Seafarers Log: Vol. 63 No. 1 (2001-01-01)

...

Patriot Sails!
U.S. Lines Christens
Rejlagged Cruise Ship

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 refur­
bishment, following its acquisition by United States Lines. Page 3.

ITF, SIU Support Gulf Coast Crews

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 sup­
porting Gulf Coast mariners aboard offshore service vessels and tugboats who are
trying to secure union representation. Page 2.

Volume 63, Number 1 January 2001

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 comprehen­
sive, Coast Guard-approved

STCW courses, academic
support and much more. It

also boasts world-class facili-
ties for fire fighting (top

photo) and simulator training
(at right). Pages 11-14.

SIU Gov't Services Ships
Aid USS Cole's Transport

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

AMSEA to Operate Soderman, Wheat
l'age4



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 work­

place. 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 togeth­
er 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 "cap­
tive audience" meetings on board their vessels (a one-sided presentation
made by management). They have wasted company funds on union-bust­
ing consultants, and they further have disrespected their employees' right
to freedom of association by preventing contact with union representa­
tives.

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, simultane­
ous protest concerning the illegal firings of workers who support union­
ization 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 diffi­
cult- 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 manage­
ment 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 fea­
tured 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 January 2001

The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org

The Seafarers LOG (ISSN 1086-4636) is published month­
ly 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 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

ITF Backs· Gulf Mariners
SIU Shows Support at New Orleans Rally;
Heindel Elected Seafarers Section Vice Chair

Gulf Coast mariners aboard
offshore service vessels and tug­
boats who are trying to secure
union representation recently re­
ceived support from the Inter­
national 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 support­
ers. 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. mar­
itime unions (the SIU; American
Maritime Officers; Masters,
Mates & Pilots; Marine En­
gineers' Beneficial Association;
and National Maritime Union)
assisting those who seek a voice
in the workplace.

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.

Local politicians and commu­
nity representatives also partici­
pated.

The demonstration took place
outside a convention center

where officials from offshore
boat companies were meeting.

Speaking to rally participants,
SIU President Michael Sacco
described the need for "a partner­
ship 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

SIU Election Results
To Be Announced

Voting has been completed
and results of the election of offi­
cers for the Seafarers Inter­
national 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 tal­
lying committee. Results of bal­
loting on the five proposed con­
stitutional amendments also will
be announced.

Special membership meetings
were conducted late last month in
union halls listed in the SIU con­
stitution 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, secre­
tary-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 constitu­
tion. Members had the opportuni­
ty to vote either in person at one
of the 21 union halls around the
country and overseas or via
absentee ballot.

Addressing Working Families' Issues

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 represent­
ing 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.

Cockroft said the Gulf companies
which are fighting to deny their
employees' right to choose union
representation "represent a seri­
ous abrogation of human and
worker rights. They violate not
only American laws but the con­
ventions of the International
Labor Organization."

He pointed out that two of the
companies involved in the OMU
campaign- Trico Marine and
Tidewater- have unionized work­
forces in other countries, but have
taken vehemently anti-union
stances in the Gulf.

Continued on page 5

Chief Cook Thomas Milovich (top
photo) and Chief Steward Manuel
Faria secure their respective bal­
lots at the SIU hall in New
Bedford, Mass.

Please be advised that SIU
headquarters and all SIU
hiring halts will be closed
Monday, Feb. 19 forthe

observance of the
Presidents' Day holiday

(unless an emergency aris­
es). 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, offi­
cially 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 cere­
mony 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 fol­
lowing the christening.

"We made sure the other pas­
sengers knew they're in good
hands with the Patriot crew,"
Tellez noted. "We reminded them
that this is a well-trained Ameri­
can crew- a crew that's not
going to run away if something
goes wrong, like some of the
multinational crews on foreign­
flag 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 chris­
tening. ''The tiny chain of islands
has it all, from black sand beach­
es and tropical rainforests to fiery
volcanoes and ancient Polynesian
sites." In addition, the ship's
Island Explorations program will

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 five­
year agreements call for substantial wage increases for SIU mem­
bers. Other gains include Seafarers Health and Pension Plans ben­
efits 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

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 out­
ings, 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 inno­
vative children's and teen's activ­
ity 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 rep­
resents a new beginning for the
U.S. cruise industry. American
Classic Voyages, the parent com­
pany of United States Lines, has
under construction two 1,900

Tanker Will
Reflag U.S.

SIU-contracted Sealift, Inc.
recently won a four-year agree­
ment to operate a double-hull
tanker for the U.S. Military
Sealift Command (MSC).

The 3 57-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 prod­
ucts.

Sealift Co-Owner John
Raggio cited the cooperation
between the union and the com­
pany in securing the operating
agreement.

"We 're very happy, especially
because our competition was a
non-union operator," Raggio
stated. "With labor and manage­
ment 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.

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

Seafarers will crew the steward department of MSC's newest Bob
Hope-class vessel, the USNS Brittin, pictured at a christening ceremo­
ny 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/roll­
off 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 sup­
plies and equipment wherever
and whenever needed," said Vice
Adm. Gordon S. Holder, com­
mander of MSC.

Designed for loading and off­
loading military combat and
combat support equipment, the
Brittin is 950 feet long with a
beam of l 06 feet. It is diesel­
powered and is expected to sus­
tain speeds of up to 24 knots.

According to MSC, the ship's
six-deck interior "has a cargo car­
rying capacity of approximately
380,000 square feet and her roll­
on/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 limit­
ed or nonexistent. A helicopter
deck enables emergency daytime
landings."

The Brittin is named in memo­
ry of Army Sgt. 1st Class Nelson
V. Brittin, a Korean War Medal of
Honor recipient who distin­
guished 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 Novem­
ber, 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 ves­
sel. 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 agree­
ment 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

members of the SIU's
Government Services Divi­
sion-the USNS Catawba,
USNS Spica and USNS Walter
S. Diehl-played significant
roles in the U.S. Navy's oper­
ation to return the USS Cole
to the United States for
repairs.

the center for the mobile div­
ing and salvage unit that sur­
veyed the damage on the
Cole-towed the damaged
destroyer to the MV Blue
Marlin, which was situated
some nine miles offshore
from Aden.

ities involved in the operation,
SIU crews often worked extended
hours under heightened levels of
security.

The USS Cole is transported to the United States by the MV Blue Marfin. SIU­
crewed vessels assisted in the operation.

Cole arrived at Litton
Ingalls Shipbuilding in
Pascagoula, Miss., Dec. 13
aboard the Military Sealift
Command (MSC) chartered
heavy lift ship MV Blue Marlin.

Meanwhile, another SIU­
crewed vessel, the combat
stores ship USNS Spica, pro­
vided logistics support to the
Navy ships deployed to the

Once in position, the Blue
Marlin began filling her ballast
tanks, which slowly submerged
her deck until only the deckhouse
and two aft towers were visible
above the waterline. Two tug­
boats and three Navy divers then
helped position the Cole above
the Blue Marlin's submerged
deck, according to MSC.

