB 19 �Toll-Free Number In Place For TRB, STCW Questions SIU members may call a tollfree telephone number that has been set · up to help answer Seafarers' questions about the STCW convention and the training record book (TRB). The number-877-789-STCW (7829)-connects members to representatives of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. Seafarers also may leave a message after 4 p.m. Messages will be returned as promptly as possible. This number is valid only for STCW and TRB questions. It cannot be used for shipping, claims or any other situations. As of August 1, 1998, Seafarers may not register to ship unless they either possess a TRB or have applied for one. This is the case for all SIU members, regardless if they sail deep sea, inland or Great Lakes. Original TRBs are issued at no charge to members, although Seafarers applying for the booklets must send two color, passport-size photos with their application. There is a $25 charge for replacement books. 'Relaxed Assessment' Ending The deadline for relaxed assessment of the requirements of STCW Chapter VI: Basic Safety Training arrives on January L Therefore, SIU members have until the end of this month to take advantage of the relaxed assessment period. Specifically, they may demonstrate certain proficiencies listed in Chapter VI and then have an officer or other qual- ified assessor verify their performance. Such verification is valid for five years. The only other way to meet the Chapter VI requirements is by successfully completing Coast Guard-approved courses. Chapter VI-the tables for which are found on pages 47-52 of the TRB-requires documentation of training and assessment for personal survival techniques, fire fighting and fire prevention, elementary first aid and personal safety/social responsibilities. School Requests Feedback The Paul Hall Center asks that SIU members who fulfill the Chapter VI requirements please contact the school and convey this information. The center is attempting to help determine the extent to which the relaxed assessment method has been utilized. Seafarers may use the new tollfree number to report their compliance under the relaxed assessment period. Taking ESL for STCW A number of SIU members are taking advantage of the English as a Second Language (ESL) course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as a means of complying with new regulations stemming from the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for mariners. Completing the course in October were (seated, from left) Abdul Mosa, Ali Ali, Taher Saeed, Shaibi Riyadh, {~tanding) Peggy D$n$ford {instructor), Dionisio Moreira., Younis Saleh and Mauricio Castro. For more information on the ESL class ~md all of the other r;Qi.ir~i;l~ availabl~ At th~ Paul Hall Center, see pages 11-14. Final Departures Continued from puge 18 co. as a member of the ~teward department. Brother Edwards was a resident of Marrero, La. JOHN G. EVANS Pensioner John G. Evans, 56, oasseo away September 22. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1961 from the port of Norfolk, """"'-'-'-""--'---' Va. Born in Virginii\, M se.iled in the deck department. A resident of Susan, Va.., Boatman Evans started receiving his pension in May 1980. April 1997, he signed off the T.J. Sheridan. Boatman Parlcer was a resident of Leland, N.C. LOUIS W. RAPISARDA Louis W. Rapisarda, 27 1 passed l\way September 14. Boatman - " Rapisarda graduated from the , Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1995 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. The New York native sailed in the steward department. He was a resident of New Port Richey, Fla. JIMMIE TATUM CLIFFORD L. HANNAH P9nsjon~r Clifford L Hannah, 84, died October 10. A native of Florida, he joine'1 the SIU in 1965 in the port of New Orleans. Boatman H;mnah sailed e.s a tugboat captain, primarily aboMd vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. He was a resident of Ovett, Miss. and retired in June 1982. GENE C. PARKER Pensioner Gene C. Parker, 59, died August 17. Bom in North Carolina, he began sailing with the SIU in 1959. Boatman Parker started out in the engine department and later transferred to the deck department. During his career, he earned his operators license and masters license. Prior to his retirement in 20 Seafarers LOii <"! .:. J ''·:~ Pensioner Jimmie Tatum, 74, died August 25. He joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Houston. A native of Texas, he sailed in the L=-..::-='-'-....c.=----..~ engine depanment and began receiving his pen- sion in May 1986. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946. Boatman Tatum lived in Ingleside, Texas. GREAT LAKES ROBERT G. ECKLEY 17ii!Piliiiiiiii~--i Pensioner Robert G. Eckley, 68, passed away October 3. A native of Pennsy1vania, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1957. He worked in the duk department. last sailing aboard the American Marina, operated by American Steamship Co. A resident of Philipsburg, Pa, he began receiving his pension in September 1994. GEORGE L. PIERCE Pensioner George L. Pierce, 69, died October 14. Born in New York. he began sailing with the SIU in 1952. Brother Pierce worked in the Live Healthy ••• Live Longer Editor's note: the following article was written by Chef Allan Sherwin, director of culinary education at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. It has been documented that Americans are the fattest people on the planet. We spend only 10 percent of our income on food while people in other countries allocate up to 80 percent of their income to providing food for their families. The abundance of foods in this country and the relatively low cost of eating have caused us to become a nation of overweight people. People are living longer due to advances in medicine, but we are not exercising as much as our ancestors and, consequently, are gaining weight. Technology has m~de our jobs less physically stressful, and computers, televisions and convenience foods have made us more sedentary. The result is that more people are having health problems due to a lack of exercise and an increased consumption of fat-producing foods. There are several guidelines one can follow to effectively lose weight in a safe way. Fad diets do not work. Short-term losses are usually followed by a gain of weight in excess of what one weighed at the start of the diet. The most important component of losing weight is to cut down on the fat. Reduce the amount of fat calories consumed to under 20 percent of your daily intake. That means cutting down on bacon, dairy (such as cheese and butter), meats with high fat content and any foods that are fried. You can consume all fruits and vegetables in large amounts since they are almost totally fat free. Also reduce the amount of foods that are made from white flour. Breads, pastas, rice and potatoes should be eaten in moderation. Consume only 15-20 percent of calories from protein. Use lean cuts of beef, chicken that is skinless, and fish as sources of protein. Eat in moderation and drink plenty of water. It sounds easy, but old habits die hard. When the urge to eat potato chips and snack foods comes on, eat some fruit and raw vegetables with a fat-free dip. Try not to eat late in the evening when the body is slowing down and calories are burned slower. The key to losing weight is to combine a sensible eating program with exercise. Start by walking 20 minutes per day and increase gradually. Riding a bike, swimming, jogging, using a treadmill or aerobics will increase the use of calories and assist any weight loss program. Practice Makes Perfect engine department, last sailing aboard the Sam Laud, an American Steamship Co. vessel. A resident of Manitowcx;:, Wis., he started receiving his pension in January 1991. RAILROAD MARINE HENRYL.LEE Pensioner Henry L. Lee, 83, passed away August 14. A native of New Jersey, he , joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port _:...,..'. of New York. Brother Lee worked primarily for the marine division of Penn Central Railroad Co., sailing in the deck department. A resident of West Hempstead , N.Y. , he began receiving his pension in January 1974. Brother Lee was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945. Repetition is part of what makes a safe ship. That is why firefighting drills regularly take place on the SIU·crewed USNS Assertive, an oceanographic surveillance vessel. Here, AB Gary Carraway (right photo) and fellow crew members aboard the Assertive don safety gear and simulate extinguishing a shipboard fire. :. Tlie biographical ske~h of Robert J. "BQbby° Clintort tha['.? . ap~ru.-edin last month's Final Departures was incomplete. It should ". have read: Robert J. HBobbyH Clinton~· 65, passed awayAugust24. · A native of New York, he began his sailing career with the SIU as . ·a inemher of the deck-department: He worked aboard both deep sea·t vessels and dredges. Brother Clinton came ashore in the mid-1960s and worked at the Lundeberg School in its early days. He left to, pursue other opportunities before returning to the $chool in 1988. He served as an assistant to the vice president of the school. Later,. he moved to the West Coast and worked aboard Sea-Land vessels. A U.S. Anny veteran~ he served during the Korean War. He was a,,1£ resident of Federal Way, Wash. December 1998 �The "union of unions" was es5 tablished on this date in 1955 when the American Federation of (Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) ~ ... Keeping the Money At Home Would Help Regarding the article in your October issue of the Seafarers LOG (page 5), I agree with U.S. Representative David Bonior. I, too, am against privatizing the Social Security system. In my opinion, if you put that system into the stock market, you will be making a big mistake. I heard about the stock market crash of 1929. It's the youngsters who want the Social Security system changed. If we keep it like it is, it will not run out of money in 2032. Also, if the U.S. quit sending aid to foreign countries that don't like us at all, we would have some extra money. Where does it say in Washington, D.C. that we have to help all these foreign countries? And where does it say, too, that it's OK to borrow from Social Security to pay for past wars. There are still many countries that owe us a war Pensioners debt from World War II, the Korean and Vietnamese wars and Desert Storm. When are these countries going to pay us back? L.D. Rust Wilmington, Calif. Giving Bill Doak A Better Send-off I am writing to you regarding the death notice that appeared in the October 1998 issue of the Seafarers LOG in reference to William ''Bill" Doak. I realize you and the current staff of the LOG were not around in the '40s, '50s and '60; however, you do have access to the LOG archives and membership files. Someone on your staff should have done a little research. Bill Doak had quite a history with the Sill. First of all, Bill was not a native New Yorker. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. I first met Bill during World War II. He was sailing as an AB aboard a Waterman ship that was torpedoed in the English Channel in late summer 1944. I was working on an Sill deep sea tug, the Sankaty Head. We got orders from the British Admiralty to assist the torpedoed vessel. We set out from the port of Southampton and found Bill's ship in the English Channel, listing danDearborn, Mich. ALI SALEH MAWARl,59, started his career with the SIU in 1966. Born in Yemen, he worked in the g'ne artmem, last sailing aboard the Buffalo, operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Mawari makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. December Rosa Parks Day. In 1955, 431seamstress year- oId African-American Rosa Parks boarded a crowded bus in downtown Montgomery, Ala. for the ride home from her job in a department store. There was standing room only in the "Negro" section in the rear, but the weary Parks sat down in front and refused to give up her seat to a white man. The action caused her arrest, triggered a year-long boycott of the city bus system, and led to legal actions which ended racial segregation on municipal buses throughout the southern U.S. gerously. We proceeded to rig our towing cable to the stricken ship and towed her to the Swansea Shipyard, arriving a couple of days later. Both crews got together and went ashore that night in Swansea. We drank and partied to the wee hours of the morning. When I look back now, I realize there were several future Sill union officials aboard these two vessels. On the Sankary Head, there was Bob "Sailor" Hall, bosun and brother of Paul Hall; Johnny Arabaze, who later worked as an SIU organizer, patrolman and port agent; and myself. In addition to Bill Doak, the bosun aboard his ship was Gene Dakin, who years later worked as a patrolman in the pon of New York. This was the first time I met Bill. Subsequently~ I sailed wich him aboard Robin Lines ships before he became a Bull Line stiff. Speaking of Bull Line, Bill made the front page of the New Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) merged into a single trade union center-the AFL-CIO. The merger ended a 20-year split in the American labor movement growing out of differences over the form trade union organization should take. The merger recognizes that both craft and industrial unions are appropriate, equal, and necessary as methods of union organization. The Colored National Labor Con6 vention met for the first time in Washington, D.C. in 1869. The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was organized in Columbus, Ohio in 1886 by 25 craft unions. 8 AFL President Samuel 13 Gompers died in 1924 at age 74. One of the labor leader's most York Daily News when we fought the Teamsters on the Bull Line docks in Brooklyn, just down the street from the union hall. Bill was clubbed over the head by a horseback cop and the New York Daily News ran a picture of him with a bloody white cap and blood running down his face. Bill's bloody cap was later put on display under glass in the Brooklyn hall for all to see. One issue of the Sea/are rs LOG featured a photo of the bloodsoaked cap with a story about Bill and the Bull Line beef. A full account of this story should be in the LOG archives. Bill worked for the SIU in Brooklyn in the late '50s as a life. boat instructor for three or four years. There are many Seafarers still active that Bill helped obtain their lifeboat endorsement. Bill also worked as patrolman in New York and organized on the Great Lakes. Bill was a very impressive guy. One day in the early '60s in Detroic. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Di~ttitt maxes specific provision for safeguarding the membership·s money and uniort finances. The con~titution requires a detailed audit by cenified public accoun• tams every year, which i~ to be mb. mined co the membership by the ~e«;rctary•treasurer. A yearly finance commilcee of rank-and-file members, elected by the membership, each year examines the finances of the union and reports fully their fimlings and rei;ommen· dations. Members of this committee may make dissentin~ reports. spedtic recommendations and sep· arate 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 wade 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 December 1998 employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of the~e contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If mcm· bers believe there have been viola· tions of their shipping or seniority ri&hts as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals Board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is: Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 5201 Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to mem· hers at all times, either by writing directly to the union or to the Seafarers Appeals Board. CONTRACTS. Copies of all Sill contracts are available in all Sill 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 (ITT) 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. famous remarks, in response to the question, "What does labor want?" was: "We want more schoolhouses and less jails, more books and ~ess arsenals, more learning and less vice, more constant work and fess crime, more leisure and less greed, more justice and less revenge." The Retail Clerks NationaJ 24 Protective Association (RCNPA) was chartered by the AFL in 1888. The RCNPA became the Retail Clerks International Union, which merged with the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America to form the UFCW in 1979. The Knights of Labor was 28 founded in 1869. The Knights broadened the labor movement beyon d a few skilled trades and reached out to all working men and women. Its goals of equal pay for equal work, abolishing child labor, and the eight-hour day provided a rallying cry for all workers. Mich., we were all sitting around in Al Tanner's office following a big organizing drive. Al Tanner was president of the Great Lakes District of the SIU and a vice president of the SIUNA executive board. Al asked Bill if he would like to work on the Great Lakes permanently. Bill sat there for a moment thinking about Al's offer and reached into his pocket and pulled out his seaman's card. Bill showed his card to Al and said, "my papers read Puerto Rican Waters only." Bill loved Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican people. He worked for many years on the island as a part time patrolman and as a one-man shoregang for SeaLand. I am sending this letter to you because I think it is a little sad that a great and popular Seafarer like Bill didn't get a better send-off. Jack Bluitt New Port Richey, Fla. · EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS WG. 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 hoard may clelegate, 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 immooiately notify headquarters. EQUAL RIGHTS. All members are guaranteed equal rights in employment and as members of the 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. sru. 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 oppor- tunities 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 1efund, 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 Sill President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOG 21 - �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes SEAFARER S LUNDEBERG SCHOOL HARRY LIFEBOAT CLASS 581 ~~ Trainee Lifeboat Class 581-Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 581 are (from left, kneeling) Joshua Davenport, Justin Von Sprecken, Philip Noto II, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Nicholas Craddock, Carey Foster Jr., Vilas Keith and Melvin Jackson Jr. Basic Firefighting-Earning their basic firefighting endorsements on September 11 are (from left, kneeling) Wilfredo Gatmen, Hussein Mohamed, Clemente Rocha, (second row) Mohamed Ahmed, Cecil Edwards, Muckbil Shaibi, James Fennessy, Leopoldo Viernes, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor), Robert Schindler, Ronald Hutchison, Albert W. Austin Jr., Lauro Mangahas and C. Jefferson. Advanced Firefighting-Marking completion of the advan~d firefighting Murse on SetJtember 12 ~r4' (from left, fir~t rrJW) Daniel Crawford, Yahya Al-S~qaf, David Mill-Graves Sr.. Chris Stringer. Jam~3 Reider, Bonifacio Lozado, Thomas Minton, (~~cond row) John Smith (instructor). Brian S~il~r. Glen James Sr., Kendra Savage, William Bruce, Eric Hy~on ami Ronald Dewitt. Bask Firefiahting • Maritrans-Graduating from the basic firefighting class on October 16 are (from left, front row) Randy Brinca, Eric Takakjian, (second row) James Haughey, Billy Sawyer Sr., William Howell, Richard Forrest, (third row) Anthony Hammett (instructor). Ronnie Fulcher and Sheldon Slusser. Basic Firefighting .j: Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading graduates of the OetoMr 17 lifeboat class are (from left, kneeling) Erasno P. Guevara, Natividad Martinez, Ali H. Ali, Majed Alsunbahi, Gayl Payton, Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Taher Saeed, Mohamed Mohamed, Richard Lord, Dionisio Moreira, Abdulhoma Mosa, Riyadh Shaibi, Walter Rocha. Ahmed M. S~leh, Jonas Bocaya, (third row) Talama Moega, Jose Garcia, Edward Adams, Rodolfo Moreira, Youni~ Salen. waseem Dhalai and Sean Wal:sh. Maritrans-Boatmen who sail aboard Maritrans vessels completed the basic firefighting course on September 18. They are (from left, first row) Ernie Hudgins, Rick Redmond (instructor), Randy Watson, Mi<;hael A. Downey, Richard Wylie, Vernon Elburn, (second row) Harry Keeler. Vic Daniels, Jimmy White, Kenny Kitchen, John Coyne, John Dean and Kenny Buttry. ) \ .~, ......IO<.....i~~·;_ t Oil Spill - Penn Maritime-Seafarers sailing aboard Penn Maritime vessels completed the oil spill class on September 23. They are (from left) Martin Malia, David Wade, John Harvard, Ben Graeff and David Lane. 22 Seafarers LOG 1 •. . # .. · .\\\,, ~ Tanker Assistant DL-Earning their graduation certificates for completion of the tanker assistant DL course on October 30 are (from left, kneeling) Charles Valencia, Richard De La Cruz, Thomas MacGregor, Peter Sternberg, Ferdinand Gabuten, James Orlanda, (second row) Wayne Gonsalves, Phillip Troublefield, Richard Paturel, Jesse Sharp, Ameon Fuller, Nelson Martin, Teki Williams, Geronimo Gonzales, Reynaldo Telmo, (third row) Jim Shaffer (instructor), Vanessa Fickel, James Hagner, Walter Ratcliffe, Andre Terrell, Shane Landon, Rafael Cardenas and Peter Malone. December 1998 �The foUow!n~is the schedule f<?~ ~·~~s beginning in December and running to the ti~ few months of 1999 'at~tj}C:;seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of . . · . ~manship~ · located at ·. tbe--:<Pau1:.':Hail Center for Maritime~ Training . and :.:Jhl~cation in Piney Pointt Md. All programs are geared to imp~ove the job skills ::~{i>f·:Seafarers and to promote the.!\.merican maritime inqu$,tfy.. , :<}~"· Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the .needs of the rnem.bership, the maritime industry and-in times o.f conflict-the nation~s security. · the Saturda,Y be.f•', ·.. Students attending ~Y of these c lasses shouId c hec k in rre Febmary 1 t;~~~T~~!:J!;:=::::::~::~n:;~~=,:" :;..~:J:,1.mqeberg . S~l.l9P.l!n.~Y.·Call the admis.sio.ns. :office. a~. .....(~9. ~ ).~94..{)() 10. ... . : ..... .: : . .. ::· :::·· . ........... :......... .. ~ ;',, ' ' ' ·" ·" ... :·. . :. " " ' ' ' ·,\ ' ' , .. :::.:',':,;~· ·~: Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) :. Start Date Date of Completion January 11 February 15 January 29 March5 · · January 18 .