The target of an Oct. 12 terror­
ist attack in the port of Aden,
Yemen, the USS Cole sustained a
40-foot-by-40-foot bole in her
port side. Seventeen American
sailors died during the incident
and dozens of others were
injured.

Within hours of the attack,
U.S. officials decided to bring the
heavily damaged vessel home for
repairs. Published reports say
MSC immediately studied the
heavy transportation market to
ascertain what heavy lift plat­
forms were obtainable and capa­
ble of providing the needed lift.
By happenstance, the Blue
Marlin, one of the world's largest
heavy vessels, was already in the
area and within five sailing days
away from the USS Cole. The
Blue Marlin is capable of lifting
up to 30,000 tons, more than

three times the weight of the
Cole.

Subsequently, the Chief of
Naval Operations issued a
requirement to charter a heavy
ship and MSC initiated negotia­
tions with Offshore Heavy
Transport, Blue Marlin's operat­
ing company. Following an Oct.
14 meeting between representa­
tives from MSC, the Naval Sea
Command (NAVSEA), and Off­
shore Heavy Transport that
focused on developing plans and
timelines for the USS Cole lift,
the contract was awarded.

Navy designers then worked
to develop blocks and sea fasten­
ings to be placed upon the Blue
Marlin's deck. Crews at a ship­
yard in Dubai built and placed
this hardware on the vessel's deck
and the Blue Marlin sailed for the
Gulf of Aden and the USS Cole.
She arrived on location Oct. 28.

Notice to SIU Civil Service Mariners
Jn ~ptember 2000, representatives of the Afloat Personnel

M§nagement Center {APMC) and the union met to discuss a number
.,._of jte~s affecting the working conditions -Of cMJ service mariners saif...

.'!~~~r~~; ~e:.:~· tormptement a new poUcy concerning
· marl~rs 't'ho report for duty' with expired Coast Guard documents.
. lnitiaJlY., ttie APMC intended to implement thts pottcy in November
2000. After lengthy negotiations in which the union sought a number
Of prot.ectfons and certain admtnistrative assistance for mariners, it
w~s determined that beginning Jufy 1, 2001. mariners who report to

···duty.with expired Coast Guard documents wilt be inetlgibfe to receive
subsi$tence and quarters payments. Please take the necessary
·steJ)s1o renew your documents earty.
·;+/Tb~ ·St}jp's ptirser has aUt~ forms and wilt send your paperwork
~o.; tne1poast Guard for . renewal. Ptease keep proof of mailing your
documents for renewal. Home of record must be the United States. Jf
you· renew early enough. ·your documents should be waiting for you

';.when you complete your tour of duty. The APMC and the union atso
· have information to help you~ Do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
. Remember to renew early to remain eligibfe for subsistence and
qu~rter payments.

4 Seafarers LOS

To accomplish her m1ss1on,
the MV Blue Marlin literally
would have to give the destroyer
a ride aboard her 584.6-foot deck.
The destroyer has a draft of 32
feet, and the MV Blue Marlin
draws about 35 feet, meaning that
75 feet of water would be
required to maneuver the Cole
safely above the Blue Marlin.

The SIU-crewed MSC fleet
ocean tug USNS Catawba­
which earlier had been acting as

area as part of Operation
Determined Response, the

Navy maneuver to support and
protect the Cole.

Still another SIU-crewed ves­
sel, the MSC oiler USNS Walter
S. Diehl, kept busy supporting the
remaining U.S. Navy forces in
the Persian Gulf. The Diehl also
provided logistics support to the
Blue Marlin's Navy escort,
destroyer USS Donald Cook,
from the Coast of Aden to the tip
of Africa. Because of the sensitiv-

With the Cole properly posi­
tioned and secured, the Blue
Marlin reversed the former pro­
cedure and continued to de-bal­
last until her normal draft was
achieved.

The entire loading operation
took about 24 hours. The MV
Blue Marlin and her cargo depart­
ed the Gulf of Aden Nov. 5 for
the voyage around the southern
tip of Africa and across the
Atlantic to America.

71 Countries Included on IMO's 'White List'
The International Maritime

Organization (IMO) last month
published its so-called "white
list" of countries deemed to be in
compliance with the revised
STCW Convention {STCW '95).

Some 72 countries are on the
list, scheduled for implementa­
tion in 2002. The roll will be used
to assist flag states' respective
determinations when examining
foreign certificates. It also is
intended as a guide for port state
control targeting.

"A position on the white list
entitles other parties to accept, in
principle, that certificates issued
by or on behalf of the parties on
the list are in compliance with the
revised STCW Convention," the
IMO noted in a written announce­
ment. "It is expected that ships
flying flags of countries that are
not on the white list will be
increasingly targeted by port state
control inspectors."

The fact that a country isn't
listed by IMO does not invalidate
certificates or endorsements
issued by that nation. Nothing in
the STCW Convention prevents
the employment of any mariner
who holds a valid certificate or

endorsement issued by a party to
the convention, the agency point­
ed out.

Still, the white list will be­
come one of several criteria,
including the inspection of facili­
ties and procedures, that can be
applied in the selection of prop­
erly trained and qualified mar­
iners.

The inclusion of the Philip­
pines, the world's largest supplier

of mariners in international ship­
ping, bad been in doubt, but that
nation in fact is included on the
list.

STCW stands for International
Convention on Standards of
Training, Certification and
Watcbkeeping for mariners. The
original 1978 convention was
updated in 1995, with the amend­
ments phased in from Feb. 1,
1997 to Feb. l, 2002.

Parties Included on IMO's "White Ust"
Argentina Germany Marshall Islands Spain
Australia Ghana Mexico Sri Lanka
Bahamas Greece Morocco Sweden
Bangladesh Honduras Netherlands Thailand
Belgium iceland New Zealand Tonga
Brazil India Norway Trinidad and
Bulgaria Indonesia Pakistan Tobago
Canada Ireland Panama Turkey
Colombia Israel Peru Tuvalu
Croatia Italy Philippines Ukraine
Cuba Jamaica Poland United Kingdom***
Cyprus Japan Portugal Uruguay
Chile Kiribati Republic of Korea USA
China Latvia Romania Vanuatu
Denmark* Liberia Russian Venezuela
Egypt Luxembourg Federation Vietnam
Estonia Malaysia Samoa
Finland Maldives Singapore Hong Kong
France Malta South Africa China**

* Includes Faeroe Islands
** Associate Member
·- Includes Isle of Man, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar

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 Niger­
ian crude near New Orleans on
Dec. 1.

The Liberian-owned West­
chester, registered in the
Bahamas and crewed by Greeks,
ran aground near Port Sulphur,
La. after losing power. According
to U.S. Coast Guard investiga­
tors, the 800-foot tanker sus­
tained a line of six gashes-rang­
ing 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 inci­
dent, the Westchester was carry­
ing about 53,000 barrels, or 2.2
million gallons of oil.

operations could take at least two
weeks.

The Westchester had received
a poor reliability rating for inde­
pendent 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.

The Mississippi River's bot­
tom 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

An engine failure at sea in
1996, broken cylinder covers and
an engine room fue in 1991, pro­
peller 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," accord­
ing 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 long­
overdue sense of dignity and respect. This agree­
ment will also add value to the shipyard by enhanc­
ing the quality of its products."

The contract establishes joint labor-manage­
ment 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 reduc­
tion 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 repre­
sentation, 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 reso­
lution supporting the OMU
campaign (see sidebar,
page 5). OMU Field
Director David Eckstein
remarked, "This is another
message to the boat compa­
nies and to Trico in particu­
lar that we aren't going
away. This is a human

rights issue, a workers'
rights issue, and the whole
world is watching."

Higldiglds of lfF Resolution
SUpportlng Gulf Coast Mariners

Meanwhile, SIU
Secretary-Treasurer David
Heindel last month was
elected second vice chair of
the ITF's Seafarers Section.

"I know I speak for the
SIU in saying that our
entire union remains com­
mitted to lending any and
all help to our brothers and
sisters throughout the ITF,"
Heindel stated.

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, secre­
tary of the ITF Special Seafarers Department.

January 2001

', THE trF . , . being aware that the United States
maritime affitiates have launched a cafilpaign to
organtze the unorganized tn the offshore sector and.
to this end, the trade union Offshore Martners
United (OMO) has been estabfisfled; , · ·

BEING ADVISED that Trico Marine Jnc. Is refus­
. ing to recognize the trade union a9d i~ ~ggres-stvely
pun>u1ng anti-union action$, whlch'inctµde the intim~
tdatfon and dismissal of seafarers.who join OMU;

DEPLORES such anti .. trade union, actions~
which violate the fnher-en.t and manenallle human
right to freedom of association. as established by
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;

DEMANDS that Trfco Marine Inc. recognize the
OMU and reinstate au the workers they have sacked
for trade union membership or for trade union actlv­
fties;

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. ER­
MIS 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 punc­
tures, 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 employ­
ment conditions on its workers in
the midst of bogged down con­
tract talks- finally is over.

Members of three units of The
Newspaper Guild-Communicat­
ions 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 develop­
ments 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 considera­
tions for merit raises.

An additional bonus would be
in line for employees in the event
the newspapers' circulation in­
creases by at least 100,000 over
the next year, although the likeli­
hood of such a surge appears
dubious.

Other provisions of the new
pacts include:
• Maintenance of previous

health coverage, with month­
ly premiums fully paid by the
employer.

• Continuance of existing pen­
sion plans which also are paid
by the employer

• Preservation of vacation ben­
efits 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 con­
tract violations.

• The restoration of the just­
cause 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 con­
tributions to existing pension
plans. (The companies charge
that the plan is over-funded.)

Bernie Lunzer, secretary-trea­
surer 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, includ­
ing health problems and even
death. It's still not clear that man­
agement even now wants the type
of relationship that creates a fair
and better workplace. Negoti­
ators for both companies took
every opportunity to gouge the
unions right up to the final agree­
ment."

Committees which bargained
for the news, editorial and main­
tenance units had recommended
acceptance of the final offers.
The Detroit Free Press negotiat­
ing group offered no recommen­
dations. 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 con­
tracts are certain issues regarding
fired strikers, although both com­
panies have committed to review­
ing the dismissals with TNG­
CWA 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 indefi­
nitely 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, cel­
ebrated 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 graduat­
ed, all five," said Rudy Catahan,
who joined the SIU in 1991 fol­
lowing a 27-year career in the
U.S. Navy. "Two of them gradu­
ated 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)."

Rodolfo Catahan (right) began upgrading classes in galley operations
last month at the Paul Hall Center. With him is Instructor Ed White.

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

(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 fin­
ished supporting his kids' educa­
tional 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 college­
graduate children (from left) Rodolfo Jr., Dennis, Rodel, Rosita and
Maria.

Congratulating Bosun Bradford

6 SealaretS LOii

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 gradu­
ates in the Norfolk area.

"I think (SIU President) Mike
Sacco has helped create a good
situation for everybody," he stat­
ed.

Having recently upgraded at
the Paul Hall Center in Piney
Point, Md., he also affirms that
the entry-level, upgrading and
academic curriculums are top­
notch.

"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."

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. Congratu­
lating Bradford on his sea­
faring 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.

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.

Hawsepiper Gama.rd
Credits Piney Point
For Olreer 'Foundation'

SIU hawsepiper John Gomard has spent his whole life learn­
ing 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 pro­
gram and received college credits from Charles County Com­
munity 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 technological­
ly," he said. "It could well be the best of its kind available any­
where."

"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 listen­
ing 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 lev­
els 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



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.

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 1 a District Agri­
cultural Association.

In announcing the appointments, California
Gov. Gray Davis' office stated, "The 1a District
Agricultural Association holds fairs, exposi­
tions and exhibitions for the purpose of exhibit­
ing all of the industries and industrial enter­
prises, resources and products of every kind or
nature of the state with a view toward improv­
ing ... encouraging and stimulating them."

Celona, 42, will serve on an advisory board
for the Cow Palace, an arena perhaps best­
known 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

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

Reviewing the new collective bar­
gaining agreement are (from left)
MOR Jerome Kebbell, Bosun
Kenneth Boone, OS Barry
Mccaslin and OS I. Ferguson.

B Seafarers LOS

Chief Steward
John Wessels

(left} and Chief
Cook Frank
Washington
are ready to

serve freshly
baked cookies.

••• Aboard tb.e
USNS Persistent

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 ves­

sel's engine
department

members,
ready to attend

the shipboard
meeting.

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.



Left: Among the crew
members enjoying the
Singapore cookout
are Second Mate Paula
Woodside and AB Steve
Dieken.

Above: Helping make a cookout aboard the USNS Red Cloud a suc­
cess 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.

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 them­
selves, while Chief Cook Betty Thompson and Bosun David Parks wait in line.

Birthday Celebration Aboard the CSX Enterprise
July 29 was a special day aboard the CSX Enterprise. During voyage 141-taking the SIU­

crewed 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

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.

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 ser­
vice 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).

AB D. Jordan stands gangway watch
aboard the Humacao (NPR). Jordan
is also the ship's deck delegate.

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

Left: Pictured during a
recent standby aboard the
Challenger (CSX) is SA
Wilfredo Miranda. The ves­
sel 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.

Above: Kris Hopkins, chief steward on the El Morro (IUM)
looks through the latest issue of the LOG.

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 conve­
nience to SID members. Please

keep it for reference.