•· January22 January 29 February 5 March 12 January 25 February 1 M~hS ·:.":," "':'.' ·.'::''.' .:February 19 · March 19 :~pril 9 Jaouacy8 Febrwiry 5 MarclJS April2 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name _ _ _ _--'=--------~---------------~ Address ___________________________ With This applicacion, COPIES of the following must be senr: One hundred and twenty (120) days seacimefor the previous year, one day in che lase six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z-card) front and back, front page of your union book indi ca1ing your department and seniority, and qualifying seatime. for the course if ii is Coasc Guard tested. All FOWf, AB and QMED applicants must subinit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their application. The paymem should be made with a money order only, payabk co LMSS. COUKSE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Telephone----------- Deep Sea Member D Lakes Member If Ihe following information is nor filled END DATE BEGIN DATE D Inland Waters Member D OUT complt!tl!ly, your application Will nor be processed. Social Security # _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Book# - - - - - - - - - - - Seniority-- - - - - - - - - - - Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes D No D Home Port Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes. course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: D Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No Primary language spoken - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - December '1998 LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - 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 cqurse. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Luruieberg School of Seamanship, Admissions Office, P.O. Box 75. Piney Point, MD 20674-0075. 1ms The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and F.ducation is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Attentton Seafarers The Lundeberg School Course Guide for 1999 is induded in this issue of the Seafarers LOG. Check it out on pages 11 - 14 and start thinking now about your upgrading plans for the new year. Gibson Reio Retl1•'Ds to Guam Sea/arers Prep Maersk Vessel After ROS Period After a two-month period in reduced operating status (ROS), the SnJ-crewed prepositioning ship SP5 Eric G. Gibson has returned to its overseas home in Guam. This summer, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel spent two months in Norfolk, Va. while waiting for new cargo. It then sailed to Sunny Point, N.C. in August, loaded the materiel and resumed its prepositioning mission. QMED Al (Skip) Herrmann, who sent the photos accompanying this story to the Seafarers LOG, reported smooth and routine operations aboard the Gibson both as Seafarers prepared it to leave Norfolk and during the loading in Sunny Point. SIU members first crewed the Gibson in early 1995, shortly after Maersk Line purchased the 784-foot ship. Formerly a Danish-flag containership, the vessel reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, underwent refurbishment and joined MSC's afloat prepositioning force. The modifications included crane installation and cargo-space air conditioning which makes the ship self-sustaining and suitable for the carriage of prepositioned cargoes such as tru~ks, tractors, ammunition, fuel, medical supplies and other materiel. Named after a U.S. Army Medal of Honor redpient, the Gibson 1~ more than 100 feet wide and can travel at up to 21 knots. The SIU-crewed prepositioning ship SP5 Eric G. Gibson takes on cargo in Sunny Point, N.C. Left: AB Steven Anthony operates the winches while tying up in Sunny Point, N.C. Below: Chief CMk Walter Man (right) and SA Don Benjamin prepare the first hot meal for the returning crew since the ship went into ROS. Bosun Ron Parndi~e (handling line) shows the ropes to DE;U Peet Carmus, who recently completed the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Third Mate and SIU hawsepiper Shawn Orr (left) waits with AB Horatiu Vintila to throw the first line over in Sunny Point. BR Saleh Soofi spruces up the Gibson following its two-month layup in Norfolk, Va. Right: Readying the lines for the Sunny Point docks is AB Raymond Austin. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF REDEDICATES ORGANIZATION TO FIGHT SUBSTANDARD SHIPPING SIU’S FAY REMAINS SEAFARERS’ CHAIRMAN AT FEDERATION’S INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS IN INDIA PRESIDENT SIGNS VETERANS’ EXTENSION FOR WORLD WAR II MERCHANT MARINES SIU CREWS 3RD DOUBLE EAGLE STEEL PROBLEMS ABROAD AFFECT GREAT LAKES ECONOMY SUPPORTERS CONTINUE TO SPEAK OUT FOR JONES ACT ABOARD THE RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN A FIRST PERSON VIEW FORM THE TOP OF THE WORLD SOCIAL SECURITY DEBATE FACES CONGRESS ON ITS RETURN SEAFAERS’ RELATIVE MAKES INTERNATIONAL NEWS; SURVIVES HURRICANE MITCH AT SEA BY RIDING LOG WESTCOAST DATES ANNOUNED FOR ITF GLOBAL MARINER’S TOUR ‘MAMA THERESTA’ PRICE TOUCHES LIVES OF ALL WHO KNOW HER TWO SIU CREWS HONORED AT ANNUAL AOTOS DINNER LOG RECEIVES FIRST PRICE IN LABOR PRESS ASSOCIATION CONTEST UNION WILL PROVIDE BASIC ENGLISH TESTS TO HELP MEET REGS DOUBLE EAGLE NAMES HAVE PROUD HISTORY TWINS STILL DOING GREAT NEARLY 19 YEARS LATER TOLL-FREE NUMBER IN PLACE FOR TRB, STCW QUESTIONS GIBSON RELOADS, RETURNS TO GUAM SEAFARERS PREP MAERSK VESSEL AFTER ROS PERIOD Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/01/1998 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. 60, No. 12 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/42f5285be9b48fd2b131a2d64b3ff6d8.pdf 3bd655574d898d308bf95f1d4d002e20 PDF Text Text Three new SIU-contracted "Double Eagle" tankers were christened in Newport News, Va. on October 3, marking additional job opportunities for Seafarers. The union joined with others at the ceremony in welcoming the Diamond Shoals and Nantucket Shoals (both pictured above) as well as the Cape Lookout Shoals. Two more SIU-crewed Double Eagle tankers currently being built in Newport News are slated for delivery in 1999. Page 3. ITF Ship Carries RunawayFlag Campaign to U.S. Thousands of Visitors Learn About Brutal Conditions on Foreign Vessels fl Cleanup _,perations Continue After Hurricane Georges SIU members in Puerto Rico and the Mobile, Ala. area are among the count u_s_ Maritim~ Admini~trator Clyde Hart among tM go_ooo visitors to the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) exhibition ~hip Globa Mariner. Hart (left, 5haking hand~ with SIU Executive Vice Pre:;ident and ITF Seafarers' Section Chairman John Fay) touriJd th9 ve$Sel in Baltimore and commAnd~d tM ITF fl)r undertaking this worldwide tour again5t runaway·flag ~hip· ping. M~ny Seafarers and SIU 6ffitial~ als~ visited the G/DbBI MarimJrat it5 initi~I ~top~ in the U.S. Pl!lge~ 11.14_ many U.S. and Caribbean residents still recovering from the devastating impact of Hurricane Georges. With 125 mph winds and torrential rains, Georges caused an estimated $2.5 biltion in damage to residences, businesses and other property in the Gulf states and the Caribbean. Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were hit particularly hard. Above: Shipping remains disrupted in Puerto Rico, where shoreside cranes were wrecked by the storm. Page 2. �Reco11ery from 'Georges' Continues President's Report Thanks for Jobs Well Done By being part of the nation's fourth arm of defense, Seafarers know they may be called to action at any time. Our jobs do not require us to punch a time clock. We know that when a vessel has to tie up or leave a dock, when a repair has to be made, when an unscheduled safety drill is announced, there is no time to say, 'T II do it tomorrow because my shift is over." It gets done now because others are depending on it. Since details like these aboard vessels Michael Sacco can occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Seafarers look forward to their time at home to relax and enjoy spending time with their families. Being away from loved ones for an extended period is one of the biggest challenges facing all members-no matter if they sail deep sea. inland or on the Lakes. No one wants to be called back to work when they finally get a chance for some rest and relaxation . Yet, more than 500 SIU members did just that in September and early October to meet several unexpected challenges facing the union. During the month of September, the SIU manpower office received notification that more than 20 Ready Reserve Force vessels needed to be crewed immediately for a drill called Exercise Turbo Activation. This drill-like others in which the union has taken part-was designed by the U.S. Maritime Administration to see if the companies operating its fleet of RRF ships could fully crew and sail these ships at a moment's notice. Much as it did during the Persian Gulf War earlier this decade, the manpower office went into round-the-clock opcrntions. All SIU hiring halls were informed that ships needed to be crewed from Norfolk to New Orleans to San Francisco as soon as possible. In fact, the drill even called for three tankers docked in Japan to become operational, so crew members had to be flown to the Far East to fill these positions. As if this were not enough, Mother Nature stepped in. While union officials and staff at manpower and the hiring halls issued job cards and sent members to their assignments, three tropical storms threatened the U.S., including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Several more vessels outside the drill had to be activated, crewed and sailed out of harm's way before the storms Hurricane Georges is long gone, but Seafarers in the Caribbean and in the Gulf states still are recovering from the devastating stonn. A number of SIU members in Puerto Rico lost their roofs or suffered other damage to their respective homes. Some members' homes in the Mobile, Ala. area also were damaged. The SIU halls in Mobile and San Juan, P.R. only sustained minor harm from Georges, which struck the Caribbean beginning September 21 and then proceeded to the U.S. Many Seafarers and members of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) in the U.S. have donated relief supplies for Seafarers in Puerto Rico and UIW members in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Additionally, Seafarers in the areas of Puerto Rico that sustained minimal damage have collected, donated and delivered ~t ! .. ...T[. - ~·.,~ ···'('· .....l 1tt'r A dockside crane operated by Sea· Land Service in Puerto Rico was destroyed during the storm. AP/Wide World Photos Sailboats and debris clutter the lawn of a home in Mobile, Ala. following the high winds and storm surges created by Hurricane Georges. items to residents in the harder-hit sections. Overall, Georges- with 125 mph winds and torrential rainscaused an estimated $2.5 billion in insured damages to residences, businesses and other property. It is the costliest disaster ever for the Red Cross. which has spent more than $100 million in relief efforts. The hurricane killed at least 509 people in the Caribbean, including 283 in the Dominican Republic. More than 100,000 Dominicans were left homeless because of the storm, which struck in late September. Shipping remains disrupted in Puerto Rico, where many areas still are without electricity and 11,000 residents lost their homes. Several dockside cranes operated struck land. Once again SIU members answered the call without 1 question or hesitation. The SIU not only met the challenge of Exercise Turbo Activation. the union also fully crewed the additional vessels called up because of the approaching stornu. Seafarers went aboard and sailed a total of 31 ships with minimal notice during these campaigns. Each and every person involved in making these operations a success deserves praise. From the members who gave up their valued time with their families, to the port officials who worked well into the night and on weekends, to the manpower personnel who stayed on top of these ever-changing situations, all of you performed brilliantly and expertly. The SIU prides itself on being able to go anywhere at any time to crew and sail U.S.-flag vessels. That's what our government. our troops and our contracted companies c;ount on. Once again, Seafarers have shown this pride and belief is not simply bragging. It is fact. Vulum11 60, Numb11r n November 7998 The SIU vn line; www.secde1ren.org The Seafarers WG OSSN 1086-4636) is published mon~hly by the Sc~farcr~ Intcmatiomtl Union; Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District; AFL--CIO; Sl01 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 207909998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers WC, 5201 Auth Wa'I Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Daniel Duncan; Managing Ediror. Jordan Biscardo; Associate Elliror/Producrion. Deborah A. Hines; An. Bill Brower, Administrative Suppon, Jeanne Textor. Copyright 19 1998 Seafarers International Union, AP/Wida World PhOtos Winds of up to 90 mph battered houseboats in Key West, Fla., scattering debris across the flooded road. by Sea-Land and NPR, Inc. were destroyed. As a result, some vessels have skipped scheduled stops to the island. For those that have delivered goods there, off-loading that normally takes less than one day has lasted three days or longer. Longshoremen are using cherrypickers and other unconventional gear to get the job done. The SIU's hall in San Juan closed for a week (September 2128), first in preparation for Georges and then because of power outages and lack of running water. The Mobile hall closed for two days due to no power and downed trees blocking area roads. As in late 1995 and early 1996, in the wake of Hurricane Marilyn, the Red Cross is using the Mobile hall as a command center for local relief operations. Red Cross personnel arrived at the hall September 30 and probably will continue using it until sometime early chis month. While the Dominican Republic sustained the greatest loss of life, Puerto Rico absorbed the most monetary damage. According to the Associated Press, insured damage there totals an estimated $1 .7 billion. Other assessments included $325 million in Florida, $310 million in Mississippi, $15 million in Louisiana and $50 million in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The SIU hall in New Orleans avoided any damage when Continued on page 4 Work Begins on Fire Fighting School The first phase of construction has begun for the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School in Piney Point, Md. Pictured is some of the initial work that took place in early October. Seafarers will take basic and advanced fire fighting, water survival, first aid and CPR, damage control and confined-space safety training at the six-building complex, which is part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The facility is designed to virtually duplicate shipboard environments, including types of fires frequently applicable to vessels. Completion is expected sometime next year. AGLIWD All Rights Rc«:rved. 2 Seafarers LOG November f 998 �SIU Crews Double Eagle Tankers 3 Christened at Newport News; 2 to Follow Call it a triple-header of new job opportunities for SIU members. Three new "Double Eagle" tankers were christened October 3 at Newport News (Va.) ShipbuikJin~ . Seafarers already have crewed two of them (the Cape Lookout Shoals and the Nantucket ShMls) and are scheduled to climb the gangway of the third (the Diamond Shoals) sometime this month. Two more SIU-crewed Double Eagle tankers currently being built at Newport News are slated for delivery in 1999. ''These ships represent new jobs for the membership and a chance for Seafarers to sail aboard the most modern tankers anywhere," said SIU President Michael Sacco_ "Naturally, we're glad co have the opportunity to crew new ships, and as always we're committed to providing the best-trained, safest mariners in the world_u Built with double hulls in order to comply with the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the tankers 1 0 November f 998 • Length: 600 feet, 7 inches • Beam; 105 feet, 8 inches • Deadweight/Oraft 46,069 LT @ 40 feet, 1 inch · • Cargo capacity: 342,040 barrels • Tank/grades: 7 pairs of ·f'.Ort ::and starboard, 7 tf;ln~s. :. segregations Photo courte5y oi N~p;;rt N~ws Shipbuilding Seafarers are sailing aboard new "Double Eagle" tankers operated by Hvide Marine, including the Cape Lookout Shoals. Three of the ships were christened October 3 in Newport News, Va. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez attended the ceremony. are operated by Hvide Marine Inc. The essels will carry petroleum products along the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts. Named after old U.S. Coast Guard light ships that basically served as floating lighthouses (until the early 1980s), the tankers "are a response to the mandate of Congress and the American peo- FMC Remains Independent Agency As President Okays Shipping Reform The Federal Mari time Commission (FMC) remains an independent agency under the conditions of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 (S. 414), which President Clinton signed into law on October 14. Some earlier versions of the bill, first addressed nearly four years ago either eliminated the FMC or ~allcd for it to merge with the Surface Transportation Board. The first hef\ring on whAt eventua11y became the Ocean Shipping Reform Act (which updates the Shipping A~t of I9B4) took place in February 1995. During that session of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Sub~om­ m.ittc;c;, &nd in subsequent talks, the SIU contended that maintaining the FMC-which wa~ e~tab­ lished in 1961- and preserving key clements of the 1984 act are vital to America's economic and security incerests. Numerous other maritime unions, U.S.-flag carriers, i;urrent and f6rmer members of Congress and more voiced their agreement. Last momh. Senator John Breaux (D-La.) commended the FivlC's work and point~d to the agency's continuation as a signiticant component of S. 414. "It's important to know that the FMC is u taxpayers' bargain because. with lt smnll :stnff nnd budget. it cffcctive}y oversees the shipping practice~ of more thun $.500 billion in maritime trade." he said. "Yet this small federal agency has saved shipping companies billions in import and expon costs. most recently by successfully (challenging] Japan~s~ port practic~s ." Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Mi~~ - ) ~aid the bHJ d~s much lo ensure that America's pre:scncc in the shipping industry Specs tor the . 'Doable Eagles' is not subjected to unfair foreign rules or discriminatory practices. The FMC's enforcement actions taken against unfair port practices in Japan illu:strntes the essential and unique mission that this agcm;y performs. Even more recently, issues concerning Brazil and China have come on their radar screen. This is a function that wi11 continue, a mission that I wholeheartedly suppon." The FMC enforces laws that ~All for fair rates and a nondiscriminatory regulatory process for the common carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States_ The commission faces a March 1 deadline for rewriting tariff-fil· ing regulations so that the reform legislation can be implemented beginning May 1 1 1999_ Joe Scroggins, one of the FMC commissioner~, ~tated thar he believes "the most important change (brought on by the bill) is the introdu~tion of confidential service contracts. These are contrAct~ where a shipper guarantees to movi; " spcc;ific rut'lount of cargo with a particular carrier over a ccrtnin amount of time for a discounted price_ The difference now is that the~e service contra~ts will continue to be filed with the FMC, but several key provisions will not be made pub· lie- such as rates, service commitments, intennodal origin and destination points. "In short, the legislation marks the beginning of n shift from the current common carriage system-where all tariff rates are on file and made public-to n contract-based system where service contrncts cun be kept confidential___ _ It is hoped that the Ocean Shipping Reform Act will create a climate in which most cargo moves under negotiated contracts, mak- ing filed tariffs less important." Indeed, the bill retains the common carrier tariff enforcement provision of the 1984 act but deletes the requirement to file tariffs through the FMC's automated system. Tariffs instead will be publicly available by publication through common carrier automated systems (such as internet sites)_ Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater said the bill will benefit c.he maritime industry. "Sin~e the beginning of the Clinton administration, the Department of Transportation has been working to achieve in m~ritime transportation the benefits of deregulation that the airline, trucking, rail and freight forwarding industries already enjoy," Slater said ...Ocean carriers now will have the ability co set prices in response to the market. which will result in benefits for American exponers and importers." Meanwhile. Lott, Breaux and others described the bill as a reasonable compromise among many affected groups. "We've secured legislation chat is a good balam;e between deregulation to help our shippers and ports and the need co provide oversight of our U.S. antitrust laws," stated Breaux. Snid Lott, "The Ocean Shipping Reform Act represents true compromise. This legislative effort hrnught rogerher many divergent interests-parties who often do not ngrce with one another_The result is a consensus bill that received the ~6lid backing of all industry segments in~luding u_s_ shippers, American and foreign ocean carriers , ports nationwide, and u_ s_ labor_" u_s_ ple to build double-hull tankships that will transport chemical and petroleum products in the safest manner possible," remarked J. Erik Hvide, the head of Hvide Marine. "They are U_S_-buih in one of the finest shipyards in the world, U_S_-crewed and U.S.flagged, and their entry into the market marks a major step forward in the evolution of environmenta11y compatible marine transportation." Earlier this year, Hvide Marine and the shipyard restructured an agreement so that the company would acquire four double-hull tankers, instead of the originally planned five vessels. However, they subsequently announced that the Port Everglades, Fla_-based company wiH, in fact, take delivery of a fifth ship. r\ \.IEHIC-\:\ CU\S~IC VOY\ GE.S Co. . ~ This artist's conception shows what one of the two passenger vessels being built for American Classic Voyages will look like when it is ready for sailing in late 2002. Union Yard to Build Cruise Ships Ingalls Shipbuilding Selected to Construct Vessels for Hawaiian Trade The first two deep sea passenger ships to be built in an American shipyard in almost a half century will be constructed at union-contracted Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., according to an annoum;ement made by American Classic Voyages last month. The two vessels are the result of the U.S.·Flag Cruise Ship Pilot Project passed by Congress last year. The ships are being builc for the Hawaiian Island trade and will be operated by American Classic Voyages· subsidiary American Hawaii Cruises, which already sails the SIU-contracted SS Independence in that trade. (American Classic's other subsidiary. Delta Queen Steamboat Company, operates the SIUcrewed inland riverboats Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen.) "The planning and construction of these ships show that the U.S.