2001 Course Guide for Paul Hall Center
operations; vessel traffic manage­
ment; high-speed navigation;
bridge watchkeeping procedures
including tugs and barges, tow­
boats and piloting· GMDSS proce­
dures; oil spill response manage­
ment:, port development; human
factors; and bridge team manage­
ment.

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.

The engine department simula­
tor provides training for engine
room watchkeeping, diesel propul­
sion 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 Guard­
approved 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 help­
ing meet the increased demand
for trained mariners from Hawaii.

With 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 Guard­
approved 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.

improved its courses and its facil­
ities. That was never more evident
than in 2000, when the school
installed a new, cutting-edge sim­
ulator for shiphandling including
GMDSS, engine room functions,
crane operations and liquid cargo
procedures. The Paul Hall Center last year

also received college credit recom­
mendations 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 Naviga­
tional Watch; and Bridge Re­
source Management.

Since its opening in 1967, the
Paul Hall Center consistently has

In 2001, students will have
opportunities to benefit from the
bridge simulator as it provides
teaching support in the following
areas: voyage planning and execu­
tion; coastal and offshore naviga­
tion; collision avoidance; ARP Al
radar operation; electronic naviga­
tion systems; search and rescue

Able Seaman
This four-week course leads to endorsement as an able
seaman (AB). It consists of hands-on training and class­
room work covering deck seamanship, rules of the road,
marlinespike seamanship, helmsmanship, cargo han­
dling, safety, fire fighting, emergency procedures, first
aid, anchoring and mooring, and aids to navigation.

Studen ts must have a lifeboat endorsement in
order to take the AB course. Studen ts completing
the AB course must atten d the Government
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 ceti­
fication at the end of the class. Featuring a mix of prac­
tical training and classroom instruction, the course cov­
ers 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 meth­
ods 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 row­
ing/ 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 ves­
sels.

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 tran­
sits, entering and departing various ports, coastal navi­
gation, U.S. Navy-related operations such as convoy and
underway replenishment, hawser towing, push.boat tow­
ing and emergency shiphandling.

Students must have a valid radar certificate to
enroll.

January 2001

Celestial Navigation
The six-week course covers the areas of celestial naviga­
tion 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.

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 fea­
tures hands-on training and classroom work, including
radar theory, observation, operation and use, interpreta­
tion and plotting, advanced radar plotting, collision
avoidance and navigational exercise.

Students operate modem audio-visual and radar simu­
lation gear, as well as the full shiphandling simulator, as
they practice controlling and maneuvering a vessel, plot­
ting courses and safely guiding a ship without jeopardiz­
ing 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 ARP A
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 fac­
tors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and will gain a know­
ledge 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 stabil­
ity, cargo handling, federal regulations, watchkeeping,
ship maneuvering, construction and stability.

These are just a few of many
examples of how the school con­
tinues to offer state-of-the-art train­
ing 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 man­
power needs of SIU-contracted
companies. Therefore, Seafarers
should check the latest issue of the
Sea/ arers L OG for the most up-to­
date class listings.

Course descriptions and sched­
ules 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 identifica­
tion page of their union book, plus
any other course-specific require­
ments. H the course mandates a
U.S. Coast Guard test to acquire
the endorsement, then the upgrad­
er 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) 994-
0010.

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 famil­

iarization 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 accepted for Advarum
Refrigerotion/Conroiners, students must have suo­
cessfully completed Marine Electrical, Main­
tenance 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 cov­
ered 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/water­
tender tests.

Students completing the FOWT
course must attend the Government
Vessels course immediately afterward.

QMED-Any Rating
The curriculum for certification and endorse­
ment 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 stu­
dent to test for the U.S. Coast Guard exams in
each of these ratings and includes classroom
and practical training.

QMED Classification Steps

4Jli Clau QMED 0 SHLSS/PHC QMED­
Any Rating certificate or USCG QMED­
Any Rating

srd Clau QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating suc­
cessfully completing one mandatory and
one or more elective courses

2nd CUua QMED 0 QMED-Any Rating suc­
cessfully completing two mandatory and
two or more elective courses

tit Cla88 QMED D QMED-Any Rating suc­
cessfully completing all mandatory courses
and three or more elective courses.
Mandatory courses are MEM I, Power Plant

Maintenance and Diesel_ Technology.

No more than two engine department COUI'S­

es can be taken per stay at the school.
Any member with an engineer's license will

be classified as a 4th Class QMED.

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 insula­
tion, 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 transmis­
sion 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 engine­
roorn.

Course entry requirement is QMED­
Any 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 pro­
tective and switching devices, electrical wiring
diagrams and schematics., control and power
circuits, batteries, AC generation and distribu­
tion equipment, transformers, lighting systems
and fixtures, galley and miscellaneous heating

12 Seafarers LOG

\"

equipment, single-speed AC motors and
across-the-line starters, and wiring techniques.

Course entry requirement is QMED­
Any 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 certifi­
cation in Marine Electrical Maintenance II.

Among the subjects covered are interpreta­
tion of the National Electrical Code, special­
ized electrical test equipment, advanced appli­
cation 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, con­
verters, inverters and rectifiers electric
propulsion systems and interior communica­
tions systems.

Also, the course will include an introduc­
tion to solid state electronic controls and their
applications, and the general maintenance
responsibilities of the electrician, as well as trou­
bleshooting 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 class­
room instruction and hands-on training.
Topics of instruction include diesel engine the­
ory; two- and four-stroke cycle operating prin­
ciples; and the construction, operation, main­
tenance, repair and troubleshooting of low-,
medium- and high-speed diesel engines.

Also covered are associated auxiliaries
including intake and exhaust systems, lubrica­
tion 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.

Hydraulics
The curriculum in the four-week hydraulics
course blends practical training with class­
room work. Fluids, actuators, control devices,
pumps, reservoirs, symbols and hydraulic sys­
tems in marine equipment are among the sub­
jects covered in this class. Also addressed are
principles of electrical control of hydraulic sys­
tems, 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.

Course entry requirement is QMED­
Any Rating.

Basic Electronics
Designed to help Seafarers develop an under­
standing 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 stu­
dent also will learn all aspects of circuit dia­
grams, and the instructor will work with each
student individually to ensure a working knowl­
edge 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 pas­
sive 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 mainte­
nance and operations, this four-week class
includes hands-on training and classroom
work. The curriculum consists of cargo prop­
erties and emergency procedures, operation
and maintenance of valves and pumps, loading
procedures, cargo pump operations, cargo
measurement, discharging procedures, bal­
lasting 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 Opera­
tion/Safety) course (described on next
page) and be certified as a QMED-Any
Rating or hold endorsement as a pump­
man.

Refrigeration System
Maintenance and
Operations
Now an elective, this six-week class blends prac­
tical and classroom instruction leading to rerrifi­
cation in refrigeration system maintenance and
operations. Among the topics covered are theo­
ry of mechanical refrigeration, major system
components, accessories, cycle controls, refrig­
erants and oils, and applied electricity.