-flag fleet will remain :strong and vibrant in the new century," SIU President Michael Sacco said. "Of course, these ships also mcnn new jobs for Seafarers aboard what will be state-of-theart cruise vessels built by American workers_This is a winboth wi n proposition for American shipyard workers and American mariners." The first of the two vessels is expected to be completed by late 2002. Each will carry approximately 1,900 passengers and will measure 840 feet long_ They will be the biggest ocean-going cruise ships buil~ in the U.S. and will be designed · to transverse the Panama Canal. In addition to these two vessels, the agreement between American Classic Voyages and Ingalls Shipbuilding includes an option for the yard to build four more ships. Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Miss.) praised the announcement as proof that the u_s--tlag fleet remains vital to the nation's economic and security interests. "I am proud that Ingalls Shipbuilding has been selected by American Classic Voyages for the important venture of constructing the largest U.S. cruise ships ever," noted Lou, whose father was a union pipefitter in the yard before tetiring. "It is particularly pleasing to know that my home state will be spearheading the opportunity for American industry and workers to' share in the benefits of the booming world cruise market fueled by American passengers. Continued on page 5 Seafarers LOG 3 �School Takes Crowley Class Coast-to-Coast •• I The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently conducted its tankerman (PIC) barge course in Long Beach, Calif. and Jacksonville, Fla. Instructor Mitch Oakley led the classes, which were completed by SIU members who sail aboard Crowley vessels. Pictured at left is the Jacksonville class, including Seafarers Matt Formel, Albert Mercer Jr., Mike Getchell, Richard Wilson, Marlin Miller, James Haney, Michael Smith Jr., Paul Tyson and Roger Cadloni, as well as Crowley Senior Vice President Alex Sweeney. Shown below is the Long Beach class, consisting of Rick Barnhart, Marshall Novack, David Walblom, James Gray, David DelBuono, George Daley, David Breoning, Domenic Defeo Jr., Gregory Jarvis, Gary Burke and Michael Rudge. Sea Star's El Yunque will sail between Florida and San Juan, P.R. Seatarers Crew El Yunque New job opportunities for SIU members arrived last month as Seafarers climbed the gangway of the containership El Yunque . Operated by Sea Star Line, the ship will call on the Florida ports of Jacksonville and Port Everglades, and San Juan, P.R. A sister ship, the El Morro, will be crewed by SIU members early next year. "The union welcomes this new entry into the U .S.-flag maritime trades," stated SIU Vice President Conlra~ts Augie Tellez; during the Cktober membership meeting. Sea Star is a joint venture which includes Totem Resources Corp., Matson and Sea-Barge Line Inc. Recovery from liearges ta Take Months Continued from page 2 Georges veered uwuy from the city at the eleventh hour. (See related story, page 8.) Meanwhile, UIW members on St. Croix (the hardesi hit among the U.S. Virgin Islands) pl;').yed a key role in the cleanup of that island. Member~ employed by the Depanment of Pllblic works cteareo Clebris and helped prepare area schools to reopen, among many other relat- ed duties. Georges struck St Croix with winds as great ns 1 10 mph. It destroyed or damaged many roofs, sank dozens of boats and smashed wooden boardwalks and anchorage~ . It ruined crops, knocked down trees and tore up much of the territory'5 hmd~.;:aping . Many of the blue tarpaulin~ that had been in place, serving as roofs since Marilyn, were blown away. Hurricanes are fflirly ceimmonplace in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a fact that no doubt fueled the relative ~en~e of relief in the terriroty. Sc\ d~~pit~ lhe mmc recem damage. a V.I. newspaper headline summed up the prevailing mood: "Islanders thankful Georges was not Marilyn.'' read the banner in the St. Thomas Daily News, referring to the more powerful hurricane that hit the islands in 1995. More than 3,000 UIW rnembers live in th~ U.S. Virgin Islands, most of them govcrnmenr employees. At the SIU hall in Santurce. Seaforer3 gather needed !UPPlies to be distributed in nearby towns devastated by the hurricane. From the left are SA Angal O'Neill, SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez, (kneeli119) SA sa.mu~I Sotomayor. SA Eusebio Gonzalez, (kneeling) AB J~~v~ V@rgara a.nd Chief Cook David Ve.lie. 4 Seafarers LO& In photos above and below, Seafarers-including Capt. Roberto Candelario and Deckhand Joel Gonzalez-were on the move, delivering needed bottled water and other items to retugM ~enters in Jayaya and Utaudo, P.R. AP/Wide World Photo At a marina in Mobile, Ala., a boat has been blown over a dock by the power of Hurricane Georges. The boxes may say "vegetables"; actually they are filled with bottled water for the people of Utaudo, P.R., one of the most destroyed towns on the island after the hurricane. From the left are (kneeling) SIU Patrolman Victor Nunez, (standing) DEU Orlando Herrera and AB Anibal Matos. Left: From tM back of a pickup truck, Deckhand Joel Gonzalez gives bottled water to a resident of the town of Utaudo. The people of the community were very grateful that unions like the SIU remembered them in such devastating times. November 1998 �SIU Protests Proposed User Fee Increases The SIU strongly voiced its objections to proposed increases in the user fees charged to mariners for U.S. Coast Guard services relating to issuance of zcards, licenses and certificates of registry. Responding to a government notice of proposed rulemaking, the union urg~d the Dcp"rlmcnt of Transportation to forego the intended increases. SIU President Michael Sacco, while objecting to the existence of user fees in the ftm place, called upon the department Lo either maintain or de'rease the current fees. In a recent letter to the DOT, he also pointed out the Coast Guard's proposed changes would leave U.S. mariners paying "significantly higher fees" than those "imposed by the government for similar federally mandated licenses/documents." Sacco further stated the current proposal may lead the union to consider supporting either a self-certification program for SIU members, or the privatization of the certification process, or both. The SIU's i;ommcnts and any others received in response to the proposed rulemaking are being considered. Ex~erpts from Sacco's letter, sent to the DOT in September, follow. "The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU), AFL-CIO ... wishes to express its unconditional dissatisfaction with the Coast Guard's proposed rulemaking (CGO 97-2799) revising user fees for agency services relating to the issuance of merchant mariner licenses, certificates of registry, and merchant mariner documents. We find the proposed revised fees ... unjustifiable and punitive. "As we reviewed the proposed rule, it became evident that although the agency has attempted to calculate and recalculate fees for this function, it has, in our view, been unsuccessful in its efforts to develop a fair assessment. In fact, we advance that the recalculation is not a true cost Congress Passes Extension for WWII Mariners' Veterans' Status Enactment into Law Awaits Presidential Signature In one of its last acts before adjourning, the Senate passed legislation to provide World War II veterans• status to merchant mariners who served from August 16, 1945 to December 31, 1946. The action by the Senate on October 20 foIIowed a 423-0 vote by the Hou~e of Representatives on October 10 for the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 1998. This measure contained the language to extend the veterans• status. It awaits President Bill Clinton's signature to become law. SIU President Michael Sacco saluted the efforts of merchant marine veterans' groups across the country to pass the extension. 'They deserve all the credit for this," Sacco said. ''They saw an injustice that had been inflicted upon their fellow seamen and fought for 10 years to correct this problem. "Just like those years when they braved submarine and air attacks on the world's seas, they never gave up and pushed on full steam ahead until the bill was passed." Long sought Reoognl Ion The battle to gain the extension started in 1988 after veterans' status was conferred upon mariners who sailed for the U.S. merchant marine between December 7, 1941 (when Pearl Harbor was bombed) and August 15, 1945 (when the Japanese surrendered aboard the USS Missouri). In fact, the 1988 announcement ended u 40-year struggle just to get some kind of recognition for mariners. Of all the American forces serving during World War II, only the U.S. Marine Corps ~uffered a higher casualty rate than the merchant marine. Despite the 1Mg fight to gain veterans' scams, the battle was far from over because of the August 15, 194.5 cutoff date established by the Defense Department The last date of recognition for other veterans was set at December 31, 1946, as deter mined by Presidf:!nt Harry Truman. Groups like the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) and the Mer~hant Mariners Fairness Committee worked with maritimcarclatcd unions, like the SIU, to lobby Congress for the extension. Each session of Congress included bills to redress the problem, but they would go no further than being assigned to a committee. However, the effort gained the strong support of Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R~Miss.) in this session of Congress. He reintroduced the extension legislation and worked for it. while a similar measure offered in the House by Representative Lane Evans (D-111.) garnered nearly 340 cosponsors. Lott amended the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to include the extension, but it was cut during a HouseSenate conference committee as long as the veterans· measure would be considered before the end of the congressional session. The legislation then was included in the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act. AMMV spokesman Joseph Katusa stated, .. We are all delighted. This has been quite an experience and we thank everyone who helped." What to Do When the measure becomes law, mariner~ will have to apply for their honornbk discharge by submitting U.S. Coast Guard dis~harges or other offidal records showing they sailed between those dates as well as form DD-2168. (The form is available through the Veterans Administration.) The completed applications for those who sailed in the merchant marine should be sent to Commandant (GMVP-1/12), United States Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593-0001 . For those who served in the Army Transport Service, the completed forms should go to Commander, U.S. Army Reserve Components, Personnel & Administrative Center (PAS-EENC), 9700 Page Boulevard, St. Loui~, MO 63132-.5200. Finally, for those who worked with the Navy Transportation Service, their paperwork should be sent to Naval Military Personnel Command (NMPC-3). Navy Department, Washington. DC 20370-5300. New Cruise Ships on Tap for Hawaiian Trade Continued from page 3 This is a significant step towards the re-emergence of the U.S .- flag r,;rui~e industry.,, Aho :rnluting the announcemcnL wa! Senator Daniel Inouye CD-Hawaii), who ~crvcd with Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) as the primary sponsors of the U.S.-Flag Crni~e Ship Pih~t Project. "Todtw's annoufitement by Amcric;m Cla:s:sic Voyuges and Ingalls Shipbuildin~ is an impormm milestone cowards the revitaliz;:\tioo Qf the U .S .• ffag cruiK hip industry," Inouye stated. "We are beginnittg tD realize Na11ember 1998 the vision Congress had when it ertacted the U.S .-Flag Cruise Ship PilL>t Project last year1 a project I am proud to have championed. This project will further develop the Hawaiian tourism market, increase employment in support· ing services. result in thousands of jobs for Americans in the yards and aboard the cruise ships, and give us a better shipyard industrial base which is critical to U.S. n;:ltiomd !t:curity, "Only by promoting and encouraging a sound maritime indusrry can the U.S. remain a world economic and military superpower1" concluded the Hawaii Democrat. The cruise ships are the lated in lhe planned expansion of American Classic Voyages. Earlier this yeru-, the New Orleans-based company announced its intention to build five coastal passenger vessels. These ships would carry between 200 and 225 passenger~ each with the first expected to be ready to sail in the year 2000. The ccastAl vessels wilt be 300 feet long and diesel driven. They will be designed to look like the coastal steamers that plied the nation 1 s coastlines at the beginning of this century. The quintet will be operated by Delta Queen Steamboat. analysis or an economic time-test study but an exercise in justifying the Congressional mandate to impose user fees. We do not agree with many of the assumptions on which this study is based, which leads us to believe that the proposed fees are based on a flawed document. .. . "For example, a"ording to the agency's draft regulatory assessment, the average monthly salary of an able seaman, when employed, is approximately $1,541 per month in base wages and overtime while a third mate's average monthly base wage and overtime earnings are approximately $3,047. Even though the third mate makes twice as much as an able seaman-according to these statistics, the latter must pay 0.63 percent of his annual salary in user fees for a merchant mariner document while the former pays 0.30 percent of his annual salary in licensing user fees. The Coast Guard docs not justify this discrepancy and inequity. Instead, the agency opines that 'it is inappropriate to draw conclusions based on the comparison of fees as percentage of salary across professions.' We disagree. It is our contention that the agency is not comparing salaries across professions in this instance, but salaries between different levels of one professionthat of the merchant mariner. Therefore, user fees should fairly reflect that distinction. "Further, it has come to our attention that the fees proposed by the Coast Guard are also significantly higher than fees imposed by the government for similar federally mandated licenses/documents.... This demon· strates an inconsistency and disparity between federal ag.e ncies in the manner in which fees are assessed and charged, which leads us to ask why .... The SIU strongly recommends that any user fee imposed on the merchant mariner should be consistent with fees charged for the licensing process by other federal agencies. "Perhaps the time has come for the SIU to look toward minimizing these . . . fees for our members through the support of a self-certification program for seafarers working for SIU-contracted companies and/or the privatization of the process itself. The SIU believes it can provide this service to its members at a fraction of the cost the Coast Guard is proposing and looks forward to this opportunity. Unfortunately, the privatization of this function will take a number of years, as the agency proceeds through legislative and regulatory hurdles and procedures. Meanwhile, our members will still encounter the payment of unjust and inequitable fees for the opportunity to be employed on U.S.-flag vesselsun less the proposed fees are reevaluated, and are either returned to the status quo, or decreased. "Our views on the process used to assess user fees for licensing and documentation of merchant mariners in the past are part of the record on this issue and are contained in docket number 96053. Insofar as our concerns remain basically the same, we would ask that you review these previously submitted comments. "It is our hope that the proposed . . . increase in the user fee contained in the current proposal will be reevaluated and brought within the scope of fees assessed by other federal agencies for similar services. The SIU looks forward to partnering with you on this most important issue and offers its assistance in finding a mutually acceptable position." NAFTA Lawsuit Ruling Evades 'Treaty' Issue Believing the North American Free Trndc Agreement (NAFTA) to be unconstitutional, the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) last July joined the Made in USA Foundation in a federal lawsuit to have the treaty declared null and void. However, the government response to the lawsuit, handed down last month, evades the entire question of whether NAFfA is a treaty. If the answer had been yes, the lawsuit would have Asked the couns to declare the agreement unconstitutional. In a statement issued by USWA President George Becker, he said, "It Appears our government1s position is that no one can sue for redress, no matter how many U.S. jobs have been lost to Mexico or Canada since NAFfA's 1993 adoption, and no matter how many workers have been forced to accept lower wages or benefits under threat of Aplant moving across the border." When the lawmit was filed four months ago, Becker had stated, "We believe NAFTA is a treaty that should have been subject to a two-thirds ratification vote by the U.S. Senate as called for in the U.S. Constitution.1' The Justice Department lawyers insist that whether or not NAFrA is a "treaty," and thereby subject to the two-third's concurrence of the U.S. Senate, it is a matter for the U.S. president to decide as he sees fit, free of any judicial involvement. "I had always been taught that in our three-branch form of government. the job of interpreting the Constitution belonged to the judicial branch," stated Becker. "If the government is right, I think we've taken a giant step away from the principle of separation of powers and moved toward one-man rule." Joel Joseph, chair of the Made in the USA Foundation, said, ..The Made in the USA Foundation contends it is abundantly clear that NAFTA is a treaty. The Justice Department may claim it is not, but arguing that no one can sue to test the issue in court is ridiculous." The USWA's lawyers involved said the union will vigorously contest the government's motion to dismiss the lawsuit. Seafarers LOG 5 �Steel Imparts Spur Slowdown an Lakes Sunshine and Cement in Detroit Despite Cargo Dip, Season Is Ahead of '97 Winter layup still seems as if it is a long way off, as the Great Lakes region through midOctober enjoyed warm weather and SIU members continued sailing aboard many of the selfunloaders and other vessels that ply the trade. Overall. it ha~ bt:cn u very strong season on the Lakes, although August marked a rare dip in cargo movement. The Lake Carriers' Association reported that U.S.· flag lakcrs moved 13.9 million tons of cargo in August (the most recent month for which complete data is available), a decrease of 2.7 percent compared Lo Augusr 1997. The association and other groups-including the United Steelworker of America and numerous steel companiespointed lo "dumping" of foreign steel in the U.S. as the key factor in the cargo-volume decrease. In fact, more than a dozen stace governors have petitioned President Clinton, asking him to stop the influx of artificially low-priced foreign steel. A resolution has been intraduced in the House of Representatives addressing this same issue. The governors' letter cites "unfairly priced, dumped and subsidized" steel products from Russia, Braz.ii and Japan as harming the domestic steel market. Imported steel from those three economically staggering nations increased by more than 80 percent through July, compared with the first seven months of 1997. ..Our steel companies are facing a major crisis as foreign companies flood our markets with finished steel products at well below cost, violating fair trade laws and forcing layoffs, plant closures and production halts across the country," said the letter to President Clincon. "Our businesses cannot compete with unfairly priced, dumped and subsidiz.ed products from desperate foreign markets ." Despite the AugusL downturn, the Lakes season as a whole remains ahead of last year's pace. Through August, a total of 90,254,649 tons of cargo had been moved from Lakes ports, compared to 84,677,736 at that time last year. The SIU-crewed J.A. W. lglehan (above) has helped keep cement cargoes on the Great Lakes ahead of last year's pace. Pictured (clockwise, from right) during a recent docking in Detroit are Bosun Hert) sn111er, wnee1sman Bill Thomen, Wheelsman Randy Cummings and Wheelsman Willis Campbell, who at age 72 still sets a brisk pace on deck. Bernard Seaman, Former LOG Art Editor, Dies at 85 Bernard Seaman, who served as the art editor for the Seafarers LOG during the 1940s, '50s and '60s, passed away Septemher 7 after battling cancer. He was 85 years old. Seaman drew many of the editorial cartoons found in the LOG during the post-World War II era, The late Herb Brand , who served as the union's communi~ations dim;tor during th~t period, often reflected on the way Seaman could create just the right drawing when needed for a particular ~ituation , Besides his work with the SIU, Seaman also was arc ediwr for th' lntcrn~tion~l L~dics Garment Workers Union and the International Union of Electronics Workers (lUE). He & Seafarers LOG provided editorial cartoons for many years for the AFL-CIO News. His work appeared as well in PM, The New York Timfs and The Nation. The Stamford. Conn. native received numerous awards, including the New York Newspaper Guild Page One Aw"rd in 1952. He designed and painted murals for union halls around the country. Seaman attended New York City public schools, City College, the Art Students League and the University of Alabama. He retired from the IUE in 1978. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughters Judith and Laura and three grandchildren. New Bedford Port Agent Francois Appointed to Fishing Commissions New Bedford (Mass.) Pon Agent Henri Francois has been selected Lo represent the port's commercial fishing industry members on two vitally important commissions. The 1st District U.S . Coast Guard picked Francois to serve as an alternate to the Commercial Fishing Industry Working Group, formed in 1994 as a forum to discuss compliance and enforcement issues regarding fisheries regulations. New England's fishermen have labored under an increasingly strict regime designed to help rebuild troubled groundfish stocks such as cod and haddock. Such regulations, devised by the New England Fisheries Management Council, a body of federal and stale regulators. academic~ and industry members, sometimes lead to rules which make it difficult for fishermen to make a living. The Fishing Industry Working Group gives fishermen the opportunity to have input on these Coast Guard-enforced rules, suggesting Henri Francois improvements and pointing out those wh -ch do not accomplish the stated goals . Francois also has been named to the City of New Bedford's Fisheries Task Force by Mayor Fred Kalisz. The task force (which includes other fishermen, fish processors, a University of Massachuseccs professor and local port officials) is charged with coordinating responses to federal management recommendations and promoting better scientific information. ·· "SIU fishermen have sacrificed so much over the past eight years, serving in these positions will give me a chance to help them start getting the rewards," said Francois. He noted that groundfish stocks have been rebuilding, witnessed by the increased catch· es the union boats have been landing, but that government biologists have been slow to recognize this. "That's why industry-supported research is so important to our members." Restrictions facing SIU mem- . hers in New Bedford include limited numbers of days per year in which they are allowed to fish. Their fishing time will be increased only when the federal government, specifically · the National Marine Fisheries Service, declares the stocks of flounders, cod, haddock and other fish rebuilt. The fishermen believe that budgetary restrictions prevent the government from fully surveying the fish stocks, which is why the industry and city are looking for ways to aid in scientific research. November 1998 �The SIONA - An Explanation of Its Structure and Its Members Because of the several articles that have been published in the Seafarers LOG this year regarding a possible affiliation of the National Maritime Union with the Seafarers International Union of North America (SIUNA), some confusion has arisen concerning the difference between the SIUNA and the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District, commonly known as the SIU. The SIUNA is the parent organization of 17 different unions (listed in the box), including the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. It is anticipttt~d thttt th~ NMU WMld become the newest affiliate of the SIUNA. The SIUNA does not have any actual individual members. It docs not negotiate any contracts. Instead, the SIUNA serves all its affiliates by providing protection under the AFL-CIO charter from being raided by other unions, by being involved in political and legislative activities and by offering policy input to the AFL-CIO. Under this system, each affiliate represents its members directly. When Harry Lundeberg received the SIUNA charter from the American Federation of Labor in October 1938, it was to create an international organization for mariners and maritime-related workers. Lundeberg became the first president of the SIUNA, serving in that capacity at the same time that he headed the Sailors' Union of the Pacific Bosun McCarthy Featured In AFL· CID Publication SIU Michael rnc:mbc:r McCarthy is included in a group of artic1e~ appearing in the October (SUP), which became an SIUNA affiliate. Joining the SUP in 1938 as affiliates under the SIUNA banner were three separate SIU districts-one each for Atlantic Coasc, Gulf Coasc and Great Lakes mariners. As time went on, canaa1an Marine omcers union 9670 Notre Dame Street, East Montreal, H1 L 3PB. Quebec. Canada Seafarers Commercial Flsnermen·s Association 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 514 354-8321 301 -899-0675 criautteurs & IMustrial Workers, Loeal 5 4577 Gravois Avenue news magazine that the current families depend on the heretofore ~table income from Social Securicy. Additi0rt11ly, tM 36-y~1r-()Jd Seafarer stated that many Ame1kans probably cannot afford to pay into a high-risk, private retirement plan-not ofren enough to ensure a reasonably comfon:ab1e reriremenc, anyway. "S ~wing for any worlcing cla~~ ..... ,., .. >::-:,.:. ·.,·""":··· ...... '..... .... . ' I ".... . 11 I Pl 111 I . ChlnQOk C~nnery Workers Union, Local No. 12 PO Box 325 Chinook, WA 98614 Fishermen's Union of America, Pacific & Caribbean 529 w. 9th Street, Suite C&D San Pedro, CA 90731 Seafarers International Union - Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 301 ·699-0675 Seafarers International Union of Canada 1333 St. Jacques Street 310-833-3571 lndu,trial, Profe"lonal, Technical Workerto Montreal, H3C 4K2, Oueb~. Canada 514-931-7859 8700 Cleta Street Seafarers Maritime Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Spring$, MD 20746 Downey. CA 90241 800·686·2000 301-899-0675 Marine Firemen's Union 240 Second Street San Francisco, CA 94105 SIU or Pueno Rico. carlDe and Larin America PO Box 8899 41 5-362-4592 F@rnandez Juncos Station Santurce, PR 00910 787 -723-0002 Marine Staff Officers, Pacific District 170 Windsor River Road, Suite W Windsor, CA 95402 707·837-0423 Sugar Workers Union No. 1 M 1 Loring AVenue ProfMSIMal security Offleers Msoclation Auth Way camp Springs, MD 20746 5~01 301 ·899·0075 Sailors' Union of the Pacific 450 Harrison Street San Francisco, CA 94105 415-777 -3400 lot inv w~t'<lnli t1as1 i M1'Ull ii: n~ro cu11nu ir.m ' •s11vlr.~ ~ 11111~•. vwt~ t~m11y a11~1>1 umiu!lllr 10 @at mimt $ lllU mm i i •o~ing•. I. lot 11! poo910 ;11~ ' hnlnu n h1nl llmt lllllklno 110~1 ; uiRa~al'l raallty. 6111 me : nimow wno cu e uw uni u1m111 ! ll\l~l~I ~·~~rlty •ta bitter~" tn~~ i Ibo evcraua wmi.111. no !hoy dDll'l i h~v• u i60d ldau whot 9ou M < will! !hi Anraue Anlcrlc111.• 8Mun McCnrthy's photo and comments appear in the national publication of the AFL-CIO. person is hard during these times," he told the magazine. "You 're talking about whether to eat or put $100 into savings. A lot of people are having a hard time making ends meet-that's reality. "But the peop1e who make d~isions about Social S~urity ~¢ better off than the average worker, so they don't have a good idea what goes on with the Aver· age American." McCarthy's comments. along wtth tMse from ether trade unionists around the country, appear in the last of three articles f()rtn1ng th~ OtMber cover ~rcry. R . e···m·1nd·e·r· an PO Box 583 Crockett. GA 94525 510-787·1676 United Industrial, Service, Transportation, Professional and Government Workers of Nonh America 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 301-899-0675 s~u members ?i1h.•!·: :~he~\ m.u.1J:: ·rui1y:. '.;·~~m·PJY'::, wtt:M ·:. :aff<sn:1p~oard procedures ·.'.: i~V~l~i, 9S'. 9~S: '. ~yst~m~ par~.~l'.\n$1'.: Thi~. inefu~es everything '.-:trqn). rou~ine 'sign-offs fo room s~arches. Failure to adhere to ·tJt.OP$r . . Ou$t<Jtn$ pr9C~dure$ may ·result in substantial 1~nes Like the SIUNA and UFCW, the ILA also has affiliate unions. These unions inc1ude the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pi1ots and the American Radio Association. Such arrangements are not unique to labor. One specific example within industry is the CSX Corporation. Many Seafarers know CSX as the parent of SIU-contracted SeaLand Service. The corporation also includes such separate entities as CSX Transportation, CSX Intermodal, Customized Transportation, and The Greenbrier. 'Y2K1 Dilemma Looms Over Computer Users U.S. Coast Guard Web Site Tries to Head Off Difficulties Editor's note: This article was written by Russ Levin, an instructor at the Paul Hall C~ntu for Maritime Training and Education. . - -- labor movement with an overall structure that encompasses affiliated unions . Two examp1es include the United Food and Commercia1 Workers (UFCW) and the Internationa1 Longshoremen 's Associacion (ILA). Within the structure of the UFCW (best known for representing grocery store workers) are councils . The councils formerly operated as independent unions, but have affi1iated with the UFCW. Like SIUNA affiliates, they sti11 elect their own officials and negotiate their contracts. The UFCW council unions include the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union; the United Garment Workers of America; the Distillery, Wine and Allied Workers International Union; the United Textile Workers of America; and the International Chemical Workers Union. International Union .:<Bl~ .uni9(l~~ "~on.t.rMJ$. ~~P~rtmen.r.r~tn.irtejs November 1998 Seafarers Entenainment and Allied Trades Union 325 Market Street, Suite B Alton, IL 62002 618-462-3456 St. Loui!i, MO 83118 314-752-2200 Tne recenifieo bosun is quot- Social Security retirement pro· gram must be maintained. Privatizing the ~ydem will be too risky, he said, and many retired ries and government as we11 as aboard fishing vessels. As affi1iates, each of the unions within the SIUNA operates under its own constitution, e1ects its own officials, negotiates its own contracts and manages ics own budge ts . The SIUNA is not a]one in the Unions Affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America issue of the AFL-CIO's official publication, America@wark. ed in one of the articles about the pitfalls of privatizing Social Security. A smaJI photo of McCarthy also appears with the display quote, on page 16. An 18-year member of the SIU, Mi;Cwthy to1d the; AFL-CIO these three districts merged their operations to become today's SIU At1antic, Gu1f, Lakes and In1and Waters District. The SIUNA continued to grow. It now includes unions that represent men and women who work in canneries, tourism, facto- The year 2000 presents one of the most interesting challenges since the beginning of the computer age. It has significant implications for alt those who use computers. It is an absolute immovable deadline that must be dealt with to avoid the consequences. Computers record time and dates as just another number, and as time progresses, the "time" number gets bigger, so a future date is always larger than a past dare. In order to save space in earlier computers. some programmers interfered with this progres· sion by deleting the century digics from dates. Without the century digits, the last date of the millennium will be 99-12-31, and after the ball falls in Times Square. many computers will see January 1, 2000 as 00-01-01 , a sma11er number than the day before. Time will seem to have reversed-though it is unlikely that senior citizens will be young again (or unborn yet), and a few moments in the future will Lake a century to rn;cur. Most software has been written to handle the 1900s, and is able to process the years 1900 through 1999. Any year after 1999 or before 1901 may not be processed correctly. This is due co rhe face char many software systems use only two digits in representing a year. In addition to software problems, computers and equipmenc using compucer chips may very well stop working on New Year·s Day, 2000. These devices contain one or more chips which lack the first two digits and wi11 see the year as 0000. This problem is even greacer in scope chan the computer problem, as all computer based automation i5 involved. Even your coffee pot timer may quit. Multiply these sorts of difficulties by many thousands, times hundreds of millions of people around the world who would be inconvenienced (at least) and you start to get a feeling for the scope of the potential problem. To make things worse, what if your computer software and hardware have been fixed but your Mmputer regular1y exchanges data with someone else's computer that has not been fixed? How wi11 your C0mputer know that 1900 in the data coming from the other computer actua11y means 2000? It won't. It will accept the data as transmitted, causing some of your data to become meaningless. You would be wise to make a back-up on December 31, 1999. In an effort to help the marine industry deal with the huge potential for serious problems related to the Year 2000 (Y2K) computer problem, the U.S. Coast Guard is seeking public participation in planned ongoing discussions on Y2K prob1ems. Because of the impact of this problem, "the Coast Guard wi11 serve as a clearinghouse for all lessons learned and problems identified with the issue as it relates to the maricime industry," states che agency. Information on comments received will be retrievable from the Coast Guard Marine Safety Y2K web site at: www.uscg.mi1/hq.g-m/nmc/y2k.htm. In order to protect yourself, it's a good idea to contact the people with whom you do business and get them to send you confirmation in writing they will be fully Y2K compliant. Less than 60 percent of businesses contacted in a recent survey will be ready for the Year 2000. If you have a computer, you should have the hardware tested to verify it is Y2K compliant. You also wi11 need to contact the companies who wrote the software you are using and ask if your version is Y2K c~mpliant, and if it is not, is there is a fix. If your computer cannot use the latest form of the Windows operating system, you should start thinking seriously about replacing your equipment, but remember this is only one part of a three-part prob1em. The three parts are your equipment, software and the other people you do business with. Start now to assess your potentia1 for having Y2K problems and take the necessary steps for a timely solution. Then you wilLtruly enjoy watching the ball fall in Times Square and you will be toasting the beginning of the new millennium. If you have a maritime-related question about the Y2K situation, you may email it to Russ Levin at davidl@radi~.net. Seafarers LOG 7 �Away from Port in a Storm Regulus Sails Out of Hurricane's Path When Hurricane Georges appeared as if it were heading directly toward New Orleans, Seafarers aboard the Ready Reserve Force vessel USNS Regulus followed a simple plan: Get out of the way. SIU members quickly crewed the SL-7, normally in rcdu~cd operating status (ROS), and sailed it from New Orleans into the Gulf of Mexico. Meanwhile, the hurricane veered away from New Orleans at the last minute. The Regulus sub ¢quently returned undamaged to its berth in New Orleans. "This is a fairly routine procedure around here during hurricane season-sending ships out co avoid the storm," observed SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, who met with Regulus crew members upon the vessel's return. "The Regulus crew, both the ROS personnel and those who came from the New Orleans area and other ports to crew the ship, deserve credit for a job well done. Remember, when these ships leave port, they know it's potentially bad news." Judd added that no damage was done to the SIU hall on Jackson Ave., nor to the new hiring hall at 391 t Lapalco Blvd. in Harvey, La. (which has not yet opened). Hundreds of union members, including Seafarers, rallied in Washington, D.C. in support of Avondale shipyard workers. Excellent maintenance of the Regulus enabled the ship to quickly leave port when Hurricane Georges threatened. Aiding the ship's operations are (from left) Chief Engineer Scott Agnew, Chief Mate Jan Genemans, Bosun Wilfredo Rice, OS Willard Bell and AB Juan Salgado. Aptly named Chief Cook Siu Chan scrubs a pan after lunch. Wipers Larry Lewis (left) and Eduardo Pereira formed part of the mew that ~ailed th!i! USNS R~gu/u$ awa.y from the hurricane's projected path. SA Billy Mitchell (left) and Chief Steward Wayne 1-foward keep the galley in top shape and the crew well-fed. Lummus Aids in Marine Carps Exercise The SIU-crewed 1st Lt. Jack Lummus recently assisted the U.S. Marine Corps with exercise Urban Warrior '98, serving as a platform for the Marine ~ommunications and supply delivery assessment. The prepositioning ship Lummus usually is based in the Western Pacific, one of four U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ships that together carry enough equipment, supplies and ammunition to support a Marine Air/Ground Ta~k Force comprising up to 17 ,000 military personnel for 30 d~ys. However, in September the Lummus was anchor~d six miles off the North Carolina coast for biannual maintemmcc of the 3hip and equipment. Exercise Urban Warrior '98 is part of a larger e..x.pcrimcnt known as Sea Dragon, emanating from the M°'rine Corp~ Warfighting Lab in Quantico, Va. Its premise in pare is based on estimates that. by 2010, 80 percent M the world's population will live within 300 miles of a MMtline. Defense experts also anticipate that threats will no longer come from uclear enemies with known war-fighting capabilities; rather threats will come from smaller, unknown enemies who will use sub- The SIU-crewed 1st Lt. Jtick LUmmustook part in an important Marine Cori;Js exercise off the North Carolina tMSt in September. B seafarers LOG terfuge and terrorism to accomplish their goals. The recent American embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanz;ania illustrate the nature of this new threat," MSC noted in a report about the exercise. The agency further pointed out that "one goal of Sea Dragon is to maintain all logistic operations at sea rather than setting up a base ashore. This has profound implications for the MSC. As the Navy continues to downsize personnel and ~hips, MSC will increasingly pick up the slack. "MSC ships' noncombatant status makes them less costly to operate than combatant Navy ships. Traditional Navy ships are combatant vessels, meaning they have weapons aboard and are potential targets of enemy fire . As such, they must carry large crews to operate the weapons systems aboard and to protect the ships should they be damaged in battle. .. MSC ships are noncombatant vessels, operating behind the battle line, and are not considered likely targets of enemy fire. Their noncombatant status cMbles MSC ships such as the Lummus to maintain iln ilvernge crew size of less than 40 while Navy ships of similar size generally have crews in the hundreds .... The skill levels of MSC's merchant mariners also enable MSC ships to opcrnte with smaller crews [than Navy ships]. The net result of these cosc differences and Navy downsizing i:s to make MSC an attractive Marine Corps partner as the Corps explores potential sea-based operations." The event off the coast of North Carolina was the final trial in a series of four Urban Warrior experiments. In this exercise. the Marines dealt specifically with overcoming logistic communication and supply delivery challenges. Another part of Urban Warrior was to establish a timely, limited-risk means of delivering the supplies from ship co shore. Seat arers Show Support For Avondale Workers .,,... Seafarers were a presence in the rallying crowd, urging the U.S. Navy to stop using taxpayer dollars to fund union-busting efforts at Avondale. Dozens of Seafarers were among the nearly 500 union members and supporters who rallied at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. September 24 in solidarity with workers at Avondale shipyard. Five years ago, the workers at the New Orleans shipbuilding company vmed to form a union to improve their working conditions and paychecks. Today, they are still waiting for the company to begin negotiations on a first contract, even though the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) certified the election and ordered Avondale to pay $3 million in fines related to the employer's illegal anti-union tactics. Avondale workers earn 29 percent less, on average, than work- ers at other private shipyards with major Navy contracts. And Avondale has the worst health and safety record of any U.S. shipyard receiving Navy contracts . AFL-CIO President John Sweeney spoke to the demonstrators, decrying the shipyard's abysmal safety record and calling on the Navy to stop using taxpayer dollars to fund union-busting effort~ (Avondale gets 80 percent of its business from the Navy). In an emotional moment, Scott LaJaunie, the teenage son of a 38year-old worker killed recently at Avondale, called for an investigation into hazards at the shipyard. "I don•t want other families to go through what I went through," he said. Mike Boudreaux. a steward and member of the Sheet Metal Workers union, introduces Scott LaJaunie (right), whose father was recently killed at Avondale. Right~ SMfarers Thomas Larusso (left) and Roger Steward participate in the Avondale rally. November 1998 �Ability to Change Is Necessary, Stresses S-L Innovator Bosun A Crowley b~rge do~k~ at Pvtty'~ l~land, loi;ated near Philac:!Etlphia. Striving.for Sa,fety Seafarers Get Job Done At Petty's Island Docks It takes lots of behind-the· scenes work to maintain the busy pnce and smooth operations in the pore of Philadelphia. SIU members employed at the Crowley Petty's Island complex in Pennsauken, N.J. are part of that little-publicized operation. Nearly I00 Seafarers work at the Crowley facility, loading and unloading barges and ships, Bosun J. A. Wilson (left} talks with King's Point Cadet Carmelita Solomon and Chief Steward Jose M. Bayani at the conclusion of a meeting. , Y ... -.;;,~ti>t'ti.ifiWKff::tJN~*.J maintaining containers and handling other jobs at the site across the Delaware River from Phi lade Iphi a. One reason they are out of the '/_ _ _ _ , .: :.; .:+:rm<:r:.:::J , When the Sea-I.And Innovator docked in the port of Long Beach, Calif. for a payoff recently, after completing voyage # 176, Bosun J.R. Wilson conducted the shipboard meeting, giving his crew members the most current information on happenings within the SIU as well as an update on events in the maritime industry. Chairman Wilson (who also sent these photos to the Seafarers LOG) noted that one thing that never changes is change itselfreminding Seafarers that if they want to keep themselves competitive in the job market, they are going to have to keep up with changing skills and technologies. "For all of us," he said, "this means taking the necessary courses at Piney Point." Another way to maintain jobs and job security, he informed the crew, is to support SPAD. Contributions to this fund help keep the union's presence on Capitol Hill, especially during_ spotlight is that they work very legislation pertaining to the safely. Earlier this year, SIU members at Petty's Island were recognized by the company for maritime industry. SIU Wilmington (Calif.) Representative Frank Gill, who came aboard ship for the meeting and to answer any questions, reminded everyone to apply for their training record book (TRB) and STCW certificate as soon as possible-two more ways in which the union is keeping its members among the best qualified in the changing world. attaining 452 consecutive days without a lost-time injury. During a celebration marking that string, several Seafarers pointed om that frequent safety meerings help them do their jobs unharmed. "We're very safety conscious," summarized Chief Shop Steward John Wozunk. Wt Voyage #176 tool< the $ea-Land Innovator from Yokohama, Japan to Long Beach, Calif. It was a little eooler in Yokohama, where crew members dressed warmly for their chipping and painting tasks. From the left are Unlicensed Apprentice Mary A. Bado, AB Deck Maintenance Ramon V. Duran and AB Deck Maintenance Mousid S. Omar. At left, Shop Steward John Gallagher cheerfully reports for his shift at the Crowley Petty's Island complex. AB James R. Inskeep (left) and Chief Steward Jose M. Bayani enjoy a few moments on deck following a shipboard meeting. Awaiting the start of a meeting on the Sea-Land Innovator are (from left) AB Deck Maintenance Mousid s. Omar and DEU Ahmed Y. Hassan. In Support of the U.S. Merchant Marine f . Jim Bryan (left photo). Bill Mccorkle (center) and Chief Shop Steward John Wozunk were part of the recent ceremony oommemorating 452 i;;on~et;;utiv" d~y~ withovt ~ lo,t-time injury attained by Seafarer~ at the Crowley terminal at Peny·s Island. Na11ember 1998 The SIU recently announced it has been advised of the transfer of the management contract for the LNG fleet from Energy Transportation Corp. to a Hamburg-based company called Pronav. Pronav has agreed to honor the five-year contra.tt (ratifiM in 1996) already in place between the SIU and ETC. Two Seafarers aboard the LNG Leo show their support for the U.S. merchant marine by painting an American flag M the vessel's nitrogen tank. The flag was created by Bosun Charlie Kahl (right) and AB Don Peterson. Seafarers LOG -9 �. vmTING UI{ P.f1Ul .U.f1ll C{Nl{~ There's always something going on at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. It's no wonder that everybody loves visiting the facility-whether for upgrading, vacationing or just !;hnwing the pla~e nff to family and friends . On this page are photos of a number of Seafarers- both active Enjoying lunch with his family is John Gallagher, a visiting SIU member who works in the Philadelphia area at Petty'$ Island. He has been with the union since 1973. With him are his wife, Maureen, and their children: Allison, Daniel, Jacklyn, Megan, Michael and Brian. and retired-who recently spent some time there. Pensioner Talmadge L. Moss and his wife, Jo, had a memorable time vacationing in Piney Point over the summer. 