Standard service techniques are empha­
sized, 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 com­
plete fabrication of a working refrigeration sys­
tem from basic system components. An intro­
duction to refrigerated container units also is

presented.
Students must be renified ~ QMED -Any

Raiing or have equivalent inland experienre
or hold Ql8St Guanl endorsements~ refrig­
eraDon 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, mainte­
nance, 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 troubleshoot­
ing, 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 class­
room 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 sys­
tems.

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
Designed for prospective tugboat engineers, this two-week class pro­
vides 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 sys­
tems, plant operations and watchkeeping, and safe handling of fuels
and oil spill prevention.

Engine Room Operations &
Maintenance
This course is designed for inland personnel with intermediate sk.ills to
prepare assistant engineers for all phases of engineroom operations and
routine maintenance. Additionally, the two- week curriculum pre­
pares 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.

Tankerman {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 pol­
lution-free transfer of dangerous liquids. (I'his course i.s limited to 25

students maximum.)

Limited License/
License Prep
Aimed at preparing students to test for any limited tonnage license, this
eight-week course consists of classroom instruction in all areas ofter­
restrial 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
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 cours­
es 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 stay­
ing 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 introduc­
tion to the U.S. Military Sealift Command and
military vessels, damage contro~ CBRD (chem­
ical, biological, radiological defense), anti-ter­
rorism level I and hazardous materials training.

The second week features forklift opera­
tions, 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, pollu­
tion prevention regulations, hazardous materi­
als 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 respi­
ratory protection and monitoring equipment
and new technology.

First Aid and CPR
Students in this three-day class learn the prin­
ciples 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, stu­
dents are a warded a certificate from the
American Red Cross.

Basic Fire Fighting
The one-week basic fire fighting course pro­
vides students with general knowledge of the
chemistry of fire, fire fighting equipment and
materials and techniques for using them safe­
ly. 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-recog­
nized certificate of graduation from the Paul
Hall Center.

Advanced Fire Fighting
During this two-week course, students learn
how to blueprint a vessel and organize emer­
gency 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 train­
ing, 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.

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 con­
stitution. 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 mem­
bers, 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 Familiarization/
Assistant Cargo (DL)
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 (HAZWOP­
ER) First Responder/Operations Level, ship
design and operation, cargo characteristics,
enclosed space entry, cargo transfer and ship­
ment, and pollution prevention and emer­
gency operations and response.

LNG Familiarization
This three-week course consists of a safety
program designed to meet STCW require­
ments 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 sys­
tem), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor com­
pressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater.
(This course is limited to 25 students maxi­
mum.)

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 sur­
vival, 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, com­
pliance with the ship's emergency procedures,
effective communications during an emer­
gency and demonstration of the use of person­
al 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 passen­
ger 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 emergen­
cies controlling passengers and other person­
nel during emergency situations, and the
establishing and maintaining of effective com­
munications.

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 documenting maintenance of medical
skills. Cardiopulmonary (CPR) certification
must be renewed annually.

Training as a medical first aid provider is
the second level of medical training required
by STCW. Topics include a review of cardiac
and airway management, rescuer safety, body
structure, 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 administra­
tion and sterilization techniques. Candidates
for the course must possess current certifica­
tion from the American Red Cross for CPR for
the Professional Rescuer or an equivalent cer­
tification 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) 994-
0010, 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 lit­
erature and art, and mathematics. GED students receive indi­
vidualized 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.)

Adult Basic Education
The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program assists students in
improving their basic language, technical vocabulary and math-

January 2001

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 oppor­
tunity to gain proficiency in that language. As much as possible,
instruction will be provided to give the Seafarer the English lan­
guage skills necessary to perform the essential tasks within the
department under which he or she sails. Classes are offered
throughout the year for those students requiring in-depth
instruction, or students may schedule assistance during their
upgrading classes.

Basic Vocational Support Program
The Basic Vocational Support Program assists students in
improving course-specific vocational language and 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 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 cur­
rently 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 remedi­
al 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 2091 ~.

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.

Course

Able Seaman

Deck Upgrading Courses

Start Date

January 20
March 10
April 7
May5
June 2
June 30

Able Seaman - Inland & Lakes February 3
February 24

Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 6
January 20
February 17
February 24
March 17
March 24
April 14
April 21
May12

Radar

May 19
June 16

January 6
April 7

Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* January 20
April 21

Limited License

Course

Fireman/Watertender
& Oiler

Special Oiler

QMED - Any Rating

Welding

Course

Basic Firefighting

January 20

Engine Upgrading Courses

Start Date

February 3
March 24

January 13

January 6
April 30

January 6
February 3
March 3
March 31
April 28

Safety Specialty Courses
Start
Date

January 20
February 17
March 17

Date of Completion

February 16
April 6
May4
June 1
June 29
July 27

February 23
March 16

January 20
February 3
March 3
March 10
March 31
April 7
April 28
May5
May26
June 2
June 30

January 19
April 20

January 26
April 27

March 16

Date of Completion

March 16
May4

February 2

March 30
July 20

January 26
February 23
March 23
April 20
May 18

Date
of Completion

January 27
February 24
March 24

Advanced Firefighting

Government Vessels

Tanker Familiarization/
Assistant Cargo (DL)*
(*must have basic fire fighting)

Tankerman (PIC) Barge*
(*must have basic fire fighting)

Basic Fire Fighting/STCW

STCW Medical Care Provider

April 14
May12
June 9

January 27
February 10

February 3
February 24
March 3
March 24
March 31
April 14
April 28
May12
May26
June9
June 23
July 7
August 4

January 6
February 3
March 3
March 31
April 28
May26

March 10

January 6
January 20
February 3
February 17
March 3
March 17
March 31
April 14
April 28
May12
May26

February 24
March 24
May 19
June 9

Steward Upgrading Courses

April 21
May 19
June 16

February 10
February 24

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

January 20
February 17
March 17
April 14
May12
June 9

March 17

January 19
February 2
February 16
March 2
March 16
March 30
April 13
April 27
Mayll
May25
June8

March 3
March 31
May26
June 16

Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week begin­
ning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week

beginning January 8.

Academic Department Courses

General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic
vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, 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.

----------------See page 23 for an upgrading application ----------------

The new entrance to
the Paul Hall Center for
Maritime Training and

Education (left) is clear­
ly visible from the

street. Another new
structure at the com­

plex is the building that
houses the new state­

of-the-art training
simulators.

January 2001



Dispatchers' Report for Deep Sea
NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 2000

Totals All
Departments

*TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

9

..... ·.-::;.:· . .,..~·

2
4
4
7 "

2
14
12 5

139 87

21
162 41 33

2 8 22
44 164 225

606 454 388

TOTAL SIDPPED
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

DECK DEPARTMENT

25 8 10
24 15 7
8 4 3

15 . 1l 9
.,.,,~ 1_8 5 1

-~ .
13 15 8
5 3 1

0
6
2
0

25 3
29 7

13 2 2
5 0

34

6 7 34
7 7

11
0 0

16 19
l 8

I 9 5
0 2 0
3 12 22

8 13
23 108 157

419 328 269

Trip
Reliefs

8
22
5

15
l3
6
2
0
9

19

1
0
2
9 ,
0

10
10

(}

0
0
0
0

<.

0
0
0
0
0
0
0

290

**REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C

<f"

47
59
29
31
}5
28
6

407 193 103

5

34 4 2
28 5 4

263 73 55

3
2
).·

7 38 105
3 22 2

2
4

0 25
5 2"%

10 13
.. O· l

8 16
7 17 21

66 274 299

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

BaJtim~~•u•••h•••••••ThurSday~ Fe.bruary 8~ M~ch 8
. ;. ·:~ ... ·:· ·. . :-· .,:/

DulUth ..................... Wednesdayz February 14~ March 14 ,,

Personal

KENNETH THORPE

A shipmate from the late '40s-early '50s, lrven

Middlebrooks, would like to get in touch with you to talk

about the old SIU days. Please write him at 292

Briarcliff Road, Jackson, GA 30233; or telephone (770)

504-1521

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

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



/

''.i }_0irfltii;'Mii~~c."
Jnb&Fay

~xecutive VJC¢ President
David Heindel

Secretary-Treasurer
Augustin Tellez

Vire President Contracts

Jack Caffey
Vice President Atlantic Coast

Tu.m. Or.uehowski
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

... ..
-- HEADQUARTERS

5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20146

(361) 899-0675

ALGONAC
520 St. Clair River Dr"" Algonac, MI 48001

(81()) 794-4988

ANCllORAGlt
1.21 SesameSt.,#lC,Anchotage.AK 995tl3

{901) 561-4988

BALTIMORE
2315 .&stx St., Baltimore, MD 21224

{410) 321-4900

DUUJTll
705 Medkal Arts Building, Duluth, MN 558@1

(2l8} '?224l10

GUAM
J 25 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301 ~E

1Un Jesus Crisostomo St.
"f~unmg;-Oµain 96911

:r (671) ~1-1350

- •.... ·
1

' '))[1i'fft••fi(}iil"tttjg1ilii;t; iA•;5;J!'. ·
•·· · .·.6<>6 Kiilihi st.; H1JiibtUtii;ttii~819%W

{808) 8;4>-5222 '.

HOlJsToN
1221 Pierce St., Houston, 1X 17002

.. (713) 659~5152
~·r_:J\·

JERSE\'.' CITY
~Montgomery St." Jersey City, NJ 0'73£>2

... ·. (2()1) 43$-9414

MOBILE
J640 DauphinJsland .Pm. Mobile~ AL _36605

. (334) 478-09 It>

NEW :OEl>FORI> ·•,
···· 48 UnionSt.,NeW;aedfu~.~ 0214(},

{SO&) 99]~5404 ',.
.}.

NEW O.lU.EANS ...
· 3~ 1l J.Jlp$1c<> Blvd.; lfruvey~ LA. 700SJf

(S04) 328-1545 \ ..

NEWYQRK
635 Ff.)Urtb Ave., Br00td~ NY .1 qn>" ..

; (718) ~99,.()600 . .

NORFOLK
U5 Third St.., ~otl<tVA 23510

(757)622-1m ····

····· , .·1rlllLAf>~BlA·····
.• Z604 S, 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

Dispatchers' Report for Great Lakes
NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 2000

L-Lakes NP-Non Priority CL - Company/Lakes

*TOTAL REGISTERED TOTAL SHIPPED **REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups All Groups All Groups

Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Class L Class NP Class CL Oass L Class NP

Port
. Algonac

Port
Algonac
Port
Algonac
Port
Algonac

0

0

0

0

18' ... ,,

7

4

13
~;~~.;:

7

l

8

·23r«

DECK DEPARTMENT
0 .14 5 -Q. ~ 4

ENGINE DEPARTMENT
0 4 1 0 3

STEWARD DEPARTMENT
0 2 5 2

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.

15

Dispatchers' Report for Inland Waters
NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 2000