'We t~ Mohamad M. Shibly, who ships from the Tacoma, Wash. hall, attended the chief cook upgrading cour~.;i 3t th.;i Lund~b~rg S~heieil eiver the summer_ He Wa$ Vl$ite~ "Y Ml$ wit$, A~i~ati and hi!; daugh- t(lr, Nadia Nahraa. Pensioner Carl Francum retired in 1993 at age 65 after many years as a bosun _ His wife, Dora, has been happy having him back home in North Carolina. With them in the Paul Hall Library and Museum are two future candidates for the Unlicensed Apprentice program-their grandsons Steven Tane and Jimmy Smith. had a great time, delicious food, and the hospitality was wonderful. All retirees should take a shot at it," Moss said. His wife added that the food was so good she's sure she gained at least 10 pounds. # Apply Now for 1 of 7 Scholarships to Be Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents in '99 tional school or community college. Four scholarships are uwurdcd in the amount of package includes letters of recommendation solicited from individuals who know the applicant's a higher level of education. $15,000 to the spouses and All Seafarcrs and their spouses and <;;hildren who plan to att<:nd dependent children of Seafarers. character, personality and career goals. Since the scholarship awards are made primarily on the basis of high school grades and the scores from either the College Entrance Filling out the coupon below is the first step toward pursuing your hopes, drc;ums und gouts for college are encouraged to send away for the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet It contnins eligibility information, pro<;;edures for applying and a copy of th~ application form. (The program books also are uvnilable at all SIU halls.) Seven monetary grants will be awarded in May 1999 to three SIU member~ and four dependents. One of the three scholarships reserved for SIU members is in the amount of $1.5,000 and is intended ro help cover the cost of attending a four-year, collegelevel course of study. The other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as two-year awards for study at a post-secondary voca- (Sec article at right on Arie Knuth, a 1995 scholarship win· ner-) Once the scholarship booklet hn:s bten received, applicants should check the eligibility information to make sure that certain conditions are met. After checking for eligibility, applicants should start collecting other paperwork which must be ~ubmitted along with the full application by the April 15, 1999 deadline_ These items include transcripts and certificates of graduation. Since schools are often quite slow in handling transcript requests, the sooner the reque~t i~ made, the better. Another part of the application Examination Boards (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT), arrangement~ ~hou1d be made to take these exams no later than February 1999 to ensure that the results reach the scholarship selection committee in time to be B.C. Buchanan and his wife, Mae, check out the cafeteria during their Formally with the SIU inland division, Buchanan is now retired although still very active in the community with the local Lodge and in helping sick and injured children. The couple resides In Gwynn, Va, near Newport News. ~tay at the Paul Hall Centet. '95 Scholarship Winner in Final Year evaluated. A photograph of the applicant and a certified copy of his or her birch certificate are two other items that must be included in the total application package. No one can be awarded a ~~ho1ar~hip without fi11ing out an application and mailing it to the Scholarship Program by April 15. r----------------------------------, eligibility Pprocedures for applying and a copy of application lease send me the 1999 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains the form. information, Arie Knuth (left) poses in the SIU Algonac hall with his father, David. The elder Knuth sails from that port as an AB Wheel/Watch, and it was through his membership in the SIU that Arie was eligible for the scholarship benefit provided by the Seafarers Welfare Plan. As one of four recipients of the Seafarers scholarships for Members Social Security Number dependents in 1995, Arie D. Knuth was awarded $15,000 in finan- Street Address cial assistance to begin his college career. This year marks his fourth and final one at the University of Michigan, where he is majoring in English with a sub-concentration in fiction writing. City, State, Zip Code - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Telephone Number This application is for: CJ Self L] writing abilities. Dependent Mail 1hi5 wmpleted form to Scholar.ship Program, Seafarers Welfare Plan, 5201 Attth Way, Camp Springs. MD 20746. The $15,000 university scnolarship came in very useful, noted a grateful Knuth recently, especially with the high cost of living in Ann Arbor, Mich. 11198 L-------------------------------------~ 1O Seafarers LOii When he began his freshman year, Knuth' s interest was in the theater. He started writing plays and decided he liked writing better than performing. He already has published several articles in the campus newspaper and won a couple monetary awards for his play- Following his graduation, Knuth plans to continue his studies in a graduate program for creative writing. November 1998 �ITF Ship Brings Horrors of Runaway-Flag Shipping to .IC . n Vis•1tors Unit~~~~~t~~~;~~~~aeon~ Amer Brooklyn, N.Y. Councilman Steve Dibrienza cuts the ribbon to open the exhibit in the Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey. The Global Marin~rarrives in Baltimore, its second stop in the United State$. S everal thousand people in the U.S. already have gained a stronger under· gangway to view the Global Mariner's photos, videos and standing of the perils faced by Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart; SIU Executive Vice President and ITF Seafarers' Se~tion Chairman John Fay; lawmakers; staffers representing federal, state and local government officials; union members and their families; young people considering joining the U.S. merchant marine and many others foreign mariners sailing aboard runaway-flag vessels after touring the International Transport Workers' Federation {ITF) exhibition ship Global Mariner. Continuin3 an 1B-month voyage around the world, the Global Mariner made its first American ports of call in early October. The 20-year-old converted freighter spent Columbus Day weekend in Manhattan, where foul weather kept the number of visicors down. However, that was more than made up by a steady stream of guests when the vessel docked in Baltimore the following weekend. As of mid-October, more than 90,000 people in the U.S., Canada and Europe had come aboard the ship. Among those climbing the Clockwi~&, other exhibits were U.S. "1' .a..... In three photos directly below, """. ' visitors from the Paul Hall 'f.'~i~;§2~1£i}J$;itt~ii;i~ Center for Maritime Training f"~"""'.t'"';:,;.•??t· and Education eagerly climb . the gangway and then examine the displays. ~ ~"'""":_ , '""' fA interested in maritime and human rights. Most came away stunned at the photos taken by ITF im;~­ mr~ around the world as well as various newspapers showing some of the deplorable conditions endured by mariners on runawayflag ships. Among the graphic pictures, enlarged to the size of giant murals, taken aboard these Continued on page 12 from upp&r l&ft: .Assisting gu&Sts aboard th~ ITF G/Ma/ Marin~r are Seafarers Ed Ooruth and Tom Soreliii; Nabil Ahmed; Ni~hola~ CraddO';k; Melvin Ja.t~6t'\ (Mtt6M, l~ft) and c~uey FMter: aM Clifton Doonis. November f 998 Seafarers LOG 11 �of 50 years ago, when the runaway-flag campaign began in earnest, no longer are among the top nations in terms of ship registry. Continued from page 11 ships are insect-infested food, highly unsanitary areas for personal hygiene. injured mariners who wcrc denied medical care and sinking vessels. Exhibits aboard lhe ship show how the leading maritime nations The displays spe11 out how the runaway-flag program works: A shipowner, usually from a traditional maritime nation, registers his vessel in a non-traditional nation (such as Liberia, Panama, Belize, Vanuatu and others) to avoid his home nation's laws regarding safety, wages, taxes and more_ The crews for these runaway-flag ships typically come from still other nations (like Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka) where they receive a mini- mum of training-if any at all. These seamen are paid wages below international standards (in some cases, ABs make only a couple hundred dollars a month), often are refused wages for months at a time, receive substandard food allotments and practice little to no workplace safety skills, thus leaving the vessels to rust away. Captain Geoff Fowlger of the Global Mariner, who has seen in his voyages around the world the plight of mariners aboard runaway-flag vessels, described the exhibit as "like living in a neighborhood where there's a murder every week. It's one thing to read about it and it's quite another to actually witness it. This ship lets people witness what really goes on." The Global Mariner continues ics tour of American ports this month. After stopping in Savannah, Ga. in late October, it is scheduled to v1s1t Fort Lauderdale, Fla., October 27November 2; New Orleans, November 4-8; Houston, November 912; and San Juan, P.R., November 23-26. The vessel then will sail to South America and return to the U.S. Pacific Coast in spring 1999. The ITF comprises more than 500 unions-including the SIUrepresenting workers in transportation-related industries from over 125 countries. The organization is based in London. Three SIU officials serve as ITF inspectors~Edd Morris, Spiro Varras and Don Thornton. The Global Mariner. which sails under the British flag, is marking the soth anniversary of the ITF's international campaign against runaway-flag shipping. Und~r fgreign flags they can: Visitors on the ITF vessel may read basic information about the campaign flag shipping and see giant images depicting the often horrific conditi mariners on such vessels. Some of the images are shown across these p Among the first tC> tour the ship in New York are (from left) Spiro Varras. one of the SIU's ITF inspectors: BrooKlyn, N.Y. Councilman Steve Dibrienza; Jack Caffey, SIU vice president Atlantic Coast; and SIU Patrolman Jack Caffey, Jr. uaa GlarK. secretary at the SIU Baltimor~ hall, brought her family aboard the ship. Pictured with Clark are her nusband, Harry; and son~ Harry Ill (front) and Walter. 12 Seafarers LOG Discussing the exhibits are MarAd AssMia.te Admir'listrtttor Bruce Carlton (left) and Paul Hall Center Vocational Education Director Bill Eglinton. Commending the ITF for launching the worldwide tour are (1-r) Chaplain Jim Horan of the International Seafarers Center in Baltimore; Deacon Robert Balderas, national director of the U.S. Apostleship of the Sea; Burmese mariner Maung Aung Myint, whom the ITF helped take refuge from a runaway-flag vessel; and Edd Morris, one of the SIU's ITF inspectors. John Fay (center). SIU executive vice president and chairman of th ITF's Seafarers' Section, poses with Lundeberg School students Vila Keith (left) and Justin Vonsprecken. November 1998 �The Global Mariner's U.S. tour continues this month in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; New Orleans; Houston; and San Juan, P.R. MarAd's Hart Impressed with ITF Ship's Presentation "Very impressive" were the first words used by U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart after he toured the 11F exhibition ship Global Mariner in Baltimore on October 19. "The pictures speak for themselves," he added following an hourlong guided tour of the ship, which features photos, videos and other material demonstrating the dangers faced by foreign seamen aboard runaway-flag vessels. Along with several members of his staff from the Maritime Administration (MarAd), Hart stopped to view each exhibit and read the comments provided. He stated he was particularly moved by the photos of mariners injured aboard runaway-flag vessels who were denied medical treatment. "This is a graphic demonstration of what unscrupulous flag-of-convenience ships can do to people," Hart said. "It is necessary to have people like the ITF to police these situations and work to stop them." Although Hart has dealt extensively with the maritime industry prior to becoming the head of MarAd in August, he said the knowledge he gained from his tour of the Global Mariner will support him as he stands up for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet. "This shows why we need a strong U.S . merchant marine that's trained, efficient and dedicated to safety. This [exhibit] will help as we go about working for needed changes." U.S. Maritime Administrator Clyde Hart signs the guest book as he boards the Global Mariner in Baltimore. Taking part in a shipboard tour in Baltimore arG (from left) Woody Fon.vood, representing Baltimore Mayor Kurt S<;;hmoke, John Jefferies and John O'Connor. both from the Maryland Labor, Licensing and Regulation Dept. Philip Noto (left photo) and November 1998 Jo~hua Davenport help direct visitors. Continued on page 14 Seafarers LOii 13 �Continued from previous page Global Mariner Crew Already Knew About FOC Shipping SIU Members Embrace Il'F's Powerful Message Ship Stirs Strong Reactions from Sea/arers Dozens of students from the Paul HaJJ Center for Maritime Training and Education took a field trip o~tobcr 16 lo visit the ITF's Global Mariher in Baltimore. Some of the s~afarcrs already were familiar with the ITFs work while oLhers were less acquainLed wilh it. But they all agreed that the exhibition ship is a wonhwhile. eye-opening experience, albeit a somber one. "What really stands out are the pictures of the crewmen, close up. Their appearance really sticks with you," stated Glen Wilkerson. who is enrolled in the FOWT course. "When you sec ships in bad shape. that's one thing. But when you see people in bad shape. that's another. To me, s"iling on lhosc runawayflag ships is pretty close to going to a graveyard. It's a pitiful mess! ' 1 Levi Rollins. also taking the POWT class, said he hope:> the Global Mariner will continue arrraccing visicors from all walks of life, rather than only people from the maritime industry. "It's a very enlightening exhibit, and it's important co people all around the world," nored Rollins. LLThis isn't jusc abom American.fhg vessels or American mariners. Flagof-convcnicncc shipping hurts people everywhere." Understandably, Unlicensed Apprentices Misti Thornbrugh and Vargil! Rodriguez ~till a.re learning the busies ubout rum1wuy-Oag ship· ping and rh~ ITF ' ~ ~atttpaign against it. However, they said the Global Mariner quickly and vividly enhanced their education. ''This is only my second week in the program, bur I learned a lot from this ship/' said Thornbrugh. "It's amazing LhaL FOCs basically don't have any rules and regulations for their ships. People get hurt all the time on those ships, and everything's dirty on them." Rodriguez, while acknowledging the importance of the I1F campaign, said the Global Mariner's exhibits heightened his appreciation for the employment opportunities available for SIU members. "S~ing thi; FOC~ makes you want to sail on a good ship, that's for sure," he stated. Students weren't the only people who learned from the visit. Steward department instructor Shannon Twigg, after viewing the displays, described runaway-flag shipping as "a travesty. You would think in this modern day, such things wouldn't happen . ... rm glad the I1F put this together and is giving it worldwide exposure. We need to get the message to as many people as we can.,, Wilkerson agreed, and called on America' s lawmakers to turn their attention ro th1s multi-birnon dollar industry. "When you look at the extent of runaway-flag shipping, I believe the U.S. government, as a whole, can and should do a Joe more ro correct it." he declared. "It's not right chat some shipowners don 'c have to follow the rules and pay their fair New Zealander Glen Anderson lcnew plenty about runaway-flag shipping long before he signed aboard the ITF's Global Mariner as an AB. LLI lost my job because of flag-of-convenience companies," he recalled. "The company I'd worked for lost six ships directly as a result of FOCs." Anderson in many ways typifies the crew members working aboard the Global Mariner as the ship continues the North American segment of its 18month worldwide voyage. He supports the ITF campaign against runaway-flag shipping, and that is one reason he applied for a job on the Global Mariner. The other reason is equaJJy practical: He needed the work. And even though the Global Mariner's cargo is the exhibition, it is a working ship. "FOCs are wiping us out in New Zealand," added Anderson. "It's a bit like slavery, isn't it? And yet, because of them, we have no young people coming through (entering the industry). The youngest are maybe 35. "New Zealand exports a lot. but our people only man vesseb that carry not even 10 percent of those exports." Similarly, Third Officer Brigitte Weiler understands the depth of the ru~away-flag issue. ''The German OTV (national transportation union) has publicized this problem a lot, and that's why I applied for the job," she stated. "The public lives away from the sea, of course, but their awareness must be increased .. .. I want people to be shocked at this exhibit. Maybe not maritime union members, because they already know, but the general public." Captain Geoff Fowlger acknowledged that, at first, the nature of the Global Mariner 's voyage almost seemed incidental to him. "But once I joined the ship, I got into the spirit. Once you see the exhibits, you naturally become more interested and aware." Perhaps more than most of his fellow crew members, QMED Mohd Basheer appreciates the contrast between the Global Mariner as a working vessel and runaway-flag ships. Basheer has firsthand experience aboard FOCs. "Yeah, sure, the exhibits you see here are exactly what happens on those ships," Basheer said. "Anyone sending the message against FOC is blacklisted. Manning agencies don't like that, when you talk about ITF or against FOC. Many problems." Paul McGee is the exhibit manager aboard the Global Mariner. He points out that although "shock" has been the most common reaction among guests, "that is followed by people saying. 'What can we do?' The thing we want people to do is join the union." He added that the ITF's fight against runaway-flag shipping "is part of a wider campaign against globalization. When industry becomes global, unions must be global." Mohd Basheer (above) and Glen Anderson (below), currently composing part of the ITF Global Mariner crew, are among the many mariners who have been hurt by runaway-flag shipping. '1:dl·...... ,_ ' Seafarers gather around the union's display on the Global Mariner. ~ictured from left to right are Chief Cook Charlie DiCanio, Patrolman Jack Caffey Jr., AB Jimmy Nioti~. Bosun Tom soresi, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Jack Caffey, Bosun Ed Ooruth and Bosun John Natoli. AB Louis Morales serves as a guide aboard the ship in New York. share." Upcoming U.S. Dates for the ITF's Global Mariner Port Fort Lauderdale, Fla. New Orleans Houston San Juan, P.R. Dates October 27-November 2 November 4-8 November 9·12 November 23-26 Wgst Coast visits will occur in spring 1999. The Seafarers LOG will print tMs~ dat~s when they become available. For more information about the ITF Global Mariner, check http;//www.itf-ship.org/ 14 seafarers LOii Na11ember 1998 �Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C OCTOBER 15, 1998 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point ............. Monday: December 7, January 4 DECK DEPARTMENT Port ·:N~W:· York . .28 4 4 7 16 · Philadelphia · Baltimore Norfolk Mobil~ 10 0 5 8 4 2 3 5 8 17 16 7 9 9 3 14 19 31 . ·· i2 . 3 7 14 12 17 ll 26 14 3 9 7 2 6 7 2 5 9 3 3 2 3 6 3 8 8 24 _2 ,. 0 211 Totals 5 10 3 Il /sti~·. Fcin~is~9 . Witm.ingt9n Tacoma Puerto Rico Honolulu · Houston · st.Louis . Piney Point Algonac 3 4 21 21 4 . '. ) . 6 16 New Orleans . 18 9 13 ·.·:Jl Jacksonville ... 9 4 13 18 27 8 8 9 6 23 10 6 . 0 .. I 3 2 0 2 2 0 3 2 0 0 1 85 210 112 0 138 Port 8 0 3 9 9. IO 11 4 4 46 3o 7 6 13 23 3 6 25 45 · .. j3 44 44 14 10 18 11 17 18 11 20 16 5 14 39 15 I 1 5 1 5 0 0 0 1 0 61 75 352 190 Algonac .................. Friday: December 11, January 8 Baltimore ..•............. Thursday: December IO, January 7 A.e• ·· r · ;..PbH.#4~:1phi.o, Duluth ..................... Wednesday: December 16, January 13 6 4 15 · f.lonolulu ................. Friday: December 18. January 15 Houston .................. Monday~ December 14, January J 1 7 Jac.Jcs_onville ............ Thursday: December JO, January 7 2 13 Jersey ·city ..:~ .......... Wednesday: De.cernber 23, January 20 3 Mobile ................:.. ~ .\l{~nesday: December 16, January l3 5 8 New Bedford ........ ~~TueSd:ay: December 2~ January 19 6 New Orleans ........... Tuesday: December 15, January 12 4 · New York ................ Tuesday: December 8, January 5 2 Norfolk ...................Thursday: December 10, January 7 0 86 -- Philadelphia ........ .,•. Wednesday: December 9, January 6 .,i: S.anfirancis~o ....-..... ........... •" ,i·. ..- ENGINE DEPARTMENT New-Yori{·· · ~-ahttimore December 1998& January 1999 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters ..... ' ·.·.·.~:·::•; ... ,i:.....Thursday: December 17, January 14 . 2 . 2 .· Norfolk 4 Mobile 7 New Orleans IO 4 3 5 I 3 Jacksonville · San Fr.ancisco ; Wltm.i.ng~on./:: Tacoma 5 1 5 2 6 11 l 6 6 5 3 17 10 4 6 12 6 6 9 10 5 11 8 2 4 0:~'k·'t7~~TI.;'.t'.".'.;~>/·~~YTIR~~?TuS 7 2 3 0 2 0 1 3 2 I 2. 3 2 4 10 14 8 3 7 1 7 9 12 2 3 13 4 2 4 31 13 8 2 0 7 6 7 4 4 7 6 .. ]. 1 0 Tacoma ................... Monday~ December 28*, Friday: January 22 *change created by Chrfrtmas lwliday Wilmington .............Monday: December 21, Tuesday; January 19* 3 · 1. ·· >·o 8 0 0 110 0 28 Personals LEON "BUCKY" FOUNTAIN Your old friend, Bob Hess, would like to hear from you. Please write to: Robert S. Hess, P.O. Box 840045, St. Augustine, FL 32084. 5 2 9 3 0 3 ERIC HOAG Please contact Linda O'Brien at (904) 855-0321 or write her at 1149 E. Fromage Circle, Jacksonville, FL 32225-4499. HERMAN ROGGE 32 3 18 10 3 4 115 150 Port 5 0 29 . I .l3});l.ri~9r~--- ,_., ........ I 2 l 2 Norfolk Mobile 0 7 9 New York .PhHaq~lphia 4 0 7 4· 0 3 0 0 Please contact your shipmate from the 1950s, William Parks, at 4232 Rachel Ave., Port Arthur; TX 9 77642. o·,. ;< 1 0 0 238 74 22 4 1 14 13 13 4 10 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 17 JO 0 2 0 0 0 1 9 8 0 11 3 l 8 2 4 16 0 6 6 2 ll . 17 6 9 2 8 5 9 IO 2 4 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 Ascension 3 5 18 30 15 5 ·9 0 50 0 184 1 13 16 7 4 1 30 10 0 .14 0 149 32 138 104 0 100 259 229 520 470 280 449 389 201 168 864 633 365 19 4. 5· 2 2 2 5 7 2 36 11 64 7 0 0 .l' 19. 0 2 ":''" ·* l· Totals All Departments 12 10 5 0 5 5 2 4 0 0 " . 0 ... 0 3 4 44 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 18 9 17 JO 14 3 0 3, 0 21 20 10 by Pamala Hagler And if I go while ~ou 're still here ... Know that I live on, vibrating to a different measure, 3 Behind a thin veil you cannot see through. You will not see me, so you must have faith. 6 5 49 12 2 17 1 97 22 1 14 1 I wait for the time when we can Soar together again - both aware of each other. Until then, live your life to its fullest. And when you need me, Just whisper my name in your heart. I will be there. *''Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. "'*"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. November f 998 Pamala Hagler, who sails from the port of Mobile, Ala., wrote this poem while attending upgrading classes at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Seafarers LOG 15 �Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes SEPTEMBER 16 - .· <Micbael Sa(:co President ~ · John Fay . &ecutive Vice President ':g... David Heindel ..., Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellei CL - Company/Lakes OCTOBER 15, 1998 L-Lakes NP - Non Priority TOTAL SIDPPED All Groups Class CL Class L Class NP *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Clas.5 CL Class L Class NP **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class CL Clas.5 L Class NP ·:':'Nice .President Contra.ctS DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Port Algonac 0 33 ' ~· 7 Port .. Algonac 0 3 Port Algonac 0 19 16 0 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT '". 1 · O> ,,'>· 11 · STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 17 9~· b'· 7 6 ... 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 11 9 HEADQUARTERS · 5201 Auth Way .CllmJ'.Springs, MO 20746 .. (301)·899:.0675 Totals All Depts 0 85 42 0 39 16 0 46 *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port . **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. . ALGONAC !l20 St. CJair River Dr. - 0 13 Algonac. MI 48001 (810) 794'-4988 . ANCHORAGE · 72l ·Sti$1.une·St., #IC . : · ,. , . Attchoraie. AK 99.503 " " (907} 561-4988 26 Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters SEPTEMBER 16 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C OCTOBER 15, 1998 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Clas.5 C **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Clas.5 A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 2 28 I 4 2 3 U '·. 9 0 3 22 3 9 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 6 51 7 3 7 21 1 3 0 5 0 14 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 13 0 2 0 0 0 ... 6 0 3 78 8 13 3 42 62 5 6 Totals All Depts *"Total Registered" means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. **"Registered on Beach" means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. 29 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST PIDLADELt>llJA 2604S. 4 SL Philadelphia. PA 19 I4& (215) 336-3818. PINEY POINT P.O. BQx 75 · . Piney Point, MD 20674 . (301) 994-0010 PORT EVERGLADES 1221 S, Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale., FL 33316 (954) 522-7984 · SAN l?RANCISCO 350 Fremont St. San Francisco~ CA 9.4105 . . .. . . .· (415} 54~.-S85S . . ··. d0¥einmeni ser\iices·Division .. (415) 861-3400 SANTURCE 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave., Stop 16Vi Santurce, PR (){)1)07 (787) 721-4033 .... • · .... ST; LOlJIS 458 I Gravois Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 34 l l South Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 ••' ' '' (253}272w7774 WlLJ\j]NGTON 510 N. Broad Ave. Wilmington, CA 90744 This photo was taken in the port of New York some time in the 1960s. Sent to the Seafarers LOG by SIU Representative Victor Nunez, it shows one of the union's first lifeboat classes. The tallest man in the back row is William Doak, a former union official who died recently. Also in the back row, second in from the right, is Pensioner Osvaldo Rios. The second person from the left in the front row is Angel O'Neill. Brother O'Neill still sails in the steward department as a steward assistant. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, it should be sent to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG November 1998 �- Welcome Ashore Each month, the Seafarers LOG pays tribute to the SIU members who have devoted their 1 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. T hree recertified bosuns are among the 22 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Representing 115 combined years of active union membership, Recertified Bosuns Elex Cary Jr., Perry H. Greenwood and Antonios M. Trikoglou are graduates of the highest level of training available to members in the deck department at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md. Including the three recertified graduates, 11 of those signing off sailed in the deep sea division, six worked on the inland waterways, three plied the Great Lakes, one sailed as a commercial fisherman, and one worked in the railroad marine division. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Arvanites last sailed aboard the Overseas Philadelphia as a chief cook. He has retired to Houston. RUSSELL A. BELL graduated from the MC&S training school in 1964 and joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. During his career, he sailed from the port of San Francisco aboard vessels operated by American President Lines and Matson Navigation. He is a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. A native of California, Brother Bell resides in San Francisco. DEEP SEA MOHAMED . " S.ABDUL• :; LAH, 65, · t joined the SIU . · in 1969 in the , · port of San Francisco. Born in Yemen, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboMd a. Sea-Land service vessel. Brother Abdullah calls Va11ejo, Calif. home. ~ I I ROBERT G. ALVISO, 65, grad· ua.ted from the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) training school in 1964 and joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (AGLIWD). He sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School in Piney Paine, Md. Brother Alviso last sailed aboard the Manukai, operated by Matson Navigation. The California native makes his home in Santa Rosa. JOHNL. ARVANITES, 65, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York aboard the Orion Comet, a Colonial Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Greece, he sailed in the steward department ELEXCARY JR., 65, graduated from the Lunde berg School's entry level training program in 1966 and joined the Seafarers in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Mt. Vernon Victory. Born in Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertifica· ti on program in 1987. Prior to his retirement, Brother Cary ·signed off the Sea-Land Enterprise. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army. He makes his home in Milpitas, Calif. PERRYH. GREEN· WOOD,65, started his career with the SIU in 1950 aboard the Calmar. He = = = ==·=""'=" sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. Brother Greenwood last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Reliance. The Washington native has retired to Mountlake Terrace. CHARLES D. HOWELL, 53, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of New York. His first ship was the Mount Washington. The Alabama native sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Brother Howell last sailed aboard the SeaLand Endurance. He has retired to Columbus, Miss. HARVEYW. MILLS, 61, first sailed with the SIU , in 1967. Brother Mills worked as a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Quality. From 1955 to 1957, he served in the U.S. Army and from 1957 to 1961, he served in the U.S. Navy. The Kentucky native makes his home in Manchester. PLURINSUS ORDANSA, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1966 from the port of Baltimore, aboard the Petrochem, a Valentine Chemical Carriers vessel. Born in Hawaii, he worked in the steward department. last sailing in 1992 aboard the Baltimore, operated by SeaLand Service. Brother Ordansa calls Glen Burnie, Md. home. MARVIN E. SMITHERMAN, 70, joined the MC&S in 1975, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. He last sailed aboard a Crowley Maritime vessel. The Alabama native served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956. Brother Smitherman calls Tuscaloosa, Ala. home. r---===:;:-----, ANTONIOS M. TRIKOGLOU, 65, graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School in 1963 and MC&S Retirees Enjoy Annual Picnic San Bruno Park, located near San Francisco, was the site for this year's annual Marine cooKs ana Stewards (MC&S) picnic, with the event taking place September 13. Retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney (pictured in both photos above) reported a good turnout and "a very enjoyable day. The company was great, and of course this is one group that knows how to cook a meal." Pictured with McCartney in the left photo is MC&S retiree Freddie Vidal. Shown in the other photo is MC&S pensioner Charlie ("Chino") Simpson. November 1998 joined the Seafarers in the port of Baltimore. Born in Greece, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1985. Brother Trikoglou last sailed aboard the Cape Washington, operated by American Overseas Marine Corp. He resides in Baltimore. INLAND JAMES A. BOURQUE, 62, first sailed with the SIU in 1967. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Bourque last sailed as a captain aboard the Dixie Courage. The Louisiana native served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1958 to 1965. He has retired to Ville Platte, La. .CLORAD. DOOM,67, joined the SIU in 1987 in the port of St. ,~ Louis. Sister ~ Doom worked ...in the steward ~--"-----·= ·,,-_ ___.department, last sailing aboard an Orgulf Transportation Co. vessel. A native of Kentucky, she makes her home in Paducah. VITALIANO R. MALDONADO, 63, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1978. Boatman Maldonado started in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. He upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the Towboat Operator Scholarship Program in 1984. He last sailed in 1993 aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. A native of Puerto Rico, he makes his home in Catano. FRANCIS T. O'NEILL, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1957 from the port of . Philadelphia. A native of = = = == !2.''.:'c!J Pennsylvania, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Boatman O'Neill last sailed as a captain aboard the Eric M. McAllister. From 1952 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He resides in West Chester, Pa. RONALD J. RIGGINS, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1981 in the port of Houston. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the John Moran, operated by Moran Towing Co. The Florida native served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1955 to 1975. Boatman Riggins makes his home in Huntington, Texas. EMERITO RIVERA, 62, . started his · career with the Seafarers in 1976 in Puerto Rico. Boatman " Rivera sailed ~~==~~ as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He signed off the Seminole in 1997, a Crowley Towing & Transportation vessel. A native of Puerto Rico, he has retired to Levittown. 1 GREAT LAKES JOHNA. KELLEY, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Frankfort, Mich. Born in Illinois, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. Brother Kelley last sailed in 1993 aboard the Challenger, a Cement Transit Co. vessel. He makes his home in Sanderson, Fla. , CLARKJ. ' KING, 64, joined the SIU in 1961 in the : port of 1 Chicago. Brother King worked in the ====== deck department, last sailing aboard an OLS Transport vessel. The Michigan native has retired to Sault Ste. Marie. ROBERT R. WILLIAMSON, 62, first sailed with the Seafarers in 1959 as a member of the deck department. The Wisconsin native signed off the Great Lakes Towing Co. tug Washington in 1987. From 1956 to 1959, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Williamson makes his home in Milwaukee. ARANTIC FISHERMAN JOSEPH GIACALONE, 64, joined the Atlantic Fishermen's Union in 1952 in the port of Gloucester, Mass., before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A native of Massachusetts, he sailed as a captain. Brother Giacalone makes his home in Gloucester. RAILROAD MARINE ARCIIlE B. OWENS, 62, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department. Brother Owens has retired to Hudgins, Va. Seafarers LOG 17 �., . ·~nal Departures· ·, ·• DEEP SEA ROBERT 0. ADAMS Pensioner Robert 0. Adams, 71 , passed away September 12. A native of ~·· California, he joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Adams sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School in Piney Point, Md., where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1985. Prior to his retirement in April 1992, he signed off the LNG Libra, operated by Energy Transportation Corp. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941to1946. Brother Adams was a resident of Madras, Ore. MARION J. AKINS Pensioner Marion J. Akins, 88, died August 6. Brother Akins started his career with the SIU in 1944 in the port of Tampa, Fla. The Georsttt native sailed in the deck department. From 1932 to 1936, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Nllshville, Ga, he began receiving his pension in April 1975. EUGENE BAKER Pensioner Eugene Baker, 92, passed away May 13. Born in Ohio, he joined the Marine Cook11 & Stewards (MC&S) in 1945 in the port of SC1lttle, before that union merged with the SIU's Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters Distrkt (AGLI· WD). Brother Baker was a resident of Seattle amt reCirecl in October 1970. RECARDO BARCELONA Pensioner Recardo Bltrcelonll, 94, died August 21. He began his career with the Seafarers as a charter member, having joined ..::....:..:...J the union in December 1938 in the port of New York. Born in the Philippines, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Barcelona resided in Santurce, P.R. and began receiving his pension in December 1968. L...__ _ _ _ CLARENCE W. BENJAMIN Pensioner Clarence W. Benjamin, 76, passed away July 19. A native of Texas, he started his career with the MC&S in 1943, ===:;..:::;..;:::::::=::::.i before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Dallas resident retired in December 1972. BENITO M. BIANCHINI Pensioner Benito M. Bianchini, 68, died August 19. Brother Bianchini joined the MC&S in 1952 in the port of ====::..i San Francisco, before that union merged with the 'IB Seafarers LOG SIU's AGLIWD. He also was a graduate of the MC&S training school. The California native lived in San Francisco and began receiving his pension in January 1997. CHARLES F. BOYLE Pensioner Charles F. Boyle, 72, passed away September 8. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in his '------'native New York. Brother Boyle sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of New Orleans, Brother Boyle retired in May 1992. Brother Davis started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. He upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the bosun recertification program there in 1987. He was a resident of Wilmington, Calif. ADRIAN E. DELANEY Ajrian E. Delaney, 60, died August 29. He graduated from the MC&S training school .,, in I 968 and ~ ~· joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. The Massachusetts native upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. Brother Delaney was a resident of Cottonwood, Calif. Norfolk, Va. Brother Gianniotis worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where _;.:;==i he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Prior to his retirement in February 1978, he signed off the Brooklyn, a Westchester Marine vessel. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Gianniotis was a resident of Lefkada, Greece. L...__ _ _ PAUL J. GONCALVES Pensioner Paul J. Goncalves, 71, died June 22. A native of Philadelphia, he first sailed with the SIU in 1945 aboard the SIMON J. DEZEE IVERSON BURNS Pensioner Iverson Bums, 77, died May 27. Brother Bums began his career with the MC&S in 1947 .'." from the port of San Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLlWD. He resided in Los Angeles and began receiving his pension in December 1977. Pensioner Simon J. Dezee, 83, passed away July 14. Born in Holland, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port = = = = = = = of New York. Brother Dezee sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in August 1980. He was a resident of Sunnyvale, Calif. CARLOS M. DIAZ GERMAN CASTRO Pensioner German Castro, 76, passed away Septem~r 12. He joined the MC&S before that union merged with the SIU 's AGLIWD. A resident of Rio Piedras. P.R .• Brother Castro retired in June 1975. ROBERT J. "BOBBY" CLINTON Robert J. "Bobby" Clinton, 65. passed away August 24. A native of New York, he began his career with the Seafarers in i=...~!........:::.....:.=:::;.__..:.1 1988 working at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he served as assistant to the vice president of the school. After leaving the facility, he sailed in the deck department, primarily aboard vessels operated by Sea-Land Service. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. He was a resident of Federal Way, Wash. ERNESTO CORTES Pensioner Ernesto Cortes, 84, died August 24. A native of Puerto Rico, he was a charter member of the Seafarers, having joined the union in November 1938 in the port of New York. During his career, he sailed in the deck department and was active in union organizing drives. Brother Cortes started receiving his pension in September 1976. MARK W. DAVIS Mark W. Davis, 42, passed away September 9. Born in Texas, he started his career with the SIU in 1972 in the port of Houston. Pensioner Carlos M. Diaz, 76, died August 19. A native of Pueno Rk o, he joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother i=...--......;==-..;::...:::..:.J Diaz sailed in che steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the steward recertification program in 1980. A resident of Tamarac, Calif., he retired in July 1985. PRIMO F. FERNANDEZ Pensioner Primo F. Fernandez, 81, passed away June 27. Brother Fernandez started his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New York. He sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in December 1981. A native of Puerto Rico, he was a resident of Cabo Rojo. CHARLES L. GARD ~ Pensioner Charles L. Gard, 71, died August 15. He · joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of Yokohama, Japan. Born in Oklahoma, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1946 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Navy. A resident of Yuma, Ariz., he began receiving his pension in February 1987. IOANNIS S. GIANNIOTIS Pensioner Ioannis S. Gianniotis, 75, passed away August 22. Born in Greece, he began sailing with the Seafarers in 1951 from the port of Cornelius Harnett. Brother Goncalves worked in the engine department, last sailing on the Westward Venture. From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Houston, he began receiving his pension in February 1992. ALBERT C. HENKE Pensioner Albert C. Henke, 77, passed away September 16. He joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. . The Michigan native sailed as a member of the engine department and retired in December 1982. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1943. Brother Henke was a resident of Eastpointe, Mich. DANTE V. JANOLO Pensioner Dante V. Janolo, 69, died September 9. Brother Janolo began sailing with the SIU in 1966 from the port of Wilmington, __::::=:;=.;:~__J Calif., aboard the Fairisle, operated by Panoceanic Tankers Corp. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the deck department, last sailing in 1986 aboard the Independence, an American Hawaii Cruises vessel. A resident of Orlando, Fla., he started receiving his pension in October . __ 1994. . MATHEW JONES Pensioner Mathew Jones, 82, passed away September 1. Born in Louisiana, he joined the MC&S in 1959 in the port of ...=.---===~-=1 New Orleans, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Jones was a resident of Altadena, Calif. and retired in July 1981. RONALD L. KARNS Pensioner Ronald L. Karns, 73, died September 5. A native of Pennsylvania, he started his career with the ' Seafarers in 1946 in the port of New York. Brother Karns sailed in the engine department and began receiving his pension in January 1974. He was a resident of Metairie, La. JOHN W. KELSOE Pensioner John W. Kelsoe, 66, passed away July 17. He began sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the port of Mobile, Ala., aboard the '-----== =-==-== Beauregard, operated by Waterman Ste~ship Corp. The Alabama native started out in the steward department and later transferred to the deck department. He upgraded at the Lundeberg School and graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1984. Brother Kelsoe lived in Georgiana, Ala. and retired in February 1992. From 1953 to 1955, he served in the U.S. Army. TOROLF J. KISMUL Pensioner Torolf, J. Kismul, 81, died September 7. Brother Kismul joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port .,, of New York. Born in Norway, he sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in June 1969. He was a resident of Spokane, Wash. JOSEPH A. LARITY Pensioner Joseph A. Larity, 82, passed away July 15. Brother Larity first sailed with the SIU in 1961 from the port of New York aboard the Alcoa Pilgrim. The New York native sailed in the steward department and retired in July 1984. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1945. He was a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. Pensioner Charles LaScola, 65, passed away August 30. Born in Illinois, he graduated from the Andrew =====~ Furuseth Trainjng School in 1963 and joined the SIU in the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Venore. Brother LaScola worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Vivian . From 1950 to 1953, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Houston, he retired in October 1997. ROBERT G. LAWSON Pensioner Robert G. Lawson, 58, died June 16. He graduated from the Andrew Furuseth Training School '----=====------' in 1964 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Houston. The Del Monte, operated by Delta Steamship Co., was his first ship. A native of California, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1981. From 1959 to 1960, Brother Lawson served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He lived in Paducah, Texas and began receiving his pension in October 1989. Continued on page 20 November 1998 �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. INTEGRITY (Maritrans), July 30-Chairman Rodney Roberson, Secretary Jeffrey N. Beasley, Deck Delegate Nicholas Joyce_ Chairman announced repair of VCR. Suggestion made that after 8-hour period at anchorage, launch should be provided. If none available, restriction to ship should be paid to crew members_ Educational director urged all hands to take advantage of Lundeberg School programs_ No beefs or disputed OT reported. OOCL INSPIRATION (Sea-Land Service), July 19-Chairman Russell F. Barrack, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director P. Kanavos, Deck Delegate David Denizac, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefont, Steward Delegate James P. O'Reilly. Chairman thanked day men for enduring unfavorable conditions during shipyard period. He also thanked chief electrician for reorganizing ship's movie videos and Steward Doffoh for exceptional food preparation and presentation both in shipyard and during voyage. No beefs or disputed OT reported _New freezer requested for crew messhall. NeM pon; harlescon. S.C. OVERSEAS MARILYN (Marhime Overseas Corp.), July 26-ChairtYtti.t\ Marro Go.llio.no. Secretary Raffaele Ascione, Educational Director Derrick tes. Deck Delegate James A. Jones. Ship headed to Greece for 21-day shipyard period_ Crew to remain on board_ As of August I , Training ReMrd Books (TRBs) required when registering to ship. Applications are aboard vessel for those who need them. Educational direi;;tor reminded members to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Two suggestions made to send to contracts department. The first: lower the age of requirement for the normal pension from 65 to 62. The second: for the welfare plan to cover the cost of prescription medicines for dependents. Next port: Sims, Greece. SEA-LAND RELIANCE (SeaLand Service), July 26-Chairman Perry H. Greenwood, Secretary Gene C. Sivley, Educational Director Amos J. Jarmillo, Steward Delegate Reynaldo C. Telmo. Chairman announced payoff in Tacoma, Wash. and wished all crew members continued safe voyage. This is last trip for Bosun Greenwood_ No beefs or disputed OT reported. New mattresses on order for all crew. Vote of thanks extended to steward department for fine job. AMERICAN CORMORANT (Osprey-Acomarit), August 27Chairman John Mendez, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director E. Hantsche, Deck Delegate S. Hamm, Steward Delegate Robert A. Wright Jr. Chairman noted receipt of movies and recommended that company send movies at least every 60 days. He stated copy of contract should be sent to ship and asked for clarifi- November 1998 cation of some items. Secretary reminded crew of necessity of applying for TRB and said he has application forms available. Educational director stressed importance of training available at Paul Hall Center_ No beefs or disputed OT reported. Votes of thanks given to Chief Cook Wright for excellent job and SA Roland Peters for keeping areas clean_ Next ports: Diego Garcia and Singapore. GREEN ISLAND (Waterman), August 30-Chairman Theodore J. Bush III, Secretary John Reid, Engine Delegate Robert Steven· son, Steward Delegate Mulai B. Ismail. Chairman reported arrival in Morehead City, N.C. on or about September 5. Fresh stores will be brought on at that time. Treasurer Woodrow Smith Jr. announced $70 in ship's fund. No beefs reported in any of the three departments _ Some disputed ITT reported by engine delegate pertaining to weekend fire and boat drilL Communications about payoffs without union officials read to members and filed. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done, with special thanks to Brother Robert Sutherland for extra efforts in performance of his duties. HM/ ASTRACHEM (Hvide Marine), August 23-Chairman Tom Bankg, Secretary Juan Gonzalez. Engine Delegate Kevin Samuels_Chairman announced vessel awaiting word on charter renewal by Phillips Petroleum. Current charter ends in November_ Educational director advised crew to take advantage of upgrading facilities at Piney Point and make sure everyone has TRB with them when registering. No beefs or disputed OT reported_ Letter from Plans Administrator Lou Delma read regarding questions raised at previous union meeting. Next port; Freepon. Texas OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (Maritime Overseas Corp-), August 23-Chairman Clyde C. Smith, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Marshall J. Sanford, Deck Delegate Raymond J. Nowak, Engine Delegate John D. Lewis, Steward Delegate Fran· cisco Monsibais. Chairman said ship will pay off in Lake Charles, La. in three days. Discussion held on incentive vacation program. Boarding patrolman requested to clarify tour of duty certificate. Educational director suggested crew attend classes at Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported_ Steward department given vote of thanks. Following payoff in Lake Charles, ship heads to Houston, Texas. OVERSEAS JOYCE (Maritime Overseas), August 2-Chairman J. O'Ferrell, Secretary James E. Willey, Educational Director Willie Stan III, Deck Delegate Edward King, Steward Delegate Carmelo Dela Cruz. Chairman announced everything running smoothly aboard ship. Payoff scheduled for Portland, Ore.; ship then continuing to Long Beach, Calif and Japan_ Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No reported. beefs or disputed ar OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (Maritime Overseas), August 16Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John Trent, Deck Delegate Charles Foley. Chairman thanked crew for good job. Discussion held on numerous topics including new firefighting school at Piney Point, moving union hall in New Orleans and upgrading at Lundeberg School every chance possible. Also talked about letter from headquarters regarding paying off ships without patrolman. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Dryers in crew laundry making squealing noise and need to be checked. Next port: Port Everglades, Fla. New microwave oven expected in next port. Steward department given vote of thanks for lots of great food and clean messrooms, lounge and decks. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND EXPRESS (SeaLand Service), August 6Chairman Mark L. Lamar, Secretary Ernest Polk, Educational Director Herman Manzer, Deck Delegate Scott Grider, Engine Delegate Abdul H. Mohamed, Steward Delegate B. Habib_Chairman stated 28-day trip has been good, especially thanking GSU Joan Riley for work performed. Secretary echoed sentiments regarding good crew. 16-Chairman Angelo Urti, Secretary Lonnie Gamble, Educational Director Jerald Graham, Deck Delegate Robert E. Thompson III, Engine Delegate John C. Langley, Steward Delegate Americus Bell. Chairman noted ship will perform exercises with U.S. military off coast of Turkey. Operation should begin in early September and end around October 24. Educational director reminded crew members to check with him if they have not yet applied for TRBs. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; otherwise, everything running smoothly. Crew members said they appreciate hard work by union in After the Fire Drill PVT FRANKLIN J. PHILLIPS (Maersk Line), August 11Chairman R.M. Wiles, Secretary Tony E. Spain, Educational Director David R. Powers, Deck Delegate Derrick W. Hurth, Engine Delegate Ben Mathews, Steward Delegate James 0. Kidd Jr. Chairman stressed importance of safety aboard ship. He asked crew to report any safety hazards they were aware of. He also noted necessity of having TRB when registering for a ship. Educational director suggested all hands use free time wisely and take advantage of upgrading courses at Lundeberg School. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Diego Garcia. SEA-LAND ENDURANCE (SeaLand Service), August 10--Chairman Mauro G. Gutierrez, Secretary Mike Fields, Educational Director G. Evosevich, Deck Delegate Jeffrey D. Mateer, Engine Delegate Stephen D. Walters. Steward Delegate Wayne Ballard. Co 1rmation received from SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox that QMED and electrician are not to handle lines. Captain Becker requested that in writing_ Chairman thanked steward depanmem for good food and for keeping ship clean. He also reminded crew members to apply for TRBs because they will be required to register after August 1. Secretary noted need for second dryer in crew laundry room as well as equipment for warm weather barbecues. He also commented that air filters in many rooms and public areas are clogged and need to be changed_ Educational director stated that best chance to improve one·s job skills is to go to Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reponed. Clarification requested from headquarters as to whether STCW certificates are required for unlicensed seamen who do not have lifeboat endorsement. Some members have been told 'no' by Coast Guard in Seattle_ Since there is no person in movie room to refile returned movies, everyone asked to pitch in. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Panama Canal; Colon, Panama; and Freeport, Bahamas. SEA·LAND ENTERPRISE (SeaLand Service), August 19-Chairman Hayden Gifford, Secretary Franchesca Rose. Chairman reminded those getting off at next port to clean room for next person. Secretary advised all members to apply for TRBs and upgrade at Lundeberg School. Educational director repeated advantages of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and said he was looking forward to new firefighting facility there. No beefs or disputed ITT reported. Letter received from headquarters regarding payoffs without a union official present. Following a four-day Coast Guard drill in which crew members had to don fire suits and carry heavy hoses in 95-degree weather, Seafarers aboard the USNS Algol are happy to have a few minutes to themselves. On the ship's deck are (from left) AB Romeo Azarcarate, Bosun Walter Loveless and OS Rodney Robinson. The photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by AB Arthur Machado. Educational director encouraged members to attend upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested clarification of maximum dollar amount allowed for draws_ SEA-LAND KODIAK (Sea-Land Service), August 13-Chairman Gary Walker, Secretary Gregory Keene, Educational Director A. Bombita, Steward Delegate Fadel Abdulla. Secretary reported good trip with reliable crew and fine weather_ In addition to reminding crew members to upgrade, educational director stressed importance of donating to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done and to all crew members for clean and safe ship. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. SEA-LAND TRADER (Sea-Land Service), August 2-Chairman Loren Watson, Secretary Susano Cortez, Educational Director Michael D. Powell, Deck Delegate Ronald D. Rizzuto, Engine Delegate Rodney J. Pontiflet, Steward Delegate Romeo Manansala. Telephone service for crew in Hawaii located in longshore shack, which is very noisy. Crew requested phone booth be put back on dock by office. Chairman led discussion of Sea-Land's new nonsmoking policy. Also discussed high consumption of paper cups and proper disposal of plastic items. All crew members given key to lounge so as to be able to lock it in port, if necessary. Educational director stressed benefits to those who attend Lundeberg School upgrading classes. Treasurer announced $300 in ship's fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members reminded of need to have TRB when registering. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Guam. SGT. MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), August fight against Coast Guard user fee for seamen's documents_ Coffee machine on bridge needs repair. Next ports; Malaga and Rota, Spain; and Iskenderun, Turkey. ROBERT E. LEE (Waterman Steamship), August 9-Chainnan Eugene T. Grantham, Secretary Paul P. Lopez, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan, Deck Delegate Gregory Hickman, Engine Delegate Apolinario Aquirre, Steward Delegate Mohamed Ghaleb. Chairman reported payoff upon arrival in New Orleans_ AB Kenneth S. Chinn injured aboard ship and will fly home. No beefs or disputed OT recorded_ Communications from headquarters received regarding necessity of presenting TRB when registering to ship. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering number of days' seatime needed for retirement. Next ports: Morehead City, N.C. and New Orleans. LTC CALVIN P. TITUS (Maersk Line), September 6-Chairman Scott Heginbotham, Secretary Grant H. Armstead, Educational Director Donald Hastings, Deck Delegate Walter Ratcliffe, Steward Delegate Khamis Mageed. Chairman reminded crew to separate plastic items from regular garbage. All refuse placed outside should be double-bagged. Secretary noted new glasses and forks on order. Educational director spoke about building of new firefighting school in Piney Point and for everyone to be sure to get TRBs as soon as possible. Letter received from headquarters regarding need for TRBs when registering. Transformers ordered for each room. Electric irons needed for each of three laundry rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to help conserve air conditioning by closing doors. Crew asked contracts department about holiday pay concern. Seafarers LOS 19 �Final Departures Continued from page 18 graduated from the steward recertification program in 1984. A resident of Sarasota, Fla., he started receiving his pension in January 1987. LARRY E. LEE AARON D. LUTZKY ,., Pensioner Larry E. Lee, 66, passed away August 13. Brother Lee first sailed with the MC&S in 1958 from the port of San ---~=~~ Francisco, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. During his career, he sailed in both the steward and deck departments and upgraded his deck department skills at the Lundeberg School. Prior to his retirement in August 1997, he signed off the Sea-Land Pacific. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955. Brother Lee was a resident of Honolulu. Aaron D. Lutzky, 24, passed away April 9. He graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in ======= 1997 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. A native of California, he was a resident of Oakland. TOMMYW.LEE Pensioner Tommy W. Lee, 93, died July 19. Born in China, he joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, i before that ·ir -· ; •" t-· union merged • with the SIU's AOLIWD. Brother Lee, a resident of San Francisco, started receiving his pension in November I 971. CHUNGK.LEW Pensioner Chung K. Lew, 70. passed away August 15. He began his career with the MC&S in 1960 in the port of Seattle, before thar L_J~.:.....:_~~~ union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Lew upgraded to chief cook at the Lundeberg School and retired in O<;tober 1991. Born in China, he WM a. re~idenc of Sealtle. ARTHUR B. LITTLE P~nsioner Arthur B. Linle, 82. died August 8. A native of Michigan, he started his career with the Seafarers in 19.53 in the port '-"""'=::..-'!!..:=-=---J of Elberta, Mich. Brother Little sailed in the deck department and started receiving his pension in February 1977. He was a resident of Llano, Texas. LARRY L. LONG Larry L. Long, 59, passed away August 30. Born in Pennsylvania. he joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Seattle. Brother Long sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. From 1960 to 1963, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a residem of Federal Way, Wash. GEORGE W. LUKE Pensioner . ~ George W. Luke, 79, died August 2. Brother Luke started his career with the Seafarers in 19.53 in the port of Tampa, Fla. The Georgia native sailed in the steward department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he 20 Seafarers LOG ZACHARIAS A. MARKRIS Pensioner Zacharias A. Markris, 80, died June 14. Brother Markris joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port " of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama native sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving his pension in September 1971. He continued to live in Mobile. DANNY J. McMURRAY Danny J. McMurray, 33, passed away July 23. A native of California and a resident of Sacramento, he graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1984 and joined the SIU in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Ogden Missouri. Brother McMurray sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. NATHANIEL MUSE Pensioner Nathaniel Muse, 76. died July 24. Born in Tennessee. he started his c;ueer with the Seafarers in 19S 1 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Muse sailed in the engine depanmem and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of San Francisco and began receiving his pension in July 1988. HURSHEL A. ORLANDO Pensioner Hurshel A. Orlando, 81, passed away September 12. He began sailing with the SIU in 1943 from the port of New York. Born in Cuba, he became a U.S. citizen and worked in the steward department, last sailing as a chief steward. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. Brother Orlando, a resident of Capitol Heights, Md., retired in December 1983. WILLIAM M. PARKER Pensioner William M. Parker, 72, died August 11. Brother Parker joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of Mobile, Ala. .____ __.;;;;="'-------' A native of Illinois, he sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1975. Prior to his retirement in June 1986, he signed off the American Heritage. Brother Parker was a resident of Lacombe, La. WILLIAM J. PERRIDGE Pensioner William J. Perridge, 72, r--::;;r:;:;;;;;;;;~:=-:--, passed away July 19. He first sailed with the SIU in 1942 from his native New York. He worked in the deck department and .____ _ _ _ ___..upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. From 1944 to 1946, he served in the U.S. Army. A resident of Montrose, Calif., Brother Perridge started receiving his pension in December 1981. ARMOND RAMOS rr~··-~I Pensioner Armond Ramos, 70, died August 29. A native of Massachusetts, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1.-....i:o...--==::....-=-_.1 1946 in the port of Boston. Brother Ramos sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in February 1971. He was a resident of Revere, Mass. THOMAS A. ROSSI :--~~~~---,Pensioner Thomas A. Rossi, 72, passed away September 14. Born in Rhode Island, he began sailing with the SIU in 1971 ~-------' from the port of New Orleans. Brother Rossi sailed in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945. He retired in April 1997. RALPH SOUTH Pensioner Ralph South, 72, died August 23. Brother South joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of New York. Born in Tennessee, he started out in the deck department and later transferred to the engine department. During his career, he upgraded frequently at the Lundeberg School. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1941to1945. A resident of Federal Way, Wash., he began receiving his pension in December 1991. HELEN D. STRANGER Pensioner Helen D. Stranger, 78, passed away June 29. She started her career with the MC&S in 1962, before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Sister Stranger was a resident of Concord, Calif. and retired in May 1975. joined the union in 1939 in the port of New York. During his career, he was active in union organizing drives. A native of Puerto L - - - - = = : < , . _ _ . : _ _ _ J Rico, he sailed in the steward department and began receiving his pension in September 1975. ERIC E. HARMEL HOWARD WHITELY Pensioner Eric Pensioner Howard Whitely, 83, died August 5. He joined the SIU in 1948 in his native New York and sailed in the steward department. A resident of New York, he retired in May 1980. E. Harmel, 82, HAROLD S.W. WONG Pensioner Harold S.W. Wong, 82, died September I 0. Born in China, he graduated from the MC&S training school in 1965 and joined that union before it merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Wong was a resident of San Francisco and retired in October 1985. MALCOLM B. WOODS Pensioner Malcolm B. Woods, 72, passed away August 11. A native of Louisiana, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of Savannah, Ga. Brother Woods sailed in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School, where he graduated from the bosun recertification program in 1973. He last sailed aboard the ING Virgo, operated by Energy Transportation Corp. From 1952 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Air Force. A resident of Alameda, Calif., he began receiving his pension in September 1988. JONATHAN N. YOUNG Pensioner Jonathan N. Young, 80, passed away August 9. Brother Young started his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Nebraska, he worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Manhattan. He was a resident of Long Beach, Calif. and began receiving his pension in October 1983. SIDNEY U. STRATOS Sidney U. Stratos, 28, died July 29. A native of California, he graduated from the Lundeberg School's entry level training program in 1990 and joined the Seafarers in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the USNS Invincible. He sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Lundeberg School. He was a resident of Yreka, Calif. JAMES C. ZACHARY Pensioner James C. Zachary, 72, died July 17. Born in Texas, he first sailed with the MC&S in 1957 from the pan of Ponland, Ore., before that union merged with the SIU's AGLIWD. Brother Zachary upgraded his skills at the MC&S training school. He was a veteran of World War II. having served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1942 to 1945. A resident of Portland, he retired in July 1995. INLAND RON DeGRANDIS LUISA. VILA Pensioner Luis A. Vila, 87, passed away August 5. Brother Vila was a charter member of the SIU, having McAllister. The Pennsylvania native sailed as a member of the deck department. From 1962 to 1964, he served in the U.S. Army. Boatman DeGrandis was a resident of Philadelphia. Ron DeGrandis, 53, passed away July 17. Boatman DeGrandis joined the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Philadelphia, sailing aboard the Eric died in May. He started his career with the SIU in 1960 in the port of Baltimore. Born in L..