*TOTAL REGISTERED
All Groups

TOTAL smPPED
All Groups

**REGISTERED ON BEACH
All Groups

Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B Class C

Region

~~~~:
West Coast
Totals
Region
.Adantic c<>asi ·
Gulf Coast

, ~~~ ful~,:W:aters
West Coast
Totals
Region

1

Atlantic Coast 0
Gulf Coast O

_ ~JPIOO:ifr:W.at~ o
West Coast
Totals

0
0

0

0
0

1
1

0
0

0
0

1
1

0
0

0
0

Totals All Depts 2 3 8 1 1 7 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.

PIC-FROM-THE-PAST
What's My Line?" was a

CBS game show ( 1950-
1967), hosted by John Daly,
in which four panelists would
try to guess unusual occupa­
tions of contestants or a prod­
uct 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 contes­
tant $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 con­
testant was SIU member
Pauline Letendre. Unfor­
tunately, we do not know if
she stumped the panel.

2
2

34

January 2001



A recertified bosun is among
the 13 Seafarers announc­
ing their retirements this

month. Recertified Bosun Rich­
ard Bradford graduated from the
highest level of training available
to members of the deck depart­
ment 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 divi­
sion. Three plied the Great Lakes
and five others navigated the
inland waterways.

Ten of the retirees were mem­
bers 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, oper­
ated by Osprey-Acomarit Ship
Management, Inc. Brother
Bradford lives in Ocean City, Md.

REGELIO CASTELLANOS,
69, hails from Cuba. He joined

MC&S Picnic

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, oper­
ated 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 depart­
ment. 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 suc­
cess. 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.

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.

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 train­
ing school in Piney Point, Md. He
last sailed aboard the Sea-Land
Innovator. Brother Williams lives
in San Francisco.

GREAT LAKES

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 depart­
ment. Brother Dickens last sailed
aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co.
vessel. He calls Curtice, Ohio
home.

MICHAELJ.
O'DON­
NELL, 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

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 dur­
ing 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
DONALD A.
POWELL,
62, began his
career with the
SIU in 1979,
joining in the
port of
Wilmington,
Calif. Boat­

man Powell served in the U.S.
Air Force from 1955 to 1958. The
deck department member upgrad­
ed 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 pri­
marily aboard Galveston Wharves
vessels. He sailed as a member of
the deck department. Boatman
Trail calls Hitchcock, Texas
home.

JOSEPH
ZORBACH
JR., 56, start­
ed bis career
with the SIU
in 1956, join­
ing 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!~-
whicti tfie.it}etcnanfmanne suffers greater benefit claim after he paid off his last
proportional casualties than any of the _ ship, the Lewis Emery Jr •

. military services, the Maritime War
;Emergency Board has, proposed a cyt in When the plan began in 1952, SIU offt-
pay for merchant seamenJAithough the , dais estimated that the rate of benefit
average wag~ .for . aSeafarer is only payments in any one year would approach
$1,6 77. t 4 'a year ; ·re:==========================:::::st the $2 milflon
including bonus anCI mark. The revolu-
overtime pay- THJS MONTH tionary vacation
which breaks down plan, a first in mar,..
to $32.25 per JN SIU HISTORY itime, provided
w~~-the ~oar~ is. ~~~;~: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 24 SIU members ever received a paid vaca-
hours 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
members of the SIU voted to protest to
all levels of government.

1954
SIU member Robert A. Sipsey last week
received an SIU Vacation Plan benefit
check. The only thing unusual about this
check was the fact that it boosted the
total monies paid out of the vacation fund

1964
Four SIU-contracted companies have suc­
cessfully bid for l 3 C.·4 type reserve fteet
troop ships broken out by the Maritime
Administration for use in the off-shore
and domestic trades. Conversion of these
vessels will provide many millions of dol­
lars tn shipyard work plus completely
modernized U.S. tonnage that will be ser:
vlceable for many years.

Seafarers LOS r 7



' 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
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.

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 depart­
ment 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.

ROBERTO NATAL
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
Charles
Pickren, 67,

Pensioner died Aug. 31.
Alfred Hargis, Born in
77, died Sept. Brunswick, Ga.,
30. The Virginia Brother Pickren
native started started his
his career with . career with the
the Seafarers in -~=--.t..-......:i SIU in 1957.
1956, joining in He joined in the port of Houston.
the port of New Brother Pickren served in the U.S.
York after serv- Navy from 1950 to 1953. He first

ing in the U.S. Marine Corps. A sailed aboard the Tortugas, a TMT
member of the steward department, Trailer Ferry vessel. A member of
Brother Hargis began receiving his the engine department, Brother
pension in 1988. Prior to retiring, he Pickren began receiving his pension
shipped aboard the Iberville, a in 1994. Before retiring, he sailed
Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. aboard Weschester Marine Corp. 's
Brother Hargis resided in Virginia American Heritage. Brother Pickren
Beach, Va. resided in Texas.

RAFAEL MATOS
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.

GEORGE McALPINE
Pensioner
George
McAlpine, 89,
passed away
Sept. 9. Brother
McAipine be­
gan 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 re­
ceiving his pension in 1976. Prior to
his retirement, he sailed aboard the
Baltimore, a Sea-Land Service vessel.
Brother McAlpine lived in Florida.

18 Sealarers LOii

JAIME RAMIREZ
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.

BARNEY E. SWEARINGEN
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. ves­
sel. A member of the deck depart­
ment, Brother Swearingen started
receiving his pension in 1985. Prior

to retiring, he sailed aboard the
Charleston, operated by Westchester
Marine Corporation.

INLAND

JOSEPH BERLANDO
r-----,,-----. Pensioner

GREAT LAKES

Maryland ves­
sels. Boatman
Wodka began
receiving his
pension in
1987. He lived
in Baltimore.

Joseph
Berlando, 80,
passed away
Oct. 20. A
native of
Illinois,
Boatman
Berlando began
his career with

GEORGE FINNERTY
Pensioner
George
Finnerty, 73,
died Oct. 18.
Brother
Finnerty started
his career with
the Seafarers in
1961, joining in
the port of

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 ves­
sel 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

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. ves­
sel. 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

Alabama, Boatman Northrop also
sailed in the deep sea division. He
first worked aboard the Overseas
Rose, an Overseas Carriers Inc. ves­
sel. A member of the deck depart­
ment, 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 pri­
marily aboard Moran Towing of

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.

CONSTANTINE D. SAMS
Pensioner Constantine D. Sams, 80,

Endurance Crew Members Remember Reti ree

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 scat­
tered 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.

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. ves­
sels. 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.

Pen :r
Salvatore
Frontiero, 86,
passed away
Sept. 11.
Brother Fron­
tiero joined the

o·H'ii Atlantic Fish-

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 Petro­
leum 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 depart­
ment 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. 27-
Chairman 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 facili­
ties 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-Chair­
man Inocencio M. Desaville,
Secretary Frederick L. Washing­
ton Sr., Engine Delegate Danny
Walker. Chairman announced pay­
off 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 com­
pany 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 ves­
sel 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, espe­
cially STCW safety courses which
are needed to renew sailing docu­
ments. Treasurer announced $200
in ship's fund and $140 in commu­
nication 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 every­
one 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 clean­
ing. Several questions brought up
including upcoming pay raise,
increased pension benefit for
retirees and equalization of vaca­
tion. 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 com­
plete. 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 regula­
tions 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 e­
mail 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 let­
ter 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 every­
one to read in ship's computer
room. Treasurer announced $275 in
ship's fund. All departments run­
ning smoothly with no beefs or dis­
puted OT. Bosun reminded every­
one that this is an election year and
to read LOG and report of constitu­
tional committee. He also noted
proposal that dues be raised to $400
a year or $100 a quarter. Suggest­
ion made for contracts department
to look into reducing seatime need­
ed 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. Educa­
tional director stressed importance
of upgrading skills at Paul Hall
Center. No beefs or disputed OT
reported. USNS Integrity is a ligh­
tering vessel and so work is con­
stant-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 depen­
dents. 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 del­
egate 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 pur­
chased. 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 treasur­
er. 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 ceremo­
ny held, with 11 first-time crossers
becoming "shellbacks." Special
vote of thanks given to steward
department for outstanding barbe­
cues, 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 doc­
uments are current. He also stressed
importance of contributing to
SPAD. Engine department reported
dispute in OT. Clarification
requested from contracts de­
partment on shipping rules for
IUM. Chief steward requested addi­
tional steward assistant due to
increased workload and more peo­
ple aboard ship. Request made for
water cooler to be installed in
engine room and larger refrigera­
tors 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 pay­
off 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 con­
tracts 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 coop­
eration in making list. Educational
director urged crew to take advan­
tage 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 request­
ed on supplemental vacation day
for tankers. Crew reminded to
uphold rules on light and noise.
Vote of thanks given to chief stew­
ard and his department for job well
done. Next port: Cherry Pt., Wash.

TRADER (CSX Lines), Oct. 15-
Chairman 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 regard­
ing 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 mer­
chant marine will also include con­
tainer ships and other non-military
commercial vessels. These ships
need incentives not to be able to be
easily converted to foreign-flag sta­
tus to avoid U.S. safety standards,
taxes and wages to American sea­
men." 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
I

~
r

French Bread
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

1 Yi 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 let­
ters for grammar as well as space
provisions without changing the
writers intent. The LOG wel­
comes letters from members, pen­
sioners, their families and ship­
mates and will publish them on a
timely basis.)

Gulf Coast Mariner
Tells It Like It Is

Bravo! Handshakes, back­
slaps, 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 let­
ter from the president of
Hornbeck-Leevac Marine Opera­
tors 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 honest­
to-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 mem- uments will be mailed (unless otherwise speci­

ber and pensioner receives a copy of the fied).
Seafarers LOG every month-as well as other If you are getting more than one copy of the
important mail such as W-2 forms, pension and LOG delivered to you, if you have changed
health insurance checks and bulletins or your address, or if your name or address is mis­
notices-a correct home address must be on printed or incomplete, please fill out the form
file with the union. and send it to:

If you have moved recently or feel that you Seafarers International Union
are not getting your union mail, please use the Address Correction Dept.
form on this page to update your home address.

Your home address is your permanent 5201 Auth Way
address, and this is where all official union doc- 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

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 con­
stitution requires a detailed audit by
certified public accountants every
year, which is to be submitted to the
membership by the secretary-trea­
surer. A yearly finance committee of
rank-and-file members, elected by
the membership, each year exam­
ines the finances of the union and
reports fully their findings and rec­
ommendations. 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 representa­
tives 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 head­
quarters of the various trust funds.

SffiPPJNG RIGHTS. A mem­
ber 's shipping rights and seniority
are protected exclusively by con­
tracts 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 mem­
bers believe there have been viola­
tions of their shipping or seniority
rights as contained in the contracts
between the union and the employ­
ers, 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 mem­
bers 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 fil­
ing 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 con­
tractual 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 estab­
lished policy has been reaffirmed by
membership action at the September
1960 meetings in all constitutional
ports. The responsibility for Sea­
farers LOG policy is vested in an edi­
torial board which consists of the
executive board of the union. The
executive board may delegate, from
among its ranks, one individual to
carry out this responsibility.

PAYMENT OF MONIES. No
monies are to be paid to anyone in
any official capacity in the SIU
unless an official union receipt is
given for same. Under no circum­
stances should any member pay any
money for any reason unless he is
given such receipt. In the event
anyone attempts to require any such
payment be made without supply­
ing 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 consti­
tution so as to familiarize them­
selves 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 segre­
gated fund. Its proceeds are used to
further its objects and pu
including, but not lim' o, fur­
thering the · · , social and eco-

. mterests of maritime work­
ers, 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 con­
tributes 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 sup­
port 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 vio­
lated, or that he or she has been
denied the constitutional right of
access to union records or informa­
tion, the member should immedi­
ately 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.

"The SIU is a great way to
make a living. Things just
seem to keep improving. "

-AB Ali Abdulgani
(at>uvQ, loading food stores)

"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.

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.

"These are great ships with
a great run. "

-Chief Cook John Q. Lee
(readying the chill box

for incoming stores)

"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 applica­
tions is April 15, 2001. That is
only three months away- but
there still is plenty of time to

January 2001

apply for one of the eight scholar­
ships being awarded this year.

First, obtain a scholarship pro­
gram booklet which spells out eli­
gibility requirements and proce-

dures for applying. It also in­
cludes 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 scholar­
ship 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 scholar­
ship before Apri! 15.

r----------------------------------------------------------------------------,

Please send me the 2001 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligi-
bility 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 Health and Benefits Plan,
5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 1101

L----------------------------------------------------------------------------~

Seafarers LOS 21



.-'>

i -...._ ..-
' '

Paul Hall Center Graduating Classes

PAUL HALL CENTER
LIFEBOAT CLASS

(~~~;~~~~;~~==~~~

Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 608 - Unlicensed appren­
tices 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. 1 O 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.

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.

.. p -~ ~L-~-~H------~--~ M. TE R
LIFEBOAT 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 ves­
sels 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.

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.

Chief Cook- Upgrading to chief cook are (from left)
Jimmy Williams, Thalis Ealy and Fonda Biamonte. Their
instructor, Bob Baumgarten, is at right.

22 Seafarers LOS January 2001



Name

Arrival Date

January 20
March 10

February3
February 24

---------------------------
Address --------------------------

Telephone 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? 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: 0 Yes D No CPR: D Yes D No

Primary language spoken --------------------

January 2001

··:-=·:·

Galley Operations/ Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week begin­
ning January 8. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other
week beginning January 6~

Steward Recertification

Course

Basic Fire Fighting

Advanced Fire Fighting

February3

Safety Specialty Courses
Arrival Date

January20
February 17
March 17

January 27
February 10

March5

Date of Completion

January27
February24
Mareb24

February 10
February, %4

February 23
.Martb.16
March23
~ril 13
Aprn20

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 indi­
cating 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
BEGIN
DATE

END
DATE

LAST VESSEL: ______________ Rating: ___ _

Date On: Date Off: -----------

SIGNATURE------------- DATE

NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you
present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any ques­
tions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point.

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 qual­
ified, 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



Year In Review

PAUL HALL CENTER
COURSE GUIDE FOR 2001
See pages 11-14 for the latest

upgrading opportunities.

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 over­
whelming 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 dur­
ing 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 SIU­

contracted 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.

U.S. Lines' cruise ship ms Patriot under­
went 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 appren­
tice 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 world­
class simulator for shiphandling, engine
room operations, crane operations and liquid
cargo transfer.

The U.S. Coast Guard approved two more

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 adviso­
ry board, with representatives from all seg­
ments of the industry, revisited various
STCW requirements and other key training
issues.

RRF contracts.
Seafarers approved new, three-year con­

tracts 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 mem­
bers, 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 contract­
ed with a nearby medical clinic.

In Baltimore, the SIU opened a new hall on
images Essex Street. The union had operated from th

reflect a year of old hall on East Baltimore Streets· 4.
growth for the SIU. From left

to right, top to bottom: New hall in Members eagerly welco - ove .
...,_LJ_'!"."'.":J:J~~-~~-~~~a 's address remained Baltimore, new simulator in Pine int. _

Md., one of several1tew sru-crewed unchanged, but otherwise the facility took on
RO/ROs, voting in the proposed SIU-NMU an entirely new appearance as the buildipg
merger, rallying against runaway-flag ship- completely was rebuilt.
ping. The Norfolk hall underwent comparably

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 single­
occupancy dorm rooms and improvements in
the existing hotel. Seafarers across the coun­
try 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

minor, but needed, renovations.

MoreNews

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, shipown­
ers, 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 coor­

dinate) a Capitol Hill rally calling attention to
the pitfalls of runaway-flag shipping.
Throughout the year, the union also contin­
ued supporting the International Transport
Workers' campaign against flags of conve­
nience.

In conjunction with four other U.S. mar­
itime unions, the SIU backed the ongoing
effort of Gulf Coast Mariners working in the
offshore service to secure union representa­
tion.


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