===~~-_J Germany, he worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard a Curtis Bay Towing vessel. A resident of Baltimore, Boatman Harmel began receiving his pension in July 1979. ROY S. LINDLEY Pensioner Roy S. Lindley, 69, passed away August 13. A native of Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Houston. He worked in the deck department and upgraded at the Lundeberg School. Boatman Lindley last sailed as a captain and retired in November 1986. He resided in Ingleside, Texas. ERNIE A. WOODS Ernie A. Woods, 35, passed away August 10. Born in Honduras, he started his caree with the Seafarers in 1997 in the port of Ne Orleans. Boatman Woods worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Apache, a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He was a resident of Violet, La. GREAT LAKES CHARLEST. MONTGOMERY Charles T. Montgomery, 44, died.August 5. rother Montgomery began sailing with the SIU in 1970 from the port of Duluth, Minn. During his career, he worked as a gateman and conveyorman. The Minnesota native lived in Duluth. CALVIN NIX Pensioner Calvin Nix 73, passed away July 4. A native of North Carolina, he started his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Detroit. Brother Nix sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in June 1989. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946. He was a resident of Henderson, N.C. RAILROAD MARINE HAROLD M. RAINIER JR. Pensioner Harold M. Rainier Jr., 61, passed away September 1. Brother Rainier began his career with the Seafarers in '----..;:;;...;:==---' 1959 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia native sailed in the deck department and worked primarily for the marine division of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad Co. From 1960 to 1966, he served in the U.S. Air Force. A resident of Cobbs Creek, Va., he retired in January 1998. November 1998 �(Editor's note: the Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer's intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Retiring Seafarer Thanks SIU Staff As a retiree, I want to thank alJ the people in the SIU who have made my career possible. All of my shipmates have been the best. I thank all of the people in the port of New York. Jack Caffey and the staff at the hall do a wonderful job. I also thank all the workers at headquarters who keep the union running strong for all of us at sea. The SIU is the best, and all of us-sailing and retired-have to keep it that way. Tony "Popeye" Martinez Richmond Hill, N.Y. ~ ... Liberty Ship Brown In Great Condition The other day, I was reading my back LOGs in order to catch up with the SIU news. I noticed an anicle about the Whitbread yacht race. In it was a remark about the Liberty ship John W Brown that Jed me to think that some people believe the ship is going downhill. Acmally. the reverse is true. In fact. the ship is improving and estoration is ~ompkte. Main· tenance is now the only thing needed, and it gets plenty of that I sailed at>Q'1Td h6r last sum· mc;r as the 12·4 oiler on a twoweek trip to London, Conn. with ps in Greenport and Kings Point, N.Y. She performed perfectly. I recently have come off another two-week trip to Charleston, S.C. with a stop in Solomons, Md. This ship is a magnificent example of the more than 2,700 Liberty ships built during World War II. All SIU members would do themselves a favor to come aboard and visit when they are in Baltimore. (The ship is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) All are welcome. Ted Vargas Princeton, W. Va. (Editor's note: Vargas has been a member of the Liberty Ship Project since its start in 1979.) ... .. Social Security History = Lesson in Skullduggery Back in the 1930s, when F.D.R. and Congress were trying to pass Social Security into law, they told John Q. Public that this money, by law, could only be used for the Social Security trust fund-that the federal government could never touch it. With those reassurances, it became law. Deficit spending by government was unheard of at that time. Then World War II was forced upon us. The road out of this catastrophic "day of infamy" would be long and hard. An outraged American public got behind the war effort I 00 percent_ While sons, daughters, husbands and loved ones went off to war, the robber barons in Washington saw the golden opportunity to get their hands in the till. They daimed that because of the "national emergency," the U.S. government had to pass a Jaw allowing it to borrow the Social Security trust funds. The last thing a patriotic citizenry would do is hinder the war effort. So the bill passed without much ado. The politicians even invented a new phrase to sell it: "an inexhaustible fund." Now, after 50-some odd years and more than $600,000,000,000 (yes, that's right, more than six hundred billion dollars) in IOUs, they have the unmitigated gall to tell the public that the "inexhaustible fund" is nearing exhaustion and must be fixed. But their idea of fixing it is to cut the benefits, privatization or some other nonsense-not start repaying the IOUs. That's after grabbing $70 billion out of the trust fund just last year and claiming they reduced the deficit spending by $60 billion. I don't know what kind of math that is, but I call it bamboozling the public. These unconscionable elected representatives in Washington have the younger generation believing their nonsense. None of the working people of today believes there wi11 be anything in the Social Security trust fund for them. If our elected representatives would do the job they were elected to do-get rid of the waste and fraud, cut deficit spending, keep out of the trust fund, start picking up all those IOUs- there would be more than enough money for many generations to come. I will not support any elected official who votes to balance the budget by robbing the Social Security trust fund and will do all in my power to get them out of Washington_ If you agree with me, send a letter to your elect se tatives. Bill Horne Hiawassee, Ga. Sea-Land Explorer Visits New Port On July 1 B. 1998, the Sen-Land !Explorer became the first American·flag ship to enter the new port of Kwan~ Yang in South Korea. The crew worked very hard to get the vessel ready for this occasion. A large reeeption we.s held, with the mayor of Kwang Yang and the South Korean minister of merchant services and fisheries amon9 those -in attendance. Following the ceremony on the dock, the captain invited 100 people on board to tour the ship and partake of some of Chief Cook Karen Fensel's hors d'oeuvres. The crew members are (from left, seated) AB Milton Caballero, Chief Cook Karen Fensel, SA Jaber Ali. (second row) Unlicensed Apprentice John Arguello, Electrician/QM ED Clarence Landford, ABs John Baker, Cesar Ramos and Edward O'Brien, (third row) DEU Robert Beckwith, Bosun Raymond Yager, AB James Morgan, Unlicensed Apprentice Phillip Troublefield and Chief Steward John F. Bass. Not pictured is QMED Walter Hutchinson. Day. World War I 11 Veterans ended on this day in 1918. 1903, the Women's Trade 19 InUnion League was formed to legend ever since. On the eve of his death , he wrote, "Don 't waste any time in mourning. Organ ize ." His words remain a rallying cry to this day. educate women about the advan- November tages of ur'lion membership, to sup- port women's demands for better working conditions, and to raise awareness about the exploitation of women workers. Labor leader and socialist Eugene V. Debs was born in Terre Haute. Ind _in 1855_"The strike is a weapon of the oppressed. of men capable of appreciating justice and having the courage to resist wrong and contend for principle," he said. S The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) was formed in 1935 to expand industrial unionism . It merged with the American Federation of Labor (AFL} in 1955 to form the AFL-CIO. 9 November 1998 Industrial Workers of the 19 World (IWW) labor organizer and balladeer Joe Hill was executed by aSalt Lake City, Utah firing squad in 1915. Hill was arrested and condemned to death for a murder, though supporters claim no clear evidence existed to convict him. The IWW and others rushed to defend Hill, believing he was unfairly prosecuted because of his labor background. Hill died a martyr and has been celebrated in song and Birthday, in 1832, of author, abolitior'list, and nurse Louisa 29 May Alcott Known for her fictional work Little Women,Alcott also wrote Work, an autobiographical novel exposing the exploitation of women workers and the evils of industrialization in 1873. "Fighting Mary" Eliza Mc30 Dowell was born in 1854. A social worker, McDowell helped organize the first women 's local union of the Amalgamated Meat Cutters in 1902. Comprised predominantly of the low-paid women working in packinghouse canning and labeling operations, membership grew to more than 1,000. 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 violacions 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: Auguscin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals Board 520 I Au th Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Full copies of contracts as referred to are available to members at all times, either by writing directly co 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 Che proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. EDITORIAL POLICY - THE SEAFARERS LOG. The Seafarers LOG traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 1960 meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for Sea/are rs 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, bur not limited to, furthering the political, social and economic interests of maritime work· ers, the preservation and furthering of the American merchant marine with improved employment opportunities for seamen and boatmen and the advancement of trade union concepts. In connection with such objects, SPAD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, job discrimination, financial reprisal, or threat of such conduct, or as a condition of membership in the union or of employment. If a contribution is made by reason of the above improper conduct, the member should notify the Seafarers International Union or SPAD by certified mail within 30 days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support SPAD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. NOTIFYING THE UNION-If at any time a member feels that any of the above rights have been violated, or that he or she has been denied the constitutional right of access to union records or information, the member should immediately notify SIU President Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is: Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Seafarers LOB 21 .l I II �Lundeberg School Graduating Classes HARRY SEAFARERS LUNDEBERG SCHOOL LIFEBOAT CLASS 580 ;~ ·'.ifoTi ;Jt· Trainee Lifeboat Class 580--Graduating from trainee lifeboat class 580 are (from left, kneeling) Ben Cusic (instructor), Anthony Jordan, Gregory Makowski, Antonio Cooks, Andrew Seabon Jr., Anderson Saco, (second row) Christopher Barrow, Lenard Mills, Sylvester Crawford Jr., Bernard Snead and Joel Encarnacion. Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading graduates of the September 18 lifeboat class are (from left, first row) Anthony Townes. James Pierce, Maronda Jackson, Anthony Simon, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Steven Manning, Troy Banks, John Mullett, James Nottingham, David Poree, Miles Janecka and Jerry Martinsen. Tanker Assistant DL-Receiving their graduation certificates for completing the tanker assistant DL cout'~e on Octob~r 2 are (from l~ft. kneeling) George Villalba, Adel Shaibi, Robert Kane, John Millward. Nigel .J~ffer~on, (second row) Harry Galdeita, Jose MajM, Richard Butch, Robert Des Marteau, Robert Bradberry, Robert Mensching. Thomas Flynn. Torrey Manning. Jim Shaffer (instructor), (third row) Cecil Edwards, Stephen Swinton, Robert Schindler, Shane Clarke. Eldon Palmer. Bill Osborn. Matt Harrison, Kendra Savage and K~n Abrahemson _ Basic Electronics-Seafarers graduating September 4 from the basic electronics course are (from left. seated) Tommie B. Davis, John Smith. Leonides Bacal. Randy Loque, Pompey Alegado, (second row) Russ Levin (instructor), Edward Louis, Matthew Ditullio, Ronald Hutchison and Paul Curtis. Not pictured are Frank Bakun and Richard King. Tanker Assistant DL--Earning their graduating certificates for completion of the tanker assistant DL course on September 4 are (seated) Jason Roberts. (from left, kneeling) Brian Kimbrough, Steven Chapin, Leopoldo Viernes, Burkley Cooper, Wilfredo Gatmen, Salvadore Lagare, James Fennessy, Matthew Laughter, (second row) Melvin Ratcliff Jr., Adam Des Rosiers, Matthew Delang, Robert Kennedy, Rickey Bronson, Al Seay, Marcus Ross, Donald Ippolito, Juan Rochez, Trawn Gooch, Albert W. Austin Jr.. Mark Jones (instructor) and Manolo V. Delos Santos. Able Seaman-Upgrading graduates of the September 4 AB class are (from left. kneeling) Jim Marchard, Walter Sainvil, Guy Butler, Brian Morris, Mark Gaffney, Kaled M. Saleh, Tom Gilliland (instructor), (second row) Jeffrey Lagana, James Duggan, Timothy Kotsis, Dwight L. King, Anthony Pacely Jr., James L. Davis Jr., Lambert Brown, Tom Kemper, Ronald E. Allen , Santos Antonio, Sangie Mohamed and David Rankin. 22 Seafarers LOG Crane Maintenance Electrician-SIU members completing the crane maintenance electrician course in September are (from left, kneeling) Louie Diesso, James Gray, Roger Cash, Tony Rosa, (second row) Maurice Baptiste, Bob Martin, Nathan Adams, Rick Crowley, George Cox and Eric Malzkuhn (instructor). Upgraders Lifeboat-Upgrading Seafarers earning their lifeboat endorsements on September 18 are (from left, kneeling) Abdul Alawy, Dawn Williams, Elpidio Toyco, William L. Mohica Jr., Ben Cusic (instructor), (second row) Josef Wouthuyzen, Tommie B. Davis, Tomas C. Robinson, Ali Akmar, Abdul Mosa, (third row) Jesse A. Osborne, Kelly Stanford and Duane Nelson. November 1998 �LUNDEBERG SCHOOL 1998·1999 UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule for classes beginning in December and running into tft.e<-~rst . few months of 1999 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship." located at the Paul Hall Ce11tet ·~for Maritime Training and Ecluc~ionin Piney Point, Md. All programs are geared to improve the job skills · ·of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. pl~a,8e note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membe;~ljip, the maritime industry and-in times of conflict-the nation's security. >.' :l·~tudents attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before ~;tll.~r·~ourse's start date·. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the mom- Becertiflcation Programs Course Start Date Date or Completion Bosun Recertitkation Marcb29 April 30 Steward Recertification February 1 MarcbS Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Tanker Familiarization/ January 11 February 15 January 29 March3 Basic Firefighting February 1 Marcb8 FebruaryS March 12 Advanced Firefighting January 11 February 22 January 22 March S Government Vessels January 18 March 1 March 22 February 5 March 19 April 9 . Assistant Cargo (DL) 'jiiig:: ()f~'tlie start date~~ · _:,~ ·:\f{°h:\i,~eafarers who have any 'questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the '>Cundeperg School may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion January 11 February 19 · .M.arcb 12 March 1 : March.12":. ,· JanuaryS February 5 March5 March 19 . March 15 April2 February 8 Febraury 12 February 26 April 2 February 22 March29 . . •.·.·.• ~-----------------_ UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ~~~~~~~~~----------~~~~~~~~~~~~ Address. _ _ -'-------------------------~--- .. .. ... . . . . ·-~ . - - - -· --------.. With 1his application, COPIES of the following must be senl: One hundred and twenty ( 120) days seatime for the previous year. one day in the last six months prior to the date your class starts, USM MD (z·card) front and back, from page of your union book indicating your departmenl and seniority, and qualifying seatime for the course if it is Coast Guard rested. All FOWI', AB and QMED applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $135 with their applicalion. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE Telephone . ................................. . _,,. ......._ .......__. ,_. BEGIN DATE END DATE Date of Birth _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Deep Sea Member D Inland Waters Member D Lakes Member D If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security# Book# - - - - - - - - - - - Seniority-------------- Department _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ U.S. Citizen: Yes Cl No Cl Home Port Endom;ment(s) or License(s) now held - - - - - - -- - -- - - - Are you a graduate of the SHLSS trainee program? D Yes D No LAST V E S S E L : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Rating: _ _ __ Date O n : - - - - - - - - - - - Date Off: SIGNATURE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DATE If yes, c l a s s # - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Have you attended any SHLSS upgrading courses? D Yes D No If yes, course(s) t a k e n - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? D Yes D No Firefighting: Primary language spoken November 1998 D Yes D No CPR: NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: Lundeberg School of Seamanship, 11/98 D Yes D No The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and E.ducation is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otheiwise qualified, of any race, nationality or sex. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. Seafarers LOG 23 �Early 1999 Upgrading Class Dates Announced See page 23 for the latest information on course availability in the new year at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime and Training's Lundeberg School. ITF Obtains $110,000 in Back Pay for Romanian Crew SIU's Morris Assists in Case that Spotlights Runaway-Flag Pitfalls The recent case of the Greek and Romanianowned, Malta-flagged bulker Tomis Faith once again demonstrates the SIU's effectiveness in its participation in the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) campaign against runaway-flag shipping. It also spotlights the inhumane treatment routinely endured by the people who sail aboard such ships. Thanks in large part to assistance from one of the SIU's ITF inspectors, Edd Morris, crew members aboard the Tomis Faith received $110,000 in back pay on September 25, while the ship was docked in Baltimore. Morris also helped arrange various shipboard repairs, ordering of adequate stores and adherence to the ITF contract by which the vessel is covered. "Many of the crew hadn't been paid in eight A crew member on the Nora stands by the small sink where he and his shipmates hand-wash all of their laundry, because of an inoperable washing machine. months," noted Morris. ''They were forced to work overtime, but weren't paid the corresponding rate .... Going that long without pay, it caused serious problems back home for many of the crew members. They have bills to pay, just like anyone else." The Romanian crew, which contacted Morris in September, faced other difficulties on the Tomis Faith, jointly owned by the Romanian government (through an entity known as Petromin) and Piraeusbased Ermis Maritime Corp. The ship's navigation equipment was defective. Steward department personnel were ordered to make three months' worth of stores last for five months. The crew had nothing but water to drink and no desserts. Preserving the meager stores also proved problematic due to malfunctioning freezers. Although the ship is covered by an ITF contract, its captain reportedly seized the crew's copies. Moreover, when several crew members strongly complained about not being paid for more than half a year, the company replaced them. (They eventually were paid, after the ITF intervened.) This is not isolated treatment on the part of the company. Morris also recently coordinated with fellow ITF inspector Adrian Mihalcioiu to assist crew members aboard the Nora, owned in the same joint venture between Petromin and Ermis Maritime Corp. They faced similar difficulties as the mariners aboard the Tomis Faith, eventually receiving their wages after the ITF stepped in. (They also had no washing machine nor dryer.) "In both cases, the ITF's obje~tive isn't to 'get' the company. Rather, we simply wanted them to pay the wages called for in the contracts they have signed and provide better living conditions aboard the vessels," explained Morris. "Imagine being forced to work overtime while you're not getting enough to eat or drink. Imagine having to wash all your clothes by hand and hang them on the deck to dry, all because che company won't supply a $100 part required to operate a washing machine." The SIU is one of che more than 500 affiliates of the London-based ITF. Foreign Mariners Visit Paul Hall Center As part of his duties as an ITF inspector, Edd Morris of the SIU regularly meets with crews from foreign-flag ships. Recently, when three such vessels delivered various cargo near the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Md., Morris used the opportunity to take some of the foreign mariners on unofficial tours of the school. 'The exposure is useful for them and for the SIU upgraders who welcomed them to the school," Morris noted. Pictured clockwise from top left: Filipino mariners from the Norwegian tanker Sibotessa pose in front of the school's entrance (Morris is at far right.), Filipinos from the Greek tanker Antiparos chat with Seafarers in the hotel lobby, and Polish and Indian mariners from the Asphalt Leader (Greek flag) visit the Paul Hall Center while their ship discharges cargo. Mariners aboard the Nora contacted the other issues. :n:;; � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1990-1999 Description An account of the resource Volumes LII-LXI Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993; Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1998 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES RECOVERY FROM ‘GEORGES’ CONTINUES SIU CREWS DOUBLE EAGLE TANKERS 3 CHRISTENED AT NEWPORT NEWS; 2 TO FOLLOW FMC REMAINS INDEPENDENT AGENCY AS PRESIDENT OKAYS SHIPPING REFORM UNION YARD TO BUILD CRUISE SHIPS SEAFARERS CREW EL YUNQUE SIU PROTESTS PROPOSED USER FEE INCREASES CONGRESS PASSES EXTENSION FOR WWII MARINERS’ VERTERANS’ STATUS NAFTA LAWSUIT RULING EVADES ‘TREATY’ ISSUE STEEL IMPORTS SPUR SLOWDOWN ON LAKES BERNARD SEAMAN, FORMER LOG ART EDITOR, DIES AT 85 NEW BEDFORD PORT AGENT FRANCOIS APPOINTED TO FISHING COMMISSIONS THE SIUNA- AN EXPLANATION OF ITS STRUCTURE AND ITS MEMBERS BOSUN MCCARTHY FEATURED IN AFL-CIO PUBLICATION ‘Y2K’ DILEMMA LOOMS OVER COMPUTER USERS AWAY FROM PORT IN A STORM SEAFARERS SHOW SUPPORT FOR AVONDALE WORKERS LUMMUS AIDS IN MARINE CORPS EXERCISE ABILITY TO CHANGE IS NECESSARY, STRESSES S-L INNOVATOR BOSUN SEAFARERS GET JOB DONE AT PETTY’S ISLAND DOCKS ITF SHIP BRINGS HORRORS OF RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPPING TO AMERICAN VISITORS MARAD’S HART IMPRESSED WITH ITF SHIP’S PRESENTATION GLOBAL MARINER CREW ALREADY KNEW ABOUT FOC SHIPPING SIU MEMBERS EMBRACE ITF’S POWERFUL MESSAGE ITF OBTAINS $110,000 IN BACK PAY FOR ROMANIAN CREW SIU’S MORRIS ASSISTS IN CASE THAT SPOTLIGHTS RUNAWAY-FLAG PITFALLS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Scanned Issues 1984-1988, 1994-Present Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/1998 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. 60, No. 11 1998 Periodicals Seafarers Log